I Guess We'll Take Him

Good Morning Bloggers! I would like to share my reaction to the Arlen Specter news yesterday. Let's just say that I'm both happy and sad.

I know I should be very happy, but to be honest my reaction is tainted by my slight bitter belief that we need to move away from the old guard and move toward a new type of politician - a less bought-and-paid-for kind. That said, I do believe Arlen Specter is a man of honesty and integrity, but he's still very much a product of today's broken system.

For me, he'll have to be more progressive on all the new Obama initiatives before I feel comfortable selling his seat out from under a perfectly good, new Democratic talent.

I'll admit, his record on Project Vote Smart shows that he's a very well-rounded, moderate Senator. His voting record paints a picture of a conservative Democrat, one who has helped the middle-class by and large. No matter, I still have reservations. I especially dislike his positions on preemptive war and employee choice, or what the "pro-business GOP" likes to call "card check." They both suck!

Anyway, I guess we're stuck with him since Harry "the wimp" Reid and President Obama obviously struck a deal. I hope they know something we don't, such as a quiet, verbal commitment by him to vote WITH THE DEMOCRATS to end GOP debates. As Martha Stewart likes to say, that would be a good thing.

Overall it's accurate to say the Senior Senator from Pennsylvania is not overly conservative. His conservative special interest ratings are low. The John Birch Society rated him a low 28% in 2008, The Christian Coalition 30%, GOP USA 16%, The Club for Growth 13%, The American Conservative Union gave him a generous 48%, and The Americans for Prosperity 0%. Wow, don't conservatives name their organizations well? The names have nothing to do with their psycho agendas, but they are cool. What a bunch of lying assholes!

So, I guess he's not as bad as some. Despite that fact, I still have a lingering feeling that we may have been better off with a younger, more dynamic Democrat. Age and wisdom are important, but not if they're going to mean another decade or two of old-fashioned, slow, antiquated politics. Like so many of you, I voted for CHANGE in 2008, and I want as much of it as we can get.

Wednesday's Political Rave - Michael

PS - I just learned that Specter took a lot of money from the AFL-CIO recently and turned around and told them he changed his mind and wouldn't support the Employee Free Choice Act. If that's true, it's one more example of why we need to get rid of people like Specter. Based on that and other information about Specter's supposed "independence," I hope the people of Pennsylvania support another Democratic candidate.

PSS - On another subject, I think we should complain to the FCC about the FOX Network's refusal to air the President's news conference. There are few national broadcast networks, and they should all cover the President during times of crisis. FOX denies us news at a time of war, pandemic flu, and economic collapse. It just goes to show you that Rupert Murdoch is the WORST import since our last major pandemic. The man is SCUM!

It's Been a Great Start!

Good Morning Bloggers - It's been an amazing first 100 days for our new President. I think he's done an amazing job, especially since he's had NO support from the Republicans despite weeks of butt kissing. The American people know how hard he's working, and it's now clear we're all expecting good results later this year and into next year. Let's all hope!

Oh yes, there are some who aren't hoping. You know, the patriotic, pro-American "conservatives" who called us ANTI-AMERICAN, surrender-happy liberals for years. I can't even remember all the horrible names they called us over the past few decades, but suffice to say there have been many and most have been pretty horrible. I think the most memorable "over-arching theme" used against us has been "unpatriotic and unAmerican." Those are the "labels" most of us on the Left remember most.

So, who's unAmerican now. Let's see, it's the Democrats who fought to reform most of what the Republicans broke. It's the Democrats who fought to stimulate the economy to get America back in the black. NO Republicans have supported any new initiatives so far. It's true, NONE!

Incredibly, it's also the Democrats who fought to fund potential viral pandemics, but who lost that funding in the stimulus package after Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and his buddies filibustered it out of existence. Did you see Karl Rove and Sean Hannity screaming about the "waste" on pandemic funding just a couple months ago? Of course, they would prefer that you forget. Americans may die from this potential pandemic, and Republican "politics" may ultimately increase that total.

It's the Democrats who continue to fight to reform health care so that more Americans may survive all kinds of health problems, including a potential pandemic. The Republicans are doing everything they can stop the Democrats, siding with corporate interests and big pharmaceutical. Their entire position is bought-and-paid-for unlike the Democrats.

The only conclusion I can take away is that Republicans don't care about real Americans. Therefore, I think it's clear - or at least should be - that Republicans don't care about America. Republicans have forgotten something very important, which is that America is always about its people! Not charity, but fairness, decency, and equality, to name just a few. The GOP has lost its way on those key American values.

It's been 100 days of Republicans saying NO, NO, and NO to everything that's been discussed. When they don't get their way, they like to claim there was no bi-partisan cooperation. It's become obvious - my friends on Capitol Hill tell me - that if you don't go far enough their way they walk away. It's clear the GOP's idea of bi-partisanship is partisanship - do it their way or they take their toys and run home. It's now clear that Democrats are beginning to ignore their crap.

The first 100 days has also featured some of the most absurd media BS in the history of the Republic. FOX "News" and much of the corporate media has been pounding on Democrats who seek to enforce the law. The whole "Tea Party" debacle was embarrassing.

It's not just FOX, Chris Matthews and Pat Buchanan have been pounding on guests for days on MSNBC. Anybody who dares to suggest that torture wasn't warranted and that laws have been broken is beaten to a pulp. I felt very bad for Jonathan Turley - the Constitutional professor - who got between them last week. The whole interview was a joke.

Matthews and Buchanan have been arbitrary for days, spewing all manner of crap. They keep taking the relative position that politics trumps actual law, and that only "banana republics" convict past governments for "policy differences." Turley was the only adult last week, and he would have shut them down for being aggressively stupid if they hadn't been so loud and obnoxious.

