I think it is important to see how charter schools in Ohio are performing when they are compared to public schools. While the owners of charter schools get state money, the students attending the charter schools seem to be falling behind. Is this the way that taxpayers want their money spent on poor performing schools?
This is public information that can be found at the Ohio Department of Education:
The following is a sample from one charter school.
Proficiency Test Results for Life Skills Center of Columbus Southeast:
10th Grade Math: 60% Proficient *Overall State Results for 10th Grade Math: 81.4%
10th Grade Science: 48% Proficient *Overall State Results for 10th Grade Science: 76%
11th Grade Science: 37.5% Proficient *Overall State Results for 11th Grade Science: 84.2%
12th Grade Math: 71.4% Proficient *Overall State Results for 12th Grade Math: 92.4%
Here is a list of Charter Schools. You can click on them to see what percentage of their students are proficient:
Life Skills Center Canton - Stark County
Life Skills Center Of Akron - Summit County
Life Skills Center Of Hamilton County - Hamilton County
Life Skills Center Of Summit County - Summit County
Life Skills Center Of Toledo - Lucas County
Life Skills Center of Columbus North - Franklin County
Life Skills Center of Columbus Southeast - Franklin County
Life Skills Center of Dayton - Montgomery County
Life Skills Center of Elyria - Lorain County
Life Skills Center of North Akron - Summit County
Life Skills Center-Middletown - Butler County
Life Skills Center-Springfield - Clark County
Life Skills Ctr Of Cincinnati - Hamilton County
Life Skills Ctr Of Cleveland - Cuyahoga County
Life Skills Ctr Of Lake Erie - Cuyahoga County
Life Skills Ctr Of Youngstown - Mahoning County
Life Skills Of Northeast Ohio - Cuyahoga County
Life Skills Of Trumbull County - Trumbull County
Yet the Republican candidate for Ohio Secretary of State, Jon Husted, is a major supporter of charter schools. While money is being taken away from public schools, corporations that own charter schools are getting rich.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Monday, November 09, 2009
This and That
> The Berlin Wall came down 20 years ago this week. I visited Germany a year and a half after the Berlin Wall was dismantled. When I visited Berlin, there were people selling small pieces of what they claimed to be part of the Wall. Of course, I had to buy a chunk of it.
Even then there was a contrast between East and West Berlin. West Berlin had colorful parks and streets, and there were beautiful modern buildings and stores. East Berlin looked gray. It looked like something caught in a time warp or like a movie set from World War II. It was just plain drab. Hopefully, things have brightened up on the former East Berlin side of the Wall.
> A few days ago, CrooksandLiars noted the disastrous health care system in Texas after Newt Gingrich and Gov. Perry suggested that it should be a model for other states.
NPR has a map up that shows the percentage of Americans without health insurance in each state. Here are some statistics to think about from NPR---
"People Without Health Insurance":
TEXAS--- 25.1%
CALIFORNIA---18.4%
FLORIDA---20.1%
OHIO---11.6%
MISSISSIPPI---18.3%
Obviously, the Republicans just don't care if you are living without health insurance.
Even then there was a contrast between East and West Berlin. West Berlin had colorful parks and streets, and there were beautiful modern buildings and stores. East Berlin looked gray. It looked like something caught in a time warp or like a movie set from World War II. It was just plain drab. Hopefully, things have brightened up on the former East Berlin side of the Wall.
> A few days ago, CrooksandLiars noted the disastrous health care system in Texas after Newt Gingrich and Gov. Perry suggested that it should be a model for other states.
NPR has a map up that shows the percentage of Americans without health insurance in each state. Here are some statistics to think about from NPR---
"People Without Health Insurance":
TEXAS--- 25.1%
CALIFORNIA---18.4%
FLORIDA---20.1%
OHIO---11.6%
MISSISSIPPI---18.3%
Obviously, the Republicans just don't care if you are living without health insurance.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Now We Know
From the Jacksonville Journal Courier, comes this little gem from their "Open Line" section:
“The Republican leader John Boehner doesn’t know the difference between the constitution and the Declaration of Independence, he recited one and called it the other. He’s not even smarter than a fifth-grader.”
Boehner's performance at Michele Bachmann's sponsored demonstration was indeed insightful. He knows nothing about real work, real people's lives, the heartbreak of not getting health care because you have no insurance, or the difference between the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence!!!!
**** Rep. Pat Tiberi did not vote for the historic health care reform bill last night. Here in central Ohio, Tiberi is running ads about how wonderful he has been to medicine and saving jobs. Huh?????? Don't you love fiction???
“The Republican leader John Boehner doesn’t know the difference between the constitution and the Declaration of Independence, he recited one and called it the other. He’s not even smarter than a fifth-grader.”
Boehner's performance at Michele Bachmann's sponsored demonstration was indeed insightful. He knows nothing about real work, real people's lives, the heartbreak of not getting health care because you have no insurance, or the difference between the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence!!!!
**** Rep. Pat Tiberi did not vote for the historic health care reform bill last night. Here in central Ohio, Tiberi is running ads about how wonderful he has been to medicine and saving jobs. Huh?????? Don't you love fiction???
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Sometimes the Truth is Frightening
>>> According to USAToday, Mike Huckabee is the leading contender as the GOP's presidential candidate. Huckabee, a former governor, often brags about his fried squirrel eating days (YouTube).
Yuck.
----> Republican Rep. Pat Tiberi (OH-12) is running some schmaltzy TV ads about how he is protecting 3 million jobs. What a bunch of baloney! Tiberi voted against the stimulus package and follows John Boehner around like a puppy. Tiberi votes with his GOP obstructionist party 91% of the time (WashingtonPost). We know who Tiberi supports, and it isn't people (YouTube).
Yuck.
----> Republican Rep. Pat Tiberi (OH-12) is running some schmaltzy TV ads about how he is protecting 3 million jobs. What a bunch of baloney! Tiberi voted against the stimulus package and follows John Boehner around like a puppy. Tiberi votes with his GOP obstructionist party 91% of the time (WashingtonPost). We know who Tiberi supports, and it isn't people (YouTube).
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
GOP Healthcare = Presents for Insurance Companies
The Republican health care plan has been succinctly summed up. Politics Plus has the story:
The Wall Street Journal, of all places, had the most accurate headline on the new Republican health care bill set to be unveiled by John Boehner, after months of waiting. The headline was: "GOP Health Bill Gives Insurers More Leeway."
The Wall Street Journal apparently thought that headline was too honest, and the article has subsequently dissapeared from their website, but the Internet has preserved it for us, .......
Amazing. John Boehner and the Republicans want to give their buddies at the insurance companies a present at the expense of the American people.
Here is more....
Nice job, Boehner!
The Wall Street Journal, of all places, had the most accurate headline on the new Republican health care bill set to be unveiled by John Boehner, after months of waiting. The headline was: "GOP Health Bill Gives Insurers More Leeway."
The Wall Street Journal apparently thought that headline was too honest, and the article has subsequently dissapeared from their website, but the Internet has preserved it for us, .......
Amazing. John Boehner and the Republicans want to give their buddies at the insurance companies a present at the expense of the American people.
Here is more....
...The Republican bill runs the table on provisions that will increase insurance company profits.
- Make more money by denying care? Check.....
Nice job, Boehner!
Monday, November 02, 2009
Limbaugh: Still a Racist
I know some people think that Rush Limbaugh is an all-knowing genius. I am not one of Limbaugh's fans. Limbaugh is a pompous, racist, pig.
Dispatch:
Rush Limbaugh lobbed potshots across the airwaves yesterday at President Barack Obama -- "immature, inexperienced, in over his head," offering the country "radical leadership" and laying siege to the economy....
....Limbaugh said that the U.S. has "never seen this kind of radical leadership at such a high level of power" and that "I have to think" the administration is bent on destroying the private sector on purpose, amounting to "a denial of liberty, an attack on freedom."
Dispatch:
Rush Limbaugh lobbed potshots across the airwaves yesterday at President Barack Obama -- "immature, inexperienced, in over his head," offering the country "radical leadership" and laying siege to the economy....
....Limbaugh said that the U.S. has "never seen this kind of radical leadership at such a high level of power" and that "I have to think" the administration is bent on destroying the private sector on purpose, amounting to "a denial of liberty, an attack on freedom."
He said Obama's swift rise to the White House after "a five-minute career" makes him a "man-child president."
Limbaugh calling President Obama a "man-child president" is similar to calling the President "boy" and I won't stand for it. Limbaugh is a racist, pure and simple. Limbaugh is a college drop out who might be able to make a lot of money but apparently can't have a successful marriage. (See about.com.) Although he considers himself a generous businessman, we all know that he is nothing but a racist who will go to any means to disrespect our President.
I'm just wondering how any companies would want to sponsor this racist with their commercials on his program. If a sponsor has a paid to advertise on Limbaugh's radio program, does that mean that the company supports Limbaugh's racism?
Friday, October 30, 2009
Dump Lieberman
Sen. Harry Reid has not called me to ask for my opinion about Sen. Joe Lieberman's lack of support for health care reform. When Sen. Reid gave Lieberman Chair of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, Lieberman assured Reid that he would support the Democratic legislation. However, Lieberman is ready to break his word. Reid needs to call Lieberman into his office and give it to him straight---If he doesn't vote for the health care reform bills, he will no longer be a chairman of any committee.
Here are some telephone numbers for Lieberman:
Connecticut
(860) 549-8463 Voice
(800) 225-5605 In CT
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4041 Voice
(202) 224-9750 Fax
Here are some telephone numbers for Lieberman:
Connecticut
(860) 549-8463 Voice
(800) 225-5605 In CT
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4041 Voice
(202) 224-9750 Fax
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Police Dog Recovering
On August 23rd, Officer Mike Schiele, of the Zanesville Police Department, and his police dog, Bosco, were shot. Officer Schiele is recovering. Bosco continues therapy at the OSU Vet Hospital.
Dispatch:
...Speaking yesterday after dropping off Bosco for therapy, Zanesville Police Officer Mike Schiele again credited the dog with saving his life on the night of the shooting. Schiele was shot once in the leg.
Dispatch:
...Speaking yesterday after dropping off Bosco for therapy, Zanesville Police Officer Mike Schiele again credited the dog with saving his life on the night of the shooting. Schiele was shot once in the leg.
He said Bosco no longer will work on the street, but the department is keeping him to make public appearances and raise awareness of the city's canine program. Schiele said a recent donation of almost $10,000 from Value City Furniture will pay for Bosco's replacement, a German shepherd named Tino.
Schiele said that is only one example of the outpouring of public support the unit received after the shooting. He said the department collected more than $22,000 in donations within a couple weeks of the incident....
If you'd like to see Bosco receiving rehabilitation therapy, watch the video provided by the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine: (from 10-13-09) http://vet.osu.edu/5577.htm You can watch other videos which show the progress Bosco has made since being shot. Additional pictures and information can be read here.
