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

wandering Wednesday &some News


Last night, the President delivered his first National Oval office speech. It was obvious the speech would not be good enough for cable talking heads, mostly pundits.  This is a moment when we need to support President Obama; we need to be united in solidarity for this President. We all need to support and or challenge; some or us would like him to be more left of center.  I do feel like he needs to get rid of Rahm because his ideals may not be the same that voted him into office.  I also feel there are reasons none of us know and may never know why Rahm is the catch all or helper in chief… i wish it were someone more left of center but that being said… I still will support our President and his efforts to bring us into the 21st Century… We all need to work on the members of Congress to follow this effort

The speech dealt with what happened on the Gulf Coast, the commitment to make BP pay, admitted that the moratorium will hurt people but the need to make sure people are safe as well as the equipment and while the guys on Msnbc wanted him to put the skews on BP maybe jack them up? I have to say viewers like me prefer the calm and reasonable President of the United States. The last person was loud and though he was commander in chief, he took himself way too seriously at time and not enough on other occasions when possible. And we all have to be thankful that the Mccain/Palin ticket was voted down by 53%, the President will appoint specific people to move forward toward any and all progress and while he gave the people information; people seemed to think he was suppose to tell them everything involved. This is Not going to happen. It was strange to hear folks really feel he had left out the most important things.  That is a subjective comment; it is more likely that as the Commander in Chief, covered what he thought Americans needed to know. It will not be the last time he will address the nation because unfortunately this BP disaster will affect not just the Gulf Coast; this thing will affect tourism, the restaurant biz, hotels housing, as well as the seafood maybe for decades.

Currently, folks are listening to Steph miller show that had Washington State Congressman Jim McDermott; who has been a champion for us here in Seattle as well as all Americans; keep it up! her other guest: Chris Matthews has a documentary about the extreme right.  I will Not be watching the Chris Matthews show because it seems like it’s stirring up the right to act out and that is scary for me; it makes my skin crawl and though it’s an attempt to shine the light on the extreme right it just seems to give them too much air time for me.

Today, the President will meet with  BP executives and get these people to do what is right for the people on the Gulf Coast the Wetlands, Marshes, Estuaries and beaches …the list could go on. Hopefully the families of the 11 men/women who died that day will be given appropriate restitution because it looks like those oil workers were an after thought.

The republican party as well as 20 democrats voted against closing the gas tax loopholes yesterday; which was a disappointment to me as a voter knowing we need Dems in Congress to work for the people but are still siding with the oil industry; not for the People. The fight to keep the Clean Air Act alive was not that hard though it was offensive  Murkowski’s dirty twist got on the floor of Congress to be dealt; she tried and failed though 5 Democrats voted with her; which is a big disappointment for our Environmental progress. The Democrats who chose to weaken the Clean Air Act and failed should be held accountable:  Blanche Lincoln(AR), Even Bayh(IN), Mark Pryor(AR),Mary Landrieu(LA),Ben Nelson(NE),John Rockefeller(WV), which was surprising; why did Rockefeller vote against this thing. Please call your Senator if listed above to support progress into major climate change and energy policies we need for our children’s future.

Other News …


C-SPAN …

President to face BP execs at white house meeting

Pres. Obama will meet with BP executives where he will discuss a victims compensation fund for those impacted by the Gulf oil spill. BP chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg, CEO Tony Hayward, Robert Dudley head of a new disaster management team and Lamar McKay, head of BP America will all to meet with the President to discuss an escrow plan as well as BP’s cleanup efforts. Later, a Senate Homeland Security Subcommittee will examine the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, focusing on ensuring a financially responsible recovery. Last night, in his first ever message from the Oval Office, he offered a plan that included making BP pay for all costs associated with the accident. Yesterday, top executives of the five largest oil companies, including BP America, testified at a House Energy Subcommittee hearing and attempted to distance themselves from the fallout of the Gulf oil spill.

