Now, we just have to get Big Oil into that kind of toon, sure hope it’s in my lifetime. At this rate, the human species will not be able to survive much longer.
Most people in our recent debate over the future of Windows 8 thought that the operating system could be saved. I’m sure many people in 1491 thought that the Earth was flat, too.
XP is still the best for business environments. Interestingly, M$ has said that they’ll definitely stop supporting XP in 2014. Interesting to know how the bidness people react to it. Will they claim tyranny a la kenyan muslin ?
I myself switched over from XP to w7 very reluctantly only last year and I don’t like it much.
Walden’s real problem here is one of timing. He wasn’t supposed to actually say this stuff before a deal had been struck. It has been the Republican game plan all along to blame Obama for entitlement cuts, in fact. But in politics, timing is everything.
Here is the basic Republican playbook on entitlement cuts. Entitlements are actually very popular with the American public. Social Security and Medicare are wildly popular with those who receive benefits. Cuts to these benefits are politically dangerous for politicians to support. In fact, it used to be called the “third rail of American politics” — touch it, and you die. Republicans have been trying to convince the American public for a very long time to slash entitlements, and the public has recoiled in horror. So now, their plan is to get Obama to be the author of such cuts, whereby they can have their cake and eat it too. They can slash entitlements and blame it on someone else. See: that $700 billion, and the 2012 election.
.
.
The way it was supposed to work (as far as Republican strategists were concerned) was once a grand bargain was passed and signed into law, then they could go out on the campaign trail and bash Obama for cutting Social Security, in another laughable attempt to convince the public that they cared much more for seniors than those dastardly Democrats.
Walden jumped the gun. That’s his real sin, among Republicans. He wasn’t supposed to say this sort of thing until after the deal was struck. It was one of those things that (for the time being) Republicans were allowed to think, but weren’t allowed to say out loud.
Because, by doing so he exposed the doublethink for the rancid hypocrisy it truly is.
I wonder if any of the Alabama legislature is there. Aren’t they all Repubs. PBO is so gracious to all the players and the coach really had nice things to say to the President. I love watching these events.
Yup, I just saw that little troll Sessions. Pres Obama is much, MUCH better than I am. I wouldn’t let him on my property, much less get near anyone I cared about!! 😎 😎
One of our fantastic OFA volunteers put together a list of all the Senators and their DC and 1 local phone #. If you have folks who “just need to call someone” give them this
A Progressive Manifesto: What We Want, Everyone Should Want
By Milt Shook (Please Cut The Crap)
—————————–
We have to change our ways, if we’re to make this country progressive. What follows are list of general goals that everyone, regardless of political persuasion, can get behind, except maybe hardcore right wingers, like John Birchers and the like. By expressing ourselves using these generalized goals, we can get people excited about liberal politics again, and solve society’s greatest problems. As progressives, our goals should be easy to understand and follow, if we expect a majority to follow our lead.
And if our goal isn’t a majority in a democracy, then what are we doing here, really?
Try these, and watch our political fortunes turn around.
Everyone is entitled to basic food and shelter, meaning a heated, comfortable space that is as safe as possible, and enough nutritious food to keep them and their family healthy.
Everyone is entitled to access to as much clean, safe drinking water as they need, free of chemicals and contaminants.
Everyone is entitled to the cleanest possible air to breathe.
Every attempt should be made to make all communities safe and secure, not just from crime, but from the negative effects of past activities and pollution.
Everyone is entitled to basic protection from and recovery assistance for natural disasters.
Great piece by Milt shook! I especially liked this: “How can we claim to be against voter suppression and then actively try to suppress turnout with negativity?” Thanks Ladyhawke for sharing it with us.
The House on Friday is expected to pass legislation that would permanently repeal a requirement that senior government officials post details of their finances online.
That requirement was put into place last year by the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act. That law was designed to provide transparency about the finances of members of Congress and senior officials, and to make sure they are not benefiting financially from their knowledge as government operatives.
But the requirement that senior officials post their financial information online was met with immediate opposition from the roughly 28,000 officials that would have to comply with this rule. They said the requirement could threaten national security.
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is canceling the creation of a new military medal for drone and cyber warriors, and instead wants military leaders to develop a special pin or device that would be attached to already existing medals or ribbons.
The Distinguished Warfare Medal was created by Hagel’s predecessor, Leon Panetta, and it immediately triggered bitter complaints from veterans and lawmakers who said it should not be ranked higher than traditional combat medals such as the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Senior military leaders reviewed the issue and recommended the creation of a device, similar to the “V” for valor that can be attached to the Bronze Star and other medals to reward an act of heroism. They have 90 days to finalize details and criteria for the award.
