Category Archives: ~ my 2cents …

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

TGIF …&some News


Day 66 in the BP disaster and no end in sight and though people are pissed this is not the fault of the President …

MJ is being celebrated all over the country; maybe all over the World and the same ole comments about him being strange and or weird by people in the Media is just wrong because these kids are watching listening to folks who said much worse when he was alive but you know what -what happened to respecting the dead? I will not be watching gone too soon because of the ian halprin connection… It is yet another vehicle to make money off MJ and it’s offensive that he and so many others have done so; he stated the payroll or people still living off MJ is offensive … what do you call what he is doing eh?

Storms are moving in all along the Gulf and the country  … in more ways than we all want to think about. It’s time that Americans stir up their own storms all across the country to tell Senator Ben Nelson and Republicans what they have done is unacceptable and will clearly bring us all back to that day when the President announced over 750thousand jobs were lost per month and destroy the efforts already accomplished.

Today the President will be in Canada at the G20/G8 summit, Italy and France both were eliminated in the 1st round of soccer but the US will be playing Ghana Saturday and the players and coaches all say they will be throwing everything they got at Ghana, Florida closes more beaches due to oil washing on shore. Gov. Jindal has made some comments about the impact that is being made from the previous moratorium that seems odd to me as a mom, worker, and safety-first advocate. It is obvious that those who worked for oil rigs in the area have lost their jobs but who would begrudge a President from wanting to have each well checked for safety given the history that BP seems to have and it apparently is not the best. The Gov of LA stated that the moratorium should be overturned because it would affect their economy. Yes, it is true and the Alabama judge agreed with Governor Jindal. It just seems strange that we have yet to fix the current oil well gushing into the Gulf with Reporters stating that other wells may need to be adjusted and or at least new rules need to be implemented. It is obvious the Feldman decision will be appealed.

The question is -what happens if there is another accident, does that mean Gov Jindal is directly responsible if anything happens? Did you know that only 33 wells out of 36 hundred were placed in moratorium status  and while people would be out of work for 6 months over 3thousand are still functioning and maybe it’s just me but couldn’t the workers from the 33 be distributed to the over 3000 functioning wells to work on? in addition, how strange is it that Jindal and the rest of the Republicans wanted the moratorium overturned because of jobs but they refuse to help the rest of the country with a YES to the jobs bill… talk about hypocrisy.

Reports are that the conferees committee voted to move reform forward and was and are a great achievement but this is not the final vote. It sounds like this committee tried to have courage but felt any true reform might make folks run to other countries to keep their money. The bill will need to go through both Chambers of Congress before a final vote but this is a start to reforming Wall Street which will need adjustments to reflect what is going on in the world as well. I admit it is good that the President was able to take the agreement with him to the summit and just heard this reform was bigger than any other since the depression.

Other News …

C-SPAN …

Conferees Approve financial regulation bill, 27-16 on Thursday evening

The House-Senate conference committee on the financial regulations bill wrapped up its work early today following a marathon 20-hour session. The measure passed out of conference on a party line vote, with 27 Democrats voting for it, and 16 Republicans voting against. In remarks this morning before his departure to Canada for the G-8 summit, President Obama praised the conferess for passing what he said is the “strongest financial reform since the Great Depression.” The legislation now goes back to both chambers for final consideration. The House Conference Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) said he hopes to see the legislation signed into law by President Obama before July 4th.

Oil Creeps Along Florida Coast; Moratorium Remains Overturned

Portions of Pensacola Beach are closed in order for workers to remove oil from the sand. At least 33 miles of Florida’s Panhandle beaches have health advisories suggesting that people should not swim or fish in the water.  Yesterday, a federal judge denied a request to keep a deepwater drilling moratorium in place, pending a government appeal. The moratorium prohibits drilling in more than 500 feet of water and prevents new permits from being issued.
BP replaced the containment cap over the underwater well Wednesday night after an accident that morning forced BP to stop their containment efforts. Earlier this week, Adm. Thad Allen announced that authorities are exploring whether pipelines could be extended from the well to several platforms elsewhere in the Gulf where oil could be captured or sent to a different reservoir. This option would allow containment to continue in the event of a hurricane.
World Leaders meet to discuss global issues

World Leaders meet to discuss global issues

TodayPresident Obama and seven other world leaders are in Canada for the two-day G-8 “Group of Eight” summit. The leaders will likely focus their talks on regional and global issues, disaster relief and health related issues. The countries being represented at the G-8 include: United States, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada and Russia.

