Any nation's journey through time is defined by an unending string of quintessential moments that define that nations path, and its future. For America, one of those major moments came last night. One of the major credit rating agencies, Standard and Poors, for the first time in 235 years of American History downgraded our Nation's bond rating to AA+ with a Negative Outlook. For the very first time the full faith and credit of the United States of America is something less than AAA. Now many are trying to downplay the significance of this in order to calm world markets, but the rating marks much more than a downgrade in our bond rating. It marks a downgrade in America itself, and our ability to function effectively as a government, and the worlds sole superpower.
From the President, to the House, to the Senate, this stain on America's name graces each and everyone of the bodies I have mentioned. It has placed us at a crossroads, and the road forward is dim. We have a President who does not engage in the business of government until it is too late, and even then, yields to his opposition. We have a House of Representatives fractured by uncompromising factions, who would rather be right, than do the peoples business. They waste time on bills that have no future, ideas that carry no weight, and ideological dogmas that prevent compromise because they signed some inane pledge somewhere down the line, that caters to one man, and not the public welfare. For 7 months Congress played their little game, going back and forth until things reached critical mass, and with hours to spare, averted disaster with a sub-standard bill that will once again lay the heaviest burden on those who can lease afford it.
Millions of our people our out of work, our roads and bridges are collapsing, our trains clickity clack down old rails at 50 mph, while in China, France, and Japan they cruise at over 300 mph, Our Education system is in need of a desperate overhaul, and the separation between the rich and the poor gets bigger with each passing day. This is the America we have created, and for the first time in history I think it is a safe bet to say the next generation will have less than we have had.
Yes people this is our reality, we live from month to month, election cycle to election cycle. We put band-aids on knife wounds and pray for the best, we have become a Nation just content to get by, and it is a wake-up call for all those who have become complacent with the current state of affairs in America. Yes we are at a crossroads, and how we move forward will effect the millions of Americans yet unborn into the promise that is, the American Dream. We have forgotten how to dream big in America. How to build the Hoover Dams, the Golden Gate Bridges, the Empire State Buildings, the Apollo Rockets, the Interstate Highways, all the things that only a Nation can build. These are not done by small business, State Governments, or the Public Sector. All the great wonders of the world were built by the power and might of governments and empires that invested in their futures. In doing so showed the world they were powers to be reckoned with, that they were here to stay, and challenged those around them to marvel at the possibility of how great a people can be. Do you feel that way about America today?
In the grand scheme of things, with Congress at an 82% Disapproval rating, Republicans at a 72% Disapproval rating, and Democrats at a 66% Disapproval rating, what is our next move? On one side you have the Republicans, who carry the standard of big business, the military, and the rich, don't know history, reject science and anthropology, and walk a fine line between democracy and theocracy. On the other hand you have the Democrats, who claim to champion the middle class, the poor, seniors, the disabled, pledge to defend Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, and then at every turn slowly undermine the very causes they swear to defend, by consistently caving to Republican demands. Take your pick, not very promising choices are they. We as a Nation need to start thinking big again, because if we don't, AA+ with a negative outlook will be the least of our worries.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Democrats Are Unwilling To Govern
As I return from vacation, the debt crisis was averted with a terrible bill, and with just hours to spare. Once again the Democrats have caved to the right, the stock market is down 1200 points over the last 2 weeks. On a lighter note, unemployment ticked down to 9.1%, to which I say big deal!
Seven months of political posturing has amounted to a massive waste of time for the the American people. As citizens of this Country we deserve much better than what Congress and the President have had to offer us over the last year. I don't know about you, but I am sick to death of the party polarization, and political gridlock that does nothing to help our economy, or our people. Those who represent us in Washington are at a historic low in my book. Both Democrats and Republicans need to cut the crap for once, and start doing their jobs. The main one being getting people back to work, create jobs, and stimulate the economy. However, they can't even agree on how to do that. So the best we can expect is more of the same.
As for President Obama and the Democratic Leadership, they are nothing more than tools. The President, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid are nothing more than Republican concubines. Let me paint a picture for you, the 3 mentioned above on their knees in black latex and handcuffs, while John Boehner, Mitch McConnell, and John Cantor have their heals on their backs while holding whips and a riding crop yelling "No revenues, say it! No revenues!" Then in the low tone of a whipped puppy the lifeless reply "No revenues." This is what the Democratic party IS, this is what the Democratic party WILL ALWAYS BE. When we held the House, Senate and the White House we couldn't get anything done? Why should we expect any different with divided government?
I supported President Obama, and I believed in the message of change he offered the Country. However, he has consistently proven when the chips are down, and it's time to ante up, he will fold every time. This goes for the Democrats as a whole, they are supposed to be champions of the people, and all they are is doormats. How can the progressive base of this party continue to function effectively if every time Republicans put their foot down, Democrats cave like a house of cards. The President and the Democratic leadership have to start showing me they can give, as well as they take. Until that happens, my support for anything they attempt to advance will receive a tepid sideline approach. I am a Progressive Democrat and I have no where else to go, and the specter of the alternative may be enough to enlist a reaction, but just once I'd like to see a strong Democrat say No to the Republicans for a change. The breed may be extinct, and is surely endangered, but if there was ever a time when our Country needed one, it would be now.
Seven months of political posturing has amounted to a massive waste of time for the the American people. As citizens of this Country we deserve much better than what Congress and the President have had to offer us over the last year. I don't know about you, but I am sick to death of the party polarization, and political gridlock that does nothing to help our economy, or our people. Those who represent us in Washington are at a historic low in my book. Both Democrats and Republicans need to cut the crap for once, and start doing their jobs. The main one being getting people back to work, create jobs, and stimulate the economy. However, they can't even agree on how to do that. So the best we can expect is more of the same.
As for President Obama and the Democratic Leadership, they are nothing more than tools. The President, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid are nothing more than Republican concubines. Let me paint a picture for you, the 3 mentioned above on their knees in black latex and handcuffs, while John Boehner, Mitch McConnell, and John Cantor have their heals on their backs while holding whips and a riding crop yelling "No revenues, say it! No revenues!" Then in the low tone of a whipped puppy the lifeless reply "No revenues." This is what the Democratic party IS, this is what the Democratic party WILL ALWAYS BE. When we held the House, Senate and the White House we couldn't get anything done? Why should we expect any different with divided government?
I supported President Obama, and I believed in the message of change he offered the Country. However, he has consistently proven when the chips are down, and it's time to ante up, he will fold every time. This goes for the Democrats as a whole, they are supposed to be champions of the people, and all they are is doormats. How can the progressive base of this party continue to function effectively if every time Republicans put their foot down, Democrats cave like a house of cards. The President and the Democratic leadership have to start showing me they can give, as well as they take. Until that happens, my support for anything they attempt to advance will receive a tepid sideline approach. I am a Progressive Democrat and I have no where else to go, and the specter of the alternative may be enough to enlist a reaction, but just once I'd like to see a strong Democrat say No to the Republicans for a change. The breed may be extinct, and is surely endangered, but if there was ever a time when our Country needed one, it would be now.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The People Wanted Divided Government, And Will Now Reap A Ruined Nation
I am heading out on vacation with my family tomorrow, but fully expect the Country to be in the shitter by the time we get back. Only 6 days left and the Republicans have had everything but a cure for cancer handed to them, and they continue to walk away even when they get what they want. They have been doing a lot of screaming lately about where the President's or Democrats plan is? While progressives have placed a wide variety of unpopular measures on the table as tools for a deal, that doesn't qualify as a plan. A plan is what Republicans offer, that have wonderful names like "Cut, Cap, & Balance", but no chance of passing and do nothing but waste time we don't have. So while Democrats don't use the luxury of naming their plans, they also don't waste precious time pursuing them if they have no chance of passage. So the debt ceiling looms ever closer, while the political theater plays on and people are beginning to wake up, (albeit late), to the impending economic disaster that is preparing to unfold just 6 short days from now.
The Government rating agencies Moody's, Standard & Poors, and Fitch, are all getting out their red pens ready to lower the Nations credit rating for the first time in 235 years. So for all those fiscally responsible Republicans who outright refuse to raise the debt limit (ie: the Tea Party crowd), stick these facts in your portfolio. For each percent interest rates rise because of default, add $1 Trillion dollars to the debt. If we pay only the interest on the debt with only 60% of our revenues remaining, while domestic obligations fall to the waist side, in just six weeks our debt would be $78 Trillion dollars. Hows that for a debt crisis?
So who is to blame here? Well there is plenty to go around. The President, our delegator in chief, came late to the party after the Biden talks broke down when Republicans walked out. The President continues to show his inability to get his hands dirty, making sure everyone in the sandbox has a toy and then looks down to find he doesn't have any for himself. He also continues to reinforce the Republican talking point that he leads from behind. The Congress, for once again waiting until the last minute to address this problem until it became a crisis. Then last but not least, Tea Party Republicans who will not budge off their no tax increase pledges, which they made to Grover Norquist, their constituents, or both. This group more than any other has been the fly in the ointment. John Boehner is Speaker of the House, but he's weak. He lacks the character and personal strength needed to force his caucus to the table and deal. Eric Cantor has contributed to this by hamstringing Boehner, and working behind the scenes to keep the Tea Party caucus entrenched. However, with the cliff rapidly approaching Cantor my now just realize what he has created, and it's to late.
So if the Bumpkin Wing of the Republican Party remain uncompromising by their misguided, and purely ignorant political dogma, then basically we're fucked. Honestly, it's that simple. I doubt they would even let a clean bill just to raise the debt ceiling pass, because they have to have cuts equal to the debt increase. So save your money, don't buy a new car, home, or major appliance, because divided government is about to deliver big time for those of you that voted for this in 2010. My advise, work late, and kiss your bosses ass, cause hard times are coming.
The Government rating agencies Moody's, Standard & Poors, and Fitch, are all getting out their red pens ready to lower the Nations credit rating for the first time in 235 years. So for all those fiscally responsible Republicans who outright refuse to raise the debt limit (ie: the Tea Party crowd), stick these facts in your portfolio. For each percent interest rates rise because of default, add $1 Trillion dollars to the debt. If we pay only the interest on the debt with only 60% of our revenues remaining, while domestic obligations fall to the waist side, in just six weeks our debt would be $78 Trillion dollars. Hows that for a debt crisis?
So who is to blame here? Well there is plenty to go around. The President, our delegator in chief, came late to the party after the Biden talks broke down when Republicans walked out. The President continues to show his inability to get his hands dirty, making sure everyone in the sandbox has a toy and then looks down to find he doesn't have any for himself. He also continues to reinforce the Republican talking point that he leads from behind. The Congress, for once again waiting until the last minute to address this problem until it became a crisis. Then last but not least, Tea Party Republicans who will not budge off their no tax increase pledges, which they made to Grover Norquist, their constituents, or both. This group more than any other has been the fly in the ointment. John Boehner is Speaker of the House, but he's weak. He lacks the character and personal strength needed to force his caucus to the table and deal. Eric Cantor has contributed to this by hamstringing Boehner, and working behind the scenes to keep the Tea Party caucus entrenched. However, with the cliff rapidly approaching Cantor my now just realize what he has created, and it's to late.
So if the Bumpkin Wing of the Republican Party remain uncompromising by their misguided, and purely ignorant political dogma, then basically we're fucked. Honestly, it's that simple. I doubt they would even let a clean bill just to raise the debt ceiling pass, because they have to have cuts equal to the debt increase. So save your money, don't buy a new car, home, or major appliance, because divided government is about to deliver big time for those of you that voted for this in 2010. My advise, work late, and kiss your bosses ass, cause hard times are coming.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Our Democracy Is Being Undermine By Big Money Interests
In light of the current implosion of Rupert Murdoch's News International, some disturbing thoughts came to mind. We are increasingly living in a world where those who influence our democracy are driven not by the will of the people, but rather big money interests. Now I am not so naive as to believe this has not been the case for a very long time in our nations history, but not since the Guilded Age of robber barons, has the influence on American political policy been so blatantly obvious. Mr. Murdoch's multi-billion dollar media empire spans 3 continents and until recently, has been able to manipulate public opinion and government policy at will. The personal power wielded by Mr. Murdoch has been questioned, only now, because they took part in the most repugnant and unconscionable tactics of hacking the phones of politicians, celebrities, families of fallen soldiers, and even a 13 year old murder victim. Of course you've heard of these indiscretions before, but the billions in Murdoch's coffers often made these unethical breaches quickly vanish. Only under public outcry railing against the systemic culture of a "story at any price", has finally put enough blood in the water, for Murdoch's minions to jump from his pocket and fain outrage at the very practices they endorsed. As News International slowly unwinds, there is no telling where the new and daily revelations will lead, but I think it is safe to say the drama will be playing out for some time. All this raises the question, should one man, or one company, be able to monopolize the media to the extent that news becomes nothing more than propaganda? It is no secret Murdoch's vast empire has a notably right leaning slant, and has provided a platform for that slant around the world. In America, the likes of Fox News, Bill O'Reilly, and the Wall Street Journal, all fall under his fingertips. All of these so called media outlets are safe havens, employers, and promoters, of this countries right wing agenda. In Britain, their politicians and police ally with Murdoch's tabloids, just as Republicans sit back and put their feet up at FOX. All this made possible by one man, and one company whose boundless financial resources has allowed it to operate with impunity in promoting political policy in, Great Britain, the United States, and where ever the long arm of Murdoch's empire might reach.
Looking more closely at things here in the U.S. I think one of the most devastating changes in our democracy was the "Citizen's United" case that was settled by the Supreme Court last year. The conservative court, in a 5-4 decision held basically that corporations are people. Furthermore they can contribute unlimited funds to political candidates without disclosure of who gave what to whom. As a result, hundreds of millions of dollars have brought campaign spending through the roof to everything from State and County contests, all the way to Presidential campaigns. The majority of these contributions supporting the right. Which leads me to my next example, big business and the rich.
Big business, you know them: Big Oil, Big Pharma, Big Insurance, and lets not forget Big Banks. These forces and the fortunate few who benefit from them, are the core Republican constituency. "But what about the Tea Party you might say?" These are merely pawns used by the right, to give the illusion that they are fighting for the people. These poor bastards are the tools Republicans have created, who consistently vote against their own interests, while the Right dangles the hope that one day they might be able to join the club. They are further lured by social conservative mantras of evangelical zeal, the sanctity of marriage, the sanctity of life, and most important, false patriotism. Wave your flag and cheer for the U.S. of A. we are your protectors, we support the Constitution. All while Republicans lead them down the primrose path to get screwed harder and deeper with every step, and do it with a smile. How do we know this is true? Compromise has become a dirty word on the Right. Even if you can get 80 or 90% of what you want by raising revenues, that's not good enough. Even at the cost of the full faith and credit of the United States, these people would rather see economic ruin, than make even one concession. Protect big business and the rich at all costs, our way or the highway. This kind of political grandstanding has no place in our political discourse. You cannot govern by intransigence, that road holds nothing but deadlock and paralysis. It is not a pragmatic system of governance. So this is where the Right, under its corporate and media giants have led us; the question now is, do the people have the power or the will to change it, I wonder?
Looking more closely at things here in the U.S. I think one of the most devastating changes in our democracy was the "Citizen's United" case that was settled by the Supreme Court last year. The conservative court, in a 5-4 decision held basically that corporations are people. Furthermore they can contribute unlimited funds to political candidates without disclosure of who gave what to whom. As a result, hundreds of millions of dollars have brought campaign spending through the roof to everything from State and County contests, all the way to Presidential campaigns. The majority of these contributions supporting the right. Which leads me to my next example, big business and the rich.
Big business, you know them: Big Oil, Big Pharma, Big Insurance, and lets not forget Big Banks. These forces and the fortunate few who benefit from them, are the core Republican constituency. "But what about the Tea Party you might say?" These are merely pawns used by the right, to give the illusion that they are fighting for the people. These poor bastards are the tools Republicans have created, who consistently vote against their own interests, while the Right dangles the hope that one day they might be able to join the club. They are further lured by social conservative mantras of evangelical zeal, the sanctity of marriage, the sanctity of life, and most important, false patriotism. Wave your flag and cheer for the U.S. of A. we are your protectors, we support the Constitution. All while Republicans lead them down the primrose path to get screwed harder and deeper with every step, and do it with a smile. How do we know this is true? Compromise has become a dirty word on the Right. Even if you can get 80 or 90% of what you want by raising revenues, that's not good enough. Even at the cost of the full faith and credit of the United States, these people would rather see economic ruin, than make even one concession. Protect big business and the rich at all costs, our way or the highway. This kind of political grandstanding has no place in our political discourse. You cannot govern by intransigence, that road holds nothing but deadlock and paralysis. It is not a pragmatic system of governance. So this is where the Right, under its corporate and media giants have led us; the question now is, do the people have the power or the will to change it, I wonder?
