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Obama hails 60th Senate vote for health care
Commented Dec 19, 2009 at 13:24:29 in Politics
“Important distinction to be made here: the bill allows for the life of the mother, not the health of the mother. It may seem like pure semantics, but if faced with a serious complication without impending mortality, the current restrictions on funding would disallow an abortive procedure.”
Wall Street Bankers Put Obama On Hold
Commented Dec 15, 2009 at 12:33:23 in Business
“I thought the same thing when I moved here. It's a derogatory term used to describe 'red-necks' around here.”
CaptainFailmore replied on Dec 15, 2009 at 12:36:47
“See, around here they're just called hicks. 'Indytuckian' doesn't exactly roll off the tongue.”
Tea Party Proponent Threatens To "Do What They Did At Fort Hood" To Michigan Newspaper
Commented Nov 17, 2009 at 17:01:31 in Media
“Lemme guess...
SANTA
becomes
NASTY”
SANTA
becomes
NASTY”
Conservative Group: Time To Purge Muslims From Military (VIDEO)
Commented Nov 09, 2009 at 17:19:55 in Politics
“You get no argument from me on the point that religion has it's name attached to more atrocities than any other concept sprung from the minds of man. But, my point was that religion, as a concept, is amorphous; that it is the followers of religion that wage wars or clothe the naked or whatever action is attributed to belief.
There seems to be a trend by the religious among us to corral atheism/agnosticism into a pen of inverse scientific dogmatism, which I find amusing given that the corollary to scientific proof always seems to be the Bible. Add that to the ignorant/obstinate misunderstanding of "theory" in a scientific context and the whole discussion goes to pot.
But, I stand by my general point. Removing religion from the deck isn't going to happen, and any attempts to do so will further inflame the sense of persecution that is a staple of religiosity in this country. We, as a people, retain the right to follow a path of faith, regardless of how illogical that path may be. The trade off for that freedom is that we (in theory) exist in a society that, while accommodating one's right to believe, is governed from a neutral position. That is where the focus of our efforts should be.”
There seems to be a trend by the religious among us to corral atheism/agnosticism into a pen of inverse scientific dogmatism, which I find amusing given that the corollary to scientific proof always seems to be the Bible. Add that to the ignorant/obstinate misunderstanding of "theory" in a scientific context and the whole discussion goes to pot.
But, I stand by my general point. Removing religion from the deck isn't going to happen, and any attempts to do so will further inflame the sense of persecution that is a staple of religiosity in this country. We, as a people, retain the right to follow a path of faith, regardless of how illogical that path may be. The trade off for that freedom is that we (in theory) exist in a society that, while accommodating one's right to believe, is governed from a neutral position. That is where the focus of our efforts should be.”
Conservative Group: Time To Purge Muslims From Military (VIDEO)
Commented Nov 09, 2009 at 16:04:26 in Politics
“Ah, religion..
These words, from a devout agnostic, go to my atheist fellows here as they do to my atheist husband at home.
The solution is not to rid the world of religion. Religion has neither started wars nor fed the hungry. It is by the hand of mammon that religion takes it's shape, good or bad. It is through the voices of believers that God is personified, and as it seems that God inevitably holds the same values and prejudices as they who speak for him, one is naturally left wanting for doctrine free from the taint of it's adherents.
But, eradication is neither a wise nor achievable solution. The only way to go about this is to diminish the influence religion has on what should rightly be a secular society. The issue of fundamentalist infiltration in the military or tax exempt status for churches that engage in politicized activity can't be seen as a failure of religion. It is a failure on the part of our system of governance that allows religiosity to unduly sway public policy.
While I would be pleasantly surprised if religion fizzled into oblivion, I do not perceive it to be necessarily problematic in and of itself, but more the methodology by which existing evils are carried forth.”
These words, from a devout agnostic, go to my atheist fellows here as they do to my atheist husband at home.
The solution is not to rid the world of religion. Religion has neither started wars nor fed the hungry. It is by the hand of mammon that religion takes it's shape, good or bad. It is through the voices of believers that God is personified, and as it seems that God inevitably holds the same values and prejudices as they who speak for him, one is naturally left wanting for doctrine free from the taint of it's adherents.
