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Journalists record President Barack Obama’s visit to see North Korea from Observation Post Ouellette in the Demilitarized Zone, the tense military border between the two Koreas, in Panmunjom, South Korea, March 25
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President Barack Obama speaks with troops at the dining hall at Camp Boniface during his tour of the Demilitarized Zone
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Morning everyone, I’ll try to update later today, see you then 😉
The Obama Diary 
🙂
G’day theo67, first to comment on this lovely day!
Good morning theo67 and all the TOD family. Hope you all have a great day!
Hey Chipsticks – hope your travels are going well. Thanks for the great pictures. Here’s another short video clip of President Obama at the DMZ.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-17503530
thanks theo–love the bbc coverage.
Theo, thanks for the clip from the BBC. News reported of PBO’s visit reported in a straight forward factual manner, who knew this was possible?! Just another illustration of the complete and utter fail of the US’ “news” organizations.
Congrats on being 1st. This is the first time I’ve been able to offer congratuations. 😆 For you:
Thanks for the congratulations – I even surprised myself! 🙂
great clip–he is so good. i could watch him all day long. hmmm–i guess that’s why i’m here so much!
thx theo! – tweeted!
thanks a lot for providing the BBC link! the difference in reporting is stark and continues to amaze me. Given the exceptional care and the details in reporting, one would think that President Obama is the government leader of the UK even as he is ignored int the US, the country he was elected to lead
Thanks, theo67; This is the kind of coverage that we should have gotten from our media.
Here’s to the late night/early morning crowd! 😉
Elizabeth Warren is one of the best friends our President has, and she’s one of the best friends our Party has. And that’s saying something. She stands up for progressive principles, and she teaches the blue-dog, run-away-from-Obama crowd in the Democratic Party what leadership is all about.
I finally got around to watching The Road We’ve Traveled, and I am even more impressed by his courage and his leadership. They really wanted him to settle for less when it came to the Affordable Care Act, but luckily for the people of this country – people like myself – he didn’t. He is a national treasure.
If he’s re-elected, it will show that all the attacks, all the big money, and all the hate in the world cannot stop a man of impeccable character.
If he is not re-elected, it will show that he is just too good for our country – that America really didn’t deserve someone like him.
But I still believe Obama in the Oval Office is a match made in Heaven. I still think we deserve him. We sure as hell need him. And I will do my damnedest to make sure he continues to lead us!
Well said.
Yes, well said.
If he’s re-elected, it will show that all the attacks, all the big money, and all the hate in the world cannot stop a man of impeccable character.
I sincerely hope this is only one that happens.
and here’s to you, scott!
the clips we get here are always encouraging, and reminding us of what’s at stake, what’s to be done, and how lucky we are to have this president right now.
thanks scott for saying that.
Isn’t it a fabulous mini-doc? And that is why we must work very hard to make sure that he is re-elected. I still can’t believe that some people are thinking it’s in the bag for PBO. Nothing is set in stone – we have our work cut out for us for sure.
very good observations on all accounts. I love PBO and Prof Elizabeth Warren. I hope the win in MA is massive for both because these are the leaders this country needs since they went into public service to serve regular marginalized people
Warren may be a friend, but she needs to watch her words in admonishing PBO. I read on POU that she has used a bit of bashing, maybe to appease some of her librul followers. Everything should not be about politics by any means. If I can, later today, find what she was supposed to have said, I will post. Wouldn’t want to be accused of spreading falsehoods. I don’t trust anyone formerly affiliated or now affiliated with PBO (too many have ridden his coattails, be it by elective status, books, reporting) until I see the full scope of their behaviors. Incidentally, my President has mucho swagger in that top video.
Yup, she did admonish him saying it”s time for Obama to “evolve’ on gay marriage. And she is not even a senator yet.
PBO needs to stay PBO. No one need try to change this man. He’s fine, just the way he is.
But, but I remember the PL keep saying that PBO trew Elizabeth Warren under the bus WTF?
there was so much bs going on with the Fricking whiners.
Have no fear. He will be re=elected, no if or buts. Look at the contenders. Would you like to see them at the G8 summit or visiting South Korea or Englan? Let’s not forget his visit to Ireland. This man is what the country needs and he will be re-elected because he is the best man for the job at this time.
I think he is truly the one that the rest of the world wants as our President and that they need him too.
Thank you, Scott.
Chips, wow! Thank you for taking time from your travels to make time for TOD. Touched by your selflessness…. u are da bomb
truly–and that photo of pbo in his black coat and scarf is a keeper! didn’t i read on an earlier thread that he’s ‘just a guy’ when it comes to clothes? yeah, but what a guy!
yep, he’s all that AND then some! 😆
okay, bedtime for me. thanks again, chips, for keeping us on track here. safe journey.
I’m out TOD night owls. 🙂 It’s 2 am here in Cali. Sweet dreams.. peace and blessings…
He’s suck a fuckin’ stud.
I can say that, right? 😉
That should totally read such, not suck. Yeesh. It’s late, okay?!?
Hahaha. Yes you can say that.
Your typo made me laugh out loud. Especially since your name is “Drunken Irishman” 😉
Freudian slip? :p
Wow! Thank you for the coverage Chips. Just like his last trip, I guess the ONLY coverage is from this site. Have a great “O” Day.
Floods and water shortages in the next 30 years will make it hard for many countries to keep up with growing demand for fresh water, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, the U.S. intelligence community reported Thursday.
Water problems in the next decade will add to instability in countries that are important to U.S. national security, the report said. Floods and shortages also will make it hard for some countries to grow enough food or produce enough energy, creating risk for global food markets and slowing economic growth.
“I think it’s fair to say the intelligence community’s findings are sobering,” said Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who requested the report last year. “These threats are real and they do raise serious security concerns.”
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/03/22/142812/us-intelligence-looming-water.html#storylink=cpy
We have been warned for years about the “coming water wars”. We’ve seen beginnings of that here in parts of the country where water sources/lakes have dried up and municipalities have begun fighting about other water sources/availability.
yes i’ve been hearing about the impending “water wars” which is just one reason why I think Fracking for oil is SO INSANE.
Herman Cain still talks like he’s running for president
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2012/03/23/142920/herman-cain-still-talks-like-hes.html#storylink=cpy
Check out this video on YouTube:
I will always love you.
Sent from my iPad
Powerful. I had to come back to listen because of where my emotions were , but thanks so much taiping1. I have the CD and that is one of the songs that I play over and over. Just saying I will miss her, and I feel she knew her spirit was ready to move on to another place, just finding an exit was her most difficult task to exit her space here with us. May she now rest in peace.HZ
Check out this video on YouTube:
an American Prayer for all of us ( and for Chips). Why we are all still committed
Sent from my iPad
thanks taiping1, i never saw that before.
that is so moving taiping
Good Morning/Afternoon TOD Family. Thanks taiping1 for that moving video. Makes the heart still for awhile and makes us more determined to do all the work we can to re-elect POB. ‘
A beautiful Sunday to all of my TOD Family. And to our beautiful Chips, thank you and please enjoy and relax. We love you and we appreciate this space so very much.
May we come into this space with a clear mind, an intellectual eye, a sweet and gentle spirit, a heart full of goodness, a grateful heart for a great President, steady and moving feet to work for the betterment of children, seniors, and all men and women in our nation, hands that will reach out to serve wherever we are in our communities, and a combined effort to move forward with a focus that is so sharp and rich in vision that all of these will mesh with those of POB, our wonderful President. We love you and we lift you up daily, Mr. President. HZ
So very Powerful….we have to win…failure is not an option
Check out this video on YouTube: For the Hispanic voter (80%+)
Sent from my iPad
Taiping – I was at our Senate District convention yesterday and talking to people to get them to sign up to volunteer. Talked to this teacher who was telling me her story of how she teaches 100% of children who are living in poverty and is heartbroken because one of her favorite students who is a 13 year old girl is having to leave the US. Her father is getting deported back to Mexico – so the family is moving. The young girl and her brother just a little younger have grown up with english and spanish is not their native tongue but are going back there to live and go to school.
That’s why it is so important not only to reelect PBO but also to get strong Democratic majorities in Congress. Immigration reform will not come from the GOP.
True!
Yes, it is a4alice. Did you get my message concerning your message to me? I hope so.HZ
I sure did HZ thanks! Twitter’s been kinda weird lately I think. I’ve been getting a lot of “we’re overloaded” kinds of messages too!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE PICS OF PBO THIS MORNING. AMERICA IS SO BLESSED TO HAVE THIS PRESIDENT. AM OFF TO CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL THIS MORNING…PLEASE PRAY FOR PBO’S SAFETY WHILE HE IS IN KOREA…BLESS YOU ALL…BACK LATER!…I LOVE MY PRESIDENT!…:)
Good morning!
Good morning Chips
I hope your are having a nice time. Thanks for updating us.
Everyone in TODville have a beautiful day. 🙂
This is the “reporting” that President Obama’s S.Korea visit got on Weekend Today: “While President Obama is in Korea, his health care law is under attack”. That was it. That was the extent of it. No substance, no explanation, no mention of his activities there or the purpose of the trip. Zero. Unbelievable. Now they’re busy reporting on William and Kate, that they’re off on a ski trip together! And an update on Prince Harry’s love life—-is he back with his old girlfriend??? What in the world has happened to our “news” media?—–gets worse by the day.
It’s a Republican Dream! No substance, no explanations on anything.
Which is what Ryan is hoping for, for his new budget. That nobody will know about it, until it happens.
It’s why Robney will not explain his cuts to the American people, he is hoping the media will be talking about something else…
// Begin rant….
It’s all tabloid all the time from network and cable news. Isn’t it astonishing? That headline is very telling. I keep trying to figure out exactly what is so wrong with having a healthcare system that ensures the American people are not taken advantage of by insurance companies and that they are getting the quality care they deserve. And I must say that I have never been more proud of President Obama as when he arranged the Nuclear Summit back April 2010 and got leaders from around the world to come to Washington to address the issue of nuclear weapons materials getting in the hands of terrorists. What PBO is doing is extraordinary and should be applauded. He’s been talking about nuclear proliferation issues for a long time now. The START Treaty that the GOP wanted block was a major accomplishment. Why isn’t he getting the credit he deserves for his leadership on such a critical national and global security issue? I don’t remember seeing anything like this in the previous administration.
What infuriates me is that we have in President Obama a brilliant, pragmatic, and visionary leader. But there is no seriousness of purpose coming from the Republican Party. The media continues to treat the GOP like they are a credible opposition party when we all know they are just obstructionists. The GOP has done nothing constructive since President Obama took office. But for the media, everything that is wrong in the country is President Obama’s fault. It’s as if the congress does not exist.
