It's true. I want Virgina to get flooded. Like majorly flooded. Like what's happened to people in New Jersey, New York, Vermont, etc. Like what's about to happen, again, to New Orleans. But Eric "I'm The Ultimate Douche" Cantor doesn't understand disaster relief.
I have friends and family in Virginia, so I don't actually want them to get flooded out. But this jerk wants every cent that goes out for disaster relief to be offset by spending cuts. For disasters. Where people lose everything and other people die, he's worried more about austerity?! You've got to be f-ing kidding me.
This guy is the ultimate asshole. What is it going to take for him to understand that people suffering losses from the tornado in Joplin, MO, Irene on the East Coast, and now Lee by the Gulf need help, not more crap about lowering taxes and spending?
I could feel a bit better if he would pay even a bit of attention to the fact that all these disasters are from everything shifting around on the planet due to increased water due to, you guessed it, global warming. Oh wait, he's anti-regulation too.
If only corporations had basements filled with family mementos that got trashed and had offices in these communities trapped by bridge washouts. This this crazy man would care about disaster relief.
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Debating Myself - Gun Raffle In Giffords District
Read the CNN story.
For all you lazy folks out there, Representative Gabrielle Gifford's Congressional district in is Arizona. Gun-loving Arizona. The Pima Country Republican Party is located in her district. They're having a fundraiser that auctions off a gun. Some say it's insensitive, other's say it's how Arizona rolls. I can see both sides to this argument so here goes.
What insensitive jerks! Giffords was shot by a glock. The woman just started walking around again and they're raffling off a gun of the same type that killed 6 people that day! WTF!
Um... Giffords owns a glock herself. Even the Democrats in Arizona love them some guns. Her office didn't comment on this situation, which probably means they dont' see the big deal.
Just because they didn't make a remark calling these jerks insensitive doesn't mean it's not still insensitive as hell. Are they doing a background check on the people buying these raffle tickets? I highly doubt it. What if another batshit crazy person buys this gun? Who's fault will it be?
They wouldn't just auction off the gun if it were against gun laws. Now you're getting into territory about the state legislation's law on gun possession and purchase. That's so tangential to this case, it's not really applicable.
Like hell it's not applicable. If it weren't for those laws (or lack thereof), she'd have one less hole in her head. But if you want to stay on topic, fine. Let's talk about how this is like dancing on someone's grave. Or more specifically, parking a car on top of it after they've died in a motor vehicle accident. Six people were killed by a glock and they want to raffle one off near where it happened.
Lots of Republican parties auction handguns on a raffle. It happens in several states. I'm sure they're not stopping their raffles in Illinois because of the high gun crime rate there.
Blame the shooter, not the gun, eh? If the shooter had no gun, there'd be no shootings! And don't give me that crap about how they'll just find another way to take people out. The death toll with a semi-automatic is always higher that even a skilled knifesman in a crowd.
Staying on topic, this raffle isn't about her. It's about a fundraiser for the party.
Well, it should be about her. Republicans could stand a little honor these days, even if it has to come on the local level.
Where do you stand in the debate?
 |
| Gabrielle Giffords |
For all you lazy folks out there, Representative Gabrielle Gifford's Congressional district in is Arizona. Gun-loving Arizona. The Pima Country Republican Party is located in her district. They're having a fundraiser that auctions off a gun. Some say it's insensitive, other's say it's how Arizona rolls. I can see both sides to this argument so here goes.
What insensitive jerks! Giffords was shot by a glock. The woman just started walking around again and they're raffling off a gun of the same type that killed 6 people that day! WTF!
Um... Giffords owns a glock herself. Even the Democrats in Arizona love them some guns. Her office didn't comment on this situation, which probably means they dont' see the big deal.
Just because they didn't make a remark calling these jerks insensitive doesn't mean it's not still insensitive as hell. Are they doing a background check on the people buying these raffle tickets? I highly doubt it. What if another batshit crazy person buys this gun? Who's fault will it be?
They wouldn't just auction off the gun if it were against gun laws. Now you're getting into territory about the state legislation's law on gun possession and purchase. That's so tangential to this case, it's not really applicable.
Like hell it's not applicable. If it weren't for those laws (or lack thereof), she'd have one less hole in her head. But if you want to stay on topic, fine. Let's talk about how this is like dancing on someone's grave. Or more specifically, parking a car on top of it after they've died in a motor vehicle accident. Six people were killed by a glock and they want to raffle one off near where it happened.
Lots of Republican parties auction handguns on a raffle. It happens in several states. I'm sure they're not stopping their raffles in Illinois because of the high gun crime rate there.
Blame the shooter, not the gun, eh? If the shooter had no gun, there'd be no shootings! And don't give me that crap about how they'll just find another way to take people out. The death toll with a semi-automatic is always higher that even a skilled knifesman in a crowd.
Staying on topic, this raffle isn't about her. It's about a fundraiser for the party.
Well, it should be about her. Republicans could stand a little honor these days, even if it has to come on the local level.
Where do you stand in the debate?
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Great News About Qaddafi. Not Great News About Perry
The rebels in Libya are feeling increasingly good because it seems that the last of Qaddafi's holds in Libya are falling apart. They've given loyalists one week to surrender. I hope they surrender and don't make this fight last longer than it has to.
Read the CNN article.
I get how someone can be so bogged down in the life they've always known. And for someone who's life has been filled with Cristal champagne, marble pools, and lots o' cash, holding onto what's left of Qaddafi's regime seems like the better idea.
But for those who were subjected to be one of a ton of lower class denizens under a dictator, freedom was their only option. Yay for the NATO involvement and I hope Libya can replace Iraq in our interventionist memory.
