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Today:
9:30 AM: President Obama observes a moment of silence in honor of the victims of the Newtown shooting
10:30 AM: President Obama and VP Biden deliver remarks at the funeral service for Senator Daniel Inouye
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NYT editorial: The National Rifle Association is scheduled to hold a news conference on Friday where it says it plans to provide details about its promise of “meaningful contributions” to prevent another a massacre like the one in Newtown, Conn.
We would like to believe that the N.R.A. will do as it says, but we have little faith that it will offer any substantial reforms. The association presents itself as a grass-roots organization, but it has become increasingly clear in recent years that it represents gun makers. Its chief aim has been to help their businesses by increasing the spread of firearms throughout American society.
In recent years, the N.R.A. has aggressively lobbied federal and state governments to dilute or eliminate numerous regulations on gun ownership. And the clearest beneficiary has been the gun industry – sales of firearms and ammunition have grown 5.7 percent a year since 2007, to nearly $12 billion this year….
Full editorial here
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Jonathan Bernstein: There was nothing but embarrassment for Speaker John Boehner and House Republicans as they were forced to pull the vote on Boehner’s “Plan B” tax bill at the last minute because, as Boehner said, they didn’t have the votes to pass it. The Speaker sent the House home for through Christmas, with the option of recalling them afterwards if there’s anything for them to do.
For tonight, it’s a debacle, and they look foolish. But I’d caution against reading too much into this episode….
…..other than everyone having good fun at the expense of the House Republican leadership — and no question, Boehner and the rest deserve it — it’s just not clear that tonight’s fiasco will change anything.
Full post here
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Steve Benen: The irony of last night’s drama on Capitol Hill was that the proposal at stake had far more symbolic value than substantive …. John Boehner pushed his “Plan B” knowing full well it would not, and could not, become law. Rather, Boehner hoped to use the measure to send a message.
Oh, he sent a message, all right. It’s just not the one the Speaker intended.
….. Boehner tried everything. He tried pleading with his Republican allies, threatening them, and offering them all kinds of goodies. The Speaker made appeals based on emotion, economics, loyalty, and pragmatism, at times, simultaneously.
But in the end, despite all the bravado and faux confidence, Boehner just couldn’t deliver. The party he ostensibly leads heard his impassioned pleas, and decided not to follow him.
Debacles of this magnitude are rare.
Full post here
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President Obama and First Lady Michelle ride in a golf cart at an Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C, Jan. 20, 2009 (Photo by Pete Souza)
AP: With his nation under financial strain, President Barack Obama is restricting the inaugural balls to the lowest number in 60 years, with just two official parties plus a concert honoring military families.
…. Both balls are being planned at the Washington Convention Center on Monday, Jan. 21, the evening of Obama’s public inauguration at the Capitol on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Under the Constitution, the president’s second term begins Jan. 20 at noon, but he’ll be sworn in privately at the White House since inaugural celebrations traditionally aren’t held on Sundays.
One party will be the Commander In Chief’s Ball …. Tickets will be free for invited guests, including active duty and reserve service members, Medal of Honor recipients and wounded warriors, among others, with troops overseas participating via video. The other ball, simply being called the Inaugural Ball, will be larger than usual and held across all the halls in the vast convention center…..
More here
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The ridiculously cute clip at the end of WWW:
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MoooOOooooOoooorning everyone.
The Obama Diary 
GM TOD
GM 2 U, DD4O & E! 😆
GM GF!! Congrats on 1st. I was actually trying to snag it this time and ended up like 30th. As you can see I was not too swift on the keyboard this morning.
GM Cookemon and VC. Happy Friday! I just lucked up on to a new thread. Wasn’t even trying this time 🙂
Good for you. Congratulations.
Good for you! The ‘not trying’ ones are the bestest ’cause your heart feels so extra-specially happy. @razz:
Congrats donna on #1!
Happy holidays TOD!
GM. It’s Friday! 😆
Helloooooooooooooooo friends!
I love the west wing week video he came by my office. Of course I wasn’t there but everyone was so happy. And Bo at the end is classic.
Happy Doomsday John Boehnor and Republicans. Well, since the Winter Solstice coincides with the Mayan calender, perhaps the Boner could start a new beginning for the winter since the he can’t lead from behind!
Good morning Chips and TOD family. I hope everyone have a glorious super fantastic day today. TGIF. Congrats DD4O on being first this lovely Friday morning.