But, eradication is neither a wise nor achievable solution. The only way to go about this is to diminish the influence religion has on what should rightly be a secular society. The issue of fundamentalist infiltration in the military or tax exempt status for churches that engage in politicized activity can't be seen as a failure of religion. It is a failure on the part of our system of governance that allows religiosity to unduly sway public policy.
While I would be pleasantly surprised if religion fizzled into oblivion, I do not perceive it to be necessarily problematic in and of itself, but more the methodology by which existing evils are carried forth.”
TylerSutherland replied on Nov 09, 2009 at 16:31:33
“"Religion has neither started wars" Liar. The Thirty Years War, the Witch Trials, the French Wars of Religion, the Anxiety Period of Religion for Europe, lasting for several hundred years, as well as the wars between 'Catholicism and Islam', i.e. the Holy League and the Ottoman Empire, and so on.
"But, eradication is neither a wise nor achievable solution." It is wise, and achievable. For one, the parallel opposite of Religion is Science. It's easy to do, really: stop lying about everything, take 'In God We Trust' out of the pledge and coinage, and start employing more scientific methods of thinking, including the re-emphasis of Darwin's teachings/findings on Evolution, as well as theories submitted by other top thinkers, such as Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking. Besides, we don't need religion. Desperate people needing an excuse, they need religion alright. "God told me!" "God wanted this!" Blah, blah, blah. You never see an atheist saying "Atheism told me!" because it's really impossible, because Atheism isn't a dogmatic belief, it's a reality backed up by facts, while religion has old books written who knows or cares how long ago, with nothing but fairy tales inside encouraging slavery, sod omy and inc est.
Meanwhile, science encourages rational thought and natural fact, that we are all REALLY born equal, that it can be proven as well, and that no one is really superior or inferior, it's just that you get one more mutation then another.”
"But, eradication is neither a wise nor achievable solution." It is wise, and achievable. For one, the parallel opposite of Religion is Science. It's easy to do, really: stop lying about everything, take 'In God We Trust' out of the pledge and coinage, and start employing more scientific methods of thinking, including the re-emphasis of Darwin's teachings/findings on Evolution, as well as theories submitted by other top thinkers, such as Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawking. Besides, we don't need religion. Desperate people needing an excuse, they need religion alright. "God told me!" "God wanted this!" Blah, blah, blah. You never see an atheist saying "Atheism told me!" because it's really impossible, because Atheism isn't a dogmatic belief, it's a reality backed up by facts, while religion has old books written who knows or cares how long ago, with nothing but fairy tales inside encouraging slavery, sod omy and inc est.
Meanwhile, science encourages rational thought and natural fact, that we are all REALLY born equal, that it can be proven as well, and that no one is really superior or inferior, it's just that you get one more mutation then another.”
hollybork replied on Nov 09, 2009 at 16:22:48
“Geez. Well said. Thanks.”
Afghan War Vets Patrol Halls Of Congress To Stop Troop Escalation
Commented Nov 04, 2009 at 08:16:40 in Politics
“Please visit the website www.vetera
There are also many products available for purchase in the store, so take a look!”
There are also many products available for purchase in the store, so take a look!”
Lieberman's Conn. Colleagues: He's Out Of Touch With Constituents On Public Plan
Commented Oct 30, 2009 at 20:03:37 in Politics
“Nope, he will be up again in 2012...unl
Oklahoma Abortion Law: Details To Be Publicly Posted Online
Commented Oct 08, 2009 at 12:45:52 in Politics
“Okay, the issues with this post and subsequent comments are twofold:
1. I live down the street from a PP clinic in a big city, but I grew up in a small town. Every single day I drive by protesters outside the clinic gates. Now, if one was to accept that the vast majority of PP visits are for basic health services, then with this information it would be really easy for people in small communities-many of whom know their neighbors-to keep tabs on clients and follow up on who was there for a mammogram and who was there for an abortion.
2. Comparing the collection and publication of this information to similar statistical recordings is bunk. Can anyone tell me the last time you heard of a proctologist getting mowed down outside of their office?”
1. I live down the street from a PP clinic in a big city, but I grew up in a small town. Every single day I drive by protesters outside the clinic gates. Now, if one was to accept that the vast majority of PP visits are for basic health services, then with this information it would be really easy for people in small communities-many of whom know their neighbors-to keep tabs on clients and follow up on who was there for a mammogram and who was there for an abortion.