Sunday, July 10, 2011
House Republicans Are Playing Politics With Our Future
In a little over 3 weeks The United States of America will for the first time in its 235 year history default on its national debt. The economic consequences of which will not only devastate the U.S., but the world. As the economy continues to struggle, compounded this week by a third straight month of increases in unemployment, one wonders if our elected officials in Washington are capable of anything unless they are being held by their ankles over the Grand Canyon? This is the fast approaching scenario we are facing. Politician's continue to posture and pour on the rhetoric, while the standing of the worlds greatest power hangs in the balance, is nothing less than deplorable. Mind you this is not future spending, (as I think many people in this country have been led to believe), this is money we have already spent. So for example, if you buy a car and then suddenly stop paying on that car, you go into default, and your credit gets wrecked. This is the fate we face on a global stage.
President Obama has (in my view) tried to diligently address this issue, and in a rare show of backbone, tried to define the urgency of this problem. All the while the Party of "No" has once again stepped up to stonewall his efforts at every turn. Vice President Biden engaged in debt talks with party leaders, and the Republicans walked out. President Obama has put everything on the table, and Republicans will not. The very future of our place in the world is in the balance, and Republicans don't care.
Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) has declared the President and the Democrats are creating a crisis in order to extract concessions from Republicans. First of all, Democrats don't need a crisis to try and extract concessions from Republicans, they need dynamite. Second, if the Senator is clueless as to the implications of his statement, the people of South Carolina need to find someone more worthy of not only their interests, but the nations. Presidential candidate Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) said if the August 2nd deadline passes without a deal, we won't go into default we'll just pay the interest first. Then pick and choose of the 80 million checks we pay every month. So as we run out of money, who do we pay? Salaries and support for our troops? Social Security beneficiaries? People on Medicare and Medicaid? You can't pay them all, and who will decide? This is a prospect that hasn't been an issue for 235 years, so who will decide?. If you only pay the interest on your car, you will still go into default, and your credit will still get wrecked. So in light of the financial standing of the United States in the world, to even think about putting forth such an argument is irresponsible in the extreme. Under George W. Bush's Administration the debt limit was raised 7 times, where were all these fiscally responsible Republicans then? Now, because a Democrat is in the White House they would have the audacity to put us in the same category as Greece, Ireland, and Portugal?
It was suggested last week that the Republicans have drifted so far to the right they cannot govern effectively. The Republican leadership under Boehner, Cantor and McConnell have become paralyzed by their own major constituency, big business, and the rich. As taxes sit at record lows, and middle class incomes continue to decline, they continue to remain entrenched by refusing to raise revenues at all cost. At the risk of our Nation's standing, or more importantly, to their political futures. Republicans would see our country ruined, just so they can re-take the White House. The thinking being an economic collapse works in their favor, it's that simple. This is the ultimate insult to us as citizens of this great country, that politics is worth more than the general welfare. Now that may sound a little high minded, how we are governed, sadly, is never that simple. What I do know is this, Republicans are not just playing politics with their own narrow ambitions, they are playing with the very livelihood of the American people, and for that they should be deeply ashamed.
President Obama has (in my view) tried to diligently address this issue, and in a rare show of backbone, tried to define the urgency of this problem. All the while the Party of "No" has once again stepped up to stonewall his efforts at every turn. Vice President Biden engaged in debt talks with party leaders, and the Republicans walked out. President Obama has put everything on the table, and Republicans will not. The very future of our place in the world is in the balance, and Republicans don't care.
Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) has declared the President and the Democrats are creating a crisis in order to extract concessions from Republicans. First of all, Democrats don't need a crisis to try and extract concessions from Republicans, they need dynamite. Second, if the Senator is clueless as to the implications of his statement, the people of South Carolina need to find someone more worthy of not only their interests, but the nations. Presidential candidate Michelle Bachmann (R-MN) said if the August 2nd deadline passes without a deal, we won't go into default we'll just pay the interest first. Then pick and choose of the 80 million checks we pay every month. So as we run out of money, who do we pay? Salaries and support for our troops? Social Security beneficiaries? People on Medicare and Medicaid? You can't pay them all, and who will decide? This is a prospect that hasn't been an issue for 235 years, so who will decide?. If you only pay the interest on your car, you will still go into default, and your credit will still get wrecked. So in light of the financial standing of the United States in the world, to even think about putting forth such an argument is irresponsible in the extreme. Under George W. Bush's Administration the debt limit was raised 7 times, where were all these fiscally responsible Republicans then? Now, because a Democrat is in the White House they would have the audacity to put us in the same category as Greece, Ireland, and Portugal?
It was suggested last week that the Republicans have drifted so far to the right they cannot govern effectively. The Republican leadership under Boehner, Cantor and McConnell have become paralyzed by their own major constituency, big business, and the rich. As taxes sit at record lows, and middle class incomes continue to decline, they continue to remain entrenched by refusing to raise revenues at all cost. At the risk of our Nation's standing, or more importantly, to their political futures. Republicans would see our country ruined, just so they can re-take the White House. The thinking being an economic collapse works in their favor, it's that simple. This is the ultimate insult to us as citizens of this great country, that politics is worth more than the general welfare. Now that may sound a little high minded, how we are governed, sadly, is never that simple. What I do know is this, Republicans are not just playing politics with their own narrow ambitions, they are playing with the very livelihood of the American people, and for that they should be deeply ashamed.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
President Obama Will You Please Stand Up
I have discussed in the past my misgivings about the President's leadership style. I have been critical of his seeming inability to enter the fray on any debate. There is a major debate brewing over the raising of the National Debt Ceiling, and the implications of this debate could be catastrophic. As part of this debate Republican Rep. Eric Cantor (VA) and Sen. John Kyl (AZ) walked out on the bi-partisan talks in what was apparently a politically staged event. The budget talks led by Vice President Joe Biden are trying to reach a bi-partisan solution to the impending budget crisis. There is roughly 6 weeks left to address the budget and debt crisis, but Republicans still feel it necessary to do some political posturing on an issue that could potentially destroy the world economy. The impact on the anemic recovery in America would be equally devastating, if the country defaults on its debts. In a recent poll I saw this morning, 41% of Americans say DO NOT raise the debt ceiling, 38% say DO raise it. Clearly the people of this nation have no clue the impact of not raising the debt ceiling, and the Tea Party crowd in particular doesn't seem to understand the gravity of following this path. The Republicans are juggling with fire on this issue, and to let it deteriorate into some kind of ideological pissing contest is nothing short of irresponsible. The question then becomes why do they feel so emboldened to push the envelope on this vital and very dangerous issue?
While the walk-out of Cantor and Kyl this week was staged or not, it did force the President to step into argument. The Problem: He should have been there to begin with. I'm sure Vice President Biden is perfectly capable of leading the budget talks, but with the World and American economies in the balance, if the President shouldn't be involved in this conversation I don't know who should? Many pundits make excuses for Obama, that he is a delegator, and that his style simply keeps him out of these, or any debates. While this may be, the criticism that he leads from behind becomes more and more true. He is the Commander-in-Chief, not the Delegator-in-Chief. In the current state of national affairs, we need a leader who knows how to put the hammer down when issues demand it.
Everyone would like to have bi-partisan solutions to all our major governmental problems, but that is not a pragmatic vision in the current political atmosphere. The Republican Party is increasingly becoming entrenched by a supply side, hard right wing philosophy that leaves little, if any room for compromise. This is not an issue The President and the Democrats can cave on. We have given enough! An agreement that holds Democratic concessions, and keeps the Republican ramparts against tax increases for the rich and corporations is unacceptable, PERIOD!
The greater peril for the President, aside from potential economic devastation, is that his continued failure to stand firm against the right is having a tangible erosion of support on his base ( It certainly is with me ). While this group will find no comfort in a highly flawed option on the right, they may become so disaffected that come November 2012 they simply sit home. It is encouraging that the Republican field is so weak, however if the economy implodes and Republicans can pin the failure on President Obama, it may put re-election for him out of reach. The Debt Crisis ( Which is a creation of Republican administrations and lawmakers ) could very easily be just another argument that Republicans high jack to the detriment of Democrats and the nation as a whole. Why? Because Republicans don't need facts to prove their points. They have become experts at creating arguments that don't hold water, but are cheesecake for an ignorant, misinformed, electorate that is way to quick to gobble up the steady stream of lies the right now puts out on a regular basis. If the President and Democratic leaders shrink from the upcoming budget battle and debt crisis, the consequences will be long lasting, and far reaching. If the President fails here, my trust in his ability to be an effective leader going forward will be shaken to my core. This is a major turning point that will show us just what the President is made of... lets hope it's not rubber.
While the walk-out of Cantor and Kyl this week was staged or not, it did force the President to step into argument. The Problem: He should have been there to begin with. I'm sure Vice President Biden is perfectly capable of leading the budget talks, but with the World and American economies in the balance, if the President shouldn't be involved in this conversation I don't know who should? Many pundits make excuses for Obama, that he is a delegator, and that his style simply keeps him out of these, or any debates. While this may be, the criticism that he leads from behind becomes more and more true. He is the Commander-in-Chief, not the Delegator-in-Chief. In the current state of national affairs, we need a leader who knows how to put the hammer down when issues demand it.
Everyone would like to have bi-partisan solutions to all our major governmental problems, but that is not a pragmatic vision in the current political atmosphere. The Republican Party is increasingly becoming entrenched by a supply side, hard right wing philosophy that leaves little, if any room for compromise. This is not an issue The President and the Democrats can cave on. We have given enough! An agreement that holds Democratic concessions, and keeps the Republican ramparts against tax increases for the rich and corporations is unacceptable, PERIOD!
The greater peril for the President, aside from potential economic devastation, is that his continued failure to stand firm against the right is having a tangible erosion of support on his base ( It certainly is with me ). While this group will find no comfort in a highly flawed option on the right, they may become so disaffected that come November 2012 they simply sit home. It is encouraging that the Republican field is so weak, however if the economy implodes and Republicans can pin the failure on President Obama, it may put re-election for him out of reach. The Debt Crisis ( Which is a creation of Republican administrations and lawmakers ) could very easily be just another argument that Republicans high jack to the detriment of Democrats and the nation as a whole. Why? Because Republicans don't need facts to prove their points. They have become experts at creating arguments that don't hold water, but are cheesecake for an ignorant, misinformed, electorate that is way to quick to gobble up the steady stream of lies the right now puts out on a regular basis. If the President and Democratic leaders shrink from the upcoming budget battle and debt crisis, the consequences will be long lasting, and far reaching. If the President fails here, my trust in his ability to be an effective leader going forward will be shaken to my core. This is a major turning point that will show us just what the President is made of... lets hope it's not rubber.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
American Education's Failures Will Define Our Future
In the world, we currently rank 35th in Math, and 29th in Science. This in itself is a tragedy, not only for the generation young people we are unleashing into the American electorate, but for the Nation as a whole. I will come to how I think this has happened in a moment, but I would first like to address the subject near and dear to my heart, Social Studies.
I am Certified Social Studies Teacher in the State of New Jersey. I hail from a long line of past, present, and future, public school elementary, and secondary school teachers, and administrators. The recent study known as the Nation's Report card, an assessment of students knowledge of the historical development of democracy, culture, technology, and America's role in world affairs. In this study less than a quarter are scoring at or above the proficient level, according to a report released on Tuesday. The results of the 2010 National Assessment of Educational Progress showed just 20 percent of fourth graders, 17 percent of eighth graders, and 12 percent of twelfth graders were performing at or above the proficient level.
As products of the Oklahoma State Public School system, I am sorry to say that my own daughters have trouble with basic historical facts, current events, or the basic workings of our government. This makes me absolutely mental, and to make matters worse they resist any efforts to change this. The life altering skill of rapid texting, coupled with the useless distraction of social media have replaced our children's interest in any subject, let alone History. Telling eight friends what you had for lunch has become more important than finding the United States on a map. Furthermore take this to the bank, of the 12% of High School Seniors listed above, only 9% could identify a picture of Abraham Lincoln.
We are raising a generation of morons, that increasingly struggle to adapt to college life. They are disengaged from the political process, don't have the faintest clue whats on the news, in a paper or magazine. They watch bulldogs on skateboards on YouTube and think it's cute, but have no idea we are involved in 3 conflicts overseas, and don't care. Politicians love ignorant constituencies because they can feed people lies, and the people don't know the difference. Does this outline what you would consider a danger for our Country? I hope so.
Finally, why is this happening? Despite all the rhetoric by both parties about the importance of education, when the slightest monetary struggle comes down the pipe, the first place to get funding cuts is education. No one teaches to get rich. People teach because they love what they do, and hope that what they teach helps their students to grow and develop into something better than they started with. We reward this with poor pay, by attacking their unions, by not giving them the resources they need to do their jobs. Ask any teacher worth their salt, and they will tell you they spend a lot of their own money trying to make their classrooms better. Medicare and Social Security are entitlements given to those who have helped shape our past. Shouldn't Education be the entitlement we give our children to shape the future? I think so.
I am Certified Social Studies Teacher in the State of New Jersey. I hail from a long line of past, present, and future, public school elementary, and secondary school teachers, and administrators. The recent study known as the Nation's Report card, an assessment of students knowledge of the historical development of democracy, culture, technology, and America's role in world affairs. In this study less than a quarter are scoring at or above the proficient level, according to a report released on Tuesday. The results of the 2010 National Assessment of Educational Progress showed just 20 percent of fourth graders, 17 percent of eighth graders, and 12 percent of twelfth graders were performing at or above the proficient level.
As products of the Oklahoma State Public School system, I am sorry to say that my own daughters have trouble with basic historical facts, current events, or the basic workings of our government. This makes me absolutely mental, and to make matters worse they resist any efforts to change this. The life altering skill of rapid texting, coupled with the useless distraction of social media have replaced our children's interest in any subject, let alone History. Telling eight friends what you had for lunch has become more important than finding the United States on a map. Furthermore take this to the bank, of the 12% of High School Seniors listed above, only 9% could identify a picture of Abraham Lincoln.
We are raising a generation of morons, that increasingly struggle to adapt to college life. They are disengaged from the political process, don't have the faintest clue whats on the news, in a paper or magazine. They watch bulldogs on skateboards on YouTube and think it's cute, but have no idea we are involved in 3 conflicts overseas, and don't care. Politicians love ignorant constituencies because they can feed people lies, and the people don't know the difference. Does this outline what you would consider a danger for our Country? I hope so.
Finally, why is this happening? Despite all the rhetoric by both parties about the importance of education, when the slightest monetary struggle comes down the pipe, the first place to get funding cuts is education. No one teaches to get rich. People teach because they love what they do, and hope that what they teach helps their students to grow and develop into something better than they started with. We reward this with poor pay, by attacking their unions, by not giving them the resources they need to do their jobs. Ask any teacher worth their salt, and they will tell you they spend a lot of their own money trying to make their classrooms better. Medicare and Social Security are entitlements given to those who have helped shape our past. Shouldn't Education be the entitlement we give our children to shape the future? I think so.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Republican Debate Showed A Party Trapped By Ideology And Failed Policies.
If you were one of my readers who happened to eat dinner before watching the debate, I'm sure like me it became a wasted meal about 10 minutes into the debate. Where do I begin? The 7 dwarfs squared off last night in a very painful to watch 2 hour melee, that was riddled with misinformation, and wanting for solutions to the very problems they so vigorously offered. The topics varied, but were quantified like this:
The Affordable Health Care Act (ie: Obamacare)was conceived by the Devil and must be repealed like yesterday. Add universal acceptance of Rep. Paul Ryan's destruction of Medicare and the denying of access to hospitals by illegal immigrants and you get a picture that looks something like this. Instead of Medicare you will get a voucher that goes to the insurance company. As of TODAY this voucher is about $6,000 short of what is needed for 70+ year old American citizens to buy coverage, you will pick up the tab for the rest. Pre-existing conditions will once again allow health insurance companies to deny coverage. Arbitrary monetary ceilings will go back in place, so if your catastrophic illness goes above say $1 Million dollars, your out on the street. The ability to keep your children on your health insurance until age 26 will go away. Free preventive care for people, especially our seniors will end. If you are here illegally and your child needs medical attention. sorry your not a citizen, please take your child to bleed outside, we need the room. I think this is what they call compassionate conservatism?
