Brain, eyes, hands, lips, feet, legs, soul, body, and heart. What a fineeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee President we have. Let us keep him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Now, Let us Do Our Workout for 2012))))))))))HZ
LInda, do you remember when he split his lip playing basketball? I almost died. I was like ‘they better get the best, best, BESTEST lip stitcher upper ever to walk the face of this earth!!! ‘Cause if they mess up that man’s lips, Ima have to HURT somebody!!” 8)
Anita and Debz, I really think that you all are onto something that is so true. I personally believe that when, and if ,you are surrounded with your closest, dearest, most honest friends who are, really devoted to you, and really do have your back, it feeds the pure energy into your soul which gives you a peacefulness about you.POB seems to have all of these.
I feel with all of his most dear personal friends around him along with his most precious gifts, our First Lady and our First Daughters in a beautiful place within nature, he has to be so happy and refreshed within. That is what we get to see from the outside. I am grateful that he can do this and see these wonderful people around him.
We love and respect you, Mr. President!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Obama Diary, and our beloved Chips.
HZ take this from a old vet and trucker. When you get back home to your roots it recharges you to the top of the world.I did RR in Hawaii and have a 6FT 4inch son walked around today.So when the President goes Home and with those Beautiful trade winds blowing and you have someone special with You do really relax and feel at peace with the world.That is the real fountain of youth for our President.
He looks very YOUNG in that picture! How about for the holiday weekend…things we love and appreciate about our president and family? I refuse to get all hot and bothered about the Republican caucus in Iowa…..it’s the Gong Show, and one will get voted off. I will respond to Nancy Pelosi’s letter….who said she is retiring!!??..and donate to the President,and let the gong show participants go their own stupid way.
What I love about the President: His calmness and long range outlook and planning…among many other things.
What do you love and appreciate about our President?
Great idea, carolyn! Instead of regurgitating all the media talking points and hanging on Tweety’s every word, I’ll take a minute to do as you suggest:
I appreciate so much about President Barack Obama, but as I’ve said so many times before, his favorite trait of mine is his PERSISTENCE. He just doesn’t give up. He keeps moving in a positive, visionary, focused manner. He keeps his eyes on the prize. He keeps his life balanced because he is confident of the direction he is taking. I try to apply this to my life, and lots of the spiritual readings I love the most focus on perseverance, persistance, small steps, and the power in simply continuing to show up. All his intelligence, kindness, brilliance, would not be evident if he had let people talk him out of doing what he felt he needed to do.
I love that my President is a living, breathing example of this characteristic.
I admire his optimism – even in the face of complete obstruction, adversity and negativity. What he’s faced would destroy most people, but he’s still smiling, still looking wonderful, and still optimistic and hopeful. He breathes life into the saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.
We are all going to love so many things about the president, so it’s nice that you focused on ONE. To be ‘fair’ I’m suggesting that everyone else focus on ONE too. Ahem! … So, in addition to just loving everything about President Obama…
I will focus on his self-confidence. The aspect of his self-confidence that blows me away is the fact that PBO never steps on his opponents in a nasty, rub-your-face-in-the-dirt way, but always leaves them an opening to save face. That speaks to me of his self-assurance. It’s also the reason, I think, that he never attacks the person, just the issues and ideas. Whether opponents choose to take the opening he leaves or not has been entirely up to them. This aspect of the President’s personality has been enormously instructive to me. IMO the President’s self-confidence eliminates any need for back-stabbing, lying or treachery. Whatever he has to say about your ideas/plans he says just as easily to your face as to the media (ex: entire GOP caucus, Paul Ryan, or whomever). This is the first modeling of respectful treatment of your opponent that I remember seeing so consistently practised in the public realm, and as a result I have a TREMENDOUS RESPECT (in addition to love) for President Obama. Happy 2012, Mr. President!
I deeply admire President Obama’s vision; his unwavering belief that this country is capable of moving forward and making the world a better place for ALL– regardless of age, class, ethnicity, gender, political ideology, or geographical location. I especially appreciate the fact that he treats everyone with dignity and respect!~
I love his calmness, his intelligence, his spirit, his courage, his confidence, his heart, his warmth, humaness, his determination, his humility, his kindness, his fairness, his decency, his smile….I love, appreciate and admire the fact that he is not just a politician, he is a strategist…I love, appreciate and admire that he is a great husband, father, brother, friend and CIC…he is a great role model for all of us!!!
Hey Puddin’, looks like you’ve taken most of the words I wanted to say right out of my mouth. But let me just add this. One other thing that I love, love, love about President Obama is the genuine PDA (public display of affection) he shows for his wife, First Lady Michelle. The way that he looks at her, compliments her, flirts with her, and “affectionately” touches her almost always when they’re together in public is just so, so, so inspiring. 🙂
I can honestly say that over the last three years, seeing the way they are together has certainly helped me to become a more “engaged” partner in my marriage of 20+ years–and my husband has certainly taken notice. Oh yeh, hubby complains sometimes that I spend too much time “looking at Obama,” but I’ve noticed that he’s watching the President too. Interesting. 😉
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and other survivors of a 2011 shooting rampage will mark the one-year anniversary of an event that left six people dead in a series of events in Tucson on Jan. 8, 2012.
According to The Associated Press, the commemorative events include ringing bells at local churches at 10:11 a.m., when the shooting started, and talks about Giffords and the six victims who died during the shooting.
I admire his compassionate heart and his real touch of reaching out when we all are hurting for our brothers and sisters. He calmly, quietly and gently bring into the room all of these. I love that about him.HZ
Isn’t it rather interesting that there’s a GOP caucus just a few days away with the GOP in major disarray – the President’s numbers rising, and of all things Mr. Twitty finds to say is that we should be afraid? Well Mr. Twit, we weren’t afraid in 2008 and we aren’t afraid now. Something tells me that it’s you and your sidekick Coward Fineman who are trembling in fear at the thought of yet another Obama victory in 2012. Stop projecting, wipe that spit and act like a professional journalist as you are being paid to be.
Chris Matthews is fast becoming irrelevant to many people (Rev Al has only been there for a couple of months and he’s duking it out with Matthews in the ratings line-up and coming out tops) and instead of dialing it down, he ramps up on his Obama Derangement Syndrome. I quit watching his show a couple of months back. Don’t need that nauseating bullshit in my life. I get my two hours of truth from Rev Al and Martin Bashir. They pull no punches in exposing the truth.
I’m totally with you on your two choices, utaustin! Only watch Rev. Al and Martin Bashir on any regular basis. But today Ezra Klein was subbing for Martin and annoyed me right quick, so I’ll wait for Martin’s return to watch again.
I’m with you ut…I don’t watch anymore and I don’t email him anymore…he really is irrelevant…it is the msm that should be afraid, because the repubs manage to “steal” this election, so many people are going to disconnect (me for one)…if Tweety’s ratings are down now, just wait and see what happens to his ratings after 2016!!!
Heh. I love this quote from the article: Mr. Olbermann’s absences from Current’s election special reports — called “Politically Direct” — are a setback for the channel as it tries to become known for political news and talk.
If Current wants to be known for political news and talk, then it shouldn’t have hired the nonentity Uygur. That act doesn’t speak much to Mr. Gore’s talent-spotting abilities — unless Uygur was a Keith hire, as he tries to create another Rachel Maddow.
The Young Turks gets something like a million views a show online – Gore just wants to tap that. Same reason why Olberman booked Markos and Moore on his first night – free advertising on Daily Kos and to Moore’s 1M twitter followers.
Most of Markos’ “one million followers” don’t really exist. It’s just that you can’t delete your account over there, and they count anyone who ever created an account. I haven’t logged on over there for at least two years, but my account is still active.
Excellent point. If Markos truly has “1m followers”, then why aren’t they watching Keith and the other Current shows and making the network a true competitor. It’s all BS.
Good evening, Chips. Hello everyone at TOD family. HAAPY NEW YEAR! I am looking forward to 20012. It really is good to see our hard working President smile. And wouldn’t!t he? He has a. Beautiful wife, lovely daughters. And TOD family that his back all the way. We need to stay positive and focus. Rest well, Mr. President……..Press on TOD family!
I mentioned this on the other thread. I’ve always had the feeling that the GOP is just throwing this election, with all the incompetence on display both on the campaign trail and in Congress. It seems I’m not the only one. From Raw Story, an encounter between Newt and a “supporter”:
“Do Republicans want to be president next term because right now I don’t feel that?” the man asked Gingrich during an event in Sioux City, Iowa. “You’re an excellent candidate and I’m here to support you, but I don’t see a passion you got to have to make a small business in Sioux City work or a government.”
~snip~
“So far the media is killing the Republican Party,” the questioner explained. “And they’ll always kill the Republican Party because the media is there because they exist for the people and they’re supposed to tell the story. And sometimes they get a little aggressive, but most of the time they’re pretty accurate.”
He added: “At the end of the day, I’ve kind of felt like right now, as a citizen, the Republican Party says we still have a lot of big issues that face our country, and maybe it’s better to let the Democrats be in office next term.”
But this is the interesting question which we have to ask: Is the fluffing working? Let’s take this questioner at face value: he’s a Gingrich supporter, plans to vote for him in the caucus, and is a Republican. Is the casual voter seeing something that those of us who obsess over media coverage are missing? Is the fluffing of the GOP just not working, because it’s so godawful? Are social media breaking through with news and analysis missing from the trad media? I think we’re going to see something monumental in 2012.
I agree with you LL…I have been telling my fellow “political buddies” the same thing…msm focus is to keep people watching, so they have resorted to this stupid “fluff stuff”….more and more people are turning to social media…I agree, “I think we’re going to see something monumental in 2012” and msm is going to be “ass out”!
Interesting that the quote implies that the GOP know they can’t solve a single problem, and that they should leave that to the Dems to run the country when times are serious. Even the GOP know they’re useless.
I don’t know about “CrackBerry”, but I tell you, ever since I got my new phone (Samsung Sidekick with data plan) and my car outfitted with a Bluetooth receiver, I’ve pretty much been listening to the various BBC Radio stations on my drives. I’m just addicted.
WASHINGTON DC – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the approval of two renewable energy projects that further advance President Obama’s initiative for a rapid and responsible move to utility-scale production of renewable energy. The projects – a solar plant in California and a wind farm in Oregon – will be built on private lands and will use power lines that cross public lands to connect to their respective power grids. When built, the projects will deliver 379 megawatts of power – or enough to power 112,500 homes – and help support over 600 jobs through construction and operations.
“Today’s projects are the 26th and 27th renewable energy projects that Interior has advanced in just the last two years,” Secretary Salazar said. “As we continue to move thoughtfully and quickly toward a clean energy future, these projects are strengthening local economies by generating good jobs and reliable power.”
In California, the Centinela Solar Energy Project is a 275-megawatt solar energy power plant that will connect via a 230-kilovolt transmission line to the existing San Diego Gas & Electric Imperial Valley Substation. The solar plant will be located on 2,067 acres of previously disturbed private land near El Centro, California. Interior approved the right-of-way for 19 acres for the power line on public land, and Imperial County gave a green-light to the solar power plant on December 27, 2011. The project would support at least 367 jobs, generate more than $30 million in tax revenue over the life of the project, and deliver enough electricity to power about 82,500 homes. For a fact sheet on the project, click here. Click here for a map.
♥ ♥ ♥ Good Afternoon Chips! Good Afternoon TOD Family! ♥ ♥ ♥
Barack Obama Quote O’ The Day
I also know that real change has never been easy, and it won’t be easy this time either. The status quo in Washington will fight harder than they ever have to divide us and distract us with ads and attacks from now until November.
But don’t ever forget that you have the power to change this country.
–from Pennsylvania Primary Night, Evansville, Pennsylvania, April 22, 2008
Thanks PJ!!! You are right on target in choosing this one.
“The status quo in Washington will fight harder than they ever have to divide us and distract us with ads and attacks from now until November.” Take heed, we must again.
What I love about the President is….his love for his family, consistency in his political beliefs and how he has opened my eyes to the evil doings of the other side(s)……..that includes tea angers, repugs, liberals, emprogs, the clown show of 2011. Thank you, Mr. President for being who you are.
Sometimes age and wisdom gained from experience are no guarantee that verbal diarrhea won’t spew from said pundit’s mouth. Case in point Howard Fineman, Joan Walsh, Diane Sawyer, Brian Williams, Chris Matthews, Ed Rendell, etc. The gang of merry nitwits that infiltrate our news/political shows are all clowns from top to bottom with a few – thankfully – worthwhile gems like Rev Al and Martin Bshir.
President Obama threatens their previously unchallenged and simplistic world view and that’s the primary source of their angst. They are afflicted with a special case of ODS.
Merry nitwits is right!…..one that is younger that I can’t stand is Alex Wagner, does she have to be on every shows? It’s like she is the ”analyst” in chief of MSNBC now. It’s bad enough that she has her own show, I don’t need to see her on others.
You absolutely nailed it, UT! I would rather listen to wise young people like you instead polluting my mind listening to “the gang of nitwits,” who apparently have learned nothing from age and experience.
The difference between PBO’s swagger and GWB’s: PBO’s is the swagger of a man who has worked for everything in his life, and has accomplished things that seemed impossible for a person of his background; GWB’s is a small man’s swagger, the swagger of a man who has had everything handed to him and expects things to be easy. He never had to work for anything; his name opened doors and loaded him with money for failed project after failed project, so the swagger became bigger, just to hide the fact that he was an abject failure.
Absolutely. I wouldn’t even call whatever that was that GWB did, swagger. I would call it braggidocious (sp) you know what I mean. BRAGGING….for reasons known only to him.
LL you are a 1000 right on about PBO . not only did he worked for evrything and accomplished the imposible
he has the capability to understand the world and very complex issues his inttellect will be unmatch by any body
whe is elected to run against him. I have no doubt that he will be re- elected.
Oh Chips, why oh why did you have to bring out that one again? It hasn’t been very long since I stopped replaying it incessantly! Now you feed my obsession again. Cruel, just cruel! Aaackk!! I’m gonna have to go into rehab!!
Just look at all the black/brown people at any of the Repub candidates’ events. Oh wait—–I don’t see any!