2. Comparing the collection and publication of this information to similar statistical recordings is bunk. Can anyone tell me the last time you heard of a proctologist getting mowed down outside of their office?”
Howard Dean vs. Rahm Emanuel
Commented Sep 30, 2009 at 09:51:16 in Politics
“The good doctor's campaign in 2003/2004 was my very first taste of what became a love of the frenzy of political campaigns. I worked with MoveOn's "Call for Change" campaign in 2006 and am happy to report that the 50 state strategy was a smashing success.
As to Howard Dean's defeat in 2004, it comes down to this: he was a litmus test. The DNC was feeling out the best antidote to the Bush/Cheney cabal, seeing how far they could go and not risk the wrath of the only people that count-the press. Once Dean had been pilloried as a radical leftist, they settled on the disastrous milquetoast Kerry...an
As to Howard Dean's defeat in 2004, it comes down to this: he was a litmus test. The DNC was feeling out the best antidote to the Bush/Cheney cabal, seeing how far they could go and not risk the wrath of the only people that count-the press. Once Dean had been pilloried as a radical leftist, they settled on the disastrous milquetoast Kerry...an
deegee99 replied on Sep 30, 2009 at 10:42:58
“Yes. We won again and the election was stolen.”
Phil Gingrey Laughs Off 14,000 Americans Losing Their Health Insurance Every Day (VIDEO)
Commented Sep 18, 2009 at 08:57:18 in Politics
“Ha! Well done.”
On 9/11, Day Of Mourning Becomes Day Of Service
Commented Sep 11, 2009 at 14:42:41 in New York
“A tragedy to be sure. But what saddens me the most eight years on is the absolute failure of the American public to stop and consider why it happened.
I do not mean the government's role in the attacks but rather what would induce people to seethe so violently at the US. The idea that they were simply religious extremists, that they "hated us for our freedoms" is little more than intellectual cowardice. We failed, and still fail, to take a long, hard look at ourselves and question our own responsibility.
Do the lives lost not outweigh the affront to American exceptionalism necessitated by introspection? How can the cries of "never forget" exist in the vacuum created by our refusal to man up to our own failings here?
There is value in tragedy, if you choose to find it. I mourn not just for the lives lost, hearts broken, but for the lost opportunity to remove the plank in our own eye. A true shame.”
I do not mean the government's role in the attacks but rather what would induce people to seethe so violently at the US. The idea that they were simply religious extremists, that they "hated us for our freedoms" is little more than intellectual cowardice. We failed, and still fail, to take a long, hard look at ourselves and question our own responsibility.
Do the lives lost not outweigh the affront to American exceptionalism necessitated by introspection? How can the cries of "never forget" exist in the vacuum created by our refusal to man up to our own failings here?
There is value in tragedy, if you choose to find it. I mourn not just for the lives lost, hearts broken, but for the lost opportunity to remove the plank in our own eye. A true shame.”
armchairprotester replied on Sep 11, 2009 at 21:24:19
“spot-on!”
WoodyCPM replied on Sep 11, 2009 at 19:36:41
“You are exactly right to ask that question. It's a good one and one I and others have asked. Why is it that people would go to such incredible difficulty and sacrifice of their own lifes in order to strike at the United States? What do they want? Why? What do they perceive the Unite States is responsible for? That idiot junk, "the hate us for our freedoms" is patently absurd.”
foxfan replied on Sep 11, 2009 at 16:34:54
“I agree with HuffPost. This is one of the finest posts I have ever read. Too bad it will probably be forgotten before the sun goes down.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield Execs Profited From Bogus Bonuses
Commented Sep 09, 2009 at 19:59:00 in Business
“Spot on.”
Eligible For Help Under Obama Plan But Still Facing Foreclosure
Commented Sep 08, 2009 at 20:54:47 in Business
“In case you haven't seen this, it's about the greatest summary of our situation with China that I have ever seen.
http://www
http://www
oldngrumpy replied on Sep 08, 2009 at 22:24:54
“Excellent video for all those "best in the world" nationalists. It's title is deceiving though. I thought it was sad.”
