Category Archives: ~ my 2cents …

Sunday mishmash &some News


just another rant

As Americans and the World watches Congress battle on national TV, ‘the media” seems to be putting a face on who we need to blame for the apparent Congressional rift. I am a democrat yet the face of blame from radio and TV seems far to right of center for my taste. I watch, listen and take all the rhetoric in but as always question the source, sort out fact from fiction, remember what has been happening over the last 24months and ultimately decide for myself… but then that’s just me. The fact is raising the Debt Ceiling is the job of Congress yet Congress and some of our fellow Americans have decided to dump that responsibility on President Obama … unfair. I support President Obama and I still believe he will have to invoke the 14th Amendment but only because our inept folks in Congress which have managed to do less and less since the midterm elections have all but thrown up their hands to defer our default and demise to the President. I know folks think it would be a great win for him, a strong choice and yes, i thought so too, only problem is our credit rating will be downgraded thus raising interest rates on everyone

For years, Congress has managed to raise the debt ceiling without much afterthought. However, after the midterm elections it was clear JOBs were not important to Republicans or their extreme group called the tea party. Republicans on the State& Federal level saw this as moment to force their beliefs and make changes to the way Americans live their lives and yes undermine the President of the US. I get the impression that the agenda to ruin the first Black President of the US of A started the night of his win.  This has been a rough journey for our President and if he had a worthy Congress our move toward the 21st Century would be big bold and progressive. We cannot ignore how malicious how far the Republican Party has gone to block progress and even so, our President keeps trying with the grand deal as another example.  I feel both parties saw this as a moment to create change the other wanted to block it. The President saw the future in a grand deal while Republicans decided to use the debt ceiling & deficit as a tool, lest we even think about the reasons they want to amend our constitution.  I do not know what will happen on Aug.2nd and maybe the debt ceiling will be raised maybe not.  I do wonder if the world will see us the same and will our credit rating decline anyway or will a deal be made only to find that all future bills with revenue included be filibustered and will Congress continue to act so irresponsible. The thing i really fear is if this is just the beginning of an all-out assault to bring President down by any means necessary with the default being one of many signs along this long road to Election 2012.

Other News

Education takes a beating nationwide

Jets reach agreement in principle with Burress

McConnell: Debt Deal Close Without Tax Hikes

Berlin threatens new sanctions against Syrian regime

Verdict for 2 Americans in Iran within a week

Misrata rebel forces seize arms after routing pro-Gaddafi troops

Space enthusiast mourns Apollo, not shuttle

CSPAN

Debt Ceiling Debate

Senate Back for More Debate on Reid Debt Plan

Still no agreement between White House, Democrats, Republicans

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GOP Presidential Hopefuls Bachmann & McCotter on C-SPAN

Texas Gov. Rick Perry speaks at Western Conservative Summit

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Charleston, SC Featured on Book TV and AHTV

hump day …&some News


 just another rant …

Americans are so used to hearing and accepting the status quo. The notion of a President actually working for the People is not only a novel idea, portrayed as something too scary to consider or accept as a reality. This thing called Shared Sacrifice has been making most on the right not only nervous but they are baring their ugliness with comments of how America is supposed to work, which usually means the privileged are in charge while anyone just below better pull up those boot straps. While those on the bottom better, work harder while the middle class if Republicans gain control will need to accept minimum wage jobs or risk having nothing, if you listen to the right wing nutty noise. It is beyond me to believe that health care for all is a bad thing, rescuing the American Auto-Industry was a bad idea, or implementing reasonable regulations on Banks and Wall Street is bad. Unfortunately, considering what happened 2yrs ago the current comments coming from Republicans, their benefactors or the Business Community are definitely outrageous and unacceptable . Yet, there is a group of people who truly believe that regulating banks, wall street or the amount of pollution cars or trucks put out is a bad thing or invades freedom and just another example of big government. The answer to why Americans have not moved into the 21st Century, in my opinion is because of those bets made probably are still in full effect. The players might be quiet but as rumored even Republican members of Congress have investments that will do even better if the US status tanks, that is a rumor no real information has come out but hey if reporters would just ask we might all find out. We all have to know that at some point if the Private Sector cannot or will not fix these problems or move Americans toward the 21st Century, the Government has too. I come from a family of asthmatics and during the days of earth day, green for all … no President treated it as a viable issue to deal with like President Obama. Americans have been faced with issues of climate change and the effects of pollution for decades, have been avoided by many previous President’s or were unable to move Congress to making real efforts to do right by the people. However, President Obama has tried since taking office to move Congress into moving this country not only into the 21st Century but has reached out to other countries in a real effort to make peace not war like reducing nukes, implementing immigration reform, better education, more jobs, healthcare and insurance reform that covers and helps everyone not a select few.

