Category Archives: ~ my 2cents …

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

Monday mashup …&some News


Primaries do matter even though the  whole nation is watching how the President is reacting to the current incidents happening in the World these days; The Democratic Party needs to GOTV in Alabama, Mississippi and in New Mexico.

The BP oil disaster is definitely an unprecedented event  because of its effects on the environment, habitat, wildlife, Marshes, Wetlands, the fishing and  tourism industries.  This oil drilling disaster effects an area of our country that depends on the Gulf Coast for their economy… that is why some folks are calling this thing unprecedented, we all feel it’s definitely a criminal act. The Reports that BP shares have plunged is some consolation but as investigators go through the evidence, the  Media videos and more; BP and the other 2companies are still in charge of the outcome.  The Press, the residents of the Gulf Coast,  some Politicians and  some Military Personnel feel the government should takeover, pay for it and then hit BP with a receipt, bring in tankers and more but there has to be a reason, a law that ties the hands of our government and if so keeps BP in charge but there is a paper trail, videos and guys like Cousteau Jr. able, willing to dive check out the reality of the situation and are reporting their findings to the commission so any misinformation from BP can be  dealt with by the President in the future.

The President gave Americans an Update on the BP oil disaster today. The press conference was good it showed the public that our government is doing what it can given the facts; he will also be meeting with the Oil Disaster Commission.  It is obvious this guy was the right one voted  President because the hits keep coming …immigration, SB1070, birther laws,  Wall Street Reform, Health-care insurers still trying to find ways to get out of being reformed, DADT, fighting NKorea-SKorea and Israel acting up or against an attack and then we have Republicans who seem determined to  keep us from progressing … the Political Party of No and this behavior will affect us all people; not just Democrats … people on the right say they don’t want big government … until they need it and while it’s offensive it’s hard to truly believe that come mid-terms -voters, sane Americans will vote for Republicans who have shown no compassion, continue to be the Political Party of No and have no plans or solutions for what their party started  a Recession that really probably was a depression to begin with but things are better now… when Bush took office there was a financial surplus but then someone must have said let the de-regulation begin. We must challenge the President and Congress to have courage to Reform the entities that have made choices that have effected us in such negative ways; it is not the time to bash the President it’s time to back him as we move into the 21st Century … it means cleaning up, reforming everything the last guy left  … it means possibly moving more to the left of center to get things done because it’s obvious the last guy only worked for a select few and looked the other way when it came to regulating the various entities he supposedly controlled which if the reports are right …booze sex drugs and lies

It is obvious that the efforts to stop the BP oil disaster have failed. I know i’m not the only one feeling helpless and we all want to know why it will take so long to dig relief Wells; some of us see this as just another stalling tactic and if otherwise BP needs to be much more transparent than they have been for the last 40days. The politics we all see playing itself out on land and in the water as BP and Associates seem to be keeping information to themselves, have no idea what they’re doing and want to say one thing do another or do say and hope everyone forgot… it’s offensive.

It’s definitely a morning and a day to  reach to the sky breathe in deeply through the nose and release your breath slowly and lower your arms and upper body down as you release your breath and repeat; probably more and more as the news and day wears on.

After a long Memorial weekend which honored our men and women who served bravely in the Military…my brother included. I was very upset that some veterans were miffed as the News called it that the President didn’t show up at Arlington National Cemetery; first, he is not the only President to have done this and why shouldn’t he pay respect to others who have served in the Military bravely… maybe start a new ritual of going to different states to pay respects because  it does leave out other soldiers who are just  as important.  It is an incredibly nice thing for him to have done and a really strange thing for Vets to complain about.

The weekend ended with the bad news about the top kill failure and news that a pipe will need to be cut but it will also release more oil into the Gulf and lately the comments from BP/Halliburton/Transocean personnel have been less than genuine which is just bad news in general.  The oil gusher on the Gulf Coast should be called a national disaster and treated as such.  This thing is effecting a whole way of life on the Gulf Coast and will only get worse, the damage will take decades to fix.  We have men and women who make their living on the Gulf Coast itself trying to help clean this stuff up and getting sick.   The numbers are increasing and what does Tony Hayward say; he states that it’s probably food poisoning and describes the close quarters, the environment,  the tent city so on and so forth; that the army marches on it’s stomach? unbelievable.  It was unreal to hear and see him get on camera and think people will believe the stuff coming out of his mouth.  The symptoms listed by the people of Louisiana trying to help clean up the land … are having trouble breathing, upper respiratory problems, dizziness as well as nasal passage issues. I have had food poisoning and those symptoms don’t come close.  The three stooges need to listen up and understand people aren’t as naïve as they think; that everyone in the country is watching and dissecting what is being said and done on the Gulf Coast and it’s personal…

