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Rumble in Little Rhody: Patrick Kennedy Takes On The Bishop And The Church's Moral Myopia
Commented Nov 28, 2009 at 15:53:23 in Politics
“Contraceptives and sex-education are no-nos in the Republican party as well.
Viagra, on the other hand, to the front of the line.”
Viagra, on the other hand, to the front of the line.”
Bennet Kelley replied on Nov 28, 2009 at 19:24:09
“Going after the schwing voter. ;)”
The Brits Look Back, We Look At Sarah Palin
Commented Nov 25, 2009 at 12:40:55 in World
“Excellent!”
Democrats Now "All In" On Healthcare Reform
Commented Nov 24, 2009 at 12:17:39 in Politics
“"Their only salvation is that the Republicans are even more complete whores than they."
Whores, they may be, and worse, but they never forget to sing love songs to their base -- and I would apply both definitions of the word "base" to this discussion.”
Whores, they may be, and worse, but they never forget to sing love songs to their base -- and I would apply both definitions of the word "base" to this discussion.”
Democrats Now "All In" On Healthcare Reform
Commented Nov 24, 2009 at 12:01:49 in Politics
“Nose, face
Knife, spite
This bill has gotten farther because it is empty and damned near useless. Still we celebrate because -- holy cow! -- we got 60 votes! We've got the House, the Senate, and the Presidency but we're sweating 60 votes just to discuss a bill that, frankly, is already a tremendous disappointment.
Dean's prediction that "This is going to be death" for the DCCC and the DSCC is already coming true. How much longer will the base of the Democratic Party be content to play the frog carrying the scorpion across the river?”
Knife, spite
This bill has gotten farther because it is empty and damned near useless. Still we celebrate because -- holy cow! -- we got 60 votes! We've got the House, the Senate, and the Presidency but we're sweating 60 votes just to discuss a bill that, frankly, is already a tremendous disappointment.
Dean's prediction that "This is going to be death" for the DCCC and the DSCC is already coming true. How much longer will the base of the Democratic Party be content to play the frog carrying the scorpion across the river?”
Awake-and-Sing replied on Nov 24, 2009 at 14:43:22
“Progressives are already demoralized.
Increasing numbers of the LGBT community is now boycotting the DNC, DCCC, DSCC
I would join a new Progressive Party that is founded under the principle of not accepting new corporate campaign cash TODAY. I don't think the Democratic Party can be saved. It's too infested and infected by corporate campaign cash.
I expect that both the Libertarian and Green Parties will get higher than usual support in 2010. And many progressives will stay home.”
Increasing numbers of the LGBT community is now boycotting the DNC, DCCC, DSCC
I would join a new Progressive Party that is founded under the principle of not accepting new corporate campaign cash TODAY. I don't think the Democratic Party can be saved. It's too infested and infected by corporate campaign cash.
I expect that both the Libertarian and Green Parties will get higher than usual support in 2010. And many progressives will stay home.”
The Ersatz Public Option
Commented Nov 20, 2009 at 11:17:41 in Politics
“I think everyone's heard the saying that "Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made." For a long time, most people abided by that advice (some still do), but the convulsions in Congress is getting health care reform to the floor of both houses has been a brutal revelation.
I think it's a mistake to blame the progressives for this, robbep. The plan DOES stinlk -- with or without the Stupak (or Hatch) amendment. Many of us think we're running from the pet store with a bag of gold fish and don't even realize yet that the bottom busted out of that bag and all we have is a useless fist of useless. But it isn't because the progressives were bought off -- it's just an illustration of how few real progressives there were in the first place and how closely the rest of the so-called "liberal" party mimics the GOP.”
I think it's a mistake to blame the progressives for this, robbep. The plan DOES stinlk -- with or without the Stupak (or Hatch) amendment. Many of us think we're running from the pet store with a bag of gold fish and don't even realize yet that the bottom busted out of that bag and all we have is a useless fist of useless. But it isn't because the progressives were bought off -- it's just an illustration of how few real progressives there were in the first place and how closely the rest of the so-called "liberal" party mimics the GOP.”