We are taxed to much on everything, and in every area. They continue to cling to the failed policy of trickle down economics, which has not worked for over 30 years, yet they hold onto it like the Arc of the Covenant. The only difference is that along with the Ten Commandments, Ronald Reagan is in there too. They want to cut so many taxes I'm beginning to wonder how they think the States and the Federal Government are supposed to function without all these revenues? Herman Cain suggested cutting the Capital Gains tax to zero for five years to stimulate businesses. This would cost the Government 80 Billion dollars in revenue! Where is that coming from? So much for the businessman in the race.
No one deserves to be bailed out by the government no matter how critical they may be to the Nation Economy. A perfect example, the auto industry. I assure you by the time they got done bashing the UAW, and spitting on the bailout that saved the industry, they didn't win many friends in Michigan last night. Despite that, there was one glaring exception to their bailout positions and that was Wall Street. The very economic policies they touted last night were a direct result of the meltdown on Wall Street. No regulation, No oversight, Greed run rampant, and they still had the balls to tell people this is the way it needs to be to create jobs, and people stand up and cheer? Really? But lets not stop there, Michelle Bachmann called the EPA the "Job Killing Administration" Who needs clean air, water, and food? All this with a new strain of E-Coli sweeping across Europe. I guess a quick wash in the sink should be enough for that spinach? We have plenty of Clean Coal (which is the biggest oxymoron in the American vernacular these days) Many areas are fighting over fresh water now, lets make it so industry can pollute that to the point we have no water left? After all industry, business, money, that's what's important.
Not once did you hear anyone talk about the middle class last night, not once! Why? because what they are offering is not FOR the middle class. Hell, Mitt Romney before a TV break asserted that private enterprise should take care of disaster victims like those in Missouri and Louisiana. Helping our own people in a disaster is not the job of the Federal Government, the States and private enterprise should do that? WHAT!? This is what they have to offer. I'll finish with a one word summery of each candidate as I witnessed last night:
Mitt Romney - Slippery
Tim Pawlenty - Weak
Michelle Bachmann - Surprise
Rick Santorum - Sneaky
Ron Paul - Predictable
Newt Gingrich - McCarthyism
Herman Cain - Parrot
Take your pick people the sky's the limit.
The Affordable Health Care Act (ie: Obamacare)was conceived by the Devil and must be repealed like yesterday. Add universal acceptance of Rep. Paul Ryan's destruction of Medicare and the denying of access to hospitals by illegal immigrants and you get a picture that looks something like this. Instead of Medicare you will get a voucher that goes to the insurance company. As of TODAY this voucher is about $6,000 short of what is needed for 70+ year old American citizens to buy coverage, you will pick up the tab for the rest. Pre-existing conditions will once again allow health insurance companies to deny coverage. Arbitrary monetary ceilings will go back in place, so if your catastrophic illness goes above say $1 Million dollars, your out on the street. The ability to keep your children on your health insurance until age 26 will go away. Free preventive care for people, especially our seniors will end. If you are here illegally and your child needs medical attention. sorry your not a citizen, please take your child to bleed outside, we need the room. I think this is what they call compassionate conservatism?
We are taxed to much on everything, and in every area. They continue to cling to the failed policy of trickle down economics, which has not worked for over 30 years, yet they hold onto it like the Arc of the Covenant. The only difference is that along with the Ten Commandments, Ronald Reagan is in there too. They want to cut so many taxes I'm beginning to wonder how they think the States and the Federal Government are supposed to function without all these revenues? Herman Cain suggested cutting the Capital Gains tax to zero for five years to stimulate businesses. This would cost the Government 80 Billion dollars in revenue! Where is that coming from? So much for the businessman in the race.
No one deserves to be bailed out by the government no matter how critical they may be to the Nation Economy. A perfect example, the auto industry. I assure you by the time they got done bashing the UAW, and spitting on the bailout that saved the industry, they didn't win many friends in Michigan last night. Despite that, there was one glaring exception to their bailout positions and that was Wall Street. The very economic policies they touted last night were a direct result of the meltdown on Wall Street. No regulation, No oversight, Greed run rampant, and they still had the balls to tell people this is the way it needs to be to create jobs, and people stand up and cheer? Really? But lets not stop there, Michelle Bachmann called the EPA the "Job Killing Administration" Who needs clean air, water, and food? All this with a new strain of E-Coli sweeping across Europe. I guess a quick wash in the sink should be enough for that spinach? We have plenty of Clean Coal (which is the biggest oxymoron in the American vernacular these days) Many areas are fighting over fresh water now, lets make it so industry can pollute that to the point we have no water left? After all industry, business, money, that's what's important.
Not once did you hear anyone talk about the middle class last night, not once! Why? because what they are offering is not FOR the middle class. Hell, Mitt Romney before a TV break asserted that private enterprise should take care of disaster victims like those in Missouri and Louisiana. Helping our own people in a disaster is not the job of the Federal Government, the States and private enterprise should do that? WHAT!? This is what they have to offer. I'll finish with a one word summery of each candidate as I witnessed last night:
Mitt Romney - Slippery
Tim Pawlenty - Weak
Michelle Bachmann - Surprise
Rick Santorum - Sneaky
Ron Paul - Predictable
Newt Gingrich - McCarthyism
Herman Cain - Parrot
Take your pick people the sky's the limit.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Republicans Double Down On The Destruction Of Medicare
Well the vote is in, and 40 more Republicans have signed on to Rep. Paul Ryan's death wish for Medicare. The U.S. Senate voted today 57-40 AGAINST the Republicans "Path to Prosperity." and in so doing put 40 more Republicans on the books in support of this nightmare. In a bell-weather election earlier this week, in New York's heavily Republican 26th District Democrat Kathy Hochul defeated her Republican rival Jane Corwin 47% to 43%. She ran primarily on the issue that her opponent would kill Medicare and support the Ryan Plan.
Democrats have now galvinized a tri-fecta that Republicans can not run from. 1) The Ryan Plan which destroys Medicare for anyone 54 or younger, giving them instead a voucher to suppliment their insurance needs at age 70. If that wasn't bad enough, the voucher will never even touch your hands, it goes directly to the insurance company you choose to give you overpriced, and unreliable coverage. 2) Tax cuts for the rich has become about as popular as brusselsprout ice cream. Some polls have rejection of this running between 70% & 80%. 3) Once again on record, Republicans will not cut subsidies for Big Oil despite a record first quarter profit in 2011 of 35 Billion dollars. You add this to $4 dollar a gallon gas, and you have an issue that goes right to the pocketbook. It's no wonder no one wants to run for President on the Republican side? Before they even get started they have 3 anvils around their necks.
So lets summerize, they have 3 hardcore loosing issues to explain, and they are doubling down that the American people will buy this bill of goods?! It's like being on the Titanic and saying "Isn't the music wonderful?" All the while poor Rep. Ryan says the Democrats are using scare tactics to misrepresent the issue. Isn't that rich coming from the kings scare tactics and misrepresentation? He says President Obama has taken no leadership role on this issue, that Republicans at the very least have a plan. Ask Jane Corwin in New York how that's workin out for ya Mr. Ryan?
The Democrats need 24 seats to retake the house. There are 97 competitive districts up for grabs next year, not even counting Republican strongholds like New Yorks 26th. If Democrats ride this wave until next November, they will be unstoppable. The Republican party has cut its own throat, not only do they have less than mediocre Presidential stock, they all have to pass this ultra conservative litmus test that forces them to support the very issues that are going to get them routed! It's Insane! Newt Gingrich found that out when he went on Meet the Press and called the Ryan Plan "social engineering", then spent the rest of the week eating his words because it didn't play on the Right. To make matters worse the only Republicans not in the race are only going to move the party furthur Right. So even if a moderate like Huntsman, or Romney, or Pawlenty, get the nod, by election time they'll be damaged goods, and unpalatable to the one group they need most, independents. So get your popcorn ready, sit back, and watch the Republicans slowly implode, God I love a good fireworks show!
Democrats have now galvinized a tri-fecta that Republicans can not run from. 1) The Ryan Plan which destroys Medicare for anyone 54 or younger, giving them instead a voucher to suppliment their insurance needs at age 70. If that wasn't bad enough, the voucher will never even touch your hands, it goes directly to the insurance company you choose to give you overpriced, and unreliable coverage. 2) Tax cuts for the rich has become about as popular as brusselsprout ice cream. Some polls have rejection of this running between 70% & 80%. 3) Once again on record, Republicans will not cut subsidies for Big Oil despite a record first quarter profit in 2011 of 35 Billion dollars. You add this to $4 dollar a gallon gas, and you have an issue that goes right to the pocketbook. It's no wonder no one wants to run for President on the Republican side? Before they even get started they have 3 anvils around their necks.
So lets summerize, they have 3 hardcore loosing issues to explain, and they are doubling down that the American people will buy this bill of goods?! It's like being on the Titanic and saying "Isn't the music wonderful?" All the while poor Rep. Ryan says the Democrats are using scare tactics to misrepresent the issue. Isn't that rich coming from the kings scare tactics and misrepresentation? He says President Obama has taken no leadership role on this issue, that Republicans at the very least have a plan. Ask Jane Corwin in New York how that's workin out for ya Mr. Ryan?
The Democrats need 24 seats to retake the house. There are 97 competitive districts up for grabs next year, not even counting Republican strongholds like New Yorks 26th. If Democrats ride this wave until next November, they will be unstoppable. The Republican party has cut its own throat, not only do they have less than mediocre Presidential stock, they all have to pass this ultra conservative litmus test that forces them to support the very issues that are going to get them routed! It's Insane! Newt Gingrich found that out when he went on Meet the Press and called the Ryan Plan "social engineering", then spent the rest of the week eating his words because it didn't play on the Right. To make matters worse the only Republicans not in the race are only going to move the party furthur Right. So even if a moderate like Huntsman, or Romney, or Pawlenty, get the nod, by election time they'll be damaged goods, and unpalatable to the one group they need most, independents. So get your popcorn ready, sit back, and watch the Republicans slowly implode, God I love a good fireworks show!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Some Thoughts About The Death Of Osama Bin Landen
There is not doubt the nation as a whole has picked up a collective spring in its step this week. However, a week following the death of America's public enemy number one, Osama Bin Laden, has spurred different views depending on who you ask? I think we can put to rest the old adage that Democrats are week on national defense, at least for a while. The indecision and lack of strategy associated with the quagmire of Vietnam, and the image of several helicopters destroyed in the desert of Iran in 1979, were very vivid pictures associated with the military ineptitude of Democratic administrations. However, those fortunes took a big turn this week. President Obama after careful consideration chose a more difficult, yet gutsy call, to take out Bin Laden with a surgical strike by Navy SEALS. He opted to not use predator drones, or stealth bombers to obliterate the Bin Laden compound, but rather take him out with precision. The result: Bin Laden was killed, his body taken and buried at sea, and we got a treasure trove of intelligence from the Bin Laden compound, not bad for guy who supposedly leads from behind. Former President Bush this week refused an invitation to join President Obama at a wreath laying ceremony at Ground Zero. Which raises the question "Why Not?" Well it was Bush who ignored the intel in August of 2001 that an attack was coming, 9/11 happened on HIS watch, It was Bush who sat on his ass for 7 minutes when told "...America is under attack." It was Bush who let Bin Laden escape from Tora Bora. So for all the bravado about his 7 years of enhanced intel gathering he was unable to do what President Obama did. It is no wonder he declined, it would have been a picture of success and failure side by side.
As for Republicans, a full 39% give absolutely no credit to Obama for killing Bin Laden. While 81% of Republicans think George W. Bush should get the credit. Now I would love to give President Obama all the credit for this defining moment in American History, but I can't. The fact is there was a bevy of intel from both the Bush and Obama administrations that made this possible. So while I am overjoyed President Obama got to pull the trigger, the Bush administration in at least some small part helped load the gun. That being said, while all the torture advocates crawl out from their holes seemingly vindicated, there is a disconnect. The Bush Administration had 7 years to act on all their intel, The Obama Administration took 2. So for all the accolades the right is now pouring on the Bush Administration, the fact is if their intel was so great, why didn't they have an opportunity to do what President Obama DID? Well let me tell you how the President Bush got sidetracked.
When President Bush took office we had a budget surplus of about 200 billion dollars and the National Debt was about 5.6 Trillion. From 2001 to 2009 President Bush resided over the following:
1) The War in Afghanistan
2) The War in Iraq
3) 2 massive tax cuts for the rich
4) A prescription drug plan for senior citizens
All of which were UNPAID FOR.
5) And the grand finale, the collapse of the American Economy and the worst fiscal meltdown in decades.
President Obama gets tossed the keys to the White House by Bush with a 13 trillion dollar deficit which is now 14 Trillion, and coming to a Congress near you going up. You know Bin Laden's core ideology was not only to terrorize the West, but to bankrupt it trying to stop him. Mission accomplished? Maybe. Where were Paul Ryan, Eric Cantor, John Boehner, Mitch McConnell, and the rest of the Republican right when they were increasing the deficit by 8 trillion dollars? So now President Obama comes into office and they want to destroy Medicare, Education, Organized Labor, Heating Assistance for the Poor, scream we have to get our fiscal house in order because of what they did, and ultimately don't balance the budget! It is nothing short of obscene! The Republicans are acutely delusional at this point, I mean how would you explain it?
The last word is with Bin Laden gone we need to rethink our actions in the Middle East, and the Islamic World as a whole. In his final days Bin Laden had just as many enemies in the Muslim World as he did in the West. This is not the death nell for al-Qaida, but I do think they have been greatly diminished, and our military exploits in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya all need to be retooled, if not ended outright. If these wars have taught us anything, it should be that the cost in blood and treasure is too high for conventional military operations. Precision surgical strikes, covert operations, and a commander in chief willing to make those calls on our soil, or someone else's, is obviously the way to go. Hopefully with the continuation of the "Arab Spring" the people of the Middle East may finally rise above the autocratic and oppressive regimes that have ruled for half a century without falling to far into the trap of religious dogma. In turn changing the landscape to embrace the freedom of Democracies led by the voices of the people. The world is at a crossroads, here's to hoping we make the choices that lead to peace and stability in that very troubled region.
As for Republicans, a full 39% give absolutely no credit to Obama for killing Bin Laden. While 81% of Republicans think George W. Bush should get the credit. Now I would love to give President Obama all the credit for this defining moment in American History, but I can't. The fact is there was a bevy of intel from both the Bush and Obama administrations that made this possible. So while I am overjoyed President Obama got to pull the trigger, the Bush administration in at least some small part helped load the gun. That being said, while all the torture advocates crawl out from their holes seemingly vindicated, there is a disconnect. The Bush Administration had 7 years to act on all their intel, The Obama Administration took 2. So for all the accolades the right is now pouring on the Bush Administration, the fact is if their intel was so great, why didn't they have an opportunity to do what President Obama DID? Well let me tell you how the President Bush got sidetracked.
When President Bush took office we had a budget surplus of about 200 billion dollars and the National Debt was about 5.6 Trillion. From 2001 to 2009 President Bush resided over the following:
1) The War in Afghanistan
2) The War in Iraq
3) 2 massive tax cuts for the rich
4) A prescription drug plan for senior citizens
All of which were UNPAID FOR.
5) And the grand finale, the collapse of the American Economy and the worst fiscal meltdown in decades.
President Obama gets tossed the keys to the White House by Bush with a 13 trillion dollar deficit which is now 14 Trillion, and coming to a Congress near you going up. You know Bin Laden's core ideology was not only to terrorize the West, but to bankrupt it trying to stop him. Mission accomplished? Maybe. Where were Paul Ryan, Eric Cantor, John Boehner, Mitch McConnell, and the rest of the Republican right when they were increasing the deficit by 8 trillion dollars? So now President Obama comes into office and they want to destroy Medicare, Education, Organized Labor, Heating Assistance for the Poor, scream we have to get our fiscal house in order because of what they did, and ultimately don't balance the budget! It is nothing short of obscene! The Republicans are acutely delusional at this point, I mean how would you explain it?
