Category Archives: ~ my 2cents …

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

whiney Wednesday &some News


Breaking News … LeBron James will announce his pick Thursday on ESPN  and …As the temperatures rise all over the country so are the issues just waiting for members of Congress when they get back from the break. Issues like immigration moved quickly to the front burner thanks to the Arizona Gov who boldly put a law like SB1070 on the table that could give the Arizona police the right to perform racial profiling legally. The state of AZ did not take into account the obvious behavior back during the days of separate and definitely unequal. Dr Paul has since made other comments that are clear examples for why we have the 14th amendment though few politicians have come out to agree with what Rand Paul it is obvious his comments are a revelation for those of us interested in voting this November. Immigration will be done in calm and comprehensive way because we have a President who may be at odds with the Polls stating over 65% agree with the AZ law. I believe he is just one of many who are the voice of reason with constitutional knowledge and not some Governor put in office by way of default because the real Governor of AZ getting a job with the President of the United States. It may take time but SB1070 will likely to be proven unconstitutional and overturned before the end of the month for the sake of us all.

Today, we heard the President will make a controversial recess appointment of Dr. Donald Berwick who will handle Medicare/Medicaid services,it’s a good move considering Republicans have blocked giving this admin the chance to govern with a complete cabinet.

In other rants of mine,  the gossip platform has gone beyond ugly and begs us to ask the question of how far is too far and is it time to demand respect of or give privacy to the people these shows target. Here we are in the 24/7 news cycle so we get more news then we all know what to do with and while it comes in fast and furious people need to pick choose the things that make sense or  has elements that pertain to our lives. I watch cable I listen to radio read a few papers though most are online now with much of their paper content. The problem is the obsession to what use to be gossip section now has become the section of not only are we going to gossip about these people but judge them talk about their looks and laugh; it’s strange because the folks making the comments feel somehow better than the entertainers, athletes and or politicians?

I love gossip until it becomes overly judgmental  -like the lets beat up the stars and then  throw them under the bus because we don’t like what they are doing then lets ask the viewers to vote on it… which, really means what are our ratings at the moment. I do not happen to like these shows because they are overly judgmental. The lets bash the stars entertainers looking into the cameras and saying oh we care about these people we rip apart while airing their dirty laundry are people who get paid to do something they probably would not want happening in their own lives. It obvious the question is not about whether they are qualified or not, it is whether they should be out there talking in the first place. In my opinion these so-called investigative reporters, gossip experts, papers, bloggers, or shows and others that went after MJ relentlessly for example should be ashamed of the what also creates collateral damage in so many of the  lives of folks who are having trouble.

We can all agree to disagree about what part the Media played in running MJ out of the US and given the freedom of speech thing getting these shows to stop beating up on public figures seems like an impossible mission. I admit to liking gossip but the last few years these gossip tabloids in all forms have crossed the line and are creating terrible platforms of who can not only come out with the most outrageous but will the viewing audience find it offensive or just want more. I just learned how to channel surf because of the verbal abuse these gossip shows are now engaging in. The gossip moved from entertainment to shows of verbal abuse with continued negative rants of public figures. The comments by gossip shows have gone from a negative jab  to hurtful verbal beat downs by asshats who get paid to tear down entertainers like Beeber, who is under age by the way, MJ, Lindsay lohan and others who refuse to give them the info to find out they are not only fodder for the next week but the next month and have become one of a few chosen to be tracked for the rest of their lives?

In my opinion It’s time to dump and or boycott shows that verbally bash public figures because they can shows and give ex-gossip expert Nancy O’Dell a big round of applause for not wanting to buy into and engage in selling the public on the sensationalism of other peoples troubled or troubling lives.

Other News …

Hawaii governor Linda Lingle (R) vetoed a bill legalizing civil unions between same-sex couples, saying that she prefers the issue be voted on as a constitutional amendment on the 2012 ballot. “It seems like she is taking us back 100 years if we are going to decide civil-rights issues by majority rule,” said state senator Les Ihara Jr. (D).TP

**Reports that the PM from Israel lost baggage while waiting for their flight from LAX ,though the bag was found 4 guns are missing…wow sounds like a good time to shut down AA and do a complete search -of everything

**A union working for Macy employees in Tacoma is still calling for consumers to boycott them due to unfair hiring practices

