Category Archives: ~ my 2cents …

~ my 2cents ...

thorny Thursday &some News …


Today, President Obama is in Chicago talking about our progress and fundraising for Democrats running for office and the November elections.

Republicans and Tea party members keep saying they think Obama has it out for and against the constitution, even Palin, Boehner, Bachmann and most Republicans talk about the state of our constitution and try to use it against the Obama Admin. They say that they have to get their country back because the constitution is being misused,  now all of suddenly the 14th Amendment is not good enough, right for Americans now and needs to be adjusted, changed, or taken out completely. Is seems to me that what these people are afraid of is what our world of Americans looks like and what it will look like in the future and it will be more brown than these people want to accept.

In my continued effort to convince people politics and pop culture whether it is good, bad and the really ugly collision like ronald reagan happen constantly I offer up more proof. The very obvious one being Kevin Costner who has spent millions probably billions on machines that help with oil spills and apparently he not only is committed to our environment but put money where his words and efforts were and came through for his fellow man.  Then there is the show Jeopardy. It has updated their quiz show with an array of questions about the current Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Republicans like Mitch McConnell and more though i wonder what kind of questions any Republican is worthy of having on national tv. The last bit of News would be Wyclef, though he has stated he will run for President of Haiti he is getting a lot of opposition from the likes of sean penn, which is odd because it begs the question of how long has sean penn been helping Haiti and yes anyone running for such a high office should be looked at with cautious eyes sean penn wants to know what happened to the 400thousand that Wyclef was suppose to donate to Haiti. It is a question among others that should be answered but to just slam the man without much other than a statement is not right. It has been well known that wyclef jean has always been involved in helping the Haiti people with charities and comments here in the US about what the people of  Haiti’s need. I believe if you have a tie to Haiti know the politics have a plan to help get the financial system, political system back on track he should have to surround himself with the best the most honest group of people. Haiti and the people deserve the best should be ruled by its own people and that is important to me …Haiti is filled with riches whether it be a  great place to visit, vacation people from the US and France have done things in the past that are worrisome and though Haiti is independent it is also the poorest of the poor of countries …think about that and tell me why with all that it has to offer its people are not able to enjoy the obvious riches Haiti has …and that problem needs to be solved. Wyclef jean, born in Haiti has strong ties to the Country and must like people do here in the US prove why he would be a good President. My hope would be that Haiti remains independent and that any corrupt if there was or is any is crushed and the people can start small business for themselves and not have foreigners going into Haiti to pay low or minimum wages to use another country  people for sweat shops or cheap labor. People go to the Caribbean to vacation and Haiti though used by foreigners it doesn’t seem to reap the benefits and again has to be top priority to Wyclef jean if he is to be successful in his bid for President ..the economy and jobs because something is foul when millions of Haiti Natives have nothing but foreigners are visiting the prime parts of Haiti and parting…Haiti was Best Destination of 2010…great but there are millions still living  in tents after the earthquake because not only has the government been out of the picture some of the donations have not been paid yet. That is shameful -so, if Wyclef can ease all the tensions get people housing that is earthquake ready, a political system that works for everyone, financial system that works so everyone reaps the glorious Haiti riches not just some and get the corrupt foreigners out of there holding onto the best parts of Haiti and keeping Haitians from being apart of it. All you have to do is see the photos for yourself and know something isn’t right. Haiti may be the Best Destination of 2010 but at the expense of all of the People of Haiti , my question is who is at fault and responsible for  this, hopefully more will be done to help Haiti and its People because they deserve the help to stay independent, all Haitians deserve an opportunity for education, financial upward mobility and more of the revenue to solidify the future of Haitians needs to be dealt with differently…Wyclef knows and this will be more important as Haiti tries to solve a whole lot of issues.

Talk about more, what a month, only 5 days into August and there has been a lot of movement from legislation and judges with more good news day after day which is turning into great news … First we hear that not only did Judge Susan Bolton overturned parts, essential parts of SB1070 that would give the local police a legal right to engage in racial profiling and even her appeal was delayed until September. This action should and will set a precedent how laws like SB1070 actually try to override the federal law and cannot. It also shows just what folks like Gov Jan Brewer and Sheriff Arpaio were up to and while we all first thought the intent was solely to legalize racial profiling. It actually was an attempt to challenge the 14th Amendment and or change the language to keep children from being deemed legal citizens of the USA. This has been or should be a revelation for all Americans because we are a nation of immigrants. The prop8 ruling has people on the right scared and saying things that are outrageous, unkind and really just nasty. The prop8 ruling is about equality and in this 21st Century people should have the right to love and marry who they want, it will not damage the fabric of our lives or families  it just brings all of us into the new family and it is complicated for some and not so much for others. If a person or couple are not hurting you or your family why do you care? family values should apply to us all but it doesn’t say what makes a perfect family because by definition family or that whole village it often takes to raise children is made up of so many folks and what right do i have to say uh your this is that so your family cannot be together? people like Palin talk about family values and gotta say hers are questionable for me as a parent but that is my opinion but i don’t expect a law to say she was and is an unfit mom because she her child engaged in and had a child while still a minor? it’s food for thought thought when people try to push their ideology on you even though they don’t seem to be practicing it themselves.

