Monthly Archives: October 2011
Reagan would have supported President’s jobs bill?
CBS News is reporting that President Obama has said that former President Ronald Reagan would have supported his plan to raise taxes on Americans who make more than $1 million per year, known as the “Buffett rule,” and to back up his statement he quoted the Gipper from a 1985 statement saying, “Some of those loopholes were understandable, but in practice they sometimes made it possible for millionaires to pay nothing, while a bus driver was paying 10 percent of his salary, and that’s crazy. It’s time we stopped it.”
And, oh surprise, just as the President Obama noted, Republicans never accused Reagan of being a “socialist” for wanting a bus driver to pay lower tax rates than a millionaire.
The President also mocked Republican Tea Party (GOTP) claims that his effort to pass the Buffett Rule — which would establish a minimum tax rate for those making more than $1 million per year in order to ensure they pay as much in taxes as lower-income individuals — amounted to “class warfare.”
“I know a lot of folks have short memories, but I don’t remember Republicans accusing Ronald Reagan of being a socialist or engaging in class warfare because he thought everybody should do their fair share. Things have just gotten out of whack,” he said.
Isn’t it amazing how it’s not class warfare when we lower the tax brackets for the wealthiest 2% while advocating cuts to the poor and needy?
The President quoted Reagan once again during remarks at Eastfield College later in the day in which he called on Republicans to pass his $447 billion jobs bill, which he sent to Congress last month. He noted in that speech that Republican House majority leader Eric Cantor has vowed not to let the jobs bill come up for a vote.
“Well I’d like Mr. Cantor to come down here to Dallas and explain what exactly in this jobs bill does he not believe in,” he said. “…Does he not believe in rebuilding America’s roads and bridges? Does he not believe in tax breaks for small businesses, or efforts to help our veterans?”
He went on to urge Cantor to “put this jobs bill up for a vote so that the entire country knows exactly where every Member of Congress stands.”
“Do your job, Congress!” he added.
Cantor spokesman Brad Dayspring responded to the comments by saying that “President Obama needs to understand that his ‘my way or the highway’ approach simply isn’t going to work in the House or the Democratic Senate, especially in light of his abysmal record on jobs.”
Ah yes, of course, the “my way or highway” tactic is the expressed copyrighted property of the GOTP House and the President isn’t allowed to use it. Well Brad, he just did, and the GOTP is going to have to put up or shut up. Vote it down and stand by it if you think it’s that bad of a bill; oh, and if I were a spokesman for a GOTP member of Congress right now, mentioning abysmal job performance is probably not the way to go, especially when you schmucks ran on the promise of creating jobs in 2010.
GOTP Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has reportedly called for an immediate vote on the bill in an effort to show it doesn’t have the unified support of Democrats, but Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid objected to bringing up the proposal, offering Republicans the chance to formally move to a debate on the bill; they declined the offer.
Well sure they declined the offer; they don’t want to go on record for actually opposing the creation of jobs.
The President’s bill would reduce payroll taxes on both workers and employers, extend long-term unemployment benefits and invest in public works and teachers, police officers and other public servants. It would be paid for through the tax increase on high earners and the closing of some corporate tax loopholes.
And what’s to argue here? Ah yes, I forgot, Darth McConnell has sworn an oath to the Dark Lord to make sure President Obama only has one term, and Cantor is a frightened little rabbit who likes to make a loud noise from his hutch but lacks the courage of his convictions to go on the record voting against it. Guess what boys? You’re already on the record opposing jobs, and it will come back to bite you in the butt come November 2012.
Why I’m a Democrat
Yesterday I posted why I wasn’t a Republican, and one of my sons commented I should likewise explain why I’m a Democrat; so, here are my reasons – and I firmly believe this list will grow, and is not static, just as I believe my reasons for not being a Republican will no doubt continue to evolve.
I’m a Democrat because, as a soldier, I believe that – in the words of General MacArthur – “the soldier above all others prays for peace”; that’s not to say I don’t believe my country should never go to war, it means that war should always be – for the United States of America – the absolute last resort, and never so-called “preemptive”; however, that if attacked we should declare war against our enemies and strike hard and resolutely, united with clear goals and with a firm determination to fight and to win quickly and decisively, and then – and only then – we should spend our resources – our treasure – to rebuild the would be enemy that they would become our friend. We – as a nation must not use war to settle personal vendettas, and our young men and women must never be sent into decades long struggles because our leadership wants to do things on the cheap.
I’m a Democrat because I believe once we’ve sent the soldier, marine sailor and airmen into harm’s way it’s our moral responsibility to bind their wounds – both seen and unseen – and to ensure they receive a good education and the training needed to transition into the peace they’ve fought so hard to achieve.
