Category Archives: ~ my 2cents …

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 A movement against dictators and clerics who have ruled with iron fists and have engaged in outdated ancient practices.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/

mashup Monday …&some News


The World is watching …

As more and more uprisings and demands for freedom break out all over the Middle East. Unfortunately in some cases a lot of violence against the Protesters …We see the people have not only had enough, they made an independent choice to speak up out, demand freedom, fair wages and an opportunity to vote for those who truly represent them.

To those people I say remember that there is always strength in numbers

People dying for wanting to be heard, for wanting to be participants in their own futures is not new … mothers with children, older men and women and college students are coming out in droves to let the current dictators know it’s time for a change –

I just want people to know that 30 years of rule will be a hard thing to change given the Army and it’s police were paid well to keep the peace. The question for them and other parts of the middle east will be can they give up some of their power and money in exchange for a democratic society?

We see numerous countries and or regions in possible transition, definitely a movement against a dictatorship run by clerics, the military, or those who are in line to have control without a vote. The votes of millions have gone uncounted for decades… the demand to be heard is great but to get the change they need and want, means the fear of authority is not an option… and the possibility of death imminent.

In Iran the supreme leader tried to cut off all connections to the outside world, stated the US meddled in the process to divert responsibility and was definitely willing to use extreme force —other parts of the Middle East are also choosing to crack down starting with shutting access to the social networks. We all know that Mubarak tried to keep the truth from the world by shutting down TV and the social networks but as we, all saw, it was just something that the protesters worked around and obviously were able to beat.

Those of us in countries who have the freedom to express personal opinions, against or for our government, vote freely, have relatively good wages, and live where we want. We all wonder why the police and or military in countries under rulers choose not to rise up against oppression. We ask out loud –why don’t they want personal freedom too … a change from the old ways to a more positive way of life … human rights, a chance for a better economy and a chance to be heard, to participant in the process of life. Unfortunately, reality is that the trickle down financial idea stops at those who help keep the peace whether that is by words and mostly with force.

Iran had a dictator/supreme ruler making threats and a militia shooting/ killing their own for non-violent protest the last time the World watched in horror as people protested against tyranny and of course, the response was shameful to watch. The 18-day effort to topple the dictatorship in

Cairo, Egypt; done with somewhat peaceful protests the demand for freedom was not easy. It took millions to decide that there was strength in numbers; it also could be a road map to how others can achieve such a historic opportunity –for freedom.

The journey toward freedom is sometimes paved with danger

I pray for all those involved in the change they want to believe in and want and if we do have Americans living in places engaging in uprisings for freedom – hope they are safe.

Other News …

**Egypt is a work in progress while other parts of the region protest for freedom

**Obama defends budget priorities

**US state dept starts Farsi twitter feed

**Sony announces new PlayStation smartphone

**Oil prices jump as unrest becomes the norm

**Nintendo hacker gets arrested 

**Boeing unveils intercontinental plane

**Italy alert over Tunisian influx of immigrants

CSPAN …

President’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2012 http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/Overview

OMB on President”s Budget (Today) http://c-span.com/Events/President-Submits-37T-Budget-for-FY-2012/10737419543-1/

Pres. Obama’s Remarks on the Budget (Today) http://c-span.com/Events/President-Submits-37T-Budget-for-FY-2012/10737419543-2/

Monday mashup &some News …


did you know …it’s Black History Month

Campaign 2011…

Today, President Obama will meet with the Chamber of Commerce …whom in my opinion helped the Republican Tea Party hold the middle class hostage until they gave the bush bonus giveaway to the rich.

I do not know about anyone else but debates are just a fraction of what i use to make my choice of who to vote for elections. I have been following what the Republicans have been saying and or doing over the months let alone the last few years, gone to YouTube to check out comments, questions and the behavior on the part of these candidates. What stands out for me is that they continue to backtrack, lie and or ignore legitimate questions. They often choose to be interviewed only on one station, usually with the same party line -that is troubling and should give pause to anyone who doesn’t know who they will vote for-words matter, anyone practicing exclusion, targeting minorities and willing to throw fellow Americans under the bus to take back their America-(what does that even mean)? In addition, politicians that are so extreme are not worthy to hold Public office or seat in Congress. These positions of power call for working for “We the People” not some or a select few -they say they want the Government out of our lives yet when it comes to “social issues”; they want to control All Americans by way of privatizing most if not all social programs. If you want less government, why among other things tell women what they can do with their own bodies. The stance on less government is definitely a joke when they pull out that whole family values platform. Republicans are for Profits before the People on steroids. They are into privatizing everything, which will put our democracy at risk from the bottom up -the real world understands that the government works for the people -Cops, Teachers, EMT, and Firefighters! In addition, shame on States that make people pay for such services. It makes you wonder about what these States did with the stimulus money targeted toward government programs. I wonder is there “a dirty little secret” in States that would choose to let your house burn down if you have not paid up your privatized service and let’s be honest if the Republican Tea Party gets back in control that is what will happen. If Republicans repeal replace or eliminate –Social Security and other governmental programs, which is more likely to happen because as of late -they, the Republican Tea Party have not announced an alternative plan. When will Republican Tea Party constituents ask themselves how will going back to the failed spending of 2007 be a good thing, telling people how to live or love and practice discriminatory behavior to folks considered under protected status.