I say let's ignore the "Washington elite" made up of morons who like to hear themselves talk and focus on the good that's happening today. Let's keep focused on the First Family and the good politicians who seek to enforce the law (equal justice under law) and reform the government - so that it works for all Americans. They should be proud, and know they have our support.

Please keep up the good work! You have our blessing!

Monday's Political Rave - Michael

PS - I loved this list from the Huffington Post. I hope you enjoy it too. MB

1. Health Care: The Obama White House cleared an important hurdle in the health care reform debate when it appropriated $19 billion in the stimulus package to help implement an electronic medical record system. The money is paltry compared to the hundreds of billions set aside for an overhaul of the health care system in the budget. But officials inside and out of the White House say its significance is hard to overstate.

"We need to have health IT so we have a better idea both of what works but also... so people can share information," Zeke Emanuel, Obama's health care adviser told the Huffington Post in mid-March. "We are on our way in a way that we have never committed ourselves before."

2. Communications: A presidential campaign built on innovative messaging and advanced technology has, naturally, become a White House defined by similar characteristics. As such, the reach of the administration's new media efforts - from hosting online question-and-answer sessions with the president to publishing the first White House blog - has been as expected as appreciated. It's unfortunate, said one tech savvy Democrat, because the new policies have had tangible impacts. "The White House streams every event with the president on its website, even press events," he said. "It's remarkable because, this Sunday they held a swine flu press conference that ordinary people [including many who may have been personally nervous about the topic] were able to watch online... Before you had to wait for a readout or hope that CSPAN would cover it. This is one of those things that people don't quite understand the significance of."

3. Transportation: Since the passage of the economic stimulus package in mid-February, the Obama Department of Transportation has approved 2,500 highway projects. The movement of stimulus money out the door has been as swift as it has been effective: $9.3 billion has been spent in all 50 states. Touting its impact, DOT officials say 260,000 jobs are expected from this investment. And with competition for contracts fierce, the department is set to approve even more projects than previously envisioned. "There will be more money for additional transportation projects," said the official.

4. Education: Maligned for its handling of the financial and banking crises, the Obama Treasury Department has nevertheless implemented policies with real qualitative and quantitative impact on debt-burdened families. Chief among those was a $2,500 tax credit to help offset the cost of tuition (among other expenses) for those seeking a college education. Nearly five million families are expected to save $9 billion, according to Treasury officials.

5. Cars: The automobile industry at the White House and Congress's behest has undergone seismic structural changes, managerial reorganization, and massive cuts in employment. But for all the tough love, the president has put in place the framework for an industry recovery. Perhaps the most significant of steps was to allocate $2 billion in stimulus cash for advanced batteries systems. One high-ranking Hill aide called battery technology "the next big frontier" in the automotive world, adding that if the U.S. could dominate this market it would reclaim its perch as the world's premier car manufacturer.

6. Pakistan: Cognizant of a destabilizing situation in Pakistan, the administration's diplomatic team, with a major assist from Japan, secured $5 billion in aid commitments "to bolster the country's economy and help it fight terror and Islamic radicalism" within the country. The money, as Pakistan observers -- notably Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry - note, will prove instrumental in bringing the nation away from the brink of failure and increased Taliban control.

7. Cities: More than any prior president, Obama has put a spotlight on America's struggling cities, even creating an office of Urban Policy in the White House. It is the Justice Department, however, that lays claim to one of the most consequential of urban affairs achievements. Through the Recovery Act, DOJ secured $2 billion for Byrne Grants, which funds anti-gang and anti-gun task forces. The money, cut during the Bush years, is expected to have massive ramifications on inner-city crime and violence.

8. Engaging the Muslim World: While certainly discussed, foreign affairs experts insist that Obama's engagement with the Muslim world has been at once remarkable and under-appreciated. From the first interview with Al Arabiya to his Nowruz address to the Iranian people, to his proclamation that "American is not at war with Islam" during an appearance in Turkey, seasoned observers have been routinely impressed. "Through these [statements and interviews]," said one Democratic foreign policy hand, "He has been able to dramatically change America's image in that region."

9. Forests: Since taking office, the White House has put under federal protection more than two million acres of wilderness, thousands of miles of river and a host of national trails and parks. The conservation effort - the largest in the last 15 years - came with the stroke of a pen when Obama signed the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 in late March.

10. Tone: Leaving a meeting at the White House on Tuesday a progressive member of the House of Representatives commented to the Huffington Post just how impressed she was with the president's manner. "He is so calm," said the member, "and has a great ability to make you feel like you're being respected and listened to."

See How They Spin Crap

Hello Bloggers! I thought you might also enjoy reading one of their absurd takes on climate change in this article from Climate Depot - a less than credible climate source.

The article is a great example of how they represent the facts on the right, which is to say WRONG! The entire website is a joke!

The scientist mentioned in the article has been discredited multiple times, and Congress believes him to be bought-and-paid-for like so most of the corporate scientists. The right is -of course - positioning him as a victim of left-wing closed-mindedness. What a freakin joke!

Friday's Political Curiosity- Michael

The Great American Divide

Good Morning Readers! With all the talk about Texas wanting to secede, revolution, and the Republican "Tea Parties" of late, I got to thinking about how angry both political parties are at the moment. Then I read an Op-Ed in the LA Times this morning that really made me laugh. It compared the GOP to a jilted husband. I think it's hilarious!

So, I thought it might be interesting to discuss our two very different national political perspectives this morning, using two very interesting articles from two very different newspapers. Both are fascinating in their differences.

The first - the one about the jilted husband - is called The GOP, Divorced from Reality, from the far more interesting LA Times. It was written by Bill Maher and it's very funny.

The second is called Presidential Poison, His invitation to indict Bush officials will haunt Obama's Presidency. This Wall Street Journal piece is less about the GOP and more about how President Obama is making a serious mistake pursuing Bush officials, but it's still interesting.

