May 18, 2008
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glitzqueen
Katherine Harris (no, not THAT one) is an Albuquerque-based freelance writer, editor, creative director and marcom strategist, who also sells antique jewelry online as GlitzQueen. Her political awakening came from being thwacked in the face twice by increasingly repressive conditions in the USA, on return from extended stays in Europe during the 1980s and 1990s, and has greatly intensified under the evil reign of Shrub and His Thugs. She is embarrassed to be a native of the Dallas area. Her primary website is http://www.glitzqueen.com and she blogs at http://dandelionsalad.wordpress.com/category/featured-writers/the-other-katherine-harris as The Other Katherine Harris.
Recent comments by this user
California Gay Marriage Ban Overturned: Major Updates
John Edwards Endorses Obama... GOP Prospects "Worst Since Watergate"
This is great news. John Edwards can cut through Hillary's pro-working class crap and remind voters who gave us NAFTA, CAFTA, PNTR for China, media conglomeration and financial industry deregulation. There wasn't a dime's worth of difference between Clinton's economic policies and Reagan's.
Barack started out too cozy with big money, too -- hence, the corporate media didn't close him out, as they did Edwards -- but, now that he's talking about the need to unite against "the real enemy," he's won my confidence. posted 05/14/2008 at 17:45:06
Barack started out too cozy with big money, too -- hence, the corporate media didn't close him out, as they did Edwards -- but, now that he's talking about the need to unite against "the real enemy," he's won my confidence. posted 05/14/2008 at 17:45:06
The Reality in Television
As the mother of a wonderful gay son and friend of many fine gay people, including a couple together longer than any straight duo I know, this issue is important to me -- but, even without these connections, it shouldn't be hard to recognize that it's nobody else's business who marries whom. People's intimate relationships belong to THEM and have no bearing on those of others.
I'm gratified that, among young people, same-sex marriage is already a non-issue and that the MSM, for all its other faults, continues to be a progressive force in this arena. Justice will come, perhaps a lot sooner than we guess. It's increasingly clear that most of us are fed to the teeth with the damned fascists. posted 05/14/2008 at 00:33:34
I'm gratified that, among young people, same-sex marriage is already a non-issue and that the MSM, for all its other faults, continues to be a progressive force in this arena. Justice will come, perhaps a lot sooner than we guess. It's increasingly clear that most of us are fed to the teeth with the damned fascists. posted 05/14/2008 at 00:33:34
Bill Moyers On Olbermann: "I Was Greatly Encouraged...That People Saw Through [Hillary's] Flimsy Rationale For The Gas Tax"
What a delight to see these brave kindred spirits together. It's amazing, really, that the corporatists have suffered them to live. posted 05/14/2008 at 00:04:05
All We Are Saying is Give Peace Your Pants
Oh, good frickin' grief. Kent State was the end of the real hippie scene. We hard-core freaks had a collective nervous breakdown, rock went to hell and then bubblegummers threw a costume party. posted 05/12/2008 at 23:39:08
Hillary's Gift to Women
Great line: "Virtue is always a choice." Thanks for all your inspiring, conscience-driven work, Ms. Ehrenreich. posted 05/12/2008 at 12:47:51
Vallejo's Bankruptcy Might Have Been Prevented
What a low, Reagan-esque trick to fault decent compensation for public servants. The insane privatization frenzy he kicked off has been the mistake, as common sense should have warned us. Obviously, whenever you place a profit-collecting entity between provider and recipient of any service, its cost will rise.
The trouble communities are in now is essentially the work of Wall Street banks deregulated under Clinton, who continued Republican economic policies. The credit crisis they created in the process of enriching themselves on toxic security sales is felt now in both the housing and bond markets, upon which local governments rely. posted 05/10/2008 at 16:21:14
The trouble communities are in now is essentially the work of Wall Street banks deregulated under Clinton, who continued Republican economic policies. The credit crisis they created in the process of enriching themselves on toxic security sales is felt now in both the housing and bond markets, upon which local governments rely. posted 05/10/2008 at 16:21:14
Barbara Walters And Oprah Congratulate Themselves: We Were Other Women But We Were NOT Mistresses!
While I agree with the few who pointed out that the party who was actually married should bear more guilt for an affair, the single participant in it isn't blameless -- and deserves no morality points for honoring the lesser Victorian dictum, "Accept only candy and flowers from gentlemen."
