A photo of the White House taken with an iPhone and the application ‘With Mitt’ from the campaign of Mitt Romney on May 30. The application which allows users to take photographs with one of fourteen overlays including one that says ‘A Better Amercia’. ‘Mistakes happen,’ Romney campaign spokeswoman Andrea Saul said on MSNBC.
Here at TOD we’ve realized all along that 2012 was the year we either began truly ending the Civil War and resolving it’s core, unresolved issue, or not. Yesterday, the battlefield became crystal clear, it is the heart and mind of every American. 6 Nov 2012 is way more than an Election, way more.
That’s very cool and brings an enormous smile to my face!!! Thank you Chips, and thanks for sharing with our great pals Susan, Kari, Alycee and all TODers! 🙂
Bob, you’re a gem and Chips MANY thanks. I love their love! Not to mention, I love coming to TOD many times a day (sometimes just lurking). It lifts my spirits. What a gift.
Hi, Chips! Thank you! Have come to the conclusion I’ll never catch up. Splitting my time between the campaign, landscaping, and being ill. Glad to be able to check-in and read the front page from time to time.
PRESIDENT OBAMA IS A LEADER, A STATESMAN, AND A CLASS ACT
Obama calls to congratulate Romney for securing nomination
——————–
President Obama called presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney on Wednesday to “congratulate him on securing the Republican nomination,” according to a statement from Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt.
“President Obama said that he looked forward to an important and healthy debate about America’s future, and wished Governor Romney and his family well throughout the upcoming campaign,” the statement said.
The Romney campaign described the call as “brief and cordial,” and said Romney thanked the president for the congratulations and returned the familial well-wishes.
But what seems most interesting to me is an observation from Steve M., who discovered just how common an error this is, including references to “Polish death camps” from journalists at CNN, ABC, CBS, and the New York Times.
Also guilty of this have been Ha’aretz, USA Today, the L.A. Times, the Chicago Tribune, The Daytona Beach News-Journal, the Associated Press, The Buffalo News, Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper and broadcaster CTV, The Toronto Star, and the British comedian Stephen Fry. And that’s just a list of people and organizations that have been reproached for it.
Oh, one more: Fox News.
Yes, it would have been better if the administration had avoided the gaffe, but it’s quite a common gaffe.
Let those of us who have not made similar slip-ups cast the first stone.
Major Garrett and Susan Page (USA TODAY) and Andrea Mitchell are all outraged about this right now. You would have thought that PBO committed some horrible crime. Now they have moved on to the exciting possibility that Liz Cheney is running for office. Our news media—-never been more partisan and more worthless.
That about sums it up 57. Your comment should be a great tweet for Bobfr to blast out to every network and cable show that will be breathlessly reporting this error tonight. The double standard is just astonishing. As usual, Steve Benen does a nice job of documenting the fake outrage. smdh
As a descendent of the lone survivor of the Polish run death camps, PBO spoke a true statement. Why are there only 6000 Jewish people in all of Poland? This was not perpetrated by Germany alone! Complacency breeds GUILT!
I said the same thing to my husband. (I’m Jewish and the Holocaust was a spectre over my life). I understand that Poland is now an ally and a better phrase could have been used. But after hearing Chicagoans of Polish descent jump on this bandwagon, if you didn’t know any better you’d think that those camps were set up in a vacuum. Complacency at the least; collaboration at the most.
The Donald is now saying he wants to see PBO’s college applications so he can see where he listed his place of birth. Still no push back from Willard’s campaign.
The only response to Trump is to keep replaying his smackdown from last year. He’s a dunce. He was clearly too stupid to be embarrassed for long. He’s been sufficiently dealt with by President Obama. I’m done with observing his existence. I wouldn’t let a child spend that much time acknowledging a worthless bully – I won’t do it myself. If the media wants to glorify the filth that is Donald Trump, then let them. There are more important things to do.
I woke up and Dan Señor was on Moanin Jerk for 3 hours, telling us all how misrable CIC this President is.
Then, I did a few errands, come back, flip on tv, their He is again on the Andrea Mitchel Show demanding War.
This amount of Face time, for a Robney Senior adviser -is unprecedented.
So, what gives? Why is this Guy allowed so much time on tv?
The likely voter model is BS. The Republicans and Democrats are all showing up, near as I can tell.
Ergo, it is Likely Republicans should not have the advantage there.
Unless, they think that all those negative ads will turn Democrats away from the polls.
Also, We are hitting the ground already, GOTV. Early voting has started, and I know we have an early lead!
Okay. The Marquette poll was BEFORE the debate, and believes that the collar towns around Milwaukee (very conservative) should be heavily weighted. I really don’t know enough about the percentages as they pertain to voters in WI so I’ll reserve that judgment. But a poll taken before the debate just doesn’t matter.
I just heard that My President called Liar Romney & congratulated him on his nomination. Am getting ready to have my Lunch & I have lost my appetite. Just the thought of Willard’s voice in my President’s ears makes me want to ….. 😦
Remember when Mitt kept telling people who asked for government services that they should vote for “the other guy” if they wanted help with student loans, medical coverage, etc.? Well, if you want a “better Amercia”, then vote for “the other guy”.
Ha! LOL! LMAO! Another poll saying that all of a sudden, over night, Robney has gained 21 points in favorability of the Women Vote.
So, Lady’s are all of a sudden comfortable with Robney getting rid of their rights, and Healthcare services?
OVERNIGHT???
LOL!
Oh, common, people, we have seen this movie before:
MITT: Be quiet! I order you to be quiet!
WOMAN: Order, eh — who does he think he is?
MITT: I am your president!
WOMAN: Well, I didn’t vote for you.
MITT: You don’t vote for presidents.
WOMAN: Well, ‘ow did you become king then?
ARTHUR: The Lady of the Lake,
[angels sing]
her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite, held aloft Excalibur
from the bosom of the water signifying by Divine Providence that I,
Mitt, was to carry Excalibur.
[singing stops]
That is why I am your president!
DENNIS: Listen — strange women lying in ponds distributing swords
is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power
derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical
aquatic ceremony.
MITT: Be quiet!
DENNIS: Well you can’t expect to wield supreme executive power
just ’cause some watery tart threw a sword at you!
MITT: Shut up!
DENNIS: I mean, if I went around sayin’ I was an empereror just
because some moistened bint had lobbed a scimitar at me they’d
put me away!
Well, OK, it takes some imagination to picture one of the Koch Brothers as “The Lady of the Lake”, but the rest is pretty accurate.
This is actually pretty accurate. He’s expecting the Presidency because “it’s his turn”, the Koch brothers bought it for him, etc. He hasn’t articulated a single strategy (other than Paul Ryan’s destructive budget and endless war), and he won’t answer any questions or show nay courage. The fact that he thinks he can be President simply because someone’s going to buy it for him is disgusting – but it’s where we are.
This is so Fake! Robney Family does a short movie, about Miss Ann having Multiple Sclerosis! Releasing it to MSNBainC, so they can run it from now until the Election. LOL!
Was it in Black and White?
Msnbc is becomming fake news. Romney would not come there and have an interview with any host but they would show his movie what a bunch of idiots . Al and Bashir are the only intresting people in that Bain invested comcast network.
Planned Parenthood endorsed President Obama’s reelection Wednesday morning and slammed Mitt Romney for what it called his “harmful positions on women’s health.”
“There is no greater champion for women’s health than President Obama and Planned Parenthood Action Fund couldn’t be prouder to endorse his reelection as president today,” said Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards. “The contrast with Mitt Romney couldn’t be starker. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is committed to ensuring that voters know how wrong Mitt Romney is for women — in his own words.”
I think something needs to be done now about the voter purge in Fl. NOW. Someone suggested that the timing wasn’t right, or something. But I think a lot of damage is already being done—–with thousands of these “you’re ineligible to vote” letters already gone out and I read over 100,000 more are going out. There’s no self-addressed stamped envelope to return your proof of citizenship—–what is this anyway other than a blatant attempt to steal the election? Many will be discouraged or won’t bother to appeal, many will be frightened away etc. etc. If Fl. is as close as it has been in recent elections, this kind of scare tactic could make the difference. Other than a few House Dems, no one seems to be paying any attention to this as this action continues.
Tell Eric Holder: Immediately suspend & investigate Governor Rick Scott's voter purging in Florida http://t.co/M7WM8tSq#p2
this one is egregious. You don’t get to determine the citizenship of someone without disclosing and proving the accuracy of your methodology and demanding that they request a hearing and ‘prove their citizenship. This is not effing Nazi Germany. I’m intimidated, and I’ve worked for lawyers, for God’s sake! This shit doesn’t scare me, but if I got a letter like this, I’d be scared. And if I was confused because of my heritage, I’d be terrified.
There is reasonable application of states’ discretion but this is beyond the pale. Holder needs to step in.
You are absolutely right! The DOJ must step in if there is evidence that this is a targeted effort to deny people the right to vote on the basis of race/ethnicity. age, etc.
I’m just curious to know what kind of proof they need. In Michigan you need at least 4 pieces. I bet they will make these people jump through hoops. The media is obssessed with Syria and the back and forth btw the WH and Romney camps. The Media/ GOP are crazy if they think Americans want their government to wage a another war. I’ll be damned if I let the GOP wage a war on our voting rights.
Sometimes words just fail me and I end up in a fit of giggles:
Robert Mugabe asked to be UN ‘leader for tourism’
The Zimbabwe president, accused of ethnic cleansing and bankrupting his country, asked to champion tourism
Hoekstra panders to Birthers in Michigan
By Steve Benen – Wed May 30, 2012 2:10 PM EDT.
Though it’s tempting to think the “Birther” garbage would be fading away, it actually seems to be getting more common in Republican circles. Just over the last couple of months, we’ve seen incidents involving a leading Romney campaign surrogate, the Arizona Secretary of State, and Reps. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.), Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), and Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.).
