Margaret, I guess if you get enough morons congregating in one particular geographical area, eventually they will vote a fellow moron to represent them in Congress. Kind of like sleeping with your cousin – eventually your offspring are not going to be right in the head. But the idiot parade coming out of South Carolina seems to be getting longer and longer these days.
From where I sit Republican Congressman Joe Wilson’s heckling of the President puts him pretty far down on the moron food chain in South Carolina – well below Miss Teen Lauren Caitlin Upton, but only slightly above Governor Mark Sanford. Which isn’t saying much considering all of them are behind the Osprey, northern pike, perch, bleak, shrimp and plankton. For those of you in South Carolina that is just a fancy way of saying they aren’t worth a pile of shit in my book – except for that little Lauren Caitlin Upton. She couldn’t help herself the poor dear. Everyone knows you can’t be a carnivore and still fit in your pageant dress.
Folks, let me tell you something about healthcare and health insurance. There are a couple of ways to make a buck in the game. One way is to systematically deny coverage to anyone with a propensity to get sick as evidenced by past occurrences. The other way is to spread the risk over the largest population possible effectively minimizing the impact of the most risky. But there is one way for sure to lose a buck – keep increasing the number of people who can’t pay their bill. It’s really quite simple. A public option means insurance companies will report profits using language like “impressive” and “satisfactory” rather than “awesome” and “a buttload of moolah!”
When exactly did we become so enamoured with health insurance companies that we are now so adamantly fighting for their rights to make a buck off our misfortunes? None of this makes any sense to me. The President wants to make a speech encouraging our children to stay in school and study hard and we compare that to Nazi Germany. Doctors talking to patients about feeding tubes and life support machines has become some secret plot to kill Grandma. Making sure a woman can get treatment for her breast cancer is unreasonable. I don’t know Margaret. What’s next? Governor Perry and Governor Sanford fight to see which state secedes from the Union first- Texas or South Carolina? If only…
Someone needs to remind Representative Wilson that he and his family currently have a public option for their health insurance. And while you’re reminding him of that, be sure he understands that the next time his doctor has a finger up his butt all of us taxpayers footed the bill. Come to think of it, maybe instead of paying the bill we can skip the finger and just introduce his ass to my foot. I mean it. Really.
PS. Did anyone else notice the look Nancy Pelosi gave to Joe Wilson when he acted out? Now there is a lady I would enjoy having over for coffee and pie.
Margaret and Helen 
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at 9:14 PM
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at 11:10 AM
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By: vigrx At Gnc on May 8, 2014
at 10:47 PM
Helen: I hope your husband continues his recovery.
I sympathize with having to listen to Fox all the time. I’m staying with my Dad for awhile and that’s his preferred channel; we compromise with the Weather Channel.
Having to listen to Fox all the time will drive you batty and drive up your blood pressure. You don’t need that.
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By: talea on November 1, 2009
at 2:09 PM
happyconservative I am sure Jimmy Carter and many other presidents have read the bible. Some of the most evil people know the bible better than most who claim to be Christian. It is more important to see how the principles are put into use. Are they using it for good or evil. Look to the fruits of these people. You and I can read the same bible and still not get the same knowledge or wisdom. God imparts hidden wisdom to those who are true to Him. You should read 1st Corinthians chapter 2 starting with verse 6, for a better perspective on this. I don’t recall Jimmy Carter using the word of God to perpetrate war. Do you see any good fruit from either of the Bush presidencies? I’m not a big Carter fan, but I certainly see more good fruit in his life.
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By: Poolman on September 27, 2009
at 8:29 PM
So what, Happy?
The Bible, the greatest fable ever told. Most “Christians” I have come in personal contact these days are the biggest haters I have ever encountered in my entire life. Let us remember that religion is man-made, as in male-made. (I was raised Catholic.)
You never even acknowledged the reality of rampant racism in today’s world, preferring to listen to Ed Rollins gloss over it.
And Craig, wow, how “librul” of you to date a Jewish girl (not sure why one would point this out??) in the 70’s, what the hell does this have to do with today’s world? Bon soir, both of you should go have fun on the FUX News site where you belong.
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By: Claire on September 26, 2009
at 2:12 AM
So what, Poolman? Jimmy Carter read his bible every day.
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By: happyconservative on September 24, 2009
at 7:30 PM
Oh Helen, this is such a great post! I did notice the look Nancy Pelosi gave Mr. Wilson…(wasn’t that the guy on Dennis the Menace?)
But, when Nancy spoke about how the careless language being thrown about, will be misunderstood and possibly acted on by someone less “bright” than the one spewing the idiocy, suddenly the Right started saying “Pelosi cries because of the critics.”
I couldn’t believe what I read…they just take everything and twist it to fit their perverted thinking…she was telling of the killing of the two politicians in San Francisco, and how she was one who found Harvy Milk’s body…and she was trying to tell the radicals to tone it down before something else just as evil happened…
These right-wingers ARE scary-Really!
They don’t SCARE me-they are scary!
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By: amethystlady2 on September 20, 2009
at 4:13 PM
Guess what, y’all, it ain’t just Atlanta!
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By: ccmalloy on September 19, 2009
at 9:00 AM
Claire
I had visited Atlanta for my first and only time in August of 1973. I posted the following on another thread last night. I would hope Atlanta and or Georgia has moved beyond what I saw and experienced since then.
Speaking of…I once saw the X governor of Georgia…1973
Lester Maddox flanked by two state troopers in underground Atlanta signing pick handles
commemorating his defense of blacks who wanted to enter his restaurant.
That same day driving around downtown Atlanta,
appeared 3 NAZI’s on a street corner with Jack boots and the whole attire. I had my boss drive around the block so I could pick up their newspaper.
At the time I was dating a young Jewish lady.
The papers were completely full of cartoons and Socialist propaganda. And of course targeting blacks and Jews.
I guess what amazed me most is this was 1973 in downtown Atlanta. I was 22 and shocked that this was still in the open and going on in Atlanta much less..anywhere in the United States.
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By: Craig on September 18, 2009
at 1:13 PM
http://www.wsbtv.com/news/20926383/detail.html?taf=atl
Nope. No racism exists these days….
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By: Claire on September 18, 2009
at 10:21 AM
Happy, I live in a northern suburb of Atlanta GA and have heard President Obama being called the “N” word MANY times firsthand by Faux News watchers at one of our local pubs (who mostly did NOT VOTE). Nice theory, Ed Rollins, but racism truly does exist and sadly, is even rampant in some areas.
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By: Claire on September 18, 2009
at 9:11 AM
Oh Jimmy.
Keep yer dam mouth shut son.
The first and only President I voted for.
A graduate of the Naval Academy.
What a mistake.
Whatever he touched turned to crappola.
Interest rates up the wazoo.
A alchi brother he could not control as well as the lust in his heart.
Then he turned his backs on our people in Iran and mounted a half hearted rescue attempt.
Ross Perot got his people out..and I’m proud to say I worked for that man. EDS, An organization that made sure its people were taken care of.
And in 1980, I had the privilege to write the screenplay so as to keep the true accurate details of the escape a secret.
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By: Craig on September 17, 2009
at 9:56 PM
happyconservative, re Bush being persuaded by his beliefs, don’t you remember when these were revealed?
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2009/05/rumsfelds_bibleverse_briefings.html
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By: Poolman on September 17, 2009
at 9:00 PM
Poolman,
I hear what you’re saying about the whole Christian/war thing. I don’t claim to be as good a Christian as I should be, and I’ve never thought of the issue much. I know that the Israelites fought a lot of battles in the bible. My main concerns have been 1) is the cause in our national interest, and 2) are our troops going to be wasted. You and I will probably disagree on those points where the current conflict is concerned, so I won’t go into it any further. I am going to check out Acts, and look through my bible more before I comment any further. Thanks for the reference.
Please rest assured that those of us on the “other” side of the aisle don’t think all Muslims are evil; just the ones that have attacked or want to attack us. The radical jihadis have to be dealt with. Even moderate Muslim governments like the Egyptians are threatened by them.
On the subject of President Bush. I don’t believe that he thought his actions were dictated by his religious beliefs. He was a religious man, which I personally take as a good thing. But, I don’t think his religious beliefs influenced his actions any more or less than any other President.
Anyway, the sunshine in my day has arrived home from work, and there’s a glass of Port calling my name. Time for me to go. Good night to all, and have great day, tomorrow.
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By: happyconservative on September 17, 2009
at 7:26 PM
Jean,
Thanks for including me! Even if I’m not part of the gang, yet, at least I’m on the salutaion. We’re makin’ progress!!! 🙂
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By: happyconservative on September 17, 2009
at 7:14 PM
I think President Jimmy Carter’s comment that opposition to President Obama’s policies is based on race are just wrong. He totally missed the mark on this. I’m not the only one who thinks so. Here is a link to a commentary by Ed Rollins. He puts President Carter’s comment in the wider context of the issues at hand. I think Ed got it.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/09/17/rollins.obama.tv.health/index.html?iref=newssearch
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By: happyconservative on September 17, 2009
at 7:06 PM
Poolman,
Thanks for the links. Just a word of advise, though. I wouldn’t rely on Wikipedia. They have no quality control and no fact checking. You don’t have to have any qualifications or experience to post there. Anybody can post anything. I know people who post goofy pictures and obviously inaccurate inforamtion just to joke around
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By: happyconservative on September 17, 2009
at 6:57 PM
PalinShutUp,
He never said “boy”. Please stop reading things that aren’t there.
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By: happyconservative on September 17, 2009
at 6:53 PM
Lori,
I read the article in the Ft. Worth Star Telegram. They had the same info about lower malpractice premiums and the increase in the number of doctors. Here’s an excerpt.
Roughly half as many malpractice suits are being filed in Texas these days. Liability premiums, which had doubled before reform, have declined more than 30 percent.
And most important, Texas has become a beacon to new doctors. Last year, 3,621 newly licensed
Here’s the link to the whole article.
http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/1607549.html
Tort reform isn’t a silver bullet, and I don’t think there is one. But, as stated in the article, it did what it was supposed to do. I still think that it is effective and should be included in an overall plan for healthcare reform.
Healthcare reform is a big, complicated issue. It took us a long time to get where we are, and we’re not going to “fix” it over night or with one bill. It’s going to have to happen a step at a time; just the way we got here.
Thanks for the info.
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By: happyconservative on September 17, 2009
at 6:37 PM
HoneyJoRumples,
“It has nothing to do with the color of his skin, but with the problems we perceive in his policies. Why then, are we labeled Racist?”
HJR, where did this “quote” come from?
Here’s what I wrote. Could you start, again, please. Thansk.
1. Since the issue of race has been raised so often on the blog, today, let me ask you all a question. As you can tell from my screen name, I am very conservative in my view points. I have to confess that race isn’t something I or any of the people that I associate with really think about. At least it never comes up or seems to be an issue.
Just to clear the air, the people that I work and hang out with are Asian, Hindi, Muslim, and African American. My best friend is Asian from Singapore and used to be my boss. We don’t always agree we always enjoy discussing things. My current boss is an African American woman. My best friend at work is Hindi. As you have probably guessed by now, I’m an old white guy, and I live in the Dallas, Texas area; an area of the country that I find cosmopolitan.
When we discuss things (football, politics, or anything else) we sometimes agree and sometimes disagree, but it’s all based on the facts at hand. It’s the same when we disagree with the President. It has nothing to do with the color of his skin, but with the problems we perceive in his policies. Why then, are we labeled Racist?
I understand that some people feel like their skin color is a road block of some kind, but I don’t understand that, either. Some people will discount you, deny you work, or otherwise try to limit you for something as simple as the type of cloths you wear or the school you attended (or didn’t attend). I’ve been denied jobs because I looked the interviewer in the eye too much. JNQ-T had it right. There are a lot of idiots out there, regardless of which side of the aisle you’re on.
I think that I will probably be put the Troll bin for what I’m about to ask, but I think it’s a fair question that needs to be asked. Race is not something that those of us on the Right obsess over. We just don’t think about. It’s certainly not a factor in our decision making, and we get tired of it being used as a club against us (and an unjust one at that).
To our way of thinking … no, I’ll speak for my self, here. To my way of thinking, it’s the Left that promotes racism. How? By emphasizing it in everything you do. It seems like every decision, every policy, every perception you have of the world is viewed through the lens of race. Why is that? I just don’t understand that way of thinking. Every time you favor one group over another because of the color of their skin, you promote racism. Aren’t we supposed to be past that?
So, please explain this to me. I look forward to hearing your comments.
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By: happyconservative on September 17, 2009
at 6:22 PM
another thing most 9/11 conspiracy theorists omit is the previous attempt, years before….
on that note, I hope the 9/11 conspiracy discussion remains on this side
and craig, you compared and called Obama ‘Fuhrer, Hitler…’
you have to do better than that
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By: PalinShutUp on September 17, 2009
at 1:21 PM
Claire–it’s not worth it. He’s a sad, foolish person who adds nothing to the discourse. There are many others who are conservative in their outlook on one or more issues who actually have their own thoughts and can express them constructively. They have been made very welcome. If Matthew doesn’t block him, I’m simply going to scroll past him and hope that others resist the temptation to engage. At some point, he’ll give up if nobody is paying attention.
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By: Donna on September 17, 2009
at 10:01 AM
An opinion based on facts, not simply parroting FAUX rhetoric would be welcome. Your last post was the only original thought I have seen that has come from you.
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By: Claire on September 17, 2009
at 9:56 AM
Donna,… I take exception to the statement that I equated political disagreement to the Holocaust. I did not. I believe I stated that if political discourse gets any more rampant and threatening as it was when someone suggested taking out the “republicans” and give them a good thrashing” or something close to that… then something like “crystal Night” could occur again.
I did say that threatening comments could be the next step to something happening.
I never condoned or promoted killings and or slaughters of any kind. You have harped on this for way to long.
And Donna, I apologized log ago for my entry comment into this blog site.
I reiterate. The author promotes herself pictured in a handicapped vehicle. Her blog was Pro left in thought. I voiced my belief that it will be a long time before we are to pay off our nations debt.
I also said some other things Donna. being disrespectful..no Donna, I don’t think I was.
I merely made an observation and a comment and YOU got your “panties”, Can I say that?…in a wad.
But after being on and reading this web for the past two weeks, I have read many more derogatory statements about a lot of people I respect..and I have not condemned those people
and cried for their being blocked.
At this five minutes, I believe the author herself has read what I have said..and it being her blog site would have banished me long ago if she had so wished.
Now as to being thrown off the blog. For what reason? Because I don’t parrot your beliefs?
I have not used the foul language that you have instigated, such as calling me a “prick” or an “asshole”.
Oh what terms I could have used to react to this chastisement. But then I would have lowered myself to your level.
In fact I thought that your language was more appropriate for being dismissed and banned from the blog. I read the rules, and I’m not sure, but your demeanor certainly lacks taste and civility.
I did not stoop to calling people names.
Every now and then, the author and others call out Bullshit when they are so inclined. Thats a statement used on this blog many times to describe their displeasure with someone else’s beliefs or comments.
Donna and Claire, what you want is a blog where you are not questioned about your facts and beliefs as well as having to sift thru someone else’s statements when they do not conform to your doctrine.
I believe the author and or owner of this blog set it up to bring civil discourse about todays world and the nation we live in.
Donna, to ratchet up your mob or herd mentality is to cheapen the blog by desiring Matthew to block my ability to come here and say BULLSHIT back at ya. And I believe thats a first for me.
Donna and Claire and all others on this blog.
I do not know any of you. Some of you may actually be neighbors and personally see each other. For some this blog site may just be a place where you can state your case.
I DO NOT harbor any Hate that some are trying to promote against me. I don’t know you..any of you. Some are here under fictitious names so as to conceal their identity and or at least have one.
I DO NOT chastise anyone of you for your religious or political belief.
I WOULD only like to offer my viewpoint on subjects whether it be the weather or what is to become of our country with all the problems we have currently.
And yes, MY comments may differ from YOURS.
What is wrong with that?
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By: Craig on September 17, 2009
at 9:51 AM
I second Donna’s motion.
And please bounce “Kenye” while you’re at it.
Claire
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By: Claire on September 17, 2009
at 8:18 AM
In honor of Sept. 17, 1787, our country instituted Constitution Day.
Constitution comes from the Latin word of constitutum or constituere–meaning to cause to stand, to establish, to enact, to compose, and to form.
I had the great opportunity to study the Constitution at Montpelier, Virginia back in July of 2001. Twenty educators from Wash. State lived in colonial style “dorm” homes near the back of James Madison’s Montpelier plantation. Besides touring the mansion (which was being renovated at the time), we had long, daily lectures and discussions with a very entertaining professor.
I learned many things about the Constitution I had not fully understood before–but what impressed me the most was the idea of a “social contract”. The Latin roots of the word helped me to fully grasp, then at the age of 36, how each of us “breathes” this social contract every second of our lives as citizens. I truly realized it was a “living document”. It changed the way I teach about it to 5th graders.
Fastforward to April of 2009, and in a discussion about the 4th amendment in the Bill of Rights, a female student of mine said to me as we lined up for lunch–
“There’s just so much to think about, it seems like the world is going to collapse!”
That was the feedback I needed to know I had accomplished my goal.
By the way, I typed up the quote and it is taped on a wall near my desk.
Have a good Constitution Day everyone!
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By: vgman on September 17, 2009
at 6:54 AM
I really do take exception to Craig being permitted to post. Put aside that he arrived on this blog insulting the hosts. Put aside that he has absolutely nothing of value to offer and merely parrots the Becks and Hannitys of the world. However, I remind you that this asshole actually equated political disagreement to the slaughter of Jews and the destruction of their businesses and synagogues–the worst, ugliest sort of hate crime. And his response to being called out on that was to whine that people here didn’t want to hear differing points of view. The guy is a complete prick and he cheapens the discourse on this blog.
I welcome someone like Happy Conservative who, while holding different viewpoints, is polite and pleasant. But why permit someone who engages in the nastiest sort of bigotry to participate? Isn’t that to tolerate completely unacceptable and destructive behavior?
I will not personally respond to any posts from Craig–so he can do his infantile “tick tock, tick tock” bullshit all he wants. But I truly hope that Matthew and other posters will say that this is one person (using the word loosely) who is not welcome here.
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By: Donna on September 17, 2009
at 6:01 AM
Poolman, you are talking about building 7 right? The one that had no plane hit it, and it fell several hours later. No deaths or injuries were sustained from the collapse of that building right? That is also the building that housed some “government offices” if I am not mistaken.
I have to say out of all the 9/11 theories that one seems the most convincing to me. I can see a scenario where building 7 housed some “sensitive” government information, and considering the circumstances, were no longer secure, and hence we had to bring the building down.
The “BIG” 9/11 conspiracy theory doesn’t seem plausible to me. Since I have no engineering background and I can’t even read a blueprint, I have to rely on something much less sophisticated… My perception… In this case, it is the look on GWB’s face the minute Andy Card told him we were being “ATTACKED”. IMHO that look on his face was sheer horror and I bet he had to change his pants afterwards. That did not look to me to be the look of a man who planned the attacks, as some think. I have heard others say they thought that look on his face was something else, so I guess it’s all in the individual perception that then becomes their reality.
In any event I think it’s good for individuals to question the “offical” story that the government puts out…. Plus it’s kinda fun too isn’t it?
I was happy to hear that a bill came out of the Senate in such a timely manner.. Maybe now we can get to gettin a healthcare bill, that will lower the cost, insure ALL American’s, and not allow the insurance companies to drop or deny us coverage because we dare to get sick.. namaste’
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By: lori on September 17, 2009
at 4:21 AM
Unless someone interviews the team who designed the engineering of the WTC towers we don’t know what structural qualities were designed into the towers, in any meaningful detail. We also don’t know the facts of the engineering that actually happened as opposed to what was on the blueprint.
As for latent energy of load, that’s another discussion altogether, but anybody who can follow some simple equations should read J.E. Gordon’s “Structures, or Why Things Don’t Fall Down”. Then consider what he writes about cracks, what they themselves will have observed about cracks in concrete and other rigid materials, and then lay off the conspiracy theories – because – you should pardon the pun – they don’t stand up.
Speculation, even informed speculation, remains speculation, not fact.
Part of the dumbing down of American thought is that people no longer recognise when an enquiry has actually reached a dead end for lack of factual material.
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By: Katherine on September 17, 2009
at 2:13 AM
no one’s puppet, I’m going to start with this guy as he’s local. I’ll keep you posted.
Edward E. Knesl, civil and structural engineer, of Phoenix, Arizona, writes:
“We design and analyze buildings for the overturning stability to resist the lateral loads with the combination of the gravity loads. Any tall structure failure mode would be a fall over to its side. It is impossible that heavy steel columns could collapse at the fraction of the second within each story and subsequently at each floor below.
We do not know the phenomenon of the high rise building to disintegrate internally faster than the free fall of the debris coming down from the top.
The engineering science and the law of physics simply doesn’t know such possibility. Only very sophisticated controlled demolition can achieve such result, eliminating the natural dampening effect of the structural framing huge mass that should normally stop the partial collapse. The pancake theory is a fallacy, telling us that more and more energy would be generated to accelerate the collapse. Where would such energy would be coming from ?”
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By: Poolman on September 16, 2009
at 10:19 PM
Craig. You bore us. That joke is old, old, old and tired like you.
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By: Helium on September 16, 2009
at 10:09 PM
One final thought for the day……
The Balloonist
A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below.
She shouted to him, “Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don’t know where I am.”
The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, “You’re in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.
“She rolled her eyes and said, “You must be a Republican.”
“I am,” replied the man. “How did you know?”
“Well,” answered the balloonist, “everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I’m still lost. Frankly, you’ve not been much help to me.”
The man smiled and responded, “You must be an Obama Democrat.”
“I am,” replied the balloonist. “How did you know?”
“Well,” said the man, “you don’t know where you are or where you are going.
You’ve risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air.
You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You’re in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it’s my fault.”
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By: Craig on September 16, 2009
at 9:17 PM
Good Night
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By: Craig on September 16, 2009
at 9:12 PM
Ya know..I’m sure the Secret Service gets threats every day…worth while or not about nut jobs wanting to do the President in.
Since Lincoln..Grover Cleveland..McKinley, Garfield,.the try against Truman..JFK….. And then Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, the loyal disciple of Charles Manson, who attempted to assasinate President Ford. And then finally Hinkley after Reagan…
So raise a glass…hell its easy to point fingers.
They.. the crazies will go after Republicans and Democrats…END OF STORY
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By: Craig on September 16, 2009
at 9:11 PM
Poolman, your website seems promising, when are you going to interview the people quoted there?
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By: no one's puppet on September 16, 2009
at 8:21 PM
Nope….it was Mary Travers of Peter, Paul and Mary fame.
Sad.
Joan dodges another one…
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By: Meg on September 16, 2009
at 7:42 PM
Patrick Swayze….Henry Gibson…..who’s next?
Be scared, Joan Rivers. Be very scared.
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By: Meg on September 16, 2009
at 7:26 PM
it’s scary isn’t it PSU? nutjobs I tell ya…
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By: lori on September 16, 2009
at 7:06 PM
yes, I saw the vintage whine, my point is that in all of my life I have never seen so many armed people making threats at the president and getting away with it, I remember under Bush it was a completely different story
we will always have anti war and protests of all flavors, that’s democracy but death threats, bringing live ammo and arms to rallies and speeches?
I dont think so
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By: PalinShutUp on September 16, 2009
at 6:40 PM
8)
Rachel
Maddow
.
follow
along.
.
More dots…
.
‘IT’ never ends…
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 16, 2009
at 6:28 PM
last
Jury Clears Armed Man Arrested Near Beaver Obama Rally
http://tinyurl.com/lz6ugk
I ask you this
Did you see these many gun totting crazies out in the open during Bush?
I just remember the shoe throwing incident but people out in the open with live ammunition and guns making threats at the president and getting away with it? I honestly dont.
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By: PalinShutUp on September 16, 2009
at 5:42 PM
3rd
Secret Service Questioned Man With Guns Outside Obama Rally In Minnesota
http://tinyurl.com/mxt57g
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By: PalinShutUp on September 16, 2009
at 5:39 PM
2nd
Gun-Toter From Obama Event: I, Like My Pastor, Want The President To Die
http://tinyurl.com/m8j8x2
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By: PalinShutUp on September 16, 2009
at 5:38 PM
the other post has not posted/waiting mod, probably because I had four links in it so I will break it up
this is the first
K2inSR that is what I have been trying to say
this thing that is brewing on the right is spinning out of control, the crazies are definitely chomping at the bit
Police: Man with gun arrested during Obama address
http://tinyurl.com/ld59sb
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By: PalinShutUp on September 16, 2009
at 5:38 PM
no one’s puppet, here’s one for you
http://patriotsquestion911.com/#Mead
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By: Poolman on September 16, 2009
at 5:19 PM
K2inSR thats what Ive been saying
this abomination brewing from the extreme right is way out of control
the crazies are chomping at the bit
Police: Man with gun arrested during Obama address
http://tinyurl.com/ld59sb
Gun-Toter From Obama Event: I, Like My Pastor, Want The President To Die
http://tinyurl.com/m8j8x2
Secret Service Questioned Man With Guns Outside Obama Rally In Minnesota
http://tinyurl.com/mxt57g
Jury Clears Armed Man Arrested Near Beaver Obama Rally
http://tinyurl.com/lz6ugk
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By: PalinShutUp on September 16, 2009
at 3:47 PM
Anne, very interesting post at 2:16 PM
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By: PalinShutUp on September 16, 2009
at 3:20 PM
we have begun to have a negative attitude towards educated people who are experts in the field because there has been a swing against “elitism.”
Old news. We’re swinging towards cynicism now. There are too many Americans increasingly being forced to be more competent and efficient in their own jobs and lives lest they get fired or worse, while the ‘leadership elite’ has had the luxury of screwing things up for everybody without punishment.
It’s the wingnuts who still don’t get that competence has little to do with status, political party, Ayn Rand, or even intelligence, and everything to do with effective checks and balances… the whole “satisfactory” vs. “a buttload of moolah!” thing.
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By: FreΔ on September 16, 2009
at 3:17 PM
I lived in the south for many years
I know bigotry when I see it, I see it a lot these days masquerading as ‘conservative’ carrying nazi signs, shouting ‘YOU LIE! (boy)
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By: PalinShutUp on September 16, 2009
at 3:15 PM
Of course we don’t believe it was “really Kanye”; nevertheless, as Mrs. Stankowski said nicely, and then not so nicely, many of us read this blog for thoughtful political dialogue, not one sentence (or less) name-calling.
This blog is one of the more civilized ones and I think most of us would like it to stay that way (even when we disagree with no-neck, rightwing Neanderthals).
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By: K2inSR on September 16, 2009
at 2:43 PM
Um, you people don’t believe that was really Kanye posting, do you? You know that was someone making a joke, right? Please say yes!
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By: Anne on September 16, 2009
at 2:24 PM
Sorry, that’s Idiot America. I keep getting it backwards from the Green Day song.
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By: Anne on September 16, 2009
at 2:19 PM
I’ve read the diatribes of the past couple of days with feelings ranging from interest to horror (and to disgust with Kayne’s attempt to turn this blog into his personal sewer), but one thing has come through loud and clear: The radical right does not, repeat does not, care about the merits of any bill, executive order or agency decision of President Obama’s administration or a Democratic party controlled Congress. They are too busy screaming about taking their country back from the overwhelmingly, legally elected government (President and Congress), insisting President Obama wasn’t born in the U.S. (or don’t believe Hawaii is a state), insisting President Obama is a Muslim (he isn’t, but if he was, who cares?), showing up armed at town hall meetings or carrying posters saying “We Didn’t Come Armed (This Time)” and comparing President Obama to Hitler and the Nazis (an insult to everyone, including me, who lost family to the Nazis). Not all Republicans are racists, but mainstream Republicans, if there are any, have been hijacked by their lunatic fringe, both in the media and in the street.
The Republicans in Congress have had months to debate the merits of the many health care bills presented. And for all most of us know, there may be plenty in the bill to debate. But instead of debating the merits of the bills before them, they have:
Demanded concessions (180 amendments in the House) and then refused to vote for any bill;
Railed about phony issues that either aren’t in the bills (death panels) or are blatant and intentional misreads of the bills (illegal immigrants, rationed healthcare);
Threatened us with government interference in our personal healthcare decisions (I guess the Republicans attempted interference in the Terri Schiavo case doesn’t count);
Talked concession while sending out hit pieces (Senator Grassley, are you listening?); and/or
Threaten secession from the United States or invocation of Article X of the Constitution (which they’ve never read).
Allowing the ultra rightwing nutjobs to dictate Republican “policy” may get good press, but it is marginalizing the Republican party and is potentially dangerous. This country has a very nasty record of political assassination (from Abraham Lincoln through John and Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. George Tiller) and domestic terrorism (the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, the bombing at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, the federal building in Oklahoma City, the Unabomber, the anthrax attacks in the wake of 9/11, bombings and shootings at women’s healthcare clinics, the recent shooting at the Holocaust Museum). We have the highest rate of gun-related violence of any Western, industrialized nation. When our leaders don’t condemn violence and even appear to condone it, we invite it. The Republican party seem to be happy to be riding this rightwing tiger; when it tries to get off, I just hope they are the only ones who are mauled.
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By: K2inSR on September 16, 2009
at 2:18 PM
I read an excerpt in Newsweek this week that said that while the left has shifted a bit to the left, republicans are 70% more conservative. This shift started in the 70s, and that more moderate republicans have been voted out. I would love to see this guys sources on this. I have heard that about 30 years ago is when fundamentalist Christians began make a concerted effort to work their way into politics, which would coincide with a dramatic shift to the right.
I am reading a book right now called American Idiot: How Stupidity Became a Virtue in the Land of the Free. It talks about how we have begun to have a negative attitude towards educated people who are experts in the field because there has been a swing against “elitism.” This explains why Bush was elected president, because people felt they could have a beer with him.
The book makes 3 main arguements: 1) Any theory is valid if it sells books, soaks up ratings, or otherwise moves units. 2) Anything can be true if someone says it loudly enough. 3) Fact is that which enough people believe. Truth is determined by how fervently they believe it.
I am seeing in his arguement examples of why conspiracy theories take hold. Lots of people believe Kennedy was not killed by one lone person. Lots of people believe there was a conspiracy behind the 9/11 attacks. Yet when a real conspiracy is exposed, like the Watergate or the Iran Contra, people respond with apathy and quickly lose interest.
At lunch time today, I read this author’s explaination of how conservatives took over talk radio and television. Apparently there used to be a regulation in talk radio called the Fairness Doctrin that required licensed broadcasters to air all side of the debate on controversial issues. It had been in place since 1949. In 1987 Regan did away with it (I think I get why conservatives love Regan). When this happened, AM radio was taken over by conservatives who could now air any opinion they wanted without being fair and balanced. This eventually bled over onto cable news. And voila, we ended up with the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Chris Matthews, Bill O’Reilly and the like. The push an agenda that involves all three of the points I listed above. They don’t have to be right. They only have to get ratings. And when they say something completely outrageous, they claim to be only for entertainment purposes while they really see themselves as something more. It was enlightening and disturbing.
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By: Anne on September 16, 2009
at 2:16 PM
*delurker girl … sorry
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By: lori on September 16, 2009
at 12:24 PM
girl… Clinton’ s “civil rights” stance is the reason the right hated him so much…they HATED him ( and he even had death threats) solely because of his “civil right views)….
As I have said Clinton would have been a repub 30 years ago, he and Teddy R and Eisenhower were very similar in their political views….
Make NOOOOOOO mistake the right hated him cause he “was our first black president”….
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By: lori on September 16, 2009
at 12:22 PM
Poolman, believe me when I say don’t mean to be disrespectful to you or your beliefs..
I will only repeat what I have been saying all along….. Who, or what WAS a republican… 30 -40 years ago.. Philosophically…. is or could be…. a a democrat today … The scale has shifted THAT far… So to point out to me people who have “traded” parties isn’t a rebuttal to Kistols political stance….People “trading parties” doesn’t mean we have all become the same politically….