The article ends by saying, "Mr. Obama is more popular than his policies, due in part to his personal charm and his seeming goodwill. By indulging his party's desire to criminalize policy advice, he has unleashed furies that will haunt his Presidency." I just love the Right's ability to reduce the President's high approval ratings to "charm" and "goodwill." What a bunch of BS!

Let's see, they also describe what most of us call breaking the law as "policy advice." What a bunch of filthy lying CRAP! It appears the Journal is using "FOX-speak" all the time now. In the end, they predict the future as something that will "haunt" the President. That is downright hilarious! They've been so good at predicting the future so far, wouldn't you say? Idiots!

What a joke conservatives - and the WSJ - have become these days! Wow, the mighty have fallen so far they may never get up. Finally, I love the way the piece mirrors some of the paranoia discussed by Bill Maher. They are going CRAZY right now! It's quite funny to watch.

I think both pieces are wonderful in the way they describe two very different political perspectives. It's fascinating - and depressing - the way our nation is confused politically. The only good news, or light at the end of the tunnel, is how Republicans are leaving the GOP daily. I know, it's not talked about in the news much, but it's true.

National data shows the GOP is bleeding. Some say it's hemorrhaging, or maybe in severe shock. Who cares! The good news is the liars aren't getting away with corrupting the majority of American people using propaganda and BS!

Now don't get me wrong, I don't hate the GOP as a party, just it's regressive policies and corrupt leadership. I also hate the way the GOP has evolved since the Reagan years. Today's corrupt GOP helped destroy the middle-class, promoted irresponsible deregulation, bubble economies, war profiteering, illegal wiretapping, torture, privatizing the profit while publicizing the losses, and overall multi-national corporate greed at the expense of our overall national health and integrity.

I hope THAT GOP is on its way out. I do want a two party system, BUT I want BOTH PARTIES to have the well-being of ALL Americans and the nation at heart. The GOP has failed as a party in that respect. It deserves to die. A two party or multi-party system needs to be concerned about EVERY American, not just the rich. So, with that being said, I'll go on record hoping the GOP dies a slow and painful death. They deserve it!

Anyway, I thought it might be interesting to read two very different viewpoints. Of course, I think Bill Maher's assessment is the more accurate. Enjoy!

Friday's Political Rave - Michael

Iraq Torturing Gays to Death

Good Morning Bloggers! I don't have anything polite to add to a story I read this morning on The Raw Story about how gays are being tortured and killed in Iraq by both religious terrorists and the government. It even describes how the torturers are coming up with new, creative ways to kill their poor victims.

I feel horrible for those poor people. Most important, as an American, it makes me extremely angry that we are over there risking our soldier's lives, spending billions each month to protect those horrible people, and standing by and doing NOTHING!

The reports suggest there's a witch hunt in progress, with gays being rounded-up, tortured and killed. Reports say that some are killed by having their anuses glued shut, causing a painful, grotesque death. I don't know what to say about that, except that my heart breaks to think we freed those horrible people allowing them to commit their nightmarish deeds.

More Americans should know about this nightmare, because we are partly responsible. Please join me and tell our representatives how angry we are that innocent people are being persecuted by a regime we protect and support. We need to stop them or GET THE HELL OUT! Think about it, if we do nothing, than we are no better. We're simply the guards protecting the lynch mobs murdering innocent people. It's wrong! We shouldn't allow it to happen!

It appears our young men and women died to replace a brutal, inhumane regime with brutal, inhumane, intolerant people. They seem the same to me. It all seems like such a waste of lives, money and effort.

Thursday's Angry Political Rant - Michael

PS - If you decide to take action, here are a few links that may help you. Email President Obama, Secretary of State Clinton, and/or your national elected officials. If you wish to call, simply call the Whitehouse at 202-456-1414, or the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. I also suggest you contact your local newspaper. Please let them all know how angry we are to see our leaders and military standing idly by while lynch mobs persecute and murder innocent gay people in Iraq.

It's Time to be Serious About Climate Change

Good Morning Bloggers! I had a very interesting chat over the weekend with a friend who is deeply involved in climate science here in Southern California. Unfortunately, the conversation was striking in how much it unnerved me. I often consider myself a futurist in that I enjoy contemplating what's ahead, but the news isn't very good from what I hear.

I know we've all been exposed to the occasional History Channel docu-drama spelling out the 50 ways to the end of days, but if my friend is right, our odds have gotten much worse over the past few years. Climatologists are extremely worried today, and despite having collected a massive amount of evidence worldwide, are STILL having a very tough time getting America's corporate media to pay attention to their forecasts.

It appears that a LOT has changed over the past eight - dark - years. There has been a measurable sea rise (over 3 feet), as well as increased glacial meltdown leading to the disappearance of critical continental ice sheets - to name just a few. Have you heard about the Antarctic ice sheet slightly smaller than Scotland due to break off and melt soon? It seems a lot has happened since An Inconvenient Truth hit theaters, and yet few still talk about it. Yes, in other words, it's all happening faster than expected.

Many scientists are trying to talk about the potential for disaster, yet my friend tells me they are still fighting on-air battles with a small group of bought-and-paid-for fossil fuel industry scientists hired to confuse the facts - and the public. Sadly, the mainstream media refuses to spend time presenting the real, deadly facts pointing to disaster. If they did, the public would see that debate has ended. The public would also be more concerned about the future.

My friend compares it to the way Americans took so long to give up smoking. They knew it was killing them for decades, but nobody wanted to talk about it in polite company. The tobacco companies got away with clouding the facts for years. It appears the same thing is happening now.

Unfortunately, we're talking about a similar death toll. I know we've all heard it before, but hearing it from a scientist - over drinks - is even scarier. What are the scariest points? How about the fact that a third of the planet's population is expected to be displaced over the next 50 to 100 years, that over two-thirds of all species will probably die in a mass extinction, that many of the world's most impressive cities will be underwater, and that drought and famine will probably kill billions worldwide. Is that enough for you?

