Tweets Of The Day

Today, we're announcing America's Clean Power Plan—the most important step we've ever taken to combat climate change. Here are the facts:

—
President Obama (@POTUS) August 03, 2015

Levels of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere are higher than they’ve been in 800,000 years. 2014 was the planet’s warmest year on record.

—
President Obama (@POTUS) August 03, 2015

***

Right now, power plants account for about one-third of America’s carbon pollution. That’s more than our cars, airplanes, and homes combined.

—
President Obama (@POTUS) August 03, 2015

It's time to change that. With the Clean Power Plan, by 2030, carbon pollution from power plants will be 32% lower than it was a decade ago.

—
President Obama (@POTUS) August 03, 2015

****

Thanks to this plan, there will be 90,000 fewer asthma attacks among our kids and we'll avoid 3,600 premature deaths in 2030.

—
President Obama (@POTUS) August 03, 2015

Despite what the critics will tell you, this plan will ultimately save the average American family nearly $85 a year on their energy bills.

—
President Obama (@POTUS) August 03, 2015

****

I refuse to condemn our kids to a planet that's beyond fixing. Let's meet this challenge and #ActOnClimate together.

—
President Obama (@POTUS) August 03, 2015

We owe it to our kids to act on climate change. Here's our #CleanPowerPlan. It's the biggest step we've ever taken. snpy.tv/1STbXjG

—
Vice President Biden (@VP) August 03, 2015

****

Smh ... "I'm pregnant " .. http://t.co/XZcGm7RTMc

—
jazs. ☥ (@tharealjazs) July 31, 2015

Now THIS is a good analogy. #SandraBland http://t.co/Oqxj0LCdO8

—
Nerdy Negress (@NerdyNegress) July 25, 2015

****

If you missed it: The prosecutor in the Samuel DuBose case is a pretty unusual dude. latimes.com/nation/la-na-c… http://t.co/zRQD2A7yOb

—
Matt Pearce (@mattdpearce) July 31, 2015

Your client shot a dude in the head for no reason, but yes, he's the real victim here. wcpo.com/news/local-new… http://t.co/1tmUZ3gmK1

—
Jamelle Bouie (@jbouie) July 31, 2015

****

“What if an aborted fetus would’ve found the cure to cancer?” http://t.co/NaFnHxraNK

—
isabella (@isxbellaM) July 07, 2015

“What if an aborted fetus would’ve found the cure to cancer?” http://t.co/w4jxlIrH75

—
isabella (@isxbellaM) July 07, 2015

****

You had questions for @Wale and the First Lady. They’ve got answers. Worth a watch → facebook.com/waleofficial/v… http://t.co/DqjqL3UMPe

—
The First Lady (@FLOTUS) July 30, 2015

Sign @OFA's birthday card for President Obama: ofa.bo/q93h #44Turns54 http://t.co/58CrYK8VU5

—
Barack Obama (@BarackObama) July 31, 2015

****

Landlord in NY lead poisoning case argues toddler victim is Hispanic so "improbable" he'd get college degree anyway. http://t.co/D4BUadRF6s

—
Stephanie Clifford (@stephcliff) July 29, 2015

I just imagine the ghost of Alexander Hamilton going "you stupid fuck" every time someone misquotes the Constitution.

—
Justina Ireland (@tehawesomersace) July 31, 2015

****

In Report, Justice Accuses St. Louis County Family Court Of Racial Bias n.pr/1I7dlwe

—
  (@NPR) July 31, 2015

From the Justice Department report (via @eyderp): http://t.co/9qZPaaVvmz

—
  (@NPR) July 31, 2015

****

Found this knee-slapper in The Federalist. #PlannedParenthood http://t.co/qGPpm2cSL0

—
Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) July 30, 2015

when it's been 20 years and you're still fed up of listening to men http://t.co/TUCV9mFMCp

—
gina (@aIexdrakes) July 11, 2015

****

Unlike Meek Mill, Black women know how to clap-back when their bodies & choices are under attack. bit.ly/1KA5JTZ h/t @AngryBlackLady

—
PP Black Community (@PPBlackComm) July 31, 2015

Politicians are lying when they say taxpayer dollars are being used to fund abortion and that’s why they need to #DefundPlannedParenthood.

—
Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) July 31, 2015

****

All these racist-ass white people keening about black babies like you give a shit. You’re not fooling anyone. Leave me the hell alone.

—
Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) July 31, 2015

If they cared, each would 'adopt' a struggling mom & provide her w/material & emotional support to raise her kids. twitter.com/AngryBlackLady…

—
Allan Brauer (@allanbrauer) July 31, 2015

****

Sanger was problematic af, but she never wrote that she wanted to exterminate Black ppl. It’s just so absurd how many ppl believe that crap.

—
Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) July 31, 2015

The full context of that "exterminate the Negro population" quote that forced birth liars tell. #IStandWithPP http://t.co/Z3DVoUfg8H

—
Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) July 31, 2015

****

We can talk about how Sanger allied herself with racist eugenicists in order to promote birth control, but stop lying about what she said.