My entire yammering for the last few weeks has been exactly what you said… the democratic party spans a huge portion of the political spectrum. Consequently we (the party) has what appears to be “infighting” concerning healthcare reform.
Personally I find that a good thing. I would hate to belong to the party of monolithic minded, koolaid drinking, non thinking people… I Welcome diversity… as does my party.
The “other” side no longer does…. They have given their party to the extreme…. The right fringe element… Kistol, Palin, Rush, and all the other loons now represent their party…..
As for Bill Kistol…. hmmmmmm you and I disagree on his “poitical history”… He has been, as his father was , a neocon since I have become aware of him…
Lieberman…. he is THE most liberal voting Senator (excluding the Iraq war issues ) that you will find…….. check his record.
Soooooo the bottom line is, you and I will have to agree to disagree on this subject… And that’s OK.. 😉
Our margins (democrats) have widened, the Repugs have narrowed, what’s left on the right are loons…
The dems will have lots more disagreements, or “infighting” in the future, because their margins have expanded. I expect the rebups to come back, they will find their way, but as for now … mmmm not so much….. Soit will appear t many, and will be profitable to some, to say BOTH parties are the same… I say that is NOT true…
Public campaigns YES …..K street shut own YES, term limits… maybe… I prefer us looking at the duration of office, if we are looking to alter the constitution…..
namaste’
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By: lori on September 16, 2009
at 12:02 PM
Gee Donna, Rush must have missed a memo!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 16, 2009
at 11:49 AM
I’d say that there are also many Republicans who would disagree with Obama solely for being liberal no matter what he was trying to do. Some racist, some not. Bill Clinton wasn’t black, and Republicans hated every bit of his agenda. There are many black Republican people against Obama, so presumably race wouldn’t be an issue for them – except those for whome he is not black enough.
While not everyone who battles against the Obama agenda is racist, there is obviously plenty of race rage today.
I don’t know anything about this Wilson guy. Carter seems sure race is an issue for him. I trust his judgment.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 16, 2009
at 11:41 AM
today Limbaugh actually said the country may not be able to have a Black president.
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By: Donna on September 16, 2009
at 11:35 AM
Good observation, Anne: “Of course you don’t think about it. You’re white. If you’re not white, I’ll bet you think about it every day. But I believe a lot of conservatives are like that. They’d just like to dismiss race as an issue or not think about it at all.”
I’d add that I don’t think it matters what party, if any, a white person belongs to in this regard. Lots of white Democrats, Greens, and other progressives — or just others in general — probably don’t think much about racism because they don’t have to deal with it daily.
And I’d argue that conservatives, perhaps even more than others, had better wake up and start thinking about this issue. There is a reason KKK members and other racially oriented hate groups overwhelmingly support the GOP.
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By: Δ Tine on September 16, 2009
at 11:15 AM
Racism is definately a factor, but I think it’s less of an issue than the fact that a Democrat is president. Remember HappyConservative’s comments about Why is race an issue? I don’t even think about it? Well, I found that annoying in it’s ignorance. Of course you don’t think about it. You’re white. If you’re not white, I’ll bet you think about it every day. But I believe a lot of conservatives are like that. They’d just like to dismiss race as an issue or not think about it at all. Does it influence their thinking? Probably. But it’s not overt, which means they are influenced by racism they don’t even acknowledge to themselves. It adds to their dissatisfaction that we have a Democratic president in a way they don’t even notice.
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By: Anne on September 16, 2009
at 11:00 AM
Oh…so much going on here I don’t know where to start.
Let’s go with: I’m so proud of the M&Her’s (‘Δ’ or not) for calling out the POSERS that cruise thru here regurgitating wingnut-media soundbites and cut+paste talking points, spewing bile and defecating on anything they can’t beat into submission or shoot.
Onward: Connect the dots…
Rachel Maddow:
The Republicans’ Small Angry Tent
Racism has everything to do with it. What do you think happened to these people? Or their deep seated ideas?
You know when a racist stops being a racist? When he dies…and after that his family keeps that memory alive, for generations.
“Ignorance may be natural
but stupidity requires effort!”
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 16, 2009
at 10:32 AM
Brooks, a conservative worthy of the name, and in this piece we are of one mind.
High-Five Nation
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By: PalinShutUp on September 16, 2009
at 8:06 AM
The hits just keep on coming:
Many Employers to Raise Cost of Health Benefits, Survey Finds:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/15/AR2009091501175.html?nav=hcmodule
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 16, 2009
at 7:50 AM
It’s nice to get some affirmation that the recession is probably over. There have been a lot of promising signs lately. It’s nice to see my withered 401k start to grow again.
I hope it’s not long before jobs follow, though it takes an awful lot of confidence (and financial catch-up) to begin hiring again. I live in an area where the unemployment rate is terribly high.
Potential employers also face awful costs for providing insurance to employees. Employee contributions & copays have skyrocketed in the past several years, but often the employer pays 50%-80% of the premiums so they have been hit significantly, too.
US Workers Helath Costs Soaring, Stuies Show:
http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSTRE58E45420090915
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 16, 2009
at 7:47 AM
President Jimmy Carter spoke last night about the under lying racism in this country….this youtube is about an interview with participants in Sat 9/12 march in DC. The event Glenn Beck promoted shamelessly and then never showed up! I am beyond floored. It would almost be funny if the stupidity and ignorance wasn’t so scary!
These people are not interested or knowledgeable on politics, why were they even there? Well, one thing for sure anyone that says it’s not about race just needs to meet their neighbors. I think for those that choose to live on planet BeckRush in the state of Denial we can only hope to convert them with logic, education, and patience.
Posters for months on Huffington Post have been talking about the racial card being played against our President. People that live in the South or are around someone of this persuasion have been hearing the comments first in whispers then louder and louder. Huff Post comenters have been saying it openly all summer. Personally seeing it and hearing it in the small town I live in is very disturbing. Most people live in a bubble…..unless you are around bigotry and racism you can almost pretend it doesn’t exist. My friends on the West coast are horrified when they see what is being said about our President. The Racism has always been around but it has been put away as it was politically incorrect, and wasn’t needed as a political ploy……until now!
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By: Lynnda on September 16, 2009
at 7:42 AM
You speak such good sense, vgman. Thanks for that.
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By: Δ Tine on September 16, 2009
at 5:59 AM
Well, I can’t sleep so I’m sneaking downstairs to the kitchen for a piece of pie in the dark of night.
De-lurker girl,
Yeah…it was a difficult day for me to. But, let’s not forget the words of the eternal optimist–little orphan Annie–“Tomorrow, I love ya, you’re always a day away!” (well, actually, a few hours).
Pamela,
Thanks for your thoughts from 7:25 pm. Well-stated and meaningful.
Poolman,
I, too, researched the neocon sites several years back and found many, many, many wacko sites.
I read several books about the Bildergroup, CFR, PNAC, etc. I don’t dismiss them, just feel frustrated. Many of the those on the membership lists reveal the underlying connections between money, power, and corporations.
Lori,
As a fellow Democrat, I hear ya’ But, the individual is most important to me when it comes to elections. I try my best to find out as much as I can about each candidate. I do favor Democrats over the years–but won’t give up the need to look at each person’s character as an individual.
Someone posted earlier about how they were focused on living a sustainable life, making healthy choices, and getting to know their neighbors. This is exactly what the corporate sponsors of government DO NOT want us to do.
They want us to stay in our homes, watch the mainstream media, and only venture out when we ‘need’ something that they provide.
Common ground can be found if we all work together from the grass roots and let the corporations know that they do not control our country. But, as many asked before, how do we begin?
OK, the pie is finished, the dirty dish is in the sink, and I’m probably just going to get ready and go to school early this morning.
‘Night everyone!
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By: vgman on September 16, 2009
at 5:12 AM
Helen & Margaret – I just found your blog yesterday. I have now read each & every post, and my family is NOT happy with me for spending the entire evening doing that and ignoring the laundry & dishes (I think they’ll get over it; the beauty of a loving family).
All I can say is thank you for putting your time & energy into this blog. I only wish my own grandmother and mother-in-law, both call ’em as they see ’em women of your generation, who have inspired me to try and emulate their strength and skill, were still here to read it (my husband was raised in Cape Girardeau, MO, hometown of Rush L, who was a classmate of my brother-in-law’s, and whom my mother-in-law once referred to as “that punk kid from my basement rec room”).
I recognize that health care is a pressing concern, esp. when we appear to be on the brink of …. something. But, I’m wondering if you will weigh in on environmental issues and the idea of “green jobs.” I loved Helen’s comments about watering the lawn, and appreciate Margaret’s blip about her Town Car…. perhaps you have an opinion about Van Jones?
In any event, thanks for the enjoyable evening of blog-reading!
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By: Gina on September 15, 2009
at 10:23 PM
Hi gang and Tine,
Oooooo! Chocolate-pecan pie! May I have a piece?
This is good news I think. Fed Chairman Berneke announced that the economic RECESSION is over! There is plenty of mopping up to be done in the recovery but the worst is over in a matter of months rather than YEARS. And we didn’t go into economic DEPRESSION. The announcement was confirmed by a variety of news sources we checked. Except Fox News. We don’t bother to check out that source. Further, on a personal level, our measly lil’ old portfolio has been creeping up – ever so slowly of late – but hey, it’s in the right direction!
We NOW know that the financial crisis bubble that burst exactly a year ago with the Lehman Bros. collapse had been brewing for a very long time mostly due to abuses and neglect. We could go back and place blame on every administration forever but what would that accomplish? The 3 billion bailout was a fast, bitter pill but it seems it has been effective in warding off what could be even more disasterous. The Democrats in congress weren’t happy about it, but many of them bit the bullet, gritted their teeth and voted for it since it seemed to be the best solution for the ENTIRE country at the time.
The same could be said for the Democrats that voted for the Iraq War despite their misgivings. (Even the distinguished Colin Powell, the Republican and Bush administration Secretary of State ruefully admitted that the speech he gave to the UN would be a permanent stain on his record – or words to that effect.)
These measures were done in hoping for a spirit of bi-partisanship but what turned out to be not in the best interests of the whole country. This too was to the tune of some 3 billion dollars and counting.
OK. Here we are in another near-if-not-already-here-crisis concerning Health Care. It is a similar scenario much as the financial crisis was with costs skyrocketing, among other factors, because of the imbalance of insurance and pharmaceutical companies with profit motives and unregulated. This involves the health and well being of American citizens for heaven’s sake!
The Republicans/conservatives in congress, commentators and bloggers here as a bloc appear to me to be staunchly against it – period. Yes, they profess to want Health Care reform, bi-partisanship, etc., but continue to nit-pick minutia and frankly stall. The last I heard there were 187 Republican amendments to the various bill proposals put forth, but NOT ONE committed vote in favor of passage. Why is that?
All I hear from the Republican side is SILENCE regarding the justifications and expenditures for the Iraq war. SILENCE on the justifications and expenditures for the financial crisis bailout under the previous administration. I would like, once in a while, to hear an acknowledgment of an oops! or two. We have to admit mistakes before we can take steps to correct them.
My husband and I are both reading an interesting book. It is a library book very much in demand and can’t we renew it, so we snatch it from each other’s hands whenever either of us has a moment of leisure. It is “The Political Mind”, “Why You can’t Understand 21st Century Politics With an 18th Century Brain”, by George Lakoff. He is a Cognitive and Linguistic Scientist. There is a quotable paragraph on almost every page, beautifully written. One of his main themes is ‘moral empathy and responsibility’.
This is of course is MY opinion, coming from a registered Democrat, Liberal, Left-wing, Pinko, Femi-nazi, WAY, WAY, WAY, WAY, WAY Past Her Prime Old Broad or whatever ideological epithet anyone can come up with. Doesn’t phase me.
Someone today up there said what can we do about the situation. (Sorry, I can’t remember who to acknowledge, but I don’t want to lose my place in my comment and screw it up right now.) Well, I see a parallel right here at M&H with the Women’s Salons in Paris that along with men like Voltaire helped bring on the Enlightment – monumental changes in political and religious thought. We can do it too! I know we can.
I’ve been accepting so many pieces of pie here, it is my turn to take a few days off and go bake a bunch of them. What’s you pleasure? Fruit, cream? How about a few cherry cream cheese pies, rich and loaded with calories?
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: Jean on September 15, 2009
at 9:52 PM
Chocolate-pecan pie for everyone! Grandma Jan is obsessed with pie-making, and my freezer is too full; I might as well share!
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By: Δ Tine on September 15, 2009
at 8:45 PM
Poolman, whoohoo…..:-)… :-O, 😆 hmmm, I can’t tell if its working but hey, still LOL
thanks, and I will keep exploring these funny little faces!
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By: Pamela on September 15, 2009
at 8:24 PM
In an interview with NBC’s Brian Williams, 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 of 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.”
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By: PalinShutUp on September 15, 2009
at 8:14 PM
mmmmm…chocolate and pecans. 😀
Pamela, go here to see how to do the emoticons
http://codex.wordpress.org/Using_Smilies
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By: Poolman on September 15, 2009
at 7:57 PM
Gramma Rock, I loved your BFW link. Thanks!
Today I read that the woman who inspired the movie Norma Rae, Crystal Lee Sutton, died. She has quite a story. One piece of the story – she “couldn’t get possible life-saving medicines for two months because her insurance company wouldn’t cover them. She eventually received the drugs.”
She said “”How in the world can it take so long to find out (whether they would cover the medicine or not) when it could be a matter of life or death,” she said. “It is almost like, in a way, committing murder.”
Hard to argue with that.
Not sure if this link will be too long but I’m sure you can find the story easily.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090914/ap_on_re_us/us_obit_norma_rae_inspiration
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 15, 2009
at 7:55 PM
My apologies, Tine, I see I misspelled your name. I know I haven’t been invited to a piece of that chocolate pecan pie, but it would definitely be worth getting diabetes for as it is about the only kind of pie I find completely irresistable. Enjoy!
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By: Pamela on September 15, 2009
at 7:50 PM
Tine, your offer made me weak in the knees. LOVE chocoate pecan pie, especially made by a lovingly respected pie maker. A sweet turnaround in a day that sucked like a Hoover!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 15, 2009
at 7:48 PM
Well, pie sounds pretty good but we can’t live on pie alone, otherwise any healthcare plan we have will collapse under the weight of the diabetics on the porch. lol I’d put a smiley face icon here but have no idea how!
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By: Pamela on September 15, 2009
at 7:45 PM
I will work for wine.
And Delurker Girl, I’ll share with you. Here’s a nice rose to go with a piece of my mother-in-law’s chocolate-pecan pie. I don’t give that pie away very often; it is worth hoarding. But I know the kind of day you’re talking about, and I know Grandma Jan’s pie will do the trick! 🙂
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By: Δ Tine on September 15, 2009
at 7:40 PM
I will work for pie.
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By: Fran on September 15, 2009
at 7:30 PM
Poolman, thank you for so many great links….
I think many reasonable people want to dismiss the possibilities of the legitimacy of a conspiracy when it comes to the events of 9/11 or even worse, a plan for a new world order or one world economy or corporate sponsored government.
I look at how we are all divided and more importantly, distracted by our red/blue arguments. And all of this arguing and animosity just serves these other powers as we can’t focus on restoring the rights of people or limiting the reach of government into our homes, our privacy and our lives.
I must admit I feel pretty overwhelmed when I give much thought to how to fight the plans I believe the Bilderberg group, TriComm and PNAC have for the world.
My focus these days is to try to get myself sustainable. I’m learning to grow my own foods, taking responsibility for my health and trying not to get caught up in positions that divide me from my neighbors. It seems so many of the talking heads like Rush and Beck are just meant to keep us all arguing back and forth, distrusting and despising as conditioned responses. Isn’t this exactly what the Murdochs of corporate owned media want us to do?
I think it was Tyne who asked, in all sincerity, what we as individuals can do about these plans that are being played out around us. I second that question. I don’t think I can support the taking up of weapons to take back our country as I hear so many folks advocating.
I do think that somehow we need to dialogue across all these divides, build common ground and we may just see that most of us, whether liberals, conservatives, libertarians or whatever, are not that different in what we want. Yes, there are some fundamentalists (of every religious creed), who want to stomp down all who are not of their beliefs but it seems more and more we are all being pushed to fuss over “racist” this and ‘socialist’ that.
Can we just get on with discovering what we all might be willing to work for together?
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By: Pamela on September 15, 2009
at 7:25 PM
You have a lot of research ahead of you, Poolman, tell us about it when you are finished and have reached your conclusion or conclusions. I can only image where this will take you, but it seems to me you’ll have to go beyond what you find online. Good luck!
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By: no one's puppet on September 15, 2009
at 7:13 PM
Joe Lieberman = asshat
poolman, a few years ago someone gave me this info but every time I tried to research it, it kept leading me down paths of complete whack jobs
Im not going to negate or affirm what you are posting here because frankly, anything is possible in politics
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By: PalinShutUp on September 15, 2009
at 7:04 PM
Lori, Bill Kristol is a mouthpiece for the neocons. As you know, he is presently the editor of “The Weekly Standard”, part of Rupert Murdock’s empire. So yeah, he is not someone you would listen to. But he shapes policy. He sat on advisory board at Enron and is a member of the Bilderberg group. Was cofounder of PNAC, that was dissolved after they got what they wanted. Now he is in several groups like this one with Richard Perle:
http://www.henryjacksonsociety.org/
But he started out as a democrat, campaigning for Patrick Moynihan and Hubert Humphrey.
Ronald Reagan, the republican’s poster child, was a democrat until 1962.
Joe Lieberman, democrat, republican, or independent?
Arlen Specter started out as a democrat – became a republican – now back to democrat. Winston Churchill did basically the same thing in the UK.
The lines are pretty blurred in a lot of instances. Look at Colin Powell coming out for Obama. We are the ones that want to take sides and categorize them. These guys just put on the jerseys and play the game. That is why I don’t vote down party lines. I vote for the individual. Labels are just that. I know that kind of messes with your world, since you are tied to the democratic party. But look where they started:
“The Democratic-Republican Party was founded by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison around 1792.” from wikipedia
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By: Poolman on September 15, 2009
at 6:34 PM
get ready for the outcries of
“our freedoms are being taken from us!”
Lawmakers Discipline SC Congressman Joe Wilson
House Historian Says Vote Is History-Making
POSTED: 6:17 pm EDT September 15, 2009
http://www.wyff4.com/news/20931199/detail.html
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By: PalinShutUp on September 15, 2009
at 6:10 PM
Don’t know how many were at the 9-12 rally, but my guess is that the total combined IQ did not surpass 100.
Rage, Racism And American Unreason
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/susan_jacoby/2009/09/some_faiths_feed_on_rage.html?hpid=talkbox1
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By: thymeCher on September 15, 2009
at 6:03 PM
‘Crowd estimates vary wildly for Capitol march’
“How many angry conservatives showed up to protest Obama’s policies? Was it 2 million? Or 60,000? It all depends on whom you ask…”
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-crowd15-2009sep15,0,1062512.story
This is the face of faux news:
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By: thymeCher on September 15, 2009
at 4:54 PM
Check out the real life horror stories of our health care system at http://www.sickforprofit.com and spread the word.
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By: HoneyJoRumples on September 15, 2009
at 4:53 PM
Huggs to delurker girl… Here’s your Δ. 😉
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By: lori on September 15, 2009
at 4:18 PM
this gramma loving the billionaires for wealthcare defending the status quo, dancing on the grave a change
http://www.billionairesforwealthcare.com/
so tired of growly grumpiness, nothing like a well aimed farce : )
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By: gramma rock on September 15, 2009
at 4:17 PM
Poolman, I am a little bit familiar with theories you are speaking about…. And as I said, I agree money is what rules Washington, which is why I am so in favor of public campaigns. I also agree both dems and repugs are beholden to the lobbies. I don’t agree it is a covert conspiracy.
However when we start a discussion based on Kristol’s “facts”, I can’t go any further with the discussion, because IMHO he is nothing but a right wing loony tune.
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By: lori on September 15, 2009
at 4:17 PM
I’m disappointed at the rudeness here today. What I like about this place is the civil dialogue. It seems like every diagreement turns personal lately. Feels like the tone is changing.
It’s been a cruddy day and I know it’s not my place to preach, so I apologize. I was just really bummed when I came for pie and found none. Guess I’ll go trade my pity party for a glass of wine. Or two. 🙂
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 15, 2009
at 3:33 PM
You all need to read this GQ article:
http://men.style.com/gq/features/full?id=content_10957&pageNum=1
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By: Syko on September 15, 2009
at 3:12 PM
Δ Tine, most operate in secret. Exposing them is the best defense. There are groups that work at getting the word out. I am not an expert. I only recently started researching this stuff to try to discredit some of the things that some friends of mine were professing.
no one’s puppet, you can keep your head in the sand if you wish. Unfortunately, the one regarding the events of 9/11 will not be going away anytime soon. There are too many credible people taking a stand. As a matter of fact it is just now gaining momentum. There is so much out there from so many sources, you could spend months (trust me there) sorting through all the info. Some good and some bogus. This is a site I found yesterday that I started to go through and I feel is a good source.
http://www.ae911truth.org/
I have a need to at least inform people. I have nothing to gain from any of this. As a matter of fact, I probably put myself at greater risk by involving myself in it.
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By: Poolman on September 15, 2009
at 2:35 PM
“All other industrialized democracies guarantee health care for everybody – young or old, rich or poor, native or immigrant.”
“22,000 American die each year because they lack insurance; likewise, the U.S. is the only developed nation where medical bankruptcies occur.”
Newsweek
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By: Hallie on September 15, 2009
at 2:07 PM
Poolman please don’t go there, conspiracy theories are such a bore and so passé.
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By: no one's puppet on September 15, 2009
at 1:52 PM
Poolman: If the members of these groups actually are controlling things, what exactly are ordinary people supposed to do about it? I’m asking this sincerely. What tools do you and I and other peons have to counter this sort of manipulation?
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By: Δ Tine on September 15, 2009
at 1:48 PM
Lori, you can also google The Bilderberg Group, The Trilateral Commission, and The Council on Foreign Relations. Look to the membership. You will see that it has prominant dems and repubs on both sides. More interesting are the corporations and groups represented. These are the elite that actually control us.
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By: Poolman on September 15, 2009
at 1:42 PM
Dear Sarah Palin, Please Shut Up Already
http://www.petitiononline.com/1113nov8/petition.html
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By: PalinShutUp on September 15, 2009
at 1:26 PM
“The PNAC also supported the Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 (H.R.4655), which President Clinton had signed into law”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_for_the_New_American_Century
“The Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 is a United States Congressional statement of policy calling for regime change in Iraq. It was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq_Liberation_Act
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By: Poolman on September 15, 2009
at 12:57 PM
Lori, since you are true blue dem, I can only guess your disagreement with what I posted was in regard to the repubs and dems being the same – that they serve the same masters. And trust me, we are not the masters. Like 2 heads of the Hydra, I read in one article. I always relate it to sports. Like the red shirts and the blue shirts they play for one team in a game against each other, but in the end, it doesn’t matter who wins or loses, the game is promoted and players can switch teams now and then. They use and develop the same skills no matter if they are red or blue. They still stay in the game and get paid. They all get along in the locker room. There are few real rivalries. The sport gains momentum and continues to grow in popularity and reach. I had posted before the link to politicians and wrestling. Here is one source that agrees. If you need more proof, google “democrats and republicans are the same” for a start. MSM will not report this, as they are part of the elite that want to keep us uninformed.
http://www.rense.com/general67/ilu.htm
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By: Poolman on September 15, 2009
at 12:34 PM
Fluxux, may I suggest that you follow your own advice? Spot a subject you don’t want to read about? You are free to scroll on by.
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By: Δ Tine on September 15, 2009
at 12:16 PM
that’s my conspiracy theory
😉
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By: PalinShutUp on September 15, 2009
at 12:15 PM
Fluxux = james
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By: PalinShutUp on September 15, 2009
at 12:15 PM
poolman, I do have to agree with lori about the last post
seemed to be out of character from you but Im sure you will return and clarify when you have a moment
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By: PalinShutUp on September 15, 2009
at 12:13 PM
ah yes, james just HAD TO flog Kennedy one more time here, and he will be patted on the back for doing so…
I would hesitate to compliment, yes compliment, that lunatic fringe with the NAZI SIGNS…by calling them ‘conservatives’ they are far from it
if they are such conservatives where were they when bush was spending spending and taking our away our liberties SIR?
Im sure you will never reply to my question because your modus now is to piss and run
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By: PalinShutUp on September 15, 2009
at 12:08 PM
If James replies then he’s charged with “repeating.” If he ignores, then he’s a troll. He can’t even boardicide without being disparaged for it. He doesn’t need your permission to post here, and I wish he *wouldn’t* read some of the shitty things many of you say about him. The gang bang a few weeks ago was depressing to watch.
I’m tired of being privy to everyone’s internal monologues about whether James is a troll or not. Move on. Read him or scroll him but get off his back.
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By: Fluxux on September 15, 2009
at 11:52 AM
Off Topic….I watched the Whitney Houston interview on Oprah yesterday. I don’t think “Whitney” is back. Clean and sober??
Nuh-uh. Sister girl still be lit. Just my opinion.
I miss the Whitney of the 80’s….
Okay…continue with regularly scheduled broadcasting. 🙂
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By: Tanya T. on September 15, 2009
at 11:35 AM
I’m struggling with how to respond to James’s reappearance….
I fired off a response to his post, knowing full well that he probably wouldn’t read it. I should have just ignored it.
I don’t know about you all…but it seems to me that someone who only wants to hit-and-run here, who can’t be bothered (anymore) to actually read and respond to others, is no more than a troll.
No one’s puppet: I agree with the gist of your post. James’s comment was *extremely* self-congratulatory and self-absorbed.
Meh. Troll, methinks.
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By: Δ Tine on September 15, 2009
at 11:13 AM
James is just an AssHat.
Let’s move on….shall we?
🙂
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By: Margaret2 on September 15, 2009
at 11:08 AM
So Long, James, and Good bye!
Really. We mean it.
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By: Frank on September 15, 2009
at 11:07 AM
You’re right when you are right James; you knew all along you were omnificent. The first sign must have been the burning up your ass, it to be expected when the sun shines from it. No one here minds your opinions, but your superior attitude and the need to negate other people feelings, particularly when they are mourning, was infuriating. It was as if you were gloating and the personal attack on Jean went beyond commenting on her 3 olive seeds. “Her price” WTF does that mean?
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By: no one's puppet on September 15, 2009
at 10:59 AM
James,
Glenn Blecch is nothing more that a FAUX News tool who swings any way their wind blows up his arse.
Claire
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By: Claire on September 15, 2009
at 10:26 AM
Poolman, with all due respect, I object to the information you have put forth on grounds it is completely neocon propaganda….
I have said over and over and over I am THE most partisan poster on this site… I admit.. I WILL NEVER vote for a republican ever ……Having said that I also have the ability to think occasionally..;-) .. I can discern bullshit from fact…. and this Think tank you have cited, and hence it’s “information” is bullshit….
Kristol… Palin’s biggest fan and supporter is the head of this think tank”.. It is funded and therefore RUN by neos… Which means they will “find” and report whatever it is that the founders/funders want them to ….. Which is why I do not “cite” any left think tank info on here……Because in doing so would be offering totally bias prop….
I am sorry, knowing and listening to Kristol for a decade or so, and just the fact he thinks Palin is Presidential worthy and actually worked for her to be VP…I have to call Bullshit on his think tank and all it stands for…Sorry, but for me to bite into this, you have got to give me more red meat….
Now if you want me to go point by point about the accusations you put forth (which I fundamentally agree with) then I will, but to use this think tank as a source I won’t….
I agree money runs Washington but it isn’t some secret covert operation. It is right out in the open for all to see….. namaste’
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By: lori on September 15, 2009
at 10:13 AM
“So how can we turn ourselves toward a more constructive direction beginning to support positive ideas, agendas, and people that can deliver us the actual results we want?” Conservatives will ultimately fail if they don’t take that suggestion.”
James, this statement was the truest one you made. What can YOU do to move this in a constructive direction for positive change? So far, your posts aren’t constructive or positive.
Saying NO to everything and hoping that Obama fails is not constructive and not helping the people. I want my elected officials to stop worrying about their party line, stop worrying about re-election, and start listening and actually hearing the people. After reading Poolman’s links, I’m beginning to think that’s never going to happen.
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By: kitkat on September 15, 2009
at 10:12 AM
You weren’t missed, James.
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By: Mary on September 15, 2009
at 10:00 AM
Oops, forgot to mention that this acquaintance went there herself and saw the mess with her own eyes:
“I live just south of DC so I figured it would be fun to head into town to watch….”
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By: Δ Tine on September 15, 2009
at 9:49 AM
James, what evidence do you have that the 9/12 demonstrators cleaned up after themselves? An acquaintance of mine on another forum says:
“Also, for a group of people that apparently hate government interference, programs, etc they sure were more than willing to leave mountains of trash and debris (mostly signs) behind for the federally funded sanitation people to remove. Seriously how hard is it to haul that crap back home with you to be recycled?”
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By: Δ Tine on September 15, 2009
at 9:45 AM
I have not read anything other than what was written shortly after I last posted. Recent events made me decide to briefly visit before I leave again.
Last night, Nightline had a segment on the lack of civility in modern society. Too bad some of you didn’t watch it.
I expect you will excoriate me, but I won’t be here to read it, maybe I’ll be back in another month or so if what I think will happen occurs. I am in a very good mood today for the following reasons.
An excerpt from Kennedy’s memoirs show my opinion of Mary Jo’s death on Kennedy was almost exactly right, even to its hastening his father’s death. Kennedy knew he behaved like a coward, and it ate at him. PalinShutup and others owe me an appology, but that will never happen.
One Anonymous poster accused me of hypocracy for condeming Jean for what she is and that her price is three olive seeds. He/she used a negative stereotype to assume the Hispanics we hired were illegal. They were legal, and his/her assumption is bigoted.
Wilson was wrong to shout “liar” but he was right about HR3200. The bill would have made it possible for illegal aliens to enter the system. I know, because I read the bill. A professor fact checked the bills and said Obama was right about one bill, but he was wrong about HR 3200, a version of which was the one destined to be signed before the August recess. On Friday, Democrats corrected the problem. It might not have happened without Wilson’s outburst calling attention to the offending passages.
The UP noted three other untruths in Obama’s speech. Obama either knew less about the bill than Wilson or he was lying. I think he was as ignorant as most of the rest of us.
I was also right about the IRS connection .
Since we don’t have cable, I don’t know this first hand. No one but Glenn Beck, a blogger, and Fox News allegedly reported and played tapes from Van Jone’s speeches. Without Beck, Jones would still be the Green Jobs Czar or whatever his title was.
Beck has also talked about ACORN but the coup d grace came when two people visited at least three offices and caught the corruption on tape. As far as I know, again from hearsay, only Beck and Fox played the tapes.
As a result, the Census Bureau fired ACORN from helping with the census. Then, Neb. Sen Johanns introduced an amendment to withhold government money from the organization. It passed by something like 87 to 7, and a few Democrats changed their votes as the tide turned. Glen Beck helped establish the conditions to make it happen. Were he a leftist attacking the Bush administration, he would be acclaimed as a latter day muck raker.
The government option is on life support. Democrats should have an easy time, but that they face a struggle reflects their failure. Cap and Trade, removing the secret labor union ballot, and other inititives are in trouble. Democrats will probably pass something because, they theoretically have the votes.
TEA Party protests, town hall meetings and the huge demonstration which some estimate to be one of the largest in history were derided, minimized and mocked by the mainstream press. But people who live and die with votes understand what they mean.
Even some Democratic pollsters warn they will lose big in the next election. A writer for the New York Times speculated that Republicans might even regain the House. This has and will influence votes as I believe it did with the ACORN issue. Politicians in safe seats will view the issues differently.