Yes, the difference between the Democratic and Republican Party is not only wide but also becoming more clear everyday but just so you know it’s in writing and documented look below.  There is no required pledge to sign offered or forced by a private citizen, no so-called Pledge to America done in a matter of days … what you read below is what the Democratic Party is and has been all about for years. 

www.democrats.org/about/our_party

Who We Are

Our Party
Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. -- President John F. Kennedy

For more than 200 years, Democrats have represented the interests of working families, fighting for equal opportunities and justice for all Americans.

 

Our party was founded on the conviction that wealth and privilege shouldn’t be an entitlement to rule and the belief that the values of hardworking families are the values that should guide us.

We didn’t become the most prosperous country in the world by rewarding greed and recklessness or by letting those with the most influence write their own rules. We got here by rewarding hard work and responsibility, by investing in people, and by growing our country from the bottom up.

Today Democrats are fighting to repair a decade of damage and grow an economy based on the values of Main Street, not greed and reckless speculation. Democrats are focused on rescuing our economy not just in the short run but also rebuilding our economy for the long run—an economy that lifts up not just some Americans, but all Americans.

Other News …

Recommended: First Thoughts: Boehner’s boxed in

Abbas urges Palestinian protest to support UN bid

Q. and A. on the Debt Ceiling

Amy Winehouse’s Music Sales Spike

Casey Anthony judge blasts media, holds back juror names

Britain to expel Gaddafi diplomats

Scientists See ‘Hint’ of Higgs-Boson ‘God Particle’

CSPAN …

Fate of Boehner, Reid Debt Limit Plans Unclear

Boehner rewriting plan, Reid plan saves $2.2 trillion says CBO

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Leading CEOs Testify on Tax-Code Rewrite

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Credit Rating Agencies Get Congressional Review

S&P, Moody’s officials to testify on U.S. credit rating & debt ceiling

mashup Monday &some News


just another rant …

A Gallup Poll done in April reported that if a vote were taken from We the People for the current members of Congress it would result in 32% voting for Democrats and 31% Republicans. If this is true, folks we definitely need to prepare for Election 2012. I gotta say given the number of folks who stayed home or voted right of center for the Midterms, it is important that those living in states engaging in voter suppression get the ID that will enable you to make your voice count. We all know there is so much more work to do, so much at stake and to be honest the thought of living under a Republican ruler makes me sick. I voted for and know that President Obama is the right one for the position of commander in chief and while my support continues beyond 2012. I do not always agree with what President Obama does and I still have questions about NAFTA, the Public Option and some other things that remain a mystery. I do know that the Democratic members of Congress have  either not wanted or are not able to go big or bold enough to move us into the 21st Century but given a choice for 2012 and fact is there is no option; we have to get Democrats back in control. The process of changing the way things get done on the Hill, policy and or making laws are not easy or pleasant but it should not be the reason for changing your attitude or your vote because of it.

Two years ago the HCR Bill, HR3962/HR3590 considered an impossible dream is surrounded by a lot of misinformation as well as being just one of several pieces of legislation that President Obama has presented, urged, and finally passed after much push back from the Republican Tea Party and some Conservadems. I wonder, do people remember the contentious dividing issues like that 15 Dems said they would oppose the HCR bill, that Senator Ben Nelson’s amendment to add abortion language like the stupak-pitts amendment, which, would probably block public or federal funds to women.  Thus blocking women the right to buy and or pay for their own insurance that may cover abortions and it may also penalize companies that include it in their HC plans; luckily, Congress tabled it. We also know that Lieberman wanted a Medicare buy in and HCR before he didn’t; and ended up showing how Politicians can easily put aside the rights of their constituents and fellow Americans by voting no, or that in the end the House passed HCR with the issue and problem being in the Senate

It is obvious the new HCR bill will improve the lives of many rather than a select few or keep the status quo. The fact is our President has done more to improve out state here in the US and the journey has been tough and quite long but what President Obama did in his 1st term is historic and a moment that everyone cannot possibly forget, unless you have been living under a rock or listening to the naysayers. The Media continues to speculate or re-enforce the negative impact on voting yes for good faith legislation that no doubt would be good but impacts all Americans; mocking President Obama’s so-called improbable agenda that includes climate change, immigration overhaul as well as stating that Democrats keep wavering on a votes.