**Toyota vehicles are still having engine problems, recalling 270thou

**Manson follower is denied parole after the 19th time

C-SPAN …

watch Adm. Thad Allen Briefing visit More C-SPAN Oil Spill Coverage

watch Obama & Netanyahu: From Earlier

watch British House of Commons PMQ

Justice Dept. Files Suit over Arizona immigration law

The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit yesterday challenging the constitutionality of Arizona’s new immigration law. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Perez and Center for Immigration Studies Research Director Steven Camarota discussed the case on today’s Washington Journal. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Phoenix, argues that immigration policy must be consistent nationally and that the Arizona law oversteps state authority. The law, S.B. 1070, requires state and local law enforcement to stop and question suspected illegal immigrants. It passed the state legislature in April and is set to take effect July 29. In recent weeks, President Obama has criticized the measure, calling it “misguided.” The Justice Department released a statement yesterday saying the Arizona law “will place significant burdens on federal agencies, diverting their resources away from high-priority targets, such as aliens implicated in terrorism, drug smuggling, and gang activity, and those with criminal records.”    “It is wrong that our own federal government is suing the people of Arizona for helping to enforce federal immigration law,” said Arizona Governor Jan Brewer in a statement responding to the lawsuit.



W.H. Advisers Address Youth Activist Conference

Former Clinton White House Chief of Staff John Podesta and Obama White House Deputy Chief of Staff Jim Messina will provide insights into the Executive Branch when they address youth activists and students leaders at the sixth annual Campus Progress National Conference today.

Other speakers include Van Jones, environmentalist and former advisor to President Obama; White House national security aide and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Samantha Power; and Democratic strategist and CNN commentator Paul Begala.  A project of the Center for American Progress, which Mr. Podesta now leads, Campus Progress works to engage young people in key political and social issues facing the nation. More than 1,200 youths from across the country will attend the two-day conference.

watch Messina & Jones Speeches: C-SPAN at 1pm ET
visit Conference Agenda

Court Term Marked By Political Spending, Gun Rights Cases

During its 2009-2010 term, which concluded last week, the U.S. Supreme Court heard significant cases on campaign finance, gun-control and juvenile sentencing issues. Los Angeles Times Supreme Court reporter David Savage joined the Washington Journal this morning to discuss the impact of the Court’s rulings and how some of these decisions put the Court at odds with the Obama Administration.

The Heritage Foundation continues an examination of the 2009-2010 Supreme Court term with its annual review of the recent term’s notable cases.

As the Senate gets ready to vote on the nomination of Elena Kagan to succeed retiring Justice John Paul Stevens, panelists analyze how the dynamic of the Court may change with her addition, and how Justice Sonia Sotomayor impacted the Court in her first year.

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

Thoughtful -Tuesday


What have Republicans done for you lately? or for the last 8 to 10 years?

There will be a March for Jobs in DC on October 2nd 2010

Congress is still on break while millions and millions of people either pick up their last UI check, move out of their current living space, have several garage sales or are standing in line for federal programs they probably have never had to stand in before. The people of the United States will be overwhelmed until Republicans realize we are all Americans and government is We the People not we on the Right who believe in Corporations -Wall Street not Main Street and until Main Street is straightened out our economy will continue on a downward spiral -which is exactly what Republicans want.  The question is has anyone on the right thought about what the consequences are if they let all things financial fail again? If people are upset about the deficits, and are successful in voting in Republicans to take over – would they print even more money than Hank Paulsen did and if so what would be their next move? Would we ask the Private Sector help out and what should we expect them to do? get rid of Social Security and any other programs Republicans feel are entitlements.  It is just a thought but if we let Republicans bring down the Obama administration the real loser will be the middle class; people need to open their eyes at how ludicrous it will be if Republicans continue their obstructionist behavior – and if they are successful whatever happens will do damage to everyone folks

In better news …Summer  is about to move to the 206 as temps are reported to be around 70 today and should reach 90 by Friday. We all love summer until the temperatures become unbearable which makes it harder to work live and or be healthy.

Of all the things we should know, remind and speak up or out about are what things, the last administration did that played an important part in our economic collapse. If people will accept that government is there for a reason and in doing so more people should be voting for Democrats to get the job done. The obvious conclusion folks should come to is that government is us and to say no to it like Republicans keep doing when we need it the most is just a successful attack on how government was suppose to work which is now being stalled, blocked and torn apart.