In other news, Rick Perry leads in another poll.
Why would anyone vote for this secessionist steal-jobs-from-other-states, Hispanic loathing, education hating, pay-to-play faux cowboy?
I'm about to get real whiny right now. I was batshit crazy Michele Bachmann on top! It's not fair. She sounds reasonable enough. But why does Perry get to spout all the same crazy Christiandoms she does but he's more popular with moderates? Maybe it's cause his spouse isn't trying to de-gay the masses.
Well, there's always still Sarah Palin. I'm waiting on her particlar anti-intellectualistic view of the world to join in this race. Where are you Sarah?
Read the CNN article.
I get how someone can be so bogged down in the life they've always known. And for someone who's life has been filled with Cristal champagne, marble pools, and lots o' cash, holding onto what's left of Qaddafi's regime seems like the better idea.
But for those who were subjected to be one of a ton of lower class denizens under a dictator, freedom was their only option. Yay for the NATO involvement and I hope Libya can replace Iraq in our interventionist memory.
In other news, Rick Perry leads in another poll.
Why would anyone vote for this secessionist steal-jobs-from-other-states, Hispanic loathing, education hating, pay-to-play faux cowboy?
I'm about to get real whiny right now. I was batshit crazy Michele Bachmann on top! It's not fair. She sounds reasonable enough. But why does Perry get to spout all the same crazy Christiandoms she does but he's more popular with moderates? Maybe it's cause his spouse isn't trying to de-gay the masses.
Well, there's always still Sarah Palin. I'm waiting on her particlar anti-intellectualistic view of the world to join in this race. Where are you Sarah?
Saturday, August 27, 2011
How To Fix Obama's Inaction
The Republicans seemed primed to benefit from their obstructionist behavior for the last few years. At least according to polls, their gamble is paying off. People are seeing Obama as unable to get things done and his approval ratings are suffering as a result.
The Republicans ratings are in the toilet too. But when faced with a decision between bad and worse, people tend to forget which is worse and go with the option they haven't recently tried. I can only hope people are that ridiculously stupid, but alas it may be so.
I get really sad when I think about the possibility of Rick Perry or Michele Bachmann as president. Mitt Romney would be less gag-inducing, but only marginally.
The only real solution in times like these is to get rid of the obstructionists. If the Republicans lose their majority in Congress, they can't say no to everything Obama suggests. Then he can get things done and move this country forward.
They seriously say no to everything he suggests. They have opposed every single revenue raise. But when Obama proposes continuing the social security tax, suddenly they're against it. Are you kidding me!??! They say they only want tax cuts that will grow business. As if business is the only things that needs growth. And those rich folks they're extending the Bust tax cuts for are not running around hiring new people with the saved money. They're hoarding!
These folks are full of it. I just hope enough Americans realize it so they will make the right decision in this upcoming election cycle.
The Republicans ratings are in the toilet too. But when faced with a decision between bad and worse, people tend to forget which is worse and go with the option they haven't recently tried. I can only hope people are that ridiculously stupid, but alas it may be so.
I get really sad when I think about the possibility of Rick Perry or Michele Bachmann as president. Mitt Romney would be less gag-inducing, but only marginally.
The only real solution in times like these is to get rid of the obstructionists. If the Republicans lose their majority in Congress, they can't say no to everything Obama suggests. Then he can get things done and move this country forward.
They seriously say no to everything he suggests. They have opposed every single revenue raise. But when Obama proposes continuing the social security tax, suddenly they're against it. Are you kidding me!??! They say they only want tax cuts that will grow business. As if business is the only things that needs growth. And those rich folks they're extending the Bust tax cuts for are not running around hiring new people with the saved money. They're hoarding!
These folks are full of it. I just hope enough Americans realize it so they will make the right decision in this upcoming election cycle.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Libya Free From Qaddafi?
According to breaking news on CNN.com, Libya is now under rebel control.
They've arrested a couple of his sons.
Obama made an official announcement on Sunday signalling his belief that Qaddafi was truly done as ruler.
All signs point to him being done.
I have to admit this makes me really happy. I first posted about the revolution in Libya on March 31st. It kicked off on February 15th.
Finally, after much fighting, it seems to have reached a tipping point. I feared it would never end. Libya is no Egypt and there was no way this was going to end as smoothly. But now, hope has returned.
So now, I wait and I watch. I look forward to the day when Libya is building a new future for themselves that doesn't involve anyone with the last name Qaddafi.
They've arrested a couple of his sons.
Obama made an official announcement on Sunday signalling his belief that Qaddafi was truly done as ruler.
All signs point to him being done.
I have to admit this makes me really happy. I first posted about the revolution in Libya on March 31st. It kicked off on February 15th.
Finally, after much fighting, it seems to have reached a tipping point. I feared it would never end. Libya is no Egypt and there was no way this was going to end as smoothly. But now, hope has returned.
So now, I wait and I watch. I look forward to the day when Libya is building a new future for themselves that doesn't involve anyone with the last name Qaddafi.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
How To Get Your Name In The Headlines: Obscure Repub Edition
There are the big names one thinks of when they think of Republicans today. Those people matter either because of the current position they hold or because of their chances at a future current position. These are people like Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann, Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, and yes, Karl Rove.
When you hear these names, it's because you've just heard them and will hear them again tomorrow. Those who don't make this cut are sidelines for a number of reasons. Either they're not important enough, or their important belongs more to yesterday.
CNN's Politics page seems to be splattered with insignificant people who've made big statements in an effort to beef up their public exposure. Well, here you go people, I'm exposing you.