And as we all wait for the storms, some say incredibly horrific hurricanes to come because it is Hurricane Season; reports are that there is a chance some of it might just come on land and  destroy the beaches, overrun the Marshes, Wetlands and even more might make it toward mainland as well.  It’s time for a change in the way the oil disaster is being handled and the President should consider it a national disaster as the effects on the environment, the wildlife habitat, the floor of the Gulf, the oyster beds, shrimp, not to mention the fish and tourism industry again, will take decades to recover.  The BP lies need to stop and the negativity toward what President Obama has and is doing respected; after all a Parish Leader stated that after he spoke to the President he changed his mind; that President Obama did not have all the information but soon after major changes were made and equipment available …The President is just as concerned about what is happening on the Gulf Coast  as the rest of us but because the Government is not involved in oil clean up business … it has got to be tough to sit back and wait.

Waiting … how many of us are waiting to find out just what will it take for advertising sponsors to drop TV, radio and print personalities who seem to promote, spew hate and racism when they want without being reprimanded by station owners and or stations they work for.  It just seems someone has to take more action as the comments coming from these people are out of control.

Other News …

**Seattle,WA lawmakers will be taxing candy, water and A Beer Tax at .28cents per six-pack to help pay for the 1.28 financial deficit

**

**BP’s CEO Tony Hayward, who has insisted that the oil spill’s impact on the Gulf of Mexico would be “very, very modest,” finally conceded today that the ecological consequences will be far worse. He upgraded his assessment of the impact of the oil spill to an “environmental catastrophe.”TP

**The President of Peru will meet with President Obama today

**Primaries in Alabama , Mississippi and New Mexico today


C-SPAN …

watch V.P. Biden at Arlington National Cemetery

South Carolina Gubernatorial Candidates Debate

One week before South Carolina primary election on June 8, the Republican candidates for Governor debate tonight at Francis Marion University in Florence, SC.@7pm   A recent poll shows State Rep. Nikki Haley leading her opponents, U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, state Attorney General Henry McMaster and Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, following a Haley endorsement by 2008 GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin. In the week since the poll was released, allegations surfaced of an extramarital affair between Haley and a conservative blogger two years ago. Haley has denied the claims, saying “I have been 100 percent faithful to my husband throughout our 13 years of marriage… This claim against me is categorically and totally false.” Tonight’s debate is sponsored by the university, in partnership with WBTW-TV News 13 and the Florence Morning News. The Democratic candidates debate this Thursday at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. The primary election winners will face off in the November general election to succeed outgoing Gov. Mark Sanford.

Israeli PM Cancels White House Visit to Tend to Attack Aftermath

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has canceled today’s scheduled White House meeting with President Obama and returned to Israel following yesterday’s Israeli attack on ships carrying pro-Palestinian activists to the Gaza Strip. At least nine were killed and many more injured aboard the vessels, which were reported to be on an aid mission to the territory blockaded since 2007. A White House statement said President Obama spoke to Mr. Netanyahu and “expressed deep regret at the loss of life” in the incident, stressing the “importance of learning all the facts and circumstances” as soon as possible. The two leaders agreed to reschedule their meeting, seen as part of President Obama’s push to rekindle a lagging Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The President is scheduled to host Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for a White House meeting next week.

read WSJ: Flotilla Assault Spurs Crisis

Community Anger Builds as BP Attempts New Fix for Oil Leak

Gulf Coast residents were dealt another blow this weekend when officials announced the failure of the “top kill” effort to seal a pipe that has been gushing oil and natural gas into the Gulf of Mexico for more than a month. The spill is the focus of WIST-AM’s daily “Inside New Orleans” broadcast, which C‑SPAN simulcasts this afternoon. Hurricane season begins today and officials are concerned that the winds and surge of an early-season storm could drive even more oil towards shore. Already considered the worst oil spill in U.S. history, an estimated 12,000 to 19,000 barrels of oil are estimated to be leaking each day. Oil giant BP is now attempting to shear off the broken pipe a mile under water and place a containment cap that can funnel some of the leaking fuel to ships on the surface. Engineers are also preparing a pair of relief wells to divert oil and gas away from the damaged well and fill it with cement, theoretically stopping the leak for good. Those wells are not expected to be ready for at least two months.
“There’s no doubt that the ultimate solution lies on the relief well, which is in August,” BP Chief Executive Officer Tony Hayward said Sunday.