The last word is with Bin Laden gone we need to rethink our actions in the Middle East, and the Islamic World as a whole. In his final days Bin Laden had just as many enemies in the Muslim World as he did in the West. This is not the death nell for al-Qaida, but I do think they have been greatly diminished, and our military exploits in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya all need to be retooled, if not ended outright. If these wars have taught us anything, it should be that the cost in blood and treasure is too high for conventional military operations. Precision surgical strikes, covert operations, and a commander in chief willing to make those calls on our soil, or someone else's, is obviously the way to go. Hopefully with the continuation of the "Arab Spring" the people of the Middle East may finally rise above the autocratic and oppressive regimes that have ruled for half a century without falling to far into the trap of religious dogma. In turn changing the landscape to embrace the freedom of Democracies led by the voices of the people. The world is at a crossroads, here's to hoping we make the choices that lead to peace and stability in that very troubled region.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Now In Trouble, GOP Hits Self Destruct Button
Lets begin this segment with the current state of the Republican Party as a whole. They are leaderless, have zero charisma, and with the first Republican debate a week away have only one candidate who has officially announced he's running. What is Mitt Romney gonna do talk to himself? A recent New York Times/CBS News Poll asked prospective Republican voters who the were excited about? The winner, NONE OF THE ABOVE, followed by Mitt Romney in 2nd with 9%, and Mike Huckabee in 3rd with 8%. The rest of the dismal field trailed behind in ever decreasing single digits. I've heard several reports from various media sources, that Republicans are increasingly registering as Independents. The most notable of these is in the suburban Philadelphia area, which makes or breaks how the State votes in General Elections. I think it safe to say that they are not leaning to the center, so much as moving away from affiliation with the current Republican Party. Well quite honestly can you blame them?
In an attempt to finally put to rest the carnival sideshow being perpetrated by birthers in this country, President Obama released his long form Birth Certificate. However, 48 hours later with egg still dripping off their faces, these unrepentant clowns keep on peddling their looney tune conspiracy theories to the rubes on the far right, and the FOX News crowd. Frankly when you boil this down to its purest form you can very easily make this out for what it is, racism. When LBJ past the 1964 Civil Rights Act he said the Democrats would loose the south for a generation. Over 45 years later that prediction has become the norm. A majority of the lunatic fringe in the Republican Party hails from Dixie, driven by bigoted, uneducated, gun toting, zealots. It is my personal belief, that this is the common thread that makes people vote contrary to their own interests. Republicans are haters, and fear mongers, and consistently questioning the legitimacy of others, especially if they happen to be President of THEIR country.
As if things weren't bad enough, enter Donald Trump. He spins into the Republican field like a whirling dervish, making bold assertions about President Obama at every level. Despite his claims against the President, which have no basis in fact, he continues regurgitating one lie after another until he reaches the point of no return. Lets face it, this guy passed GO about 2 weeks ago. His ego maniacal rantings leave even pundits on the right scratching their heads. He has been a boisterous distraction from the tepid and mediocre cast that is supposedly running for President from the GOP. Result, a USA Today/Gallup Poll Tuesday said 65% people would definitely NOT vote for Donald Trump. Bottom line Donald... you're fired!
So with all that fabulous news swirling about the GOP, lets talk about the "Path to Prosperity". A couple weeks ago this draconian political noose was taken by Republicans who wrapped it around their collective necks, and then Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) pulled the level to hang his fellow members. All but 4 did not escape the hang mans noose. The centerpiece of the legislation being more tax cuts for the rich, an unbalanced budget, and the destruction of Medicare, and much to my amusement they are catching hell from every quarter. They back peddle, and justify, but the people are not buying it, and this is just the beginning. The part of the plan the destroys Medicare I think is comical. They claim it doesn't take effect for 10 years, the idea is so bad that we couldn't possible institute this now, we'll kick it down the road 10 years! Enter Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) in one of his few shining moments, he is going to force Senate Republicans to vote on the "Path to Prosperity" So not only will we have all the Republicans in the House who voted for this nightmare, we will now have the Senate Republicans on record as well. Shrewd, and well played Mr. Reid, if I do say so myself. Come November you are gonna see a lot of political pamphlets that say you gonna vote for me, or the dead guy, take your pick.
In an attempt to finally put to rest the carnival sideshow being perpetrated by birthers in this country, President Obama released his long form Birth Certificate. However, 48 hours later with egg still dripping off their faces, these unrepentant clowns keep on peddling their looney tune conspiracy theories to the rubes on the far right, and the FOX News crowd. Frankly when you boil this down to its purest form you can very easily make this out for what it is, racism. When LBJ past the 1964 Civil Rights Act he said the Democrats would loose the south for a generation. Over 45 years later that prediction has become the norm. A majority of the lunatic fringe in the Republican Party hails from Dixie, driven by bigoted, uneducated, gun toting, zealots. It is my personal belief, that this is the common thread that makes people vote contrary to their own interests. Republicans are haters, and fear mongers, and consistently questioning the legitimacy of others, especially if they happen to be President of THEIR country.
As if things weren't bad enough, enter Donald Trump. He spins into the Republican field like a whirling dervish, making bold assertions about President Obama at every level. Despite his claims against the President, which have no basis in fact, he continues regurgitating one lie after another until he reaches the point of no return. Lets face it, this guy passed GO about 2 weeks ago. His ego maniacal rantings leave even pundits on the right scratching their heads. He has been a boisterous distraction from the tepid and mediocre cast that is supposedly running for President from the GOP. Result, a USA Today/Gallup Poll Tuesday said 65% people would definitely NOT vote for Donald Trump. Bottom line Donald... you're fired!
So with all that fabulous news swirling about the GOP, lets talk about the "Path to Prosperity". A couple weeks ago this draconian political noose was taken by Republicans who wrapped it around their collective necks, and then Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) pulled the level to hang his fellow members. All but 4 did not escape the hang mans noose. The centerpiece of the legislation being more tax cuts for the rich, an unbalanced budget, and the destruction of Medicare, and much to my amusement they are catching hell from every quarter. They back peddle, and justify, but the people are not buying it, and this is just the beginning. The part of the plan the destroys Medicare I think is comical. They claim it doesn't take effect for 10 years, the idea is so bad that we couldn't possible institute this now, we'll kick it down the road 10 years! Enter Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) in one of his few shining moments, he is going to force Senate Republicans to vote on the "Path to Prosperity" So not only will we have all the Republicans in the House who voted for this nightmare, we will now have the Senate Republicans on record as well. Shrewd, and well played Mr. Reid, if I do say so myself. Come November you are gonna see a lot of political pamphlets that say you gonna vote for me, or the dead guy, take your pick.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Budget Showdown Will Test Democratic Resolve
Well now that we have avoided a budget shutdown at the eleventh hour, due to Republican theatrics, and an attempt to pander to the Tea Party crowd, where do we go from here? The Republican House has passed Rep. Paul Ryan's (R-WI)"Path to Prosperity" which I spoke about a little in our last conversation. This was a very bold risk on the part of Republicans. It lays out, in great detail, their road map to curb spending and cut the deficit. Naturally it cuts programs for the poor, disabled, and the middle class, while once again championing big business and the rich. Most noteworthy cutting funding of Planned Parenthood and the EPA. Who needs assistance for disadvantaged young women, or pollution protections? Just another boot to the neck of the poor, and perk for big business.
However, the shining jewel of their plan is the destruction of Medicare as we know it. For those of you 54 or younger, you would be given "greater choice in handling your own health care." that's Republican code for being kicked to the wolves. They do give you a $15,000 voucher to help you supplement your health care costs, but as we all know that wouldn't go far today, let alone 15 years from now. All our seniors would be handed over to the Insurance Industry to create health insurance policies for those in their 70's. Just when health care becomes most important, Big Insurance will be their to pick up the slack, comforting is it not? In 15 years if your a senior citizen $15,000 stands between you and the street. Sounds fair huh? It does to Republicans. Oh and just to make it more enticing lets cut the tax rate for the rich from 35% to 25%, after all they do create all the jobs... in India, and Mexico, and China.
Rachel Maddow (who I like very much) said last night the Tea Party has peaked, they are no longer a force in the Republican Party. She based it on the greatly diminished nationwide turnout for rallies on Tax Day. The last 2 years they brandished rallies in the thousands, while this year their turnout was in the hundreds or less. She went on to claim they were now an invisible force within the party that's being used to justify moving to the hard right. She makes a good point, but it is misguided. There are 70 plus members of Congress that were elected to, and belong in the Tea Party Caucus. The recent budget battle in the house to pass last years budget took Republicans, AND Democrats to pass because Tea Party Republicans would not vote for it. They felt the budget cuts didn't go far enough, and further thought Republican Speaker John Boehner sold them out. As he stood at the podium to announce the deal, Tea Party leaders were threatening a primary race against Boehner. They have a congressional caucus with enough members to influence the passage of legislation. To think them out of the picture is, in my opinion a bit premature.
The question now goes to the Democrats, and President Obama in particular, to stand behind the line in the sand they have drawn against Republicans. The picture frankly is not an optimistic one. While Republicans come up with their own policies, we have bi-partisan commissions. The Gang of 6, The Gang of 10, The Apple-Dumpling Gang. Even when we hold the majority we dissolve into these worthless commissions which are basically a major waste of time. There were some tough words thrown out by the President this week, can he stick to them? History would say no. He is a well liked, but weak leader. History would show us that the Republicans will hijack the conversation and compromise will overtake the promises that for once Democrats are willing to fight for something. It is a true challenge that will influence the upcoming debt ceiling debate, and this years budget debate. Considering the radical stance Republican leaders have taken in one voice, staggers the imagination as to why Democrats should have any problem winning the debate. For the love of God stand up for the American people just once! The Democrats are a party that is in a constant need for spine donors, here's to hoping we find a few.
However, the shining jewel of their plan is the destruction of Medicare as we know it. For those of you 54 or younger, you would be given "greater choice in handling your own health care." that's Republican code for being kicked to the wolves. They do give you a $15,000 voucher to help you supplement your health care costs, but as we all know that wouldn't go far today, let alone 15 years from now. All our seniors would be handed over to the Insurance Industry to create health insurance policies for those in their 70's. Just when health care becomes most important, Big Insurance will be their to pick up the slack, comforting is it not? In 15 years if your a senior citizen $15,000 stands between you and the street. Sounds fair huh? It does to Republicans. Oh and just to make it more enticing lets cut the tax rate for the rich from 35% to 25%, after all they do create all the jobs... in India, and Mexico, and China.
Rachel Maddow (who I like very much) said last night the Tea Party has peaked, they are no longer a force in the Republican Party. She based it on the greatly diminished nationwide turnout for rallies on Tax Day. The last 2 years they brandished rallies in the thousands, while this year their turnout was in the hundreds or less. She went on to claim they were now an invisible force within the party that's being used to justify moving to the hard right. She makes a good point, but it is misguided. There are 70 plus members of Congress that were elected to, and belong in the Tea Party Caucus. The recent budget battle in the house to pass last years budget took Republicans, AND Democrats to pass because Tea Party Republicans would not vote for it. They felt the budget cuts didn't go far enough, and further thought Republican Speaker John Boehner sold them out. As he stood at the podium to announce the deal, Tea Party leaders were threatening a primary race against Boehner. They have a congressional caucus with enough members to influence the passage of legislation. To think them out of the picture is, in my opinion a bit premature.
The question now goes to the Democrats, and President Obama in particular, to stand behind the line in the sand they have drawn against Republicans. The picture frankly is not an optimistic one. While Republicans come up with their own policies, we have bi-partisan commissions. The Gang of 6, The Gang of 10, The Apple-Dumpling Gang. Even when we hold the majority we dissolve into these worthless commissions which are basically a major waste of time. There were some tough words thrown out by the President this week, can he stick to them? History would say no. He is a well liked, but weak leader. History would show us that the Republicans will hijack the conversation and compromise will overtake the promises that for once Democrats are willing to fight for something. It is a true challenge that will influence the upcoming debt ceiling debate, and this years budget debate. Considering the radical stance Republican leaders have taken in one voice, staggers the imagination as to why Democrats should have any problem winning the debate. For the love of God stand up for the American people just once! The Democrats are a party that is in a constant need for spine donors, here's to hoping we find a few.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
If You Think The Republican Party Is For Average Americans, Guess Again.
I know you probably get tired of hearing this, frankly I get tired of saying it, but sadly not enough people understand it. House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan(R-WI) introduced the Republican Plan to slash government spending this week. The "Path to Prosperity" as they call it, once again steps on the necks of those who can lease afford it. Of course no Republican Plan would be complete without a tax cut for the wealthy. So let's cut the corporate tax rate from 35% to 25%, this also applies to individuals. However,by the time you get through this plan you will need every dime you can get.
Five Trillion dollars gutted from Medicaid, and food assistance for the poor, elderly, and disabled. It would repeal the Medicare provision of President Obama's health care bill that closes the so called "doughnut hole" for seniors prescription drugs. The (CBO) Congressional Budget Office claimed it would increase the debt five trillion dollars. So you save no money, you gut Medicaid and Medicare, put even more hardships on the poor and middle class, and in 10 years don't even come close to balancing the budget, They admit this!
Now if you can't see that the only people who benefit from this, are corporations and the wealthy. Then I have 3 words for you, "Reading is Fun", you can pick it up at most book stores. Now say you are a Republican, or better yet, a Republican thinking of running for President. Since the Republicans don't have a prayer of getting this through the Senate, or past the President. Lets put the entire party on the line with what is essentially a non-binding resolution, saying lets gut Medicare/Medicaid, cut more taxes on the rich, continue to hurt the poor and middle class, and that basically all our talk about balancing the budget is a lot of crap, AND GET IT ON RECORD IN A HOUSE VOTE?! It's like The Emperors New Clothes, and Paul Ryan is naked as a jaybird.
My next question is, why aren't the Democrats screaming this from the rooftops?! It doesn't get any better than this? And with a government shutdown looming because of Republican idea logs who won't budge on this, its like manna from heaven. They will shutdown the government to support big banks, big oil, big pharmaceuticals, big insurance, while lamenting the hardships of the rich! ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Not only have they ripped the man from behind the curtain, they are offering him up to us as cheesecake, and that we don't understand the intricacies, trust us it will be good for you. The American people are dumb, BUT COME ON! It is no wonder no one wants to run for President for the Republicans. They said they'd come clean with Americans and boy have they. Anti-Labor, Pro Big Business and deregulated corporate greed, against health care reform, banking reform, screw the poor and middle class, and say smile it all makes for a stronger America... where do I sign!
Five Trillion dollars gutted from Medicaid, and food assistance for the poor, elderly, and disabled. It would repeal the Medicare provision of President Obama's health care bill that closes the so called "doughnut hole" for seniors prescription drugs. The (CBO) Congressional Budget Office claimed it would increase the debt five trillion dollars. So you save no money, you gut Medicaid and Medicare, put even more hardships on the poor and middle class, and in 10 years don't even come close to balancing the budget, They admit this!
Now if you can't see that the only people who benefit from this, are corporations and the wealthy. Then I have 3 words for you, "Reading is Fun", you can pick it up at most book stores. Now say you are a Republican, or better yet, a Republican thinking of running for President. Since the Republicans don't have a prayer of getting this through the Senate, or past the President. Lets put the entire party on the line with what is essentially a non-binding resolution, saying lets gut Medicare/Medicaid, cut more taxes on the rich, continue to hurt the poor and middle class, and that basically all our talk about balancing the budget is a lot of crap, AND GET IT ON RECORD IN A HOUSE VOTE?! It's like The Emperors New Clothes, and Paul Ryan is naked as a jaybird.
My next question is, why aren't the Democrats screaming this from the rooftops?! It doesn't get any better than this? And with a government shutdown looming because of Republican idea logs who won't budge on this, its like manna from heaven. They will shutdown the government to support big banks, big oil, big pharmaceuticals, big insurance, while lamenting the hardships of the rich! ARE YOU KIDDING ME! Not only have they ripped the man from behind the curtain, they are offering him up to us as cheesecake, and that we don't understand the intricacies, trust us it will be good for you. The American people are dumb, BUT COME ON! It is no wonder no one wants to run for President for the Republicans. They said they'd come clean with Americans and boy have they. Anti-Labor, Pro Big Business and deregulated corporate greed, against health care reform, banking reform, screw the poor and middle class, and say smile it all makes for a stronger America... where do I sign!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Libya... Really?
I don't even know where to begin here. As you all know the United States is now in the process of dropping bombs on yet another Muslim country, this years lucky winner LIBYA. After a request from the Arab League, and United Nations Resolution 1973, authorization was given to stop the slaughter on civilians, mainly the rebels fighting against Moammar Gadhafi's 40 plus year regime. After initial gains the rebels seemed well on their way to ending Gadhafi's rule, but efforts floundered when the Libyan leader brought out his tanks and aircraft. Then suddenly when Gadhafi's forces were poised to retake the last significant rebel stronghold, the city of Benghazi, a No-Fly-Zone was put in place. Holding a mandate from the Arab League & the U.N., NATO Forces, mainly the United States, Great Britain, and France, began destroying Libya's air defenses, air strike capacity, and hostile armoured ground forces, to stop Gadhafi from "killing his own people". My doesn't THAT sound familiar.
