In honor of Newt’s rise in the polls to #1… a little music please.
Those polls! We already know Romney is the republican nominee. But all this is highly entertaining! With some of these republican candidates it’s difficult to know whether they’re psychotic or just appealing to their base.
My typing this morning is really bad this morning.
My son found his 13-yr-old Basset Hound dead in the backyard when he got home from work last night.
My grown son does not cry very often – but that dog meant alot to him. I knew something was terribly wrong when I picked up the phone and all I could hear was my grown son sobbing.
You know, sometimes in life it really just comes down to the basics in life – a good life and a good dog.
Indy, give your son hug (in person or mentally) for me, a former Bassett owner and lover. I lost 4 of them out on the farm and had to give away the one I had here in town, because she kept escaping the backyard. They are certainly great dogs, and I know how heartbroken your son is.
“From tax write-offs for gambling losses, vacation homes, and luxury yachts to subsidies for their ranches and estates, the government is subsidizing the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Multimillionaires are even receiving government checks for not working. This welfare for the well-off — costing billions of dollars a year — is being paid for with the taxes of the less fortunate.”
This has been going for a long, long time. Why doesn’t Tom Coburn convince his fellow Republicans to stop their insatiable quest to only protect and serve the 1%?
Too little, too late , Tommy – in my opinion.
I used to like Tom Coburn until it came out that he was such a good moral Christian (?) friend that helped John Ensign throught the C-Street affair.
Often times, we are judged by our friends and what we will do for them.
Not the republicans! That judgment about you being no different than those you keep company with only comes into play when it’s President Obama. IOKIYAR
All joking aside. The Occupy Movement can’t be stopped. It’s an idea whose time has come. We’ll see more and more republicans saying the ‘right’ things as time goes on.
Something else I’ve been wondering about — if the SCOTUS decision next June(ish) upholds most or all of The Affordable Care Act, what will republicans run on? What if it’s overturned by SCOTUS deciding it’s unconstitutional? Will this SCOTUS decision (once again!) go all the way to deciding who is president?
And I can’t remember the details — 6176 could help me understand this legal stuff — but I heard something about the Court not being able to decide on an issue that isn’t yet in existence. The mandate doesn’t go into effect until later. So it will be interesting to see whether or not this Court rules on something they have no constitutional right to rule on. Ruling on the constitutionality of something they can’t constitutionally rule on. Makes my head spin!
If the SCOTUS should decide that particular part isn’t allowable in the health care law, and they then declare the entire thing null and void, what happens to all these young people who have been added to their parents’ insurance? What happens to the programs that have been set up already to help the low income get health care?
wicked – if the SCOTUS decides to make the health care reform null and void – I suspect those parents who got to put their kids on their insurance policy and those others who finally got to get insurance through the health care reform changes are going to really P.O.’d.
So, if this decision comes down in June before the November elections – do you think losing the health care reform benefits is going to motivate the Democrats and/or Independents that are affected?
OCCUPY WALL STREET and its allied movements around the country are more than a walk in the park. They are most likely the start of a new era in America. Historians have noted that American politics moves in long swings. We are at the end of the 30-year Reagan era, a period that has culminated in soaring income for the top 1 percent and crushing unemployment or income stagnation for much of the rest. The overarching challenge of the coming years is to restore prosperity and power for the 99 percent.
Thirty years ago, a newly elected Ronald Reagan made a fateful judgment: “Government is not the solution to our problem. Government is the problem.” Taxes for the rich were slashed, as were outlays on public services and investments as a share of national income. Only the military and a few big transfer programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and veterans’ benefits were exempted from the squeeze.
Reagan’s was a fateful misdiagnosis. He completely overlooked the real issue — the rise of global competition in the information age — and fought a bogeyman, the government. Decades on, America pays the price of that misdiagnosis, with a nation singularly unprepared to face the global economic, energy and environmental challenges of our time.
Both parties have joined in crippling the government in response to the demands of their wealthy campaign contributors, who above all else insist on keeping low tax rates on capital gains, top incomes, estates and corporate profits. Corporate taxes as a share of national income are at the lowest levels in recent history. Rich households take home the greatest share of income since the Great Depression. Twice before in American history, powerful corporate interests dominated Washington and brought America to a state of unacceptable inequality, instability and corruption. Both times a social and political movement arose to restore democracy and shared prosperity.
