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Dodd Chastises Senate's 'Newest Members' For Their Behavior
Commented Dec 25, 2009 at 22:52:42 in Politics
“"Again, I regret sometimes the newer members who fail to understand the importance of maintaining that which our Founders envisioned when they created this institutio
Let's not revise history. The founders passed the first amendment so that new and seasoned Senators-- and all Americans--- are free to give honest assessments and speak their minds.
Is Dodd suggesting new members should keep quiet and go along with senior members who have been running this country off a cliff? That makes no sense at all. Now is the time when we desperately need all the fresh perspectives and ideas we can get.
If Dobbs is threatened by open discussion, he might not want run for office again. As more new people are elected to replace those who have let us down, there might be more of the same.
Senators take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. So our new Senators (and the seasoned ones) are duty bound to say so if they believe there are menaces in the Senate who threaten the well being of our country.
Wonder what Dodd thinks the founders would have said about a Senator who even dreamed of handing trillions of tax dollars over to banks? Surely they would have said that Senator was unpatriotic. After all, they revolted against their king for similar offenses.”
Let's not revise history. The founders passed the first amendment so that new and seasoned Senators-- and all Americans--- are free to give honest assessments and speak their minds.
Is Dodd suggesting new members should keep quiet and go along with senior members who have been running this country off a cliff? That makes no sense at all. Now is the time when we desperately need all the fresh perspectives and ideas we can get.
If Dobbs is threatened by open discussion, he might not want run for office again. As more new people are elected to replace those who have let us down, there might be more of the same.
Senators take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. So our new Senators (and the seasoned ones) are duty bound to say so if they believe there are menaces in the Senate who threaten the well being of our country.
Wonder what Dodd thinks the founders would have said about a Senator who even dreamed of handing trillions of tax dollars over to banks? Surely they would have said that Senator was unpatriotic. After all, they revolted against their king for similar offenses.”
Jesse Ventura Global Warming Denier: Body-Slams The Climate Change "Conspiracy"
Commented Dec 23, 2009 at 19:57:15 in Green
“Very good point. To be sure, there are competing financial interests on different sides of the issue that are spinning for their own profits with little concern for the facts.”
McCain Emerges As Front Man In GOP Efforts To Claim Reform Mantle
Commented Dec 23, 2009 at 19:28:43 in Politics
“correction: Since Obama's not reforming anything, SOMEONE is going to step in and pick up where his campaign left off.”
SassySafrine replied on Dec 23, 2009 at 19:30:07
“President of the United States, puppy.
And if you want to track campaign promises, try Politifact.”
And if you want to track campaign promises, try Politifact.”
McCain Emerges As Front Man In GOP Efforts To Claim Reform Mantle
Commented Dec 23, 2009 at 19:27:37 in Politics
“Since Obama's not reforming anything, is going to step in and pick up where his campaign left off.
I'm not sure American voters are so gullible anymore though. I think soon American voters might end this game of musical chairs that's played by the status quo candidates from both sides who are all driving our country off a cliff.
It seems clear that for any real change at all we need a fresh batch of good candidates who are not pre-approved by the status quo parties.
It makes no sense to keep electing people who have already proven themselves to be unable or unwilling to deliver any positive change.”
I'm not sure American voters are so gullible anymore though. I think soon American voters might end this game of musical chairs that's played by the status quo candidates from both sides who are all driving our country off a cliff.
It seems clear that for any real change at all we need a fresh batch of good candidates who are not pre-approved by the status quo parties.
It makes no sense to keep electing people who have already proven themselves to be unable or unwilling to deliver any positive change.”
themainpoint replied on Dec 23, 2009 at 19:28:43
“correction: Since Obama's not reforming anything, SOMEONE is going to step in and pick up where his campaign left off.”
Nation's Largest Nurses Organization: Health Care Bill Cedes Too Much To Insurance Industry
Commented Dec 22, 2009 at 15:29:13 in Politics
“I don't want free health care, but I also don't want to pay more than twice the going rate because drug and insurance company execs have no work ethic and don't want to compete for a living like the rest of us.
This joke of "reform" is a real lesson to all Americans: Hard work does not pay off. Instead, if you work hard and get a raise, drug and insurance companies will lobby Congress to be able to take that from you by charging you whatever it is they want to take and not having to compete for what they earn like the rest of us.”
This joke of "reform" is a real lesson to all Americans: Hard work does not pay off. Instead, if you work hard and get a raise, drug and insurance companies will lobby Congress to be able to take that from you by charging you whatever it is they want to take and not having to compete for what they earn like the rest of us.”
