Category Archives: ~ my 2cents …

mashup Monday &some News …


Featured photo is on Bloody Sunday-with police officers waiting for demostrators

FYI … a sad but true reality …Today marks the anniversary of Bloody Sunday

In this year 2011, the definition of freedom of speech seems misused manipulated and disrespected mostly by right-wingers.

Now, Representative Peter King, a part of homeland security seems to be using his position to pursue Muslims. For months, he and his conservative comrades have talked about the radicalization of young Muslims here in the US of A. He was a part of that whole don’t build a mosque near ground zero group and is doing his part in the whole fear mongering department. However, the mongering has moved from just words to an attempt to find the underlying cause of why “they” are so radical and that “they” need to cooperate and talk to the FBI. While watching the interview with him and Representative Ellison I got the feeling freedom of religion and singling out a group of people instead of dealing with radicalization as a whole was not on his mind whatsoever. I definitely yelled at the television machine because yes it hurt to see this guy, a so-called public servant who should represent the people, all people talk like what he was about to do was acceptable. Even though he said, it is only a small percentage of Muslims and when asked to provide more information he preceded to say 1 or 2 as well as the general comment about speaking to some police and or the FBI. I found most if not all of his comments and reasons for the Muslim hearings offensive and wondered how anyone would vote for a guy who does not seem to believe in the constitution. I was offended when he compared what he is doing as nothing different from when the government singled out and went after the Mafia, Gangs, and groups appearing radicalized beyond at least his or their taste. At first, i thought that he might just be discussing the need for hearings but then dashed by reality when Representative Ellison stated he would be testifying at the hearing. I am relieved that Rep.Ellison will be there if not to say all the things others might be too scared and or worried to say while seating in what clearly will be a hot seat. I have to say March Madness comes in all shapes and sizes but more and more madness from the right by people who seemed sane clearly are feeling very comfortable to express their extremely right side. Can i just say March madness is catching and it makes you wonder who can we support, vote for and trust anymore because the definition of a public servant is becoming a blur and disrespected. It was nice to hear ms.crowly call out mr.King and when she did all you had to do is replace with any group that might be on the “watch list”. I wish more talking heads would challenge people who hold public office making comments, specifically folks like MBachmann, McConnell, Boehner, Huckabee, SBrown and SPalin though freedom of speech is a right.

The uptick in rhetoric coming from conservatives, tea party and in some cases the Republican Party does promote fear, hate, and in some cases incite violence. The act or use of freedom of speech also means you should not only use it responsibly but also held accountable for it.

Other News …

**Costco agrees not to sell fish on the endangered list

**Gadhafi is using airstrikes to either scare and kill his own people

**Egyptian protesters fight troops over Mubarak documents

**Gates says we must stay in Afghanistan

**S.Korea makes 2nd try at sending N.Koreans home

**Oil tops $106 a barrel

**Rep. Daniel Akaka will not seek re-election

**Samsung exec says their tablet is “inadequate”

 **Rep.Peter King will hold his hearings starting Thursday -peaceful protests needed

CSPAN …

Iowa Conservatives Hosts GOP Presidential Hopefuls

2012 Iowa Caucuses in View

http://c-span.org/Events/Iowa-Conservatives-Hosts-GOP-Presidential-Hopefuls/10737420004/

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Attorneys General to Meet in Washington

focus on economy

http://c-span.org/Events/Attorneys-General-to-Meet-in-Washington/10737420017/

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Senate to Consider Long-term Spending Measure

Procedural votes on Tuesday

http://c-span.org/Events/Senate-to-Consider-Long-term-Spending-Measure/10737420016/

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Civil Rights Spies

Rick Bowers is the author of, “Spies of Mississippi: The True Story of the Spy Network that Tried to Destroy the Civil Rights Movement.” The book is about the State of Mississippi’s Sovereignty Commission that tried to stop integration and the Civil Rights Movement. Mr. Bowers discusses his book at the International Spy Museum in Washington, DC.