watch President Obama: Oil Spill Address (Tues)
watch Pres. on BP meeting: c-span.org at 12:15pm ET
watch Senate Homeland Subcmte: c-span.org at 3pm ET
visit Complete C-SPAN Coverage: Gulf Oil Spill

Sen. Armed Services continues hearing on Afghanistan after Petraeus takes ill yesterday

During testimony yesterday at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Gen. David Petraeus took ill and was ushered out of the hearing room before he could further detail the planned 2011 drawdown of U.S. troops in Afghanistan. The General returned 20 minutes later to reassure the committee that he was “just dehydrated” only to be dismissed for the day when Chairman Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI) announced the hearing in recess. The committee will resume today and continue discussions on the drawdown along with questions about the upcoming military offensive in the southern city of Kandahar, which has traditionally been a stronghold for the Taliban.

Conferees Continue to Negotiate Details on Financial Reform Bill

Members of the House-Senate Conference Committee on financial regulation meet for a third day of deliberations on the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010. The 43 committee members, or conferees, will debate and negotiate on sections of the bill related to investor protections, executive compensation and corporate governance – as well as rules governing audits of the Federal Reserve. The bill contains 12 major sections and spans almost 2000 pages.  The committee hopes to have a bill approved by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by President Obama by July 4th.

watch Hearing on Oil Spill Impact on Health

watch Interview with Sen. Dorgan

watch Pres. Obama Remarks to Military Personnel watch Pres. Obama with Local Officials

watch North Carolina Debate

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

thoughtful Tuesday &some News


Isn’t it enough to hear Republicans use this moment to jack the President all around not to mention talking heads say and or imply this PR problem will bring the President down? Now we have to hear progressives/libs say this that or the other; people have no idea what was actually going on and we never will but to piece together information given by talking head is just wrong. This week has been tough because the talk has become very toxic on the airwaves … many people stirring up trouble for the President and or second-guessing what this BP oil spill will do to his Presidency. It is obvious we have to say it is irritating to have to listen to my own Political Party try and put his behavior in a box. The point is he has to do what he can to get to the ultimate end. The last guy did everything for the Corporations and nothing for the People and some of us may not agree with some of the President’s efforts and a lot of us don’t agree with Rahm being in the circle of people  he listens to because he often doesn’t share our ( 53% ) left of center attitude. What I see and please if anyone feels different i am sorry; this comment was not made to hurt or make people mad.  I just don’t understand why it seems like more White People seem to hold him to a higher standard and it’s usually comes  is that most white men progressives and or libs have been the worst whining ever. If we have to pick between the McCain/Palin ticket and the President we have -Please! there is no question President Obama has obstacles to jump over and our own party is willing to shoot us as well; it’s very upsetting and instead of beating up on him we need to stand up for him and stand beside him. Democrats have a huge tent and that tent is full of people willing to kick someone to the curb if they do not do what they want. Republicans not only support other Republicans they back their members no matter what…it is disgusting but they do. Is it just me or do men; mostly white men feel that they have that much knowledge above our President? Is it a racial thing? Yes Rahm is there pulling some strings and this President needs to reconsider his circle of advisors…why? Because more than one stated they tried to talk him out of pursuing HCR- if true that in itself should tell the President some people, need to be let go if they obviously did not support his efforts? That is a red flag for me. I do not know if the administration made deals but most voters feel the President should listen to the people who put him into office in the long-term vision of what happens in 2012. I am very upset with radios stations that choose to criticize the PR aspect of this whole BP disaster because unfortunately these people are causing decent among fellow Democrats and are  forming the circular firing squad. It seems like common sense that people on the airwaves that are left of center need to remember that the public listens to their comments. The question we all need to ask is how often these comments turn on the President, when we need to support this President.