watch WIST Simulcast: C-SPAN at 1pm ET    watch LIVE Spill Cam
visit WIST-AM

watch Archive of C-SPAN Spill Coverage

Past Supreme Court Nomination Hearings Revisited

With the upcoming Senate Judiciary confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan set for June 28, C‑SPAN will spend this week revisiting past confirmation hearings. Beginning tonight, we will present the hearings for Chief Justices John Roberts (2005) and William Rehnquist (1986) and Associate Justices Stephen Breyer (1994), Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1993), Clarence Thomas (1991), Anthony Kennedy (1988), and Antonin Scalia (1986).
~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Weekend News&reviews …


While most of us will have a long weekend the BP spill is on all our minds and it does seem strange to watch a video of stuff coming out from the bottom of the Gulf but people are watching looking for something anything to change. A memorial for the 11 oil rig workers was held on Thursday; my condolences to every family who experienced a loss from this tragedy

The information BP has given out about the gusher has been slim, questionable and maybe as some have said outright lies; so, the President’s Press Conference helped some of us understand what has happened but isn’t reaching the viewer what with all the Media noise and meltdowns.  The media has actively reported their distaste  or made a decision to question the Presidents motives, behavior or response to the BP disaster without getting all the information first.

Republicans continue to use this awful event and mis-information  for their own political fervor  and the noise though loud; it’s clear that the initial information from BP was manipulated,  false then  turned into 39 days of adjusted comments and probably red herrings as one representative after the other gave out strange information or mis-spoke about how bad this is … or not … it’s a catastrophe  and 39 days later they finally admit that … unreal

Though it was frustrating to hear the Media toss verbal stones at the President, some reporters stated this was his Katrina…  and while most of us know and use our 1st amendment rights it just seemed like the rush to blame, point fingers and or act foolish by so-called journalists were far more than usual causing a lemming effect on all those around them.  It was nice to know i wasn’t the only one offended by comments from cable hosts like Chris Matthews who use their cable  platforms to speak out for as he put it “the American people”  first, they aren’t speaking for me.  In fact most stated how nice it was to have a President who was calm had some common sense not to mention poise and intellect.

Is it possible the melt-down  or comments from James Carville came from a bitter Hillary supporter as suggested on cable who received a lot of PR  making other talking heads jump on the bash the President wagon.  Some reporters said…We need to see his passion, to see he cares, some went so far as to compare him to a Politician from  Louisiana  obviously sad about what is going on; that was stupid on so many levels.

I want the News and true Entertainment from TV and or Cable; Opinion News is amusing at best, offensive when the comments from talking heads  are able to rally  folks against any one person in Politics or Entertainment and it’s time to say wait a minute is this your job ?   To think people from Cable actually think they merit, or  have enough credit to  make statements to purposefully change the outcome of a Poll, view or attitude about an Entertainer,  the President or  future elections just because he or she isn’t doing what these fools expect them to do seems un-American; definitely offensive… uh again, they don’t speak for me and if they are able to change peoples opinions by using their platforms then the public has either lost their minds and or the ability to think for themselves. I think we should all watch less Cable News and the people who own, work and manage Cable Stations need to  reevaluate what their presence on a local or national level is because it just doesn’t seem right to hear TV Hosts say they know what the people want or that they feel they represent the people watching … they shouldn’t be and it’s not the truth …it’s opinion News and it appears like it’s getting out of control.

We all have to ask ourselves what is the job of Cable hosts like Chris Matthews, Ed Shultz, Andrea Mitchell David Gregory, Joe Scarborough, John King. The notion that their job is to shape, sway or use Newspapers and or Polls to prove that what some reporter feels is better than our own ability to decide for ourselves is tiring and while i get it; controversy is good bring on the Pat Buchanan’s, Mary Maitland’s and others because they need to bring in more people, raise the numbers, the quotas; but it’s tired old and maybe time to change the format.