Two weeks ago, Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) deleted a Birther message from a social media site, and this week, we learned about comments from former Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R), who’s running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan. Though he hasn’t endorsed the ridiculous conspiracy theory, per se, the Republican doesn’t mind pandering on the subject.
Hoekstra made these comments a few weeks ago, but these excerpts weren’t posted by Michigan Democrats until this week. In the clip, Hoekstra is asked at a Tea Party rally for his thoughts on President Obama’s birth certificate.
Sure. I mean, I think — you know, I think, throw something at me if you want, I think with this president, the book is closed, all right?” Hoekstra tells the man. “It’s kind of like, I hate to say it, but I think the debate’s over — we lost that debate, and we lost that debate in 2008, when our presidential nominee said, ‘I ain’t talking about it.’ OK, I’m sorry.
“But I do now believe that I’d like to establish a three-person office in Washington, D.C., OK — knowing it, we’ll go to five. But there’s no reason why we should have this kind of question, you know, for the president of the United States. So that at any future election, all right, that someone would have to walk into that office, and prove that they meet the minimum qualifications to be president of the United States.”
The birther thing is simply an acceptable method for them to practice their racism. The only people who actually have a right to the Presidency, by their standards, are people from Native American tribes – who can trace their beginnings all the way from the beginning of time. Everyone else is an immigrant. In fact, the original man started in Africa, so…
They wouldn’t want a native American in office! They want the white European variety! The other thing that just makes my LOL, is the idea of the these guys touting “small govt” or no “govt. intervention” accept they really do the opposite. What jerks
“So Mitt Romney has a sappy new video out called The Promise of America. His basic message: that he will make America better by returning us to the nation we once were. He doesn’t explain what that means, but if you look at this collage of every closeup shot in the video, one thing is clear: the America Mitt Romney sees is really, really white. “
This is an important point. On the one hand – they can’t get themselves on TV unless they’re criticizing the President. But, they should be running ads, doing town halls, sending out communications.
I got a long letter from President Obama (along with millions of other people, too, but I’m pretending it was only me). He was asking for us to support the DNC. I really am thinking about this. Yes, he needs a Congress he can work with. But, I’m not prepared to send money to a group of people who had to be begged to vote for health care reform – a stronghold on the Democratic ticket for 100 years. And who campaigned against health care reform, or kept their mouths quiet. Who have not squashed the racist commentary from the right in three years of attacks against this President. Who, in the case of Diane Feinstein (one of my Senators and up for re-election this year) feel free to declare that Bain is off limits as a campaign strategy! Who have really only amplified the President’s message twice in this congressional session – and who cowardly allow Republicans to ride roughshod over them at every opportunity. I don’t think I want to give them a penny.
I beg to disagree with Jovie. You should donate, if you can, to DCCC, DSCC and DNC! We need Democrats to control both houses of Congress! That’s the only way President Obama will be able to implement his agenda if he is re-elected. As pragmatic people, we must never embrace purity tests to all Democrats, especially those running in “red” districts.
BINGO, BINGO as well. We are here to support POB, and that also mean to give support to DCCC, DSCC and DNC. POB really need both houses in order to complete his agenda for all of us. Let us make sure we will do our part. We can’t allow the lack of seeing dems on tv discourage us from helping POB. He and Joe are working so hard, so we should try to weigh the cost and allow our hearts and heads move us to Have His Back.
I have seen several Reps. from the West Coast on and also I just heard several on Stephanie Miller’s show on Current in the mornings. Stephinie is doing a great job with her guest from the West Coast. Let us say focus. We Are In This Together. Love you all very much.HZ
I respect your opinion, but I cannot donate to people who work against the cause of the party. I agree that more Democrats are needed, but the ones we’ve got need a lesson in the meaning of being a Democrat.
Theo67, you point is well taken. I also respect yours. That is what makes this beautiful place so wonderful. We can discuss and give our opinions with respect. I will always try to do just that. Thank you so much theo67. You are always very wise in your comments, and I thank you so very much.HZ
Theo 67, I also greatly respect your opinion. Believe me some of these Democrats make me angry as well. But, in politics you sometimes have to consider the lesser of two evils. I live in San Diego county, CA, which is not as progressive as either San Francisco, or Los Angeles. Consequently, Democrats in my area are not going to be as liberal or progressives as Democrats from LA or SF! Yet, in order to ensure that Nancy Pelosi is Speaker of the House of Rep. again, I must overlook some differences with some of my Democratic representatives. This is what Howard Dean had in mind with his 50 States strategy. I have no problem with being a purist in States and Congressional Districts that are guaranteed to elect Democrats. But I also know that even as bad as people like Ben Nelson, and Joe Lieberman were, President Obama would not have been able to get Congress to pass the ACA, the Dodd/Frank Wall street Financial regulations, and other Bills, without their votes. Besides, the reality is is that the party which is in the majority in Congress gets to control the agenda. Because of the diversity of this country, I doubt that we can today firmly dictate 100% of what being a Democrat entails. Having said that, I certainly understand your frustration with Democrats who appear to be working against the interest of the party because they are afraid of loosing their seats.
Thanks for the response, nathkatun7. I’ll definitely consider what you’re saying. I can’t vote, but I can donate (permanent resident), and I can work, and I can phone my representatives and senators. I don’t want President Obama to spend the next four years in a hell of Republican revenge, but I also want the Dems who make it back to Congress to actually want to work for the people. You make some very good points, though. I’ll think about it. Thank you!
If the Repub controlled-media is not reporting positive happenings of the President, just why would we think they would have Democrats speaking on his behalf.
“Unlike Mitt Romney, Michiganders aren’t sure if their trees are the right height … but they’re very sure that they don’t like Romney.”
I spent time with friends on Sunday. The dad is uber-conservative jackass-type Catholic, the mom is a woman’s studies major. The 17 year old gets it — she will cast her first vote in 2012 for Barack Obama. The 13 year old is malleable.
But the entire family, even the dad, had a running gag about the right height of the trees of MI. I said, “What an idiot”. dad said, “I can’t argue with you on that one.”
I would be shocked if he voted for PBO but how many people will, based on the awfulness of Mitt?
It’s hard to believe there have been two questions from jackals about President George W. Bush visiting the White House tomorrow for the unveiling of his portrait.
I think poor Mittens has his panties in a bunch: he thinks he should pick Rubio but he doesn’t want the competition. He’d prefer white bread and more boring than he is — now that’s a tall order.
I’ll be surprised if it isn’t Rubio who is sooooo transparent on how much he wants the job.
Who was it here with great info on the ground about Latino support. the Catholic Church is doing a number on their heads. I saw the concerns and PBO can fix them, no problem. But I can see the Idiots on Parade very anxious to muddy the waters with Rubio, who I think could slither his way into turning a few minds.
Among moderate voters, Romney has gained 9 points from last month and now stands at 39 percent favorable. Obama remains strong with this group, with 58 percent giving him a favorable rating. Obama’s popularity is down 8 points among independent voters, with 52 percent holding an unfavorable impression.
Jay Carney referenced this post from Jared Bernstein today at the briefing.
MarketWatch Is More Right Than the WaPo Factchecker Says It Is
————————–
In case you’ve missed this scintillating discussion, the issue here is the rate of spending under President Obama’s tenure. MarketWatch (MW) came up with 1.4% per year, 2009-13; the WaPo gets 3.3%. I’ll explain the difference in a moment, but even if you go with the WaPo, President Obama’s spending record is still the lowest annual rate since Eisenhower (and “no,” I’m not saying that’s great either—no wonder we’re stuck in slog mode—but that’s not for his lack of trying to pass more job creation measures).
.
.
I’ve tried to give the WaPo credit where it’s due here, but they should realize that they’ve graded this far too harshly. You wanna go with 1P, go ahead—you’re right about the endpoint. But given the facts of the case, even under your own measure, and especially amidst the clamoring rhetoric to the contrary claiming the President is the biggest spender ever, 3P’s has no credibility.
I respectfully request that they revisit this one.
Watching Martin and I want to pull my hair out. S.E. Cupp is a nasty person. I like what Julian Epstein told her about voter fraud not being a problem.
I was chomping at the bit for awhile…all my services went out. Internet, phone, cable….got it fixed, but I have to say, you really find out what kind of a news junkie you are when you don’t have it:) It really stinks….
Mine, too! I’ve been in phone and internet HELL for two days. This time. Finally took the Comcast plunge. They come on Monday. My ATT service in Chicago is disgraceful.
Seriously, this insanity about paying dividends at this expense of providing adequate service — this is not how corporations were expected to work.
In the 1900’s at the advent of corporations as we know them, they were supposed to function for the common good and had a responsibility to society as well as the stockholders. After those requirements were met, THEN profits and dividends.
Did you guys realize that every time there’s a new regulation, the government has to defend against lawsuits that say the fiduciary responsibility of a corporation is first and foremost to the shareholders? Thank you, 100 years of effed up Supreme Court decisions.
Try to follow me? Two weeks ago, Chris Cilliza was on Mitchel show.
He was asked about the Presidents lead amongst Women.
He then made an odd point. He said, if Robney loses the Women Vote by more than 12, 13, or 14 points, he will lose.
Two weeks later, VIOLA! Another poll, showing Robney down by 11 amongst women.
A 21 point gain in two weeks For Willard, more importantly, Cilliza fixed his own poll!
You know what? Holder seems afraid to do anything on the Florida voting rights.
He seems scared to stick up for our rights, down here.
This is frustrating. I hope I don’t get purged.
I left a stinging message on the DOJ public comment line about an hour ago. I am going to call again tomorrow and be very measured and reasoned. I am SO angry and scared and frustrated about the voter suppression, especially in FL, but all over. I feel like the DOJ is doing NOTHING. And the 64 thousand dollar question is WHY???????????? Can anyone on this blog give me some insight on this?
http://www.justice.gov/ I think we should all go here, and where it says “Report a Crime”….we can all report that Rick Scott is purging eligible voters from the rolls in FLA. Send the ThinkProgress links along with it….that would get their attention! I have NO idea of they’re doing anything about this, they may well be. In fact, I think I’ll call and ASK THEM if they are!