Other News …


C-SPAN …
~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

manic Monday …& some News


Today, President Obama will be on the Gulf Coast to see the progress damage and to take BP to task for what are apparently incompetent efforts to stop this gusher from covering most if not all of the Gulf of Mexico. I have to say the talk about going off oil cold turkey is just not that easy and for progressives/libs to say this that and the other is just silly; we all know that anything like solar wind and biofuels in quantities needed to make a difference will take years; we import major parts as it is now just for Wind Turbines …so, even as we try to move toward self-sufficient behavior we need to find products that can be made here in America like Solar parts Wind Turbine Parts not just the panels and or blades or tower for the turbine; we are behind and that needs to be corrected ASAP.  It doesn’t make sense to say ok we go green when we all know that the parts needed are made in other countries…they are ahead of us…we need to find companies here and finally support them but we will obviously need to wean ourselves off oil not stop cold turkey… that is reality.

This is a call to action… anyone listening to the Bill Press show or who is more in tune with the beck knows that Glenn Beck is holding a rally on the same day MLK Jr gave his “I have a dream” speech.  It would be nice if a peaceful counter rally was held on that same day to honor and recognize MLK Jr’s I have a dream speech.  This is just wrong and offensive and it just seems like it is a moment beck has decided to exploit the day, the fact that it is a Black man and the spot as sacred as it is does not deserve to be used by him, Sarah palin or that guy marcus luttrell who seems to be against immigrants in general and to top this totally offensive thing off Jo dee messina will be there; a performing some of us use to respect and I guess totally were not completely informed.  If you go to his site the event is slated as a non-political non-partisan event to restoring honor -we all have the right to freedom of speech and rally it just seems like a sham, an exploitation and a platform for the extreme right disguised as a charity event for our service people -he says to honor our heroes, our heritage and our future… by making a tax deductible donations? Anyone want to find out how much will really go to the charity? how much will sarah palin, jo dee messina, marcus luttrell get out of this not to mention the glennbeck profits and will this rally be civil or will it practice exclusion code talk. Will bill cosby cross the line and go to this rally?

This is going to be a week that was big in all things Media because Congress; specifically the Senate is back and is being asked, hopefully pressured to pass legislation for a lot of things that need to be reformed so the ruined system that we now call the US financial crisis, internet neutrality,  the BP oil disaster, the donut-hole, tax-extenders the threat to repeal things that will help everyone not just the middle class or the poor; but have people in the upper class seen how the things that the house of Bush did but failed to pay for got us into this awful financial situation,  energy/climate change, HR4213 … This is a time where we can all see the crisis for what it is and a time to call our Senators to support HR4213 and any or all legislation that will regulate all things that have exploited de-regulation for all this years; no one in their right mind can honestly say de-regulation is a job killer or a profit killer when it plays profits against the very people we all know is us… We the People.

In other news that I found disturbing but confirms my earlier comments in my blog…  proves for me that the Private Sector is holding back; is not hiring people and this article by Tory from womenforhire.com talks about what people are finding complaining about and needs to be address at the Local,  State, Federal levels… there are new employment questions that seem inappropriate and it’s probably because the Private Sector gets tax credits aside from practicing exclusion …below is her article… it’s sad

Is it OK for Recruiters to Say “Must be Currently Employed to Apply?”
Talk about disturbing job ads. Last week The Huffington Post got a ton of outraged reaction to a piece about how some companies are saying that job applicants “must be currently employed” to be considered. Seemed like an incredible tactic for any company to take, since it wrongly implies that if you’re out of work you’re lazy or worthless. And it’s particularly stunning during one of the biggest economic downturns in history when millions of people have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and would love to work anywhere.
I did my own checking and sure enough, found dozens of postings for a wide variety of job sites—from medical sales jobs to business development to restaurant workers—which have that requirement spelled out in their postings. Predictably, when confronted, many of the companies backtracked, saying that the requirement was a mistake. Which makes me think it’s probably happening a lot. Could the unwritten rule at some companies be to ignore applicants who don’t have jobs?