I watched the press conference this morning and was just amazed at our President Obama. He is a true leader and a statesman. As always, he answers all questions thoroughly and thoughtfully with such wisdom and clarity. While I was watching the press conference I thought how would Mitt Romney handle a trip like this. How would Mitt Romney answer the questions from U.S. and international reporters? It was horrifying to contemplate.
The network and cable shows are a total embarrassment. They take their cues from the complaints and criticisms of the Republican Party. At the root of every negative story about President Obama is some GOP talking point, lie or distortion. And the media is just too happy to carry water for them. This is not journalism. It’s lazy, dishonest and tabloid reporting. The American people deserve better.
// End rant…
This is an A+- PERFECT rant LadyHawke, because it gets right to the bottom of the MSM’s motivation to push the GOP agenda at the expense of the development of this country and well-being of it’s ordinary citizens.
The media is a big part of what is wrong with America today. The sooner folks realize this and take steps to seriously address problem, the better we will be for it.
A++ LadyHawke. Thank you for focusing our attention back on this very important issue.HZ
Exactly. Well said. Another part of the problem is that too many people read too little, if any, and listen to only TV and radio folks that feed their already biased opinion against President Obama.
This is so true, Jazz. They do not read enough of materials that have sustance in it as well. That is one reason, in my observation, that most people on tv can get away with the trash that they present as journalism in this country. We ourselves have set the bar too low .
We do not visit a bookstore. We do not allow our children to see us reading good books in our homes. We do not give our children good books as gifts for their birthdays and special days in their lives or get them an e reader,(if money is available within the family). We allow our city governments to shut down our libraries all across America, and we do not encourage our young people to read until it is a life or death situation.
Reading is one of the keys to our children being able to compete on a global level. Information is a must for all of us. Entertainment should be defined better for our children, and reading should be defined better to inform our children and young adults that knowledge and making it an usuable knowledge are two important aspects of our global readiness to approach life in the 21 century with boldness, and not just be on the sidelines of the current conversastions about the world. HZ
Brilliant LadyHawke – you said it all. The GOP have not just done nothing during the Obama presidency – they’ve done nothing for this country for the past thirty years! And the media is complicit in extending the public’s ignorance of that fact.
When I saw the signs of the tea party protesters in Washington yesterday, I just shook my head at the profound display of willful ignorance and racism there. A mass of elderly people (and their kids and grandkids) who are fighting against improvements in Medicare, a deduction in the deficit, more security for consumers dealing with insurance companies – and who are fighting FOR the very party and policies that will kill Medicare, deregulate the insurance industry, limit accountability by restricting medical malpractice lawsuits and endanger the lives of women and children with their antiquated and invasive ideology. And most of it is driven by racism. If the media had asked any of those fools what they actually wanted repealed – they wouldn’t have a clue. They don’t understand how the mandate works, they have no idea that some of the new benefits they’ve experienced to date have come from the Administration – and it’s impossible to reach them when they only watch FOX news.
I fell asleep during the press conference, despite heroic efforts on my part (“let me just close my eyes for five minutes…”), but I’ve watched my recording this morning, and I agree – even though he must have been jet-lagged by that point, I think he was brilliant.
Ladyhawke, this is not a rant; this is SPEAKING TRUTH! I completely agree with everything you said. The mainstream U.S. media is absolutely despicable.
It’s Entertainment Tonight 24/7. The U.S. media threw in the towel years ago on in-depth news. Nothing unbelievable about it.
On the NBC evening news, they gave the impression that the only reason POTUS was in South Korea, was because the republicans think he is “weak on North Korea and Iran” Why can’t they just do straight reporting instead of adding what ever silly thing the gop says?
Infuriating! There is more speculation than actual news in the media.
Did you watch the Presidents press conference at 6 this morning?
No I missed it. Do you know where I can find it?
WH.gov… Maybe later.
I missed it , but I will be looking for is this AM Thanks.
Thank you Chips for this post! Morning everyone!
@HZ
Just read your post from the last thread. Thank you for those strong statements. It means so much to share and to think aloud here at TOD.
We will be strong for each other.
Thanks, HZ
Eveingeorgia, you are so welcome. Be gentle on your self and in your space when you feel the need to do so. ((((((Hugs)))))))HZ
Good morning, Chips. Take care during your travels. Thanks for the updates.
Good morning TOD ohana. I have a sad b/c today is the last day of Spring Break. One of the many good things about being off this last week is that I was able to been in the loop here in real time.
Thanks everyone, especially those who bring such great material to this wonderful site everyday and while Mama Chipsnis away.
David Corn great on C-Span now talking about President Obama.
Which is a lot better than Chris Hayes, which is like taking a Post Graduate course of his selective subjects.
Most people don’t want to get into a deep discussion about libertarian viewpoints.
So, I will checkout cspan. Thanks.
Hayes and MHP have been a major disappointment to me. these are highly intelligent people. When you KNOW the news cycle has ignored PBO’s trip to Korea, how about using your brains and education to give it some substantive coverage?
A total disappointment.
I am also very disappointed, especially in MHP as I expected more from her. Sigh.
I give you credit for hanging in there this long. First time I saw him I just couldn’t get past that smug condescension.
I record Melissa so I can listen to her later. I get the impression that she’s attempting to come across as an “intellectual”, which is not a bad thing. However, as you pointed out there are so many kitchen table issues and foreign policy issues that the President is dealing with and it would be useful if she at least attempted to address them. As does the rest of the MSM, she gives all or most of her attention to the story of the moment at the expense of everything else.
MHP and the rest of them can be as intellectual as they want AFTER the election. Right now, they are needed to spread information and to challenge lies from the right and the fundamental/emotional leftists. There’s too much at stake for them to just spend time showing us how smart they are. Look at Fareed Zakaria, who is even smarter than both of them, and uses his show to discuss highly intellectual subjects that actually educate people. He did a brilliant show yesterday on health care. He’s discussed issues pertaining to the Middle East with sensitivity and aplomb. And he’s often criticized the Administration in a way that makes you curious, challenges assumptions or poses alternative options – but doesn’t disregard the very real possibility that the Administration may have more information or less latitude in making decisions in reality, and often recognizes the notion that the path actually chosen might not have been a popular one, but was entirely valid and correct for the situation. The MSNBC intellects could learn something from Fareed.
i disagree with some of the comments about both Chris Hayes..and Melissa Harris Perry
i have found their programs to be thought provoking and interesting….do i agree with all comments …no….but i find their programs to always be challenging and insightful….
Today Chris Harris….talked about religion in politics…i found it to be fascinating i would encourage everyone to view the video when it becomes available
as for Melissa Harris Perry…on one of her segments she had a panel consisting of 3 African American young men…roughly the age of Trayvon Martin….it was refreshing to hear their take on the recent events…
to add a point…..Melissa H-P…has had on her program more Black Men in her short time on the air then the other pundits combined….
i grow weary of folks “disappointment” of folks….
that if something is not 100% of how we think it should be…..then it is not good…NOTHING will ever be 100%…does that mean that it does not have value….
and i think that she uses her brain and education quite well….
I will continue to watch!
His book Showdown is excellent: details the story behind the economic recovery, health care, bin Laden, debt struggles. POTUS’S courage, perseverance, negotiation skills, and willingness to take the tough, unpopular decisions in order to do the right thing one through. A spellbinder.
Dotster3, I am reading David Corn’s new book, “Showdown”. and it is a good read so far.HZ
SEOUL (Reuters) – U.S. President Barack Obama on Sunday urged China to use its influence to stop North Korea’s “bad behavior” in a nuclear standoff with the West and hinted at tougher sanctions if the reclusive state goes ahead with a rocket launch next month.
Such a launch would only further isolate the impoverished North, which much show its sincerity if on-again-off-again six-party aid-for-disarmament talks are to restart, Obama said.
Seoul and Washington say the launch is a disguised test of ballistic missile. North Korea says it merely wants to put a satellite into orbit.
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE82O07W20120325?irpc=932
Tonight – March 25, 2012 9:30 PM EDT – http://www.whitehouse.gov/live
President Obama Speaks on Continued Efforts to Stop the Spread of Nuclear Weapons
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul, South Korea
GREAT!! Thank you, JER.
Yes, thank you for the infor. JER. Much appreciated.HZ
David Plouffe is on all the Sunday shows, but so is Michelle Bachman.
Are all these sunday shows in the same floor ? How does one from one show to nest, if otherwise ?
Taped!
A ha. I thought they were live.
It’s too early to suggest we do a drinking game for every time Michele Bachman mentions “OBAMACARE”. But maybe instead of booze we could take a swig of orange juice.
Good morning, TODville!! How wonderful to wake up to images of our President Obama in another round of meet-ups across the globe. He looks terrific and I’m sure he is making new strides in his talks with everyone in attendance. What a privilege to be able to share these moments.
I love the way he always secretly slips a Presidential Coin to the military he meets on the runway!!
Here’s a little bit more footage of PBO meeting with the military at the DMZ:
http://www.cnn.com/2012/03/25/world/asia/korea-obama-visit/index.html?hpt=hp_t1
Also, a tiny snippet of the press conference with PBO and President Lee:
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2012/03/25/bts-obama-lee-security-summit.cnn
Here’s the whole press conference:
BAH!! That’s the old one from 2009!
Sorry, folks. I’m having a hard time finding info on this trip. ARGHHHH.
I have watched the beginning of 3 Sunday shows and all of them have the exact same questions for David Plouffe. Oh, and all of them have that poll that says All Americans Hate obamacare.
It’s almost like they were all given a script!
Reporting by fax machine.
Unreal! I started laughing, by the third show, I knew all the questions.
OMG, we have lost our way, for sure. Where would we be without the internet? I CRINGE.
Meta, have I told you lately how much I appreciate you? Well, here goes. “My appreciation goes out to our wonderful meta for the great work that is always brought to this site for all of us to share and be more informed on the issues. Thanks you, meta.HZ
how did the plouffinator do?
He was fantastic. He has a mind that retains so much facts so you can’t BS him.
YES!
Jovie, they were given a script–morning talking points from the RNC. I’m sure Plouffe can handle anything that comes at him. He knows all their tricks.
You know guys, this is just beyond ridiculous that we can barely find snippets of the President in Seoul. Where is the complete footage of him speaking to the troops on Camp Bonifas? There are a ton—and I mean a ton of reporters traveling with him right now. Okay…..done with my rant. I am just pissed about it all. The US media want most people to stay ignorant and are just a bunch of TMZ sensationalists and are not informing the public.