If you are interested to contributing to Bosco's medical treatment, visit BucksforBosco.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Time to Go
Washington Post:
A series of powerful bombs killed eight American soldiers and an interpreter in southern Afghanistan Tuesday morning, according to U.S. military officials.....
It is time to pull our young men and women out of Afghanistan. Vice President Joe Biden suggested that we transition into an air war with missiles instead of using troops on the ground. This makes a whole lot more sense than continuing the plan used by the Bush administration.
President Obama needs our support and prayers as he makes decisions about the troops. I just hope he brings them all home.
**** One of our family members has the H1N1 flu. She was diagnosed by a physician yesterday.
While our country deals with the this flu, the Republican Party of "NO!" is holding up the nomination of our U.S. Surgeon General. We are experiencing an epidemic throughout our nation, but the GOP wants to play games with your health. Contact Sen. Mitch McConnell to let him know that by holding up the nomination for the U.S. Surgeon General he is endangering our lives:
Sen. Mitch McConnell
Washington Office
361-A Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
A series of powerful bombs killed eight American soldiers and an interpreter in southern Afghanistan Tuesday morning, according to U.S. military officials.....
It is time to pull our young men and women out of Afghanistan. Vice President Joe Biden suggested that we transition into an air war with missiles instead of using troops on the ground. This makes a whole lot more sense than continuing the plan used by the Bush administration.
President Obama needs our support and prayers as he makes decisions about the troops. I just hope he brings them all home.
**** One of our family members has the H1N1 flu. She was diagnosed by a physician yesterday.
While our country deals with the this flu, the Republican Party of "NO!" is holding up the nomination of our U.S. Surgeon General. We are experiencing an epidemic throughout our nation, but the GOP wants to play games with your health. Contact Sen. Mitch McConnell to let him know that by holding up the nomination for the U.S. Surgeon General he is endangering our lives:
Sen. Mitch McConnell
Washington Office
361-A Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-2541
Fax: (202) 224-2499
Monday, October 26, 2009
Grades for Effort
Do you remember when you were in elementary school and there were grades for effort? I'd like to give grades for effort for some politicians.
F = for the Bush administration's efforts on a concluding report on Afghanistan:
RawStory:
The Bush administration spent only one hour on a report on Afghanistan before handing the issue over to the incoming Obama administration, a former Clinton-era White House chief of staff says....
....Podesta painted a picture of a hypocritical Bush administration that itself "dithered" over Afghanistan decisions, and -- according to Podesta -- spent only one hour preparing a report for the handover of the Afghanistan issue to the Obama administration....
Pathetic. Obviously, the fact that American lives were hanging in the balance did not sway the Bushies to put more effort into their report.
A = Gov. Ted Strickland for his effort to help those areas suffering most in the state and region.
Washington Post:
F = for the Bush administration's efforts on a concluding report on Afghanistan:
RawStory:
The Bush administration spent only one hour on a report on Afghanistan before handing the issue over to the incoming Obama administration, a former Clinton-era White House chief of staff says....
....Podesta painted a picture of a hypocritical Bush administration that itself "dithered" over Afghanistan decisions, and -- according to Podesta -- spent only one hour preparing a report for the handover of the Afghanistan issue to the Obama administration....
Pathetic. Obviously, the fact that American lives were hanging in the balance did not sway the Bushies to put more effort into their report.
A = Gov. Ted Strickland for his effort to help those areas suffering most in the state and region.
Washington Post:
...The annual Appalachian Regional Commission conference, held in Athens, Ohio, will focus this week on giving the struggling area a big role in the push for more use of sources such as solar and wind, bringing so-called "green jobs" with it.
"The economy throughout the region is struggling," said Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, a native of Appalachia. "There are huge opportunities available that can be of great benefit to the region."
Nearly 400 people representing a range of interests are expected to participate, including investors, community activists and industry experts, said commission spokesman Louis Segesvary....
Strickland is doing something to move the region toward growth. It is much better to try than to do nothing at all.
Friday, October 23, 2009
The Republican Plan
The DSCC has revealed the GOP plan (You Tube):
>>> Did you catch former Vice President Dick Cheney's latest rage against the Obama administration? I never agree with Cheney. His recent speech continued to tout his support of the enhanced techniques he supported for enemy combatants. Cheney appeared ill. He was stooped over a podium and breathing heavily. Despite the fact that he looked sick, he still continues his campaign of hatred against President Obama. For additional information, see Raw Story.
*** Soupy Sales has died.
The Washington Post:
Soupy Sales, the rubber-faced comedian whose anything-for-a-chuckle career was built on 20,000 pies to the face and 5,000 live TV appearances across a half-century of laughs, has died. He was 83.....
...The comic's pie-throwing schtick became his trademark, and celebrities lined up to take one on the chin alongside Sales. During the early 1960s, stars such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtis and Shirley MacLaine received their just desserts side-by-side with the comedian on his television show....
...His greatest success came in New York with "The Soupy Sales Show" - an ostensible children's show that had little to do with Captain Kangaroo and other kiddie fare. Sales' manic, improvisational style also attracted an older audience that responded to his envelope-pushing antics....
Soupy Sales was a very funny, funny man. When we were young, my brother and I watched him every chance we got.
>>> Did you catch former Vice President Dick Cheney's latest rage against the Obama administration? I never agree with Cheney. His recent speech continued to tout his support of the enhanced techniques he supported for enemy combatants. Cheney appeared ill. He was stooped over a podium and breathing heavily. Despite the fact that he looked sick, he still continues his campaign of hatred against President Obama. For additional information, see Raw Story.
*** Soupy Sales has died.
The Washington Post:
Soupy Sales, the rubber-faced comedian whose anything-for-a-chuckle career was built on 20,000 pies to the face and 5,000 live TV appearances across a half-century of laughs, has died. He was 83.....
...The comic's pie-throwing schtick became his trademark, and celebrities lined up to take one on the chin alongside Sales. During the early 1960s, stars such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Curtis and Shirley MacLaine received their just desserts side-by-side with the comedian on his television show....
...His greatest success came in New York with "The Soupy Sales Show" - an ostensible children's show that had little to do with Captain Kangaroo and other kiddie fare. Sales' manic, improvisational style also attracted an older audience that responded to his envelope-pushing antics....
Soupy Sales was a very funny, funny man. When we were young, my brother and I watched him every chance we got.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Why?
Why would anyone vote AGAINST a bill titled "Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009" with what we know about AIDS and medical care? I know that you are asking yourself for the names of the backward-thinking people in the House of Representatives that voted "NO!" in Roll Call Vote 793. Ask no more!
Below are the names of the 9 Republicans that voted against the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009.
Clerk of the House of Representatives:
Brady (TX).....Phone: (202) 225-4901
Broun (GA).....Phone: (202) 225-4101
Duncan...........Phone: (202) 225-5435
Flake...............Phone: (202) 225-2635
Foxx...........Phone: (202) 225-2071
Gohmert.......Phone: (202) 225-3035
Lummis .......Phone: (202) 225-2311
Paul..............Phone: (202) 225-2831
Poe (TX).......Phone: (202) 225-6565
I've included the office telephone numbers of these Republican "no-mongers" so you can call and offer your opinion about their vote against this important legislation. Isn't it amazing that these same people continue to vote against bills that are so vital?
Below are the names of the 9 Republicans that voted against the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009.
Clerk of the House of Representatives:
Brady (TX).....Phone: (202) 225-4901
Broun (GA).....Phone: (202) 225-4101
Duncan...........Phone: (202) 225-5435
Flake...............Phone: (202) 225-2635
Foxx...........Phone: (202) 225-2071
Gohmert.......Phone: (202) 225-3035
Lummis .......Phone: (202) 225-2311
Paul..............Phone: (202) 225-2831
Poe (TX).......Phone: (202) 225-6565
I've included the office telephone numbers of these Republican "no-mongers" so you can call and offer your opinion about their vote against this important legislation. Isn't it amazing that these same people continue to vote against bills that are so vital?
Careful Deliberations
President Obama is taking his time in making a decision on whether to increase troops numbers in Afghanistan. I agree with President Obama's strategy. He is dealing with the lives of our men and women in uniform, and he feels the awesome responsibility of his decisions. It took our former President months to decide to send more troops to Iraq. We need to let the President hear from the experts and formulate the best plan.
Meanwhile, John Boehner, Republican leader, is carrying on like a schoolyard bully. According to the Hill, Boehner wants the President to hurry up and and send troops now. Right now. But the Boehner strategy is not about what is the right plan, it is about setting up the President to have his Vietnam. Boehner and the Republicans want this administration to get mired into Afghanistan for a long term, no win war. Boehner doesn't care about our troops and their morale. He just wants to make this current administration fail.
Boehner should take heart. The Republican Party seems to be heading in the direction of the dinosaurs. ABCNews has the results of a recent poll.
ABCNews:
....Only 20% of Americans call themselves Republicans -- the lowest in 26 years. Only 19% trust Republicans in Congress to make the right decisions for the country's future -- compared to 49% trust in Obama.....
Nice going, Republicans!
Meanwhile, John Boehner, Republican leader, is carrying on like a schoolyard bully. According to the Hill, Boehner wants the President to hurry up and and send troops now. Right now. But the Boehner strategy is not about what is the right plan, it is about setting up the President to have his Vietnam. Boehner and the Republicans want this administration to get mired into Afghanistan for a long term, no win war. Boehner doesn't care about our troops and their morale. He just wants to make this current administration fail.
Boehner should take heart. The Republican Party seems to be heading in the direction of the dinosaurs. ABCNews has the results of a recent poll.
ABCNews:
....Only 20% of Americans call themselves Republicans -- the lowest in 26 years. Only 19% trust Republicans in Congress to make the right decisions for the country's future -- compared to 49% trust in Obama.....
Nice going, Republicans!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Spielman Family
* If you follow Ohio State sports, you know something about Stephanie and Chris Spielman. Today's Dispatch explains the long journey that the Spielman family has had because of Stephanie Spielman's continuing battle with cancer.
Dispatch:
Dispatch:
...Stefanie Spielman, his high-school sweetheart, had turned 30 when she did a self-examination of her breasts and found a lemon-sized lump.
The cancer has returned again....
....After his wife's diagnosis, Chris put his NFL career on hold and shaved his head in support of her battle.....
Please keep Stephanie, Chris, and their family in your prayers.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Friday....
You almost have to wonder what is different in the air and water that feeds into Fox News that make their talking heads speak such utter nonsense. Eric Etheridge's opinion piece at the NY Times:
Whoa! The "Bush Recovery"????????????? Cavuto has clearly gone over the edge. However, seeing as how Fox News is the mouthpiece of the far right wing of the Republican Party, this is to be expected. The righties continue to re-write history to favor their point of view and their political heroes like George W. Bush.