The first age of inequality was the Gilded Age at the end of the 19th century, an era quite like today, when both political parties served the interests of the corporate robber barons. The progressive movement arose after the financial crisis of 1893. In the following decades Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson came to power, and the movement pushed through a remarkable era of reform: trust busting, federal income taxation, fair labor standards, the direct election of senators and women’s suffrage.
The second gilded age was the Roaring Twenties. The pro-business administrations of Harding, Coolidge and Hoover once again opened up the floodgates of corruption and financial excess, this time culminating in the Great Depression. And once again the pendulum swung. F.D.R.’s New Deal marked the start of several decades of reduced income inequality, strong trade unions, steep top tax rates and strict financial regulation. After 1981, Reagan began to dismantle each of these core features of the New Deal.
Following our recent financial calamity, a third progressive era is likely to be in the making. This one should aim for three things. The first is a revival of crucial public services, especially education, training, public investment and environmental protection. The second is the end of a climate of impunity that encouraged nearly every Wall Street firm to commit financial fraud. The third is to re-establish the supremacy of people votes over dollar votes in Washington.
The cartoon in the header today gave me a few chuckles ( not that what Reagan did was funny) but I have to laugh at just how his worshippers in the current GOP all use Reagan’s name like he was some God or somethng.
My grandmother was never political but she summed up Ronald Reagan in one sentence – “I never liked him as a player either”. She used the word player as a substitute for actor.
I thought Chris Matthews was going to come to blows with Andrew Sullivan on Real Time last Friday over whether JFK was the peacekeeper people see (and saw) him as. Matthews has just written a book, Jack Kennedy and definitely sees Kennedy as a hero. Andrew? Not so much. 😉
Speaking of John F. Kennedy – did you hear about the new Stephen King book about Kennedy?
I saw Stephen King being interviewed by Chris Matthews last week (Friday, I think?).
Stephen King made a comparison between Kennedy and Obama. They are both young, charismatic, short time in Senate, and some more points. They are also both presidents that cannot seem to work the levers of Congress.
Stephen King made the comment that Lyndon Johnson knew exactly how to work those levers to Congress and that Johnson carried out alot of Kennedy’s social changes – ie Civil Rights – after Kennedy’s assassination.
King then asked Chris Matthews if he thought Joe Biden could do the same thing if history were to repeat itself and Chris Matthews said – yes, Joe is a very strong political leader and he knows how the system works.
I sensed that Stephen King has wondered if history is going to repeat itself. I’ve thought about that prospect also and if Obama gets reelected – I think that might be a real prospect.
The interview last night with Gabby and Mark was quite inspirational, almost beyond description. It is truly remarkable how far she has come in ten months and truly daunting as to how far she has to go. What I came away with from the interview is the love those two share and her absolute determination to make a full recovery without anger at her circumstances and the perpetrator.
Speaking of OWS (above), has anyone been paying attention to the news? Apparently Mayor Bloomberg shut down OWS in NYC at Zuccotti park early this morning–with the help from NYPD, of course–and has decided they can “protest” during the day, but not overnight.
I heard some political pundit talk about the NYC clean-out of the park. This guy said that in a way – this move by the YNC police was more advantageous for the OWS.
In his assessment – with winter coming, the OWS is going to have to come up with some plan to get to the next phase of this protest movement. And rather than the OWS protesters moving out of the park due to the cold winter weather – have the policy clear them out now and it appears that the police are cracking down on their freedom of speech and their rights to peaceful protest.
As for Oakland – I think that mayor just wants the OWs protesters out of her sight and she does not care how she does it.
In that respect, at least Mayor Bloomberg is seen as somewhat supporting the protesters rights.
As for Portland’s situation – I don’t know much about that. I’ve only caught bits and pieces of the news on this issue.
In my opinion – if the Tea Party rabble rousers in those town halls are seen as patriotic Americans for exercising their free speech – so are these OWS protesters.
In fact, the OWS protesters should be given more kudos – these folks are doing it without the benefit of the corporate masters’ money and those nice comfy bus rides to the next town hall to disrupt.