Nation's Largest Nurses Organization: Health Care Bill Cedes Too Much To Insurance Industry
Commented Dec 22, 2009 at 15:25:50 in Politics
“too funny”
New York Times: Senate Health Reform Bill Is Worth Passing
Commented Dec 22, 2009 at 10:26:40 in Media
“Yes. By all means listen to the New York Times about how great this Wealth Care bill is for the country. (and saddam had weapons of mass destruction, too, right?)”
Cash For Cloture: The Backroom Deals That Got The Health Care Bill Through
Commented Dec 22, 2009 at 10:23:43 in Politics
“Insurance and drug companies and their investors are eager for the new profits to start rolling in.”
Dylan Ratigan Apologizes For 'Very Rude' Debbie Wasserman Schultz Interview (VIDEO)
Commented Dec 21, 2009 at 23:12:26 in Media
“Good for Dylan for seeing the viewers' education as most important and having the guts to apologize for perhaps going a bit over the line.
That said, I know many share his frustration with the insulting talking points and dodging of questions he has to deal with.
We're all sick to death of the mirrors and the smoke that so many of the "experts" and others like to blow at Americans they mistakenly think are so gullible.”
That said, I know many share his frustration with the insulting talking points and dodging of questions he has to deal with.
We're all sick to death of the mirrors and the smoke that so many of the "experts" and others like to blow at Americans they mistakenly think are so gullible.”
Israel Admits Harvesting Organs From Dead Bodies Without Permission
Commented Dec 21, 2009 at 23:04:20 in World
“Are you kidding me? I thought this headline was some sort of joke. Unbelievable.”
dolphy replied on Dec 22, 2009 at 00:44:05
“israel does a lot abominable, heinous crimes everyday. didn't learn a thing from what they went through 60 years ago.”
Federal Reserve's Failures: How The Central Bank Repeatedly Failed To Grasp The Crisis
Commented Dec 21, 2009 at 14:07:22 in Business
“Is there a Nobel prize for bankers? It's got his name on it.”
Feingold: Obama Responsible For Loss Of Public Option
Commented Dec 21, 2009 at 13:22:36 in Politics
“Sorry. Can't agree to put the blame on President Obama. Congress makes the laws in this country, not the president. The president is merely charged with enforcing the laws you make.
You're responsible, Feingold---along with the rest of your colleagues in Congress. We elect and pay you to figure out how to get something done and you just can't seem to deliver anything but trillion dollar bailouts to Main Street Banks and wars.
That said, President Obama clearly chose not to use his ability to mobilize the public in order to put pressure on Congress for true reform. He proved his ability to mobilize people during the campaign, so we know this was a deliberate choice on his part, which does not look too "hopeful."
Time for new faces in Congress. Enough with the blame and excuses.”
You're responsible, Feingold---along with the rest of your colleagues in Congress. We elect and pay you to figure out how to get something done and you just can't seem to deliver anything but trillion dollar bailouts to Main Street Banks and wars.
That said, President Obama clearly chose not to use his ability to mobilize the public in order to put pressure on Congress for true reform. He proved his ability to mobilize people during the campaign, so we know this was a deliberate choice on his part, which does not look too "hopeful."
Time for new faces in Congress. Enough with the blame and excuses.”
WritusMaximus replied on Dec 21, 2009 at 17:03:47
“He showed his ability to convince millions alright!”
xlntcat replied on Dec 21, 2009 at 13:42:38
“Fanned”
Alcatraz21990 replied on Dec 21, 2009 at 13:42:03
“While I agree with you that Congress deserves blame here, so does Obama. He hasn't exactly been LBJ fighting for Civil Rights, and as far as Feingold is concerned, if we can't trust Russ Feingold we can't trust anyone. After 9/11 the the PATRIOT Act was passed 99-1, the one dissenting vote was Russ Feingold, this guy has courage and is a real Progressive, but he understands that this bill was not going to get any better in the Senate, and now that the bill is going to Conference Committee Progressives like Feingold can expect some support from the House as they get to join the Fight now. Let's see what Feingold, Brown, Wyden, and Sanders do if the FInal Bill comes out of Conference Committee without a Public Option or Medicare expansion and then bash him for not fighting for us, but in general this guy is one of the few men who actually does fight for us.”
DonAbernathy replied on Dec 21, 2009 at 13:26:44
“And yet everything bad get blamed on BUSH
roflmao”
roflmao”
Adam Kokesh, Anti-War Activist, Emerges As Front Runner In GOP Congressional Campaign
Commented Dec 21, 2009 at 10:40:19 in Politics
“Oops..That
Though an Isle sounds pretty tempting after this whopper of a snow storm.”