The fact is The United States was built by immigrants at various points of our history and we cannot forget what Ellis Island means to so many people and impacts all our lives whether people want to admit it or not. If it were up to me my 1st Native people would take back their land which…ok it is just a thought not reality but it should give people food for thought about the people shoving and acting like we should go back in time not move forward, it’s upsetting offensive and very stupid. The jobs bill and the UI benefits that have been filibustered repeatedly had a break through yesterday when two Senators, Snowe, and Collins vote yes to cloture to move the bill forward with a 61-38.

The next report out there was that Speaker of the House has called her members back into Session from vacay to finish the deal. It is obvious people are not getting the full list of the incredible things being done by the Obama Admin and the Democratic Party in both Chamber of  Congress to get America and Americans back on track people need to take note that the changes happening are good for all of us but getting informed before deciding where you stand. It is important that people get the facts and make an informed decision to up and for President Obama or not getting all the information to make, an intelligent decision is the most important thing. My take on why people are not supporting the President as much is that folks are listening to the wacky noise on the right. The so-called News on various stations blowing out news you can use but should definitely be cautious of because you can get fooled … we all did and folks got hurt, jobs lost and businesses derailed to list just a few ACORN, Vann Jones, Shirley Sherrod and more for all we know. The thing that most of us need to ask ourselves is what is the common denominator of all the people who have recently been affected by a so-called writer and news station that cater to folks on the right. Just saying.

The BP disaster on the Gulf Coast has all but taken care of. The reports are that the static kill is in its final stage and while most folks are hoping for the best the clean up of the beaches, marshes and wetlands slowly begins its next phase because know one truly knows what impact the oil will have to the oyster beds, turtles, shrimp and bottom fish. However, there have not been enough reports to say whether the impact will take weeks, month’s maybe years to figure out the real damage to the fishing industry. Its my contention that oil spills in the past have on occasion showed up in our food and in two headed this or that and lack of certain fish runs and so on and so forth. The BP disaster will take years to document and hopefully a group or organization will keep track of the Gulf Coast on a monthly basis because as reported by many at the beginning of this thing back in April eggs were being laid, spawning interrupted and all of which may have been affected short but long term yet determined.

There are reports that an event will be held in memory of the Katrina disaster on August 31 and on September 1. The disaster was one I hope never happens again but begs the question …did the Government learn anything that has made them update emergency plans efforts that should have been put in place five years ago. I would also like to say that those levees and other barriers need stimulus money to take care of what they obviously did not do sufficiently after being warned by those that knew and told the State of LA what could happen. If memory serves there was a report a mock up and test of what would happen to the levees if they failed, which they did and need repairing on so many levels its not even a joke.

Other News …

Yesterday during a speech at the Center for American Progress, Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner criticized the GOP talking point that allowing the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy to expire will hurt small businesses. The Republican claim is “a political argument masquerading as substance,” he said. Geithner also noted that letting the cuts expire would affect fewer than 3 percent of small businesses

While participating in talks with the FCC on net neutrality, Verizon Communications Inc. and Google Inc. “have struck their own accord on handling Internet traffic.” The prior adversaries reached a compromise restricting Verizon from “selectively slowing Internet content” over the wires but “wouldn’t apply such limits” on mobile phones.

When the Senate returns from recess next month, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) plans to take up debate on the question of whether to extend the Bush tax cuts for the rich. “We’re surveying members to see what could be in a package that wins 60 votes and protects the middle class,” said a Democratic source.

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) “has blocked the nomination of James Clapper to be director of national intelligence,” just days after Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) lifted his own hold on the retired Air Force lieutenant general. Coburn’s office would not explain the hold, but it may involve the administration’s plan to close the prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba

Contrary to several media reports, Kentucky U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul (R) “never received a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University.” Paul left Baylor “early when Duke accepted him in its School of Medicine.” The Paul campaign said it never corrected the record because it was “not aware of the erroneous claim.”

After a federal judge struck down California’s ban on same-sex- marriage yesterday, the White House issued a statement explaining that President Obama “has spoken out in opposition to Proposition 8 because it is divisive and discriminatory” and “will continue to promote equality for LGBT Americans.” But gay marriage advocates note that Obama “has not been clear is how he squares his position for equality with his refusal to embrace actual equality in marriage.”

C-SPAN …

watch Pres. Obama at AFL-CIO

watch Senate Hearing: From Earlier

watch White House Press Briefing

watch Senate Hearing on For-Profit Schools

60 Senators Commit Support for Kagan Nomination, Assuring Confirmation

At least 60 Senators intend to support the confirmation of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the U.S. Supreme Court, C‑SPAN has confirmed. With 60 votes potentially needed to bring debate to a close, and only 50 required for final approval, Kagan’s confirmation appears assured. The Senate is expected to vote on Thursday. Through two days of floor debate, Democrats have largely touted Kagan for “fair-mindedness” and a “non-ideological agenda.” Republicans have criticized her lack of judicial experience and characterized her as more driven by politics than rule of law. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) defended Kagan yesterday, saying she “will do her best to consider every case impartially, modestly, with commitment to principle and in accordance with law.” Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions (AL) called Kagan an activist who would “advance her own causes” under the pretext of being a judge.