Rick Santorum (R – Frothy) has been quoted as saying that individual states should be free to make oral or anal sex illegal. The question for (former) Senator Santorum is how would states gather evidence of these crimes and what would be the penalty for the commission of said infraction? The law, of course, would extend to all people, heterosexual and homosexual, married and single, in Satorum’s ‘clean sex’ universe. Presumably, all penalties would also apply equally to both the pitcher and the catcher.
So, Mr. Santorum, if a straight married couple are convicted of engaging in oral sex, do you favor the death penalty or would you be satisfied with life in prison without the possibility of parole?
And this from a man (Santorum) who keeps a dead baby in a jar.
Why don’t we just make it simple? Missionary style, only, and a camera in every bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, closet, dining room….car, backyard, beach, boat… They can take volunteers to keep an eye on all the footage from those cameras. After all, someone has too keep an eye on things.
Rick Santorum also feels that contraception should be illegal because using birth control just gives people a license to fuck. Well, he didn’t say that exactly, but that was the message he was conveying. This what he actually said:
“It’s not okay. It’s a license to do things in a sexual realm that is counter to how things are supposed to be.”
In related news, Rick also feels that couples should use Bible verses in lieu of foreplay.
Just how are things supposed to be in Santorum’s world?
The man gets to do what he wants and the little woman is to be submissive and STFU?
God, I feel like I am back in that Fundy Baptist college classroom listening to that pompous professor about Courtship and Marriage. And dont’ forget ladies – wear those pretty big hairbows for your manly men.
BTW -when I told my daughter-in-law this story about this college class – the first thing she said was – well, big hairbows do make a grown woman look like a young girl.
Speaking of Santorum – has anyone wondered how this man can pay to travel all around this country with his family and campaign?
His poll numbers are not that high – so where is the money coming from?
He is a former Senator – so are we providing him a pension check and free healthcare?
I am not trying to be flippant here – I would really like to know. How many of us could travel around with a large family campaigning – that takes alot of money!!
If more republicans would just get laid maybe they wouldn’t be so cranky and so curious about sex lives — just get one for yourself! Sex has a lot more going for it than procreation!!!
For a very long time we’ve been asking that Justice Thomas (at minimum!) recuse himself from hearing any case on The Affordable Care Act. Now, that there will be a case heard next spring, there are demands that Justice Kagan recuse herself.
I expect to hear more on this subject. I’m not against hearing a lot more about this subject! In fact, this lifetime appointment, and depending on the person to be honorable doesn’t sit well with me. Leaves too much room for corruption. There should be rules to be followed that don’t leave so much room for discretion.
Holy [insert expletive]!! I had to hunt for that in the comments, but WTF did they do that for? Libraries are having enough trouble buying books, what with all the cuts to everything except the uber-wealthy. This is just un-effing-believable, and I’m sure those who were there were as shocked as we are. Reminds me of stories about what some of our troops did in Iraq. And believe me, I hate to say that, and I’m sure we only heard the tip of the iceberg on that.
PrairiePopulistsAndProgressives.net 
In honor of Newt’s rise in the polls to #1… a little music please.
Those polls! We already know Romney is the republican nominee. But all this is highly entertaining! With some of these republican candidates it’s difficult to know whether they’re psychotic or just appealing to their base.
Wouldn’t one have to be pyschotic to appearl the current FAr Right Base?
to appeal to the current Far Right Base..
My typing this morning is really bad this morning.
My son found his 13-yr-old Basset Hound dead in the backyard when he got home from work last night.
My grown son does not cry very often – but that dog meant alot to him. I knew something was terribly wrong when I picked up the phone and all I could hear was my grown son sobbing.
You know, sometimes in life it really just comes down to the basics in life – a good life and a good dog.
Farley will be missed……
I’m very sorry to hear that. My thoughts and prayers will be with your son and family.
Thanks fnord – I know that you’re a pet owner and you know how attached one becomes to their pets.
They’re family members….
Yes, definitely family members.
My three pets are all in double digit ages. So we’re all slowing down — me and them.
Indy, give your son hug (in person or mentally) for me, a former Bassett owner and lover. I lost 4 of them out on the farm and had to give away the one I had here in town, because she kept escaping the backyard. They are certainly great dogs, and I know how heartbroken your son is.