—
Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) July 31, 2015

If you want a full and nuanced discussion of Sanger and her problematic allyship & beliefs, read Killing the Black Body by @DorothyERoberts.

—
Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) July 31, 2015

****

I am certainly not claiming that Sanger did not have problematic and racist views about Black people.

—
Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) July 31, 2015

Nor am I disputing that she cut ties with feminists and joined up with racist eugenicists in order to promote her birth control agenda.

—
Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) July 31, 2015

****

But what she did not do is endeavor to “exterminate the Negro population.” And if you believe that, you’ve been lied to. The end.

—
Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) July 31, 2015

Sanger was actually ANTI-abortion. But the forced birth liars don’t really want to talk about that. It doesn’t fit their narrative about PP.

—
Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) July 31, 2015

****

And in any event, none of this has anything to do with what services Planned Parenthood provides today. In 2015.

—
Imani Gandy (@AngryBlackLady) July 31, 2015

Scott Walker agreed to take a pic w/this guy whose sign said "Walker 4 president," but then he flipped it around... http://t.co/UlhyLtDnNZ

—
Sabrina Siddiqui (@SabrinaSiddiqui) August 03, 2015

****

"Join us. We can do this. It’s time for America, and the world, to #ActOnClimate change." —@POTUS: go.wh.gov/CleanPowerPlan #CleanPowerPlan

—
Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) August 03, 2015

We applaud @POTUS’ goals to maximize renewable energy and reduce emissions in the new #CleanPowerPlan: pat.ag/dyy6

—
Patagonia (@patagonia) August 03, 2015

President Obama Attends A State Dinner

Doug Mills: President Obama raises his glass during a toast at the State Dinner in Kenya. #ObamaInKenya @POTUS

****

****

President Barack Obama offers a toast to Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta during a state dinner at State House

President Barack Obama’s sister Auma Obama watches as he proposes a toast to Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta

****

****

President Barack Obama’s step-grandmother Mama Sarah Obama listens to his toast

****

****

First Lady Margaret Gakuo Kenyatta looks on as President Barack Obama and President Uhuru Kenyatta share a toast

****

Barack Obama so turnt in Kenya 😭. What a way to sign out. http://t.co/TnmFf5zAoi

—
Prince C. (@Prince_II) July 25, 2015

@Prince_II I just showed my daughter a video of our Black President dancing in Kenya...this is some 21st century ish right here!!!! 😆💃😎😍

—
Call Me Davida (@I_Luv_Thinkers) July 25, 2015

****

Senator Ed Markey and Representative Charlie Rangel

****

@Prince_II when I think I couldn't love him more....I see this. Gone and have a good time with your peeps Mr. President @POTUS ! 💜

—
Angie G (@angieflyte99) July 25, 2015

@Prince_II Loving this! He is having an awesome time!!

—
Gwendolyn (@Gigi66GD) July 25, 2015

****

Musician Akon attends a state dinner in President Barack Obama’s honor at the State House

The President And First Lady’s Day

President Barack Obama stands with Helen Loring Ensign, 85, from Palm Desert, Calif., after awarding the Medal of Honor posthumously to Army First Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing for conspicuous gallantry during a ceremony in the Roosevelt Room of the White House

****

****

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive at a ceremony to present the Medal of Honor posthumously to Army First Lieutenant Alonzo H. Cushing for conspicuous gallantry in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. First Lieutenant Cushing received the Medal of Honor for his actions during combat operations in the vicinity of Cemetery Ridge, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on July 3, 1863

President Barack Obama stands with Helen Loring Ensign, 85, from Palm Desert, Calif., after awarding the Medal of Honor posthumously to Army First Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing for conspicuous gallantry during a ceremony in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. With them, from left to right, are Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., Rep. Ron Kind, D-Wis., Army Secretary John McHugh and Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert McDonald.

U.S. Army First Lieutenant Alonzo Cushing is pictured in a military academy graduation photograph dated 1861, obtained on October 28, 2014. President Barack Obama posthumously awarded the Civil War artillery officer the Medal of Honor, the highest U.S. award for bravery, 151 years after Cushing was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg.

President Barack Obama stands with Helen Loring Ensign, as the citation for her relative, U.S. Army First Lieutenant Alonzo H. Cushing is read

Margaret Zerwekh of Delafield, Wis. raises her hand as she is acknowledged by President Barack Obama during a ceremony awarding the Medal of Honor posthumously to Army First Lt. Alonzo H. Cushing for conspicuous gallantry. President Obama acknowledged the work of Zerwekh, a 94-year-old amateur historian from Cushing’s hometown who painstakingly researched his story and lobbied Wisconsin’s congressional delegation for decades

First Lady Michelle Obama speaks during a special daytime workshop for high school students from military communities in the greater Washington area

****

****

Willie Nelson, right, and fellow panelist, songwriter Ted Peterson, left, hip hop recording artist Common, second from right, listen as Army Sgt. Christiana Ball responds to a question

Rise and Shine

Two years ago today (Photo by Pete Souza)

****

Today:

1:0: Jay Carney briefs the press

3:05: President Obama departs the White House

4:30: Arrives in Hartford, Conn.

