Tonal Recall
Jon thinks the health care bill doesn’t actually kill jobs and
that calling it a “job killer” is like calling sleep an “awake killer.”
Watch Now!
http://email.comedycentral.com/a/hBNNeEUBAhkQSB8Xd1CNsfnhM.B8U2fbOg/video
whacky Wednesday &some News …
President and Mrs. Obama are hosting the president from China in a State visit and a dinner scheduled for tonight though some are not happy but if we want to move forward this might be the way to do it and maybe use this as a template for dealing with Cuba.
Word of the day is all about the act of Observation …maybe for the next few weeks, months and years
In November I asked —at what point will the various cable, radio and main stream stations do the right thing and stick to the truth instead of skewing it to keep their ratings high, to tell me you did not agree that partisan behavior on what is supposed to be “the place to get real news” seems to be siding with the extreme right. It was definitely offensive on so many levels and hard not to be outraged by but now these same stations, well except the obvious ones seemed to have moved to the center on most News topics but not enough to sedate this viewer and voter. I gotta say the more recent News source: “Politico” has been a new right of center challenge to me as a reader and or tv viewer, though i am sure there are more moving to the right as the 2012 elections gain more interest. The overt bad behavior by current and or new Republican members of Congress who are supposed to represent all of the people in their respective States has gotten even worse, have either acted or stated for all to hear and see that special interest groups can kiss their butts. The only solution that seems rational going forward is putting democrats back in power in 2012.
Observe …stop and think about all the things that the Obama admin as well as our Democratic led Congress managed to achieve despite the Republican Tea Party. Observe and analyze who what when and why things have not improved as some out there on the left want and then remind them that a President that goes too far left of center is not representing all Americans. The truth is …most people use to be moderate and expect the President to be not just moderate but bipartisan; people have got to realize he tried leaning left and while folks on the right said one thing and did another we all know this is going to be standard behavior no matter what but a President who leans too far left gets a shellacking…right. If you were watching it makes you wonder if taking a hard left is the only way to solve the gridlock. Then reality comes back and we have to remember the Democratic Party has a huge tent with various degrees of democratic ideology and while the Republican Tea Party is united no matter what their colleagues say or do Dems on the other hand fight each other to get legislation on the floor of the Senate debated let alone get a vote and move toward the 21st Century. We all know our ability to move forward is being held hostage by the Republican Tea Party until they ruin our barely recovering economy. I wonder what will happen if in fact we fall into a deep recession due to an insufficient amount of dollars and or voted down raising the debt ceiling. Just a reminder; Republicans are to blame for any lack of progress made thus far.
I have to say my Observation of “the Media” which seemingly is not just giving Republicans more airtime but is defending them in some cases and while it is obvious those folks know who is buttering their paychecks …the fair and balanced slogan when describing the news process has become a bad joke. I wonder many others have been watching and listening to political shows with well-educated people making comments about how much of a disaster the mid-term elections were for President Obama’s future. The fact is that Congress goes through change and this year is really no different than any other but the combination of the failure of the last guy, the deficit he left and finding out that Wall Street, Oil and the Banks as well as AIG made bets not only with the people’s money but against us as well – you would think some would understand that after years of corruption it might take a minute to make all the corrections given the fact that some of the parts needed to make the fix are not cooperating. I am no expert but people need to observe, compare and contrast their own lives to what happened and times that by a trillion and realize the correction will take a long time especially since folks on the right were able to downsize/block and or stall most of the financial fixes in the Senate for the last two years. The 60 vote rule and the filibuster definitely are not positive tools in the Senate thus the need to make sure our voices as Democratic voters are heard more often.
I do feel this is a pivotal moment and if we really want change folks we need to participate in the change when 53% voted for Senator Obama to be President Obama. We all need to understand why the process of change cannot only be done by the President; that Congress in both Chambers need to do the work of the People too and now after the midterms the House of Representatives is representing the Republican Tea Party, the Senate faces obstacles so, the only solution is getting truer Dems in both Chambers of Congress in 2012. I know that was such a simpleton statement right, had folks listened and voted left of center for the midterms elections- what if …sigh
President Obama is doing the best he can with what the last admin gave him and again it took a long time for all the dominos to fall and while there are those on the right who choose to provoke fear; lately that has turned into action by those feeling certain TV or radio personalities were giving them subliminal instructions to act against those who support the President or the Democratic Party.
It would be great if “the Media” would stop giving folks on the right passes when they make outrageous, racist, and often incendiary comments…we hear it from Fox News but now the new move from other cable stations taking a hard right has this viewer wondering where the money is coming from supporting the more extreme view on air. What we saw before and or during the midterm elections by so-called reporters or talking heads was the dance of News manipulation which is a sad representation of what real journalists, reporters and commentators use to be.
