"Warren E. Buffett was his usual folksy self Tuesday night at a fundraiser for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) as he slammed a system that allows the very rich to pay taxes at a lower rate than the middle class.
Buffett said that was despite the fact that he was not trying to avoid paying higher taxes. "I don't have a tax shelter," he said. And he challenged Congress and his audience to see what the people who "clean our offices" are taxed, to loud applause."
it sure is easy to "strike a populist tone" when you are bazillionaire....
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Fox, CBC, Black Separatist Agenda
Booman ponders the acceptabitlity of the rants on Fox. He has to remember the very people who still think Iraq had something to do with 911 watch this stuff. Furthermore, 29% of folks polled think the country in on the right track & Bush is just swell.
They want to demonize people of color or worship God differently than do. These clueless wonders think that the Hannitys, Coulters, Bushes and Cheneys would welcome them into their little circle. They haven't figured out that these hatemongers are keeping them down.
The CBC doing anything on Fox is just silly. I wonder if the folks who sent them to DC think its accepatable to be on Fox?
They want to demonize people of color or worship God differently than do. These clueless wonders think that the Hannitys, Coulters, Bushes and Cheneys would welcome them into their little circle. They haven't figured out that these hatemongers are keeping them down.
The CBC doing anything on Fox is just silly. I wonder if the folks who sent them to DC think its accepatable to be on Fox?
Edwards takes on Coulter
Is Matthews so desperate for ratings he has to give this person a platform? Watch it if you must.
Dowd: Letters to the President
“We asked him to remove the signing statement attached to the anti-torture bill, which would have allowed presidential power to make exemptions to the ban on torture,” she said. “I really feel strongly about this issue and also about the treatment of some Arab- and Muslim-Americans after September 11th.”
The president was trying to talk to the students about No Child Left Behind. Maybe that program’s working better than we thought if these kids are able to pull off such a knowing note left behind.
The White House got another unpleasant surprise Monday when the ordinarily compliant Dick Lugar, the ranking Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee who has gone along with the Bush administration on every Iraq vote, came to the Senate floor to upbraid the president on his Iraq policy in a 50-minute speech.
“Those who offer constructive criticism of the surge strategy are not defeatists, any more than those who warn against a precipitous withdrawal are militarists,” the 75-year-old senator told the deserted chamber.
Another Republican on the committee, George Voinovich, sent a letter to the president yesterday, suggesting it’s time to start pulling troops out. “My heart has been heavy for a long time,” he told Jeff Zeleny of The Times. “We’re talking $620 billion. We’re talking over 3,500 people killed.” He said he keeps a photo of an Ohio Marine killed in Iraq on his desk “so I don’t forget, O.K.?” Mr. Lugar said the ’08 race is on, so time is scarce for a bipartisan solution."
Letters from three unexpected sources. Maybe the citizens have truly had enough.
The president was trying to talk to the students about No Child Left Behind. Maybe that program’s working better than we thought if these kids are able to pull off such a knowing note left behind.
The White House got another unpleasant surprise Monday when the ordinarily compliant Dick Lugar, the ranking Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee who has gone along with the Bush administration on every Iraq vote, came to the Senate floor to upbraid the president on his Iraq policy in a 50-minute speech.
“Those who offer constructive criticism of the surge strategy are not defeatists, any more than those who warn against a precipitous withdrawal are militarists,” the 75-year-old senator told the deserted chamber.
Another Republican on the committee, George Voinovich, sent a letter to the president yesterday, suggesting it’s time to start pulling troops out. “My heart has been heavy for a long time,” he told Jeff Zeleny of The Times. “We’re talking $620 billion. We’re talking over 3,500 people killed.” He said he keeps a photo of an Ohio Marine killed in Iraq on his desk “so I don’t forget, O.K.?” Mr. Lugar said the ’08 race is on, so time is scarce for a bipartisan solution."
Letters from three unexpected sources. Maybe the citizens have truly had enough.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Cheney Presidential Stage Father
"Cheney has changed history more than once, earning his reputation as the nation's most powerful vice president. His impact has been on public display in the arenas of foreign policy and homeland security, and in a long-running battle to broaden presidential authority. But he has also been the unseen hand behind some of the president's major domestic initiatives.
Scores of interviews with advisers to the president and vice president, as well as with other senior officials throughout the government, offer a backstage view of how the Bush White House operates. The president is "the decider," as Bush puts it, but the vice president often serves up his menu of choices."
This is what happens when you elect someone that you can have a beer with......
Scores of interviews with advisers to the president and vice president, as well as with other senior officials throughout the government, offer a backstage view of how the Bush White House operates. The president is "the decider," as Bush puts it, but the vice president often serves up his menu of choices."
This is what happens when you elect someone that you can have a beer with......
Presidential Scholars send message to POTUS
I suppose the First Lady read the note to Shrub. There is hope for our future.
Herbert: New York a police state
What Bob Herbert is politely saying is, nobody cares because little black kids were rounded up. I'm sure New Yorkers attitudes would be different if these were little white kids.
When crime actually occurs the police wonder why no one from these communities step forward. My guess is the witness would be charged with whatever the police can manufacture.
Sadly, folks are actually befuddeled as to why young black men are angry. The argument if they aren't doing anything, what's the big deal is always offered by someone who is not rounded up "just because."
When crime actually occurs the police wonder why no one from these communities step forward. My guess is the witness would be charged with whatever the police can manufacture.
Sadly, folks are actually befuddeled as to why young black men are angry. The argument if they aren't doing anything, what's the big deal is always offered by someone who is not rounded up "just because."
Monday, June 25, 2007
Richter, Levey: Bush explores truce with Congress?
"With public support of the war dropping, President Bush has authorized an internal policy review to find a plan that could satisfy opponents without sacrificing his top goals, the officials said.
The president and senior officials "realize they can't keep fighting this over and over," said one administration official, who along with others declined to be identified because they weren't authorized to speak publicly or because decisions were pending."
Bush is, without question, the most "rigid" man on the planet. As a practice, compromise with Bush has meant "you move to my way of thinking."
Bush and Congress have collectively ignored their employers, who clearly want an end to this war.
The president and senior officials "realize they can't keep fighting this over and over," said one administration official, who along with others declined to be identified because they weren't authorized to speak publicly or because decisions were pending."
Bush is, without question, the most "rigid" man on the planet. As a practice, compromise with Bush has meant "you move to my way of thinking."
Bush and Congress have collectively ignored their employers, who clearly want an end to this war.
Murdoch avoids taxes
How much money would you have if you paid little or no federal taxes in a 2-4 year window?
Check out Steven D's has another gem at Booman.
Check out Steven D's has another gem at Booman.
Cheney destroyed the envelope
"The irony with the Cheney crowd pushing the envelope on presidential power is that the president has now ended up with lesser powers than he would have had if they had made less extravagant, monarchical claims," said Bruce Fein, an associate deputy attorney general under President Ronald Reagan."
The world is a more dangerous place because Cheney was empowered by a very lazy man.
The world is a more dangerous place because Cheney was empowered by a very lazy man.
Ageing European Workforce, Working longer
"A healthier elderly population is also one that can be active for longer and make a continuing contribution to economic growth. Thus, the second element of making an ageing Europe work is just that – extending working lives.
For politicians, it will be hard to sell later retirement to a generation that has watched parents put their feet up for good at 50. But, together with significantly more saving before retirement, this is inescapable. To make this possible, so, too, are fundamental changes to the jobs market, workplace culture, and attitudes to older people."
Our British counterparts are facing similar challenges. We all will be working until we are into our 70s. Great.
For politicians, it will be hard to sell later retirement to a generation that has watched parents put their feet up for good at 50. But, together with significantly more saving before retirement, this is inescapable. To make this possible, so, too, are fundamental changes to the jobs market, workplace culture, and attitudes to older people."
Our British counterparts are facing similar challenges. We all will be working until we are into our 70s. Great.
The veil has fallen from French politics
"Transparency," in this context, is the notion that a person's innermost soul is revealed in each and every one of his or her acts. To believe in that kind of transparency is naïve, the French believe; it's more realistic to recognize that human behavior is murky and messy and, in the case of politicians in particular, often highly compartmentalized. So it's pointless to make sweeping judgments about a person's political valor by his or her private life - and it's none of the public's business, anyway."
I don't know about you, but when it comes to a politician's love life, less is better.
BTW, why is Judith Warner still employed?
I don't know about you, but when it comes to a politician's love life, less is better.
BTW, why is Judith Warner still employed?
Sacrificing the future for today's profit
Having lived through three restructuring fiascoes, in the spirit of EBITDA,this is all to familiar...
On the road with Kristof
Kristof is a real journalist. He is pursing a non-sexy story. Leana Wen and Will Okun provide their views.
Kristof: Congo no simple answers
"The U.N. World Food Program and a tiny number of aid groups are struggling to keep people alive. The effort is led by groups of heroic Catholic nuns and priests, supported by the aid group Caritas.
This war staggers on in part because the suffering here hasn’t registered on the international conscience, and because it has been allowed to fester and continue. Barack Obama and Sam Brownback are among the few prominent American politicians who have focused on the war here.
There’s no simple solution to the conflict, but we can lean on Rwanda to stop supporting its proxy force in eastern Congo, and also to work harder to repatriate Hutus who have destabilized Congo since they fled here after the genocide in 1994. We can push a peace process. We can support the U.N. peacekeepers. We can help with the reform and training of Congo’s security forces. And a six-hour visit by Condi Rice would help put the crisis on the map".
This war staggers on in part because the suffering here hasn’t registered on the international conscience, and because it has been allowed to fester and continue. Barack Obama and Sam Brownback are among the few prominent American politicians who have focused on the war here.
There’s no simple solution to the conflict, but we can lean on Rwanda to stop supporting its proxy force in eastern Congo, and also to work harder to repatriate Hutus who have destabilized Congo since they fled here after the genocide in 1994. We can push a peace process. We can support the U.N. peacekeepers. We can help with the reform and training of Congo’s security forces. And a six-hour visit by Condi Rice would help put the crisis on the map".
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Roger Cohen: Of Sarajevo and Baghdad
"This approach, involving acquiescence to dictatorships in the name of stable repression and a stable oil supply, found its vilest expression in U.S. support of Saddam through his 1980s war with Iran (about 1 million dead) and the Kurdish genocide of 1988.
Backing turned to indifference when, in 1991, Saddam slaughtered Iraqi Shiites and Kurds whom the United States had encouraged to rise up. As malignity goes, that takes some beating.
The price of "stability" safeguarded by cynicism is worth recalling at a time when the Middle East's name is instability. Whatever else the bungled Iraq operation has been, it marked the end of American buttressing of a poisonous Middle Eastern stasis and a murderous Stalinist regime.
It is also worth recalling that it was in the time of quiet malevolence, back in 1998, that Osama bin Laden declared: "To kill Americans and their allies - civilians and military - is an individual duty for every Muslim."
Malign stability did not work, not in Iraq or Saudi Arabia. It produced a backlash that ended America's self-image as sanctuary protected by two wide oceans.
The global jihadists were not created by the Iraq invasion. They were thriving on American policy prior to it.
The manifold blunders of America in Iraq have made it unfashionable to recall such truths.
Fashion is a poor compass. The next time a car bomb goes off, remember Saddon al-Saiedi, a 36-year-old Shiite army colonel, father of two, abducted by Saddam's goons on May 2, 1993, and never seen again.
As he went, so went numberless others, without a bang. Totalitarian hell - malign stability - holds no hope. Violent instability is unacceptable but not hopeless. Baghdad is closer to Sarajevo than we have allowed."
Sigh.........
Backing turned to indifference when, in 1991, Saddam slaughtered Iraqi Shiites and Kurds whom the United States had encouraged to rise up. As malignity goes, that takes some beating.
The price of "stability" safeguarded by cynicism is worth recalling at a time when the Middle East's name is instability. Whatever else the bungled Iraq operation has been, it marked the end of American buttressing of a poisonous Middle Eastern stasis and a murderous Stalinist regime.
It is also worth recalling that it was in the time of quiet malevolence, back in 1998, that Osama bin Laden declared: "To kill Americans and their allies - civilians and military - is an individual duty for every Muslim."