The Rise Of Fed-Up Judges
Commented Sep 05, 2009 at 10:53:30 in Business
“This move by judges to assess bank claims on mortgaged property has very relevant roots in a 1969 case, First National Bank of Montgomery V. Jerome Daly.
http://edu
Essentially, Mr. Daly prevailed in his mortgage proceedings by concluding that the bank had not produced the collateral necessary in the contract. The court upheld the premise that, due to our fractional reserve banking system, the bank did not hold the money that was used as collateral in said contract and had therefore not upheld its obligation, rendering the agreement null and void.
Even though I would be surprised if this argument could work today, foreclosure proceedings can be initiated ONLY by the party that holds the original note. Without that, banks have no legitimate claim to the property.”
http://edu
Essentially, Mr. Daly prevailed in his mortgage proceedings by concluding that the bank had not produced the collateral necessary in the contract. The court upheld the premise that, due to our fractional reserve banking system, the bank did not hold the money that was used as collateral in said contract and had therefore not upheld its obligation, rendering the agreement null and void.
Even though I would be surprised if this argument could work today, foreclosure proceedings can be initiated ONLY by the party that holds the original note. Without that, banks have no legitimate claim to the property.”
Eleven More Companies Ditch Glenn Beck
Commented Sep 03, 2009 at 09:20:00 in Media
“Actually, they have been around since the Nixon years.
Ronnie just got them rolling in earnest.”
Ronnie just got them rolling in earnest.”
The Guns of August: How the Republican Right Fired on Health Care
Commented Sep 02, 2009 at 15:02:04 in Politics
“Wait, I actually have to agree with him here.
The issue emerging from this health care debate is finding the grassroots progressives locking horns with the Baucus Democratic establishment politicians. It is similar to the hodge-podge coalition of dissimilar interests that coagulated in the Reagan years. Social conservative values voter plus corporatists plus Libertarians plus the PNAC neo-cons..
Progressives have had no choice but to vote for Democrats because the Republicans lost their bloody minds (i.e. John Kerry). The "left" and the Democratic party have numerous issues that don't square-the war, public option, overreaching national security policies, torture investigations. We must make ourselves heard and be prepared to demonstrate opposition if shut out.”
The issue emerging from this health care debate is finding the grassroots progressives locking horns with the Baucus Democratic establishment politicians. It is similar to the hodge-podge coalition of dissimilar interests that coagulated in the Reagan years. Social conservative values voter plus corporatists plus Libertarians plus the PNAC neo-cons..
Progressives have had no choice but to vote for Democrats because the Republicans lost their bloody minds (i.e. John Kerry). The "left" and the Democratic party have numerous issues that don't square-the war, public option, overreaching national security policies, torture investigations. We must make ourselves heard and be prepared to demonstrate opposition if shut out.”
Cheney Still Manipulating People -- Now In Public
Commented Aug 31, 2009 at 16:12:05 in Politics
“You know who else thinks that seven years and three months is less than eight?
Al-Qaeda.”
Al-Qaeda.”
Cheney Accuses Obama Of Launching "Intensely Partisan" Torture Investigation
Commented Aug 30, 2009 at 12:01:22 in Politics
“Um, Dick needs to check his math.
"We had a track record now of eight years of defending the nation against any further mass casualty attacks from al Qaeda..."
Since 9/11 happened on your watch, eight months after you took office, how does that equate to eight years of safety?
I encourage everyone to actually read the CIA IG report. It's disgusting.”
"We had a track record now of eight years of defending the nation against any further mass casualty attacks from al Qaeda..."
Since 9/11 happened on your watch, eight months after you took office, how does that equate to eight years of safety?
I encourage everyone to actually read the CIA IG report. It's disgusting.”
We Cannot Afford This
Commented Aug 26, 2009 at 16:46:35 in Politics
“Bulls***.
I am in the middle of reading the CIA IG report right now and the thought that an investigation, especially one as cursory as that which is being proposed, would shift the ground beneath the feet of "patriotic" agent is laughable at best.
People were tortured in my name. People were murdered in my name. In my name, with my tax dollars. If you are concerned with the threats to an already dysfunctional agency then, by all means, sound the alarm for an investigation aimed at the top of this gluttonous, blood thirsty food chain. But, do not for a moment think that the American public will be lulled by your specious arguments that to expose the wrongs committed would somehow be cruel to those accused.