http://c-span.org/Events/Civil-Rights-Spies/10737419933/

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Dred Scott

On March 6th, 1857, the United States Supreme Court issued its decision in the Dred Scott Case, which ruled that slaves were not citizens and were not protected by the Constitution. The National Association of Attorneys General hosted this discussion on the importance of the Dred Scott decision.

http://c-span.org/Events/Anniversary-of-the-Dred-Scott-Case/10737419934/

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– 5 Things Unions Have Done for You

America’s unions have been one of the major forces in building a middle class and have fought over the past century to improve the lives of all Americans. READ MORE

http://act.alternet.org/go/5165?akid=6611.231355.8aH2z2&t=25

 By Zaid Jilani / Think Progress

TGIF …&some News


Today, many on cable will either choose not to talk about what is considered good news for Americans or manipulate the information or hijack it and claim that Republicans are responsible for the job numbers announced today that unemployment dropped again to 8.9%. Yes, that number can be debated but we cannot debate the fact that 192thousand jobs were created in the private sector and contrary to what we will all be, hearing this positive news belongs to the efforts made by our President and the Democratic Party. In addition to this great news about job creation and or improvement we all should remember Rodney King. Rodney King, who was beaten to a pulp for a speeding ticket and ask ourselves have things changed that much 20 years later even with all that he has gone through since and if you would like to find out more about him tune into CNN with Don Lemon.

President Obama will be meeting with new Mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel at the White House and later the President will be travelling to Miami with Arne Duncan and Jeb Bush to talk about Education.

Lastly, to the doubter’s haters and those who fear the unknown or who keep engaging in typical fear mongering via the interwebs

My response …

i respect your opinion, I may not agree but i will not call you names or think less of you … i don’t know you, however i did vote for Obama and will again because Republicans/Conservatives proved themselves to be useless… they have no one in charge, they have no solutions only complaints. The solutions they do have are only for the top 2% and that 2% has been getting breaks for too long it’s obvious in my opinion that Bush, Cheney and Paulson all f’d us and because of that i personally am subscribing to what works and that is the Government right now. If you need reminding to realize why we need the government right now just watch the House of Cards, a film created by CNBC definitely worth the time. This film will help you understand why Wall Street types capitalists like bernie madoff and others like him engaged in creative accounting, why AIG created a monster and the pay out by AIG to various Banks was big and how it worked its way overseas to become something too big to fail. Republicans want to continue on this same path of less regulation and people need to see it as it is. I wonder why after all that has happened since the mid-term elections would anyone with common sense feel this is the kind of Capitalism you want and if you are still expecting Republicans to solve our problems with every American in mind… I have to say you are foolish…

Capitalism does not mean firms should engage in cooking the books, secret transactions and or becoming bigger than their sum value or investing in schemes … that — is what happened …

We the People need capitalism with a small c and more regulation … with a huge R

 Other News …

**America sturggles & bargaining for thier rights

**Libya makes it harder to cross border

**Tunisia steps up evacuations of people fleeing Libya- also prepare for elections

**Libya’s tribes rise up against Gadhafi

**Chavez and Gadhafi want the UN to visit Libya

**Walker threatens democratic senators -if they don’t come back he will hand out pink slips

**Ohio priest propositions police officers while being picked up for dui

**China will boost their Military spending

**Crude Rises based on Libya Violence

CSPAN …

TARP Oversight Panel Holding its Final Hearing

http://c-span.com/Events/TARP-Oversight-Panel-Holding-its-Final-Hearing/10737419983/

Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.9%

economy adds 192,000 new jobs

http://c-span.com/Events/Unemployment-Rate-Drops-to-89/10737419949/

Earlier today the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lisa Jackson testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment on the proposed 2012 budget, where she urged Congress not to cut her agency’s budget.  http://c-span.com/Events/EPA-Head-and-Congress-Discuss-Environmental-Issues/10737419951/

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano went before a House panel to talk about President Obama’s 2012 budget request for her department. She discussed the needs of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and how the proposed budget will allow the department to continue essential programs to protect U.S. borders.