Can someone explain to me the insatiable attraction the United States has acquired for the political quicksand, and military flypaper that is the Muslim world? President Obama has tried to reassure the American people that we will not have a lead role in these operations militarily, (excuse me, I'm laughing very hard right now) and that NATO, and the Arab League will do the heavy lifting. Well we know the major NATO players, so lets look at the Arab League participants who have signed on for military action. Qatar. Yes that little giant of the Arab world, Qatar. I'm not sure you can land 2 planes in that country at the same time?
The next thing I want to know was who lobbied to get us involved here? I understand Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was pushing for it, as well as, our U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice. The question remains, "In Gods name WHY?" ...and what possessed President Barack Obama to TAKE that awful advice? I mean after all the buck stops with him, and he can distance himself in words all he wants, he just bought the ranch... and it's a lovely 10 bedroom, 12 bath, bombed out palace in Tripoli.
At a time when his poll numbers and popularity are on the rise, this will probably become the worst foreign policy decision of his presidency. We are going to hand the lion share of these operations in a matter of days not weeks... to who? Qatar? France? Nobody can bring to the table the military technology needed to maintain an EFFECTIVE No-Fly-Zone except the United States. If this whole situation isn't the biggest bag of snakes I've ever seen, I don't know what is?
Some questions to ponder: Rebels forces have light weapons and are great at shooting them in the air, but the minute a shell flies overhead they get back in their pick-up trucks and drive away. Who is their leader? Who will take over the government if Gadhafi falls? Why are we protecting the most heavily recruited area for Al Qaeda, eastern Libya? What is our mission? What is our exit strategy? If the Arab League is so hot to get rid of Gadhafi, why won't they step up to the plate? In the words of Richard Dreyfus in the classic movie Close Encounters "I want to talk to somebody in charge! I got a couple of hundred God damn questions of my own! Who the hell are you people! What the hell is going on around here!" This entire venture is insanity, why are we constantly getting involved in this kind of shit? Is it possible for us to get out of the quagmires we're already in before we start new one's? I'm stunned, and this is going to come back and bite Obama in the ass so hard he won't be able to sit for a month. Bombs Away!
Can someone explain to me the insatiable attraction the United States has acquired for the political quicksand, and military flypaper that is the Muslim world? President Obama has tried to reassure the American people that we will not have a lead role in these operations militarily, (excuse me, I'm laughing very hard right now) and that NATO, and the Arab League will do the heavy lifting. Well we know the major NATO players, so lets look at the Arab League participants who have signed on for military action. Qatar. Yes that little giant of the Arab world, Qatar. I'm not sure you can land 2 planes in that country at the same time?
The next thing I want to know was who lobbied to get us involved here? I understand Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was pushing for it, as well as, our U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice. The question remains, "In Gods name WHY?" ...and what possessed President Barack Obama to TAKE that awful advice? I mean after all the buck stops with him, and he can distance himself in words all he wants, he just bought the ranch... and it's a lovely 10 bedroom, 12 bath, bombed out palace in Tripoli.
At a time when his poll numbers and popularity are on the rise, this will probably become the worst foreign policy decision of his presidency. We are going to hand the lion share of these operations in a matter of days not weeks... to who? Qatar? France? Nobody can bring to the table the military technology needed to maintain an EFFECTIVE No-Fly-Zone except the United States. If this whole situation isn't the biggest bag of snakes I've ever seen, I don't know what is?
Some questions to ponder: Rebels forces have light weapons and are great at shooting them in the air, but the minute a shell flies overhead they get back in their pick-up trucks and drive away. Who is their leader? Who will take over the government if Gadhafi falls? Why are we protecting the most heavily recruited area for Al Qaeda, eastern Libya? What is our mission? What is our exit strategy? If the Arab League is so hot to get rid of Gadhafi, why won't they step up to the plate? In the words of Richard Dreyfus in the classic movie Close Encounters "I want to talk to somebody in charge! I got a couple of hundred God damn questions of my own! Who the hell are you people! What the hell is going on around here!" This entire venture is insanity, why are we constantly getting involved in this kind of shit? Is it possible for us to get out of the quagmires we're already in before we start new one's? I'm stunned, and this is going to come back and bite Obama in the ass so hard he won't be able to sit for a month. Bombs Away!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Union vs Right to Work, You Decide
I have a theory I would like to share with everyone with regard to the recent nuclear strike Republicans have taken against organized labor in this country.
The States that took the brunt of this assault being Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Florida, and New Jersey. Now lets examine some of the similarities. 1) All of these States have new Republican Governor's. 2) In my opinion, organized labor had no idea about the size of the train heading their way, and were not prepared to stop it until it was too late. 3) All these Governor's are putting this forward as their first act of business, in the hope people will forget what they did 4 years from now, and I think this highly unlikely. 4) All the various ways to crush Unions, were put forward as budget balancing measures, which if you look closely at all these States, turns out to be non-sense. 5) All these States, except New Jersey, are battleground States for President Obama in 2012. 6) The direct result of destroying Unions in these States, is to destroy, in large part, the money machine that President Obama and other Democratic hopefuls would depend on to carry these States next year.
In Wisconsin, while jammed through the State Legislature in the middle of the night, with a number of procedural laws potentially breached, Wisconsin's Unions demise will now rest with the courts. If you say you need concessions from the Unions to balance the budget, then get those concessions, and vote to destroy the unions anyway; then it's not about the budget, it's about crushing Unions. In Ohio similar legislation is pending. In Michigan they gave the Governor "Emergency Powers" to dismantle union bargaining a case at a time, town by town, city by city. In the Right-to-Work State of Florida the Governor said he would not pursue that tack. Well isn't that white of him, to not attack organized labor where there is none.
I've done some research on one area near and dear to my heart, education. Below is a map of Right-to-Work States vs. Union Represented States.
The Union States are in Green, the Right-to-Work States in Red. Now lets take a statistic like pay and high school graduation rates, and compare it to the map above.
This map simply splits the top 25 States with the highest graduation rates in Green, and the 25 States with the lowest graduation rates in Red. While some may say the pattern is mixed, this is the facts. Eight Union States are in the lowest graduation group. Sixteen Right-to-Work States are in the lowest graduation group. So by 2 to 1 Union States pay better and get better results, while Right-to-Work States make less and have worse results. Look closely, where are the Republicans attacking labor? Where the States are battlegrounds, and labor has a strong presence. So tell me again, this is about balancing States Budgets? There is one glaring area I want you to notice, if you haven't already. The Republican, evangelical, Confederate South, has lower pay, are in the bottom 20% of high school graduations, and are all Right-to-Work States, what a surprise?
When the Japanese decided to attack Pearl Harbor in 1941, it was said they were only going to awaken a sleeping giant. The Republicans have done just that. Organized labor is going to go after these Republicans like mad dogs, and nobody is going to forget what they did, just like at Pearl Harbor. Eight Wisconsin State Republican Legislators are facing recall votes, similar plans are in the works for Governor Scott Walker, and the organized labor movement has been given a burst of momentum unlike anything they've seen since the 40s and 50s. I can only close to Republicans, "be careful what you wish for, you may get it."
The States that took the brunt of this assault being Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Florida, and New Jersey. Now lets examine some of the similarities. 1) All of these States have new Republican Governor's. 2) In my opinion, organized labor had no idea about the size of the train heading their way, and were not prepared to stop it until it was too late. 3) All these Governor's are putting this forward as their first act of business, in the hope people will forget what they did 4 years from now, and I think this highly unlikely. 4) All the various ways to crush Unions, were put forward as budget balancing measures, which if you look closely at all these States, turns out to be non-sense. 5) All these States, except New Jersey, are battleground States for President Obama in 2012. 6) The direct result of destroying Unions in these States, is to destroy, in large part, the money machine that President Obama and other Democratic hopefuls would depend on to carry these States next year.
In Wisconsin, while jammed through the State Legislature in the middle of the night, with a number of procedural laws potentially breached, Wisconsin's Unions demise will now rest with the courts. If you say you need concessions from the Unions to balance the budget, then get those concessions, and vote to destroy the unions anyway; then it's not about the budget, it's about crushing Unions. In Ohio similar legislation is pending. In Michigan they gave the Governor "Emergency Powers" to dismantle union bargaining a case at a time, town by town, city by city. In the Right-to-Work State of Florida the Governor said he would not pursue that tack. Well isn't that white of him, to not attack organized labor where there is none.
I've done some research on one area near and dear to my heart, education. Below is a map of Right-to-Work States vs. Union Represented States.
The Union States are in Green, the Right-to-Work States in Red. Now lets take a statistic like pay and high school graduation rates, and compare it to the map above.
This map simply splits the top 25 States with the highest graduation rates in Green, and the 25 States with the lowest graduation rates in Red. While some may say the pattern is mixed, this is the facts. Eight Union States are in the lowest graduation group. Sixteen Right-to-Work States are in the lowest graduation group. So by 2 to 1 Union States pay better and get better results, while Right-to-Work States make less and have worse results. Look closely, where are the Republicans attacking labor? Where the States are battlegrounds, and labor has a strong presence. So tell me again, this is about balancing States Budgets? There is one glaring area I want you to notice, if you haven't already. The Republican, evangelical, Confederate South, has lower pay, are in the bottom 20% of high school graduations, and are all Right-to-Work States, what a surprise?
When the Japanese decided to attack Pearl Harbor in 1941, it was said they were only going to awaken a sleeping giant. The Republicans have done just that. Organized labor is going to go after these Republicans like mad dogs, and nobody is going to forget what they did, just like at Pearl Harbor. Eight Wisconsin State Republican Legislators are facing recall votes, similar plans are in the works for Governor Scott Walker, and the organized labor movement has been given a burst of momentum unlike anything they've seen since the 40s and 50s. I can only close to Republicans, "be careful what you wish for, you may get it."
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
A True Moment Of Clarity About Republicans For All Of America To See
You know people these moments come few and far between, but America's Republican Party have turned over all their cards on the table. Like most games of chance it is a huge gamble on their part. Still full of bravado from their November "mandate", whether consciously or not, they have become completely transparent at this moment in history, and what they project is not a pretty picture.
First, in their dogmatic and draconian approach to slash $61 Billion dollars from the previous fiscal years budget, they have once again put their boots on the necks of those who can lease afford it. They linger like sharks in the 16% of a fiscal pool called general discretionary spending. They target poor women and their children, education grants, abortion rights, to name a few. They advance this economic and political nightmare with solace as if they are the ones who will suffer it's consequences. Then after hearing the potential consequences of such a plan, several economists declaring it could cost the country 700,000 jobs, the response from House Leader Boehner "...so be it." Job killing economic policy advanced during a shaky recovery to the cheers of "...so be it!" You can almost hear their masters call, the unending drone of the mega-rich yanking Boenher's chain like a new puppy.
Second, The assault on the last bastion stronghold of the middle class, organized labor both public and private. From New Jersey, to Wisconsin they decry its about he budget, but the argument holds no water. In Wisconsin they demand concessions on pension and health care contributions, but when they get those concessions, suddenly it is not enough. Why? because its once again about being beholden to their real core constituency the rich. This is not an economic argument, it is purely political. Its about destroying the last formidable money contributors to the left. Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin has crawled out on a limb, but he better be careful because labor has begun to saw on that branch, and the next job lost in Wisconsin my be his own. Yet once again we see this hard line entrenched political dogma, unyielding even as the ground begins to erode beneath his feet.
Third, actions speak louder than words. Tax brakes for the rich, subsidies for Big Oil, wholesale dismissal of climate change, the dismantling of protections on our air, our water, our food. Deregulation of every facet of the economy, industry, banking, the environment and why? Once again promoting the agenda of their greatest voting block, the rich robber barons of corporate America. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker jumped to talk to who he thought was billionaire contributor David Koch when he got punked last week. Why? He heard his masters call.
This Republican party loves to wrap itself in the flag and proclaim they are the real America, they wear American flag lapel pins, they claim we are the greatest nation on earth. They espouse the virtues of America at every turn, while they dismantle the middle class, undermine education, destroy our environment, and refuse health care to its citizens. What they want is not Democracy, it never has been. What they want is Plutocracy defined simply:
1. the rule or power of wealth or of the wealthy.
2. a government or state in which the wealthy class rules.
3. a class or group ruling, or exercising power or influence, by virtue of its wealth.
Then, sadly in their greatest coup of all, they have manipulated the American people to vote contrary to their own best interests. Under the guise of fiscal responsibility and deregulation for a freer and fairer marketplace. A world where Mega-Banks and Wall Street hot shots take this country to the brink of financial ruin and no one goes to jail, oh and by the way, YOU get to pay for it. Then once recovered, millions in bonuses continue to get paid to the very people who created the mess in the first place. Oil companies drill recklessly in deep water in the Gulf of Mexico, but rest easy in the knowledge they will know how to treat all the Walruses in the Gulf should disaster strike. The relentless and unending stream of money that can now pour into our political campaigns without having to disclose where the money comes from, over 80% of which favors Republicans.
This is Republican America my friends, can you see it? At this moment it is shining like a new dime on the sidewalk. You could pick it up... but it will cost you.
First, in their dogmatic and draconian approach to slash $61 Billion dollars from the previous fiscal years budget, they have once again put their boots on the necks of those who can lease afford it. They linger like sharks in the 16% of a fiscal pool called general discretionary spending. They target poor women and their children, education grants, abortion rights, to name a few. They advance this economic and political nightmare with solace as if they are the ones who will suffer it's consequences. Then after hearing the potential consequences of such a plan, several economists declaring it could cost the country 700,000 jobs, the response from House Leader Boehner "...so be it." Job killing economic policy advanced during a shaky recovery to the cheers of "...so be it!" You can almost hear their masters call, the unending drone of the mega-rich yanking Boenher's chain like a new puppy.
Second, The assault on the last bastion stronghold of the middle class, organized labor both public and private. From New Jersey, to Wisconsin they decry its about he budget, but the argument holds no water. In Wisconsin they demand concessions on pension and health care contributions, but when they get those concessions, suddenly it is not enough. Why? because its once again about being beholden to their real core constituency the rich. This is not an economic argument, it is purely political. Its about destroying the last formidable money contributors to the left. Gov. Scott Walker of Wisconsin has crawled out on a limb, but he better be careful because labor has begun to saw on that branch, and the next job lost in Wisconsin my be his own. Yet once again we see this hard line entrenched political dogma, unyielding even as the ground begins to erode beneath his feet.
Third, actions speak louder than words. Tax brakes for the rich, subsidies for Big Oil, wholesale dismissal of climate change, the dismantling of protections on our air, our water, our food. Deregulation of every facet of the economy, industry, banking, the environment and why? Once again promoting the agenda of their greatest voting block, the rich robber barons of corporate America. Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker jumped to talk to who he thought was billionaire contributor David Koch when he got punked last week. Why? He heard his masters call.
This Republican party loves to wrap itself in the flag and proclaim they are the real America, they wear American flag lapel pins, they claim we are the greatest nation on earth. They espouse the virtues of America at every turn, while they dismantle the middle class, undermine education, destroy our environment, and refuse health care to its citizens. What they want is not Democracy, it never has been. What they want is Plutocracy defined simply:
1. the rule or power of wealth or of the wealthy.
2. a government or state in which the wealthy class rules.
3. a class or group ruling, or exercising power or influence, by virtue of its wealth.
Then, sadly in their greatest coup of all, they have manipulated the American people to vote contrary to their own best interests. Under the guise of fiscal responsibility and deregulation for a freer and fairer marketplace. A world where Mega-Banks and Wall Street hot shots take this country to the brink of financial ruin and no one goes to jail, oh and by the way, YOU get to pay for it. Then once recovered, millions in bonuses continue to get paid to the very people who created the mess in the first place. Oil companies drill recklessly in deep water in the Gulf of Mexico, but rest easy in the knowledge they will know how to treat all the Walruses in the Gulf should disaster strike. The relentless and unending stream of money that can now pour into our political campaigns without having to disclose where the money comes from, over 80% of which favors Republicans.
This is Republican America my friends, can you see it? At this moment it is shining like a new dime on the sidewalk. You could pick it up... but it will cost you.