Morning RanMan, morning everyone!
cough, cough… Chica. I wonder what day of the week it is?
Hey Chica…. Oh Chica? ahem, ahem. It’s FRIDAY…..
You know Isonprize, every week it’s the same, YOU PEOPLE assume I’ve forgotten it’s Friday and ……. 😳
Shorter Pres. Obama: Put the pressure on Congress, where it belongs. I’ll gladly sign the right bill when it gets to my desk. (and probably thinking …”some of y’all who signed this petition really need to watch school house rock” 😎 )
Boner drafts new Plan LMNOPQ. Lawd Make New Options Please, Quick!!
I like this!
Good morning everyone! Morning Chips, these republicans are crazy
There are many more videos much better than this one but, this one has the lyrics. Your homework is to learn the song. I will be back at 1:00am for a sing a long. That is when I get off work. Good luck on the words:
Happy Friday & Happy Holidays TOD, Chips 🙂
Good morning Chips and TOD family. Remember it is Friday. The Newtown moment of Silence is at 9:30am. So much going on. Hard to know where to go. The GOP are a joke. Thanks to all for all the work that is done here. Off to a busy day.
Good morning all. Pausing with everyone now.
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=PBO
“the Speaker sent the House home through Christmas, with the option of recalling if there is anything else to do…” Hello ? Hello? ANYTHING ELSE TO DO? What a freaking joke! Have they done ANYTHING ALL YEAR? TWO YEARS? FOUR? f**k. They should go home and stay there, utterly worthless. Worthless.
Pamela, they haven’t done a dam thing. That is why their approval rating is at 11%. John Boehner is the sorriest speaker ever.
My gosh, I made it through the week on this, barely, but I made it. I just couldn’t seem to make it through this one moment though.
The Speaker of the House is holding a news conference this morning at 10am. I wonder what Nancy Pelosi has got to say, oh forgive me she is not the Speaker, Boehner is the speaker. Nancy Pelosi will have her news conference at 1pm I believe. Why don’t Boehner stop having the news conference and do his dam job.
He does nt know what his job is, I think we can say..
I agree. I think he is just satisfied with the title.
So horribly sad, the moment of silence, with the bells ringing 26 times. I saw some of the fire/rescue workers breaking down, many who were the first to arrive on the scene, forever changed. Emotions are so raw, people are so so sad, it’s so unthinkable that this could happen.
You know it has to be tough for the first responders too. Can you just imagine walking in that school seeing those little kids bodies. How they can get that out of their mind I don’t know. It is tough
My heart goes out to those first responders. In my years as a paramedic I saw a few things that still haunt me, but nothing even close to the horror at Sandy Hook. We all need to keep those people in our prayers. I hope they get the support and counseling they need.
Chips,
That video of Bo jumping onto Mrs O’s lap is just too precious for words. He is simply the most adorable dog in the world!!! 🙂
I agree donna. Bo is one precious dog.
Morning Donna! Isn’t it the cutest thing ever, he’s such a Mummy’s boy!!! 🙂
I highly highly recommend last night’s Nightline segment on America: Gun Nation, “A Day in the Life of the American Gun”. It encompasses all aspects of what we’re dealing with, the widespread gun culture, the horrible consequences. It’s become a real sickness in this country.
http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/video/day-life-american-gun-18032338
Saved to watch later. No time yet. How do you stay in touch with everything?
Off to work. Have a good day everyone…lots going on today so I hope that I get to see the recap…..Happy Friday
Good morning.
I really like this paragraph from the NYT Editorial above:
Businesses and special-interest groups often cloak their profit motives in the garb of constitutional rights — think Big Tobacco and its opposition to restrictions on smoking in public places and bold warnings on cigarette packages. The Supreme Court has made clear that the right to bear arms is not absolute and is subject to regulations and controls. Yet the N.R.A. clings to its groundless arguments that tough regulations violate the Second Amendment. Many of those arguments serve no purpose other than to increase the sales of guns and bullets.
Good morning, TODville. Hard to believe it’s been a week since the shootings. Feels like yesterday. Our hearts are heavy.
Anyone signed up for the call with David Plouffe at 1pm Eastern? He’s going to give a fiscal cliff update.
Boehner coming up.
Just more BS from Boehner.