Arianna On Olbermann: Glenn Beck Is "Morally Liable" For His Words "If Violence Ensues From What He Says" (VIDEO)
Commented Nov 19, 2009 at 23:06:25 in Media
“That's what I fear, each and every day.”
Arianna On Olbermann: Glenn Beck Is "Morally Liable" For His Words "If Violence Ensues From What He Says" (VIDEO)
Commented Nov 19, 2009 at 22:45:04 in Media
“McCarthy was a falling down drunk with delusion of grandeur. Thank God, in those days, there were people on honor on both sides of the aisle to bring his fevered campaign to an end. I hope we're as lucky this time.”
Mikecoatl replied on Nov 19, 2009 at 22:51:14
“Somehow I have my doubts anyone will stop Beck. They're just aren't that many truly honorable people out there anymore.”
Arianna On Olbermann: Glenn Beck Is "Morally Liable" For His Words "If Violence Ensues From What He Says" (VIDEO)
Commented Nov 19, 2009 at 22:34:46 in Media
“Points VERY, VERY well taken, clausenheimer.”
Winning the 2010 Elections
Commented Nov 18, 2009 at 23:20:52 in Politics
“Progressives have already gone after DiFi. In 2007, the Courage Campaign, MoveOn.org, Progressive Democrats of America, CrooksandLiars.com and over 40 Democratic Clubs and progressive organizations from across California. sought to censure Feinstein. It never even made it to the Resolutions Committee. Why? As pol Bob Muholland said, “Sometimes people [read: progressives] can’t understand the big picture.” That's where we were in California two years ago... that's where I fear we are nationally today.”
NickfromCali replied on Nov 19, 2009 at 20:42:35
“That's why I am no longer a registered Democrat. If the California Democratic Party wants me back, they know what to do.
Joke: What do Sen. Feinstein and I have in common?
neither one of us are Democrats”
Joke: What do Sen. Feinstein and I have in common?
neither one of us are Democrats”
VIDEO: Scuffle Ensues when Neo-Nazis Unfurl Hitler Flag at Tea Party Rally
Commented Nov 16, 2009 at 11:13:52 in Politics
“Hmmm... an interesting analogy... I have to wonder, however, how the Irish came here "illegally". Did they swim the Atlantic or stow away in the luggage compartments of arriving jets?”
Artemis34 replied on Nov 16, 2009 at 12:16:07
“Ireland is on the visa waiver program, so they can fly directly here with no visa or other immigration document and simply stay.”
VIDEO: Scuffle Ensues when Neo-Nazis Unfurl Hitler Flag at Tea Party Rally
Commented Nov 16, 2009 at 11:10:53 in Politics
“A favorite among the Baggers is the Gadsen flag -- a coiled snake with the words "Don't Tread on Me" on a yellow background. I haven't seen any yellow flags with eagles, but perhaps that's a new riff on an old melody.”
9liberal replied on Nov 16, 2009 at 11:15:25
“ok....maybe it was the snake...I was driving while when i saw them, and it was at a distance, so i bet that is what it was...thank you....what does it mean?”
No, Rachel, No! This "Health Reform" Could Lose the Middle Class for Dems
Commented Nov 14, 2009 at 13:39:01 in Politics
“As I've said before, this "bill" is 10 times worse than nothing, and nothing is 100 times worse than ... well ... nothing. Stupak meet Baucus and the devil take the middle-class.”
No, Rachel, No! This "Health Reform" Could Lose the Middle Class for Dems
Commented Nov 14, 2009 at 12:58:28 in Politics
“Ummm... I'm pretty sure you and R.J. are on the same page regarding "health reform". Perhaps you should read the piece again.
That said, your points are well taken. This proposal (it is not a final bill yet, though the outlines are distressingly as you've outlined) is NOT better than nothing. Yet, here we are on the horns of a true dilemma, because nothing is also not better than nothing -- we simply cannot afford the status quo, Lost is all the Republican, Blue Dog and ConserveDem babble about the deficit, here are the facts on the ground:
We spend $2.4 trillion PER YEAR, $7,900 per person, 17% of GDP on health coverage NOW -- of which $480 billion goes to executive compensation and another 30% of your premium goes to administration. What's left provides coverage ranked 37th in first world countries. See healthaffairs.org. Without reform, we will be spending $4.3 trillion PER YEAR, or 20% of GDP, essentially crippling our economy and putting health care out of the reach of the people still struggling to afford it today.