Though an Isle sounds pretty tempting after this whopper of a snow storm.”
Adam Kokesh, Anti-War Activist, Emerges As Front Runner In GOP Congressional Campaign
Commented Dec 21, 2009 at 10:37:28 in Politics
“Wow. Refreshing to see a charismatic candidate who understands that Americans from both sides of the isle have more in common with each other than they do with either the status quo Republican or status quo Democratic party agendas.
Droves of Americans on both sides have worked against their own interests by naively walking right into the Divide and Conquer trap that has been set for them by the corporate media and the status quo interests.
The Divide and Conquer Trap works to fan the flames of hatred and fear between citizens of the two big parties so they'll never see how many interests they have in common and unite together in numbers too big for Congress to ignore.
The biggest threat to the status quo is that Americans from both parties will put aside their few differences and come together on the many more issues they do agree upon.
Greater unity is the only road to any real change and all the positive changes in this country have had to come from the bottom up. Yet many today just waste all their time insulting and blaming the "other" party while the real culprits pull their trucks up to the taxpayers' treasury, load up and drive off.
I'm guessing we will hear much more about this rising star.”
Droves of Americans on both sides have worked against their own interests by naively walking right into the Divide and Conquer trap that has been set for them by the corporate media and the status quo interests.
The Divide and Conquer Trap works to fan the flames of hatred and fear between citizens of the two big parties so they'll never see how many interests they have in common and unite together in numbers too big for Congress to ignore.
The biggest threat to the status quo is that Americans from both parties will put aside their few differences and come together on the many more issues they do agree upon.
Greater unity is the only road to any real change and all the positive changes in this country have had to come from the bottom up. Yet many today just waste all their time insulting and blaming the "other" party while the real culprits pull their trucks up to the taxpayers' treasury, load up and drive off.
I'm guessing we will hear much more about this rising star.”
themainpoint replied on Dec 21, 2009 at 10:40:19
“Oops..That
Though an Isle sounds pretty tempting after this whopper of a snow storm.”
Though an Isle sounds pretty tempting after this whopper of a snow storm.”
Rand Paul Spokesman Resigns Amid Controversy Over Racism, Satanic Pics
Commented Dec 20, 2009 at 18:33:00 in Politics
“"Nader and the Pauls are viewed as threats by the political establishm
This sounds right to me, too. Ross Perot fell in the same catagory when he spent millions of his own money trying to warn Americans that many of their jobs and their economic security would be gone soon and everyone in the media and political life tried to paint him as a nut. Turned out he was exactly right.
Many people who don't work for the agenda of the status quo structure will be demonized or painted as nuts by the media and both parties.
This is precisely how the status quo maintains itself--and just look how many walk right into the trap and believe whatever they are told instead of finding out for themselves and thinking for themselves.
When the media or status quo politicians try to demonize someone or paint them as a crackpot, it's time to take a much closer look.”
This sounds right to me, too. Ross Perot fell in the same catagory when he spent millions of his own money trying to warn Americans that many of their jobs and their economic security would be gone soon and everyone in the media and political life tried to paint him as a nut. Turned out he was exactly right.
Many people who don't work for the agenda of the status quo structure will be demonized or painted as nuts by the media and both parties.
This is precisely how the status quo maintains itself--and just look how many walk right into the trap and believe whatever they are told instead of finding out for themselves and thinking for themselves.
When the media or status quo politicians try to demonize someone or paint them as a crackpot, it's time to take a much closer look.”
Howard Dean 'Disappointed' White House Didn't Fight For Public Option (VIDEO)
Commented Dec 20, 2009 at 12:14:55 in Politics
“"Howard Dean 'Disappointed' White House Didn't Fight For Public Option"
And that's because the people of this country didn't fight hard enough.
Americans have forgotten that change comes from the bottom up and it always has:
Bill Moyers--History of change in America by Howard Zinn:
http://www
And that's because the people of this country didn't fight hard enough.
Americans have forgotten that change comes from the bottom up and it always has:
Bill Moyers--History of change in America by Howard Zinn:
http://www
ferguskhan replied on Dec 20, 2009 at 12:32:14
“Unfortunately, there's no way the voice of 'The People' will ever be loud enough to outweigh the influnce of lobbiers money. Our supposed elected representatives are insulated from us in thier little beltway bubble. All they hear is the 'ka-ching' of cash flowing into their campaign chests.”