—
// This isn’t easy for me to write. I got my start in politics 10 years ago in the presidential campaign of Gov. Howard Dean. It was a campaign that I joined not just because of Gov. Dean’s bold opposition to the Iraq war but also his pragmatic record as the governor of Vermont. I slugged through the snow in New Hampshire, knocked on doors in Phoenix, and spent more nights organizing in my home state of California than I can count.
When Howard Dean didn’t make it to be the Democratic presidential nominee in 2004, I was a founding member of our local DFA chapter, known as the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley. I was in San Francisco for DFA’s launch. When he ran for party chair in 2005, we lobbied our DNC members. I served on the Board of the local DFA chapter for a few years, and as a Co-Chair for two years, determined to spread Gov. Dean’s vision of fiscal responsibility and social progress. I adopted the monkier ‘Deaniac83’ proudly and early on.
I can no longer call myself a Deaniac in good conscience. Not any more. Not after this: //
It was horrible Chipsticks. People were screaming as the second explosion went off and you could hear a man checking people and screaming “Oh My God, they’re dead!”
My heart breaks for them all. It’s a horror to witness.
That’s the existential question, Pamela. This has been haunting me for months – we now believe as a nation that any and all disagreements should be settled violently.
One Bostonian checking in; our local CBS affiliate covers the marathon every year start to finish, so I’d expect CBS National News tonight to have the best coverage.
I am so hopeful none of the Newtown families are injured. But the trauma from hearing the explosions – and I’m guessing they heard them – only adds to their already heart-piercing trauma.
Mine too. My 80 year old aunt just called me. She is very upset; she was worried that I might have people I know running in the marathon … and I could, I just don’t know if they were running this year. Oh me.
I got a little hanging white dove for a Christmas decoration, and after the holiday, I just moved it to another room and it’ll be up all year. So sweet.
I have them all over. I have a little collection of several species of Doves. We have Mourning Doves around us. They make a beautiful cooing sound in the morning. Such a pleasure.
My goodness I just came home and turned on the TV. How horrible is this! We were worried about N Korea doing something this week. It seems we have much more to worry about as well. How I wish PBO could have had an ordinary tenure and not faced with one crisis after another. Many prayers for the victims and loved ones.
This is really scary. I’m sorry for those who have relatives and friends living in Boston or who themselves are residents of the city. Please be safe and hope all goes well from here on.
There are some who dislike the “heavy hand” of government. WWR is glad today for the FBI, ATEF and others who strive 24/7 to keep us safe— West Wing Reports (@WestWingReport) April 15, 2013
Nena, I hope your niece is safe. I also have family in Boston, my cousin and her daughter, that I’ve not been able to get into contact with. I think the volume of calls during a crisis make it difficult to get through.
This is heartbreaking. What’s wrong with people who think this is a good idea? Something way amiss with whovever planned and executed this atrocious act, sorry acts—3 detonated bombs during a joyous sporting event.
Suicide at NASCAR. hard to know what to think.
Obama White House.gov
The Obama Diary 
Hi everybody
Congrats, Proud!
Hey everyone.
Hey, mariele! Proud must have been wondering where the heck everyone is, eh?
Yo, proud! 😉
Hi how are you doing?
Hi,guys. Top 5?
That NRA guy is a plain creep.
Now, we just have to get Big Oil into that kind of toon, sure hope it’s in my lifetime. At this rate, the human species will not be able to survive much longer.
Lol. Great toon, chips.
Isn’t it a gem, Amk? That toonist Mike Thompson is a genius!
Excellent toon, for sure, Chips!! Thank you!!
Yes We Can
I was 1st to “like” this post! Does that count?
Of course it does Barb!!!! 😆
I am honoured, Chips. Thought it would start a different trend! (must be my Irish roots – County Donegal)
Yes, indeed, ma’am! It counts for A LOT! {{{{{{CanadaBarb}}}}}}
thanks, Pam!
Congrats on First to Like, Barb! And, since you’re my BCFF, you’re always “first to like” for me!
awwwww, shucks
Love the NRA – Big Tobacco cartoon.
Nice Cartoon Chiparoo….
Loved it too UT, an encouraging reminder that things do change!
As PC sales tank, what’s Microsoft’s Plan B?
Market analyst IDC pins much of the blame for the drop on Windows 8. Microsoft, though, can only double down the bet on its new operating system.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-10805_3-57579503-75/as-pc-sales-tank-whats-microsofts-plan-b/
Windows: It’s over
Most people in our recent debate over the future of Windows 8 thought that the operating system could be saved. I’m sure many people in 1491 thought that the Earth was flat, too.
http://www.zdnet.com/windows-its-over-7000013964/
God, does this mean I’ll have to buy a Mac the next time?