Last night’s “Fresh Air” was about how gun industry profits from marketing military grade weapons – a very good program if you can get through it without your head exploding – http://www.npr.org/2012/12/20/167694808/assault-style-weapons-in-the-civilian-market
After watching that video with the repub Congressman Tim H this morning I’m disgusted by the whole segment. I’m also more committed than ever to work as hard as possible to get a full on Democratic House in 2014.. and to work until the end of my life to see that we keep dems in the senate & the presidency. Not only did Huekstra (sp) disgust me… but Joe himself. They allowed lies to go on about the President, about Harry Reid- just utter trash spewing out for how many hours every morning?? okay, deep breaths..
Huelskamp
GM, TOD. This Is my first post so I hope it works. I love following all your wise words.
Welcome Anne! 😀
good morning Anne ~ nice to see you here.
Welcome to the sanest place in town.
Good Morning. Welcome to TOD!
welcome on board Anne!
Hi Anne – welcome to TOD! The best place for wise words, funny words, emotional words, soothing words, loving & caring words and sometimes “naughty mat” rammy words!
Hello Anne – lovely first comment! 🙂
Welcome to sanity, Anne. 🙂
If you missed this part of Morning Joe this morning, then you have got to watch this clip. This clip should remind every voter and every whiny Obama supporter that it is Pres. Obama that is standing between this level of craziness and the abyss. Every voter needs to watch this and maybe they might begin rethinking who they send to D.C.
Huelskamp’s position is a reminder on how gerrymandered districts are hurting all Americans. He’s able to hold his position because when he goes home he get reinforced with the crazy. Redistricting reform is needed nationwide, we began it in CA with proproposition 11.
10:30 AM: President Obama and VP Biden deliver remarks at the funeral service for Senator Daniel Inouye, streaming has started at CNN: http://edition.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=4
thank you Chips
Wait…..so from what I understand of Boehner’s ridiculous press conference is that he’s leaving everything to the guy upstairs? His final words regarding the fiscal cliff were “How we get there, God only knows.”
I don’t know if I’m supposed to laugh or gasp in horror.
It’s time Pelosi started taking the lead and lobby two dozen sane repubs to her side and completely sideline this inept fucker.
Good morning, TODlers! Friday’s good. Not so much fun was waking to see Boehner and Cantor at the podium on the teevee. But I loved how Johnny Boy was on the hot seat with the reporters. Nothing he says makes any sense. And he knows it. Believe his most basic answer to what’s next might just be his exasperated “God only knows,” while he pretended not to be exasperated. Oh, and he wished the country a Merry Christmas, so guess he thinks he’s done his job for the American taxpayer. How I miss Nancy Smash. Merry Christmas, Speaker-for-Life Pelosi!
Someone asked why Cantor is always smirking. Yes, why is Cantor always smirking? What a despicable bunch —-all of these current Republicans—-each one more revolting than the next.
He just got re-elected by his district…..I can’t believe that people would send these dumbasses back to congress with their work record over the past two years. When will this madness end….12/21/12?……not today obviously.
Don’t forget, in addition to shorting stocks, Cantor is a smirking chipmunk.
PBO will nominate John Kerry as SOS.
VP Biden and Bill Clinton have arrived for Sen. Inuoye’s memorial service.
Media is reporting that Pres. Obama will nominate Sen. John Kerry this afternoon for SoS.
PBO has arrived at Sen. Inuoye’s memorial service: http://www.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=1
Was watching a snl opening segment coupla days back where Obama and boner gave a joint PC in which Obama was saying how the rethug caucus was ill-treating boner. Who knew that it would be so prophetic.
LOL You’re right……………I forgot about that : )
GM TODville Community. Happy 12-21-12…..end of the Mayan Calendar.
Wishing you all a wonderful day.
Top of the morning mates. The coffee is good. The sea is calm and the underway pennant flies free at the top of the mast. Anyway tomorrow is P.O.E.T.S. day.
OK. I’ll bite. What is P.O.E.T.S. day Yardarm?
Piss On Everything Tomorrow’s Saturday! 😀
oh brother! Ha! 😀
The Hawaiian music playing at Sen. Inuoye’s memorial service is beautiful.
Agree, it is very soothing.
Isn’t it UT, just gorgeous.
Indeed. This is a beautiful service.
Sen. Inouye’s Memorial Service from the National Cathedral is live on C-Span2 TV, and there is lovely Hawaiian music being played for him.