Engaging in the behavior is the real evil here, not the appearance of being bought and paid for. posted 05/07/2008 at 10:18:16
Engaging in the behavior is the real evil here, not the appearance of being bought and paid for. posted 05/07/2008 at 10:18:16
The True McCain Health Plan: Wealth Transfer From Voters to Corporations
Yep, it's just more corporate welfare -- both for employers who want to cease providing benefits altogether and, of course, for the insurance companies. Common sense tells us that, whenever you place a profit-collecting entity between the provider and recipient of any item or service, its cost will rise. Even most doctors now agree that the greedy insurance companies need to be knocked out of the loop, so they can take proper care of patients at a decent price again. Like every nation that calls itself civilized, the US should have single-payer universal healthcare. Nothing else will really work. posted 05/01/2008 at 14:59:11
GDP Grew Last Quarter? Only If You Believe In Santa Claus
So right! If their lips are moving, they're lying. posted 05/01/2008 at 15:02:16
The Good Fight
Well, now, this is a side of you we haven't seen before. How about letting your unconventional legacy loose in the Senate, before more of our towns sink into poverty and more heinous crimes are committed in the name of the American people? A gent with such a colorful background shouldn't get kicked around. Lose the meek streak, Harry. posted 04/30/2008 at 14:53:30
Probing a Political Paradox: Why the Discredited Right Still Sets the Agenda and Dominates the Debate
The word that said it all was Cheney's, "SO?"
The media don't care any more than our government does about where the public stands on anything. They no longer make even a pretense of serving the people; they serve their corporate masters -- and their corporate masters profit mightily from radical right-wing policies and will continue to propagandize for them as long as they have an audience.
Newsfolk are in fear, yes, but it's fear of losing their jobs. There's not much work left for writer-types, as I can personally attest, and more heads are rolling in newsrooms every day. posted 04/29/2008 at 12:14:17
The media don't care any more than our government does about where the public stands on anything. They no longer make even a pretense of serving the people; they serve their corporate masters -- and their corporate masters profit mightily from radical right-wing policies and will continue to propagandize for them as long as they have an audience.
Newsfolk are in fear, yes, but it's fear of losing their jobs. There's not much work left for writer-types, as I can personally attest, and more heads are rolling in newsrooms every day. posted 04/29/2008 at 12:14:17
You're absolutely right, Nellie. Just one honest network would make a crucial difference.
We Democrats should have donated to creating one, rather than to candidates who've spent those many millions to advertise on corporate-owned networks that will do their best to elect Republicans this fall -- and then relentlessly attack any Democrats who manage to win. As things stand, all our contributions serve only to strengthen the opposition. posted 04/29/2008 at 00:15:56
We Democrats should have donated to creating one, rather than to candidates who've spent those many millions to advertise on corporate-owned networks that will do their best to elect Republicans this fall -- and then relentlessly attack any Democrats who manage to win. As things stand, all our contributions serve only to strengthen the opposition. posted 04/29/2008 at 00:15:56
The IMF's Historic Transition: Is Less Better?
The IMF, World Bank and affiliated institutions should be closed immediately and all debts forgiven. Their only achievement has been to legitimize corporate plunder -- and now, while people are starving due to their policies, they're trying to use the crisis to promote more trade ruinous to all but transnational tycoons. They're sociopaths; let's face it. Shut 'em down. posted 04/29/2008 at 00:02:00
Media Jump Ship From Obama To Clinton
Well, OF COURSE the media want Hillary to be nominated, because that's what their tycoon owners want. Building up Obama for months earned them loads and loads of ad money -- taken directly from the pockets of Democrats, which made it all the nicer -- but now their objective is to elect McCain.
If Hillary is his opponent, she'll arouse their social reactionary faction like a red flag to a bull, whereas Obama is quite palatable to a number of reasonable Republicans. Also making her easier to defeat, informed progressive Democrats have no passion for her candidacy -- remembering that the Clintons gave us NAFTA, CAFTA, the WTO, PNTR for China, media conglomeration and even the financial deregulation that now has us staring a Depression in the face.
Those who believe she'd do more for working people than Obama are so politically ignorant that it would be laughable if the situation and its consequences weren't so grave. posted 04/25/2008 at 15:57:06
If Hillary is his opponent, she'll arouse their social reactionary faction like a red flag to a bull, whereas Obama is quite palatable to a number of reasonable Republicans. Also making her easier to defeat, informed progressive Democrats have no passion for her candidacy -- remembering that the Clintons gave us NAFTA, CAFTA, the WTO, PNTR for China, media conglomeration and even the financial deregulation that now has us staring a Depression in the face.
Those who believe she'd do more for working people than Obama are so politically ignorant that it would be laughable if the situation and its consequences weren't so grave. posted 04/25/2008 at 15:57:06
A Tsunami of Hunger: Food Riots Hit Countries in Africa, Asia and Haiti
Obviously, you share the opinion of the greedy mutlinational corporattions that are running the world. They don't care who suffers and dies, as long as they don't; it only means more for them.
If you believe this in your secret heart-of-hearts, that's evil enough. To state it publicly is despicable. posted 04/19/2008 at 12:32:48
If you believe this in your secret heart-of-hearts, that's evil enough. To state it publicly is despicable. posted 04/19/2008 at 12:32:48
Hillary Clinton Slams MoveOn With Karl Rove's Lies
I, for one, am enormously thankful for MoveOn and the similar groups that kept Democrats informed, rallied us around critical issues, motivated and made it easy for us to contact our legislators, promoted worthwhile candidates and generally kept us from drowning in a Slough of Despond.