OK familia! I just got off the phone with this nice lady at the DOJ. She tried to connect me to the voting rights section of the DOJ and it seems that DC is having phone trouble because of a big storm that passed through. Better to call tomorrow. She DID, however, give me the direct number to the voting rights division 🙂 We need to flood the phones and get some answers to the questions we have. Not ONLY regarding the BS going on in FL, but to make sure that ALL OVER THE COUNTRY people can vote! Others DIED for this right….and no jackwagon Republican crook should EVER take that away!!
Phone # 202-307-2767 they open at 8:30am….let’s get busy on this!
Thank you so much for this DF. I will call first thing tomorrow. Flooding the phones is a great idea. And when you do ask for help for other states like PA and WI.
WTH there was no storm in DC. The sun couldn’t be shinning any brighter. I’m sitting less than a mile from the DOJ as I type this message. On my way to call right now!!!
Attorney General Eric Holder is a respectable man, and he has stated,”The DOJ is the conscience of the Exective Branch. He is not to be cast aside as one who is “chicken shit.” I know that for a fact. I will not go any further than that.
However, POB is not in no way stupid as to allow the Civil Rights Department of the DOJ not to be on their jobs in this matter of Voter Rights and the openess of many states trying to surpress the votes and steal this electin. Trust him on this one, Please, pretty please!!!!! I will shut up, but I know they are working on this and that is all that I will say on this. HZ
Actually – a quick Google search shows several cases that the DOJ has filed nationwide fighting regressive voter suppression efforts from the GOP. The latest one was on March 21, 2012, fighting the Florida action. The President beefed up the civil rights section of the DOJ shortly after taking office, staffed up the department with real civil rights attorneys who actually know what they’re doing, and they’ve been focused on fighting voter suppression for the past three years, before any of us started paying attention.
We may not hear about it, but they’ve been fighting.
Yes, thanks for that info though I ask the same thing meta did: Do we KNOW serious work is being done and if any progress is being made? Or, does the administration/campaign team want to keep it rather quiet until the time is right to release info??
General Holder gave a pretty public speech in Texas outlining their strategy back in March (I think). The media didn’t cover it at all. There is plenty of serious work being done. The President was a civil rights attorney when he practiced law. I think this is a matter close to his heart – not just for the election, but as a matter of principle.
Thank you for this. I will be sure to look it over. I have to be careful and not assume the wrong answers. I will call the DOJ, and do some research of my own too. There is NO way in hell that Eric Holder and the DOJ is not looking into this! I have not found Holder to be a coward, and I hope that the DOJ is ALL hired up. I kow with all that’s going on accross the country everyone is working overtime.
We should also write our media outlets, lousy as they may be. Sign petitions and call our state attorny offices?
I beg to differ! The only way the AG can get involved in voting issues is if there is explicit violation of the 1965 Voting Rights Act! He can not simply interfere in elections on any other grounds. Go read the provisions of Voting Rights Act and then show us how Florida is violating them. Otherwise, please stop inflaming people and creating divisiveness! You may be a passionate supporter of the President, but you also undermine him by making baseless accusation against the man he selected to be his Attorney General.
Nathkatun7, thank you for your comment. Attorney General Holder is just as passionate about this issue of voter supression in all of the states. Attorney General Holder is the attorney for All of us, and he carries the seriousness of his job daily with heaviness of heart because he knows that we the people and the President depend on him and the Justic Department to take every situation seriously.
Plus, Attorney General Eric Holder goes to bed every night knowing that his job carries a heavy measure of sacrifice right there within his own home. His wife, Dr. Sharon Malone Holder is a living reminder to him daily of the personal sacrifices of civil rights issues. Read about her sister’s story.
Sometime it might be wise to check out the book, “Slavery By Another Name.” Dr. Malone Holder spoke at a gathering in Pasadena, Ca. in Jan., of this year about her uncle in a very personal way. This was part of a PBS Documentary. The TCA tour that was. (Television Critics Association Press Tour.) I can’t not or will not go any further than to say that Attorney General Eric Holder is a wonderful person, and he will serve the people of the United States and this President with great honor and pride in being that “conscience of the Executive Branch,” as he has stated before. HZ
Thank you, HZ! I am always overwhelmed with your wisdom and humanity. The reason I came to this place is to get away from people who were quick to dump on the President without really taking into consideration what he could or could not do. But even more importantly, to get away from people who presumed to know what exactly he was not doing behind the scenes.
Like you, I am absolutely convinced that AG Holder is passionately dedicated to the rights of citizens to vote. At the same time, unlike you and me and all the experts in the blogs, he still has to follow the law. One thing about the devious right wingers is that they are masters at doing evil things within in the confines of the law. They are also confident that the right wing dominated federal judicially will rubber stamp their actions. The only forces that can effectively confront them is us the citizens. I am also convinced that once the AG and the DOJ gathers enough concrete evidence that shows that the governor of Florida’s purge of voters violates the 1965 Voting Rights Act they will take action.
Romney senior adviser Eric Fehrnstrom was asked late last week, for example, about the former governor’s job-creation failures in Massachusetts. He argued Romney inherited a “recession” and an economy that was “losing thousands of jobs every month.”
At this point, you might be thinking, “Wait, didn’t Obama also inherit a recession and an economy that was hemorrhaging jobs?” And if that is what you’re thinking, you’ll love the Romney campaign’s new press release.
Governor Romney Inherited An Economy That Was Losing Jobs Each Month And Left Office With An Economy That Was Adding Jobs Each Month. After taking office at a time when the state was losing thousands of jobs every month, Governor Romney’s focus on fiscal responsibility helped create an environment where job growth returned to Massachusetts. Job growth increased throughout his term….
Did anyone see this week’s Panorama about the Euro 2012? It’s about the appalling hatred displayed at football games in Ukraine and POLAND? Methinks this is why they’re so sensitive about “Polish” death camps.
P.S. Chips, do you have an Amazon link for this site? I want to buy American Grown and would love to help TOD by buying through you. If you don’t, that’s okay. 🙂
Words again fail me. Can we just retire the non-Supremes? I’m looking at this in terms of the damage done to our country since 2000:
The story of the Amalekites has been used to justify genocide throughout the ages. According to Pennsylvania State University Professor Philip Jenkins, a contributing editor for the American Conservative, the Puritans used this passage when they wanted to get rid of the Native American tribes. Catholics used it against Protestants, Protestants against Catholics. “In Rwanda in 1994, Hutu preachers invoked King Saul’s memory to justify the total slaughter of their Tutsi neighbors,” writes Jenkins in his 2011 book, Laying Down the Sword: Why We Can’t Ignore the Bible’s Violent Verses (HarperCollins).
This fall, more than 100,000 American public school children, ranging in age from four to 12, are scheduled to receive instruction in the lessons of Saul and the Amalekites in the comfort of their own public school classrooms. The instruction, which features in the second week of a weekly “Bible study” course, will come from the Good News Club, an after-school program sponsored by a group called the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). The aim of the CEF is to convert young children to a fundamentalist form of the Christian faith and recruit their peers to the club.
There are now over 3,200 clubs in public elementary schools, up more than sevenfold since the 2001 supreme court decision, Good News Club v Milford Central School, effectively required schools to include such clubs in their after-school programing.
The CEF has been teaching the story of the Amalekites at least since 1973. In its earlier curriculum materials, CEF was euphemistic about the bloodshed, saying simply that “the Amalekites were completely defeated.” In the most recent version of the curriculum, however, the group is quite eager to drive the message home to its elementary school students. The first thing the curriculum makes clear is that if God gives instructions to kill a group of people, you must kill every last one:
“You are to go and completely destroy the Amalekites (AM-uh-leck-ites) – people, animals, every living thing. Nothing shall be left.”
“That was pretty clear, wasn’t it?” the manual tells the teachers to say to the kids.
Even more important, the Good News Club wants the children to know, the Amalakites were targeted for destruction on account of their religion, or lack of it. The instruction manual reads:
“The Amalekites had heard about Israel’s true and living God many years before, but they refused to believe in him. The Amalekites refused to believe in God and God had promised punishment.”
I have two problems with this article.
1. It claims that President Obama doesn’t have a lot to boast about regarding jobs numbers – ignoring the fact that the GOP caused the original decline, and have contributed to the slow recovery and public sector job losses. Given that President Obama did not create a single policy that caused the eight million jobs lost by Bush’s Administration, he’s done a stellar job creating jobs in a hostile environment, and can certainly boast about his job creation record.
2. The powers of the governor and the powers of the President are very different, when it comes to controlling their economies. The governor just has to deal with his assembly and his policies directly impact the results of their economy. The President has to deal with State governors and budgetary contributions to the states, Congressional agendas and limited control; plus, he’s head of state and Commander in Chief, and has other international responsibilities.
Florida Concocts Signature Test to Purge Democratic Voters
By: Adalia Woodbury
————————————
Nothing good can come from using flawed information to screen out ineligible voters in the name of eliminating the non-existent problem of voter fraud. It does however, have the potential to compromise the electoral process, as some will argue occurred in 2004. You may recall that George W. Bush won Florida with around five hundred votes. In Miami-Dade County alone, over 1,000 people were purged from the voter rolls. The math is obvious.
This has nothing to do with eliminating voter fraud, it is more consistent with wanting to perpetrating a fraud on the democratic process in favor of the Republican Party by precluding people most likely to vote democrat from voting at all.
I won’t go so far as to say that this is about establishing a single party political system. It does have the potential to establishing a system in which there is the sort of single party rule that one associates with authoritarian societies.
Thanks DF. I will call the Voting Rights Division of the Justice Department to express my outrage about the voter disenfranchisement that is running rampant throughout the country. As Fannie Lou Hamer said in her speech at the DNC in 1964 “Is This America?”
