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Sunday Roundup

Posted: 02/12/2012 12:00 am

This week, I used my vast storehouse of football knowledge (i.e., almost none) to correctly predict that the Giants would beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. I did not, however, predict that supermodel Gisele Bundchen would make headlines with her expletive-laden tirade blaming hubby Tom Brady's teammates for the loss. I also failed to predict the Catholic Bishops' forcing the president into overtime in Birth Control Bowl MMXII, or Rick Santorum's trifecta on Tuesday night (is it time to officially downgrade Romney from inevitable GOP nominee to evitable GOP nominee?). Elsewhere, President Obama abandoned his previous denunciation of outside money (in the wake of the Citizens United ruling he had called super PACs a "threat to our democracy") and joined the super PAC parade -- a decision his campaign defended as a necessary evil, but which many viewed as just another example of this White House's willingness to waver. Even on "threats to our democracy."

 
 
 
 
 
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chuckgoodcat
retired / disabled
09:22 PM on 02/12/2012
This white house would do a lot less wavering if democrats would do a lot more voting and donating . What the heck do you expect them to do when republicans control the House and all legislation ? Pass imaginary measures ?
Fill the coffers with donations and they won't need super pac money . Mr Obama obviously doesn't want super pac money but he has no choice now .
I wouldn't blame Mr Obama if he were to resign tomorrow . Let someone else defend democracy with what amounts to chump change in todays political market place with one hand tied behind his back while trying to do the worlds toughest job at the same time.
If I were him I would say thanks but no thanks and retire to some place sunny and warm. We should have had his back .Too many of us turned our backs . Maybe the republicans are the answer .
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GentleGim
The opposite of austerity is GROWTH.
09:05 PM on 02/12/2012
A stupid leader believes on Friday what they believed on Monday no matter what happened during the week to disprove it. A good leader modifies his views as reality changes. A great leader can see where we will need to be on Friday and help us get there.

Way to Go, O!
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Mac Howard
Thank god we got convicts, you got the puritans
08:20 PM on 02/12/2012
Chaos Theory, Arianna. Non-linearities in a complex system render it inherently unpredictable. The systems you refer to have the mother and father of all non-linearities at their core - human beings. The outcome of any system affected by a human being is essentially unpredictable ;)
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hornedcog
Tax Tea Now!
09:23 PM on 02/12/2012
I knew that someone would say this.
08:14 PM on 02/12/2012
I think Arianna makes a point that didn't need to be stated. It's the obvious switch and bait tactic so famiiar to this countrys' majority who held onto to a falicious hope. Her remarks seem very passive to me. Tell it like it is, Arianna! You were a journalist with a front row seat when most of America was seduced by a candidate who portrayed himself as a liberal, as one betrayal.

The truth in todays' journalism lies with the readers' comments which only reflect the tip of the iceberg in all cases. The complete story is talked about on the streets, or in gest at the supermarkets where the employees can't afford to buy the products that we also bypass on the shelves.

Employment, food, toilet paper, transportation, medical treatment and housing are basic necessities. Abuse by government, media and industry are not forgiven or forgotten. The upcomming elections will be interesting, and unprecedented.
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07:55 PM on 02/12/2012
Although he didn't support and oppssed the legality of "Super PACS", "Super PAC's" are now, until further notice, legal. If Obama does not participate and match his opposition he will be crushed because of the Super PAC's power.
07:33 PM on 02/12/2012
Just wondering if the Super PACs are a backdoor for religious groups with agendas to undermine the first admendment rights of everyone? For example, is Opus Dei's money in a super PACS thus insuring Santorum backs the Bishops on birth control? Is money from the Mormon Church part of Romney's super PACs?
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GentleGim
The opposite of austerity is GROWTH.
08:55 PM on 02/12/2012
Of course they are!
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GentleGim
The opposite of austerity is GROWTH.
08:59 PM on 02/12/2012
Mitt Romney paid less in taxes ($6.x million) than he gave to the Mormon church ($7 million in tax deductible contributions). The Mormon church can spend that money on politics with impunity - forcing Prop 8 in CA or (*GASP*) making contributions to a SuperPac that supports Mitt Romney!
07:24 PM on 02/12/2012
I think we should with hold ant judgements until he has completed his second term. We need to give the man a chance to come through on his promises.
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HUFFPOST SUPER USER
gevan
big dubya
07:18 PM on 02/12/2012
Giants are so last week, NYC has moved on to Lin-sanity. The Knicks are winning and the Rangers are in first place. Next week--pitchers and catchers.
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ginster25
09:06 PM on 02/12/2012
Yippee, Besides, Cruz has asked for a new contract already! Give it a rest. Go Mets!
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gevan
big dubya
11:42 PM on 02/12/2012
I'm afraid our Mets are aiming for last place this year. DAMN YOU BERNIE..
07:12 PM on 02/12/2012
the catholic church shoul lose its tax exempt status, thats the law.
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ginster25
09:07 PM on 02/12/2012
Yes, so should Pat Robertson.
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Beatriz09
05:25 PM on 02/12/2012
What is a threat to our democracy is the fact that superPACs are LEGAL. And the ONLY way to make them ILLEGAL is to elect a supermajority in DC that supports the Disclose Act, which undoes the SC Citizens United ruling. The only ones supporting the Disclose Act are the Dems (Obama asked them to pass the bill, and the Dems in the House already did so, but the Senate failed to do so too because the GOP blocked a vote on the bill, EVEN when 80% of the American people support it). And the ONLY way to win the next elections, once superPACs are legal, is to use them, of course. If not the party who supports superPACs will will, and they will STILL be legal during the next election cycle. And THAT would be a threat to our democracy. Trying to turn this into a situation where Obama is changing his mind about a crucial issue is totally absurd, and most of all, ignoring how a democracy works ... .
08:42 PM on 02/12/2012
Super Pacs are the greatest threat to our republican form of government. What is needed is a constitutional amendment that simply states, "If you can not vote for candidate then you can not contribute to their campaign election fund." This would prohibit all special interest groups, corporations, labor unions, political action committees, foreign nationals, or voters not domiciled in the city, county, or state where the candidate would govern if elected from contibuting money to corrupt we the people's government.
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Beatriz09
04:06 PM on 02/13/2012
The problem is that that still gives rich people an advantage, because they can give much more money from their personal fortune without feeling a difference in their own lives. So I'm not against special interests participating, it's just that it should be know, whereas the SC Citizens United ruling allows them to pay millions secretely, which is what made super PACs possible ...
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ginster25
09:11 PM on 02/12/2012
Another way is to re-elect OB so that he can appoint justices who will rein in this activist court. One more liberal and we will have a real democracy again.
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Beatriz09
04:02 PM on 02/13/2012
Exactly.
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05:11 PM on 02/12/2012
Sorry but don't agree with your comment on President Obama taking PAC money. What is the saying? You can't bring a knife to a dual ! If the rules were changed in baseball/football and all other pro sports and all of a sudden they were allowed to use steroids you couldn't force your team to stay clean and not do so. The games will turn into a joke and yes it's wrong but allowing the steroids users (PAC users) to compete in such an important life changing event such as President of The United States and not allowing our President to play on even , equal terms is wrong also!
By the way I and many HP users have not been able to access their comments for almost a week now.
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andyboy
Little bit Country, little Chicago Blues
03:53 PM on 02/12/2012
Arianna,