Today’s Tip: 99 Cents Isn’t Always Cheap -from livecheap.com
We love it when the stores get creative and lure you in with low priced offerings.  For example, bleach is just Sodium Hypochlorite and the stronger stuff is 6.0% concentration.  What do you get at the 99 cent store?  They don’t usually say, most likely 3%… not a bargain.  Same thing for bread, nothing like paying 99 cents when they are selling you 16 ounces instead of 24.  Another one that we’ve seen lately is things that are normally sold in 1lb packages being sold in 12 ounce packages.  They seem cheaper until you do the math.  Stores love tricking unwary consumers into thinking they got a deal.

Read the label and don’t be a sucker.

When Clinton was voted out of office he left a substantial amount of money in surplus – no President is perfect but some should be challenged what looms now is sizable tax hikes, loss of retirement benefits, double digit inflation, global financial collapse and any domino effect   could wipe out the middle class so, did you know that …

1)Bush doubled the US national debt to $10trillion in just 8 years

2)Bush took 600 out of Social Security and sent a check out to everyone,  definitely one of several reasons it is now going broke and needs to be fixed asap

3)While conflicts and rumblings of fighting in Iraq&Afghan Bush formally announced and committed our young men/women for 2wars that were not paid for

4)Tax credits and breaks given to 2% of our Wealthy

Other News …

**The President meets with the PM of Israel today and will be on cspan today

**In an effort to make sure our youth know their rights 1 for All -a new website will be launched on Thursday

**The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, sued Countrywide for unfair and deceptive practices in servicing the mortgages of homeowners in default or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. The settlement requires Countrywide to pay $108 million in refunds. go to http://www.ftc.gov/countrywide

For Release: July 2, 2010

**The FTC will send refunds to eligible homeowners in the coming months. You’ll be notified by mail if you’re eligible. You don’t need to do anything now.

**The economic stress may be slow but it is easing in only 18months…after 8yrs plus of financial bad choices

**Toyota continues to have problems with their automobiles

**Reports are that Elena Kagan will prob be voted and begin her Supreme Court Justice assignment by the end of July

**UFCW local 367 is asking consumers to boycott Tacoma Macy’s until they correct the unfair hiring

**Manson follower is on their 19th try at parole

**The GOP are still on the Repeal HCR bandwagon and continue to run on this at least in GA, OK places where HCR is needed most. read the article by By KATE PICKERT,    it is a must read article on Republicans practicing exclusion

**All fives Gulf Coast states report tar balls which begs to ask where and what were the local government responsibility and why didnt they do what they had to that would not ruin the wetlands, marshes and or beaches because certain action could like berm that could harm the wildlife

**

C-SPAN …

Tests of Massive Oil Skimmer Inconclusive

Over the weekend, the converted Taiwanese tanker “A Whale” attempted to skim the waters near the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, but a company spokesman reported on Monday that results of the test run were “inconclusive” due to rough weather. BP and the Coast Guard have yet to determine if the massive ship, expected to take in 300,000 barrels of oil water every 10 hours, will become a permanent tool in the cleanup effort.
Ongoing storms and twelve-foot waves following the arrival of Hurricane Alex last week continue to delay recovery efforts. Meanwhile, Texas is feeling the effects of the oil spill. On Monday, the state announced that tar balls have washed onto two state beaches.

Queen to Address UN for First Time Since 1957

In a rare diplomatic appearance before the United Nations, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II addresses the General Assembly today in New York. She is expected to give a broad speech on world unity and peace.  The Queen appears before the 192-member General Assembly in her capacity as the head of state of the United Kingdom and 15 other UN member states, including Canada and Australia. She last addressed the body in 1957, at the age of 31. The UN itself was only twelve years old. She had acceded to the throne five years earlier, following the death of her father, King George VI. The Queen also plans to visit the World Trade Center site to honor the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Charles and his wife Camilla visited “Ground Zero” in 2005, and Prince Harry visited the site last year. The 2001 attacks claimed the lives of 67 British citizens.       Queen’s Speech: C-SPAN at 3pm ET

President Obama, Israeli Prime Minister to Meet in Washington

President Obama will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in the Oval Office this morning. In this their fifth meeting, the President and Prime Minister are expected to discuss the Middle East peace process, as well as the Gaza Strip blockade and sanctions against Iran.
Following the meeting, an expanded working lunch will include additional U.S. officials and members of the broader Israeli delegation.
Today’s meeting was originally scheduled for last month, but Netanyahu cancelled it following an Israeli military raid on a flotilla of ships bound for Gaza.