If not for them, where would we be today, after so many dark years, so many soul-crushing abuses and the deceitfulness of mainstream media? These groups were doing work that our official party didn't do -- and probably couldn't have done, even with the best will in the world. It had become an ossified structure, characterized by a general lack of imagination and gumption and restricted at policy level by the split between true progressives and a go-along-to-get-along (and get rich) DLC faction.
The vibrancy seen in the party today certainly isn't attributable to its leadership, but to the activist groups and news sites that held us together as individuals and built our determination and momentum from the bottom up, not the top down. posted 04/19/2008 at 10:05:48
If not for them, where would we be today, after so many dark years, so many soul-crushing abuses and the deceitfulness of mainstream media? These groups were doing work that our official party didn't do -- and probably couldn't have done, even with the best will in the world. It had become an ossified structure, characterized by a general lack of imagination and gumption and restricted at policy level by the split between true progressives and a go-along-to-get-along (and get rich) DLC faction.
The vibrancy seen in the party today certainly isn't attributable to its leadership, but to the activist groups and news sites that held us together as individuals and built our determination and momentum from the bottom up, not the top down. posted 04/19/2008 at 10:05:48
The Very Serious Debate, Starring The Very Serious George & Charlie
Yep, it was another Mickey Mouse production from Disney News. You'll never catch me watching either of these bozos again -- not even for comic relief.
Deft work, Mr. Cesca, but it didn't even raise a smile from me. The situation is too bloody serious. posted 04/17/2008 at 16:14:51
Deft work, Mr. Cesca, but it didn't even raise a smile from me. The situation is too bloody serious. posted 04/17/2008 at 16:14:51
The ABC Debate: A Shameful Night for the U.S. Media
Bottom line is Disney hosted another truly Mickey Mouse event. Remember they also aired that lying "documentary" on 9/11 right before the election in 2004, trying to blame it on Clinton administration people? Tonight was actually the first time I've watched ABC since then. Back to the boycott. posted 04/16/2008 at 23:52:36
Nobody on the "far left" has been left in this race for months; the media saw to that. posted 04/16/2008 at 23:46:45
Clinton emphatically says Obama can win White House
Well, despite their best efforts to shoot Obama down, he's being named the winner of the debate on the ABC News website now -- with 7,000-some votes to Clinton's 2,000-some. posted 04/16/2008 at 23:11:36
Hillary Clinton On Southern Working Class Whites In 1995: "Screw 'Em"
Edwards was my first choice -- and all the polls showed he'd more easily lick any Republican than Obama or Clinton would -- but the corporate media bashed him constantly and made sure the real content of his message never reached the masses. So why do you think an endorsement from him would get any more ink and air than his candidacy did? Yes, he has a few delegates he can bestow on someone, but not enough to make this ghastly bloodletting stop now. If he could make a decisive difference, I feel confident he would, but the numbers aren't there yet. Perhaps after Pennsylvania and Indiana, they will be. posted 04/16/2008 at 15:37:01
McCain: We'll Look Back On Iraq As An 'Academic Argument'
Tell it to a million Iraqi families who've lost loved ones, John -- and to the four million Iraqi families displaced from their homes -- and to American families in the tens of thousands, whose loved ones died or suffered horrible injuries -- and to American taxpayers who'll be paying for this $3 trillion travesty through generations.
You're a heartless old fiend, John McCain. posted 04/16/2008 at 15:14:16
You're a heartless old fiend, John McCain. posted 04/16/2008 at 15:14:16
Hedge-Fund Managers Score Biggest Ever Payday
And these are the guys who lobbied like crazy to keep their income improperly taxed at 15% by calling it all capital gains -- never mind that they automatically take 20% off the top, whether they win or lose. posted 04/16/2008 at 09:16:29
Between the Ds, it's Obama!
Um, what is it you still like about being a Republican? Are you THAT rich? posted 04/16/2008 at 23:57:51
The Power and Responsibility of our Nation's Broadcasters
Brilliant speech, Mr. Robbins, and I've read that it was well-received. Of course, most people in the media would like to do the right thing, but only a few are in a position to set policy. I hope that, among your listeners, one with the power to make changes was moved -- because all it would take is ONE. Think of it! If just one network voluntarily reverted to the old standards of truth and fairness, not only would its news ratings soar, but its rivals would be exposed as the corporatist hacks they are.