Other News ..

**The President has extended for another year a moratorium on most logging and mining

C-SPAN

Panel Probes Johnson & Johnson Children’s Medicine Recall

At a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing Thursday, pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson came under fire for the recent recall of children’s over-the-counter medicines manufactured by its McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit. The company has issued multiple recalls over the last two years, the most recent involving children’s liquid medications.
Witnesses at this event included Colleen Goggins (above), a top executive for Johnson & Johnson, and officials from the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has indicated that the agency is considering seeking criminal penalties against McNeil.

watch Hearing on Johnson & Johnson

Oil Spill Investigation Hearings Enter Final Day in Louisiana

In a final day of hearings, a joint investigation panel of the U.S. Coast Guard and Minerals Management Service will hear testimony from additional survivors that were aboard the Deepwater Horizon oil rig during the April 20th explosion.In their testimony, workers have been describing the vessel’s condition, crew qualifications and the state of emergency preparedness, as well as the moment-by-moment sequence of events leading up to the explosion. The blast killed 11 workers and injured 17 others before triggering the massive oil spill that has blanketed parts of the Gulf of Mexico in what estimates indicate is the largest spill in U.S. history. Previous witnesses described an argument between drilling managers prior to the accident. Jimmy Harrell, the lead manager for Transocean, the rig’s owner, testified he was concerned by a BP manager’s decision to forgo certain tests before sealing the well. That BP manager declined to testify Thursday, invoking his Fifth Amendment protection against

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

trending Thursday &some News …


The President will hold a Press Conference at 12:45pm ET today …watch!

FYI … Elizabeth Birnbaum, now ex- head of MMS has stepped down… Republicans like Issa, Pence  are trying to get out in front of the news with negative comments  …  the ex-head of MMS and others among the group were out of control and Republicans did nothing  to stop it.

LIVE Feed of Underwater BP Oil Spill

It’s truly a We the People moment …Today we find out if the Top Kill is going to work, the President will announce a 6month moratorium on deep-well drilling/Arctic Ocean drilling until the commission investigations are finished  the vote for DADT might happen today maybe Friday and while reports are that Senate Democrats have the 15 votes from Republicans for DADT… minus Scott Brown to pass the amendment; it still seems like the process by which it will be repealed is long…though it will be repealed; reports are that no soldier will be fired during the process.  Senate Democrats are having problems getting the unemployment benefits extended, stopping a pay cut to Doctors who have Medicare patients so they have decided to scale it back hoping to get Republican votes … stay tuned …radio/online.

The DADT amendment will be signed into law but then it has to be certified but not implemented until December of 2010.  It’s obvious the compromise was only accepted by Gates because of the long evaluating process involved with maybe the possibility of being pulled back  and adjusted at any moment. That being said; the vote for DADT will be watched by many, at least 70% of Americans say it’s time to end it and hopefully Republicans will have compassion to see the positive aspects of repealing DADT. It’s hard to believe how long the repeal of DADT has taken, it seems like such a simple thing but discrimination is an emotional, nasty and all-encompassing feeling and in the hands of lawmakers abused.  DADT will increase opportunities for people who want to serve the country and who have the skills needed to make positive outcomes in this War; this is just one of many votes that has Americans moving into the 21st Century.

President Obama is not only making strides to fix this economy but has kept his promises; and as we all look at the list of campaign promises expect to hear the Republican rhetoric from now until the November elections are over and you know what; political or not if something gets passed and it is for all Americans not just for the select few.  i say bring it … people seem to think and say he’s the President …well, if we want things to stick, be laws then we need the Congress to create make and pass the laws …such as the current compromised DADT amendment.

Other News …

NKorea is making threats toward SKorea/the US is pressuring China to support efforts to change the situation

**the Dow closed at almost 300 up

**Company that had safety issues with Military Helmets has stopped production

**Feds gave partial okay to start partial dredging




C-SPAN …

watch Spkr. Pelosi Briefing weekly-5/27

watch Hearing on Children’s Tylenol Recall

watch Pres. Obama Press Conference

President Announces New Drilling Regulations; Chief Regulator Resigns

President Obama announced new drilling regulations hours after Elizabeth Birnbaum resigned under pressure as head of the Minerals Management Service (MMS), the lead agency overseeing U.S. oil and gas drilling. The MMS has come under fire for lax inspections of the Deepwater Horizon rig prior to its April 20 explosion and an Inspector General’s report that identified inappropriate behavior and industry relationships by agency officials.  Early reports indicate moderate success in the “top kill” effort to stem the Gulf oil leak, now classified by government estimates as the worst spill in U.S. history. Federal officials, BP and Transocean executives are testifying at a House Natural Resources Committee hearing examining how the spill will affect America’s offshore oil and gas policy.