One lady compared Calista Gingrich to Jackie Kennedy today at her Newtie’s small gathering. Said she was elegant and just what America needs—-(white skin and all). Then a little later she asked Gingy why Obama doesn’t have to prove his citizenship, something about going to all those countries and doesn’t have to show his papers, or something. Not very bright, Republican supporters.
You know the longer I am living in a red countryside area here in Oregon I am noticing the teapartiers definitely tend to be the people that have not really ever traveled or been out of the Country. I think that lack of world experience shows in their narrow viewpoint. I feel that those that have never seen other ways of running countries and that other ways also can work rely on what they know and become rigid in their idealogy.
At the beginning of Chris Matthew’s show today it seemed that he was promoting Mitt and Ron Paul. He got into the suggestion of Hillary being the VP candidate instead of Biden and asked the audience who they would want. I figure with all of the store 2012 items being sold with Biden there is no chance there will be a change in VP. I’m glad. I did think CM redeemed himself in his closing remarks when he said PBO brought himself up from poverty and worked hard to get where he is whereas Romney has been handed everything. Chris did not like some putdown Romney made about PBO so lit into him. His GOP guest had said earlier how the Iowans were no longer enamored with PBO and were switching parties. That made me worried but the audience definitely cheered in places that told me they were supporting PBO. We need to be sure to get excitement on our side as that is important too.
The man is too cute. Sometimes I can’t stand to look at him. Why does he have to be so doggone appealing?!
Anyway, what I like about him: His honesty, patience, steeliness, integrity, wisdom, gentleness, smartness, his introspection, and his sincere desire to give and do his best for ALL the citizens of this country.
I feel so blessed to live to experience his administration, and his wife’s warmth, energy, style and compassion.
His mouth looks like a bow, as in bow and arrow. Too cute.
Thanks so much for the article LL. It was a great read. Reminded me of the movie Invictus where Mandela – even after all the horrific things he endured – brought the country together over a championship match of rugby. That’s one of the wonderful aspects of sports. It fosters team spirit and a sense of national pride. When a group of people or a nation is rooting behind one team or individual, past hurts seem minute. In that space of time – be it 60 minutes or 90 minutes – we’re all one and we’re all rooting for one goal.
Football (Soccer to us Yankees) really is life. It’s the best sport on the planet!
Just responded to Nancy Pelosi’s email with a donation. I went back on my promise not to donate to anyone but PBO. But just reading her email outlining the stench of the repugs and the thought of them in charge gave me the shivers. So just had to donate to feel better. Please donate if you can.
I’ve maxed out to OFA so am not turning to all the other democratic committees. A democratic congress is essential. I’m also sending donations to Elizabeth Warren.
You know Sue, I’m no great fan of American football, but guess what I’m watching right now: Notre Dame v. FSU. This is pretty much the only time I watch American football, when the bowl games are being played and it’s playoff time in the NFL. But the rest of you ladies can, *ahem*, continue in your admiration of PBO’s assets. 😉 😉 I’d just love to play a round of golf with him, though I’m pretty sure he’d sweep the course with me.
Nah! Your sweeping knowledge and understanding of world affairs would make him forget the game and head to the clubhouse for a talk over a couple beers! Problem solved 🙂
He adds: “Both parties have been highly engaged in a public relations blame game for a poor economic climate, a rising national debt, the downgrading of the U.S. credit rating, and congressional stalemates over legislative priorities such as passing a federal budget. It appears, according to social media data, that the Republicans are losing that PR battle and more citizens are siding with the Democrats. Should the trend continue, Republicans may be lining up for a huge loss come November.
Even though this comment on the post is a little bit of word salad, I think it encapsulates a growing meme — one that we’ve lived by on the PragProg blogs:
Statements so real! Twitter is becoming a real force dealing with all issues facing Country and future of same. Politics no longer Ethical, It is now run by an intolerant relative morality that has empowered an uncaring and irresponsible political attitude in office, not concurrent with need of the people! Twitters are mostly united on democratic side. Republicans facing an intelligent and cohesive force! Change, in all matters of our world, takes its time; it has begun and will not be stopped!
Judge Rules Against Wis Dems Intervention In GOP Recall Lawsuit
Eric Kleefeld| December 29, 2011, 4:18 PM
A judge in Wisconsin has ruled that Democratic recall organizers cannot challenge a lawsuit brought by the state GOP against election officials — a suit that claims Gov. Scott Walker’s constitutional rights are being violated by the state’s petition review process. This means that barring a hypothetical appeal, any continuing litigation in this matter will be conducted exclusively between the state GOP and the election board’s attorney, without the Dems themselves being able to participate and present legal arguments.
Ha! Rev. Al is really enjoying chatting about the GOP candidates in Iowa. And, unlike the other MSNBC media wh—-, he doesn’t bother to go hang in Iowa to be with the RWNJs.
The Real Job Creator: Obama Has Created 2.3 Million Jobs Since 2010
By Rmuse| December 29, 2011
Romney said, “25 million people are out of work because of Barack Obama. And so I’ll compare my experience in the private sector where, net-net, we created over 100,000 jobs. I’ll compare that record with his record, where he has not created any new jobs.” Romney, the devout Mormon, is a liar.
Since March 2010, the private sector added 2.3 million new jobs and “it took the Obama economy one year to create more jobs” than during George W. Bush’s presidency did in eight years. The new jobs created during the Obama Administration are due in part to the stimulus, unemployment benefit extension and payroll tax cut from December 2010.
During Romney’s tenure as governor of Massachusetts, from 2003-2007 before the recession hit the economy, the state ranked 47th in job creation. Romney’s lack of honesty and dispensation of the truth prevents him from providing evidence that during his time a Bain he created 100,000 jobs.
U.S. warships cross Hormuz despite Iran threats
By Agence France-Presse| Thursday, December 29, 2011
Two American warships have crossed through the Strait of Hormuz without incident despite Iranian threats to close the strategic oil route, the US Navy said Thursday. The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis and the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay “conducted a pre-planned, routine transit through the Strait of Hormuz” on Tuesday, said Fifth Fleet spokeswoman Lieutenant Rebecca Rebarich.
The US military reported no friction with Iran’s naval forces after Iranian leaders warned of possibly shutting down the vital strait if the West went ahead with more punitive sanctions over its suspect nuclear program.
Strait of Hormuz: 5 key facts – The Strait of Hormuz is the buzz word of the week. Here’s why.
Hanna Ingber| December 29, 2011 10:41
These days, the Strait of Hormuz is like a a child of divorce caught between two angry parents. Not exactly a fun position to be in. But what exactly is the Strait of Hormuz, and why are the United States and Iran engaging in a back-and-forth war of words over it? Here are five key facts about it.
5. It is a narrow strait located between the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. Iran borders the Strait of Hormuz to the north, and the United Arab Emirates and Oman’s Musandam Peninsula border it to the south. See the map in the slideshow above.
4. Much of the Persian Gulf relies on the Strait of Hormuz to export its petroleum and reach the ocean, making it one of the world’s most important oil supply routes.
3. About 15 million barrels of crude oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz on a typical day. About a fifth of the world’s oil supply goes through the strait.
2. The strait is 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, and despite Iran’s threats, it has never managed to cut it off completely to traffic.
1. Close to 300 people died in the Strait of Hormuz in 1988 when a US Navy missile cruiser, USS Vincennes, shot down an Iran Air Airbus A300 passenger jet over it.
As an ole “salt” I steamed those waters many years ago and can tell you that it is narrower than Lake Michigan. However, the Iranians do not want to start ANYTHING with the USN. I guarantee that we have enough fire power above and below the waves to completely neutralize their navy in 48 hours. With no need for boots on the ground either. Naval engagements are a lot different than camel races.
Makes no diff Liberal. Warship at sea have standing orders. Any aggressive moves will be met with force. Ask the pirates about that and the Somali hi-jackers. ANYTHING that threatens the ship/crew will be dealt with severely. Indecision could sink your ship.
desertflower. Leave me alone. i’m just tryin’ to impart my limited wisdom about the region. Hell, the last time i was over there Iran was one of our allies. The sands may have shifted by now. 😆
A judge in Wisconsin has ruled that Democratic recall organizers cannot challenge a lawsuit brought by the state GOP against election officials — a suit that claims Gov. Scott Walker’s constitutional rights are being violated by the state’s petition review process.
This means that barring a hypothetical appeal, any continuing litigation in this matter will be conducted exclusively between the state GOP and the election board’s attorney, without the Dems themselves being able to participate and present legal arguments.
“I was a little surprised,” said Jeremy Levinson, the attorney for the recall committee, in an interview with TPM. “It’s the first time I can recall — let me rephrase — it’s the first time I’m aware of a recall-related lawsuit where only the official who is being targeted for recall gets to be a party, and the folks who are working to recall that official are shut out of the process.”
Wall Street Reform Opens Firms’ Mine Safety Records
by Mike Hall, Dec 22, 2011
The new Wall Street reform law will make it difficult for big corporations involved in mining—like the former Massey Energy—to hide their safety records from shareholders and the public. Yesterday, the Security and Exchange Commission adopted new rules that cover how companies must disclose the mine safety information. That information was required as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
The new rules require that companies provide information for each mine they operate that includes the number of significant and substantial violations the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has cited; any flagrant violations; failure to comply citations, imminent danger orders; the dollar of value of proposed fines and more.
Extremism in religion and politics contains the seeds of its own destruction. The self-destruction of political extremism is already upon us. The Tea Party faithful force GOP candidates into ever more ridiculously extreme, and often self-contradictory positions that make it impossible for that candidate to win a general election. Nevertheless, the “base” continues to demand more extremism, and candidates fall in line, becoming both more hypocritical and unelectable.
I believe the promise of a new millennium starts now, after the completion of its first decade. Out of the debacle that extremism has created in the first ten years, the next ten years will see a move back from that abyss and the strengthening of the movement, already begun, that emphasizes greater income equality, human rights, and respect for religious diversity.
Oh please, God, let it be so. The first decade of this century has produced the most bizarre group of extremists this country has known in generations. May the next decade be the beginning of the era of common sense. And our only hope for that is to soundly re-elect the president.
Facing Tough Race, Brown Complains About Warren’s Treatment In the Media
Eric Kleefeld December 29, 2011, 10:53 AM
Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) is suddenly facing a very tough race against former White House financial reform adviser Elizabeth Warren. And so Brown sat down for a friendly interview with the Boston Herald, a conservative paper, to complain about the coverage his likely rival is getting.
“And it would help if you guys would ask her some tough questions, too,” Brown commented. “Ask her how she would vote on things, and why. It’s all fluff, it’s all fluff. Give me a break.” He also added: “I just think that if you’re gonna find out where people stand, you’ve gotta ask them tough questions like you guys ask me every single day.”
Oh boy, what a crybaby. How about a few tough questions aimed at pretty boy from a non-conservative newspaper? The guy hasn’t the intellectual or speaking chops to compete in Warren’s league.
As I posted on rawstory, Picture a pheasant. It’s smaller and slimmer than the average chicken. Do you need an assault rifle to shoot a pheasant? Does Bachmann know what she’s talking about? Has she ever shot a pheasant with an assault rifle? Has she ever shot a pheasant? This is such a blatant pander for for 2nd amendment votes it would be hilarious if you could actually NOT picture a teenage tea party kid of little brain running for the president of the United States.
Gads, where do these people come from? The comics?
Mayor Gloomberg Opposes a Living Wage, Would Rather Pass the City’s Millions Out Unchecked
By Chaz Bolte
Self-anointed King of the 1%, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, is currently trying to defeat the “Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act” that is currently before City Council. This “living wage law” would set wages for any future development act that receives financial assistance of $1 million or higher from the city. If implemented, the law would force affected employers to pay a minimum of $10 an hour plus benefits for full-time workers and $11.50 an hour without benefits for at least 10 years.
Bloomberg is fighting the act, claiming that it will scare off new development. But other cities with similar laws already in effect have not experienced this:
Nancy Pelosi’s office says her daughter is wrong when she says the California Democrat wants to leave politics.
Alexandra Pelosi, a filmmaker, said in an interview with Andrew Breitbart’s Big Government, that her mother is staying in Washington only for her donors.
Question should really be, why is she talking to that lowlife Breitbart!!!
Why would anyone with any ounce of decency want to elevate this Breitbart shit for any reason??? Why???
You sleep with dogs, you catch fleas Alexandra!!!
Nancy Pelosi is the mother of filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi, director of the documentaries Journeys With George (2002, with George W. Bush) and Friends of God (2007, featuring Ted Haggard)..
Oh, well, since it’s just a couple of sentences….oh wait from the link:
Jamie Kirchick, who compiled the newsletters four years ago, told TPM that the most incendiary parts were hardly stray cases.
“Ron Paul’s characterization of the newsletters as only containing ‘eight to ten sentences’ that can be characterized as ‘offending’ is preposterous,” he said in an e-mail. “As anyone can see from the scans of the newsletters available on the TNR website or posted elsewhere, the documents contain pages upon pages of bigoted statements and outright paranoia.”
President Obama: A Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Socialist Corporate Stooge?
By Julie Driscoll| December 29, 2011
President Obama, in his three years as President, has seen it all. He’s been maligned as a non-christian; he’s reached out to the Muslim community and been branded a terrorist-lover for his efforts; he’s tried to do what he can for struggling Americans, has had to make some unpopular concessions to the teabagging opposition, and has been accused of being in bed with big business; his stimulus, touted by the right as another liberal government give-away program, was branded a failure by conservatives, and at least a moderate success by economists; he didn’t let the auto industry fail, and therefore was accused of taking over American industry; he’s blamed for the failed TARP program even though he wasn’t even in office at the time it was passed; he captured and killed bin Laden and watched former President Bush get credit from the right; he attempted diplomacy far past the time that many on the left felt he should have. Many on the left, however, couldn’t see the forest for the trees – and missed the strategy that was evolving over the past three years.
~snip~
President Obama is none of the things he’s accused of being; instead, he’s a man who’s committed to Americans, and the quality of their lives, and if he has to make some concessions that his side doesn’t like, he’ll do it, take the hits, get knocked back but keep moving forward. Determination is his hallmark.