Friday, February 25, 2011
In Georgia: Better Dead Than Red
I know there are a lot of things brewing across the country of late, but I have to take a moment to tackle a few things at home. For those of you who live outside of Georgia please allow me this rant, besides you may find it amusing. In the recent 2010 election here in Georgia, the Democratic Party was officially declared an ineffectual body in Georgia politics. The Republican Party won every State and Federal race from Governor to Dog Catcher which includes:
1 U.S. Senate Seat (both seats are Republican)
A majority of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives (8 Rep. 5 Dem.)
Governor
Lt. Governor
Secretary of State
Attorney General
State School Superintendent
Insurance Commissioner
Agriculture Commissioner
Labor Commissioner
A majority of State Representatives (116 Rep. 63 Dem. 1 Ind.)
A majority of State Senators (36 Rep. 20 Dem.)
You could be a drug addicted homeless person, who lives under an overpass, and never got past the 6th grade, and as long as you were a Republican you would probably win.
Case in point: Our current Governor Nathan Deal was elected despite shady no bid contracts, and numerous ethics violations. He was named one of the most corrupt members in Congress, and was about to undergo an ethics investigation by that body, but resigned his seat in the middle of the night to avoid it. So even if your a crook and Republican, that's OK with electorate of bumpkins that vote here in the Peach State.
This is the Reddest of Red States. In the 2008 Republican Presidential Primary Georgia didn't go for John McCain, but rather evangelical wing nut Mike Huckabee. If Huckabee runs again I bet Georgia will go 2 for 2. In Georgia, every restuarant, pizza place, ice cream parlor, car dealership waiting room has Fox News on every T.V.. It gives serious consideration to people like Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reily, Sarah Palin, and Michelle Bachmann. To most people in Georgia these people's opinions are given serious thought and contemplation. As a fervent Progressive Liberal I think it's safe to say that me, and people like me, are in hell here in Georgia.
I will close with this article I just saw on Yahoo News:
Lawmaker condemns question about shooting Obama
WASHINGTON – A Georgia Republican says he was stunned when a constituent at a town hall meeting asked about assassinating President Barack Obama.
Rep. Paul Broun, a conservative who has harshly criticized the president, confirmed Friday that he was hosting an event in Oglethorpe County, Ga., on Tuesday when a man asked, "Who's going to shoot Obama?"
Broun didn't criticize the man for asking the question. Instead, he said he understood the frustration with Obama and reminded his audience that they would have the chance to help elect a new president next year.
After the exchange was reported by local media Friday, Broun issued a statement calling the question "abhorrent" and saying he chose not to dignify it with an answer. Broun also says he alerted the Secret Service.
Hope you get the picture. Ya'll come back now ya hear!
1 U.S. Senate Seat (both seats are Republican)
A majority of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives (8 Rep. 5 Dem.)
Governor
Lt. Governor
Secretary of State
Attorney General
State School Superintendent
Insurance Commissioner
Agriculture Commissioner
Labor Commissioner
A majority of State Representatives (116 Rep. 63 Dem. 1 Ind.)
A majority of State Senators (36 Rep. 20 Dem.)
You could be a drug addicted homeless person, who lives under an overpass, and never got past the 6th grade, and as long as you were a Republican you would probably win.
Case in point: Our current Governor Nathan Deal was elected despite shady no bid contracts, and numerous ethics violations. He was named one of the most corrupt members in Congress, and was about to undergo an ethics investigation by that body, but resigned his seat in the middle of the night to avoid it. So even if your a crook and Republican, that's OK with electorate of bumpkins that vote here in the Peach State.
This is the Reddest of Red States. In the 2008 Republican Presidential Primary Georgia didn't go for John McCain, but rather evangelical wing nut Mike Huckabee. If Huckabee runs again I bet Georgia will go 2 for 2. In Georgia, every restuarant, pizza place, ice cream parlor, car dealership waiting room has Fox News on every T.V.. It gives serious consideration to people like Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reily, Sarah Palin, and Michelle Bachmann. To most people in Georgia these people's opinions are given serious thought and contemplation. As a fervent Progressive Liberal I think it's safe to say that me, and people like me, are in hell here in Georgia.
I will close with this article I just saw on Yahoo News:
Lawmaker condemns question about shooting Obama
WASHINGTON – A Georgia Republican says he was stunned when a constituent at a town hall meeting asked about assassinating President Barack Obama.
Rep. Paul Broun, a conservative who has harshly criticized the president, confirmed Friday that he was hosting an event in Oglethorpe County, Ga., on Tuesday when a man asked, "Who's going to shoot Obama?"
Broun didn't criticize the man for asking the question. Instead, he said he understood the frustration with Obama and reminded his audience that they would have the chance to help elect a new president next year.
After the exchange was reported by local media Friday, Broun issued a statement calling the question "abhorrent" and saying he chose not to dignify it with an answer. Broun also says he alerted the Secret Service.
Hope you get the picture. Ya'll come back now ya hear!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
GOP Likes N.J. Governor Chris Christie, But Nobody Else Does
OK people if ever there was a topic from me you could take to the bank, this is it. My home State of New Jersey is still very near and dear to my heart, and I keep tabs on a lot of what goes on in the Garden State. Recently, you may have heard accolades for the Governor of New Jersey and his "...Its time to do big things - the really big things." agenda. Only a year into the job and Republicans are clamoring for the new Governor to run for the White House, although he says he's not ready for the job, and dismisses any plans for 2012. His tough budget cutting rhetoric has conservatives dribbling in their pants, particularly the Tea Party clan, which he is not associated with. He doesn't just talk a good game either, he backs it up. The State was facing an $11 Billion dollar deficit and he wasted no time in taking the hard road. He cancelled a $9 Billion dollar plus new train tunnel to New York City, slashed $3 Billion dollars from the States pension plan, and tangled with the powerful New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) cutting school aid and entering into frequent battles with teachers, and other organized labor groups.
His first years 2 biggest blunders were almost loosing $400 Million dollars in federal grant money for education, and languishing on a Florida beach while the State was paralyzed by a massive winter storm. In one year he has managed to alienate just about every labor group in New Jersey, and systematically tried to destroy one of the best school systems in the country. As one of many educators in my family, I can tell you he is firmly in touch with the third rail of New Jersey politics, the NJEA. His approval rating is at 33% and falling, and he faces another $11 Billion dollar deficit this year. The next group on Christie's chopping block are State employees, and all this while the courts decide if his education cuts from last year are unconstitutional.
The GOP may like Chris Christie, but nobody else does. He has stirred up such a hornets nest in the Garden State, that one wonders if after 4 years if there will be anybody he hasn't pissed off? Christie defends his cuts "You can disagree, but you're never going to be able to say, 'The guy wasn't willing to take a risk. The guy wasn't willing to take a chance on how to fix something.' ...If people don't like it after four years, they can send me home." If I were you Governor I'd start packing. I know New Jersey and this guy is gone, and I don't mean to the White House. I have friends and family home in both labor and education, and they want this guy gone like yesterday. I'll sum things up this way, my 65 year old brother a retired teacher of 33 years said this: "If I've been shot 5 times, stabbed 3 times, and then crushed with a rock, I'll crawl to the polls to vote this asshole out." So when you hear all the hype about Chris Christie from New Jersey just forgetaboutit.
His first years 2 biggest blunders were almost loosing $400 Million dollars in federal grant money for education, and languishing on a Florida beach while the State was paralyzed by a massive winter storm. In one year he has managed to alienate just about every labor group in New Jersey, and systematically tried to destroy one of the best school systems in the country. As one of many educators in my family, I can tell you he is firmly in touch with the third rail of New Jersey politics, the NJEA. His approval rating is at 33% and falling, and he faces another $11 Billion dollar deficit this year. The next group on Christie's chopping block are State employees, and all this while the courts decide if his education cuts from last year are unconstitutional.
The GOP may like Chris Christie, but nobody else does. He has stirred up such a hornets nest in the Garden State, that one wonders if after 4 years if there will be anybody he hasn't pissed off? Christie defends his cuts "You can disagree, but you're never going to be able to say, 'The guy wasn't willing to take a risk. The guy wasn't willing to take a chance on how to fix something.' ...If people don't like it after four years, they can send me home." If I were you Governor I'd start packing. I know New Jersey and this guy is gone, and I don't mean to the White House. I have friends and family home in both labor and education, and they want this guy gone like yesterday. I'll sum things up this way, my 65 year old brother a retired teacher of 33 years said this: "If I've been shot 5 times, stabbed 3 times, and then crushed with a rock, I'll crawl to the polls to vote this asshole out." So when you hear all the hype about Chris Christie from New Jersey just forgetaboutit.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Elephants In A Teapot
The State of the Union is over and the Republicans are off and running trying to find their asses with both hands. They have pledged to cut billions from the budget, but can't quite decide how many billions, or on what exactly they plan to plunge the knife into first. As they continue to tout jobs as their first priority, their most recent efforts have produced 3 different bills attempting to limit abortions, guess the jobs will come later? House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) got hit not once , but 3 times by end runs from the Tea Party, turning a very easy legislative week into a massive embarrassment. Shooting down provisions of the Patriot Act that Tea Party legislators thought too intrusive against civil liberties! Hows that for strange bedfellows? The Patriot Act! the Rights primary terror tool co-opted by the Tea Party. Now I'm sure this will probably get rectified somewhere down the line, but I'm equally sure there were some big smiles in the White House, despite the fact they want the Patriot Act extended. Welcome to the Republican leadership Mr Boehner, after you wipe the egg off your face, "Where are the jobs?"
The Republicans are trying so hard to put on the brave face of an energized party trying to consolidate its gains from November. Sadly their entire leadership is adrift, they're all staring at each other wondering which direction they need to look to catch the bus. Anybody who thinks the Republican Party's not trying desperately to avoid an internal split isn't paying attention. They are all saying different things, and when they do say something they have to genuflect to the Tea Party first. John Boehner found this out the hard way this week. Even he said (paraphrasing) "... I'm not a card carrying member, but I appreciate what they have to offer." Little tougher to lead when you don't have the luxury of sitting on your hands and saying "No" to everything huh Mr. Boehner?
Still not convinced? Well this week the Tea Party Express put long time Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) on their Republican Primary hit list. In an interview just this morning new Tea Party Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) would not come out and endorse his senior Senator until AFTER the primary process was completed. He said that was up to the voters of Utah to decide. Translation: You are old guard Republican and unless you win the Republican Primary, you'll get no help from me. Pretty ballsy for a freshman Senator from the same State, don't you think?
Finally, with the 2012 Election on the near horizon the Republicans have more potential candidates than a teenage boy has tissues on the floor of his bedroom, and there is not much difference between the two. Romney seems the early favorite, but he won't survive the scrutiny of his mandated health care in Massachusetts. Donald Trump put his toe in the water at the CPAC Convention this morning, but he has no real appeal I think. So that leaves all the FOX News headliners, political analysts, and contributors leaving you with one giant blob of mediocrity. In a phrase "They Got Nobody." and at this point, I don't see how they win in 2012 with the current crop of candidates available. There is lots of time, but the ongoing struggle to keep their own house undivided, will plague them though the entire process will tie their hands as to who works for the old right AND the new right.
The Republicans are trying so hard to put on the brave face of an energized party trying to consolidate its gains from November. Sadly their entire leadership is adrift, they're all staring at each other wondering which direction they need to look to catch the bus. Anybody who thinks the Republican Party's not trying desperately to avoid an internal split isn't paying attention. They are all saying different things, and when they do say something they have to genuflect to the Tea Party first. John Boehner found this out the hard way this week. Even he said (paraphrasing) "... I'm not a card carrying member, but I appreciate what they have to offer." Little tougher to lead when you don't have the luxury of sitting on your hands and saying "No" to everything huh Mr. Boehner?
Still not convinced? Well this week the Tea Party Express put long time Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) on their Republican Primary hit list. In an interview just this morning new Tea Party Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) would not come out and endorse his senior Senator until AFTER the primary process was completed. He said that was up to the voters of Utah to decide. Translation: You are old guard Republican and unless you win the Republican Primary, you'll get no help from me. Pretty ballsy for a freshman Senator from the same State, don't you think?
Finally, with the 2012 Election on the near horizon the Republicans have more potential candidates than a teenage boy has tissues on the floor of his bedroom, and there is not much difference between the two. Romney seems the early favorite, but he won't survive the scrutiny of his mandated health care in Massachusetts. Donald Trump put his toe in the water at the CPAC Convention this morning, but he has no real appeal I think. So that leaves all the FOX News headliners, political analysts, and contributors leaving you with one giant blob of mediocrity. In a phrase "They Got Nobody." and at this point, I don't see how they win in 2012 with the current crop of candidates available. There is lots of time, but the ongoing struggle to keep their own house undivided, will plague them though the entire process will tie their hands as to who works for the old right AND the new right.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Obama's State Of The Union Quite Different Than Republicans
Well I'm sure the tens of people who read this blog saw the President's State of the Union last night. I thought it was a good political speech, a Kennedy-esk national pep-talk, that makes it difficult to criticize. Subsequently, the President took a definite step to the center, in light of Republican gains in the House. However, he did present a number of goals without many specifics on how to tackle them. He instead laid out what he thinks the country needs for prosperity in the future. Things like energy policy, education, infrastructure investment, and a call to the nation to reinvent itself, to do "big things." As State of the Union's go, it was probably the most subdued address to the Congress I have ever seen. It was a good speech about moving forward and setting challenges for our future, but was light on the details of how to achieve them.
Then came the "official" Republican response by Representative Paul Ryan(R-WI) the new Chairman of the House Budget Committee. Unfortunately, he played the fear card right out of the gate. He used phrases like (paraphrasing) "catastrophic levels of debt", "a diminished country",and "we still have time, but not much time." You would think an asteroid was heading for earth, and only the Republicans know how to stop it. Then he characteristically played fast and loose with the facts, to make President Obama a scapegoat for conservative policies that didn't work then, and won't work now. President Bushes 8 years in the White House were like some kind of mirage that never happened. He also tried to compare the economic problems in Greece and Ireland to those of the United States, which is a giant stretch even for Republicans. Add about half a dozen cries for limited government, massive deregulation, and the golden idol of conservative thought, cutting taxes and that about sums it up.
The most intriguing part of the evening was that the Tea Party also had a response to the Presidents speech. Bring on that lovable clown from Minnesota's 6th District Michelle Bachmann, who fights daily with Sarah Palin to see who's the bigger idiot. She tried so hard to make her case for economic restraint, and smaller government, but once again she proved she needs an American history lesson regarding where Amendments originate. Hey she's only a Representative in Congress, details, details. She even tried to use graphs! Deceptive and inaccurate graphs, but graphs none the less. I'm sure she jumped at the opportunity to use the crayons she got for Christmas. Now she didn't mean to undermine the "official" Republican response, but when you have multiple responses from supposedly the same party, how would you interpret that? If Republicans wanted to have one response, Speaker Boehner, Leaders Cantor and McConnell should have squashed them. You know why they didn't? Because the mainstream Republicans in this country have no clue what to do with the Tea Party? All they know is that they need them, but its clear Republican regulars don't know whether to scratch their watch, or wind their ass when it comes to their new lunatic fringe.
It is clear to me now that there is a very fragile and tenuous alliance between the Tea Party and Regular Republicans. In fact I'd say the Tea Party is currently in the drivers seat, and that doesn't bode well for conciliation or compromise on a whole host of issues. President Obama sees the glass half full, Republicans see the glass half empty with a crack leaking water. What kind of legislation will this kind of thinking generate? I think it should prove interesting to watch.
Then came the "official" Republican response by Representative Paul Ryan(R-WI) the new Chairman of the House Budget Committee. Unfortunately, he played the fear card right out of the gate. He used phrases like (paraphrasing) "catastrophic levels of debt", "a diminished country",and "we still have time, but not much time." You would think an asteroid was heading for earth, and only the Republicans know how to stop it. Then he characteristically played fast and loose with the facts, to make President Obama a scapegoat for conservative policies that didn't work then, and won't work now. President Bushes 8 years in the White House were like some kind of mirage that never happened. He also tried to compare the economic problems in Greece and Ireland to those of the United States, which is a giant stretch even for Republicans. Add about half a dozen cries for limited government, massive deregulation, and the golden idol of conservative thought, cutting taxes and that about sums it up.
The most intriguing part of the evening was that the Tea Party also had a response to the Presidents speech. Bring on that lovable clown from Minnesota's 6th District Michelle Bachmann, who fights daily with Sarah Palin to see who's the bigger idiot. She tried so hard to make her case for economic restraint, and smaller government, but once again she proved she needs an American history lesson regarding where Amendments originate. Hey she's only a Representative in Congress, details, details. She even tried to use graphs! Deceptive and inaccurate graphs, but graphs none the less. I'm sure she jumped at the opportunity to use the crayons she got for Christmas. Now she didn't mean to undermine the "official" Republican response, but when you have multiple responses from supposedly the same party, how would you interpret that? If Republicans wanted to have one response, Speaker Boehner, Leaders Cantor and McConnell should have squashed them. You know why they didn't? Because the mainstream Republicans in this country have no clue what to do with the Tea Party? All they know is that they need them, but its clear Republican regulars don't know whether to scratch their watch, or wind their ass when it comes to their new lunatic fringe.