Following the two-day forum will be the larger G-20 meeting, an economic forum summit set up to discuss strategies for restoring global growth, and measures for reforming global trade and financial governance.
~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

thorny Thursday &some News


It is a day to take a deep breath and slowly let it out … and repeat if needed.

Tell cable heads to stop saying that Polls matter – they are subjective vehicles that none of us with brains takes too seriously —take that Msnbc and Cnn- people are smarter than this and if there are questions about why our President poll numbers are so low -how about telling your representative to help the President achieve what he campaigned on instead of looking out for their own skins… our President can lead Congress to the well or list of things that need to be reformed on his agenda but Congress has to have the courage to do what’s right, so far CONGRESS has been the let down, not our President.  The low numbers are from progressives who are willing to throw someone under the bus when things get tough instead of getting strong tough and making those calls to the various members of Congress to let them know we support the President …it’s time you did as well.  Congress is the place where the laws are made people not the President -he has set out his agenda but Republicans have continued to block him; this will continue to happen unless Republican constituents finally see where Republicans stand and it ain’t with the people. Ask yourself why a Politician would bet against the failure of a Democratic Party who is doing the peoples business for an agenda that supports big Banks, Wall Street, most if not all Republicans truly feel BP got the raw deal and that they support BP and not the people of the Gulf Coast.  It is a sad state of affairs to know any Republican would say that the spill should be paid by the taxpayers, that this was a Chicago style shake down, ask the families of the 11 men who died, ask all those people who made their living from the beauty and land of the Gulf Coast.  I have to say 1st nations people and those who kept the land in a pristine state before oil rigs, big tourism and hotels would be  greatly disappointed that this is what progress looks like to the people here today.

The other things that upset me about Republicans? Is that Republicans are hawks, we see them  giving President Obama the thumbs up when it comes to fighting Wars and spending money somewhere else instead of on the people in their own country. I am not into fighting any War. I do understand why he is in that area and though it might seem like a move that most folks on the left disagree with they must remember Obama did not start the Afghanistan or the Iraq Wars he does feel the right War was Afghanistan and has pursued it. Only time will tell and possibly We the People will need to march against any Wars in a time when money any money should be spent here in the States. The War is not an issue any President should take lightly, though it might seem the last one did. This President’s decision to pursue War or continue the Afghan assault was not decided on a whim, and the public should understand, have patience, and put themselves in the President’s shoes regarding any decision to put the lives of our  men and women in jeopardy. It was something the house of Bush decided quickly and set out on 2Wars and left no real window to leave especially after 9/11, not to mention those imprisoned at Gitmo finding their way back home only to join terrorist groups against Americans.

It is a time to stand with the President not run and or vote to give the President a message – We all need to call our representatives in Congress because they are the ones who create and pass laws people. The President can lead them to the agenda that 53% of us voted for but if they have their own these things will not get done. I have to wonder if people really understand what the process is because to be honest people say the President should use his executive order and do something and maybe he will have to when it comes to the jobs bill but it could be repealed in the future and that is the down side.

If Congress, specifically Republicans would realize that it’s time get our system back on track instead of stalling blocking and hoping the public will become so disheartened they will opt to have Republicans take over.