A writer for Politico says Obama is failing and will continue to. No one has mentioned Obama’s foreign policy reverses, most notably Iran and North Korea.
Lori split liberals and conservatives into “sides” so I will too. I am not a conservative, but they are closer to my beliefs than liberals’ and as of today my “side” is winning. Obama has accomplished something no recent president has done–bring conservatives and libertarians to the streets.
This may be a temporary fit of conservative temper which will fade once a health insurance bill passes.
A blogger for Riehl World View wrote “But defense against a tough adversary can develop a certain mindset. Sometimes it felt as if we almost had to slash and burn everyday just to stay in the game. We have the chance to play offense now- and offense in a political context often requires a different approach…”
” So how can we turn ourselves toward a more constructive direction beginning to support positive ideas, agendas, and people that can deliver us the actual results we want?” Conservatives will ultimately fail if they don’t take that suggestion.
At least they cleaned up after themselves. The contrast between the aftermath of the demonstration and Obama’s inauguration is striking.
As Bob Dylan sang, “The Times They are a-Changing.”
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By: James on September 15, 2009
at 9:39 AM
Thank you psu for the compliment.
I had posted this last night and had included all the signers with links to their profiles on source watch.org. So many links – it was awaiting moderation but never posted. So I dropped all the links to those that are involved with this group. If interested, post their name in the google search and pull up the source watch link.
Though these are mostly neocons, many are also tied into the CFR, Trilateral Commission, and the Bilderberg group. Many have worked with both republican and democratic administrations to promote the agenda. Many are tied to the religious fundamentalist groups. Just another secretive group with an agenda promoted behind closed doors to shape our government and not reflect the will of the people of this nation. Behind the scenes, they do not wear the repub or dem badges. That is only for our benefit:
PNAC statement of principles. Globalist agenda, AKA New World Order
http://www.newamericancentury.org/statementofprinciples.htm
From there, click on the letters tab on the left and view the 1998 letter to Clinton urging war with Iraq to secure the oil and control of the region.
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By: Poolman on September 15, 2009
at 9:19 AM
Happy Conservative:
I work for a medical malpractice law firm in GA and the Courts here are now looking into the tort reform caps as un-Constitutional. The $$ spent by insurance companies for med mal damages is a mere drop in the bucket for them. Another scary lie told by the insurance industry to continue to hold American’s health care hostage.
Oh, and by the way, these “frivolous” med mal cases that the wrong-wingers like to bring up, well, we have to attach an expert’s affidavit with each med mal Complaint. The expert has to be a doctor currently practicing in the same field as the Defendant doctor. We pay approx. $5k for each expert and many times, decide that the case is not worth any more time and expense. And we eat that $5k. FYI
Claire
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By: Claire on September 15, 2009
at 8:04 AM
jean, you ask very good questions, good luck getting answers
mine are usually ignored ;D
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By: PalinShutUp on September 15, 2009
at 6:27 AM
Im with poolman on the Christian/war thing.
in all the blogs, newsgroups…Ive stumbled across since before the campaign last year, poolman has to be one of the most fair and balanced Christian minds
we are truly blessed to have him with us here on the M&H porch
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By: PalinShutUp on September 15, 2009
at 6:24 AM
Poolman that might be a good idea! 😉
The author of that article points out he was in Washington at Obama’s inaugural where the crowds were estimated between 1.2 million and 1.5. He reports you literally couldn’t move through the streets surrounding the mall.
Jean I was thinking the same thing! I want proof! 😉 I recently moved from Dallas, I wonder if that makes me an expert? If so it would be a first for me! But thankfully we don’t need to rely on me, The Star is Fort Worth’s paper (republican leaning I might add) concurs so far tort reform has done nothing to reduce health costs. link ^ up there somewhere.
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By: lori on September 15, 2009
at 2:26 AM
Hi gang,
Well, shoot. The other quotes didn’t come through either. If you are interested, go back and read happyconservative’s 9/14 53P post.
Nighty-night.
Aloha! 🙂
Jean
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By: Jean on September 15, 2009
at 1:33 AM
Hi gang and happyconservative again,
Apparently my last quote from your post, happy conservative, did not come through. I repeat:
“I believe that it is possible to look beyond the political rhetoric and look at the facts (all the facts) and develop compromises that 1) meet our needs, 2) enable us to move forward as a nation, and 3) preserve our freedoms.”
Again, I ask, for specifics please, not generalizations. The above statement sounds very much like political rhetoric to me. 1) Whose needs? 2) Exactly how? 3) I agree. Preserve our freedoms for ALL our citizens! In ALL 50 states.
Aloha! 🙂
Jean
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By: Jean on September 15, 2009
at 1:28 AM
Hi gang and happyconservative,
Although your post of 9/14, 5:35P was directed to poolman, I am assuming you are aware that all of us here are open to reading any and all of the comments.. I wish to respond.
I quote from your post:
I invite you to go back through your post and count how many times you used the word “facts”, but as you decry, you have not backed up any of your “facts” with any kind of documentation. Newspaper articles, political commentary from various Texas viewpoints and especially the TEXAS LAW regarding Tort reform. Otherwise, you are expecting us to take your word for everything you wrote regarding your OPINION on how it works in YOUR state.
Quote:
Not many of us in the other 49 states are that familiar with Texas law so we have no way of knowing what is “simply true or not true.” How informed are you of such laws in the other 49 states?
Quote:
Specific ways please and document how and why.
Quote:
Again, I ask, for specifics please, not generalizations. The above statement sounds very much like political rhetoric to me. 1) Whose needs? 2) Exactly how? 3) I agree. Preserve our freedoms for ALL our citizens! In ALL 50 states.
Aloha! 🙂
Jean
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By: Jean on September 15, 2009
at 1:17 AM
If I wanted to completely control the masses, here’s what I’d do. First, I’d create three major organized religions and make sure they were led by males, thus insuring the opression of women and children.(it’s called male ego) I’d control the educational system to make sure they learned only what I wanted them to know. Then I’d flood the masses with alcohol and drugs, both legal and illegal. After that, I’d control all forms of media and I’d use it to fuel propaganda, fear and violence. I’d make sure that most weapons were available to all. Finally, I’d sit back and watch the madness as they killed each other. If I still needed population control, no problem. I’d make “vaccines” mandatory. Does any of this sound familiar?
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By: Linda on September 14, 2009
at 11:02 PM
Can you guess who was in charge of security at Dulles Airport, United Airlines, and the World Trade Center until 9/11/2001?
Marvin Bush http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Marvin_Bush
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By: Poolman on September 14, 2009
at 8:56 PM
There are so many groups that form to promote policy and commitments behind our backs. Here is one of the groups. Some say Iraq was not on the agenda before 9/11. This is proof that it was. Also note that it doesn’t really matter what political affiliation one is. Many of these swing both ways. Many are tied to fundamentalist Christian organizations. Though this group is mainly considered right wing, they have worked for democrats too. Some are also members of the CFR, Bilderberg group, and Trilateral Commission.
PNAC statement of principles. Globalist agenda, AKA New World Order, with signatories below
http://www.newamericancentury.org/statementofprinciples.htm
Elliott Abrams http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Elliott_Abrams
Gary Bauer http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Gary_Bauer
William J. Bennett http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=William_J._Bennett
Jeb Bush http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Jeb_Bush
Dick Cheney http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Dick_Cheney
Eliot A. Cohen http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Eliot_A._Cohen
Midge Decter http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Midge_Decter
Paula Dobriansky http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Paula_Dobriansky
Steve Forbes http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Steve_Forbes
Aaron Friedberg http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Aaron_Friedberg
Francis Fukuyama http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Francis_Fukuyama
Frank Gaffney http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Frank_Gaffney
Fred C. Ikle http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Fred_C._Ikle
Donald Kagan http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Donald_Kagan
Zalmay Khalilzad http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Zalmay_Khalilzad
I. Lewis Libby http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=I._Lewis_Libby
Norman Podhoretz http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Norman_Podhoretz
Dan Quayle http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Dan_Quayle
Peter W. Rodman http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Peter_W._Rodman
Stephen P. Rosen http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Stephen_P._Rosen
Henry S. Rowen http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Henry_S._Rowen
Donald Rumsfeld http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Donald_Rumsfeld
Vin Weber http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Vin_Weber
George Weigel http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=George_Weigel
Paul Wolfowitz http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Paul_Wolfowitz
The following are the signers of the letter to Clinton January 1998, urging war in Iraq:
Elliott Abrams
Richard L. Armitage http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Richard_Armitage
William J. Bennett
Jeffrey Bergner http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Jeffrey_T._Bergner
John Bolton http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_R._Bolton
Paula Dobriansky
Francis Fukuyama
Robert Kagan http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Robert_Kagan
Zalmay Khalilzad
William Kristol http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=William_Kristol
Richard Perle http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Richard_N._Perle
Peter W. Rodman
Donald Rumsfeld
William Schneider, Jr. http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=William_Schneider%2C_Jr.
Vin Weber
Paul Wolfowitz
R. James Woolsey http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=R._James_Woolsey%2C_Jr.
Robert B. Zoellick http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Robert_Zoellick
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By: Poolman on September 14, 2009
at 8:55 PM
The club forgot to get their stories straight. Hannity said 200,000.
I’m on ‘liberally biased’ CNN watching Anderson Cooper interview some total jackass who is making one inflammatory statement after another. I haven’t caught his name yet. He’s someone who has a list of communists on his website and includes Barack HUSSEIN Obama in the list. He’s repeating other common outrageous lies too. His name might be Mark Williams?
Why do scums get air time? Is it so the ‘liberally biased’ media can make liberals look good by making conservatives look like crazoids? Can’t they find rational conservatives to talk to? Can’t there be thoughtful debate, if not dialogue?
I’m really discouraged about media fueling the party feud.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 14, 2009
at 8:48 PM
I caught a bit of Rush Limbaugh’s broadcast earlier today. My brother-in-law always has that stuff going on where ever he is at. I heard him say the turnout in Washington Saturday was between 1.5 and 2 million people. A far cry from the 65-70,000 Lori posted from the CBS link. Apparently even math is affected by political persuasion.
We should let CBS calculate our deficit, and Rush add up our revenues. We could probably solve this economic crisis overnight. 😀
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By: Poolman on September 14, 2009
at 8:33 PM
Thank you happyconservative for the compliment. I get a lot of good info from most all the posters here. Thanks also for the link to Chaplain Paul Lynn’s blog. He seems like a great asset to the troups and a compassionate soul.
I have always had a bit of a problem with the whole Christian/war thing. Yes, we do get closer to God in these conflicts. War causes many to surrender their lives to God. But, as a Christian, I would have a very difficult time staring down my gunsight at another human and pulling the trigger. Especially believing that “we war not against flesh and blood…” Thank God I have not had to make that decision.
I cannot paint the Muslim world as evil. I believe they have dangerous radicals (as does the Christian faith) that justify killing in their own minds. In so doing, they have convinced themselves God is on their side and that they are actually furthering His kingdom. Our former president was convinced that these tactics were God-ordained. He was on a crusade, as many believe is our purpose. Those radicals on “our” side scare me more than those radicals on “their” side do. They are not aware that the god they serve is not the God of the bible. They pull up old testament verses and use them to justify their position.
Frankly, I have a hard time with anyone claiming to be a follower of Christ and holding to a hard right wing republican agenda. The Fundamentalists have truly lost their first love and support their belief on a few scattered verses that are taken out of context. A truer picture of a “Christian” nation would more resemble communism. Read the first chapter of Acts, and tell me if that isn’t the definition of communism. So, with many, the hypocrisy starts there.
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By: Poolman on September 14, 2009
at 8:21 PM
Hi gang,
Here’s a little personal human interest story that I think is apropos for our times. Something to think about. We have a grandson on the West Coast who is a freshman in high school. He ran for president of his class. Holy Smoke! High School politics these days is taking on all the aspects of a national campaign. Posters, speeches, etc., as well as back-room deals.
There were four candidates for president. Our grandson talked two of the boys into running un-opposed for vice-president and treasurer. So it was down to our grandson and a girl. She was passing out Brownies so he countered with Hershey Kisses a la the ‘Valentine Guys’ without the ‘Guys’. As we all know, Brownies trump Hershey Kisses any time. The girl (Hillary?) won but our grandson was chosen secretary. So it sounds like they have something of an oligarchy going on there now as far as policy goes. Of course, they all know it is more of a popularity contest in high school. Everybody knows that it is the School Board, administration and the teachers who make the policy and carry out the curriculum. But I guess, in the long run, that applies to politics in general anyway, huh. At least both our grandson and the girl are straight A students, so qualification wise, it was a toss up anyway. Congratulations are in order all around.
I guess we could say this is typical early adolescent behavior – all really fun and games. Right? But from where are they learning it? If they are emulating adult behavior, maybe we should take a look and see if we are behaving like grown-up political role models.
(For those of you who have not been here since the beginning of the year, here is the story of the ‘Valentine Guys’. Every since our three grandchildren, (two of them on the East Coast) started kindergarten, I have been making little red and white yarn ‘bobble head’ type favors for the kids to take to their classes on Valentine’s Day. There is a yarn ‘necklace’ for them to wear around their necks all day and a tag that says, “Squeeze my cheeks and I’ll give you a kiss!” That done, the mouth pops open to reveal a Hershey Kiss. They are a HUGE hit with everyone!!! The trouble is I have been trapped into making the damn things for 15 years! Probably will be through college and maybe even for wedding favors, for cryin’ out loud. Great-grandchildren maybe?
It takes 20-30 minutes to make each one. I finally drew the line at 50 each kid but that’s still 150 a year. Of course, the cost of making them is peanuts, but I wind up with blistered, bloody, bandaged fingers every early February to get them done and in the mail. AND the kids are not above laying a guilt trip on me about some brokenhearted kid who didn’t get one because grandma was too lazy to make him one. Sheesh!!!
Should I have made a jillion ‘Valentine type Guys’ in the school’s colors for our grandson to pass out (bribe) and help him win the presidency? Next year maybe? Uh, I don’t think so.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: Jean on September 14, 2009
at 7:52 PM
Washington dc fire department estimates the tea baggers crowds to be between 65-70,000.
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/10/11/politics/fromtheroad/entry4515246.shtml?source=search_story
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By: lori on September 14, 2009
at 7:12 PM
Happyconservative, please stay around. We do need the opposing view and you seem very courteous. Thank you for some of your insight.
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By: Raji on September 14, 2009
at 6:58 PM
Happy–go to Media Matters and search under Glenn Beck. They have the audios I mentioned and many more.
There was video on all the networks of people at McCain rallies with stuffed Curious George dolls with Obama buttons. I am lousy at computers but one of my more savvy fellow pie-eaters should be able to post it here for you.
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By: Donna on September 14, 2009
at 6:35 PM
opps sorry for the double..;-(
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By: lori on September 14, 2009
at 6:29 PM
http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/1607549.html
Fort Worth Texas paper tells a slightly different story about tort reform. They say it has done nothing to cut health care costs.
One of my husbands plants is located outside of Dallas he says their health care cost (employees) INCREASED last year by about 33 percent.
_________________________________________
http://rawstory.com/08/news/2009/09/11/on-911-beck-tries-out-new-conspiracy-theory-acorn-van-jones-to-blame-for-katrina/
Becks newest diddy
_________________________________________
is cbs news reliable?
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/10/11/politics/fromtheroad/entry4515246.shtml?source=search_story
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By: lori on September 14, 2009
at 6:29 PM
http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/1607549.html
Fort Worth Texas paper tells a slightly different story about tort reform. They say it has done nothing to cut health care costs.
One of my husbands plants is located outside of Dallas he says their health care cost (employees) INCREASED last year by about 33 percent.
_________________________________________
http://newsfeedresearcher.com/data/articles_n37/jones-obama-beck.html
http://rawstory.com/08/news/2009/09/11/on-911-beck-tries-out-new-conspiracy-theory-acorn-van-jones-to-blame-for-katrina/
Becks newest diddy
_________________________________________
The stuffed monkey video is cbs news reliable?
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/10/11/politics/fromtheroad/entry4515246.shtml?source=search_story
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By: lori on September 14, 2009
at 6:25 PM
cool Tine, if someone could get a video of that it would be priceless!
please try copy pasting link instead of clicking on it to your notepad then copy/paste to your browser, see if that works?
if not I think google chinajournal + sarah palin
this is the article:
Quick: what do Sarah Palin, Bill Clinton, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have in common?
What’s Sarah Palin Doing Next Month? Addressing A Financial Forum In Hong Kong, Of Course
Quite possibly nothing right now. But come Sept. 23, if all goes according to plan, all three of them will have been keynote speakers at the annual CLSA Investors’ Forum in Hong Kong.
CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets, a Hong Kong-based brokerage, announced Monday that the former Republican candidate for the U.S. vice presidency and, until she resigned last month, governor of Alaska, will address the Sept. 21-25 event in what a press release called “her first international speaking engagement outside North America.”
Palin – who’s never been to East Asia and isn’t exactly famous for her mastery of public speaking or her expertise in finance and international affairs – might seem an unusual choice for an event that, according to CLSA, is “Asia’s premier investment conference providing unrivaled corporate access to 1,300 global fund managers from 32 countries, representing more than $10 trillion in funds under management.” CLSA spokeswoman Simone Wheeler says that orators at the forum often come from outside the securities industry. “Our keynote speakers are always notable luminaries, and they usually address subjects that go beyond finance, such as geopolitics,” she says. “Our goal is to provide investors a diversity of views.”
Indeed, while the forum has hosted its share of finance bigwigs – Alan Greenspan addressed it in 2006, the same year Clinton and Al Gore also spoke, and Michael Milken and Marc Faber have both attended multiple times – it has had a fairly eclectic mix of others, too: Bob Geldof, the rocker turned anti-poverty activist, spoke in 2007, along with Tutu, the Nobel Peace Prize winner from South Africa. CLSA has also hired Sir Elton John, Macy Gray, and Tom Jones in years past as entertainment.
“As the first female governor of Alaska and the youngest person ever elected governor of that state, Palin has broken new ground in U.S. politics and we are delighted that she will make her first visit to Asia to present at the CLSA Investors’ Forum,” CLSA Chairman and CEO Jonathan Slone said in the press release Monday.
Wheeler declines to say whether CLSA is paying Palin for her address. It won’t be open to the media, she says.’
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By: PalinShutUp on September 14, 2009
at 5:50 PM
happy, here is a cbs article re: the monkey at the palin rally. There are several youtube videos, but they all appear to be of the same man.
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/10/11/politics/fromtheroad/entry4515246.shtml
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By: kitkat on September 14, 2009
at 5:46 PM
Team,
I’d like to post one more thing this evening. It’s an excerpt from the blog of an Army Chaplin. His unit, 2/505 RCT, 3 BCT, 82nd Airborne Division is in Iraq right now. It says a lot about what’s going on over there. Regardless of how you feel about the war, I think it’s something that everyone should read. You can read the whole thing at his blog “Worth My Salt”. Here’s the link:
http://www.worthmysalt.blogspot.com/
It’s not quite over for us, nor for the Iraqis. Speaking with an Iraqi NCO the other day, I hadn’t seen him in a while, he reiterated how life in Iraq is so much better than when Saddam was in power. “You were not allowed to say anything to anyone.” “There were always people listening to you.” “You had to be very careful of what you said or you could be killed.” “We now walk down the street with cell phones and say anything we want.” “We are free.” “It is worth some dying so that freedom can come.” Freedom trumps oppression any day of the week.
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By: happyconservative on September 14, 2009
at 5:40 PM
Here is a little song celebrating our position at #37 in the world in health care.
“We’re Number 37”
Come one, Come all
Down to the hall
Were gonna make noise
Were gonna bust balls
Were gonna disrupt
Were gonna jump in the fray
I got a list of all the things that were supposed to say
Were gonna get real rowdy
Have a barrel of fun
But were the USA so by the way be sure to bring a gun
And buddy
Were Number 37
Were the USA
Were Number 37
And were so proud to say
We got old people crying at the pharmacy
Pay your deductible
This aint the land of the f-f-f-free Grandma
Were Number 37
Were the USA
People of the town come on down
And if you got a crazy rumor you can spread it around
I kind of like my insurance and I like my health
The other 47 million can go treat themselves
To some prayer in chapel
Fold your hands and pray
Because we are a Christian nation and that is the Christian way
And brother
Were Number 37
Were the USA
The big Number 37
And were so proud to say
Were #1 one in tanks
Were #1 in planes
Were #1 in war with #2 for brains
Were Number 37
Were the USA
I drew a Hitler mustache on the president
Yea! Aint that neat
My brother had a hernia operation last year
And now hes living out on the street
Were Number 37
Were the USA
The big Number 37
And we want to keep it that way
Be sure to bring the kids
All of the boys and girls
Because the #1 health care system in the world.
Is inFrance???
Were Number 37
Were the USA
Were Number 37
And we got something to say
We pay more for less
40% in fact
Lets bite some fingers off
Shout at the handicapped
Cause buddy
Were Number 37
Were the USA
Were Number 37
Were the USA
Were Number 37
Were the USA
© Paul Hipp 2009
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By: PalinShutUp on September 14, 2009
at 5:39 PM
Poolman,
I think you’ve had some of the most intelligent posts on this blog. You’re one of the few people who seem to be able to cut through the partisan bickering and see the bigger picture. I’d like to comment on some of the things you said in your posts of September 11th. Sorry to take so long to do this, but as I stated in another thread, I just don’t have as much time to blog as I would like.
You said so many good things on the 11th, I’m not sure where to begin. You’re right. We aren’t the same country we were eight years ago. As government grows, our freedoms shrink. As I have stated in a different thread, the Republicans grow the government as much as the Democrats; they just do it for different reasons (all of those reasons are good ones those on their respective sides of the aisle). And yes, your reference to the Patriot Act is good example of the growth of government power by the Republicans. That’s the real danger, here; the out of control growth of our government and the suppression of our freedoms that growth entails. I am for a strong military and very “pro defense” for lack of a better term. That doesn’t mean that I think we need to give up any of our liberties. If we have to give up our liberties in the name of freedom, what’s the point? But, I’m not ready to give up my freedoms in the name of another government program, either. To paraphrase President Ford, any government that is big enough to give you everything you need is big enough to take everything you have. That’s one thing old Gerry was right about.
You’re also correct about how polarized we are, as a nation. There are a lot of unjust political attacks out there. Any time you’re attacked, you have to defend yourself. I think a lot of those attacks are based on misconceptions about the other side. Are there racist Whites? Sure there are. But, there are just as many racist Blacks, Latinos, Asians, and any other group you want to mention. To assume that a White male is prejudiced because he disagrees with the policy of a Black President is ridiculous. (And, if you want to address the Joe Wilson thing, George Bush got booed and snickered at when he addressed Congress. Politics is tough. Wear a cup.) Anyway, getting back to the point; you’re right. There is ugliness everywhere. We need start looking past that nonsense and start looking at facts . . . all the facts.
A common misconception out there right now is that tort reform doesn’t work. That’s simply not true. Texas passed tort reform in 2003. Non-economic damages (also called punitive damages or “pain and suffering”) were capped at $250,000. Economic damages, which you can think of as the damages that someone actually suffered such as lost income and medical bills were not capped. Plaintiffs will still get relief for the harm they have suffered. The result is that malpractice insurance premiums have dropped by 30% in Texas. Last year, the state medical board licensed more physicians than they ever have before. That means that more physicians are coming to Texas to practice. That’s a good thing for the people that live here. Lower costs to the doctor also mean lower charges to the patient.
What I’m saying is that there are a lot of ways to reform our healthcare system that involve little or not cost to the tax payer and little or no growth of government.
I think we have common ground, here, Poolman. That’s something we can move forward with. We are after all, all Americans, regardless of our political views. I believe that it is possible to look beyond the political rhetoric and look at the facts (all the facts) and develop compromises that 1) meet our needs, 2) enable us to move forward as a nation, and 3) preserve our freedoms.
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By: happyconservative on September 14, 2009
at 5:35 PM
Listen to Beck. He pantomimes killing people. He tells his listeners that ACORN was responsible for the breach of the levees in New Orleans and did so in order to destroy “evidence” of corruption and make George Bush look bad.
When did Glen beck ever say that? Again, give me a link to a reliable source. I want to see the sound bite, or the transcript.
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By: happyconservative on September 14, 2009
at 5:26 PM
thymecher
How are over 200,000 marchers a publicity stunt? Sounds like quite a crowd of well informed citizens expressing their views.
And, by the way, we often think you guys are being taken to the extreme. Hmmmm. Maybe poolman was right, huh? Think about that one.
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By: happyconservative on September 14, 2009
at 5:20 PM
“You’re the ones who insist on comparing Obama to a monkey (people at McCain and Palin rallies were seen regularly carrying around stuffed monkeys with Obama stickers on the foreheads), ”
I don’t buy a bit of that. Show me your proof (and none of that photoshop nonsense). I don’t want to hear that “everybody knows” or that “so and so said it”. I want to see the proof. Original photos or articles from reliable sources.
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By: happyconservative on September 14, 2009
at 5:15 PM
PSU, I have an old friend living in Hong Kong. I’ll gladly send her the info, but your link seems to be broken. Got another one?
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By: Δ Tine on September 14, 2009
at 5:12 PM
People from South Carolina are religious nuts who don’t believe in biology, geology, or astronomy. They’re not sure about math, especially that crazy x=y stuff.
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By: JaJa on September 14, 2009
at 4:15 PM
anyone hear about Palin going to Asia to ‘speak’ yes speak, at an
investment conference?
anyone know someone in China? it wont be open to the media
http://blogs.wsj.com/chinajournal/2009/08/31/whats-sarah-palin-doing-next-month-addressing-a-financial-forum-in-hong-kong-of-course/
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By: PalinShutUp on September 14, 2009
at 4:08 PM
Thanks Whirled Peas for the Kennedy link. I enjoyed reading that.
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By: Raji on September 14, 2009
at 3:30 PM
Mageen, Ann Coulter probably told Glenn Beck to say that. She hates 9/11 victims families, too.
Yet people still watch… it’s disgusting how low viewer standards have gotten – not to mention how low the standards of these self-important blowhards are.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 14, 2009
at 2:49 PM
When Obama said the insurance companies aren’t evil or bad people, I just had to gasp.
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By: Nan Patience on September 14, 2009
at 2:07 PM
Ted Kennedy,
in his own words.
Excerpts from “True Compass:
A Memoir,” by Edward M. Kennedy
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 14, 2009
at 1:59 PM
From the front page of today’s LA Times
“Some fear GOP is being carried to the extreme”
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gop-fringe14-2009sep14,0,940651.story
There’s a war going on, a pretty big one,” said Dan Riehl, a Virginia conservative whose popular blog, Riehl World View, has criticized those challenging the base. “Many of us distrust the elite Republican establishment.”
So did SPalin give this ‘elite establishment’ the first ‘up yours’ with her no-show at the Woman’s Rubug gathering at the Ronald Reagan library last month? I predict they will skewer Mittens on the first go around.
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By: thymeCher on September 14, 2009
at 1:38 PM
I watched that 102 Minutes about the 9/11 attacks last night. It was on the History channel and I’d recorded it. I was weeping. It looked like a bomb went off. I was pissed off that Bush got us distracted with Iraq and Bin Ladin is still out there making tapes. Christopher Hitchens is right. Religion poisons everything.
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By: Anne on September 14, 2009
at 12:51 PM
You think Kanye was bad? Well, yes he was, so bye bye! Listen to this one! It hit me right in the gag zone.
You know, it took me about a year to start hating the 9-11 victims’ families. … I don’t hate all of them. I hate about, probably about 10 of them. But when I see, you know, 9-11 victim family, on television, or whatever, I’m just like, “Oh, shut up.” I’m so sick of them, because they’re always complaining. And we did our best for them.
— Glenn Beck, 2005
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By: Mageen in Old Virginny on September 14, 2009
at 12:24 PM
I’m not here to post.
But I would like you all to have the opportunity
to see our nations youth in action and in death.
These are photos by Reuters and other news services.
http://cryptome.info/afpak-archive/afpak-archive.htm
It’s a sight that is updated on a regular basis.
Thank you.
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By: Craig on September 14, 2009
at 12:14 PM
Mrs. S–pleased to make your acquaintance in such a fine way.
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By: Donna on September 14, 2009
at 11:32 AM
Way to go, Mrs. S!!!
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By: Francis on September 14, 2009
at 10:52 AM
Sorry. Some times the youth today make me so mad. Respect. Whatever happened to respect?
Sorry. I need a bit of fresh air and maybe some tea. Carry on…
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By: Mrs. Stankowski on September 14, 2009
at 10:51 AM
Yes. Ma’m. Sorry, ma’m.
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By: Kanye on September 14, 2009
at 10:48 AM
Don’t make me pop caps in your ass, boy.
Now get the F@*K off this webpage and yank yourself someplace else home boy.
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By: Mrs. Stankowski on September 14, 2009
at 10:44 AM
I said shut up.
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By: Kanye on September 14, 2009
at 10:37 AM
Sir,
We ask that you mind your manners on this web page. We are all here to discuss issues. I am certain there are other websites that would be of more interest to you.
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By: Mrs. Stankowski on September 14, 2009
at 10:27 AM
Shut up.
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By: Kanye on September 14, 2009
at 10:24 AM
Everyone get to the cellar!!!!!!!
TROLLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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By: Donna on September 14, 2009
at 10:12 AM
X
X X
X X
X X
XXXXXXXXXX
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By: Kanye on September 14, 2009
at 10:10 AM
Clean up on isle 4!
Whatever!
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By: Kanye on September 14, 2009
at 10:08 AM
Michael went to sleep and he wake up no more.
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By: Joe Jackson on September 14, 2009
at 10:08 AM
Let me just say that Helen has a great blog but UAW has the best blog of the year man. The best blog of the year. Hear whats I’m sayin?
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By: Kanye on September 14, 2009
at 10:07 AM
Kanye West should be kept on a leash.
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By: Madison on September 14, 2009
at 10:06 AM
I,I, I, I… don’t want to talk.
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By: Susan on September 14, 2009
at 10:05 AM
Melisssssaaaaaaaaa!
What?
(Bam)
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By: Kathy T. on September 14, 2009
at 10:04 AM
I’ll lick yours if you lick mine.
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By: Sister Jospeh on September 14, 2009
at 10:02 AM
Mrs. Root. Please send Jimmy to my office.
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By: Sister Bernadette on September 14, 2009
at 10:01 AM
You friggin ladies need to steal a microscope or somethin’. Maybe you can find Limbaugh’s dick.
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By: Kittle on September 14, 2009
at 10:00 AM
thanks, Anne! Have a good day, all.
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By: Donna on September 14, 2009
at 9:32 AM
Donna:
I haven’t been around in a few days. Too busy on the weekends with the kids. But I wanted to say I was impressed by your response to HappyConservative. I thought you addressed everything he said point by point without being condescending or confontational. I wish I could say the same for some of the other responses. Thank you.
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By: Anne on September 14, 2009
at 8:43 AM
Maybe you guessed already that I live in the area of the Nation’s Capitol. From what I could tell of the Teabaggers this weekend, most of them were there with their own little agenda. Translation: not organized. Hey, what could you expect? This whole thing was “planned” by Dick Armey, the guy who never could grasp the whole trick of the 30 second sound bite. Decades ago when I used to do something similar, the 150,000 gathered on the Mall would all tell you the same thing. The vast differences between these two events are really, truly telling!
And, yes, I mean it!
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By: Mageen in Old Virginny on September 14, 2009
at 7:14 AM
I haven’t been around for the past couple of days, checked to see if happyconservative had replied to any of our rebuttals and gee, what a surprise (not) nothing
crickets
maybe someday we will have an open minded right winger visit us
until that day, another bites the dust
In case anyone missed it
Obama on 60 minutes
check out the commentary section, I bet there will be a bunch of notsohappyconservatives 🙂
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=5307949n&tag=related;photovideo
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By: PalinShutUp on September 14, 2009
at 12:11 AM
A State of Mind…
South Carolina!!!