Oh, my, the camera just caught President Obama and Vice President Biden sitting in a pew together. I’m not sure I’ve seen the President look as “comfortable” with anyone outside of his family as he does with our Joey. As they wait for the service to begin, they are whispering back and forth like schoolboys, and the President is even chewing gum. They are not being disrespectful to the memory of the Senator, nor am I, but that was a sweet sight to see these couple of friends, both of whom have the other’s back.
You know how it is when you are working and various jackasses in your office are against everything you do and talk freely behind your back but you have that one friend who can set you straight when you are ready to jump out the window? That’s PBO and Joe.
Beautiful! I think it was Harry Truman who said, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” In this case, it’s “Get a Joe Biden.” And vice versa, of course. Both of these men know how to actually be a friend, which is a phenomenal thing to learn (I “blame” their mothers) and a priceless gift to give another person.
Yes, Jackie, I think they both had great Moms. Which is what you sound like too!
Awww. Thank you so much! I know I had a great mom, and nothin’ like a role model. 🙂
Can. Not. Stand. These. Imbeciles.
As I’ve said before Luke isn’t a pimple on his old man’s ass. Tim is probably turning over in his grave. Ugh!
Agree 100% yardarm756,
So the “weeper” never gets to high or too low? WTF Luke. Who are you anyway?
Never gets too high, or too low….
Yes, John Boehner’s ‘hell no you can’t!’ rant when the healthcare bill was passing before his very eyes was a model of composure and decorum.
Boehner’s pettiness and unprofessionalism was on display when he refused to extend an invitation allowing the President to address congress and when he refused the President’s call on Election night.
Luke Russert is a poorly informed, certified idiot. When is NBC going to catch a clue?
What a travesty.
NRA is holding its press conference but they refuse to take questions. Pathetic cowards.
http://www.c-span.org/Events/NRA-News-Conference-in-Response-to-Newtown-CT-Shooting/10737436772-1/
NRA—more guns please.
Protester interrupts NRA presser.
That is what I want on all the front pages everywhere——there’s your NRA presser right there
This NRA tool is blaming everyone except the NRA. What in the heck is he talking about? We just want to know what the NRA is willing to do to prevent these tragedies.
WOW! Good for the protester at the NRA press conference! (It was funny and serious at the same time). The NRA is EVIL!!
Protestor held up sign “NRA KILLING OUR CHILDREN”…….NRA wants americans to ARM our schools…more sales of guns…..more death.
THIS SHOULD BE THE NAIL IN THE NRA’S COFFIN! NO GANGS SHOT UP SCHOOLS. THEY WEAKEN OUR LAWS WITH ALEC!
DANGEROUS CRIMINALS DID NOT SHOOT AND KILL 20 SIX AND SEVEN YEAR OLDS!
I AM TURNING THIS CRAP OFF!
Did I hear Wayne Lapierre (sp) say Sponge Bob is violent? If so, this proves it he is an idiot.
Sponge Bob! Did he really call out Sponge Bob?!
First Big Bird, then SpongeBob … yeah, Republicans need to get out of Mr. Roger’s effin’ Neighborhood.
Harry Reid…………..beautiful, just beautiful. Thank you.
In a shocking development, John Boehner’s Plan B, or Doomsday Plan, was defeated by his own party on Thursday night, leaving the nation on course to go over the fiscal cliff in about 10 days.
Stories were coming out on Friday about a dramatic meeting in the House basement on Thursday night and a Republican party too split to agree on tactic. So Plan B never made it to the floor for a vote.
Accounts indicate there was a yelling match at one point during the meeting and that a somber Boehner said a prayer. Boehner and House compatriot Eric Cantor issued statements saying it now was up to the Senate Democrats to find a solution by January 1.
Prior to the politically risky vote on Thursday night, Senate Democrats said they would oppose the bill, and President Barack Obama said he would veto it.
http://blog.constitutioncenter.org/2012/12/boehner%E2%80%99s-doomsday-plan-fizzles-out-fiscal-cliff-on-course/
Cowards. The NRA will give a little talk, but not take questions. Will do so next week, if anyone cares to follow up later. Well, I guess if ti took a whole week to say anything, then it’s not out of reach to think they’d be able to answer a few questions. Bottom line NRA stayed silent cause they respected the families, then went on to blame press releases, blame the mentally challenged, music videos, violent games, and then infers that more arms are what’s needed. No mention that the violent video and games glorify the guns that they so eagerly seek to protect. Holy Moly these folks are becoming extinct by their own hand. Let’s see which high profile NRA member will publicly denounce this unbelievable unpopular out of touch stance. No accountability or accountability.