He had road block cable coverage for his press conference this morning.
I loved it, he did great.
Can’t seem to find any evidence of it, though.
Why do networks pay to have all these “reporters” travel with the President when they don’t even cover his trip? They could save money by having one reporter to tell the rest what’s going on.
Maybe we should suggest that to Ron Paul, as an alternative to his idea of reducing security cover for the First Family – he’s such an idiot!
Regarding press coverage…so far it is disappointing, but it is available. One of the big problems I see is that many Americans, journalists included, still have trouble thinking internationally. They believe that all that matters is what happens inside our borders, that we are the center of the world. They still have not realized that the world is a connected system, and that what happens on the opposite side of the globe has a powerful impact on us, and that what happens here has an impact on other parts of the world President Obama, of course, knows this and operates in this way. The press has only recently begun playing catch up with this idea, I think. PBO is so far ahead of them, that all they can do is either ignore him or report meagerly.
This water situation is one which our press is totally ignorant about. They need to educate themselves, which we know.
I still think we here need to push back on ALL the networks….CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, NBC, C-Span and tell them we EXPECT intelligent coverage of the President. We need to keep remembering our power with Rush Limbaugh. These people have only us for an audience, and we need to remind them that perhaps there are sound reasons their ratings and audience are declining.
Korea is important to the U.S. whether the majority of Americans realize it or not. We ignore that situation to our detriment. Fortunately our President keeps his eye on all the balls all the time.
I don’t know how old you are, Carolyn, but there used to be a time that our journalists were the ones who educated us. Americans probably never would have cared about complex international policy, but if David Brinkley and Walter Cronkite made it clear that it was important to be informed as a citizen, the conversation changed.
Until the news became part of the entertainment division and was expected to make a profit. During the Reagan years, as I recall. The government could have stepped in and kept that portion of the networks responsible to the public and not to profit. After all, the airwaves are available only because the government allows them to be available for network use.
And here we are. Dumber than ever, and now there’s a major American party that is proud of its ignorance. Just great.
Well said. And don’t forget that Geography and Histor are not taught in the schools much anymore. History of the United States, Canada, Europe and the world really. As for Geography, most cannot find a country on a map or the globe. We have to start thinking international because the world has gotten smaller and it’s no longer just US anymore; it ‘us.” meaning the world.
I remember when a President traveled overseas, the big name new anchors or journalist joined him, it was a big deal. What they do now is pathetic, remember PBO’s trip to China when Chuck Todd interviewed POTUS and asked nothing about China, but wanted to know if he read Palin’s book?
I have a friend who got an M.A. in speech and performing arts, with honors. She doesn’t understand geography. At all. She has a limited concept of how maps are drawn. I frankly don’t know how she drives her car. She’s an intelligent girl. And before we knock ‘speech and performing arts’, there was a time when those disciplines were among the most informed on history, politics and current affairs. A debate team would have to research and understand their subject. You were graded not just on your debate performance but your deep knowledge of the subject.
The performing arts — (I was a theatre major): what we learned and understood about history and the people who lived it was profound. You put on a play not just to strut across the stage but because those plays had profound messages about history and current events.
US. History, civics, economics, geography, and world history are still taught in many high schools. I know because I taught these subjects until I retired in 2009. One of the main problems I had was with the students who didn’t think it was important to know, or retain, any of the material, and they had the support of their parents. There used to be a time when parents encouraged their kids to learn as much as they possibly could, but this seems to be missing in a lot of cases today. Many parents are more interested in how well their kid does in athletics than in the classroom. They’ll be at every game, but when it’s time to attend a conference about the kid’s academic progress, they’re MIA. The year after I retired, the graduation test scores in the areas of geography, world history, and U.S. History declined. In a chance encounter after test scores came out, the principal told me that he had wanted to call me to help with test prep, but I’m glad he didn’t. He was waiting for me to retire so that he could fill my position with one of his cronies from a school where he had been a principal before coming to the high school where I was working. It was only after I had retired that he realized how much of a help I was to my students and to the school. He’s a Palin fan, so it’s not so hard to realize that cronyism is his main thing when it comes to hiring teachers, or anyone else.
Yep. There was a reason the media was called the “Fourth Estate”. Now they are simply “Infotainment”.
You are so right, 57. The media has completely failed this country. There is essentially no source of dependable news in the US unless you take the trouble to gather information on the internet. This is one of the most serious issues of our time that is never discussed publicly.
Well said, 57and female! I also remember the time when all the media extensively covered all foreign trips made by all the presidents that came before Pres. Obama.
There was a time when Peter Jennings would go around the world on evening news segments. Not just talking about wars and whatever natural disaster struck but actual news concerning a particular country. When they cut that segment down to nothing I knew and it became more about celebrity gossip I had a bad feeling U.S. news was headed in the wrong direction.
This is so right – the GOP are focusing on the POTENTIAL of a nuclear-armed Iran, while they (all the way back to Bush) have completely ignored the lunacy of North Korea actually having nuclear abilities.
Also, the media got sick of John McCain, so they put on his boyfriend instead, Lindsey Graham. I think Lindsey has an alter ego problem, he believes he is John McCain.
Convincing win by Santorum, but he only got three more delegates than Robney. Yikes!
And President Obama got more than votes in La. than Lil Ricky and more than all Repub candidates combined.
Wow. That’s incredible and terrific news. In Louisiana and the man ran unopposed? Be afraid GOP. Be very afraid.
he got 10 to mehmney;s 5 as per nyt.
http://elections.nytimes.com/2012/primaries/states/louisiana
In all fairness, sick rantorum should have got all the delegates since he thrashed mehmney in all counties but one.
It’s quite hi-larious with the delegate count. No one really knows because many states were non-binding.
amk–I see what you mean, but organizing your campaign also means taking care of the paper work so that you can win delegates. On that icky Ricky is no politicky–He can’t multi-task like our guy! Hence no organized campaign and no delegates.
CBS Sunday Morning is the best Sunday show, imho. They just aired a piece showing all the Repub candidates associating President Obama with European socialism!!!, making it sound like he was throwing us all into a moat with hungry crocodiles— and snipers. Then they aired statements from Europeans!!! who, even tho they have problems, are quite happy with their free educations and health care and their quality of life where they live. One girl, when showed the Repub candidates’ dire warnings, said she hoped the American people were smarter than their candidates.
Ummmm—-me too. That’s the worry.
American people were smarter than their candidates
No, they’re not. That’s why punks like mehmney, rantorum and the grifter are their presidential candidates
UNFORTUNATE THAT THERE ARE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHO ARE NO SMARTER THAN THE GOP CANDIDATES. SOCIETY HAS TAKEN A DEEP DIVE TO THE DUMPSTER! PRESIDENT OBAMA IS THE ONLY ONE OUT THERE TRYING TO LIFT AMERICA…HERE WE HAVE ITS OWN CITIZENS TRYING TO DIVIDE AND DESTROY THEIR OWN COUNTRY.
OFF TO EAT SOMETHING…BBL TO CHECK OUT THE VIDEOS I MISSED WHILE IN CHURCH! GOD BLESS OUR PRESIDENT!
Morning! Thank you, David Plouffe…
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/white-house-adviser-label-ryan-budget-romney-ryan
Especially because…IT’S TRUE!
yes! I liked this and tweeted it and then was surprised to find that i couldn’t find a twitter handle for plouffe!
Meta,
You were wonderig why it was so hard to find a video of President Obama’s first events in Soeul. I think that someone messed up the cordination of the press corp and the Korean Security detail Even the little glimpse that the US media usually gives is missing due to this mess.
Just read on the captions of some of the photos in Daylife that some members of the US Press Corp that wer travelling in Presidential Motorcade with President Obama were prevented from entering the South Korean’s Presidential Residence (the Blue Heron). As a result, many did not get to record the meeting between President Obama and President Lee.
Ah, thanks for that, gclinda. Though it’s odd that the press wouldn’t be able to have access to a press conference.
That might be part of the reason although I still don’t think that’s the whole story. The media typically blacks out ANY overseas visit by the President. I clearly remember his Australian visit when if it weren’t for Chipsticks we wouldn’t have known a damn thing – yet the Press corps were on Twitter complaining how tired/Jet-lagged they were…Chuck Todd was busy tweeting about Rick Perry and the GOP candidates, etc..
yes the MSM now has a partial reason for the fact that they are missing in action about reporting on this visit
Thanks for sharing that info linda. The folks on this site are always on it to get the background story.
of course the MSM usually has a blackout on the excetionally sucessful trips made by President Obama. They seem to report only when there is a mistake in protocol or what they consider to be a lack of quick successful outcomes.
here is a caption from one of the photos from Daylife:
White House Senior Press Lead Jesse Lewin, left, and White House Press Lead, Jeff Tiller, center, use their cell phones after the main entrance to Blue House is block by South Korean security personnel during U.S. President Barack Obama’s scheduled visit with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, March, 25, 2012. Members of the U.S. press corps traveling in Obama’s motorcade were denied entrance to the Blue House. The messy scene resulted in their missing Obama’s meeting with South Korean President Lee.
http://www.daylife.com/photo/01e2eaz01KevJ?__site=daylife&q=barack+obama
these hateful republican candidates are so disgustging that they can get push back from Mr David Plouffe, a person who does not usually seek the spot light.
I am glad he is pushing back.
Plouffe calls out GOP candidates over Obama reaction
Posted by
CNN Producer Gabriella Schwarz
Washington (CNN) – “Reprehensible.” “Irresponsible.” “Hard to stomach.”
White House senior adviser David Plouffe did not mince words Sunday when talking about the reaction by Republican presidential candidates Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich to President Barack Obama’s comments on the Trayvon Martin shooting.
“Those two comments are really irresponsible. I would consider them reprehensible,” Plouffe said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “I think those comments were really hard to stomach, really, and I guess trying to appeal to people’s worst instincts.”
———-
But Plouffe, who served as Obama’s 2008 campaign manager, said the Republican reaction is evidence of a circus-like primary.
“I don’t think there’s very many people in America that would share that reaction. You know, this Republican primary at some points has been more of a circus show and a clown show,” Plouffe told CNN Chief Political Correspondent Candy Crowley.
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2012/03/25/plouffe-calls-out-gop-candidates-over-obama-reaction/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_politicalticker+%28Blog%3A+Political+Ticker%29
Thank you Mr. Plouffe, I call Newt, Mitt, and Rick, the KKK Lying Phony Religious Circus Show. Who in the world have said more reprehensible, disrespectful, racists things than Newt Gingrich.