What’s in the water there?
http://tinyurl.com/kvb95y
8) ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 13, 2009
at 11:29 PM
“Seems these days Conservatives have convinced themselves, and some of the American public, that being a Liberal is akin to being a card-carrying member of the Communist Party. While this may be a great smear tactic for an election year, to believe such a notion proves that the believer is uneducated in the fundamentals of the American political system.”
http://elroy.net/politics/liberal.html
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By: Poolman on September 13, 2009
at 10:49 PM
Here’s a little ditty for all the Dems…
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By: Poolman on September 13, 2009
at 7:47 PM
Helen, you’re awesome and absolutely correct, again!
However, and this is just the observations of a dirty old man, Lauren Upton is much easier on the eyes than the other morons from South Carolina you mention. She’s probably got another 20 or 25 years before she will be required by society to have a relevant thought.
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By: Mike on September 13, 2009
at 5:52 PM
We’re #37 …THIRTY SEVEN 😦
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By: SouthPaw on September 13, 2009
at 5:09 PM
P.S.
Glenn Beck is a blithering idiot. Just an observation.
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By: City Girl on September 13, 2009
at 4:47 PM
Carolanana, thank you for that. I thought I DID make the point that I wasn’t making sweeping generalization but I suppose it bears repeating. There are exceptions to everything. I’m in a very blue city and have many Republican friends. Let’s agree on Carolanana’s point.
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By: City Girl on September 13, 2009
at 4:43 PM
A musical interlude /
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By: SouthPaw on September 13, 2009
at 4:18 PM
The Tea Party Express went out with a fizzle, as a smaller than anticipated crowd gathered In Washington DC. The motley crew of marchers attending the event reflected a small misinformed minority feeling fear and anger over the more liberal direction the country began taking since the 2008 election.
The gathering was an opportunity for right wing whiners to feel a sense of community in their distress. The Tea Party was a vehicle for protesters to express their mounting displeasure with their government. Their issues are many, ranging from the bank and auto bailouts to President Obama’s push to overhaul the nation’s health system to concerns about perceived erosion of First and Second Amendment rights.
The event was Astroturf in large part, a Glenn Beck publicity stunt shamelessly plugged by Fox News. In addition, right wing extremists and corporate-backed groups, (in particular a large showing by the health insurance industry), were also involved in sponsoring the de facto anti-Obama march.
In hindsight, the nation is lucky the event was a harmless goof for the tin foil hat crowd. Beck and Fox News have been constantly pandering to a dangerous right wing fringe.
Beck’s rhetoric is schizophrenic, at one moment crying and asking if we can all get along, and at the next moment warning of black helicopters, government plans to steal children and a coming civil war. Beck likes to tell his audience: “We surround them” – which is in itself an incitement to violence, and but one example of Beck’s reckless disregard for civility, decency and mutual respect.
The Tea Party attracted all sorts of crazies. Libertarians, White Supremacists, Birchers, Patriot Movement devotees and radical Anti-Abortion Movement supporters were all there. The National Association of Rural Land Owners (NARLO) a group that preaches a coming civil war, and seems to advocate violent insurrection, was a major sponsor of the event.
also…
http://www.examiner.com/x-4383-Portland-Progressive-Examiner~y2009m9d12-Becks-912-Project-Making-crazy-mainstream
and…
http://www.examiner.com/x-4383-Portland-Progressive-Examiner~y2009m9d13-Breaking-Glenn-Beck–Secret-communist-socialist
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By: thymeCher on September 13, 2009
at 3:57 PM
And also this:
http://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/09/closing_the_book_on_the_bush_legacy.php
“On every major measurement, the Census Bureau report shows that the country lost ground during Bush’s two terms. While Bush was in office, the median household income declined, poverty increased, childhood poverty increased even more, and the number of Americans without health insurance spiked. By contrast, the country’s condition improved on each of those measures during Bill Clinton’s two terms, often substantially.
The Census’ final report card on Bush’s record presents an intriguing backdrop to today’s economic debate. Bush built his economic strategy around tax cuts, passing large reductions both in 2001 and 2003. Congressional Republicans are insisting that a similar agenda focused on tax cuts offers better prospects of reviving the economy than President Obama’s combination of some tax cuts with heavy government spending. But the bleak economic results from Bush’s two terms, tarnish, to put it mildly, the idea that tax cuts represent an economic silver bullet.”
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By: Hallie on September 13, 2009
at 3:12 PM
“Who are these people?! Where do they come from?! Ordinary Americans might wonder why anyone would stoop so low as to follow Glenn Beck, Fox News and Dick Armey (and their corporate sponsors masquerading as “FreedomWorks”) as they organize their “9/12 March On Washington” to cynically exploit the 9/11 attack…”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/frank-schaeffer/glenn-beck-and-the-912-ma_b_284387.html
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By: thymeCher on September 13, 2009
at 2:43 PM
Good on you!
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By: Ty Hand on September 13, 2009
at 1:09 PM
A nap sounds good. Especially since my two shitzus haven’t mastered their understanding of the calendar week. 6:00 am on weekend is no different to them than a weekday.
Thanks for the resource ideas Gramma Rock and Kitkat. With all the other subjects to teach as well, it’s hard to fit “the whole story” into one school year.
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By: vgman on September 13, 2009
at 11:40 AM
vgman
I feel your pain.
I recently had a talk with my youngest grandson who just last spring finished his first HS Bio course, He has a broader and more in depth knowledge of the subject than I had when I finished grad school in the 1960’s.
Time has marched on at a furious pace over the last 50 years. Only someone like Stephen Hawking can be a scientific renaissance man nowadays.
I wish I knew more about the sun moon and stars but I’m beginning to feel like the ancient black lab retriever with a pure white muzzle that I saw last week. His master had taken him for exercise at a nice open field where he was also playing with a golden lab pup. The old black lab simply laid down on the grass and acknowledged the young pup only when he came back with the tennis ball. The old guy would thump his tail a couple times and then lay his head down to rest some more.
I think I;ll go take a nap.
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By: jsri on September 13, 2009
at 11:11 AM
Thanks jrsi for the info on Franklin. I was taught that the reason she wasn’t mentioned was that they don’t give Nobel prizes posthumously. I always mention her when I teach DNA, as I think it is important to know that there are others who may not get credit.
vgman, do you know “lies my teacher told me”? While it is above 5th grade level, it might be a place for you to find topics to include. Sounds like you’re a great teacher!
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By: kitkat on September 13, 2009
at 11:08 AM
Good work, jsri,
Now that’s the kind of news reporting that the other MSM should use to bring Fox to its knees. Or better yet, pulverize ’em. I know! such strong language from an advocate of peaceful resistance.
But from my view, the greed and blatant deceivery is akin to bullying. AND WE DO NOT BULLY OTHERS!
Fair and balanced my ass!
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By: vgman on September 13, 2009
at 10:54 AM
How to get rich quick by going broke slowly.
Recently I came across a newspaper article about an unemployed Richmond Virginia woman named Mary Steadman who is making $77 an hour (more than $7000 per month) using a pair of programs called Google Fortune and Google BizKit that are free on the internet. Though the programs are “free” all you have to do is pay $1.97 each for shipping. The article, published in the New York Gazette News, goes into considerable detail as to how it is done and it is followed by a slew of blog entries attesting to the successes of the program.
There are however, a few small problems. Mary Steadman is a fiction, the newspaper is a fiction, the programs are a fiction, the blog is a fiction and the big bucks payouts are a fiction.
But how is this possible?
Go to Fox News. There on their Internet front page is a link to the site promoting the scheme. Even though this is a pretty obvious rip off, as late as five minutes ago, the link to the site was still on the Fox News front page.
So the “Fair and Balanced” network is a willing partner in a blatant scheme designed to separate honest but uninformed people from their meager cash reserves by unscrupulous scammers.
On second thought, if these folks are dumb enough to frequent Fox news and believe what the network is spewing, perhaps they are getting what they deserve.
Is anyone surprised to find that Fox network is part of this?
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By: jsri on September 13, 2009
at 10:44 AM
Jean,
Thanks for the compliment.
jsri,
“helical patterns of the beta strand of the DNA molecule”…….yeah, that’s a little beyond my required science units of Variables; Motion & Design; and Sun, Moon, and Stars. But I’m willing to learn!
Reminds me of the scene from “The Devil Wears Prada” when Meryl Streep’s character needs a name NOW and only one of two assistants was able to step forward with the correct name!
So, it’s Sunday morning and as I’m correcting some papers, I saw the clip of the infamous “You lie!” for the thousandth time on CNN.
Disagreement is fine, but accusatory rhetoric never furthers a discussion. Isn’t that one of the points of public speaking?
In regards to “real Americans”, remember our President’s words back in 2004 about red states, blue states, etc. in his convention speech as a Senator–those are the words I hold on to.
There are wonderful, bright, clear-headed citizens all OVER this country and when decisions need to be made, there will be a majority and a minority in the outcomes. Let’s move forward with the hope that we were given!
Where were the protesters from the right when billions were (and are) being spent on foreign entanglements? That just gets my goat.
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By: vgman on September 13, 2009
at 10:32 AM
Hi Jean
Yes. You are correct re Watson and Crick.
Much of their theory was based on the work of Rosalind Franklin whose X-ray diffraction images of DNA. were the first to show the clearly helical patterns of the beta strand of the DNA molecule. I believe in their first paper they did not even cite her contribution and after her early death at age 37 unpublished papers in her lab reveal that she had already determined the helical structure but because some results were ambiguous, she did not publish her results before they did.
According to Watson who could never be accused of being a shrinking violet, she was “difficult” to work with. Wiki has a good review of her work at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosalind_Franklin
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By: jsri on September 13, 2009
at 9:54 AM
I just ran across your blog by accident. Oh my gosh Helen you’re too funny!! I love your comments about SC. I agree a lot of inbreeding has gone on in that state for too long. Thank you for the Sunday chuckle!! 🙂
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By: Speedbumps on September 13, 2009
at 9:35 AM
http://www.dailykos.com/
A Republican against Joe Wilson
by Jed Lewison
Sat Sep 12, 2009 at 06:46:05 PM PDT
“Adding to Joe Wilson’s troubles is former Bush and McCain political aide Mark McKinnon, who says:
Make Joe Wilson pay.
And by pay, I mean beat his sorry ass at the polls and send him to the private sector. That is the only way to change the political discourse in America today. Because as long as louts like Joe Wilson can spout off and call the president a liar and get rewarded with re-election, then louts will continue to spout off. And we will continue to claw our way to the very bottom of the political swamp.
McKinnon backed up his words with a $1,000 donation to Rob Miller.”
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By: Raji on September 13, 2009
at 6:45 AM
[…] 3. I have just started reading Margaret & Helen’s blog. They are elderly ladies who have been best friends for 60 years and they just tell it like it is. You have to include this blog on your reading list – it is hilarious but also quite thought-provoking. Read their thoughts on US healthcare reform in their post A Buttload of Moolah. […]
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By: SUNDAY TOP TEN « Selma In The City on September 13, 2009
at 5:33 AM
OT but always a hot button issue…
“It is time to stop preaching that the Bible contains an undeniable doctrine against abortion.”
http://www.elroy.net/ehr/abortion.html
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By: Poolman on September 13, 2009
at 1:46 AM
Please, could we all understand and accept the fact that the good people who post here do not mean to imply that ALL the people of South Carolina/Texas/Alaska/Georgia/etc. are THE SAME? I certainly understand what CityGirl (or any other rational poster) means when she makes a statement about a trend or a person or whatever. I don’t automatically assume that she means ALL the people of (insert the State) are racist. Can we all agree that every state has people who are jerks and people who are wonderful, kind, good, etc.? I assume Homewrecker didn’t vote for Perry or that JuneauJoe doesn’t like She Who Will Not Be Named. I really believe that most of us do not make generalizations based on the state we live in…I mean…I live in Wisconsin and I HATE cheese…really!
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By: Carolanana on September 12, 2009
at 10:35 PM
Hi gang,
WOW! The caliber of discussion has been elevated here of late. I wish I could commend each and every one of you personally, but it would take too much time to scroll back and get all the names right. Suffice it to say, somehow this blog has rounded up a fine group of thoughtful, intelligent people!!! I think we are all learning much from each other. Thank you for your many, many insights.
This could be of interest to you and especially vgman and jsri. I just finished reading a book, “The Biology of Belief” by Bruce H. Lipton. ($12.95 from Amazon.) He is a former professor and research scientist of cellular biology. This is cutting edge science, much of which is building on top of, for instance: Quantum Physics and Watson and Cricks’ ‘discovery’ of DNA in 1953. Naturally, these theories will have to be tested thoroughly, with some things discarded but a considerable amount of it retained.
(Incidentally, there was an English WOMAN, I believe her name was Roselind Franklin, who did a great deal of the preliminary work on DNA. But Watson and Crick got the lion’s share of the credit. Watson and Crick were hailed but her name has rarely been mentioned. A little SEXISM at play there?)
Anyway, back to the ‘Biology of Belief”. Lipton speaks of Gandhi. I think most of us are familiar with the work of the well-known Indian Statesman, Mahatma Gandhi. He was primarily responsible for the concepts of successful ‘passive resistance’ and ‘non-violent protests.’ Martin Luther King also adopted many of Gandhi’s methods to bring about the Civil Rights Movement in the US so there could begin to be equal justice for all people.
There is still a long ways to go, but we are working hard at it, right here at M&H’s blog, aren’t we. Each of us can do our small part. Little efforts add up to big accomplishments.
vgman, I have a feeling that you are a fine, dedicated teacher as are countless of your colleagues. Your students are lucky! Fifth graders are at the age when their little minds are like sponges, eager to learn about EVERYTHING. I’ll raise a glass of White Zin this evening to all of you and the other unsung heroes involved in education. Anyone else is welcome to join me! HERE! HERE!
Perhaps this is another one for you to put up in your classroom. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi:
“Your beliefs become your thoughts
Your thoughts become your words
Your words become your actions
Your actions become your habits
Your habits become your values
Your values become your destiny….”
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: Jean on September 12, 2009
at 9:50 PM
vgman ~ mii gwetch (thank you) for anwering my question. it is important to learn from the past.
are you familiar with native newspapers like indian country today and news from indian country ? ict is available online. these publications are good sources of historical events that are not covered in mainstream textbooks. they also show that indian people and our cultures were not frozen in time when the newcomers took over the land.
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By: gramma rock on September 12, 2009
at 9:47 PM
MargaretandHelenFan,
You would be so welcome in my classroom. I’d introduce you as “one of our informed citizenry”!
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By: vgman on September 12, 2009
at 9:36 PM
“Mary, I refer to red states as a whole. As a voting mass. I know there are many liberals, that is to say, open minded people, there as well — including my sister-in-law, who had her car keyed because it had an Obama bumper sticker on it. (no kidding. this is georgia as well.)”
I live in GA and while it is difficult because of the FAUX News worship from the angry, horrified old white men who got a big jolt when President Obama was elected, please do not write all of us off as red. There are a LOT of hardworking Democrats here and we refuse to let them define us! PFFTTH!
While we are struggling, we do have the Hon. John Lewis. Do NOT categorize us under Rove’s (the aptly named “Turd Blossom’s) terms.
Thank you all for being here!
I mean it.
Really. LOL
Hey, is there a way to connect this blog to my FB page? I just think we could all use a good old dose of COMMON SENSE and would love to spread the dare I say GOSPEL of Common Sense from my favorite gals (Helen and Margaret) and group? I am not that PC savvy, so any help would be appreciated.
I did post the link to Huff Post’s David Adler (sure
hope I got his name right) about healthcare on my FB page. None of my Repugs friends have responded, obviously it made too much sense.
:o)
Oh, and just one more thing. I so enjoy saying and writing “President Obama”, not “Mr. Obama” or “Obama”,
but “President Obama”
So glad to be with you all and I am so thankful and delighted to read Helen and Margaret’s common sense. Thank you all so much.
Spread the word.
Claire
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By: ccmalloy on September 12, 2009
at 9:20 PM
Gramma Rock,
I do my best with the time and resources available. We actually put Christopher Columbus on trial (little script I found a few years back) and I let the kids make the decision in a full-fledged jury.
There is factual evidence presented in the play from Las Casas.
Rethinking Schools is an organizatin which has really put out some good stuff lately.
I also try to bring in the Trail of Tears and other stories.
A few years ago, I had a group of girls reading a book about Native Americans forced into dormitory style schools. I forget the name of it.
“Kids, we may not be able to rewind to the past, but we can sure learn from it.”
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By: vgman on September 12, 2009
at 9:16 PM
HelenandMargaretFan, loved your posts. If only people here would believe in what this country is better known for, throughout the world, the democratic process. Since a king was enthroned in the year 2000 by the U.S supreme court, I think a certain segment got used to the idea that the process could be highjacked every election, in their favor. I guess they are still in disbelief, really, that a black man was elected President of the U.S. So they are acting up. The danger is that hear it enough, and you start to believe it. So, let the silent majority be silent no more. Let our voices be heard; please, let us speak up when we should and let our voices be drown no more! Loved that link to Bill Maher’s discourse about this subject, he is so right!
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By: Easier on September 12, 2009
at 9:16 PM
vgman ~ when you teach the fifth graders about the constitution, do you also teach them that native americans were forced to become christian and the native religions were banned ? that native americans were not guaranteed freedom of religion until 1978 ?
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By: gramma rock on September 12, 2009
at 8:22 PM
Please do not judge all Texans by what the other Village Idiot in our statehouse says. I did NOT vote for Rick Perry nor do I agree with him.
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By: Homewrecker on September 12, 2009
at 7:41 PM
Donna and Jean – just re-read your posts and frankly, they are calm, cool and brilliant. Keep up the good work.
vgman- wish I could sit in on one of your classes.
gdfunny – that was perfect. Absolutely dead, solid perfect. come back more often.
Easier – YES, YES, YES! Sarah Palin kept referring to “real American’s”, as in small towns in red states. I kept thinking, wait a minute: I was born here, I grew up here, I’m an American even if I do live in New York City. I pay taxes, I vote, I volunteered at Ground Zero right after 9/11 (the first and last time I ever hope to smell the smell of decaying bodies. can Sarah Palin say the same?) …how am I any less a real American than anyone else who lives in this country?
And to that point, Poolman, your link hit home with me. I don’t know how many of my fellow bloggers are NY’er who were here that day, but i still, to this day, can’t talk about 9/1/01 without crying. That is to say, sobbing. and I didn’t even personally know anyone who died that day. Friends and family of friends, yes, but no one I knew first degree. I consider myself very lucky in that regard but this is how devestating that day was. If even 1/4 of that interview was true, the rage, sorrow and anguish it engenders…
Can you imagine my dismay as I watched Spanky and the gang twist this to their advantage to invade Iraq which had nothing, nothing, nothing to do with these attacks? And Osama Bin Laden still hasn’t been “smoked out of his cave.”
But Obama wants to bring healthcare to everyone and HE’s the bad guy. Sheesh
Sorry guys. I’m a little sensitive right now.
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By: helenandmargaretFan on September 12, 2009
at 7:14 PM
Mary, I refer to red states as a whole. As a voting mass. I know there are many liberals, that is to say, open minded people, there as well — including my sister-in-law, who had her car keyed because it had an Obama bumper sticker on it. (no kidding. this is georgia as well.) This is to address those conservative people blogging here (and you are welcomed to do so, except for Craig until he does some actual research) who idealistically think that racism is a thing of the past. It is not. It is not. It is not.
gramiam, way to go! good catch.
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By: City Girl on September 12, 2009
at 6:13 PM
One of the best lines I heard about Joe Wilson, “Is he the same Wilson, who co-starred in the Tom Hanks’ movie?”
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By: no one's puppet on September 12, 2009
at 5:40 PM
nice work gram,
yet another “fact” that the men behind the curtain’s real agenda is to get the “dark-man” out of the white house and restore our country to______________________ … you can fill in the blank….
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By: lori on September 12, 2009
at 5:35 PM
“Joe the Dumber” is not only a true asshat, but he actually voted for a bill that uses tax money to pay for Healthcare for illegal aliens. Can we say “you lie?”
http://www.opencongress.org/articles/view/1219-Joe-Wilson-Voted-to-Provide-Taxpayer-Money-for-Illegal-Immigrants-Healthcare
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By: gramiam on September 12, 2009
at 5:17 PM
oops, I meant to say “Too bad for SC that another Ass Hat has gotten OUR attention”
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By: vkyama on September 12, 2009
at 4:54 PM
Helen,
Regarding your “p.s.” I sure did notice Nancy Pelosi’s look! Man, those were awesome death rays shooting out of her eyes.
Too bad for South Carolina that another Ass Hat has gotten the attention. Between Joe ‘Turrets’ Wilson and the Appalachian Trail walking Governor I think we have the beginnings of a classic Cluster F*^%.
Sigh. What next ?
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By: vkyama on September 12, 2009
at 4:48 PM
“What has gone on, and goes on, in the name of intelligence services, are true crimes.”
http://hidhist.wordpress.com/terror/911/dissent/andreas-von-bulow-interview-former-german-minister-of-research-and-technology-speaks-out-about-september-11th-and-after/
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By: Poolman on September 12, 2009
at 4:21 PM
“The document, entitled Rebuilding America’s Defences, was written in September 2000 by the neoconservative think tank, Project for the New American Century (PNAC)….
… This is a blueprint for US world domination. But before it is dismissed as an agenda for rightwing fantasists, it is clear it provides a much better explanation of what actually happened before, during and after 9/11 than the global war on terrorism thesis.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2003/sep/06/september11.iraq
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By: Poolman on September 12, 2009
at 3:43 PM
helenandmargaretFan on September 12, 2009
at 9:20 AM
Good post. You nailed it.
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By: jsri on September 12, 2009
at 3:43 PM
Hi Hallie,
At first I went hunting for a link to a story about the paid expenses for attending. What I ran into made me laugh out loud.
From July 22, 2009 article, a commenter on ‘The Post and Courier’ in Charleston, SC:
Tea Party Agenda
12:00-12:15
“Where is his birth certificate” Investigative Report by Jim Demint.
12:15-12:30
“Why we love Sarah Palin” Confessional.
12:30-12:45
“Why Rush said that even though I am poor, Why I don’t need health insurance” Talkback session.
12:45-1:00
“It’s because he liberal, not just because he is Black.” Townhall meeting.
1:00-1:15
“It didn’t matter when Bush did it!” roundtable discussion.
1:15-1:30
Symposium on “Voting against your own Economic interests” sponsored by S.C. republican party.
1:45- Raffle for all expense paid trip to Accompany Mark Sanford on “Appalachian Trail” with 2 day Buenos Aires layover.
–
THX again Hallie. And if I find anything on the other thing I’ll link it.
8) ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 12, 2009
at 3:05 PM
To City Girl.
Don’t paint all Red state people with such a broad brush. We are not all racist. Also you will find bigots and racist in every part of this country.
My husband and I have both had black co-workers and friends.
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By: Mary on September 12, 2009
at 2:22 PM
Any truth to the rumor that some of the teabaggers in DC were sponsored? The saner among us would really like to know if letters or emails were sent out prior to the event saying that if the recipient showed up, expenses would be covered.
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By: Hallie on September 12, 2009
at 2:21 PM
My Aunt is an assisted living facility in Georgia. This year, the first black woman was allowed in residence. (yes, it took until 2009). Dinners are served in a communal dining room. My Aunt, born and raised in the north, was THE ONLY ONE who would sit with this woman at dinner. Please, please, don’t tell me people in Red states aren’t racist.
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By: CIty Girl on September 12, 2009
at 2:11 PM
Who are the real Americans? Could somebody just tell me? I was listening to CNN just a while ago and the guest was being interviewed about the tea party protests going on. He referred to “real Americans”. I have been hearing that statement since the last presidential campaign. Who are these real Americans and what about the rest of us? I wished the host has asked this guest about who these people are. Waited and waited and the question was never asked. That is the problem with the MSM right now. Please follow up with questions when statements such as those are made. Please tell us who these real Americans are!
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By: Easier on September 12, 2009
at 1:58 PM
I’ll actually be in Hilton Head, SC next weekend. Wilson’s zone. Anybody want souvenirs?
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By: Poolman on September 12, 2009
at 1:53 PM
I think it was the “SlapHappyConservative who couldn’t find any evidence of racism among his right wing cohorts. I’ve got news for him. He is either totally dense or ignorant of its signs. I suspect his observation is a lot of both.
I belonged to an organization recently that has nothing to do with politics yet 90% of the people there were conservatives. They knew which way I leaned politically and during the past election went out of their way to try to convince me that they harbored no racial animosities. But their actions said something else. When they thought I was out of earshot their conversations were chock full of all the hidden racial codewords we’ve come to know along with some of the most egregious examples of the nasty ones. Whenever I challenged them it was always a case of my “hearing incorrectly” or taking words “out of context”.
Needless to say, I’m no longer affiliated with the group and feel as if I have just taken a warm, soapy shower.
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By: jsri on September 12, 2009
at 1:17 PM
As a liberal Democrat that was born and reared in South Carolina, you can just imagine how I felt when I found out that jerk was from my state. This year it has been one fool after another who has made me ashamed of my home state. Please don’t judge South Carolinan by the ones that you see on television. Some of are actually sane here.
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By: Mary on September 12, 2009
at 12:16 PM
I’m sure congresspersons and senators were doing all SORTS of things during Obama’s speech, from twittering to writing their grocery lists to dozing off to actually listening to worrying about their social lives. Here in CT a photo was taken of a couple of Democratic legislators playing solitaire on their laptops while a Republican was speaking. But none of the aforementioned people yelled “you lie!” at the president! Many just might have thought it — it IS okay to have differing opinions here, at least so far. But a little respect for the office and the occasion, please.
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By: Susan in CT on September 12, 2009
at 11:35 AM
What do all of you think of Congressman Eric Cantor twittering during the President’s speech? What a punk loser.
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By: no one's puppet on September 12, 2009
at 11:05 AM
To happyconservative –
“It has nothing to do with the color of his skin, but with the problems we perceive in his policies. Why then, are we labeled Racist?”
If it were true that your problems with the president have nothing at all to do with the color of his skin, ten you would in fact be discussing hte problems with his policies. Your representatives would be discussing the actual wording of the health care bill on the news, in the papers, in congress and whether and in what manner it differs from what he said in his speak. Your representatives would be talking to the public about the BILL, instead of shouting out “YOU LIE!!” while the President is addressing congress on national tv. Your ilk would not be insisting, shaking, quaking and in tears, that he is NOT AN AMERICAN CITIZEN!!!! He was born in Kenya, Indonesia, Timbuktoo, anywhere but HERE!! I WANT MY COUNTRY BACK!!!! Oh, yeah?? Back from whom? Back from where?? Just exactly whom do you think it is that has STOLEN “your” country?? A legally, democratically elected president? Who just happens not to be the one YOU wanted? It’s very blind of you to suggest that the birthers, the deathers, the tenthers, and all the rest don’t have race at least a little bit at the bottom of all their groundless, baseless hatred and fear.
“I understand that some people feel like their skin color is a road block of some kind, but I don’t understand that, either.”
Of course you don’t understand it. You have to live it to understand. I’ve explained this ad nauseum here before, and it’s a waste of my time, so I won’t do it again. Suffice it to say no group of people in this country was bought, sold, beaten, lynched, denied education, denied the right to VOTE, systematically, institutionally and en massse, because of the school they didn’t go to or the clothes they wore. Yes, slavery and blatant racism are dead, because black people worked, fought, suffered, went to jail and died for years and years and years in order to kill them, but the mindset that made people think it was ok in the first place is NOT dead, not by a longshot. But no, I don’t expect you to understand that at all.
“It’s certainly not a factor in our decision making,”
I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt here and assume you are just naive rather than out and out lying. Most right wing conservatives that are causing the problems are from the south. I play a game with myself every time I find myself having to go to the south (I would never WANT to go just for kicks). I try to see how long I can go before I hear the word “nigger.” The last time I was in Brason, MO, it was a whole three days. The last time I was in Nashville, TN, unfortunately it was only 5 hours. You say righ twingers don’t think about race at all? I simply call BULLSHIT.
“and we get tired of it being used as a club against us (and an unjust one at that). ”
Too friggin’ bad. You’re the ones who insist on comparing Obama to a monkey (people at McCain and Palin rallies were seen regularly carrying around stuffed monkeys with Obama stickers on the foreheads), who insist he can’t be American because his father had the audacity to be from KENYA (eewwww!!!!). You have a lot of nerve to come here and piss and moan about having to lie in the bed YOU made for yourself.
“It seems like every decision, every policy, every perception you have of the world is viewed through the lens of race. Why is that? I just don’t understand that way of thinking. Every time you favor one group over another because of the color of their skin, you promote racism. Aren’t we supposed to be past that?”
It really sounds like you are accusing the majority of the left of voting for Obama simply because he was black. I thought you didn’t even even see race, didn’t think about it? But yet it doesn’t occur to you that we voted for Obama because he was the smarter, more composed, better educated, and more in touch of the two candidates offered? With better education, energy and health care platforms? And he made a much wiser choice in running mates. But no, it couldn’t possibly be any of those things. We HAD to have voted for him simply because of his race. Tell me, why aren’t YOU past THAT?
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By: HoneyJoRumples on September 12, 2009
at 10:44 AM
Here here, hip hip hurray and three cheers, helenandmargaretfan!!!!
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By: HoneyJoRumples on September 12, 2009
at 10:14 AM
President Obama’s
Weekly Address 9/12/09
Losing Insurance Can
Happen to Anybody.
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 12, 2009
at 9:45 AM
Love your blog…. when you ladies retire, my girlfriend Marcy and I will take over.. Right On!!
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By: Denny on September 12, 2009
at 9:32 AM
Happy, I’m glad you are enjoying the diversity around you. Living in a melting-pot city myself, I am often delighted to realize, when walking down the street, that I’m hearing many languages being spoken and none of them is English. How dull and colorless the world would be if everyone were like me!
That said, I’ve also spent some time in the South. With the notable exception of yourself, it is very clear that racism (and sexism, but I won’t worry my pretty little head about that right now) is alive and well. But, for some more personal examples, my friend’s father bemoan’s that “N…” in the white house. He actually says that word. My own educated, worldly, travelled, republican Uncle made the crack during the election, ‘If he wins, we’re going to have to call the White House the Black House.” I heard Obama referred to as “uppity.” Then he was an “elitist” because he went to Harvard. (The guy did what he was supposed to do, study hard, rise above, and he was called names because of it. Was it because he didn’t know his “place”?) These comments, and those emails mentioned in a previous post did not come from the left. It’s lovely to say you, personally, don’t think of race, but your party members most certainly do. This is an intelligent, well spoken, personable, accomplished, decent, educated man and all people can focus on is the level of melanin in his skin. To this way of thinking, Bush was a dim-whitted, bumbling, incompetent embarrassment but at least he was white.
When Bush was clearly inventing reasons to invade Iraq and people started to get wise, they were called “unpatriotic” for not blindly supporting the president. The right wing, these same people who cry “patriotism” when it’s convenient, should show their patriotism by respecting our democratic process and acknowledge that Obama was fairly elected by the people of the United States of America to be the president of this country. He happens to be a black man. The right really needs to get over it.