Yes, it will effect you too! Its a fact that dead oceans and dust bowls will prevent you from living the good life you've grown accustomed to. I suggest pulling your head out of the sand to see if there's anything you can do to help!

The really upsetting part is how that is just the beginning. That describes the "global warming," early phase of what is really planetary "climate change." The real damage will occur over a few centuries and is expected to be much more violent. It will effect ocean currents, global weather systems, and the planet's overall ability to cool and/or heat itself.

In other words, we should expect a massive greenhouse effect followed by more violent changes, such as a destructive ice age, or volcanic activity that could lead to our extinction. The long-term picture makes that movie The Day After Tomorrow look downright harmless.

It's obvious that once again WE THE PEOPLE are not getting all the information we need to make an informed decision. There is overwhelming agreement in the scientific community that climate change is a reality, and that it's COMING FASTER than expected. Despite that agreement, the American corporate media gets away with putting on a few rogue scientists that give the illusion there is still a debate. It's not that different from giving holocaust deniers a platform. It gives the impression of offering both sides, but it's clear that one side is BS!

It's obviously another media cover-up about a critical issue. Again, like smoking, it affects millions of Americans. The debate is over, the evidence is out there, yet very little is happening. Well people, it's up to us. WE need to act if they don't. Coastal cities like New Orleans should be considering options, not just rebuilding. Large percentages of Florida are at risk, yet few seem to care. We need to talk about it all more, and stop acting like nothing's happening.

Large portions of America and the world are at risk over the next few years/decades, especially the American South, East Coast coastal cities, Northern Europe, Southern India and China, and vulnerable third world island nations worldwide. Those areas are do for massive flooding very soon.

Each of us can act to make a difference. I try to. Turn off your lights and appliances. Drive only when it's critical. Walk and bike more. Try to do whatever you can to help. It's important for all of us to try.

The EPA decision to classify CO2 as a pollutant is a great first step, but that is only the beginning. President Obama and his Administration need to do everything they can to change the way Americans - as well as China, India and the third world - treat the planet. It's also past time for most Republicans to stop fighting what is a scientific reality. It's time for them to make lifestyle changes too. We're all in this together.

You think I'm just an alarmist? Then ask yourself if you're willing to gamble away mankind's future? I suggest trusting in science. I also agree with the boyscouts. Be prepared!

Monday's Political Rant - Michael

The President is Wrong

Good Saturday Morning Bloggers! I am VERY pleased to report that the Obama administration suffered a legal setback yesterday afternoon when a federal judge in California rejected their assertion that the federal government has the right to a "state secrets privilege" in the civil suit brought by an Islamic charity that was allegedly subjected to illegal NSA surveillance. It's one of many brought against the Bush Administration, and now one of the most important.

There's no doubt the government broke the law, and everybody knows it. That's why it's so strange the Obama Administration chose the wrong side of this issue. These cases are very important to those of us who believe the government over-stepped its authority and shredded the 4th Amendment by spying on Americans. The court has ordered the government - in the case of Al-Haramain v. Bush - to come up with a plan to safeguard classified information, while forcing it to go forward with the case. Judge Vaughn Walker rightly noted that the government has often made provisions for the discussion of Top Secret information, and that this trial should be no different. Thank you Judge Walker!

The judge also crafted his order narrowly to prevent the government from appealing it immediately to the Ninth Circuit. That was very wise. We will hear more on May 8th, when we find out whether the Administration will present a plan for safeguarding NSA classified information, OR if they just plan to re-assert their claim of state secrets. The Bush Administration was famous for claiming the privilege over and over, tweaking their claims just enough to waste the court's time, attempting to bankrupt the ACLU, while delaying cases for years. I'm hoping the Obama Administration is more honest in their dealings with America's courts.

Again, I'm disappointed that the Obama Administration has decided to defend the cases that were brought against the Bush Administration for spying on Americans. They should have allowed for justice while protecting our security. I'm sure both were possible. They idea that the government is immune from being sued after it so obviously broke the law - and admitted it many times - is outrageous.

My admiration for President Obama and Eric Holder lessened after they chose to defend what many of us consider the indefensible. When it comes to illegal wiretapping and torture, I am no fan of the Obama Administration. A matter of fact, I would say that I'm downright hostile. So far, they're very Bush-like in those areas.

Saturday's Political Rant - Michael

Wow, What a Spectacle of Stupidity

Hello Readers! Did you happen to notice the crowd sizes at most of yesterday's "Tea Parties?" The largest crowd was supposedly in Denver, and it was under 5,000 people. They got smaller and smaller, with most having only a few dozen people. It was pretty embarrassing for the organizers.

Did you also happen to notice how FOX "News" seemed to forget their wide angle lenses yesterday? They kept shooting close-ups giving the illusion the crowds were massive. They had their mics turned way up giving the illusion the crowd noise was much louder too. It was media manipulation at its best.

To think, some people actually consider them a news network. Where were they when tens of thousands were protesting the war? Let's face it, they're a media joke.

There were technical glitches too. Neil Cavuto and Sean Hannity were caught estimating their crowds to be low, and later multiplying them on camera. It was very embarrassing for the "news" network that really can't afford to look any less fair and balanced. Every FOX correspondent was caught overstating their crowd sizes. Their estimates were overturned by local police at day's end.

Did you also happen to notice the composition of the crowds? It was incredible! The majority of the "Tea Baggers" were over 50 and all seemed to be very white. Yes, our senior citizens - the Medicare and Medicaid crowd - were out there holding signs calling President Obama and the Democrats socialists. It was all too much. Some of the events looked like senior citizen Klan rallies - quite anachronistic in the 21st century.