Malign stability did not work, not in Iraq or Saudi Arabia. It produced a backlash that ended America's self-image as sanctuary protected by two wide oceans.
The global jihadists were not created by the Iraq invasion. They were thriving on American policy prior to it.
The manifold blunders of America in Iraq have made it unfashionable to recall such truths.
Fashion is a poor compass. The next time a car bomb goes off, remember Saddon al-Saiedi, a 36-year-old Shiite army colonel, father of two, abducted by Saddam's goons on May 2, 1993, and never seen again.
As he went, so went numberless others, without a bang. Totalitarian hell - malign stability - holds no hope. Violent instability is unacceptable but not hopeless. Baghdad is closer to Sarajevo than we have allowed."
Sigh.........
Michael Moore v Insurance Industry
Next to the war(s), health INSURANCE, is the second biggest concern of Americans polled. Insurance companies are part of the problem. Michael Moore's movie will point out a fact known to most of us in "business" already knew: there are caps and exclusions in most health plans.
In this debate about coverage, why do doctors get a free pass?
They are critical players in this expensive nightmare. Docs prescribe physical therapy, MRIs, x-rays, etc. Who owns these facilities?
Why do docs have to charge so much? They immediately blame the administrative costs associated with collecting money from insurance companies. Or malpractice insurance. Sounds like a vicious cycle to me.
I remember attending a forum on the Malpractice Crisis. The panel consisted of an insurance exec, two docs and a trial lawyer. The auditorium was packed with docs and little old ladies. The parking lot was filled with Audi, BMWs and Mercedes. They were ALL crying poor. Funny how that works.
We have Starbucks on every corner. Why do we have find doctors? Folks in the urban AND rural communities face the same challenges. Lack of affordable health care. Emergency room costs are skyrocketing. How about a storefront clinic that SERVES those who need non-emergency care?
How about dental care? Your mouth is not part of your body? Isn't dental care health care? Or vision? If you can't see how are you going to read the directions on the medicine your doc prescribed?
Not to include all health care providers in the "universal health care" discussion is irresponsible.
Newsflash folks, we have universal health coverage. It's called Medicare. Insurance companies are players in this arena. If folks what to pay for more services, so be it.
In the meantime, we have a real problem that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.
In this debate about coverage, why do doctors get a free pass?
They are critical players in this expensive nightmare. Docs prescribe physical therapy, MRIs, x-rays, etc. Who owns these facilities?
Why do docs have to charge so much? They immediately blame the administrative costs associated with collecting money from insurance companies. Or malpractice insurance. Sounds like a vicious cycle to me.
I remember attending a forum on the Malpractice Crisis. The panel consisted of an insurance exec, two docs and a trial lawyer. The auditorium was packed with docs and little old ladies. The parking lot was filled with Audi, BMWs and Mercedes. They were ALL crying poor. Funny how that works.
We have Starbucks on every corner. Why do we have find doctors? Folks in the urban AND rural communities face the same challenges. Lack of affordable health care. Emergency room costs are skyrocketing. How about a storefront clinic that SERVES those who need non-emergency care?
How about dental care? Your mouth is not part of your body? Isn't dental care health care? Or vision? If you can't see how are you going to read the directions on the medicine your doc prescribed?
Not to include all health care providers in the "universal health care" discussion is irresponsible.
Newsflash folks, we have universal health coverage. It's called Medicare. Insurance companies are players in this arena. If folks what to pay for more services, so be it.
In the meantime, we have a real problem that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.
Jack Nicholson could play Cheney in the movie
If Cheney has not frightened you to date, as Booman points out, after reading the WashPo series, you will be.
MLK's dream does not apply to gays?
Suburban Guerrilla was the guidepost for this poignant piece:
"As African-Americans we threw off the feeling of inferiority that had shackled us. We pulled ourselves up, and demanded our god-given rights. As my father said on many occasions, a man can’t ride your back, unless it’s bent. Many white people were freed from the shackles of bigotry that had suppressed and distorted their true humanity. Other people of color were encouraged to assert their rights, their values, their contributions. We came closer to being a multicultural society where people could come together in a spirit of compassion, sharing power and working together. The civil rights movement signaled some of the most important changes in the history of our country, and we must never forget the sacrifices that were made to achieve the gains that resulted. In far too many instances, however, we have forgotten, our memories have blurred."
"As African-Americans we threw off the feeling of inferiority that had shackled us. We pulled ourselves up, and demanded our god-given rights. As my father said on many occasions, a man can’t ride your back, unless it’s bent. Many white people were freed from the shackles of bigotry that had suppressed and distorted their true humanity. Other people of color were encouraged to assert their rights, their values, their contributions. We came closer to being a multicultural society where people could come together in a spirit of compassion, sharing power and working together. The civil rights movement signaled some of the most important changes in the history of our country, and we must never forget the sacrifices that were made to achieve the gains that resulted. In far too many instances, however, we have forgotten, our memories have blurred."
Bush approval rating all time low
Neon Gods gem of the day:
Bush can't possibly have Cheney's or Congress best him....
Bush can't possibly have Cheney's or Congress best him....
FEMA Fraud, Surprised?
Many of my associates have been spending their summer vacations helping the Katrina victims restore their homes. One of the biggest issues has been the removal of the trash. What good does it do if one or two homes are rebuilt and they are surrounded by piles of trash. Isn't this a fait de compli?
What if the money that was misdirected, had been spent on dumpsters? Wouldn't this be the beginning of restoring sanity to these people's lives?
The unsung heroes are those who continue to migrate south each summer to help these victims. It is a shame that our government does not have that same commitment to this region.
Like or not, if Ft. Lauderdale would have been struck this hard, all levels of government would have responded differently, then and now.
What if the money that was misdirected, had been spent on dumpsters? Wouldn't this be the beginning of restoring sanity to these people's lives?
The unsung heroes are those who continue to migrate south each summer to help these victims. It is a shame that our government does not have that same commitment to this region.
Like or not, if Ft. Lauderdale would have been struck this hard, all levels of government would have responded differently, then and now.
Friedman: Death of the American Auto Industry
The American auto industry missed a huge opportunity to get ahead of the curve by producing energy efficient vehicles. But by doing so would have reduced the profits of those in the oil industry. The result is the not so slow death of the American auto industry. Americans love their vehicles. American vehicles are collecting dirt on dealer lots.
A very dear friend's daddy owns a Chevy dealership. It is dying a very slow death, despite all attempts to save this family business. I asked my friend, if his daddy owned a Toyota dealership would he be ok?
My friend patiently responded, "Absolutely."
Enough said.
A very dear friend's daddy owns a Chevy dealership. It is dying a very slow death, despite all attempts to save this family business. I asked my friend, if his daddy owned a Toyota dealership would he be ok?
My friend patiently responded, "Absolutely."
Enough said.
Talk about rape: Thurbert Baker v Genarlow Wilson
Help Color of Change save a life:
Two weeks ago, a judge finally dismissed the sentence of Genarlow Wilson--the honor roll student and homecoming king serving ten years in prison for having consensual oral sex with a 15 year old when he was 17. Immediately after the ruling Thurbert Baker, Georgia's Attorney General, appealed it--leaving Wilson stuck in jail.
Baker's actions have not only robbed Wilson of his long overdue freedom, they epitomize the insanity of a justice system that seems hell-bent on criminalizing young Black men. The New York Times, former President Jimmy Carter, the NAACP and thousands of others have called for Wilson to be released. I've signed on with ColorofChange.org to call on the Attorney General to withdraw his appeal now. Will you join us?
http://www.colorofchange.org/genarlow-wilson/?id=2324-158635
At a New Year's Eve party in 2003, Genarlow Wilson had consensual oral sex with another teen--she was 15 and he was 17. Under an old Georgia law, he was convicted of aggravated child molestation, a charge intended for adult sexual predators, and sentenced to a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison. If Wilson had engaged in sexual intercourse with the same girl, it would have been a misdemeanor under an exemption for contact between minors. No one, from his teen "victim" to the jurors at his trial, wanted Wilson to go to jail, but at every turn the Georgia justice system and Georgia legislature failed him--convicting him under an archaic Georgia law; passing a law that could have freed him but not applying it retroactively; and then blocking a second bill that would have allowed for Wilson's release.
It's hard to believe that race is not a factor in this case. According to the NAACP, around the same time that Wilson was sentenced, a high school teacher was convicted of having sex with a student. The white female teacher was sentenced to just 90 days in the same Georgia courthouse that sentenced Wilson to 10 years. While Wilson's prosecutor claimed that he was "standing up for African-American victims in this case," he hardly seems credible, since the "victim" did not want to press charges and did not even testify for the prosecution.
In his statement overturning Wilson's sentence on Monday, Superior Court Judge Thomas Wilson said: "If any case fits into the definitive limits of a miscarriage of justice, surely this case does." Why, then, is Georgia's Black Attorney General trying to keep Wilson in jail? Baker says he's compelled to appeal, but as Attorney General, it is completely at his discretion. He's ignoring the outrage of nearly everyone associated with the case, and thousands of Americans across the country, by keeping this innocent young black man in jail.
Clearly, justice is not being served by Wilson's continued incarceration. Will you join us in telling Attorney General Baker to withdraw his appeal and allow Genarlow Wilson to go home once and for all?
http://www.colorofchange.org/genarlow-wilson/?id=2324-158635
Thanks
Two weeks ago, a judge finally dismissed the sentence of Genarlow Wilson--the honor roll student and homecoming king serving ten years in prison for having consensual oral sex with a 15 year old when he was 17. Immediately after the ruling Thurbert Baker, Georgia's Attorney General, appealed it--leaving Wilson stuck in jail.
Baker's actions have not only robbed Wilson of his long overdue freedom, they epitomize the insanity of a justice system that seems hell-bent on criminalizing young Black men. The New York Times, former President Jimmy Carter, the NAACP and thousands of others have called for Wilson to be released. I've signed on with ColorofChange.org to call on the Attorney General to withdraw his appeal now. Will you join us?
http://www.colorofchange.org/genarlow-wilson/?id=2324-158635
At a New Year's Eve party in 2003, Genarlow Wilson had consensual oral sex with another teen--she was 15 and he was 17. Under an old Georgia law, he was convicted of aggravated child molestation, a charge intended for adult sexual predators, and sentenced to a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison. If Wilson had engaged in sexual intercourse with the same girl, it would have been a misdemeanor under an exemption for contact between minors. No one, from his teen "victim" to the jurors at his trial, wanted Wilson to go to jail, but at every turn the Georgia justice system and Georgia legislature failed him--convicting him under an archaic Georgia law; passing a law that could have freed him but not applying it retroactively; and then blocking a second bill that would have allowed for Wilson's release.
It's hard to believe that race is not a factor in this case. According to the NAACP, around the same time that Wilson was sentenced, a high school teacher was convicted of having sex with a student. The white female teacher was sentenced to just 90 days in the same Georgia courthouse that sentenced Wilson to 10 years. While Wilson's prosecutor claimed that he was "standing up for African-American victims in this case," he hardly seems credible, since the "victim" did not want to press charges and did not even testify for the prosecution.
In his statement overturning Wilson's sentence on Monday, Superior Court Judge Thomas Wilson said: "If any case fits into the definitive limits of a miscarriage of justice, surely this case does." Why, then, is Georgia's Black Attorney General trying to keep Wilson in jail? Baker says he's compelled to appeal, but as Attorney General, it is completely at his discretion. He's ignoring the outrage of nearly everyone associated with the case, and thousands of Americans across the country, by keeping this innocent young black man in jail.
Clearly, justice is not being served by Wilson's continued incarceration. Will you join us in telling Attorney General Baker to withdraw his appeal and allow Genarlow Wilson to go home once and for all?
http://www.colorofchange.org/genarlow-wilson/?id=2324-158635
Thanks
Frank Rich: 9/11 Announcement
"As General Odom says, the endgame will start "when a senior senator from the president's party says no," much as William Fulbright did to L.B.J. during Vietnam. That's why in Washington this fall, eyes will turn once again to John Warner, the senior Republican with the clout to give political cover to other members of his party who want to leave Iraq before they're forced to evacuate Congress. In September, it will be nearly a year since Mr. Warner said that Iraq was "drifting sideways" and that action would have to be taken "if this level of violence is not under control and this government able to function."