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By: helenandmargaretFan on September 12, 2009
at 9:20 AM
Folks – I read all of Margaret & Helen’s blogs faithfully – and love most of the responses. I have a personal experience comment to make about how health care has morphed through the last 20 years. When I was younger, we had health insurance (Blue Cross). You went to the doctors. You got billed. You sent the bill to the insurance carrier who paid 80% or whatever the calculation was. You paid the balance to the provider. Then came HMOs. No bill… Sounded good. But most people didn’t know that “no bill” meant that the medical provider had contracted with the HMO to accept a lower payment for services rendered. Kind of like what medical providers do for Medicare/Medicaid patients. Balance gets wiped out. Now, in order to make their money back, providers jumped the cost of health care across the board. Guess who pays the most. Uninsured patients. I was in the hospital for 4 days in 2001 – no insurance and $12,000.00 medical bill. They sued me. My boss is a lawyer and called their attorney to see if we could get the bill lowered. Their response? We do not discount hospital bills…. Hmmmmm. Medical providers cry about the paltry sum they receive from medicare/medicaid patients (and to a point I agree with them. Yet they accept less than full billing of services from insurance carriers. We need to get health insurance companies out of Wall Street and back into Main Street. Our citizens’ health and ability to get treatment must NOT be a luxury afforded to the affluent. And we need to get drug companies out of bed with the government. If health care coverage (and housing for that matter) were true-market based we would not be in the trouble we are in today.
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By: Debbie in CT on September 12, 2009
at 9:07 AM
Jo,
I have a display way up high in my classroom near the ceiling (my classroom is covered with little lessons that I point to all the time).
It shows two hearts each with faces on them.
One face is smiling and the other is frowning in a mean way.
The caption….”Are you kind-hearted or mean-spirited? Which road are you travelling down?”
We emphasize character traits in our school in a big way.
Every student serves on a committee at one point during the school year. It’s called Kid’s Character Committee. Basically, they learn a lesson and then return to the classrooms to teach it to their peers. Ongoing discussion around the trait throughout the month integrated into our regular curriculum as much as possible. New month, new trait.
And…..for all those Beck, O’Reilly, Hannity wannabees…..we don’t allow your kind to thrive in our school. We do not bully others.
We say it out loud every day, everywhere.
If there’s one thing bullies hate, it’s knowing that others are calling them on their behavior.
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By: vgman on September 12, 2009
at 8:59 AM
Good to know Lori, thanks for the feedback.
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By: Jo on September 12, 2009
at 8:38 AM
Jo, When we lived in Dallas my children attended an Episcopal prep school. Their curriculum included an ethics class starting in Kinder! It was “taught” daily and was used as a dovetail to their English, history, religion, Spanish class. The students would write a paper weekly (yes even the kinders would “write”) pertaining to whatever lesson was being taught in the other classes. Great course… great school…. Good luck on your endeavor.
I am off to watch some serious college football…. GO MSU! LOL
Greytdog give em hell in DC tomorrow….. Have a great weekend all… namaste’
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By: lori on September 12, 2009
at 8:28 AM
VGman- You sound like a great teacher. To start critical thinking about civics, and society, at such a young impressionable age is something I have been advocating for awhile.
I went to public schools in Florida, I often joke that I’m lucky to know my alphabet. No, I had some good teachers. But what really got me was my college ethics class. My professor taught us about a man named JS Mill.
JS Mill’s big thing was 1. seeking out opinions that oppose your own. Why? Because you may learn something. You may be wrong, or you could confirm your belief. Great stuff.
He also has a quote that basically says that; opinions, and prefernces are subjective, and that just because many people share a belief, it doesn’t make that belief any better, it just means more people share it.
I have often argued there should be ethics class in public schools starting in fifth grade. I fear that the basic understandings of right and wrong, and decsion-making don’t get taught until the kids are adults, if ever.
People like to say you can’t teach ethics in school because it’s like religion. Not true at all. All ethics does is help people understand that certain things we do harm people, and that hurt, more often than not, is not justified.
Sorry guys, I just rambled a bit. But I would like to see some feedback on this. Because someday, I think I would like to actually implement a program that would teach ethics in schools. Thanks guys.
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By: Jo on September 12, 2009
at 8:15 AM
LOL Good one Joe……
And that is what I have been trying to say …. Our country isn’t as polarized as “they” would like you to believe. Our country hasn’t gone to hell in a hand basket, our kids aren’t lil evil devils that only need “God” in their life or GOOD parents to straighten them out. The overwhelming majority of our country are good, civil people that all want the same thing essentially. 70 percent of our country IS sane… It’s time we stop buying into the “other sides'” fear mongering EXTREME views as if they represent a significant amount of the population. They don’t deserve “equally time” or in the birther, deather, tea baggers case, they don’t even deserve to be listened to! Just because they say it louder and more often doesn’t necessarily make it sane.
The other side is literally dying off, the majority of the people left on that side are just scared shitless and are like drowning rats clinging onto the side of a sinking boat. I’m tellin ya they are THAT desperate.
Thanks for the link Joe….
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By: lori on September 12, 2009
at 8:11 AM
New Rules with Bill Maher
http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/real-time-new-rules-grow-set-and-stand-70
I swear he must be related to Margaret or Helen
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 12, 2009
at 7:46 AM
Hey everyone,
Just wanted to say thanks to a lot of you on this blog. Jean makes a strong point about going the extra mile to learn more, read more, and make decisions on fact and not hearsay.
Poolman, Tine, PSU, Greytdog, Whirled Peas, and many others–you provide many links that help us all sort through the clutter–and I appreciate that.
A note for Poolman–I’ve been working hard over the last several years to help my 5th graders understand the Bill of Rights. We do a yearly assessment called the CBA (Social Studies/Civics Classroom Based Assessment) which requires the students to write an opinion paper based on their understanding of civics in relationship to a current event. Since the Patriot Act, I’ve focused on the 1st and 4th amendment. This year, I’m thinking of challenging their thinking with the 2nd amendment.
As a public school teacher, I am careful not to fill their minds with my views, but to teach them how to critically think about an issue and see all sides and then form an opinion. That’s the foundation of the CBA and a requirement in the paper.
We have learned about the history of the Pledge of Allegiance and written about the religion clause in the 1st amendment. We have conducted interviews and taken polls. We have talked with librarians about the 4th amendment and wondered if it is OK for someone to search their locker or desk. Just a few examples.
My main point is that I want my students to know what is most important to them as citizens.
So anyways, with all the fussing going on between both parties in the country, I wanted you all to know that I am trying to lay the groundwork for a better future–one where kids grow up to be adults who choose to think for themselves and work to make life better for all of us.
“Do we want more hurt in this world? Or do we want more caring in this world?” Simple questions that can drive students to be lifelong learners.
Kudos to all of you for setting that example for others.
Now, it’s Saturday and I’m looking at a long day in the classroom catching up after the first week.
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By: vgman on September 12, 2009
at 7:42 AM
Jean, why are you bothering, just call BULLSHIT when you hear it.
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By: no one's puppet on September 12, 2009
at 6:48 AM
Jean–Craig didn’t leave, he was posting yesterday on another thread. But he’s best ignored–Delurker has persuaded me that it’s best to disregard someone like that. And, while I may be sorely tempted to play Whack-a-Troll, I will do my best to follow that advice.
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By: Donna on September 12, 2009
at 6:38 AM
SC-02: Thanks A Million!
by Rob Miller
“…together we’ve raised over $1 million in small contributions–in less than 48 hours. I honestly cannot believe what YOU have done, and I can’t possibly let you know how grateful I am.
When I first ran against Joe Wilson in 2008, I did it knowing that, like a lot of Americans, I would be fighting an uphill battle. Wilson—as his childish display the other night made clear—does not represent the people of my district, but the insurance industry that fattens his campaign wallet.
8) ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 12, 2009
at 6:22 AM
Hi gang and vgman,
I wanted to reply to ‘Craig’ but I see he has left, either with wounded feelings, his tail between his legs or irate, depending on the point of view.
He wrote with some disdain about Obama graduating from Harvard. I wonder what college or university Craig graduated from. Among Obama’s qualifications, he was a Constitutional Scholar as well as Community Organizer, Illinois politician, US Senator and now elected President. What are Craig’s educational, work and professional qualifications?
Equating Obama’s book and Hitler’s book is really over the top. First of all, personally
I have not read either of them. I would have to take someone else’s word for their content, especially the translator of Hitler’s book from the original German. That would be pretty naïve on my part. Incidentally, ANYONE who is even semi-literate can write a book and if somehow manages to make enough noise about it, can get it published. That doesn’t automatically confer expertise, authenticity or authority to be cited.
Where in the hell did Craig come up with ‘Crystal Night’ in the context of the present political discourse? Unless he is oblivious of history that is the most EGREGIOUS POSSIBLE REMARK anyone could make. If people are going to toss off terms like ‘Socialism’, ‘Facism’ and ‘Nazism’ in the same breath, they really, really ought to define their terms and know what they are talking about!
Help me out here, vgman, as I am doing this off the top of my head. I am capable of errors in memory. Also you are well qualified to fill in gaps I miss.
I am becoming a little weary of doing the history homework for people who were either too lazy or disinterested in school to do it. Rather I challenge people like Craig to look up a few things from SEVERAL RELIABLE SOURCES and then come back for some tea and pie. For instance, check out the origins of the ancient, ancient, ancient Aryan and Semitic races and their ancient, ancient, ancient feuds. Find out about the origins of democracy and monarchy/dictatorships. Learn about the VAST difference between SOCIALISM, (the democratically obtained shared power from the aristocracy with ALL the people); as opposed to COMMUNISM, (the advocacy of the VIOLENT overthrow of the government through REVOLUTION and a DICTATORSHIP of the proletariate [people]).
Then look up the economic, political, and social situations in Germany; how Chancellor Bismarck got busy building the German Empire and the prelude for WWI. Bismarck was ‘ultra right-wing conservative’. (A little to the right of Attila the Hun.)
Marx and especially Lenin had been fomenting communist revolt all over Europe for some time. When it looked like Germany was losing WWI, Lenin skipped out of Germany, in a disguise no less, and went to Russia to get the communist revolution going there and knock Russia out of the war.
Defeated by the Allies, Germany was in shambles especially by the harsh terms of reparations imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. Lenin was successful in his revolution over the Russian Czars. The Romanov Dynasty of Czars had been in power for over 300 years. Russia was also near collapse because of WWI.
Enter Hitler, the little corporal (house painter/ paperhanger?) who wrote a book. He became the leader of the REACTIONARY RIGHTWING ULTRACONSERVATIVE party in Germany. This was called REACTIONARY because of and against the perceived COMMUNIST threat there!
The tactics Hitler used were to drag up the ancient, ancient, ancient old feud between the Aryan (Master Race as he saw it) and the Semitic Races (one of which were Jews). Then he was off and running with frenetic rhetoric; ranting speeches that ran on for sometimes four hours.
Like an incessant commercial that is repeated over and over again on TV, sooner or later even some of the decent German people begin to believe it. As we all know, appeals to patriotism (in extreme, Nationalism) work.
As he gained power and ultimately became the absolute dictator, he dragged in Eugenics.
How many here (Craig et al) know the difference between EUGENICS and GENETICS?
Well, most of us know the results of the horrors of WWII. Some of us Old Timers have lived through it. As I was growing up, I was aware of much of it and personally touched by some of it. However, at the time, like most of my contemporaries, I was more interested in that cute guy a few desks away from me than whatever the teacher/professor was droning on about. This especially applied to required courses outside of my primary interests and goals. I had no clue that sometimes in my later life it would all have significance; affect my life, the lives of my loved ones and my beloved country.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: Jean on September 11, 2009
at 10:46 PM
Thanks Donna, Judith, Lori, and all, who took the time to explain the facts of life to some of our new friends. Living outside of reality, some on the right would have us believe that the make-believe world they have created for President Obama is truth and nothing but the whole truth. In their own mind of course! It would be hard to convince the convinced that some myths out there are just that. Has anyone ever tried to argue with a person not in full possession of his or her mental faculties, who keeps repeating the same things over and over, even though it is not making any sense to the rest of us? Kind of hard. And so, the hate-mongers have to believe the make-believe. Maybe it is a survival tactic? If they stop clinging to their idea of hope (vilifying somebody with falsehoods and total fabrications) they feel they might not make it as a group? I am at a loss at this point, to understand or explain some of the petty stuff still going on. Some of the biggest lies ever told got us into a war that almost sank this country. The right should own up to these lies and earn some respect. Fabricating lies about the non-issue of President Obama being a citizen is time-consuming and is not contributing to making this country any better. Yes, it is more about his skin color more than anything. Some are just so puked about it. Sad isn’t it!
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By: Easier on September 11, 2009
at 10:22 PM
A note from Leonard Peltier:
“I am Barack Obama’s political prisoner now, and I hope and pray that he will adhere to the ideals that impelled him to run for president. But as Obama himself would acknowledge, if we are expecting him to solve our problems, we missed the point of his campaign.”
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=47711102377&__a=1&_fb_iframe_path=%2Fgroup.php
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By: Poolman on September 11, 2009
at 10:20 PM
First things first…Great post as always, Helen. And hats off to Patty from Kansas for a wonderful rebuttal to Wayne. Again I’m a day ahead in Thailand and two days late logging in to the blog.
I’m a 68 year old white woman, a retired microbiologist who lives outside the US so I can have access to top quality medical care at low budget prices.
Watching the insanity taking place now within the US is scary, at best. I used to hang my head when I acknowledged being American and point out that I didn’t vote for the current administration.
Held my head high when Obama was elected and celebrated with all the world. Now with all the recent chaotic nonsense from the wingnuts on didplay I am humiliated. I can apologize for an administration I didn’t support, but how does one apologize for the ignorant behavior and outright hatred festering through the ranks of average Americans> It’s one thing to have a President you didn’t vote for looking a tad crazy, but quite another when a vocal segment of the entire country sets out to display their ignorance and vitriol to the world. What next?
Health Reform Now!!!
Cat
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By: Cat Nesbit on September 11, 2009
at 9:48 PM
The other team is scared, they really are, but they keep tuning in to listen to those who scare them for a living. And if we are honest we, our team, are mad. We’d like our President to be just a little more like Harry Truman and all of our Democratic Senators and Congress people to grow a pair, and while we are at it, we’d like the media to grow a brain and actually report the news and to correct out and out lies. Liberals and conservatives have a common enemy, and that would be the 24-7 media.
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By: no one's puppet on September 11, 2009
at 9:31 PM
For a clearer look at some possibilities re Health Care check out this link to Bill Moyers Journal tonight and his interview with Dr. Jim Yong Kim the recently appoionted President of Dartmouth College.
http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/09112009/watch2.html
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By: jsri on September 11, 2009
at 9:24 PM
Happy my ass.
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By: Helium on September 11, 2009
at 8:51 PM
happy,
You said “Race is not something that those of us on the Right obsess over. We just don’t think about.” Lucky you. I imagine people of color are reminded of their race every single day, and not positively. As Clarence Page said tonight on KO, when “you see a photo of the heckler, you see a white man surrounded by white men.” And when people came to him and asked him if the “Liar” comment was racist, Clarence said “welcome to my world”. You don’t think of race because it doesn’t impact you or your life negatively to be white.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/32806480#32806480
Donna, great comment
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By: kitkat on September 11, 2009
at 8:40 PM
Just catching up after an awesome high school football game tonight. Looks like I missed a little… ahem… BULLSHIT.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 11, 2009
at 8:32 PM
Donna on September 11, 2009
at 8:04 PM –
Well said!!! Not too long at all.
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By: JudyC on September 11, 2009
at 8:26 PM
atta girl donna great post, thank you for saying what i was thinking only soooo much better. (and judith earlier)
And let us not forget Mayor Dean Gros’ funny funny watermellon e-mail, Senatorial aide Sherry Goforth racist mass e-mail, the Saltsman “magic n ” cd…. it’s pretty clear Conservatives ARE thinking about race….
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By: lori on September 11, 2009
at 8:23 PM
Happy. Review the last election. Which party had rallies filled with people talking about Muslims and Kenyans and half-black vs. half-white. Your team. Which party gets the vote of the KKK? Your team. Which party is currently carrying signs with the President’s face covered in symbols of races from history… again your team. WHo has been using the politcs of hate rather than the politics of disagreements? Your team. That’s who.
Who pushed for civil rights? Our team. Who elected the first black president? Our team? WHo has more female, hispanic, black and asian members of Congress. Our team? Who has no issues with gays in the military? Our team. WHo has no issues with a woman’s right to choose? Our team. Why? Becuse we get that the world isn’t black and white.
If you are such a “”happy” conservative, why are you spending so much time here trying to make your point? Be happy. Your team is shrinking everyday… thank God, Allah, the Goddess, the Universe or Harry Potter for all I care. Happy my ass. You seem miserable to me.
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By: GDfunny on September 11, 2009
at 8:12 PM
I also posted this link here before but its time to dust it off
The World Health Organization’s ranking
of the world’s health systems.
http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthranks.html
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By: PalinShutUp on September 11, 2009
at 8:11 PM
Happy, I am more than willing to accept that you, personally, look beyond color to the person and I admire that. However, I don’t believe you are in a position to speak for others, much less for “those of [you] on the right.” Sadly, many of those espouse very different attitudes towards persons of color or of other religions.
Some time, go to politico and read the comments. You’ll read the ugliest, most hateful, most openly racist awful stuff imaginable. Then go to Media Matters and listen to the clips. You can ignore the commentary–just listen to the actual clips of Limbaugh, Hannity, Beck, Quinn, Coulter and the like. Listen to people saying things like “Islam needs to be wiped off the map.” Listen to someone like Savage or Levin. Listen to the preacher who says he wants the President to get brain cancer and die, and to the people screaming that he’s Muslim, not a citizen, evil.
Truly listen and read to what is said by those who agree with you politically. Then step back and ask yourself “If I were someone reading or listening to this, what would I believe about the speakers/writers?” I think you may then understand why there is a perception among many people–myself included–that there is a vicious, racist, anti-Semitic undercurrent among Republicans. I am 56 years old and the 2008 presidential election was the first time I felt physically afraid as a Jew in America. I continue to feel that fear when I listen to many of the people who are high profile Republicans–whether it’s Rush Limbaugh or Sarah Palin or whomever.
Listen to someone like Limbaugh. Hear the ugliness and the lies and the very barely veiled racial slurs (calling Obama the “black man child”). Listen to him say (as he did today–over and over) that Obama hates this country, hates the constitution, wants to tear it up.
Listen to Hannity. When the President very clearly said that insurance company executives were not bad people, Hannity immediately went on the air and said the President had said that insurance company executives were bad people. And it happens over and over and over.
Listen to Beck. He pantomimes killing people. He tells his listeners that ACORN was responsible for the breach of the levees in New Orleans and did so in order to destroy “evidence” of corruption and make George Bush look bad.
Listen to O’Reilly. For years, he called George Tiller “Baby Killer.”
Listen to Malkin, saying over and over that Michelle Obama (one of the loveliest people I have ever encountered) is an angry, bitter person.
Listen to those ghastly purveyors of ugliness–Levin and Savage.
You may disagree with the political views of the left. And you may sometimes hear frustration or anger or fear from us. But please–listen to the people who form the public’s opinion of conservatism today. Put yourself in the shoes of someone who genuinely wants this country to be a land of opportunity and prosperity and health for everyone. And listen from that standpoint to the statements about how liberals are stupid, Communist, Socialist, Fascist, you name it.
You seem to be a courteous and well-meaning person. But before you form opinions as to what “liberals” think or believe about conservatives, please stop, listen, read–and then ask yourself if some of the opinions to which you take exception aren’t a direct product of those who do purport to speak for conservatism.
I apologize for the length of this post, all. It is too long but I’m not sure how to express this more tersely.
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By: Donna on September 11, 2009
at 8:04 PM
sorry, that was supposed to be psu, not psp
and happyconservative,
the USA stands very low compared to the rest of the world in health care, costs keep going up, yes, but the quality of care has declined
some of my uninsured friends go to Europe to get affordable surgeries, one particular friend recently had cataract surgery done overseas at a fraction of the cost
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By: PalinShutUp on September 11, 2009
at 7:56 PM
the way I see it happyconservative, you can call me psp btw, is that ‘your way’ the poor keeps getting help, the rich continues getting richer over the backs of the middle class
and in ‘my way’ enough is enough
there’s nothing wrong with capitalism but not at the expense and suffering of the majority of the country
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By: PalinShutUp on September 11, 2009
at 7:48 PM
Previous psychological studies have found that conservatives tend to be more structured and persistent in their judgments whereas liberals are more open to new experiences.
http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-sci-politics10sep10,0,2687256.story
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By: PalinShutUp on September 11, 2009
at 7:43 PM
Happyconservative, for every right wing leaning video you can produce, I can produce a left wing leaning video. Big deal. You win. I give up. There is ugly on both sides of the rainbow. Is that your point? Wilson was ugly with his choice of time and place to make his public display. Get past it. Fight a GOOD fight. If you want truth, look past the fringe. Get to the heart of it. We need to take this country back. Left wing or right wing, we all got to live together. I don’t want to be you and you don’t want to be me. Get over it. We voted in a president that has a blue jersey on and you are on the red team. You lost. You have a little more than 3 years to effect a change to the top. I’m sure campaigning will begin soon. You can get your new “king” and maybe you’ll feel happier, maybe you won’t. Meanwhile those behind the scenes keep gathering wealth and power, controlling all the resources on the globe.
If you are here to just stir up anger and trouble, what is the point? You won’t change anyone’s mind with your tone. If you are here to contribute, for starters: Quit throwing stones. There are some very skilled stone throwers here and their aim is usually good. But they usually don’t chunk them at you unless provoked.
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By: Poolman on September 11, 2009
at 7:41 PM
“Politics was never intended to be a career choice. Public servants serve us. Politicians serve themselves.”
Well said.
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By: happyconservative on September 11, 2009
at 7:38 PM
and my name is not palin it is palinshutup, lets just get that straight mmmk? 🙂
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By: PalinShutUp on September 11, 2009
at 7:35 PM
happyconservative, show me proof that your way is better than ours
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By: PalinShutUp on September 11, 2009
at 7:33 PM
my my my, how quickly they forget the death threats, ‘traitor’, ‘un patriotic’ accusations of the Dixie Chicks for speaking out against Bush
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By: PalinShutUp on September 11, 2009
at 7:31 PM
Palin,
I don’t doubt that premiums have risen over the last ten years. Everything is getting more expensive. What makes you think that coverage will improve under a government run plan?
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By: happyconservative on September 11, 2009
at 7:31 PM
Since the issue of race has been raised so often on the blog, today, let me ask you all a question. As you can tell from my screen name, I am very conservative in my view points. I have to confess that race isn’t something I or any of the people that I associate with really think about. At least it never comes up or seems to be an issue.
Just to clear the air, the people that I work and hang out with are Asian, Hindi, Muslim, and African American. My best friend is Asian from Singapore and used to be my boss. We don’t always agree we always enjoy discussing things. My current boss is an African American woman. My best friend at work is Hindi. As you have probably guessed by now, I’m an old white guy, and I live in the Dallas, Texas area; an area of the country that I find cosmopolitan.
When we discuss things (football, politics, or anything else) we sometimes agree and sometimes disagree, but it’s all based on the facts at hand. It’s the same when we disagree with the President. It has nothing to do with the color of his skin, but with the problems we perceive in his policies. Why then, are we labeled Racist?
I understand that some people feel like their skin color is a road block of some kind, but I don’t understand that, either. Some people will discount you, deny you work, or otherwise try to limit you for something as simple as the type of cloths you wear or the school you attended (or didn’t attend). I’ve been denied jobs because I looked the interviewer in the eye too much. JNQ-T had it right. There are a lot of idiots out there, regardless of which side of the aisle you’re on.
I think that I will probably be put the Troll bin for what I’m about to ask, but I think it’s a fair question that needs to be asked. Race is not something that those of us on the Right obsess over. We just don’t think about. It’s certainly not a factor in our decision making, and we get tired of it being used as a club against us (and an unjust one at that).
To our way of thinking … no, I’ll speak for my self, here. To my way of thinking, it’s the Left that promotes racism. How? By emphasizing it in everything you do. It seems like every decision, every policy, every perception you have of the world is viewed through the lens of race. Why is that? I just don’t understand that way of thinking. Every time you favor one group over another because of the color of their skin, you promote racism. Aren’t we supposed to be past that?
So, please explain this to me. I look forward to hearing your comments.
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By: happyconservative on September 11, 2009
at 7:30 PM
“Never teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.”
duly noted!
Delurker Girl: ‘Where is the most reliable place to get data on how much insurance premiums have risen in the past 10 years, and how much coverage has declined? And who would have reasonably unbiased estimates of how much they are expected to continue to rise?’
don’t know if this is what you are looking for but it fell on my lap a couple of days ago
Health Care Budget Deficit Calculator
http://www.cepr.net/calculators/hc/hc-calculator.html
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By: PalinShutUp on September 11, 2009
at 7:14 PM
Whirled Peas, I always liked George Carlin. People always dismiss him as just a comedian, but he had a lot of wisdom. He was a good observer. He was bolder with sharing these things the older he got. Sheeple would rather not hear about it.
There are so many diversions and versions of reality that we function in, that we miss a lot of the big picture. We want to think the best of most people. For people to believe that there is evil 👿 in the world with a master plan to own and control us, is too much for the average person to conceive. We would rather battle with each other and paint those we oppose with a Hitler mustache and put a label on our “enemy”. We overlook a lot to see things the way we perceive them. We win small battles, but we are losing the war.
I hope this healthcare debate has opened our collective eyes somewhat to the forces behind the people that are supposed to represent us. At least to the amount of money and power that control them. A lot goes on behind those closed door meetings. We are on a need to know basis at best. I know it has awakened me once again.
I am saddened that the Fox network with Murdock’s agenda presented is so widely viewed and taken for truth. There is some truth there, but it is tough to weed out. And the propaganda that it spreads is much more powerful a force.
MSNBC, Time, CNN, etc., is set off against it. All the major networks are controlled by the wealthy. Our whole society is controlled. From the crap in our food and drink (screwing our health) that the media pushes to the clothes, products, and “reality” Hollywood pushes. Now “they” have data files on each one of us that has an email or cell phone. No wonder guns and ammo are selling like crazy. You can feel the oppression, sometimes.
Pretty exciting times we live in. But consider the forces behind what people are doing or saying. Don’t tear each other apart.
“For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12
With all these invisible waves giving us cell phones, radio, and TV and include the magnetic forces set out across our planet to distort our reality, it is a constant struggle to maintain. I wonder if there is still a peaceful place on this planet untouched by our technology.
Maybe that’s why they called it “The American Dream”. Wake up, people! Think “The Matrix”
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By: Poolman on September 11, 2009
at 7:01 PM
Like every other liberal blog, I see this one has its share of moronic right wing trolls, throwing their tantrums and telling their lies.
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By: Terry C, NJ on September 11, 2009
at 6:55 PM
Wayne:
For once in your life, think for yourself and STOP parroting everything you hear from Rush and Faux News.
If anyone has “bad ideas”, it’s YOUR side.
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By: Terry C, NJ on September 11, 2009
at 6:54 PM
The republicans have no interest in working with progressives or democrats. They simply want to say no. The dynamics may have changed a bit after President Obama gave his speech on health care. The replublicans looked like the fools who were shouting out at the meetings held in August.
Racism: It is a definate factor. People holding guns areound where President Obama is speaking would not have been allowed under the Bush’s or Reagan.
Joe Wilson spent time telling people they could not say anything bad about Pres Bush because a war was going on. Anyone who opposed the Iraq war was abetting the terrorists – remember that. The change when Obama became President was immediate and sad. It was OK for FOX to call him racist.
I held back my reactions when Cheney/Bush insisted that we start wars which were not necessary – not anymore.
President Obama is a black man. He is President.
He started his Presidency with economic issues which could easily have sunk the economy.
The right reaction: There are record gun sales and people blatantly showing those guns around President Obama.
Democrats: There needs to be some ass whipping of democrats (Baucus and Blue Dog buddies) who are helping the republicans with their NO campaign.
Bi-Partisan: Changes are going to occur because of President Obama. Even the Republicans are agreeing with major parts of the Obama plan. This is only happening because President Obama is plushing hard.
I feel there needs to be a public option now.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 11, 2009
at 6:53 PM
I would like to address some of other issues that I see being raised in this blog.
1) A notion was expressed that the Dems were too nice to the Reps when they took power. When have the Democrats ever been nice? The last time the Dems had a majority in Congress, the failed to inform the Republicans of committee meetings. But then, why should they. They didn’t want the Republican input, anyway. Even now, the President has stated more than once that he will pass health care without the Republicans. Every proposed healthcare amendment by anyone on the Republican side has been killed out of hand. So much for bipartisanship.
2) I have seen several postings that imply racism on Senator Wilson’s part. Why is that? Because, our President is black? Hmmmm. So, disapproving of the President’s actions, policies, or anything else makes us racist?!?! That’s the first thing you think of. Really? Hmmmm. Who’s prejudice is showing now?
And by the way, if race is the chief qualification for President these days, how about J.C. Watts?
3) Thugs in polling places. This happened during the 2008 elections. Two members of the new black panther party posted themselves outside a poling place in Philadelphia. They both wore combat boots and military style uniforms that include berets. One of them carried a billy club. The one with the club was arrested for voter intimidation. Am I the only one that saw this on the news?
You can see the video at Politics Daily: http://www.politicsdaily.com/2008/11/04/voter-intimidation-in-philly/
4) Rush Limbaugh is not the head of the Republican party, titular or otherwise. That’s just a Democrat talking point used to stir up the base. Michael Steele is chairman of the RNC and current leader of the party. Hmmmm. Isn’t he African American?
5) helenandmargaretFan. You bring up some interesting issues. We on the right side of the aisle perceive the same sort of abuses coming from the left.
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By: happyconservative on September 11, 2009
at 6:47 PM
Top Ten Joe Wilson Excuses
8) ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 11, 2009
at 6:47 PM
Helen, I think the time has come for you to address the underlying factor that is going on in this country as only you can do. It’s time to call a spade a spade. Many people cannot deal with the fact that a “N…..” lives in the White House. They express their emotion couched in other issues. Yes, you have referred to the KKK several times and these people wish they could resurrect that group.
Craig has brought up in his ramblings the fear factor. The fear factor in this country is not to be ignored or just called right wingnuts. There is a real fear among the population today. A perfect example is the aftermath of a hurricane. First you have the criminal element, the looters, then you have the hoarders and then you also have the caregivers. The hoarders are the mainstream. They are so afraid that there will not be enough for them and theirs that they hoard all their provisions even though they know they will run out. The hoarders live with the fear factor. Call it the Mama Bear syndrome.
Yes, I think the Bush era added to the fear factor but this mentality has been a part of our civilization for many centuries. Think back to the nuclear war scares and the bomb shelters everyone built and the stock piling of goods. Times have not changed. So now the hoarders are stock piling guns and ammunition rather than staples.
We who are progressive can ignore the ramblings of the people in power but we should not ignore the ramblings of middle America. Let’s deal with their fear and be the caregivers that appear in the aftermath of the “Hurricane” which has hit this country or should I say “Tsunami”.
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By: Raji on September 11, 2009
at 6:01 PM
Craig: your post “was not meant to spread hate” but all you did was quote those Hate-Mongers, Beck, OReilly, Palin, Limb-O. You HAVE to admit the things they say are for no other reason but to incite. (Death Panels? Seriously? SERIOUSLY?????) Throwing around words like Nazi-ism, socialism – when if you examined the facts you would find these are misnomers in so many ways…. you were just repeating what you heard on Fox, the same channel that barely mentioned the passing of Ted Kennedy unless it included mention of chappaquiddick, the same channel that aired “So you think you can dance” rather than Obama’s speech, the same channel that when Scooter Libby was being brought up on charges NEVER EVEN MENTIONED HIS NAME…(I know. I watched because I wanted to see how they handled the issue. Two hours later it dawned on me his name never came up.)
helenandmargaretFan was right: What you had to say was not the brightest. Judith took you down point by point. I think you’re leaving this blog because you know you’re in over your head and you’re starting to learn everything you’ve been spoon fed to be true is simply not. That has to be unsettling.