Herman I-Wanna-Be-The-New-Token Cain Thinks Obama Should Be Impeached.
Pulling out the big guns a bit early, are we Herman? Who do you think you are? Rick Perry? You're no Rick Perry. Silly rabbit. Who do you think is going to reward you for such insolence?
Christine O'Donnell walked out on Piers Morgan and she is rightly being lambasted for it. I agree with this opinion piece wholeheartedly. What did she think she was going to be asked? Seriously, chick you're no Michelle Bachmann.
On to people who it does make sense to mention these days, and the old folks trapped in their headline by association...
Bill Clinton had the hots for Rick Perry
Maybe it's me, but I don't see it. I don't think Rick Perry is very good looking at all. All I can see is that large expanse of skin from his nose to his upper lip. It's like unkempt landscape over there. I love laugh lines, but his just look angry. His eyebrows don't suit his face, his ears are too big, and that old man loose skin flap threatening to hide the top of his collar is soooo icky. I'm just saying...
Bachmann screw up... oh hell everything. This time it's Elvis' birthday. I think all the people who think education sucks must be her biggest fan. It's totally fine to get everything wrong all the time because at least you're not an egghead. Is that the reasoning? Someone please explain to my why anyone cares what comes out of her mouth?
If my job was fact-checking this chick, I'd be rich! Rich!
When you hear these names, it's because you've just heard them and will hear them again tomorrow. Those who don't make this cut are sidelines for a number of reasons. Either they're not important enough, or their important belongs more to yesterday.
CNN's Politics page seems to be splattered with insignificant people who've made big statements in an effort to beef up their public exposure. Well, here you go people, I'm exposing you.
Herman I-Wanna-Be-The-New-Token Cain Thinks Obama Should Be Impeached.
Pulling out the big guns a bit early, are we Herman? Who do you think you are? Rick Perry? You're no Rick Perry. Silly rabbit. Who do you think is going to reward you for such insolence?
Christine O'Donnell walked out on Piers Morgan and she is rightly being lambasted for it. I agree with this opinion piece wholeheartedly. What did she think she was going to be asked? Seriously, chick you're no Michelle Bachmann.
On to people who it does make sense to mention these days, and the old folks trapped in their headline by association...
Bill Clinton had the hots for Rick Perry
Maybe it's me, but I don't see it. I don't think Rick Perry is very good looking at all. All I can see is that large expanse of skin from his nose to his upper lip. It's like unkempt landscape over there. I love laugh lines, but his just look angry. His eyebrows don't suit his face, his ears are too big, and that old man loose skin flap threatening to hide the top of his collar is soooo icky. I'm just saying...
Bachmann screw up... oh hell everything. This time it's Elvis' birthday. I think all the people who think education sucks must be her biggest fan. It's totally fine to get everything wrong all the time because at least you're not an egghead. Is that the reasoning? Someone please explain to my why anyone cares what comes out of her mouth?
If my job was fact-checking this chick, I'd be rich! Rich!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Really Perry?! Already With The Talk Of Treason?!?!
So, apparently, it's never too early in one's primary race for president to start throwing around the word treason. At least, not when it comes to Texas Governor Rick Perry.
Apparently, being "passionate" is a good reason to call Ben Bernanke treasonous.
Seriously?! You've been campaigning for all of, what, three days and you're pulling out words people used to die over?!
Those are fighting words, Perry. Fighting words!
And seriously?! You're going after Democratic people already?! Why not focus on the actual primary which you must win to even be relevant in this discussion in a year.
And while I'm on the subject, seriously?! You won like 875 votes in the Ames' Straw Poll for emotional farmers and you think it's time to focus on the long game?
Seriously dude, you have to beat batshit crazy Michele I Don't Believe Anyone's Really Gay But They Can Be A Witch Bachmann before you've earned the right to start calling folks treasonous.
If this is what you're doing this early, Lord only knows how much farther you'll sink on the premise of passion. Hopefully you'll sink just far enough for reasonable people to run screaming away from you. Seriously.
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| Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images |
Seriously?! You've been campaigning for all of, what, three days and you're pulling out words people used to die over?!
Those are fighting words, Perry. Fighting words!
And seriously?! You're going after Democratic people already?! Why not focus on the actual primary which you must win to even be relevant in this discussion in a year.
And while I'm on the subject, seriously?! You won like 875 votes in the Ames' Straw Poll for emotional farmers and you think it's time to focus on the long game?
Seriously dude, you have to beat batshit crazy Michele I Don't Believe Anyone's Really Gay But They Can Be A Witch Bachmann before you've earned the right to start calling folks treasonous.
If this is what you're doing this early, Lord only knows how much farther you'll sink on the premise of passion. Hopefully you'll sink just far enough for reasonable people to run screaming away from you. Seriously.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
He Lingers Cause He Likes What He Sees
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| A Confident Rick Perry |
The big thing to remember about this guy is that his talk of job creation is a lie!
He "created" jobs not by increasing consumer demand alone, but by luring jobs from other states because of the low wages most of Texas enjoys. I use enjoy as if it were opposite day, of course.
He simply cannot use his job creation strategy on the whole country, so don't believe that load of crap for one minute.
But let's focus on what's right in front of us. Perry is stealing Bachmann's shine. I think that lade is batshit crazy, but I think I'd rather have her contesting the presidency.
Yes Perry's from Texas, Dubya's state.
Yes Perry's scarily anti-immigration.
Yes Perry hates education.
But all of that won't keep him from picking up more votes than he deserves. By nature of simply not being Barack Obama, people can expect he'll face a less contentious Washington. That alone worries me.