So far, Nebraska Democratic Senator Ben Nelson is the only member of his party who intends to oppose Kagan in the final confirmation vote, though he will vote to end debate and move the nomination forward to a final vote. Only five Republican Senators have announced their support for the nominee: Susan Collins (ME), Lindsey Graham (SC), Richard Lugar (IN), Olympia Snowe (ME) and Judd Gregg (NH).If confirmed, Kagan would replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens and become the fourth female Justice in the Supreme Court’s history. Following the vote, the Senate is expected to recess for a five-week break, returning in mid-September.

Trustees Release Annual Checkup on Federal Programs

Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who also sit on the Board of Trustees, join a news conference to release a new report on the fiscal condition of Social Security and Medicare. The briefing follows an earlier announcement by the Obama Administration, projecting that new spending cuts would save the Medicare program $8 billion dollars by the end of 2011.Under the new health care law, signed by the president in March, Medicare spending will increase by 5.3 percent a year over the next decade and allow the program’s trust fund to remain solvent until 2029.

However, Republicans have argued that the cuts will undermine the system and question if the changes will be permanent. Critics also claim that any savings made from the spending cuts would actually be negated by extending coverage for more than 30 million uninsured Americans.

The largest cuts in Medicare spending include reductions to projected payment increases to hospitals and other healthcare providers over the next 10 years. The Medicare cuts are expected to begin immediately for private insurance plans, while being gradually phased for health providers.


Dems Manufacturing Policy Pressed in committee
With the unemployment rate of 9.5 percent on the mind of voters, the House Democratic Caucus has introduced their manufacturing agenda called “Making-it-in-America.” Democrats and the Obama administration created this agenda from a package of existing legislation in hopes to improve manufacturing and some aspects of U.S. trade policy.A Senate Banking subcommittee is taking up the legislative work by examining the current state of manufacturing in the U.S. and review the proposed legislative package. They are questioning industry experts from the Commerce Department along with William Strauss, a senior economist from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

wacky Wednesday &some News


Today millions of people are singing Happy Birthday to our 44th President, Barack H Obama on his 49th birthday. It is exciting and hopefully millions signed that virtual card… He will give the 2nd highest award available …Presidential Citizens Medal to Eureka’s Betty Chin

There are reports that the Deep Horizon BP well has been killed by the Static kill procedure and thus the Static Condition is now in full effect ..The fact is that President Obama and thad allen were the ones that got this Well dealt with asap…with clear and precise research and concise communication we can give super props to the Obama crew based on his advisors and science. Please do not think the Obama Admin is feeling this whole thing is done with he and his administration will be watching this for quite awhile. I do believe our President has to get into the mix of how people are getting or in most cases not getting their money and or how it is being dispersed.

And another note on President Obama, given the Mid-term Election season is in full effect I had to bring up that we are in a moment we have to continue …The slogan YES WE CAN …or Si Se Puede  and i my own version  … damn we have to. This is not the time for folks who wanted President Obama to take a hard left of all issues or legislation to stir up trouble by making comments on the airwaves.  If anyone is even looking at the public response folks are saying this President lied to get into office and is now blah blah blah… though these clearly are talking points they seem to be loaded with a lot of ok yes i heard it on cable or the radio and they have to be right don’t they? NO and hell NO. If you believed McCain truly wanted Palin as his VP then you are a lost cause. The media on every level will tell the public as much BS as it can until they are told to stop and that includes people on the left. It cannot be lost on most people that this is the United States first Black President (bi-racial) and if that was not enough, he has a funny name and a father from Kenya, which Republicans have used in a much negative way but then we have people in Congress in both Chambers and possibly on both sides of the aisle that may not want to work with him. It is obvious that Republicans have made a choice to take not only a hard right but some of those Republicans who seemed honest, intelligent and so forth appear to be apart of the lemming family and following the teabaggers off the ledge. It would be great if folks did their homework and find out why he made moves toward the center or right because if you really cared the problem was as the months moved forward Republicans began to go further right. In addition, as Republicans continued to bait Democrats in Congress, which if the public would fing open their eyes, Republicans are not only voting against the President they are bringing the American people with them.

The notion that the No votes, the stalling or blocking of legislation in Congress only affects Democrats is not lost on me. It seems like the Political Party of No hopes people will agree that bringing the economy down even further is a good thing and if we Democrats fail to go to the voting booth they will bring us down and i predict a big fat fing depression is in our future. That is not a scare tactic it seems like a fact because solutions coming from right are far and few if any at all which is not only offensive it is truly un-American the failure of our system happened to all of us and should be dealt with on a bipartisanship way.

On Jan 20, 2009 we all became apart of history. It will be history that we all believed would bring change even though that change is slow, we can honestly be proud that we participated in. In addition, if you believe in moving into the 21st Century, believe in health care for all, if you believe, it is a right not a privilege that the overhaul is long overdue, will help most if not all of us, and is not as people are portraying it. The HCR bill is not just for the poor and financial reform will help everyone as well but we have more to do and that means climate change, immigration, clean energy, education and more.

