Tag Archives: Congress

~ my 2cents ...

just another manic Monday …&some News


Today the President will talk about the debt ceiling, the deficit and announce a new consumer protection agency as well as the head that will definitely protect us consumers.

It’s summer here but only reaching around 69 and lasting about 2-3days – just another rant coming up below …

I am willing to accept anyone as long as the new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau head has Elizabeth Warren’s seal of approval. Contrary to what the professional and or elite left might be stating this is not worthy of staying at home instead of voting for all Democrats in 2012 , voting right of center or whatever they all seem to be pushing at the moment which i cannot even put into writing … i don’t plan to go there. I get it …we have a huge tent with a lot of different views and beliefs but since none have been the President of the US of A before i say unless you know what happened behind closed doors don’t be so easy to throw your leader to the wolves. I gotta say I do not get throwing the leader over the cliff if you don’t get your way right away attitude at all especially after the last guy left without paying for the 2Wars & 2Tax cuts for his rich oil friends and who must have outsourced all that money because the man only created about 3million jobs in 8yrs.

The next few weeks and months, leading up to the 2012 elections the talk will be filled with good, bad, and ugly rhetoric mostly by folks who are paid to rile the base on both sides of the aisle. The last few weeks have given us all some eye opening news what with some telling us they are liberals when in actuality they are something more right of center but they get paid to play both sides of the aisle. It must be difficult getting a check in “the media industry”…. I guess. We have online blogs, newspapers, and op-eds and some not all have comment pages that require your email address in order to respond. There are new activist news blogs, or so-called online news sources, newspapers with well-known folks writing op-eds some try to pass them off as the truth others know they have an audience who expects negative rhetoric pumping up the opposition on what I have to say are non-partisan issues. I do not normally respond to comment pages but John Nichols is a well-known progressive reporter/writer and like many other progressives are doing some damage to the cohesiveness of a Political Party that has a huge tent yet leans left. I am not likely to believe everything in an article or interview word for word, no matter who it is. I read the stuff but i would not be so mindless to take what he or anyone else says and vote for or against anything let alone President Obama in 2012 just because of the rhetoric, but hey, that is just me. It is clear a number of so-called writers have been using headlines to bash the President and call me sensitive but people who read them and decide the person writing them is speaking to you personally is beyond my understanding. I have a tendency to want the information and the facts from say the President or others in control instead of those playing political games or mind games. The environment is ripe with doom and gloom but as we get closer to that August 2nd deadline, it does seem more of a reality than folks including me want to believe. It is also offensive to listen to Republican members of Congress act as if the impact from not raising the debt ceiling is a scare tactic and not the truth. I ask … why do we have to find out but then reality hits and truth is both sides of the aisle see this as the big moment to change the way we all live our lives. The problem is one side is devoted to a family values platform, practices exclusion, discrimination and those who already have feel they should have even more while others paraphrasing Jeff sessions that have none need to work harder for a better life… is that with no safety-net?. Yes, it is. I wonder if they went so far as to imagine what our neighborhoods would like after about a month. The haves would be doing their thing while the used to have are barely living and the others well the image I have is one that looks like a third World country.  I am sure those who were unwilling to work for minimum wage jobs are outsourced and if you happen to be an out of work union person and failed to comply with the new deal expect to be held to a low wage job because the party of tea said so. Last, women, gays, and minorities would be “seen but definitely not heard”.  Yes, the story, a seemingly hazy fictional thing full of BS, but listen to those running for President from the right. If you cleared away the Republican haze you would see the future and it could be green it definitely seems like a FDR moment but as we all know this is not the Republicans most might say they disagreed with but respected. We all know life has changed as the last guy took a surplus spent it and while the ship was sinking not too much was being done to fix it. So, we know the last guy had a surplus, didn’t pay for, but waged 2wars and 2huge Tax cuts to the rich the part where things fall apart is a bit blurry but some say recessions are cyclical. I do not believe this is a typical recession year; in fact it feels like that car though a complete wreck by now is about to be totaled by Republicans with behavior unfit for any Public Servant. I have to say that any member Congress who signed off on the Grover Norquist pledge failed to take their position seriously and obviously do not understand their jobs, or realize that they represent the people of America not just their state. If you listen to the likes of a Kucinich’s or pundits, writers and reporters like this guy you should probably keep in mind that most articles now are filled with opinion news and should be taken in topically. I get progressives have a short memory and along with that a short loyalty program. I have to say when you are armed with the facts you do not give up on your Leader. We should put his feet to the fire but telling people to show your distaste by not voting is reckless and irresponsible. It is not lost on me that professional or elite progressives are more likely to have tantrums, a personal agenda or choose to bypass talking to members of Congress by throwing in a 3rd option which got us into the predicament we are now in. I resent them and the people who drank the kook-aid because they should have been more aware of the obvious. Again, this is not your father’s conservative political party; it is a ruthless somewhat tyrannical, racist, exclusionist group. They do not deserve to govern, and as we see, the House of Representatives led by Republicans seem unable to represent all Americans let alone govern. I don’t know about you but I have to ask myself daily if folks have been paying attention for the last 24months or watching even the slight opposition of our own members of Congress voting in ways that hamper President Obama. I was glad to see that most if not all blue dogs were voted out, yet the filibustering done by the Republican Tea Party, the stalling ,blocking and scaling down of bills, nominees has gone unacknowledged by most talking heads with strange comments of who ultimately has to take responsibility for the problems that are not getting solved. I read the op-ed and have since lumped Nichols with hamsher, adamgreen, arrianna and others who clearly have an agenda that is far more left of center and while it makes sense to them left the whole idea is to represent all the people and that is a centrist. I would not begin to assume all people lean left but we do have two factions who seem to be willing to ruin it for everyone. I am not saying that I am happy with everything the President has done but weighing in on who has done more to stop progress is glaring not to mention McConnell’s statement to make Obama a one term President is just one of many reasons why we should all give the President a 2ndterm. I will say it …if Republicans had actually put in a good faith effort to move forward with legislation designed to help all Americans and the outcome was as we all see it today. I would have to think about whom to vote for in any election. The fact is …It’s the Republicans Stupid. People need to get informed with facts not take an Op –Ed or opinion news to decide your future. I do know that legislation is created and passed by Congress, that Republicans & big Corporations are sitting on billions of dollars instead of investing in America, have laid off and outsourced over 1.5million jobs to china, India and Mexico since Obama was elected. It does not help when Americans hear news of a republican member of Congress possibly having bets against the system while in Congress seems illegal to me and crooks, liars and the shady need not apply to be a part of Congress or the Whitehouse.