This one guy with the chance to beat both boring-ass Romney and crazy-ass Bachmann is taking his stand. I'll be here to remind folks that he's full of hot air. Hopefully I won't be the only one to notice.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Rick Perry, Get On In Here!
Oh yeah! I'm doing a happy dance as more and more loony ass Republicans hop into the race for President. Rick I-Don't-Like-Hispanics-Even-Though-Countless-Numbers-Of-Them-Live-In-My-State Perry threw his hat in the ring.
The only thing that could make me more happy is if Sarah Palin would join in too.
Although he doesn't officially announce his candidacy until tomorrow, like other Repubs before him, <a href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/11/breaking-perry-will-announce-saturday/">there's been a pre-announcement</a>.
Iowa only matters as much as what the next three states do. For the Democrats in 2008, it was a big deal because no one expected Obama to beat Clinton. But there's far too many candidates in the race for the Repubs to make a difference, in my not-so-humble opinion.
So while they fret about things that won't make a difference anyway, I'll just sit back and grin and hope more and more nutbags join up and muddy the waters.
The only thing that could make me more happy is if Sarah Palin would join in too.
Although he doesn't officially announce his candidacy until tomorrow, like other Repubs before him, <a href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/11/breaking-perry-will-announce-saturday/">there's been a pre-announcement</a>.
Previous reports had indicated that Perry would use a speech at the conservative RedState Gathering in Charleston to make his intentions clear, but would stop short of officially announcing a presidential bid.And doing her job as the newer, loonier, slightly better educated Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachmann is doing her "look at me" dance by already commenting on his candidacy -- before it even starts. <a href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/12/bachmann-camp-to-perry-why-the-no-show-at-gop-debate/">Read the article</a>.
But the Republican source told CNN that Perry will be in the Republican presidential race on Saturday.
"I think the interesting thing is, he wasn't here tonight," Bachmann adviser Ed Goeas said. "He's not involved in the Iowa Straw poll. If he in fact…is getting in this race at the end of the week, I think the real question, especially for many of the people here in Iowa are asking was: why weren't you here tonight?"This was about Thursday's race. And seriously, who cares about Iowa's straw poll? We already know what's going down there, they are going to pick whoever combines the right mix of fiscal conservativism (real word? prolly not) with social freedom with a dash of states rights.
Iowa only matters as much as what the next three states do. For the Democrats in 2008, it was a big deal because no one expected Obama to beat Clinton. But there's far too many candidates in the race for the Repubs to make a difference, in my not-so-humble opinion.
So while they fret about things that won't make a difference anyway, I'll just sit back and grin and hope more and more nutbags join up and muddy the waters.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Palin Strings Together A Coherent Argument, If Only Because So Many Others Have Said The Same Thing Before
<a href="http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/08/palin-on-downgrade-i-told-you-so/#more-170473">Read the CNN article</a>
I'm not saying she's coherent, mind you. I'm saying her argument was. Any conservative can string together a bunch of reasoning about lowering spending and stopping regulation and lowering taxes.
I'm not even sure if it was really coherent or if I'm just so used to hearing conservatives say this crap that it sounds normal.
But let's get real here. Lowering spending gets you nowhere without revenue increases. Every idiot, except Palin knows that.
Stopping regulation is why we got in this mess in the first place. Without regulation, every body gets broke in bubble after bubble, everyone gets asthma, and everyone eats GH-pumped food. But looking at the size of her kids, I guess that's not such bad thing to her.
And lowering taxes is of course stupid. Maybe cause she's in Alaska she doesn't realize how essential roads and cops and telephone lines are to the rest of us. Without taxes, they will never get around to fixing that pot-ridden ass hole on the next block down from my parents' house.
And my biggest gripe is that after all of this, she said "I told you so"?!?!? Seriously?! She's such a brat. She could have said, "I saw this coming," but no, she went more petulant. As is her way.
And yet still, I'm hoping and wishing this woman would throw her hat in the ring.
I'm not saying she's coherent, mind you. I'm saying her argument was. Any conservative can string together a bunch of reasoning about lowering spending and stopping regulation and lowering taxes.
I'm not even sure if it was really coherent or if I'm just so used to hearing conservatives say this crap that it sounds normal.
But let's get real here. Lowering spending gets you nowhere without revenue increases. Every idiot, except Palin knows that.
Stopping regulation is why we got in this mess in the first place. Without regulation, every body gets broke in bubble after bubble, everyone gets asthma, and everyone eats GH-pumped food. But looking at the size of her kids, I guess that's not such bad thing to her.
 |
| Mark's no Brawny man, but she makes him look dainty. Big ass. |
And my biggest gripe is that after all of this, she said "I told you so"?!?!? Seriously?! She's such a brat. She could have said, "I saw this coming," but no, she went more petulant. As is her way.
And yet still, I'm hoping and wishing this woman would throw her hat in the ring.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
WTF Non-Compromisers! Are You Happy Now?!
<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/06/business/us-debt-downgraded-by-sp.html?_r=1&hp">S&P Downgrades America's Debt</a>
The financial implications of this aren't clear yet. But one thing is clear: this crap could have been avoided!
Were the political points worth the downgrade of our country's debt rating? Some jerks would probably answer yes. Sigh. I'm moving to France.
I would love to go live in Europe for at least a year after my fiance and I finish grad school. I wonder if I have a baby there with dual citizenship, if I can move there to take my kid "home" when America has slid a little further into decline and is no longer a great place to live...