Obama & Netanyahu: Available Later Today

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

TGIF …&some News …


It is my contention and belief that any and all negative numbers regarding jobs, a double dip recession, or legislation that is unaddressed, voted on or finished is on the backs of Republicans and remain that way from now on. Republicans have done nothing to help create jobs nor do they have solutions, which, would be easy … vote Yes to move America into the black and stop making the failure of this President your goal instead of doing the business of the People.

It is the end of the week with a lot of craziness going on everywhere in the world and it all seems to affect the up coming elections. If you listened to the reports today, Congress left Capitol Hill without finishing the business of Americans. I want to believe that a break will help some folks on the right hear from their constituents on the Gulf Coast because they are more needy then the rest of the country. The people on the Gulf Coast suffer from the BP disaster and now a rejection from their very own representatives who essentially voted against small business, the workers, the fishing industry, boaters, hotels, restaurants and all the employees associated with the industries listed above.

To be sure and fair; this is an election year so getting election campaigns started probably is more important than getting legislation passed, but the blame is with Republicans and we all need to remember that. The effort to get the peoples work done  has been harder in Senate then the House, specifically, unemployment, financial reform immigration, climate, and clean energy are all subject to the 60-vote rule and the right has block, stalled and tricked the Democrats in the Senate thus far. Republicans have decided to bet against the failure of our economy over the needs of people in their own States, which is such a strange thing. The last vote rejecting a Jobs bill that included unemployment benefits happened without the late Senator Bob Byrd, so as our government honors him today his replacement plus one more Republican could make the difference in giving folks a chance to continue paying at least some of their bills and look for work without stress.

Some of us on the left feel we know what side of every issue Republicans are on but we need to remind them and ourselves that what happened to our economy was and still is a non-partisan issue. It was a sad to know that people voted into political office continue to be on the side of Wall Street and not with Main Street; a great example being Republican Senator Sessions and others like Sharron Angle stating that Americans are spoiled, that Americans are too use to getting entitlements and be more self sufficient.   The problem is that for every one job there are 6 people applying for them so the question for Republicans is how can we recover without more jobs? Ms Angle, there are not enough jobs to go around.

I already know that as hard as cable-heads work to have  or want me to hear and or watch Polls that are negative for the Democratic Party it will be what they actually have done to make change happen however slow it may be because the financial crisis didn’t just happen overnight as the house of Bush wanted people to think, it was a car on the interstate driving without brakes and no one to steer it clear of anything in it’s path…that being derivatives, AIG, Goldman Sachs, Wall Street in general, home foreclosures because big Banks were closing their ranks.  The financial crash and the information about the crash did not get to the public until the last moment and that was right before we all had to vote for President in 2008. The choice was a no-brainer when you think of who was on the other ticket… completely unqualified and out of touch.

The biggest news today is what team will Lebron James choose and why it will affect the rest of our economy. It seems like every cable station has had on the various Mayors or Governors praying hoping and stumping for James to come to their state.  There is no doubt everyone wants a piece of King James and he has kept his choice very very quiet up until this point. It is obvious Lebron James has great PR people, with reports that he is not just interested in playing BB but wants to make a difference in the community as well is a plus for any basketball team looking to pay him what he wants. It is obvious whoever gets him will have a bona-fide BB King, a goodwill ambassador and serious community advocate/activist as well. You would have to be living under a rock if you did not at least hear how folks in Vegas betting on this free agent and hopefully it will be an organization that can use his talents and be willing to let him do his thing… get it done King James.

Other News …

**The President signed a bill creating even more sanctions for Iran

**California Gov.Schwarnegger has given orders for State worker salaries to be slashed to 7.25 per hr -to minimum wages

**Reports are that the employment rate is 9.5% and -the census jobs the Private Sector gained 83,thousand, which considering the thing no one is talking about …that number is not good but it is a plus not 800thousand lost jobs -the reality is Private Sector is holding back, under-employing and trading or investing not hiring

**


C-SPAN …

June Unemployment Falls to 9.5% Employers cut 125,000 jobs

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported this morning that the unemployment rate for June moved down to 9.5% with 125,000 jobs lost during the month. This includes the expected reduction of 225,000 temporary census workers. Private sector jobs increased by 83,000.  In remarks this morning, Pres. Obama spoke about the employment numbers and noted that this was the 6th straight month of job growth in the private sector and that 600,000 private sector jobs have been added this year versus a loss of 3.7 million jobs last year.   BLS Commissioner Keith Hall testified earlier today on the latest numbers and recent developments in the labor market before the Joint Economic Committee. Commissioner Hall elaborated that BLS noticed job growth trends in manufacturing and a continued strong employment market in health care related services.