What do you think? Does this bother you or are companies justified? Click to tell us your opinion.  http://blog.womenforhire.com/2010/06/is-it-ok-for-recruiters-to-say-1.html

Other News and what’s on C-SPAN …this week

DAILY GRILL

Flip Flop… John Boehner -source TP

“I’ve said from the beginning, BP needs to pay for the entire cost of this [Gulf oil spill].”
— House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH), 6/13/10

VERSUS

“I think the people responsible in the oil spill — BP and the federal government — should take full responsibility for what’s happening there.”
— Boehner, 6/10/10


**The White House is expected to issue new rules today “that strongly discourage employers from cutting health insurance benefits or increasing the costs of coverage to employees.” “The rules limit the changes that employers can make if they want to be exempt from certain provisions of the health care law passed by Congress in March.” TP

**The Treasury Department reported on Friday that for the first time, the amount of TARP funds “repaid by banks and other recipients has surpassed the outstanding balance.” Treasury officials said repayments had reached $194 billion, topping the $190 billion still outstanding. The program has “continued to exceed expectations, substantially reducing the projected cost of this program to taxpayers,” a Treasury official said.TP


**Tuesday at 9:30am (ET) on C-SPAN3
House Energy and Commerce Subcmte. Hearing with Executives From ExxonMobil, Chevron Corp., ConocoPhillips, BP America Inc. and Shell Oil Co.

watch Pres. Obama’s Weekly Address watch Republican Weekly Address

**Thursday at 10am (ET) on C-SPAN3
House Energy and Commerce Subcmte. with Tony Hayward, CEO, BP PLC

C-SPAN …

Financial regulation Conferees to begin debate tomorrow

Tomorrow, the 43-member House-Senate Conference Committee on financial regulation plans to start debate on the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010, which contains 12 major sections and spans almost 2000 pages.  Last week during opening statements, Chairman Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) announced that the committee will consider and possibly vote on amendments to change four titles in the bill: the Derivatives Markets Transparency and Accountability Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act, the Capital Markets, and the Non-admitted and Reinsurance Reform Act.   The committee hopes to have a bill approved by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by President Obama by July 4th.

Senate Continues Consideration of Tax Extenders

The Senate is expected to continue consideration of tax extenders legislation (HR 4213), a $140 billion package of tax extensions and social safety-net benefits. The Senate will likely spend the majority of this week on the legislation, but it is unclear whether Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has the 60 votes necessary to cut off debate on the bill. He needs at least one Republican to support a cloture vote and the underlying bill.

President Obama visits the Gulf Coast

Pres. Obama will make his fourth trip to the Gulf Coast today to assess the ongoing efforts to counter the BP oil spill. During the course of the trip, the President plans to visit Gulfport, Mississippi, Theodore, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, to survey the response efforts, visit with gulf residents impacted by the spill, and meet with area officials. Read More »

Upon his return to Washington tomorrow night, Pres. Obama will address the nation on the next steps in responding to the oil spill. On Wednesday, the President will meet with BP Chairman of the Board Carl-Henric Svanberg at the White House.   Also, the Coast Guard has sent a letter to BP executives stating that they need to come up with a better plan to collect more of the oil spilling into the Gulf and that they need to present this plan to the government soon.
~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

my Weekend wrap-up


The Sunday buzz… did the US win if it’s a tie or did we just embarrass England or maybe both

…and if you watch msnbc today the disaster BP made of the Gulf Coast will be on most of the day there may be other stations covering the BP disaster too; facts matter and opinion shows on what happened on the Gulf Coast are just that -opinions …so, take it in knowing no one has all the facts …who could?  There are at least two sides to every story and in the case of the BP spill we have stories from the Locals, State, Feds and international so the truth will always be a mystery …and who cares as long as the Gulf Coast gets cleaned up, more regulations implemented, the people are made whole, the Gulf Coast heals and though this thing was not President Obama’s fault it is time to go green.