It is clear to me now that there is a very fragile and tenuous alliance between the Tea Party and Regular Republicans. In fact I'd say the Tea Party is currently in the drivers seat, and that doesn't bode well for conciliation or compromise on a whole host of issues. President Obama sees the glass half full, Republicans see the glass half empty with a crack leaking water. What kind of legislation will this kind of thinking generate? I think it should prove interesting to watch.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
A New Year Brings New Challenges
The holidays are over and the unending political season rolls on into yet another year. So what issues lie before us in this new season? Well the Republicans now control the House of Representatives, and want to exert their zeal to stop wasting America's time and get down to the work of the people. So what do they put first on their agenda? The repeal of Health care Reform. This will never see the light of day, and while it may pass the new right wing House, it will never see the Senate floor, or survive a Presidential veto, so much for not wasting America's time. John Boehner is now Speaker of the House, I'll let that speak for itself for now.
The tragedy in Tuscon has consumed most of the week. I'm sure all of you know the details of the tragedy so I won't waste time repeating them here. At the memorial for the fallen and injured which included Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), President Obama gave one of the best speeches I think he's given since his campaign days. I was very glad for this, because his last few national conversations were mediocre at best. He needs to give more of these kind of speeches that stir pride in the America we all share. I was also glad he concentrated on the victims, and didn't fall into the trap of making the tragedy wholly about the political discourse this event has brought to the front page. Now while he did touch on the issue, he did it with tact and understanding that never eclipsed the true meaning behind the memorial. This was no easy task, and he performed brilliantly in an atmosphere ripe to find fault with the smallest of diversions from the job at hand.
This atmosphere created by the right, was looking for him to point a finger in their direction as a contributing factor to the tragedy. Just hours before President Obama's speech a defiant Sarah Palin released a video crying "Mia Culpa" claiming the tragedy stands on its own, and nothing she or anyone else did or said contributed to the shooting. Even though she marked Congresswoman Giffords district with a gun cross hairs, while saying don't retreat, reload. It was one of many cross hairs on a national map targeting solely Democratic members of Congress for defeat in the 2010 elections. Unable to make any point without putting her foot in her mouth, she further insulted the Jewish community by using the term "Blood Liable" which throughout history has referred to Jews using the blood of Christian children to make bread. She continues to keep herself on the top of the WTF scale, as well as, boggle the minds of most educated Americans.
The tragedy in Tuscon has also raised the gun control debate to the forefront. In particular the use of long clips which hold upwards of 3 times the ammunition of a regular clip, and the process of mental health checks when purchasing a gun. Do people really need to have a semi automatic GLOK 9mm with a 31 bullet clip? Are there bunkers of heavily armed squirrels strategically hidden in the woodlands of America, that necessitate these kind of weapons? If the law requires you to check a database for information on a potential buyers mental health, shouldn't it be mandatory to SUPPLY that information? If not what is the point? Now the NRA will fight any measures to change the status quo, you know guns don't kill people, people kill people. Yeah crazy people with GUNS! It's like saying cars don't kill people, people kill people. Well cars can be just as deadly as a gun. The problem is cars are not protected by the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution. In Arizona right now, you can be crazy, buy a gun, carry it concealed, go to a bar or restaurant, an airport, and coming soon schools and college campuses. You can do all this and WITHOUT A PERMIT OF ANY KIND! Makes me wanna pack up and move... EAST! First there was Virginia Tech, now Tuscon, and who knows how many others will happen before some common sense legislation gets past. We are not coming for your guns, but you don't need a bazooka, or 50 bullet clips to hunt deer, or target practice (well maybe Sarah Palin), but lets get real here.
Finally, there is something to be said for the rights reaction in general to Tuscon. Beck, Limbaugh, Palin and the rest haven't just reacted, they've overreacted. We were not in Tuscon, we didn't shoot that congresswoman, to link us in any way is reprehensible. We are not to blame, well yeah you kinda are. When you put cross hairs on people, say things like "don't retreat, reload." constantly call an abortion doctor "Tiller the Killer", when you compare your President to Nazi Germany a nation responsible for the death of 40 million people, when you go to rallies armed and carry banners that say "...the Tree of Liberty must be watered with the blood of tyrants." If you do or agree with any of these sentiments, you are responsible. Now I won't go so far as to say this has all come from the right, but MOST of it has.
Congress recently got a 77% approval rating, you know what for? The lame duck session when both parties worked together and actually accomplished something. You may not like the compromises that came down, I didn't, but there comes a time when you have to come out of your trench, cross no mans land, and shake hands in compromise. The trench warfare has to end, and we have to stop talking AT each other, and start talking TO each other. Words and Ideas can be powerful things, if we take the time to listen and then try to reach common ground. It is not a new idea, we have been doing it for over 200 years. However, if we continue to dig in and obstruct at every opportunity, the very nature of our Democracy will begin to fail. We have some big challenges on the horizon, now that we have divided government will we move ahead, or continue to stagnate. I look forward to discovering the answer.
The tragedy in Tuscon has consumed most of the week. I'm sure all of you know the details of the tragedy so I won't waste time repeating them here. At the memorial for the fallen and injured which included Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), President Obama gave one of the best speeches I think he's given since his campaign days. I was very glad for this, because his last few national conversations were mediocre at best. He needs to give more of these kind of speeches that stir pride in the America we all share. I was also glad he concentrated on the victims, and didn't fall into the trap of making the tragedy wholly about the political discourse this event has brought to the front page. Now while he did touch on the issue, he did it with tact and understanding that never eclipsed the true meaning behind the memorial. This was no easy task, and he performed brilliantly in an atmosphere ripe to find fault with the smallest of diversions from the job at hand.
This atmosphere created by the right, was looking for him to point a finger in their direction as a contributing factor to the tragedy. Just hours before President Obama's speech a defiant Sarah Palin released a video crying "Mia Culpa" claiming the tragedy stands on its own, and nothing she or anyone else did or said contributed to the shooting. Even though she marked Congresswoman Giffords district with a gun cross hairs, while saying don't retreat, reload. It was one of many cross hairs on a national map targeting solely Democratic members of Congress for defeat in the 2010 elections. Unable to make any point without putting her foot in her mouth, she further insulted the Jewish community by using the term "Blood Liable" which throughout history has referred to Jews using the blood of Christian children to make bread. She continues to keep herself on the top of the WTF scale, as well as, boggle the minds of most educated Americans.
The tragedy in Tuscon has also raised the gun control debate to the forefront. In particular the use of long clips which hold upwards of 3 times the ammunition of a regular clip, and the process of mental health checks when purchasing a gun. Do people really need to have a semi automatic GLOK 9mm with a 31 bullet clip? Are there bunkers of heavily armed squirrels strategically hidden in the woodlands of America, that necessitate these kind of weapons? If the law requires you to check a database for information on a potential buyers mental health, shouldn't it be mandatory to SUPPLY that information? If not what is the point? Now the NRA will fight any measures to change the status quo, you know guns don't kill people, people kill people. Yeah crazy people with GUNS! It's like saying cars don't kill people, people kill people. Well cars can be just as deadly as a gun. The problem is cars are not protected by the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution. In Arizona right now, you can be crazy, buy a gun, carry it concealed, go to a bar or restaurant, an airport, and coming soon schools and college campuses. You can do all this and WITHOUT A PERMIT OF ANY KIND! Makes me wanna pack up and move... EAST! First there was Virginia Tech, now Tuscon, and who knows how many others will happen before some common sense legislation gets past. We are not coming for your guns, but you don't need a bazooka, or 50 bullet clips to hunt deer, or target practice (well maybe Sarah Palin), but lets get real here.
Finally, there is something to be said for the rights reaction in general to Tuscon. Beck, Limbaugh, Palin and the rest haven't just reacted, they've overreacted. We were not in Tuscon, we didn't shoot that congresswoman, to link us in any way is reprehensible. We are not to blame, well yeah you kinda are. When you put cross hairs on people, say things like "don't retreat, reload." constantly call an abortion doctor "Tiller the Killer", when you compare your President to Nazi Germany a nation responsible for the death of 40 million people, when you go to rallies armed and carry banners that say "...the Tree of Liberty must be watered with the blood of tyrants." If you do or agree with any of these sentiments, you are responsible. Now I won't go so far as to say this has all come from the right, but MOST of it has.
Congress recently got a 77% approval rating, you know what for? The lame duck session when both parties worked together and actually accomplished something. You may not like the compromises that came down, I didn't, but there comes a time when you have to come out of your trench, cross no mans land, and shake hands in compromise. The trench warfare has to end, and we have to stop talking AT each other, and start talking TO each other. Words and Ideas can be powerful things, if we take the time to listen and then try to reach common ground. It is not a new idea, we have been doing it for over 200 years. However, if we continue to dig in and obstruct at every opportunity, the very nature of our Democracy will begin to fail. We have some big challenges on the horizon, now that we have divided government will we move ahead, or continue to stagnate. I look forward to discovering the answer.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
True To Form
Well the Republicans are off and running to restore jobs and return fiscal responsibility to the country. I watched Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on Meet the Press this morning continue to talk out of both sides of his mouth, while once again giving no details on how to address all current problems facing the nation. He basically claimed he'll compromise with the President if he does what Republicans want. Last I checked that doesn't fit the definition of compromise in my book. Before the Senate came back in session he issued a manifesto to make Barack Obama a one term President, then the first he does when the session starts, is put together a letter signed by 42 Republican Senators that refuses to move on anything unless they keep tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. All while unemployment expires for 2 million people in the heart of the holiday season. They proved true to their word by shooting down tax breaks for people under $250,000 and then again for those under $1,000,000. Well people ask and you shall receive.
This also raises a question for me? When the tax legislation passed the House 20 Democrats voted against it, and then in the Senate 5 Democrats voted against it. Why is it the Republican party can walk lock step with their leadership and the Democrats cannot? I guess I shouldn't complain at least they brought the issue to the floor to get the Republicans on record. So now that the political theatre is over the Democrats will now, like always, cave like a house of cards and give Republicans what they want. It makes me ill to think about it. The rich will get their tax breaks and once more the middle class will get the shaft.
So now Republicans will stall to pass as little as possible until they fill the trenches of the House come January. The tax issue will be a labored drawn out affair, and things like "Don't Ask Don't Tell" will get thrown on the back burner to be shot down later next year. The START Treaty might see daylight, but it does not hold a high position on the Republican to do list. All these stances totally true to form, and a direct result of the American electorate.
All I can say AGAIN, is that President Obama better hang tough against these clown on the right. If they capture the agenda this country follows over the next two years, he will be a one term President. He is suppose to be leader of the country and quite frankly I don't see it, do you? The economy is still foundering and we need Presidential leadership more than ever, here's to hoping we get some and soon.
Happy Holidays!
This also raises a question for me? When the tax legislation passed the House 20 Democrats voted against it, and then in the Senate 5 Democrats voted against it. Why is it the Republican party can walk lock step with their leadership and the Democrats cannot? I guess I shouldn't complain at least they brought the issue to the floor to get the Republicans on record. So now that the political theatre is over the Democrats will now, like always, cave like a house of cards and give Republicans what they want. It makes me ill to think about it. The rich will get their tax breaks and once more the middle class will get the shaft.
So now Republicans will stall to pass as little as possible until they fill the trenches of the House come January. The tax issue will be a labored drawn out affair, and things like "Don't Ask Don't Tell" will get thrown on the back burner to be shot down later next year. The START Treaty might see daylight, but it does not hold a high position on the Republican to do list. All these stances totally true to form, and a direct result of the American electorate.
All I can say AGAIN, is that President Obama better hang tough against these clown on the right. If they capture the agenda this country follows over the next two years, he will be a one term President. He is suppose to be leader of the country and quite frankly I don't see it, do you? The economy is still foundering and we need Presidential leadership more than ever, here's to hoping we get some and soon.
Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Some Advice For Democrats
Now that the mid-term election has passed, I have a few observations I'd like to share with regard to the Democrats come 2011. This week current House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said she is throwing her hat in the ring to stay on as minority leader in the House. Personally, I don't like Nancy Pelosi, I never have, as some of you know. She is curt, gives the impression her shit smells sweeter than most, and has an air about her I simply can't put my finger on. I take nothing away from her leadership abilities, especially when it came to passing Health Care reform. However, she and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), share the same problem, they are poor communicators. Nancy Pelosi walks the walk, but doesn't talk the talk. Now to be sure lining up your ducks to pass legislation is no easy task for the Democratic Party, but when you hold a 40 seat majority in the House, 60 seats in the Senate (for most of the last 2 years) and the White House, it would seem much easier to do. She turned this electoral gift into a problem, and became just another major Democratic leader to loose control of the conversation, and allow Republicans to weave their fictions at will. Now I won't lay all the blame at Speaker Pelosi's feet, but her demeanor and leadership style allowed Republicans to do what they did, not just on Health Care, but any Democratic initiative. Therefore, I think it would be a bad idea to keep her as Minority Leader. She has also been so vilified across the country, to keep her would undermine her effectiveness, not to mention paint a picture to the nation that the Democrats still don't get it.
In the Senate, Harry Reid won a very hard fought race to retain his seat and his new Senate Minority Leader title. Personally, I don't like Harry Reid either, as many of you know. He is soft spoken, wishy-washy, has the charisma of a dish rag, and fails to command the presence of a leader in the majority or minority position. However we are stuck with him since he was re-elected. As glad as I am that he beat Sharon Angle, a part of me wishes he lost. We need a new face in the Senate as well, but we are stuck with Reid for the moment, so lets hope that spine donor comes in soon.
Now we come to the President who has been introspective of late on what he should have done better, where do I start. In the last 2 years it has become apparent to me that Barack Obama is not a great communicator. He sat back confident in the process, without taking into effect how politics makes the process work. He sat back and let others morph his ideas into something the public eventually lost understanding of. He sat back and let others guide "HIS" policies while he let the process drift aimlessly without his leadership or vision of how "HIS" policy should be. I think the President accomplished some great things in his first 2 years, it's a shame nobody knows what they are. There is no doubt in my mind the President has had a disconnect from the people and his policies. Now the Republicans have the House. This in itself is not a bad thing, if anything they will be forced to engage. Yet the major question remains, when you had total control you failed to capitalize on a great many advantages, now that power is shared what will you do?
I think in a nutshell this is what has to happen. President Obama is our leader, LEAD! Take back control of the conversation whatever it may be. Be bold, get off the sidelines, take a more active role in seeing your agenda put forward. Be equally bold by not letting Republicans always have their way. Start calling them out on some of the fictional talking points they preach ad-nauseum, and use the facts. The Republicans hate facts, that's why they don't like to use them. For Republicans facts are inconvenient truths that get in the way of their message of fear. The only person who can change all this is Barack Obama. If he steps up to the plate and stands behind his achievements moving forward he has an excellent chance in 2012, but if he continues to sit back and let others take the lead, he most likely will be a one term President.
In the Senate, Harry Reid won a very hard fought race to retain his seat and his new Senate Minority Leader title. Personally, I don't like Harry Reid either, as many of you know. He is soft spoken, wishy-washy, has the charisma of a dish rag, and fails to command the presence of a leader in the majority or minority position. However we are stuck with him since he was re-elected. As glad as I am that he beat Sharon Angle, a part of me wishes he lost. We need a new face in the Senate as well, but we are stuck with Reid for the moment, so lets hope that spine donor comes in soon.
Now we come to the President who has been introspective of late on what he should have done better, where do I start. In the last 2 years it has become apparent to me that Barack Obama is not a great communicator. He sat back confident in the process, without taking into effect how politics makes the process work. He sat back and let others morph his ideas into something the public eventually lost understanding of. He sat back and let others guide "HIS" policies while he let the process drift aimlessly without his leadership or vision of how "HIS" policy should be. I think the President accomplished some great things in his first 2 years, it's a shame nobody knows what they are. There is no doubt in my mind the President has had a disconnect from the people and his policies. Now the Republicans have the House. This in itself is not a bad thing, if anything they will be forced to engage. Yet the major question remains, when you had total control you failed to capitalize on a great many advantages, now that power is shared what will you do?