Hopefully President Obama is getting all the R&R he needs, because I figure he’ll be going virtually non-stop campaigning once he gets back to Washington. Ten straight months of craziness with the only solace being he would know he’s running his last campaign.
Loved that. He forgot a few things… saving the auto industry, reforming student loans, beefing funding for the VA… we could go on and on. Of course, it wouldn’t all fit in a 100-second video.
In 2011, all 50 states and territories met in regular session and enacted close to 40,000 new laws on issues across the board. Laws do not always become effective on Jan. 1, however. State constitutions or statutes usually establish when they go into effect, or sometimes, an effective date is written into the specific piece of legislation.
Several states passed legislation regarding the use of E-Verify that will go into effect at the start of the new year. Several legislatures also changed requirements for upcoming elections. Other bills range from prohibiting the sale of shark fins to allowing civil unions, from creating a license plate for music teachers and banning people under the age of 18 from using tanning beds.
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) found an assortment of laws in at least 21 states that will become effective on New Year’s Day. The following list is a sampling of some of the new state laws (organized alphabetically by topic) ringing in the new year.
The GOP’s voting rights hypocrisy
By Madeleine Perry on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 4:47 p.m. ET
Today, the Huffington Post published a piece noting that despite a nationwide GOP effort to enact tougher voting laws that will make it harder for millions of Americans to vote, the Iowa Republican Party is being noticeably lax about voter identification for their caucus-goers ahead of next week’s caucuses. For the Republican caucuses this Tuesday, “voters won’t even need to bring a photo ID to the polls.” Moreover, voters who want to participate will be able to register on the night of the caucus.
The GOP has pushed to repeal same-day registration and enact photo ID mandates in other states—so why not hold Republican voters accountable to the same restrictions for the Iowa caucus? When asked about their stance on voter ID requirements, the Iowa Republican Party spokesman said, “I wouldn’t make a statement on that right now.”
I believe the result will be a greater number of people voting straight Democratic on their tickets than perhaps ever before, at least in these key battleground states. And I also believe it’s important for us to remember that the kicking and screaming of pundits and political personalities almost certainly does not represent the average voter or the 84 percent of the Democratic base who wishes to re-elect President Obama.
The great overreach of 2011 won’t be forgotten, because they’re still overreaching.
Great link, Desertflower! I really love Bob Cesca! I used to enjoy his posts at HuffPost in 2008, but I stopped going to HuffPost in 2009 because I couldn’t stomach the sensationalism, and the constant bashing of President Obama. I am glad Bob has his own blog. By the way, df, I really appreciate reading all your comments and your valuable and informative links.
I obviously don’t know Nancy Pelosi personally but she is my rep and I have to say she strikes me as someone who is her own person. Someone who knows herself very, very well and does not suffer fools. When she’s home, she is constantly on the go visiting her constituents and making speeches. She shows no sign of slowing down. She’s in great shape and has a LOT of fight in her. If she were ready to retire, she would retire. She does not have to please anyone she doesn’t want to please at this point in her career.
He’s sweating a bit 🙂 In my dreams, I run against him and kick his ass! Hasn’t decided whether to run again or not, last I heard. If it’s not easy, and mommy doesn’t help him out, he may decide its just to hard to be competitive. I wish he’d go away….he’s done NOTHING but say no and collect a paycheck.
You can make it bigger but it won’t be that clear. Just right click on it then click on “Save image as” then pick a folder that will allow you to open it as a jpg.
Good. I’m ready for some Obama. I am so sick of all these Repub candidates. Doesn’t it seem like their primary campaign has been going on for years? It’s all the media has been talking about for months. I’ve been trying to refute all the lies on Ia. websites from Romney and Gingrich. It’s pretty terrible, all the garbage they are throwing out there, every sentence contains a lie of some sort. And the public is so misinformed. When they print a quote or a question from someone at their events, it is obvious that they are all fact-challenged. I am so ready for some truth and intellect and decency from PBO.
Too sweet. I commented last night that it would be phe-nom-e-nal if the Obama Campaign bigfooted the caucus Tuesday night. It would totally demoralize the TeaOP if even a modicum of attention went to the President on what’s supposed to be “their” night. It would be great if this occurred in each and every contest during the primaries. LOL. Genius, I tell ya, genius!
Oh, this should be good! On a local blog I frequent in AZ, one of the state reps has decided to poke in and comment on a post. It was rather humorous…it was in response to this, from ThinkProgress
Anyone could sign that loyalty oath if they wanted to vote. There’s no way to enforce it because people’s votes in the General Election *are* secret. This is Party overreach and an attempt to control their people. It’s just an act of desperation, and I wouldn’t worry about it.
Thanks – and yes, of course, you are right. I’m just infuriated thinking about the principle behind the pledge. Oh, I forgot … it’s yet another Republican pledge … these party types have no principles when it comes to voting. Infuriating.
New light bulb efficiency standards will begin phasing in on Jan. 1 despite intense opposition from conservatives, who have blasted the rules as a textbook unnecessary federal regulation.
While Republicans secured inclusion of a measure blocking funding for enforcement of the standards in a year-end spending bill, energy efficiency groups say the provision will have little practical impact. The Energy Department rules will nonetheless go into effect at the start of 2012.
“The [spending bill] cut funding for enforcement, however the law is still in effect,” said Jack Gillis, spokesman for the Consumer Federation of America. “It is our expectation that companies will still comply with the law.”
“Five protesters were arrested outside the Iowa campaign headquarters of presidential contender Ron Paul in Ankeny before the group moved on to the Iowa Democratic Party headquarters in Des Moines, where 12 more were taken into custody. All were ticketed for trespassing and released….
Iowa Democratic Party Executive Director Norm Sterzenbach said the protesters were given the opportunity to express their opinions and party officials listened to their concerns, but he said occupying the party offices was unacceptable.
“Not only does it interfere with the important work that our volunteers and staff do to engage Iowans in the political process, by physically blocking our staff from entering or exiting the building sets a very dangerous precedent,” Sterzenbach said in a statement….
At the Iowa Democratic Party’s offices, protesters targeted President Barack Obama, demanding that he put a stop to home foreclosures, turn down campaign donations from Wall Street, and end indefinite detentions of detainees at Guantanamo Bay.
“They’re all going to get equal play on this,” Ryun said. “We are very disillusioned with every candidate.”
I’m tired of the word disillusioned. People need to grow up, this is the real world and you’re not going to get everything you want instantaneously. You continuously fight for it not give up.
“They’re all going to get equal play on this,” Ryun said. “We are very disillusioned with every candidate.”
After Ryun has ‘played equally’ before ALL of the candidates I wonder if his disillusionment will be alleviated? It’s encouraging to think his ‘play’ will accomplish his goal. Maybe then he can move forward with the business of making wise voting choices from the candidates on the ballots.
I am very disgusted with the ignorance of OWS! The President tried to close Guantanamo, the overwhelming majority of members of Congress, including progressive heroes like Bernie Sanders and Russ Feingold, voted NO!. You would think that, in this day age, people would understand that under our political system of ” Checks and Balances” the President cannot act as a dictator if Congress is united in opposing his actions. Congress never challenged Bush when he set up Guantanamo detentions. Probably because of the trauma of the 9/11 attacks. But Congress has obstructed every effort by President Obama to close Guantanamo. So, exactly why is OWS blaming this on the President. Likewise, President Obama can’t unilaterally put a stop on foreclosures, though he has come up with programs to minimize it. As for the campaign donations from Wall Street, the last time I checked, Wall Street hates President Obama. Besides is OWS pledging to contribute to the President’s re-election?
I will say it again, I am disgusted with the theatrics of OWS! I apologize if I offend any one on this site who is a strong supporter of OWS. I just see no purpose being served by OWS’ antics. If members of OWS were really serious they would be out there mobilizing and registering voters to support candidates for Congress who favor their agenda. Being “disillusioned” and disruptive is more likely to lead to dispair defeat rather than leading to meaningful change. Just my two cents.
Tried to reply to an ugly comment left by some braindead nincompoop at the end of this story, but did not have the login data to sign in and post. Suggested they might try a bit of duct tape for their mouth, or some old fashioned soap to wash it out. But it is the infected brain that is the real problem. Some people are so mean spirited.
HONOLULU — The Obamas and their friends are eating lunch Thursday on the beach at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, just a few minutes’ drive from their vacation rental in Kailua.
The picnic is taking place on Pyramid Rock Beach, but the White House didn’t offer any other details.
The president was also at the base earlier in the day for a workout at the gym.
As the violence in Syria spirals out of control, top officials in President Barack Obama’s administration are quietly preparing options for how to assist the Syrian opposition, including gaming out the unlikely option of setting up a no-fly zone in Syria and preparing for another major diplomatic initiative.
Critics on Capitol Hill accuse the Obama administration of being slow to react to the quickening deterioration of the security situation in Syria, where over 5,000 have died, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. Many lawmakers say the White House is once again “leading from behind,” while the Turks, the French, and the Arab League — which sent an observer mission to Syria this week – take the initiative to pursue more aggressive strategies for pressuring the Assad regime. But U.S. officials said that they are moving cautiously in order to avoid destabilizing Syria further, and to make sure they know as much as possible about the country’s complex dynamics before getting more involved.
But the administration does see the status quo in Syria as unsustainable. The Bashar al Assad regime is a “dead man walking,” State Department official Fred Hof said this month. So the administration is now ramping up its policymaking machinery on the issue. After several weeks of having no top-level administration meetings to discuss the Syria crisis, the National Security Council (NSC) has begun an informal, quiet interagency process to create and collect options for aiding the Syrian opposition, two administration officials confirmed to The Cable.
Our4thEstate Bobfr
@Messina2012 Halt Voter Suppression – Request @whitehouse instruct State to issue FREE Passports to all Americans of voting age by 6Nov2012
Same message sent to @davidaxelrod @DWSTweets @pfeiffer44 @thereval @SenatorReid …. feel free to send to all you can to get this effort underway.
Bobfr, I absolutely support your proposal 100%. If all these people who claim to love FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY really mean it, then no citizen should be denied the right to vote because they can’t afford to obtain a government issued ID! I am amazed at the blatant hypocrisy of these Republicans who, supposedly hate government, but just can’t wait to use government to deny citizens the right to vote, over some bogus issue like requiring a government issued picture Identification that costs money many people can’t afford. Ironically, these are the same people who are constantly up in arms because government requires people to obtain a license to carry guns.
Obviously then, under the right wing vision of FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY, the RIGHT to own ASSAULT WEAPONS is more important than the RIGHT to VOTE for people to represent us in government. I think It’s time to fight back and demand that if state governments require a picture ID for voting, then the state governments, or the Federal government, must provide free ID’s to all citizens, but especially those citizens who can’t afford to obtain paid ID’s. Otherwise, all these schemes that require government issued ID’s are aimed at denying the elderly and the poor, and especially the poor in ethnic minorities, who cannot afford paying for government issued picture ID’s. Lets stop all this BS that this is about preventing voter fraud! This is all about preventing the less economically privileged people from voting.
Once again, it is rather ironic that the champions of these schemes, to unfairly deny citizens the right to vote, are the same people who claim to be pious Christians who love “Freedom,” the Constitution, and “moral values.”
Seems many folk are re-tweeting it and you can be sure I’ll keep the pressure on in the days ahead.
Least expensive path for the DoJ is simply to enable every voting age American to have a passport – way cheaper than court cases and totally crushes the voter suppression efforts of GOP.
The Energy Services Corporation has a handy graphic with statistics for each state on their homepage: http://energyservicescoalition.org/
For details, roll your mouse over each state shown in green.
I didn’t read through all of the comments, but at least the most recent comments show people see right through this hackjob of an article.
I like this one from David in particular:
“How can anyone not recognize that this “story” is simply a cowardly attack on Obama by the owners of KHNL? If Mrs. Obama wore last years’ clothes they would attack her for not spending to help the economy. No more KHNL for local news for me.”
Just thought people should know what’s being put out there. I thought surely in Hawaii the media is a bit less hateful. Well, that bubble’s been burst.
If President Obama is paying for what the First Lady wear is it any of KHNL business what ti cost? Do anyone every question what President Obama suit cost or his shoes. It is just another to go after the President and First Lady. Did they fine out how much Malia and Sasha dress cost where they worn to church? It is not a story, it probably is the same folks who tried to go after the First Lady for flying to Hawaii early. These people know that the First Lady is loved and admired every where and they know she will be a big help to the campaign so they are going after her to try to tarnish her image. It won’t work. She is still wonderful to me. And to hell with KHNL.
The two times I have seen pictures of FLOTUS in Hawaii, both of the outfits were outfits she had wore before. But I guess they had to fine out the price of the outfits. How much did the flats she wore to church cost? Are they going to fine the price of everything she wears?
Brace yourself annie…the Obama Derangement Syndrome will be widespread among the local and national MSM punditry in this election year. Whenever a media outlet pushes their dogwhistle bullshit about how much the Black President is costing America, I will throw it right back in their racist faces and ask: So let’s see your articles on the cost of Laura Bush’s trips, outfits and shoes from 200-2008.
Well said, Annibella! I actually think that the First Lady (a successful Harvard educated lawyer, who was making more money than her husband before he run for the Presidency) must have some money stashed away to be able to afford whatever dress she chooses to wear. I am just so sick and tired of these jealousy and racists bastards who have to find fault with everything about the Obamas. Just to think that, three years ago, people all over the world were so elated that the United States had overcome its legacy of racism and elected this brilliant man as President. Now all these vicious haters, who control the media, are trying to tell the almost 70 million Americans who voted for this President that they made a mistake. I pray and hope that the irrational haters of the President won’t succeed. President Obama is the best president in my lifetime. And I include the right wing hero Ronald Reagan, and the most recent left wing hero LBJ (whom they vilified over Vietnam). Neither LBJ nor Ronald Reagan inherited a free fall economy headed for a melt down and depression; on top of two wars.
God forbid, if President Obama is not re-elected, his successor will inherit a much different country/world because of all President Obama’s successes. Such successes as: a stable and growing economy, which a saved major industry,-the auto industry; an end to one the two wars he inherited; the decimation of of Al-Qiada; the revival of European alliances including the countries that Rumsfeld called old Europe; vibrant alliances and and economic engagement with Asia; emerging democracies in the Arab world that he helped spark. On and On. This what this President, who inherited such a mess, has been able to accomplish in just three years. It is very important for us who support President Obama to insist on making sure that his monumental accomplishments are accurately recorded.