Joe Biden: If Senate Health Care Bill Doesn't Pass, We May Lose Reform 'For Another Generation'
Commented Dec 20, 2009 at 11:49:55 in Politics
“Your irrational assumptions and the way you both ask and answer for others is really over the top. Wow. No talking to you! Have a nice conversation with yourself.”
jake1492 replied on Dec 20, 2009 at 11:51:30
“I rest my point”
Joe Biden: If Senate Health Care Bill Doesn't Pass, We May Lose Reform 'For Another Generation'
Commented Dec 20, 2009 at 11:38:54 in Politics
“Right. Just like trillions of our tax dollars going to bailout the banks was for the benefit of Main Street.
This is just another giveaway to large industry as Americans are bankrupted due to artificially rigged prices.
There is no reform if Americans continue to be overcharged more than twice the going rate for their health care.
There is no reform when big drug and insurance don't have to compete like the rest of us for their profits and can merely go make secret deals with the President or lobby Congress and decide how much they are going to charge Americans who become ill.
Real reform will mean no deals or anti-trust exemptions for drug or insurance.
The only compromising done in this bill was further compromising of the middle class of this country and people who become ill so that investors in pharma and insurance can profit without having to compete for those profits.
Insurance stocks are soaring as the middle class disappears.
We need many new people in government. Those we've been counting on (like Biden who was in Congress for decades) have proven themselves utterly unsuitable for the task.”
This is just another giveaway to large industry as Americans are bankrupted due to artificially rigged prices.
There is no reform if Americans continue to be overcharged more than twice the going rate for their health care.
There is no reform when big drug and insurance don't have to compete like the rest of us for their profits and can merely go make secret deals with the President or lobby Congress and decide how much they are going to charge Americans who become ill.
Real reform will mean no deals or anti-trust exemptions for drug or insurance.
The only compromising done in this bill was further compromising of the middle class of this country and people who become ill so that investors in pharma and insurance can profit without having to compete for those profits.
Insurance stocks are soaring as the middle class disappears.
We need many new people in government. Those we've been counting on (like Biden who was in Congress for decades) have proven themselves utterly unsuitable for the task.”
jake1492 replied on Dec 20, 2009 at 11:41:50
“What do you suppose a "real" reform process would look like in the real world?
If you were in the shoes of those implementing for reform, what practical realities do you think you would need to be dealing with?
Oh.... "not your problem"? If you aren't willing to ask and try to answer those questions, you really don't have a very persuasive voice when you complain.”
If you were in the shoes of those implementing for reform, what practical realities do you think you would need to be dealing with?
Oh.... "not your problem"? If you aren't willing to ask and try to answer those questions, you really don't have a very persuasive voice when you complain.”
Vladimir Putin Offers To Join Russian Judo Team (VIDEO)
Commented Dec 20, 2009 at 11:24:29 in World
“My thought, too!”
NY Mom Gets Sight Back, Sees Daughter For First Time
Commented Dec 19, 2009 at 14:47:55 in Impact
“Best story of the day!”
Obama hails 60th Senate vote for health care
Commented Dec 19, 2009 at 13:38:28 in Politics
“Well, at least they've finally decided which big donors they are going to allow to continue to overcharge Americans by over twice the going rate for health care.”
John Kerry Breaks Out Oppo, Takes On Howard Dean For 'Kill The Bill' Comments
Commented Dec 19, 2009 at 13:36:29 in Politics
“It's always oh so "complicated" when it comes to actually delivering anything fair and just for the American people---but it's simple and takes only a few weeks to hand trillions of tax dollars to banks.
I see no evidence to that this is heading in a good direction. If you look at patterns, it's safe to assume that there will be no strings for insurance or drug just as there were no strings for the banks we bailed out.
And health insurance stocks are skyrocketing.
Here's a recent quote from the California Nurses association:
"What we've got now isn't really healthcare reform, it's a reshuffling of the deck chairs on the Titanic as far as our patients are concerned.
I see no evidence to that this is heading in a good direction. If you look at patterns, it's safe to assume that there will be no strings for insurance or drug just as there were no strings for the banks we bailed out.
And health insurance stocks are skyrocketing.
Here's a recent quote from the California Nurses association:
"What we've got now isn't really healthcare reform, it's a reshuffling of the deck chairs on the Titanic as far as our patients are concerned.
jake1492 replied on Dec 19, 2009 at 14:20:41
“Sure. The `simplicity` of giving away billions to unworthy scoundrels is not in doubt, and I certainly don`t support it. But that is unrelated to the complexity of the health care issue.