There is not one Republican Candidate were you can say I might not agree with them on alot of things, but I would be proud to call them President of the United States. I do not dislike them because they are white, but because they are nasty lying bastards.
Plouffe did a great job responding to Candy Crowley who is yet another example of GOP Shilling at it’s best. Her topics. Health care: 1 poll that you had hand picked for you is not the end all answer. Gas prices: Sorry baby PBO isn’t in control of the price of gas you pay at the pump – a GOP Myth. Trayvon: I’m with Plouffe. Bringing up Santorum and Newt’s assinine comments are beyond the pale.
Yes, friends, yet another graduate from the Acme School of Journalism
60 Minutes is having the CEO of Chrysler of tonight to discuss the company’s turn around…..thank you President Obama:)
Was Chrysler part of it?
Even if they weren’t, saving GM saved all of the support and supply jobs, which benefits the entire industry.
I think that Ford was the one that didn’t get much $$$, if any
Only Ford was not a part of bailout. But they too got saved because of the bailout of their supply chain, which is common to all three.
That’s what I thought but I wasn’t sure. And Ford says so up front — that they were saved because the supply chain was saved.
Supericial, yes, I know, but I want a closer look at the short black jacket that PBO is wearing in the pic at the DMZ Camp Boniface. I’ve not seen that one before. It’s not the brown leather bomber jacket he usually wears, and it’s got some different insignia on it.
(It almost looks like a “Members Only” jacket from back in the day. Some of ya’ll KNOW what I’m talking about…)
Isonprize, you are right about the jacket PBO is wearing. It is not the usual one .
News reports about this jacket are that it was presented to him by the General who is in charge or US Forces Korea when he landed at the millitary base.
In fact a close look at some of the photos of POTUS in this jacket indicate that the inscription on it include CIC, and USFK (US Forces Korea), and what looks like two other flags (one for the UN and the other from S. Korean??? – not very sure about this).
Yesterday, I was looking closely at this jacket and I thought I was the only one who was interested in it. Hah, Hah, glad I am not alone
here is the PBO photo I saw on Daylife with the full wording on the labels of the Jacket
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0dzk2Re8UP7zt?__site=daylife&q=Barack+Obama
Thanks, GCLinda! THIS is why I love my TODville!!! We miss NOTHING!!! 😀
You have great eyes. When I looked at the jacket earlier I wondered what the insignia meant. Thanks much. PBO looks great in it, I see he is wearing his favorite shirt, but the pants look newer. He is such a guy when it comes to his clothes. It is endearing on one hand and hopeless on the other.
I looked at that jacket quite a bit yesterday, too, since I hadn’t seen it before. He looked very good in that jacket… How nice that they made it specially for him as a gift.
Yeah…just sayin’ http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2012/03/just-sayin.html
Indeed
A little “heady” but you’ll get the drift!
http://advisorperspectives.com/dshort/updates/Debt-Taxes-and-Politics.php?federal-debt-to-gdp-politics-update
Love these graphs:) !!!!
okay, df, still rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, and sipping my iced green jasmine tea (heh heh–aloha from hawaii!). the charts got my brain working, so thanks for that.
there is so much info there, but i think the pertinent parts are (1) tax rates favoring the rich are highly correlated with increased deficit, and (2) the combination of a democratic president and a democratic congress are highly correlated with reduced deficit.
not sure that’s his conclusion, though. is that what you saw?
Trayvon Martin Tragedy:
Why is the AP and other news outlets reporting that President Obama : “inserted himself in the Trayvon Martin Case”?????? What is wrong with these people??
I could be wrong but didn’t the President’s comments about the Trayvon Martin’s tragedy represent a response to a question posed by a member of the media?
I think it is important for us to push back against this twist from AP and other media because they are trying to make this out to be the main reason POTUS called a press conference. things like these are deliberate efforts to make the story about POTUS rather than about the 17-year old Trayvon who life ended so soon
If PBO had not responded to the question, the whole AP narrative would be that PBO was ignoring the issue, hiding from the issue, etc.
We can’t win with these nimwits.
Just my opinion, and people will not agree, but I wish pressure was not put on President Obama to respond in this matter, and that’s what I think it was. I am first and foremost protective of President Obama’s best interests. DOJ was engaged, it’s a law enforcement issue. And we do not know the full story here yet, other than a 17 yr. old tragically ended up dead one night, but more conflicting info is now being released. The whole case needs more sorting out, more truth exposed., whatever it may be. And for the record, I do not like being manipulated with years old photos of both subjects. I think we deserve the truth in this case, which is horrible enough, no need to mislead.
Regarding young Trayvon, his lawyer said he “believed” that Zimmerman received a broken nose from this thin kid, implying “self defense.”
Photo of the lawyer on the piece was unfortunate, with a lifted lip in a sneer. I immediately despised the man, which is not fair of me, but….
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/03/24/zimmermans-lawyer-trayvon-martin-injured-my-client/
My husband said they’d better get Zimmerman put safely in a cell, with the feeling so strongly against him in Florida, not to mention all across the country.
UPDATE: Alan goes into the Sorenson Heart and Lung hospital for a complicated procedure through a main artery to see if a procedure termed “ablation” will neutralize the nerves causing his atrial fibrillation. Melanie is driving him down, will stay overnight, and bring him home if he’s allowed to come home, the next day. Hoping desperately for good news on Thursday morning. My role, meanwhile, is to worry. I’m still very frightened of it. He had this procedure ten years ago which was supposed to last him for the rest of his life. But he was ten years younger then and he didn’t have to wait still experiencing atrial fibrillation.
Are you paying attention, Ed Schultz and Rachel Maddow? Do you now get it why PBO would not walk with the protesters in Wisconsin, or interject himself in the carefully negotiated deal for marriage equality in New York the night before the vote?
Do you FINALLY GET IT????????
globalcitizenlinda, I just sent a email to AP.
I see Meet The Press couldn’t book Newt to talk about fidelity so they booked Haley Barbour to talk about race relations. This really is the beginning of a bad joke.
David Plouffe on MTP, This Week, Fox News Sunday, CNN. Facts on sunday talk shows? A liberal’s wet dream.
HAHAHAHAHA! A wonder they didn’t book Etch-a-Sketch to talk about consistency and honesty while campaigning!
http://www.reuters.com/video/2012/03/25/obama-scans-tense-border-between-north-a?videoId=232255336&videoChannel=1
Bit of video of PBO at the border in Korea
Chips…maybe you want to add this…
Yes, this is a longer version of the DMZ visit by PBO
WiW…..:) http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-25/orders-probably-picked-up-with-spending-u-s-economy-preview.html
Manufacturers in the U.S. probably received more orders for durable goods in February and consumer purchases climbed the most in five months, economists said reports this week will show.
Bookings for long-lasting factory goods rose 3 percent last month after decreasing of 3.7 percent in January, according to the median estimate of 70 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. Personal spending increased 0.6 percent last month, boosted in part by stronger auto sales.
Thanks desertflower, it will go in the blog next week.
Of course, Rachel has a new book.
Here we go…
Cool picture!
Here is a closer pic of the Presidents jacket. . .
http://www.daylife.com/photo/0dzk2Re8UP7zt?__site=daylife&q=Barack+Obama
Has msnbc even mentioned the President in SK?
No, but they were happy to air Rick Santorum’s offensive anti-Obama ad under the guise of reporting.
I watch MSNBC, when Rev. Al, Marin Bashir, is on. I watch Ed, O’Donnell, and Rachel at times. The rest of the time they aren’t worth watching.
Just found out about Martin and I absolutely love him and his humor. You are right, imho, about the three stooges + Chris Matthews. Now they are writing books. Chris and now Rachel. Whose next? Ed? These folks are out to get paid, period and will throw us trinkets to keep us interested.
I absolutely agree! I get the feeling I’m not the only who is starving for “real” journalism. IMO, 90% of what we have on TV is infotainment. I can’t think of one show where detail information about policies is discussed. Thank goodness of TOD, TPV, PO V and other blogs. We need a real policy wonk on TV who is not bias and does not insert their OPINION into the mix.
For good or bad. I think that CSPAN is the best source for real information. You see things like they happen as they happen. There are no pundits just the facts as laid out by the players.
Now let’s be fair: I heard what accounted to half a sentence about it.
This BS is what passes for “journalism”
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_03/thats_a_pretty_big_screwup_ame036283.php
THE PRINCIPLES OF JOURNALISM
I have posted this information before, but watching network and cable television in this country I feel this should be tweeted and emailed to the media EVERY DAY until they start living up to the standards of their profession. Their first obligation is to THE TRUTH.
Principles of Journalism
==================
A Statement of Purpose
After extended examination by journalists themselves of the character of journalism at the end of the twentieth century, we offer this common understanding of what defines our work. The central purpose of journalism is to provide citizens with accurate and reliable information they need to function in a free society.
This encompasses myriad roles–helping define community, creating common language and common knowledge, identifying a community’s goals, heroes and villains, and pushing people beyond complacency. This purpose also involves other requirements, such as being entertaining, serving as watchdog and offering voice to the voiceless.
Over time journalists have developed nine core principles to meet the task. They comprise what might be described as the theory of journalism:
1. Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth
Democracy depends on citizens having reliable, accurate facts put in a meaningful context. Journalism does not pursue truth in an absolute or philosophical sense, but it can–and must–pursue it in a practical sense. This “journalistic truth” is a process that begins with the professional discipline of assembling and verifying facts. Then journalists try to convey a fair and reliable account of their meaning, valid for now, subject to further investigation. Journalists should be as transparent as possible about sources and methods so audiences can make their own assessment of the information. Even in a world of expanding voices, accuracy is the foundation upon which everything else is built–context, interpretation, comment, criticism, analysis and debate. The truth, over time, emerges from this forum. As citizens encounter an ever greater flow of data, they have more need–not less–for identifiable sources dedicated to verifying that information and putting it in context.
2. Its first loyalty is to citizens
While news organizations answer to many constituencies, including advertisers and shareholders, the journalists in those organizations must maintain allegiance to citizens and the larger public interest above any other if they are to provide the news without fear or favor. This commitment to citizens first is the basis of a news organization’s credibility, the implied covenant that tells the audience the coverage is not slanted for friends or advertisers. Commitment to citizens also means journalism should present a representative picture of all constituent groups in society. Ignoring certain citizens has the effect of disenfranchising them. The theory underlying the modern news industry has been the belief that credibility builds a broad and loyal audience, and that economic success follows in turn. In that regard, the business people in a news organization also must nurture–not exploit–their allegiance to the audience ahead of other considerations.