I support Pres. Obama and will vote for Barack Obama in 2012 because I know given the tools to move forward we all would have the opportunity for the following and much more such as green jobs, can rest knowing that the Hyde Amendment is intact, women have the right to choose and think for themselves. That we are a people who care about each other and believe in Fair Share, clean water, clean air, climate change, love and marry whom you want. It is difficult to think people out there do not see the obstacles he has had getting legislation through let alone believe it is coming from an extreme part of the Republican Party and some conservadems. The 2010 midterms are usually a no big deal event but voters though warned by President Obama failed or refused to listen to what was at stake, members of Congress were to self-centered opting to focus on their own campaigns instead of what lay before them … American issues. There were pundits that obviously had some sway telling folks to stay home or voting right of center. I will never understand voting against your own interest when the stakes are so high and I will never forget the BS thrown at us by people who call themselves progressives who must have been right of center to begin with not to mention opinion news. -People who actually vote need to use their own minds instead of listening to someone who really does not care about you however; they do care about their own ratings and wages though.

I still have hope for change but we need the audacity to see the future. Unfortunately, Republicans really want to protect right of center ideology …, which only about 20% of our population believes in – does this make any sense?

Other News …

Nelson Mandela turns 93

J.Lo and Marc Anthony will still do reality show

Eye test for Alzheimer’s could revolutionize diagnosis: How does it work?