>>>Ouch! Bloomberg:
Bank of America Corp. Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Lewis won’t receive a salary or bonus for 2009, a decision based on advice from U.S. government pay supervisor Kenneth Feinberg....
...Lewis, 62, came under fire this year from regulators and investors for not disclosing losses and bonuses at Merrill Lynch & Co. before shareholders voted to approve the purchase of the world’s biggest broker in December. That sparked investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress and attorneys general in New York, North Carolina and Ohio....
Now Lewis will feel like the average person who has lost his/her income.
>>>> Go Buckeyes!!!! Go Phillies!!!!
The Dow crossed 10,000 Wednesday (and held that level Thursday, closing at 10,062). Thursday morning, Goldman Sachs announced a quarterly profit of $3.19 billion. Neither number would have seemed believable a year ago, but now that these results are in, what do they say about the state of the economy? Also, who should get the credit, and what on-going academic feuds can Dow 10,000 be a datapoint for?
Let’s address the last two first. Michael Tomasky was watching Fox yesterday when he heard Neil Cavuto note Dow 10,000 and ask a guest whether this was the “Bush recovery.”
Cavuto, to be fair, asked whether that wasn’t “a bit of a stretch,” but his guest, a man named Jim LaCamp[sic], said (I’m sure purely coincidentally!) that it wasn’t really a stretch at all....
Whoa! The "Bush Recovery"????????????? Cavuto has clearly gone over the edge. However, seeing as how Fox News is the mouthpiece of the far right wing of the Republican Party, this is to be expected. The righties continue to re-write history to favor their point of view and their political heroes like George W. Bush.
>>>Ouch! Bloomberg:
Bank of America Corp. Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Lewis won’t receive a salary or bonus for 2009, a decision based on advice from U.S. government pay supervisor Kenneth Feinberg....
...Lewis, 62, came under fire this year from regulators and investors for not disclosing losses and bonuses at Merrill Lynch & Co. before shareholders voted to approve the purchase of the world’s biggest broker in December. That sparked investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress and attorneys general in New York, North Carolina and Ohio....
Now Lewis will feel like the average person who has lost his/her income.
>>>> Go Buckeyes!!!! Go Phillies!!!!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Today's Topics
It looks like there are some cracks in the Republican Party. With teabaggers targeting some Republican leaders that they feel are not conservative enough, some GOP elected officials are feeling a little uncomfortable with members of their own party.
Americablog:
Ouch!
**** Last night Jon Stewart eviscerated Republicans who voiced their opposition to Sen. Franken's amendment. Franken's amendment sought to hold back funding to companies that have covered up gang rapes in Iraq.
Americablog:
The teabaggers are turning their sights on Republicans. And, I learned via my friend, Alvin in South Carolina, that one big target is Lindsey Graham. They seem to think Lindsey is too squishy:
The 75-minute forum filled several sections of Furman University's Timmons Arena and attracted demonstrators, critics with handheld cameras, shouts of "traitor" and "Sotomayor" - and a smattering of supporters......
.......One man told Graham he had "betrayed" conservatism and made a "pact with the devil" by working with Democrats, and asked when Graham would switch parties....
.......One man told Graham he had "betrayed" conservatism and made a "pact with the devil" by working with Democrats, and asked when Graham would switch parties....
Ouch!
**** Last night Jon Stewart eviscerated Republicans who voiced their opposition to Sen. Franken's amendment. Franken's amendment sought to hold back funding to companies that have covered up gang rapes in Iraq.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Lack of Interest in Kasich?
The Examiner.com has a story about Mike Huckabee's recent trip to Ohio to support Republican candidate for Ohio Governor, John Kasich:
....Kasich and Huckabee, sitting on stools and not wearing ties, spoke to a gathering of more than 100 mostly young people, who came to listen and ask questions about what the former nine-term congressman....
Stop right there! ".....a gathering of more than 100 mostly young people...."???????? You mean to say that Kasich could only get a little more than 100 people to come to his special event with Huckabee??? Obviously, the writer of the article spent a few minutes actually counting the number of people in the audience. Besides, those young people I see in the picture appear to have a lot of bald heads.
....Kasich and Huckabee, sitting on stools and not wearing ties, spoke to a gathering of more than 100 mostly young people, who came to listen and ask questions about what the former nine-term congressman....
Stop right there! ".....a gathering of more than 100 mostly young people...."???????? You mean to say that Kasich could only get a little more than 100 people to come to his special event with Huckabee??? Obviously, the writer of the article spent a few minutes actually counting the number of people in the audience. Besides, those young people I see in the picture appear to have a lot of bald heads.
....Showing he is still hip, Kasich ended the event asking any grandmas out there to "tweet" their grandchildren about the event to "show they are hip."
"If we can accomplish what we want," he said, "it will really be cool!".....
"Hip"?????? Wow! Kasich's "hip" slang will impress absolutely no one! Kasich may have been able to relate to people back in the day, but it seems like Ohioans aren't really interested if he can only draw 100 people with a headliner like Huckabee.
Face it. Kasich's ties to the failed Wall Street firm, Lehman Brothers, really makes me suspicious of anything he says or plans to do. By the way, is he still serving on business boards that pay him money to be on their board of directors? Has he resigned any of those positions yet?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Give Me A Break!
The ugly neo-cons have reared their pathetic, bloodthirsty, war-mongering faces again.
IPSnews.com:
Just days after the Nobel Committee in Oslo awarded Barack Obama its coveted peace prize, two of Washington's most prominent foreign policy hawks launched a new group and ad campaign designed to depict the president as weak and defend the more aggressive policies of his predecessor, George W. Bush.
The new group, Keep America Safe, was co-founded by neo-conservative heavyweight William Kristol, who also edits The Weekly Standard; and Elisabeth (Liz) Cheney, the outspoken daughter of Bush's vice president, Dick Cheney, who is believed to harbour political ambitions of her own.
"Amidst the great challenges to America's security and prosperity, the current administration too often seems uncertain, wishful, irresolute, and unwilling to stand up for America, our allies and our interests," according to the mission statement of the new group, whose third founder-director, Debra Burlingame, is also co-founder of 9/11 Families for a Safe and Strong America.....
This follows these same right wingers claiming that President Obama is taking too much time deciding whether to send more troops to Afghanistan. (Note: President George W. Bush took months to decide about his troop surge in Iraq.) Liz Cheney has also said that President Obama is taking too much vacation time. Hello, Liz! Are you out of your mind???? Let me refresh your short memory.
CBS NEWS (January 16, 2009):
....According to CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller, today's trip marks Mr. Bush's 149th visit to the presidential retreat. The planned three-day stay, during which the president is being joined by family and former and current aides, will bring his total time spent at Camp David to all or part of 487 days.
Yes, that's 487 days. And Camp David is not even where the president has spent the most time when not at the White House: Knoller reports that Mr. Bush has made 77 visits to his ranch in Crawford during his presidency, and spent all or part of 490 days there.
Liz Cheney, Kristol, and the rest of the extreme right war lovers had their vacation-loving Texan in the White House for eight loooooooonnnnnngggg years. Now President Obama and the entire country is cleaning up the mess left by Bush-Cheney and the neo-cons. Give us all a break!
IPSnews.com:
Just days after the Nobel Committee in Oslo awarded Barack Obama its coveted peace prize, two of Washington's most prominent foreign policy hawks launched a new group and ad campaign designed to depict the president as weak and defend the more aggressive policies of his predecessor, George W. Bush.
The new group, Keep America Safe, was co-founded by neo-conservative heavyweight William Kristol, who also edits The Weekly Standard; and Elisabeth (Liz) Cheney, the outspoken daughter of Bush's vice president, Dick Cheney, who is believed to harbour political ambitions of her own.
"Amidst the great challenges to America's security and prosperity, the current administration too often seems uncertain, wishful, irresolute, and unwilling to stand up for America, our allies and our interests," according to the mission statement of the new group, whose third founder-director, Debra Burlingame, is also co-founder of 9/11 Families for a Safe and Strong America.....
This follows these same right wingers claiming that President Obama is taking too much time deciding whether to send more troops to Afghanistan. (Note: President George W. Bush took months to decide about his troop surge in Iraq.) Liz Cheney has also said that President Obama is taking too much vacation time. Hello, Liz! Are you out of your mind???? Let me refresh your short memory.
CBS NEWS (January 16, 2009):
....According to CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller, today's trip marks Mr. Bush's 149th visit to the presidential retreat. The planned three-day stay, during which the president is being joined by family and former and current aides, will bring his total time spent at Camp David to all or part of 487 days.
Yes, that's 487 days. And Camp David is not even where the president has spent the most time when not at the White House: Knoller reports that Mr. Bush has made 77 visits to his ranch in Crawford during his presidency, and spent all or part of 490 days there.
Liz Cheney, Kristol, and the rest of the extreme right war lovers had their vacation-loving Texan in the White House for eight loooooooonnnnnngggg years. Now President Obama and the entire country is cleaning up the mess left by Bush-Cheney and the neo-cons. Give us all a break!
Monday, October 12, 2009
It is Time
A picture by Abby Bennethum and posted at NBC Philadelphia shows the sacrifice that American military families face everyday:
It is time to bring all our troops home.
* Here is some good news. Bloomberg:
I sincerely hope that this happens soon. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has gone on far too long.
It is time to bring all our troops home.
* Here is some good news. Bloomberg:
President Barack Obama told the largest U.S. gay-rights group that he’ll work with Congress and the Pentagon to end the policy that forbids openly gay men and women from serving in the military.
“I will end ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’” Obama said in an address last night to at the Human Rights Campaign national dinner. “That’s my commitment to you.”
The president gave no timetable for acting and said he realized many in the audience “don’t believe progress has come fast enough.” He said they would look back at his time in office and be able to say that “we put a stop against discrimination whether in the office or in the battlefield.”
I sincerely hope that this happens soon. "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" has gone on far too long.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
No to Rush
There is a new Facebook Group------
NFL FANS AGAINST RUSH LIMBAUGH OWNING THE ST LOUIS RAMS.
There has been lots of talk about Rush Limbaugh purchasing the St. Louis Rams. Over the years, Limbaugh has been out there with his racism and sexism. Would the NFL owners want to add more problems to the league? What if a Limbaugh-owned team was boycotted by players, fans, and advertisers?
The Nation has an article, The NFL Must Flush Rush:
National Football League owners could be on the verge of a catastrophic error in judgment. In a league that is 70 percent African-American, an unapologetic racist is in talks to buy a team. Yes, Rush Limbaugh, along with St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts, is close to buying the St. Louis Rams. In 2003 Limbaugh infamously lasted less than a month as an NFL commentator on ESPN after saying the Philadelphia Eagles' Donavon McNabb was overrated because the media wanted to see a black quarterback succeed......