This is a moment that the Democratic Party should be willing to create change that has been needed for quite some time and as the President has stated many times …if not now when -because we may never get this chance for a long time if ever.

CSPAN …

 

Congress Has Full Week of Hearings Ahead

 

Joint Chiefs nominee, tax code among the topics

 

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Greek Minister Speaks on Financial Crisis

 

Comes to Washington to meet with head of the IMF

 

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Speaker Boehner Calls GOP Members Back to Washington

 

No deal with President Obama possible.

 

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Other News …

 

Amy Winehouse Died in Bed with No Sign of Drugs Nearby

 

Somalia: U.N. Hosts Emergency Meeting

 
Sources: NFL, players reach deal to end lockout

 

 

Amanda Knox Appeal: No DNA Evidence Found on Murder Weapon

 

 

 

Split Personality Disorder

 

 

 

 

TGIF &some News


 just another rant

This morning, if you haven’t already been swayed against President Obama had a great town hall and though folks in my own Political Party seem to be bashing him and or questioning what side of the aisle he really is on. I gotta say how much it made me proud to have voted for him, understand that he has been visiting state after state even before the Midterms telling folks do not give the gives to Republicans and push the need for jobs and while people made choices that hurt us. At the end of the day,  we all know that people did not listen or trust President Obama enough to get out the vote for the Midterm elections. It is my contention that Democratic members of  Congress needed to do their jobs first then focus on their on re-elections. I guess we all should remind them that their action directly impacts our votes.  I want Congress to create and pass a Jobs Bill as only they can.

Yet, as Major changes are happening and though progressives do not seem too excited about today … I am very excited over what has been the sum total of accomplishments by President Obama.

However, if you listen to the Right … they are fraught with fear

McConnell, Cantor, Boehner, Limbaugh other Conservatives , Conservadems and some Progressives continue to attack Obama for any move toward collaboration with other countries, compromising and seem to be  twisting his words and their meaning, practicing fear mongering, discrimination and otherwise being obstacles of change.  What we need is a way forward to 21st Century living and an implementation of the changes “We the People” (53%) put President Obama into office for but have been stalled, blocked and scaled down by Republicans. Now, our Democracy is being cut slashed and burn now that we have a group of Tea Party Freshman who not only seem heartless but inept and too childish too be considered public servants … come on, do they even remember the oath they took? or did they skip out too like the other Republican Senators.

I feel like what was the past has to be accepted, exorcised and released for room to provide change we can believe in and given the group that calls themselves Republicans, they are not the patriotic souls who disagree but know when the good of the many definitely outweighs the good of only one or a select few. This group of unruly, undisciplined and politically uneducated have been the villains of all who want compromise, fair share and an America that is looked at with greatness again. In a year of much progress even without Republicans and some conservadems the fact is the Democratic Congress needs to do more to get legislation passed for the people. It is important people know, understand, and believe that President Obama cannot produce jobs alone. It is the job of Congress to create, and pass legislation … JOBs JOBs Jobs but that ain’t happening.  I gotta say given what we have all seen over the last 24months our President has no chance to please progressives but maybe people who might be less likely to engage in preemptive strikes will hold President Obama’s  feet to the fire but remain calm and support him.

I have this saying …” It is the Republicans Stupid” and those who are not aware of what the Republican Tea Party is doing to our Democracy will only make all our lives even worse. It is a moment in time when we must unite as Americans to fight back the crap that is being thrown at us by Republicans in Congress and Governors with a clear mission of taking us back to the Jim Crow days.

“Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed Citizens can change the World. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”   -Margaret Mead

Other News …

Oslo explosion kills at least 2

Obama vows “hard choices” on debt as Democrats fume

State blames NY coaster operator for vet’s death

West Point cadet dies during training exercise

New Numbers in Republican Race

General Electric turns $3.7B quarterly profit

CSPAN

Panetta Formally Sworn-In at Pentagon

Meets with President Obama today on “Don’t ask, don’t tell”

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Senate Rejects “Cut, Cap and Balance” Act

Path forward to raise the debt ceiling uncertain

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Middle East

Aftermath of Political Uprising in Egypt

Discussions held on threats to religious minorities

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Public opinion favors compromise on deficit deal | Reuters