These people, this business, they did what they had to do. It's no one's fault, or wait, yes it is! All these folks should have done better. Every single one of you who refused to speak with maturity and clarity and logic. It's all your fault, those who stood by and only complained without ever offering a viable solution.
The financial implications of this aren't clear yet. But one thing is clear: this crap could have been avoided!
Were the political points worth the downgrade of our country's debt rating? Some jerks would probably answer yes. Sigh. I'm moving to France.
I would love to go live in Europe for at least a year after my fiance and I finish grad school. I wonder if I have a baby there with dual citizenship, if I can move there to take my kid "home" when America has slid a little further into decline and is no longer a great place to live...
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| Image via <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/06/business/us-debt-downgraded-by-sp.html?_r=1&hp">nytimes.com / credit: Scott Ellis/Bloomberg News |
“The downgrade reflects our opinion that the fiscal consolidation plan that Congress and the administration recently agreed to falls short of what, in our view, would be necessary to stabilize the government’s medium-term debt dynamics,” it said.That quote points out the big "DUH" that occurred to me when this deal was signed. This deal sucks. I know it, Paul Krugman knows it, and Obama knows it. If this is really the best we can do, I'm going to downgrade my belief in our government.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
The Best Part Of The Debt Ceiling Bill
In the midst of a situation that makes me want to move to France, there was something to smile about.
They finally worked out a deal. It apparently had the gooey center that pundits dream of. The only people who voted "Hell no" to this bill were the super conservatives and the super liberals. That usually means the people who need the most help from the bill aren't getting it.
It must be nice to be a special interest, huh?
Well, back to the something to smile about. Gabrielle Giffords returned to the House for the vote.
The big question is, how did she vote?
She voted yes. Yay for bipartisanship.
They say she entered to thunderous applause. It really warms my heart to see someone fight back from the brink, and the first thing they do is continue their fight for a cause. Whether that be public service, healthcare, education, music, whatever. I just like to see someone fulfill their life's potential.
For her to continue to strive for her goals makes me swell with pride. It makes me think, surprisingly, of all the women who can't do what she's done. In some places in time and history, women aren't holding elected positions.
They aren't making a difference in the world. They don't have a platform on which to stand as an example to others. It's nice to see someone up there on that platform really truly being a great example to follow.
From Giffords we can learn perseverance, strength, commitment, and faith.
I wish we had more like her. If more people knew the importance of every day, they wouldn't waste so many of them.
They finally worked out a deal. It apparently had the gooey center that pundits dream of. The only people who voted "Hell no" to this bill were the super conservatives and the super liberals. That usually means the people who need the most help from the bill aren't getting it.
It must be nice to be a special interest, huh?
Well, back to the something to smile about. Gabrielle Giffords returned to the House for the vote.
The big question is, how did she vote?
She voted yes. Yay for bipartisanship.
They say she entered to thunderous applause. It really warms my heart to see someone fight back from the brink, and the first thing they do is continue their fight for a cause. Whether that be public service, healthcare, education, music, whatever. I just like to see someone fulfill their life's potential.
For her to continue to strive for her goals makes me swell with pride. It makes me think, surprisingly, of all the women who can't do what she's done. In some places in time and history, women aren't holding elected positions.
They aren't making a difference in the world. They don't have a platform on which to stand as an example to others. It's nice to see someone up there on that platform really truly being a great example to follow.
From Giffords we can learn perseverance, strength, commitment, and faith.
I wish we had more like her. If more people knew the importance of every day, they wouldn't waste so many of them.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Don't Even Get Me Started On The Debt Ceiling
Anyone who says it's equally both sides making things difficult is a centrist jerk. People who think that finding a compromise in the middle is the best way, always, are crazy. Especially when that middle keeps shifting as those to one side keep taking gigantic steps away from the other side.
I'm looking at you, Roland Martin. You're a crazy person to think that it's both the Democrats and Republicans equally holding up progress.
The Democrats are still whining about having to potentially cut some of the entitlement programs. But they're sure as hell not going to have to be coerced with promises of constitutional amendments and pizza to get their vote on a bill that doesn't completely suck.
The Republicans in general and the Tea Partiers in particular are appearing more and more to be full-blown lunatics. A lot of these freshman members of Congress don't fully understand how the process works. They think they can get an amendment to the constitution passed during election year. Election year. Passed. In all 50 states etc.
Seriously? I know these people constantly deride and undervalue education. But did none of them take civics at any point from 5th grade to grad school? Sigh.
Back to the point at hand. Now, suddenly, there's a silver lining. I don't know that there's more of one than before. I just know that the media tide has shifted and all the calls of the sky falling are shifting to faux rainbow sightings. I'm looking at you New York Times.
This craziness almost made my parents hesitate to sign a contract for my wedding venue. This is where this gets personal. I have half a mind to move to another state, just so I can vote against any one of these rich guys who have no problem pushing the rest of America, and the planet, to the brink of economic disaster.
I'm looking at you, Roland Martin. You're a crazy person to think that it's both the Democrats and Republicans equally holding up progress.
The Democrats are still whining about having to potentially cut some of the entitlement programs. But they're sure as hell not going to have to be coerced with promises of constitutional amendments and pizza to get their vote on a bill that doesn't completely suck.
The Republicans in general and the Tea Partiers in particular are appearing more and more to be full-blown lunatics. A lot of these freshman members of Congress don't fully understand how the process works. They think they can get an amendment to the constitution passed during election year. Election year. Passed. In all 50 states etc.
Seriously? I know these people constantly deride and undervalue education. But did none of them take civics at any point from 5th grade to grad school? Sigh.