Here is a quote by Limbaugh included in the article---
...We didn't have slavery in this country for over 100 years because it was a bad thing. Quite the opposite: slavery built the South. I'm not saying we should bring it back; I'm just saying it had its merits. For one thing, the streets were safer after dark....
...And finally, in a league made up of predominately African-American athletes, how can you have an owner who says, "[Black people] are 12 percent of the population. Who the hell cares?"....
I don't think that the NFL can afford a Limbaugh-owned team.
NFL FANS AGAINST RUSH LIMBAUGH OWNING THE ST LOUIS RAMS.
There has been lots of talk about Rush Limbaugh purchasing the St. Louis Rams. Over the years, Limbaugh has been out there with his racism and sexism. Would the NFL owners want to add more problems to the league? What if a Limbaugh-owned team was boycotted by players, fans, and advertisers?
The Nation has an article, The NFL Must Flush Rush:
National Football League owners could be on the verge of a catastrophic error in judgment. In a league that is 70 percent African-American, an unapologetic racist is in talks to buy a team. Yes, Rush Limbaugh, along with St. Louis Blues owner Dave Checketts, is close to buying the St. Louis Rams. In 2003 Limbaugh infamously lasted less than a month as an NFL commentator on ESPN after saying the Philadelphia Eagles' Donavon McNabb was overrated because the media wanted to see a black quarterback succeed......
Here is a quote by Limbaugh included in the article---
...We didn't have slavery in this country for over 100 years because it was a bad thing. Quite the opposite: slavery built the South. I'm not saying we should bring it back; I'm just saying it had its merits. For one thing, the streets were safer after dark....
...And finally, in a league made up of predominately African-American athletes, how can you have an owner who says, "[Black people] are 12 percent of the population. Who the hell cares?"....
I don't think that the NFL can afford a Limbaugh-owned team.
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Why did 30 Republicans vote against a bill to help rape victims?
Raw Story:
Political commentators are accusing Senate Republicans of hypocrisy -- and even outright support of rape -- after thirty of them voted against a measure to de-fund military contractors who prevent rape victims from seeking justice.
Shame on all of these Republicans. You may want to contact your senator if his name appears above. If something happened to your wife or daughter, would you want the offending companies to continue to be rewarded by U.S. tax money?
Political commentators are accusing Senate Republicans of hypocrisy -- and even outright support of rape -- after thirty of them voted against a measure to de-fund military contractors who prevent rape victims from seeking justice.
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) introduced an amendment to a defense appropriations bill that would prevent the federal government from funding contractors whose employee contracts prevent workers from pursuing allegations of rape against co-workers.
The measure passed the Senate by a vote of 68 to 30, with all 30 'no' votes being cast by Republicans. Notably, 10 Senate Republicans voted for the measure, including all four female Republican senators....
I know you are asking yourself which Republican Senators voted against this bill. Here are the names of the 30 Republicans who voted against Senate Amendment 2588----
| Question: | |||
| Vote Number: | 308 | Vote Date: | October 6, 2009, 04:37 PM |
| Required For Majority: | 1/2 | Vote Result: | Amendment Agreed to |
| Amendment Number: | S.Amdt. 2588 to H.R. 3326 (Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010) | ||
NAYs ---30 | ||
| Alexander (R-TN) Barrasso (R-WY) Bond (R-MO) Brownback (R-KS) Bunning (R-KY) Burr (R-NC) Chambliss (R-GA) Coburn (R-OK) Cochran (R-MS) Corker (R-TN) | Cornyn (R-TX) Crapo (R-ID) DeMint (R-SC) Ensign (R-NV) Enzi (R-WY) Graham (R-SC) Gregg (R-NH) Inhofe (R-OK) Isakson (R-GA) Johanns (R-NE) | Kyl (R-AZ) McCain (R-AZ) McConnell (R-KY) Risch (R-ID) Roberts (R-KS) Sessions (R-AL) Shelby (R-AL) Thune (R-SD) Vitter (R-LA) Wicker (R-MS) |
Shame on all of these Republicans. You may want to contact your senator if his name appears above. If something happened to your wife or daughter, would you want the offending companies to continue to be rewarded by U.S. tax money?
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
The Good and the Ugly
* Finally, some good news from the Cleveland Browns!
USA Today:
The Browns have traded receiver Braylon Edwards to the Jets for a package of players....
See ya, Braylon. Don't let the door....
* Ugly stuff: Someone I know got a letter from the Club For Growth encouraging them to ask for a refund from Sen. Arlen Specter's campaign fund since Specter became a Democrat. Here is part of the Chris Cocola's Club for Growth's letter:
Enclosed in the packet from the Club for Growth are sample letters and e-mails that can be sent to Specter's campaign to request the refund.
The person who received this letter had contributed to Specter's campaign, but was NOT a member of the Club for Growth. Apparently, the Federal Election Commission gave them permission to contact some of Specter's donors. Somehow this seems like an invasion of privacy to have your name, address, and contribution information given to a group like the Club for Growth or any group.
By the way, here is part of the letter that the Club for Growth wants former Specter contributors to send to his campaign:
Apparently, the Club for Growth is spending a lot of money to push people to ask for refunds from Specter. Are they trying to punish him for abandoning them?
USA Today:
The Browns have traded receiver Braylon Edwards to the Jets for a package of players....
See ya, Braylon. Don't let the door....
* Ugly stuff: Someone I know got a letter from the Club For Growth encouraging them to ask for a refund from Sen. Arlen Specter's campaign fund since Specter became a Democrat. Here is part of the Chris Cocola's Club for Growth's letter:
....As you probably know, in April, Sen. Specter announced that he would run for U.S. Senate as a Democrat.
However, you may not know that Sen. Specter's campaign has a policy of offering a refund to any donor unhappy with his switch to the Democratic Party....
...Senator Specter recently announced that he will only process refund requests received
by October 15....
However, you may not know that Sen. Specter's campaign has a policy of offering a refund to any donor unhappy with his switch to the Democratic Party....
...Senator Specter recently announced that he will only process refund requests received
by October 15....
Enclosed in the packet from the Club for Growth are sample letters and e-mails that can be sent to Specter's campaign to request the refund.
The person who received this letter had contributed to Specter's campaign, but was NOT a member of the Club for Growth. Apparently, the Federal Election Commission gave them permission to contact some of Specter's donors. Somehow this seems like an invasion of privacy to have your name, address, and contribution information given to a group like the Club for Growth or any group.
By the way, here is part of the letter that the Club for Growth wants former Specter contributors to send to his campaign:
....I donated to the Citizens for Arlen Specter Committee prior to the Senator's party switch....
....I am unhappy with his party switch and request a refund....
....I am unhappy with his party switch and request a refund....
Apparently, the Club for Growth is spending a lot of money to push people to ask for refunds from Specter. Are they trying to punish him for abandoning them?
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Why are some Republicans like Neanderthals?
How can we forget how the Republicans tried to derail the nomination of Judge Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court? After all, she is a woman and of Latino heritage. I'm sure that members of the GOP were shocked. Shocked.
Republicans have used racist, sexist terms, while gleefully supporting people like Limbaugh and Beck who continue to use these disgusting words every single day. It is no surprise that the Republicans, who still believe that we are living in the 1940's, have used many terrible words against Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. It is no wonder that women stay away from the white, male-dominated GOP.
NRCC:
Someone needs to ask the NRCC where is Pelosi's place? Last time I checked, we were a democracy where everyone's opinion counts. As an elected official, Pelosi should be part of the discussion. Do Republicans believe that because Pelosi is a woman that she doesn't belong in a discussion about Afghanistan? Do Republicans believe that a woman should not be the Speaker of the House?
Why are some Republicans like Neanderthals?
Republicans have used racist, sexist terms, while gleefully supporting people like Limbaugh and Beck who continue to use these disgusting words every single day. It is no surprise that the Republicans, who still believe that we are living in the 1940's, have used many terrible words against Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. It is no wonder that women stay away from the white, male-dominated GOP.
NRCC:
....“General Pelosi has no problem sacrificing her own credibility as the Obama administration and liberals in Congress attempt to walk back a strategy they strongly advocated just months ago,” said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain. “Nancy Pelosi continues to make party politics a higher priority than our national security. Rather than listening to a four-star general’s assessments on Afghanistan, General Pelosi somehow believes she is better suited to craft our country’s military policy.”
Someone needs to ask the NRCC where is Pelosi's place? Last time I checked, we were a democracy where everyone's opinion counts. As an elected official, Pelosi should be part of the discussion. Do Republicans believe that because Pelosi is a woman that she doesn't belong in a discussion about Afghanistan? Do Republicans believe that a woman should not be the Speaker of the House?
Why are some Republicans like Neanderthals?
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Are you one medical procedure away from bankruptcy?
A neighbor made a good point the other day when he said, "Most Americans are one medical procedure away from bankruptcy." The more we talked about his statement, the more it made sense. If you have health insurance, and are in good health, you probably have been satisfied with your insurance.
However, what if...
....you had a heart attack and your spouse had to argue on the phone for hours about your coverage?
....you needed chemotherapy, but the chemo suggested by your oncologist is considered "experimental" by your insurance, and therefore, not covered?
....after 20 years of coverage by the same health insurance company, your insurance carrier has decided that your newly diagnosed disease will not be covered because they've decided you have a "pre-existing condition" that they've just discovered.
Things happen every single day. If you think that health reform doesn't pertain to you, you are lying to yourself.
Last night we attended a benefit for the Vicki Speakman Memorial Fund. The benefit is called "Celebrate" and one of the performers was Colin Gawel. Here is a You Tube link to Colin Gawel's song, "Chemotherapy":
If health reform doesn't happen this year, will your health coverage cost more next year? Will the CEO of your insurance company celebrate if there is no public option because he/she can continue to get millions of dollars in bonuses for the claims that are denied? Are you one medical procedure away from bankruptcy?
However, what if...
....you had a heart attack and your spouse had to argue on the phone for hours about your coverage?
....you needed chemotherapy, but the chemo suggested by your oncologist is considered "experimental" by your insurance, and therefore, not covered?
....after 20 years of coverage by the same health insurance company, your insurance carrier has decided that your newly diagnosed disease will not be covered because they've decided you have a "pre-existing condition" that they've just discovered.
Things happen every single day. If you think that health reform doesn't pertain to you, you are lying to yourself.
Last night we attended a benefit for the Vicki Speakman Memorial Fund. The benefit is called "Celebrate" and one of the performers was Colin Gawel. Here is a You Tube link to Colin Gawel's song, "Chemotherapy":
If health reform doesn't happen this year, will your health coverage cost more next year? Will the CEO of your insurance company celebrate if there is no public option because he/she can continue to get millions of dollars in bonuses for the claims that are denied? Are you one medical procedure away from bankruptcy?