I do not believe that parents with kids in college would say they are poor and now days most families have two or more children in college at the same time. Unfortunately, the first year at college is usually filled a whole lot of illnesses because they do not sleep, eat, or drink enough water and then there are other reasons. I say that because i remember what it was like and living in dorms can be fun but not always. We all know college is not cheap so those who say HCR is only for the poor are just wrong. This Bill will benefit everyone …  and more… get informed

As a woman, we can now look forward to less discrimination because of HCR and you do not have to be poor to benefit … can i just say that again, women will NOT be discriminated against anymore. It would be naïve to believe some doctors and or hospitals will not try but the law is there to refer to now and covers All Americans not just some. I believe that Bart Stupak and the pro-lifers don’t understand that every part of a woman’s health is subject to being penalized and that includes abortion, which, is not a choice but a situation that is always possible and is apart of healthcare. It is bad enough that among other ridiculous laws that need to be voted on The Hyde law must be voted on every year; here is hoping people who truly want smaller government will also stop trying to control women

We need to move swiftly forward to deal with education, energy, more jobs, comprehensive immigration and more.

Other News …

**Parts of SB1070 has been over turned

**Reports are that Tom Brokaw will moderate the Brown/Whitman debate

**Reports are that Republicans plan to repeal, replace and restart the status quo and Bush governing ways if in control and reports are that is due to 2Wars, 2tax cuts

**Reports are that 3/4 of the oil has evaporated that the oil was crude oil and organic so microbes and evaporation took care of it and while the relief wells are being worked on the procedure of Static Condition is now in full effect

**There is a Free Clinic scheduled to be held August 31st/Sept 1 to remember Katrina but donations are needed so go to freeclinic.com

**Call Tacoma Macy’s to tell them you will boycott -due to unfair hiring practices

**MO. passed legislation that will challenge the new health care law –

**Prop 8 decision is due today sometime mid-afternoon

**

C-SPAN …

watch White House Briefing

watch Pres. Obama Town Hall

watch Admiral Allen Daily Oil Spill Update

Discussion On The Health Care Savings Account

C‑SPAN’s Washington Journal continues with its week-long series looking at issues arising from the new health care law. This morning, Michael Cannon of the Cato Institute takes a look at how individual health savings accounts are impacted by the recent changes to health coverage.

Tomorrow, the Washington Journal will explore Medicare Part D and on Friday, two state Attorney Generals will share their views on how the health care law affects their state.

During the summer, the Washington Journal will look at issues in the news, covering various topics from financial reform to politics.

Static Kill Working; Senate Holds Joint Hearing on Oil Dispersants

“Static kill,” the latest attempt to permanently plug the blown-out well in the Gulf, began yesterday. BP engineers are pumping heavy drilling mud into the well in an attempt to force the oil back underground. National Incident Commander Thad Allen said yesterday that the entire process could take anywhere from 33-61 hours, but reminded the public that “the relief wells are the answer.” Allen will join others today at the daily White House briefing to provide an update on the “static kill” procedure.

The Senate Environment Committee and a Senate Oversight Subcommittee are holding a joint hearing to discuss the use of oil dispersants and to gain a better understanding of the known long-term effects on the regional environment. Congressional investigators are accusing the Coast Guard of giving BP too much leeway to use chemical dispersants to break up the oil on the surface. Thad Allen said that federal regulators did not ignore environmental guidelines and decisions to use more dispersants were made on a case-by-case basis.

The EPA released a study earlier this week showing that dispersants used to break up oil are no more toxic to aquatic life than oil alone.

Senate Continues Debate on Kagan Nomination

Some Republican and Democrats clashed on their opinion of Solicitor General Elena Kagan during the first day debate on her nomination to be the next Supreme Court Associate Justice. Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Sen. Sessions (R-AL) maintained that Kagan would not be able to keep her political views from the bench, nor would she be a judge “committed to restraint.” Read More »

Meanwhile, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) defended Kagan and said she “will do her best to consider every case impartially, modestly, with commitment to principle and in accordance with law.”

Senate members will pick up the Kagan nomination debate today after finishing work on other legislative business. A final vote will likely take place on Thursday. If confirmed, she would replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens and become the fourth female Justice in the Supreme Court’s history.

So far, Nebraska Democratic Senator Ben Nelson is the only Democrat who has announced their opposition to Kagan. Conversely, Republican Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Richard Lugar (R-IN), Olympia Snowe (R-ME), and Judd Gregg (R-NH), have announced their support for the nominee.

~ my 2cents ...

thoughtful Tuesday…&some News


Today, the President will be meeting with a group of young African leaders  and speak at a Town Hall meeting at about 2pmET

We still have two wars implemented by the last guy with no real plans to get out of both. The President has a plan to draw down in both theaters of war and starting in August, more specifically on August 31 the Iraqi war will the beginning, and by 2011 we will begin to leave Afghanistan. We have people in the private and or public sector are not hiring, or limiting work available and we have The Democrats, the majority and governing Political Party yet some people feel they have not been acting or controlling their majority for the greater good. We have far too many public servants with personal agendas, a new party, called Tea Party or Tea baggers, who, i have had experience talking with, were only a small group have grown in size and seem to be featured on cable whenever they can and seemed to have an eye on putting more in  Congress this November Election. After listening to the right…the extreme and not so extreme like McCain and others who now talk about immigration like it is time to round everyone up, ship them back to their homeland, and manipulate the 14th Amendment to take care of business is beyond offensive. It becomes clear that the choice for all of us because America not only is a country made up of immigrants, most if not all have had trouble becoming apart of the bigger picture but are even with protests coming from conservative or extreme right. The problem is employers, who for decades started a trend that was not solved and has been avoided because of obvious financial gains to corporations that get their bottom line done and pay little or nothing in return.