The other big news this morning is that there will be a Presidential Address to the Nation on Tuesday about the crisis.  There are reports the President will go into great depth at how the BP disaster will be dealt with after his visit to the Gulf.  The BP disaster has problems on so many levels and though the current blame is on the Federal level when do we ask what plans each state involved in oil drilling had in order for safety to be at its highest. If Gulf Coast Gov’s had an emergency plans why weren’t they implemented ASAP.   It just seems like common sense that any state would have to comply with some sort of contingency plan what with all the permits and so on… but hey this was just one more element left for this current administration to deal with and to fix.  The notion that using short cuts to absorb more profits is beyond me; im no scientist but accidents do happen and while we all like to save money the oil industry is not the place and unlike Canada who definitely had 20/20 does have rules regulations and obviously no oil spills at the moment; however,  we now have 2 count them 2 that the public knows about because there are rumors of  others …Utah and the Gulf Coast are at risk and the livelihoods will forever be questionable

Other News and what’s on C-SPAN Sunday

President To Make Fourth Visit Gulf Coast

Tomorrow, Pres. Obama will make his fourth trip to the Gulf Coast to assess the ongoing efforts to counter the BP oil spill. During the course of the trip, the President plans to visit Gulfport, Mississippi, Theodore, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida, to survey the response efforts, visit with gulf residents impacted by the spill, and meet with area officials. On Wednesday, the President will meet with BP Chairman of the Board Carl-Henric Svanberg at the White House

Last week, lawmakers met to discuss raising the cap on liability damages for big oil companies from $75 million to $10 billion. BP said they will ignore the current cap and pay all legitimate economic claims. Mayors from the Gulf coast region also testified in on Capitol Hill, describing the extent of the damage and the challenges their communities are facing due to the oil spill. Actor Kevin Costner also spoke before Congress about a device developed by his company, Ocean Therapy Solutions, that he claims could help clean up the spill.

Rep. Bachus Discusses Financial Regulation Bill

Reacting to this week’s House-Senate Conf. Cmte. on financial regulation, Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-AL) discussed the Bill and its impact on the financial community. Reporters Brady Dennis of the Washington Post and Silla Brush of The Hill, questioned the congressman on the lack of Republican support and actions that led up to the financial crisis. While discussing the government’s intervention in financial regulations, Bachus said,”… just like the BP oil spill … they just kind of suggested it, why didn’t they require it?” Financial regulation conferees will begin debate on Tuesday.

**Crist Vetos abortion law that would basically try to embarrass the woman by making her watch and or listen to the sono

**Susan Boyle will perform for the Pope while he is in the UK

**A Whale was found washed up on a beach in NY..more info later

**The next Soccer match for the US is against Slovenia on Friday

**$169mil was set aside for security at the World Cup

**Iran is planning to build a new nuclear site by March

**Alabama beaches took the biggest hit from the BP oil spill and BP has 48hrs to speed up the containment pace

**US and Cuba will meet and re-establish talks on migration

Saturday -The US-England Soccer match ended in a tie… 1-1 World Cup Opener.

It’s a week of a lot of people coming together to protest the various things going on in the World not only this week but this weekend.

The week ends with no Medicare payments, no unemployment benefits and no job bill -Mr. McConnell we all know you and your Republican Party don’t care about We the People because if you did you as a leader in the Republican party would have tried to stop the car that had no one putting the brakes to metal… you and your party kept quiet, said and did nothing to stop the financial crash… people need to ask themselves what they want from the people they voted into office?  is anyone else getting tired of the BS coming from the right, the inability to do what’s best for all instead of a select few… the BS on the Hill has an impact on all of American and Republicans just don’t get it …seem willing to let us all crash and burn to get back in power … that is offensive.