Don Cheadle’s stupid “gangsta” comment vigorously persuaded me to buy the Obama portrait tee and donate an extra $10. I’m not going to call people stupid who I vehemently disagree, I’m just going to start upping my donations.
Dudette, WOW, just wow. My favorite room is the one that seems to be an “indoor – outdoor” set-up. Pic #5 and #8 look like different views of the same room. I would be in HEAVEN!!!! in that room. Just sitting back chillin’
Love this! EXACTLY where they should be, and EXACTLY what they deserve, I hope the solace and rest will sustain them for many months to come! Thank you for posting!
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich on Wednesday said he would consider appointing former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to a Cabinet position within his administration if he were elected president, according to the liberal watchdog Right Wing Watch.
desertflower, when you are desperate you will say anything. That’s what Newt is trying, he is trying to reach out to those Palin idiots. Beside I didn’t know dog catcher was a cabinet position.
He’s been promoting the GOP agenda on his show, or the PL people who are against PBO and today he was promoting Ron Paul on Maddow. He’s really changed, very disappointing.
Does those newsletters with Ron Paul name on them concern people like Chris Hayes, and the ones who seem to love him? This man hate blacks, he hate gays, he don’t like Israel, that doesn’t concern them. Let that have been POTUS name on letters like that and see what the media like Chris Hayes and others would be saying. Anyone remember how Senator Obama was treated because of what Rev. Wright said?
They are not even ideologues. They are attention-seekers and emotional runts. These people all suffer from ODS, and like the Republicans they stake out a political position only if they think they can use it to oppose the President. They have no core beliefs, no core values…it’s all about trying to make themselves relevant by attaching their empty issues to the world’s most admired and respected leader, President Obama.
I don’t know if anyone noticed the smile and the slight shaking of his head as the President came down the steps of Air Force 1 in Hawaii. It seemed to me that he was thinking “man am I glad to be here!”
I did notice that too, Sabreen60. I’m sure you are right…..there is something so lovely about the air in Hawaii, it fills you up, and for PBO, it is home, it is in his blood; being born and raised there, I think that reaction is one of sheer relief!
Senate Democrats expect to pass a long-delayed surface transportation bill soon after they return to Washington next month.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, said her colleagues have identified a list of offsets that could be used cover the final $12 billion of the bill’s cost.
A solemn moment as Obamas look into the waters of the USS Arizona Memorial (TV Pool Photo by Adam Aigner-Treworgy/CNN) http://t.co/ai2q6meI— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) December 30, 2011
– In the latest volley between the federal government and states pushing anti-illegal-immigration laws, the Obama administration announced Thursday it was establishing a new hotline for immigration detainees who feel they “may be U.S. citizens or victims of a crime.”
The 24-hour-a-day, 7-days-a-week hotline is part of a “broader effort to improve our immigration enforcement process and prioritize resources to focus on threats to public safety, (on) repeat immigration law violators, recent border entrants, and immigration fugitives while continuing to strengthen oversight of the nation’s immigration detention system and facilitate legal immigration,” a news release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said.
President Barack Obama will travel to Cleveland the day after the Iowa caucuses as he seeks to draw a contrast with Republicans running for president.
The White House says the president’s Jan. 4 trip to Ohio will focus largely on the economy.
Republican presidential candidates will face off in the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3. It’s the first nominating contest of the 2012 campaign.
Obama won Ohio in 2008. But the state has been hard-hit economically during the president’s term, and is sure to be a political battleground in next year’s presidential election.
Yes indeedy. He’s a cutey! Seems like he’s been the mayor forever. He’s in his third term and he’s is very likeable. Minneapolis is a Democratic stronghold so I guess he can stick around as long as he wants to, although it would be great if he ran for Governor one day 🙂
Obama White House.gov
The Obama Diary 
That is one good looking man!!!!!!! Be still my heart. 😀
Hey, I’m #1
It is the Lips……Those Lips..
Did you ever notice that most Republicans do not have any ?
Brain…and eyes.
And heart:)
Brain LOL
Brain, eyes, hands, lips, feet, legs, soul, body, and heart. What a fineeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee President we have. Let us keep him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Now, Let us Do Our Workout for 2012))))))))))HZ
And cocoa butter! Sorry I couldn’t help myself! Lol!
Let’s hear it for cocoa butter!
Yes, I am stocked up for 2012 already. Do get your jars, LadyTNT. Love you.HZ
Yes ma’am! Love ya back!
LInda, do you remember when he split his lip playing basketball? I almost died. I was like ‘they better get the best, best, BESTEST lip stitcher upper ever to walk the face of this earth!!! ‘Cause if they mess up that man’s lips, Ima have to HURT somebody!!” 8)
Lol, that’s funny, hehehe
Linda, they just have lying tongues.HZ
Neither do chimpanzees.
Wow! What a calm, well rested, young-looking face!! Are you guys sure this is a current picture? I notice that Chips didn’t include the year. 😉 😉
That would be from TODAY:)
First thing I thought too Debz! Wow!
Me too, guys! I held back because I didn’t wanna seem shallow….but you guys made me see I just have good eye sight! :;)
Yes Indeed, umph umph, just pure dee good looking 🙂 Easy on the eyes
Hi Mr. President. Keep enjoying that good vacation 🙂
He really looks rested. Seriously going back to Hawaii and even Chicago seems to recharge him.
Going home (either one) does seem to recharge him. He looks well rested.
Anita and Debz, I really think that you all are onto something that is so true. I personally believe that when, and if ,you are surrounded with your closest, dearest, most honest friends who are, really devoted to you, and really do have your back, it feeds the pure energy into your soul which gives you a peacefulness about you.POB seems to have all of these.
I feel with all of his most dear personal friends around him along with his most precious gifts, our First Lady and our First Daughters in a beautiful place within nature, he has to be so happy and refreshed within. That is what we get to see from the outside. I am grateful that he can do this and see these wonderful people around him.
We love and respect you, Mr. President!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Obama Diary, and our beloved Chips.
Co-Sign!
HZ take this from a old vet and trucker. When you get back home to your roots it recharges you to the top of the world.I did RR in Hawaii and have a 6FT 4inch son walked around today.So when the President goes Home and with those Beautiful trade winds blowing and you have someone special with You do really relax and feel at peace with the world.That is the real fountain of youth for our President.
Thank you Chips! Love this pic, cuz he’s smiling right at the camera. It’s like he’s smiling at me! 🙂
Hi Mr. President! Tee-hee-hee!
ooo hey sexy.
He looks very YOUNG in that picture! How about for the holiday weekend…things we love and appreciate about our president and family? I refuse to get all hot and bothered about the Republican caucus in Iowa…..it’s the Gong Show, and one will get voted off. I will respond to Nancy Pelosi’s letter….who said she is retiring!!??..and donate to the President,and let the gong show participants go their own stupid way.
What I love about the President: His calmness and long range outlook and planning…among many other things.
What do you love and appreciate about our President?
I love his intelligence, his heart, calmness…..he’s hot, and so much more.
Great idea, carolyn! Instead of regurgitating all the media talking points and hanging on Tweety’s every word, I’ll take a minute to do as you suggest:
I appreciate so much about President Barack Obama, but as I’ve said so many times before, his favorite trait of mine is his PERSISTENCE. He just doesn’t give up. He keeps moving in a positive, visionary, focused manner. He keeps his eyes on the prize. He keeps his life balanced because he is confident of the direction he is taking. I try to apply this to my life, and lots of the spiritual readings I love the most focus on perseverance, persistance, small steps, and the power in simply continuing to show up. All his intelligence, kindness, brilliance, would not be evident if he had let people talk him out of doing what he felt he needed to do.
I love that my President is a living, breathing example of this characteristic.
I admire his optimism – even in the face of complete obstruction, adversity and negativity. What he’s faced would destroy most people, but he’s still smiling, still looking wonderful, and still optimistic and hopeful. He breathes life into the saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.
We are all going to love so many things about the president, so it’s nice that you focused on ONE. To be ‘fair’ I’m suggesting that everyone else focus on ONE too. Ahem! … So, in addition to just loving everything about President Obama…
I will focus on his self-confidence. The aspect of his self-confidence that blows me away is the fact that PBO never steps on his opponents in a nasty, rub-your-face-in-the-dirt way, but always leaves them an opening to save face. That speaks to me of his self-assurance. It’s also the reason, I think, that he never attacks the person, just the issues and ideas. Whether opponents choose to take the opening he leaves or not has been entirely up to them. This aspect of the President’s personality has been enormously instructive to me. IMO the President’s self-confidence eliminates any need for back-stabbing, lying or treachery. Whatever he has to say about your ideas/plans he says just as easily to your face as to the media (ex: entire GOP caucus, Paul Ryan, or whomever). This is the first modeling of respectful treatment of your opponent that I remember seeing so consistently practised in the public realm, and as a result I have a TREMENDOUS RESPECT (in addition to love) for President Obama. Happy 2012, Mr. President!
I deeply admire President Obama’s vision; his unwavering belief that this country is capable of moving forward and making the world a better place for ALL– regardless of age, class, ethnicity, gender, political ideology, or geographical location. I especially appreciate the fact that he treats everyone with dignity and respect!~
You called? teehee
😉 Hey Lady.
I love his calmness, his intelligence, his spirit, his courage, his confidence, his heart, his warmth, humaness, his determination, his humility, his kindness, his fairness, his decency, his smile….I love, appreciate and admire the fact that he is not just a politician, he is a strategist…I love, appreciate and admire that he is a great husband, father, brother, friend and CIC…he is a great role model for all of us!!!
Hey Puddin’, looks like you’ve taken most of the words I wanted to say right out of my mouth. But let me just add this. One other thing that I love, love, love about President Obama is the genuine PDA (public display of affection) he shows for his wife, First Lady Michelle. The way that he looks at her, compliments her, flirts with her, and “affectionately” touches her almost always when they’re together in public is just so, so, so inspiring. 🙂
I can honestly say that over the last three years, seeing the way they are together has certainly helped me to become a more “engaged” partner in my marriage of 20+ years–and my husband has certainly taken notice. Oh yeh, hubby complains sometimes that I spend too much time “looking at Obama,” but I’ve noticed that he’s watching the President too. Interesting. 😉
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) and other survivors of a 2011 shooting rampage will mark the one-year anniversary of an event that left six people dead in a series of events in Tucson on Jan. 8, 2012.
According to The Associated Press, the commemorative events include ringing bells at local churches at 10:11 a.m., when the shooting started, and talks about Giffords and the six victims who died during the shooting.
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/201699-rep-giffords-victims-will-commemorate-shooting-anniversary
I admire his compassionate heart and his real touch of reaching out when we all are hurting for our brothers and sisters. He calmly, quietly and gently bring into the room all of these. I love that about him.HZ
Wooops- Tweety just spit and got me right in the eye.
Howard certainly is casual in his jeans. What a guy, fitting in with his sources.
His sources “on the hill” told him to wear the jeans.
Lol! And tweety says, we Obama supporters should be afraid, in let me finish.
I wished he would finish–
His show.
Isn’t it rather interesting that there’s a GOP caucus just a few days away with the GOP in major disarray – the President’s numbers rising, and of all things Mr. Twitty finds to say is that we should be afraid? Well Mr. Twit, we weren’t afraid in 2008 and we aren’t afraid now. Something tells me that it’s you and your sidekick Coward Fineman who are trembling in fear at the thought of yet another Obama victory in 2012. Stop projecting, wipe that spit and act like a professional journalist as you are being paid to be.
And he is also blocking for Romney, saying Ron Paul is a truther.
Nothing, and I mean nothing, negative about Romney.
In fact, all praise!
And he’s more concerned about Paul’s 911 comments than those racist news letters. Go figure.
What are we supposed to be afraid of???
The love affair for mittens!
Our President is fearless, confident and ready for action. I truly feel that he is not the least bit afraid of any of these people.
Chris Matthews is fast becoming irrelevant to many people (Rev Al has only been there for a couple of months and he’s duking it out with Matthews in the ratings line-up and coming out tops) and instead of dialing it down, he ramps up on his Obama Derangement Syndrome. I quit watching his show a couple of months back. Don’t need that nauseating bullshit in my life. I get my two hours of truth from Rev Al and Martin Bashir. They pull no punches in exposing the truth.
I’m totally with you on your two choices, utaustin! Only watch Rev. Al and Martin Bashir on any regular basis. But today Ezra Klein was subbing for Martin and annoyed me right quick, so I’ll wait for Martin’s return to watch again.
Me too. Although i do watch the rest of the b.s. to see what’s happening in the junk yard. Besides i’m a semi shut-in and i gotta do sumpn.
What happened to Ezra Klein???
How did he transform into this shallow, mouth-for-hire, dishonest asshole???
I’m with you ut…I don’t watch anymore and I don’t email him anymore…he really is irrelevant…it is the msm that should be afraid, because the repubs manage to “steal” this election, so many people are going to disconnect (me for one)…if Tweety’s ratings are down now, just wait and see what happens to his ratings after 2016!!!
love you, hopefruit. You make me laugh…Coward Fineman….
He’s married to Michelle 🙂
‘Was responding to Carolyn’s question above.
defytheodds, I agree with you whole heartly. I love and appreciate the fact that he is married to such a wonderful woman like Michelle Obama.
Seriously, Chips…I may have to change the Wet One to this one 🙂 Damn!
And I’ll bring this over here, since we were mentioning this earlier:
http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/29/an-election-year-dawns-without-keith-olbermann/?src=tp
Thank you, Chips 🙂 We miss the snow!
Sorry…I meant change my desktop picture from the Wet One to this one! ( Sweaty one?)
Desertflower, I was thinking the same. HZ
🙂 see, we think the same!
Heh. I love this quote from the article: Mr. Olbermann’s absences from Current’s election special reports — called “Politically Direct” — are a setback for the channel as it tries to become known for political news and talk.
If Current wants to be known for political news and talk, then it shouldn’t have hired the nonentity Uygur. That act doesn’t speak much to Mr. Gore’s talent-spotting abilities — unless Uygur was a Keith hire, as he tries to create another Rachel Maddow.