As Americans we must see through what Republicans have in store for us and vote against the corporatist that they are and call our representatives to make a hard left away from Wall Street and reform all things that have cripple this economy

Other News …

**the judge who overturned the administrations request for a stay for a 6 month moratorium has stated he will not delay his ruling

**a man has been stopped with weapons/tools and a chainsaw in his car near the location of the G20 meeting

watch Conferees: Part 1 watch Conferees: Part 2 House/Senate Cmte

watch Hearing on U.S.-China Relationship

watch Hearing on MedPAC

watch Hearing on MMS Reorganization

C-SPAN …

Congress focuses on IRAQ as President replaces U.S. commander in Afghanistan

The Senate Armed Services Committee is considering two military nominations regarding the leadership of U.S. troops. General Ray Odierno, who currently serves as the Commanding General of the U.S. Forces – Iraq, has been selected to lead the U.S. Joint Forces Command. Lieutenant-General Lloyd Austin has been tapped to replace Gen. Odierno as the top U.S. Iraq commander. Yesterday, President Obama accepted the resignation of the top Afghanistan war general Gen. Stanley McChrystal over critical remarks he made in Rolling Stone magazine. The President has picked Gen. David Petraeus as his replacement. His confirmation hearing is expected to take place early next week.

Economy, iran two issues to be addresed in Obama-Medvedev meeting

Leading into this weekend’s G-8 and G-20 economic summits, President Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev hold a bilateral meeting today on U.S.-Russian relations. The two leaders are likely to discuss policy toward Iran and global financial issues. After their meeting, they will hold a joint news conference followed by an address at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to U.S. and Russian business leaders.

watch News Conf.: c-span.org at 1:45pm ET    watch U.S. Chamber: c-span.org at 3:05pm ET
read LA Times: DC prepares for Russian president

Conferees to Wrap up Financial regulations legislation

The 43-member House and Senate Conference Committee moves into its final day of deliberations on financial regulation legislation. Members plan to wrap-up the two chambers’ different versions of the regulatory overhaul bill, including work on derivatives, which is one of the biggest components. They’re also expected to have more debate on the Volcker Rule, a proposed ban on some speculative trading by banks with federally insured deposits.

During the meeting yesterday, Conference Chairman Frank (D-MA) told members they would finish work on the bill by the end of the week, even if they had to stay late into the night. The committee hopes to have a bill approved by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by President Obama by July 4th

~ my 2cents ...

hump -day &some News


If not now -when

It is mid-week and while today is a big day for Americans… General McChrystal firing or not, US vs Algeria in soccer, financial regulation talks are drawing near an end and a bipartisan group will consider a comprehensive climate and clean energy legislation, the Senate will debate consider HR4213 with votes throughout the day. The question is will it be for We the People or for Corporations.

In addition, while talking heads stir up the public, stating the image of the President is at risk if he does not fire McChrystal. Some feel this President will need to weigh the odds against the needs for a good general in the war and or his image. The question is not how this President will look in the end it’s whether this general is that important to the mission of the war itself, though many feel this war is one we should be getting out of now.

The importance of the chain of command is definitely an element this guy forgot to consider and with all that being said the reporter stated something that was far more  important to hear – that McChrystal had plans to ask for more soldiers, quite possibly wanting to stay in Afghanistan, which was not on the agenda. The war in Afghanistan is not going well, the way forward should change because as stated by some soldiers they have been restrained to fight in a certain way and begs the question is it worth the deaths of so many civilians and soldiers in what seems like an unending war? With what progress and for an area that has posers at any given day. maybe the location should change maybe admit that it’s Pakistan and yes we have to keep the people who committed 9/11 under fire and out of the business of terrorizing but when it seems Americans are doing all the work the true efforts just seems fruitless.

The end result- The general will resign instead of being fired because a true soldier would accept his punishment and move on and if reports are correct the general left the White House for good, which seems appropriate given the circumstances, comments and the lack of confidence in him after what happened.

Other News …

**5 hardest hit states to get more housing aid/the Obama administration approved Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada will get help to bust the housing bust 1.5billion dollar effort.