Other News …
**Congresswoman Giffords continues to improve
**say what you want about Gervais the Globe viewer numbers …17 million
**President from China is here on a State visit and dinner with President and Mrs. Obama
**Baby doc Duvalier escorted from hotel – i would like all young Haitians to look his name up…and his families history
**Arab Leaders watch Tunisia
**129million have health conditions
**President Obama orders regulation review
CSPAN …
White House Briefing
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said President Obama will confront Chinese President Hu Jintao on issues such as human rights and currency values. At this daily briefing, reporters questioned the decision to hold a formal State Dinner for the Chinese leader. We also hear about a new executive order calling for a government-wide review of federal regulations. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/White-House-Briefing-with-Press-Secretary-Robert-Gibbs/10737418992/
Right of Center organization: National Center for Policy Analysis
As the House prepares to consider a bill to make changes to the health care law known as the Affordable Care and Patients Protection Act, the National Center for Policy Analysis released its recommendations to Congress on 10 proposed changes to the law and discussed why it should be repealed. Speakers included health care analysts from the Heritage Foundation, American Enterprise Institute, Cato Institute, and the American Action Forum – all who support NCPA’s recommendations. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/Nat39l-Center-for-Policy-Analysis-Discussion-on-Changes-to-Health-Care-Law/10737419010/
House Democrats hearing on GOP legislation Repealing Patient Rights
House Democrats assembled a panel of Americans opposed to repealing the 2010 health care law. They include the mother of two girls with leukemia, a former student receiving insurance through his parents’ plan, and the owner of a small pediatric practice. This event began shortly before House Republicans brought their repeal legislation to the floor. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/House-Democrats-Hearing-on-GOP-Legislation-Repealing-Patients39-Rights/10737419015/
State Department Press Briefing
Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Philip Crowley conducts a daily briefing at the State Department. Topics discussed include Chinese Pesident Hu Jintao’s arrival and scheduled private dinner with President Obama,Tunisia’s transitional government and the Sudan referendum. Mr. Crowley then responded to reporters’ questions. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/State-Department-Press-Briefing/10737418993/
R. Sargent Schriver 1915 – 2011
R. Sargent Shriver passed away at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland today. He was 95 years old.more >> http://c-span.com/Events/R-Sargent-Shriver-1915–2011/10737418971/
U.S. Conference of Mayors 79th Annual Winter Meeting
More than 220 of the nation’s mayors, led by U.S. Conference of Mayors President Burnsville, MN Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, convene for the 79th Winter Meeting of The U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. >> http://c-span.com/Events/US-Conference-of-Mayors-79th-Annual-Winter-Meeting/10737419027/
House Republicans Move to Cut Spending Levels
Updated 3 hr., 18 min. ago
U.S. House of Representatives (C-SPAN)The House Rules Committee will take up a resolution today aimed at reducing spending to 2008 levels for the remainder of fiscal 2011. The resolution directs House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (R-WI) to cut around 20 percent of non-security, discretionary spending. The House may act on the resolution as soon as next week.
Earlier this month, the House of Representatives passed a Republican plan to cut Congress’ budget by 5 percent. The resolution, introduced by GOP Transition Team Chairman Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), will require House members to reduce their budget to 95 percent of their 2010 allowance. The plan also calls for greater transparency regarding bill creation and actions taken by House committees. more >> http://c-span.com/Events/House-Republicans-Move-to-Cut-Spending-Levels/10737418996/
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Marriage on the line: 24 hours left to fight hate
Thanks to right-wing groups like the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), 2011 brings as much trepidation as hope. Just see the map below.
JUST 24 HOURS LEFT: The National Organization for Marriage thinks it speaks for straight America.
Show America that’s a lie.
Deadline TOMORROW. Defend marriage equality – join HRC now.
Same-sex marriage bans are in the works in no fewer than five states. In New Hampshire, where NOM shelled out $1 million in 2010, a more right-wing legislature is already preparing for major hearings on the repeal of marriage equality. In Iowa, NOM helped unseat three judges who ruled in favor of equal marriage – and now they’re going after the other four.
But it’s not all bad. In New York and Maryland, we could finally win full marriage rights for ALL loving couples. There are only 24 hours left in our campaign that can help us make it a reality.
These challenges – and our critical federal work – demand urgent resources. Carmen, thousands have stepped up to help. And after sailing past our original goal of 2,011 new members, we’ve upped our goal to 3,000 members by TOMORROW. That’s only 4 more from Washington. And we simply can’t do it without straight supporters like you.
Stand up for marriage and make sure NOM doesn’t control the debate. Stand with HRC – join by tomorrow.
Only two weeks ago, HRC staffers pressured NOM into releasing their most recent tax returns – and it turns out 75 percent of NOM’s entire multi-million dollar budget came from just five wealthy donors.