Nah, vendors will offer windows (if only to due its omnipresence around the world) but will quietly offer a downgrade to w7.
M$ is not doing itself any favor by shoving down an unpopular system on its clients.
heck, most of the business environment is still stuck on XP.
Our library system is still on XP.
XP is still the best for business environments. Interestingly, M$ has said that they’ll definitely stop supporting XP in 2014. Interesting to know how the bidness people react to it. Will they claim tyranny a la kenyan muslin ?
I myself switched over from XP to w7 very reluctantly only last year and I don’t like it much.
XP was a dandy operation system. I was shocked that I had so few problems with Windows 7. Skilled Vista entirely, as everyone should.
god, you can tell my mind is in 12 different directions. “Skipped”, not “skilled”.
Congrats on 1st Proud.
From the bottom of the previous thread …
#TrustBarack
THINK IT, BUT DON’T SAY IT OUT LOUD.
Republican Hypocrisy, Chapter 4,397
By Chris Weigant
—————————————-
Walden’s real problem here is one of timing. He wasn’t supposed to actually say this stuff before a deal had been struck. It has been the Republican game plan all along to blame Obama for entitlement cuts, in fact. But in politics, timing is everything.
Here is the basic Republican playbook on entitlement cuts. Entitlements are actually very popular with the American public. Social Security and Medicare are wildly popular with those who receive benefits. Cuts to these benefits are politically dangerous for politicians to support. In fact, it used to be called the “third rail of American politics” — touch it, and you die. Republicans have been trying to convince the American public for a very long time to slash entitlements, and the public has recoiled in horror. So now, their plan is to get Obama to be the author of such cuts, whereby they can have their cake and eat it too. They can slash entitlements and blame it on someone else. See: that $700 billion, and the 2012 election.
.
.
The way it was supposed to work (as far as Republican strategists were concerned) was once a grand bargain was passed and signed into law, then they could go out on the campaign trail and bash Obama for cutting Social Security, in another laughable attempt to convince the public that they cared much more for seniors than those dastardly Democrats.
Walden jumped the gun. That’s his real sin, among Republicans. He wasn’t supposed to say this sort of thing until after the deal was struck. It was one of those things that (for the time being) Republicans were allowed to think, but weren’t allowed to say out loud.
Because, by doing so he exposed the doublethink for the rancid hypocrisy it truly is.
———————————————–
Long post, much more here …………..
http://www.chrisweigant.com/2013/04/11/republican-hypocrisy-chapter-4397/#more-7209
Lovin’ the low key jazz on the White House link. This is the classiest White House ever!!!
I wonder if any of the Alabama legislature is there. Aren’t they all Repubs. PBO is so gracious to all the players and the coach really had nice things to say to the President. I love watching these events.
ewww…. I see Senator Keebler Elf Sessions….
Oh, my. If he weren’t so ghastly, I’d be chuckling.
Yup, I just saw that little troll Sessions. Pres Obama is much, MUCH better than I am. I wouldn’t let him on my property, much less get near anyone I cared about!! 😎 😎
Good morning TOD family
One of our fantastic OFA volunteers put together a list of all the Senators and their DC and 1 local phone #. If you have folks who “just need to call someone” give them this
Click to access SENATOR-PHONE-LIST.pdf
I hope you all are looking for a gun violence phone bank near you. We are having one tomorrow – we will be calling out of state – yes…..
https://my.barackobama.com/page/event/search_simple
What is working! YOU ARE AMAZING!!
Brilliant Linda, thank you!!
Chipster – you made it even “more better” by adding colored lines, I love this – thanks
Thank you Linda, really brilliant information, excellently done – thanks again for posting it here.
Yes, indeed, ma’am! It counts for A LOT! {{{{{{CanadaBarb}}}}}}
A Progressive Manifesto: What We Want, Everyone Should Want
By Milt Shook (Please Cut The Crap)
—————————–
We have to change our ways, if we’re to make this country progressive. What follows are list of general goals that everyone, regardless of political persuasion, can get behind, except maybe hardcore right wingers, like John Birchers and the like. By expressing ourselves using these generalized goals, we can get people excited about liberal politics again, and solve society’s greatest problems. As progressives, our goals should be easy to understand and follow, if we expect a majority to follow our lead.
And if our goal isn’t a majority in a democracy, then what are we doing here, really?
Try these, and watch our political fortunes turn around.
Everyone is entitled to basic food and shelter, meaning a heated, comfortable space that is as safe as possible, and enough nutritious food to keep them and their family healthy.