— gotta admit it’s time for a change.

A few months ago an earthquake rocked Haiti and human beings all over the world have come to help, big banks have apologized in public and gave big. big huge bonus money to their people, have been flexing muscles and refusing to lend money to the everyday people that hire folks, insurance companies are inserting millions to fight HCR for all, credit card companies are bashing people with fees, our Supreme Court has caused a problem for our Democracy, reports of at least 12terrorist  attacks have been waged on the US, republicans have held up the Presidents nominees for up to at least 8months. Recently, we came close to having a plane bombed, yet republicans stated days afterward that most if not all of our Presidents nominees have issues. In a moment when the very people who are able to make the change Americans need, folks like DeMint, Boehner, McConnell, Cantor and the rest of the republicans are obstructionist,  democrats have to rise up against this behavior.

The November elections gives those of us who believe in equality, an opportunity for All Americans , reform to HCR, Wall Street, climate change and clean energy, Jobs and Small Business opportunities … VOTE FOR Democrats … we need immigration reform but that does not mean tearing down the constitution or adding racist language

Seven Months ago …

Someone decided to throw a verbal teabag at me so i responded …

The teabag crowd was of varying ideals, some good, bad, and then the ugly, which is what stood out to me. I am an Obama supporter and have faith that he will get us out of the ditch the house of bush left, it takes dollars, and it will go back to the same capitalistic label when it all gets fixed. What i want to know is where were I’ll when the house of Bush sent over 10mil a month off the financial books, our ruined econ happened under the Bush admin, yet everyone out at this march charge Obama? this is a strange response to me and something more is going on, how do they expect to get us out the hole the house of Bush put us in, that wall street,aig and the housing creeps all participating in? I respect freedom of speech but what i saw was fear mongering and hate. I heard the people who were in charge state they want to go back to how things were 100 years ago. That should scare most of us who believe in civil rights, because ALL minorities and women were treated very poorly… ask AL Gerhard what he meant by that?

When President Obama was able to get Congress to pass HCR someone said the sky was falling that Marxism was coming to America and we will loose our freedom. I  find it amusing to see how easy folks seem to throw out labels to describe President Obama’s actions in a time when the jig is up so to speak … what with Wall Street’s creative accounting procedures finally coming to an ugly head … the show.. House of cards by David Faber on CNBC was a cruel reminder and awaking at how greed affects the mind … a truthful documentation of the nasty journey our economy took … by who, for who and how it brought us all down …
and —    if we have to subscribe to labels … call me a Marxist who believes in Socialism at this time ….. We need someone who cares, who is socially responsible and who believes the gap between the haves and have none needs to shrink. If wrong,  school me because what can be wrong with caring for all the people of the US … not just the top 1 or 2% … especially since that one or 2 percent has been wheeling and dealing starting from the house of bush and the result trickled down to main street

… gotta admit it’s time for a change.

Other News …

**BP Static kill process will start on Tuesday

**The Senate starts the debate on Elena kagan

**Mo is allowing a votes to nullify the HCR bill…first of many states


**Vote clears way to ground zero mosque–correction this is going to be a complete recreation center

**2/3 of Americans want comprehensive immigration reform

**Geither defends Obama policy on Tax Cut extensions, let them expire, the Bush tax cuts for the rich

C-SPAN …

watch Pres. Obama Remarks at DNC Event

watch Pres. Obama Remarks

watch AHR-Health Reform: From Earlier

Debate Begins in Senate on Kagan Nomination

The Senate is debating the nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to be the next Supreme Court Associate Justice. Senate Judiciary Cmte. Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and ranking member Jeff Sessions (R-AL) opened the debate and members are expected to speak on the nomination into the evening with more debate over the next few days. As the debate begins, Nebraska Democratic Senator Ben Nelson is the only Democrat who has announced their opposition to Kagan and Republican Senators Susan Collins, Lindsey Graham, Richard Lugar, Olympia Snowe, and Judd Gregg, have announced their support for the nominee.

Last month, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved Kagan’s nomination by a vote of 13 to 6. If confirmed, she would replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens and become the fourth female Justice in the Supreme Court’s history.

Static Kill to Begin; Thad Allen Rejects Dispersant Abuse

“Static kill,” the latest effort to permanently plug the blown-out well in the Gulf, is scheduled to begin today after “injectivity” tests are performed on the blowout preventer. “Static kill” will involve pumping heavy drilling mud into the well, forcing the oil back underground, and then sealing the well with cement. Officials may then begin the process of choking the underground reservoir through the 18,000-foot relief well. BP officials have long said the relief well process is the only way to ensure the well is shut for good.

Meanwhile, congressional investigators are accusing the Coast Guard of giving BP too much leeway to use chemical dispersants to break up the oil on the surface. National Incident Commander Thad Allen rejected these assertions, saying that federal regulators did not ignore environmental guidelines and decisions to use more dispersants were made on a case-by-case basis.

The EPA released a study yesterday showing thathat dispersants used to break up oil are no more toxic to aquatic life than oil alone. Critics continue to raise questions on dispersants’ long term effects.

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Election 2010 -Americans V Republicans …


Sunday Buzz is Republican Hypocrisy and a couple of conservadems who have joined in on the ride hopefully out of office in November or the near future.