Until that day comes, I agree with those who've written here that we should tune out the deceptive MSM and fight like tigers to preserve Net Neutrality. posted 04/16/2008 at 08:25:34
Until that day comes, I agree with those who've written here that we should tune out the deceptive MSM and fight like tigers to preserve Net Neutrality. posted 04/16/2008 at 08:25:34
Hedge Funds Declare War on Iceland
Evil old world we live in, isn't it? Your remarks on this attack led me to seek a motive for the crime and it didn't take long. If others would like to follow my line of march, it goes thus:
www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/apr/17/creditcrunch
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1204048043.63/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland_and_the_European_Union
I concluded that the attack is meant to sway Icelandic public opinion about adopting the Euro, thus joining the EU. It"s starting to work. Some Icelandic bankers, themselves, seem in favor. The present PM is opposed " he prefers a sovereign Iceland that was doing fine on its own, thanks " but his coalition is shaky. If American hedge funds are involved, they're probably covering European tracks.
In a larger sense, of course, this could be first dress rehearsal before larger countries are assaulted for whatever reasons.
The shadow financial system really must be dragged into the light before untold damage is done. posted 04/17/2008 at 15:47:22
www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/apr/17/creditcrunch
www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1204048043.63/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iceland_and_the_European_Union
I concluded that the attack is meant to sway Icelandic public opinion about adopting the Euro, thus joining the EU. It"s starting to work. Some Icelandic bankers, themselves, seem in favor. The present PM is opposed " he prefers a sovereign Iceland that was doing fine on its own, thanks " but his coalition is shaky. If American hedge funds are involved, they're probably covering European tracks.
In a larger sense, of course, this could be first dress rehearsal before larger countries are assaulted for whatever reasons.
The shadow financial system really must be dragged into the light before untold damage is done. posted 04/17/2008 at 15:47:22
Time For Bank CEOs Who Blew It To Step Down
Axing them is appropriate, yes -- but then they leave with tens of millions. That oughta stop, too.
And what about prosecuting those who knowingly created this mess, for their own gain -- from the Wall Streeters peddling pixie dust to the rating agencies that gave it their imprimatur down to the mortgage brokers and appraisers? posted 04/15/2008 at 20:13:24
And what about prosecuting those who knowingly created this mess, for their own gain -- from the Wall Streeters peddling pixie dust to the rating agencies that gave it their imprimatur down to the mortgage brokers and appraisers? posted 04/15/2008 at 20:13:24
Where are Dem "Leaders" While Barack Twists and Hillary Burns the Party Down?
Very sensible, PumaJ. I just directed my rage in that direction, stating:
A huge Democratic victory this fall should have been a given, after the criminal misrule of Shrub and His Thugs, but that prospect is fading more each day. America can't afford four years of McSame; we're being ruined in every conceivable way -- both as a nation and as individuals -- and THIS is what the party should be talking about. Please show some leadership and make this shameful, stomach-turning primary GO AWAY!!!
Hillary and Bill Clinton have destroyed every scrap of respect I had for them. Make them run a principled campaign, instead of the worst sort of Republican smear campaign, I beg you for the sake of our country -- and, if they won't, please have the superdelegates vote NOW, so the lunacy will stop.
If you'd like to see how thoroughly disgusted many people are, an excellent example is here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/miles-mogulescu/where-are-dem-leaders-whi_b_96687.html posted 04/15/2008 at 06:52:27
A huge Democratic victory this fall should have been a given, after the criminal misrule of Shrub and His Thugs, but that prospect is fading more each day. America can't afford four years of McSame; we're being ruined in every conceivable way -- both as a nation and as individuals -- and THIS is what the party should be talking about. Please show some leadership and make this shameful, stomach-turning primary GO AWAY!!!
Hillary and Bill Clinton have destroyed every scrap of respect I had for them. Make them run a principled campaign, instead of the worst sort of Republican smear campaign, I beg you for the sake of our country -- and, if they won't, please have the superdelegates vote NOW, so the lunacy will stop.
If you'd like to see how thoroughly disgusted many people are, an excellent example is here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/miles-mogulescu/where-are-dem-leaders-whi_b_96687.html posted 04/15/2008 at 06:52:27
Food Costs Rising Fastest in 17 Years
Lies and Damned Lies. Eggs up 25% over last year -- hah! Make that 100%. The were about a buck a dozen and now they're about two bucks a dozen. Poultry up 7% -- hah! Every form of meat is up by at least 30-50%. All our infation stats have been gef__ked for years.