Back to the point at hand. Now, suddenly, there's a silver lining. I don't know that there's more of one than before. I just know that the media tide has shifted and all the calls of the sky falling are shifting to faux rainbow sightings. I'm looking at you New York Times.
This craziness almost made my parents hesitate to sign a contract for my wedding venue. This is where this gets personal. I have half a mind to move to another state, just so I can vote against any one of these rich guys who have no problem pushing the rest of America, and the planet, to the brink of economic disaster.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Seriously, Murdoch? What The Hell?!
First off, shout out to Amazon & Kindle for being awesome! I pay for a monthly subscription to the New York Times newspaper and get it delivered on my Kindle.
When The New York Times started charging people to read their website, Kindle worked with them to get access for their subscribers. So now I can link to articles and you can read them too! It's so great. And now I'm done gushing and back to ranting.
If you haven't read about the scandal in Europe right now, pay more attention to the news. Read this article, and then read all the related articles it links to.
And shame on you for not being on top of this craziness.
So here's my beef: what is Murdoch's issue? After this thing keeps ballooning bigger and bigger, his response is still infuriating.
I feel like had he just distanced himself from the people and organizations involved, he might have emerged a bit better. A good old fashioned under-the-bus-throwing was very apropos is this situation.
But this keeps getting bigger and bigger. I think he thinks he's too big to fail. I think he thinks he's Al Pacino in Ocean's Thirteen.
Look at 1:25, 1:55, 2:45, but especially 2:52 to see what I mean. And with people like Tom Perkins having his back, Murdoch of course believes he'll be okay, no matter how long the earthquake shakes his giant twisted building.
I will be following this story to see what happens when he goes before the committee in Parliament that should be going on right about now.
When The New York Times started charging people to read their website, Kindle worked with them to get access for their subscribers. So now I can link to articles and you can read them too! It's so great. And now I'm done gushing and back to ranting.
If you haven't read about the scandal in Europe right now, pay more attention to the news. Read this article, and then read all the related articles it links to.
And shame on you for not being on top of this craziness.
So here's my beef: what is Murdoch's issue? After this thing keeps ballooning bigger and bigger, his response is still infuriating.
I feel like had he just distanced himself from the people and organizations involved, he might have emerged a bit better. A good old fashioned under-the-bus-throwing was very apropos is this situation.
But this keeps getting bigger and bigger. I think he thinks he's too big to fail. I think he thinks he's Al Pacino in Ocean's Thirteen.
Look at 1:25, 1:55, 2:45, but especially 2:52 to see what I mean. And with people like Tom Perkins having his back, Murdoch of course believes he'll be okay, no matter how long the earthquake shakes his giant twisted building.
I will be following this story to see what happens when he goes before the committee in Parliament that should be going on right about now.
Monday, July 4, 2011
The GOP Race Is Sorta Getting Interesting
These people are trying to make themselves more newsworthy. They're not making headlines for great campaign moments. It's because of ridiculousness left and right.
Herman Cain is hemorrhaging staffers. Poor guy, he's acting like Newt "The Titanic" Gingrich. Apparently these staffers this year are serious about winning Iowa. Is that what gave Obama the White House? Is it so key to the election? I guess we'll see.
Bachmann demands to be taken seriously. I guess that means she hasn't ever actually listened to herself when she talks. But that's okay. Fox is playing into it, and so will their viewers. That only increases her chances of winning the GOP nomination and that's only a good thing for Obama. Let's not forget this lady is batshit crazy.
And speaking of Bachmann, her chief of staff left her to back Pawlenty for President. Apparently, he's the Brad Pitt to her Jennifer Aniston. And just like people barely remember those two were married, if Pawlenty has any success, people will forget Ron Carey used to support Michele Bachmann.
And lastly, Bristol Palin makes her mother seem more interesting by association. Her book is out. And even though she trashes Meghan McCain, of who I am a fan, I still found this stuff interesting. I will not spend money on or read her book, but I will be reading blurbs and articles of other people's opinions of it. If only her mother would decide to run for President, I could get stuff like this every day until next November.
I hope the GOP stays interesting. Like a car wreck of course. I don't want to hear anything about economic debates or foreign policy. The less substantive these candidates are, the better for Obama.
Herman Cain is hemorrhaging staffers. Poor guy, he's acting like Newt "The Titanic" Gingrich. Apparently these staffers this year are serious about winning Iowa. Is that what gave Obama the White House? Is it so key to the election? I guess we'll see.
Bachmann demands to be taken seriously. I guess that means she hasn't ever actually listened to herself when she talks. But that's okay. Fox is playing into it, and so will their viewers. That only increases her chances of winning the GOP nomination and that's only a good thing for Obama. Let's not forget this lady is batshit crazy.
And speaking of Bachmann, her chief of staff left her to back Pawlenty for President. Apparently, he's the Brad Pitt to her Jennifer Aniston. And just like people barely remember those two were married, if Pawlenty has any success, people will forget Ron Carey used to support Michele Bachmann.
And lastly, Bristol Palin makes her mother seem more interesting by association. Her book is out. And even though she trashes Meghan McCain, of who I am a fan, I still found this stuff interesting. I will not spend money on or read her book, but I will be reading blurbs and articles of other people's opinions of it. If only her mother would decide to run for President, I could get stuff like this every day until next November.
I hope the GOP stays interesting. Like a car wreck of course. I don't want to hear anything about economic debates or foreign policy. The less substantive these candidates are, the better for Obama.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Thank You Michele Bachmann!
Michele Bachmann has announced she is throwing her hat into the ring to run for the 2012 Republican nomination for President. Read the CNN article covering the announcement.