There was a report about a week ago that some Republicans definitely needed, wanted and were happy about the Stimulus but only to a few and perhaps only under a confidential agreement i guess because it did not get much play in the News even though it should have. It was strange that the Media opted out of airing that story …it would have been great for Democrats… on second thought that probably is why it did not reach the 24/7 News cycle.

I am hoping that American voters are starting to see the forest through the trees contrary to all the obstruction being put up by Republicans. The voter does and it would be a good time for people to ask themselves if they see a future for America if Republicans are in office who happen to be willing at this moment to stall, bait, block and debate legislation in both Chambers of Congress and then vote No. It is not lost on me or should it be on anyone else why Republicans have decided to be the party of No, but will it take us all down if they succeed. taking down the governing party is un-American to me as this President and his Administration were elected contrary to all the BS put out there he is an American who ran for the office and 53% of our population voted for Barack Obama. It is obvious that the last President left a mess his party has if voted back into office stated they would repeal all the good things the Obama Administration has implemented. I have to ask where we would be now if Republicans had taken office. I ask the question but it would be in all our best interests not to go there too long because the thought is scary. I have to wonder does anyone remember what McCain said, or roughly stated, that our economy is fundamentally sound. That was a joke and many people did laugh but when he made the choice of Palin as his VP most people thought ok he is not the same guy. We heard a lot of Republican noise but in the end Americans were watching and listening and 53% decided we cannot let a group of people who led us into the ditch continue on to only help a select few if any if you believe what is being said. I ask people now how we can get a full recovery when it is clear Republicans are not willing to work with Democrats in Congress. The people we voters put into office need to start working together to get America back on track. Is it clear to anyone that Republicans have made their choice to not only follow Wall Street and Big Bank attitudes but they have sided and voted for reform only after they were able to water it down for who were they acting on behalf of people? When will Americans, at least that 53% who voted Democrat see that Wall Street is still making money, do you see the Dow going down, down, down? The answer is no; yet big Corporations are holding out and back from hiring, bit Banks will not loan to small businesses. It was only last week that Republicans voted against small business. And all along the Chamber of Commerce, a truly a conservative entity seems to be helping Republicans with talking points which should open our eyes people Republicans, Wall Street and big money have a complicit relationship that has decided to bet against the people in order to bring down President Obama efforts and regain control of the Government. It is obvious to me after watching and listening to folks like McCain, McConnell, and Boehner talk about what they can do for Americans is more like what they have been doing TO Americans. Then we have to include the stuff coming out of tea party people too it looks to me like the purity angle that the Republican party uses on their own will be thrust upon us all in this 21st Century. I don’t know about anyone else but that is not an option of mine even if President Obama has not moved more left of center he is the best choice for America now and should be given a 2nd term as well.

I do not believe Republicans represent all Americans and if you have watched, listened to the Republican noise lately they have not been hiding that fact at all lately.

We are in the 21st Century people we need progressive politicians working for All Americans and it is clear for me at least that actions speak louder than words and Republicans do not represent me. In this moment especially since Mid-term elections are here, again, Republicans made a choice; they made a bet that saying and voting against the people not only will bring down the governing party but that the People want this. I call on all 53% to vote out Republicans where we can and…

like President Obama stated Republicans should not bet against the people, they need to give us more credit for seeing the forest through the trees and will use our vote to voice our distaste our outrage our support of ALL Americans by keeping and or putting Democrats in Congress for Mid-Term elections.

 

Weekend  …News&Reviews

This week , this month, No the last 18months have been tough for Americans on so many levels and in some cases it has been sad, outrageous, disturbing and an eye opener to this voter. I have also been listening to this Billy Nungesser and other leaders, mostly Republican leaders on the Gulf Coast and it seems they all are saying one thing to the Feds and something diff to the Media and or behind closed doors.

It is time to get real –

It’s Saturday and the temperature in the 206 as told by the weather channel will eventually reach 83 but at this moment, it feels like a nice fall day with lots of wind and clouds …rain would be good for all things 206 as long as that 83temp comes our way later in the day. A poetry nut as a kid& in high school but learned in college that poetry is a required taste you either take it to the next level or not…i chose not and that might have been because of the prof we were subjected to ah but that’s a diff story. The point is, since 6th grade poetry wowed me then college profs stepped in and ruined it, but out of all the poetry thrown at me in college, the writers/artists that come to mind or can remember a line or two, only a few if im honest. There seems to be only one writer comes to mind a lot lately. It is probably because he was engaged in and wrote first hand about social injustice, he definitely influenced pop and politically culture or as we all know well -The Orwellian ideas and can still be applied to our society today , anyway, he expresses how i feel about the things being debating on all Media levels in the year 2010. i personally do not want to go back to colonial days it controlled my parents past &future and now a group on the hard right are determined to repeal the 14th amendment -we must move forward stay in the present so discrimination on all levels fails …

