AP: With Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas back in the nation’s capital, Washington Capitals fans weren’t going to let him forget his skipped trip to the White House.
At Game 3 of the Bruins-Capitals playoff series Monday night, several spectators showed up with pictures of President Barack Obama and signs taunting Thomas. In January, he didn’t show up when the rest of the Bruins were invited to the Stanley Cup champions’ traditional visit to the president’s office.
Thomas, born in Michigan, said at the time he believes the federal government “has grown out of control.”
****
Morning everyone – I’ll be back in a while with Rise and Shine
The Obama Diary 
Morning All
I’m not embarrassed that I awarded first to the wrong person 😳
Moooooooooooooooorning Africa!!!!
Hi1
Up and running!
Morning pugeretto, mroning everyone 😉
Chips. Africa is going to come after you. She was first and you gave the prize to someone else. Watch your back. 😉
Yikes!!!!! You’re right UT – okay, I’m gonna fix this disaster!!
Well, Just on my first cup of coffee, Hi is what I meant. Good morning all.
Good morning!
Have a nice day everyone. Timmy gets his just desserts.
Good morning TOD.
bah ha ha ha ha. “tim thomas? whatever bro”. I guess if Mr Thomas feels that his absence to an invitation to the White House serves as a statement on a government for We The People then We The People get to comment on that…….
I love what the fans did to Thomas. It’s clear that puck has hit him in the head to many times, because I guess it’s (all) President Obama’s fault about the government. Every bit of the debt and all is President Obama fault. No one messed Thomas.
That should be no one missed Thomas.
Yeah where was tiny tim when bush/cheney was running up deficits and “deficits don’t matter”? tiny tim the GOP tool can go suck an egg.
PBO is always looking good, love the energy in his picture, THANKS Chips! Hard to belive “Timmy” didn’t go to Whitehouse, how disrespectful, immature, etc.
I like the use of those 2 words in this situation – disrespectful and immature – says it all.
Africa, you were first, what happened?
Good morning TOD family.
I’ll bet $10,000 that Mr. Thomas of the Boston Bruins is not a member of Mensa.
I’ll raise you 5.
Morning, Bill! Morning, Chips and TODers!
G’morning Chips, TOD, and everyone! Congrats africa or Pugeretto on #1 🙂
Tim Thomas is moron. He was born in MI. Who the hell saved MI when it was sinking? President Obama. Who the hell made it possible for GM to be number one in the world again? President Obama. Who the hell implemented an energy policy that makes sure in the next 10 or so years fuel efficiency standards are raised to 52-55 miles/gallon? President Obama.
Yeah, Tim, it’s that guy who saved your birth place. So go suck on a rotten egg.
p.s. Good Morning Chips and TOD.
How disappointing is he? A Bruin, in heavily liberal Boston! SMH!
The Space Shuttle is on it’s way to the Smithsonian-
http://m.cbsnews.com/storysynopsis.rbml?pageType=cbsthismorning&catid=57415059&feed_id=30
this is when the cylons attack and ….. hold it we’re the 13th colony nevermind.
But but but Baltar said…
😀
“Ann Romney’s tale of ‘struggling’: We ‘learned hard lessons’ living off our stock portfolio
They were not easy years.
We were happy, studying hard. Neither one of us had a job, because Mitt had enough of an investment from stock that we could sell off a little at a time.
The stock came from Mitt’s father. When he took over American Motors, the stock was worth nothing. But he invested Mitt’s birthday money year to year — it wasn’t much, a few thousand, but he put it into American Motors because he believed in himself. Five years later, stock that had been $6 a share was $96 and Mitt cashed it so we could live and pay for education.
—-
Get me the crying towel…..” If I am not mistaken….George Romney purchased them a home to live in while in college and paid Mitt’s tuition.
Here is the picture of them during those ” struggling” times.
🙄
Living off investment stock… oh the horror.
They could have played a couple of jerks in “Animal House”.
No blonde hair in that picture – I’ve never found an answer as to why all GOP wives dye their hair blond?
I thought she looked much more attractive as a brunette.
What? You mean Ann ISN’T a natural blonde? Wow, I never would have guessed… LOLOLOL
It gets even better…
Amazing they didn’t starve to death, isn’t it? How ever did they survive? Please, Ann, tell us more:
Mitt and I walked to class together, shared housekeeping, had a lot of pasta and tuna fish and learned hard lessons. […]
We were living on the edge, not entertaining. No, I did not work. Mitt thought it was important for me to stay home with the children, and I was delighted.