**2 deaths have been reported -vessels of opportunity-

**Reports of strikes in China halt auto production in factories by parts suppliers

**Obama admin is making strides for gay rights though many feel it is too slow/progress is being made however slow &without violence

**Doctors are still refusing Medicare/Medicaid patients

C-SPAN …

watch Pres. Obama on Health Care

watch Vice Pres. Biden Remarks

watch Hearing on Iran Sanctions

watch COP Hearing: From Earlier visit COP Website

watch Admiral Allen Daily Oil Spill Update

watch Conf. Meeting: Part 1 watch Conf. Meeting: Part 2

watch Pres. Obama with Cabinet

watch White House Briefing

c-span Today

Lawmakers Discuss Minerals Management Service Reorganization

Earlier in the week, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar swore in Michael Bromwich as the director of the new Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOE), formerly known as the Minerals Management Service. Secretary Salazar discusses the reorganization of the agency, the future of offshore oil drilling regulations and the impact on cleanup efforts in the Gulf of Mexico before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee.

Yesterday, a federal judge overturned the ban on deep water drilling imposed by the Obama administration following the oil spill in the Gulf. The case was brought by several companies that provide support services to oil rigs. In the filing, Hornbeck Offshore Services LLC claimed the suspension on drilling will result in lost jobs and wages in Louisiana. The White House said it planned to appeal the decision.


Gen. McChrystal in Washington to meet with gates and the President

General Stanley McChrystal is in Washington to meet with Sec. of Defense Gates and President Obama to explain his comments from a recently published interview. In the July issue of Rolling Stone, the General and his aides made critical remarks on various Obama administration officials including Afghanistan-Pakistan Special Envoy Richard Holbrooke and Vice President Joe Biden. On Monday, following a Cabinet meeting, President Obama said that Gen. McChrystal used “poor judgment” in his contributions to the article. “I also want to make sure that I talk to him directly before I make any final decisions,” added the President.

Conferees near end of conference as they vote on auto dealers exemption

The House and Senate conferees are moving ahead with financial regulation legislation introducing amendments to the base text under Title VI, which deals with rules for regulating institutions that hold consumer deposits and companies with ownership or controlling interest in banks. Conference Chairman Frank (D-MA) and Senator Dodd (D-CT), who are leading the talks, plan to wrap up debate on the consolidated bill by the end of the week. The leaders hope to have a bill approved by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by President Obama by July 4th.

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

tentative Tuesday …&some News ~ new hc benefit


Today, our President will announce a new health care benefit that will impact all Americans.

Primary day

If not now   -when

Politicians and the Military who serve the people would be well warned to remember that the consequences of their actions or inaction have an impact that affects all of us.

In our 24/7 news cycle, it brings forth a lot of information that quite frankly seems more  like ugly gossip than anything else and in some instances reporters seem willing to put people at risk and today we hear that our military has started to fight openly, something that is usually classified  is not anymore? gotta say,  it is with great displeasure to know that in order to get the story magazines like the Rolling Stone would go with or without thought that extra mile and get a top military general to talk on or off the record not only about the President and his Administration but about others in the circle and or chain of command.  I am no military expert but it would be a moment that maybe someone would have enough sense to see what the impact would be on everyone including Americans  -it is with great sadness no one said ok this story could have all kinds of repercussions to our security to the security of the guys fighting and quite possibly to the top guys; but no- Rolling Stone found the rogue General was upset enough to talk and say things that will probably end his career though from what i read about McChrystal he seemed very adept at his job though the Obama administration has fought him about his military moves he has on some occasions been right -but was overridden which is probably why he decided to go rogue and talk til it got to the mainland; big big mistake.  Most people, sane people know this behavior is not acceptable by anyone on the lower level let alone those on the top level.  The notion that Rolling Stone made arrangements to do a story then spent over 3months with the general and no one told them that what was being said was off the record? even the comments from eiken berry should have been off the record/classified. The comments made by the General were calculated and  in response to his feelings of being betrayed but no military man should spout off to civilians unless and until he has gone through all the channels needed at the highest level ever -the President and from this mornings reports our President is furious and rightly so.  It’s a tough call -though he seems to have been somebody who had a plan his outbursts are unacceptable and should be dealt with swiftly.

The other odd news …among so many, is that Peter Orszag will be leaving in July and though he has been out of sight for quite sometime since the financial crisis was at its worse; obviously the rumors will be hot and heavy with no end in sight until someone at the WH decides to announce his departure and why. The Tea party has decided…well, reports are that Sarah Palin has given an indian woman and a black man permission to run for office which is strange in and of itself because who anointed Palin with that kind or power.