Hearing on Supreme Court Nominee Concludes

Outside witness testimony concluded Thursday following the U.S. Senate’s adjournment in recognition of Senator Robert Byrd on Capitol Hill. Thursday’s witness panels included those both in favor of and opposed to Kagan’s nomination.  Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan finished her last day of hearings on Wednesday. During the two days of questioning, Ms. Kagan was challenged over her treatment of military recruiters while dean of Harvard Law School, and asked to share her perspective on gun rights. When questioned on the subject of partial-birth abortion, Kagan described it as “an incredibly difficult issue.” The Committee hopes to approve her nomination and hold a floor vote in late July. If confirmed, she would replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens and become the fourth woman in the Supreme Court’s history.
~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

thoughtful Thursday &some News


The President Obama will deliver an address at American University, hopefully giving Americans a clear plan for immigration reform that affects an estimated 11 million people who live in the U.S. undocumented. Reports are that Obama met with lawmakers this week to discuss a strategy for passing immigration reform but as we, all know other things have been happening and have taken his eye off immigration. We all know that immigration has been an issue that most people try to avoid; it also affects certain parts of our economy. Another fact is that elections are coming; and it would be in our President’s interest and for the rest of us if he finally addresses immigration in a way that can move us toward progress not exclusion like Republicans seem to want to do and require of their party members.  We need a new but comprehensive way for people to live and work just as all Americans want and strive for their own families. Apparently, Senator Coburn felt some folks more than others deserve to be free and strive for a better way of life. I for one do not want to go back to the days when women and minorities were expected to be seen not heard and failed to have rights like the white men who liked to control every aspect of people’s lives.

If anyone was listening or watching the Elena Kagan hearings yesterday, it was again another eye opening moment of what seemed to be racist behavior by senator Coburn. It went from asking about her background to what seemed like an attack on women that was then followed by an attack on people of colour and thank goodness, Senator Amy Klobuchar decided to not just challenge the comments she definitely schooled this man as well as the public who happened to be tuned in. It was one of many moments in this hearing that have been made a stage for comments filled with vitriol, Republican talking points,  just rude behavior on so many levels and so offensive to anyone who vaguely believes in compassion or true freedom for Americans.

Other News …

**Toyota: over 270thou faulty engines

**reports from cnn are that immigration advocates will use a strategy for comprehensive immigration and that is to challenge Republicans to come on board

C-SPAN …

watch Pres. Obama on Immigration

Panel Presses Goldman & AIG on Relationship During Financial Crisis

The Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission continues its investigation into the 2008 Financial Crisis with a second day of testimony on how the institution used derivatives within the market and when they were used during 2007-2008. Witnesses include current and former executives of Goldman Sachs and AIG, as well as the chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.

The financial crisis panel was created by Congress and is due to report its findings this December. Former California Treasurer Phil Angelides serves as chairman.

Questioning Wraps Up for Supreme Court Nominee

Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan finished her last day of questioning on Wednesday. Over the past two days Ms. Kagan was challenged over her treatment of military recruiters while dean of Harvard Law School, and asked to share her perspective on gun rights. When questioned on the subject of partial-birth abortion, Kagan described it as “an incredibly difficult issue.”Read More »

Outside witness testimony will begin Thursday afternoon at 4pm following the U.S. Senate’s adjournment for the arrival of Sen. Robert Byrd’s casket on Capitol Hill. These witness panels will include those both in favor of and opposed to Kagan’s nomination.The Committee hopes to approve her nomination and hold a floor vote in late July. If confirmed, she would replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens and become the fourth woman in the Supreme Court’s history.

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

weary Wednesday &some News you might not know about


Today, we are in a  We the People moment from now on … choice needs to be made by us; do we let Republicans continue saying No to the things that will help fix what brought us to a near depression … or

Who would you vote for most -a Political Party who has outed themselves as Corporatist or one with the Democratic ideology and belief of the Constitution. The choice is an easy one if you just remind yourself of the events prior to the 2008 Presidential Elections and the choices we had, an old  guy who definitely served his country in a great way but seemed out of touch, a little creepy and when our economy was tanking he said,” our system was fundamentally sound” top that off with his VP choice who most sane people on both side of the aisle agree was completely unqualified to be considered our next President if anything happened to the old guy let alone the Vice President.