Mr. Warner has also signaled his regret that he was not more outspoken during Vietnam. "We kept surging in those years," he told The Washington Post in January, as the Iraq surge began. "It didn't work." Surely he must recognize that his moment for speaking out about this war is overdue. Without him, the Democrats don't have the votes to force the president's hand. With him, it's a slam dunk. The best way to honor the sixth anniversary of 9/11 will be to at last disarm a president who continues to squander countless lives in the names of those voiceless American dead."
I disagree with Mr. Rich, just a tad. I believe this madness will only stop when the senior Senator from CT, Joe Lieberman says "enough'. Silly me, he is a de facto member of Bush's party.
Mr. Warner has also signaled his regret that he was not more outspoken during Vietnam. "We kept surging in those years," he told The Washington Post in January, as the Iraq surge began. "It didn't work." Surely he must recognize that his moment for speaking out about this war is overdue. Without him, the Democrats don't have the votes to force the president's hand. With him, it's a slam dunk. The best way to honor the sixth anniversary of 9/11 will be to at last disarm a president who continues to squander countless lives in the names of those voiceless American dead."
I disagree with Mr. Rich, just a tad. I believe this madness will only stop when the senior Senator from CT, Joe Lieberman says "enough'. Silly me, he is a de facto member of Bush's party.
Archivists the new Acccountants?
Dowd:
"I love that Cheney was able to bully Colin Powell, Pentagon generals and George Tenet when drumming up his fake case for war, but when he tried to push around the little guys, the National Archive data collectors — I’m visualizing dedicated “We the People” wonky types with glasses and pocket protectors — they pushed back.
Archivists are the new macho heroes of Washington."
It took accountants and a dose of syphilis to end Capone's reign of terror. Will Cheney be finally be stopped by a group of archivists?
"I love that Cheney was able to bully Colin Powell, Pentagon generals and George Tenet when drumming up his fake case for war, but when he tried to push around the little guys, the National Archive data collectors — I’m visualizing dedicated “We the People” wonky types with glasses and pocket protectors — they pushed back.
Archivists are the new macho heroes of Washington."
It took accountants and a dose of syphilis to end Capone's reign of terror. Will Cheney be finally be stopped by a group of archivists?
So, When did Rahm Emanuel grow a set?
After dusting myself off and returning to my chair, I am pleasantly surprised.
Roberto Clemente: National Treasure number should be retired
I'm stunned this is even an issue. Clemente was the man. He was not only a gifted baseball player, he was an incredible human.
What Jackie Robinson did was historic. However, Clemente's roll in the MLB was no less worthy of recognition. Retire #21.
This gem was found at: afro-netzien:
MLB icon Clemente deserves his props.
Should MLB retire Roberto Clemente's 21 like it did with Jackie Robinson's 42? Vote Now!
June 6, 2007 -- In A RECENT profile of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, one of his closest advisors commented on the in-fighting amongst Latino politicians and said, "We have a propensity, like other minorities, to screw one another."
I've erased the word "minorities" from my vocabulary a long time ago, but the comment made me think about Sharon Robinson (the daughter of the great African American baseball player Jackie Robinson) and her reluctance to endorse the retirement of Roberto Clemente's jersey, No. 21.
Ms. Robinson was quoted in a January 2006 Associated Press article as saying that her father's situation was "very unique and historical. (Roberto) Clemente did an awful lot of good things and was a terrific ballplayer, but I don't think it's the same type of situation as Jackie Robinson."
Ms. Robinson's type of thinking is endemic to the racial divisions that currently plague our major cities. For her to imply that "the situation" was different for the Puerto Rican ball player is to negate the struggle that Clemente endured as a dark-skinned, Spanish-speaking man in this country.
Did he not encounter the same Jim Crow injustices that were experienced by Robinson, Willie Mays and Don Newcombe? Did he not, unlike the aforementioned players, have the courage to speak up about these injustices? Must an argument really be made to retire the number of a baseball player who was called a prince?
A player who consistently got the good wood on a bad pitch and a consummate All-Star who made playing baseball look like modern ballet.
A ball player who hit a cool 3,000 hits, won 12 Gold Gloves in twelve consecutive seasons, four batting titles and virtually ensured the Pittsburgh Pirates a victory in the 1971 World Series by hitting safely in every post-season game for a .421 average.
Sure, Jackie Robinson was the first African-American man to wear a Major League Baseball uniform, but ask the million-plus Puerto Ricans who will be parading up Fifth Avenue on Sunday if Clemente's number should be retired. I guarantee that you will hear a resounding "Claro, que si" and "Hell, yeah!" followed by a "Wepa!" and then a symphonic clanging of cowbells to rally the issue.
If the problem, as W.E.B. Dubois reflected, within our Latino and African-American communities (and I include myself as a member of both) is that we fall prey to the "crabs in the barrel phenomenon" then Sharon Robinson is acting like a queen crab to a man, Roberto Walker Clemente, who died en route to a humanitarian mission to feed the poor in Nicaragua.
A man who, after having reached the top of the barrel, would undoubtedly grab a rope and throw it back down to help lift up some of his fellow crustaceans.
I
What Jackie Robinson did was historic. However, Clemente's roll in the MLB was no less worthy of recognition. Retire #21.
This gem was found at: afro-netzien:
MLB icon Clemente deserves his props.
Should MLB retire Roberto Clemente's 21 like it did with Jackie Robinson's 42? Vote Now!
June 6, 2007 -- In A RECENT profile of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, one of his closest advisors commented on the in-fighting amongst Latino politicians and said, "We have a propensity, like other minorities, to screw one another."
I've erased the word "minorities" from my vocabulary a long time ago, but the comment made me think about Sharon Robinson (the daughter of the great African American baseball player Jackie Robinson) and her reluctance to endorse the retirement of Roberto Clemente's jersey, No. 21.
Ms. Robinson was quoted in a January 2006 Associated Press article as saying that her father's situation was "very unique and historical. (Roberto) Clemente did an awful lot of good things and was a terrific ballplayer, but I don't think it's the same type of situation as Jackie Robinson."
Ms. Robinson's type of thinking is endemic to the racial divisions that currently plague our major cities. For her to imply that "the situation" was different for the Puerto Rican ball player is to negate the struggle that Clemente endured as a dark-skinned, Spanish-speaking man in this country.
Did he not encounter the same Jim Crow injustices that were experienced by Robinson, Willie Mays and Don Newcombe? Did he not, unlike the aforementioned players, have the courage to speak up about these injustices? Must an argument really be made to retire the number of a baseball player who was called a prince?
A player who consistently got the good wood on a bad pitch and a consummate All-Star who made playing baseball look like modern ballet.
A ball player who hit a cool 3,000 hits, won 12 Gold Gloves in twelve consecutive seasons, four batting titles and virtually ensured the Pittsburgh Pirates a victory in the 1971 World Series by hitting safely in every post-season game for a .421 average.
Sure, Jackie Robinson was the first African-American man to wear a Major League Baseball uniform, but ask the million-plus Puerto Ricans who will be parading up Fifth Avenue on Sunday if Clemente's number should be retired. I guarantee that you will hear a resounding "Claro, que si" and "Hell, yeah!" followed by a "Wepa!" and then a symphonic clanging of cowbells to rally the issue.
If the problem, as W.E.B. Dubois reflected, within our Latino and African-American communities (and I include myself as a member of both) is that we fall prey to the "crabs in the barrel phenomenon" then Sharon Robinson is acting like a queen crab to a man, Roberto Walker Clemente, who died en route to a humanitarian mission to feed the poor in Nicaragua.
A man who, after having reached the top of the barrel, would undoubtedly grab a rope and throw it back down to help lift up some of his fellow crustaceans.
I
Thursday, June 21, 2007
My American Dream, not yours
An agenda item at a local Democratic Committee meeting was a issue regarding the building of condos/apt on a patch of two acres. The two acre patch is located in a residential community. The developers want to build 84 units on the two acres, a concession from 88. The units would be sold for 250-300K.
The gentlemen laid out the facts. His arguments were an increase in traffic; the backyards would no longer have the open space of that land; and increase in taxes because 10 children would be added to the community.
Then he said, the posse of homeowners, did not want those types of people, "condo/apartment dwellers," moving into their neighborhood. Worse, these units would bring down the property value of their home. More importantly, these people should have to earn their way into the neighborhood.
It gets better..
It would be ok if the developers built a handful of million dollar units. He pointed out that he lived in the city and a up in coming rural area. He EARNED the right to live in his community. Change is bad. These people who live in these communities simply don't belong in his neighborhood.
His solution was to build a park with County money. Money supplied by "other people" who have no clue where these two arces are located.
Did I mention this was a Democratic Committee meeting?
Let me be clear, putting 84 units on two acres of land is just dumb. Its too much in a small area. That is a sound enough argument to kill or modify the terms of the project. Period.
But its not ok to build a park with "other people's tax money," as long as "they" don't move into his "piece of the American Dream."
The rest of his argument of keeping "those types of people" out his neighborhood, made my brain seize up. He was stunned by how he offended, the old white land owning women in the audience.
Could let this go? Not a chance. I did not "call him out" during the meeting. The seniors managed to do well without my assistance. However, I spoke with him after the meeting. He assured me that he meant no harm.
I guess its ok to experience the American Dream of home ownership as long as you play by the rules of faceless snobs.
I challenged him, "what makes him think, that a million dollar condo owner would want to live next door to someone whose home is only worth 700K"?
The gentlemen laid out the facts. His arguments were an increase in traffic; the backyards would no longer have the open space of that land; and increase in taxes because 10 children would be added to the community.
Then he said, the posse of homeowners, did not want those types of people, "condo/apartment dwellers," moving into their neighborhood. Worse, these units would bring down the property value of their home. More importantly, these people should have to earn their way into the neighborhood.
It gets better..
It would be ok if the developers built a handful of million dollar units. He pointed out that he lived in the city and a up in coming rural area. He EARNED the right to live in his community. Change is bad. These people who live in these communities simply don't belong in his neighborhood.
His solution was to build a park with County money. Money supplied by "other people" who have no clue where these two arces are located.
Did I mention this was a Democratic Committee meeting?
Let me be clear, putting 84 units on two acres of land is just dumb. Its too much in a small area. That is a sound enough argument to kill or modify the terms of the project. Period.
But its not ok to build a park with "other people's tax money," as long as "they" don't move into his "piece of the American Dream."
The rest of his argument of keeping "those types of people" out his neighborhood, made my brain seize up. He was stunned by how he offended, the old white land owning women in the audience.
Could let this go? Not a chance. I did not "call him out" during the meeting. The seniors managed to do well without my assistance. However, I spoke with him after the meeting. He assured me that he meant no harm.
I guess its ok to experience the American Dream of home ownership as long as you play by the rules of faceless snobs.
I challenged him, "what makes him think, that a million dollar condo owner would want to live next door to someone whose home is only worth 700K"?
Kristof: Congo, the other war
I truly believe if there were oil wells in Congo, our government would give a shit.
Browing of the West: A Republican nightmare
"Last week, Senator Trent Lott, the Republican whip, blamed talk radio for the possibly fatal collapse of the immigration reform bill.
“Talk radio is running America,” he told The Times. “We have to deal with that problem.”
Just a few years out of probation for praising the Old Confederacy vision of a Paleolithic senator, Mr. Lott knows what it’s like to be burned by free speech friction. But he is wrong to confuse the medium with the electorate.
The front lines of this problem are in the fast-growing states of the American West. And the closer you get to the border, the more voters back politicians who are looking for middle ground — and punish those who follow the rant-for-ratings route."
Funny how quickly Lott turns on the very people who help salvage his career, after he longed for the "good old days."
“Talk radio is running America,” he told The Times. “We have to deal with that problem.”
Just a few years out of probation for praising the Old Confederacy vision of a Paleolithic senator, Mr. Lott knows what it’s like to be burned by free speech friction. But he is wrong to confuse the medium with the electorate.
The front lines of this problem are in the fast-growing states of the American West. And the closer you get to the border, the more voters back politicians who are looking for middle ground — and punish those who follow the rant-for-ratings route."
Funny how quickly Lott turns on the very people who help salvage his career, after he longed for the "good old days."