I’m a Democrat because I believe words have meanings and that “ALL men ARE endowed with certain inalienable RIGHTS” not just Americans, but ALL men, including the enemy who is now my prisoner.
I’m a Democrat because I believe torture – no matter how you dress it up – is not just morally wrong, and beneath any American sworn to protect and defend our Constitution, but that it’s a violation of my country’s laws and international law;
I’m a Democrat because I believe once you’ve signed international agreements – such as the Geneva Conventions – you’re honor bound to uphold them, not just when it’s easy, but when your life and liberties may depend on it.
I’m a Democrat because I believe life’s a gift given by my creator, and that while execution may be justified for murder it’s not something we cheer. The death row inmate may have given up his freedom when he committed his crime, but his death is as tragic as the death of his victim because it signifies the end of his ability to repent and change his life. I believe the inmate should be executed only after we’re sure “beyond a shadow of a doubt” she’s guilty of the crime; if there’s doubt then she should be held for life. Saying “oops” after the fact doesn’t help the innocent man charged with the crime he didn’t commit.
I’m a Democrat because I believe the woman has the right to choose and not the state.
I’m a Democrat because I believe the woman has the right to choose because it’s her life and not the state’s; she’s the one who must live with the decision and not the government. I believe a woman has a right to choose, and that the real issue is that in 21st century America we have unwanted pregnancy at all; with all the many ways of preventing pregnancy no woman in America should become pregnant unless she chooses to. Rape, incest and the woman’s health are all absolute times when the woman should choose, not the man, and certainly not the government.
I’m a Democrat because while I believe abortion for the sake of convenience is morally wrong, if you’re going to give my wife, sisters, daughters and friends the choice of all or none, then I must morally support all. It’s the woman’s choice, not the government’s choice.
I’m a Democrat because I believe it’s morally wrong that in 21st century America anyone within our borders should be unable to receive preventative health care.
I’m a Democrat because I believe it costs the tax payer more to treat visits to the ER than it does to thwart the illness in the first place.
I’m a Democrat because I believe it’s morally wrong to talk about the evils of bank bailouts while simultaneously propping up the health insurance industry even as my fellow Americans suffer in needless agony and die at the same time health insurance corporations make obscene profits and its CEOs receive bonuses.
I’m a Democrat because I believe medicine should be practiced “to first do no harm” and not to first get rich.
I’m a Democrat because I believe the words spoken concerning the man who fell among thieves along the road to Jericho, and that while we should each be responsible for our lives and our decisions there are times when we all need help and that if no one else can – or will – help it is the moral obligation of a government to ensure its citizens are not without medical care. Who serves his country best is the man who is still alive, not the man in the grave.
I’m a Democrat because I believe that while it’s the parent’s responsibility to teach their children right from wrong it’s the government’s responsibility to educate them; and that our nation will only remain free if we have an educated and literate populace, and that it’s in “We” the people’s best interest to ensure that not only our children but that our neighbor’s children receives the very best free and public education, because I believe my taxes go to educate the future soldier, fireman, police officer, doctor, diplomat or president who will one day influence – and possibly save – my life or the lives of my friends and loved ones.
I’m a Democrat because I believe the ADA, IDEA and Title IX are not only necessary but are vitally essential in ensuring equality in education.
I’m a Democrat because I believe you balance a budget through limiting spending and through increased revenue and that those who have achieved the most wealth because of a free and independent America should pay the most back for what they’ve received; I believe “because I have been given much I too must give” speaks of more than giving alms and tithes, and that even the Son of God rendered unto Caesar what was Caesar’s.
I’m a Democrat because I believe it’s the government’s responsibility to pave roads, build bridges, direct air traffic, build dams and levees, patrol our streets, rescue the injured, extinguish the fires, ensure our water and air are the purest possible, ensure our food is safe, ensure our children’s toys are safe and free from poisons, ensure our drugs are safe; including regulating and punishing those who would place the general public’s health and well-being at risk.
I’m a Democrat because I believe it’s the government’s job to assist those who no one else is willing to assist; that we have many millions who are in need of warm clothing, a roof over their head and good and nutritious food in their belly, and that it’s morally wrong to see want and to turn a blind eye because we think the person has reaped their reward.
I’m a Democrat because I believe people are people and corporations are corporations; that free speech is guaranteed to “We the people” and not to “Those the corporations”; that words are what constitutes “free speech” and that money is what constitutes a bank account.
I’m a Democrat because I believe there’s an absolute separation between Church and State, and that no one religion should, or ought to, decide what my country does, or does not, believe in; that there’s good in many faiths and that “out of many we are one”.