I read somewhere that “liberalism” or “conservativeism” is genetically predisposed, kind of like being heterosexual or homosexual. (don’t argue that last point, Craig.) I might actually believe that since i was raised in a Republican family and from a very early age I remember thinking — “This doesn’t sound right. This sounds wrong.” I didn’t quite know how to articulate it but I knew in my gut it was not decent. so don’t worry about it, Craig. Perhaps you were born to think the way you do, perhaps we were born to think they way we do. interesting though, that the Blue States have more of the higher institutions of learnining than the red, and blue states have more book stores per capita than the red. Perhaps it’s a migratory thing.
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By: City Girl on September 11, 2009
at 5:57 PM
Jesse,
I followed your link and read one of the articles on your blog. There’s nothing wrong with getting up and soldiering on. There’s nothing wrong with trying to win. It’s that drive for excellence that helped to build the United States into the great country that it is. The spirit of independence and self reliance that you describe is what’s driven us to the great hights that we have reached as a nation. And, it’s been the efforts of individuals that have made it happen.
It’s good to know that the spirit of self reliance is alive and well. Keep pushing yourself. Keep achieving the things you want to achieve in life. As long as you are will to put forth the extra effort it takes to make things happen, you will go far.
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By: happyconservative on September 11, 2009
at 5:48 PM
Vitriol?!?! Do you want to talk about vitriol? Let’s talk about the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. Harry called citizens of this country Evil because they had they had the temerity to speak up on issues they thought important. Coming from such a high ranking member of our government, that’s an attempt to squelch free speech. Not only was Harry’s comment offensive, it was unconstitutional. Where’s his apology?
And, let’s talk about the bucket loads of hate speech generated by the Left. Let’s start with Margaret and Helen. Or, are words like “moron” and “pile of shit” not hate speech? What about “idiot” and “illiterate”, from previous blogs. In earlier postings, Helen went so far as to compare people from my side of the aisle to Klansmen. Isn’t that vitriol?!?! If you don’t like what you are getting, then stop dishing it out!
When people like Harry Reid start apologizing for their heinous conduct, I’ll write to Senator Wilson about his behavior. When the Left in this country stops acting like a bunch of over amped junior high kids and starts conducting themselves in the same way they want to be treated, the vitriol will stop. Until then, I don’t have any patience for the self-righteous double standard.
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By: happyconservative on September 11, 2009
at 5:38 PM
You ladies are a breath of fresh air. You should be in Congress instead of Joe Wilson. He should get a whupping from his granny — for being no gentleman. I already wrote to him, to tell him he owed ALL of us an apology for his behavior. And South Carolina needs some remedial civics lessons or something… because they don’t seem to understand what qualifies someone for office.
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By: Raine Spencer on September 11, 2009
at 5:34 PM
People. Telling eachother to get frontal labotamies and screw themselves is going to solve nothing. I am from a very red state. I disagree with people here about healthcare because I support Obama’s plan. But the way the red majority treats me is the same way you have treated those who disagree with you on this blog.
People say and do stupid, mean things. Get over it. Can we all grow up and stop calling eachother names?
P.S. Helen, you kick ass.
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By: JNQ-T on September 11, 2009
at 5:30 PM
I will post no more.
I truly meant no ill will nor malice towards anyone on this site.
My posts were not meant to spread hate but were reactions to other posts.
Using historical events to draw rhetorical parallels to “todays” issues and events.
I sought answers and communication about the state of our country and its people.
With that, I was demonized and condemned.
So now I can hear the “oh there he goes pleading his innocence speech”
May God Bless and watch over each and everyone of us.
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By: Craig on September 11, 2009
at 5:27 PM
Aside from Rep. Wilson’s unbelievable rudeness (and, no, Democrats didn’t yell at Bush during joint sessions of Congress), there are some other interesting things going on here:
1. Even after Strom Thurmond publicly acknowledged his bi-racial child, Wilson kept insisting that she should have kept quiet about her paternity and that it wasn’t true.
2. On top of being rude and stupid (illegal immigrants are not covered under any federal program), Wilson is one of those birther nuts.
3. Wilson is one of those select Southerners who belongs to the Veterans of the Civil War, aka “the South will ride again.”
4. Without playing the “race” card (and I’m white), the vitriol leveled at this President is the worst I’ve ever heard or seen, i.e., “I want my country back,” doubting the President’s patriotism because of his name and parentage, refusing to believe he was born in this country (although some birthers don’t believe Hawaii is a state), calling the President a liar to his face, etc. seems pretty racist to me (and does the rightwing poster of President Obama as The Joker look like minstrel makeup only to me?).
There is some good to come out of Wilson’s childish display, however. His probably Democrat opponent has raised of $800,000 so far and now tops Wilson in most likely voters polled in his district. For those of you who are interested, the probably Democrat candidate in the S.Carolina 2nd district is Rob Miller, http://www.robmiller2010.com.
Last, but not least, I used to live in Nancy Pelosi’s district and that look she gave Wilson is pure Italian mother. She sure looked like she wanted to turn Wilson over her knee. Way to go, Nancy!
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By: K2inSR on September 11, 2009
at 4:55 PM
So, I know people yelled out at Bush a few times, but at an address to congress? Arn’t these people supposed to be civil adults? I know preschoolers with better manners.
And didn’t a lady get arrested for wearing a certain shirt at a speech Bush had made. And she was an average citizen. I mean, when did rules and etiquette start applying only to people who share the same opinions? Did I miss the memo?
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By: Jo on September 11, 2009
at 4:11 PM
Great post … I just do not think I have any passion or patience left for the politics of today.
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By: Secret TalkerΔ on September 11, 2009
at 4:01 PM
Excellent post, Poolman.
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By: Raji on September 11, 2009
at 4:01 PM
Wow Junebug. Googled Kristin Maguire. Incredible. What the heck is going on in SC? Looks like the Repub Party is imploding beginning with the kooks (Wilson, Sanford, Maguire) from the land of Strom Thurmond.
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By: Hallie on September 11, 2009
at 3:49 PM
I gave the wrong name above..it’s Kristin Maguire, former South Carolina Board of Education Chairman, who recently resigned. Dunbar is a wacko on the Texas Board of Education. Sorry for the error.
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By: Junebug on September 11, 2009
at 3:41 PM
Poolman,
You’ve got quite a grasp of the situation. Reminds me of a man ahead of his time..
George Carlin ~ ‘The American Dream’
*NSFW or mixed company! 😉
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 11, 2009
at 3:31 PM
8 years ago today, we were a different country. What we have stepped through in the past eight years is impossible to undo. This is not the same America we find ourselves in today. We are much less free now. We are slaves to the government and the almighty banks – those who carry our debt. Or more directly those behind the governments and the banks. We had a regime change, but the master agenda is still intact. We can win these little battles between the right and the left and play this whole thing out, us against them, from now until the cows come home. It is all a diversion. We are being passified with these theatrics. And some of the players are very convincing. It gives us the sense of importance and of progress.
I say look back on all we have lost in these 8 years. Do we feel safer? Is anything better than it was? Hasn’t this all served to further separate the peoples of the world? Look to the very elite in this world. They have merely better secured their positions of power.
There are a lot of unanswered questions about 9-11. The government investigation still leaves much unanswered and is in no way unbiased. There is much evidence out there that contradicts the report’s conclusions. The push for an independent investigation is stronger than ever. I have heard that only half of the people in NYC believe the government’s version of events. It is a very controversial and emotional topic.
I would like to see us regain the rights and freedoms we have lost. Once gone, they are next to impossible to regain. I would like to see the Patriot Act reversed as a start. If we can get Big Brother out of our lives, we can be freer. We need to audit the fed, and better yet, get rid of it. Ahhh, but that is what JFK was beginning to do, and we know where that led…
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By: Poolman on September 11, 2009
at 3:09 PM
I am thinking perhaps the man was correct and you folks don’t open your eyes to the truth. One day you will wake up and skip a dose of the coolaid and get a clue. Better service with no more doc, no illegals covered, savings garnered via cost cuts and fraud abuse being stopped? who is kidding who here. Wake up people you can’t all be this blind.
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By: wondering on September 11, 2009
at 3:05 PM
Well done, Judith. Craig’s post was so stunningly stupid I didn’t have the energy to take it on (refer back to my singing pig comment). You did a superb job.
I live in NYC. I lived here on 9/11/01. Today is a solomn day. I tried to watch the ceremony at ground zero this morning and started to cry. Guess the wounds haven’t healed. Not sure they ever will.
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By: helenandmargaretFan on September 11, 2009
at 2:21 PM
Great post as usual, Helen, and most of the comments are just great. I find it very strange that so many people who live in red states are so afraid of “socialism.” In 2005, of the 32 states that received back more than they contributed in federal taxes, 27 (84%) are republican states! Of the 18 states which contribute more than they received, 14 states (78%) are Democratic states. Our tax dollars are supporting South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama. I guess that make such tax-sucking states Socialist States!
joe wilson certainly isn’t an example of the refined “Southern Gentleman” who prized “civility” above all else. And, Cynthia Dunbar, former chairman of the South Carolina State Board of Education, is apparently no lady. Google her for an interesting read (albiet not for those under 18). In is unbelieveable that Republicans think they can increase their number by acting as they do. wilson showing his ass in front of the entire U.S. is priceless.
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By: Junebug on September 11, 2009
at 2:19 PM
Thanks for the heads-up kitkat.
KO with Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY):
More Americans Supporting Public Option!
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 11, 2009
at 1:54 PM
Judith: Excellent. So well put.
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By: Δ Tine on September 11, 2009
at 1:51 PM
If people like Craig are afraid, it is due solely to the fear mongers out there on the right. There is no substance or basis to the lies, but the lies are not questioned. I’m with Judith — if there were “storm troopers” at polling places, back it up with evidence. If people state these things, we should insist that they give us evidence, something other than rhetoric, to back up what they say and be taken seriously. It’s one thing that boggles me about the “liberal” media right now, how they don’t ask follow up questions when people make statements.
Oh, and Craig, Hitler wasn’t Bavarian, he was Austrian. And one of the main reasons he came to power was that people couldn’t believe that such a extreme minority group could get elected to parliament, let alone take over the country. (oh and my source: The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, by Schirer). That is is the lesson we all need to keep in the back of our minds.
BTW thought KO’s special comment was great last night, but also his interview with Congressman Wiener — this is someone we need to listen to – very smart guy.
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By: kitkat on September 11, 2009
at 1:25 PM
Thanks, Greyt. How’s your knee today? You had a pretty big day yesterday.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 11, 2009
at 1:18 PM
DelurkerGirl you might want to go to FactCheck.org
They’re pretty reliable – and they have links to their sources. Same with ProPublica
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By: Greytdog on September 11, 2009
at 1:14 PM
Where is the most reliable place to get data on how much insurance premiums have risen in the past 10 years, and how much coverage has declined? And who would have reasonably unbiased estimates of how much they are expected to continue to rise?
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 11, 2009
at 12:55 PM
Responding to JudyC: I’m not surprised by the rising cost of your healthcare – CA has a large illegal population that is straining the system. Hopefully, a public option will help the state as well as it’s employees. As it stands now, the insurance companies are calling the shots – and everyone is at their mercy. They can cover themselves by raising the co-pay portion – I have a friend who works in a medical office and her doctor visit co-pay is $50 – that’s ridiculous! Take care ! Dee
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By: Dee - NJ on September 11, 2009
at 12:53 PM
Hahahahaha,
Nancy Pelosi looked like she was about to shit peach pits the size of bricks.
I’m only 45, but NEVER in my day have a EVER seen a Presidential Speech like that.
Not only was Joe Wilson totally disrespectful of the Office, the sight of a bunch of old, white farts sitting there and openly disrespecting the President (Do I need to mention he’s “black”?) was enough to make me want to (as my 17 year old daughter puts it) “yarf”.
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By: sillywhabbit on September 11, 2009
at 12:41 PM
Just a few points:
“This man from no where, with a dubious past”” – where does he have to be from? He was born in Hawaii and even if he hadn’t been, his mother was a US citizen which makes him one. Or are you planning to disenfranchise all the children born out of the country to our military families?
“Who could rise from being a street corporal organizer” – Community (not street corporal) organizers help people in poor communities get jobs, get health care, get an education and participate in democracy, just as if they were middle class or better. OMG, how dare he? No, actually, that’s a good thing.
“A degree from Harvard” – yeah, and he earned his way into it, it wasn’t a legacy. Pretty impressive, wish I could have done it. But then, you call intellectuals the enemy. Let’s see, intellectuals. People who think. People who like thinking and do it for fun. Whooo, scary. It only makes sense to consider intellectuals the enemy if your position won’t stand up to scrutiny or debate. Go ahead, call me one. I’ll be happy as a cat in sunshine. I practice really hard.
I saw no storm troopers, black or otherwise, at my polling place or town halls. I did see footage of people carrying sidearms and, while they had the legal right, I believe the intent was to scare people away and stifle debate. This is not democracy in action.
Dreams From My Father was about a young man’s imaginings of his absent father, the reality he found, those who helped him and about his desire to not only do well for himself but to do good for others.
Mein Kampf (My Struggle) was about how Hitler had been done wrong throughout his life – statements like “We were stabbed in the back by the generals” – and was about how he and people like him could manipulate a takeover of the country (and other countries), discontinue any semblance of elections or democracy, and bully or kill anyone who disagreed. Because they felt they had the right to get even. See the difference?
That imagined dystopia is unlikely to come from a movement to enfranchise people and help them to education, health care, a living wage and a better, more productive life. In the past, those sorts of societies have come from the desire to rule the world for God (whoever’s God – pick any one) and profit. This doesn’t sound like the Obama administration. It does sound like Pinky and the Brain, who we’ve just shown the door. And Good Riddance.
“Take ’em out back and thrash ’em” is a poor joke and would be horrifying if it were meant. I don’t believe it was and I would be all in favor of criminal charges if anyone attempted it. But I enjoyed the thrashing y’all got at the ballot boxes last November. Satisfying and legal. The communities have organized and this is democracy in action.
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By: judith on September 11, 2009
at 12:37 PM
Delurker has persuaded me.
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By: Donna on September 11, 2009
at 12:19 PM
WEllllllllllllllllllll, Craig, you are correct, there is “fear” underneath… And we have to look no further than Faux news, the right blogs, the talk show carnival barkers, and apparently M&H’s front porch to read rants from the fearful.
THANK the good lord that most of the people in this country chose hope over fear November 4, 2008, and are focused on the future while they have a clear memory of the past.
Again, I suggest to you, instead of trolling personal blogs with your kookoo for cocoa puff “stories”… Get out there and work for the individual you would love to see elected. Or better yet, stand for office yourself!
Untill then I guess you will just have to suck it up buttercup and live with the duly elected individuals that are currently in office.
ORRRRRRR you could always move to a country that represents your views more closely (and doesn’t respect free elections of course.)
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By: lori on September 11, 2009
at 12:06 PM
Such a great response on this blog, but that’s not unusual!
30 something son insists that if Limbaugh, the titular head of the Republican Party ever becomes the annointed leader, he is taking his 30 something self to Canada. Swears Limbaugh reminds him in too many ways of Goebbels, the Nazi Party propaganist.
That’s him sayin’ this . . . and he is an independent.
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By: Mageen in Old Virginny on September 11, 2009
at 12:01 PM
Thoroughly enjoy Helen’s posts and the great comments.
in response to Dee – NJ on September 11, 2009
at 2:02 AM:
I am a state employee in CA. State employees don’t have actual government health care. We have health insurance that is partially paid for by the State (that is part of our pay benefits package that is negotiated by our bargaining units. We give up pay raises in order to have this insurance). Employees make up the difference between the actual cost of the policy and the amount the State pays.
Over the years, my portion of the cost of the policy has gone up considerably and the amount of my co-pay for each doctor visit has increased. Also, the insurance companies are covering less and less of each claim, meaning I am responsible for more and more of each claim submitted. And as far as choice, I am limited to only 4 carriers from which to choose for my coverage.
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By: JudyC on September 11, 2009
at 11:54 AM
Poor, poor, misguided Craig. Was there a single original thought in anything he has posted? Certainly not. He is just regurgitating the vile hate speech of Beck, Bill-O et. al., which is their only tactic – not discourse, not fact-checking, not debate, not examining both sides of an issue – because that’s all they’ve got. Besides, it’s far more easy to rally the masses through fear. (And who else did that? Oh yes, Hitler. There I said it.) You have to feel sorry for a person like this who needs to be told how to think because he is too intellectually lazy to form an opinion of his own. Sadly, he chose people who are inclined to go off the deep end on a regular basis as his resource. And, Craig, so did you. Go off the deep end, that is. We welcome opposing opinions here, and you might have engaged posters of this blog in some valuable exchange, but now that will never happen because you showed us who you are, and more importantly, who you are not. Fellow posters, there’s an old expression: “Never teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.” I think this applies here. Just ignor this silly, silly person.
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By: helenandmargaretFan on September 11, 2009
at 11:44 AM
http://www.ehow.com/how_5028942_handle-forum-troll.html
1 & 2 need to be given a chance to work before resorting to 3, IMO.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 11, 2009
at 11:38 AM
Claire–you are so right. Turning to something actually worth discussing (since Craig most definitely is not), did you see that former generals are taking on Cheney for approving torture?
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By: Donna on September 11, 2009
at 11:36 AM
Glass houses, indeed.
Craig’s last statement eerily reminds me of the previous 8 years, minus the reform, of course.
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By: Claire on September 11, 2009
at 11:31 AM
Thats OK JuneauJoe.
I’m comfortable in my skin.
Me..Hate filled?
I’m not asking forgiveness for what I wrote.
I merely stated what fear is being generated underneath. The fact that we need “reform”
…and we must have it right now!
The mentality of present “left” states…
We will have reform with your cooperation or we will do it without your voice and you will have to suffer what ever we vote upon you.
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By: Craig on September 11, 2009
at 11:24 AM
Craig,
The more I read Craig’s writing, the more I think he is a hate filled troll. He seems like a dumb ass who likes to intentionally provoke others and then say, “I meant it in a good way.”
I am off the internet starting tomorrow but I think I would ignore him if I were to be around.
Craig – I am concerned about you my friend.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 11, 2009
at 11:14 AM
Craig= boring troll
Go watch FAUX News for some more sound bytes, yawn. Their slogan should be:
“If we want your opinion, we’ll give it to you!”
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By: Claire on September 11, 2009
at 11:13 AM
Matthew…do what ya gotta do.
Obviously, if I have a different opinion
and or express myself that is adverse to the
posters on this blog.
If you have to… Block me.
I did not use the “N” word..I did not traffic in homophobic statements. I read the “masters” wishes for posting on this space..and thought I was within the limits.
Block me..
Do that, and you will be silencing just one voice.
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By: Craig on September 11, 2009
at 11:11 AM
No, it’s the inane ramblings of someone who actually believes that he can appropriately equate 6 million deaths with others’ disagreement with the nuttier aspects of the conservative movement. There are very few people who I consider contemptible. You are. Your comments have been ignorant, malicious, juvenile, and uninformed–quite a feat of incompetence to manage, yet you have pulled it off. Why don’t you trot off to Free Republic where you’ll fit right in? But don’t equate your typed vomit with anything approaching legitimate ideology. You’re no better than Michael Savage–dishonest, stupid, hateful, and–ultimately–worthless.
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By: Donna on September 11, 2009
at 11:06 AM
No I did not know that donna had relatives or family that died as a result of the Holocaust.
I have made no homophobic statements.
I made my comments as a direct repudiation to “lets take them all out back and give them a thrashing”
Is that literal or sublime?
Labels..go ahead and hang them on me.
I’ll wear the Star.
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By: Craig on September 11, 2009
at 11:05 AM
It’s not a white/black thing.
It’s an ideological issue.
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By: Craig on September 11, 2009
at 11:01 AM
Matthew–I echo PalinShutUp’s request. Craig came on this blog insulting the hosts and has now acknowledged that his “Crystal Night” comment was intentional and meant to equate political disagreement with the loss of 6 million Jews and the attempt to wipe out an entire culture. Worse (at least from a human standpoint), he continued to do so knowing that at least one person who had taken offense had personally lost family members in the Holocaust.
I would never want this blog closed to other viewpoints. However, I think when someone is anti-Semitic or racist or homophobic, they should not be allowed to participate. This is someone who absolutely sinks to the lowest possible level and I respectfully submit should not be permitted to poison this wonderful blog.
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By: Donna on September 11, 2009
at 10:50 AM
“I think I would rather my future children be raised with an open mind and learn how to be a good citizen of this country, than to allow them to be exposed to the ones that are currently up at the mic hopped up on drugs, sleeping with mistresses, in the pockets of big businesses telling my future children how they need to think, because God told them that them that the black man in office is going to kill their grandmothers and allow illegal immigrants to move into their homes and throw a wedding for the gay couple next door and party with the staff of the abortion clinic down the street.”
Thank you, E!! That just made my day!! 🙂
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By: Liza on September 11, 2009
at 10:46 AM
people in glass houses
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By: Craig on September 11, 2009
at 10:41 AM
Craig = B-I-G-O-T
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By: PalinShutUp on September 11, 2009
at 10:33 AM
OMG, please Mathew, shut the gate to troll Craig
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By: PalinShutUp on September 11, 2009
at 10:31 AM
You idiot Nazi screamers must have all failed History………..Hitler and the Nazis were all about THE ARYAN RACE……..white, blond hair, blue eyed people.
This is apparently the worst thing you ignorant fools can think of to say. You make no sense, you have no intelligence and all you want to do is perpetuate the hate that is too prevelant in America. What small, bitter lives you must lead. And I would bet that you sit in church on Sunday and pride yourselves on believing in Jesus. Disgusting !
I can not believe that this is what you teach your children, that your mouth that speaks such filth, is the same one that kisses your children goodnight. Your are the scum of the earth………
How many of you are without insurance, how many of you or your family members have been denied coverage, how many of you are or have family on Medicare or Medicade, Social Security? How many of you drive on our highway systems that were created by the government under Dwight D. Eisenhower, the last decent Republican.
EVERY Senator and Representative has Government provided, Public option health insurance paid for by YOUR tax dollars. THEY have the best money can buy, but they don’t want you to have it.
But the issue isn’t health care, is it?? It is all about hate……….
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By: Colorado Blue on September 11, 2009
at 10:31 AM
Wow! Trolls can pretend to do research but hey, do they remember when Heckler Wilson called Rep. Filner (D-CA) anti-American and worse when Filner had the “nerve” to correct Wilson (without rancor) about who had supplied some big time weapons to Saddam Hussein. Wilson insisted that it was the Russians but the calendar clearly showed that it was little old US! Wilson also trashed Strom Thurmond’s African American daughter for revealing who her daddy was and how young her mamma was and how powerless! I guess one just does not tell the truth about racism and racists and sex! Oh, my! Wilson was at one time an intern in Thurmond’s office. Can I say Neo-Kluxer here?
Wilson’s Democratic opponent has raised more damn money since the Heckle Heard Round the World than he ever did and in a very short time and it shows no sign of stopping. Wilson’s expiration date is showing!
Must definitely be something in the water in South Carolina. Sen. Graham (R-SC) badmouthed President Obama’s speech as mean-spirited etc. Governor Sanford refuses to resign no matter how big a joke he becomes. Sad!!!!!
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By: Mageen in Old Virginny on September 11, 2009
at 10:25 AM
I’m afraid I must call “troll” now too. Craig has shown his true colors.
For the record, Craig, I’m not calling you a troll because you disagree. I disagree vociferously with my Republican dad and brother-in-law, but I don’t call either of them trolls because they are (a) able to listen and debate civilly, and (b) have not demonstrated evidence of insanity.
I’m calling you a troll because you have outed yourself as a delusional wingnut who actually believes there are serious similarities between Obama and Hitler.
Bye-bye now.
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By: Δ Tine on September 11, 2009
at 10:24 AM
Just to be Fair & Balanced:
Congressman Wilson, who heckled Obama, now seeks campaign cash.
Or you can still help Rob Miller.
$765,460 in 39hrs since Joe Wilson opened his mouth.
===========
$19,627 per hour
$327 per minute
$5.45 per second
Keep talking morans!
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 11, 2009
at 10:23 AM
I decline to engage with an anti-Semitic troll who spouts the Glenn Beck talking points and will not do so further. Clearly, he lacks either intellect or critical thinking and has demonstrated his bigotry, ugly soul, and lack of character.
I will say to the pie eaters (whether I agree with their politics or not), that the troll is an example of why our current president won the election. Many people were sufficiently dismayed by the ugliness and stupidity and venality of the Right that they came out in record numbers to support a candidate of intelligence, education, and an understanding that different cultures are worthy of our respect.
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By: Donna on September 11, 2009
at 10:12 AM
For Wayne, I don’t know about what most Congressmen and women get in the way of healthcare, but I do know that that Wilson as well as his sons and their families get FREE healthcare due to them serving in the military..no matter the branch, although his sons have certainly served more than their father. Free medical care, TRICARE, and referrals out to private doctors at DofD’s expense. Yet he sees free healthcare as only for him and his family and has stated healthcare for returning vets should not be an option. Piece of work there….. And for those of you posters who think just because you are low income that you qualify for Medicaid…..think again. I make too much to qualify for it, and too little to afford insurance. There are many of us who fall through the cracks.
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By: Susan on September 11, 2009
at 10:11 AM
DONNA….
Not apologizing…And your right…
It was some bad shit that happened in 40’s under the Nazi’s.
Here is a quote from someone’s earlier post I was referencing with my “crystal night” comment..
“It is about time the GOP was called on their policy of lies and propaganda, on their deception and duplicity, on their BULLSHIT and hate-mongering. When they started sleeping with the right-wing Fundamentalists they embraced all of their Christian bigotry too. Now the entire country is paying for that stupid embrace.
It is time the GOP is paid back in kind. Let’s vote the bastards out of office. Failing that, take’em out back and thrash’em.”
So DONNA….
Not much different from lets get out there and make all people who don’t believe the way we do with funny noses and who listen to tush or Beck pay for what they have done to our society for the past eight years ..so same type of hysteria of 1938 seems to be preached on this site…and they said history repeats itself. WE are right and THEY are wrong. Get your brown shirts out and put on your arm bands and lets beat back this bunch who are standing in our way…
Rev Wright, Van Jones, ACORN..I have brought up all three on this site and no one answers whether ACORN or van jones had ulterior motives and very dubious actions in their past or present.
That might be why the shelves of ammo and supplies around the country are very limited.
People are scared and have a right to be.
When you can have black storm troopers standing with billy clubs outside polling places and people ranting like Bill Mahr about the right, religion and everything good about America and playing host to intellectual left wing snobs..it doesn’t take long to connect the dots.
This country is as about as polarized as never before..and your going to lay
that at my feet?
Again yep..Your right DONNA
“Crystal Night” was bad..but it was just a hint of what was to come…Never had Jack Boots and never will.
I salute the man who went against protocol and had the visceral nerve to shout and point at the
der Führer that he lied.
The masses, the common people standing still with mouths shut, these people let a little Bavarian Corporal with his Brown shirts, his SS
and other various splinter groups take over a democratic government and drive the world into war. If you have ever watched black and white films of the era..you will see people hauled off for speaking up..and ending in a re-education camp.
Yep Donna, I’m scared…we’re all scared and thats why your are seeing the back lash at meetings between the people and their representatives. That was the first time the people were able to get on their hind legs and finally not be shouted down.
To say NO. NO to this man from no where,
with a dubious past who could rise from being a street corporal organizer, a degree from Harvard
a one term senator who wrote a book called
“DREAMS FROM MY FATHER”
an autobiography…
..
not much different from a man of the past
who wrote about his life… with
the english title of “MY STRUGGLE”
But you would know it as
“MEIN KAMPF”
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By: Craig on September 11, 2009
at 10:01 AM
Dee – NJ you are right, what stupidos in congress and their blind followers do not see, or choose to ignore, is that the very Americans struggling to keep their homes due to health care bills, loss of insurance….are
the middle class
the poor, elderly, prisoners…are taken care of already
SC, please tell Wrongway Wilson that speaking out is OK but turning the presidential address into the Jerry Springer show is NOT.
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By: PalinShutUp on September 11, 2009
at 9:41 AM
We in San Francisco are very proud of our Nancy Pelosi !!!
Love your blog!
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By: Martha on September 11, 2009
at 9:25 AM
Here’s a book I want to read that you might enjoy: Rupublican Gomorrah: Inside the Movement That Shattered the Party by Max Blumenthal. He is, I believe from the excerpt I read, referring to the rise of Christian fundamentalism in politics. Eisenhower was afraid of this possibility and saw it during McCarthyism. Eisenhower wrote “It is difficult indeed to maintain a reasoned and accurately informed understanding of our defense situation on the part of our citizenry when many prominent officials, posessing no standing or expertness ecpet as they temselves claim it, attempt to further their own ideas or interests by resoritng to statements more distinguished by stridency than by accuracy.” He was talking about the rise of fasicm in Europe that led to the Nazi’s but was intelligent enough to know that such a fundamentalist rise could happen in any country when the people are desperate to give their lives meaning by submitting to a cause that takes all the guesswork out of the anxiety of living in a democracy. As Bill Maher summed up in Riligulous, it’s when we stop asking questions and start being absolutely certain of our rightness that things become dangerous.
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By: Anne on September 11, 2009
at 9:22 AM
I noticed Pelosi’s face/reaction when Wilson said what he did. Her expression was CLASSIC!
I ❤ her. and you guys of course.
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By: humie on September 11, 2009
at 9:19 AM
Anonymous, it’s not that Ol’ Screemin’ Joe disagrees with his president on a point in the healthcare bill that is a problem. One function of the two-party system is to provide checks and balances and different points of view, with the notable exception of the 8 years of the Bush administration where they simply ran roughshod over the Constitution. That said, it is HOW Joe handled the situation. He was rude and classless. He was disrespectful and boorish. He chose to be an ass in a very public venue during a very important speech. THIS is who you want representing the Republican Pary?
Well, so much the better for the Dems.
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By: City Girl on September 11, 2009
at 9:12 AM
Son of Strom–that is just outstanding. Beautifully written.
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By: Donna on September 11, 2009
at 8:41 AM
Son of Strom, I salute you!
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By: Δ Tine on September 11, 2009
at 8:41 AM
I have to admit that I am represented by the intellectually challenged Screaming Joe. Here is the letter I sent him the morning after his outburst:
Congressman Wilson:
I remember you remarking on several occasions that it was not only unpatriotic but dangerous to criticize or disrespect a President while our troops were in harm’s way. I cannot imagine why there would be a difference in whether that President was named Obama or Bush. I for one am sick of hearing South Carolina Republicans offering insincere apologies for their indefensible actions. The only honorable thing for you and the Governor to do is resign your seat and let someone else represent the state with dignity and competence.
My wife and I had already sent a contribution to Rob Miller based on your opposition to much-needed health care reform; several other people in my office have indicated they are going to do the same thing after listening to the President lay out a compelling case and witnessing the disgraceful actions of you and your fellow obstructionists.
Cordially,
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By: Son of Strom on September 11, 2009
at 8:40 AM
I have a pair of my son’s size 14 workboots around here somewhere I would happily send to you….as always, you said it the best!
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By: Cheryl on September 11, 2009
at 8:24 AM
Sorry … one correction, I meant POS WILSON.
VERY sorry, Rob Miller.
Mea culpa. And mine lone.
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By: Voltairesneighbor on September 11, 2009
at 8:18 AM
The best and most effective way to hit Rep. Joe Wilson where it hurts (and I hope that the House censures his behavior which goes clearly against House Rules, and censures him even after his apology which was much less than heartfelt) is to contribute to his opponent, Rob Miller, who will stand in next year’s election.
Some here have already already posted links to the ActBlue site and to the Mudflats write-up. Rob very nearly beat POS Miller in 2008 after having been greatly outspent in a district that basically leans Republican, so he has a real chance if we all help him now. The ActBlue site has already collected nearly $730,000 for Rob. It makes me very proud to see how many of my fellow US citizens are outraged by such atrocious behavior and that they feel so strongly that they are ready to put their money where their mouth is.