When I gleefully shared this news with my fiance this afternoon, he asked why I was so happy. He wondered if I was a fan of Bachmann and was finally coming out of the closet about it. I laughed because I realized he doesn't read this blog very much, so he doesn't know how I've had my fingers crossed she would decide officially to run.
I see her as a fringe candidate who's somehow gained legitimacy. She even says things every now and then that don't make me want to slit my wrists and hers. But the fact remains that she's just too loony to be elected President.
If she steals the nomination from Mitt "It's My Turn, I Deserve This" Romney, I'll be ever so happy. A few clips from the ridiculous-ness that's come out of her mouth ought to guarantee Obama his job for four more years.
Americans have a short memory, so they don't remember why this woman gained national notice in the first place. It was because she's f-ing crazy!
Don't believe me? Huffington Post has collected her 16 most unforgettable quotes/clips. You've simply got to go through all 16. Then you will understand my glee.
Because she's not just historically crazy. She's also currently very popular. The only thing that could make this better is if Sarah Palin also enters the race and splits the vote of GOP'ers who would vote for a woman. Actually, maybe that's not good. Because then Mitt might definitely win the nomination.
Things that make me go hmmm...
When I gleefully shared this news with my fiance this afternoon, he asked why I was so happy. He wondered if I was a fan of Bachmann and was finally coming out of the closet about it. I laughed because I realized he doesn't read this blog very much, so he doesn't know how I've had my fingers crossed she would decide officially to run.
I see her as a fringe candidate who's somehow gained legitimacy. She even says things every now and then that don't make me want to slit my wrists and hers. But the fact remains that she's just too loony to be elected President.
If she steals the nomination from Mitt "It's My Turn, I Deserve This" Romney, I'll be ever so happy. A few clips from the ridiculous-ness that's come out of her mouth ought to guarantee Obama his job for four more years.
Americans have a short memory, so they don't remember why this woman gained national notice in the first place. It was because she's f-ing crazy!
Don't believe me? Huffington Post has collected her 16 most unforgettable quotes/clips. You've simply got to go through all 16. Then you will understand my glee.
Because she's not just historically crazy. She's also currently very popular. The only thing that could make this better is if Sarah Palin also enters the race and splits the vote of GOP'ers who would vote for a woman. Actually, maybe that's not good. Because then Mitt might definitely win the nomination.
Things that make me go hmmm...
Friday, June 24, 2011
Eric Cantor Has No Spine
Really? You walked away from debate negotiations?!?
Really? Just because you knew whatever compromise you came up with would be unpopular in the GOP, politicians and electorate alike?!?
Really? That thought never occurred to you before the moment you walked away?!?
I call bullshit. He knew. Perhaps he was delusional enough to think they could stick up the Democrats, yet again, for something really Republican-y to appease having to raise the debt ceiling.
The Democrats don't want to touch Medicare and Medicaid. They haven't yet accepted reality that some changes (hopefully not privatization though) need to happen.
The Republicans don't want any tax raises. They haven't yet accepted that closing a loophole so people pay the rate actually in the tax code isn't the same as raising rates.
They came to an impasse and the solution is no one gets satisfied. But the debt ceiling has to be raised. All the politicians know it.
But Eric "I look almost as good as Sarah Palin in glasses" Cantor is too much of a punk to stand up and say it. He's scared of the scary Tea Party.
I call bullshit. He knew it would go this way. Or at least he should have.
So now he's let negotiations fall apart. Really!?!? That's how you feel? I hope you lose your job. I hope the Tea Party makes you lose your job for having anything to do with this in the first place since you couldn't see it through.
Jerk.
Really? Just because you knew whatever compromise you came up with would be unpopular in the GOP, politicians and electorate alike?!?
Really? That thought never occurred to you before the moment you walked away?!?
I call bullshit. He knew. Perhaps he was delusional enough to think they could stick up the Democrats, yet again, for something really Republican-y to appease having to raise the debt ceiling.
The Democrats don't want to touch Medicare and Medicaid. They haven't yet accepted reality that some changes (hopefully not privatization though) need to happen.
The Republicans don't want any tax raises. They haven't yet accepted that closing a loophole so people pay the rate actually in the tax code isn't the same as raising rates.
They came to an impasse and the solution is no one gets satisfied. But the debt ceiling has to be raised. All the politicians know it.
But Eric "I look almost as good as Sarah Palin in glasses" Cantor is too much of a punk to stand up and say it. He's scared of the scary Tea Party.
I call bullshit. He knew it would go this way. Or at least he should have.
So now he's let negotiations fall apart. Really!?!? That's how you feel? I hope you lose your job. I hope the Tea Party makes you lose your job for having anything to do with this in the first place since you couldn't see it through.
Jerk.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
McCain, I Officially Respect You Again
I knew of John McCain first from his interviews on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He was the funny charismatic guy who I didn't even mind was Republican.
Then he ran for President and had a real shot of securing the Republican nomination in 2008. Everything went downhill from there. He did what he had to do to win the nomination, but he became someone unrecognizable on that path.
Now, he's back on track. At least when it comes to stances on things like international affairs and defense. He's stood up against his party to support what NATO is doing in Libya. There's an interesting opinion piece on cnn.com you can read here.
In it, it's described how he calls out Michelle Bachmann in particular to let people know the GOP is on the wrong side of this debate. He's right. We should not stand by, yet again, while countless lives are taken by dictators not willing to accept their time as rulers are over.
It's easy to take a stand when you're old as hell and will face no real political repercussions for your stance. But better late than never. Meghan McCain is no longer the only McCain I can bear to hear what they say.