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Brooks: New World Order
"In the future, Kagan concludes, the U.S. is going to have to stabilize regional conflicts and gradually push back against the autocratic tide. The U.S. will also remain the most ardent champion of liberty in the face of Islamist anti-modernism. American predominance is not a danger. It’s the only thing standing between us and regression to a more dangerous world.
For what it’s worth, I’d say Ikenberry underestimates the power of nationalism. There’s little evidence that different nations with their contradictory moral cultures can really cooperate, except in utter crisis. But I’d also say Kagan underplays postnational threats. More than in the 19th century, security threats come in the form of global guerrillas, loose nukes and disintegrating nations.
Instead, we’re trapped in a hybrid world, in which many problems are postnational but the social structures are unavoidably national. The interesting bright spot is that both Ikenberry and Kagan believe in a Concert of Democracies, an emerging body where countries that do share values can rebut autocracy and consolidate their common success.
It’s a start."
For what it’s worth, I’d say Ikenberry underestimates the power of nationalism. There’s little evidence that different nations with their contradictory moral cultures can really cooperate, except in utter crisis. But I’d also say Kagan underplays postnational threats. More than in the 19th century, security threats come in the form of global guerrillas, loose nukes and disintegrating nations.
Instead, we’re trapped in a hybrid world, in which many problems are postnational but the social structures are unavoidably national. The interesting bright spot is that both Ikenberry and Kagan believe in a Concert of Democracies, an emerging body where countries that do share values can rebut autocracy and consolidate their common success.
It’s a start."
Herbert: They lie about everything
"The Congressional Budget Office and most researchers have agreed on the six million figure for the number of youngsters who are eligible for government-sponsored health coverage but remain unenrolled — roughly four million for Medicaid and two million for S-chip. This has not been controversial.
Yesterday, the Department of Health and Human Services began circulating a study that tries to make the case that the total number of eligible but uninsured youngsters is a mere 794,000, an absurdly low figure.
If you can wave a magic wand and make five million poor kids disappear, you no longer have to think about caring for them.
Advocates like Dr. Redlener and Ms. Edelman don’t have that luxury.
“Kids who grow up with poor access to health care carry a high risk of having underdiagnosed and undertreated chronic illness, both physical and emotional,” said Dr. Redlener. “We know what to do. We should fully fund this effort at the $50 billion level and make coverage mandatory for all children.”
Yesterday, the Department of Health and Human Services began circulating a study that tries to make the case that the total number of eligible but uninsured youngsters is a mere 794,000, an absurdly low figure.
If you can wave a magic wand and make five million poor kids disappear, you no longer have to think about caring for them.
Advocates like Dr. Redlener and Ms. Edelman don’t have that luxury.
“Kids who grow up with poor access to health care carry a high risk of having underdiagnosed and undertreated chronic illness, both physical and emotional,” said Dr. Redlener. “We know what to do. We should fully fund this effort at the $50 billion level and make coverage mandatory for all children.”
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Celebrating my Dad
Last Saturday I attended a memorial service for a friend's dad. The deceased was 87 when he crossed over. It was a joyous affair. He had a great life. He served his country, his community and more importantly his family. My friend organized both services, one at the shore and one locally. The activities surrounding the planning, helped him "not think about it."
LD kept saying," he had a good life." I gently advised, "it's your daddy, its ok to be sad."
I am one of few people in my little world lucky enough to have both parents still on this side. My parents have always been supportive of me and my brothers. They encouraged our participation in community and school activities.
My Dad worked in a steel mill. He was one of the first black men to work in "management." He was a foreman in the inspection/quality control department. Too often, he trained his white bosses. Despite the indignities, he ate shit because it was a good job with benefits. Critical elements of raising a family.
He was very active locally in the Civil Rights Movement. It was not uncommon for our home to be filled with local activists, or trips to D.C. He was one of the unsung foot soldiers in the movement.
He was determined for us to get the education and jobs denied to him and those who preceded him.
Dinnertime was filled with discussions about local and national happenings. My love of politics and sports was nurtured during these conversations.
Hard work and zero expectations from white folks was drilled into our heads.
Self-reliance was his mantra. I learned how to tune up a car beside my brothers. They, in turn, learned how to cook, clean, and sew. " Learning how to hem your pants doesn't make you queer." (My Dad, politically correct? Never.)
Last year was particularly challenging for me personally and professionally. My parents were key in keeping me from a breakdown. Their wisdom, patience, and humor were critical.
I can't remember why, but my folks and my ex met me in my office last summer. When my Dad walked into "my corner office", he was visibly moved. That struck a cord, My Dad is seriously old school, "the only feminine side men should get in touch with should involve a woman." Hugs and kisses were not his style. But the love was ever present, displayed by his other actions.
The first time I can recall a physical display of affection is when I was seventeen. I was about head to college when I discovered a tumor in my breast. As I was being, wheeled off to surgery, I was a mess. As usual my parents were there. In a drug induced state " I said, I don't have much now." My Dad, said "Don't worry about it, more than a mouthful is a waste." He smiled and kissed me on the forehead. We both laughed. Humor in a frightening situation. Classic Pop. My mother was horrified.
I will have brunch with my folks today. It is a typical Sunday. I make it my business to spend time with my folks. I stopped taking their presence in my life for granted long time ago.
My Dad scolded me not to take him anywhere expensive. He still worries about my financial situation. Why? Because I'm still his daughter.
LD kept saying," he had a good life." I gently advised, "it's your daddy, its ok to be sad."
I am one of few people in my little world lucky enough to have both parents still on this side. My parents have always been supportive of me and my brothers. They encouraged our participation in community and school activities.
My Dad worked in a steel mill. He was one of the first black men to work in "management." He was a foreman in the inspection/quality control department. Too often, he trained his white bosses. Despite the indignities, he ate shit because it was a good job with benefits. Critical elements of raising a family.
He was very active locally in the Civil Rights Movement. It was not uncommon for our home to be filled with local activists, or trips to D.C. He was one of the unsung foot soldiers in the movement.
He was determined for us to get the education and jobs denied to him and those who preceded him.
Dinnertime was filled with discussions about local and national happenings. My love of politics and sports was nurtured during these conversations.
Hard work and zero expectations from white folks was drilled into our heads.
Self-reliance was his mantra. I learned how to tune up a car beside my brothers. They, in turn, learned how to cook, clean, and sew. " Learning how to hem your pants doesn't make you queer." (My Dad, politically correct? Never.)
Last year was particularly challenging for me personally and professionally. My parents were key in keeping me from a breakdown. Their wisdom, patience, and humor were critical.
I can't remember why, but my folks and my ex met me in my office last summer. When my Dad walked into "my corner office", he was visibly moved. That struck a cord, My Dad is seriously old school, "the only feminine side men should get in touch with should involve a woman." Hugs and kisses were not his style. But the love was ever present, displayed by his other actions.
The first time I can recall a physical display of affection is when I was seventeen. I was about head to college when I discovered a tumor in my breast. As I was being, wheeled off to surgery, I was a mess. As usual my parents were there. In a drug induced state " I said, I don't have much now." My Dad, said "Don't worry about it, more than a mouthful is a waste." He smiled and kissed me on the forehead. We both laughed. Humor in a frightening situation. Classic Pop. My mother was horrified.
I will have brunch with my folks today. It is a typical Sunday. I make it my business to spend time with my folks. I stopped taking their presence in my life for granted long time ago.
My Dad scolded me not to take him anywhere expensive. He still worries about my financial situation. Why? Because I'm still his daughter.
Mental Health Comes Home: Pacific Views
If you break your leg, no one would expect you not to seek care to help it heal.
Why is it a sign of weakness when your psyche' needs help to heal?
Why is it a sign of weakness when your psyche' needs help to heal?
How about love letters to our soldiers?
These kids were sent to an unnecessary war, and now getting care for all of their injuries is next to impossible. The "system" like everything else associated with this administration was not prepared for the influx of returning soldiers.
How about the laundry list of political hacks, leaders, step up and resolve the problems of outpatient care for the true patriots.
How about the laundry list of political hacks, leaders, step up and resolve the problems of outpatient care for the true patriots.
Voted Out, Patronage Welfare
Let's see the voters threw them out of office after the midnight raise, now they are in created jobs?
"For example, former Sen. Joe Conti, a Bucks County Republican, moved into a newly created role as chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the agency that runs the state monopoly on wine and spirits. Gov. Rendell had recommended that the board create the $150,000-a-year job and fill it with Conti in December - a move strongly opposed by board chairman Jonathan Newman, who soon resigned in protest.
Brett Feese, former House appropriations chairman, gave up his Lycoming County seat and is making $155,000 annually as the top lawyer for Republicans in the House.
On Nov. 30, the day he was to leave office after 10 years, Rep. Mark McNaughton, a Harrisburg-area Republican, was nominated by then-Speaker John Perzel (R., Phila.) to join the Gaming Control Board. But McNaughton's nomination to the $145,000-a-year post was pulled after Perzel lost his speaker's post in January.
Like Cornell, G. Terry Madonna, a politics professor and pollster at Franklin and Marshall College, said that on one hand it might make sense to place former legislators in bureaucratic jobs.
"They have experience and expertise. But it looks like a reward for past performance and loyalty. It's legislative leaders taking care of their own," Madonna said. "It's been going on for a long time, and it's not likely to stop."
HMMM and people are worried about extended unemployment benefits.
"For example, former Sen. Joe Conti, a Bucks County Republican, moved into a newly created role as chief executive officer of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the agency that runs the state monopoly on wine and spirits. Gov. Rendell had recommended that the board create the $150,000-a-year job and fill it with Conti in December - a move strongly opposed by board chairman Jonathan Newman, who soon resigned in protest.
Brett Feese, former House appropriations chairman, gave up his Lycoming County seat and is making $155,000 annually as the top lawyer for Republicans in the House.
On Nov. 30, the day he was to leave office after 10 years, Rep. Mark McNaughton, a Harrisburg-area Republican, was nominated by then-Speaker John Perzel (R., Phila.) to join the Gaming Control Board. But McNaughton's nomination to the $145,000-a-year post was pulled after Perzel lost his speaker's post in January.
Like Cornell, G. Terry Madonna, a politics professor and pollster at Franklin and Marshall College, said that on one hand it might make sense to place former legislators in bureaucratic jobs.
"They have experience and expertise. But it looks like a reward for past performance and loyalty. It's legislative leaders taking care of their own," Madonna said. "It's been going on for a long time, and it's not likely to stop."
HMMM and people are worried about extended unemployment benefits.
Iraqis to Americans: Just Go
You will not see this on the evening news. The MSM is too busy covering Paris Hilton's version of "Lockup."
Dowd: Beefcake v Mrs. Big
"Hillaryland was panting for an opportunity to paint Obama as a hypocrite for saying he was different and above it all, while acting the same. And its best ally in undermining Obama is Obama, who hoists his pedestal so high he’s bound to fall off. He seems more intent on proving he’s pure than proving he’s tough.
The Clintons act high-minded and do-gooding, while employing a staff of hit men. Obama is tangled in contradictions of high and low, saint and killer, while Hillary moves like a shark.
“She’d lean over and bite his ear off if that’s what it takes,” says Charlie Cook, the political analyst. “The question is, will he do what it takes to win? This is a guy who did not have to deal with a single negative ad being run against him in the primary and general campaigns for the Senate. It was almost an immaculate conception.”
Obama is too busy modeling to make this point, but the Clinton financial disclosures raise a big question: Do we want the country run again by a couple who get so easily wrapped around the fingers of anyone who is rich? As long as a guy was willing to give them millions, would it matter if his name were Al Capone?"
The Clintons act high-minded and do-gooding, while employing a staff of hit men. Obama is tangled in contradictions of high and low, saint and killer, while Hillary moves like a shark.
“She’d lean over and bite his ear off if that’s what it takes,” says Charlie Cook, the political analyst. “The question is, will he do what it takes to win? This is a guy who did not have to deal with a single negative ad being run against him in the primary and general campaigns for the Senate. It was almost an immaculate conception.”
Obama is too busy modeling to make this point, but the Clinton financial disclosures raise a big question: Do we want the country run again by a couple who get so easily wrapped around the fingers of anyone who is rich? As long as a guy was willing to give them millions, would it matter if his name were Al Capone?"