I enjoy men’s college basketball. 🙂
‘Tis the season!
KU at Kentucky tonight!
I’ve been enjoying college football. 🙂 Go, Cats!! LOL Oh, and not to forget my other team, UT, that’s suddenly doing much better.
“From tax write-offs for gambling losses, vacation homes, and luxury yachts to subsidies for their ranches and estates, the government is subsidizing the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Multimillionaires are even receiving government checks for not working. This welfare for the well-off — costing billions of dollars a year — is being paid for with the taxes of the less fortunate.”
—Tom Coburn, Republican Senator from Oklahoma
This has been going for a long, long time. Why doesn’t Tom Coburn convince his fellow Republicans to stop their insatiable quest to only protect and serve the 1%?
Too little, too late , Tommy – in my opinion.
I used to like Tom Coburn until it came out that he was such a good moral Christian (?) friend that helped John Ensign throught the C-Street affair.
Often times, we are judged by our friends and what we will do for them.
Not the republicans! That judgment about you being no different than those you keep company with only comes into play when it’s President Obama. IOKIYAR
All joking aside. The Occupy Movement can’t be stopped. It’s an idea whose time has come. We’ll see more and more republicans saying the ‘right’ things as time goes on.
Something else I’ve been wondering about — if the SCOTUS decision next June(ish) upholds most or all of The Affordable Care Act, what will republicans run on? What if it’s overturned by SCOTUS deciding it’s unconstitutional? Will this SCOTUS decision (once again!) go all the way to deciding who is president?
There was a time when I had confidence in our land’s highest court to remain above the fray. I don’t any longer.
These Far Right Wingers will only go with whatever suits their agenda at that point in time.
When have facts ever stood in their way of their political spin?
You know what’s funny abouth this SCOTUS deciding if the mandate to purchase health care is constitutional?
This is the one part of the health care reform that these for-profit health insurance companies really want – mandated new customers.
So I guess these Republicans that profess to love business so much are against these businesses to get new customers?
And I can’t remember the details — 6176 could help me understand this legal stuff — but I heard something about the Court not being able to decide on an issue that isn’t yet in existence. The mandate doesn’t go into effect until later. So it will be interesting to see whether or not this Court rules on something they have no constitutional right to rule on. Ruling on the constitutionality of something they can’t constitutionally rule on. Makes my head spin!
If the SCOTUS should decide that particular part isn’t allowable in the health care law, and they then declare the entire thing null and void, what happens to all these young people who have been added to their parents’ insurance? What happens to the programs that have been set up already to help the low income get health care?
wicked – if the SCOTUS decides to make the health care reform null and void – I suspect those parents who got to put their kids on their insurance policy and those others who finally got to get insurance through the health care reform changes are going to really P.O.’d.
So, if this decision comes down in June before the November elections – do you think losing the health care reform benefits is going to motivate the Democrats and/or Independents that are affected?
Wouldn’t it be nice if someone who needed to would listen to what Sen. Coburn said? Yeah, in my dreams.
It’s a nice dream – huh?
Unfortunately, one political party proudly boasts they only protect and serve the 1%.
And since these are all overpaid sports athlettes, musicians and other VIP’s – I think they belong in the 1%.
This article is well worth reading. Here are some -snips-
The cartoon in the header today gave me a few chuckles ( not that what Reagan did was funny) but I have to laugh at just how his worshippers in the current GOP all use Reagan’s name like he was some God or somethng.
My grandmother was never political but she summed up Ronald Reagan in one sentence – “I never liked him as a player either”. She used the word player as a substitute for actor.
Wow – my grandmother was a wise woman……..LOL
I had a good laugh once when Chris Matthews had Ron Reagan Jr on his show. Chris asked Ron if his father really believed in trickle-down economics.
Ron Jr said – obivously he did even when all evidence was to the contrary.
I love watching Ron Reagan Jr. – he is a hoot.
Of course, Chris Matthews had that laugh that is known for. I though Chris was going to roll off his chair from laughing so hard.