http://c-span.com/Events/Napolitano-and-Congress-debate-Border-Security/10737419952/

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius was on Capitol Hill to defend the President’s $79.9 billion 2012 spending request for her department. This morning’s hearing before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health focused on the implementation of the health care law.  http://c-span.com/Events/Sebelius-defends-Health-Care-Law/10737419948/

President Obama called on Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi to step down from power. He also said the U.S. military should be prepared to act if a humanitarian crisis develops in Libya. Speaking at a joint news conference with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, President Obama said the two leaders have come to an agreement on Mexican trucks’ ability to enter the U.S. http://c-span.com/Events/President-Obama-amp-President-Calderon-of-Mexico-Joint-Press-Conference/10737419986/  

House Republicans held a news conference to discuss a bill that would change some of the health care law’s reporting rules for small businesses. http://c-span.com/Events/House-Republican-and-Democrat-Leadership-Press-Briefings/10737419990/

tempest Tuesday &some News …


The World is watching …

While the fight for Democracy breaks out all over the World, we see the marches the violence against protesters who have finally had enough. We see what most are calling the Arab World in possible transition. A movement against dictators and clerics who have ruled with iron fists and have engaged in outdated ancient practices.

Remember … there is always strength in numbers

It is so hard to understand, believe, accept, or fathom that we are in the 21st Century yet there are people on the Continent of Africa dying at the hands of their own in the Arab World for wanting to be heard, for wanting to be participants in their own futures and this is not new. There are mothers with children, older men and women and students are coming out in droves protesting to let tell these dictators it is time for a change. In a desperate move to control the truth of what they are doing to their own people, dictators have tried to cut off all connections to the outside world. They insist and expect the world to believe that the U.S. is at fault, meddling in the process of change, which should happen slowly. When the protesters did not leave, most if not all these tyrants offered up some concessions to the people like crumbs while trying to divert responsibility until their patience ran out with tantrums and threats, crackdown, use extreme force, and death to those who refuse to obey. Tyrants obviously, act without remorse because the people no longer choose to be their little children, slaves and or pawns in the effort stay in power. It is my hope that the Militia or Mercenaries rise up against these despots. As I watched in horror, I ask myself if these people have even allowed themselves a chance to stop and consider what personal, freedom would mean for them and their families. I also wonder if they feel they deserve to be happy let alone want an opportunity a change from the old ancient ways to a life with the freedom to speak, better wages, human rights, actually be a participant in the process of life. Then, like so many others have compared the uprisings in the U.S. over bargaining rights that have been a part of the Middle Class for over forty years and the forty-one year revolution for freedom in Libya.

We all know that the demand to be heard these days is great and how amazing it is to see people on two different continents with similar reactions by those who control, who truly are working for an agenda that is one of great self-interest. This seemingly symbiotic thing going on, though we are worlds apart the Arabs must fear not evil to get the change they need and want … it means that any fear of authority is not an option… and the possibility of death.

The journey toward freedom is sometimes paved with danger

Other News …

**McCain’s economist says the GOP plan will cost about 700thousand jobs

**Budgets will take up most of the day in Congress and in various states trying to cut slash and burn programs

**President Obama says there is room for state flexibility in HCR

**Study says 1 in 5 are gamers

**Spending cuts will hurt the economy -dueling estimates …for more info: to go CNN read the article by Lex Haris  -& Economist Mark Zandi

**UN reports crisis on Tunisia-Libyan border -EU will hold summit on March 11th

**Questions about whether the Military is turning on the protesters are starting

**Study says half the men may have HPV

**commte overrides Mayor McGinns Veto for underground tunnel

**Gadhafi regime fails to  retake rebel-held town

**Chavez warns the US and says US just wants to invade Libya

**China harassing journalists US ambassador states -cracking down on possible protests …

**Tripoli has been barricaded and Gadhafi forces say they are ready -others are marching to Tunisia border

CSPAN …

Foreign Policy

Clinton Discusses Foreign Policy Priorities with Congress

U.S.’s Next Steps for Libya

http://c-span.com/Events/Clinton-Discusses-Foreign-Policy-Priorities-with-Congress/10737419883/