I think in a nutshell this is what has to happen. President Obama is our leader, LEAD! Take back control of the conversation whatever it may be. Be bold, get off the sidelines, take a more active role in seeing your agenda put forward. Be equally bold by not letting Republicans always have their way. Start calling them out on some of the fictional talking points they preach ad-nauseum, and use the facts. The Republicans hate facts, that's why they don't like to use them. For Republicans facts are inconvenient truths that get in the way of their message of fear. The only person who can change all this is Barack Obama. If he steps up to the plate and stands behind his achievements moving forward he has an excellent chance in 2012, but if he continues to sit back and let others take the lead, he most likely will be a one term President.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Republicans Take The House... Now What Happens?
Well as we all know by now, the Republicans made sweeping gains in last weeks election. However, despite their cries that this is a mandate for their party, I wouldn't go that far. First, they needed 39 seats to take control of the House, 49 seats were held by Democrats swept in on Obama's coat tails in 2008, and took districts that were actually carried by John McCain. So given the political atmosphere Republican control was pretty much assured. My latest information has them taking 70 seats total, the minority of those were so called "Blue Dog" Democrats who ran from their party and their President, and lost anyway. To them I say a hearty "Goodbye" as they were Democrats in name only. In the Senate, it was to bad Mary Landrieu(D-LA) and Ben Nelson(D-NE) were not running, and while Blanche Lincoln(D-AR) got the ax, she was replaced by Joe Manchin(D-WV) who in my view is worse. However, that being said, what will the new congress look like? In the Senate 51(D), 45(R), and 3(I). When you factor who the Independents caucus with its 53(D) to 46(R).
When Congress has a 11% approval rating and dislike for Republicans and Democrats is equal at 53% I'm not sure how you interpret that as a mandate, but Republicans will do their best. The House now looks like this: 186(D) to 239(R) with 10 seats still undecided. Now of those 239 Republicans almost half, 113 affiliate themselves with the Tea Party. Which raises the question which of the Republicans two new faces will dominate policy. If I was a betting man, my money would go to the Tea Party faction. They are louder, unfazed by regular Republican attempts to rein them in, and almost have that "Mission from God" mentality that doesn't make much room for compromise on their core issues. However, lets not fool ourselves here, compromise has been a dirty word for Republicans the last 2 years, why should they change now? Especially with more radical elements now legitimately part of the political process.
What do they want now that they have "taken back" the government? Well they want to cut spending, but won't say where? Reform entitlements like Social Security and Medicare, but won't put them on the table? This is a good one, cut discretionary spending? This is a kind of all encompassing catch phrase which is meant to make you believe cuts to make government leaner across the board. Then they preface it with except for Defense, Entitlements, and the Bush tax cuts. So what's left? Education, Energy, Homeland Security is that where they want to cut spending?
The cruel reality is this, the biggest thing they are hitting at the moment is the repeal of Health Care Reform. They can pass all the bills about this in the House they want, but they will never see light on the floor of the U.S. Senate and they know it. It is an exercise in futility that will only waste time on meaningless legislation so they can appease their base and say "we tried". On the other hand, all these deficit reducing spending cutters have 2 big problems to confront, one in the not so distant future, and one right up front. Up front we have the Bush tax cuts slated to expire the end of this year. They have been asked a million times where the 700 billion dollars will come from to pay for these, but they have yet to give an answer? So do they add 700 billion dollars to the deficit as their first act in fiscal responsibility, or will they magically, finally, find a way to fund these cuts? I can't wait to see how this plays out. The second fiscal quandary is the raising of the Federal Government's debt ceiling, currently at 15.3 trillion dollars. Depending on the economy this little problem may be on the radar as early as February. Can Republicans cut spending that quickly as to avoid this problem? Not as chance. So do you let the Federal Government go into default on its loans causing a world wide crisis? or raise the debt ceiling, once again disappointing all those fiscal conservatives screaming for less government.
Republicans should be careful what they wish for? You can't just sit on your hands now and watch the Democrats implode, you have to get off your asses and get in the game. You have a leadership position now, and millions of conservative voters that went to the polls last week to appease, hey good luck with that.
When Congress has a 11% approval rating and dislike for Republicans and Democrats is equal at 53% I'm not sure how you interpret that as a mandate, but Republicans will do their best. The House now looks like this: 186(D) to 239(R) with 10 seats still undecided. Now of those 239 Republicans almost half, 113 affiliate themselves with the Tea Party. Which raises the question which of the Republicans two new faces will dominate policy. If I was a betting man, my money would go to the Tea Party faction. They are louder, unfazed by regular Republican attempts to rein them in, and almost have that "Mission from God" mentality that doesn't make much room for compromise on their core issues. However, lets not fool ourselves here, compromise has been a dirty word for Republicans the last 2 years, why should they change now? Especially with more radical elements now legitimately part of the political process.
What do they want now that they have "taken back" the government? Well they want to cut spending, but won't say where? Reform entitlements like Social Security and Medicare, but won't put them on the table? This is a good one, cut discretionary spending? This is a kind of all encompassing catch phrase which is meant to make you believe cuts to make government leaner across the board. Then they preface it with except for Defense, Entitlements, and the Bush tax cuts. So what's left? Education, Energy, Homeland Security is that where they want to cut spending?
The cruel reality is this, the biggest thing they are hitting at the moment is the repeal of Health Care Reform. They can pass all the bills about this in the House they want, but they will never see light on the floor of the U.S. Senate and they know it. It is an exercise in futility that will only waste time on meaningless legislation so they can appease their base and say "we tried". On the other hand, all these deficit reducing spending cutters have 2 big problems to confront, one in the not so distant future, and one right up front. Up front we have the Bush tax cuts slated to expire the end of this year. They have been asked a million times where the 700 billion dollars will come from to pay for these, but they have yet to give an answer? So do they add 700 billion dollars to the deficit as their first act in fiscal responsibility, or will they magically, finally, find a way to fund these cuts? I can't wait to see how this plays out. The second fiscal quandary is the raising of the Federal Government's debt ceiling, currently at 15.3 trillion dollars. Depending on the economy this little problem may be on the radar as early as February. Can Republicans cut spending that quickly as to avoid this problem? Not as chance. So do you let the Federal Government go into default on its loans causing a world wide crisis? or raise the debt ceiling, once again disappointing all those fiscal conservatives screaming for less government.
Republicans should be careful what they wish for? You can't just sit on your hands now and watch the Democrats implode, you have to get off your asses and get in the game. You have a leadership position now, and millions of conservative voters that went to the polls last week to appease, hey good luck with that.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Change Is Coming, But Not For The Better
Well, with just one week to go before the mid-terms do you want the good news, or the bad news? Let's start with the good news shall we? Races are tightening nationwide and Democrats will hold the U.S. Senate, bank on it. The lunatic fringe Tea Party Candidates have done just enough damage to make this a sure thing. There will be losses, but not enough to take control of the Senate.
Ah, and now to the bad news. If you listen closely to the political winds, as November 2nd rapidly approaches, you will hear that familiar music as the fat lady sings. Despite my hopes to the contrary, it looks very likely now that the Republicans will take the House of Representatives next week. Even as Democrats have begun to surge in some areas, it is to little, to late. Given the current state of the economy, poor job growth, sustained unemployment at 9.6 %, the obstacles are to great, in spite of the fact Republicans have no specific plans to tackle these problems. Which leads me to reason #1 why the Democrats will loose the house.
The Fear Factor: People trust their government now, about as much as they did during the height of the Watergate scandal. Anti-incumbent fever is rampant in the electorate, because they see the accomplishments in health care and finance reform as boon doggles, and necessary deficit spending to stabilize the economy and wasteful and ineffective. (more on this later) People are out of work, and loosing their homes, some are in the street, some are barely holding on. The fact that wall street only owes the government $29 Billion dollars down from the $787Billion lent, doesn't mean shit to the guy who's unemployment runs out next week. The people need to see improvement in the economy, especially job creation, everything else is secondary. Which brings me to #2.
Short Term Memory Loss: Because the middle class is in a full stage panic right now, they forget who's policies and economic formulas put them in this situation. It is a well known fact by now that most rational economists agree cutting taxes for the rich, and deregulation of corporations at the expense of the public welfare, does not work to stimulate the economy. In fact, it creates deficit spending while spurring little if any economic growth. So what new economic policies do Republicans offer us? Zip, Zero, Nada, just the same old crap that put us here in the first place. It's because the "Fear Factor" is so pervasive, people just want change for the sake of change, and its party neutral. Unfortunately the Democrats are in power so they get the bulls eyes on their backs more than Republicans. This is the same electorate that swept the Republicans out of Congress in 2006, and finished the job in 2008. Have things changed that much in 2 years? Which brings me to #3.
Taking Credit For Your Accomplishments: In the first 2 years of the Obama administration. He passed a $700 Billion stimulus package that helped stabilize the economy and keep it from falling off a cliff. He passed sweeping Health Care Reform that put people before profit. He passed Financial Reform that takes a step toward preventing a future economic meltdown. Yet instead of touting these reforms and how much they will help people, they run from them like an illegitimate child. Once again allowing Republicans to hijack the conversation and flood the airways with fictions about what these reforms will REALLY do, which feeds the "Fear factor" which always plays into the hands of, you guessed it Republicans. Which takes me to my 4th and final point.
"Citizens United": Don't know what that is? I'm sure most of you do, but for those not familiar that was the name of the landmark Supreme Court Case that passed early this year. It allows millions of outside interest money, even foreign money, to pour into political campaigns without having to disclose where the money comes from, sounds like Democracy in its purest form does it not? This ruling was championed by Republicans because they knew that they would be the ones to benefit from it, and they have, to a tune of almost 3 to 1 versus their Democratic counterparts.
So there it is, Republicans have a nation gripped with fear, stung with short-term memory loss, bombarded with misinformation created by an ocean of money no one can track. Sounds like the perfect witches brew for a political victory on the right, only I'm not sure which is scarier, the formula, or the result?
Ah, and now to the bad news. If you listen closely to the political winds, as November 2nd rapidly approaches, you will hear that familiar music as the fat lady sings. Despite my hopes to the contrary, it looks very likely now that the Republicans will take the House of Representatives next week. Even as Democrats have begun to surge in some areas, it is to little, to late. Given the current state of the economy, poor job growth, sustained unemployment at 9.6 %, the obstacles are to great, in spite of the fact Republicans have no specific plans to tackle these problems. Which leads me to reason #1 why the Democrats will loose the house.
The Fear Factor: People trust their government now, about as much as they did during the height of the Watergate scandal. Anti-incumbent fever is rampant in the electorate, because they see the accomplishments in health care and finance reform as boon doggles, and necessary deficit spending to stabilize the economy and wasteful and ineffective. (more on this later) People are out of work, and loosing their homes, some are in the street, some are barely holding on. The fact that wall street only owes the government $29 Billion dollars down from the $787Billion lent, doesn't mean shit to the guy who's unemployment runs out next week. The people need to see improvement in the economy, especially job creation, everything else is secondary. Which brings me to #2.
Short Term Memory Loss: Because the middle class is in a full stage panic right now, they forget who's policies and economic formulas put them in this situation. It is a well known fact by now that most rational economists agree cutting taxes for the rich, and deregulation of corporations at the expense of the public welfare, does not work to stimulate the economy. In fact, it creates deficit spending while spurring little if any economic growth. So what new economic policies do Republicans offer us? Zip, Zero, Nada, just the same old crap that put us here in the first place. It's because the "Fear Factor" is so pervasive, people just want change for the sake of change, and its party neutral. Unfortunately the Democrats are in power so they get the bulls eyes on their backs more than Republicans. This is the same electorate that swept the Republicans out of Congress in 2006, and finished the job in 2008. Have things changed that much in 2 years? Which brings me to #3.
Taking Credit For Your Accomplishments: In the first 2 years of the Obama administration. He passed a $700 Billion stimulus package that helped stabilize the economy and keep it from falling off a cliff. He passed sweeping Health Care Reform that put people before profit. He passed Financial Reform that takes a step toward preventing a future economic meltdown. Yet instead of touting these reforms and how much they will help people, they run from them like an illegitimate child. Once again allowing Republicans to hijack the conversation and flood the airways with fictions about what these reforms will REALLY do, which feeds the "Fear factor" which always plays into the hands of, you guessed it Republicans. Which takes me to my 4th and final point.
"Citizens United": Don't know what that is? I'm sure most of you do, but for those not familiar that was the name of the landmark Supreme Court Case that passed early this year. It allows millions of outside interest money, even foreign money, to pour into political campaigns without having to disclose where the money comes from, sounds like Democracy in its purest form does it not? This ruling was championed by Republicans because they knew that they would be the ones to benefit from it, and they have, to a tune of almost 3 to 1 versus their Democratic counterparts.
So there it is, Republicans have a nation gripped with fear, stung with short-term memory loss, bombarded with misinformation created by an ocean of money no one can track. Sounds like the perfect witches brew for a political victory on the right, only I'm not sure which is scarier, the formula, or the result?
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Change For The Sake Of Change May Not Be A Good Thing
Well, with 31 days to go before the election where do we find ourselves? First and foremost the American electorate is furious at Washington. Washington business as usual is no longer acceptable to the American people. It doesn't matter if your jersey is red or blue, if your an incumbent your in trouble. This is a shift from anti-Obama rhetoric, to anti-establishment tones. However, it still poses a problem for Democrats because as logic would dictate, they are in power and have more seats to loose. The people are tired of being ignored by both parties. The result being many of the candidates currently holding their party standards, mostly the tea party folks, are change for the sake of change. Many are not qualified to hold a flying kite, let alone a state house, or seat in Congress, yet there they are? They hold no policy fixes, no new ideas, no populist mandate, simply put they are not incumbents. No matter how out there they are, they have won primary after primary on "change for the sake of change", but is this the answer? Unfortunately these were the choices, and they fit the bill, but when the nation wakes up on November 3rd this country may have the biggest collective political hangover in history! "OMG I voted for who, what was I thinking?!" People have to look at these choices NOW, not LATER.
Recent polling has both Republicans and Democrats equally unpopular with people, as well as, even on who should control Congress. A deadlock created by unpopular political posturing by both sides. A toll paid currently by mainstream Republicans, and potentially incumbent Democrats. One poll puts 75% of people wanting an end to outside political influence in public policy. I wholeheartedly agree, but not at the expense of a Congress filled with right wing Tea Party nut jobs. Everyone wants lobbyists out of the policy picture, except for the lobbyists themselves, and the politicians who take their money. So how high a price are you willing to pay for that? First of all the question is moot, graft and special interest money has greased the wheels of Capitalist Democracy since the early Greeks, it's not going anywhere. It makes for great speeches, but talk is cheap and if it was a problem we COULD fix, do you think it will come at the hands of the Tea Party crowd and Republicans?
I am still not convinced the Republicans will take the House of Representatives. As the election draws near people tend to settle down and examine the candidates a little closer. Simply watching some of these Tea Party wing nuts in a debate, should be just the smelling salts we need to help stop the electorate from making that terrible mistake of actually voting for these loons. I will concede the Democrats will face losses, but the jury is still out as to whether they will be big enough to loose the majority. So keep those fingers crossed and hope a little reality sinks into the American people, on the other hand keep some alka-seltzer ready, November 3rd is fast approaching.
Recent polling has both Republicans and Democrats equally unpopular with people, as well as, even on who should control Congress. A deadlock created by unpopular political posturing by both sides. A toll paid currently by mainstream Republicans, and potentially incumbent Democrats. One poll puts 75% of people wanting an end to outside political influence in public policy. I wholeheartedly agree, but not at the expense of a Congress filled with right wing Tea Party nut jobs. Everyone wants lobbyists out of the policy picture, except for the lobbyists themselves, and the politicians who take their money. So how high a price are you willing to pay for that? First of all the question is moot, graft and special interest money has greased the wheels of Capitalist Democracy since the early Greeks, it's not going anywhere. It makes for great speeches, but talk is cheap and if it was a problem we COULD fix, do you think it will come at the hands of the Tea Party crowd and Republicans?
I am still not convinced the Republicans will take the House of Representatives. As the election draws near people tend to settle down and examine the candidates a little closer. Simply watching some of these Tea Party wing nuts in a debate, should be just the smelling salts we need to help stop the electorate from making that terrible mistake of actually voting for these loons. I will concede the Democrats will face losses, but the jury is still out as to whether they will be big enough to loose the majority. So keep those fingers crossed and hope a little reality sinks into the American people, on the other hand keep some alka-seltzer ready, November 3rd is fast approaching.
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