========================
Check out the rest of the principles here
http://www.journalism.org/resources/principles
I was thinking about this the other day…thanks for posting this here again. Tweeters need to TWEET THIS TO ALL THE MSM AND THEIR SUPPOSED “JOURNALISTS”
Thanks Lady. I tweeted the article to every network station.
That’s freakin awesome. Thank you so much sabreen60.
Rick Moran=Acme School of Journalism’s finest.
Didn’t he used to be on Entertainment Tonight, or something? WTH!
🙂
If you had no respect for Newt Gingrich before, it has not change. Gingrich is a sick old bastard who are sinking fast, and he wants to be heard. He knows who he is speaking to when he make comments like that. He is speaking to the racists hate fill members of his party.
Good Morning all, I wish you all a great Sunday.
Miss Chipsticks hope your weekend was wonderful, (did you go with PBO? Lol)
Thank you for the pictures all, media as usual is useless. Disgruntled last night I could’nt find on the net.
Off to read thread.
Thanks again.
Good morning everyone. The following is for some and not intended to offend anyone.
A short prayer.
Thank You
DEAR GOD:
I want to thank You for what you have already done. I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now.. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now… I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed;
I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day’s difficulties. I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles.
I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better.
I’m thanking you because GOD, YOU haven’t given up on me.
Thank you for posting. Reminds me of my childhood years of prayers offered just before regular church worship services started – a period where anyone could stand, say a prayer, start a song, give a brief testimony …
Old school….:-)
Certainly, yardarm, this could be my prayer. I’m truly thankful for the advances in medical procedures that such a thing is available to Alan, and I know it will work. I know it. I’m just a worrier, I think I was born a worrier.
Goodness knows we’ve lived a long time together so far while still being productive — at least in the apple-growing sense.
Yardarm, I learned that same lesson many years ago from a very wise person. The most powerful prayer you can make is, Thank You. We ask so much and rarely remember to say thanks. And that goes for our fellow human beings as well as the Almighty.
Your post reminds me of W.S. Merwin’s moving poem, “Thanks”: http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/20492
thx Yardarm!
Thanks for a beautiful prayer, *Yardarm*. I copied, pasted, and saved It, It’s a keeper 🙂 Thank you
You’re welcome. I don’t do this often but after all I’ve seen and been through………well, you know?
Late as usual. I just read your post & I thank you for sharing this here. I have copied and sent in on. In many Native Peoples’ traditions, giving thanks before what one hopes to receive is important because “Spirit blesses those who are grateful.” So many times I can get caught up in the pains, frustrations & aggravations of every day & forget to be grateful. I thank you for this reminder.
The Prez sent a video to the annual Gridiorn Dinner…Rick Perry also spoke
Excerpt:
“So while I know some people have suggested I scheduled a trip to South Korea just to get out of this dinner, that is simply absurd. I mean, what better way to spend six hours on a Saturday night?
“Of course, I wanted to make sure I sent the right replacement. Knowing that I’ll probably be the butt of many of your jokes, I chose my Secretary of Defense. Besides, at 73, Leon will inject the element of youthful energy the Gridiron needs.
“On a more serious note, I want to thank the members of the Gridiron for making our democracy stronger and more free. Enjoy the rest of your evening, especially tonight’s three speakers: Secretary Panetta, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and … uh … the third speaker?”
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2012/03/obama_in_gridiron_video_pokes_.html
Hilarious
Obama, looking straight into the camera said, “Every year, the Gridiron dinner is a chance for politicians to say some truly outrageous things. For those of us not involved in the Republican primary, that’s a rare opportunity.
LOL. Nice slagging of the rethugs.
Ooh zinger. Nice hit, MR. President.
They had better pad their oh-so-delicate sense of righteousness. After what they have done, and are doing to this country, they have it coming, let loose, Mr. President Sir! We stand with you! 🙂
Holy Hell
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/ryan-on-vp-spot-i-would-consider-it
DF, a robot and a weasel on the same ticket. What a pair! If those two R’s ever walked into a room together, the temperature would actually drop. Cold and colder. Zero charisma. No empathy. Complete inability to connect with any human being. They deserve each other.
I think that combo would be toxic…and unacceptable to the country. Might actually GOTV for PBO….even MORE.
Blah —– ackkkk……but i betcha this is what Ron Paul has been working for…..
two rats running together – now that is something I can hope for
Has anyone read this book –
“The Obama Hate Machine: The Lies, Distortions and Personal Attacks on the President – And Who Is Behind Them” by Bill Press?
I see a listing on CSpan (7-8 CST) for tonight for talk show host Bill Press discussing his book.
Isn’t bill press part of the pl crowd ?
Don’t know Bill Press or anything about the book but thought it likely that someone here might provide some insight
Often
Or maybe sometimes
He was at the beginning of the Obama presidency. He has been very supportive for at least the last 6-9 months, just like Ed Schultz. They know they have to get onboard, although they did damage in the beginning.
For good or ill and no matter what sane people like the TOD family think, when PBO started to look like a ‘fighter’, all but the very insane (read: GG and FDL) felt more comfortable with the President. I think it’s b.s. but Americans like a certain pugilistic aspect to their leaders. It’s how they define ‘leadership’ and ‘strength’, although I’ll take diplomacy and nuanced thinking in my leaders, thank you.
Yes, he was a real Hillary supporter but came on board but he does bash PBO when he doesn’t do everything he thinks he should do. Bill Press is another person trying to make money off of a book written about President Obama. I would not buy his book for anything in the world.
I wonder if its an autobiography because Bill Press was certainly in that crowd that use his radio show to bash health care reform and every other thing. He was one of the first ones I stopped listening too on XM/Sirrus Radio. These folks are looking for a payday, people. Now they get behind the PBO after the damaged they caused during the mid-term elections. I think the meme was, teach the DEMS and President a lesson. Well, look what we got here. Hell, if I recall, they were looking for someone to primary the president just a few months back. DON’T BUY HIS CRAPPY BOOK!!
http://www.balloon-juice.com/2012/03/25/im-posting-as-a-real-asshole-from-rochester/#comments
This
That disgusting sick rantorum’s ad about obama is now at 547 likes, 8,389 dislikes. Talk about shooting yourself in the nutz.
Good to know..mahalos, amk~
Interesting read
http://www.tnr.com/blog/jonathan-cohn/101993/obamacare-anniversary-coverage-payment-reform-cost
Maybe the clearest sign of change is on the bottom line: Medicare spending has been coming in lower than projections. The recession had something to do with that. For the last few years, people were cutting back on medical care, just like they were cutting back on other expenses. But Paul Ginsburg and Chapin White, two widely respected experts from the relentlessly non-partisan Center on the Study of Health System Change argue that slow growth explains only part of the change. Writing in the New England Journal of Medicine recently, they suggested the Affordable Care Act—and the incentives its putting in place—are a major reason Medicare is starting to save money.
If anyone is interested, on Monday, tomorrow there will be a slightly different show in the morning on Current TV with Bill Press followed by Stephanie Miller at the same time as Morning Joke.
It starts tomorrow? thanks!
Just for fun, I wish some reporter would ask Mittens, “with the nuclear summit going on, what are your views on nuclear nonproliferation?” just to see the deer-in-headlights look on his face.
‘i’m against it. i’ve always been against it. when i was for it, i was actually against it. if you look at the record, i was for it all the time. i’ve always been for it. and when i’m president, i’ll be for those who are against being for it.’
And this http://www.tnr.com/blog/jonathan-cohn/101970/obamacare-mandate-like-medicare-payroll-tax-social-security
This reeks.
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/nasty-sneaky-santorum-ad-equates-obam
Sanford, Fl. police did recommend that Zimmerman be charged with a crime, likely manslaughter. But original states atty. sat on it and never made a charge. Lots of other troubling info here, including the possibility of no grand jury investigation:
http://www.wftv.com/news/news/trayvon-martin-case-sources-tell-wftv-police-wante/nLbjr/
can someone remind graham that President Obama DID NOT just “interject himself ” into the case. PBO was asked a specific question about it and he answered it. we cannot allow these rightwingers to make this case into an issue about the President. It is about a dead 17-year old
Agreed. However, the wingers were waiting to ponce with ready talking points to cover whatever he said. Not good ones, but ones with which they could twist his words no matter what they were. Like Graham just did. Also agree that we can’t let them deter us from finding out what really happened, and their intent to is obliterate that truth. Nothing new here.
This same flaming jackass, had PBO said nothing, would be screaming this morning that the President has no ‘courage’ and ‘no leadership’ and ‘dodged the question’.
Gun Owners Of America Chief Defends George Zimmerman: Trayvon Martin Was ‘Assailant’
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2012/03/25/451314/gun-owners-defends-zimmerman/
These guys are MORE RW than the NRA! How is that possible? Sick bastard.
what will always remain poignant to me …is that he ..1. .was carrying a gun….and 2 . he did not follow the instructions of the 911 dispatcher to stay in the car…he pursued Trayvon and confronted him…and in addition he did not identify who he was…
if you were on the street and a stramger was following you…what would you do….
i want to know…..how much time was there between the time that Zimmerman called 911 and the neighbors called 911 to report a disturbance…..
really??? Now this crap that Trayvon was the “assailant” is going to make people REALLY REALLY REALLY angry. People are already upset staments like these will just pour gasoline onto a fire
I wish these rightwingers wait for the facts to come out before making these statements
Sadly, this is par for the course. Blame the real victim (shouldn’t have been wearing a hoodie because you are black). Fabricate dog-whistle “theories” in the court of public opinion on what ” really happened” that make the killer the innocent one and Trayvon the “thug” who got what he deserved. Publicly rehabilitate the killer’s character–“he couldn’t possibly be a racist, he’s Hispanic!”, “he has black friends!”, “he mentored a black kid!”; “he’s thwarted several burglaries in the neighborhood, he’s a hero!”. Rinse and repeat. However, I saw this on ABL’s site this morning. I don’t know who Keith Boynkin is, but it seems that the more facts that come out about Zimmerman, the less likely this “It was all Trayvon’s fault” crap is going to fly.
Allan | March 25, 2012 at 9:40 am | Reply
Oh, and there’s also the fact that Zimmerman has a history of falsely claiming he was attacked when he was the aggressor:
/large
Seen on Twitter – Sander’s thanks those who considered “@SenatorSanders the most influential member of Congress on Twitter.”