Frank Rich: Cheney v Gotti
"It's disgusting that people are still obsessed with Gotti and the mob," she told The Daily News. "They should be obsessed with that mob in Washington. They have 3,000 deaths on their hands." She demanded to know if the president and vice president have relatives on the front lines. "Every time I watch the news and I hear of another death," she said, "it sickens me."
Far be it from me to cross any member of the Gotti family, but there's nothing wrong with being obsessed with both mobs. Now that the approval rating for the entire Washington franchise, the president and Congress alike, has plummeted into the 20s, we need any distraction we can get; the Mafia is a welcome nostalgic escape from a gridlocked government at home and epic violence abroad.
But unlikely moral arbiter that Mrs. Gotti may be, she does have a point. As the Iraq war careens toward a denouement as black, unresolved and terrifying as David Chase's inspired "Sopranos" finale, the mob in the capital deserves at least equal attention. John Gotti, the last don, is dead. Mr. Chase's series is over. But the deaths on the nightly news are coming as fast as ever."
I think the mob was more honorable.
Far be it from me to cross any member of the Gotti family, but there's nothing wrong with being obsessed with both mobs. Now that the approval rating for the entire Washington franchise, the president and Congress alike, has plummeted into the 20s, we need any distraction we can get; the Mafia is a welcome nostalgic escape from a gridlocked government at home and epic violence abroad.
But unlikely moral arbiter that Mrs. Gotti may be, she does have a point. As the Iraq war careens toward a denouement as black, unresolved and terrifying as David Chase's inspired "Sopranos" finale, the mob in the capital deserves at least equal attention. John Gotti, the last don, is dead. Mr. Chase's series is over. But the deaths on the nightly news are coming as fast as ever."
I think the mob was more honorable.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Bill Moyers: Fans of Libby
"BILL MOYERS: One beltway insider is quoted saying the neo-cons are "weighted down by the sheer, glaring unfairness" of Libby's sentence. And there's the rub. None seem the least weighted down by the sheer, glaring unfairness of sentencing soldiers to repeated and longer tours of duty in a war induced by deception. It was left to the hawkish academic Fouad Ajami to state it baldly, as he pleaded on the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal for Bush to pardon Libby. For believing "in the nobility of this war," wrote Ajami, Scooter Libby had himself become a "casualty" -- a fallen soldier the president dare not leave behind on the beltway battlefield. Not a word in the entire article about the real fallen soldiers. The honest-to-god dead and dying and wounded. Not a word about the chaos or the cost. All the beltway warriors can muster is a plea of mercy for one of their own who lied to cover their tracks. There are contrarian voices.
PATRICK BUCHANAN: This is an open and shut case of perjury and obstruction of justice. And the Republican party, you know, stands for the idea that high officials should not be lying to special investigators.
BILL MOYERS: And from the former Governor of Virginia, James Gilmore, a staunch conservative, comes this verdict: "If the public believes there's one law for a certain group of people in high places and another law for regular people, then you will destroy the law and destroy the system." So it may well be, as the Hartford Courant said editorially, that Mr. Libby is "a nice guy, a loyal and devoted patriot"...but none of that excuses perjury or obstruction of justice. If it did, truth wouldn't matter much."
PATRICK BUCHANAN: This is an open and shut case of perjury and obstruction of justice. And the Republican party, you know, stands for the idea that high officials should not be lying to special investigators.
BILL MOYERS: And from the former Governor of Virginia, James Gilmore, a staunch conservative, comes this verdict: "If the public believes there's one law for a certain group of people in high places and another law for regular people, then you will destroy the law and destroy the system." So it may well be, as the Hartford Courant said editorially, that Mr. Libby is "a nice guy, a loyal and devoted patriot"...but none of that excuses perjury or obstruction of justice. If it did, truth wouldn't matter much."
Breakdown on Impeachment
If you REALLY need any more reasons for impeachment here are what I think are critical arguments compiled by David Swanson:
So what purpose does impeachment serve?
It denies future presidents and vice presidents the power to mislead the Congress and the public into wars, spy in violation of the law, detain without charge, torture, operate in secrecy, and rewrite laws with signing statements. Again, those powers in the wrong hands could do far more serious damage than Bush and Cheney have done.
If we do not impeach when the case is as compelling as it is now, we are effectively removing impeachment from the Constitution. Secretly, almost everyone agrees that the Bush/Cheney Administration has committed impeachable offenses. That’s why even the pundits and Republicans are not arguing the case on its merits, but trying to scare the Democrats off based on politics. Given that, how can we not pursue accountability?
Isn't impeachment divisive and unpleasant and traumatic and catastrophic and unsettling and partisan?
No. Impeachment is a remedy for trauma, and one that the majority of Americans long for. Here are the polls: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/polling
Our President belongs to a political party, it's true. But that does not make him any less of a threat to our system of government. Voters in 2006 rejected his party overwhelmingly. Not a single new Republican was elected, and enough new Democrats won to achieve a substantial majority in the House and a slim one in the Senate. Voters opposed the party of Bush and Cheney, who are incredibly unpopular. Even some Republicans who spoke against the war lost, primarily because they were Republicans. But Republican Ron Paul of Texas, who had spoken in support of impeaching Bush, won.
If Paul and other Republicans manage to put their country ahead of their party's president, as Republicans did during Nixon's presidency, impeachment will not look so partisan. But if Republicans fail to stand for impeachment, then Democrats must do it alone, and doing so will be partisan in the best sense. It will build the Democratic Party into a powerful force for years to come, and it will be divisive primarily on Capitol Hill and in the world of media pundits.
Around the country it will bring us together. Hearings that expose Bush and Cheney's abuses of power will serve to educate many of those who still support them, including those who believe there really were WMDs, there really was a tie to 9-11, Bush was honestly mistaken but meant well, illegal spying is saving us from terrorists, nobody has been tortured, and a signing statement is just something a deaf person tells you with his hands.
Wouldn't impeachment be depicted as revenge?
Probably. But would you believe that depiction? Do you think everyone else is dumber than you are and would fall for it? The coverage thus far of the initial push for impeachment in Congress does not depict it as revenge.
What Articles of Impeachment have been introduced thus far?
Only three against Cheney, contained in H. Res. 333. (Not H.R. 333, but H. Res. 333. Let's say that one more time: You will not find it under H.R. 333, but must look up H. Res. 333.) You can find all the details at http://www.impeachcheney.org
How many towns, cities, states, state political parties, labor unions, and other groups have passed resolutions calling for impeachment?
The list grows every day at http://impeachpac.org/resolutions-list
Why should a small town or large city or county or state pass a resolution for impeachment?
Impeachment was placed in the House of Representatives as the part of our government closest to the people. Closer still are states and cities and towns and counties. The people can speak through their local governments. This is how impeachment is supposed to happen. There are precedents: state legislatures have petitioned Congress successfully to impeach. This tradition is laid out in the Jefferson Manual, a rule book for the House of Representatives originally written by Thomas Jefferson. The actions of local governments and state governments are heard by Congress Members.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson's_Manual
But isn't impeachment a national issue?
As pointed out at http://www.impeachbush.tv , most city council members take an oath of office promising to "protect and defend the Constitution from enemies foreign and domestic." They don't take an oath to fix potholes. If the Constitution is in danger, then their primary duty is to defend it. If it is safe, and they have time on their hands, then they can fix potholes.
Cities and towns routinely send petitions to Congress for all kinds of requests. This is allowed under Clause 3, Rule XII, Section 819, of the Rules of the House of Representatives. This clause is routinely used to accept petitions from cities, and memorials from states, all across America.
If a federal action has a significant negative impact on a city, then it is appropriate for the city to defend itself. Citizens from this city may be sent, or have been sent, to Iraq to fight in an illegal and unjustified war. Tax funds from this city that could have been spent locally have been spent in Iraq for war. Tax money from this city has been wasted in no-bid contracts with companies like Halliburton with deep ties to the Bush administration. Yet this city can barely afford the emergency services, libraries, and schools that we need. For the specific cost, see http://www.costofwar.com
The state National Guard should be available to protect this city from floods, hurricanes, earthquakes or other disasters. But instead they have been sent to Iraq by President Bush.
So what purpose does impeachment serve?
It denies future presidents and vice presidents the power to mislead the Congress and the public into wars, spy in violation of the law, detain without charge, torture, operate in secrecy, and rewrite laws with signing statements. Again, those powers in the wrong hands could do far more serious damage than Bush and Cheney have done.
If we do not impeach when the case is as compelling as it is now, we are effectively removing impeachment from the Constitution. Secretly, almost everyone agrees that the Bush/Cheney Administration has committed impeachable offenses. That’s why even the pundits and Republicans are not arguing the case on its merits, but trying to scare the Democrats off based on politics. Given that, how can we not pursue accountability?
Isn't impeachment divisive and unpleasant and traumatic and catastrophic and unsettling and partisan?
No. Impeachment is a remedy for trauma, and one that the majority of Americans long for. Here are the polls: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/polling
Our President belongs to a political party, it's true. But that does not make him any less of a threat to our system of government. Voters in 2006 rejected his party overwhelmingly. Not a single new Republican was elected, and enough new Democrats won to achieve a substantial majority in the House and a slim one in the Senate. Voters opposed the party of Bush and Cheney, who are incredibly unpopular. Even some Republicans who spoke against the war lost, primarily because they were Republicans. But Republican Ron Paul of Texas, who had spoken in support of impeaching Bush, won.
If Paul and other Republicans manage to put their country ahead of their party's president, as Republicans did during Nixon's presidency, impeachment will not look so partisan. But if Republicans fail to stand for impeachment, then Democrats must do it alone, and doing so will be partisan in the best sense. It will build the Democratic Party into a powerful force for years to come, and it will be divisive primarily on Capitol Hill and in the world of media pundits.
Around the country it will bring us together. Hearings that expose Bush and Cheney's abuses of power will serve to educate many of those who still support them, including those who believe there really were WMDs, there really was a tie to 9-11, Bush was honestly mistaken but meant well, illegal spying is saving us from terrorists, nobody has been tortured, and a signing statement is just something a deaf person tells you with his hands.
Wouldn't impeachment be depicted as revenge?
Probably. But would you believe that depiction? Do you think everyone else is dumber than you are and would fall for it? The coverage thus far of the initial push for impeachment in Congress does not depict it as revenge.
What Articles of Impeachment have been introduced thus far?
Only three against Cheney, contained in H. Res. 333. (Not H.R. 333, but H. Res. 333. Let's say that one more time: You will not find it under H.R. 333, but must look up H. Res. 333.) You can find all the details at http://www.impeachcheney.org
How many towns, cities, states, state political parties, labor unions, and other groups have passed resolutions calling for impeachment?
The list grows every day at http://impeachpac.org/resolutions-list
Why should a small town or large city or county or state pass a resolution for impeachment?
Impeachment was placed in the House of Representatives as the part of our government closest to the people. Closer still are states and cities and towns and counties. The people can speak through their local governments. This is how impeachment is supposed to happen. There are precedents: state legislatures have petitioned Congress successfully to impeach. This tradition is laid out in the Jefferson Manual, a rule book for the House of Representatives originally written by Thomas Jefferson. The actions of local governments and state governments are heard by Congress Members.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jefferson's_Manual
But isn't impeachment a national issue?
As pointed out at http://www.impeachbush.tv , most city council members take an oath of office promising to "protect and defend the Constitution from enemies foreign and domestic." They don't take an oath to fix potholes. If the Constitution is in danger, then their primary duty is to defend it. If it is safe, and they have time on their hands, then they can fix potholes.
Cities and towns routinely send petitions to Congress for all kinds of requests. This is allowed under Clause 3, Rule XII, Section 819, of the Rules of the House of Representatives. This clause is routinely used to accept petitions from cities, and memorials from states, all across America.
If a federal action has a significant negative impact on a city, then it is appropriate for the city to defend itself. Citizens from this city may be sent, or have been sent, to Iraq to fight in an illegal and unjustified war. Tax funds from this city that could have been spent locally have been spent in Iraq for war. Tax money from this city has been wasted in no-bid contracts with companies like Halliburton with deep ties to the Bush administration. Yet this city can barely afford the emergency services, libraries, and schools that we need. For the specific cost, see http://www.costofwar.com
The state National Guard should be available to protect this city from floods, hurricanes, earthquakes or other disasters. But instead they have been sent to Iraq by President Bush.