As more information comes out it’s obvious that the UK benefits from the BP/Halliburton/TransOcean connection…not only is the Media there saying stop or tone down the rhetoric the people who get checks from the profits are upset with the words coming out of the mouth of President Obama.  I wonder how many people understood the ramifications the backlash the apparent connection that is now possibly a UK -US rift.  It is just one of many things the last guy left for Obama to handle and possibly the exact reason he has tried to hold back any real heat and anger that may have consequences on not only getting BP to complete the mission at hand but any further jobs and or deals made could be in jeopardy… Gov Jindal and others want deepwater drilling have stated have compared this disaster to the airlines… if one plane crashes  all the others are not pulled just because of it… well you know what maybe they should be; maybe the airline industry deserves more safety inspections too because it’s obvious the various oil rigs need relief wells before drilling begins… any and all rules regulations and policies reformed before further drilling just seems like a fitting gesture to all those who died, for all those who lived and told their stories, which seem horrible and full not only of disorganization ill prepared plans actually no plans and a group of people willing to bet against an accident… though the evidence if reports are correct these companies bet safety against the people who worked for them and the environment… this is just unacceptable. The folks of the UK are complaining the UK Media is attack President Obama about the 54 days without much progress -question is what if an American rig blew and 11 British died, what then how would David Cameron be talking and what would he do if the explosion destroyed the lives of so many… the idea that our President has to stop or tone down the comments about BP are absurd and offensive to the families who lost loved ones.  It is beyond me to think the people of the UK are this cold… Profits before the People is wrong and what has happened will take decades to heal… obviously the UK doesn’t believe it and that’s ok. The comments made by our President are warranted and reflect how he feels about the devastation of the Gulf Coast that will be felt for a long time. And his meeting with the UK PM is just strange because the BP oil spill is in the US and if nothing else maybe the guy can assert some pressure on BP to contain the gusher faster maybe offer up some skimmers or oil tankers so more oil can be siphoned off.

The other news that made an impact on me was that a mobster stated that he could prove that Amanda knox was innocent; ok that seemed like such a story, yet it was only a blurb and moved on…guessing the story doesn’t have much weight but it seems like someone spoke or talked and this should be investigated…the girl went to Uw and though she has been convicted the likelyhood of her innocence seems more than just a reality based on what they didn’t hear in court; not to mention that the judge had his own issues and personal agenda…could it be that this drifter acted alone that the connection was that someone brought home a drifter who then acted out… who knows but just hearing that documents written in italian and or french were not translated for Amanda is troubling… fair and balanced when a person’s life is at stake just seems a world away in her case.

The push for not only climate change, health care updates comprehensive immigration and more seem to be closer than ever before.  It’s nice to know that a President and or Congress actually want to make changes or for that matter work for the people and not so much for Corporations… though that has been the problem right? getting the fix requires upsetting all those big Corporate folks… the crisis helped put light on the very problem… de-regulation hurt us all; the World made bets on products that were destined to fail though only a few knew about it ahead of time; those who had an opportunity to change things didn’t and does anyone remember where bush was went it all went sour? mccain had the nerve to say our economy is sound- now his Political Party wants to say no to all the fixes to bring this President down so that when and if they get back into power they will ween us all off of entitlements tell us all to rely on yourself neighbors to help out that govt is too big that the only ones to benefit should be the top 2% and well it just gets worse… Republicans don’t represent a We the People existence to me; in fact the more they talk the more i hear a group that would prefer the days back when women did little else than take care of the home, having no aspirations for the future and people of colour were seen and not heard.  People need to get the facts about what happened before bush left office why didn’t his admin head this thing off before it got so bad nothing could be done… it was like a movie gone way beyond the gloom and doom…didn’t hear the gloom or doom until it was already upon us… it was unreal and though it took at least 8yrs to get us here people are impatient refuse to remember seem to forget what happened… we cannot let that happen yet… the problem is still the last guys fault until the fix is put in place and that process is not lost on me;everything associated with the original problem was has and still is vulnerable of being ruined beyond repair …how can anyone vote for Republicans when that is just what they seem to have in mind.