That’s great. But. how about transferring some of that “influence” on our actual Congress?
This needs to go viral so the MSM will pick it up:
We bought, and my husband has read Bill Press’s book. He said it is very good…..the forces against the president are everything we think and more. He cites facts, figures, names people….it is a worthwhile read according to him. When school is over, I’ll read it, but during school, I have to keep up with classes.
Here I thought in retirement I’d sit around, read, walk the dogs, nap, exercise…..well…..I’m teaching again (not full time) and am very busy. However, I am very thankful to be teaching, and know that many people would be thankful for the chance to work that I have. College freshmen are an interesting breed, but we get along. I am now about the age of their grandmothers, and you know that skip a generation thing that works so well! They all like their grandmas…..so I reap the benefit there.
Morning TOD!. Cold and windy here in So Cal; think we are in for another storm.
The Paranoid Predications about Obamacare that Never Happened
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2012/03/23/450501/flashback-two-year-ago-gop-predicted-armageddon-if-health-reform-became-law/
purpleshoes…I wanted to say thank you for your comments about my mom on the last thread….i would thank suzanne, but i haven’t seen her here yet….anyway, many thanks. The fact that Cheney got a new chance at life infuriates me…and my mom died waiting for that same chance. Sometimes, most times, life isn’t fair.I miss her every day.
I hear you DF…sending some positive energy your way….lost my Dad 3 years ago while he was waiting for a kidney transplant. I dn’t care how crazy it sounds, I talk to him EVERY day.
I talk to my mom, too:) Every. Day. it’s not crazy….I know she hear’s me. I could tell you a story that would give you chills, and make believers out of the skeptical. …I KNOW she hears me.
That’s not a bit crazy. It’s been years since I lost my Mom & my Granny. I still talk to both of them & Granny sends me beautiful bird feathers sometimes that I find in weird places. When we were Kiddos & found a bird feather, Granny would tell us that “Angels had been there.” When ever I find a feather, I KNOW she has been listening to me talk to her about my troubles or something that delights me. Even though they have gone on their next journey, love always finds a small way back. I believe it!!!
Oh my desertflower. That is so tragic. there are holes in our hearts that never close. We love you, df.
Love you back. Truly. Thank you for your thoughts.
i’m here now, df. though my mom is still living, she has dementia and often doesn’t recognize me. so i know what it’s like to miss her every day.
57andfemale, and all others concerned about press coverage…..I think I’m the oldest person on this board, and I remember very well Cronkite, Huntley, Brinkley, Reasoner……Williams, Schieffer and Sawyer should be in Korea, not sending their minions out!!! They just read, and ask silly trumped up questions which do not elucidate, nor illuminate, nor educate. And, when CNN or somebody does cover the trip…..like I watched this morning, the “reporter” inserted herself into the coverage and her face was more visible than either president’s. Disgusting.
I still think we as audience need to write and write and write and call and call and call until they begin to do their jobs correctly. I believe in people power…..just remember the Arab Spring. That rose from the people. Also, we can threaten even the with boycotting sponsors.
Don’t forget Peter Jennings:) As I remember, he was ALWAYS where the news was….and doing actual reporting…not opinionating….
carolyn, I don’t know about you being the oldest on this board. But that’s for another day. but your comment puts me in mind of Ernie Pyle, Howard K. Smith, Dave Garroway plus a few others I’ve forgotten.
Here are some other names that must not be forgotten when it comes to real journalism: Edward R. Murrow, I.F. Stone, Eric Severeid John Chancellor and Roger Mudd.
There ya go. Get outta my head.
Carolyn—You and I are very close age and I remember all of the great journalists of the fifties and sixties and their eagerness to cover world events and deliver serious opinions on them. The best was the great Edward R Murrow whose integrity I trusted even as a child.
Shit! Rick Perry was FUNNY!
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2012/03/25/451360/rick-perry-makes-fun-of-mitt-romneys-wealth-do-you-have-any-grey-poupon/
At last night’s annual Gridiron Club dinner, Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) roasted himself and skewered the GOP field. On the Republican presidential candidates, Perry said, “It was the weakest Republican field in history, and they kicked my butt.” On Mitt Romney: “I keep waiting for Mitt to say, ‘Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?’” And on his own degree in animal husbandry: “[It’s] what Rick Santorum thinks gay marriage leads to.” He also zinged his predecessor, President George W. Bush, calling “the petting zoo” the best part of Bush’s presidential library.
ARE THEY FREAKING KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thinkprogress Zimmerman friend to NBC: “None of this would have happened if Trayvon would have said, ‘I’m just staying w/my parents'” thkpr.gs/H6zLwI
22 minutes ago · reply · retweet · favorite
Right…because Zimmerman would have believed that. For all Trayvon knew, Zimmerman could have been a pedophile or I don’t know….a murderer!
Like someone said on Twitter, black people always have to prove they blog somewhere.
There’s no level to which they won’t descent is there, DF. None of this would have happened if Zimmerman had stayed home and not attempted to be one-man vigilante with a gun. And none of it would have happened if this country did not allow paranoid racists with hair trigger tempers to own guns. I’m so sick of this blame the victim culture.
And Zimmmerman would have believed him?? What do his defenders take us for? On the one hand, they tell us Zimmerman thought Trayvon was a thief, and now they tell us he would have believed him just because he said he was from the neighborhood!! Come on! They are going to have to come up with something better than that.
Besides, Trayvon wasn’t under any obligation to tell Zimmerman ANYTHING. Trayvon had no history of violence, and had expressed fear in his cell phone conversation. Anybody would have been afraid, especially a kid, if an adult is following him. HE, not Zimmerman, was the one who was defending himself.
Looks like if Zimmerman hadn’t had that gun, Trayvon would have kicked the sh@t out of him, as he should have.
But Zimmerman had the Coward, Wussy, defense, a Loaded Gun. Now he’s crying like a 5 year old. He needs to go to jail and then prison NOW. I’m sure he’ll find out how it feels to be looking over your shoulder as someone stalks you.
thinkprogress WITNESS: Zimmerman “his hands pressed on [Trayvon Martin’s] back” and “never turned him over or tried to help him.” thkpr.gs/H6zLwI
31 minutes ago · reply · retweet · favorite
Believe it or not, Jennifer epstien from politico is covering the Presidents trip, via twitter.
Here is an excerpt from remarks made by President Barack Obama after a meeting with Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the prime minister of Turkey, in South Korea.
“We also had the opportunity to discuss the issue of Iran and its nuclear program. I expressed to the Prime Minister once again that I believe there is a window of time to resolve this question diplomatically, but that window is closing. And it’s absolutely critical for us to be able to move forward in an effective way, in a serious way, in concert based on negotiations through the P5-plus-1 and other channels, to ensure that Iran abides by its international obligations, which also then assures them the right to engage in peaceful nuclear power. I very much appreciate the Prime Minister’s insights obviously as a neighbor of Iran and as someone who is interested in seeing this issue resolved in a peaceful fashion.”
This paragraph alone exceeds the coherence and intelligence of the entire GOP klan and their puppet followers. President Obama is smart and thoughtful. And articulate.
David Plouffe is def one of the better Obama surrogates out there behind Axelrod IMHO and POTUS himself.
Plouffe calls out GOP candidates over Obama reaction to Trayvon Martin.
More Plouffe. Wonder if he knew Ryan would be all over the teletubes today saying that he’d consider VP if asked or saying that he believes that Romney would pass the Ryan budget plan if elected.
Top White House Adviser Labels Ryan Budget ‘The Romney-Ryan Plan’
Dude just seems to have perfect timing, n’est ce pas?
Horse Head in the Bed
Stephanie Cutter is quite wonderful also.
And so is Debbie!
Spent all day yesterday watching Spartacus – Blood and Sand. I am now in love with Peter Mensah.
Good Morning TOD family
I hope everyone is doing well.
CALL TO ACTION – on a Sunday you may ask? YES
Lets send feedback to all the Sunday morning shows that have Plouffe on and thank them for including the Democratic perspective.
I need help with the contact info. Here is what I have, please add twitter and additional contact info below.
offering these compliments will encourage more of the same and make us feel great. – such a deal :->
Face The Nation: ftn@cbsnews.com
Meet The Press: mtp@msnbc.com
Champions of Change :: Mentoring the Startup Entrepreneur: An Ancient Human Dance
http://www.whatisworking.com/2012/03/champions-of-change-mentoring-startup.html
recycling this heart warming story
Americans Deliver Fishing Boats to Japan on First Anniversary of Tsunami
http://www.whatisworking.com/2012/03/americans-deliver-fishing-boats-to.html
I love that story, WiW…very nice. Glad to see some people still understand what being a Christian is supposed to be.
Wisconsin Judicial Commission Files Ethics Complaint Against Justice Prosser For Alleged Choking Incident
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/03/19/446693/wisconsin-judicial-commission-files-ethics-complaint-against-justice-prosser-for-alleged-choking-incident/
FCC decision strikes critical blow to right-wing radio dominance
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/03/20/fcc-decision-strikes-critical-blow-to-right-wing-radio-dominance/
wow!!! this is great news–and once again, news we wouldn’t get any other way than here.
Wow is right! Mahalos for that stunning news, WIW!
To contact I go to the network website and choose the program I want to contact….that has worked for me so far. I just finished writing the three network anchors asking them why they are not in Korea with the president, citingall the predecessors mentioned on this blog. I will keep pushing them. We have to. And, yes, this time I remembered Peter Jennings:-) I miss him!
sorry Carol, my advise below was to do what you did
I miss Peter Jennings, too:)
Hearing Plouffe speak about the budget I am reminded of a great article at the Orange site that reminded us to say these 5 precious words
(which I have modified to support Plouffe’s strategy)
When discussing the Republican budget state –
The Romney-Ryan Pathway to Poverty
Need more information?
The 5 Worst Things About The House GOP’s Budget
http://thinkprogress.org/health/2012/03/20/448212/the-5-worst-things-about-the-house-gops-budget/
A little wordier, but here is my phrase:
Republicans seek to fix the economic disaster of their policies on the backs of seniors, the uninsured, and the poor. While rewarding those who caused the mess.
ANALYSIS: When a Congressman Becomes a Lobbyist, He Gets a 1,452% Raise (on Average)
http://www.republicreport.org/2012/make-it-rain-revolving-door/
Republic Report Sends Letter To 36 Retiring Members of Congress: Stop Backdoor Bribery, Disclose Your Job Negotiations With K Street
http://www.republicreport.org/2012/stop-backdoor-bribery-lette/
Feds Sue AT&T for Aiding and Abetting Nigerian Scammers
http://motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/03/feds-sue-att-aiding-and-abetting-nigerian-scammers
Getting a settlement doesn’t stop the practice.