The whole day was embarrassing and outrageous for most of us who watched from the side lines. It showed us just how many Americans (thousands nationally) will actually respond to a call by extreme right-wing groups and media, no matter how wrong the message. It showed the thin edge of the Republican wedge - of people who like to vote against their own best interest. Yesterday was a sad day for American political intellect. It was a sad day in America for intelligent political protest and discourse.

Anyway, in the end the "Tea Parties" were the disaster, the spectacle of stupidity we all thought they would be. The ridiculous concept was ridiculous in the end. The idiots who organized them will hopefully slink away into the shadows where they came from. The weirdos and the wackos who attended will do the same.

The Republican party was the big loser. They now appear more marginalized, more radical, and more out-of-touch than ever. Joining the loser fest are the right-wing media die-hards: Cavuto, Hannity, Limbaugh, Beck and O'Reilly. They now look even more crazy. Do you think they regret it? I doubt it, since I'm sure they got their ratings. They're also all too insane to care.

Thursday's Political Rave - Michael

These People are 'Dangerously Stupid'

Attention Readers! If you don't like name-calling, perhaps you should skip this article and retire to your morning paper. Have a good day! Michael

Good Morning Readers! I'm sorry, but this has to be one of the most hilarious, and saddest, "serious" protests in American history. I keep thinking they're going to scream "gotcha" and admit the joke, but it hasn't happened yet.

It's incredible to think that intelligent, serious people are out there protesting for lower taxes when President Obama just passed one of the largest tax cuts in American history. Okay, not for the richest, but still one of the largest. I can understand if they're out-of-work and being paid by the rich to protest, which would be sad but understandable, but to do it because you're too stupid to look up the facts - people, that's just plain feebleminded!

95% percent of Americans will see their tax burden reduced because of the Democrats and President Obama!

Unless the boneheaded buffoons with the signs are all making over $250,000 a year, which is highly unlikely, they're protesting against something that was just passed in their favor! What a bunch of ignorant simpletons! Protesting against people trying to help them! You have to admit, they've invented a whole new category of political ignorance - TAX TWITS!

It gets even funnier, or sadder. Many are out there protesting GOVERNMENT SPENDING! They're like outdated broken political caricatures talking about Democrats as "tax and spend" liberals - sorry, socialists. Why don't you economic-policy-ignorant-imbeciles READ why the government is forced to spend right now? Any economist worth his degree is in favor of government spending at this time, especially spending designed to encourage lending, create jobs and spur the economy. They're trying to help EVERYBODY, not just the poor, you FREAKING FOOLS!

If you political pinheads with the signs were so principled and against wasteful government spending, then you should have been protesting during the Reagan, Bush and Bush Jr. Administrations. Yes, they're the ones who spent all your freakin money! They ran up the debt! It's true, over 30-years of Republican tax cuts (while maintaining popular federal programs to win votes and retain power) ran up over 90% of today's $11 trillion in federal debt.

George "the idiot" Bush - alone - ran up over a trillion in less than a year before leaving office for God's sake. Why don't you political nincompoops protest THEM?!

The only thing President Obama and the Democrats are guilty of is trying to keep the deepest recession since the great depression from officially becoming another great depression - and it's already close. That's it, plain and simple. The only way to do that is to prop up economic spending, regulate broken economic sectors, and reduce costs in industries like health care and energy. That's the only way to ultimately save money, invest in the future, and perhaps - over time - reduce taxes.

President Obama did a great job explaining it yesterday. He truly is the Professor-in-Chief of the nation. He helps the majority of us - sane, well-read Americans - understand exactly what must be done to fix the problems. It's the only way to achieve the goals being screamed out by the protesters - lower taxes and less spending.

Anyway, the whole Tea Bagging phenomena has to be one of the most absurd, crazy, insane, and outrageous acts of political naivety - or stupidity - ever witnessed on American soil. I must admit, it makes for a good laugh. Unfortunately, they may seem harmless, but they're not. It's morons like the "Tea Baggers" that keep voting for idiots like Bush, McCain and Palin.

They are the regressive, dangerously stupid part of our political society. They are the ones who hinder progress through sheer laziness (that leads to ignorance), hardheadedness (their inability to learn from past mistakes), and desire for an ideology whether right or wrong (close-mindedness) - among other things. Yes, they're the dumb, slow kid who constantly cracks jokes in the back of class. They're only funny as long as they don't prevent the rest of us from progressing. Unfortunately, they've been far too disruptive for far too long.

Wednesday's Political Rant - Michael

PS - Btw, they're also a bunch of DUMBASSES! I forgot to use that one. :) Btw, I just decided the "Tea Baggers" remind me of a bad Monty Python sketch. You know, the moroons with the rags on their heads screaming at the traffic. LOL!!

The Sad World of Norm and His GOP

Good Morning Readers! So, it's official, a Minnesota court unanimously ruled in Al Franken's favor late yesterday. He should now be Senator Al Franken! He is now the official victor in the November election.

Of course, that means that Norm Coleman should concede, right? Well, of course, it seems they don't plan to. They have decided to continue down their path of being the worst SORE LOSERS in modern history!

Every one on my side of the aisle knows that if the shoe were on the other foot so to speak, the Republicans - and the corporate media - would be screaming SORE LOSER from every media orifice. Everyone knows they would have been doing it pretty steadily since last November.

BUT, the shoe isn't on their foot, it's on ours. So, what do we have? How about DEAD SILENCE! The media hardly even covered the official state victory announcement yesterday. All they reported is how Norm Coleman's expects to appeal. They didn't say anything about the fact that HE LOST and is dragging the Minnesota Senate race out in such a way that seriously harms the Democrats and the citizens of Minnesota. The whole thing is disgusting!

How many more months will the Republicans be allowed to delay the inevitable before the corporate media begin to apply some pressure on Coleman? The man is getting away with murder. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that the three judge panel claims Senator Franken "soundly defeated" the crybaby incumbent Coleman.