Yes, it is conceivable that the extra business thrown the way of the insurance companies may not be balanced by added responsibilities on their part. Perhaps there is some way that they will successfully elude responsibility for providing care to those who had previously existing conditions and will not find themselves having to accept those people as customers, despite the apparent new legal obligation to do so. If this turns out to be the case, then it is corrupt and wrong, and should be corrected.”
Yes, it is conceivable that the extra business thrown the way of the insurance companies may not be balanced by added responsibilities on their part. Perhaps there is some way that they will successfully elude responsibility for providing care to those who had previously existing conditions and will not find themselves having to accept those people as customers, despite the apparent new legal obligation to do so. If this turns out to be the case, then it is corrupt and wrong, and should be corrected.”
Dylan Ratigan Battles Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (VIDEO)
Commented Dec 19, 2009 at 13:19:38 in Politics
“I'm a huge fan, but perhaps he should have given her more rope to hang herself with and let up just a little and made his points after she spoke. I think that giving her a little more room would have been more educational for the viewers and enabled them to better understand what's really going on.”
WritusMaximus replied on Dec 20, 2009 at 08:32:40
“True. Nothing like allowing more time to Wasserman to add more nonsense talking points, like her consumer based health insurance idiocy.”
Taibbi, Kuttner Debate Health Care Bill On "Bill Moyers Journal" (VIDEO)
Commented Dec 19, 2009 at 12:45:51 in Politics
“Correction: "no corporation, citizenry or person..."”
John Kerry Breaks Out Oppo, Takes On Howard Dean For 'Kill The Bill' Comments
Commented Dec 19, 2009 at 12:43:08 in Politics
“"I can promise you, if we follow that kind of advice and give up now, just because the bill is not all we want it to be, we surrender the very reforms that people have spent their lives working for,.."
Kerry's logic escapes me. Should we really believe a Congress that refuses to deliver any true health care reform for decades knows whose advice we should follow? We should continue to support reform that is antithetical to real reform?
Why should Americans continue to listen to a Congress that can't get anything done--- other than to hand trillions of our tax dollars to incompetent banks? Why should we listen to a Congress that continues to unfairly advantage large drug and insurance interests (who have not earned or competed for those advantages) even when it means bankrupting and abandoning those who become ill? So much for the American work ethic.
If you really intend to require insurance and drug companies to compete for a living like the rest of Americans (instead of continuing to make it possible for them to profit by bankrupting people with artificially high prices and fraudulent business practices), then that's what you'll do.”
Kerry's logic escapes me. Should we really believe a Congress that refuses to deliver any true health care reform for decades knows whose advice we should follow? We should continue to support reform that is antithetical to real reform?
Why should Americans continue to listen to a Congress that can't get anything done--- other than to hand trillions of our tax dollars to incompetent banks? Why should we listen to a Congress that continues to unfairly advantage large drug and insurance interests (who have not earned or competed for those advantages) even when it means bankrupting and abandoning those who become ill? So much for the American work ethic.
If you really intend to require insurance and drug companies to compete for a living like the rest of Americans (instead of continuing to make it possible for them to profit by bankrupting people with artificially high prices and fraudulent business practices), then that's what you'll do.”
jake1492 replied on Dec 19, 2009 at 12:59:09
“Obviously you don't believe that the reforms being implemented are real reform.
On the face of it, the major reforms are:
1) No longer allowing denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions,
2) Support for lower income families to pay their premiums, and
3) The insurance exchange, which is supposed to be the thing that bings "the magic of the invisible hand of the market" to health care.
This is a very complex subject, and the devil is most certainly in the details. There is no doubt that these positive changes which should, in theory, bring a large improvement to the situation.
We are relying on the competence and integrity of those implementing the details of the legislation and it's actual effects to maximize the benefits and minimize the deleterious effects.
It is not at all difficult to understand that there is skepticism about the likely overal effect of the legislation. But on it's face, it appears it should be positive.”
On the face of it, the major reforms are:
1) No longer allowing denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions,
2) Support for lower income families to pay their premiums, and
3) The insurance exchange, which is supposed to be the thing that bings "the magic of the invisible hand of the market" to health care.
This is a very complex subject, and the devil is most certainly in the details. There is no doubt that these positive changes which should, in theory, bring a large improvement to the situation.
We are relying on the competence and integrity of those implementing the details of the legislation and it's actual effects to maximize the benefits and minimize the deleterious effects.
It is not at all difficult to understand that there is skepticism about the likely overal effect of the legislation. But on it's face, it appears it should be positive.”
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