As regards Obama's SuperPac hypocrisy. The phrases "you have to fight fire with fire" and "don't bring a knife to a gun fight" are so prevalent on comment threads they almost crashed the site.

Most Huffposters don't even understand the underlying principle. It's the buying of elections by the ultra-wealthy. It has nothing to do with competing on a level plain. It's a blatant corruption of our government (again) for monetary gain.

But 90% of the posters here could care less about Citizens United and it's deletrious effects on our cherished freedom and democracy. They are like rabid football fans and all they care about is their team winning. Even if their team has become the mirror image of the other team in all of it's ugly cheating and greed.

BTW I predicted exactly this scenario. The posturing and preening before the TV camera's while decrying this affront and threaty to democracy accompanied by the unbridled plunge right into the mountains of sweet cash. It doesn't bother them a bit. If it bothers you you just aren't a "winner" who will do "whatever it takes". The language of the selling out of America.
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Beatriz09
05:27 PM on 02/12/2012
The ONLY way to end the practice of superPACs is for the Dems to use them in 2012, if not, the GOP will win the elections (that's precisely the consequence of having legal superPACs), and if the GOP wins, superPACS will remain legal for the next four years at least .. . Imho, sometimes we should moralize a little less, and think a bit more ... ;-)
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Pupadup4oBama
05:45 PM on 02/12/2012
That's all well and good, now let's get back to reality.

2-O-12
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andyboy
Little bit Country, little Chicago Blues
08:07 PM on 02/13/2012
Oh so satisfied. The whole government rotting in corruption but let's focus on fantastically expensive elections that last for two and three years. Integrity is all well and good but unattainable. Nice. What a Good American following right along.
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noygdb
can we have cheese with our whine? GOP
03:21 PM on 02/12/2012
well highandmightyarianna.. like i always say when: when you're in a tank with sharks you'd better be a shark rather than a minnow.. obama has no choice
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jackson47
Nevada Progressive
02:51 PM on 02/12/2012
Without BIG money no ad campaign = low vote
The majority of voters in this country do not follow the issues. They only deal in recency. If majority of ads are paid for by anti Obama pacs without any push back Obama loses.
If Obama loses SCOTUS becomes more conservative pro corporation.
If Obama loses income inequality will increase less taxes on corporations and wealthy.
If Obama loses the gop will end collective bargining, stop unions from organizing and establish all states as right to work states. Wages will fall corporations will be happy and richer, while the middleclass shrinks and the working poor ranks increase.
If Obama loses say goodbye to legal abortions and women's rights will move back in time.
If Obama loses the GLBT community will never have any rights.
Obama may not be perfect but the gop alternative is just plain scarey.
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ginster25
09:17 PM on 02/12/2012
Great post; couldn't we list 1000 ifs. How about never ending wars.
02:46 PM on 02/12/2012
Let's be realists here. We let the Republicans control the narrative and they got control of the house. If Obama takes the high road and lets only the Republicans take super PAC money, the game is over. No healtcare, no social security, no unions and war with Iran. The only major mistake Obama made on this is that he should have said that he'd refuse the super PAC money if the Republicans did. Maybe Obama actually said that - again the Republicans control the narrative.