Right after Mitt graduated in 1975, we had our third boy and it was about the time Mitt’s first paycheck came along. So, we were married a long time before we had any income, about five years as struggling students.
Give the Romney’s a break. Those families’ trust funds just don’t go as far as you’d like. I’ll bet they had to cash in some stock just to get by. Just like other struggling young couples (with trust funds and a stock portfolio).
Yeah, you have us all weeping, Ann. Not with “envy” – with total BOREDOM. Go home, Romneys. We’ve seen enough.
GM TODers Check out this link if you have not seen it already…………It’s Mitt’s hot-mic momemnt…………nto hiding much there…………………………… http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/16/11225309-first-thoughts-romneys-own-hot-mic-moment?lite
I am serious, I actually like Willard more than I do Arriana Huffington. To me, they both think they are Privileged and out of touch, but both have the same agenda(Hint)!
ROMNEY’S UPCOMING PLUTOCRACY
A Heartwarming, Shameless Tale of the Romney Family
By Charles P. Pierce
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Meanwhile, while we’re all being careful not to injure Ann’s Fiandaca-swathed fee-fee, the Romneybot itself was setting out quite specific plans for the upcoming plutocracy. (And gigantic props to Sara Murray of the WSJ for once again proving that 90 percent of great journalism is showing up.) He also, unsurprisingly, lied his eyebrows off about the state of American politics….
He also vowed to stand up to teachers unions and warned that unions would funnel dues to Mr. Obama’s reelection campaign. “The unions will put in hundreds of millions of dollars,” Mr. Romney said. “There’s nothing like it on our side,” he said, and he encouraged attendees to get their friends to donate, as well.
“There’s nothing like it on our side.”
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http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/romney-family-wealth-8135649
Okay- the Polls are all over the place, Gallup had Robney leading by 2, CNN has POTUS leading by 9 and Reuters has the President leading by 4.
Strange- the polls are not even close to each other!
Ignore them.
The pollsters keep changing the criteria. Of course they’re all over the place. Axe let Chris Wallace have it good on Sunday when he totally dismantled the poll FOX Sunday was citing. Like Axe doesn’t know the real numbers in every city & suburb in the U.S.
Michelle Obama has become a more comfortable and willing surrogate for her husband this election cycle, using appearances on television programs to target voters who might not normally be engaged in the political process.
Leveraging her popularity on behalf of President Obama will be important in November, especially with Ann Romney having shown herself to be a powerful campaigner able to make headlines for her husband, Mitt Romney.
http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/221849-michelle-obama-hits-her-campaign-stride
Powerful campaigner? Ann Romney? Huh?
Oh you saw that too?
This is what the media is doing. They are trying to formulate Ann into a Michelle. They are failing miserably at it, but they are trying because they want those ad dollars and watchful eyes on this election.
Yes!
” with Ann Romney having shown herself to be a powerful campaigner able to make headlines for her husband, Mitt Romney”.
Heh,heh..after her performance last night w/ Diane Sawyer, we Dems would like Ann to talk more.
It would make Ann Romney more real if she gave a dam about stay at home Moms, but she don’t. This was a birthday gift for her, so they could make up this phony fake controversy, and the Romney camp had plenty of help from the sorry media. Ann Romney in the same league as Mrs. Obama, I think not. Mrs. Obama doesn’t have to make up fake controversy, she goes out there and talk to people, show people that she really cares, she can sit down and talk with all kinds of people, black, latinos, white, young ,old, rich, middle class and poor, all kinds. You will only see Ann Romney with her kind, white.
Here’s an interesting article on Issa from CA – he’s the guy that headed up the women’s contraception panel with no women and has been extremely vocal on “fast and furious”
http://www.npr.org/2012/04/16/150739985/house-investigator-issa-has-faced-allegations-as-well
Issa is a viper. He is behind the Postal Service shenanigans as well.
Oh, you mean Arianna’s friend Issa? Yuck.
ROMNEY: I HOPE WE GET TO TALK ABOUT FAIRNESS. (Hilarious)
Romney Specifies Deductions He’d Cut
——————————————-
He homed in on the issue of fairness as he offered a retort to Mr. Obama. The president has encouraged Congress to support the so-called “Buffett Rule,” a minimum 30% tax on people earning $1 million or more, arguing that higher-income Americans have benefitted most in the recent economy and that passage of the rule is a matter of fairness.
“I hope we get to talk about fairness,” a revved-up Mr. Romney said. “Is it very fair for government to pick winners and losers?” On the campaign trail, Mr. Romney regularly cites Solyndra, a solar panel-manufacturer that received government funds and subsequently went bankrupt, as an example of government manipulation of the private sector.