Everyone is entitled to access to as much clean, safe drinking water as they need, free of chemicals and contaminants.
Everyone is entitled to the cleanest possible air to breathe.
Every attempt should be made to make all communities safe and secure, not just from crime, but from the negative effects of past activities and pollution.
Everyone is entitled to basic protection from and recovery assistance for natural disasters.
—————————————-
Long post, more here ……
http://pleasecutthecrap.typepad.com/main/2013/04/a-progressive-manifesto.html
Great piece by Milt shook! I especially liked this: “How can we claim to be against voter suppression and then actively try to suppress turnout with negativity?” Thanks Ladyhawke for sharing it with us.
But…but….freedom!
The spending is insane.
The House on Friday is expected to pass legislation that would permanently repeal a requirement that senior government officials post details of their finances online.
That requirement was put into place last year by the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act. That law was designed to provide transparency about the finances of members of Congress and senior officials, and to make sure they are not benefiting financially from their knowledge as government operatives.
But the requirement that senior officials post their financial information online was met with immediate opposition from the roughly 28,000 officials that would have to comply with this rule. They said the requirement could threaten national security.
28 thousand senior officials ???
—
This passed and PBO signed it today
http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/293515-house-to-repeal-stock-act-reporting-requirement-for-senior-officials
Gunnite folks.
LOL! 🙂
Sleep tite, amk. Don’t let Howard Dean bite.
WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is canceling the creation of a new military medal for drone and cyber warriors, and instead wants military leaders to develop a special pin or device that would be attached to already existing medals or ribbons.
The Distinguished Warfare Medal was created by Hagel’s predecessor, Leon Panetta, and it immediately triggered bitter complaints from veterans and lawmakers who said it should not be ranked higher than traditional combat medals such as the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
Senior military leaders reviewed the issue and recommended the creation of a device, similar to the “V” for valor that can be attached to the Bronze Star and other medals to reward an act of heroism. They have 90 days to finalize details and criteria for the award.
—
This is good.
A Deaniac No More
// This isn’t easy for me to write. I got my start in politics 10 years ago in the presidential campaign of Gov. Howard Dean. It was a campaign that I joined not just because of Gov. Dean’s bold opposition to the Iraq war but also his pragmatic record as the governor of Vermont. I slugged through the snow in New Hampshire, knocked on doors in Phoenix, and spent more nights organizing in my home state of California than I can count.
When Howard Dean didn’t make it to be the Democratic presidential nominee in 2004, I was a founding member of our local DFA chapter, known as the Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley. I was in San Francisco for DFA’s launch. When he ran for party chair in 2005, we lobbied our DNC members. I served on the Board of the local DFA chapter for a few years, and as a Co-Chair for two years, determined to spread Gov. Dean’s vision of fiscal responsibility and social progress. I adopted the monkier ‘Deaniac83’ proudly and early on.
I can no longer call myself a Deaniac in good conscience. Not any more. Not after this: //
http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2013/04/a-deaniac-no-more.html
#TrustBarack
What????
No.
Two explosions at the Boston Marathon.
CNN and Fox showing it live. Several injuries
This is horrific.
WTF?!?!?
The images on TV are horrific. These poor people. What kind of a monster does this?
I saw this on TV and it’s horrific.
http://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/6254/web
Live police scanner feed
Boston? What the hell???
The images from the media are horrific. There’s footage after footage of people with blown off limbs, blown off arms. The chaos is heartbreaking.
This is horrific.
Oh my God UT, this is hell on earth.
It was horrible Chipsticks. People were screaming as the second explosion went off and you could hear a man checking people and screaming “Oh My God, they’re dead!”
My heart breaks for them all. It’s a horror to witness.
There are no words for this UT, what on earth is it all about?
LIVE NOW: CBS News Special Report- Boston Explosions – http://www.cbsnews.com/liveFeed/widget.shtml
Please pray for everyone…dear god, WHY?
CNN just showed the explosion as it occurred. OMG.
This thing may not be over so the most important thing for anyone communicating with anyone in Boston – tell them to STAY INSIDE. PERIOD.
They are identifying various suspicious packages and vehicles.
What the hell?!??!
I just heard there were some runners from Newtown. OMG! No words to describe any of this!
Command Center is being set up at the Westin Hotel in Copley Square.
Another potential incendiary device at the JFK Library – they are moving people away from the site.
No. What is the matter with us?
That’s the existential question, Pamela. This has been haunting me for months – we now believe as a nation that any and all disagreements should be settled violently.