We’re different. 85 percent of our funding comes from individual donors, not from foundations or grants. And the more straight allies like you that join our cause, the more people will understand that this is an issue of basic fairness, not special rights. That grassroots power will be critical in 2011, and this map shows why:
In states marked in light blue, we have a chance to advance equality – marriage in New York and Maryland, and civil unions in Hawaii, Delaware, and Colorado. Plus we are gearing up to help Washington and Oregon achieve marriage equality in 2012.
Dark blue states show the front lines of the equality fight. In Florida we’re trying to stop rabid activists from reinstating a ban on same-sex parents adopting children. In West Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Minnesota, we face the very real prospect of NOM-backed campaigns to pass constitutional bans on same-sex marriage.
We’re working hand-in-hand with local partners across the country. We’re putting staff on the ground in some states, while in others we’re providing financial support and training – or exposing lies with the help of our “NOM Watchers.” In many states, we’ll do all of the above.
These states have one thing in common: your support, right now, can mean the difference between triumph and failure.
Stand with us. Fight for the future. Become an HRC member now.
This is one of the most critical civil rights issues of our time. Decisions by the U.S. House and Senate and by every single state will have a very real impact on everyday lives. Together, we can ensure those decisions are positive.
For all you do, and all that you will do, thank you. You’re the reason I know we will succeed.
Onward,
P.S. If you’ve already put a check in the mail or given to HRC through some other means, thank you. If you’ve yet to contribute, though, please consider making a gift now. Your gift is critical to maintaining our fight against hate and bigotry in all its forms.
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Tomorrow’s Vote
Tomorrow, House Republicans plan to follow through on their campaign threat from last year by voting to repeal health insurance reform.
Rather than focus on jobs and the economy, Republicans will make their first big vote an effort to put big health insurance companies back in charge and allow them to once again discriminate against folks with pre-existing conditions and deny coverage to those who need it the most.
We’ve been ready for this vote. The DCCC has a campaign all set to go that will hold them immediately accountable in the media for standing with insurance companies instead of hardworking Americans — but we need to raise $50,000 immediately to hit the ground running.
Help us hold House Republicans accountable for voting to repeal health insurance reform. Contribute $5, $10 or more in the next 24 hours so we can hit the ground running with our Rapid Response campaign.
Republicans think that public opinion is on their side — but we know otherwise.
That’s why it’s so critical to get our campaign off the ground immediately to make our strongest possible support for protecting President Obama’s health insurance reforms. Our Rapid Response campaign will shine a light on Republicans’ record of putting big health insurance company profits ahead of affordable health care for struggling families.
Help us hold House Republicans accountable for voting to repeal health insurance reform. Contribute $5, $10 or more in the next 24 hours so we can hit the ground running with our Rapid Response efforts.
Leader Pelosi has called this our “first big test” and I could not agree more.
Help us raise $50,00 in the next 24 hours to show Republicans how fast we can hold them accountable for trying to put big health insurance companies back in charge.
Robby Mook
DCCC Executive Director
P.S. The DCCC has a hard-hitting campaign all set to go that will hold Republicans accountable in the media for voting to repeal health insurance reform tomorrow. Help us raise $50,000 in the next 24 hours so we can hit the ground running right away.
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We need your feedback–Because we’re scientists, not mind readers
Happy New Year! We’re excited to be kicking off 2011 with the support of people like you.
You are the foundation of our organization. It’s because of your support that the Union of Concerned Scientists has been able to make great progress on some of the toughest environmental, health, and security issues of our time.
We’re very interested in what you, as a UCS supporter, think about what we’re doing. So please tell us what matters to you by taking our quick online survey.
As a science-based organization, it is anathema to us to make uninformed presumptions, so we rely on you to tell us what you think. We’ll use your answers to make better decisions about what to send you and how often to contact you. Please click here to give us your opinion today.
We also want to make sure you know about some exciting accomplishments that happened in just the last few weeks—each of which we worked hard to shape and deliver:
•Congress ratified the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between the United States and Russia. This critical pact will reduce each country’s vast arsenals of nuclear weapons and is a critical first step in a renewed global effort to reduce the nuclear threat.
•The Obama administration released its long-awaited scientific integrity plan to improve transparency in policy making, ensure that well-qualified individuals are appointed to science positions, and protect those who expose abuse of science.
•An historic agreement was reached at December’s U.N. climate convention in Cancún, Mexico, that will reduce tropical deforestation and protect forest peoples and biodiversity (contrary to the perception some have that only modest progress was made there).
These long-fought achievements would not have been realized if it weren’t for your actions and support. Thank you, and congratulations.
We look forward to the new year ahead and to continuing to work together with you, side-by-side, to promote science-based solutions to cut global warming emissions, develop clean energy alternatives, reduce the threat of nuclear weapons, and much more!
Don’t forget to take our quick online survey to tell us how our online communications are serving you.
Sincerely,
Kevin Knobloch
President
Be a Seed for Change 
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