Crazy, huh? Drop them a line….
I’m curious to watch Gov. Granholm’s show. She’s a strong PBO supporter; but, somehow, that changes once you have an hour to fill every day.
I always liked her. However, I don’t get Current.
I wish the administration, campaign or DNC had brought her into the fold. She’ll be invisible on Current.
They may have asked her and she declined.
The Young Turks gets something like a million views a show online – Gore just wants to tap that. Same reason why Olberman booked Markos and Moore on his first night – free advertising on Daily Kos and to Moore’s 1M twitter followers.
Most of Markos’ “one million followers” don’t really exist. It’s just that you can’t delete your account over there, and they count anyone who ever created an account. I haven’t logged on over there for at least two years, but my account is still active.
Excellent point. If Markos truly has “1m followers”, then why aren’t they watching Keith and the other Current shows and making the network a true competitor. It’s all BS.
Another excellent point! 🙂
They only have 350,000ish accounts, I’m talking about daily unique page views.
Amazing what a little software script on a server can do … highly unlikely that even a few hundred people are clicking on that site …
#PRESSON
LOL, spot on Bob!!!
Tooooo Funny!
He’s only been there 6 months and he’s already “disgruntled”.
What a child.
Good evening, Chips. Hello everyone at TOD family. HAAPY NEW YEAR! I am looking forward to 20012. It really is good to see our hard working President smile. And wouldn’t!t he? He has a. Beautiful wife, lovely daughters. And TOD family that his back all the way. We need to stay positive and focus. Rest well, Mr. President……..Press on TOD family!
OH MY…WORDS FAIL ME! NO FURTHER COMMENT NEEDED HERE!
Thank you Chips…we are doing well, especially after seeing our PBO looking so happy and rested in this pic. Thanks for posting. Warms the heart.
Have to say i t; he looks really cute and sexy. Sun and surf with family and friends have been good for him.
I mentioned this on the other thread. I’ve always had the feeling that the GOP is just throwing this election, with all the incompetence on display both on the campaign trail and in Congress. It seems I’m not the only one. From Raw Story, an encounter between Newt and a “supporter”:
Article is here: Supporter tells Gingrich: Media ‘accurate’ to ‘kill the Republican Party’.
The media seems to be fluffing them in my opinion.
But this is the interesting question which we have to ask: Is the fluffing working? Let’s take this questioner at face value: he’s a Gingrich supporter, plans to vote for him in the caucus, and is a Republican. Is the casual voter seeing something that those of us who obsess over media coverage are missing? Is the fluffing of the GOP just not working, because it’s so godawful? Are social media breaking through with news and analysis missing from the trad media? I think we’re going to see something monumental in 2012.
I agree with you LL…I have been telling my fellow “political buddies” the same thing…msm focus is to keep people watching, so they have resorted to this stupid “fluff stuff”….more and more people are turning to social media…I agree, “I think we’re going to see something monumental in 2012” and msm is going to be “ass out”!
Interesting that the quote implies that the GOP know they can’t solve a single problem, and that they should leave that to the Dems to run the country when times are serious. Even the GOP know they’re useless.
That’s a gorgeous picture. He looks so young and so well rested! Yay PBO! 😀
I see he’s got his “Crack”Berry with him. 😉 That bloody phone is addictive!
I don’t know about “CrackBerry”, but I tell you, ever since I got my new phone (Samsung Sidekick with data plan) and my car outfitted with a Bluetooth receiver, I’ve pretty much been listening to the various BBC Radio stations on my drives. I’m just addicted.
And you can tell that he’s looking directly at me and smiling!
🙂
AH, NO! That would be ME!
Okay then. I won’t fight with you – it’s too late in the year for that! 🙂
P.S. But I still contend that it’s me he’s looking at.
It is me.HZ
🙂
Both of you couldn’t be more wrong — I saw him first, he’s looking at me! 😀
WASHINGTON DC – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the approval of two renewable energy projects that further advance President Obama’s initiative for a rapid and responsible move to utility-scale production of renewable energy. The projects – a solar plant in California and a wind farm in Oregon – will be built on private lands and will use power lines that cross public lands to connect to their respective power grids. When built, the projects will deliver 379 megawatts of power – or enough to power 112,500 homes – and help support over 600 jobs through construction and operations.
“Today’s projects are the 26th and 27th renewable energy projects that Interior has advanced in just the last two years,” Secretary Salazar said. “As we continue to move thoughtfully and quickly toward a clean energy future, these projects are strengthening local economies by generating good jobs and reliable power.”
In California, the Centinela Solar Energy Project is a 275-megawatt solar energy power plant that will connect via a 230-kilovolt transmission line to the existing San Diego Gas & Electric Imperial Valley Substation. The solar plant will be located on 2,067 acres of previously disturbed private land near El Centro, California. Interior approved the right-of-way for 19 acres for the power line on public land, and Imperial County gave a green-light to the solar power plant on December 27, 2011. The project would support at least 367 jobs, generate more than $30 million in tax revenue over the life of the project, and deliver enough electricity to power about 82,500 homes. For a fact sheet on the project, click here. Click here for a map.
http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/Secretary-Salazar-Approves-Renewable-Energy-Projects-in-California-Oregon.cfm
♥ ♥ ♥ Good Afternoon Chips! Good Afternoon TOD Family! ♥ ♥ ♥
Barack Obama Quote O’ The Day
Have a great evening, everyone! 😛
Thanks PJ!!! You are right on target in choosing this one.
“The status quo in Washington will fight harder than they ever have to divide us and distract us with ads and attacks from now until November.” Take heed, we must again.
Thanks again PJ.
You’re welcome, my dear. Yes, the message is the same, and his foresight is spot on. We have much work to do.
One of the prime directives should be to effectively neutralize voter suppression in this country.
What I love about the President is….his love for his family, consistency in his political beliefs and how he has opened my eyes to the evil doings of the other side(s)……..that includes tea angers, repugs, liberals, emprogs, the clown show of 2011. Thank you, Mr. President for being who you are.
Ditto.
Who is this tween that works at Real Clear Politics……? Good Grief..
A lot of tweens on cable news these days. Aren’t they supposed to be in school learning algebra and basic civics? Sad state of affairs (SMH)
Age and wisdom gained from experience is no longer necessary to be a pundit. They simply begin talking and it makes no difference what comes out.
Sometimes age and wisdom gained from experience are no guarantee that verbal diarrhea won’t spew from said pundit’s mouth. Case in point Howard Fineman, Joan Walsh, Diane Sawyer, Brian Williams, Chris Matthews, Ed Rendell, etc. The gang of merry nitwits that infiltrate our news/political shows are all clowns from top to bottom with a few – thankfully – worthwhile gems like Rev Al and Martin Bshir.
President Obama threatens their previously unchallenged and simplistic world view and that’s the primary source of their angst. They are afflicted with a special case of ODS.
Oh that’s a very good point…..”their previously unchallenged and simplistic world view”……you’re absolutely right!
“…previously unchallenged and simplistic world view…”, ain’t that the truth!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So true hopefruit2 and Utaustinliberal!!!
Merry nitwits is right!…..one that is younger that I can’t stand is Alex Wagner, does she have to be on every shows? It’s like she is the ”analyst” in chief of MSNBC now. It’s bad enough that she has her own show, I don’t need to see her on others.
You absolutely nailed it, UT! I would rather listen to wise young people like you instead polluting my mind listening to “the gang of nitwits,” who apparently have learned nothing from age and experience.
My first impression was “valley girl”, very Meagan McCain.
It’s older…but no less “potent”…thank you 3 chics….that picture made me think of this video….ladies,behave!
The difference between PBO’s swagger and GWB’s: PBO’s is the swagger of a man who has worked for everything in his life, and has accomplished things that seemed impossible for a person of his background; GWB’s is a small man’s swagger, the swagger of a man who has had everything handed to him and expects things to be easy. He never had to work for anything; his name opened doors and loaded him with money for failed project after failed project, so the swagger became bigger, just to hide the fact that he was an abject failure.
Absolutely. I wouldn’t even call whatever that was that GWB did, swagger. I would call it braggidocious (sp) you know what I mean. BRAGGING….for reasons known only to him.
Exactly, braggadocio. Completely ungrounded in the reality of his reprehensible actions.
That’s it!
I always thought his undies were stuck up his butt, the way he walked
He does look like the tighty-whitey type.
LL you are a 1000 right on about PBO . not only did he worked for evrything and accomplished the imposible
he has the capability to understand the world and very complex issues his inttellect will be unmatch by any body
whe is elected to run against him. I have no doubt that he will be re- elected.
Hmmm… I didn’t know GBW had swagger.
Oh Chips, why oh why did you have to bring out that one again? It hasn’t been very long since I stopped replaying it incessantly! Now you feed my obsession again. Cruel, just cruel! Aaackk!! I’m gonna have to go into rehab!!
Not Chips, df, sorry!
Seriously 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it again!
LOL! I won’t even say how many times I’ve already played it today!
Just look at all those black people at that diner, on tweetys show.
Oh wait…
Just look at all the black/brown people at any of the Repub candidates’ events. Oh wait—–I don’t see any!
One lady compared Calista Gingrich to Jackie Kennedy today at her Newtie’s small gathering. Said she was elegant and just what America needs—-(white skin and all). Then a little later she asked Gingy why Obama doesn’t have to prove his citizenship, something about going to all those countries and doesn’t have to show his papers, or something. Not very bright, Republican supporters.
Oh – the stupid… it’s quite painful.
You know the longer I am living in a red countryside area here in Oregon I am noticing the teapartiers definitely tend to be the people that have not really ever traveled or been out of the Country. I think that lack of world experience shows in their narrow viewpoint. I feel that those that have never seen other ways of running countries and that other ways also can work rely on what they know and become rigid in their idealogy.
Wow…what an amazing photo. He looks so young!
After being out all day I was going to read the rest of my email but I kind of got stuck here staring at that picture;)
Thanks tweety, just had to throw that in about Hillary.
Now, I am much more informed.
Does Tweety know that Ben Franklin endorsed Bachman today?
Wonder if he knows that she promised never to use a teleprompter (like THAT ONE) but decided to read off her IPad instead….HAHAHA!
Lol!
This isn’t where I originally read this, but this about covers it!
http://bobcesca.com/blog-archives/2011/12/there-will-be-no-more-teleprompters.html
At the beginning of Chris Matthew’s show today it seemed that he was promoting Mitt and Ron Paul. He got into the suggestion of Hillary being the VP candidate instead of Biden and asked the audience who they would want. I figure with all of the store 2012 items being sold with Biden there is no chance there will be a change in VP. I’m glad. I did think CM redeemed himself in his closing remarks when he said PBO brought himself up from poverty and worked hard to get where he is whereas Romney has been handed everything. Chris did not like some putdown Romney made about PBO so lit into him. His GOP guest had said earlier how the Iowans were no longer enamored with PBO and were switching parties. That made me worried but the audience definitely cheered in places that told me they were supporting PBO. We need to be sure to get excitement on our side as that is important too.
The man is too cute. Sometimes I can’t stand to look at him. Why does he have to be so doggone appealing?!
Anyway, what I like about him: His honesty, patience, steeliness, integrity, wisdom, gentleness, smartness, his introspection, and his sincere desire to give and do his best for ALL the citizens of this country.
I feel so blessed to live to experience his administration, and his wife’s warmth, energy, style and compassion.
His mouth looks like a bow, as in bow and arrow. Too cute.
He is amazing in every way!!!
God broke the mould after he created Barack Obama!!!
A once in a lifetime figure. He ROCKS and RULES and will be spoken of, written about and revered for generations to come!!!
I salute this brilliant, humble, magnificent change agent!!!
WHO DO YOU CALL WHEN YOU HAVE TO HAVE YOUR TONGUE REMOVED FROM YOUR SHOE!…:))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Emergency surgery!
To my fellow football-heads Chips, UT, and Tally: Football is life!
Lebanon rallying around football team.
Thanks so much for the article LL. It was a great read. Reminded me of the movie Invictus where Mandela – even after all the horrific things he endured – brought the country together over a championship match of rugby. That’s one of the wonderful aspects of sports. It fosters team spirit and a sense of national pride. When a group of people or a nation is rooting behind one team or individual, past hurts seem minute. In that space of time – be it 60 minutes or 90 minutes – we’re all one and we’re all rooting for one goal.
Football (Soccer to us Yankees) really is life. It’s the best sport on the planet!
God, he looks gorgeous in that pic! And young!
Just responded to Nancy Pelosi’s email with a donation. I went back on my promise not to donate to anyone but PBO. But just reading her email outlining the stench of the repugs and the thought of them in charge gave me the shivers. So just had to donate to feel better. Please donate if you can.
I’ve maxed out to OFA so am not turning to all the other democratic committees. A democratic congress is essential. I’m also sending donations to Elizabeth Warren.
Should be NOW not not!
THEY PULL OUT THAT PICTURE AND EXPECT US TO TALK ABOUT FOOTBALL!!!!! YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING!!!!!..:))))))))))))))))
You know Sue, I’m no great fan of American football, but guess what I’m watching right now: Notre Dame v. FSU. This is pretty much the only time I watch American football, when the bowl games are being played and it’s playoff time in the NFL. But the rest of you ladies can, *ahem*, continue in your admiration of PBO’s assets. 😉 😉 I’d just love to play a round of golf with him, though I’m pretty sure he’d sweep the course with me.
That would be fun…you could commune with nature and talk about world affairs!
Sighs. A boy can dream. I’d have to hit the links for practice big time before meeting him.
Nah! Your sweeping knowledge and understanding of world affairs would make him forget the game and head to the clubhouse for a talk over a couple beers! Problem solved 🙂
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2011/12/29/democrats-dominate-twitter-gaining-on-gop-in-other-social-media/
He adds: “Both parties have been highly engaged in a public relations blame game for a poor economic climate, a rising national debt, the downgrading of the U.S. credit rating, and congressional stalemates over legislative priorities such as passing a federal budget. It appears, according to social media data, that the Republicans are losing that PR battle and more citizens are siding with the Democrats. Should the trend continue, Republicans may be lining up for a huge loss come November.