I agree with those who attribute this mainly to the biofuels boondoggle (compounded by the ruin of the dollar and higher fuel prices to transport everything), but please let's get clear on where ALL these factors came from. It was SHRUB who introduced the biofuels boondoggle out the blue, once his fat cat cronies had swooped in under the radar to scarf up enough land (displacing Third World farmers) and make deals to build refineries. His timing was perfect. The Dems didn't dare oppose it, with a nomination fight due to launch before long in Iowa, the corn kingdom. BTW, the Clintons invested in Brazilian land to participate in this rip-off. For as long as it lasts, it's a marvelous party -- for some. posted 04/14/2008 at 22:17:22
I agree with those who attribute this mainly to the biofuels boondoggle (compounded by the ruin of the dollar and higher fuel prices to transport everything), but please let's get clear on where ALL these factors came from. It was SHRUB who introduced the biofuels boondoggle out the blue, once his fat cat cronies had swooped in under the radar to scarf up enough land (displacing Third World farmers) and make deals to build refineries. His timing was perfect. The Dems didn't dare oppose it, with a nomination fight due to launch before long in Iowa, the corn kingdom. BTW, the Clintons invested in Brazilian land to participate in this rip-off. For as long as it lasts, it's a marvelous party -- for some. posted 04/14/2008 at 22:17:22
Tight-fisted Ikea Billionaire Drives 15-Year-Old Volvo, Assembles Own Furniture
Actually, EB, I have a Swedish friend who works for IKEA in Ängelholm and was thrilled to get the job (a computer gig). Karin's doing very well. She and her guy have been renovating a house and she just sent me a postcard from Thailand, where they went to celebrate his birthday.
Throughout Scandinavia, there seems to be a common attitude that enough is enough. One of my clients in the ad/PR agency days was a transplanted Dane who built lovely homes here in New Mexico and capped his own salary at $75K (in late 1970s money). Profits were used to benefit the employees. Gerhard bought property at several resorts, including one in Hawaii, and REQUIRED his people to go and spend time at them, free. Really, really nice man. We could use a lot more employers like him! posted 04/15/2008 at 09:41:34
Throughout Scandinavia, there seems to be a common attitude that enough is enough. One of my clients in the ad/PR agency days was a transplanted Dane who built lovely homes here in New Mexico and capped his own salary at $75K (in late 1970s money). Profits were used to benefit the employees. Gerhard bought property at several resorts, including one in Hawaii, and REQUIRED his people to go and spend time at them, free. Really, really nice man. We could use a lot more employers like him! posted 04/15/2008 at 09:41:34
Carville Still Proud Of His "Judas" Line
Flash from New Mexico: This state finished in such a dead heat that folks were recounting for days before a result was announced. In the end, Hillary won by virtually nothing. The delegates are split; she gets one extra that her margin of victory doesn't really warrant -- but they aren't letting us carve individual delegates up.
Santa Fe (Gov. RIchardson's home) and Albuquerque, our only two real cities, were solidly for Obama. Folks in the hinterlands, who tend toward Republicans, made the tiny bit of difference. posted 04/14/2008 at 22:00:51
Santa Fe (Gov. RIchardson's home) and Albuquerque, our only two real cities, were solidly for Obama. Folks in the hinterlands, who tend toward Republicans, made the tiny bit of difference. posted 04/14/2008 at 22:00:51
Carville and his ilk are totally yesterday. And Richardson (my state's governor) made me proud. Despite his flaws -- like helping Bill Clinton pass NAFTA -- he's shown himself to be an honest man and nobody's lackey. posted 04/14/2008 at 06:17:46
A Bitter Pill To Swallow
Any American who ISN'T mad hasn't been paying attention -- or belongs to the economic elite that profited while the rest of us were robbed. posted 04/14/2008 at 06:07:36
Wesley Clark for VP!
Um, anybody remember the Yugoslavia section of "The Shock Doctrine"? posted 04/14/2008 at 23:29:37
Here We Go Again
You and Catherine Crier have this absolutely right today, Jane. Thank goodness for all who can still think straight and be rightfully angry, without grasping at straw scapegoats.
A pity that Obama didn't express the thought as elegantly as when he recently urged us to unite against the real enemy, instead of falling into the trap of false divisions. But it's obviously the same thought.
Any American who isn't mad at what's been done over the past 25 years to the rest of us, all to enrich grillionaires, hasn't been paying attention.
BTW, another false division is that drawn between the so-called "middle" and "working" classes -- as if the middle class doesn't rely equally on work to survive. We're all in the same boat and it's sinking fast. posted 04/12/2008 at 15:56:40
A pity that Obama didn't express the thought as elegantly as when he recently urged us to unite against the real enemy, instead of falling into the trap of false divisions. But it's obviously the same thought.
Any American who isn't mad at what's been done over the past 25 years to the rest of us, all to enrich grillionaires, hasn't been paying attention.
BTW, another false division is that drawn between the so-called "middle" and "working" classes -- as if the middle class doesn't rely equally on work to survive. We're all in the same boat and it's sinking fast. posted 04/12/2008 at 15:56:40
Punished for the Truth
You and Jane Smiley have this absolutely right today. Thank goodness for all who can still think straight and be rightfully angry, without grasping at straw scapegoats.
A pity that Obama didn't express the thought as elegantly as when he recently urged us to unite against the real enemy, instead of falling into the trap of false divisions. But it's obviously the same thought.
Any American who isn't mad at what's been done over the past 25 years to the rest of us, all to enrich grillionaires, hasn't been paying attention.