“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” -George Orwell

It is recess time for Congress and did anyone get   pissed after hearing that great sound off by Anthony Weiner …while called a lose it moment by the Media and other stupid things the public …stated it was about fing time somebody flew off the handler. It was not a fake melt down as some in the Media have stated, clearly Anthony Weiner was getting heated by the moment about what most would say was a no brainer. There are first responders to ground zero that need help but Republicans decided yet again to vote no on an opportunity to help the very people that put these politicians into office. It is clear Weiner reached his boiling point maybe it is time for others as well because the past year , almost 20 months the American public has been manipulated by Republicans. The Party of No has been among other things the main if not the reason progress has slowed down. In a moment of time when we have elected our first bi-racial President who has tried to include Republicans but told no, he has been baited and then told no, he has been baited, and then the outcome scaled down. There are quite a few progressives in the Democratic Party who believe this President should move more left of center on all things Republican to keep his base but then what will the Media or people on the right call him then. The responsibility of getting his campaign promises or his agenda in Congress and voted into law is We the People …We all must call, some can march but we all need to vote Democrats in the November election. If we want America to be number one again, if we want a better economy, a better environment, better educational opportunities and health care available to all Americans not just a select few then vote Democrats.

The slogan of we want our country back has connotations of a time hopefully most Americans only want to read about in our history books not live out in the 21st Century.

The November Mid-Term elections are coming and what do Republicans have to show Americans they are doing the peoples business. We vote people into office who are suppose to be in the business of helping out all Americans not just a select few. If anyone has been watching the continual stalling and blocking tactics used by Republicans that quickly moved into voting NO with a couple of conservadems voting along with them. I feel all Americans have to ask  what can Republicans tell their own constituents they did to them when even their own voters are small business owners, first responders that worked at 9/11, are unemployed, need jobs, or have the capability to hire but the Big Banks are not giving out loans to.

What can Republicans say to Americans watching them vote No on every piece of legislation that could help ALL Americans …

The article below by Gallup Poll was done in April and is a re-post and should be a warning for the millions of Obama supporters to keep up the good work and mobilize to get others to vote Democrats in November for both Chambers of Congress… if you believe in a positive change ..believe in We the People not … some or just a select few … then come be  one of millions to help the effort and process of the change we can all believe in … Young, Old, Caucasian, First time Voter, African-American Latino, Women, 1st Nation Peoples and those in between -YES WE CAN …damn  WE HAVE TO.

By Frank Newport: Younger Voters Less Enthusiastic About Voting This Year

April 26, 2010 Gallup Poll

Younger American voters are less enthusiastic about voting in this year’s midterm elections than those who are older. At the same time, 18- to 29-year-old voters currently favor the Democratic candidate in their districts by a 12-point margin over the Republican candidate.  More …

Other News …

**Obama calls on Iran to release the 3hikers being held for a year

**Israeli air strike kills Hamas Commander

**Chelsea Clinton gets married on the last day of July

**Sealing the BP well has been delayed;the relief wells need to be cleaned out;a 2-3day delay

**MSteele cancels his Urban League appearance

**BP announces 100  settlement to oil rig workers

**Gov.Jan Brewer’s  request to expedite her appeal has been turned down-until November

**Israeli air strikes hit the Gaza Strip

**Sen.Ben Nelson (D)states he will vote No to the Elena Kagan confirmation

 

C-SPAN …

read Court Ruling read AZ Law SB 1070 read AP: Judge blocks parts of Ariz. immigration law
read WP: Judge in case well-versed in immigration read Statement by Governor Jan Brewer (R)

watch House Floor Debate   Weiner

watch Admiral Allen Daily Oil Spill Update

watch U.S. Chamber Conference on Pensions

watch Pres. Obama: From Earlier //Urban league

watch White House Press Briefing

New Leadership Assigned to BP; Congress Examines Oil Spill Impact to Tourism

BP’s Chief Executive Officer Tony Hayward resigned Tuesday, following a meeting of the company’s board of directors in London. The board named Robert Dudley, who took over BP’s Gulf cleanup efforts last month after a series of public gaffes by Hayward, as the new CEO. The Mississippian is the first American to lead the 101-year-old British oil giant. The move takes effect in October, with Hayward expected to receive a severance package estimated at $18 million and a new post with a BP joint venture in Russia.

Also last week, the Gulf oil spill claims fund administrator Kenneth Feinberg testified before a House Energy Subcommittee on the spill’s impact on the tourism industry. The U.S. Travel Association says the tourism industry accounts for one million jobs in the Gulf region and $39 billion in annual tax receipts. Feinberg said that he will issue a “blueprint” to the compensation facilities and that a claimant’s “proximity” to the oil spill site will be one of the factors in determining the amount of damages awarded.

In his briefing on Friday, Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen (Ret.) said that implementing “static kill” would be delayed after debris was found in the relief well. The procedure, which includes pumping heaving mud from the surface down to the broken well, will likely begin next week.

Cemetery Ex-official takes “full responsibility” for mismanagement

The former superintendent of Arlington National Cemetery, John Metzler, said on Thursday that he takes “full responsibility” for the mix-up of graves at a Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing investigating the mismanagement of contracts at Arlington National Cemetery.The military spent an estimated $6-$15 million on computerizing the cemetery’s paper burial records. According to an Army report, as many as 6,600 have been misidentified, improperly marked or buried in the wrong graves because of bad record keeping. Longtime Arlington National Cemetery Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent, both who recently resigned, were subpoenaed to appear at today’s hearing.The U.S. Army Inspector General’s office released a report last month on management problems at Arlington National Cemetery.

photo: Getty Images

~ my 2cents ...