The Department of Justice is not the culprit here. The GOP is the culprit. The DOJ has been fighting this fight for a long time, and there’s plenty of evidence out there to prove it, if you look. The GOP, on the other hand, is counting on people blaming the Administration for not cleaning up the various fires they’re setting fast enough, so they won’t blame the GOP for the actual fires.
Make your phone calls to the GOP, the criminal governor, the Florida Republican senators and Assemblymen/women who are sitting by and letting this happen. Encouraging it, in some cases. And make sure that people who received those letters removing them from the voter rolls are responding within the time limits, and that others are getting registered. Each person must own their vote, and guard it. It’s their power.
Calling the DOJ is a waste of time and energy, since they’re already on the case. Get people registered. Help people fight back who are being victimized by this law. Let the GOP know that people out here are paying attention.
Thanks for this. A lot of people aren’t aware of what the DOJ is doing on this simply because it doesn’t get reported by the media. Even when Holder made a speech specifically about going after voter suppression, it barely caused a ripple. And a lot of times, there is not a lot they can do until a person has been specifically damaged by the techniques. Florida is counting on nothing being able to be done until afetr the election. But as soon as one person has actually been taken off the eligble voter lists (and to the best of my understanding, so far that hasn’t happened) they are somewhat limied. And unfortuantely, the GOP has been trumpeting the whole “voter fraud” charge for so long and so loudly, a lot of people actually think thsi kind of purging is good.
It’s actually even worse than that. Per the article, the GOP is planning to take the South Carolina and Florida cases to the Supreme Court to fight Section 5 of the Civil Rights Amendment, where they will be greeted with open arms by a right leaning court. This is only the beginning. This is why it’s critical that people realize that it’s not the DOJ that is the bad guy in this. It’s the GOP who have a long term strategy, and won’t stop until only rich, white men are allowed to vote in this country.
A QUIZ FOR THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: “WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?”
————————————-
1) Chronicling Mitt’s Mendacity, Vol. XIX (VOLUME 19)
Campaigning in Iowa yesterday, President Obama reflected on some of Mitt Romney’s recent speeches, including last week’s remarks in Iowa. “I know Governor Romney came to Des Moines last week; warned about a ‘prairie fire of debt,'” Obama said. “But he left out some facts. His speech was more like a cow pie of distortion. I don’t know whose record he twisted the most — mine or his.”
It was a rhetorical point, of course, but when it comes to Romney’s falsehoods, I’m not sure whose record he twists more, either. Maybe you can help me decide by taking a look at the 19th installment of my weekly series, chronicling Mitt’s mendacity.
2) A death camp in Poland, not a Polish death camp
But what seems most interesting to me is an observation from Steve M., who discovered just how common an error this is, including references to “Polish death camps” from journalists at CNN, ABC, CBS, and the New York Times.
Also guilty of this have been Ha’aretz, USA Today, the L.A. Times, the Chicago Tribune, The Daytona Beach News-Journal, the Associated Press, The Buffalo News, Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper and broadcaster CTV, The Toronto Star, and the British comedian Stephen Fry. And that’s just a list of people and organizations that have been reproached for it.
Oh, one more: Fox News.
Yes, it would have been better if the administration had avoided the gaffe, but it’s quite a common gaffe.
Let those of us who have not made similar slip-ups cast the first stone.
Commenting on the Celtic Cross that was referred to in the Panorama video about Eastern Eurpoean football fans posted further upthread. I never knew that the Celtic Cross was a sign of white supremacy. I have seen Celtic Crosses in the UK and they are usually associated with ancient holy sites and are not at all sinister, at least I never thought of it that way before today. After doing a little research I see that they are used by Neo Nazis and the like. This is news to me. I don’t think every Celtic Cross I have ever seen was meant to be interpreted that way. I’m sickened to find that they took this ancient Christian symbol and defiled it. Also, it is common knowledge that this is a racist symbol? Should I have known this already?
I am nervous about the elections, but love to come here to breathe a sigh of relief. Absolutely lovely site.
For some reason, I don’t believe that “Amercia” was a mistake. I cannot believe that a campaign as disciplined as Romneybot 2.0 could make such a spelling error. Can you imagine if the Obama campaign did the same how Rethugs would turn it into something sinister??!!
My message to George Will ….
#AmericaThisIsNotATest
And once again you nail it Bobfr. 🙂
Indeed!
Shared it with these folk ….
And others ….
Here at TOD we’ve realized all along that 2012 was the year we either began truly ending the Civil War and resolving it’s core, unresolved issue, or not. Yesterday, the battlefield became crystal clear, it is the heart and mind of every American. 6 Nov 2012 is way more than an Election, way more.
#AmericaThisIsNotATest
#PRESSON
Hiya Bob, I think the President just heard about Willard’s Amercia:
Oh that is good, very good!
That’s very cool and brings an enormous smile to my face!!! Thank you Chips, and thanks for sharing with our great pals Susan, Kari, Alycee and all TODers! 🙂
#PRESSON
What a fantastic picture of a splendid man.
Amen. RIP you bloviated GOP!
This was supposed to be in response to Bobfr’s tweet to George Will.
Thank you daisydem!
#PRESSON
The vote he was going to win anyway. Strange.
Bravo Bob! Your message is spot-on!
Jealous, Bobfr… can I share your reward photo!
I’m happy to not only share but urge Chips to give you something special … 🙂
#PRESSON
You’re very kind Bob. Okay, runners-up prize:
Helloooooo Susan, Kari and Alycee 😉
Sweet, sweet picture.
Bob, you’re a gem and Chips MANY thanks. I love their love! Not to mention, I love coming to TOD many times a day (sometimes just lurking). It lifts my spirits. What a gift.
Hi, Chips! Thank you! Have come to the conclusion I’ll never catch up. Splitting my time between the campaign, landscaping, and being ill. Glad to be able to check-in and read the front page from time to time.
Good afternoon! Congrats Bobfr
What were they drinking … er, meant thinking? Hahahahahaha.
😀
They probably outsourced it.
Chips, everyone, check this site …. you’re going to really enjoy it!!!
http://www.funnyordie.com/slideshows/ec05e67d4c/mitt-romney-s-amercia-the-best-uses-of-mitt-s-spelling-fail?playlist=featured_pictures_and_words#slide2
#PRESSON
Outstandingly fantastic! 😆 Thanks Bob!!!
Here’s the tumblr collection, too!
http://amerciaiswithmitt.tumblr.com/
Hahaha.
PRESIDENT OBAMA IS A LEADER, A STATESMAN, AND A CLASS ACT
Obama calls to congratulate Romney for securing nomination
——————–
President Obama called presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney on Wednesday to “congratulate him on securing the Republican nomination,” according to a statement from Obama campaign spokesman Ben LaBolt.
“President Obama said that he looked forward to an important and healthy debate about America’s future, and wished Governor Romney and his family well throughout the upcoming campaign,” the statement said.
The Romney campaign described the call as “brief and cordial,” and said Romney thanked the president for the congratulations and returned the familial well-wishes.
———————-
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/230049-obama-calls-to-congratulate-romney-for-securing-nomination
The night of November 6th Romney can return the favor and call President Obama and congratulate him for winning re-election.
That will be 160 days from now for Willard’s concession phone call. He is a main clown.
Romney should be ashamed of himself. He’s not worthy.
A death camp in Poland, not a Polish death camp
—————–
But what seems most interesting to me is an observation from Steve M., who discovered just how common an error this is, including references to “Polish death camps” from journalists at CNN, ABC, CBS, and the New York Times.
Also guilty of this have been Ha’aretz, USA Today, the L.A. Times, the Chicago Tribune, The Daytona Beach News-Journal, the Associated Press, The Buffalo News, Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper and broadcaster CTV, The Toronto Star, and the British comedian Stephen Fry. And that’s just a list of people and organizations that have been reproached for it.
Oh, one more: Fox News.
Yes, it would have been better if the administration had avoided the gaffe, but it’s quite a common gaffe.
Let those of us who have not made similar slip-ups cast the first stone.
———————
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/30/11957868-a-death-camp-in-poland-not-a-polish-death-camp?lite
Major Garrett and Susan Page (USA TODAY) and Andrea Mitchell are all outraged about this right now. You would have thought that PBO committed some horrible crime. Now they have moved on to the exciting possibility that Liz Cheney is running for office. Our news media—-never been more partisan and more worthless.
I can’t stand Mrs. Greenspan, whose husband by the way ignored the default swaps and helped send push this country into the ditch with the GOP.
he gave her a gold-plated copy of Atlas Shrugged for his wedding present.
Let me get this straight: Romney can lie and lie and lie and lie and MSM goes ‘meh’.
PBO has a minor slip of the tongue and it’s the end of the effing world.
That about sums it up 57. Your comment should be a great tweet for Bobfr to blast out to every network and cable show that will be breathlessly reporting this error tonight. The double standard is just astonishing. As usual, Steve Benen does a nice job of documenting the fake outrage. smdh
A death camp in Poland, not a Polish death camp
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/30/11957868-a-death-camp-in-poland-not-a-polish-death-camp?lite
As a descendent of the lone survivor of the Polish run death camps, PBO spoke a true statement. Why are there only 6000 Jewish people in all of Poland? This was not perpetrated by Germany alone! Complacency breeds GUILT!
I said the same thing to my husband. (I’m Jewish and the Holocaust was a spectre over my life). I understand that Poland is now an ally and a better phrase could have been used. But after hearing Chicagoans of Polish descent jump on this bandwagon, if you didn’t know any better you’d think that those camps were set up in a vacuum. Complacency at the least; collaboration at the most.
Hilarious sheer comedy at its best!
The Donald is now saying he wants to see PBO’s college applications so he can see where he listed his place of birth. Still no push back from Willard’s campaign.
The only response to Trump is to keep replaying his smackdown from last year. He’s a dunce. He was clearly too stupid to be embarrassed for long. He’s been sufficiently dealt with by President Obama. I’m done with observing his existence. I wouldn’t let a child spend that much time acknowledging a worthless bully – I won’t do it myself. If the media wants to glorify the filth that is Donald Trump, then let them. There are more important things to do.