BTW, another false division is that drawn between the so-called "middle" and "working" classes -- as if the middle class doesn't rely equally on work to survive. We're all in the same boat and it's sinking fast. posted 04/12/2008 at 15:57:57
A pity that Obama didn't express the thought as elegantly as when he recently urged us to unite against the real enemy, instead of falling into the trap of false divisions. But it's obviously the same thought.
Any American who isn't mad at what's been done over the past 25 years to the rest of us, all to enrich grillionaires, hasn't been paying attention.
BTW, another false division is that drawn between the so-called "middle" and "working" classes -- as if the middle class doesn't rely equally on work to survive. We're all in the same boat and it's sinking fast. posted 04/12/2008 at 15:57:57
Trent Lott As A Lobbyist: "I Haven't Paid For Lunch In 30 Years"
If this is par for the course in Washington, it's long past time to set term limits.
Anyone who "doesn't drive" and hasn't learned to use public transport -- and who's spent decades as the lunch guest of lobbyists -- is far too out of touch with the real America to be in Congress.
Were Lott even remotely in touch with life as most of us know it, he'd be ashamed to admit these things, not telling them as if they warrant our indulgent laughter. He's been indulged far too much already. posted 04/12/2008 at 09:40:08
Anyone who "doesn't drive" and hasn't learned to use public transport -- and who's spent decades as the lunch guest of lobbyists -- is far too out of touch with the real America to be in Congress.
Were Lott even remotely in touch with life as most of us know it, he'd be ashamed to admit these things, not telling them as if they warrant our indulgent laughter. He's been indulged far too much already. posted 04/12/2008 at 09:40:08
Hunger Striking for Socially Responsible Capitalism
I'm glad the kids are passionate enough to take action, but hunger-striking seems out of all proportion in this case. What option does it leave them for protesting something more serious, except self-immolation? posted 04/14/2008 at 06:23:24
Why Progressives Should Support the Draft and Why Aren't People Protesting McCain's Lack of Patriotism?
When those who "don't fit the mold" are part of the military, democracy is better served in many ways. It has a humanizing effect on an organization that can be most inhumane, and every guy I know who served when the draft was in effect says he benefited tremendously from association with people of all types and backgrounds. They learned to respect and depend on people whom they otherwise wouldn't have met. America was a much more tolerant place in those days, and that was one big reason. Kids in the service learned real skills, too, because there were jobs of every sort (not farmed out to overpaid contractors).
Mind you, I was as opposed to the draft as anyone, when queen of the hippies as a teenager at the end of the '60s. My typical male friend had a student deferment -- and, if that expired, found a friendly shrink to declare him mad as a badger. Now, though, I see something horrifying in a "professional" military force restricted to those who self-select that career. Too, the burden of war should in fairness be shared equally, both in the interest of waging fewer and for more responsible management when they're waged.
What if we"d fought World War II with careerists and mercenaries, instead of mostly citizen-soldiers, and what if those building ships, planes and weapons had cut corners for profit? We might well have lost. And, if a war can't inspire genuine idealism, what's the excuse for it? posted 04/09/2008 at 23:19:02
Mind you, I was as opposed to the draft as anyone, when queen of the hippies as a teenager at the end of the '60s. My typical male friend had a student deferment -- and, if that expired, found a friendly shrink to declare him mad as a badger. Now, though, I see something horrifying in a "professional" military force restricted to those who self-select that career. Too, the burden of war should in fairness be shared equally, both in the interest of waging fewer and for more responsible management when they're waged.
What if we"d fought World War II with careerists and mercenaries, instead of mostly citizen-soldiers, and what if those building ships, planes and weapons had cut corners for profit? We might well have lost. And, if a war can't inspire genuine idealism, what's the excuse for it? posted 04/09/2008 at 23:19:02
Bush: Give Stimulus Checks "A Chance To Kick In"
LOL, WIpatriot! That's really cute. posted 04/08/2008 at 22:30:09
So right, maggiemae. These pitiful little checks will add up to significant further aid for the financiers who got us into this mess in the first place. Would have made a lot more sense to let us deduct our sorry rebates from taxes we have to pay this month, so at least it would be between us and the government, instead of diverted to Wall Street. *grrrrr* posted 04/08/2008 at 18:47:03
Justice For...All?
Thanks for pointing out a grave problem, Mr. Johnson, but it's even worse than you said. Besides so-called "tort reform" to protect corporations from big damage awards -- and, not incidentally, to cut into the fees of attorneys who typically support Democratic candidates and causes -- we have a Supreme Court that recently made it harder even for shareholders to sue the corporations they own. And, beyond that, public suits at EVERY level are now compromised by a judicial system packed from top to bottom with pro-business judges.
This I learned to my shock, when I wasn't even allowed my day in court to seek justice for antiques damaged and stolen while stored with a large moving company and insured by a large insurance company. Neither wanted to pay up and the judge (who made international news for refusing to shut down Republican shenanigans during the 2006 election) just dismissed the whole thing during preliminary pleadings. Then he said to me snippily, "You can always appeal" -- knowing full-well that an appeal would cost me about $10,000, far too much to risk on a $50,000 claim that one of his confreres would also shut down before it reached a jury.