Huge loss for the Rs aka landslide for PBO in November. Yep.
Even though this comment on the post is a little bit of word salad, I think it encapsulates a growing meme — one that we’ve lived by on the PragProg blogs:
Judge Rules Against Wis Dems Intervention In GOP Recall Lawsuit
Eric Kleefeld| December 29, 2011, 4:18 PM
A judge in Wisconsin has ruled that Democratic recall organizers cannot challenge a lawsuit brought by the state GOP against election officials — a suit that claims Gov. Scott Walker’s constitutional rights are being violated by the state’s petition review process. This means that barring a hypothetical appeal, any continuing litigation in this matter will be conducted exclusively between the state GOP and the election board’s attorney, without the Dems themselves being able to participate and present legal arguments.
~snip~
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/judge-rules-against-wis-dems-intervention-in-gop-recall-lawsuit.php?ref=fpb
Hope that doesn’t affect recall.
Thanks, creolechild.. It seems like it would make the Dems even more determined to RECALL WALKER. Hopefully, the Fix IS NOT In.
Ha! Rev. Al is really enjoying chatting about the GOP candidates in Iowa. And, unlike the other MSNBC media wh—-, he doesn’t bother to go hang in Iowa to be with the RWNJs.
He’s on it this evening. He continues with voter suppression highlites too.
The Real Job Creator: Obama Has Created 2.3 Million Jobs Since 2010
By Rmuse| December 29, 2011
Romney said, “25 million people are out of work because of Barack Obama. And so I’ll compare my experience in the private sector where, net-net, we created over 100,000 jobs. I’ll compare that record with his record, where he has not created any new jobs.” Romney, the devout Mormon, is a liar.
Since March 2010, the private sector added 2.3 million new jobs and “it took the Obama economy one year to create more jobs” than during George W. Bush’s presidency did in eight years. The new jobs created during the Obama Administration are due in part to the stimulus, unemployment benefit extension and payroll tax cut from December 2010.
During Romney’s tenure as governor of Massachusetts, from 2003-2007 before the recession hit the economy, the state ranked 47th in job creation. Romney’s lack of honesty and dispensation of the truth prevents him from providing evidence that during his time a Bain he created 100,000 jobs.
~snip~
http://www.politicususa.com/en/obama-job-creator
Snarl, Growl, Hiss, Suck teeth, Roll eyes, Bark, Sigh, Snort, Grunt, Glare, Scowl, Grimace, Wince.
That’s the Republican reaction after seeing this beautiful photograph of our energy-infused, inspired and well-rested President.
I said after viewing that picture they looked in the mirror and Jealously did what you wrote. LOL!
U.S. warships cross Hormuz despite Iran threats
By Agence France-Presse| Thursday, December 29, 2011
Two American warships have crossed through the Strait of Hormuz without incident despite Iranian threats to close the strategic oil route, the US Navy said Thursday. The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis and the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay “conducted a pre-planned, routine transit through the Strait of Hormuz” on Tuesday, said Fifth Fleet spokeswoman Lieutenant Rebecca Rebarich.
The US military reported no friction with Iran’s naval forces after Iranian leaders warned of possibly shutting down the vital strait if the West went ahead with more punitive sanctions over its suspect nuclear program.
~snip~
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/12/29/u-s-warships-cross-hormuz-despite-iran-threats/
Strait of Hormuz: 5 key facts – The Strait of Hormuz is the buzz word of the week. Here’s why.
Hanna Ingber| December 29, 2011 10:41
These days, the Strait of Hormuz is like a a child of divorce caught between two angry parents. Not exactly a fun position to be in. But what exactly is the Strait of Hormuz, and why are the United States and Iran engaging in a back-and-forth war of words over it? Here are five key facts about it.
5. It is a narrow strait located between the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. Iran borders the Strait of Hormuz to the north, and the United Arab Emirates and Oman’s Musandam Peninsula border it to the south. See the map in the slideshow above.
4. Much of the Persian Gulf relies on the Strait of Hormuz to export its petroleum and reach the ocean, making it one of the world’s most important oil supply routes.
3. About 15 million barrels of crude oil pass through the Strait of Hormuz on a typical day. About a fifth of the world’s oil supply goes through the strait.
2. The strait is 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, and despite Iran’s threats, it has never managed to cut it off completely to traffic.
1. Close to 300 people died in the Strait of Hormuz in 1988 when a US Navy missile cruiser, USS Vincennes, shot down an Iran Air Airbus A300 passenger jet over it.
http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/middle-east/111229/strait-hormuz-5-key-facts
As an ole “salt” I steamed those waters many years ago and can tell you that it is narrower than Lake Michigan. However, the Iranians do not want to start ANYTHING with the USN. I guarantee that we have enough fire power above and below the waves to completely neutralize their navy in 48 hours. With no need for boots on the ground either. Naval engagements are a lot different than camel races.
I love you, yarndarm…that is so perfect.
Maybe the mullahs have been watching too many GOP debates and have internalized the idea that PBO is weak and won’t stand up to them.
Makes no diff Liberal. Warship at sea have standing orders. Any aggressive moves will be met with force. Ask the pirates about that and the Somali hi-jackers. ANYTHING that threatens the ship/crew will be dealt with severely. Indecision could sink your ship.
Tell it, yardarm! Steely eyed killer of the deep 🙂 (That’s what I called my submariner husband…turned him on:)
desertflower. Leave me alone. i’m just tryin’ to impart my limited wisdom about the region. Hell, the last time i was over there Iran was one of our allies. The sands may have shifted by now. 😆
oooh, yardarm. I had forgotten about the Somali pirates. USN was NOT playin’!
They should be pondering his conviction by remembering OBL etal.
A judge in Wisconsin has ruled that Democratic recall organizers cannot challenge a lawsuit brought by the state GOP against election officials — a suit that claims Gov. Scott Walker’s constitutional rights are being violated by the state’s petition review process.
This means that barring a hypothetical appeal, any continuing litigation in this matter will be conducted exclusively between the state GOP and the election board’s attorney, without the Dems themselves being able to participate and present legal arguments.
“I was a little surprised,” said Jeremy Levinson, the attorney for the recall committee, in an interview with TPM. “It’s the first time I can recall — let me rephrase — it’s the first time I’m aware of a recall-related lawsuit where only the official who is being targeted for recall gets to be a party, and the folks who are working to recall that official are shut out of the process.”
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/judge-rules-against-wis-dems-intervention-in-gop-recall-lawsuit.php?m=1
He has the judges in his back pocket!
That’s worthy of an investigation, of the judges and who is influencing them, right there.
Wall Street Reform Opens Firms’ Mine Safety Records
by Mike Hall, Dec 22, 2011
The new Wall Street reform law will make it difficult for big corporations involved in mining—like the former Massey Energy—to hide their safety records from shareholders and the public. Yesterday, the Security and Exchange Commission adopted new rules that cover how companies must disclose the mine safety information. That information was required as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
The new rules require that companies provide information for each mine they operate that includes the number of significant and substantial violations the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has cited; any flagrant violations; failure to comply citations, imminent danger orders; the dollar of value of proposed fines and more.
~snip~
http://blog.aflcio.org/2011/12/22/wall-street-reform-opens-firms-mine-safety-records/
Good read
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/guest-voices/post/2012-the-year-when-extremism-self-destructs/2011/12/29/gIQAFTyROP_blog.html?hpid=z8
Extremism in religion and politics contains the seeds of its own destruction. The self-destruction of political extremism is already upon us. The Tea Party faithful force GOP candidates into ever more ridiculously extreme, and often self-contradictory positions that make it impossible for that candidate to win a general election. Nevertheless, the “base” continues to demand more extremism, and candidates fall in line, becoming both more hypocritical and unelectable.
Very good read. And amen to this graf:
Yes, LL. Amen to that.
Oh please, God, let it be so. The first decade of this century has produced the most bizarre group of extremists this country has known in generations. May the next decade be the beginning of the era of common sense. And our only hope for that is to soundly re-elect the president.
Facing Tough Race, Brown Complains About Warren’s Treatment In the Media
Eric Kleefeld December 29, 2011, 10:53 AM
Sen. Scott Brown (R-MA) is suddenly facing a very tough race against former White House financial reform adviser Elizabeth Warren. And so Brown sat down for a friendly interview with the Boston Herald, a conservative paper, to complain about the coverage his likely rival is getting.
“And it would help if you guys would ask her some tough questions, too,” Brown commented. “Ask her how she would vote on things, and why. It’s all fluff, it’s all fluff. Give me a break.” He also added: “I just think that if you’re gonna find out where people stand, you’ve gotta ask them tough questions like you guys ask me every single day.”
~snip~
Read more: http://2012.talkingpointsmemo.com/2011/12/facing-tough-race-brown-complains-about-warrens-treatment-in-the-media.php?ref=fpnewsfeed
Wonder if he wants a little cheese with that WHINE!
Very good df. Very good.
Why thank you, yardarm! It seemed MORE than appropriate 🙂
This is so rich. I think I will donate a little extra something to Ms. Warren’s coffers tonight.
YUP…Elizabeth Warren will be my next donation. Fantastic to see the 14 point lead she has opened up against mr centerfold 🙂
Oh boy, what a crybaby. How about a few tough questions aimed at pretty boy from a non-conservative newspaper? The guy hasn’t the intellectual or speaking chops to compete in Warren’s league.
Why that Whiny little cheezy Hypocrite. Get out of the Kichen, Brown, if ya can’t stand the heat..whiny gop.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/12/29/bachmann-i-love-my-ar-15-assault-rifle/ Not the smartest tool in the shed….
As I posted on rawstory, Picture a pheasant. It’s smaller and slimmer than the average chicken. Do you need an assault rifle to shoot a pheasant? Does Bachmann know what she’s talking about? Has she ever shot a pheasant with an assault rifle? Has she ever shot a pheasant? This is such a blatant pander for for 2nd amendment votes it would be hilarious if you could actually NOT picture a teenage tea party kid of little brain running for the president of the United States.
Gads, where do these people come from? The comics?
Mayor Gloomberg Opposes a Living Wage, Would Rather Pass the City’s Millions Out Unchecked
By Chaz Bolte
Self-anointed King of the 1%, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, is currently trying to defeat the “Fair Wages for New Yorkers Act” that is currently before City Council. This “living wage law” would set wages for any future development act that receives financial assistance of $1 million or higher from the city. If implemented, the law would force affected employers to pay a minimum of $10 an hour plus benefits for full-time workers and $11.50 an hour without benefits for at least 10 years.
Bloomberg is fighting the act, claiming that it will scare off new development. But other cities with similar laws already in effect have not experienced this:
~snip~
http://wepartypatriots.com/wp/2011/12/27/gloomberg-opposes-a-living-wage/
He is disgusting.
This @$$hole with all his billions will never be President. I can’t understand why New Yorkers voted for him again.
New Yorkers must be properly pissed at bloomberg by now. Can’t imagine him winning if he could run again. Wonder who will be the next Mayor of NYC?
Just love that video and love our President.
Nancy Pelosi’s office says her daughter is wrong when she says the California Democrat wants to leave politics.
Alexandra Pelosi, a filmmaker, said in an interview with Andrew Breitbart’s Big Government, that her mother is staying in Washington only for her donors.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1211/70945.html
One of them is lying!
And I’m inclined to believe it’s the latter – as history has already shown.
Yes!
Question should really be, why is she talking to that lowlife Breitbart!!!
Why would anyone with any ounce of decency want to elevate this Breitbart shit for any reason??? Why???
You sleep with dogs, you catch fleas Alexandra!!!
The way she talks about her mother’s age is despicable. Who talks about their mother like that to Republican freaks?
Does she have Twitter? Maybe a visit from the “Nancy Smash” brigade is in order.
Why does she refer to her mother by her first name ?
“I don’t speak for Nancy Pelosi — I was merely projecting my own personal opinions,” Alexandra Pelosi wrote in an email.
Maybe they don’t have the same political leanings
Nancy Pelosi is the mother of filmmaker Alexandra Pelosi, director of the documentaries Journeys With George (2002, with George W. Bush) and Friends of God (2007, featuring Ted Haggard)..
Shame on her daughter.
Someone is definitely lying.
https://twitter.com/#!/RebeccaDNC/status/152572971867832321
Andrew Breitbart ma be lying?
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/12/29/gingrich-shoots-down-supporters-birther-question/
2011 Year in Review: Top Photos from the White House Flickr Feed
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/12/29/2011-year-review-top-photos-white-house-flickr-feed
That’s quite the set of photos. Thanks, Meta.
Teeheehee
LOL.
HA!!!
Gore is definitely pissing me off. I’m going to add “Liar” to Olbermann’s resume.
speakin’ of assholes:
Ron Paul Downplays Newsletters : Only ‘Eight To Ten Sentences’ Were Offensive
Oh, well, since it’s just a couple of sentences….oh wait from the link:
Racist mofo!
President Obama: A Radical Liberal Moderate Conservative Socialist Corporate Stooge?
By Julie Driscoll| December 29, 2011
President Obama, in his three years as President, has seen it all. He’s been maligned as a non-christian; he’s reached out to the Muslim community and been branded a terrorist-lover for his efforts; he’s tried to do what he can for struggling Americans, has had to make some unpopular concessions to the teabagging opposition, and has been accused of being in bed with big business; his stimulus, touted by the right as another liberal government give-away program, was branded a failure by conservatives, and at least a moderate success by economists; he didn’t let the auto industry fail, and therefore was accused of taking over American industry; he’s blamed for the failed TARP program even though he wasn’t even in office at the time it was passed; he captured and killed bin Laden and watched former President Bush get credit from the right; he attempted diplomacy far past the time that many on the left felt he should have. Many on the left, however, couldn’t see the forest for the trees – and missed the strategy that was evolving over the past three years.
~snip~
President Obama is none of the things he’s accused of being; instead, he’s a man who’s committed to Americans, and the quality of their lives, and if he has to make some concessions that his side doesn’t like, he’ll do it, take the hits, get knocked back but keep moving forward. Determination is his hallmark.
Read more: http://www.addictinginfo.org/2011/12/29/president-obama-a-radical-liberal-moderate-conservative-socialist-corporate-stooge/
Oh shock! Yet another Republican family values guy caught getting his freak on.