Sunday in Ohio
**** Rachel Maddow is on Meet the Press today. That is the only reason I watched the program.
>> Would you buy any product endorsed by Sarah Palin?
The Hill:
This would be a gamble for any lipstick manufacturing. I personally would not buy any lipstick endorsed by Sarah Palin. As a matter of fact, any manufacturer that would hire Palin would probably get boycotted by lots of women---including me!
* If you've ever traveled in Europe, you know that people use high speed trains a lot. Using trains to travel seems to be very beneficial in Europe. Building and expanding passenger train travel would create jobs and new businesses. Why are we waiting to get the job done here?
>> Would you buy any product endorsed by Sarah Palin?
The Hill:
Here's a fun item from the NY Post's Page Six: Sarah Palin is apparently looking for a cosmetics endorsement deal, trying to "capitalize on her 'lipstick on a pit bull' catchphrase."
This would certainly help defray those legal expenses. But if the rumor is true, it would indicate that Palin isn't serious about a 2012 campaign.....This would be a gamble for any lipstick manufacturing. I personally would not buy any lipstick endorsed by Sarah Palin. As a matter of fact, any manufacturer that would hire Palin would probably get boycotted by lots of women---including me!
* If you've ever traveled in Europe, you know that people use high speed trains a lot. Using trains to travel seems to be very beneficial in Europe. Building and expanding passenger train travel would create jobs and new businesses. Why are we waiting to get the job done here?
Friday, October 02, 2009
Before John Boehner opens his mouth again....
.....someone needs to ask him what he has personally done to create jobs and fix health care.
When word got around Washington, DC, that President Obama was going to Copenhagen to campaign for the 2012 Olympics in Chicago, Boehner, minority leader of the "NO-monger" Republican Party had something to say.
MSNBC quotes Boehner: "While the President is in Copenhagen tomorrow, the American people are going to wake up and find out that hundreds and thousands more Americans have lost their job. The Administration's trillion dollar stimulus plan clearly isn't working."
When George W. Bush was President, exactly how many times did Boehner complain when Bush traveled somewhere? According to CBS News (January 16, 2009):
George W. Bush is today making his final visit to Camp David as president.
He will likely miss the place: According to CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller, today's trip marks Mr. Bush's 149th visit to the presidential retreat. The planned three-day stay, during which the president is being joined by family and former and current aides, will bring his total time spent at Camp David to all or part of 487 days.
Yes, that's 487 days. And Camp David is not even where the president has spent the most time when not at the White House: Knoller reports that Mr. Bush has made 77 visits to his ranch in Crawford during his presidency, and spent all or part of 490 days there.
I think that Boehner needs to close his mouth and think before he speaks. Bush spent 977 on vacation in 8 years in office. 977 DAYS! That is nearly 3 years of his 8 year term was spent on vacation!
John Boehner and the Republicans have done NOTHING to get this economy moving again except vote "NO!" on job-creating, health care-fixing legislation. The Republicans have not yet produced a health care plan. The GOP's only plan seems to be to oppose the Obama and Democratic plans. While Republicans sit on their hands, they gain nothing. Yet they have the audacity to think that the American people will flock back to the Republican Party!!!!
When word got around Washington, DC, that President Obama was going to Copenhagen to campaign for the 2012 Olympics in Chicago, Boehner, minority leader of the "NO-monger" Republican Party had something to say.
MSNBC quotes Boehner: "While the President is in Copenhagen tomorrow, the American people are going to wake up and find out that hundreds and thousands more Americans have lost their job. The Administration's trillion dollar stimulus plan clearly isn't working."
When George W. Bush was President, exactly how many times did Boehner complain when Bush traveled somewhere? According to CBS News (January 16, 2009):
George W. Bush is today making his final visit to Camp David as president.
He will likely miss the place: According to CBS News White House Correspondent Mark Knoller, today's trip marks Mr. Bush's 149th visit to the presidential retreat. The planned three-day stay, during which the president is being joined by family and former and current aides, will bring his total time spent at Camp David to all or part of 487 days.
Yes, that's 487 days. And Camp David is not even where the president has spent the most time when not at the White House: Knoller reports that Mr. Bush has made 77 visits to his ranch in Crawford during his presidency, and spent all or part of 490 days there.
I think that Boehner needs to close his mouth and think before he speaks. Bush spent 977 on vacation in 8 years in office. 977 DAYS! That is nearly 3 years of his 8 year term was spent on vacation!
John Boehner and the Republicans have done NOTHING to get this economy moving again except vote "NO!" on job-creating, health care-fixing legislation. The Republicans have not yet produced a health care plan. The GOP's only plan seems to be to oppose the Obama and Democratic plans. While Republicans sit on their hands, they gain nothing. Yet they have the audacity to think that the American people will flock back to the Republican Party!!!!
Republicans = "No-mongers"
* U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) is in the news again for some recent comments.
The Hill:
The now-infamous Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) unleashed another verbal tirade against Republicans on Thursday, calling the party a "lie factory" that hoped only to stall the healthcare debate.....
...."America is sick of you, Republican Party; you're a lie factory, that's all you do," he told MSNBC on Thursday. "Why don't you work together with the Democrats to solve America's problems instead of making stuff up?"
* What kind of credibility does Sen. George Voinovich have with regard to any legislation on clean air and clean water? Why has Voinovich continued to be a "no-monger" as far as protecting our environment? Voinovich has made it a career of opposing a host of legislation to protect the environment. As a matter of fact, in April 2000, Voinovich was awarded "Clean Air Villain of the Month" by the Clean Air Trust.
In December 2003, Voinovich was given a score of 11% by the League of Conservation Voters for his work on behalf of environmental issues.
Hopefully, the person who is elected to take his seat will be on the side of clean air and protecting the environment.
The Hill:
The now-infamous Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) unleashed another verbal tirade against Republicans on Thursday, calling the party a "lie factory" that hoped only to stall the healthcare debate.....
...."America is sick of you, Republican Party; you're a lie factory, that's all you do," he told MSNBC on Thursday. "Why don't you work together with the Democrats to solve America's problems instead of making stuff up?"
Grayson then called the party a bunch of "no-mongers," and he chided GOP lawmakers for failing to come up with their own healthcare plan in the 48 hours since he first attacked their strategy.....
I like that term "no-mongers" and plan to use it to describe the GOP.
* What kind of credibility does Sen. George Voinovich have with regard to any legislation on clean air and clean water? Why has Voinovich continued to be a "no-monger" as far as protecting our environment? Voinovich has made it a career of opposing a host of legislation to protect the environment. As a matter of fact, in April 2000, Voinovich was awarded "Clean Air Villain of the Month" by the Clean Air Trust.
In December 2003, Voinovich was given a score of 11% by the League of Conservation Voters for his work on behalf of environmental issues.
Hopefully, the person who is elected to take his seat will be on the side of clean air and protecting the environment.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tough Decisions
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has had to make some tough decisions during this recession.
Examiner.com:
Forced to make a decision he has tried to avoid since coming to office in 2006, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland announced Wednesday that he wants to end the final year of a five-year, phased-in reduction in personal income taxes to replace money already budgeted for education that he and other lawmakers had expected to come from placing thousands of video slot machines at each of the state's seven horseracing tracks, a plan now stalled when the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled last week that it is subject to referendum.
Examiner.com:
Forced to make a decision he has tried to avoid since coming to office in 2006, Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland announced Wednesday that he wants to end the final year of a five-year, phased-in reduction in personal income taxes to replace money already budgeted for education that he and other lawmakers had expected to come from placing thousands of video slot machines at each of the state's seven horseracing tracks, a plan now stalled when the Supreme Court of Ohio ruled last week that it is subject to referendum.
Final year of income tax reduction plan frozen
Under the proposal Strickland announced today, which would require legislative approval, the income tax would increase by 4.2 percent starting Jan. 1, the same amount of the tax cut for this year that was part of a five-year, 21 percent cut approved by a Republican-controlled General Assembly in 2005.....
....Commenting on the governor's decision, Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee said he agreed with the decision. "I applaud Governor Strickland's proposal to balance the state budget by postponing a planned income tax reduction." With this move, he said, "the governor is taking decisive, responsible action to meet a significant projected budget shortfall. I am hopeful that members of the General Assembly will give prompt and serious consideration to this approach." Gee and The Ohio State University would likely have had to increase tuition had funding for education been impacted severely.....
Strickland had a courageous move to make. With the state income tax staying at the same rate, people will not be forced to pay higher taxes. If the measure would pass, that would help make up the state's expected deficit. It just makes sense.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
The Beat Goes On...
> My husband and I buy and read books - lots of books. However, I can promise you that we will not be reading Sarah Palin's book. Signonsandiego.com:
What does it say about writing that finishes early?
*** It appears that those who are against a woman's reproductive freedom are doing their part to continue to restrict a woman's choice in health insurance. New York Times:
Why can't conservatives stay out of a woman's personal choices?
* The Hill throws some reality into the faces of Republicans:
Republicans have touted 2010 as their comeback year, but the GOP lacks one key ingredient that could turn a good election night into a great one: open seats to win.
In the last three “wave elections,” the party that lost a large number of seats has been hampered by incumbents not running for reelection. But so far in the 2010 cycle, not a single House member has announced his or her retirement, though 18 — seven Democrats and 11 Republicans — have said they will run for higher office....
Republicans should not count their chickens before they hatch.
One San Diegan knows all the details of Sarah Palin's soon-to-be released memoir, but don't ask her about it. She can't tell.
Lynn Vincent, Palin's ghostwriter, has signed a non-disclosure agreement. She has been hard at work on the book for the past few months with Palin, the former Alaska governor and John McCain's running mate.
So quick did their writing progress that the publisher announced yesterday that the 400-page memoir's release date, originally scheduled for spring, has been moved up to Nov. 17, with an e-book version following on Dec. 26.....
What does it say about writing that finishes early?
*** It appears that those who are against a woman's reproductive freedom are doing their part to continue to restrict a woman's choice in health insurance. New York Times:
....Abortion opponents in both the House and the Senate are seeking to block the millions of middle- and lower-income people who might receive federal insurance subsidies to help them buy health coverage from using the money on plans that cover abortion. And the abortion opponents are getting enough support from moderate Democrats that both sides say the outcome is too close to call. Opponents of abortion cite as precedent a 30-year-old ban on the use of taxpayer money to pay for elective abortions.
Abortion-rights supporters say such a restriction would all but eliminate from the marketplace private plans that cover the procedure, pushing women who have such coverage to give it up. Nearly half of those with employer-sponsored health plans now have policies that cover abortion, according to a study by the Kaiser Family Foundation....Why can't conservatives stay out of a woman's personal choices?
* The Hill throws some reality into the faces of Republicans:
Republicans have touted 2010 as their comeback year, but the GOP lacks one key ingredient that could turn a good election night into a great one: open seats to win.
