Monthly Archives: March 2010

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wild weekend wrap-up … & cspan.org


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The week ended with a fishy scent if you ask me… i know you didn’t ask … im telling you something ain’t right even if it’s just a feeling. I too was among the news watchers driven crazy by all the he said she said stuff coming out the mouths of various Democratic leaders and or self described leaders.

I can forget messy Massa; i can see Stupak has backed down off his ledge a bit but i feel more to come.  On Thursday, word came out that Dick Durbin was about to blow HCR out of the water with a few words; then did a swift turnaround to say no, the stories were wrong? well, my heart fell; went to twitter so find out more info; most seemed uninterested, maybe just not as worried even one tweep called the Durbin office, the response was no and the stories were untrue, unlike me who did as directed … i called my representatives and quite frankly they seemed to think it was funny, which made me feel strange but knowing where my directive came from i did my best to make sure my reps were on track.

lets backtrack … come to find out Senator Dick Durbin had in fact made some comments about whipping against or derailing HCR and while  that was going on Stupak’s group was now waning; he was not voting for HCR… ok fine because the abortion language would not be compromised; get over it and watch your election back man.

It’s all so confusing, after days and maybe a couple of weeks of hearing Pelosi state HCR would pass, she supported a Public Option. Then on Thursday she came out with an attitude about what the Senate was doing or not doing about a Public Option; that the House had already passed a Bill, that she wasn’t having it which resulted in her Friday afternoon announcement that the Public Option would not be on the table…what? my heart completely fell, i felt like screaming. the ed show was in my ear and you could  hear his disappointment, ed went on several commercials to verify the reports and adam green, who clearly was very disappointed, sad even; commented on the ramifications.  It felt like we all had just been smacked down.

It’s Sunday and  im definitely still one pissed off voter because by the end of Friday night the journey to HCR seemed almost anti-climatic because it’s clear Politics before the People is now a sad realization in our own Political Party… without a doubt im still a Democrat but one with questions … i would never support a Political Party who practices exclusion as the Republican party does  but … at this moment they seem to be much less than a Political Party and more like cowards; democrats in both Chambers should support and vote for a Public Option; bringing comprehensive health care to all Americans instead of acting like  … children

Other news …

end of WEEKEND UPDATES …

Reports that the President will address the immigration issue after HCR bill passes

Keith Oberlmann’s dad died … our thoughts and love are with you Keith O

Apparently, chief  justice Thomas’ wife has launched a new Tea Party group; it is important that this group be watched as it would seem like there could be a conflict of interest … though Experts say Virginia Thomas’ work doesn’t violate ethical rules for judges. But Liberty Central could give rise to conflicts of interest for her husband, they said, as it tests the norms for judicial spouses. The couple have been married since 1987.

How upsetting it is to know that House Democrats would push the people’s business aside because they don’t trust their own party to do what’s right instead of meeting and signing some sort of contract or something;

UW Huskies beat Cali 79-75 and clinched an NCAA … they will find out Sunday what seed they are … around 3:30

Washington State legislature goes into a Special Session Monday to complete the budget and figure out a tax plan … which will cost $18thou a day

Washington State news …Swapping out old appliances for rebates starts Monday



**The House voted to impeach the judge from Louisiana

**The promise of better Education from the President with proposals to include higher expectations from not just the student but the teacher as well, which means updating old rules or laws from the previous administrations.  At issue is the rewrite he intends to send Congress on Monday of the No Child Left Behind law that Bush signed in 2002. That law focused on accountability in the classroom, but has fallen short of its original goals.

**The Senate/President conflicts over the earmarks in the HCR bill continue;the President is requesting these goodies be deleted and the Senate seems to be dragging their feet.

**Senate_GOPs Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts delivers the this week’s Republican address on #hcr. Watch here! http://bit.ly/suPXn #tcot

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We can’t wait 41 can’t wait


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  • 41 — that’s the number of leading economists — including three Nobel Prize winners — who sent a letter to President Obama and Congress yesterday urging the swift passage of comprehensive health insurance reform to curb skyrocketing health care costs. [Source]
  • 41 —  is also the percentage of adults under the age of 65 who accumulated medical debt, had difficulty paying medical bills, or struggled with both during a recent one year period. [Source]
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TGIF … & cspan.org


UPDATE on the mis-information by Cable,  Republicans and or FoxNews… Yesterday, it was reported that the Parliamentarian stated that President Obama had to sign for the Senate HCR bill first before it could be reconciled or fixed  but …         The   Senate parliamentarian is telling hill staff that GOP aides misinterpreted his opinion on health care + reconciliation process.