The president said he is “absolutely willing to take the difficult steps necessary to lower the cost of Medicare and put our budget on a more fiscally sustainable path. But I’m not willing to do that by punishing hardworking physicians or the millions of Americans who count on Medicare. That’s just wrong. And that’s why in the short-term, Congress must act to prevent this pay cut to doctors.”

In other news and what’s on C-SPAN

more airline strikes; Spirit Airlines strands thousands

after 134yrs an Oyster Co closes it’s doors due to the BP oil spill

watch Pres. Obama’s Weekly Address

watch Spkr. Pelosi Briefing

watch Admiral Allen Daily Oil Spill Update

watch Pres. Obama on Small Business

BP still working on limiting amount of oil spilling into gulf

BP recently announced it will expedite its payment process to businesses and individuals who have been affected by the Gulf oil spill. They also have plans to capture and burn about 420,000 gallons of oil a day in an attempt to reduce the amount of oil on the Gulf surface. Next week, Pres. Obama will visit Mississippi, Alabama and Florida and has invited BP executives for a meeting at the White House. Last week, lawmakers met to discuss raising the cap on liability damages for big oil companies from $75 million to $10 billion. BP said they will ignore the current cap and pay all legitimate economic claims. Mayors from the Gulf coast region also testified in on Capitol Hill, describing the extent of the damage and the challenges their communities are facing due to the oil spill. Actor Kevin Costner also spoke before Congress about a device developed by his company, Ocean Therapy Solutions, that he claims could help clean up the spill.

watch Complete C-SPAN Coverage: Gulf Oil Spill

TSA nominee faces Senators on collective bargaining

The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee held a hearing to review Pres. Obama’s third nominee for the head of TSA, John Pistole, a deputy FBI director. Pistole faced questions on the airport screening process, and the effectiveness of the terrorist watch list. Another major issue of discussion was his views regarding internal labor issues, like collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. If the Commerce Committee approves of his nomination, it will move to the Senate Homeland Security Committee for review before coming to the full Senate.  Obama’s first nominee, Errol Southers of the FBI, withdrew in January, blaming critics motivated by “political ideology” for the troubles surrounding his nomination. The second nominee, Maj. Gen. Robert Harding, withdrew in March, citing “distractions caused by my work as a defense contractor would not be good for this Administration nor the Department of Homeland Security.”

watch TSA Confirmation Hearing (6/10)
visit Transportation Security Administration
visit Senate Committee on Transportation
read Congress Daily: Obama Picks FBI Veteran …

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

TGIF… &some News


Today, is definitely a day to slowly breathe deep & release your breath slowly … repeat as needed.

This has been the end of a strange week of eye opening events … The BP CEO actually thought buying tv spots to make them look good, which are not cheap are playing on basically all cable stations at a moment when the people on the Gulf Coast are having trouble getting payments just to get by; how can a 30second or longer Advertisement spot stating we’re sorry be rational? now we hear that BP has hired people from the last administration, more specifically Cheney’s group to help with the PR problems;  possibly anything legal as well.  My advice– it’s too late; the public will not give BP a pass, they have to pay up and get up to date on those who need that money now because their livelihoods have been destroyed by the oil spill.

The press and some progressives out there are already talking about the down fall of the President and being a one term President.  I object reject and feel that his base also includes people of colour and when people on cable and or radio say Obama has to do this that and the other for his base they do not include people of colour; they say progressives, the middle class environmentalists and we are in all those categories …we are a group…people of colour in themselves are Obama’s base and this should not be forgotten by anybody; even the current immigration issue has brought more Latinos on board.  Republicans like McCain have shown their cards and they say No to a comprehensive immigration package and continue to stall and or block movement toward getting comprehensive immigration.  The fact that Gov Brewer will be enacting laws that legalize racial profiling is something President Obama should jump on ASAP; this issue will definitely increase his base; if he and the Democratic Party does the right thing.  We all know immigration will effect us economically and any and all elections in the future.