——————————————–
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304432704577346611860756628.html
Does Romney really want a discussion about picking winners and losers with his record as a private equity manager who destroyed many businesses and families and is now living on the blood money of those endeavors? I detest that man.
What an effing fraud Olympia Snowe is. If anyone ever thought she was ‘moderate’ forgets that as long as you hold onto the Republican label, that’s who you are. Voting against the Buffet Rule, she called it ‘superficial’ and wants comprehensive tax form. You effing, hypocritical Republican jackass.
Susan Collins — the only one to not join the filibuster.
I don’t care anymore. As long as we get her seat.
That ‘independent’ guy seems to be dominating the race. Don’t know which we he’ll caucus or vote.
He’s pretty much a Republican, based on some of what he’s said.
He said he would support Pres.Obama in the general election.
He made a gaffe blaming his mother for his gender when in fact it’s the MAN whose chromosome decides the gender. So far, not looking good at ALL!
Do you think a Dem has a chance at Snowe’s seat? I am glad she is retiring, she is a phony. She wanted to give POTUS a “F” for his bipartinship, She has follow into line with McConnell. She has shown no leadership, she has become a soldier for McConnell. A disgrace.
Buffet Rule Block Will Cost Republicans Dearly in the Election
By Ben Cohen
————————————————-
This really is another example of the GOP cutting off its nose to spite its face. They rejected the bill because they have dogmatically and religiously opposed any tax hike proposed by the President. The tactic has been used to paint Obama as a radical socialist, and it has gone on for years. The Republicans even went as far as to prevent Obama from raising the debt ceiling – a borderline treasonous move that could have destroyed the US economy in a matter of weeks. This behavior has simply gone on for too long, and the public is catching on to their incessant wolf crying and name calling.
The Obama and the Democrats will use the rejection to highlight the increasing extremes the Republicans will go to in order to preserve wealth for the rich, and it will most certainly pay dividends, particularly in election year.
—————————————————-
http://www.thedailybanter.com/2012/04/buffet-rule-block-will-cost-republicans-dearly-in-the-election/
They want to squash it, because it is so popular!
I agree that the public is getting sick of GOP games and antics. They have overplayed their hand. However, the MSM is still making the truth of the GOP obstructionism unnecessarily hard for the large segement of the public that is not as “tuned in” to the political scene. Case in point, most of the MSM has headlline that “the Senate blocked the Buffet rule” rather than clearly stating that Senate Republicans blocked the Buffet rule. Since each party only had one defector, it would make sense to clearly lay blame where it belongs. The MSM can only blame the Democrats by themselves. The MSM cannot blame the GOP without also throwing some criticism at the Democrats (justified or not). Corporate ownership of the Media is the greatest threat to this country. They willfully misinform the public and carry water for one of our two political parties. Thankfully more and more people no longer trust the MSM and are catching on to the games they play.
At 11:10 am, President Obama is expected to deliver a statement announcing a plan to increase oversight and crack down on manipulation in oil markets
THE SENATE DIDN’T USE TO WORK THIS WAY
Senate GOP kills Buffett Rule
By Steve Benen
—————————————-
It’s worth appreciating a few details about the vote. For example, the 51-45 vote means a majority of the Senate, like a majority of Americans, supported the proposal. But because the Senate is a dysfunctional mess, 45 votes trumps 51 votes. The Senate didn’t use to work this way, and it wasn’t designed to work this way, but here we are.
Also note, this wasn’t a vote on the bill; it was a vote to end a filibuster on a motion to proceed. I won’t bore you with the minutiae, but let’s not lose sight of this underlying procedural fact: Republicans didn’t just oppose closing this loophole, they voted yesterday to block the Senate’s ability to have a debate about whether to close the loophole. The Senate didn’t use to operate this way, either.
—————————————–
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/17/11244428-senate-gop-kills-buffett-rule?lite
This is what needs to be shouted out loud and clear. The Dems are on the people’s side, but the Republicans, now representing the most obstructionist minority party in US history, is not even allowing a vote on bills that will help this country and all Americans.
This.Make NO mistake!
http://zandarvts.blogspot.com/2012/04/romney-will-run-government-like-he-ran.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ZVTS+%28Zandar+Versus+The+Stupid%29
Amtrak will receive a security award from the Transportation Security Administration, officials with the national passenger rail service announced Monday.
The TSA will recognize Amtrak for its Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancements (BASE) for the Northeast Corridor of its railway network, the agency said.
Amtrak said in a statement announcing the award that the TSA review gave the rail agency “high marks for its establishment of security and emergency awareness programs both internally and externally.”
http://thehill.com/blogs/transportation-report/railroads/221719-tsa-to-give-amtrak-a-security-award
G’day everyone!