I’m a Democrat because I believe the right to choose – to be a free agent – is sacred, and that it’s the right of “We the people” to choose who our spouse, partner or companion may be and not the right of the Government to do so; but that it’s also the right of a Church to decide who it’s officials may or may not “join in holy matrimony”.
I’m a Democrat because I believe in that same strong Federal government Lincoln spoke eloquently of so long ago, that was “of the people, by the people and for the people” which is responsible for establishing Justice, insuring domestic Tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general Welfare, and securing the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, as guided by “We the people”; and that words like “state’s rights”, which are so glibly thrown about today, are still – in reality – nothing more than cleverly couched expressions for treason and anarchy.
Tina Fey says she will not run for president?
Well, it’s finally official – sort of; according to the Associated Press (AP) ex-sportscaster/beauty queen contestant/mayor/VP candidate/governor Sarah Palin is saying she will not run for president, leaving little doubt that the eventual Republican Tea Party (GOTP) nominee will come from the current field of contenders – or some reasonable facsimile thereof.
After months of leaving her loyal subjects guessing, the Ice Queen has issued a proclamation saying that she and her royal consort Todd “devote ourselves to God, family and country,” and that her decision by golly maintains that order don’t ya know.
Her Majesty told uber-conservative per-adolescent radio bloviator Mark Levin that she would not consider a third party candidacy because it would assure President Barack Obama’s reelection.
Yeah, because those hundred or so votes would make all the difference.
Later, in a video authenticated by the CIA and posted on Youtube, Palin said, “you don’t need an office or a title to make a difference.”
Interestingly enough, it was during the unsuccessful 2008 presidential campaign of John McCain, that Palin – the VP nominee – seemed overwhelmed by the national spotlight, faltering at times in televised interviews even when asked straightforward questions, and it was just this week that a former McCain staffer revealed there was serious talk inside the campaign questioning if Palin was fit to be sworn in if they had won the election.
Crazy or not, Palin’s decision is hardly surprising; to put it quite simply, there’s no money in running for president, and clearly her support has eroded to such a point where her chances of winning the nomination – much less the presidency – were somewhere between slim-to-none and a snow ball’s chance. Fact is Palin isn’t now, and never has been, presidential and the GOTP is better off with her not running and simply sniping from the sidelines.
So, now Michele Bachmann is the only crazy woman running, and as anyone who’s attended a family reunion can attest, one crazy woman at a picnic is enough.
Palin inspired mentally ill VP character?
Now here’s something I can say, “Well duh” about; it seems a former McCain campaign adviser, Nicolle Wallace, has told Time that Sarah “Ice Queen” Palin was the inspiration for the character of the mentally-ill vice-presidential character in Wallace’s new novel, “It’s Classified”.
Apparently, during the 2008 campaign, Palin wavered between mental states of either extraordinary highs or debilitating lows, and Wallace said she was often withdrawn, uncommunicative and incapable of performing even the most basic tasks required of her job as McCain’s running mate.
Yeah, basic tasks like being able to name one magazine or newspaper she read regularly to keep up on world events; or to be able to name one Supreme Court decision she disagreed with.
Wallace also said that during the height of the campaign a decision was made to isolate Palin during her debate prep, removing her from the campaign trail, because of the so-called shock of becoming an overnight celebrity.
It seems that “moose in the head lights” look was for real don’t you know.
Wallace even goes so far in her interview to suggest there were discussions about whether, if they were to win, it would be appropriate for her to be sworn in.
Wow, really? Actual discussions – after she’d been tapped as McCain’s running mate – as to her mental fitness to be sworn in as the Vice President? When you think about it this all makes a lot of sense, but it doesn’t speak very highly of McCain’s fitness to have been president or of his campaign staff’s inability to have vetted her.
So, all this time what so many of us have suspected is true; Sarah Palin is nuttier than an Alaskan fruit cake. Makes perfect sense she’d be working for FOX.
If you’re unemployed blame yourself?
Businessman-turned-Republican Tea Party (GOTP) presidential “flavor of the week” Herb* Cain has reportedly told the Wall Street Journal the ongoing Occupy Wall Street movement, was staged and driven by “anti-capitalism.”
“I don’t have facts to back this up, but I happen to believe that these demonstrations are planned and orchestrated to distract from the failed policies of the Obama administration. Don’t blame Wall Street, don’t blame the big banks, if you don’t have a job and you’re not rich, blame yourself! … It is not a person’s fault if they succeeded, it is a person’s fault if they failed.”
OK, first, if you don’t have facts, maybe you should shut your pie hole.
Second, “if you don’t have a job and you’re not rich, blame yourself?” That’s your advice Mr Businessman?