Once again, Congress has made a stinking mess of things.”
That said, your points are well taken. This proposal (it is not a final bill yet, though the outlines are distressingly as you've outlined) is NOT better than nothing. Yet, here we are on the horns of a true dilemma, because nothing is also not better than nothing -- we simply cannot afford the status quo, Lost is all the Republican, Blue Dog and ConserveDem babble about the deficit, here are the facts on the ground:
We spend $2.4 trillion PER YEAR, $7,900 per person, 17% of GDP on health coverage NOW -- of which $480 billion goes to executive compensation and another 30% of your premium goes to administration. What's left provides coverage ranked 37th in first world countries. See healthaffairs.org. Without reform, we will be spending $4.3 trillion PER YEAR, or 20% of GDP, essentially crippling our economy and putting health care out of the reach of the people still struggling to afford it today.
Once again, Congress has made a stinking mess of things.”
veracity replied on Nov 14, 2009 at 16:34:03
“sorry, Lemeritus - it isn't "Congress [that] has made a stinking mess of things" - it is the so-called "CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN" (not!) White House, which has SQUANDERED the BULLY PULPIT for the past 11 months, because FROM DAY ONE, Mr. Obama, Emanuel, & Co. have been DETERMINED to DEFRAUD us voters of REAL, "transformative" change, which could have been as simple as saying "we're going to EXPAND MEDICARE to ANYONE OVER FIFTY, in preparation for making it a UNIVERSALLY AVAILABLE 'option' to anyone who wants it"
(anyone tired of being gouged by insurance premiums, which is to say the __60%__ of Americans, IGNORED by Obama Co., who WANT a Public Option - even with Obama letting EVERYONE, BAD-MOUTH the Public Option these past 11 months.)
Here again is the INSANELY ARROGANT & CORRUPT Montana Senator MAX BAUCUS - elected from a small rural state, but given DICTATORIAL POWERS over the HEALTH CARE of MILLIONS of us Americans - LAUGHING, as HE CALLS FOR MORE POLICE, to ARREST Doctors from www.SinglePayerAction.org protesting his, Baucus, FIFTEEN-to-ZERO EXCLUSION of single payer activists from even _the most preliminary_ of "health care reform" discussion!
Obama and Emanuel DID NOTHING to support the doctors - didn't lift one damn finger, not one damn speech, BECAUSE BAUCUS was DOING the DECEITFUL & treacherous Emanuel & Obama's work for them....”
(anyone tired of being gouged by insurance premiums, which is to say the __60%__ of Americans, IGNORED by Obama Co., who WANT a Public Option - even with Obama letting EVERYONE, BAD-MOUTH the Public Option these past 11 months.)
Here again is the INSANELY ARROGANT & CORRUPT Montana Senator MAX BAUCUS - elected from a small rural state, but given DICTATORIAL POWERS over the HEALTH CARE of MILLIONS of us Americans - LAUGHING, as HE CALLS FOR MORE POLICE, to ARREST Doctors from www.SinglePayerAction.org protesting his, Baucus, FIFTEEN-to-ZERO EXCLUSION of single payer activists from even _the most preliminary_ of "health care reform" discussion!
Obama and Emanuel DID NOTHING to support the doctors - didn't lift one damn finger, not one damn speech, BECAUSE BAUCUS was DOING the DECEITFUL & treacherous Emanuel & Obama's work for them....”
No, Rachel, No! This "Health Reform" Could Lose the Middle Class for Dems
Commented Nov 14, 2009 at 12:15:32 in Politics
“The Stupak-Pitts Amendment's most egregious injury to health care reform is apparent -- discrimination against women and, particularly, fierce punishment of poor women. Less discussed is the air this amendment steals from consideration of the rest of the health care bill. Mandates that are onerous. A public option (if one exists) available to too few. Little or no cost containment on private insurance.
People I admire and respect continue to say that "something" is better than "nothing" -- I'm not so sure. The Democrats have made a mess of this from the gate -- we should have started out with single-payer (or dusted off Richard Nixon's health care plan -- described here: http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Stories/2009/September/03/nixon-proposal.aspx -- just the yank the Republicans' chain). I fear that when Stupak meets Baucus, we will have one ugly mess of a program that no one will be celebrating.