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20111228/NJNEWS/312280024/Patrick-Lott-s-career-as-educator-public-servant-rocked-by-charges
Hopefully President Obama is getting all the R&R he needs, because I figure he’ll be going virtually non-stop campaigning once he gets back to Washington. Ten straight months of craziness with the only solace being he would know he’s running his last campaign.
What does the look in his face (from this pic) tell you? It tells me that he’s rested, more determined than ever and ready to start his campaign year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCTPCWWvYDk&feature=player_embedded Enjoy:)
Loved that. He forgot a few things… saving the auto industry, reforming student loans, beefing funding for the VA… we could go on and on. Of course, it wouldn’t all fit in a 100-second video.
This is worth sharing! Especially for those with the “(President) Obama hasn’t done anything” disease.
New Laws Ring in the New Year
Dec. 27, 2011
In 2011, all 50 states and territories met in regular session and enacted close to 40,000 new laws on issues across the board. Laws do not always become effective on Jan. 1, however. State constitutions or statutes usually establish when they go into effect, or sometimes, an effective date is written into the specific piece of legislation.
Several states passed legislation regarding the use of E-Verify that will go into effect at the start of the new year. Several legislatures also changed requirements for upcoming elections. Other bills range from prohibiting the sale of shark fins to allowing civil unions, from creating a license plate for music teachers and banning people under the age of 18 from using tanning beds.
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) found an assortment of laws in at least 21 states that will become effective on New Year’s Day. The following list is a sampling of some of the new state laws (organized alphabetically by topic) ringing in the new year.
~snip~
http://www.ncsl.org/?tabid=23989
The GOP’s voting rights hypocrisy
By Madeleine Perry on Thursday, December 29, 2011 at 4:47 p.m. ET
Today, the Huffington Post published a piece noting that despite a nationwide GOP effort to enact tougher voting laws that will make it harder for millions of Americans to vote, the Iowa Republican Party is being noticeably lax about voter identification for their caucus-goers ahead of next week’s caucuses. For the Republican caucuses this Tuesday, “voters won’t even need to bring a photo ID to the polls.” Moreover, voters who want to participate will be able to register on the night of the caucus.
The GOP has pushed to repeal same-day registration and enact photo ID mandates in other states—so why not hold Republican voters accountable to the same restrictions for the Iowa caucus? When asked about their stance on voter ID requirements, the Iowa Republican Party spokesman said, “I wouldn’t make a statement on that right now.”
~snip~
http://www.democrats.org/news/blog/the_gops_voting_rights_hypocrisy
Been a while since anyone has used this, but it fits perfectly here: IOKIYAR
Hit it right on the head!
http://bobcesca.com/blog-archives/2011/12/the-great-right-wing-overreach-continues.html
I believe the result will be a greater number of people voting straight Democratic on their tickets than perhaps ever before, at least in these key battleground states. And I also believe it’s important for us to remember that the kicking and screaming of pundits and political personalities almost certainly does not represent the average voter or the 84 percent of the Democratic base who wishes to re-elect President Obama.
The great overreach of 2011 won’t be forgotten, because they’re still overreaching.
Indeed, df, In_Deed!!
#PRESSON
🙂 Goodness sakes. WP won’t let me comment, Bob!
Great link, Desertflower! I really love Bob Cesca! I used to enjoy his posts at HuffPost in 2008, but I stopped going to HuffPost in 2009 because I couldn’t stomach the sensationalism, and the constant bashing of President Obama. I am glad Bob has his own blog. By the way, df, I really appreciate reading all your comments and your valuable and informative links.
Hmmm…..MSNBC discloses ties to Bain Capital.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2011/12/msnbc-now-disclosing-bain-capital-connection-109077.html
Now this is disgusting. Let’s see how long it takes before they put a nuzzle on Rev. Al.
Well, Well, now we see why Romney is treated with such kid gloves by many MSNBC programs, except for Al Sharpton.
I obviously don’t know Nancy Pelosi personally but she is my rep and I have to say she strikes me as someone who is her own person. Someone who knows herself very, very well and does not suffer fools. When she’s home, she is constantly on the go visiting her constituents and making speeches. She shows no sign of slowing down. She’s in great shape and has a LOT of fight in her. If she were ready to retire, she would retire. She does not have to please anyone she doesn’t want to please at this point in her career.
You are one lucky constituent, meta! I have Ben Quayle…wanna trade?
I recall reading that the Az redistricting pulled Quayle’s seat out of safe seat deep red category – Any chance he loses in 2012?
He’s sweating a bit 🙂 In my dreams, I run against him and kick his ass! Hasn’t decided whether to run again or not, last I heard. If it’s not easy, and mommy doesn’t help him out, he may decide its just to hard to be competitive. I wish he’d go away….he’s done NOTHING but say no and collect a paycheck.
I miss her.
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2011/12/29/video-ex-texas-gov-ann-richards-portrayed-in-one-woman-play-ann/
Me too. I thought she was totally awesome, fearless, and called a spade a spade. She was so much fun to watch!
And her sidekick and friend, the late reporter Molly Ivins, was also a kick and fun to watch and read!
Molly’s the one who used to call GWB “Shrub.”
Anyone want to sign this petition to hold Clarence Thomas accountable for ethics violations?
http://site.pfaw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ThomasEthicsDOJNation&autologin=true&s_src=nation_thomas_em_201112
I’ve signed these petitions every time I saw one — I hope they do some good. He’s a disgrace to the Supreme Court.
Chipstick one of the coolest photos ever lol. http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a15/NLinStPaul/demsinblacksm.jpg
Love that photo. Wish is was bigger.
You can make it bigger but it won’t be that clear. Just right click on it then click on “Save image as” then pick a folder that will allow you to open it as a jpg.
Mmmm. Nice photo, nice smile. Love the calm and peaceful look.
President Obama will be talking to his IOWA supporters via live webcam on this coming Tuesday.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57350014-503544/obama-to-hold-live-web-chat-during-iowa-caucuses/
Good. I’m ready for some Obama. I am so sick of all these Repub candidates. Doesn’t it seem like their primary campaign has been going on for years? It’s all the media has been talking about for months. I’ve been trying to refute all the lies on Ia. websites from Romney and Gingrich. It’s pretty terrible, all the garbage they are throwing out there, every sentence contains a lie of some sort. And the public is so misinformed. When they print a quote or a question from someone at their events, it is obvious that they are all fact-challenged. I am so ready for some truth and intellect and decency from PBO.
Nice!
Too sweet. I commented last night that it would be phe-nom-e-nal if the Obama Campaign bigfooted the caucus Tuesday night. It would totally demoralize the TeaOP if even a modicum of attention went to the President on what’s supposed to be “their” night. It would be great if this occurred in each and every contest during the primaries. LOL. Genius, I tell ya, genius!
Lead story on my Yahoo Mail page: Economy gaining momentum, housing shows a pulse.
Sweet!!
Oh, this should be good! On a local blog I frequent in AZ, one of the state reps has decided to poke in and comment on a post. It was rather humorous…it was in response to this, from ThinkProgress
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2011/12/29/395766/poll-progressive-is-the-most-positively-viewed-political-label-in-america/
And this was his response.
State Rep. John Kavanagh said…
Maybe it has a positive perception because the majority of people do not know what the word means. See Gallup http://www.gallup.com/poll/141218/americans-unsure-progressive-political-label.aspx
Progressive is a positive “spin word” for liberal. as such, it is deceptive and non-transparant.
Yeah…go right to Gallup. Figures! DON”T KNOW WHAT THE WORD MEANS? He insults people’s intelligence
AND he can’t spell!
Heh!
For those of you that hadn’t seen this.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/12/29/virginia-gop-requires-loyalty-oath-from-primary-voters/
How can that be legal? What happened to secret voting?
Anyone could sign that loyalty oath if they wanted to vote. There’s no way to enforce it because people’s votes in the General Election *are* secret. This is Party overreach and an attempt to control their people. It’s just an act of desperation, and I wouldn’t worry about it.
Thanks – and yes, of course, you are right. I’m just infuriated thinking about the principle behind the pledge. Oh, I forgot … it’s yet another Republican pledge … these party types have no principles when it comes to voting. Infuriating.
New light bulb efficiency standards will begin phasing in on Jan. 1 despite intense opposition from conservatives, who have blasted the rules as a textbook unnecessary federal regulation.
While Republicans secured inclusion of a measure blocking funding for enforcement of the standards in a year-end spending bill, energy efficiency groups say the provision will have little practical impact. The Energy Department rules will nonetheless go into effect at the start of 2012.
“The [spending bill] cut funding for enforcement, however the law is still in effect,” said Jack Gillis, spokesman for the Consumer Federation of America. “It is our expectation that companies will still comply with the law.”
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/201687-despite-gop-opposition-light-bulb-standards-to-phase-in-on-jan-1
The President wins again!
I tell you, that Obama, kowtowing to BP and not going after anyone for the oil blowout and… oh, wait a minute.
Criminal Charges Are Prepared in BP Spill.
Yes, “that one” (that Obama) continues to amaze!
Occupy the Caucus update:
“Five protesters were arrested outside the Iowa campaign headquarters of presidential contender Ron Paul in Ankeny before the group moved on to the Iowa Democratic Party headquarters in Des Moines, where 12 more were taken into custody. All were ticketed for trespassing and released….
Iowa Democratic Party Executive Director Norm Sterzenbach said the protesters were given the opportunity to express their opinions and party officials listened to their concerns, but he said occupying the party offices was unacceptable.
“Not only does it interfere with the important work that our volunteers and staff do to engage Iowans in the political process, by physically blocking our staff from entering or exiting the building sets a very dangerous precedent,” Sterzenbach said in a statement….
At the Iowa Democratic Party’s offices, protesters targeted President Barack Obama, demanding that he put a stop to home foreclosures, turn down campaign donations from Wall Street, and end indefinite detentions of detainees at Guantanamo Bay.
“They’re all going to get equal play on this,” Ryun said. “We are very disillusioned with every candidate.”
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-250_162-57350023/occupy-protesters-arrested-at-paul-dems-hq/
And we are very disillusioned with the OWS movement, of libertarians.
One thing about these libertarians, they are very active/ have a lot of energy!
I’m tired of the word disillusioned. People need to grow up, this is the real world and you’re not going to get everything you want instantaneously. You continuously fight for it not give up.
“They’re all going to get equal play on this,” Ryun said. “We are very disillusioned with every candidate.”
After Ryun has ‘played equally’ before ALL of the candidates I wonder if his disillusionment will be alleviated? It’s encouraging to think his ‘play’ will accomplish his goal. Maybe then he can move forward with the business of making wise voting choices from the candidates on the ballots.
I am very disgusted with the ignorance of OWS! The President tried to close Guantanamo, the overwhelming majority of members of Congress, including progressive heroes like Bernie Sanders and Russ Feingold, voted NO!. You would think that, in this day age, people would understand that under our political system of ” Checks and Balances” the President cannot act as a dictator if Congress is united in opposing his actions. Congress never challenged Bush when he set up Guantanamo detentions. Probably because of the trauma of the 9/11 attacks. But Congress has obstructed every effort by President Obama to close Guantanamo. So, exactly why is OWS blaming this on the President. Likewise, President Obama can’t unilaterally put a stop on foreclosures, though he has come up with programs to minimize it. As for the campaign donations from Wall Street, the last time I checked, Wall Street hates President Obama. Besides is OWS pledging to contribute to the President’s re-election?
I will say it again, I am disgusted with the theatrics of OWS! I apologize if I offend any one on this site who is a strong supporter of OWS. I just see no purpose being served by OWS’ antics. If members of OWS were really serious they would be out there mobilizing and registering voters to support candidates for Congress who favor their agenda. Being “disillusioned” and disruptive is more likely to lead to dispair defeat rather than leading to meaningful change. Just my two cents.
The Obamas continued their traditional vacation visit to Alan Wong’s restaurant in Honolulu last night.
http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Alan-Wong-receives-visit-from-the-President-and/BVYtWgxKN0e5qOSc6g_-vg.cspx
Here’s a nice video describing their visit last year:
http://www.kitv.com/video/26318316/detail.html
Tried to reply to an ugly comment left by some braindead nincompoop at the end of this story, but did not have the login data to sign in and post. Suggested they might try a bit of duct tape for their mouth, or some old fashioned soap to wash it out. But it is the infected brain that is the real problem. Some people are so mean spirited.
HONOLULU — The Obamas and their friends are eating lunch Thursday on the beach at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, just a few minutes’ drive from their vacation rental in Kailua.
The picnic is taking place on Pyramid Rock Beach, but the White House didn’t offer any other details.
The president was also at the base earlier in the day for a workout at the gym.
–Jennifer Epstein
As the violence in Syria spirals out of control, top officials in President Barack Obama’s administration are quietly preparing options for how to assist the Syrian opposition, including gaming out the unlikely option of setting up a no-fly zone in Syria and preparing for another major diplomatic initiative.
Critics on Capitol Hill accuse the Obama administration of being slow to react to the quickening deterioration of the security situation in Syria, where over 5,000 have died, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. Many lawmakers say the White House is once again “leading from behind,” while the Turks, the French, and the Arab League — which sent an observer mission to Syria this week – take the initiative to pursue more aggressive strategies for pressuring the Assad regime. But U.S. officials said that they are moving cautiously in order to avoid destabilizing Syria further, and to make sure they know as much as possible about the country’s complex dynamics before getting more involved.
But the administration does see the status quo in Syria as unsustainable. The Bashar al Assad regime is a “dead man walking,” State Department official Fred Hof said this month. So the administration is now ramping up its policymaking machinery on the issue. After several weeks of having no top-level administration meetings to discuss the Syria crisis, the National Security Council (NSC) has begun an informal, quiet interagency process to create and collect options for aiding the Syrian opposition, two administration officials confirmed to The Cable.
http://thecable.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/12/28/obama_administration_secretly_preparing_options_for_aiding_the_syrian_opposition
That’s ok!
Our4thEstate Bobfr
@Messina2012 Halt Voter Suppression – Request @whitehouse instruct State to issue FREE Passports to all Americans of voting age by 6Nov2012
Same message sent to @davidaxelrod @DWSTweets @pfeiffer44 @thereval @SenatorReid …. feel free to send to all you can to get this effort underway.