That's where we are with justice in America. As far as regular people go, it's F you very much. posted 04/08/2008 at 18:30:42
This I learned to my shock, when I wasn't even allowed my day in court to seek justice for antiques damaged and stolen while stored with a large moving company and insured by a large insurance company. Neither wanted to pay up and the judge (who made international news for refusing to shut down Republican shenanigans during the 2006 election) just dismissed the whole thing during preliminary pleadings. Then he said to me snippily, "You can always appeal" -- knowing full-well that an appeal would cost me about $10,000, far too much to risk on a $50,000 claim that one of his confreres would also shut down before it reached a jury.
That's where we are with justice in America. As far as regular people go, it's F you very much. posted 04/08/2008 at 18:30:42
Separate And Unequal: U.S. Health Care and the Republican Response
Yep, mine was that way, too, GAC1: totally useless except in extreme emergency. For just one person - healthy little me - they were charging $425 a month, when I finally dropped out. Of course I couldn't afford to see a doctor, on top of paying that! Haven't seen one for years. Can't even remember when. posted 04/08/2008 at 19:04:02
My condolences on the death of your friend, ArchAngel. People facing horrific illnesses shouldn't also be faced with horrific bills. We're the only allegedly "civilized" nation that still allows and tries to legitimize that double suffering.
As for his lack of insurance, he was at the worst possible age within our ghastly system -- too young for Medicare and yet too old to get affordable coverage on the private market (unless through a very generous employer). People between 50 and 65 are at enormous risk in America, as I know from personal experience. It's particularly awful, if you're self-employed. Once past 50, my premiums began rocketing every year until I finally had to give up and take my chances -- this although I'm one of those ridiculously healthy people who hadn't filed a single claim for decades.
I tell you, we have GOT to get the greedy insurance companies out of this picture. They're killing us and sucking our bones. posted 04/07/2008 at 23:18:26
As for his lack of insurance, he was at the worst possible age within our ghastly system -- too young for Medicare and yet too old to get affordable coverage on the private market (unless through a very generous employer). People between 50 and 65 are at enormous risk in America, as I know from personal experience. It's particularly awful, if you're self-employed. Once past 50, my premiums began rocketing every year until I finally had to give up and take my chances -- this although I'm one of those ridiculously healthy people who hadn't filed a single claim for decades.
I tell you, we have GOT to get the greedy insurance companies out of this picture. They're killing us and sucking our bones. posted 04/07/2008 at 23:18:26
The obvious reason why our health care system is such a horror in terms of cost and availability is because a profit-taking entity stands with its hand out between providers and recipients of the services. The insurance industry drains billions out of American health spending every year -- merely to pay salaries in the multi-millions to top executives and support an enormous bureaucracy dedicated to saying no.
ALL our privatization schemes suffer exactly the same fault. "Greater efficiency," my ass! It's just corporate welfare.
Forcing us to rely on overpriced coverage designed to enrich the insurance vultures is madness, with or without tax credits intended to offset some of the cost -- and what about people whose tax liability isn't large enough to benefit at all from any rebate? Even the majority of DOCTORS now realize we need the sort of single-payer coverage that's the norm in every other country that purports to be civilized. Those nations are getting better results, while spending far less than we do. posted 04/07/2008 at 23:07:02
ALL our privatization schemes suffer exactly the same fault. "Greater efficiency," my ass! It's just corporate welfare.
Forcing us to rely on overpriced coverage designed to enrich the insurance vultures is madness, with or without tax credits intended to offset some of the cost -- and what about people whose tax liability isn't large enough to benefit at all from any rebate? Even the majority of DOCTORS now realize we need the sort of single-payer coverage that's the norm in every other country that purports to be civilized. Those nations are getting better results, while spending far less than we do. posted 04/07/2008 at 23:07:02
Food or Fuel? We Americans Aren't Making Friends
Oh, puh-leeze, go educate yourself. posted 04/08/2008 at 22:59:13
Yeah, right, let's blame ourselves for the biofuels boondoggle that Shrub introduced out the blue, once his fat cat cronies had scarfed up enough land (displacing Third World farmers) and made their deals to build refineries. Dems didn't dare oppose it, with the Iowa caucus coming up.
Plenty of us saw the handwriting on the wall, back then -- and plenty of us are also suffering from the huge spike in food prices. It may not be long before there are food riots here, too.
And, BTW, the Clintons invested heavily in Brazilian land to participate in this rip-off. For as long as it lasts, it's a marvelous party for some. posted 04/08/2008 at 18:54:17
Plenty of us saw the handwriting on the wall, back then -- and plenty of us are also suffering from the huge spike in food prices. It may not be long before there are food riots here, too.