Btw, good to see you again, 111.”
People I admire and respect continue to say that "something" is better than "nothing" -- I'm not so sure. The Democrats have made a mess of this from the gate -- we should have started out with single-payer (or dusted off Richard Nixon's health care plan -- described here: http://www.kaiserhealthnews.org/Stories/2009/September/03/nixon-proposal.aspx -- just the yank the Republicans' chain). I fear that when Stupak meets Baucus, we will have one ugly mess of a program that no one will be celebrating.
Btw, good to see you again, 111.”
Liberal Elitism Will Make Sarah Palin President - How Only Union Organizing Can Stop It
Commented Nov 13, 2009 at 17:03:04 in Politics
“I assure you that I'm not trying to be provocative, but I must ask: What do you do when those with whom you disagree really are stupid?”
EndRacismNow replied on Nov 13, 2009 at 18:27:06
“Ignore them.”
Liberal Elitism Will Make Sarah Palin President - How Only Union Organizing Can Stop It
Commented Nov 13, 2009 at 15:06:28 in Politics
“Bravo, tm!
If it walks like a "racist idiot" and quacks like a "racist idiot", chances are good it's a "racist idiot" -- it does no one any good to deny the truth.”
If it walks like a "racist idiot" and quacks like a "racist idiot", chances are good it's a "racist idiot" -- it does no one any good to deny the truth.”
Liberal Elitism Will Make Sarah Palin President - How Only Union Organizing Can Stop It
Commented Nov 13, 2009 at 14:56:57 in Politics
“While I'm inclined to award bichn the battle, I think I'm going give you the war. What differences there are between the parties have become little more than talking points. One side peddles fear, the other peddles hope -- yet, surprisingly little changes and that should be the Awakening Moment for many of us.”
Liberal Elitism Will Make Sarah Palin President - How Only Union Organizing Can Stop It
Commented Nov 13, 2009 at 14:41:29 in Politics
“As the child of dirt-poor Okie (and union) stock who has always aspired to belong to the liberal elite, I'm compelled to object to the continued flogging of this meme. (Why, for example, do conservative elites always get a pass?)
Digging through your argument, I think I see a couple of crossed wires. First, folksy doesn't mean you can't be educated, just as it doesn't mean you should cling to ignorance just to keep your "just folks" card in good standing. And make no mistake, we are seeing downright revelling in stupidity! Second, Republican (elites) are taking advantage of this stupidity (and you are abetting them) by insisting this is a class war-- it is only so far as the Republican fear machine can convince frightened people that the mythical "liberal elites" are out to get them. Accusing James Carville -- son of a post master and a door-to-door encyclopedia saleswoman -- of being an elitist simply illustrates the disconnect between what you consider being outside the mainstream and what I consider working hard for a good education (and I am not a Carville fan).
That said, I concede that it is time, indeed, for liberals (elite or otherwise) to tap the real anger that is springing up around the country. There is a sense that both parties have betrayed us, that Wall Street owns D.C., that something wicked this way comes. I simply do not feel that your argument adds to that unification.”
Digging through your argument, I think I see a couple of crossed wires. First, folksy doesn't mean you can't be educated, just as it doesn't mean you should cling to ignorance just to keep your "just folks" card in good standing. And make no mistake, we are seeing downright revelling in stupidity! Second, Republican (elites) are taking advantage of this stupidity (and you are abetting them) by insisting this is a class war-- it is only so far as the Republican fear machine can convince frightened people that the mythical "liberal elites" are out to get them. Accusing James Carville -- son of a post master and a door-to-door encyclopedia saleswoman -- of being an elitist simply illustrates the disconnect between what you consider being outside the mainstream and what I consider working hard for a good education (and I am not a Carville fan).
That said, I concede that it is time, indeed, for liberals (elite or otherwise) to tap the real anger that is springing up around the country. There is a sense that both parties have betrayed us, that Wall Street owns D.C., that something wicked this way comes. I simply do not feel that your argument adds to that unification.”