In the last three “wave elections,” the party that lost a large number of seats has been hampered by incumbents not running for reelection. But so far in the 2010 cycle, not a single House member has announced his or her retirement, though 18 — seven Democrats and 11 Republicans — have said they will run for higher office....
Republicans should not count their chickens before they hatch.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Creepy
If you're a woman like me and you've been following the Governor's race in Virginia, you probably have reached the same conclusion I have: Republican Bob McDonnell is creepy. Why would I say this?
A recent story in in the Washington Post details some info that McDonnell wrote about in his thesis at Pat Roberson Regent University. Is McDonnell interested in turning back the clock on working women, women's rights, and reproductive choice? He said he was against birth control for married couples!!!??
The Political Wire has these tidbits:
The Washington Post digs up a master's thesis written by Virginia gubernatorial candidate Robert McDonnell (R) in which he described working women and feminists as "detrimental" to the family.
McDonnell also said government policy should favor married couples over "cohabitators, homosexuals or fornicators." And he described as "illogical" a 1972 Supreme Court decision legalizing the use of contraception by unmarried couples.....
Wow! McDonnell must think the year is 1709 instead of 2009! What kind of backward-thinking person is McDonnell?
A picture tells it all (source: Who is the Real Bob McDonnell?):
Seriously, if this guy is endorsed by George Allen and Fred
Thompson, I'd stay away. We are known by the company we keep.
Virginia has been very progressive and I'd hate to see it turn back the clock because of some ancient, long held beliefs of Bob McDonnell. Is Virginia ready to move in that direction?
A recent story in in the Washington Post details some info that McDonnell wrote about in his thesis at Pat Roberson Regent University. Is McDonnell interested in turning back the clock on working women, women's rights, and reproductive choice? He said he was against birth control for married couples!!!??
The Political Wire has these tidbits:
The Washington Post digs up a master's thesis written by Virginia gubernatorial candidate Robert McDonnell (R) in which he described working women and feminists as "detrimental" to the family.
McDonnell also said government policy should favor married couples over "cohabitators, homosexuals or fornicators." And he described as "illogical" a 1972 Supreme Court decision legalizing the use of contraception by unmarried couples.....
Wow! McDonnell must think the year is 1709 instead of 2009! What kind of backward-thinking person is McDonnell?
A picture tells it all (source: Who is the Real Bob McDonnell?):
Seriously, if this guy is endorsed by George Allen and Fred
Thompson, I'd stay away. We are known by the company we keep.
Virginia has been very progressive and I'd hate to see it turn back the clock because of some ancient, long held beliefs of Bob McDonnell. Is Virginia ready to move in that direction?
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Just My Opinion
With the recent story about a mix up involving a woman who had the wrong embryo implanted in her womb, it just brings to light the heartbreak that many people experience. The woman, according to the Toledo Blade, gave birth to the baby and gave the child to the biological parents.
The costs of IVF (Invitro Fertilization) puts it out of the reach of many couples. It is easier and less painful to adopt. Our two daughters were adopted as infants and today they are beautiful young women. Adoption is a perfect solution for those couples experiencing infertility. Sometimes, your own pregnancy was just not meant to be. For us, adoption helped us have a family.
The costs of IVF (Invitro Fertilization) puts it out of the reach of many couples. It is easier and less painful to adopt. Our two daughters were adopted as infants and today they are beautiful young women. Adoption is a perfect solution for those couples experiencing infertility. Sometimes, your own pregnancy was just not meant to be. For us, adoption helped us have a family.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Serious Concerns
* The Dayton Daily News has the story about a recent death that can be attributed to a young person who did not have health insurance:
Friends say the Miami University graduate who died this week after reportedly suffering from swine flu delayed getting medical treatment because she did not have health insurance.
Friends say the Miami University graduate who died this week after reportedly suffering from swine flu delayed getting medical treatment because she did not have health insurance.
News of Kimberly Young’s death Wednesday, Sept. 23, came as a shock to those who knew the vibrant 22-year-old who was working at least two jobs in Oxford after graduating with a double major in December 2008.
Young became ill about two weeks ago, but didn’t seek care initially because she didn’t have health insurance and was worried about the cost, according to Brent Mowery, her friend and former roommate.....
This is so sad. A young woman with so much promise loses her life because she doesn't have insurance.
*** Raw Story has a story about a controversy surrounding Chuck Norris and the American flag:
...Action flick star and conservative activist Chuck Norris seems an unlikely person to promote the desecration of the American flag, but in a recent comment piece he penned, he may have done just that.
In an article published earlier this week at the conservative news site WorldNetDaily, Norris suggested that supporters of the Tea Party movement find historical flags, such as the 13-star Betsy Ross flag, to fly in front of their homes as a symbol of opposition to the policies of the current government....
Does Chuck Norris suggest that people should desecrate the American flag? What is he thinking?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.
Republican Rep. Eric Cantor is whining again.
MSNBC.com:
...Cantor said, "Health care in this building has made it so that it seems we can't get anything else done. We have burning issues out there in this country. First and foremost, Americans want to see job security return; they want to see economic security return. Somehow, they are unable to deliver on that because of the intransigence on the majority's part on even discussing on ways for us to agree on health care...."
What would Cantor have elected officials do? It has been very obvious that Cantor, Boehner, and the rest of the GOP refuse to move ahead on anything except to add "NO!" to nearly every single bill that comes up for a vote. Cantor and Boehner might be bored with talk about health care reform and the public option because they already enjoy health insurance. Their selfish attitude is evident in their lack of compassion for those who are going without insurance or medical attention.
Here is further evidence that Republican Rep. Eric Cantor just doesn't care about regular Americans---
> January 9, 2009, Cantor voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 (Roll Call Vote 9).
> January 14, 2009, Cantor voted against the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (Roll Call Vote 16).
> March 5, 2009, Cantor voted against Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 (Roll Call Vote 104).
> May 21, 2009, Cantor voted against the FAA Reauthorization Act ...to improve aviation safety and capacity, to provide stable funding for the national aviation system.... on Roll Call Vote 291.
> July 20, 2009, Cantor voted against the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009(Roll Call Vote 680).
MSNBC.com:
...Cantor said, "Health care in this building has made it so that it seems we can't get anything else done. We have burning issues out there in this country. First and foremost, Americans want to see job security return; they want to see economic security return. Somehow, they are unable to deliver on that because of the intransigence on the majority's part on even discussing on ways for us to agree on health care...."
What would Cantor have elected officials do? It has been very obvious that Cantor, Boehner, and the rest of the GOP refuse to move ahead on anything except to add "NO!" to nearly every single bill that comes up for a vote. Cantor and Boehner might be bored with talk about health care reform and the public option because they already enjoy health insurance. Their selfish attitude is evident in their lack of compassion for those who are going without insurance or medical attention.
Here is further evidence that Republican Rep. Eric Cantor just doesn't care about regular Americans---
> January 9, 2009, Cantor voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 (Roll Call Vote 9).
> January 14, 2009, Cantor voted against the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (Roll Call Vote 16).
> March 5, 2009, Cantor voted against Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 (Roll Call Vote 104).
> May 21, 2009, Cantor voted against the FAA Reauthorization Act ...to improve aviation safety and capacity, to provide stable funding for the national aviation system.... on Roll Call Vote 291.
> July 20, 2009, Cantor voted against the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009(Roll Call Vote 680).
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Keeping Track
* According to the Clerk of the House, Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15) joined 330 other members of the House of Representatives to vote for the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009. However, Republican Reps. John Boehner and Bob Latta voted against it (see Roll Call Vote 722).
* With Republican Jon Husted declared a non-resident of Kettering, Ohio, by Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, how can he run for Ohio Sec. of State? If he can't substantiate his own residence, how can he question voters on their residency? He has no credibility.
* Here is something from the past that may come to haunt a Republican candidate----
Daily Kos (6/2/2005):
Picture from Daily Kos
Tom "Coingate" Noe might still be in prison, but his past work lives on.
Here is a more recent picture of Noe from the New York Times (11/21/06) at his sentencing:
* With Republican Jon Husted declared a non-resident of Kettering, Ohio, by Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, how can he run for Ohio Sec. of State? If he can't substantiate his own residence, how can he question voters on their residency? He has no credibility.
* Here is something from the past that may come to haunt a Republican candidate----
Daily Kos (6/2/2005):
....In 2004, Ohio's central "Coingate" figure Tom Noe served as campaign manager for Judith Ann Lanzinger's successful run for Supreme Court Justice. After Noe and his wife had given the maximum-allowable $2,500 each, Vintage Coin partner Timothy LaPointe and executive assistant Susan Metzger donated a generous total of $3,750 at a fundraising event.....
Picture from Daily KosTom "Coingate" Noe might still be in prison, but his past work lives on.
Here is a more recent picture of Noe from the New York Times (11/21/06) at his sentencing:
.....Mr. Noe was convicted of theft, corrupt activity and other offenses last week, and faced a minimum of 10 years in prison on the corrupt-activity charge alone.....
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Staying Busy
Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy (OH-15) has been very busy putting together legislation to help the unemployed.
Dispatch:
The U.S. House of Representatives agreed to an amendment last week sponsored by Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy, D-Columbus, that could provide a boost to laid-off workers seeking scholarships for retraining at schools such as Columbus State Community College.
>>>> It appears that David Letterman has been getting some VIPs on his show. Last night he was visited by President Obama. LeBron James and former President Bill Clinton will be on the David Letterman Show tonight.
Dispatch:
The U.S. House of Representatives agreed to an amendment last week sponsored by Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy, D-Columbus, that could provide a boost to laid-off workers seeking scholarships for retraining at schools such as Columbus State Community College.
The amendment, agreed to by both Democrats and Republicans and folded into an education measure, would give community colleges that already offer programs for laid-off workers a better chance at winning federal education grants.
Aides to Kilroy cited a program at Columbus State where school officials provide a scholarship worth as much as $3,500 to students who are 25 or older and do not have a college degree. The scholarships allow the students to train for a new career.....
Kilroy and the Democrats are working to help everyone. The Republicans continue to restrict their vocabulary to the word, "NO!">>>> It appears that David Letterman has been getting some VIPs on his show. Last night he was visited by President Obama. LeBron James and former President Bill Clinton will be on the David Letterman Show tonight.
Monday, September 21, 2009
A Rainy Monday in Columbus
* Don't forget to watch President Obama on the David Letterman Show tonight!!!!!!
* Talk in Ohio seems to favor putting casinos in the state. Many Ohioans have expressed the support for casinos as a way to add new jobs and attract tourists to the state.
* Did you happen to catch the Emmy Awards last night? I watched part of it, but it was tooooooo slow and there were tooooooo many commercials.
* My heart goes out to Elizabeth Edwards, wife of John Edwards, with the continued story about her husband's possible child. Mrs. Edwards has had to endure painful cancer treatments and concern about her own children. It just breaks my heart every single time I see her on TV.