The week may be over but …         the talk about reconciliation, HCR and what it will do to Democratic Senators  is just heating up  on the Hill.  Call your Senators and tell them we are not the Clinton voters; We want HCR with a Public Option through Reconciliation.

The President has delayed his trip to Asia in order to see the health care bill through and while the Speaker was quite happy she also decided that she would not put the Public Option on the table first, that they had done this unlike the Senate and when or if they do things could change; well im no journalist but im definitely a pissed off voter. and wonder just what has happened and can this be corrected before the vote happens next weekend.   The Black and Latino Caucuses  have made an attempt to be heard, Stupak and his group of maybe five want to change how Americans deal with abortions and thank goodness someone saw this and has put a halt to it, and last Democratic Blue Dogs have quietly decided to put their future elections ahead of the American people at this moment.

The vote is out on how this whole HCR will play itself out but im leaving room for Blue Dogs to  rear  what some in the  Party think is an ugly head.  It was quite a strange feeling to be let down, very  disappointing to hear the Speaker back off  the Public Option after Senator Durbin stated he would whip Senate Dems; unfortunately, it would be after the House voted yes to the Senate bill; i totally get how Pelosi and her fellow House Dems don’t trust Senate Dems …

Politics before the People   … i get it

All this time those for Health Care Reform in general even without  a Public Option through reconciliation assumed that the Senate would be a problem, that Conserva-dems might vote against HCR for all Americans; though 53% who voted for Barack Obama in 2008  knew exactly what we voted for …  including health care & insurance reform, DADT, immigration with purpose, full throttle regulations for the banks and any or all big banks or AIG type agencies; now we hear at least for HCR the official vote counter stated the votes aren’t there … unbelievable; is this evidence of what’s to come ?

While i still completely support President Obama and the Democratic Party;  voters are beginning to see that any vote is a heavy lift as Speaker Pelosi stated; question is what are the ramifications …

I would say we all need to call the White House  …why not Public Option    202 456 1111

Other news …

Washington State legislators will be in session this weekend, they are about 200mil  apart on a spending and tax plan

The push for Democrats in both chambers begins on Monday with a possible procedural vote after the congressional budget office scores the bill.

A motion to suspend the rules and pass as amended ..the appointment of Bankruptcy Judge vote was postponed

The Senate is not in Session today, next week the Senate will resume consideration of the House Message on H.R.2847, the legislative vehicle for the HIRE Act (Jobs I). At 5:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a cloture vote on the motion to concur in the House amendments to the Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment to the bill, HR2847, HIRE Act.

and the House schedule is below … and will be updated after the chamber adjourns

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MARCH 12, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

H.R. 3650:to establish a National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program, to develop and coordinate a comprehensive and integrated strategy to address harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, and to provide for the development and implementation of comprehensive regional action plans to reduce harmful algal blooms and hypoxia

10:37 A.M. –On passage Roll Call 109 – Yea and Nay vote pending.
10:36 A.M. –The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. 10:05 A.M. –DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 3650.
10:04 A.M. –Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3650 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. The amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of House Report 111-439 shall be considered as adopted. Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1168. H. Res. 1168:providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 3650) to establish a National Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Program, to develop and coordinate a comprehensive and integrated strategy to address harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, and to provide for the development and implementation of comprehensive regional action plans to reduce harmful algal blooms and hypoxia

10:03 A.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote. The previous question was ordered without objection.

9:16 A.M. –DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1168

and what’s on CSPAN.org

Sen. Reid Supports Reconciliation, House Preps For Mark Up

In a letter sent to Sen. Republican Ldr. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Maj. Ldr. Harry Reid (D-NV) said he will use reconciliation to pass part of the health care reform bill. Leaders in the House want to mark up a bill early next week, but are waiting for the CBO cost estimate on their planned revisions.

Overhaul Bill Moves Forward Without Bipartisan agreement

Senate Banking Cmte. Chairman Christopher Dodd (D-CT) is expected to unveil his legislation for new financial regulations on Monday. Yesterday, Sen. Dodd said the Banking Cmte. will schedule a markup on the bill in Mid-March. Sen. Corker (R-TN) stated on Thursday the health care debate has forced Sen. Dodd to push forward with the legislation and expressed his disappointment with the decision. Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) Remarks watch Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) Press Conference

Senate Filibusters debated at think tank forums

Two Washington, D.C. think tanks examine the Congressional usage of filibusters. An AEI Politics Watch panel analyzed how filibusters have affected modern U.S. Senate procedures and mechanics. Also, the Center for American Progress Action Fund is taking a look at how filibusters have become a tactical tool available to the minority.  A filibuster is the term used for an extended debate in the Senate which has the effect of preventing a vote.