I woke up and Dan Señor was on Moanin Jerk for 3 hours, telling us all how misrable CIC this President is.
Then, I did a few errands, come back, flip on tv, their He is again on the Andrea Mitchel Show demanding War.
This amount of Face time, for a Robney Senior adviser -is unprecedented.
So, what gives? Why is this Guy allowed so much time on tv?
He is also obnoxious and unattractive.
Damn.
Can’t find any info on methodology. Their view of ‘likely voter’ was criticized after the last poll, as I recall.
The likely voter model is BS. The Republicans and Democrats are all showing up, near as I can tell.
Ergo, it is Likely Republicans should not have the advantage there.
Unless, they think that all those negative ads will turn Democrats away from the polls.
Also, We are hitting the ground already, GOTV. Early voting has started, and I know we have an early lead!
The poll is pre-debate. Who the fuck cares? May 23-26. The debate was the 26th.
The poll is pre-debate. Who the fuck cares? May 23-26. The debate was the 26th.
Wait, was the debate Thursday or Friday? that would have put one day post-debate. Off to look it up.
The poll is pre-debate. Who the fuck cares? May 23-26. Debate was May 25, so there was one day post-debate.
Also, another debate Thursday!
Okay. The Marquette poll was BEFORE the debate, and believes that the collar towns around Milwaukee (very conservative) should be heavily weighted. I really don’t know enough about the percentages as they pertain to voters in WI so I’ll reserve that judgment. But a poll taken before the debate just doesn’t matter.
I just heard that My President called Liar Romney & congratulated him on his nomination. Am getting ready to have my Lunch & I have lost my appetite. Just the thought of Willard’s voice in my President’s ears makes me want to ….. 😦
“Just the thought of Willard’s voice in my President’s ears makes me want to ….”
😆 I know what you mean Me4O, but your comment made me howl!
Is this a joke?!
😆 That’s hilarious – photoshop magic!!!
LOVE IT! 🙂
Remember when Mitt kept telling people who asked for government services that they should vote for “the other guy” if they wanted help with student loans, medical coverage, etc.? Well, if you want a “better Amercia”, then vote for “the other guy”.
Too funny – I had the same reaction, but you expressed it beautifully! 🙂
Ha! LOL! LMAO! Another poll saying that all of a sudden, over night, Robney has gained 21 points in favorability of the Women Vote.
So, Lady’s are all of a sudden comfortable with Robney getting rid of their rights, and Healthcare services?
OVERNIGHT???
LOL!
Nope, as far as I can tell, these are the women who were holding out for Santorum and Gringrich.
Oh, common, people, we have seen this movie before:
MITT: Be quiet! I order you to be quiet!
WOMAN: Order, eh — who does he think he is?
MITT: I am your president!
WOMAN: Well, I didn’t vote for you.
MITT: You don’t vote for presidents.
WOMAN: Well, ‘ow did you become king then?
ARTHUR: The Lady of the Lake,
[angels sing]
her arm clad in the purest shimmering samite, held aloft Excalibur
from the bosom of the water signifying by Divine Providence that I,
Mitt, was to carry Excalibur.
[singing stops]
That is why I am your president!
DENNIS: Listen — strange women lying in ponds distributing swords
is no basis for a system of government. Supreme executive power
derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical
aquatic ceremony.
MITT: Be quiet!
DENNIS: Well you can’t expect to wield supreme executive power
just ’cause some watery tart threw a sword at you!
MITT: Shut up!
DENNIS: I mean, if I went around sayin’ I was an empereror just
because some moistened bint had lobbed a scimitar at me they’d
put me away!
Well, OK, it takes some imagination to picture one of the Koch Brothers as “The Lady of the Lake”, but the rest is pretty accurate.
This is actually pretty accurate. He’s expecting the Presidency because “it’s his turn”, the Koch brothers bought it for him, etc. He hasn’t articulated a single strategy (other than Paul Ryan’s destructive budget and endless war), and he won’t answer any questions or show nay courage. The fact that he thinks he can be President simply because someone’s going to buy it for him is disgusting – but it’s where we are.
This is so Fake! Robney Family does a short movie, about Miss Ann having Multiple Sclerosis! Releasing it to MSNBainC, so they can run it from now until the Election. LOL!
Was it in Black and White?
Msnbc is becomming fake news. Romney would not come there and have an interview with any host but they would show his movie what a bunch of idiots . Al and Bashir are the only intresting people in that Bain invested comcast network.
Yes, I only really watch MSNBC to be entertained. I get all my news from here and on twitter.
Planned Parenthood endorsed President Obama’s reelection Wednesday morning and slammed Mitt Romney for what it called his “harmful positions on women’s health.”
“There is no greater champion for women’s health than President Obama and Planned Parenthood Action Fund couldn’t be prouder to endorse his reelection as president today,” said Planned Parenthood Action Fund President Cecile Richards. “The contrast with Mitt Romney couldn’t be starker. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is committed to ensuring that voters know how wrong Mitt Romney is for women — in his own words.”
http://thehill.com/video/campaign/229979-planned-parenthood-endorses-obama-launches-14m-ad-buy
Go see the ad!
The ad’s in the Rise and Shine post Jovie, love it:
All of his supposedly winning moments start off with a gaffe. Amercia? This should give him cred with the Tea Party.
You’re right – the tea party will love it (if they notice the error in the first place)…
Mitt’s suck…I mean, working with THESE guys!
http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/images/blpic-moran.htm
I just got back and read that Chips did an OK to post fundraiser page. Here’s mine, if you’re so inclined: https://donate.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/2012/cookemom
Hi cookemom. Here is mine:
https://donate.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/2012/Globalzero
Me, too!!!!
https://donate.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/2012/meta
Thanks Cookemom, feel free to post that link ANY TIME! As I mentioned earlier, I’ll put together a permament link to everyone’s fundraisers soon!
Thank you, Chips!!
Thanks Chips for providing a forum for these fundraiser pages.
New DNC video-
http://thehill.com/video/campaign/229975-new-dnc-video-mimics-facebook-feature-to-hit-romneys-jobs-record
I think something needs to be done now about the voter purge in Fl. NOW. Someone suggested that the timing wasn’t right, or something. But I think a lot of damage is already being done—–with thousands of these “you’re ineligible to vote” letters already gone out and I read over 100,000 more are going out. There’s no self-addressed stamped envelope to return your proof of citizenship—–what is this anyway other than a blatant attempt to steal the election? Many will be discouraged or won’t bother to appeal, many will be frightened away etc. etc. If Fl. is as close as it has been in recent elections, this kind of scare tactic could make the difference. Other than a few House Dems, no one seems to be paying any attention to this as this action continues.
There are purges and there are purges.
this one is egregious. You don’t get to determine the citizenship of someone without disclosing and proving the accuracy of your methodology and demanding that they request a hearing and ‘prove their citizenship. This is not effing Nazi Germany. I’m intimidated, and I’ve worked for lawyers, for God’s sake! This shit doesn’t scare me, but if I got a letter like this, I’d be scared. And if I was confused because of my heritage, I’d be terrified.
There is reasonable application of states’ discretion but this is beyond the pale. Holder needs to step in.
Yes, this is a perfect case of guilty until proven innocent.
and what about the citizens who are naturalized? Maybe they think they did something wrong and are in trouble when they’ve done nothing.
You are absolutely right! The DOJ must step in if there is evidence that this is a targeted effort to deny people the right to vote on the basis of race/ethnicity. age, etc.
And to think that these are are the people who go around yelling slogans like Freedom, Liberty and less government.
I’m just curious to know what kind of proof they need. In Michigan you need at least 4 pieces. I bet they will make these people jump through hoops. The media is obssessed with Syria and the back and forth btw the WH and Romney camps. The Media/ GOP are crazy if they think Americans want their government to wage a another war. I’ll be damned if I let the GOP wage a war on our voting rights.
Sometimes words just fail me and I end up in a fit of giggles:
Robert Mugabe asked to be UN ‘leader for tourism’
The Zimbabwe president, accused of ethnic cleansing and bankrupting his country, asked to champion tourism
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/may/29/robert-mugabe-un-international-envoy-tourism
???!!!! This can’t be true. He’s ‘persona non grata’ in most places – can’t even travel himself!
Theo, that’s Tourism Basketcase-Style! 🙂
Hoekstra panders to Birthers in Michigan
By Steve Benen – Wed May 30, 2012 2:10 PM EDT.
Though it’s tempting to think the “Birther” garbage would be fading away, it actually seems to be getting more common in Republican circles. Just over the last couple of months, we’ve seen incidents involving a leading Romney campaign surrogate, the Arizona Secretary of State, and Reps. Mike Coffman (R-Colo.), Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), and Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.).
Two weeks ago, Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) deleted a Birther message from a social media site, and this week, we learned about comments from former Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R), who’s running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan. Though he hasn’t endorsed the ridiculous conspiracy theory, per se, the Republican doesn’t mind pandering on the subject.
Hoekstra made these comments a few weeks ago, but these excerpts weren’t posted by Michigan Democrats until this week. In the clip, Hoekstra is asked at a Tea Party rally for his thoughts on President Obama’s birth certificate.
Sure. I mean, I think — you know, I think, throw something at me if you want, I think with this president, the book is closed, all right?” Hoekstra tells the man. “It’s kind of like, I hate to say it, but I think the debate’s over — we lost that debate, and we lost that debate in 2008, when our presidential nominee said, ‘I ain’t talking about it.’ OK, I’m sorry.
“But I do now believe that I’d like to establish a three-person office in Washington, D.C., OK — knowing it, we’ll go to five. But there’s no reason why we should have this kind of question, you know, for the president of the United States. So that at any future election, all right, that someone would have to walk into that office, and prove that they meet the minimum qualifications to be president of the United States.”