The panel completely discarded Coleman's claims that "the election and its aftermath were fraught with systemic errors that made the results invalid." They saw it as a close, but fair election. "The overwhelming weight of the evidence indicates that the Nov. 4, 2008, election was conducted fairly, impartially and accurately," the panel wrote in its unanimous decision, which can be read here.

So, COLEMAN, shut the hell up and get the FREAK out of the race. Be a man, an honorable man, and call up Senator Franken to congratulate him on his win. Stop acting like the most pathetic political figure to ever run for the Senate. You are looking like a SAD JOKE!

Senator Franken has emerged from the statewide recount, which Coleman asked for, ahead by a greater number of votes (312) than before the recount. He is the winner. I say again, if you Republicans were enduring the same thing you would be screaming BLOODY MURDER over the idea that we would hold your senate seat hostage to a set of absurd and outrageous legal claims.

Why don't they do the honorable, dignified thing, which Norm Coleman himself said just after the November election, and accept defeat? As usual, it appears that the Republicans have no intention of doing the honorable thing. They love to see themselves as the party of honor, dignity, and character. It's amazing how their actions never seem to meet the dignity of their words. In truth, they are the party of dishonor, lack of dignity, and very small character.

To me, Norm Coleman has no honor. If he did, he would have lived by his own words and left the race long ago. Like so many Republicans, he has nothing left but disgrace. Perhaps that's why he doesn't seem to care what he looks like?

The rest of us have grown accustomed to the pathetic behavior of many Republicans. We pretty much listen to them talk about honor and laugh these days. It's evident by the fact that we rarely see their behavior as surprising. To most of us, they go beyond bad sportsman-like conduct. They just seem pathetic. They're like the old drunk who won't leave the bar - nobody wants to confront the sad, messy, aweful scene.

I'm convinced they don't see their own bad behavior at all. They seem to live in a strange, ostrich-in-the-sand kind of world. Oh well, perhaps they'll figure it all out over time. It's unfortunate, because in the meantime we have to put up with their CRAP! Their very ugly, sad, pathetic CRAP!

Tuesday's Political Rant - Michael

Amazon Trashes Gay Literature

Hello Readers! It boggles the mind, but for some reason Amazon.com decided to discriminate against gays over the weekend. How? It's subtle, but it's still discriminatory. They decided to "de-rank" hundreds of book titles with gay subject matter on the grounds that they were too "adult." It appears they may be ready to reverse the new policy, but it's still unclear this morning what will happen.

It seems they just decided to equate MILLIONS OF AMERICANS with pornography. Why should stories/books featuring average Americans, who happen to be gays and lesbians, be considered "adult" material? Adult material is adult material! It's different for God's sake.

The Los Angeles Times found that great books like Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs, Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown, and Becoming a Man by Paul Monette, have been categorized as "adult" material and struck from their rankings. Interestingly, books with the same types of stories, yet written from heterosexual perspectives, didn't get bumped from the rankings.

They need to reverse the policy, and soon. It's closed-minded and discriminatory. It's bad enough that gays and lesbians are treated like second class citizens when it comes to politics and marriage, but to be called pornographic? Amazon may be a private company, but discrimination is still wrong. They need to remain neutral, or we need to find an alternative.

Besides, good literature is never really pornographic. It's challenging, thought-provoking, and difficult. Amazon should know the difference. There is a clear difference between good literature and smut. In the end, love and emotion are not "adult" themes, but human themes. The sooner the idiots of Amazon.com get that message the better. Please, contact them HERE and let them know how you feel.

Monday's Political Rant #2 - Michael

PS - For those who don't know, the symbol above belongs to the Human Rights Campaign. It's a great organization that fights against discrimination in all forms, but targets discrimination of gays and lesbians. I recommend checking it out and joining.

PSS - Amazon is trying to claim that it was a computer "glitch," but there is a lot of evidence to suggest otherwise. For example, there were statements from company executives defending the changes over the weekend. Until we know the truth, please let Amazon know how you feel by clicking here.

Rest in Peace Brett and Robert

Good Morning Readers! In my neverending quest to remind people that Tasers are deadly weapons, I need to point out that more innocent Americans are dying at the hands of trigger-happy police. Two teenagers, both from Michigan, died over the past few weeks.

Last month police in Detroit, Michigan used a Taser to subdue 15-year old Brett Elder. They said he tried to fight with them. Despite the fact that Elder was unarmed and no more than 110 pounds, and posed no threat to law enforcement, they decided to risk his life using a Taser. Now the boy is dead.

Another Michigan boy, 16-year old year old Robert Mitchell, died after being tasered by Police in Warren, Michigan. Police say Mitchell was driving a car with expired tags. As officers pulled him over, they say "he ran and hid." They report there was a struggle and an officer used the Taser. The boy died shortly after the incident.

Amnesty International is an outspoken critic of Tasers, as am I. Amnesty reports that America is an exception in the Western world in the way it treats Tasers. American law enforcement treats Tasers like some kind of electronic pepper spray. Amnesty thinks the situation is unacceptable, and is beginning to work with law enforcement. Innocent people are dying all the time. The situation is very serious.

I think Tasers are excellent weapons IF used properly. An example might be a woman at risk of being raped or murdered, or used to protect the weak and the elderly from harm. I own and respect guns (yes, I am a gun-toting liberal - and I love them), and may even own a Tasar someday, but no matter who's using them deadly weapons need to treated with respect.

Nobody, especially law enforcement, should use a potentially deadly weapon unless threatened with overpowering or deadly force. American law enforcement needs to toughen up. The citizens they are hired to protect should not be treated to a deadly crap shoot. Police can use pepper spray if they need a non-lethal alternative.