TGIF …&some News


Tell Republicans to STOP obstructing legislation that will help ALL Americans!!!

SAY NO to Republicans in NOVEMBER!!!

Today, The President will be in Detroit to talk about cars.

It is with great pride to know that his efforts to help the auto industry is giving GM and other auto companies the opportunity to move into the 21st Century and make profits. He will explain more while in Detroit how saving the automobile industry saved probably millions of jobs despite Republicans and strangely enough some people of other industries wanted the industry to fail. It was not only surprising but  disturbing to hear so many say let them fail because it seems people did not really understand the need to help the auto industry The other thing that did not make a lot of sense is that there are a lot of Republicans located in the Mid-west and the South where most  auto-plants, drivers,  auto-parts and the list goes on of businesses that are connected to the industry. This opportunity also helped save their jobs or small businesses too.

Republicans in both Chambers of Congress said No to legislation that would help Americans…fellow citizens, constituents get back on track and create jobs… It is offensive and embarrassing to see people of American vote against Small Business/Jobs Bill/said No to helping first responders.

If you were watching cspan last night our beloved Anthony Weiner stood up and got fired up …We need more Democrats in both Chambers of Congress to stand up and show the public what is going on. The passion Wiener showed goes far and is important for the public to finally get the Political Party of No -the obstructionist behavior and the yes we want but we will not vote for the People, are on the side of Chamber of Commerce and Corporate entities… Shame on the four Democrats that voted against this legislation …against first responders

The rants are obvious and they are many but first … voted for Patty Murray, Jim McDermott, and Frank Chopp and sending it back today…Primaries Matter!

The Mid-term elections are coming up and it is obvious to me that we Voters need to Stop listening to the likes of Mitch McConnell and John Boehner. We keep hearing and seeing the same people continue to use fear as the only way to break the Presidents progress. I have to say after watching Republicans decide to act in their own best interest and not in the interest of the people of the United States or their own constituents, it is hard to hear sane people still planning to vote for politicians who obviously are not willing to be a part of the solutions.

The Political Party of No continues to put fear into people now they not only are against the people they are against doing what is right for even the people they supposedly represent. We the People voted for change, voted to get Americans back on track and though change is happening, it is slow but it is steady despite Republicans

We also need the public to know that Congress creates and or passes laws. The President needs Congress to do their jobs for the People of the United States. As an American and a voter the question we all have to ask ourselves daily are the Republicans that hateful that they would try to break Obama. A Republicans stated that HealthCare would be his water-loo … such comments by the old guys such as McConnell, Boehner , Shelby, King, Hatch, Newt, r Limbaugh is an example of self-interested people and politicians who are possibly still upset the American People voted for a man of colour. Which includes the Birther people… are afraid … lou dobbs, liz cheney, demint, john campbell, mike castle  …are these the kind of Politicians you want for America?

It would be great to have another Question-Time like the one held on 1/29/2010. It was one of the best national political debates in many years and citizens who watched the event were impressed, by many accounts. Journalists and commentators immediately responded by continuing the conversation of the ideas put forward by the president and his opponents — even the cable news cycle was disrupted for a day. America could use more of this — an unfettered and public airing of political differences by our elected representatives. Therefore, we call on President Barack Obama and House Minority Leader John Boehner to hold these sessions regularly — and allow them to be broadcast and webcast live and without commercial interruption, sponsorship, or intermediaries.

Other News …

C-SPAN …

President Visits Detroit to Support Auto Industry’s Progress

President Obama travels to Detroit today to visit GM and Chrysler plants and to discuss the auto industry’s progress since the federal bailout last year. He is expected to express confidence in the industry and reassure taxpayers that “we are going to get back all the money that we invested in those car companies.” The White House indicated in a report yesterday that a failure to rescue GM and Chrysler would have led to the loss of nearly 1.1 million jobs. In the strongest year of industry job growth since 1999, they have added 55,000 jobs since the bankruptcies. David Welch of Bloomberg Businessweek joined the Washington Journal this morning to discuss the federal government’s assistance of select U.S. automakers.

2nd quarter GDP is 2.4%, Growth in U.S. economy slowing

The Commerce Dept. released its report on the second quarter gross domestic product — the output of goods and services produced by labor and property located in the U.S. In the previous three months the economy grew at 2.4%. In the first three months of the year the economy grew by 3.7%, which was an upward revision from previous estimates of 2.7%. This report is comparable to the monthly unemployment figures because it shows where the economy is headed and how much growth took place the last 3 months.Last week, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke said the economic outlook was “unusually uncertain,” but was unlikely to go through another recession in the near future. Meanwhile, economists are uncertain themselves over whether the loss of movement in the second quarter will be prolonged.

House and Senate finalize work Before August Recess

As the Congressional August recess approaches, the House and Senate finalize work on their legislative agendas. First, House members deal with two bills in response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The bills seek to overhaul offshore drilling regulations and extends whistleblower protections to oil and gas workers on the outer continental shelf. Once the House completes its work, members will recess until September 14th.Before the Senate adjourns for break, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has scheduled debate on U.S. Solicitor General Elena Kagan’s nomination to the Supreme Court. If confirmed, she would replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens and become the fourth female Justice in the Supreme Court’s history. The Senate is expected to be in session until the end of next week.