THOSE WITHOUT A WHITE PENIS NEED NOT APPLY IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION
Let's see Bradley Schlozman in charge of the US attorney's Civil Rights division? A right wing political hack as the boss, that would ensure fairness and EQUALITY. So "THOSE NOT SPORTIN' WHITE PENIS NEED NOT APPLY" in the CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!
The definition of a good American is WHAT?????
I know black ladies were not included in the original Constitution, but throughout our history, a few amendments have granted the basic rights property owning, twenty one year old, white men were afforded.
Why would Scholzman act with higher standards than his employers?
They took the Constitution, wiped their collective backside with it, then flushed it down the toilet. Shrub's second term can't end soon enough.
How did Condi manage to get a gig with this administration? I guess it's just peachy to keep one Black Oracle around.
WTF?
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!
The definition of a good American is WHAT?????
I know black ladies were not included in the original Constitution, but throughout our history, a few amendments have granted the basic rights property owning, twenty one year old, white men were afforded.
Why would Scholzman act with higher standards than his employers?
They took the Constitution, wiped their collective backside with it, then flushed it down the toilet. Shrub's second term can't end soon enough.
How did Condi manage to get a gig with this administration? I guess it's just peachy to keep one Black Oracle around.
WTF?
Newspapers are a Business
I just hope as Will Bunch is writing his book, he acknowledges newspapers are a business. The owners are subject to the same pressures as the local bakery. Quality, service and customers.
I find that when the survival of newspapers is discussed, the evil money grubbing owners are the target. The quality of the paper is rarely if ever addressed.
I love newspapers. I used to buy three newspapers daily. The local, regional and a national paper. I now get the regional and national news online. I would not fall into the stereotypical techie. This is part of the problem.
The major issue is, after the MSM jumped into bed with this administration, about EVERYTHING, I no longer trust them. I am not alone. The reporters failed miserably at doing their Constitutionally protected job.
Poor quality leads to less customers, which translates into less REVENUE, which leads to layoffs. Maybe if most reporters did their jobs, instead of worrying about getting invited to the holiday parties, a marked improvement in the product would occur.
Before you throw up in the corner Will, you are the exception, not the rule. Good Luck with your latest project.
I find that when the survival of newspapers is discussed, the evil money grubbing owners are the target. The quality of the paper is rarely if ever addressed.
I love newspapers. I used to buy three newspapers daily. The local, regional and a national paper. I now get the regional and national news online. I would not fall into the stereotypical techie. This is part of the problem.
The major issue is, after the MSM jumped into bed with this administration, about EVERYTHING, I no longer trust them. I am not alone. The reporters failed miserably at doing their Constitutionally protected job.
Poor quality leads to less customers, which translates into less REVENUE, which leads to layoffs. Maybe if most reporters did their jobs, instead of worrying about getting invited to the holiday parties, a marked improvement in the product would occur.
Before you throw up in the corner Will, you are the exception, not the rule. Good Luck with your latest project.
Herbert: Teen Summer Nightmare
One of my responsibilities is to hire people. For many of our entry level jobs, I look for young people to fill the position. It gives them an entree into corporate America. I get the much needed mind numbing tasks completed.
I showcase other staff who started where they are and the professional and financial progress made. When they see my corner office, I let them know that everything I am asking them to do, I have done. Depending on the circumstances, I kick off my heels, roll up my sleeves and join in.
By employers working with teenagers in the summer, work life basics can be instilled early. Showing to work, daily and on time.
Office etiquette, time management and project completion.
More importantly, it takes the kids off the street. It gives them structure.
If we get them young, EMPLOYERS will not have to teach these skills to their employees in their late 20s and early 30s.
You are investing in our future.
I showcase other staff who started where they are and the professional and financial progress made. When they see my corner office, I let them know that everything I am asking them to do, I have done. Depending on the circumstances, I kick off my heels, roll up my sleeves and join in.
By employers working with teenagers in the summer, work life basics can be instilled early. Showing to work, daily and on time.
Office etiquette, time management and project completion.
More importantly, it takes the kids off the street. It gives them structure.
If we get them young, EMPLOYERS will not have to teach these skills to their employees in their late 20s and early 30s.
You are investing in our future.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Public Tears?
It's one thing not to get your dream gig. It's another to literally cry about it. In public. There's no crying in politics...
Short America: Krugman
“U.S. children,” write Mr. Komlos and Mr. Lauderdale, “consume more meals prepared outside the home, more fast food rich in fat, high in energy density and low in essential micronutrients, than do European children.” Our reliance on fast food, in turn, may reflect lack of family time because we work too much: U.S. G.D.P. per capita is high partly because employed Americans work many more hours than their European counterparts.
A broader explanation would be that contemporary America is a society that, in a variety of ways, doesn’t take very good care of its children. Recently, Unicef issued a report comparing a number of measures of child well-being in 21 rich countries, including health and safety, family and peer relationships and such things as whether children eat fruit and are physically active. The report put the Netherlands at the top; sure enough, the Dutch are now the world’s tallest people, almost 3 inches taller, on average, than non-Hispanic American whites. The U.S. ended up in 20th place, below Poland, Portugal and Hungary, but ahead of Britain.
Whatever the full explanation for America’s stature deficit, our relative shortness, like our low life expectancy, suggests that something is amiss with our way of life. A critical European might say that America is a land of harried parents and neglected children, of expensive health care that misses those who need it most, a society that for all its wealth somehow manages to be nasty, brutish — and short."
A broader explanation would be that contemporary America is a society that, in a variety of ways, doesn’t take very good care of its children. Recently, Unicef issued a report comparing a number of measures of child well-being in 21 rich countries, including health and safety, family and peer relationships and such things as whether children eat fruit and are physically active. The report put the Netherlands at the top; sure enough, the Dutch are now the world’s tallest people, almost 3 inches taller, on average, than non-Hispanic American whites. The U.S. ended up in 20th place, below Poland, Portugal and Hungary, but ahead of Britain.
Whatever the full explanation for America’s stature deficit, our relative shortness, like our low life expectancy, suggests that something is amiss with our way of life. A critical European might say that America is a land of harried parents and neglected children, of expensive health care that misses those who need it most, a society that for all its wealth somehow manages to be nasty, brutish — and short."
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Cohen: Those who can't do, chastise
"President George W. Bush acknowledged last year that some individuals deemed particularly dangerous had been moved "to an environment where they can be held secretly." In effect, categorized as enemy combatants, they have been "disappeared."
This practice is unconscionable. It does not matter that the purpose of the disappearance is not murder, as it was in Argentina.
Once people disappear, every basic human right is at risk because every check, every balance, has gone with them. The worst becomes almost inevitable because there is nothing to stop it.
The United States demands accountability of others when its own people go missing. It must demand the same accountability of itself, whatever the fight. The lovely, longing and lost young faces of Latin America require at least that."
This practice is unconscionable. It does not matter that the purpose of the disappearance is not murder, as it was in Argentina.
Once people disappear, every basic human right is at risk because every check, every balance, has gone with them. The worst becomes almost inevitable because there is nothing to stop it.
The United States demands accountability of others when its own people go missing. It must demand the same accountability of itself, whatever the fight. The lovely, longing and lost young faces of Latin America require at least that."
Phillies Sweep Sox: Delaying the inevidable
I sat through the Businessperson's special with one of the few clients who is smart, funny and pleasant. Our seats were in the porch section of the stadium, just left of center field. The overcast sky and cool breeze was perfect weather for watching the game.
The kid they called up from the minors, Kyle Kendrick did himself proud. He pitched five good innings and punched his first big league hit.
Aaron Rowand was money with his timely grandslam performance. He's the guy the management constantly threaten to trade. If they do, he will join the ranks of traded players who collected world series rings.
As the game progressed, we sat through a series of poor managerial decisions on both sides. The Sox intentionally walked Pat Burrell TWICE. My coworker finally turned to me and said "Lady, with our upper management, you should be used to dumb managerial decisions." Good point.
The Phillies managed to win 8-4. The 10K loss will come soon enough.
The kid they called up from the minors, Kyle Kendrick did himself proud. He pitched five good innings and punched his first big league hit.
Aaron Rowand was money with his timely grandslam performance. He's the guy the management constantly threaten to trade. If they do, he will join the ranks of traded players who collected world series rings.
As the game progressed, we sat through a series of poor managerial decisions on both sides. The Sox intentionally walked Pat Burrell TWICE. My coworker finally turned to me and said "Lady, with our upper management, you should be used to dumb managerial decisions." Good point.
The Phillies managed to win 8-4. The 10K loss will come soon enough.
Phillies Phever: A possible parade, ugh
"As the team’s 10,000th defeat approaches, it is being anticipated as a way for fans to commemorate their long-suffering fealty. A Web site, celebrate10000.com, is offering a T-shirt and a pint glass embossed with the box score from the milestone. WIP-AM, the city’s roiling sports-talk station, is considering a parade.
“We might be first to 10,000, but we’re first in something,” said Glen Macnow, a host at WIP and the co-author of “The Great Philadelphia Fan Book.”
“We might be first to 10,000, but we’re first in something,” said Glen Macnow, a host at WIP and the co-author of “The Great Philadelphia Fan Book.”
Ted Stevens & Don Young: Hogs go to Slaughter
"Ted Stevens used to be a respected independent voice in the Senate. But his obsession with opening the Alaska wildlife refuge to oil drilling, and his nearly 40 years in the Senate, have left him an embittered, tired old politician with a host of grudges.
Then there’s the Congressman for Life, Representative Don Young, 74. You know him from the Bridge to Nowhere, his effort to direct more than $200 million to build a span nearly as long as the Golden Gate Bridge from Ketchikan to an island with less than 100 people.
As chairman of the committee that bundled all pet projects into a single transportation bill last year, Young had this to say about the legislative process: “I stuffed it like a turkey.”
He said he was proud to be one of the biggest pigs at the trough — he used the word “oinker” — because the power to control $300 billion only comes around once in a lifetime. But as it turned out, the pipe dream really was a bridge to somewhere: the back door. Many Republicans say it cost them control of the House in the 2006 election.
Last week, David D. Kirkpatrick wrote in The Times about one of Young’s other earmarks — $10 million to a Florida district whose congressman had never requested it. But a Florida real estate developer who stood to gain a huge windfall with the new road was very interested in the project. So much so that he helped to raise $40,000 for the sole congressman from Alaska."
Then there’s the Congressman for Life, Representative Don Young, 74. You know him from the Bridge to Nowhere, his effort to direct more than $200 million to build a span nearly as long as the Golden Gate Bridge from Ketchikan to an island with less than 100 people.
As chairman of the committee that bundled all pet projects into a single transportation bill last year, Young had this to say about the legislative process: “I stuffed it like a turkey.”
He said he was proud to be one of the biggest pigs at the trough — he used the word “oinker” — because the power to control $300 billion only comes around once in a lifetime. But as it turned out, the pipe dream really was a bridge to somewhere: the back door. Many Republicans say it cost them control of the House in the 2006 election.
Last week, David D. Kirkpatrick wrote in The Times about one of Young’s other earmarks — $10 million to a Florida district whose congressman had never requested it. But a Florida real estate developer who stood to gain a huge windfall with the new road was very interested in the project. So much so that he helped to raise $40,000 for the sole congressman from Alaska."
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Joe Klein: Poor Baby
I can only surmise that Mr. Klein was beat up in school. Rejected by the popular kids. Took far too long to lose his virginity. Now he has a forum to play out his issues.
Somebody give Joe a hug....
Somebody give Joe a hug....
Joe Lieberman must Go
Finally the Einsteins who gave us Lieberman have had enough. They want him to resign from the party. What these clueless wonders have not embraced is that Lieberman left the party long time ago. The voters should demand that he resign his seat. it is the very least they can do.
Where can I donate to help fund the recall?
Where can I donate to help fund the recall?
Oh Mamma
I recently attended a graduation party for my college roommate's son. She held it in her brother's spacious tree lined backyard. The core of our little college possee turnout for the happy occasion. It was a wonderful mini-reunion.