watch Hearing NOW on c-span.org watch Pres. Obama: From Earlier watch Hearing: Morning Session watch LIVE Spill Cam

watch Pres. Obama Remarks on Economy

watch Hearing on Young Workers in Recession

watch Oil Spill Hearing: Morning Session watch Oil Spill Hearing: Afternoon Session
visit Interior Dept. Report

Sec. Clinton to Outline New National Security Strategy

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will today preview the Obama Administration’s first National Security Strategy (NSS), a report submitted to Congress by each President to outline the intended U.S. response to major national security concerns. Her remarks at the Brookings Institution are expected to define standards on the use of military force and diplomacy and to identify ways to prevent nuclear proliferation and combat terrorism, including targeting the al Qaeda network.   Associated Press National Security Reporter Matt Apuzzo obtained an early copy of the NSS on Wednesday and will discuss its provisions on this morning’s Washington Journal.   Wednesday, Counterterrorism Adviser John Brennan said in a speech to the Center for Strategic & International Studies that the Administration places homegrown threats among the nation’s top national security concerns.
watch Brookings: c-span.org at 1:30pm ET    watch AP’s Matt Apuzzo on WJ: Available Shortly
read AP: Obama’s new security strategy …
watch Brennan at CSIS: Available Later

Officials Give Oil Spill Update as “Top Kill” Effort Continues

Federal officials and BP executives will today provide updates on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill response as an attempt to stop the leak by blasting mud and cement into the breach through a so-called “top kill” maneuver continues. First, Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) appears on the Washington Journal to give her opinion on efforts so far and potential federal aid for her state. Executives from BP and Transocean testify at a House Natural Resources Committee hearing examining how the spill will affect America’s offshore oil and gas policy. Later, President Obama is expected announce new offshore oil drilling regulations in advance of his trip to the region on Friday.

watch House Hearing: c-span.org at 10am ET
watch Pres. Obama: c-span.org at 12:45pm ET
watch Sen. Landrieu on WJ: Available Shortly
watch LIVE Spill Cam

Oil Rig Survivors Describe Moments Before Explosion

Two hearings today are expected to shed new light on the moments leading up to the April 20 explosion on the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil-drilling platform. The blast killed 11 workers and injured 17 others before triggering the massive oil spill which has blanketed parts of the Gulf of Mexico. In a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, survivors will share their experiences prior and during the disaster, and industry officials will discuss legal liability issues surrounding the accident. A joint investigation panel of the U.S. Coast Guard and Minerals Management Service will hear in New Orleans, La., from five survivors that were aboard the Deepwater Horizon at the time of the incident. Testimony yesterday included reports of an argument between rig managers debating the steps many investigators cite as possibly triggering the blast.

watch House Judiciary Hearing: C-SPAN3, 10am ET
watch Joint Panel: c-span.org at 9am ET

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

what’s up Wednesday &some News …


Hump day is definitely a day to be still then stretch up to the sky and… breathe in slowly through your nose, slowly breathe out… be calm, stretch and repeat …

FYI, a new report released yesterday, states the Congressional Budget Office found that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has “increased the number of people employed by between 1.2 million and 2.8 million” since it was signed into law. The report also found that the stimulus “lowered the unemployment rate by between 0.7 percentage points and 1.5 percentage points.”source/TP/

As we all count down the hours until the TOPKILL procedure from BP gets started. It’s not lost on me how unenthusiastic the group of three stooges seem to be about this whole thing being on any video let alone that it was schedule for today; got the feeling it may get pushed to another day.  There might be some hesitation because the worse case scenario is on their minds and you can see that on the face of at least Tony.   i could be wrong … definitely hoping this part of the overall situation will be over so the floating plumes can be siphoned off and the Marshes/Wetlands get the attention they need .

It is important that the EPA re-schedule the fundraiser, maybe any and all parts of the Obama PR group should work together more to make our President look exactly as he feels; though people are beating up on him when possible, this is the moment when the group needs to tighten up ranks, all hands on deck and better communication is essential.