Politicians say, do and offer up resolution or promises that are over the top and because the fight is on to win a seat in Congress or keep your seat, it is obvious it does not mean candidates will give great politics or ideology, but how much money you have to look good and out PR your opponent. I have to say it was nice to see that even with all the money thrown out there by Whitman, Fiorina, angle, O’Donnell and others running for midterm elections. The people were listening, watching and made a decision that these embarrassing women were unqualified to hold public office let alone be described as possible public servants of all the people not just some or a select few. In the en People with or without money can be offensive.

We live in a time when money is speaking excessively loud in the world of Politics, protected by activist judges like some in the Supreme Court. I absolutely believe it is time for all of us to complain and or call them out when one side decides to push the envelope too far right of center instead of the so-called “fair and balanced” news of old. The wonders and need to tweet, FB and or blog about how Republicans have all the cable, major newspapers, magazines and whatnot that dominate the airwaves are offensive. If you listen folks or companies like the Chamber of Commerce, who seems to not only represent right of center Corporate America but pushes business to outsourcing jobs. A guy like Murdoch gives to both sides of an issue and when one side becomes more of a commodity and gets more airtime he feeds it. The NRA supports 58 democrats as well as a whole lot of Republicans because they can make money on both sides of the issue, which is hypocritical and offensive.

Americans cannot do a thing about all the money given up by these corporate giants yet. We can object to the lies coming from Fox, fear mongering and race baiting this station engages in what seems like on a daily basis…even CNN has moved right of center and though that rhetoric has 1st amendment on its side it is still offensive. As a person of colour and as a mom hearing Glenn beck send subliminal nonsense out into the airwaves with actual people choosing to do the wrong thing instead of right -and people get hurt and now worse …that is my prob.

My sense of democracy means total cooperation from both sides of an economic collapse yet the Republican Tea Party has decided they will take all the money you’re handing out but vote no or scale down most if not all legislation as well as throw their own constituents under the bus in order to regain power -that is not democracy.

Other News …

**Packers defeat the Steelers -Superbowl

**Palestinians watch Egypt with a sense of hope

**Huff Post/ AOL deal -for $315million

**Missing Google exec released by authorities after sev days

**Thailand/Camboida still trading military fire…charges over ancient temple

**Cuomo’s budget moving through NY has hit NYC schools

**merger deals causing stocks to climb

**Groupon – epic failure –Superbowl commercial -tasteful comments on the back of what seems like Tibetans

**Justice Thomas‘s wife has decided to try her hand at being a lobbyist …

**Factories are doing well but no new hiring being done

CSPAN …

Senate Ethics Committee appoints special counsel in John Ensign case

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2011/feb/01/senate-ethics-committee-appoints-special-counsel-j/

House Republicans move to slash domestic programs

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110203/ap_on_re_us/us_congress_budget_3

Obama signs nuclear treaty documents Wednesday

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110202/ap_on_re_us/us_obama_russia_nuclear

Shortly after announcing an overhaul of the nation’s homeland security measures, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), joins C‑SPAN’s Newsmakers to expound on the new approach to prevent terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. http://c-span.com/Events/DHS-Secretary-Janet-Napolitano/10737419403/

**

Egypt will not back to the way it was before protests disrupted the country, President Obama said tonight in a pre-Super Bowl interview. Speaking to Fox News commentator Bill O’Reilly, the President would not say when Egypt’s President Hosni Mubarak would step down http://c-span.com/Events/President-Obama-Egypt-Not-Going-Back/10737419356/ 

Professor Elizabeth Varon teaches a class on fugitive slave laws in the run up to the Civil War at the University of Virginia. Passed in 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act indirectly resulted in the expansion of the Underground Railroad by which slaves could escape from Southern slave-holding states. http://c-span.com/Events/Lectures-in-History-Fugitive-Slave-Laws/10737419325/