The Democratic Party should challenge each other preferably during Primaries but i have a problem with letting a Republican get into office over any Democrat; we need to challenge our party but when the November elections come; sitting out just seems wrong.

It was very upsetting to hear what happened in South Carolina and the Democratic choice? Alvin Greene; how in the world could a guy who is unemployed, just got thrown out of the military who had no website no big rallies …as he put it; they had just a few meetings and claimed that the 10thou needed to get on the ballot was his… ok; we all know the military does pay our guys money so that seems plausible, but the felony charge didn’t come out until after 60% voted for this guy in what is called an open primary. I am personally offended because my i have a brother who served and really this guy is an embarrassment to anyone who served; he needs to accept responsibility for the lies tell the authorities what exactly went down because he is not qualified and foremost he needs to step aside; stop saying no… Man you got to go.  This has to be investigated and somebody needs to get fired for letting this guy get on the ballot in the first place; the race card has nothing to do with this , it was a reckless move by somebody clearly out of control and if Republicans are involved; South Carolina needs a verbal beat down and a lot of legal action should be happening ASAP.

The Arlington National Cemetery has been under investigation for quite sometime; reports that several if not hundreds of Military Personnel buried there have been misplaced and or the markers do not match the names listed; which, is on printed paper not online; that in itself is so offensive but to know that people were hired to take our soldiers in, get them ready for what use to be specified plots for family has somehow become a group of stupid people who either didn’t care were not qualified or both who probably got paid a lot of money committing a most egregious act that will never be forgotten or forgiven by some of us who have family buried there.

Other News …


C-SPAN …

watch Pres. Obama on Small Business

watch Spkr. Pelosi Briefing

BP to Speed up Payments; Obama may meet with BP Executives

Yesterday, BP announced it will expedite its payment process to businesses and individuals who have been affected by the Gulf oil spill. Also, the government said that more oil then previously announced is leaking from the broken pipe. BP also has plans to capture and burn about 420,000 gallons of oil a day. Testing on the burning system should begin this weekend, with full production planned to start early next week.

Next week, Pres. Obama plans to visit Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. Also, the White House has invited BP executives to meet with the President next Wednesday.
watch WJ: Discussion on Oil Spill: Available Later
watch C-SPAN Oil Spill Coverage watch Adm. Allen Briefing: From Yesterday

financial regulation Conferees to begin debate next week

Yesterday, the 43-member House-Senate Conference Committee on financial regulation had its first open meeting with members giving opening statements. Chairman Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) announced that the committee will resume next Tuesday, June 15, and will start to debate and possibly vote on amendments to change four titles in the bill: the Derivatives Markets Transparency and Accountability Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act, the Capital Markets, and the Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act.

The Committee will combine the two versions of the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010. Senate Banking Chairman Chris Dodd (D-CT) is expected to play a key role as the principal author of the Senate bill. The combined bill contains 12 major sections and spans almost 2000 pages. The committee hopes to have a bill approved by both chambers of Congress and signed into law by President Obama by July 4th.

Experts Discuss Iran One Year After the Election

One year ago, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected to a second term, sparking protests and violent clashes between dissidents and police. Fearing a resurgence of violent protests, Iran’s opposition leaders canceled a rally to mark the election’s anniversary on Saturday, June 12. Today, the Democracy Council is hosting a series of panel discussions on last year’s election and its aftermath. Panelists explore the human rights issues involved and the role that technology plays in relaying information, as well as the influence of the protest movement on U.S. foreign policy.

On Wednesday, the UN Security Council approved new sanctions against Iran designed at curbing Iran’s nuclear aspirations by imposing financial curbs, arms embargos as well as other punitive measures.

watch Panel Discussion: NOW on C-SPAN2