Please write to your representatives now, for it could be your son or daughter next. Again, I'm not against Tasers, but simply the use of deadly force without real provocation. Tasers should not be used by officers hoping to avoid a struggle. Officers should be trained and capable of immobilizing people without using Tasers. For now, all I can say is rest in peace Brett and Robert. You didn't deserve to die.

Monday's Political Rant - Michael

PS - Btw, make sure you don't piss off your local police, or you could be next.

Viva La Revolution!

Good Morning Readers! There's a new Rasmussen national poll out that suggests only 53% of American adults believe capitalism is better than socialism. That result is extraordinary! No wonder John McCain lost the election trying to paint Barack Obama as a socialist.

It also clear now why the idiots of FOX "News" and other conservative media are beginning to look like smoke-filled echo chambers these days. The term "socialism" is finally losing some of its political punch, and they're just too stupid to realize it. I think it's a positive sign for those of us concerned about the future. Hopefully, it shows that America is evolving.

Rasmussen found that 20% of Americans say socialism is better, while 27% are not sure which is better. That sounds predictable. What is shocking are the trends. It's all about the next generation people!

Adults under 30 are essentially evenly divided: 37% prefer capitalism, 33% socialism, and 30% are undecided. That is NEW! That is NEWS! The slightly older thirty-somethings are a bit more supportive of the free-enterprise approach with 49% for capitalism and 26% for socialism. That still represents a trend away from Republicanism.

Adults over 40 strongly favor capitalism, and just 13% of older Americans believe socialism is better. Of course, they represent the heart of modern, unregulated capitalism, or Republicanism.

Personally, I consider myself a responsible capitalist. What is that? By and large it means I believe in sustainable economics, or an economy that can sustain society and all of mankind, while contributing to individual freedom and happiness. I also believe in trying to protect health, the environment, the vulnerable, and the future. Wow, what a radical I am!

Most of those protections are already in place. The missing link involves health care, and I think President Obama will handle that issue. The only "socialism" left to worry about involves the large holes in regulations left by modern Republicans. You know what I mean? The Republican deregulation that destroyed the modern economy. It's clear that we need to re-regulate the market so that it doesn't destroy itself or us. We also have to ensure a healthy, sustainable future.

As the poll suggests, most YOUNG Americans today are supportive of the idea. It also suggests most OLDER Americans, mainly Republicans (led by idiots like Bush, McCain, Palin and Romney), are way behind the learning curve. It makes you wonder if they'll ever catch-up. I wouldn't hold my breath.

I think the poll also suggests that people are changing their minds about the nature of free enterprise and what we call individual rights. The Republican free market ideal has always meant unlimited rights. I think that is less acceptable to people now. National and world resources are now seen as limited. It only makes sense that individual responsibility is more important. Free enterprise and individuals rights will pay a price. The planet and the future are now seen as vulnerable.

Free enterprise must have limits. It must be both responsible and sustainable.

Just to be clear for those on the right, I'm talking about multi-party, socially responsible capitalism. A sustainable, healthy capitalism. I'm NOT talking about a state economy, or a single-party socialistic economy. If you jump to that conclusion, you're an idiot! It would save a lot of time [in this debate] if you just accept that fact, and not try to paint me out to be some kind of anti-capitalistic, anti-democratic nut case.

It's now becoming clear that Republican-led, unregulated, free market capitalism is slowly destroying our nation, our planet, our health, and our children's future.

I think people are figuring it out. It seems the only ones denying it now are the far right, and they're beginning to look like a radical fringe group. Interestingly, if you listen to conservative media, they think the revolution is going their way. I think it's going our way - let's hope, our future depends on it. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Viva la Revolution!

Thursday's Political Rant - Michael

I am So Disappointed President Obama

Good Morning Readers! I must once again criticize my favorite new world statesman, President Barack Obama.

As many of you know, I was a major critic of George "the eavesdropper" Bush's warrantless wiretap program. I still consider the phone companies that cooperated with the Bush administration criminally liable, despite their new congressional immunity. Now, sad to say, President Obama has decided to join the dark side on this issue.

Unfortunately, President Obama and his Justice Department have decided to continue the Bush "we're above the law" policies and represent the government in court battles brought by citizens and organizations who felt their privacy was violated. Yes, it's sad but true, the Obama Administration has decided to support the Bush legal arguments for immunizing his Administration and government agencies from lawsuits surrounding the National Security Agency's eavesdropping efforts.

The right to privacy in the United States, enshrined in the US Constitution after the American revolution, should be more important to President Obama. The man was a constitutional professor for God's sake. His desire to continue with the Bush policies is a a serious breach of trust. They were wrong. He is wrong. I am both shocked and disappointed.

We need the right to privacy. The US government should not have the right to listen to our conversations, read our mail/email, or invade our privacy in any way. It's not about whether one administration is benign or more responsible; it's about the people's right to their own privacy.

For heaven's sake, whistleblowers have come out and reported government abuse already. They have reported how American citizens, even politicians, were listened to by the Bush Administration. Who knows how deep the rabbit hole goes? Can you say? If not, the government's ability to listen should be restricted.

We need to protect ourselves against corrupt power in this world. Technology makes us too vulnerable. I don't care if you call me paranoid, for history and precedence are on my side. We need protections against abuse before it's too late and big brother becomes a reality.

Constitutional scholars have universally condemned the government's past, and now present, position on the issue. The American people need to stand up for what is right. I don't care if we do support President Obama, if he's wrong, we need to fight him. We need to fight anybody who tries to take away our right to privacy.

Incredibly, the Obama Administration is going beyond any previous legal claims put forth by former President "the scumbag" Bush. All I can say is WOW! Responding to a lawsuit filed by a civil liberties group, the Justice Department has decided to argue that the government was protected by "sovereign immunity" from lawsuits because of a little-noticed clause in the Patriot Act.