Blame yourself? Thanks Herb; that makes everything OK. That little nugget of encouragement, your 999 plan and two or three bucks will buy an unemployed person a bad cup of coffee somewhere. How can the country miss with someone like you running for president? It’s amazing more people haven’t embraced your home spun wit and wisdom.
*Herb is the name Sarah Palin is calling Cain
Mittens attacks Perry on Social Security in Florida?
Republican Tea Party (GOTP) presidential candidate Mittens Romney is warning senior citizens to beware of turning Social Security into a “Perry scheme,” according to the Huffington Post.
In his political tryst published a scant six months ago, the Reverend Ricky argued the retirement safety net violated states’ rights, and suggested the program had problems from its inception in the 1930s. Ricky says he doesn’t want to change the program for older Americans, but he calls Social Security a “Ponzi scheme” because allegedly funding problems will mean younger Americans won’t receive benefits they are paying for now.
“I think Social Security has worked pretty darned well. I think the problem is keeping it from becoming a Perry scheme,” Mittens mewed.
He also said Social Security should be preserved for future generations and any shortcomings should be solved by whoever is elected president in 2012.
“Social Security is not going to change for anyone in this room,” the former Massachusetts governor reassured his aging audience.
Florida Democrats were quick to criticize Mittens however, not wanting voters to be fooled by his apparent defense of the social security system; Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, chair of the Democratic National Committee, spoke to reporters on a conference call and said Romney was in favor of “dismantling” Social Security and letting people invest retirement funds in the stock market.
“Mitt Romney would have you believe this is a government handout,” she reportedly said. “Mitt Romney would rather carry water for the tea party and leave seniors to fend for themselves in the private market.”
One thing’s for sure, Mittens is smelling blood in the water from Perry’s campaign and is attempting to go in for the political kill.
President should be impeached?
The Huffington Post is reporting that Republican Tea Party (GOTP) presidential wanabee has been Michele “Krazy” Bachmann was working hard – on the campaign trail in Iowa Tuesday – when she agreed with a supporter who suggested that President Barack Obama be impeached in order to “get him out of the way.”
“Well, I’ll tell you, I’ll tell you, I agree, I agree. Some people are really upset,” Krazy replied to the man before moving on to meet another supporter.
Problem is the Congresswoman clearly doesn’t understand what the requirements are for the House of Representatives to Impeach the President; you don’t get to do so just because your uber-conservative white bread supporters say so.
The United States Constitution – a document Bachmann claims to have read and revere clearly states in Article II, Section 4, “The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.”
So, outside of the bizarre world uber-conservatives live in with their addled brains, having been turned to glop by a steady stream of FOX PAC and right-wing talk radio, exactly what act of “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors” has the President been accused of, and most importantly convicted of? Bueller? Anyone else? Anyone at all? Outside of the collective Brain Captains convention of the uber-conservatives there is no one who thinks this. The GOTP House, controlled by Newt Gingrich impeached President Clinton and then the Senate Judiciary Committee – lead by Orrin Hatch refused to put him on trial. It isn’t an easy thing to do, so wake up citizens of obtuse land.
Krazy is now wandering around Iowa, hearing voices, and interpreting them as a command she run for the presidency while searching for a magic corn field where she can play baseball with Shoeless Joe Jackson – oh wait, scratch that, I don’t think the Kinsellas and Bachmann would get along very well; so, she’s just wandering aimlessly around Iowa agreeing with anything her supporters say, hoping she’ll win the state’s caucus and be miraculously catapulted into the GOTP nomination.
Meanwhile, back in the real world her poll numbers continue to plummet, and her staff continues to defect.
Why I’m not a Republican
If you want to know why I’m not a Republican it’s because I don’t condone needless war;I don’t support the torture of prisoners; I don’t cheer anyone’s death (even a death row inmate – or a terrorist thug); I don’t jeer someone – even a hypothetical someone – dying because of lack of health insurance; and I don’t – ever – boo an American soldier fighting for his country …
I don’t believe we balance the budget by making millions of dollars available to the rich and powerful while cutting spending to education, police and fire departments …
I don’t believe job creation is when people work for minimum wage, with no benefits …
I don’t cheer 9-11 responders heroism and then advocate cutting off their healthcare; I don’t think you tie emergency funding for victims of natural disasters to spending cuts – ever; I don’t think you give tax cuts to the wealthy while making spending cuts to the poor and the needy; I don’t think we need the federal government teaching morals – the Lord teaches those to me, not the President or the Congress … the government’s job is to fix the pot holes, keep the lights burning, and the water running; it’s to defend the weak, protect our streets and to put out fires, it’s not not supposed to decide what is, and what is not sin – again, the Lord decides that …
The Liberty Tree 