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The Washington Post has gone too far …


The Washington Post

The op-ed pages of The Washington Post should be a place for serious debate about the direction of our country.

But by hiring former Bush administration speechwriter Marc Thiessen — the second former Bush speechwriter to whom it has given a regular column — The Washington Post has crossed the line. Thiessen is a serial misinformer. And he shouldn’t be rewarded with the audience or credibility that a regular column provides.

In his latest column, Thiessen attacks lawyers who have represented detainees, warning that these lawyers may hold “radical and dangerous views” and that by giving detainees representation, lawyers are “using the federal courts as a tool to undermine our military’s ability to keep dangerous enemy combatants off the battlefield in a time of war.” These outrageous claims have been refuted by lawyers from across the political spectrum, including former Bush administration attorneys — yet the Post gives Thiessen free rein to engage in baseless smears. He’s even used misleading statements in support of torture.

You stepped up to demand the accountability the Post needs. Nearly 7,000 people have signed our petition to tell The Washington Post to say no to promoting torture. Will you help us spread the message?

Ask your friends to tell The Washington Post: Stop promoting torture.

Thiessen is a proponent of torture, and in his quest to advocate for torture and attack torture opponents, he has resorted to misinformation and smears that have no place in the debate over national security policy.

Thiessen’s willingness to distort the truth and engage in hysterical attacks doesn’t just undermine his own credibility — it undermines the ability of readers to trust The Washington Post as a source of honest analysis.

The Post has offered Thiessen a platform to promote his views, despite the fact that he:

  • …said in his book that lawyers who represented Guantanamo detainees were “aiding and abetting America’s enemies.”
  • … falsely claimed in his most recent book that, since CIA interrogation of terror suspects began after 9-11, there were no attacks on U.S. interests at home or abroad.
  • … falsely claimed in a Post op-ed that Bush oversaw “2,688 days without a terrorist attack on [American] soil,” ignoring the anthrax mail attacks, the El Al shooting in Los Angeles and other domestic terrorist attacks.
  • … misleadingly compared waterboarding of detainees with the training of U.S. troops.
  • … called President Obama’s decision to release Bush administration torture memos “irresponsible” and claimed that “Americans may die as a result.”

Ask your friends to tell The Washington Post: Stop promoting torture.

The editors of The Washington Post need to hear from you that falsehoods and outrageous smears in support of torture are not acceptable. We need more voices to join the nearly 7,000 who have already confronted the Post. Let’s tell them: You’ve gone too far. Stop promoting torture.

Ask your friends to tell The Washington Post: Stop promoting torture.

Thank you for your continued help in holding the Post accountable.

Eric Burns
President,
Media Matters for America

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*The Master Recovery Act Transportation Map


Sometimes it’s good to look up close at how a single Recovery Act project is changing a community for the better and putting people to work. Other times it’s instructuve to take a few steps back and look at the big picture.  As an example of the latter, the web team at the Federal Highway Administration created an online map of the U.S. that shows over 12,000 Recovery Act road projects. Each of the dots represented on the map represents a project. The full, interactive version on the map allows you to click the dots in order to learn more about these projects.

Recovery Act MapMarch 11, 2010.

Secretary Ray LaHood’s Blog talks more about the Recovery Act map:

More important than the number of dots is that every dot in every state represents jobs. And whether we’re keeping someone from unemployment or hiring someone back, these Recovery Act projects are creating jobs. Tens of thousands of jobs.

Those dots also add up to a lot of safer, smoother miles for you, your loved ones, and the commercial truck drivers who transport the goods we use from place to place.

In October 2009, President Obama spoke about the benefits that the construction industry was seeing as a result of the Recovery Act, including thousands of highway projects which also helped to create private sector jobs.

What makes these kinds of projects so important isn’t just that we’re creating so many jobs. It’s that we’re putting Americans to work doing the work that America needs done. We’re rebuilding our crumbling roads, our bridges, our waterways. We’ve already approved nearly a thousand transportation projects to upgrade airports, railroads, mass transit systems, and shipyards. We’re strengthening our nation’s infrastructure in ways that will leave lasting benefits to our communities, making them stronger, making them safer, and making them better places to live.

Visit WhiteHouse.gov/Recovery or Recovery.gov to learn more about the Recovery Act and projects in different states.