* Oklahoma must be sooooooooooo proud of some recent findings about their educational system.
News 9 of Oklahoma City:
Only one in four Oklahoma public high school students can name the first President of the United States, according to a survey released today.
* Talk in Ohio seems to favor putting casinos in the state. Many Ohioans have expressed the support for casinos as a way to add new jobs and attract tourists to the state.
* Did you happen to catch the Emmy Awards last night? I watched part of it, but it was tooooooo slow and there were tooooooo many commercials.
* My heart goes out to Elizabeth Edwards, wife of John Edwards, with the continued story about her husband's possible child. Mrs. Edwards has had to endure painful cancer treatments and concern about her own children. It just breaks my heart every single time I see her on TV.
* Oklahoma must be sooooooooooo proud of some recent findings about their educational system.
News 9 of Oklahoma City:
Only one in four Oklahoma public high school students can name the first President of the United States, according to a survey released today.
The survey was commissioned by the Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs in observance of Constitution Day on Thursday.....
Is this the reason why Oklahoma votes primarily Republican?
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Thursday's Notes
* The New York Times is reporting that Mary Travers has passed away. Mary Travers was part of the group, Peter, Paul, & Mary. Together they provided music and inspiration for many of us beginning in the 60's. My husband and I saw Peter, Paul, & Mary in concert several times and found them always fresh and wonderful. To her family and friends, I offer my sympathy. You can read her New York Times obituary here.
* Why does anyone, especially MSNBC still have right winger Pat Buchanan as some kind of political analyst? The man is anti-minority, anti-immigrant, and I have to turn him off as soon as he opens his mouth. Yuck!
* Sen. Baucus announced his bipartisan health care plan. The Republicans who worked on the plan had no intention of supporting anything that was created. So far, the entire, super secret, bipartisan, health care focused committee appears to have been a complete time waster. The Republicans "punked" Baucus into believing that they'd support his bill.
* Public Policy Polling is reporting:
Barack Obama's approval rating is only 45% with likely voters for this fall in New Jersey. Also, 8% of respondents think he is the Anti-Christ.....
I'd like to know exactly who those 8% are so that I can check their level of intelligence.
* The Dispatch is reporting the results of a new Quinnipiac Poll. Here are a few excerpts:
* Why does anyone, especially MSNBC still have right winger Pat Buchanan as some kind of political analyst? The man is anti-minority, anti-immigrant, and I have to turn him off as soon as he opens his mouth. Yuck!
* Sen. Baucus announced his bipartisan health care plan. The Republicans who worked on the plan had no intention of supporting anything that was created. So far, the entire, super secret, bipartisan, health care focused committee appears to have been a complete time waster. The Republicans "punked" Baucus into believing that they'd support his bill.
* Public Policy Polling is reporting:
Barack Obama's approval rating is only 45% with likely voters for this fall in New Jersey. Also, 8% of respondents think he is the Anti-Christ.....
I'd like to know exactly who those 8% are so that I can check their level of intelligence.
* The Dispatch is reporting the results of a new Quinnipiac Poll. Here are a few excerpts:
....Yet Ohioans trust Obama far more on handling health care than the GOP members of Congress. In fact, more see the Republican role as wanting Obama to fail rather than playing a constructive role in the debate....
....Overall, the president's job-approval rating in Ohio has rebounded to 53 percent from 49 percent in the university's July poll. And approval for his handling of the economy is back on the plus side by 2 points, up a bit from the negative 2 in the earlier survey.
Democrats still hold the upper hand in the race to succeed U.S. Sen. George V. Voinovich, a two-term Republican retiring next year. Both Democrats in the contest, Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher and Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, top Republican former Congressman Rob Portman and Cleveland-area car dealer Tom Ganley in possible general-election matchups....
While the Ohio GOP continues to play their same old games, it appears that Ohioans still favor Democrats over Republicans.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Joe Wilson and the Rest of the Republicans
Washington Post:
After an hour of debate, the lawmakers approved a resolution, 240-179, that said "be it resolved, that the House of Representatives disapproves of the behavior of the Representative from South Carolina, Mr. Wilson."
To see how your member of Congress voted on this resolution, check the Roll Call # 699.
* Former President Jimmy Carter has expressed an opinion in an interview with NBC's Brian Williams. MSNBC.com has the story:
....former Democratic President Jimmy Carter attributed much of the conservative opposition that President Obama is receiving to the issue of race.
After an hour of debate, the lawmakers approved a resolution, 240-179, that said "be it resolved, that the House of Representatives disapproves of the behavior of the Representative from South Carolina, Mr. Wilson."
To see how your member of Congress voted on this resolution, check the Roll Call # 699.
* Former President Jimmy Carter has expressed an opinion in an interview with NBC's Brian Williams. MSNBC.com has the story:
....former Democratic President Jimmy Carter attributed much of the conservative opposition that President Obama is receiving to the issue of race.
"I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man," Carter said. "I live in the South, and I've seen the South come a long way, and I've seen the rest of the country that share the South's attitude toward minority groups at that time, particularly African Americans."
Carter continued, "And that racism inclination still exists. And I think it's bubbled up to the surface because of the belief among many white people, not just in the South but around the country, that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It's an abominable circumstance, and it grieves me and concerns me very deeply."
I agree with Jimmy Carter. I believe that too many Republicans are racists and that is why they've created their major opposition to everything President Obama has proposed.
Tuesday's Notes
* I want to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Patrick Swayze. I've watched the movie Dirty Dancing many, many, many times and it will always be a favorite.
>>> Note to Democrats----- Forget bipartisanship, just pass a health care reform bill with a public option!!!!! Republicans don't care and won't support anything.
Raw Story:
According to a new book -- excerpts of which are to be published in the next issue of GQ Magazine and detailed Tuesday -- former President George W. Bush was incredulous upon learning that Sen. John McCain was having trouble drawing a crowd and called his campaign a "five-spiral crash."
....Bush also is quoted as saying Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was "being put into a position she is not even remotely prepared for" after McCain announced her as his vice presidential running mate.
“I’m trying to remember if I’ve met her before. I’m sure I must have.” His eyes twinkled, then he asked, “What is she, the governor of Guam?”......
It is amazing to see the Republican love fest on display.
>>> Note to Democrats----- Forget bipartisanship, just pass a health care reform bill with a public option!!!!! Republicans don't care and won't support anything.
Raw Story:
According to a new book -- excerpts of which are to be published in the next issue of GQ Magazine and detailed Tuesday -- former President George W. Bush was incredulous upon learning that Sen. John McCain was having trouble drawing a crowd and called his campaign a "five-spiral crash."
....Bush also is quoted as saying Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was "being put into a position she is not even remotely prepared for" after McCain announced her as his vice presidential running mate.
“I’m trying to remember if I’ve met her before. I’m sure I must have.” His eyes twinkled, then he asked, “What is she, the governor of Guam?”......
It is amazing to see the Republican love fest on display.
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Crazy Right
> Gee. The teabaggers had approximately 20,000 marchers on Saturday in Washington, DC.
TrueSlant has more on the "Million Moron March" with pictures!!!! And, Rick Unger at True Slant indicates even more about Glenn Beck's marchers:
Let me put it this way -
> Rick Santorum, former right wing U.S. Senator, is thinking about a run for the White House, according to Raw Story:
TrueSlant has more on the "Million Moron March" with pictures!!!! And, Rick Unger at True Slant indicates even more about Glenn Beck's marchers:
Let me put it this way -
Official attendance count at the Ohio State-USC football game – 105,000+.
Unofficial attendance count for Beck’s 9-12 protest event – under 25,000....
At least we know that intelligent people stayed away from the Beck lovefest. I was at the Ohio State-USC football game, and there were over 106,000 people in attendance at Ohio Stadium.> Rick Santorum, former right wing U.S. Senator, is thinking about a run for the White House, according to Raw Story:
....Speaking to a gathering of Catholic leaders in Orlando, Florida, on Friday night, Santorum said that, as recently as six months ago, when President Barack Obama was riding high in the polls, he wouldn't have contemplated a run -- but the political environment has changed.
"I hate to be calculating, but I see that 2012 is not just throwing somebody out to be eaten, but it's a real opportunity for success," he told the crowd, according to LifeSiteNews.com.
The news site also reported that Santorum had "asked for prayers" for his 2012 run.....
Oh. I guess we'll have plenty of info on him. Does he still own that empty house in Pennsylvania that he claimed as his "residence" when he actually lived in Virginia?
Friday, September 11, 2009
Do it now!
* Make sure you stop over at ACT Blue and leave a contribution for Democrat Rob Miller, candidate for South Carolina's second district. (Miller is running against the infamous Republican Rep. Addison "Joe" Wilson.) Nearly one million dollars has been contribute to Miller's campaign through ACT Blue. Go ahead and put in a few bucks at http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19079
Don't forget!
Don't forget!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Republicans Are Racists
You've really got to hand it to the Republicans. They are totally classless and liars. First, the Republicans had "town hall meetings" where their supporters repeated more Republican lies about health care reform. We know that "death panels," government paid abortions, forced sex change operations, and illegal immigrants getting free government health care are all LIES promoted by Republicans.
Now we have evidence that Republicans also disrespect the President. With Republican Rep. Addison "Joe" Wilson (SC-R) calling the President a liar, I think we have clear evidence that Wilson was grossly disrespectful. Is it because President Obama is more intelligent than they are? Yes. Is it because his election brought real change to Washington, DC? Yes. The primary reason that Republicans are disrespectful to President Obama is because he is African-American. The Republicans are racists.
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Republican Rep. John Shimkus walked out of the President's speech before it was over. Shimkus can be and should be contacted at--- Phone: (202) 225-5271,
Fax: (202) 225-5880, Phone: (217) 492-5090, Phone: (618) 532-9676, Phone: (618) 344-3065, Phone: (618) 392-7737, Phone: (618) 252-8271.
Now we have evidence that Republicans also disrespect the President. With Republican Rep. Addison "Joe" Wilson (SC-R) calling the President a liar, I think we have clear evidence that Wilson was grossly disrespectful. Is it because President Obama is more intelligent than they are? Yes. Is it because his election brought real change to Washington, DC? Yes. The primary reason that Republicans are disrespectful to President Obama is because he is African-American. The Republicans are racists.
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Republican Rep. John Shimkus walked out of the President's speech before it was over. Shimkus can be and should be contacted at--- Phone: (202) 225-5271,
Fax: (202) 225-5880, Phone: (217) 492-5090, Phone: (618) 532-9676, Phone: (618) 344-3065, Phone: (618) 392-7737, Phone: (618) 252-8271.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Now Is the Time to Fix Health Care
My observations during President Obama's speech---
* Republican Rep. John Boehner seems to still be chewing on his dinner.
* President Obama said it will be against the law for insurance companies to drop your coverage because you got sick. "No one should go broke because they got sick."