A House Race To Keep an Eye On Patrick Caldwell
http://prospect.org/article/house-race-keep-eye
I am thinking we need a list of races where we can make a difference in November. This may be one of them
Here’s one for you, Linda: http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2012/03/meet-suzan-delbene.html
Oh come on! Byron Tau just emailed me and said their is not that much media coverage in SK, because almost all of the press went to the Gridiron dinner last night.
I said, and….?
EXHIBIT A.
I’ve watched BBC World, Euronews, and France 24 this morning. ALL of them featured PBO’s trip prominently. Our media makes it easy to question their 1st Amendment protections.
They are beyond pathetic!
Ugh. Today’s going to be a day of golf and cold cereal. And laundry. Went out to eat with my best friend last night. Everything seemed fine until I woke up at 3 a.m., rushing to the bathroom, and bowing to the porcelain god. I feel like a Mack truck hit me. Wifey’s only job today is to keep puppy entertained; I’m in no mood to be animal entertainment today.
Oh, and GO TIGER!
😦 Food poisoning? Hope you feel better. That happened to me with shrimp, one time….I have NEVER been so sick.
Food poisoning, an inconveniently timed bug, who knows. It was a pork and wild boar dish; delicious, but the results were less than pleasant.
Just hearing that makes me want to hug the toilet:) Pork? ok….wild boar? Not so much.
I thought I’d try something new. Serves me right. LOL.
I love that, even with food poisoning, golf is still on your agenda! 🙂
Seriously though, I’ve had food poisoning too, and it’s the absolute worst. Feel better.
Watching the last hole right now. I’ve actually spent most of the afternoon sleeping. It’s also a cold, rainy day. GO TIGER!
During the Korean War I was a junior high student in San Francisco. Everyone who shipped out came through San Francisco. Many men on their way over, not knowing what they were facing, were visitors at our church. My husband served in Korea….yes, he’s older than I….so the Korean war has always been personal to me. It was very much a part of my adolescent life.
When the armistice was signed, we went to Land’s End….that beautiful windswept place….and watched the fleet steam home under the Golden Gate Bridge…..quite a sight, one I’ve never forgotten. My dad was a WWII vet, and this meant a lot to our entire family.
When I read that the President was speaking with the ambassador (I think) from Turkey, I was reminded of what my husband said about the Turkish pilots. They were the greatest daredevils, and would bring planes in under any conditions, and hardly ever lost a plane. Seemed to have no fear. We tend to forget that many of these countries were our allies then, part of the U.N. troops. We need to keep these countries as friends. I’m so thankful President Obama understands this and works towards this…..he is a bridge builder, not a destroyer.
This whole weekend has taken me back in memory. I remeber the peace talks, the shape of the table, the back and forth….and yes, it was important.
You are a wealth of information today. And to think that I thought you were a youngster in an earlier comment! Young in spirit, with a wealth of wisdom.
I do not know if we could get some reaction from the MSM if we started asking them WHY they are not covering President Obama’s trip to South Korea and WHY they always have a blackout on his foreign trips until there is a minor error in protocol??
sorry Carol, I just saw your comment above and I realize that you have already done what I am suggesting here. do not know how I missed yours
Ugh,
There’s a line in a Family Guy episode, where Stewie offere a toast and says “to the black man for taking it all in stride”.
This case is exposing the racist among us much more than even the election of Obama ever did.
Good Lord. I tell ya what, certain parts of the population should be really glad that there isn’t more “race war” lashing out than there could be.
This case hits way close to home for me. I have a 12 year old nephew, a 15 year old godson, beaucoup Black male cousins, uncles, etc that everytime I think about this case, I see their faces.
It’s really getting to the point where I just have to daily get away from reading ANY thing more about this case.
I’m not really one to shy away from discussing stuff with friends, white or Black, but this case I’m sorry to say has me not even willing to bring up the case to my more conservative white friends, cause i kid ya not, I consider some of these people nicest people I work with, but I swear to God that if I brought up this case and any of them bought into the RW framing of this case…the anger that I feel is just simmering at the surface, and I may just blow up at them.
So I just don’t bring it up.
I can’t walk past a black boy or man on the streets these days without just wanting to rush up and hug them for having lived with such dignity in a country/world that targets them for hate even before they utter a word or perform a single action. I also get the same feeling whenever I see someone of Middle Eastern descent, especially during the faux-outrage over the NY mosque. This whole racism thing, particularly in the age of President Obama, has really highlighted how brave President Obama was to “dream big dreams” and believe he could become a US Senator and then a President – with no real examples before him. Yes, there were a handful of black US Senators before him, but he was the only one serving when he decided to run for office. And win. That took courage – not even counting the fact that he chose to run against the Clinton machine. And won.
Huh…Ohio State won…go figure. /snark.
hey now! That’s MY school:) let’s not get TOO snarky:)
Sorry. Didn’t state my point right. The President picked Ohio State to advance to the final four–oh my, he was right.
from this OSU Buckeye, I can only say: “Go Bucks”.
remember President Obama chose The Ohio State University as part of his Final Four.
Also while at our event at OSU this friday, President Obama said that he is did not choose OSU just because he knew he was coming here. Rather, that he is very “cold-blooded” when it comes to filling in his brackets and that he only chose OSU because he thought they were really good this year
PBO was at OSU on thursday
Oh, oh Tien Le, looks like you’re out numbered because I have to say ‘O’ ‘H’ ‘I’ ‘O’ ……..”GO BUCKS”
Seriously, come on, people…I wasn’t slamming OSU…I was celebrating the fact that they made it to the Final Four as predicted by our wonderful President.
Tien, no offense taken I was just ribbing you incase you were a Syracuse fan, as a matter of fact I knew the President picked OSU to go to the Final 4, and was quite happy that my team won and that his pick advanced.
Some lighthearted snark…where I do take issue with our President is, he didn’t pick OSU to win….. : (
I know:) Just teasing you:)
Yes, I know you are not an “OSU-hater” but we are just an uncontrolable bunch of Buckeye Nation. We are just showing off our success and as usual we go into overdrive
This is a long, substantive analysis. I’m not even going to apologize for the dKos link because I intend to follow this diarist through the ACA battle in the Supreme Court:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/25/1077416/-One-perspective-regarding-the-Supreme-Court-and-the-Affordable-Care-Act?showAll=yes
Something that I think needs to be brought up here as this summit takes place is that his work and promise in this area is why he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Amidst the furor from the right, this was never made clear by the American press, but the Nobel committee made that very clear. It is important, very important.
As for it being overseas, the American press did no better job covering the first summit in 2010 in the United States. The worst they have done was with his Asian-Pacific summits and visit to Australia. During that week I had an appointment with a doctor. I brought this up with the gal who did some initial tests and she didn’t know that the President was overseas. Doctor didn’t know either. And that, too, was a very important trip for the country. Is it any wonder that he has trouble getting his message out?
On another note, C-Span just re-played the signing of ACA. Very emotional. Everyone–Congressmen, people it will help–were so excited. And President Obama was very humble, singling out numerous individuals for their work on it.
Yes the Noble Committee cites President Obama’s focus on securing nuclear arms and getting rid of these as a priority of his administration. First speech in Prague was about this.
Here’s a transcipt of today’s press conference: with President Lee and President Obama:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/25/remarks-president-obama-and-president-lee-myung-bak-joint-press-conferen
Haven’t found full video yet. Will keep looking.
President Obama has a big speech at the Summit tomorrow.
Wow guys, this is a really great series. Read the first part, too:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/03/25/1077705/-3-More-Words-And-Phrases-Democrats-Must-Start-Universally-Using-And-A-Call-To-Action
pleasepleaseplease all toddies!!! drop everything and read this now! very powerful, and very easy to implement–right this minute!
we’ve been talking about the media and the distortions and how impressionable the general public can be. well, here’s some excellent re-frames that shift the discussion away from repug talking points, just by altering our language.
thanks 57–a great find. very positive.
Whoa. Could it be that there has been some sort of awakening over at orange? Make it well on your talley sheets. Someone has pulled the logging chain from the elephants ass! Wooooweeee.
This and the FCC ruling could be a game changer.
Thanks.
Words do matter. Bookmarked.. Mahalos, 57! That’s why I’ve been calling them the profiteering “left” instead of “professional”..and how much better does “Gun Responsibility Laws” sound than “Gun Control”?!
Excellent. I am baffled that messaging, although better, is not as good as it should be from the left. We have the best teachers in the world — the Republicans. They turned John Kerry’s heroic status into a negative, and they ravished the ‘Patient Protection Act”. And we still didn’t learn. I really don’t understand it. I hear the same excuses from Democrats that I’ve always heard: “people like the provisions of the law……” But they are not connecting that those provisions are PART of the law. What does it take to get through to Dem’s?
A little off-topic, but what is the latest count on the Rush Limpbrain’s show sponsor exodus?
In the hundreds…he’s toxic.
http://jezebel.com/5892837/guess-how-many-advertisers-have-now-abandoned-rush-limbaugh 141 by this count.
Yes he is very much so. Also thought that I heard about a college sports team not wanting his ads during their broadcasts and not wanting their ads during his. Cannot recall which school it was though.
UNC?
That’s it.
UNC was one of the colleges
Thanks, global. I noticed that you said ‘one of the colleges’. So there was more than one, huh? Wonder who the other ones were. This is getting good.
Yep, my school. I’m glad somebody jumped on that!
I think it was pm carpenter but I may be wrong who said that he was in Limbaugh country (read: way too much of ‘heartland’ Amurika) and the entire show was sponsored by a local used jewelry store.
Who is pm carpenter?
Read his stuff through the blog roll. He is a fantastic progressive writer that I read every day.
Thanks.
Keep digging that hole “friends”…..
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/03/25/451392/friend-zimmerman-racial-slur-term-of-endearment/
This morning on ABC News, Oliver was asked about the moment on the 911 tapes when some believe that, just prior to killing Trayvon Martin, Zimmerman used a racial slur. Oliver suggested that Zimmerman did not use a racial slur but said “goons,” which Oliver described as a “term of endearment.” Watch it:
calling someone a “goon” is now a term of endearment? I listened to the tape…that’s not what I heard! Next thing you know, they’ll be claiming that F Ing coon is a term of endearment. Give me a break!
yeah right, I know a lot of people go out of their way to chase down someone they don’t know with a gun so they can say endearment terms like “F’ing goon” then shoot them dead….don’t you? (snark)
Does anyone remember the news reports that indicated the as young man in his college days, President Obama was very focused on nuclear dis-armament. Some of his college instructors released som information about an essay PBO then wrote (or some class project) about getting the world rid of nuclear bombs. Anyone know what I am talking about?