5:45: Delivers remarks on common-sense measures to reduce gun violence

6:45: Departs Hartford

8:15: Arrives at the White House

****

****

ThinkProgress: Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy (D) tore into the National Rifle Association during an appearance on CNN’s State Of The Union on Sunday. The NRA this week introduced its legislative response to the massacre in Malloy’s home state. Its plan focuses on arming school staff.

Malloy specifically called out NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre for his absolute opposition to commonsense gun regulations, including the new gun law just enacted by Connecticut. After watching a clip of LaPierre mocking Connecticut’s new law, Malloy shot back, “Wayne reminds me of the clowns at the circus. They get the most attention”…..

More here

****

AP: Talks between two influential senators have emerged as the most promising route for a bipartisan breakthrough on expanding federal background checks for gun buyers, a pivotal part of President Barack Obama’s plan for combating gun violence.

One possibility being discussed by Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W. Va., and Pat Toomey, R-Pa., would involve expanding background checks to gun show sales and firearms transactions online, Senate aides said.

More here

****

****

The Hill: President Obama, Vice President Biden and first lady Michelle Obama will hold events this week designed to build momentum for a Senate gun control package as lawmakers return to Washington from the Easter recess.

The White House said that in addition to a previously announced trip by Obama on Monday to Connecticut, the first lady will travel to Chicago on Wednesday to rally for gun control measures.

… Carney also announced that Biden will appear on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on Thursday for a roundtable discussion on gun safety.

More here

****

****

NYT: The days ahead could be decisive ones for the main pieces of President Obama’s second-term agenda: long-range deficit reduction, gun safety and changes to immigration law.

…. Members of both parties say Mr. Obama faces a conundrum with his legislative approach to a deeply polarized Congress. In the past, when he has stayed aloof from legislative action, Republicans and others have accused him of a lack of leadership; when he has gotten involved, they have complained that they could not support any bill so closely identified with Mr. Obama without risking the contempt of conservative voters.

More here

As Greg Sargent said about that second paragraph: “This is another way in which the whole “Obama must lead Republicans out of their intransigence” line of punditry is just a crock.”

****

****

Steve Benen: The White House has not yet released President Obama’s new budget plan, but it’s on the on-deck circle and we have a reasonably good idea of what’s in it. As we talked about last week, the administration hopes to resolve the parties’ fiscal fight by trading entitlement “reforms” for new revenue — Democrats would accept cuts to social-insurance programs, including chained CPI for Social Security, and Republicans would accept closed tax loopholes and fewer deductions.

Republicans, who reject the idea of compromise, hate the plan. Democrats, who see no reason to cut Social Security, hate it, too. So what is the White House up to?

More here

****

The People’s View: Yes, yes, this will be another post on Chained CPI. But a little more dry. This is about the math. Previously, we have discussed why Chained CPI isn’t actually a cut in benefits, what different it makes in the calculations of the cost of living adjustments, and why in the context of broader reforms and progressive social investments, it’s worth doing. But what we haven’t talked about in very explicit terms is what the minor reductions in COLA will end up adding up to. The scaremongerers are very interested in exploiting this. They are very interested in scaring people with numbers about how much they will lose.

More here

****

A personal tribute to Margaret Thatcher:

Well, you’re not meant to speak ill of the dead, so I’ll say nothing ……

****

Charles Pierce has something to say, though:

I am going to leave the encomiums to the late Margaret Thatcher to the people who loved her best, of whom I am decidedly not one. What I remember best about her is that she pretty much invented the modern concept of the distracting Wanking Little War  ….. and that she once held this view about Nelson Mandela:

The Conservative prime minister had dismissed the ANC as “a typical terrorist organisation” and refused to back sanctions against the apartheid government, pursuing instead a policy of “constructive engagement”. South Africa was then seen as a vital ally in stemming communist expansion.

More here

****

Random old pic:

****

MooOOOOoooorning!

ouch

The Guardian: Sarah Palin wants to show to the Republican right that she is the true keeper of the Ronald Reagan flame by meeting the late president’s closest ally on the world stage. A meeting with Margaret Thatcher in the centenary year of Reagan’s birth would be the perfect way of launching her bid for the Republican nomination for the 2012 US presidential election.

This is what Palin told Christina Lamb in the Sunday Times: “I am going to Sudan in July and hope to stop in England on the way. I am just hoping Mrs Thatcher is well enough to see me as I so admire her.”

It appears that the former prime minister has no intention of meeting the darling of the Tea Party movement … This is what one ally tells me:

“Lady Thatcher will not be seeing Sarah Palin. That would be belittling for Margaret. Sarah Palin is nuts.”

More here

Thank you Meta!

It should be said, Thatcher was/is nuts too, so there might have been a meeting of minds 😕

***

I did it again, I visited Teabagger-land to see their reaction to this, seeing as they adore Thatcher almost as much as the half-termer. I loved this response from someone who reckoned it was all explained by Britain’s moral ‘decline’:

Yes, the British have chosen to live under “shiria” law and “whorship” gay people.

😆