Thank you.
#YesWeCanDOMoreTogether #1936ForObamaBiden
Great idea Bob! I retweeted and sent out tweets too.
Free passports cost to much.
I was thinking the same thing Jovie. That sounds super expensive.
Time to go after all of the new voter suppression tactics, so none of these new I.D. pitfalls will be in place.
Trivial cost for the US and, in fact, every citizen deserves to have at least their first passport be free of charge.
Bobfr, I absolutely support your proposal 100%. If all these people who claim to love FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY really mean it, then no citizen should be denied the right to vote because they can’t afford to obtain a government issued ID! I am amazed at the blatant hypocrisy of these Republicans who, supposedly hate government, but just can’t wait to use government to deny citizens the right to vote, over some bogus issue like requiring a government issued picture Identification that costs money many people can’t afford. Ironically, these are the same people who are constantly up in arms because government requires people to obtain a license to carry guns.
Obviously then, under the right wing vision of FREEDOM and DEMOCRACY, the RIGHT to own ASSAULT WEAPONS is more important than the RIGHT to VOTE for people to represent us in government. I think It’s time to fight back and demand that if state governments require a picture ID for voting, then the state governments, or the Federal government, must provide free ID’s to all citizens, but especially those citizens who can’t afford to obtain paid ID’s. Otherwise, all these schemes that require government issued ID’s are aimed at denying the elderly and the poor, and especially the poor in ethnic minorities, who cannot afford paying for government issued picture ID’s. Lets stop all this BS that this is about preventing voter fraud! This is all about preventing the less economically privileged people from voting.
Once again, it is rather ironic that the champions of these schemes, to unfairly deny citizens the right to vote, are the same people who claim to be pious Christians who love “Freedom,” the Constitution, and “moral values.”
I am sending out tweets, too. This is a great idea.
Thank you forus, Jacqueline & Sabreen!!
Seems many folk are re-tweeting it and you can be sure I’ll keep the pressure on in the days ahead.
Least expensive path for the DoJ is simply to enable every voting age American to have a passport – way cheaper than court cases and totally crushes the voter suppression efforts of GOP.
#PRESSON
I ran across this nice tidbit about Hawaii’s top ranking in public green energy investment dollars per capita:
“Hawaii ranked highest in nation for investments in cleaner energy”
http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/Hawaii-ranked-highest-in-nation-for-investments/KzJZp8tIgEyrUnWDHyEnig.cspx
Way to go Hawaii!
The Energy Services Corporation has a handy graphic with statistics for each state on their homepage:
http://energyservicescoalition.org/
For details, roll your mouse over each state shown in green.
There really are haters every where. Check out this article:
Michelle Obama’s Hawaiian vacation wardrobe stirs controversy
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/16410270/obamas-hawaiian-vacation-continues-to-stir-controversy
I didn’t read through all of the comments, but at least the most recent comments show people see right through this hackjob of an article.
I like this one from David in particular:
“How can anyone not recognize that this “story” is simply a cowardly attack on Obama by the owners of KHNL? If Mrs. Obama wore last years’ clothes they would attack her for not spending to help the economy. No more KHNL for local news for me.”
Video from the same news outfit that brought the above article. Definitely haters:
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/16410366/president-obama-first-lady-dine-at-alan-wongs-restaurant
Just thought people should know what’s being put out there. I thought surely in Hawaii the media is a bit less hateful. Well, that bubble’s been burst.
That’s funny cause she’s also worn that dress like 5 times publicly. And she rewore the skirt too. Whatever.
Yep, I’ve seen it before too.
If President Obama is paying for what the First Lady wear is it any of KHNL business what ti cost? Do anyone every question what President Obama suit cost or his shoes. It is just another to go after the President and First Lady. Did they fine out how much Malia and Sasha dress cost where they worn to church? It is not a story, it probably is the same folks who tried to go after the First Lady for flying to Hawaii early. These people know that the First Lady is loved and admired every where and they know she will be a big help to the campaign so they are going after her to try to tarnish her image. It won’t work. She is still wonderful to me. And to hell with KHNL.
They tried to make a grumble about his thousand dollar suits for a little while but they dropped that because they know it’s not worth the energy.
and, if I recall correctly, many of President Obama’s suits are MADE IN AMERICA. I wonder if the others can say the same.
Hart Schaffner Marx – has a 119 year heritage as the leading American clothing manufacturer and marketer.
The two times I have seen pictures of FLOTUS in Hawaii, both of the outfits were outfits she had wore before. But I guess they had to fine out the price of the outfits. How much did the flats she wore to church cost? Are they going to fine the price of everything she wears?
Brace yourself annie…the Obama Derangement Syndrome will be widespread among the local and national MSM punditry in this election year. Whenever a media outlet pushes their dogwhistle bullshit about how much the Black President is costing America, I will throw it right back in their racist faces and ask: So let’s see your articles on the cost of Laura Bush’s trips, outfits and shoes from 200-2008.
Well said, Annibella! I actually think that the First Lady (a successful Harvard educated lawyer, who was making more money than her husband before he run for the Presidency) must have some money stashed away to be able to afford whatever dress she chooses to wear. I am just so sick and tired of these jealousy and racists bastards who have to find fault with everything about the Obamas. Just to think that, three years ago, people all over the world were so elated that the United States had overcome its legacy of racism and elected this brilliant man as President. Now all these vicious haters, who control the media, are trying to tell the almost 70 million Americans who voted for this President that they made a mistake. I pray and hope that the irrational haters of the President won’t succeed. President Obama is the best president in my lifetime. And I include the right wing hero Ronald Reagan, and the most recent left wing hero LBJ (whom they vilified over Vietnam). Neither LBJ nor Ronald Reagan inherited a free fall economy headed for a melt down and depression; on top of two wars.
God forbid, if President Obama is not re-elected, his successor will inherit a much different country/world because of all President Obama’s successes. Such successes as: a stable and growing economy, which a saved major industry,-the auto industry; an end to one the two wars he inherited; the decimation of of Al-Qiada; the revival of European alliances including the countries that Rumsfeld called old Europe; vibrant alliances and and economic engagement with Asia; emerging democracies in the Arab world that he helped spark. On and On. This what this President, who inherited such a mess, has been able to accomplish in just three years. It is very important for us who support President Obama to insist on making sure that his monumental accomplishments are accurately recorded.
I’m with “David’s” comment. I gave up on one of my local news shows, too, because of a negative graphic they once used, after reporting them, etc.!
Don Cheadle’s stupid “gangsta” comment vigorously persuaded me to buy the Obama portrait tee and donate an extra $10. I’m not going to call people stupid who I vehemently disagree, I’m just going to start upping my donations.
Had to go check that one out Jessica:
http://bossip.com/518674/chitchatter-don-cheadle-talks-about-what-it-takes-for-a-black-man-to-win-an-oscar-and-how-obama-just-wasnt-gangsta-enough-with-jet-magazine/
Ugh! That was a pretty damned ignorant thing for him to say. It appears Mr. Cheadle has been sipping on a bit of Bill Maher’s koolaid.
One of the most unintelligent comments I’ve heard in a while. This is even worse than Damon’s comment.
I always thought Cheadle was smarter then this. Guess I was wrong.
Don Cheadle can’t talk, and I love his acting. The only time he is “gangsta” is in a movie role.
I love his acting as well, but, really, you’re right, his real-life persona is as far from “gangsta” as you can get.
Thank you, Jessica, for your good attitude and extra donation. That and a gazillion votes and it’ll be a landslide in 2012! I firmly believe that. 🙂
Did you see this interactive tour of the Presidrnts vacation House?-
http://mobile.washingtonpost.com/rss.jsp?rssid=637&item=http%3a%2f%2fwww.washingtonpost.com%2frealestate%2fobama-hawaii-vacation-hom%2f2011%2f12%2f29%2fgIQAC4C0OP_mobile.mobile&cid=-1
Cool!
It doesn’t work for me. 😦
Push next down right hand corner!
I couldn’t get it to work either. Even after refreshing the page and clicking on Next.
But this one works just fine:
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/slideshow?widgetid=42884
Gosh, that’s a beautiful place.
Dudette, WOW, just wow. My favorite room is the one that seems to be an “indoor – outdoor” set-up. Pic #5 and #8 look like different views of the same room. I would be in HEAVEN!!!! in that room. Just sitting back chillin’
Yep me too. The Winter White House has got it goin’ ON!
Turns out the house is going up for sale after the First Family leaves. It can be yours for a cool 7.9 mil.
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/16414394/photo-obama-vacation-home-up-for-sale
Beautiful! I could be happy there.
Love this! EXACTLY where they should be, and EXACTLY what they deserve, I hope the solace and rest will sustain them for many months to come! Thank you for posting!
Okay, does anyone need a laugh of the it’s-hard-to-cure-crazy type? Reminds me a bit of those on the left trying to manipulateSOS Hillary C.
http://www.themudflats.net/2011/12/29/group-urges-iowans-to-vote-rogue-for-sarah-palin/
Romney just said- President Obama as out of touch as Marie Antoinette.
Rovian politics again. Say it about your opponent, before they say it about you!
Williard is Marie Antoinette..and, he’s so lonely..poor poor williard. Lashing out at the Commoners. Fucking Idiot.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2011/12/29/gingrich-would-consider-palin-for-a-cabinet-position/
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich on Wednesday said he would consider appointing former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin to a Cabinet position within his administration if he were elected president, according to the liberal watchdog Right Wing Watch.
As if we needed more proof it is all a joke to him…
Yeah…Palin and John Bolton.OMG
desertflower, when you are desperate you will say anything. That’s what Newt is trying, he is trying to reach out to those Palin idiots. Beside I didn’t know dog catcher was a cabinet position.
I don’t know what happened but a lot of people are angry at Chris Hayes on twitter….anyone know what happened?
He’s been promoting the GOP agenda on his show, or the PL people who are against PBO and today he was promoting Ron Paul on Maddow. He’s really changed, very disappointing.
Yickes, he’s even worst than I thought…….what a joke he turned out to be…..
He is another libertarian. Democrats are going to be confused, they are trying to take over the progressive movement.
Does those newsletters with Ron Paul name on them concern people like Chris Hayes, and the ones who seem to love him? This man hate blacks, he hate gays, he don’t like Israel, that doesn’t concern them. Let that have been POTUS name on letters like that and see what the media like Chris Hayes and others would be saying. Anyone remember how Senator Obama was treated because of what Rev. Wright said?
I imagine alot of Paul supporters are like he is, racists, hate gays.
I bet it has something to do with his “Obama’s secret drone war” crap. He was hosting Maddow tonight.
If Chris Hayes snd glen greenwald are so sanctimonious, tell them to invite al Qaeda over for a drink- make peace!
Lol.
I hate ideologues, they are ruining our Country!
They are not even ideologues. They are attention-seekers and emotional runts. These people all suffer from ODS, and like the Republicans they stake out a political position only if they think they can use it to oppose the President. They have no core beliefs, no core values…it’s all about trying to make themselves relevant by attaching their empty issues to the world’s most admired and respected leader, President Obama.
Remember folks, they start reporting fundraising numbers every month, not by the quarter.
One month in 08, we raised 89 million.
Don’t worry about fundraising, but, we must keep the fundraising drives going, as citizens united is going to be throwing 1 billion dollars at us!
I don’t know if anyone noticed the smile and the slight shaking of his head as the President came down the steps of Air Force 1 in Hawaii. It seemed to me that he was thinking “man am I glad to be here!”
I did notice that too, Sabreen60. I’m sure you are right…..there is something so lovely about the air in Hawaii, it fills you up, and for PBO, it is home, it is in his blood; being born and raised there, I think that reaction is one of sheer relief!
Plus I think POTUS was glad to get away from those crazy bastards in D.C., and be with his family.
Senate Democrats expect to pass a long-delayed surface transportation bill soon after they return to Washington next month.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), chairwoman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, said her colleagues have identified a list of offsets that could be used cover the final $12 billion of the bill’s cost.
http://thehill.com/blogs/transportation-report/infrastructure/201679-senate-plans-swift-action-on-transportation-bill
Our President at the USS Arizona Memorial:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/29/us/immigration-hotline/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
– In the latest volley between the federal government and states pushing anti-illegal-immigration laws, the Obama administration announced Thursday it was establishing a new hotline for immigration detainees who feel they “may be U.S. citizens or victims of a crime.”
The 24-hour-a-day, 7-days-a-week hotline is part of a “broader effort to improve our immigration enforcement process and prioritize resources to focus on threats to public safety, (on) repeat immigration law violators, recent border entrants, and immigration fugitives while continuing to strengthen oversight of the nation’s immigration detention system and facilitate legal immigration,” a news release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said.
Hi everyone, new post here:
http://theobamadiary.com/2011/12/29/in-memory-9/
President Barack Obama will travel to Cleveland the day after the Iowa caucuses as he seeks to draw a contrast with Republicans running for president.
The White House says the president’s Jan. 4 trip to Ohio will focus largely on the economy.
Republican presidential candidates will face off in the Iowa caucuses on Jan. 3. It’s the first nominating contest of the 2012 campaign.
Obama won Ohio in 2008. But the state has been hard-hit economically during the president’s term, and is sure to be a political battleground in next year’s presidential election.
http://m.miamiherald.com/mh/db_42944/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=eaIiFvzc
Am watching the Ed Show and he has a Dem MN Mayor on called RT Rybak from Minneapolis and is he ever cute!
Yes indeedy. He’s a cutey! Seems like he’s been the mayor forever. He’s in his third term and he’s is very likeable. Minneapolis is a Democratic stronghold so I guess he can stick around as long as he wants to, although it would be great if he ran for Governor one day 🙂
Okay. He may be brilliant, but man he is hot.
Nice photo of the President looking all mellow and relaxed. You know how to make us happy Chipsticks. Hope you are also feeling mellow and relaxed.
After feasting my eyeballs on the Prez. I’ll be dreaming sweet dreams tonight…..
THIS IS ONE PHOTO THAT NEEDS TO BE PRESERVED IN THE ARCHIVES AND RERUN MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT…CERTAINLY MADE MY DAY!