It’s middle of the week and a whole lot of wacky behavior from the right, the left, political figures and some others  who are definitely doing some wacky things in pop culture … example below…while i crack up this guy is so out of touch …

The President has a lot of responsibilities;he has to be places that are not connected to the Gulf Coast gusher and though folks on the right are jumping on anything that makes him look bad, which seems status quo but Progressives and liberals have had an emotional reaction to this,  maybe a melt down but not much is being said about the history of  de-regulation in the Oil industry and what happens when people are left to self-regulate… MMS needs to be regulated and maybe some folks need to go …this  group is another problem child of many left over from the Bush Administration.

The fact that the MMS  was under the house of Bush Administration is not being covered as much at the nasty comments by folks having a fit over how the President should act instead of how he is actually acting. President Obama has to clean up a helluva lot of crap left by the other guy; who knew it was going to be so much and that it is this bad . The emotion is understandable when the livelihood of the people in the Gulf Coast are now in question and the wildlife endangered. It just seems like the President has been handed a bad stack of cards;  more issues, problems and corruption than any other in a time and more unprecedented events continue to happen; let’s get off the crazy train and back the President up and or find solutions…

The President is  campaigning in San Francisco for a candidate, will be checking on the Gulf Coast damage on Friday, went to a Democratic fundraiser and heckled by an LGBT leader; yelling you need to move faster on DADT.  As a minority I understand the need, the urgency for change regarding discrimination  but do the LGBT people  understand that the President does not make, create or pass laws? Congress is in control and he might have wanted to end DADT as soon as he was sworn in but DADT is one of many things Republicans and some Democrats  have stalled or  blocked and while high ranking Military Personnel have said they have served with gay soldiers as well as  knowing  that it is time to end a policy that is so outdated …there is the Gates effect; who has been the one man able to push ending DADT but has done nothing until now; Gates was put on the spot…it’s election season yes but who is making this a big deal …Gates.  When the announcement is made that DADT has ended; a document that states that any and all Military Personnel who engage in such behavior should be discharged; such as drinking while on duty, or sex among the soldiers of any gender. It just makes sense that everyone should be subjected to the same rules policies and political procedures of the Military and War; simple and to the point and then move on. It seems simple … just say it’s ended and move on.  Though reports from Think Progress found that House Republicans are poised to “mount a vigorous defense” of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” ready to “vote en masse against the defense authorization bill if it includes an amendment to repeal the law.” Meanwhile, Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) said yesterday that he “strongly opposes efforts to change the policy now,” suggesting he would against repeal.

The wacky behavior keeps on going …  the hits keep coming from Republicans in Arizona what with a birther law, legal racial profiling, ending Ethnic Studies, anchor babies, teacher’s with accent rules and so much more.  It makes you wonder what the first inhabitants would feel about how the Republican stewards are behaving and if it could get any wackier … Think Progress gives us more information; yesterday i remarked at the comments made by Mitch McConnell and his smirk regarding the request for bipartisanship from President Obama … which you could tell they smiled shook hands with him and then waited to get on camera and a mic to say negative things… again, this is not what we want working for We the People because they aren’t … this group of Republicans are too old too outdated and need to move into the 21st Century need to admit that in order for things to get fixed everyone must participate but clearly as Think Progress reports: Following a meeting with the President yesterday, Senate Republicans snidely dumped on Obama to the press. “He needs to take a Valium before he comes in and talks to Republicans,” said Sen. Pat Roberts (KS). “He’s pretty thin-skinned.” It was “pretty audacious that he would be here today as we move into election season using Republican senators as a prop to talk about bipartisanship,” said Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN).