It has always been important to him. If Richard Lugar hadn’t been such a coward, he would have supported PBO openly in 2008, after working with him on nuclear disarmament legislation.
Vaguely remember that. He has been focused on this issue for a LONG TIME.
AS IF ANY MORE PROOF IS NEEDED THAT ‘JOURNALISTS’ ENGAGE IN THIS OUTRIGHT LYING AND OPINIONATING UNDER THE GUISE OF REPORTING…LOOK NO FURTHER THAN RICK MORAN ( I seriously almost typed MORON)
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_03/rick_moran_responds_to_my_resp036287.php
Washington Monthly’s Jesse Singal calls me out for “lying” about Obama’s remarks regarding the Martin tragedy.
I will acknowledge being guilty of hyperbole and exaggeration – something Washington Monthly engages in when calling me a liar. Writing that Obama was “essentially calling for the arrest and conviction” of the shooter, was, I freely admit, not a quote, but rather reflected my opinion of the consequences of the president’s actions and his ill-timed and ill-chosen remarks.
MUCH MORE after this!! This man has no integrity, now should he be allowed to “report” on the news!
That’s why I say…KEEP TALKING ASSHOLES!
who are the groups who filed briefs in support of the Affordable Care Act before the SCOTUS?
Click to access aca_minimum_coverage.pdf
thanks a lot for the link
🙂 Pretty impressive.
And I guess the next question is, who filed amicus briefs against ACA? I don’t have the strength to look into that today. I have a ton of work to do today and really have to stop reading political blogs and get to it.
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/03/25/fmr-bush-strategist-conservative-christians-passing-un-christian-gun-laws/
Thank you! These are the types of people that the Republican Party will send running in DROVES to the Dems. They have become unhinged, and many, many people are beginning to see that now.
HAHAHAHA!!! April Fool’s Day is a week away – not today. Someone obviously didn’t get that memo.
FLOTUS is headed to Nebraska in April.
First lady Michelle Obama will visit Omaha next month to speak at the Girls Inc.’s “Lunch with the Girls” fundraiser.
Obama joins a growing lineup of famous speakers at the annual fundraiser, including her husband, who spoke in 2005 when he was a U.S. senator from Illinois. Other previous Girls Inc. speakers include President Bill Clinton and his wife, current U.S. secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Girls Inc. provides educational and recreational programs for girls.
Tickets to the April 24 fundraiser are $100 or $200.
Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/03/25/3511843/fundraiser-in-omaha-neb-to-feature.html#storylink=cpy
Here’s promotional video for this weekend’s Nuclear Security Summit 2012 in Seoul
The first few seconds will be a bit jarring, but please watch it all the way through. At 1:33 there’s a snippet from PBO’s speech in 2009 announcing the international effort to secure vulnerable nuclear material around the world within 4 years — the very inception of this annual summit.
I am SO disgusted in our media. This summit is about the critical work of literally securing the safety of all mankind from nuclear terrorists and they don’t think this is worth covering? What is WRONG with these people?!!
Dear God, the level of contempt and incompetence with which the media operate is criminally negligent!
Thanks for the warning – it was a bit jarring to see those first minutes. But, no less a real possibility – if President Obama had not initiated this effort, the loose nuke material in Libya may have fallen into the wrong hands during the revolution. The scenario played out in those first minutes could very well have happened.Because of the diligence of the parties involved to secure loose nukes these past three years, the likelihood of those horrific scenarios coming to fruition has been greatly reduced.
And that is all ignored by the pathetic media, who instead, give credibility to the failed GOP candidates who promise nothing but destruction. And the same media who gave rise to Palin, and give credibility to the tea party who work against their own interests, and know nothing of what this President has done, other than that he’s been black the whole time he’s been doing stuff.
A ton of reporters on AF1 to Seoul, Korea….for what? Waiting for, as someone pointed above, for the President to have a minor mishap like trip on the carpet? This is such an important trip that has far-reaching implications. Why are they even on the plane? As someone mentioned, they could have sent one pool reporter for the crappy work they’ve done. My wish for this country is for there to be a “Media Spring” (i.e, Arab Spring) where some of these entertainment reporters will be held to account for the dumbing down of people and their propaganda by their corporate masters—-all of this is truly shameful and pathetic. They want a horserace so bad…..I guess TeaNN also wants to give bonuses and upgrade their studios again like they did right after the 2008 elections. They were rolling in the dough during that primary season.
Here’s a cool example of good framing from jillwklausen’s excellent diary today:
“Them: “President Obama is a Muslim.”
Us: “President Obama is a Christian. He has always been a Christian. His Christian faith is clear in both his words and his deeds.”
Notice I didn’t not say, “He is NOT a Muslim!”
We have to STOP that practice!”
Never repeat what they say, even to refute it. You notice they NEVER use our words, except to use them against us. Use your answer with positive framing.
THIS!!
Even better to have stated that the Constitution requires that religion not be a basis for qualification for office. It should not preclude a Muslim from seeking office, or subliminally endorse a so-called Christian for office. The same should apply for a Buddhist, Hindu, Atheist, or any other religious/spiritual persuasion – the qualification criteria should include their interest to serve the people of the country, their intellectual capacity, their ability to be objective and inclusive, the impact of their proposed policies – and other objective measures. Not religion.
You are of course completely correct on substance. But if you’re trying to move the ball down the field in the proper direction, this quick exercise in positive framing can have some desired results and paint the President in a favorable light, but that person’s alleged standards.
Can we change the minds of those who are dug into their ignorance? No. But we can make a dent and I think this framing is an example of it. It also subliminally directs attention to those who wear the ‘Christian’ label and yet think killing anyone ‘different’ on sight, or supporting profitization by the wealthy at the expense of the 99% is somehow ‘Christian’.
on point theo67.
Well, it isn’t exactly accurate to say he’s always been a Christian. He converted to Christianity from Secular Humanism after he moved to Chicago.
my response is always — so what if he is?
I still don’t get the urge to defend or to re-frame.
because our message with the truth is not getting through as powerfully as their message with the lies. It all comes down to framing and we’re still not fighting the battle effectively.
Agree! Thank you Marlz …
#PRESSON
I love that picture. All in your memory Trayvon Martin.
MUST READ AND SPREAD
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hiltzik-20120322,0,901197.column
This!
A couple of choice paragraphs:
The effects of many such regulations are already visible in California, which has been ground zero of the insurance crisis. California’s uninsured rate runs four to five percentage points higher than the national rate, in part because of its preponderance of small employers and big-box retailers such as Wal-Mart, which traditionally stick government and other coverage providers with the burden of insuring its workers. The state’s individual insurance market is the nation’s biggest, encompassing more than 2 million people whose lives have been at particular risk from insurance practices such as cancellation of coverage for sick or injured customers.
The reform act has greatly expanded the state’s ability to offer coverage to those who have lost their insurance by funding a new program that today covers 8,600 high-risk Californians at reasonable premiums, according to Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, which last week issued a report card on the act’s effects in the state. The study calculated that the act has brought coverage to 370,000 low-income Californians through federal funding for county programs, allowed 355,000 young persons to stay on their parents’ plans and provided 9 million Californians with new consumer protections.
Heartbreaking http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2012/03/25/photoh-tribute-to-trayvon-am-i-next/
AH! Michelle Bachmann…missing MORE days of work, getting paid by the taxpayers to sit on her lying ass
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/michele-bachmann-will-sit-in-scotus-chamber-for
People of MN…are you watching?
I sure have not miss Michelle Bachmann.
Gloria Steinem did a video for PBO…it is really good.
This is terrific. Gloria really lays it out. Love it.
This guy is a disgrace.
Kind of like the “N’ word was a term of endearment from the KKK.
Yeh, most people use a term of endearment to describe the person they’re about to blow off the face of the earth. Fuck this guy!
This man insults our intelligence. He is beyond despicable.
Some black folk like to be denigrated. Look at Clarence Thomas et al. And this is exactly what many white folk love to hear, to take the blame off of themselves. Go ahead, little dumb darkie, help out the Klan. (Mind, I didn’t need to listen to the vid, we know his kind).
WHO IN RATCHET ASSED UNCLE TOM NEGROISM IS THIS NEGRO HERE?!! Boy, Harriet Tubman needs to rise up from the grave, because there are surely some people who need to be handled.
So Kentucky won; this means the President will be at least 50% on the Final Four…if UNC wins, then he’ll be 3 for 4 on the Final Four. Can’t believe I’m writing this: Go Tarheels.
Thanks Tien! We Tarheels appreciate the support! 🙂
California Muslim Mother Beaten To Death, Left With Note Saying ‘Go Back To Your Country’
http://thinkprogress.org/security/2012/03/25/451369/iraq-muslim-murder-terrorist-hate-crime/
Obama Praises U.S. Troops’ Legacy in South Korea
http://www.defense.gov//news/newsarticle.aspx?id=67675
In case anybody forgot, March 2012 is Women’s History Month 🙂
http://www.womenshistorymonth.gov/
I ran across this page of interesting stories on defense.gov
http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2012/0212_womenshistory/
Here’s the Presidential Proclamation:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/03/01/presidential-proclamation-women-s-history-month-2012
The media is so pathetic it is amusing!
They ignored President Obama’s trip until this “open mic” and there really is nothing there!!! Where is the beef?
This from msnbc.com:
The leaders of the two super-powers and former cold war foes, met in South Korea to discuss the state of nuclear arms with other world leaders.
At the very beginning of the photo opportunity after the the biltaeral meeting between them, the two leaders were leaned over and speaking to each other had this exchange about missile defense:
Obama: On all these issues, but particularly missile defense, this, this can be solved but it’s important for him to give me space.
Medvedev: Yeah, I understand. I understand your message about space. Space for you…
Obama: This is my last election. After my election I have more flexibility
Medvedev: I understand. I will transmit this information to Vladmir.
http://photoblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/26/10866405-obama-and-medvedev-talk-nukes-in-seoul
HERE’S HOPING WE GET A NEW THREAD SOON…THIS ONE IS DEFINITELY CROWDED…BBL…BLESSINGS…:)
WHERE IS EVERYBODY?