HOUSE GOP CLAIMS OBAMA ADMINISTRATION OVERSIGHT WAS REALLY A CONSPIRACY
The wrong line on the GSA controversy
By Steve Benen
—————————————–
What’s more, Politico found that spending on the biannual General Services Administration Western Region Conference “soared nearly 250 percent during the Bush years.”
This doesn’t have to be a partisan food fight. The GSA clearly misused tax dollars, and Congress is justified to launch an investigation. But the problem started before Obama took office, and no one can credibly claim that the Obama administration covered up a problem that the Obama administration was responsible for uncovering in the first place.
Congressional Republicans, you have a legitimate example of a government bureaucracy spending too much money without cause. You’re free to jump up and down about this, and use it as an example of wasteful spending, but alleging a conspiracy without evidence is silly.
————————————-
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/17/11245282-the-wrong-line-on-the-gsa-controversy?lite
Morning everyone – again:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/04/17/rise-and-shine-156/
“Having a more compassionate attitude helps you communicate more easily with your fellow human beings.”. ~ HHDL ~ 17 April 2012 ~
@DalaiLama
Lovely.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-04-16/romney-picks-longtime-aide-to-handle-running-mate-vetting.html
Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney said he isn’t too rich to relate to average Americans and President Barack Obama should “start packing” for a White House departure in 2013.
Romney made the remarks in an ABC News interview aired yesterday as Democrats accused him of running a secretive campaign and called on him to release more tax records.
Enlarge image
Mitt Romney, accompanied by his wife Ann, at the National Rifle Association convention in St. Louis on April 13, 2012. Photographer: Michael Conroy/AP Photo
Enlarge image
Beth Myers, campaign manager for Mitt Romney’s 2008 bid for the presidency, jokes with Carl Forti, political director in Boston in this April 27, 2007 file photo. Photographer: Elise Amendola/AP Photo
Asked by ABC’s Diane Sawyer whether his wealth — including a planned car elevator that is part of a $12 million renovation at his beach home in La Jolla, California — prevents him from relating to most people, Romney said it shouldn’t.
“We don’t divide America based upon success and wealth and other dimensions of that nature,” he said. “We’re one nation under God. This is a time when people of different backgrounds and different experiences need to come together.”
Just a thought. SInce the RW is so fond of talking about freeloaders and using divisive language for their class warfare, I suggest that someone point out that these same very wealthy individuals that refuse to raise one more cent of revenue for the country to sustain itself in a healthy and safe manner, ARE THE FREELOADERS! They use the roads, bridges, air, water, trains, planes,schools,etc (mostly selling their wares….to continue ripping us off, AND getting richer) but they don’t want to pay their fair share! It is THEY that want something for nothing! It is THEY who are unpatriotic Americans that feel SO entitled to saddle the middle class with the bulk of the costs of the infrastructure of this country while they hide money in Grand Cayman and Swiss bank accounts…..showing the world that they feel entitled to special treatment that is not afforded the rest of the country! No one is denying them the fruits of their labors, though in Romney’s case, he inherited, then made more, by hurting American workers, and made money off his sheltered money.He is a TAKER…and to THIS day, still doesn’t have a job that has contributed one iota to the society he PRETENDS to care about! THEY are the freeloaders….and all the little RW sheeple, stand outside, looking in, agreeing with everything he says…pretending that SOME DAY, they could be just like him.
President Obama will offer a plan Tuesday to boost oversight of oil markets and “crack down” on potential manipulation, the White House said.
Obama is slated to deliver a Rose Garden statement in the late morning, the latest in a slew of recent energy-related speeches and remarks as the White House seeks to limit political damage from high gasoline prices.
http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/221885-obama-to-roll-out-plan-to-crack-down-on-oil-market-manipulation
And it’s just going to get worse from here on out.
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/17/11245621-a-severe-crisis-of-popularity?lite
Goooo Capitals Fans~ Well done. I love my country when it’s people Stand up for the right thing.. 🙂
thank you very much fans of Capital. You are not taking any mess lying down! Thank you! Thank you!
I bet hate-filled timmy thought ordinary people did not notice his level of stupidity and hate towards PBO.
I love it when ordinary citizens stand up to those who show disrespect and outright hatred of President Obama for issues that have nothing at all to do with his perfromance as a leader. History will be aghast at this level of hate for a PBO who is the model leader that this country has yearned for all this long.
I just had to come back to this….Is POB singing to MO? The very top photo is so cute. I love how they love!