“There are two Americas. In one, bankers get golden parachutes, insider traders return to society as well-paid consultants, and influence is for sale. In the other, opportunity is scarce and forgiveness scarcer, jail awaits those caught possessing recreational drugs, and cries for help are ignored. Society preaches forgiveness for the rich and retribution for the poor. Entrenched inequality and its companion, poverty, are the dark side of the American dream for a citizenry united by name, but not by rules.”
More here.
From “Festival of Dangerous Ideas”, the genius writer of “The Wire” and “Homicide: Life on the Streets”, David Simon.
For more Dangerous Ideas, go here.
Take the time to listen, and learn. This is your night owl chat.
The Obama Diary 
Excelleeeeeent, thank you LL!
You’re welcome, Queen Cheesy Poofs!
Thank you King Bookie Person!
Really, what the hell is it with bookmaker ads on British TV?!
And the fact that they now seem to sponsor half the (proper) football teams on earth 🙄
I believe that in France it’s illegal for bookmakers to sponsor teams. Which is why when Real Madrid played in France for Champions League, it went sponsorless on its shirts.
Exactly LL, blank shirts – which looked weird!
A problem, too, for footballers of the Muslim faith, more than a few cases recently of them objecting to wearing shirts sponsored by gamble-a-arama companies.
I see you two are in cahoots, eh?
A wiiiild allegation.
(Thanks for the heads up LL)
Ha! Like a fart in a high wind!
LL, what David Simon shares in the video you’ve posted is, perhaps. one of the most essential messages that have ever been posted at TOD.
Thank you!
You?
Me?
****** Cough ******
{{{{{Chipsticks}}}}} 😆
😎 First again, eh? I’m just awesome. 😆
Yea. Just awesomely sneaky. Did LL tweet, text, phone you ahead of posting, or just ring your doorbell?
Listened to this earlier today. Absolutely worth your time.
If you want to expose yourself to more dangerous ideas, go here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClh-kVGih16yME0-jp3pzVg
Why do I think Danny has his own room with all of the latest doggie decor and human technology? Sweet.
Does he like to play solitaire or just follow the cards when you play? That might be a kitty thing, but Danny is plugged in! 😉
Oh sweet Jesus, GWB is going to be on Leno. I thought Leno got shitcanned?!
Ugh, they’re welcome to each other.
Maybe Leno is going out in January? Can’t recall. Didn’t he just have on some other creature – like a Romney or Cruz or awful type like that?
Yes, Eduardo Cruz.
Yuck.
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha….
Evenin’, folks! Crazy tornadic day in Illinois, but it escaped a whole bunch of us so I’m eternally grateful. Praying for those who suffered the most!
A little soothing music after the “stormy weather,” that just popped into my head!
Saw somewhere five died in IL?
Thanks LL – Listening now – it will be good to discuss with family who have two views – (1) we are just fine – (2) we cannot win by using the current political system (or pick up the brick as Simon describes it). The media supporting capital is the real problem that will cause (2) to happen.
The fact is that PBO is trying to save the system from itself, as did FDR. But I fear that the system is no longer wise enough to heed him.
As Simon discussed – while money is running elections, the FDR solution is near impossible. It’s a must listen to the last question – which was the best question – and highlighted the stupid that Australia is doing by following some of the worst of US practices (outsourcing prisons! – as one such example).
The problem PBO has – the congress is refusing to legislate – what needs to be done – they refuse to do. Problem is not too much government – it is too little and all in the wrong direction.
All right everyone, off to read. See everyone tomorrow.
I approve this message.
Oh, wow, “Decent people should spit when you pass by” – he nailed it!
Yup, sure did……….I’m done matey. Gonna grab the rack. cya!
Goodnight, Sailor!
Okay, this is funny.
Morning JO’B! It really is nice to see you – wasn’t sure where you were and what was going down. Still don’t know in your corner, but you’re here, so that bodes well, I think.
I’ll continue upwards to see if Cookemom dropped in after my hurried and unplanned departure.