I am reposting the ActBlue link now just in case readers missed it upthread so that you don’t have to scroll through the responses again.
http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19079
Let’s keep the money flowing to this very worthy cause. Rob Miller is an Iraq vet who supports the kinds of reform that our country needs. He would serve the interests of South Carolina and the nation well.
************
Also as some have mentioned above, I believe that it is not necessarily bad for the President to have Q & A periods with Congress much like the British Prime Minister has with the British Parliament. But a speech given to a Joint Session of Congress has traditionally never been the occasion for that. Further, there is one reason, and one reason only, that THIS President has been subjected to the kinds of atrocious behavior exhibited so shamefully by RW Republicans over the past several months. Anyone with an IQ above single digits knows exactly what that reason is.
The Old KKK Guard is still a strong influence and it is as dreadfully ugly now as it ever was. They just don’t wear their white sheets any more.
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By: Voltairesneighbor on September 11, 2009
at 8:10 AM
As I said before I am thrilled Joe the heckler showed his true colors for all to see.
I know it sometimes is hard to believe (considering all who post here are very interested)but MOST people in America do not follow “politics” all that closely. If you ask the average guy on the street who or what ACORN is that would tell you something that fell off an oak tree. Occasionally they tune into a “major” speech in between bathing junior, doing a load of laundry, and catching the first episode of “so you think you can dance”.
I don’t say this as a slam, especially because my well educated, extremely successful businessman of a husband didn’t even watch the speech the other night he fell asleep at 7:30 after putting in a grueling couple of days at work.
But major speeches do attract a larger audience that normally doesn’t have the time, or interest to otherwise listen. A huge percentage of these “occasional” viewers are independents. AS all you know THAT is exactly the person who elects presidents. BTW they an internal poll shows them pre speech 49 pro healthcare reform… post speech 72 percent.
So when Joe the Heckler shouted at our president, people who don’t normally pay attention to daily politics were watching. Almost on cue, as the president was reiterating his campaign promise to be the president of all America, blue and red states represent republican, democrat or independents, and asked for others to do the same and to stop the bickering, Joe the Heckler demonstrated the polar opposite of civility and decorum. Remember Obama was sent to Washington on a message of change and hope, he showed he STILL believes in that message. Joe the Heckler illuminated exactly what the GOP has become.
We progressives couldn’t have asked for a better gift. You can bet you last dollar Joe will be on more democratic ads in 2010 then you can count. Thanks Joe!
Have a beautiful day all…. namaste’
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By: lori on September 11, 2009
at 8:03 AM
Wayne,
Try to get to work today without using a public street. Didn’t think so.
You are the biggest hypocrite if you can’t see that you are taking from the government, but refuse to give back.
Do you have any empathy for those who are struggling?
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By: vgman on September 11, 2009
at 7:58 AM
Bitter = Wayne
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 11, 2009
at 7:52 AM
Craig sez “Sounds like “Crystal Night”
is on the lefts agenda.”
Ah, another suggestion of Nazism there, Craig? Why didn’t you use the original German, afraid you’d be called out on this one?
There are extremists everywhere, on your side, my side, their side, blah blah blah. But we don’t need any smashing and burning and killing. Get a grip.
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By: Susan in CT on September 11, 2009
at 7:07 AM
I have always thought the President & His Cabinet should have a weekly or monthly “questioning” period with Congress akin to the Brit PM’s question hour. It is raucous, rambunctious, and you really have to hold your own. BUT a joint address to Congress is NOT the place for heckling. Sure, there have been hissing, booing even, refusal to stand, competing standing ovations, etc. . .but never actual heckling. That is not only disrespectful to the President but shows a lack of judgment on the part of Wilson. What happens at the next Joint Address? Fisticuffs like in the Japanese Parliament? Has our form of government really descended into a three ring circus that mocks the idea of an informed electorate?
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By: Greytdog on September 11, 2009
at 6:56 AM
jsri sez “I’m grateful that I have had at least a dozen productive years added to my life span by having all this coverage. If similar availability could be provided to everyone I’m all for it. I just don’t understand the objections.”
I don’t either, jsri. Right now I contribute money each month, via my credit card, to the regional food bank, an environmental protection organization, and a local action group that’s been quite successful fighting for various progressive causes in CT. It’s not a LOT of money, I don’t HAVE a lot of money, but I’d be MORE than happy to contribute a little more to help someone who’s uninsured.
The religious posturing that goes on, primarily within the right, seems such a lie when the person they claim to follow apparently wanted all to be well-treated. What DID happen to “I am my brother’s keeper” and “do unto others…?”
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By: Susan in CT on September 11, 2009
at 6:51 AM
I left after a few days and see that responses to my post include comments calling me a racist, an idiot, etc, etc. Also, suddenly the DEPT OF EDUCATION no longer works for the Obama Administration but is simply some good-hearted “educators.” Comments about boots up my ass, lies, etc. Boy, the intellect is really only on the left. I’m fully convinced you guys are right now by calling me a racist and offering to put a boot up my ass. What happened to all that civility your leader is always talking about?
You guys own Congress, own the Presidency, just put one of your own on the Court, and you are so bitter and upset. It must be tough going through life so bitter and upset at your country, at your fellow countrymen, etc. Oh, and your arm must hurt by having it always extended looking for a handout.
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By: Wayne on September 11, 2009
at 6:51 AM
Oh, and the address to the students? I am glad the letter thing with a pledge, for lack of a better word was removed. But good teachers would miss a great opportunity if they did not work some teaching opportunity onto the coattails of a great speech. I would have been pushing a story writing exercise to describe the student’s grand success as an adult. Pre-writting students could draw pictures.
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By: Jo Atlanta on September 11, 2009
at 6:47 AM
I find myself agreeing with some comments and disagreeing with others regarding Rep Wilson. On the one hand, calling out the president as a liar during an important address is rude, and maybe goes beyond rude. On the other hand, I think it is the duty of congress to question the president and not sit politely quiet when they think the president is being less than honest in a publicly broadcast address. Has anyone listened to a meeting of the British Parliment when the PM is addressing them? They are certainly rowdy. Our presidents should have at least as much backbone as the British PM, don’t you think?
Re: health care. I am completely in favor of the “public option”. Take it out of my taxes. I doubt it will cost any more than my current private insurance costs. I aam confident that it would not be cancelled if I really got sick. I have no confidence that my private insurance would be there in catastrophic or chronic illness and likely would not be affordable if I lost my job. Heck, even with insurance, a simple office visit is costly.
And the bogeyman that illegal aliens would get treatment? They already do; in the most expensive venue – ER. Indigents would get treatment without paying for it? They already do if they get themselves to a hospital ER. We are already paying for these people. We need to separate from insurance companies which have their own bottom lines at heart instead of our welfare.
We must have a process that allows people with chronic ailments to afford medicines. We must not allow a catostrophic illness or accident to bankrupt and ruin our fellow citizens who have worked hard their entire lives. We have returned to a situation that is a small step above the old debtors prisons.
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By: Jo Atlanta on September 11, 2009
at 6:44 AM
Thanks once again, Margaret and Helen! I see that Wilson’s opponent in the last election now has more money in his war-chest for next year than he had at the last election time, and most of it donated yesterday!
Patty sez:
“An initial version of the plan recommended that students draft letters to themselves discussing “what they can do to help the president.””
The thing is, that’s not where the sentence originally ended. And yet that’s where a lot of people stopped reading. The sentence continued with “reduce the dropout rate.” Pretty scandalous, eh????
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By: Susan in CT on September 11, 2009
at 6:20 AM
I rewound and only watched Biden and Pelosi during the shout-out. Her look could have frozen Hellfire. My mother had that look. I’m hoping to replicate it to strike fear into my misbehaving child when needed. Biden had that “Dad’s going to seal-with-you-later” expression. Squirm time.
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By: Sarah Teunissen on September 11, 2009
at 5:59 AM
I really just want all people to give the president space to focus like a laser on the issue of health care. The brooh-haha about speaking to students on education, the few minutes of his last health care speech question about possible discrimination of the professor entering his home, even the Cash for Clunkers program ALL distract the media and Americans from this process.
I do not figure I’ll understand all issues about health care he proposes and I may come to disagree with parts — but I factually accept that the present really is not efficient or meeting our needs. So I just want to give him the respect and space necessary to change it somehow. Isn’t that the primary motivation we had for his election?
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By: auburn on September 11, 2009
at 4:55 AM
I wondered what you’d have to say about this particular asshat!
🙂
Not a big Pelosi fan but I loved that look! I’ve gotten it from my mother before and it has stopped me in my tracks!
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By: Heather on September 11, 2009
at 4:07 AM
Europe:
Form Spain we have the probably best health coverage of the world. Very professional.
In Germany, the visit to the doctor cost 1€ and in my country is free.
We have a lot of people who wants to live to my country by this fact. And we have private coverage too, and go on.
That is not problem in my country. Around my city, Madrid, last four years my goverment has built 8 hospitals.
And we have a 18,5% per cent of people who do not find a job, the worst of all. But nobody tell nothing about our health public system.
Maybe is too slow, but totally free. And european level. The better on the world.
I do not understand the money is the problem.
Money is not the problem, the war spend is.
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By: Javier on September 11, 2009
at 3:12 AM
During all of the replays of the point at which Wilson shouted that business about lies I eagerly anticipated Pelosi’s look of death. After around a half-dozen plays I finally looked to see Biden’s face and he was none too pleased. Definitely parents!
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By: Kyle Aldrich on September 11, 2009
at 3:10 AM
Applause for the Speakers of this site !!! The way I see it, there’s millions of people already getting government healthcare. Whether it’s at a local, state or national level: the elderly, the military, the government workers, the indigent, and, of course, the PRISONERS are provided for with PUBLIC TAXES !! The very wealthy can buy their own damn hospital wing ! So, that leaves all the people who don’t fit into any of those categories. Thank God for the people IN those categories who see the need for change ! Keep it going, folks!
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By: Dee - NJ on September 11, 2009
at 2:02 AM
Hi vgman,
Thanks for the correction. I didn’t know it was the House Chamber. Makes sense with more seats for a joint session of Congress.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: Jean on September 11, 2009
at 2:02 AM
Grandma Katie,
No Alaska this year – yet anyway. I decided to take a bit of a break and am doing other stuff for a while.
I willl be looking for a job but trying to hold out until after Thanksgiving. That gives me time to hang out with family and friends as well as hanging out in the wilderness areas.
If I find a job in Alaska, it will be after Thanksgiving. I am also looking at jobs in the lower 48 but not in a hurry with that either.,
Anonymous took the stupid pill too. Does her health insurance cover a lobotomy? That seems to be the surgery of choice for Republicans.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 11, 2009
at 1:54 AM
lets take a moment to pray for Anonymous at 10:43 PM
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By: PalinShutUp on September 11, 2009
at 1:35 AM
KO was great tonight.
My favorite part?
“Town Halls, Death Panels, Oligarhys, a multi-racial president who is accused of hating half his own ancestors, neuroses about communist artwork, the idea that fascism and socialism aren’t mutually exclusive, grass-roots protests bought and paid for by lobbyists and corporations, scared seniors terrified enough to turn to insurance companies for protection against reformers who want to increase their coverage and cut their rates, birchers, birthers, deathers, the voices in Michele Bachmann’s head, the Republican rebuttal to the President of the United States given by a guy who thought he could become “Lord Boustany” by paying a couple of English con men – and now to top off this pile of stupidity: Congressman Wrong-Way Wilson, who — when a President publicly, and ostentatiously, gave credit for part of his health care reform proposal to the very Republican he swamped in the election last year — Wrong-Way Wilson… followed that bi-partisan gesture, by shouting “you lie” as soon as he heard the truth.
It is, this week, evident that the greatest threat to the nation is not terrorism nor the economy nor H1/N1 nor even bad health care.
It is rank, willful stupidity.“
8) ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 10, 2009
at 11:49 PM
Dear Helen and Margaret,
You should get some prestigious award for your blog writing. Hits the nail on the head. What a relief to read something that makes me laugh and not cry. Not since Erma Bombeck and Charles Schultz “Peanuts” creator have I read such entertaining wisdom. Hope you write a million more.
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By: Angel's Mom on September 10, 2009
at 11:43 PM
Joe Wilson seems to be the only one on Capitol Hill with the balls to call a spade a spade! He is my new hero!!!!!
(Can’t wait to see the rebuttals to this….hehe)
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By: Anonymous on September 10, 2009
at 10:43 PM
juneauJoe You”re ot going back to alaska this winter? Gee n
Anytime you can make it t SoCal you will be welcome!
Just hope we h ave no more big fires to destroy our wilderness and they say it was arson!
You know there is a saying “You can’t cure stupid.” Glad to soee you back.
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By: Grandma Katie on September 10, 2009
at 10:32 PM
Hi gang,
Oops! Gotta get used to the new format here. I posted essentially the same thing twice. Sorry about that.
Aloha! 🙂
Auntie Jean
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By: Jean on September 10, 2009
at 10:08 PM
Dear Helen and Margaret,
You are back with another brilliant post. Thank you. I cannot add a thing to it.
the Republican Party is shooting itself in the foot so badly now, that it seems there is no necessity to say anything. But wait a minute. I felt that way for well over eight years because I couldn’t BELIEVE that ANYONE would buy into all that bullshit. So I didn’t say much then. BIG MISTAKE! Nevermore. We have to stand up and refute as well as cheer. NOBODY, but NOBODY does it better than you do, Helen.
On the heels of two of the finest, most inspiring Presidential speeches I have every heard or seen in my long lifetime, I was as speechless as Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden were after that outrageous outburst on THE FLOOR OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE, FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE.
Please keep ’em coming, Helen and Margaret too. You energize all of us. Lead on!
Aloha! 🙂
Jean
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By: Jean on September 10, 2009
at 10:06 PM
Hello Jean,
Actually, the address to the joint session is held the House Chamber. Many more seats.
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By: vgman on September 10, 2009
at 9:52 PM
Craig, I said it about UAW and I’ll say it about you:
“You are one upon whose nature nurture could never stick!”
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By: vgman on September 10, 2009
at 9:48 PM
Dear Helen and Margaret,
You are back with another brilliant post!!! Thank you. I can’t add a thing.
The way things are going, the ‘leaders’ of the Republican party are shooting themselves in the foot so badly we really don’t need to say a thing. But wait a minute. That’s what I thought for well over eight years ago. I couldn’t believe that anyone could buy into all that bullshit, so I didn’t say much then. Enormous mistake. Nevermore. It’s time to speak up and refute, which is what you do so perfectly.
On the heels of two of the finest, most inspiring Presidential speeches I think I have ever seen or heard in my long lifetime, I was speechless, just as Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden were after that unbelievable outburst ON THE FLOOR OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE, FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE.
However, I have learned the hard way to speak up now. And nobody, but nobody, does it better than you do, Helen. Lead on!
Aloha! 🙂
Jean
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By: Anonymous on September 10, 2009
at 9:48 PM
JuneauJoe, I just saw Olberman and howled a few times
Wrongway Wilson, relegate him to the Stupid Panel!
LOL!!!
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By: PalinShutUp on September 10, 2009
at 9:07 PM
Craig’s passive-aggressive “urbanity” makes me miss the upfront honest anger of UAW. At least UAW doesn’t hide behind a facade.
I think Craig needs to spend some time at Yad VaShem. Until such time, anything Craig says is anathema.
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By: Greytdog on September 10, 2009
at 9:05 PM
All I can do is shake my head and laugh.
And….Nancy, would that be one lump or two?
I love this blog.
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By: vgman on September 10, 2009
at 8:17 PM
hi Grandma Katie,
Glad to see you back. I have been spending quite a bit of time in Wilderness areas and places with no computer access. Where I have been staying also had no internet for about 3 weeks while we put a roof on the place.
I take off Saturday to take care of historical buildings next to a wilderness area in Nevada. I am told it will be about a month, so I won’t be on the computer much, except when I go to town (80 miles) for supplies. I will be there until the snow chases me out.
I was hoping to make it to Southern CA and drop by and see you but the house work took too much time.
I have had an amazing summer. The Wilderness areas are surprising me. I am really liking Northern Nevada.
Thanks for checking in.
I too am bothered by the right wing stupidity. I am wondering if there is a pill for stupid that the Republicans have to take.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 10, 2009
at 8:17 PM
Keith Olberman on Rep joe Wilson, special comment
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/ns/msnbc_tv-countdown_with_keith_olbermann#32790023
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 10, 2009
at 8:09 PM
Actually, my post wasn’t complete. Many Jews were murdered. Thousands were deported to concentration camps. I don’t know how many synagogues were destroyed. It is one of the shameful episodes of Nazi Germany. And this Needle Dick thinks he’s funny to use it as a joke? Sorry, folks–this guy is worse than your garden variety troll.
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By: Donna on September 10, 2009
at 8:02 PM
“Crystal Night” is one of the most abhorrent, offensive references that can be made. It deals with the destruction of Jewish businesses by the SS. For it to be used in this context is to repeat the canard about Democrats and this administration being Nazis. Not only is that hackneyed and overused, it is deeply anti-Semitic and it trivializes the loss of over 6 million Jews.
Craig, you came on this blog and acted like an asshole. Then you did this big phony “what did I do that was so bad?” Your subsequent posts have been either stupid or meaningless. This one was flatly offensive. As someone who lost relatives in the Holocaust, I can say with certainty that you are a pig and a boor. I trust you’ll now return to your whining “oh, a guy can’t say anything without being slammed just because he has different opinions.” I assure you–your opinions aren’t your problems. Your bigotry and utter lack of respect for others are.
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By: Donna on September 10, 2009
at 7:49 PM
“…with the economy the way it was last year…there is no way that his war chest was
propped up by Ma and Pa.”
Here is the breakdown, Craig:
http://www.fec.gov/DisclosureSearch/MapAppCandDetail.do?detailComeFrom=mapApp&cand_id=P80003338&cand_nm_title=Obama, Barack
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By: Poolman on September 10, 2009
at 7:43 PM
JuneauJoe – I am still here, mostly just reading and not posting.On the last posting of H elen’s I had such a long rnt on my mind by the time I got to posting it, Lo and BEhold A new post!
All the repugs lately have made me so disgusted that I can barely stand to listen. Glad to see you back. Hope you had a good summer.
The idea that Obamas talk to the school kids offended people made me gag.
Guess theywant their kids to grow up stupid. They are giving a shining example!!
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By: Grandma Katie on September 10, 2009
at 7:39 PM
“Who said during the last election campaign they would not take the “money”..and then did ”
Yeah, I remember that. Obama said he would take the public financing and restrict himself to those limits if McCain would do the same. They were also to abstain from swift-boat type ads.
McCain did not agree. In fact, he never responded to the Obama campaign. Instead, here is a quote from CNN June 20, 2008.
” McCain is embroiled in controversy over his attempt to withdraw from the primary public financing system. He entered the program last year when his campaign was strapped for cash, and took a loan using future fundraising — or the matching funds from the public financing system — as collateral.
But after his primary victories on Super Tuesday, McCain wrote to the Federal Elections Commission announcing his intent to withdraw from the program.
But the FEC has four vacancies — and no quorum — to vote on whether to allow McCain’s withdrawal. And federal election rules say that a candidate who uses the matching funds as collateral cannot withdraw from the system. The Democratic National Committee has filed a complaint with the FEC, but the lack of a quorum has stalled assessment of the complaint.”
Obama was not required to perform his half if McCain wasn’t going to. Basic quid pro quo – if you don’t perform your part of a bargain, there is no bargain and the other party is under no obligation whatever. If anyone broke his word and did the hokey pokey, it was McCain.
And my husband and I are 2 of the Ma and Pa contributors, starting well before the Iowa primary and continuing right to the end.
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By: judith on September 10, 2009
at 7:24 PM
What the hell is happening to this country. I mean it is getting out of control. A lot of it has to do with these morons knowing that if they make an idiot remark it will be talked to death on cable. So it eggs them on to go further and further.
I must be getting old. When I grew up you were taught to respect the president.
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By: girlvet on September 10, 2009
at 7:12 PM
K, that’s terrible (tho unsurprising) that his staff wasn’t more polite! Every caller is a potential voter, they should know that! Guess they know they are too screwed to make any saves today.
Shay, LMAO!
Belle, we know the vocal elite doesn’t represent your whole state. It would be a shame for any state to secede. Any who like to preach it are welcome to go.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 10, 2009
at 7:00 PM
Hey Grandma Helen,
I missed you!!..
Now I live in what is termed a third world nation. And I thought our politics reflected such. But good lord, I have been following the politics and issues in the USA more than I would have since Pres. Obama was elected and I am absolutely amazed at what comes out of the mouths of leaders of the Republican party and supporters of the party, especially the extreme right wing.
I mean I have never heard of people protesting because the leader of their country wants to talk to their children??!! And that the speech would indoctrinate the children into the ideals of socialism??!!…
Are these people for real??
And then this whole Health Care debate. I’ve been following and again I have never seen anything like the shouting and general rudness as has been displayed during August.
People of the USA, we in our developing nations/third world countries, would kill for an Obama to run things for us. Yes I’m sure he’s made mistakes and will in the future. But good lord to call the man a Socialist because he would like as many people to have access to good health care?
I have always been perplexed by the fact that a country with some of the best health care systems/facilities in the world, could exclude so many of it citizens simply because they can’t afford to get sick…AMAZING!!…
You know what Grandma Helen, I don’t feel so third worldy any more, thanks you crazy Republicans!!..
As usual Grandma Helen you rock!!….
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By: Patricia on September 10, 2009
at 6:44 PM
Dear Helen: I thoroughly enjoy reading your last two posts and couldn’t stop laughing. You really know how to put those morons in their places.
By the way, you’re right. Rep Joe Wilson was a former National Guard Officer, and his 3 sons are currently in the military. They have TRICARE, portable free health care(for life) run by the US Goverment. It’s a GIANT PUBLIC OPTION. Of course we didn’t hear Wilson complain about HIS public option health care; he is only against anybody else having the same benefits, and had the nerve to vote against extending more health benefits to Veterans. Yep, he’s one of those bottom feeders who conveniently forget that they’re still feeding at the public trough.
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By: TCV on September 10, 2009
at 6:39 PM
“By the way, Republicans have operations ar Bethesda a lot.”
Frontal lobotomies?
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By: Shay on September 10, 2009
at 6:35 PM
[…] […]
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By: Margaret & Helen Weigh in on Health Care - Politics and Other Controversies - City-Data Forum on September 10, 2009
at 6:30 PM
[…] […]
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By: Margaret & Helen on Health Care - Politics and Other Controversies - City-Data Forum on September 10, 2009
at 6:10 PM
I was so upset over Rep. Wilson’s conduct that I called his office in Columbia, SC (DC office was out of commission) to convey my disgust with his conduct. I was even more amazed with the comments from the person taking calls; her attitude was unbelieveable. She was arrogant, flippant and dismissive of my comments; totally non-repentant. If you look at Wilson’s re-election website, he’s trying to blame his outburst on the liberals. That’s what republicans do when they don’t have answers – just blame the liberals – or create havoc and confusion – or start talking about the flag or gay marriage to incite their base. This is what they do to avoid the real issues facing this country.
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By: K on September 10, 2009
at 5:25 PM
As much as I LOVE politics I love my Steelers more! I’m off to hoot em to victory…..
Keep the porch light on friends.
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By: lori on September 10, 2009
at 5:10 PM
Please don’t judge all of the people of SC by Sanford and Wilson. As a lifelong South Carolinian, I am MORTIFIED by their behaviors and blatent disregard for the respect of their constituents, not to MENTION the POTUS. It is indefensible…every bit of it.
Once again, ladies, you hit the nail on the head.
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By: Belle (from Life of a...) on September 10, 2009
at 4:56 PM
You’ve once again hit the nail on the head just perfectly. I think once you sign up for the Republican Party you agree to immediately give up some brain cells – and you were already likely short because you agreed to join …. etc. Would like to let Nancy P have a go at Joe Wilson. I think she could reduce him to shreds in a few short minutes. Keep writing I love it and so do many other of my like-minded friends here in very red North Texas in Fannin, Grayson, Lamar and Collin Counties.
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By: LisainTexas on September 10, 2009
at 4:52 PM
Way to go Ladies, You said it all. Yes, did notice N.P..
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By: Jordan on September 10, 2009
at 4:39 PM
And furthermore, one of the fundamental principles we have in America is that the president is the commander in chief of the armed forces and attempts to undermine the commander in chief during time of war amounts to treason. –Pat Robertson, 2005
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By: snarla on September 10, 2009
at 4:30 PM
Rush… do y’all remember when he had a hissy fit over some people booing at Paul Wellstone’s memorial at Williamson Arena?
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By: Connie in St. Paul on September 10, 2009
at 4:28 PM
Besides the Joe Wilsons and Sarah Palins of this world, it’s more than just the insurance industry opposing true health care reform. http://edcone.typepad.com/wordup/
“Your tax dollars are subsidizing a major driver of healthcare costs: Agribusiness dominates the agriculture committees of Congress, and has swatted away most efforts at reform.” As stated in the article: “The American way of eating has become the elephant in the room in the debate over health care.” http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/opinion/10pollan.html?_r=1
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By: Hallie on September 10, 2009
at 4:26 PM
Yep Lori your right.
I had to go back and google several sources to see how
Obama put one foot in and then he did his version of the HOKEY POKEY ……
as he had promised McCain that he would accept.
I don’t know what’s better or worse. Supposedly small donations helped Obama over the top.
But lady, with the economy the way it was last year…there is no way that his war chest was
propped up by Ma and Pa.
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By: Craig on September 10, 2009
at 4:22 PM
Dear Helen, as a senior citzen who has seen so much, I thank you for your posts..you truly help my keep my sanity! I was overjoyed to see a new one today. Stay healthy and continue to keep us sane!
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By: Suzanne H on September 10, 2009
at 3:58 PM
craig asks: Who said during the last election campaign they would not take the “money”..and
then did ?
__________________________________________
I’m not sure if Mccain once said he would not take public funding Craig, but he did in the end.
Obama took no money from the public, he raised more by his grass roots efforts…
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By: lori on September 10, 2009
at 3:58 PM
Who said during the last election campaign they would not take the “money”..and then did ?
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By: Craig on September 10, 2009
at 3:51 PM
Sounds like “Crystal Night”
is on the lefts agenda.
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By: Craig on September 10, 2009
at 3:48 PM
[…] a link to Margaret and Helen, who weren’t born yesterday and have earned the right to speak their minds. […]
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By: We’re Betting You’ll Die « Kmareka.com on September 10, 2009
at 3:47 PM
Pool, I don’t necessarily think term limits is the answer. (who the hell could afford to take 4-8-10 years off from their career to serve …. except the ultra wealthy or well connected… and we already have enough of that now.) However we do need public finaced campaigns.
You think you see the right fussing about healthcare…. take their money advantage away and you will really see the shit hit the fan!
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By: lori on September 10, 2009
at 3:46 PM
The Democrats made their initial mistake back in January when the President took office and the new Congressional session began in earnest. They/We behaved like good winners. In other words, the Democrats were just too civilized to put it to the Republicans as they should have. It is about time the GOP was called on their policy of lies and propaganda, on their deception and duplicity, on their BULLSHIT and hate-mongering. When they started sleeping with the right-wing Fundamentalists they embraced all of their Christian bigotry too. Now the entire country is paying for that stupid embrace.
It is time the GOP is paid back in kind. Let’s vote the bastards out of office. Failing that, take’em out back and thrash’em.
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By: Engrady Pind on September 10, 2009
at 3:46 PM
$467k+counting…
Send Joe Wilson a Message.
*by Wes Clark
“With only $300k last cycle, Rob got 46% of the vote. Joe Wilson’s antics have given Rob the opening to win in 2010.
You can make a difference today. You can help Rob Miller rid Congress of Joe Wilson.”
8)
I always liked Wesley ~ Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 10, 2009
at 3:42 PM
It could have been the Sergeant at Arms
OUCH…
The House sergeant at arms carries the mace (silver rods lashed together and topped by a silver eagle), which is the symbol of the authority of the House. If debate grows heated and disorderly, the sergeant at arms lifts the mace high to remind members to restore order.
Thats a Big ah shit! If ya see that coming.
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By: Craig on September 10, 2009
at 3:37 PM
I thought Pelosi was going to march right down there and take him over her knee! The look was CLASSIC!
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By: Tena on September 10, 2009
at 3:23 PM
Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY)
takes on Neil Cavuto on Fox.
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 10, 2009
at 3:21 PM
Helen, as a Canadian who is alive and able to type this, I would not be alive had I been a resident of the US with its severely dysfunctional medical health care system. I would either be dead, a statistic, or my family would have been bankrupted for my care for AML. After 21 one years I am still hale and hearty and able to contribute to society. had it not been for the canadian medical heath care system, this would not be the case. And no, we are not the socialist hordes that your republicans wish to confuse us for. I applaud your President for tackling a huge social issue with ramifications for the better for innumerable people. Shame on those pettyfoggers who would wish medieval standard of medical care to serve for the bulk of your population.
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By: suburbanlife on September 10, 2009
at 3:02 PM
Then would not term limits be appropriate for John Dingall?
He’s been there since 1955.
Could he not survive out in the real world of lawyers?
and as for Football…
Yep..Clemson..and Georgia tonight..but its early.
Since S. Carolina is involved there will probably be some boos.
As to Nancy’s face when she heard the boo…
My goodness that smile finally cracked thru the collagen.
Youda though she heard a fart…
Then Biden wrote her a not…
Wonder what it said?
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By: Craig on September 10, 2009
at 2:54 PM
Yes to term limits. Politics was never intended to be a career choice. Public servants serve us. Politicians serve themselves.
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By: Poolman on September 10, 2009
at 2:44 PM
You’ve nailed it again, Helen. I wonder if respect and common sense have taken a holiday in our country. Unfortunately, I did watch Nancy Pelosi through most of the speech last night. She appeared to be watching herself in a monitor because there were numerous inappropriate times she had her best photographic smile going. I do not trust her to represent our best interests nor the President’s interests. I fear she is self-serving. Maybe that pie and coffee could change my mind.
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By: Marcia on September 10, 2009
at 2:43 PM
Craig:
There is a football game on.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 10, 2009
at 2:42 PM
So Becky..I’ll bet you’ll vote for Kinky Friedman
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By: Craig on September 10, 2009
at 2:40 PM
thanks helen – you always know how to say what i’m thinking, only better. i’m from texas…i’m so ashamed…..i swear i didn’t vote for rick perry!!!
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By: becky on September 10, 2009
at 2:35 PM
I had to watch that video that rush was referring to twice to hear any of the heckling. and Booing, albeit disrespectful is a rather common occurrence at the capital on both sides. What I was expecting to hear…which I didn’t was anyone screaming at the president about being a liar. Did I hear anything like that? ..nope. I’m not saying that what they did was not inappropriate, but it is certainly nothing compared to what the extreme right was demonstrating last night. What a great example of respect to teach the children of this country. What a great way to show foreign countries and partners our national solidarity. Crazy that he had to dig back to 2005 to find a chicken scratch, yet all I have to do is turn on fox news to see it every day.
Apparently to these jackasses, I am “unpatriotic” because I have said that I was embarrassed to be an American during certain points in time. Embarrassed for our country when prominent people representing us (Yes, including Clinton) screws up big time.
On the contrary, I am extremely patriotic. I do believe in the freedoms we all are entitled to in the constitution. I think I would rather my future children be raised with an open mind and learn how to be a good citizen of this country, than to allow them to be exposed to the ones that are currently up at the mic hopped up on drugs, sleeping with mistresses, in the pockets of big businesses telling my future children how they need to think, because God told them that them that the black man in office is going to kill their grandmothers and allow illegal immigrants to move into their homes and throw a wedding for the gay couple next door and party with the staff of the abortion clinic down the street. I am too much of a patriotic American to allow myself to allow the extreme right to tell me whats right and whats wrong with this country.
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By: Entrophy on September 10, 2009
at 2:35 PM
Just discovered your blogsite. LOVE IT!
Thanks for your honesty. Reminds me SO much of my mother.