It's OUTRAGEOUS! The Obama Administration is saying that government agencies cannot be sued for wiretapping American citizens even if there was intentional violation of US law. They maintain that the government can only be sued if the wiretaps involve "willful disclosure" -- a higher legal bar. I'm not a lawyer, but I if it smells like crap, it's crap. That is BS!

This is the first sign that the Obama Administration plans to support one of the worst crimes of the Bush Administration. It's also a very serious breach of trust to those of us who supported President Obama, because without a doubt most of us believed he would choose civil rights over government rights. It turns out we were wrong.

This is serious people. In the same way we fought to get President Obama elected, we need to fight against his Administration when it's wrong. Please join me to express your disappointment and work to change his position. I love so much of what the President is doing, but not on this issue. Of course, if anybody can help me understand why he may be choosing this path, please enlighten me. I'm at a loss.

Wednesday's Political Rant - Michael

Hey Holder, Help the Bush Victims First!

Hello Readers! After we learned that Attorney General Eric Holder believes in the Justice system so much that he threw out a case against ex-Senator Ted Stevens over the grounds of prosecutorial misconduct, then why don't we see him doing the same thing in the case against ex-Alabama Governor Don Siegelman?

The AG dismissed Ted Stevens' corruption conviction with no effort at all, so what's the hold up for our own Democrat who suffered under the prosecutorial misconduct of Bush, Rove and Gonzales? Most observers would agree that Bush-era wrongdoing is far worse than anything suffered by Ted Stevens. Holder needs to act faster, because Governor Siegelman has suffered far longer than the angry little Stevens.

"There seems to be substantial evidence of prosecutorial and other misconduct in my case, that would dwarf the allegations in the Stevens case," the governor recently said to Mukraker. It's obvious to most observers that he's correct. So, WHAT'S THE HOLD-UP HOLDER?

I'm not going to write about Governor Siegelman's case here, since you could easily Google it and learn all you need to know. I encourage you to do the research. It's a disgusting tale of corruption and cover-up led by Karl Rove. If it's proved to be true, it's enough to make your blood boil.

I just want to say that Eric Holder is being completely insensitive to those of us who fought so hard to get President Obama elected. We have been waiting for some action against the despicable crimes of the Bush years. Nothing ever happens. At the very least, and I mean the very least, Governor Siegelman should have been vindicated and cleared LONG BEFORE TED STEVENS.

Stop ignoring the hard-working, donation-giving, rank and file. We're not asking for any favors, just for simple consideration and a focus on real justice. Review the most abusive cases first, and help them the way you so easily helped that nasty old fart Stevens. MOVE IT HOLDER!

Saturday's Political Rant - Michael

The Angry Alaskan Gets Away Again

Good Morning Readers! In what could only be bad news to those of us who care about ethics in government, the Obama Administration's Justice Department today asked a federal judge to drop all charges against former Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska. As usual, politicians who break the rules go free. I find it so depressing.

A jury convicted Stevens last fall of seven counts of lying on his Senate disclosure form in order to conceal $250,000 in gifts from an oil industry executive and other friends. That is a VERY BIG DEAL whether you want to try to belittle it or not. I worked in the Senate, and lying about major gifts is a major no-no. It effects everything, especially the integrity of your votes.

I also met him. He is a very nasty piece of work. Stevens is a creepy little man who is directly responsible for tearing the Alaskan wilderness to pieces. The man never saw a piece of wilderness he wasn't willing to lease to a mining, oil or logging company. He spent his entire career trying to turn government protected land, owned by all Americans, into Alaskan corporate fodder.

He always claimed it was about jobs. Funny thing, like most Republicans, he never fought hard to use the billions in federal dollars - or oil/mining/logging dollars - for education or the creation of new industries. He was mediocre when it came to fighting for quality higher education. He never fought for anything much except those depressing blue collar jobs.

What does that tell you? It tells me that he promoted blue collar values and passions for one reason, so that he [and his political career] could benefit from the industries that need such workers. It was nothing more, nothing less.

Btw, I looked into it. Except for being a major supporter of natural resource industries, he paid little attention to Alaska's potential for other industries. Overall, Stevens did very little to promote a better future. Feel free to let me know if I'm wrong, but I can't find anything - and he had a LONG career. Explain to me what he did to help Alaskans move beyond just a few, crude, environmentally destructive industries?

The way I see it, he was a bought-and-paid-for, one trick pony. Interesting, how many other Republicans would fall into that same category? I'll bet more than a few. I think it's time we learn from the Ted Stevens of this world, and outgrow them.

His environmental legacy, comprised mostly of golf course and vacation home vista preservation, will go down as one of the worst in American history. Despite his personal love of hunting and fishing, his loyalty and passion for logging, mines and oil will anger preservationists for years to come.

Like the Long family of Louisiana, who helped destroy the wetlands and most of the "Sportsman's Paradise" in favor of the oil and gas industry, Steven's will be remembered for low wage jobs, dirty industries, carcinogenic waste, and poor overall economic development. He delivered millions each year to Alaska, but the state has very little to show for it. Where did that money go? You tell me.

Oh well, one more corrupt politician will be allowed to live his golden years out in peace and quiet, enjoying his spoils. When will this nation learn that unless we do a better job of prosecuting those who break our laws, we will continue to be victims of the treachery and manipulations of very bad people? I only hope Attorney General Eric Holder, and President Barack Obama, know what they're doing when they let people like Stevens go without a good fight.

Enjoy your retirement Ted, because if the universe does ask for payback, then you have a lot to account for after it's all over. Your nastiness alone should be enough to score you a hot seat. Who knows, maybe you'll be forced to mine or log for the rest of eternity - without gloves! At least you lost the election, and you're very old, so hopefully your bile - and ability to destroy - will grow less toxic very soon.

Wednesday's Political Rant - Michael

Special Note: For those curious about his actual vote legacy, feel free to visit On The Issues and get the facts - always remember, there's only one set of facts! Enjoy!