TommyMcCarthy replied on Nov 13, 2009 at 19:34:50
“As usual Lemeritus' points are well taken.
Why DO conservative elites get a pass?.....
It's been a source of bemusement to me for some time...that is is these very conservative elites that have been most successfully selling this glorification of anti-intellectualism...and themselves as "Jes' Down-Home Folks" for so many years
This has been going on pretty much unabated since the "Reagan revolution" when Ronnie actually managed to convince working men and women that unions were bad for them....equal opportunity was bad for everybody.......tax cuts for billionaires would solve unemployment.......not to mention that "war is peace"... and "ignorance is strength"......all it took was the right "front" man.........and Ms. Palin is only the latest applicant for head salsesperson.
"Lemeritus' last paragraph is the most important.
Whenever I hear the (to me) meaningless phrase "speaking truth to power" I'm always put in mind of one of thoseguys in NYC with a pinwheel hat lined with tinfoil shaking his fist and shouting obscenities up at the Citicorp Tower.
These days I'm just wondering why there aren't THOUSEANDS of us out there (minus the tin foil, of course). Funny that my old freind and I were both moved to ask the same question of Mike Elk in different comments (below)................. to wit:
"But what about when people really AAARE stupid??"
Rather "quack-ed" me up, that
Highest regards
tm”
Why DO conservative elites get a pass?.....
It's been a source of bemusement to me for some time...that is is these very conservative elites that have been most successfully selling this glorification of anti-intellectualism...and themselves as "Jes' Down-Home Folks" for so many years
This has been going on pretty much unabated since the "Reagan revolution" when Ronnie actually managed to convince working men and women that unions were bad for them....equal opportunity was bad for everybody.......tax cuts for billionaires would solve unemployment.......not to mention that "war is peace"... and "ignorance is strength"......all it took was the right "front" man.........and Ms. Palin is only the latest applicant for head salsesperson.
"Lemeritus' last paragraph is the most important.
Whenever I hear the (to me) meaningless phrase "speaking truth to power" I'm always put in mind of one of thoseguys in NYC with a pinwheel hat lined with tinfoil shaking his fist and shouting obscenities up at the Citicorp Tower.
These days I'm just wondering why there aren't THOUSEANDS of us out there (minus the tin foil, of course). Funny that my old freind and I were both moved to ask the same question of Mike Elk in different comments (below)................. to wit:
"But what about when people really AAARE stupid??"
Rather "quack-ed" me up, that
Highest regards
tm”
Jakealoper replied on Nov 13, 2009 at 15:30:13
“Well said, the Republicans and teabaggers celebrate ignorance, that is the crucial difference.”
Tempest in a Teabag: Tea Party Founder Announces He's (Re)Joining GOP
Commented Nov 12, 2009 at 18:29:17 in Politics
“"...the man most often regarded as the founder of the Tea Parties, Eric Odom, announced Tuesday that he is re-joining the Republican Party."
Because, really, how can you tell the difference?”
Because, really, how can you tell the difference?”
No Difference Between President Obama and Candidate Obama
Commented Nov 04, 2009 at 11:35:37 in Politics
“Excellent.
And, hey, when are we going to start calling those ratings companies to task? Oh! That's right... they're hiding behind their first amendment rights to say whatever they like, even if it isn't true, even if the entire economy depends on it.”
And, hey, when are we going to start calling those ratings companies to task? Oh! That's right... they're hiding behind their first amendment rights to say whatever they like, even if it isn't true, even if the entire economy depends on it.”
No Difference Between President Obama and Candidate Obama
Commented Nov 04, 2009 at 11:14:28 in Politics
“Really?!
You know what I'm disgusted with?
I'm disgusted with corporate welfare while people continue to lose their homes. I'm disgusted that -- even today -- Obama refuses to coming out swinging for a public option (having sold out single-payer from day one). I'm disgused by weakened consumer protections and a credit card regulation that gives CC companies all the times in the world to rip and gouge customers. I'm disgusted by a lack of transparency and the refusal of the attorney general to seriously revisit the excesses of the past administration thereby codifying that behavior for the foreseeable future. I'm disgusted that the Democratic Party's talking points in Maine over the weekend omitted reference to the battle for gay civil rights (just as it did until it was too late in California). I'm disgusted that the Republican Party -- rotted from within by lunatics -- can continue to set the agenda for this country.