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wicked Weather Wednesday &Some News


just another rant …

I listen to mostly left of center radio by choice if my radio device(s) will let the reception through. However, lately the airwaves seem filled with a lot of progressive talk that is less than tolerable at least for me. I got it progressives and or the professional elite have control of the airwaves and have decided to put the rest of us who lean left at risk … well, maybe i don’t get it because as a shusterbot says Mr. Obama will run on the things could be a lot worse if you don’t vote for me platform. If it were up to me progressives would all take a huge chill pill and stop assuming you know what President Obama has decided to do before it actually happens. It is offensive not to mention who you are willing to give more credit to than the President .. Come on -get informed first, hear the plan and then have a tantrum, rant rave and then do all those things that are against your and the Democratic Parties best interest if you can. I support President Obama and while I do not always agree with him, I do wait for the facts and his move to change healthcare was great even with all the blue dogs siding and voting with republicans. The fact is President Obama has had Republicans blocking our move toward the 21st Century living and the Political Party of NO wants to hold the middleclass hostage. The response from my fellow leftie, well, maybe not my friends but people who call themselves progressives and or liberals told Americans to sit out the 2010 midterm elections and here we are. Oh – Oh i am quite sure they know who they are but some seem to act as if they have no responsibility at all. Unfortunately, these people are stirring up all kinds of negative nonsense, which as a voter makes absolutely no sense to me. Btw, I am so tired of the word capitulation and its use by so-called Obama supporters. I have to ask – is anyone else offended by those radio jocks who have been suggesting the left primary President Obama or that they will sit out 2012 out, they sound like childish BS and the obvious question is. In my opinion, if you are so easily swayed by folks you just might be a part of those waiting for President Obama to fail all along. I ask, do they all suffer from amnesia and what about all those people they stir up that listen and decide they are done with President Obama just because they heard some radio or TV host, talking head, pundit or whatever say this that and the other ? Will people please use your own brain and maybe ask yourself what did your member of Congress do to help the President or our left of center causes. I am only a human being but progressive talk is not always right, not always sincere and some not all get personally jazzed if they see their own voice can change what others are feeling or saying while others get paid to divided and conquer the Democratic Party. The problem is, well among several problems is that we need to circle the wagons not vote against our own best interest and make sure that President Obama gets an opportunity to change the faces of the Supreme Court as well as widen what the Democratic Party stands for.

The other thing that has been out there for a while and offensive is NPR maybe others like them have been addressing President Obama as Mr. Obama in most if not all their stories. I don’t know about you but I sincerely feel that “the media” address Obama as President Obama.  I am only one American but it sure seems as if “the media” was given orders to say Mr. Obama because most lean right of center and if not they need to be told they are being disrespectful to President Obama and of the office of President. The biggest group of our population having a problem with it was minorities but as we reach President Obama’s 3rd year in office others are noticing the somewhat subtle nuance and in some cases, the use of Mr. Obama becomes a tool for bashing him with a club filled with nastiness. I really feel your station and employees should address him as President Obama not Mr. Obama. So, I wrote to NPR and their response is below.

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Thank you for contacting NPR.

 We appreciate your thoughts regarding NPR protocol in referencing the President of the United States.

 For decades, it has been the broadcast practice of NPR to refer to the President by title on first reference and simply by “Mr. (last name)” or as “the President” for subsequent references within the same report. Such practice bestows optimal, non-partisan, respect upon America’s leader.

 We encourage you to view this column by the NPR Ombudsman for additional information about our policy: http://www.npr.org/ombudsman/2009/12/why_do_you_call_him_mr_obama.html

 Thank you for listening, and for your continued support of public broadcasting. For the latest news and information, visit NPR.org.

Sincerely,
Alan
NPR Services
202-513-3232
www.npr.org

Other News …

UN declares famine in Somalia: How to help

Comic-Con 2011: Emma Stone: ‘Spider-Man’ Trailer Is ‘Amazing’ (Video)

Rights Group Fears Syrians Tortured After Mass Arrests

Flotilla activist: Arrest in Israel was humiliating

Birth control should be fully covered under health plans, report says

Tiny fourth moon discovered in Pluto’s orbit

Minn. governor signs budget to end government shutdown

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CSPAN …

House Passes Bill to Cap, Cut and Balance Budget; Senate to Take It Up

‘Gang of six’ release $3.7T deal

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Cameron Addresses House of Commons

P.M. vows to ‘clear up this mess”

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Senators Get Update on Oil Spill in Yellowstone River