I say, let them keep talking and spewing the nonsense. Let the Repubs continue to walk in fear of outside interest groups primarying them. Election cycle 2014 will be another wave election, even with the gerrymandering and voter suppression efforts the Repubs attempt.
Do they really think they will get anywhere blaming the media, the very people who control the airwaves, print, and hold the mike?
Cookemon, thank you. You speak the truth.
PBO has had the week from Hell. I really hope he gets a chance to rest over Christmas, he must be beyond exhausted.
And now he’s blaming Pres. Obama because you know, more guns are just awesome.
This LaPierre address of his disgusting stump speech is the most revolting thing I have ever seen—-glorifying guns, asking for more guns, armed guards at every school, armed guards everywhere. He’s batshit crazy, demented. I hope no one in Ct. is watching this—-no decent person in America should be subjected to this.
It’s clear boner’s ass is cooked as the speaker. I fully expect that slimy punk cantor to mount a palace coup in the new year and take over the speakership. If that happens, will the saner repub wing will coalesce under boner and vote with the dems on the tax increases and debt limit raise?
Can you F’ing believe this guy ???!!!
This LaPierre guy is out of his f+*ing MIND!
Let’s start with checking THIS guy’s mental health?
Lord, please help us. Please have mercy on us all.
This is my fervent prayer.
When are they going to cut away from this guy?
He does not deserve these airwaves. There are much more important people I’d rather be hearing from.
The NRA press conference was bizarre, insulting, and insane. Whoever thought this would be a good thing is batshit crazy. They called this wrong because Americans are pissed off.
THIS!!!!
As deranged as it gets—-LaPierre and the NRA
The NRA creep is out of his ever lovin’ mind!
Yardarm, he looked to me like he had a breakdown live on TV – or maybe that’s the just the way he is. What a freaky weird, rambling pile of madness.
Pile of madness? I think not. He’s lower than whale shit! I can’t say enough about this person. I’m really at a loss for words.
Piers is right, but he is the WRONG messenger.
Not a Piers Morgan fan, but he is right on this. America, wake up: you have been drinking the bat shit tea too long. How is it tasting today?
Unfortunately the public doesn’t no because we have a lousy 4th Estate that spends all their time on who’s up and who’s down and how finding way to sensationalize the next ginned up political controversy instead of informing the public. Most people don’t even know what the NRA is. Sad, but true.
I’ve learned that even people I don’t particularly like can be right sometimes, and in this case Piers is right. He also does have an audience, and probably his particular audience needs to hear this. We are the convinced, but we and everyone on the right side of this problem needs to step up and start doing some convincing. I say good for Piers.
shoot! I wish I could find this really funny tweet I saw but my TL was moving so fast I lost it. It said “This Stephen Colbert skit is really funny but where is Wayne Lapierre?'” LOL
Beautiful picture, just one problem; Jarrett. I’m not a fan of this woman at all!!! There is something about her that rubs me the wrong way. She comes off as a phoney.
I’ve seen her speaking in town hall type sessions, and she did a really good job – there was a recent one earlier this year (I’ll try and find it) where she did a remarkable job. I wasn’t a big fan of hers to begin with, but I think she was a bit nervous at the beginning of the first term and she came across badly. But, she’s become much more comfortable and expresses herself much better than at the beginning. . She’s been loyal to the Obama family, and is a close personal friend of theirs – and she serves as one of President Obama’s personal sounding boards. That makes her okay for me.
Rather late for my answer – but I agree theo – she is still with the President when many have moved on – she is an A1 supporter and advisor – whenever I see them together I think it is good
Thanks 99!
I would love to have someone like Ms. Valerie Jarrett in my corner watching my back…you don’t fine such loyalty, respect and trustworthy in very many people. When I see Ms. Jarrett near PBO, I feel all is good…I’m sure FLOTUS feel the same.
That nut on Morning Joke and now this asshole from the NRA…Good Morning TOD Family! LOL! It’s great to watch the demise of the Republican party right before our eyes. It’s even greater to watch the skill in which our President assists in it’s demise…brilliant!
Rest in Blessed Peace Sen. Inouye.
POTUS speaking of Sen Inouye now.
A movement is needed here to make NRA as MADD made those who drink and drive.