Now, then, you can be disgusted with me. I'll be disgusted with this administration enough for both of us.”
You know what I'm disgusted with?
I'm disgusted with corporate welfare while people continue to lose their homes. I'm disgusted that -- even today -- Obama refuses to coming out swinging for a public option (having sold out single-payer from day one). I'm disgused by weakened consumer protections and a credit card regulation that gives CC companies all the times in the world to rip and gouge customers. I'm disgusted by a lack of transparency and the refusal of the attorney general to seriously revisit the excesses of the past administration thereby codifying that behavior for the foreseeable future. I'm disgusted that the Democratic Party's talking points in Maine over the weekend omitted reference to the battle for gay civil rights (just as it did until it was too late in California). I'm disgusted that the Republican Party -- rotted from within by lunatics -- can continue to set the agenda for this country.
Now, then, you can be disgusted with me. I'll be disgusted with this administration enough for both of us.”
No Difference Between President Obama and Candidate Obama
Commented Nov 04, 2009 at 11:05:14 in Politics
“Good points, Mools. But I think, for biglover's sake, it's important to point -- in fact, it's essential to point out -- that it isn't just progressives. To be fair to Obama, he did not really campaign as a progressive. That said, we are sensing grave disappointment from independents and cross-over Republican as well. Without this dynamic coalition, we're in serious trouble. Progressives may be making the most noise, but the problem is more systemic than that.”
No Difference Between President Obama and Candidate Obama
Commented Nov 04, 2009 at 10:12:17 in Politics
“Consensus occurred on November 4, 2008. Where's the change?”
No Difference Between President Obama and Candidate Obama
Commented Nov 04, 2009 at 10:11:34 in Politics
“Grim. But true.”
No Difference Between President Obama and Candidate Obama
Commented Nov 04, 2009 at 09:40:43 in Politics
“Mr. Plouffe, with all due respect, I think it's possible that you are too lost in the forest to see the trees. I appreciate and respect your loyalty and affection for President Obama. And I am comforted by the scores of comments that will point out that it's ONLY been X number of months or finger like rosary beads various cut-and-paste lists of "accomplishments".
Yesterday I referred to an article in the NYT -- "In Iowa, Second Thoughts on Obama" -- (here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/us/politics/03year.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=iowa&st=cse). I think this administration ignores a growing sense of disillusionment -- from independents, cross-over Republicans, and betrayed progressives -- at its peril. Quoted in this article was a 76-year-old woman, Pauline McAreavy, who switched parties to vote for Obama in Iowa: "It's politics as usual, and that's what I voted against.”
What we are seeing is too much Tim Geithner and not enough Elizabeth Warren, Sheila Bair, or Paul Volcker. Too much Chicago School of Economics and not enough Chicago style politics. Waaaaaay too much Rahm Emanuel and not enough anyone who gives a damn about the American people. And, ultimately, too much chess and not enough checkers. As Ms. McAreavy said: "It's politics as usual" -- with the same cooks in the kitchen, the same people getting rich, and the same people getting stiffed.
I would like to believe that this perception is wrong -- but perception is everything in politics.”
Yesterday I referred to an article in the NYT -- "In Iowa, Second Thoughts on Obama" -- (here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/us/politics/03year.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=iowa&st=cse). I think this administration ignores a growing sense of disillusionment -- from independents, cross-over Republicans, and betrayed progressives -- at its peril. Quoted in this article was a 76-year-old woman, Pauline McAreavy, who switched parties to vote for Obama in Iowa: "It's politics as usual, and that's what I voted against.”
What we are seeing is too much Tim Geithner and not enough Elizabeth Warren, Sheila Bair, or Paul Volcker. Too much Chicago School of Economics and not enough Chicago style politics. Waaaaaay too much Rahm Emanuel and not enough anyone who gives a damn about the American people. And, ultimately, too much chess and not enough checkers. As Ms. McAreavy said: "It's politics as usual" -- with the same cooks in the kitchen, the same people getting rich, and the same people getting stiffed.
I would like to believe that this perception is wrong -- but perception is everything in politics.”
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