Go go go!!
Pat
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By: Pat on September 10, 2009
at 2:35 PM
Term Limits…
Did someone yesterday say their should be term limits on our congressmen and senators?
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By: Craig on September 10, 2009
at 2:33 PM
UPDATE: Joe Wilson’s 2010 Democratic opponent has now raised over $400,000 because of Joe’s mouth. That’s close to $1K per minute! Heh.
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By: Michele on September 10, 2009
at 2:28 PM
“Disrespect of the POTUS isn’t a new thing on the hill, and isn’t solely a right wing thing.”
By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 10, 2009
at 1:49 PM
No, it isn’t. The outburst was tacky and the setting made it extremely inappropriate. However, it’s hypocritical to not take everyone (including boo-ers in a similarly formal setting and shoe throwers in a more casual setting) to task for disrespecting our President.
I also posted yesterday on the response to Bush Sr speaking to schoolchildren in 1991. Suffice to say, it’s politics as usual in Washington. Once again, nothing new here.
I can’t say that I’m entirely convinced that I’m being told the whole truth at this point in time. FWIW, I did not believe Bush when he was pushing his war through either.
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By: SOS on September 10, 2009
at 2:23 PM
If looks could censure.
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 10, 2009
at 2:20 PM
Seamus – please go to themudflats.net and repost your comment there. . . awesome!
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By: Greytdog on September 10, 2009
at 2:12 PM
I don’t want to fight with the Republicans, especially with Joe Wilson (R-SC) I want to defeat them soundly at the polls and send them back home. I like Seamus’ idea that Wilson needs to be reprimanded as Reservist breaking protocol to the Commander in Chief. . .
Three more clients to go. . . then prop the leg up time while blogging. . .
Oh and did anyone notice Biden during that exchange? oooohhh he may be a stumblemouth at times, but I sure wouldn’t want to get on his bad side. . . yikes!
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By: Greytdog on September 10, 2009
at 2:11 PM
Skimming the insurance scams.
During the latter part of the Great Depression I have a vivid memory of the insurance man who came by every Saturday morning to collect 10 cents for each of us kids to pay for our 20 pay life insurance policy worth a whopping $100. When my mother died fifteen years ago I found a copy of a policy in my name buried in some of her effects but when I began searching for the company, it seems to have vanished into the ether. So twenty years of a dime a week all went for naught.
Shortly after the end of WW II I bought my first car insurance from a “mutual” company designed to share the risks which meant that rates went up and down depending on the damage claims of the previous year. But when insurance companies realized that the money they held in their risk pool could be invested for a profit during flush years, all hell broke loose. To increase their pool of money they converted to “stock” companies and their only purpose was now to make a profit for stockholders. Now began the trend of ever higher premiums, increasing deductibles and lower payouts. But the newly rich execs and the stockholders loved it.
Health prior to WW II insurance was relatively unknown. Medicine was strictly pay as you go. And since medicine was still pretty unspecialized, it was not overly burdensome. Wikipedia has a pretty good history of its evolution here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_insurance_in_the_United_States
I’ll be the first to admit that I love my Medicare coverage. But I also love my additional coverage that fills in the gaps. However, all this coverage is not without cost. In fact it is pretty substantial. But its real costs are out of mind because we have learned to live within whatever is left over of our retirement incomes. Nevertheless, if my taxes were increased to pay for similar coverage for all citizens I would not object simply because I’m grateful that I have had at least a dozen productive years added to my life span by having all this coverage. If similar availability could be provided to everyone I’m all for it. I just don’t understand the objections.
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By: jsri on September 10, 2009
at 2:09 PM
Delurker–you are so right. He was saying that “more people will die” if there is health reform. It’s a complete lie–there’s absolutely no truth to it at all and it ignores how many people now die because they can’t obtain treatment. I am Jewish so I don’t really believe in hell but I’d like to think there’s one for the Limbaughs and Becks and Hannitys and Coulters and Savages of the world.
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By: Donna on September 10, 2009
at 1:59 PM
Diane, their goal isn’t to inspire people at all. They want to stir people up with fear and hate and lies.
I heard a few minutes of Rush today at lunchtime, and the hypocrisy was unbelievable! Yet people will believe every word. It’s really sick.
Rush did play a sound byte of dems booing Bush2 during his first SOTUA of his 2nd term. Disrespect of the POTUS isn’t a new thing on the hill, and isn’t solely a right wing thing. Hurts me to say Rush was right about that one little thing, LOL. His response is wrong, though. He thinks Wilson shouldn’t have (non)apolgoized, and everyone else should have jumped into the fray. He’s a disgusting anti-American bottom feeding parasite.
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 10, 2009
at 1:49 PM
http://www.themudflats.net/
Joe Wilson meet Rob Miller
Great information on mudflats
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 10, 2009
at 1:45 PM
Ha, that’s funny. Last night I was just saying how I’d love to have a beer with Joe Biden… but coffee and pie with Nancy would be fun too.
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By: Connie on September 10, 2009
at 1:40 PM
Wilson the poster CHILD for the Repugs
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-creamer/wilson-is-the-poster-chil_b_281918.html
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By: thymeCher on September 10, 2009
at 1:27 PM
Do republicans really think they are inspiring others to their point of view?
Where oh where are their family values?
Do they allow their children to call them liars?
Do the allow their children to yell and scream insult or do they children to lie??
Lying and screaming, nice family values republicans!!!
They are exposing their on hypocrisy. They will never work with Democrats. It is either their way or no way.
They offer no alternatives and I can’t imaging that I would ever vote for their party.
This is their best and brightest?
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By: Diane on September 10, 2009
at 1:19 PM
Happy to help, folks. Let our voices be heard!
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By: Δ Tine on September 10, 2009
at 1:10 PM
Kitkat, you are right – we shouldn’t just be fighting against Joe Wilson, but against every one of them, (R) or (D) who does not support this! I have Inhofe and Coburn and I despise them both and vote against them time and time again!
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By: chloe on September 10, 2009
at 1:06 PM
Tine, thanks for the link. I just sent a note to Mr. Wilson to remind him that HC reform was long overdue as well as to alert him to the fact that he had inspired me to contribute to Rob Miller’s campaign fund.
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By: chloe on September 10, 2009
at 1:02 PM
Well said and quickly too. Did not expect a new post so soon and was soooo happy when I read it. You most definitely nailed it.
I for one have added a note in each letter I’ve written to a member of Congress stating that they should give up the taxpayer paid health insurance they have if they are so unwilling to give the rest of us affordable insurance. Believe me, if they had to qualify for private insurance, I’m sure most of them have pre-existing conditions.
And I also think we shouldn’t just be fighting against Joe Wilson’s re-election, but for every one of them, Republican or Democrat, who does not support this. I know my (Repub) rep will not be voting for the bill and I will be supporting whomever is running against him in every way I can in the next election.
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By: kitkat on September 10, 2009
at 1:01 PM
[…] A Buttload of Moolah! […]
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By: Gotta LOVE HELEN PHILPOT! « Blackoak's Blog on September 10, 2009
at 12:57 PM
Thank You Tine
That felt good.
Health Care Reform now! It is way past overdue.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 10, 2009
at 12:41 PM
In case anyone wants to give Joe Wilson a talkin’-to, you can still do it via the House site even though Wilson’s own main page is down. Here’s a direct link to the “Write to Representative Joe Wilson” form:
http://www.house.gov/formwilson/IMA/issue.htm
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By: Δ Tine on September 10, 2009
at 12:27 PM
Great Post, great comments, ya’ll have left me speechless, not an easy task!!!
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By: TapDuncan on September 10, 2009
at 12:26 PM
As always, you’ve nailed it 100%! I love you two. You’ve got voices to be reckoned with!!
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By: marstokyo on September 10, 2009
at 12:26 PM
‘…When exactly did we become so enamoured with health insurance companies that we are now so adamantly fighting for their rights to make a buck off our misfortunes?…’
seems to me some of these politicians and parrots are claiming they are ‘protecting free trade’ on the backs of those who suffer and by exploiting the vulnerable
Americans have had enough
someone suggested last night, I forget who or where, that every politician who is against the healthcare plan should stand behind their words by giving up their GOVERNMENT RUN HEALTH INSURANCE
put up or SHUT THE HELL UP
as for the (BULLSHIT) republican rebuttal, I heard it, sure, they would like to scrap the whole thing and ‘start again’, like for another 40 years…
ha ha
I dream wilson goes away with the rest of the roaches, those sitting near him last night who egged him on and heckled the president as he was speaking
but I must admit, it is fun watching the republitards go fringe
you know what they say, when they have nothing else that’s what they do
Thanks for posting Helen!
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By: PalinShutUp on September 10, 2009
at 12:20 PM
I was extremely embarrassed for our STATE last night! People, I swear to you, there really are sensible people that live in SC. It’s a beautiful place with some wonderful areas in it and I love it here. But alas, we do have people like Mark Sanford and Joe Wilson who just have forgotten what being a Southern gentleman is all about. Helen, love your writing. You’re right on target. And I believe as long as we allow for-profit companies run our health care, we will be in a crisis.
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By: Christine on September 10, 2009
at 12:05 PM
YES!!! And Amen! Thanks Helen! Great post and what a treat so soon after the last one! Could not believe my ears last night. Your post said it all. I believe Mr. Wilson’s action is ill-breeding at its worst. It think it helped define the two sides even more. What a moron! Bunch of morons are out there right now, hiding behind a banner led by the usual suspects. Totally disgraceful for a congressman to behave in such a manner, but then, the right has been whipped into such a frenzy that most of them are just bent out of shape. It is scary to me. I hope reason will prevail. I do not see why insuring my neighbor could be a bad thing for me. A healthier population is a more productive one. Nothing to do with socialism. Common good is good for all.
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By: Easier on September 10, 2009
at 11:59 AM
Another great post Helen! What a treat to hear your opinion on this matter. Pelosi’s sure did give him the stink eye and I loved her for it! I agree with Michele and encourage everyone outraged by the repubs actions to donate heavily to a dem’s campaign fund! Defeat the bastards!
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By: chloe on September 10, 2009
at 11:59 AM
Oh, Helen. That was priceless. 🙂
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By: LRA on September 10, 2009
at 11:28 AM
Lucy, I could hardly stand it, but I read it, anyway. I agree with the later comment that SP did not write the piece herself; no way she could have put that much thought into anything. I also agree that if our representatives aren’t going to see that all Americans are covered by some type of affordable plan, they should have to give up their health insurance. Of course, most of them are wealthy, anyway, so could still afford to purchase the finest plan money can buy. Or the lobbyists’ money can buy . . . whatever.
Helen, you are a breath of fresh air! I love to see new posts . . . makes my day!!
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By: Joni Δ on September 10, 2009
at 11:08 AM
Great post but you could certainly have added Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) to the list. Those of us from NC appreciate the efforts that such fine South Carolinians are now making to help us all forget about our own late Senator Jesse Helms…..
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By: jack-of-all-thumbs on September 10, 2009
at 11:07 AM
It’s pretty remarkable to see what South Carolina Rep Joe “Liar” Wilson’s outburst cost him last night – in the last 15 or so hours over $260,000 has been raised on ActBlue for Rob Miller, Wilson’s 2010 opponent. Welcome to the first viral netroots backlash of the 2010 cycle. Let’s make this one count! http://www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/19079
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By: Michele on September 10, 2009
at 10:57 AM
“And while you’re reminding him of that, be sure he understands that the next time his doctor has a finger up his butt all of us taxpayers footed the bill.”
You have me rolling with this one. Love you guys for speaking out and for all the rest of you for chiming in too.
Healthcare reform now!
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By: Fragrant Liar on September 10, 2009
at 10:57 AM
Thank you Helen! Personally, I think any Congressperson who votes against this bill should give up their health insurance.
If you can stand it – or just need a good laugh, Sarah Palin weighs in at: http://tinyurl.com/nmxpd4
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By: Lucy on September 10, 2009
at 10:35 AM
Great post Helen! Boy, South Carolina sure has come up with some real winners, eh? I guess Addison did not want to keep his day job. To some it is more important to get your digs in. Thanks for calling this ass out. It seems some have lost the ability to know when it is okay to speak their mind and when it is best to keep their mouths shut. Looks like this simple lesson most of us were taught growing up will just now have an impact for Mr. Wilson. Another one bites the dust….
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By: Poolman on September 10, 2009
at 10:34 AM
http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/facts-have-liberal-bias-illegal-immig
Hope this link works!
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By: Claire on September 10, 2009
at 10:32 AM
Another great post, as usual. I, too, noticed Pelosi’s ferocious look.
Whirled Peas,
Thanks for the link to contribute to Wilson’s opponent’s campaign. That is my next stop.
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By: Pat Δ on September 10, 2009
at 10:24 AM
Not only was this a great post, but I’m still howling at the comments!!!! You all are priceless!
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By: Chris on September 10, 2009
at 10:14 AM
8)
The Face Of Republicanism
~ Δ ~
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 10, 2009
at 10:12 AM
Helen, you are amazing. Keep up the good work.
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By: 20tauri on September 10, 2009
at 10:07 AM
Well said, as usual! I too loved Nancy Pelosi’s look directed at Joe Wilson. The President and the presidency is an office is worthy of respect, whether he disagrees or not.
I’ve been a Hillary supporter all along, but after Obama’s speech last night, I now think he is the right man at the right time. No one can do it better, not even Hillary. Go Obama!
The way I see it, the Democrats want everyone to have health insurance, some way, some how, and they are doing their best to implement it without raising the deficit.
The Republicans just want to make sure that they keep all the coverage and benefits they have, and don’t want to spend a penny to help anyone else. If it costs something, in their book, then that’s too bad–all those uninsured will just have to do without. I wonder how many unemployed, uninsured Republicans there are out there.
By the way, I’ve been working, and insured, and have a good income, for 22 years. But I’m proud to be a Democrat.
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By: New Obama Supporter on September 10, 2009
at 10:05 AM
As always you eloquently tell it like it is!!! Are you selling popcorn and soda for the ass-kicking? I want to be there too!
My poor friend lives in South Carolina, she now has to contend with people thinking all SC folks are like this idiot. Not true, Joe Wilsons are made not born.
I love when I check your blog and there is a new posting, always makes me think and laugh, THANKS!!!
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By: Dolores on September 10, 2009
at 9:34 AM
Here is a link to Joe Wilson’s website. It is down at the moment. I am waiting for it to come up again to ask him to resign. I got the link and idea from the Huffington Post.
http://www.joewilson.house.gov/
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 10, 2009
at 9:30 AM
Finally I found some people who saw the same speech I did. Thanks, Helen.
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By: Oldnovice on September 10, 2009
at 9:30 AM
“I will not stand by while the special interests use the same old tactics to keep things exactly the way they are. … Not this time. Not now.”
— President Barack Obama 9/9/09
It is time to pass real Health Care Reform!
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 10, 2009
at 9:25 AM
Rewi, Welcome to M&H’s front porch where the pie is delicious and the conversation lively. Thank you for offering your unique perspective on healthcare.
I understand from the outside it may seem like our healthcare debate in the United States is about the right perceiving the”public option” as being another step closer to “communism” or socialism or whatever ism is their flavor of the week. But in reality, it is about priorities. The right’s priority is money, their money, and the accumulation of …. They see nothing wrong with a 4 TRILLION dollar tax cut (over 10 years) for the wealthiest citizens, but they have a hissssssy fit over a budget neutral healthcare plan that will help the 30 plus million uninsured American’s. They see nothing wrong with amassing huge debits to wage war for profit. They turn the other cheek when their side runs the national economy to the brink of collapse as long as are on the receiving end of the swollen “bonuses”.
In a way, I wish it were about the ism dejour, but sadly, that is just another smoke screen to mask the root of all evil. Greed.
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By: lori on September 10, 2009
at 9:20 AM
Helen, I want to be there when you and Nancy Pelosi have pie and coffee!
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By: Mari on September 10, 2009
at 9:19 AM
&H thank you for your new thread! As always, brilliant…
I know I am in the minority, as usual, but I am thrilled Joe Wilson showed his true colors in front of God and everyone! It just highlighted the kookooo for coca puffs mentality the GOP has embraced.
Between their bed head appearances at town hall meetings, their definition of FAMILY values, as demonstrated by Michael Duvall’s chat with a fellow assemblyman concerning his penchant for spanking his number 2 mistress, and now Joe Wilson’s temper tantrum in the middle of the capitol building… I’m thinkin my job as a fundraiser for the DNC is getting easier by the day.. 😉
Keep it up repugs… You can scream and stomp your feet all the way to illrelevance!
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By: lori on September 10, 2009
at 9:17 AM
FYI…
Defeating the man who yelled “liar” at Obama:
Goodbye Rep Joe Wilson.
Support Democrat Rob Miller
Δ
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By: Whirled Peas Δ on September 10, 2009
at 9:11 AM
AMEN and pass the pie!
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By: witchypoo on September 10, 2009
at 9:07 AM
Don’t be so quick to write off the red states. Even those have reasonable citizens trying to affect a change.
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By: Mule Dung on September 10, 2009
at 9:01 AM
Bingo! You ladies remain my absolute heroes! If I write one sentence as well as you before I die, I will consider myself a successful writer. Joe Wilson’s an ass, as are all the Repubs who are too busy playing with themselves (or spanking their girlfriends like the CONSERVATIVE Congressman Michael Duvall of CA) to see Obama’s true intentions – to improve the mess that he inherited from W. May common sense prevail!
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By: Debbie Schubert on September 10, 2009
at 8:57 AM
Wayne, come on , fess up. You are not opposed to President Obama’s ideology or health care plans.
It’s the color of his skin that offends you and yours.
And Joe Wilson would NEVER have the audacity to heckle a WHITE President. At least he didn’t call him “boy”.
Helen, you are a jewel!
I mean it. Really
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By: CD on September 10, 2009
at 8:55 AM
Helen, I insist you borrow my husband’s size-13 work boots for The Great Ass-Kicking.
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By: Δ Tine on September 10, 2009
at 8:44 AM
Well said!
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By: Iheartfashion on September 10, 2009
at 8:43 AM
Wayne you need a trip to the woodshed and a foot up your ass too.
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By: Noreen LaVallo on September 10, 2009
at 8:40 AM
Sorry I spelled embarrassing wrong..
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By: Noreen LaVallo on September 10, 2009
at 8:36 AM
You are so right. Even more embarassing was the Republican rebuttal speech….lies…oh but that’s okay for some people. I am glad President Obama took it as well as he did, myself, I would have signaled the Secret Service to have him removed by the ear. What an ass.
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By: Noreen LaVallo on September 10, 2009
at 8:36 AM
”Rep Joe Wilson is a Col in the US Army reserves.
Please contact his Commanding Officer and remind him of his duty to maintain discipline in the ranks.
Article 88: Contempt Toward Officials: Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”
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By: Seamus25 on September 10, 2009
at 8:35 AM
Helen, I will happily loan you my ‘yardwork shoes’ to kick Joe Wilson’s ignorant butt. What an embarassment to the people of Sout Carolina, whom I pray are not all as ill-mannered and ill-bred as he is.
I have conservative friends who keep asking me why the liberals are always calling people on the right ‘wingnuts’ and ‘lunatic fringe’. Well, it’s because of lunatic fringe wingnuts like Joe Wilson. There are a few decent, intelligent conservatives, but they have been strangely quiet these past few months, seemingly content to let Limbaugh, Beck, Steele, etc speak for the party. If all I hear are winguts talking, that’s all I’m going to think is there.
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By: Kelley on September 10, 2009
at 8:30 AM
Thank you, Margaret. I was listening on the World Service and thinking, appalled, that those who wish ill to the United States woud be delighted by the disrespect shown to the presidency and to Mr. Obama, personally. Themn there’s Representative Paul Broun, of georgia, who needed his hearing aid switched on because when interviewed by the BBC he near-as-dammit called the President a liar again, on the subject of people being forced off their own health care plans, not long after the rest of us heard “Nobody will be forced to leave their own insurance plan.” On the other hand, between Mr. Wilson and Mr. Robert Duvall over in California, it seems the GOP has a problem with keeping the mouths of its representatives firmly shut when microphones are present. They might have noted Proverbs 17:28 (“Even a fool is reckoned wise when silent”) and Ecclesiastes 3:7 (“there is a time to speak and a time to keep silent”) but I think they’ve shown, now, conclusively, that they are unfit for government. Paranoid delusional people need treatment, not power.
Oh. Wait a minute. Some can’t afford treatment and the ones who can want the power; now there’s an unholy alliance for you.
We got trouble, right here in River City….
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By: Katherine on September 10, 2009
at 8:30 AM
Grandma Katie: How are you? I hope all is well with you.
Werner: How are you doing?
PASS REAL HEALTH CARE REFORM NOW! The time has come to get it done! Pass Obama’s plan!
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 10, 2009
at 8:29 AM
The look from Nancy Pelosi was withering and wonderful. And I love how Joe Biden just shook his head in disgust and dismay.
Great post as always!
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By: Carole on September 10, 2009
at 8:27 AM
I can’t believe I missed it. But I think he did the health care supporters a favor by looking so stupid.
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By: suburbancorrespondent on September 10, 2009
at 8:21 AM
Not so much a fan of Pelosi. She hasn’t done much to promote bi-partisanship, which in her current post is one of her responsibilities, to my way of thinking.
But I’m a huge fan of yours, Helen. Keep writing!
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By: talea on September 10, 2009
at 8:21 AM
Great post!! But when are they not?
My family and I have been through so damn many insurance plans over 41 years that I absolutely cannot remember them all. The reason we changed so often was the constant increase in price and the constant dimunition of benefits while the deductible went stratospheric. We just could not afford them.
That just by itself makes them a country club.
Or what they absolutely refused to cover despite the contract makes them criminal.
These for-profit outfits have been getting away for years with their own “death panels” and no one on the vitriolic right wing has the stones to take them on.
These racketeers – and thats exactly what they are – are scared stiff of a competitive public option and will do anything to kill all health care reform. We can’t let them get away with that!!
As for paying for the public option, most folks think only of income taxes as the only source the government has for paying the bills. Not so! Consider the gas tax. There are more rotary engines in this country than people. Then throw in diesels and jet engines plus the fact that gasoline is often used as part of a chemical basis for other things. Just find out how much this brings in per week but do it when you are sitting down!
As for Congressman “Heckler”, he just cheesed off at least 50% of his constituency and he’s up for re-election in 2010! No wonder he so abjectly apologized so quickly.
And as for Nancy Pelosi’s look when he did that, yes, I would go shopping any time with that woman!
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By: Mageen in Old Virginny on September 10, 2009
at 8:20 AM
I’ve thought about it for a while and decided we should let South Carolina, Texas, Georgia and any other “red” states that wish to join them secede from the Union. That way, all the right-wingers could move from the U.S. to Cracker Land where they could get their way all the time. I’d have to move from Georgia to a Blue State–probably North Carolina since it’s really the only Blue State in the south. I’d rather stay in Georgia, but it would be worth it to see how fast Cracker Land crashes and burns as all those right wing planks are implemented.
As always, Thanks M & H for the great post!
Crotchety
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By: Crotchety O. Man on September 10, 2009
at 8:19 AM
I think Wilson’s misbehavior was offensive to the entire country, not just our president. I’d like to see a public apology made to *everyone*.
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By: Heather on September 10, 2009
at 8:19 AM
It’s nice to have someone tell it like it is. Thanks, Helen.
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By: John on September 10, 2009
at 8:18 AM
I think Wilson’s apology was not enough (also not really an apology, but that’s beside the point); it should have been made to his constituents and the American people as a whole, as well as to the President.
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By: the problem child on September 10, 2009
at 8:18 AM
I feel sorry for South Carolina, I really do. It is a lovely state and one I have visited many times. But what is up with their political representatives? Looks like they have a lot of housecleaning to do.
I just found your blog and I love it.
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By: Meredith on September 10, 2009
at 8:17 AM
Wayne: In writing: A person should do a rough draft, edit, let others read it, edit again, and edit many more times if needed. As a teacher, that is what I teach. Changing the message and wording to make it state the message is what a person wants, especially with an accomplished orator..
ALL CHILDREN SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO PRESIDENT OBAMA’S SPEECH THIS PAST TUESDAY.
Encouraging students to do their best in school was a very thoughtful and wonderful thing to do. I wish Bush and Reagan had made a similar speech.
Health Insurance and Congressmen: Most operations on Congressmen take place at Bethesda Hospital, which is a military (Government run) facility. They could go back to their home town to have the operation but they choose a military (government run) hospital instead. By the way, Republicans have operations ar Bethesda a lot.
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 10, 2009
at 8:14 AM
Excellent blog entry Helen. As always.
The whole mess has gotten out of hand. I will admit…I’m miserable. I live in smack in the middle of a red county. A lot of my friends are republicans and they like to get their digs in. They can say what they want, I’m not changing my opinion to conform to theirs.
Here’s the thing. The same people who oppose the health care plan are the same ones who order their meds online from Canada. They are the same ones that used to bitch about the HMO’s to anyone who would listen. They also probably have had the good fortune to never watch an ill loved one suffer. The same ones that don’t care that the family down the street lost their house and jobs…they are only concerned that the value went down on their own property because of it. Selfish bastards. Now they can do something about it but won’t because a black man whom they disliked at first sight is pushing it. If Bush had suggested this, it would have been passed and enacted before we could blink. It’s disgusting.
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By: Katrina on September 10, 2009
at 8:14 AM
Wayne is an example of the unfortunate ignorance that is circulating. Thank you for setting that particular record straight. Of course, there will be no “I’m sorry–I didn’t realize that.”
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By: Donna on September 10, 2009
at 8:13 AM
Thank you!
The behavior of the right wing is embarrassing and certainly not helpful. All they care about is making the President fail, forgetting that we all fail if he does.
Geeze….
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By: knittergran on September 10, 2009
at 8:12 AM
I could not believe it. I’ve NEVER heard any president called a liar during an address to Congress before. I’m glad the boos were coming from the GOP as well. That was completely inappropriate. Leave that sort of speach to people like Rush, Hannity, Beck and O’Reilly.
Joe Wilson is a jackass who can go to hell…if I believed in hell…or heaven…but you get the idea.
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By: Anne on September 10, 2009
at 8:09 AM
Helen,
Thanks for another great post and for making my day. As usual, you hit the nail on the head.
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By: 2Legit on September 10, 2009
at 8:07 AM
Someone also needs to remind Representative Wilson that he is up for re-election next year and he needs to watch his mouth before he blasts his way out of a job in which case he may need the public insurance option!
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By: Jane on September 10, 2009
at 8:07 AM
They should have hauled his ass right out of there.
Unfortunately, I think it comes down to respect. Some, not all, just don’t want to give a black man the respect he deserves. President or not.
They will deny it, but that never would have happened to a white president.
Shame on them.
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By: eileendamico on September 10, 2009
at 8:05 AM
HELEN: You are just BEAUTIFUL! I would let you wear my size 11 boot when you put if up Wilson’s butt!
BULLSHIT!
Pass Obama’s plan – NOW!
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By: JuneauJoe Δ on September 10, 2009
at 8:02 AM
Wayne, the material you’re talking about that was taken out of President Obama’s speech to the school children was this:
“Some of the controversy over Obama’s speech involved a proposed lesson plan created by the Education Department to accompany the address. An initial version of the plan recommended that students draft letters to themselves discussing “what they can do to help the president.”
The letters “would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals,” the plan stated.
After pressure from conservatives, the White House distributed a revised version encouraging students to write letters about how they can “achieve their short-term and long-term education goals.”
So, as you can see, it wasn’t written by the President at all, but by Educators. Damn them for wanting to educate our children by using the experience of listening to their President’s speech.
It’s just sad that those of you on the right that will try any way to make our President look bad, only succeed in making yourselves look ignorant of the facts and obvious in your attempts to smear him.
I don’t have a personal blog, so this may come up as looking like it’s from ‘anonymous’. So, I’ll tell you that my name is Patty, and I’m a 58 year old white woman from Kansas. Yes, we even have some independant thinkers here. Not many, but a few.
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By: Patty on September 10, 2009
at 8:00 AM
Wayne earns a major shoutout of BULLSHIT! Helen deserves pie!
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By: no one's puppet on September 10, 2009
at 7:58 AM
You make all of this so simple and to the point. My sentiments exactly. Joe Wilson hurt himself more than anyone else could…but I would still like to watch when you kick his ass.
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By: Lori Skoog on September 10, 2009
at 7:58 AM
Wow, another post already! What a treat. I really appreciate you gals & this place!
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By: Delurker Girl Δ on September 10, 2009
at 7:55 AM
The real problem that these bottom feeders have with the President is his complexion. Clinton was no less liberal than Obama, yet the hatred of the Clinton’s was nowhere near as visceral.
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By: Alan on September 10, 2009
at 7:49 AM
Wayne, I think if you take the time to check your facts you’ll find that not once in the history of a Presidential address in front of both houses did anyone ever shout out while the President was speaking .. actually I think what you refer to as “criticism or feedback to your bad ideas.” is in reality bad manners. Calling out LIE is not feedback .. its rude. “We” let (stupidly, I admit) Sarah Palin spread a lot of LIES during the campaign and more recently with her death panel remarks .. IF that Congressman was right, why would he shut down his website and not return calls?
And in the event you missed President Reagan’s speech to school children, you might want to Google it and read it … in it, he actually does come out and request students write about how they can help him get his job done… talk about indoctrination
Oh and while I am on my soapbox, thanks Margaret, I want to point out that if this rudeness had occurred during a speech made by President Bush the heckler would have been accused of being UnAmerican .. Anti American and likely a terrorist .. isnt that how Bush/Cheney handled criticism or feedback to THEIR bad ideas?
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By: Daryl on September 10, 2009
at 7:43 AM
Well, actually Congressmen don’t have a public option. Those dollars go to purchase PRIVATE insurance plans. And you may want to check out the internet and read about all the booing and cackling that Democrats have done to Republicans through the years. This isn’t exactly new territory.
The president changed his speech to the students after the uproar. There were materials to be distributed that were not.
I love it that you folks can’t take any criticism or feedback to your bad ideas.
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By: Wayne on September 10, 2009
at 7:32 AM
As a resident of South Carolina, I take consolation that he does NOT represent my district. But it is still shaming to all of us in SC.
As of 9 AM EST, his website has been shut down. The local television news says that his office is not accepting or returning calls. So we can assume he has “gotten the message,” and is cowering under a rock, or maybe he went on a hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail.
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By: Randy on September 10, 2009
at 7:31 AM
Someone is getting called to the Principal’s office today.
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By: GDfunny on September 10, 2009
at 7:29 AM
Helen I’ve got some old shoes you can have so you don’t mess yours up when you introduce your foot to his ass. Better yet, I’ll send my snow boots.
What’s wrong with telling kids to study and stay in school is that they might listen to a thoughtful, intelligent man like the president and not a hatemonger like their parents. These folks do not want their kids to grow up viewing people who aren’t exactly like them as people. They want them to view all “others” as an enemy who must be eliminated or at least marginalized.
Which takes us to health care. 52% (a simple majority) of the people in America without insurance are black and Hispanic. The old coots on Medicare who go to town halls are the same folks who were out in the streets as teenagers screaming about school integration. They’re too old to change and they don’t want the meager amounts they spend in taxes to go to help people who aren’t white.
And that look she gave is probably something Madame Speaker’s children know very well.
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By: DC Fem on September 10, 2009
at 7:26 AM
Once again you hit the nail on the head…or is the butt with the foot? The republican’ts forgot that they were not in one of their theatrical town halls and seemed rude, petty, disingenuous, counterproductive and fundamentally dishonest. Do write again soon. Really. I mean it!!
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By: teacher on September 10, 2009
at 7:25 AM
I was extremely embarrassed for our country last night.
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By: Troy on September 10, 2009
at 7:25 AM
Joe Wilson is an ass I would like to kick as well.
Helen, you are a blessing.
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By: Grace on September 10, 2009
at 7:24 AM