This is not a call for a witch hunt. This is a call for a clear, honest look at possible war crimes, the kind that spurred the Nuremberg trials in not-so-distant history. Those who are not complicit should be found so.
The CIA exists to help protect the safety and integrity of the United States, not the other way around.”
I am in the middle of reading the CIA IG report right now and the thought that an investigation, especially one as cursory as that which is being proposed, would shift the ground beneath the feet of "patriotic" agent is laughable at best.
People were tortured in my name. People were murdered in my name. In my name, with my tax dollars. If you are concerned with the threats to an already dysfunctional agency then, by all means, sound the alarm for an investigation aimed at the top of this gluttonous, blood thirsty food chain. But, do not for a moment think that the American public will be lulled by your specious arguments that to expose the wrongs committed would somehow be cruel to those accused.
This is not a call for a witch hunt. This is a call for a clear, honest look at possible war crimes, the kind that spurred the Nuremberg trials in not-so-distant history. Those who are not complicit should be found so.
The CIA exists to help protect the safety and integrity of the United States, not the other way around.”
Al Franken, Perry Mason, and Health Care: An Unlikely Trilogy
Commented Aug 26, 2009 at 08:41:35 in Politics
“Ah, Grizzly Adams and a giant hat.
I think eliminating ATM fees would go a long way at this point.”
I think eliminating ATM fees would go a long way at this point.”
Lieberman: Using Reconciliation For Health Care A "Real Mistake"
Commented Aug 23, 2009 at 14:15:09 in Politics
“2012”
Advertisers Should Not Cancel Ads in Glenn Beck's Program
Commented Aug 19, 2009 at 13:46:30 in Media
“The argument that the advertiser boycott somehow circumvents Glenn Beck's First Amendment right to free speech is bogus.
If Glenn Beck, citizen, wishes to mount a soapbox in the middle of Times Square and spew forth whatever crazy nonsense that pops into his head that is well within his right. However, Mr. Beck has absolutely no constitutional right to be a widely syndicated television pundit. Period.
The Supreme Court, especially in its current incarnation, has been quite sympathetic to corporations as it relates to the supremacy of institutional interests over the rights of individual employees. Moreover, the concept of "corporate personhood" invalidates this whole notion, as the First Amendment "freedom of speech" rights of the sponsor companies takes precedence.”
If Glenn Beck, citizen, wishes to mount a soapbox in the middle of Times Square and spew forth whatever crazy nonsense that pops into his head that is well within his right. However, Mr. Beck has absolutely no constitutional right to be a widely syndicated television pundit. Period.
The Supreme Court, especially in its current incarnation, has been quite sympathetic to corporations as it relates to the supremacy of institutional interests over the rights of individual employees. Moreover, the concept of "corporate personhood" invalidates this whole notion, as the First Amendment "freedom of speech" rights of the sponsor companies takes precedence.”
New York Times: Democrats Seem Set To Go Alone On A Health Bill
Commented Aug 19, 2009 at 03:48:26 in Politics
“They do, usually to fit their own twisted ideology. Just like every other religion and the holy book they are founded on.”
Ann Kirkpatrick Town Hall Overrun By Protesters
Commented Aug 07, 2009 at 17:39:11 in Politics
“Seconded.”
Plugging Along At 62 With Lots Of Debt, No Job And No Credit
Commented Jul 24, 2009 at 18:29:21 in Business
“In fact, I have spent the last six years of my life in the fields of political organizing and social advocacy non-profit work. I am not whining in any way, but attempting to offer a bit of clarity that seems to be lacking in this thread.
My generation stands at the forefront of something akin to the invention of the printing press, the steam engine...t
My grandparents were "the greatest generation," and perpetually lived in the shadows of the hardships that they faced. I truly, truly wish that we take this crisis for what it could be-a lesson.”
My generation stands at the forefront of something akin to the invention of the printing press, the steam engine...t
My grandparents were "the greatest generation," and perpetually lived in the shadows of the hardships that they faced. I truly, truly wish that we take this crisis for what it could be-a lesson.”
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