I thought Chris Matthews was going to come to blows with Andrew Sullivan on Real Time last Friday over whether JFK was the peacekeeper people see (and saw) him as. Matthews has just written a book, Jack Kennedy and definitely sees Kennedy as a hero. Andrew? Not so much. 😉
Speaking of John F. Kennedy – did you hear about the new Stephen King book about Kennedy?
I saw Stephen King being interviewed by Chris Matthews last week (Friday, I think?).
Stephen King made a comparison between Kennedy and Obama. They are both young, charismatic, short time in Senate, and some more points. They are also both presidents that cannot seem to work the levers of Congress.
Stephen King made the comment that Lyndon Johnson knew exactly how to work those levers to Congress and that Johnson carried out alot of Kennedy’s social changes – ie Civil Rights – after Kennedy’s assassination.
King then asked Chris Matthews if he thought Joe Biden could do the same thing if history were to repeat itself and Chris Matthews said – yes, Joe is a very strong political leader and he knows how the system works.
I sensed that Stephen King has wondered if history is going to repeat itself. I’ve thought about that prospect also and if Obama gets reelected – I think that might be a real prospect.
God, I hope not.
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111113/LIFE/111130303/-1/rss18
Just once I would like to hear some Republican have the cajones to tell Grover Norquist what he could do with that pledge of his…
Talk about a bunch of panty-waisted sissy men who don’t dare tell Grover back….
http://www.rollcall.com/issues/57_59/GOP-Finds-Leeway-in-Norquist-Tax-Pledge-210296-1.html
I’d swear I read somewhere that one GOPer had suggested that it be dropped. I’ll be darned if I can remember where, though.
Why can’t these guys just tell Grover to shove it?
What drop anything – just tell Grover he was wrong, is wrong and will be wrong the next time he brings this stupid idea up the next time.
God – what will it take to get rid of Grover and his pledge – a woman to do the talking?
LMAO
The interview last night with Gabby and Mark was quite inspirational, almost beyond description. It is truly remarkable how far she has come in ten months and truly daunting as to how far she has to go. What I came away with from the interview is the love those two share and her absolute determination to make a full recovery without anger at her circumstances and the perpetrator.
I did not see this interview last night but did manage to see a few snippets this morning on MSNBC.
I also noticed the relationship between the two. Mark beamed at Gabby while she was talking. And Gabby was beaming when Mark was speaking.
This couple is an example of how strong the human spirit is and can be a positive influence.
Speaking of OWS (above), has anyone been paying attention to the news? Apparently Mayor Bloomberg shut down OWS in NYC at Zuccotti park early this morning–with the help from NYPD, of course–and has decided they can “protest” during the day, but not overnight.
http://www.nationofchange.org/breaking-new-york-mayor-bloomberg-clears-out-occupy-wall-street-1321374276
Portland and Oakland have done pretty much the same.
Whatever happened to free speech? Because they’ll find whatever way it takes to shut it down. Talk about a HUGE copout.
I heard some political pundit talk about the NYC clean-out of the park. This guy said that in a way – this move by the YNC police was more advantageous for the OWS.
In his assessment – with winter coming, the OWS is going to have to come up with some plan to get to the next phase of this protest movement. And rather than the OWS protesters moving out of the park due to the cold winter weather – have the policy clear them out now and it appears that the police are cracking down on their freedom of speech and their rights to peaceful protest.
As for Oakland – I think that mayor just wants the OWs protesters out of her sight and she does not care how she does it.
In that respect, at least Mayor Bloomberg is seen as somewhat supporting the protesters rights.
As for Portland’s situation – I don’t know much about that. I’ve only caught bits and pieces of the news on this issue.
In my opinion – if the Tea Party rabble rousers in those town halls are seen as patriotic Americans for exercising their free speech – so are these OWS protesters.
In fact, the OWS protesters should be given more kudos – these folks are doing it without the benefit of the corporate masters’ money and those nice comfy bus rides to the next town hall to disrupt.
Rick Santorum (R – Frothy) has been quoted as saying that individual states should be free to make oral or anal sex illegal. The question for (former) Senator Santorum is how would states gather evidence of these crimes and what would be the penalty for the commission of said infraction? The law, of course, would extend to all people, heterosexual and homosexual, married and single, in Satorum’s ‘clean sex’ universe. Presumably, all penalties would also apply equally to both the pitcher and the catcher.