My take  -Republicans are now completely responsible for all negative effects our economy incurs from here on. People may want to ask why? it is because after repeated efforts to pass any jobs bill for homeless Vets, ui benefits, home buyer tax extensions, Republicans have voted them down, now 1.2 or more people will be out on the street. It is my opinion that any jobs numbers announced by Cable heads, The Media, Radio or Newspapers are solely because of the inaction of Republicans to continue to stimulate the economy and help people who are under employed or unemployed due to the financial crash of 2008.

Today, The President will be in Wisconsin for another town meeting, talk about our economic recovery as well as answering questions about recover and hopefully good questions about what he intends to do about Republicans who continue to just say No.

I resent every Republican who has made negative comments about the people out of work people on Social Security, our Homeless Vets as well and their willingness to outsource jobs is just offensive. We need to update, reform and move forward into the 21st Century not go backward, as Republicans obviously want.  If the public is listening and or watching now know where Republicans stand and or maybe remind them what has gone on with Republicans, what with all the stalling, blocking and just say no to any and everything needed to put America back on track.

In addition,  General Patreus is being confirmed and  taking over the military effort in Afghanistan, while Elena Kagan is getting abused, I mean questioned for the third day, the Supreme Court confirmation and hearing process has been an eye opener given the things Republicans have said about Thurgood Marshall, the activist Judge label they gave her and Judge Marshall has been offensive and was meant as a bad thing. I would have to say my response would be to ask Senator Sessions tell everyone who Citizens United is and what exactly they do for your party.

More recently, sadly after Senator Byrd died the reform bill was pulled because a Republican named Scott Brown put up a fuss so Democrats agreed to pull it and hopefully adjust it adequately enough to be voted into law and major financial reform finally happening for Americans today.

My 2nd rant today is this…

Pundits, the Media the GOP will say the President numbers are due to not being able to get the employment numbers down the GOP thinks people will blame our Democratic Party and or our President. It is a time to stop being fooled, any and all negative numbers coming in from now can be attributed to Republicans just say no attitude though Congress leaders are required to do the peoples business. It is clear Republicans are not doing the peoples business but trying to make this President fail but are Republicans just unable to understand that if this President fails all of America fails, our economy goes back to how it was before January 20, 2008. As Americans, we voted them into office but apparently, the GOP decided after the 2008 elections that the only way to move Democrats out of office is to crucify, target and ruin the President whenever possible. In my opinion, this President has accomplished much more than the last guy did and it was for the rich or We the People not for a select few. The Democratic Party with the exception of a couple of Conservadems has tried and is still trying to move Americans into the 21st Century. The constant votes of no regarding any and all legislation that should help all Americans including Health care reform, Climate and Clean Energy and now the Jobs Bill, which according to many in Congress has let other important legislation stack up. Unfortunately, even our own Democratic Party seemed to have felt it is time to move on,  we all know they are tired, have done what they can to get the extensions needed to keep stimulating our economy but it is obvious that is what Republicans want, it’s a great move because they have made our Democrats in the Senate tired. Again, I ask the public to not be fooled if the extensions are voted down again and the people that need to be held accountable is Republicans please do not allow media heads, other politicians, fox news, msnbc anyone make you believe this is the President’s fault.

The day Congress announced they had to move on was the day Republicans became the sole group responsible for any and all negative effects their No Votes will have on homeless Vets, Outsourcing jobs away from America. In addition, there will be 1.2 million people who will no longer be stimulating the economy because they have nothing coming in from anywhere because there are no jobs out there. I ask everyone to think about the domino effect that is coming if the UI benefits extensions continue to be voted down by Republicans. I feel what will happen is the creation of the new poor consisting of not just the real poor but also the middle class, those of us that work all their lives who have a certain amount taken out of their checks in order to live on at the end of their work lives. These are the people Jon Boehner, Bachmann and mostly all Republicans talk about, those who receive entitlements should be slashed and used to pay for wars, raise the retirement age to 70 and those that are wealthy should not get benefits at all as reported in a Pittsburgh Newspaper interview, though Boehner people deny the statements, there is a video. In response to Boehner, House Democratic Whip James Clyburn stated, “Boehner and the GOP want to raise the retirement age to pay for Bush’s war and their failed policies of the past.” Fortunately, for us Mr. Clyburn said, “Democrats will not stand for this.” Moreover, House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi has a fact sheet to go to for information.