Then he ran for President and had a real shot of securing the Republican nomination in 2008. Everything went downhill from there. He did what he had to do to win the nomination, but he became someone unrecognizable on that path.
Now, he's back on track. At least when it comes to stances on things like international affairs and defense. He's stood up against his party to support what NATO is doing in Libya. There's an interesting opinion piece on cnn.com you can read here.
In it, it's described how he calls out Michelle Bachmann in particular to let people know the GOP is on the wrong side of this debate. He's right. We should not stand by, yet again, while countless lives are taken by dictators not willing to accept their time as rulers are over.
It's easy to take a stand when you're old as hell and will face no real political repercussions for your stance. But better late than never. Meghan McCain is no longer the only McCain I can bear to hear what they say.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Lupe Fiasco Is A Douche
I've been saying this since Obama was first running for the Democratic nomination in 2008.
People were always surprised that I wasn't a fan of Lupe as a person because I'm a fan of his music and his reputation as a "conscious rapper" (of sorts) gave him a better reputation. That better reputation makes people assume that he's informed on politics and has an opinion worth listening to.
I've been feeling like he's completely full of crap for 3 years now. I think finally now everyone gets it. If they don't yet, I'm not sure how else I can explain my position.
What happened to make me feel like others can understand just how much of a douche Lupe Fiasco really is? This uninformed idiot has really gone and done it now. The article is titled "Lupe Fiasco Calls Obama a 'Terrorist'".
WTF, Lupe? Back in 2008, he was spouting some mess about how Hilary would make a better president than Obama. I could totally understand that statement with good reasoning but his reasoning was simply because she was a woman and had proximity to the White House while Bill was there. Nothing about her experience as a leader, or long-track record of getting things done. Nope, it was all about anatomy and proximity. Dumbass.
But this diss towards Obama is just ridiculous. In these times, there are waaaay better candidates for the title he's bestowing upon Obama. Gaddafi ring a bell?
Once again, Lupe is amazing me with his ability to sound so incredibly uninformed that I'm convinced he doesn't actually read the news, he just listens to old recordings of Bill O'Reilly. Yeah, I went there.
If it were up to me, he would lose his conscious rapper label. No one who is conscious could possibly come to this conclusion. Even the most right-wing nutzoids aren't saying this. Not after all the uprisings across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Sure he puts political stuff in his lyrics, but he's a jerk of the first kind. He's always complaining about the way things are, but he doesn't bother to try and change it. He doesn't even vote. And America's foreign policies are bad, yes, but they don't compare to what the leaders of these countries the terrorists come from are doing.
What a douche!
People were always surprised that I wasn't a fan of Lupe as a person because I'm a fan of his music and his reputation as a "conscious rapper" (of sorts) gave him a better reputation. That better reputation makes people assume that he's informed on politics and has an opinion worth listening to.
I've been feeling like he's completely full of crap for 3 years now. I think finally now everyone gets it. If they don't yet, I'm not sure how else I can explain my position.
What happened to make me feel like others can understand just how much of a douche Lupe Fiasco really is? This uninformed idiot has really gone and done it now. The article is titled "Lupe Fiasco Calls Obama a 'Terrorist'".
WTF, Lupe? Back in 2008, he was spouting some mess about how Hilary would make a better president than Obama. I could totally understand that statement with good reasoning but his reasoning was simply because she was a woman and had proximity to the White House while Bill was there. Nothing about her experience as a leader, or long-track record of getting things done. Nope, it was all about anatomy and proximity. Dumbass.
But this diss towards Obama is just ridiculous. In these times, there are waaaay better candidates for the title he's bestowing upon Obama. Gaddafi ring a bell?
Once again, Lupe is amazing me with his ability to sound so incredibly uninformed that I'm convinced he doesn't actually read the news, he just listens to old recordings of Bill O'Reilly. Yeah, I went there.
If it were up to me, he would lose his conscious rapper label. No one who is conscious could possibly come to this conclusion. Even the most right-wing nutzoids aren't saying this. Not after all the uprisings across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Sure he puts political stuff in his lyrics, but he's a jerk of the first kind. He's always complaining about the way things are, but he doesn't bother to try and change it. He doesn't even vote. And America's foreign policies are bad, yes, but they don't compare to what the leaders of these countries the terrorists come from are doing.
What a douche!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
I'm Boooooored, Boring Grand Old Party
New Orleans (CNN) -- Conservative after conservative took the stage and railed against President Barack Obama at this week's Republican Leadership Conference, a three-day gathering of presidential candidates, party activists and political operatives in New Orleans.
That quote is from the first paragraph in a CNN.com article you can read here.
I'm reading it and thinking, um, okay, whatever!
I guess I just don't get the point of leading with that paragraph. I must look at it through the lens of recent history and remember that back in 2008, those who could decry Bush the loudest amongst the Democrats seemed to get the most attention.
But still... who cares? Does anyone think anyone other than Mitt Romney will win the nomination? We know how the Republicans are. The person who "deserves the nomination", who's "been patiently waiting their turn" will get it.
I would be surprised (and extremely happy and grateful) if Michelle Bachman or Sarah Palin won the GOP nomination, but it won't be them. It will be Romney. I wish things were more interesting now, but they're just not.
Herman Cain isn't doing a good job of replacing Michael Steele as the token black guy. Tim Pawlenty turned out to be such a punk. Don't even get me started on Next "The Titanic" Gingrich. That's my own personal nickname for him by the way.
Trust me, I hope the most foolish choice possible wins the GOP nomination and guarantees Obama the White House for another four years. But I'd at least like things to be interesting on the way there. Snore.
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