Other News …

**Mayor of Mex,Cancun was arrested for possible drug allegations


C-SPAN …

watch Pres. Obama Remarks on Small Business

watch Rep. Frank on Financial Regulations

watch Sen. McConnell watch Sen. Reid

watch State Dept. Briefing

watch Senate Hearing: From Earlier read Statement by Henry Kissinger, et al on Treaty

Regulators Probed on Oil Spill Response, Ties to Industry

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and the director of the agency tasked with drilling oversight testify today at a hearing on the Gulf of Mexico oil spill response. Questions are also expected regarding an Interior Dept. report alleging misconduct and improper industry relations by federal drilling regulators. Meanwhile, BP engineers are attempting to stop the flow of oil using a “top kill” maneuver, which pumps heavy mud into head of the well at the sea floor.

watch House Natural Resources Cmte: 10am C-SPAN3

read WP: BP engineers prepare ‘top kill’

Congressional Oversight Panel Examines AIG “Bail Out” Funds

AIG President & CEO Robert Benmosche testifies today before the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) Congressional Oversight Panel on the more than $133 billion provided to his company through TARP and other government financial stability programs since September 2008. The panel, chaired by Harvard University Law Professor Elizabeth Warren, will also hear from Treasury Department and Federal Reserve Bank officials, as well as executives from investment and insurance ratings groups.  The Congressional Oversight Panel on the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) heard today from AIG President & CEO Robert Benmosche. “AIG is now on a clear path to repaying taxpayers,” he said. “At the end of the day, the U.S. government will make an appropriate profit.” His company received more than $133 billion since September 2008 through TARP and other government financial stability programs. The panel also heard from Federal Reserve & Treasury Department officials who have oversight over AIG. Federal Reserve General Counsel Scott Alvarez said he has no expectations that AIG would need additional funds from the Federal Reserve and that AIG is on a “path of sustainability.” Panel Chair Elizabeth Warren called AIG a “corporate Frankenstein” and the “costs of their mistakes should have been borne by AIG and its partners” and not the American taxpayers.

watch AIG Hearing: Morning Session watch AIG Hearing: Afternoon Session
visit Testimony of Panelists
visit Congressional Oversight Panel

In Second Meeting, Commission Assesses Fiscal Outlook

The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform, created by President Obama in February, today holds its second meeting to discuss the rising national debt and global fiscal outlook. 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.   Current forecasts project a U.S. federal budget deficit of $1.5 trillion this year, which White House economic adviser Lawrence Summers said this week can’t be addressed until economic growth gets back on a sustainable track.   Washington Post Business Columnist Steven Pearlstein shares his blueprint for combating the rising budget deficit on this morning’s Washington Journal.

watch Commission Meeting: From Earlier

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

Tuesday topics &some News …


It’s a day to Breathe in slowly through the nose then breathe slowly out and …sit be still and stay calm …

The agent of change is Americans and some 53% voted for it … now things are changing even though Republicans are the Political Party of No and clearly Obstructionists should be voted out of office not into Public Office when they clearly stand for Wall Street, Big Banks and AIG types

FYI.. there are reports that Obama is very upset that this BP oil gusher has not been plugged; question is …who has the know how, equipment and skills … point is not even the 3stooges have the skills; though they are profiting from the gamble or risk to the people or environment is clear. This current event or incident is not the President’s fault and it does surprise me to see people on the left freak out before or without finding out what can the government do or can’t do before lashing out and it is not his Katrina and how offensive that people on both sides of the aisle have gone there… Progressives and Liberals are far too willing to throw our leaders overboard and need to help find solutions instead of what being heard on the air waves …stop it! Support the President and think about where we would be with the Palin/McCain ticket or any Republican in Office at this time of unprecedented errors, blunders and corrupt behavior by people that he is trying to fix to get Americans back on track

As we move into full special and mid-term Election Campaign mode; the Hawaii special election was by all accounts a mistake in judgment, the Republican winner is only a temporary winner and it’s obvious that the Democratic Party will win in November when people of both Democrats combine votes and Win.

There have been many candidates out there saying crazy things on national television; mostly Republicans … then pull back, some are going off the campaign trail; like Rand Paul …some are making positive comments about the tea party movement then reversing their support within the same sentence; others have been caught with on-the-spot torture by talkingheads; while the written word has made a lot of people gasp at what a candidate did or said and last there was the john king interview or 3rd degree he tried to do on Joe Sestak has not gone away …he made me stop and wonder just what is he up to and as he quickly put the brakes on the uncomfortable interview by John King who had a big smirk on his face. Any and all Democratic candidates need to be ready for on-the-spot accusatory  questions … don’t go there!

The light of day on everything that BP didn’t do while saying they had it under control or was willing to gamble is coming out more and more. The count down is on for the Top-Kill to be implemented on Wednesday. The anger toward the government is palatable but it just seems misdirected by people who may just be misinformed about what may be a protocol conflict.  The facts from some in charge is that if the government did take charge what would they do to stop the flow when they don’t have the equipment. The other fact among many others; is …who ultimately would be responsible if something bad happens… til now the industry has regulated themselves, which, was instituted about 20years ago; the BP,Halliburton, TransOcean group maybe others have gotten away with too much.