Eventually, we chatted about our living parents. My hosts had to go through the painful exercise of finding and placing their mother in a nursing home. Their father passed suddenly years ago so it was not an issue. They struggled with where, how the rest of the family would react; and more importantly how their mother would respond. She had a stroke and has no idea where she is and struggles with who they are.....
These are tough issues facing the sandwich generation. Our seniors are living longer. With everyone working, keeping family members at home is rarely an option. The system is set up to house our families in these facilities for their final years.
Most of these places are funded by different government agencies. Instead of permitting reimbursable home care which would be best for all parties, care is reimbursed if you stuck in one of these places.
Compounding the problem, the caregivers do not make a living wage. Most have to work double shifts in order to pay their bills. Let's see changing adult diapers for 16 hours is not exhausting, mentally and physically.
Even when the caregivers give a shit, who can keep up quality care when fatigue sets in?
Regardless of how clean these facilities are, it is sad when a person's birthday party is cancelled because he literally " checked out."
When a person's body fails and their mind is still good, they are just pissed because they know this is their final stop on this side.
My mother who managed our family with great efficiency, is now experiencing short term memory loss. Talking to her at times is heartbreaking. If something happens to my Dad, me and my brothers will have to make a decision about her care. My parents promised just to die so they will not be stuck in one of these places. (My family has terrible sense of humor. This is how we deal with ugly circumstances.)
What should we do? I think the MSM, our elected officials should take a look at how these senior services are delivered and funded. Newsweek's cover story is a start.
But I guess that would be more difficult than passing non-binding resolutions or following young Ms. Hilton's prison stay.
Eventually, we chatted about our living parents. My hosts had to go through the painful exercise of finding and placing their mother in a nursing home. Their father passed suddenly years ago so it was not an issue. They struggled with where, how the rest of the family would react; and more importantly how their mother would respond. She had a stroke and has no idea where she is and struggles with who they are.....
These are tough issues facing the sandwich generation. Our seniors are living longer. With everyone working, keeping family members at home is rarely an option. The system is set up to house our families in these facilities for their final years.
Most of these places are funded by different government agencies. Instead of permitting reimbursable home care which would be best for all parties, care is reimbursed if you stuck in one of these places.
Compounding the problem, the caregivers do not make a living wage. Most have to work double shifts in order to pay their bills. Let's see changing adult diapers for 16 hours is not exhausting, mentally and physically.
Even when the caregivers give a shit, who can keep up quality care when fatigue sets in?
Regardless of how clean these facilities are, it is sad when a person's birthday party is cancelled because he literally " checked out."
When a person's body fails and their mind is still good, they are just pissed because they know this is their final stop on this side.
My mother who managed our family with great efficiency, is now experiencing short term memory loss. Talking to her at times is heartbreaking. If something happens to my Dad, me and my brothers will have to make a decision about her care. My parents promised just to die so they will not be stuck in one of these places. (My family has terrible sense of humor. This is how we deal with ugly circumstances.)
What should we do? I think the MSM, our elected officials should take a look at how these senior services are delivered and funded. Newsweek's cover story is a start.
But I guess that would be more difficult than passing non-binding resolutions or following young Ms. Hilton's prison stay.
Clinton cousin raped twice
So it is palliatable for a rapist to be pardoned by Huckabee. I guess when a liberal is raped, it's not really rape. This should conclude Huckabee's run for the presidency.
Mosque destroyed
"That attack was widely believed to be the work of Sunni militants from the al-Qaeda movement, some of whom were later arrested."
Ugh
Ugh
Albania hearts Shrub
"Mr Bush's visit to ex-Communist Albania was in contrast to his reception in Italy, where thousands of protesters turned out. In Albania people wore top hats designed to look like the US flag and cheered him to the rooftops, commemorative stamps were issued and a street in front of Parliament in Tirana was renamed in Mr Bush's honour.
Albania backed the US-led invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan and wants to join both Nato and the EU. Mr Bush praised Albania as a country that has "cast off the shackles of a very oppressive society and is now showing the world what's possible". He added: "I love to come to countries that are working hard to establish the institutions necessary for a democracy to survive."
To travel so far for a little love..........
Albania backed the US-led invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan and wants to join both Nato and the EU. Mr Bush praised Albania as a country that has "cast off the shackles of a very oppressive society and is now showing the world what's possible". He added: "I love to come to countries that are working hard to establish the institutions necessary for a democracy to survive."
To travel so far for a little love..........
Dowd: Tale of Two Tonys, unsatisfying endings
I am one of few people on the planet who didn't get catch Soprano fever. The violence was simply too much for me. While the world was watching the finale, I was in a local pub with a few of my former ball players plotting my return to the team.
Dowd like many fans was not happy how the show left you "hangin." Many contacted their local cable company believing there was a blackout.
Oh how I wish, the voting public would contact their elected leaders with the same zeal when meaningless bills are passed and we are left "hangin."
Dowd like many fans was not happy how the show left you "hangin." Many contacted their local cable company believing there was a blackout.
Oh how I wish, the voting public would contact their elected leaders with the same zeal when meaningless bills are passed and we are left "hangin."
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Private jet for FBI Director
The money spent to fuel the plane could pay for medical treatment for the under or unemployed. GRRRRR
Brooks: Next Cultural War?
"As the sociologist Manuel Castells generalized, “Elites are cosmopolitan, people are local.” People with university values favor intermingling. People with neighborhood values favor assimilation.
What’s made the clashes so poisonous is that many members of the educated class don’t even recognize that they are facing a rival philosophy. Many of them assume that anybody who disagrees with them on immigration and such must be driven by racism, insecurity or some primitive atavism. This smug attitude sends members of the communal, nationalistic side into fits of alienation and prickly defensiveness. It’s what makes many of them, in turn, so unpleasant.
The bottom line is that the immigration debate is part of a newer culture war that has succeeded the familiar and fading culture war. This longer culture war is not within the educated class. It’s not the ’60s versus the ’80s. It’s — to mimic Mark Lilla — between the people who have absorbed both the ’60s and the ’80s, and everyone else.
It’s between open, individualistic cosmopolitans and rooted nationalists. It’s between those who ride the tides of the cultural mainstream and those so driven by marginalization that they’re destroying the best compromise they will get."
What’s made the clashes so poisonous is that many members of the educated class don’t even recognize that they are facing a rival philosophy. Many of them assume that anybody who disagrees with them on immigration and such must be driven by racism, insecurity or some primitive atavism. This smug attitude sends members of the communal, nationalistic side into fits of alienation and prickly defensiveness. It’s what makes many of them, in turn, so unpleasant.
The bottom line is that the immigration debate is part of a newer culture war that has succeeded the familiar and fading culture war. This longer culture war is not within the educated class. It’s not the ’60s versus the ’80s. It’s — to mimic Mark Lilla — between the people who have absorbed both the ’60s and the ’80s, and everyone else.
It’s between open, individualistic cosmopolitans and rooted nationalists. It’s between those who ride the tides of the cultural mainstream and those so driven by marginalization that they’re destroying the best compromise they will get."
Herbert: Medical Care for our children
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul,” Nelson Mandela once said, “than the way in which it treats its children.”
There are nine million children who lack health care in the U.S. and millions more who are eligible for coverage but fall through the cracks for one reason or another.
What we need is a national commitment to provide basic health care to all children, not just the children of the well-to-do. This should be a no-brainer. You’re a child in the United States? You’ve got health care. We’re not going to let you die from a toothache. We’re better than that. We’re not going to let your family go bankrupt because you’ve got cancer or some other disease, or because you’ve been in a terrible accident.
The cost? Don’t fall for that bogyman.
There’s plenty of give in America’s glittering $13 trillion economy. What’s the sense of being the richest nation on the planet if you can’t even afford to keep your children healthy and alive?
There are nine million children who lack health care in the U.S. and millions more who are eligible for coverage but fall through the cracks for one reason or another.
What we need is a national commitment to provide basic health care to all children, not just the children of the well-to-do. This should be a no-brainer. You’re a child in the United States? You’ve got health care. We’re not going to let you die from a toothache. We’re better than that. We’re not going to let your family go bankrupt because you’ve got cancer or some other disease, or because you’ve been in a terrible accident.
The cost? Don’t fall for that bogyman.
There’s plenty of give in America’s glittering $13 trillion economy. What’s the sense of being the richest nation on the planet if you can’t even afford to keep your children healthy and alive?
Monday, June 11, 2007
Go Away Mr. Powell
Mr. Powell your country needed your BEFORE we went to war. It was YOUR credibility that helped sell this war. No war, no Guantanamo Bay.
Save your current self righteous indignation for your cocktail parties.
Save your current self righteous indignation for your cocktail parties.
Cohen: Safer America?
Why should Hill throw Shrub a bone? Maybe if Shrub actually paid attention to the memos floating around, the 9-11 attack could have been averted.
Ask the people in Louisiana or Kansas if they are feeling safer. Ask the ground beef eaters if they are feeling safer. Because of this bullshit war, there are ruined families. The VA administration is poorly funded so the injured soldiers are harmed yet again. Our resources are diverted to Iraq. The other America, the MSM simply ignores.
Spare me Mr. Cohen.
Ask the people in Louisiana or Kansas if they are feeling safer. Ask the ground beef eaters if they are feeling safer. Because of this bullshit war, there are ruined families. The VA administration is poorly funded so the injured soldiers are harmed yet again. Our resources are diverted to Iraq. The other America, the MSM simply ignores.
Spare me Mr. Cohen.
Krugman: Guiliani, Nice Resume Pal
I am not the only who thinks Guiliani is a fraud:
"But he’s spent the years since then cashing in on terrorism, and his decisions about Giuliani Partners’ personnel and clients raise real questions about his seriousness. His partners, as The Washington Post pointed out, included “a former police commissioner later convicted of corruption, a former F.B.I. executive who admitted taking artifacts from ground zero and a former Roman Catholic priest accused of covering up sexual abuse in the church.”
In this election, the voters need to identify who will be a representative voice in DC. We need to spend as much time assessing the candidates as we do the Sopranos.
We really don't need another documented failure in the White House.
"But he’s spent the years since then cashing in on terrorism, and his decisions about Giuliani Partners’ personnel and clients raise real questions about his seriousness. His partners, as The Washington Post pointed out, included “a former police commissioner later convicted of corruption, a former F.B.I. executive who admitted taking artifacts from ground zero and a former Roman Catholic priest accused of covering up sexual abuse in the church.”
In this election, the voters need to identify who will be a representative voice in DC. We need to spend as much time assessing the candidates as we do the Sopranos.
We really don't need another documented failure in the White House.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Pardon Paris First
We are not talking consensual sex here folks. Libby perjured himself, no doubt to protect Cheney. He now has plenty of time to pump out his new novel.
For the likes of Broder to scream about the injustice is amusing. If Mr. Libby would have told the truth this would not be an issue. There would not be a need for a pardon.
Hell Paris should be pardoned first.
For the likes of Broder to scream about the injustice is amusing. If Mr. Libby would have told the truth this would not be an issue. There would not be a need for a pardon.
Hell Paris should be pardoned first.
Italian possibilities
Not too long ago, I purchased a hybrid bike. A ride before work, enables me to deal with my gig. I enjoy it for the sake of the ride. However, I am a little compulsive mixed with being a tab bit goal oriented. A dear friend, who knows this about me, and loves me anyway, gave me a catalog for adventure vacations.
If I can manage to bike 20 miles per day five days a week between now and July 1, I think I will book a Tuscany bike tour. I am lucky that I have a friend with family in Italy. They will provide me and (whomever I can talk into) with a soft landing at the end of the trip.
The thought of seeing Italy with a native is very cool. I am averaging 13 miles per day four days per week. Time will tell.
If I can manage to bike 20 miles per day five days a week between now and July 1, I think I will book a Tuscany bike tour. I am lucky that I have a friend with family in Italy. They will provide me and (whomever I can talk into) with a soft landing at the end of the trip.
The thought of seeing Italy with a native is very cool. I am averaging 13 miles per day four days per week. Time will tell.
Credit Outlaw
The Suburban Guerrilla just received a rejection letter from a potential employer because of her poor credit score. This is shameful. The employer has no idea the history behind the report. We are not talking thousands of dollars in credit card debt created by uncontrolled shopping sprees. Nor does she live in an overpriced McMansion or drive an expensive car.