* President just said something nice about a proposal from John McCain.
* Another picture of Boehner..... he looks like he has acid indigestion.
* Sen. Olympia Snowe looks happy.
* President addresses key controversies-----
"death panels" are lies, pure and simple. (at this point, few Republicans are clapping)
* Someone on the Republican side just yelled out at the President when he said illegal immigrants would not be covered. (NOTE: Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina has been identified as the person who yelled, "You lie!" You can contact Wilson at---- FAX: 202-225-2455, (803) 939-0041, (843)521-2530, (202) 225-2452)
* President said to keep public option for those who don't have insurance and all the Dems stood and applauded and the Republicans remained seated and looked grumpy. So what else is new?
* President said Republicans should work together but some GOPers are acting like third graders while holding up some papers.
* President said that no government or insurance bureaucrat would get between you and the care you need.
* Yea! President said reason there is a deficit is because of the Iraq War.
* President Obama said he will protect Medicare. Just saw Republican Reps. Tiberi and LaTourette not clapping, just shaking their heads.
* President just said that his health plan will cost less than the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, and less than the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. He said he will not waste time with those who say it is better to kill the plan than to approve it. He will not accept the status quo as the solution.
* The President talked about a letter he was given after the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy. Sen. Kennedy reminded the President that health care was a moral imperative.
* President said, "We came here not to fear the future, but to shape it."
Just talked to my 86 year old mother and she gave President Obama's speech an "A+."
Right now some Republican guy is talking but we switched the channel because we don't want to hear his remarks. (My husband said he doesn't want to watch people like him.) Now we are watching some HGTV which is much better than listening to something from the party of "NO!!"
Health care reform is a moral imperative.
* Republican Rep. John Boehner seems to still be chewing on his dinner.
* President Obama said it will be against the law for insurance companies to drop your coverage because you got sick. "No one should go broke because they got sick."
* President just said something nice about a proposal from John McCain.
* Another picture of Boehner..... he looks like he has acid indigestion.
* Sen. Olympia Snowe looks happy.
* President addresses key controversies-----
"death panels" are lies, pure and simple. (at this point, few Republicans are clapping)
* Someone on the Republican side just yelled out at the President when he said illegal immigrants would not be covered. (NOTE: Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina has been identified as the person who yelled, "You lie!" You can contact Wilson at---- FAX: 202-225-2455, (803) 939-0041, (843)521-2530, (202) 225-2452)
* President said to keep public option for those who don't have insurance and all the Dems stood and applauded and the Republicans remained seated and looked grumpy. So what else is new?
* President said Republicans should work together but some GOPers are acting like third graders while holding up some papers.
* President said that no government or insurance bureaucrat would get between you and the care you need.
* Yea! President said reason there is a deficit is because of the Iraq War.
* President Obama said he will protect Medicare. Just saw Republican Reps. Tiberi and LaTourette not clapping, just shaking their heads.
* President just said that his health plan will cost less than the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, and less than the tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. He said he will not waste time with those who say it is better to kill the plan than to approve it. He will not accept the status quo as the solution.
* The President talked about a letter he was given after the death of Sen. Ted Kennedy. Sen. Kennedy reminded the President that health care was a moral imperative.
* President said, "We came here not to fear the future, but to shape it."
Just talked to my 86 year old mother and she gave President Obama's speech an "A+."
Right now some Republican guy is talking but we switched the channel because we don't want to hear his remarks. (My husband said he doesn't want to watch people like him.) Now we are watching some HGTV which is much better than listening to something from the party of "NO!!"
Health care reform is a moral imperative.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Bogus Warnings from the Right
The radical right, which seems to be the entire Republican Party, had themselves all concerned about President Obama's speech to school students. The right wasted their time and energy on creating a bunch of hoopla that was completely unnecessary. President Obama's speech was enlightening, intelligent, and inspirational. It was just what many students need to keep their focus on studying, setting goals, and staying in school.
The President told students to work hard in school because our country is depending on their success to make things better. How wonderful! He talked about personal responsibility. OMG! Awesome!
The recent tactics used by Republicans will not help them attract new people to their party. Their words and actions just get their base to follow them. Independent and Democratic voters have been turned off by the GOP, the teabaggers, the "birthers," and the "deathers." With nothing to offer but conspiracy theories and the same old ideas, people are getting sick of the Republicans.
The President told students to work hard in school because our country is depending on their success to make things better. How wonderful! He talked about personal responsibility. OMG! Awesome!
The recent tactics used by Republicans will not help them attract new people to their party. Their words and actions just get their base to follow them. Independent and Democratic voters have been turned off by the GOP, the teabaggers, the "birthers," and the "deathers." With nothing to offer but conspiracy theories and the same old ideas, people are getting sick of the Republicans.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Worth Seeing and Reading
I've just read President Obama's prepared remarks for tomorrow. His speech is posted at the White House website. Here are a few excerpts from the President's speech:
....no matter what you want to do with your life – I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can’t drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You’ve got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.....
....So today, I want to ask you, what’s your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country?
....no matter what you want to do with your life – I guarantee that you’ll need an education to do it. You want to be a doctor, or a teacher, or a police officer? You want to be a nurse or an architect, a lawyer or a member of our military? You’re going to need a good education for every single one of those careers. You can’t drop out of school and just drop into a good job. You’ve got to work for it and train for it and learn for it.....
....So today, I want to ask you, what’s your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve? What discoveries will you make? What will a president who comes here in twenty or fifty or one hundred years say about what all of you did for this country?
Your families, your teachers, and I are doing everything we can to make sure you have the education you need to answer these questions. I’m working hard to fix up your classrooms and get you the books, equipment and computers you need to learn. But you’ve got to do your part too. So I expect you to get serious this year. I expect you to put your best effort into everything you do. I expect great things from each of you. So don’t let us down – don’t let your family or your country or yourself down. Make us all proud. I know you can do it.....
The President's remarks are very good and will indeed inspire students to work harder in school. It makes you wonder why some parents are objecting to the President's words. Is it just an excuse for their racism?
The President's remarks are very good and will indeed inspire students to work harder in school. It makes you wonder why some parents are objecting to the President's words. Is it just an excuse for their racism?
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Sen. Franken Explains
Filling in for Rachel Maddow, Ana Marie Cox, explained how Sen. Al Franken's conversations about health care reform could get more attention:
Friday, September 04, 2009
Stay Stupid, Republicans!
Jonathan Alter of Newsweek said this evening that according to statistical analysis of the past election, the Republican Party is becoming older, whiter, more Southern, and "stupider." Seriously. Alter went on to say that the Democratic Party has more highly educated people than the Republican Party.
The recent right wing outrage is that President Obama will address school children on Tuesday. Some right wing Republicans do not want their children to listen to the President's message of studying, setting education goals, and staying in school. Obviously, being educated must be against the Republican agenda. They must like their party members dumb and uneducated.
* If you need some facts about health care reform, check out Facts about Reform for a full explanation.
* I'm watching a replay of Glenn Beck attacking Rockefellar Center. Glenn Beck works in one of the Rockefellar Center buildings, but he seems oblivious to this. Beck has lost over 50 sponsors because of his irrational blabbering and attacks on the President.
**** This just in from the Dayton Daily News:
Another round in the fight over whether state Sen. Jon Husted really lives in Kettering played out in the Ohio Supreme Court on Friday, Sept. 4, when Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner filed her response to Husted’s lawsuit.....
....on Friday, Brunner responded to the suit by denying most of the allegations Husted made in the 48-page complaint. And on the crucial allegation — that he has lived in Ketttering for the last 15 years — Brunner said she doesn’t have sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth of that.....
....Brunner spokesman Jeff Ortega said Brunner is now waiting for direction from the court before deciding the matter.
I'm not a lawyer, but I think it means that Husted hasn't proved he lives in Kettering.
The recent right wing outrage is that President Obama will address school children on Tuesday. Some right wing Republicans do not want their children to listen to the President's message of studying, setting education goals, and staying in school. Obviously, being educated must be against the Republican agenda. They must like their party members dumb and uneducated.
* If you need some facts about health care reform, check out Facts about Reform for a full explanation.
* I'm watching a replay of Glenn Beck attacking Rockefellar Center. Glenn Beck works in one of the Rockefellar Center buildings, but he seems oblivious to this. Beck has lost over 50 sponsors because of his irrational blabbering and attacks on the President.
**** This just in from the Dayton Daily News:
Another round in the fight over whether state Sen. Jon Husted really lives in Kettering played out in the Ohio Supreme Court on Friday, Sept. 4, when Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner filed her response to Husted’s lawsuit.....
....on Friday, Brunner responded to the suit by denying most of the allegations Husted made in the 48-page complaint. And on the crucial allegation — that he has lived in Ketttering for the last 15 years — Brunner said she doesn’t have sufficient information to form a belief as to the truth of that.....
....Brunner spokesman Jeff Ortega said Brunner is now waiting for direction from the court before deciding the matter.
I'm not a lawyer, but I think it means that Husted hasn't proved he lives in Kettering.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
"College Republicans Compiling Lists....."
"College Republicans Compiling List of Liberal Professors at Ohio School"
That is the headline from FoxNews.com. Here is more----
The University of Toledo's College Republicans are compiling a list of liberal professors who they claimed have a bias against conservative students.
The list will include professors who students say have let their political views interfere with the way they interact with students in the classroom.....
If you'd like to contact the University of Toledo College Republicans, visit here.
I think this is all very frightening. What do these young college Republicans plan to do with their lists? Will they attack or harass liberal professors? Will they actually publish this blacklist? Isn't this all sound like the McCarthy era?
Ohio's Republicans Stuck in the Stone Age
Why are Republicans like cavemen??????
The Dayton Daily News has more:
Do you think that Boehner realizes that he himself pollutes the air with his cigarette smoke? It is time to ignore these GOP righties and make our own path toward jobs and a cleaner environment. For more information, check out
to see how you can stop us from going back to the Stone Age.
The Dayton Daily News has more:
When House Minority Leader John Boehner and four other Republican lawmakers convene an energy summit in Columbus tomorrow, they’ll be greeted by protestors dressed as cavemen.
No, it’s not the guys from that series of Geico commercials. Instead, it’ll be a handful of protestors irritated that the lawmakers, which will include Rep. Steve Austria, R-Beavercreek, Bob Latta, R-Bowling Green, Pat Tiberi, R-Columbus and Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, opposed climate change legislation that passed the House earlier this summer.
The group, a coalition called Bring Ohio Back that includes the Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Federation in Ohio, is calling the group of five congressmen the “Stone Age 5.”.....Do you think that Boehner realizes that he himself pollutes the air with his cigarette smoke? It is time to ignore these GOP righties and make our own path toward jobs and a cleaner environment. For more information, check out
to see how you can stop us from going back to the Stone Age.
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