Citizens United for Their Rights Not to get shot.
In just about every rightie organization today, the leaders are just fatuously bat poop.
The 4M life time members…..most of them are children. If they can’t speak up and loudly demand change, then eventually, NRA will get what’s coming to them. They have made their beds. Sleep in them, they will.
https://twitter.com/RussFAnderson/status/282165035839651840
20% TAX ON GUNS AND BULLETS FOR THE PROTECTION OF CHILDREN.
Excellent idea – why not make it 50%? Not sure what price they put on the heads of these little kids whose lives are endangered so that a few cowardly men can hold their guns close.
I am for a 75% tax on guns to protect not only schools but also movie theaters, shopping malls, churches, political gatherings, etc.
Make it 99%. There’s no price high enough.
That so-called Press Conference had to have been one of the more bizarre things that I have witnessed but then when I couple it with that Congressman from Kansas on Morning Joe it all makes sense. Insanity is running rampant in that Party. I don’t know how on this earth our President is suppose to work with these Nuts. After watching that I feel like our country is in deep do-do folks.
The sad thing is that the average person walking around doesn’t have a clue about the power that these nuts hold. Tonight there will be a 30 second sound bite on the evening news with a “both sides perspective” to gun laws and then they will move on. Never framing it in the reality that these powerful lobbyist like the NRA with all their insane approaches to gun ownership are off their rocker. Sigh!!!!!!!
I wish one of these pundits with a microphone would just break down the legislation that the NRA has supported and funded over the past 50 years, so people can really see just how much damage they’ve done, and the amount of danger they’ve placed on every citizen – including the defenseless.
Pres. Obama just gave a wonderful tribute to Sen. Inuoye. These parts stood out to me.
So simple – but the thought probably never crossed the little minds of the NRA.
So, I’m glad to see that Wayne LaPierre had a reasoned and sober solution to the crisis of gun violence in our society.
Aww……they’re performing Somewhere Over The Rainbow at Sen. Inuoye’s memorial service. This is a beautiful tribute to him.
Both moving and heart breaking for me to listen to. That was the main song (different arrangement) we used at our grandson’s service.
(((((((HUGS))))))
I appreciate the run down’ here about the NRA news conference–guess that’s a joke. Anyway, I am glad I was watching the celebration of life of a wonderful and amazing man. The things that every person said was beautiful, heart-felt, genuine and we know, most of all, true.
I hope PO will ask for 10-15 minutes to speak to the nation. I believe that would make a big difference and maybe, just maybe, the Repubs, or enough of them, will be shamed into doing something. Then again, maybe not. 😦
The President already spoke to the nation last Sunday. At some point, the speaking needs to stop, and people just need to take action. And now, it’s up to the public to shame these NRA folks and keep the pressure up on Congress and the media to act.
The Organ is the worst instrument created on god’s green earth.
Morning TOD. This has been a beautiful memorial service for Senator Inouye. All speakers were great. The music
was exceptional,especially the pieces from Hawaii. PBO was gracious and eloquent.
Disney Channel is doing all of us a solid by airing “The Nightmare Before Christmas” after the horror of Wayne LaPierre.
The awesome Jeremy Irons.
The actor took to Current TV Thursday night and told host Joy Behar that he was “appalled” by what he saw.
“I think the whole world was appalled,” said Irons, adding that he “was very pleased that Mr. Obama got back in.”
“It seems to me that the big guys want us to run our world just on economics,” said Irons. “And there’s all this f—king bulls—t about drip down, trickle down theory. I mean it’s rubbish. It really is rubbish. It’s a wonderful lie. I could say, ‘I’m an actor! I get paid $10 million a movie. It’s fine. It’ll trickle down.’ Well, it won’t. It doesn’t.”
He added, “We’ve been conned for all these years because the guys making the money say, ‘Buy our stuff!’ They’ve been saying, ‘You can’t afford it? We’ll lend it to you! We’ll give you credit cards! We’ll give you big mortgages to you! You can remortgage your house so you can keep buying!’ But, of course, that’s ponzi isn’t it?”
As for Obama’s opponent, Mitt Romney, Irons admitted that “I’m not a Republican,” but said “I was surprised they couldn’t find anybody a little bit more credible.”
Read more: http://www.politico.com/story/2012/12/jeremy-irons-weve-been-conned-85402.html#ixzz2Fi38w1jN
Thanks, ut! I adore Jeremy Irons so I’m thrilled to see his politics are also in the right place.