The BP oil disaster has cast a big shadow on Republicans because it showed exactly what side of any issue about big Corporations they are on and it ain’t with We the People; it’s an issue for me hopefully others will continue to replay the words that Barton, Bachmann Boehner, Paul Rand Sarah Palin have said: they are  corporatist that have probably voted against the people for years and are now being outed by an oil spill that will impact the Gulf Coast for decades and bring that areas businesses to their knees unfortunately. A lawsuit demanding the Feds cancel the moratorium because of all the jobs in limbo has been filed and the judge will decide on Wednesday if it merits.  It seems like a no brainer for a moratorium to be placed in effect until each one is evaluated and relief wells put into place and that 500mil dollar accessory is available so that each well has true safety features.

Other News …

judge says moratorium should end/grants injunction/administration will appeal/judge martin feldman -is a lot of things but should end/will affect unemployment and ripple throughout and damage that cannot undo/he cannot justify the moratoriumthis ruling coming  from a judge from  Alabama and given his position by Ronald Reagan


Fifty-seven percent of residents in Fremont, NE voted Monday to “banish illegal immigrants from jobs and rental homes,” overturning an earlier decision by city leaders. “Within minutes” of its passage, the ACLU in Nebraska “pledged to file a lawsuit” against the ordinance on grounds that it would “cause discrimination and racial profiling.”TP

Under orders from President Obama, the Labor Department is set to “expand the rights of gay workers by allowing them to take family and medical leave to care for sick or newborn children of same-sex partners.” Those who work for a company with 50 or more employees are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave “to care for a newborn or for a spouse, son or daughter with ‘a serious health condition.'”TP

Sixty-five percent of Americans support President Obama’s temporary moratorium on drilling in the Gulf of Mexico, a New York Times/CBS News poll found. “Overwhelmingly, Americans think the nation needs a fundamental overhaul of its energy policies, and most expect alternative forms to replace oil as a major source within 25 years,” the poll suggested.TP

“I have great respect for [gays and lesbians].”
— Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, 4/24/10

VERSUS

 

“We can get into the ick factor, but the fact is two men in a relationship, two women in a relationship, biologically, that doesn’t work the same.”

— Huckabee, 6/28/10, quoted in the New Yorker magazine


C-SPAN …

Conferees to address “swipe fees” at todays meeting

The Conference Cmte. on Financial Regulation legislation continues its meeting today. One of the issues under discussion will be fees charged to consumers on debit card “swipe fees”. Other areas of the legislation that will be debated this week include, derivatives trading, a consumer protection agency, an auto dealers exemption on some of the new regulations, and the so called “Volcker rule” which limits banks ability to make trades with their own money.The conference cmte. hopes to finish the bill this week so both chambers can vote on it before the July 4th recess.

Watchdog Questions Secretary Geithner on TARP’s Management

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner makes his fourth appearance before the Congressional Oversight Panel, giving an update on his Department’s handling of the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). The Congressionally-created group is charged with supervising how the $700 billion fund is managed and other financial stabilization initiatives proposed by the Obama Administration.
watch COP Hearing on C-SPAN at 10am ET
visit COP Website

Oil Rig Support Services File Lawsuit to Overturn Ban

The federal hold on new deepwater drilling faces its first legal challenge after several companies that provide support services to oil rigs filed a lawsuit to overturn the moratorium. In the filing, Hornbeck Offshore Services LLC claims the suspension on drilling will result in lost jobs and wages in Louisiana. A federal judge will decide Wednesday whether to overturn the ban.Kenneth Feinberg, the Independent Claims Facilitator of the $20 billion fund for victims of the spill, is in the Gulf region to begin implementing a plan to dispense funds to victims of the spill. He says the plan will likely be in place in 30 to 45 days, and after that time future claims will be addressed within 30 to 60 days of submission. He and his associates have also started arranging town hall meetings across the region, where people can discuss concerns and learn how to file claims.