Mornin’, VC – Thanks – we are fine here – although we’re very close to Washington, IL, where the worst of the tornado damage occurred. Praise the Lord!
Hope we’ve heard from Cookemom, too.
{{JO’B}}
Re Cookemom, I haven’t seen anything from her yet.
{VC!}
Okay, will keep looking for her!
It’s way too late to be asking a detailed question on ObamaCare, but if anyone reads this and is able to help some other time I’d appreciate it. Their was a detailed letter of complaints in our local paper and I’m trying to be able to answer the misinformation. This one I’m at a loss for an answer. This is actually a snippet from the letter and not in question form. . .
Finally, in my Nov. 8 letter, I noted that I was uncertain whether seniors are protected by Obamacare from Medigap denial due to “pre-existing conditions.”
Ms. Patch said Medicare recipients are NOT protected by that Obamacare provision — that Medicare law alone determines if and when Medicare recipients have “guaranteed rights” to enroll in Medigap despite “pre-existing conditions.”
So, health-challenged seniors are denied this much-acclaimed Obamacare protection of supposed universal application. Seniors just get to help pay for that protection for everyone else!
This is WY.
I’ve never heard about Medicare not covering anyone qualified for Medicare. Apparently Medigap is no longer available anymore.
If you can help me understand to explain to others I’d really be thankful. Unfortunately not many are willing listen to the truth. WY is not accepting any help from the Feds. I know it’s the States insurance regulators responsible for setting rates accepted in WY, but everyone blames the President.
Thanks in advance.
The Affordable Care Act did not change anything about Medicare or Medigap insurance. They have always covered pre-existing conditions. The only thing the ACA did change regarding Medicare was to increase benefits, free preventive procedures, such as colonoscopy, and a free annual medical check-up, and increased prescription drug benefit, further closing the donut hole.
Thanks Bill. That’s what I thought. Is it codified anywhere? People here are picking through everything. That’s the tough part. I’m not talking to someone on this blog more like the Drudereport but he did listen when he talked to Republican officials and they gave him the actual number of laws. This is the only one State Repubs couldn’t answer. If you are not exactly right you get ridiculed in the opinion section. I rarely write. There isn’t supposed to be harassment but there are bullies who get around it. But I want to do what I can even in this reddest of red states. There are only a few brave souls who speak the truth, but it’s got to be important. I might be able to find it now that I know nothing has changed. Glad you’re a clear thinking night-owl. 😊
Prescription for how to WIN #TheBubbaVote
Yes We Can
Phew, so TOD is still here! 😆 I wondered. Someone yanked the cord on me in the middle of a comment last night, and power only came back on about 30 minutes ago. Of course, one of us here forgot to turn off the light switch in the hallway, so hey presto, I’m awake for the 4th time since power went out! See, you turn on the light, you wake me up! Sigh.
Well, I have read all the comments here, and am now twiddling my thumbs awaiting the next …….
Wake up you guys! If I’m not going to fall asleep, even though I’ve turned off the hall light, I need someone to talk to.
https://twitter.com/Jovie121Jor/status/402398839317225472
But .the website and …
https://twitter.com/Jovie121Jor/status/402400499213041664
Good Morning, Jovie – good to see you!
Good morning, jovie and vc. vc, I totally get the light being left on and waking you up thing. My husband gets up EARLY so many mornings to go hiking and once I am awake, forget it! Sometimes if it’s really early (4:30 or 5:00), I sleep in one of our extra bedrooms.
Jovie, have a blessed day and keep “training” your new puppy. (((HUGS)))
Blessed day to all. I’ll be around most of the day……actually in and out. Tonight have a District meeting. Speaker is a (young) local attorney who has decided to run against Lamar Alexander. Hate to be cynical, but am a realist. Don’t see how he can beat Alexander, but I am so so glad he is willing to step up and give it a whirl.
Hello there, TNMG! You never know with that young attorney, MG. People seem to be really tired of the old guard, so if he hits the right note he might just reach enough (younger) voters to challenge Lamar. Have a great day!
Moooooorning early birds!
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/11/18/early-bird-chat-78/