Congress Tackles Fed’s Spending Deadline

GOP two week CR to be debated

http://c-span.com/Events/Congress-Tackles-Feds-Spending-Deadline/10737419881/

On Capitol Hill

Bernanke Unveils ‘State of the Economy’ Report

First of two-day testimony

http://c-span.com/Events/Bernanke-Unveils-State-of-the-Economy-Report/10737419880/

Congress, White House Question the Future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

http://c-span.com/Events/Congress-White-House-Question-the-Future-of-Fannie-Mae-and-Freddie-Mac/10737419893/

The National Governors Association concluded its 3-day winter meeting today with an address by Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. Governors from across the country gathered to discuss issues facing states, including job creation and providing education that prepares workers to compete in a global market. http://c-span.com/Events/Bill-Gates-Addresses-Governors-on-Improving-Education/10737419825/

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi must step down and be held accountable for violence against the Libyan people. Recently, The U.N. Security Council voted for an arms embargo and other sanctions targeting the Libyan leader and his regime. Several countries, including the United States, have agreed to freeze the assets of the Libyan leader and his family. http://c-span.com/Events/Secretary-of-State-Clinton-Remarks-at-UN-Human-Rights-Council/10737419885/

Prime Minister David Cameron updated Members of Parliament on his recent trip to the Middle East and on the political situation in Libya with remarks from the British House of Commons in London. The British government has agreed to freeze the assets of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi and his family. http://c-span.com/Events/British-Prime-Minister-David-Cameron-Remarks-on-Libya/10737419889/

State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley conducted a daily briefing and said a no fly zone around Egypt is just one of many options being considered by the U.S. and others. Mr. Crowley also said the U.S. Ambassador to Libya is in direct contact with opposition groups there. http://c-span.com/Events/State-Department-Press-Briefing/10737419888

U.N. ambassador Susan Rice fielded questions from reporters on the situation in Libya at this White House Briefing. She called Libyan leader Gaddafi’s denials of violence in the region, “delusional” and that now is time for him to step down. http://c-span.com/Events/White-House-Briefing-with-Press-Secretary-Jay-Carney/10737419887/

weekend views &some News …


The weather is just as mad as what is going on politically No?

With a couple of days, left in February the countdown to March Madness and the NCAA championships begins by those devoted college bb fans. The crazy climate(changes) around the country are just as mad but the madness in Washington, DC and specifically on the floor of the Senate begins on Monday the last day of February.

Last year at this time, President Obama was in Philadelphia talking about what HCR will do for everyone what the exchanges will offer when implemented. Though if you listened to the Media garbage back then, we were supposed to believe that it is his last ditch effort to push, jam, ram and or dupe Senators to get HCR through; but contrary to what Republicans and or “the Media” says the debate on HCR took about a year. I don’t know about you but that hardly qualifies for ramming or rushing in my opinion. The biggest issue for me about HCR was that Congress did not listen to the people and of course, “the media” kept the public from hearing all of what HCR could you for us personally. Now, after a few months of media network staff shake-ups we find out that FOX was NOT the only station with a strategy to limit the information “We the People” received by the bigwigs like Murdoch and the Koch brothers. The fact is there were more people who wanted a Public Option back then but apparently little or no airplay. Finding out that the 24/7 news cycle is actually manipulated to the extent that it is should make us all give pause and question what we see or hear on the television machine.

Most of us agree that the television machine and cable stations should not be allowed to just give us what THEY want us to hear see and use to judge how those bills will not only affect us but how it might affect our voting, but if we take the November elections into account, it worked . The information coming out of the airwaves was deceptive back then when Congress was trying to pass legislation before the midterm elections and now that Congress is getting back to work next week we all need to push for better, more accurate ok demand the truth when reporting opposed to what most if not all are delivering to us currently. In addition, if being manipulated by those in the News biz industry wasn’t bad enough those guest spots are now such jokes because they seem sound and act scripted. I want the real news fair and balanced on all stations whether owned by right or center politically or on the extreme right.