The time for Reform and Regulation is now and if anyone has watched the video’s; it’s clear that this  is no longer a leak anymore but a gusher. We all might be mad but offering up solutions about how to siphon up the oil headed toward the beaches,Wetland,Marches and Estuaries; BP needs to admit they need help to keep the oil from other parts of the Wetlands and Marshes and that should be the focus of our government.

In other attempts to be bipartisan; The President met with Republicans and Mitch McConnell on national tv was very negative maybe aloof at what lays ahead of trying to get Americans back on track he stated that the President has been too left of center and if the President truly wanted bipartisan he would have to come back to the center …and as a voter this truly means that Mitch McConnell and his Republican associates will continue to be the Party of No and act as obstructionist in our move toward progress into the 21st Century; they continue to be on the Side of Big Money and Wall Street who do not want Financial Reform or to fix the problems that shoved us into the ditch created by mostly Republicans and a Republican President who did not pay for his legislation actions 2wars, major tax cuts for the rich … is this what Americans want?

Other News …

**The President is sending 1200 National Guard Troops to the Border of AZ

**President Obama will be going to the Gulf Coast to see the current damage

**The 2014 NFL Super Bowl will be played in New York City in New Jersey

**Reports of our President met with Republicans

**The violence in Kingston is out of control/travel alert is still in effect

**DADT compromise is on the table/Senate cmte Vote possibly on Thursday & implemented in 12/2010

**A memorial will be held in Jackson, MS for the 11 oil rig workers who died at 2pm

C-SPAN…

watch Pres. Obama Remarks on Small Business

watch Rep. Frank on Financial Regulations

Anti- fraud bill seeks to protect senior citizens

Elderly advocate organizations testify on the growing fraud trends targeting seniors at a House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. Representatives from AARP, Elder Abuse Victims Advocates, and the Elder Justice Coalition give their opinions on the Senior Financial Empowerment Act. The bill seeks to increase public awareness of fraud schemes and equip the public to identify and combat fraudulent activity.

President Obama Urges GOP support on immigration and energy legislation

In a rare Capitol Hill appearance, President Obama today met behind closed doors with Senate Republican leaders urging them for their cooperation in finishing work on measures to help create jobs and improve our economy. “The president told the conference that the Gulf oil disaster should heighten our sense of urgency to hasten the development of new, clean energy sources that will promote energy independence and good-paying American jobs,” the White House said in a statement after Obama’s luncheon.

watch GOP Leaders: From Earlier

watch White House Briefing 5/24

watch Gulf Oil Spill Press Conference  5/24

watch Lawrence Summers: From Earlier  5/24

Hearing Probes Oil Spill Liability

While oil giant BP attempts a new technique – called the “kill method” – to stop the flow of oil and gas from the month-old Deepwater Horizon leak in the Gulf of Mexico, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee today reviews financial responsibility issues stemming from the spill. Last week, BP announced that it intends to cover economic damages in excess of the present $75 million liability cap.  This morning on the Washington Journal, Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) discusses the federal government and BP response to the spill.

watch Sen. Cardin on WJ: LIVE on C-SPAN
watch Oil Spill Hearing: c-span.org at 10am ET

Fmr. Sec. of State Kissinger Urges Nuclear Treaty Ratification

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger provides his historical perspective on nuclear disarmament and U.S.-Russia relations in testimony to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today. The committee is reviewing the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) signed last month by President Obama and Russian President Dmitri Medvedev.
Kissinger served as Secretary of State and National Security Adviser at the height of the Cold War, during the Nixon and Ford administrations, and has publicy supported the treaty. The new accord builds upon nonproliferation and arms reduction measures in the 1991 START and 2002 Moscow treaties and, after approval by this committee, requires ratification by the full Senate.

Queen Presents Agenda for Coalition Government

Following tradition, Queen Elizabeth II presented the government’s agenda for the year at the State Opening of the British Parliament. The speech was drawn up by British Prime Minister David Cameron, in agreement with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, after the May 6th general election led to a coalition government between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

watch Queen’s Address: Ceremony & Speech
visit UK Parliament Website