How the hell can she pay her bills and CORRECT her credit problems without a steady gig?
This is just another means of crippling the working class in our society. GRRRR
In the meantime, go check out her site. http://susiemadrak.com.
She provides breaking news, music and amusing updates on her life. Plus she is a frequent contributer to the Huffington Post.
If you like what you see, you can help Susie by becoming a subscriber. It's cheaper than a daily latte at Dunkin' Donuts.
How the hell can she pay her bills and CORRECT her credit problems without a steady gig?
This is just another means of crippling the working class in our society. GRRRR
In the meantime, go check out her site. http://susiemadrak.com.
She provides breaking news, music and amusing updates on her life. Plus she is a frequent contributer to the Huffington Post.
If you like what you see, you can help Susie by becoming a subscriber. It's cheaper than a daily latte at Dunkin' Donuts.
Dowd: The Repugs who can't shoot straight
I think all of the presidential candidates should focus on kitchen table issues not bedroom issues. Clearly, pulling out of Iraq, balancing the budget, health care crisis, educational system and the environment are not the concerns of the voters.
It is just dumb that an openly gay person can not serve in the military.
It is just dumb that an openly gay person can not serve in the military.
Tepper, Mansion Mainline House of Horrors
"She might realize the world cannot be so perfect the way she wants and not to argue with people," he said. "She's already a different person right now. Sometimes jail is good for you."
The Mainline brat has been cooling her mean heels in a local lockup. It will interesting to see what the judge does with her.
In the meantime, maybe the Mainline Brat and young Miss Hilton can team up to film, "Lock Up for the Rich and Spoiled."
The Mainline brat has been cooling her mean heels in a local lockup. It will interesting to see what the judge does with her.
In the meantime, maybe the Mainline Brat and young Miss Hilton can team up to film, "Lock Up for the Rich and Spoiled."
Friday, June 08, 2007
Hilton goes back to jail
When she is sprung in 45 days, she will still be rich.
I am sure this saga will continue...
I am sure this saga will continue...
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Hilton Released: To be rich in America
I am home today because my security system in my car is acting goofy. My mechanic had to call in a "security specialist." The thought is scary, yet amusing.
The Breaking News is young Ms. Hilton was released to house arrest to finish out her sentence. Judging from what wasn't said at the press conference, Hilton no doubt threw a temper tantrum, threatened to hurt herself and finally held her breath.
After annoying all of the adults involved, the compromise was the "house arrest" crap. If she wasn't the celebrity brat, this would not be news.
I would love to be confined to Ms. Hilton's home for 40 days. I am not sure which is more annoying, what happened or the MSM making it a priority.
Aren't we at war?
The Breaking News is young Ms. Hilton was released to house arrest to finish out her sentence. Judging from what wasn't said at the press conference, Hilton no doubt threw a temper tantrum, threatened to hurt herself and finally held her breath.
After annoying all of the adults involved, the compromise was the "house arrest" crap. If she wasn't the celebrity brat, this would not be news.
I would love to be confined to Ms. Hilton's home for 40 days. I am not sure which is more annoying, what happened or the MSM making it a priority.
Aren't we at war?
The problem with sex
This gem was brought to you by the neon gods.
Until the sex police find another occupation, we will not deal with real issues facing our society. Messing with kids and rape are not negotiable. Consensual sex acts are something completely different. The recipient was 17 at the time of the incident. A 15 year provided the deed. Should kids really shouldn't be having sex. Shouldn't. 10 years in jail is a tad excessive for two teenagers doing what they do.
Our congress does not have the stomach to impeach Bush for his numerous "high crimes and misdemeanors" but had no problem impeaching Clinton for his consensual sex act.
Will all of the men folk who would NOT participate in such an activity please step to the right.
Funny no movement.....
Until the sex police find another occupation, we will not deal with real issues facing our society. Messing with kids and rape are not negotiable. Consensual sex acts are something completely different. The recipient was 17 at the time of the incident. A 15 year provided the deed. Should kids really shouldn't be having sex. Shouldn't. 10 years in jail is a tad excessive for two teenagers doing what they do.
Our congress does not have the stomach to impeach Bush for his numerous "high crimes and misdemeanors" but had no problem impeaching Clinton for his consensual sex act.
Will all of the men folk who would NOT participate in such an activity please step to the right.
Funny no movement.....
Zoellick's Unpaid spin doctor
It would have been nice if Irwin Steltzer would have put his disclaimer in the first paragraph of his glowing commentary.
Kristof: Take Back our Moral Authority
"The United States must stand up against such human rights abuses around the world — and our first step should be to clean up our act.
Our own equivalent of Ms. Li is Sami al-Hajj, a cameraman for Al Jazeera who has been held in Guantánamo for more than five years. He still suffers from painful injuries that he apparently received in beatings while in American custody.
The U.S. government has never offered a hint of evidence that he is anything but a journalist. Indeed, Mr. Hajj’s lawyers say that the interrogators have offered to release him immediately if he will spy on Al Jazeera.
So, Mr. Bush, give prisoners like Mr. Hajj their rights — and give America back its moral authority to speak up for human rights around the world."
We as a natiion will not regain our global moral authority until Shrub vacates the White House.
Our own equivalent of Ms. Li is Sami al-Hajj, a cameraman for Al Jazeera who has been held in Guantánamo for more than five years. He still suffers from painful injuries that he apparently received in beatings while in American custody.
The U.S. government has never offered a hint of evidence that he is anything but a journalist. Indeed, Mr. Hajj’s lawyers say that the interrogators have offered to release him immediately if he will spy on Al Jazeera.
So, Mr. Bush, give prisoners like Mr. Hajj their rights — and give America back its moral authority to speak up for human rights around the world."
We as a natiion will not regain our global moral authority until Shrub vacates the White House.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Middle East Mess: Friedman
The situation in the Middle East has deteriorated in the past six years. When talking is not a starting point, violence will no doubt ensue.
30 months for Libby
The judge surprised everyone by giving Libby more than the time recommended by the prosecution. More telling was Shrub's "what a shame"n response. It seems to me that Shrub will not pardon Libby.
Dowd: The force is with you, Obama
Dowd makes a great point. Obama has been afraid to "punch" the lady. In the meantime, she is beating the crap out of him.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
David Brooks: Iraq ethnically cleansed save place
"This is now a success story: an ethnically cleansed safe place. Instead of a sort of managed soft partition that at least has a shot of transferring power to the best local people, we’re now getting machine-gun partition that transfers power to the most violent people. For Iraqis, the thug who rules your local gas station rules your life."
Monday, June 04, 2007
Nothing new
It has been a common practice for the rich in our country to outsource their military services. This practice dates back to the American Revolution.
Ken Burns: Civil War
I am a history geek. My favorite time period is the Civil War. In 1990, when Ken Burns documentary aired on PBS I was stunned. It captured the reality of the war. The good, bad and ugly of our nation's past.
There are some historians who maintain the Civil War had nothing to do with freeing the slaves. It was a matter of economics. To try to separate the two issues is impractical.
Ken Burns presents the subject matter factually and leaves it to the viewers to draw their own conclusion.
PBS is airing the program tonight. Good stuff.........
There are some historians who maintain the Civil War had nothing to do with freeing the slaves. It was a matter of economics. To try to separate the two issues is impractical.
Ken Burns presents the subject matter factually and leaves it to the viewers to draw their own conclusion.
PBS is airing the program tonight. Good stuff.........
Middle Class England not so jollly
Now maybe the middle class will finally join forces with their true brethren.
Mr. Jarboe, plays Hardball in Harlem
Maybe Bill Maxwell could pick up a few pointers from Andrew Jarboe..........
A dead dream or nightmare for the professor?
I read Bill Maxwell's piece and came away with mixed feelings. I was saddened and disturbed by the attitudes of the students. But I was a more than little annoyed about the tone. Clearly, the story was all about HIM.
These students were not "wowed" by the fact, they were object of his attention. I guess they were supposed to be thrilled they became his little project.
Unfortunately, many of these students were not properly prepared to be in college students. Some were struggling just to get through the day. Who pays their bills if they miss a shift to attend a field trip? Will they lose their low paying jobs if they ask for the time off?
It is not easy to work your way through college. Its harder, when a foundation or support system does not exist. Mr. Maxwell chose to work in this environment. He obv had or made opportunities which lead him to a different place in this world.
What drove him to this awful place? Did he want to make a difference? Really? Or was this stop to add to his resume? Worse, was he using this adventure to develop a story for a movie of the week about how he saved these students?
When the students did not move on Maxwell's manufactured game board, according to his worldview, he maligned them.
As for the registrar's office employees, this nonsense goes on in most institutions. Ask any student trying to make changes to schedules, obtain grades or get a copy of your transcript. Anybody with a degree has a registrar's war story.
For him to condemn these students is just sad. This smacks of the folks who pretend to be poor, write about it, then return to their comfortable life.
Shame on him.
These students were not "wowed" by the fact, they were object of his attention. I guess they were supposed to be thrilled they became his little project.
Unfortunately, many of these students were not properly prepared to be in college students. Some were struggling just to get through the day. Who pays their bills if they miss a shift to attend a field trip? Will they lose their low paying jobs if they ask for the time off?
It is not easy to work your way through college. Its harder, when a foundation or support system does not exist. Mr. Maxwell chose to work in this environment. He obv had or made opportunities which lead him to a different place in this world.
What drove him to this awful place? Did he want to make a difference? Really? Or was this stop to add to his resume? Worse, was he using this adventure to develop a story for a movie of the week about how he saved these students?
When the students did not move on Maxwell's manufactured game board, according to his worldview, he maligned them.
As for the registrar's office employees, this nonsense goes on in most institutions. Ask any student trying to make changes to schedules, obtain grades or get a copy of your transcript. Anybody with a degree has a registrar's war story.
For him to condemn these students is just sad. This smacks of the folks who pretend to be poor, write about it, then return to their comfortable life.
Shame on him.
William "Freezer Burned Cash" Jefferson
A surprise to no one, a jury indited Jefferson. I really don't see the drama, doesn't everybody keep stacks of cash in their freezer?
Reflections
We all experience "turning points" in our lives, generally brought on by unexpected events. Even if at the time, the event may seem tragic, when you have time to "reflect" upon it, the situation was for the best, sometimes.
Clearly, Booman is facing "life". I hope you join me in keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.
Hang in my friend.
Clearly, Booman is facing "life". I hope you join me in keeping him in your thoughts and prayers.
Hang in my friend.
See ya on the other side: Steve Gilliard
Steve was a member of the Booman Tribute team. He crossed to the other side on Saturday morning.
His passionate voice will be missed.
His passionate voice will be missed.
Working Class Warrior
Suburban Guerrilla found a kindred spirit who is fighting on behalf of the new "Silent Majority."
Rich: Bush, Epic Blunderer
I doubt if I will ever find a warm spot in my heart for Shrub. It is unlikely, Shrub will ever evolve into an elder statesman. Nixon, at least used his brain.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Herbert: Security abuse authority
Parents want their students to learn in a safe environment. For lowly paid overly aggressive security guards to subject the students to this despicable behavior is just terrible.
This behavior is condoned and brought to by New York's leadership.
This behavior is condoned and brought to by New York's leadership.
Friday, June 01, 2007
Lieberman, Please stop talking?
Excuse me CT voters, you voted for Lieberman. NOW, you want him to stop talking. The rest of the country MAY forgive you for the gift that just keeps giving.
BTW, how much is a roundtrip ticket to Iraq for his latest field trip to Iraq?
BTW, how much is a roundtrip ticket to Iraq for his latest field trip to Iraq?
Unexpected job growth in May
Its wonderful there was an unexpected surge in new jobs. The key question is do these service-sector jobs pay livable wages?
Murdoch just won't stop
If Murdoch buys the Dow Jones it would not be good. How many news venues would he own? Ugh.
Brooks: Back to Basics
I really thought that Thompson would wait to the fall to jump in the fray. If Thompson campaigns on the "Back to Basics" theme, I sure will hear a feel good theme "Its morning in America."
All fluff but no substance. But the Republican base on the percentage of the population that still thinks Bush was right will rally around Thompson. God help us.
All fluff but no substance. But the Republican base on the percentage of the population that still thinks Bush was right will rally around Thompson. God help us.
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