A PUBLIC RELATIONS FIASCO
NRA’s LaPierre slips into performance art
By Steve Benen
——————————
To call this a press conference is to mislabel what transpired. The NRA’s Wayne LaPierre decided to give a speech, and the group refused at the outset to consider questions from the reporters that had been invited to the event.
It went downhill from there. It was hard to tell at times whether LaPierre was serious or had become a spectacular performance artist, making a dramatic statement about the absurdity of the NRA’s increasingly twisted worldview.
Regardless, his performance is worth watching, if only to marvel at its farcical qualities, but don’t brush past the substance of his message. As LaPierre sees it, there’s a very long list of culprits that bear responsibility for gun violence — but guns have no place on that list.
—————————–
http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2012/12/21/16069454-nras-lapierre-slips-into-performance-art?lite
THIS!!!!!
Due to start any moment now, Nancy Smash: http://www.c-span.org/Events/Rep-Pelosi-News-Briefing/10737436824-1/
Speaker Pelosi about to speak : http://www.c-span.org/Events/Rep-Pelosi-News-Briefing/10737436824-1/
Looking for details…
Leader Pelosi is holding a presser now.
http://www.c-span.org/Live-Video/C-SPAN/
Brilliant.
First Lady Michelle Obama is a beautiful soul.
Dear parents,
Like every American, Barack and I are absolutely heartbroken about the unspeakable tragedy that occurred last week in Newtown, Connecticut. And like so many of you, our first reactions were not as a President and First Lady, but as a Mom and Dad. We were asking ourselves, what if this had been our town, or our school, or our girls?
And we know that all across the country, it’s not just adults who are asking questions right now – our children are looking for answers as well. Like us, they want to know, why did this happen?
Could it happen again? And as parents, all of us can take the time to hold our kids close and talk with them about the things that truly matter: our love for them, the importance of extending that love to those affected by this tragedy, and how that love truly defines our great American community.
We can tell our kids that we’re doing everything we can to keep them safe and make sure they feel loved – and so are their teachers, coaches, faith leaders, Scout leaders and everyone else who plays a role in their lives.
We can remind them to be grateful for the educators who work every day to help them achieve their dreams – and for the first responders who risk their lives at a moment’s notice to protect ours.
We can tell them about the extraordinary people of Newtown and how they have responded to unspeakable tragedy: the educators who sprang into action; the children who carefully followed instructions and comforted each other amidst the chaos; the neighbors and faith leaders who have come together to support one another.
And finally, we can tell them that it’s our job now to stand with the people of Newtown – to pray for them and to find ways, large and small, to show them that they are not alone in their grief. It is now up to us to carry the memory of those who were lost in our hearts and to follow their example every day, living our lives as they lived theirs – with courage, determination, hope and love. Those are the values that give us our strength as Americans and that we return to in times of crisis – not just because they help us heal, but because they define who we are, as a people and as a nation.
May the memories of those we lost be a blessing to their families, their community and our country, and may God be with the people of Newtown as they begin the slow and painful work of healing and moving forward.
Sincerely,
Michelle Obama
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/12/20/first-lady-michelle-obama-talking-our-kids-about-newtown
Plouffe on conference call about the fiscal cliff debate:
Thanks everyone for helping to get the word out about the debate.
POTUS’ priority is to take a balanced approach.
The most recent news indicates that the GOP is having a tough time managing their own caucus.
People will be gin to pay more attention to this so it’s important that we all reach out to everyone we know to help get out the facts.
The intensity around this issue will increase.
Large scale reduction pkg from POTUS is still in play.
Arithmetic is critical to our argument.
Some Rs seem open to what is offered but the House is not willing to give up millionaires.
PBO’s door remains open but at the very least we need to protect the middle class.
That’s where PBO will maintain his focus.
We need to let people know we are committed to cutting spending but we need to cut taxes for middle class. We’ve compromised a lot but if the Rs can’t compromise, at the very least, they must do no harm – NOT raise taxes on the middle class. The election proved that the electorate is on the side of POTUS on this.
The average person will be paying more attention as we near the cliff. We should try to help set the right atmosphere with the truth of what’s going on. We have a dominating position with the public right now but we need to make sure the intensity is accompanied with the truth.
Heads up everyone:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/12/21/heads-up-president-obama-announces-his-secretary-of-state-nominee/