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

Weekend …&some News


This week ended in calamity…Well, new information this Saturday afternoon to top off all the nonsense of all things BP and associates have said and or done this last week -a real fU moment to Americans … Apparently, BP CEO Tony Hayward was seen sailing in his yacht getting his life back. Though the Media is trying to tie the President’s & Vice President’s Saturday golf game to the BP person out sailing I have to say ish on it. There had to be a lot to talk about and what better place to say exactly what you want without a live mic on and if a deal needs to be made no one else has access to the information … hey- there are the two of them out there .. In addition, the FBI/Body Guards…if anything makes the airwaves -you know the guilty party. People do use golf for meetings why not think something positive is going on not something negative or self-serving…

I do not agree with any so-called journalist’s comments about where the President should be or how he is handling himself. Where was all this talk and or nonsense when Bush took Americans for an 8yr ride and then ruined our economy the double standard is astonishing, offensive and the whole notion of polls having any meaning is just strange… I didn’t get polled …who got polled and what percentage were Republicans how many were white men or women, were minorities included and what percentage  men and women were included in these polls …

If you were listening to American TV and or radio you would have heard that Tony Hayward stepped down… not so. If you were listening to the BBC and or overseas radio, the fact is he is still in CEO mode but I have a feeling this ceo will no longer be taking the witness stand unless forced and we probably will not see him with a mic in his hand. The other strange things heard on British radio are the overwhelming negative complaints edging on disdain feelings toward our President. These feelings and comments are beyond me since reports and evidence that Americans did want this President to go after BP. The People of the USA wanted the President to get funds for the people on the Gulf Coast. The reports are that the British people feel our President is such an actor that it is making them disrespectful of his intent; which was and still is to make the people on the gulf coast completely whole again. In addition, BP cannot fix the damages they inflicted on the Gulf Coast but they can pay until they fix the economy there. However, if you listened to the folks on radio we seem to be making a mountain of a molehill…that I find absurd. In addition, the little people or small people comment from the British radio folks felt the comment was appropriate, because the spill did hurt the little people.

The British compared the people on the Gulf Coast to the people like Congress and or the President and they make their wages from the water and or the things that help their people. I actually think he said exactly what he meant because it was a comparison made between aristocrats vs. the small people -maybe cable heads asked but I don’t remember the exact answers to it; go figure. I knew exactly what that man meant and it was offensive. I also got the impression that getting real answers will be harder than they were if not more because according to British radio the drama the yelling and screaming from the panel was a joke to them. In addition, when pressured about the lives lost. It seemed like they were sorry but that jobs with risk are just that- risky.

The other wacky and or offensive behavior this week was the lack of cooperation going on in Congress. It was just strange that the House and Senate Democrats either didn’t sync up their votes or didn’t care because major miss-communication went on to the point where major and I mean major progress was lost because of scheduling, planning or just plan ole incompetency. There were major votes that went on this last week and while there were miscues in both Chambers the biggest offensive miscues were the vote for Medicare and Veteran coverage. The doc fix was in line to be voted on after Republicans managed to stall and block HR4213 which, would have helped millions of Americans; but Republicans and a couple of Democrats made a deliberate choice to block a jobs bill.

The Senate finally decided under the max Baucus amendment to help doctors and our Vets; but after the final vote, which passed; politicians started claiming victory for progress. Then, within hours of the vote, journalists were stating the doc fix was too late because the House was not in session until June 21. My first thought was: how could this be, how could they not prepare for a special session to get the fix in before claims would be processed at the lower rate and will definitely cost more for tax payers and providers. The Democratic Party needs to make sure they are available so miscue -votes never happen again. The Democratic Party is supposed to be organized and in control, they need to act like it.

Other News …

The students taping the Democratic Congressman was in error and should have id’ himself and got permission to tape before s–there have been instances of violence toward our politicians and no one can blame D. Bob Etheridge apologies should be given by both sides.

C-SPAN …

In his weekly address, President Obama criticizes congressional Republicans for blocking legislation on a variety of issues including the extension of unemployment benefits, tax credits for first-time homebuyers, and over 100 nominations for federal positions.

watch Pres. Obama’s Weekly Address