It would be great if left of center, the Democratic Party in both chambers of Congress actually conceives some sort of plan and or strategy and start calling the bluffs of the Republican Tea Party. The fact is the public deserves to know what kinds of disgusting amendments the Republican Tea Party tries to attach to reasonably fair and balanced bills in order that no one could vote for them. I admit I have yet to understand why the House and Senate adjourn early or take breaks so often leaving the people’s business until the last minute. It worked during the lame duck session but you have to wonder if they are dedicated public servants or a bunch of politicians who have no plan and just avoiding the obvious for as long as they can blaming the President for his lack of leadership. The lack of leadership in Democratic Party in Congress worked for two years; seemingly distracted by their election campaigns. The lame duck session was constructive their lack of good strategy bit us back with tea party members being elected and some of them extreme with the so-called mainstream conservatives trying to keep up in order that they keep their seats in Congress and that worked too. I thought the tea party was bad and they are but they have also given a few negative blows to their Republican sub-group voting against them which was unexpected by Republican led leader of the House. There were promises made in that so called “Pledge to America” that has yet to —– and is being questioned more and more and because of the tea party, folks right of center, think John McCain, Tim Pawlenty and a few others who use to be considered reasonable have now chosen to lean even farther right, practice exclusion, are seemingly birthers. If you pay attention to what Pawlenty has been saying, if elected President will reenact dadt at least who knows what else he will promise, maybe strip the constitution of the 14th and 17th amendments. Well, calling March mad because of college basketball is mild considering the madness that is in the political air definitely applies to what we will probably see on the floor of Congress for the next two years and it will probably make us all mad. Unless of course hearing about a completely new round of offensive gossip, promotion of falsehoods and outright lies about the President’s beliefs and or if he is an American is not enough. It seems like strategically filtered blips put into interviews by potential Presidential candidates and talking heads, which makes me mad because really it just does not belong on the airwaves in any form especially in the news. Most people expect truthful news maybe some spin but these days the spin is laced with some truth or maybe it’s the Republican truth accepted pushed at us by not just right wing stations but by seemingly progressive stations who actually are owned by righties definitely limiting left of center news get on the airwaves.

Last… as February leaves let the madness of March begin …Talk about March Madness, last March Republican Senator Paul Broun, from Georgia; stated that all you had to do was read it for yourself; he knows for sure President Obama was a Socialist. A reporter asked if he thought President Obama was born in the US, Broun stated he did not know but frankly as someone in public office, he should have said yes. It might just be me but isn’t that the response birthers usually give, maybe a tea party member. It is amazing to know that this kind of behavior is what we get and accept from people holding public office that we pay to do the business of the people. If Barack Obama were white, there would be absolutely no questions about his beliefs, race, and or religion. It’s offensive that a Public Servant would behave in such a way; but then the list of Senators behaving like Broun are many and should make people outraged or at least question his competency. It is ironic that a year ago Broun was acting out, still got elected, the charade is over and the truth of what the Republicans have planned for Americans is out.

What happened, the end results of the November elections is a warning to those who stayed home to protest, voted right of center for whatever reason and for registered Republican voters. I have a question for all those above -is this what you want and voted for yourselves or the future of your children because what I see spreading all over the country, mostly the south does not fit what less government has always been described as by any stretch of the imagination.

 Other News …

**Reports of a 2week compromise by dems&repubs in the Senate which might help avoid govt shutdown

**Tripoli braces for even more deadly clashes

**NFL mediations take place on Tuesday

**Security forces switch sides in Libya -join protesters

**Shuttle docks with space station for last and the 13th time

**83rd annual Acad Awards tonight

**will cnn back off the major coverage they planned of the tea party or will they show how right of centr they truly are

**Governors will make that trip to Washington, DC minus Scott Walker who is trying to figure out how they will get the dems at the table only to proceed with dismantling the unions with a quick vote -they just have to be in the room and the vote taken -and it’s all over –

warpy Wednesday &some News


Winter continues even though that groundhog said we would have an early spring. i guess that depends on what part of the U.S. you are in. It is windy,cold and  snowing here so let the bad driving commence.  Today is a good day to take a deep breath through the nose reach up to the sky and slowly release your breath slowly through your mouth and lower your arms …repeat as needed. It is also a day to mourn, definitely a moment to see what is going on in America right now and a time to fight.