{{{{{{57}}}}}}. http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=PBO For our beloved President Obama, as his burden grows ever greater, we will stand beside him.
Indeed, my friend, indeed.
There is only one side of politics that thinks that 57andfemale – and their leaders encourage it.
One Bostonian checking in; our local CBS affiliate covers the marathon every year start to finish, so I’d expect CBS National News tonight to have the best coverage.
Other Boston TOD’ers ok?
This is beyond horrifying! Any fatalities? Please be no fatalities!
Fox News reporting six fatalities.
Excuse me, I believe that was three.
HLN/CNN is reporting two fatalities, still. Wish that number were zero, in any case.
I’m not in Boston. Watching the news. The video is showing injuries. Some witnesses say people have lost limbs. Awful.
OMG, this is so sad. My prayers for the injured and families.
I am so hopeful none of the Newtown families are injured. But the trauma from hearing the explosions – and I’m guessing they heard them – only adds to their already heart-piercing trauma.
Boston Command instructing all officers, responders, etc. – NO CELLPHONE USE. Obvious why …
Evidently they are warning that a loud explosion is to be expected shortly – police about to set off a device on Bolyston Street
My heart is breaking!
Mine too. My 80 year old aunt just called me. She is very upset; she was worried that I might have people I know running in the marathon … and I could, I just don’t know if they were running this year. Oh me.
http://livewire.wcvb.com/Event/117th_Running_of_Boston_Marathon Live Boston station
Live real time updates and talking…..
https://twitter.com/Our4thEstate/status/323887729953886210
If you are in Boston… raceday.baa.org/individual so you can check on runners what and where their last check in was.
Good.
Just coming to post confirmation:
Prayers for all.
I did forget about all of those anniversaries in April … usually there’s more pre-coverage of them.
J, thanks to your post to me comment. It’s in pending so I can’t reply or find it. Seems to have been a problem with the thread. It was to my Doves.
Oh, thanks. Loved that dove image. So uplifting!
Yes, they are for me. Love Doves.
I got a little hanging white dove for a Christmas decoration, and after the holiday, I just moved it to another room and it’ll be up all year. So sweet.
I have them all over. I have a little collection of several species of Doves. We have Mourning Doves around us. They make a beautiful cooing sound in the morning. Such a pleasure.
http://twitter.com/Our4thEstate/statuses/323892064909680641
A mechanical fire….it has been put out.
According to the control officer on the police scanner, this is separate from the mechanical fire … but we can hope that that is not the case, Linda.
https://twitter.com/Our4thEstate/status/323893454075731968
Per Reuters …
oh no…..
My goodness I just came home and turned on the TV. How horrible is this! We were worried about N Korea doing something this week. It seems we have much more to worry about as well. How I wish PBO could have had an ordinary tenure and not faced with one crisis after another. Many prayers for the victims and loved ones.
The picture is wow. The first responders are beyond amazing.
That’s just stunning UT, incredible courage.
Oh God.
My niece ran in the race. Luckily she is ok. She finished before the explosions, and her dad, my brother has spoken to her.
Glad to hear that she’s safe for now. Hope she remains safe wherever she is.
This is really scary. I’m sorry for those who have relatives and friends living in Boston or who themselves are residents of the city. Please be safe and hope all goes well from here on.
Police Press Conference in ~ 15 min
Another unexploded device found on Bolyston …
Our team is in FULL response mode:
The timing of this event is way too coincidental for me – shades of the OK City bombing.
Boston Police say there were two explosions at the marathon and a third explosion at the JFK library. Called it a “3rd incident.”
Given reports on the police scanner they’ve got a yellow Penske truck that they are all trying to find, halt and investigate.
Lord Have Mercy. It seems, looks and smells like a terrorist attack……..domestic or foreign……Lord Help Us all.
I am shaken up…..One of my nieces is out in the Boston Area. She is a runner and we have not heard from her. Lord I hope that she is all right.
Praying Nena. I hope hope I hear better news soon. I know I’m way behind this.
Nena, I hope your niece is safe. I also have family in Boston, my cousin and her daughter, that I’ve not been able to get into contact with. I think the volume of calls during a crisis make it difficult to get through.
New post.
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/04/15/our-hearts-are-broken/
The New York Post is reporting 12 are dead, 50 injured, and a 20 year old Saudi has been identified as a suspect.
Isn’t the NY Post owned by Rupert Murdoch? I just don’t trust their reporting.
This is heartbreaking. What’s wrong with people who think this is a good idea? Something way amiss with whovever planned and executed this atrocious act, sorry acts—3 detonated bombs during a joyous sporting event.
Suicide at NASCAR. hard to know what to think.