So, Mr. Santorum, if a straight married couple are convicted of engaging in oral sex, do you favor the death penalty or would you be satisfied with life in prison without the possibility of parole?
But, but……Sanitorium is a Republican and these are the folks that hate government interference – correct?
Which is the bigger sin – the government interference and being a Socialist State or these couples getting their freak on?
Seriously, Santorium, time to get a life…..
And this from a man (Santorum) who keeps a dead baby in a jar.
Why don’t we just make it simple? Missionary style, only, and a camera in every bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, closet, dining room….car, backyard, beach, boat… They can take volunteers to keep an eye on all the footage from those cameras. After all, someone has too keep an eye on things.
Canoe………………
Aha! Guess what Will’s been doing. tee hee I refuse to add anymore to the list I shared. 😉
p.s. I’d be afraid of tipping…and I don’t mean the waiter.
Rick Santorum also feels that contraception should be illegal because using birth control just gives people a license to fuck. Well, he didn’t say that exactly, but that was the message he was conveying. This what he actually said:
“It’s not okay. It’s a license to do things in a sexual realm that is counter to how things are supposed to be.”
In related news, Rick also feels that couples should use Bible verses in lieu of foreplay.
(Sorry, I just made up that last one.)
If this is really how Santorum feels, he needs to talk with the Duggers. After all…
Just how are things supposed to be in Santorum’s world?
The man gets to do what he wants and the little woman is to be submissive and STFU?
God, I feel like I am back in that Fundy Baptist college classroom listening to that pompous professor about Courtship and Marriage. And dont’ forget ladies – wear those pretty big hairbows for your manly men.
BTW -when I told my daughter-in-law this story about this college class – the first thing she said was – well, big hairbows do make a grown woman look like a young girl.
Something to ponder……
…well, big hairbows do make a grown woman look like a young girl.
Yes! Like Bette Davis in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?!
Speaking of Santorum – has anyone wondered how this man can pay to travel all around this country with his family and campaign?
His poll numbers are not that high – so where is the money coming from?
He is a former Senator – so are we providing him a pension check and free healthcare?
I am not trying to be flippant here – I would really like to know. How many of us could travel around with a large family campaigning – that takes alot of money!!
Nailed it………………
“White conservative says blackness defined by ‘darker complexion'”
http://www.thegrio.com/politics/conservative-author-southern-mannerisms-darker-complexion-define-blackness.php
“Herein lays the essence of the conservative view of appropriate blackness: there can be no “elite” black which white conservatives must respect.”
If more republicans would just get laid maybe they wouldn’t be so cranky and so curious about sex lives — just get one for yourself! Sex has a lot more going for it than procreation!!!
You betcha, fnord wink wink
Now bring on the canoes and dining room tables!
hay lofts are good places too…
I’m having trouble thinking of a place that ISN’T a good place.
While driving a car would be a poor choice. On a bicycle might be a bit difficult, although I bet someone has managed it. LOL
If my dive into a new type of book doesn’t make it, I may need all these suggestions so I can move in the opposite direction.
I can honestly tell you the bicycle one never happened with me.
For a very long time we’ve been asking that Justice Thomas (at minimum!) recuse himself from hearing any case on The Affordable Care Act. Now, that there will be a case heard next spring, there are demands that Justice Kagan recuse herself.
I expect to hear more on this subject. I’m not against hearing a lot more about this subject! In fact, this lifetime appointment, and depending on the person to be honorable doesn’t sit well with me. Leaves too much room for corruption. There should be rules to be followed that don’t leave so much room for discretion.
Makes me so sad …
“During the raid on Zuccotti park this morning the NYPD threw away over 5,000 books.”
Holy [insert expletive]!! I had to hunt for that in the comments, but WTF did they do that for? Libraries are having enough trouble buying books, what with all the cuts to everything except the uber-wealthy. This is just un-effing-believable, and I’m sure those who were there were as shocked as we are. Reminds me of stories about what some of our troops did in Iraq. And believe me, I hate to say that, and I’m sure we only heard the tip of the iceberg on that.
Not just libraries but homes with no books. This actually is painful.
It is sad. Very sad. And there’s no reason for it. I just can’t imagine. Truly.