Next week Congress will be back in session hopefully willing to act on behalf of all Americans and not just for their own agendas, good luck with that right. It is time for the Democratic Party to unite in solidarity on the floor of Congress for “We the People, challenge Republicans and call their bluffs to vote against their fellow Americans which they have been succeeding at until the recent uprisings in various states by Working Families. It is obvious Republican constituents fall into a few categories, some are complicit supporters of exclusion and discrimination, a few are too busy looking at that shiny thing the Republican Tea Party is waving while others are oblivious to reality. The reality being that life as we all know it as Americans is about to change with the worst impact being on women, kids and minorities with some belonging to public or private unions while all are apart of working families.  The fight to keep democracy intact is on and those of us that are on the side of families must not give up. In Solidarity

the Democratic Party is definitely trying to get Americans back on track and the Republicans who want more of the Bush era which if you were paying attention allowed Corporations to bet against us with all the Profits being hoarded by them and our 401K being stripped, stolen and or lost completely.

The question is will Republican constituents continue to prefer the status quo or see the opportunity to move into the 21st Century

Other News …

 **U.S. decades behind other countries in parental leave report says …for complete article by David Crary-Assoc Press

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker his words condemning the unions have no rights

Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBnSv3a6Nh4    

Part 2  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3a2pYGr7-k

**Pro-Union website blocked in Wisconsin Capitol

**www.buffalobeast.com  

**Democratic legislators have gone to Illinois to avoid a vote to shut down the rights of pub and private union workers to bargain…give people a chance to understand what republicans are asking them to vote on and for

**Stocks are poised for higher open afer sell-off

**Illinois seeks to borrow $3.7 billion to shore up pension shortfall

 **Gov.Walker refuses to negotiate with public and private unions

**Rahm Emanuel takes the oath to the office of Mayor on May 16th

*Ghadafi vows to die a “martyr”? — Interior minster resigns than kill his own people

**Bahrain releases prisoners as king leaves country

**Dems dare GOP to shutdown the Federal Government

**Texas Rep. says he will turn illegal immigrants to members of Congress

**

CSPAN …

Bank Industry Profits $21.7B in 4Q

http://c-span.com/Events/Bank-Industry-Profits-217B-in-4Q/10737419756/

Experts Examine Unrest in the Middle East

http://c-span.com/Events/Experts-Examine-Unrest-in-the-Middle-East/10737419757/

State briefing: c‑span.org at Noon ET

WH briefing: C‑SPAN at 12:30pm ET

3:30pm ET: Carnegie Discussion on Economic Impact of Unrest in the Arab World

Libya unrest rattles markets; oil prices jump http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9LHUKEG0.htm

President Obama’s economic strategy is examined today in a number of Washington events highlighting financial reform, the President’s spending plans and the Presidential Debt Commission. http://c-span.com/Events/Challenges-Facing-President-Obama39s-Budget-Financial-Reforms/10737419740/

State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said the United States is focused on getting American citizens out of Libya. There are about thirty-five nonessential U.S. embassy employees and family members who were ordered out because of the violence in that country. Other topics at this daily briefing include the four American hostages killed by Somali pirates and an American diplomat jailed in Pakistan.

http://c-span.com/Events/State-Department-Press-Briefing/10737419770/

Jason Furman, Assistant to the President for Economic Policy and Principal Deputy Director of the National Economic Council spoke at an event hosted by the New Democratic Council (NDN) about President Obama’s “Winning the Future” initiative. http://c-span.com/Events/New-Democratic-Network-NDN-Discussion-on-quotWinning-the-Futurequot/10737419774/