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/30/11958882-hoekstra-panders-to-birthers-in-michigan?lite
The birther thing is simply an acceptable method for them to practice their racism. The only people who actually have a right to the Presidency, by their standards, are people from Native American tribes – who can trace their beginnings all the way from the beginning of time. Everyone else is an immigrant. In fact, the original man started in Africa, so…
They wouldn’t want a native American in office! They want the white European variety! The other thing that just makes my LOL, is the idea of the these guys touting “small govt” or no “govt. intervention” accept they really do the opposite. What jerks
Daily Reminder ….
#PRESSON
I’m from Michigan. Pete Hoekstra is always doing something stupid. I’ll be working hard to make sure his crazy ass doesn’t get in the Senate.
“I’ll be working hard to make sure his crazy ass doesn’t get in the Senate.” – Margie you just made my day 😆
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/05/30/1095905/-Mitt-Romney-s-better-America-sure-is-white-isn-t-it-#comments
“So Mitt Romney has a sappy new video out called The Promise of America. His basic message: that he will make America better by returning us to the nation we once were. He doesn’t explain what that means, but if you look at this collage of every closeup shot in the video, one thing is clear: the America Mitt Romney sees is really, really white. “
Back to 1930! That’s enough to give a great depression!
For future reference, the Sunlight Foundation has put together a web page that captures all tweets that politicians have deleted:
http://politwoops.sunlightfoundation.com/
Btw- I have not seen one House democrat on tv all month, defending the President?
Have you?
I have seen DWS, but I have not seen anyone else. I do not understand.
This is an important point. On the one hand – they can’t get themselves on TV unless they’re criticizing the President. But, they should be running ads, doing town halls, sending out communications.
I got a long letter from President Obama (along with millions of other people, too, but I’m pretending it was only me). He was asking for us to support the DNC. I really am thinking about this. Yes, he needs a Congress he can work with. But, I’m not prepared to send money to a group of people who had to be begged to vote for health care reform – a stronghold on the Democratic ticket for 100 years. And who campaigned against health care reform, or kept their mouths quiet. Who have not squashed the racist commentary from the right in three years of attacks against this President. Who, in the case of Diane Feinstein (one of my Senators and up for re-election this year) feel free to declare that Bain is off limits as a campaign strategy! Who have really only amplified the President’s message twice in this congressional session – and who cowardly allow Republicans to ride roughshod over them at every opportunity. I don’t think I want to give them a penny.
The DNC mostly takes care of the President and then his coattails.
The DCCC us the one for House Democrats. Crickets from them!
ok – so, I should donate to the DNC? Avoid the DCCC until they start behaving like Democrats?
Correct!
Thank you!
I beg to disagree with Jovie. You should donate, if you can, to DCCC, DSCC and DNC! We need Democrats to control both houses of Congress! That’s the only way President Obama will be able to implement his agenda if he is re-elected. As pragmatic people, we must never embrace purity tests to all Democrats, especially those running in “red” districts.
BINGO…..
In addition we should tweet…email….call….telling them to support the President
BINGO, BINGO as well. We are here to support POB, and that also mean to give support to DCCC, DSCC and DNC. POB really need both houses in order to complete his agenda for all of us. Let us make sure we will do our part. We can’t allow the lack of seeing dems on tv discourage us from helping POB. He and Joe are working so hard, so we should try to weigh the cost and allow our hearts and heads move us to Have His Back.
I have seen several Reps. from the West Coast on and also I just heard several on Stephanie Miller’s show on Current in the mornings. Stephinie is doing a great job with her guest from the West Coast. Let us say focus. We Are In This Together. Love you all very much.HZ
I respect your opinion, but I cannot donate to people who work against the cause of the party. I agree that more Democrats are needed, but the ones we’ve got need a lesson in the meaning of being a Democrat.
Theo67, you point is well taken. I also respect yours. That is what makes this beautiful place so wonderful. We can discuss and give our opinions with respect. I will always try to do just that. Thank you so much theo67. You are always very wise in your comments, and I thank you so very much.HZ
Thanks HZ! 🙂
Theo 67, I also greatly respect your opinion. Believe me some of these Democrats make me angry as well. But, in politics you sometimes have to consider the lesser of two evils. I live in San Diego county, CA, which is not as progressive as either San Francisco, or Los Angeles. Consequently, Democrats in my area are not going to be as liberal or progressives as Democrats from LA or SF! Yet, in order to ensure that Nancy Pelosi is Speaker of the House of Rep. again, I must overlook some differences with some of my Democratic representatives. This is what Howard Dean had in mind with his 50 States strategy. I have no problem with being a purist in States and Congressional Districts that are guaranteed to elect Democrats. But I also know that even as bad as people like Ben Nelson, and Joe Lieberman were, President Obama would not have been able to get Congress to pass the ACA, the Dodd/Frank Wall street Financial regulations, and other Bills, without their votes. Besides, the reality is is that the party which is in the majority in Congress gets to control the agenda. Because of the diversity of this country, I doubt that we can today firmly dictate 100% of what being a Democrat entails. Having said that, I certainly understand your frustration with Democrats who appear to be working against the interest of the party because they are afraid of loosing their seats.
Thanks for the response, nathkatun7. I’ll definitely consider what you’re saying. I can’t vote, but I can donate (permanent resident), and I can work, and I can phone my representatives and senators. I don’t want President Obama to spend the next four years in a hell of Republican revenge, but I also want the Dems who make it back to Congress to actually want to work for the people. You make some very good points, though. I’ll think about it. Thank you!
If the Repub controlled-media is not reporting positive happenings of the President, just why would we think they would have Democrats speaking on his behalf.
This is true. But, then the only times we do see them, they shouldn’t be badmouthing the President, either. Especially in an election year!
Press Secretary Jay Carney now on CSPAN.
Love this man. He does such a heroic job every day.
I agree meta. I adore Jay. I am perfectly happy to share him with you. You take one arm and I’ll take the other.
OK, I’m sure we can work this out.
FLOTUS interview from last night with Jon Stewart:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/#tool_tip_2
He’s constantly interrupting her to try and make some stupid joke.
Thank you meta. I loved FLOTUS, I fast forwarded through jon stewart talking cause he wasn’t saying nothing.
“Unlike Mitt Romney, Michiganders aren’t sure if their trees are the right height … but they’re very sure that they don’t like Romney.”
I spent time with friends on Sunday. The dad is uber-conservative jackass-type Catholic, the mom is a woman’s studies major. The 17 year old gets it — she will cast her first vote in 2012 for Barack Obama. The 13 year old is malleable.
But the entire family, even the dad, had a running gag about the right height of the trees of MI. I said, “What an idiot”. dad said, “I can’t argue with you on that one.”
I would be shocked if he voted for PBO but how many people will, based on the awfulness of Mitt?
It’s hard to believe there have been two questions from jackals about President George W. Bush visiting the White House tomorrow for the unveiling of his portrait.
Another sign of MIttmentum: Obama up +1 in Red State Missouri:
PublicPolicyPolling @ppppolls
Obama up 45-44 in Missouri. Was 45-45 when we polled state in January. Really might be close again: http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/main/2012/05/missouri-a-toss-up-for-president.html
He’s down two points in FL.
I think poor Mittens has his panties in a bunch: he thinks he should pick Rubio but he doesn’t want the competition. He’d prefer white bread and more boring than he is — now that’s a tall order.
I’ll be surprised if it isn’t Rubio who is sooooo transparent on how much he wants the job.
Who was it here with great info on the ground about Latino support. the Catholic Church is doing a number on their heads. I saw the concerns and PBO can fix them, no problem. But I can see the Idiots on Parade very anxious to muddy the waters with Rubio, who I think could slither his way into turning a few minds.
Does this paragraph make any sense?
Among moderate voters, Romney has gained 9 points from last month and now stands at 39 percent favorable. Obama remains strong with this group, with 58 percent giving him a favorable rating. Obama’s popularity is down 8 points among independent voters, with 52 percent holding an unfavorable impression.
It’s a contradiction! Do the Math?
Moderates are separate from Independents
Jay Carney referenced this post from Jared Bernstein today at the briefing.
MarketWatch Is More Right Than the WaPo Factchecker Says It Is
————————–
In case you’ve missed this scintillating discussion, the issue here is the rate of spending under President Obama’s tenure. MarketWatch (MW) came up with 1.4% per year, 2009-13; the WaPo gets 3.3%. I’ll explain the difference in a moment, but even if you go with the WaPo, President Obama’s spending record is still the lowest annual rate since Eisenhower (and “no,” I’m not saying that’s great either—no wonder we’re stuck in slog mode—but that’s not for his lack of trying to pass more job creation measures).
.
.
I’ve tried to give the WaPo credit where it’s due here, but they should realize that they’ve graded this far too harshly. You wanna go with 1P, go ahead—you’re right about the endpoint. But given the facts of the case, even under your own measure, and especially amidst the clamoring rhetoric to the contrary claiming the President is the biggest spender ever, 3P’s has no credibility.
I respectfully request that they revisit this one.
————————–
http://jaredbernsteinblog.com/marketwatch-is-more-right-than-the-wapo-factchecker-says-it-is/
Liz Cheney as Mitt’s VP?
I doubt it. She is too mean and has no real experience, but I would love for it to happen.
Plus it would remind people of the bush-cheney freakshow era?
Watching Martin and I want to pull my hair out. S.E. Cupp is a nasty person. I like what Julian Epstein told her about voter fraud not being a problem.
I was chomping at the bit for awhile…all my services went out. Internet, phone, cable….got it fixed, but I have to say, you really find out what kind of a news junkie you are when you don’t have it:) It really stinks….
df I know the feeling. I got U-verse and when my stuff goes out (not too), I go bonkers. 😀
Crazy, huh? !! Addicted
Oh honey, you have no idea. Talk about getting ones skivvies in a wad!
Mine, too! I’ve been in phone and internet HELL for two days. This time. Finally took the Comcast plunge. They come on Monday. My ATT service in Chicago is disgraceful.