And, BTW, the Clintons invested heavily in Brazilian land to participate in this rip-off. For as long as it lasts, it's a marvelous party for some. posted 04/08/2008 at 18:54:17
Blackwater's Iraq Contract Renewed Despite Investigations
ALL privatization of government functions has been a scam from the git-go. You place a profit-driven entity between the provider and recipient of any service and what do you get? Yeah, higher prices -- and lower wages and benefits for those who actually do the work. The real result of privatization is the exact opposite of the greater "efficiency" old horrid Reagan promised, when he began the madness.
We need to cancel ALL government contracts for services. Period. Let the government then directly hire the people it needs and let the military rely on a draft, if it has to. Gosh, imagine the savings -- and the greater reluctance to wage lunatic wars for the benefit of profiteers.
Exactly the same vampirism characterizes our insurance-based healthcare system. Knock all the middlemen out. They not only contribute nothing, but loot the system of billions every year. Even docs are grasping this now. By going to single-payer, we'll save a fortune and have far better care.
The greedy creeps skimming everything are the enemy. DUMP 'EM. posted 04/05/2008 at 00:30:17
We need to cancel ALL government contracts for services. Period. Let the government then directly hire the people it needs and let the military rely on a draft, if it has to. Gosh, imagine the savings -- and the greater reluctance to wage lunatic wars for the benefit of profiteers.
Exactly the same vampirism characterizes our insurance-based healthcare system. Knock all the middlemen out. They not only contribute nothing, but loot the system of billions every year. Even docs are grasping this now. By going to single-payer, we'll save a fortune and have far better care.
The greedy creeps skimming everything are the enemy. DUMP 'EM. posted 04/05/2008 at 00:30:17
Renee Zellweger's Ullman Revulsion: Tracey's Impression A Reason To Call Shrink
Oooh, yes, totally brilliant. I adored her, especially when playing the child in her room. And Tracy was the first Brit who bothered learning how to speak American. (Our theatre schools have always taught us to speak Brit - mainly for doing Shakespeare and Shaw - but theirs never returned the favor.) posted 04/05/2008 at 00:43:11
What's Happened to the Great American Century?
You said it. They want ignorant worker-bees they can push around, who won't make demands or ask tough questions. Reagan was the one who really pulled the plug; remember how incensed he was about the student protests and said they "don't deserve an education"? State-funded college soon disappeared and now most kids who make it through are so encumbered by debt that they're ready to be indentured servants? posted 04/01/2008 at 19:31:36
Grocery Store Misses Sales Target By 70 Percent
Well, I just tracked down their website and sent them this little note:
I was a Tesco customer, when living in the UK, so I'm receptive to the idea that you've come to the States. Not having seen your US stores, I'm just going by what I've read and seen on this website -- to which my comments are 1) gawds, what ghastly shades of puke green you're using; and 2) what are you THINKING, if you're actually forcing people to use self-service checkout?
Fix those two messes first and maybe you'll make it. What we really LOVE over here is Trader Joe's. Mix your good house-branded products with a cute setting and SERVICE. Don't make it cold like a drive-through bank, unless you'll let us drive through!
Cheers! posted 04/02/2008 at 22:26:58
I was a Tesco customer, when living in the UK, so I'm receptive to the idea that you've come to the States. Not having seen your US stores, I'm just going by what I've read and seen on this website -- to which my comments are 1) gawds, what ghastly shades of puke green you're using; and 2) what are you THINKING, if you're actually forcing people to use self-service checkout?
Fix those two messes first and maybe you'll make it. What we really LOVE over here is Trader Joe's. Mix your good house-branded products with a cute setting and SERVICE. Don't make it cold like a drive-through bank, unless you'll let us drive through!
Cheers! posted 04/02/2008 at 22:26:58
The Fear Factor
Thanks, Mr. Lux, for the light you've shed here. Sheesh, if our Democratic politicians are scared of the Clintons, they must be downright terrified of Shrub and His Thugs. Certainly explains the wimpy Congress, doesn't it?
It's high time for us to elect some people with a little courage, huh? This is just plain embarrassing! posted 03/29/2008 at 00:10:59
It's high time for us to elect some people with a little courage, huh? This is just plain embarrassing! posted 03/29/2008 at 00:10:59
Government Benefit Programs in Trouble
Yeah, right. Wall Street has done SUCH a good job that the Pig Men need to be in charge of our retirement money, too. Can't you see even now -- in the midst of the economic meltdown they caused (while raking off billions for themselves and still expecting us to bail them out) -- how crooked they are? posted 03/26/2008 at 16:40:01
Carville Stands By "Judas" Remark, Says He Wanted To Brand Richardson
Sorry, but I'm a New Mexican and you don't speak for me. We were about half and half here, as usual. The rural and military base people always go for the most conservative choice. The cities were for Obama. posted 03/25/2008 at 18:28:11
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