The bottom line is this … our population is getting older but living longer and learning to say healthier. The idea of raising the retirement age appears to be something no one can avoid and it is a bipartisan issue, which led to a bipartisan commission appointed by President Obama to find ways to reduce the debt and deficit are considering raising the age to 70. Currently, you have options to retire and receive partial payback or stay in the workforce until your reach full retirement age, which btw is different for everyone or continue until age 70 and get even more money. It is something that might be inevitable and in these times of, we just might have to accept the changes but the suggestion to slash it or end Social Security is not an option that should be considered. I think if the options to stay in at three different levels as they have now people will accept and go on with life. The problems we are having with our economy is because the last guy did nothing to update adjust or change our system with reforms, now most people do need to work longer to recoup money lost from bets made with worker investments in stocks that seemed to be meant to fail. I can accept raising the retirement age but I do not agree with anything that is even close to privatizing it; who can trust Republican ideas -they believe in Corporations not providing for the people who pay their salaries.

Other News …

“The recession has directly hit more than half of the nation’s working adults, pushing them into unemployment, pay cuts, reduced hours at work or part-time jobs, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.” Nearly half of the survey’s respondents said “they are in worse financial shape as a result of the downturn, which destroyed 20 percent of Americans’ wealth.”TP

House Democrats have attached $10 billion to the long-stalled war funding bill “to help local school districts avoid teacher layoffs when schools reopen.” The $70 billion bill “is anchored by President Barack Obama’s $30 billion request for the troop surge in Afghanistan and contains money for disaster aid accounts, foreign aid and disability benefits for Vietnam veterans.”TP

Foreclosed homes accounted for nearly a third of all home sales in the first three months of 2010, according to new data from foreclosed property marketer RealtyTrac, Inc. During 2009 alone, 1.2 million property sales dealt with foreclosures. “That number boggled my mind,” said RealtyTrac spokesman Rick Sharga, referring to the jump in foreclosures. “A 2,500% increase over a four-year period surprised even us.”TP

Although nearly every GOP lawmaker has vowed to repeal health care reform, only 30 House Republicans have “actually signed the discharge petition calling for such a repeal.” The petition, if signed by 218 members, would force a vote on repeal. But so far, the measure introduced by Rep. Steve King (R-IA) and pushed by the Heritage Foundation’s new political group has fallen very short.TP

C-SPAN …

watch Hearing on Arlington Cemetery

watch Senate Confirmation Hearing: Part One watch Senate Confirmation Hearing: Part Two

watch Conference Committee


Kagan: People Need to trust the Court as Non-Political

The confirmation hearing of Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan continues today with more questions from Senate Judiciary Committee members. Beginning with a line of questioning by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ms. Kagan defined the relationship of politics to the Supreme Court. She stated, “the people need to trust the court as a non-political body.” Read More »

The nominee then answered questions from Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) on legal judgment at the Supreme Court level as “not a robotic quality with no judgment in the process.”

Outside witness testimony was scheduled for Thursday, but due to events surrounding the death of Sen. Robert Byrd, the committee schedule is uncertain. The committee hopes to vote out her nomination in July with a Senate floor vote in late July. If confirmed, she would replace retiring Justice John Paul Stevens who served his last day on the Supreme Court yesterday.

Commission Questions the Extent of AIG and Goldman Sachs Contribution to the Financial Crisis

The Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission has begun a two-day hearing on “The Role of Derivatives in the Financial Crisis,”. They will hear testimony from current and former executives from AIG and Goldman Sachs including former AIG executive Joseph Cassano and Goldman Sachs President Gary Cohn.

The congressionally appointed panel is looking into the ties between the two companies and how their derivatives transactions may have contributed to the financial crisis.

CBO Presents Budget Outlook to President’s Debt Commission

The Presidential Commission charged with finding bipartisan solutions to lowering the nation’s trillion-dollar budget deficit met for the third time since April.

The group heard from Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Director Doug Elmendorf who presented CBO’s 2010 long term budget outlook which was released earlier today. In remarks, Dir. Elmendorf said that if no changes took place, federal spending on health related programs will grow from 5% of GDP today to 10% of GDP in 2035 which at current rates is an increase of spending of $700B dollars.

The commission is co-chaired by former Senator Alan Simpson (R-WY) and former Clinton White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles. Its non-binding recommendations are due in December.