Seriously, this insanity about paying dividends at this expense of providing adequate service — this is not how corporations were expected to work.
In the 1900’s at the advent of corporations as we know them, they were supposed to function for the common good and had a responsibility to society as well as the stockholders. After those requirements were met, THEN profits and dividends.
Did you guys realize that every time there’s a new regulation, the government has to defend against lawsuits that say the fiduciary responsibility of a corporation is first and foremost to the shareholders? Thank you, 100 years of effed up Supreme Court decisions.
So many corporate lawyers…so little time to screw you over….
Try to follow me? Two weeks ago, Chris Cilliza was on Mitchel show.
He was asked about the Presidents lead amongst Women.
He then made an odd point. He said, if Robney loses the Women Vote by more than 12, 13, or 14 points, he will lose.
Two weeks later, VIOLA! Another poll, showing Robney down by 11 amongst women.
A 21 point gain in two weeks For Willard, more importantly, Cilliza fixed his own poll!
Nice try, but we got ya!
MORE ROMNEY FIBS ON THE ECONOMY
By Jonathan Cohn
http://www.tnr.com/blog/plank/103762/romney-obama-economy-job-losses-massachusetts-us
(tweet from Stephanie Cutter)
http://thinkprogress.org/election/2012/05/30/492317/wisconsin-gov-scott-walker-transfers-160000-in-campaign-contributions-to-mysterious-legal-defense-fund/
Oh holy shit, this is priceless:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/05/30/1095952/-Romney-cries-about-inheriting-Mass-Gov-with-a-bad-economy-Seriously
You know what? Holder seems afraid to do anything on the Florida voting rights.
He seems scared to stick up for our rights, down here.
This is frustrating. I hope I don’t get purged.
I left a stinging message on the DOJ public comment line about an hour ago. I am going to call again tomorrow and be very measured and reasoned. I am SO angry and scared and frustrated about the voter suppression, especially in FL, but all over. I feel like the DOJ is doing NOTHING. And the 64 thousand dollar question is WHY???????????? Can anyone on this blog give me some insight on this?
http://www.justice.gov/ I think we should all go here, and where it says “Report a Crime”….we can all report that Rick Scott is purging eligible voters from the rolls in FLA. Send the ThinkProgress links along with it….that would get their attention! I have NO idea of they’re doing anything about this, they may well be. In fact, I think I’ll call and ASK THEM if they are!
DOJ numbers: ATTY GENERAL comment line: 202-353-1555
Regular number: 202-514-2000 (I would try and talk to someone here, or have them direct me, the Holder comment line is just that, to comment)
OK familia! I just got off the phone with this nice lady at the DOJ. She tried to connect me to the voting rights section of the DOJ and it seems that DC is having phone trouble because of a big storm that passed through. Better to call tomorrow. She DID, however, give me the direct number to the voting rights division 🙂 We need to flood the phones and get some answers to the questions we have. Not ONLY regarding the BS going on in FL, but to make sure that ALL OVER THE COUNTRY people can vote! Others DIED for this right….and no jackwagon Republican crook should EVER take that away!!
Phone # 202-307-2767 they open at 8:30am….let’s get busy on this!
Thank you so much for this DF. I will call first thing tomorrow. Flooding the phones is a great idea. And when you do ask for help for other states like PA and WI.
WTH there was no storm in DC. The sun couldn’t be shinning any brighter. I’m sitting less than a mile from the DOJ as I type this message. On my way to call right now!!!
Holder is Chicken shit!
I tend to agree, Jovie. Even though I think he goes a bit far, I do agree with Mike Papatonio (sp) on Holder.
Attorney General Eric Holder is a respectable man, and he has stated,”The DOJ is the conscience of the Exective Branch. He is not to be cast aside as one who is “chicken shit.” I know that for a fact. I will not go any further than that.
However, POB is not in no way stupid as to allow the Civil Rights Department of the DOJ not to be on their jobs in this matter of Voter Rights and the openess of many states trying to surpress the votes and steal this electin. Trust him on this one, Please, pretty please!!!!! I will shut up, but I know they are working on this and that is all that I will say on this. HZ
Actually – a quick Google search shows several cases that the DOJ has filed nationwide fighting regressive voter suppression efforts from the GOP. The latest one was on March 21, 2012, fighting the Florida action. The President beefed up the civil rights section of the DOJ shortly after taking office, staffed up the department with real civil rights attorneys who actually know what they’re doing, and they’ve been focused on fighting voter suppression for the past three years, before any of us started paying attention.
We may not hear about it, but they’ve been fighting.
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/03/21/449068/doj-opposes-new-florida-voting-restrictions/
Thanks for this info, Theo. A lot does go on under the radar that we don’t know about.
Yes, thanks for that info though I ask the same thing meta did: Do we KNOW serious work is being done and if any progress is being made? Or, does the administration/campaign team want to keep it rather quiet until the time is right to release info??
General Holder gave a pretty public speech in Texas outlining their strategy back in March (I think). The media didn’t cover it at all. There is plenty of serious work being done. The President was a civil rights attorney when he practiced law. I think this is a matter close to his heart – not just for the election, but as a matter of principle.
Thank you for this. I will be sure to look it over. I have to be careful and not assume the wrong answers. I will call the DOJ, and do some research of my own too. There is NO way in hell that Eric Holder and the DOJ is not looking into this! I have not found Holder to be a coward, and I hope that the DOJ is ALL hired up. I kow with all that’s going on accross the country everyone is working overtime.
We should also write our media outlets, lousy as they may be. Sign petitions and call our state attorny offices?
Do we know for certain that nothing is being done?
I beg to differ! The only way the AG can get involved in voting issues is if there is explicit violation of the 1965 Voting Rights Act! He can not simply interfere in elections on any other grounds. Go read the provisions of Voting Rights Act and then show us how Florida is violating them. Otherwise, please stop inflaming people and creating divisiveness! You may be a passionate supporter of the President, but you also undermine him by making baseless accusation against the man he selected to be his Attorney General.
Nathkatun7, thank you for your comment. Attorney General Holder is just as passionate about this issue of voter supression in all of the states. Attorney General Holder is the attorney for All of us, and he carries the seriousness of his job daily with heaviness of heart because he knows that we the people and the President depend on him and the Justic Department to take every situation seriously.
Plus, Attorney General Eric Holder goes to bed every night knowing that his job carries a heavy measure of sacrifice right there within his own home. His wife, Dr. Sharon Malone Holder is a living reminder to him daily of the personal sacrifices of civil rights issues. Read about her sister’s story.
Sometime it might be wise to check out the book, “Slavery By Another Name.” Dr. Malone Holder spoke at a gathering in Pasadena, Ca. in Jan., of this year about her uncle in a very personal way. This was part of a PBS Documentary. The TCA tour that was. (Television Critics Association Press Tour.) I can’t not or will not go any further than to say that Attorney General Eric Holder is a wonderful person, and he will serve the people of the United States and this President with great honor and pride in being that “conscience of the Executive Branch,” as he has stated before. HZ
Thank you, HZ! I am always overwhelmed with your wisdom and humanity. The reason I came to this place is to get away from people who were quick to dump on the President without really taking into consideration what he could or could not do. But even more importantly, to get away from people who presumed to know what exactly he was not doing behind the scenes.
Like you, I am absolutely convinced that AG Holder is passionately dedicated to the rights of citizens to vote. At the same time, unlike you and me and all the experts in the blogs, he still has to follow the law. One thing about the devious right wingers is that they are masters at doing evil things within in the confines of the law. They are also confident that the right wing dominated federal judicially will rubber stamp their actions. The only forces that can effectively confront them is us the citizens. I am also convinced that once the AG and the DOJ gathers enough concrete evidence that shows that the governor of Florida’s purge of voters violates the 1965 Voting Rights Act they will take action.
A SPECTACULAR FAILURE OF SELF-AWARENESS
By Steve Benen
—————————————————–
Romney senior adviser Eric Fehrnstrom was asked late last week, for example, about the former governor’s job-creation failures in Massachusetts. He argued Romney inherited a “recession” and an economy that was “losing thousands of jobs every month.”
At this point, you might be thinking, “Wait, didn’t Obama also inherit a recession and an economy that was hemorrhaging jobs?” And if that is what you’re thinking, you’ll love the Romney campaign’s new press release.
Governor Romney Inherited An Economy That Was Losing Jobs Each Month And Left Office With An Economy That Was Adding Jobs Each Month. After taking office at a time when the state was losing thousands of jobs every month, Governor Romney’s focus on fiscal responsibility helped create an environment where job growth returned to Massachusetts. Job growth increased throughout his term….
—————————————————-
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/30/11959683-a-spectacular-failure-of-self-awareness
Did anyone see this week’s Panorama about the Euro 2012? It’s about the appalling hatred displayed at football games in Ukraine and POLAND? Methinks this is why they’re so sensitive about “Polish” death camps.
P.S. Chips, do you have an Amazon link for this site? I want to buy American Grown and would love to help TOD by buying through you. If you don’t, that’s okay. 🙂
Words again fail me. Can we just retire the non-Supremes? I’m looking at this in terms of the damage done to our country since 2000:
The story of the Amalekites has been used to justify genocide throughout the ages. According to Pennsylvania State University Professor Philip Jenkins, a contributing editor for the American Conservative, the Puritans used this passage when they wanted to get rid of the Native American tribes. Catholics used it against Protestants, Protestants against Catholics. “In Rwanda in 1994, Hutu preachers invoked King Saul’s memory to justify the total slaughter of their Tutsi neighbors,” writes Jenkins in his 2011 book, Laying Down the Sword: Why We Can’t Ignore the Bible’s Violent Verses (HarperCollins).
This fall, more than 100,000 American public school children, ranging in age from four to 12, are scheduled to receive instruction in the lessons of Saul and the Amalekites in the comfort of their own public school classrooms. The instruction, which features in the second week of a weekly “Bible study” course, will come from the Good News Club, an after-school program sponsored by a group called the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF). The aim of the CEF is to convert young children to a fundamentalist form of the Christian faith and recruit their peers to the club.
There are now over 3,200 clubs in public elementary schools, up more than sevenfold since the 2001 supreme court decision, Good News Club v Milford Central School, effectively required schools to include such clubs in their after-school programing.
The CEF has been teaching the story of the Amalekites at least since 1973. In its earlier curriculum materials, CEF was euphemistic about the bloodshed, saying simply that “the Amalekites were completely defeated.” In the most recent version of the curriculum, however, the group is quite eager to drive the message home to its elementary school students. The first thing the curriculum makes clear is that if God gives instructions to kill a group of people, you must kill every last one:
“You are to go and completely destroy the Amalekites (AM-uh-leck-ites) – people, animals, every living thing. Nothing shall be left.”
“That was pretty clear, wasn’t it?” the manual tells the teachers to say to the kids.
Even more important, the Good News Club wants the children to know, the Amalakites were targeted for destruction on account of their religion, or lack of it. The instruction manual reads:
“The Amalekites had heard about Israel’s true and living God many years before, but they refused to believe in him. The Amalekites refused to believe in God and God had promised punishment.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/may/30/christian-fundamentalists-plan-teach-genocide
These people are dangerous.
They absolutely scare me! And they’ve now insinuated themselves out of the total fringe areas.
I’m SO glad there is separation of church and state. No? Shit. Cut off the funds
More permanent way would be to get that law overturned. And that’s why the non-supremes need to be retired. They are taking up my air!
So…the piece of shit from Poland (their prime minister) is actually a right winger. From Talking Points Memo
Sikorski is a one time columnist for the National Review, fellow at AEI and advisor to Rupert Murdoch
link: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/05/transatlantic_politics.php?ref=fpblg
He can take a long walk on a short pier, the admin said the President misspoke, but he wants more. In the words of Chris Matthews Ha!
Michael Tomasky on Mitt Romney’s Economic Failure in Massachusetts
by Michael Tomasky
Mitt Romney loves to attack Barack Obama’s record of job creation as president. Too bad Mitt’s record as Massachusetts governor pales in comparison.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/05/29/michael-tomasky-on-mitt-romney-s-economic-failure-in-massachusetts.html
I have two problems with this article.
1. It claims that President Obama doesn’t have a lot to boast about regarding jobs numbers – ignoring the fact that the GOP caused the original decline, and have contributed to the slow recovery and public sector job losses. Given that President Obama did not create a single policy that caused the eight million jobs lost by Bush’s Administration, he’s done a stellar job creating jobs in a hostile environment, and can certainly boast about his job creation record.
2. The powers of the governor and the powers of the President are very different, when it comes to controlling their economies. The governor just has to deal with his assembly and his policies directly impact the results of their economy. The President has to deal with State governors and budgetary contributions to the states, Congressional agendas and limited control; plus, he’s head of state and Commander in Chief, and has other international responsibilities.
Florida Concocts Signature Test to Purge Democratic Voters
By: Adalia Woodbury
————————————
Nothing good can come from using flawed information to screen out ineligible voters in the name of eliminating the non-existent problem of voter fraud. It does however, have the potential to compromise the electoral process, as some will argue occurred in 2004. You may recall that George W. Bush won Florida with around five hundred votes. In Miami-Dade County alone, over 1,000 people were purged from the voter rolls. The math is obvious.
This has nothing to do with eliminating voter fraud, it is more consistent with wanting to perpetrating a fraud on the democratic process in favor of the Republican Party by precluding people most likely to vote democrat from voting at all.
I won’t go so far as to say that this is about establishing a single party political system. It does have the potential to establishing a system in which there is the sort of single party rule that one associates with authoritarian societies.
—————————————
http://www.politicususa.com/purges-signature-laws-my.html
See my info on DOJ above 🙂
Thanks DF. I will call the Voting Rights Division of the Justice Department to express my outrage about the voter disenfranchisement that is running rampant throughout the country. As Fannie Lou Hamer said in her speech at the DNC in 1964 “Is This America?”
Question- What has Holder done since Serving as the AG? Anything? Does he just sit there?
What is His purpose?
Actually quite a bit….so much crap to clean up, you know. http://www.justice.gov/
See my comment and phone number above. Call tomorrow, and every day thereafter until they deal with this.
here: 202-307-2767 Call tomorrow. Big storm in the area. Phones are not working properly
FYI ….
Definitely, call and hopefully many others will as well. Thank you for the direct #, df.
#PRESSON
The Department of Justice is not the culprit here. The GOP is the culprit. The DOJ has been fighting this fight for a long time, and there’s plenty of evidence out there to prove it, if you look. The GOP, on the other hand, is counting on people blaming the Administration for not cleaning up the various fires they’re setting fast enough, so they won’t blame the GOP for the actual fires.
Make your phone calls to the GOP, the criminal governor, the Florida Republican senators and Assemblymen/women who are sitting by and letting this happen. Encouraging it, in some cases. And make sure that people who received those letters removing them from the voter rolls are responding within the time limits, and that others are getting registered. Each person must own their vote, and guard it. It’s their power.
Calling the DOJ is a waste of time and energy, since they’re already on the case. Get people registered. Help people fight back who are being victimized by this law. Let the GOP know that people out here are paying attention.
Here’s an article about what the DOJ has been doing all over the country about voter suppression:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2012/01/01/doj_fights_gop_voter_suppression_270300.html
Thanks for this. A lot of people aren’t aware of what the DOJ is doing on this simply because it doesn’t get reported by the media. Even when Holder made a speech specifically about going after voter suppression, it barely caused a ripple. And a lot of times, there is not a lot they can do until a person has been specifically damaged by the techniques. Florida is counting on nothing being able to be done until afetr the election. But as soon as one person has actually been taken off the eligble voter lists (and to the best of my understanding, so far that hasn’t happened) they are somewhat limied. And unfortuantely, the GOP has been trumpeting the whole “voter fraud” charge for so long and so loudly, a lot of people actually think thsi kind of purging is good.
It’s actually even worse than that. Per the article, the GOP is planning to take the South Carolina and Florida cases to the Supreme Court to fight Section 5 of the Civil Rights Amendment, where they will be greeted with open arms by a right leaning court. This is only the beginning. This is why it’s critical that people realize that it’s not the DOJ that is the bad guy in this. It’s the GOP who have a long term strategy, and won’t stop until only rich, white men are allowed to vote in this country.
http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2012/05/romneys-america.html I would say, “Romney’s Amercia” It’s very shiny…..and white. Full of prep school kids and dressage horse type people…..
A QUIZ FOR THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: “WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?”
————————————-
1) Chronicling Mitt’s Mendacity, Vol. XIX (VOLUME 19)
Campaigning in Iowa yesterday, President Obama reflected on some of Mitt Romney’s recent speeches, including last week’s remarks in Iowa. “I know Governor Romney came to Des Moines last week; warned about a ‘prairie fire of debt,'” Obama said. “But he left out some facts. His speech was more like a cow pie of distortion. I don’t know whose record he twisted the most — mine or his.”
It was a rhetorical point, of course, but when it comes to Romney’s falsehoods, I’m not sure whose record he twists more, either. Maybe you can help me decide by taking a look at the 19th installment of my weekly series, chronicling Mitt’s mendacity.
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/25/11882052-chronicling-mitts-mendacity-vol-xix?lite
2) A death camp in Poland, not a Polish death camp
But what seems most interesting to me is an observation from Steve M., who discovered just how common an error this is, including references to “Polish death camps” from journalists at CNN, ABC, CBS, and the New York Times.
Also guilty of this have been Ha’aretz, USA Today, the L.A. Times, the Chicago Tribune, The Daytona Beach News-Journal, the Associated Press, The Buffalo News, Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper and broadcaster CTV, The Toronto Star, and the British comedian Stephen Fry. And that’s just a list of people and organizations that have been reproached for it.
Oh, one more: Fox News.
Yes, it would have been better if the administration had avoided the gaffe, but it’s quite a common gaffe.
Let those of us who have not made similar slip-ups cast the first stone.
—————————————-
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/05/30/11957868-a-death-camp-in-poland-not-a-polish-death-camp?lite
Inspired by 57andFemale;s brilliant comment up thread (32):
Let me get this straight: Romney can lie and lie and lie and lie and MSM goes ‘meh’.
PBO has a minor slip of the tongue and it’s the end of the effing world.
Mittwitted. It’s a good word.
http://pmcarpenter.blogs.com/p_m_carpenters_commentary/2012/05/on-being-mittwitted.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+pmcarpenterscommentary+%28p+m+carpenter%27s+commentary%29
President Obama re: #WIrecall & @Barrett4WI ….
#PRESSON
DUH! That was a question today????
Heads up everyone:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/05/30/heads-up-pbo-hosts-jewish-american-reception/
Ms. Chips…do you have this posted someplace and I just didn’t see?
http://www.barackobama.com/truth-team
This site brings my blood pressure down! Thanks Chips and other TODers!!
Commenting on the Celtic Cross that was referred to in the Panorama video about Eastern Eurpoean football fans posted further upthread. I never knew that the Celtic Cross was a sign of white supremacy. I have seen Celtic Crosses in the UK and they are usually associated with ancient holy sites and are not at all sinister, at least I never thought of it that way before today. After doing a little research I see that they are used by Neo Nazis and the like. This is news to me. I don’t think every Celtic Cross I have ever seen was meant to be interpreted that way. I’m sickened to find that they took this ancient Christian symbol and defiled it. Also, it is common knowledge that this is a racist symbol? Should I have known this already?
I am nervous about the elections, but love to come here to breathe a sigh of relief. Absolutely lovely site.
For some reason, I don’t believe that “Amercia” was a mistake. I cannot believe that a campaign as disciplined as Romneybot 2.0 could make such a spelling error. Can you imagine if the Obama campaign did the same how Rethugs would turn it into something sinister??!!