Casey Anthony Release: Parents Refused to be Decoys

Debt Ceiling Debate Moves From White House to Congress, Prospects Uncertain

What did you think of the final ‘Harry Potter’ film?

US General Petraeus hands over command in Afghanistan amid wave of attacks

stunned by heartbreaking loss to Japan in Women’s World Cup final

CSPSN …

Former “Gang of Six” Member Unveils Spending Plan

Congress working on debt limit plans

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Obama to Pick Richard Cordray to Head New Consumer Agency

Known as outspoken bank critic

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NRC Chairman Discusses Nuclear Power Industry

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Liette Gidlow of Wayne State University in Detroit specializes in 20th century politics, women’s history, and culture. In this week’s class, Professor Gidlow looks at the issue of civil rights in the early 1990’s.     

More Info »

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Thomas Jefferson purchased a 1,334 acre tract in Virginia as a testing ground for various agricultural methods and labor systems – experiments that presented alternatives to slavery. In this discussion, a panel reflects on Jefferson’s motivations, his relationship with his confidante William Short, and their exchange of ideas on how to best manage this land known first as “Indian Camp” and then later named Morven.  

More Info »

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~ my 2cents ...

Wednesday &some News


Today,President Obama and The First Lady host a Congressional Picnic at the White House at 7pm ET.

My rant today … Two and a half years ago the democratic party controlled both chambers in Congress and both leaders of the House and Senate were on their way to establishing a new path toward the 21st Century with several bills that included among others a jobs bill, dream act, dadt, start treaty, UI and health-care reform. The legislation our representatives brought to the floor of Congress were supposed to address American issues. However, great legislation has been difficult to pass due to Republican filibusters and more recent the lies that won them control of the House of Representatives. While we now know what the true Republican mission is, the Democratic Party has stated they will not give up trying to help the middle class.

Then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi addressing the status of the middle class stated that in the near future people would be paying 1dollar out of every 5dollars for health-care. Nancy Pelosi also stated that the problem of health-care costs will not go away and we can solve the issue by repealing the anti-trust exemptions, increase, and lower cost and improves choices for all Americans. Though the new health care law allows children under 26 to be covered under their parents insurance, has eliminated discrimination that includes pre-existing conditions, more coverage for our elders and maintaining the health care rights for women. The Republican Tea Party continues to berate the achievement call it Obamacare in order to demean it. Thankfully, the new Affordable Health Care Law passed though the new Congress has made cutting, slashing, and burning it their main mission along with so many other social programs without giving Americans any idea how they will replace hcr or social security, Medicare/Medicaid. The new effort to attack a woman’s right to choose has become more important than creating jobs and as Republicans offer up bills, amendments and comments, it is obvious it should embarrass Americans at how narrow this new party has become since the last guy was in office. The party of no has become the party of let us cut spending, decrease the deficit but they are and or will do so in on the backs of the middle class, poor and we all know minorities by giving them less. The obvious culture wars have become an issue and while candidates running for Congress not only engaged in race baiting, exclusion and outright discrimination. Most if not all were defeated at the polls thankfully but some did get through and are sitting either in the Senate or House. Honestly, I want Republican constituents to ask themselves if these people are true public servant and how upset were you when your own party voted against helping firefighters, teachers, and police while stripping away worker rights. The idea to help maintain these jobs, helping those who lost jobs by voting yes to unemployment and or create them until the lame duck session happened because the RTP wanted something, not that they wanted to help their fellow American. The Republican Tea Party, as we all know managed to hold the middle class hostage and traded the bush bonus dollars for helping Americans even though the house of bush set a date for the bush bonus dollars to expire. Is it just me or does it seem less than American to hold or use money as a tool to insure those Bush bonus tax cuts …That top 2% of our population got those tax cuts but have failed to significantly improve the job numbers even though speaker Boehner stated they were the job creators.

Two and a half years ago, in a series of votes that dramatized the conflicting pressures Democrats face to spur job growth and control the deficit. The House voted 217-212 to raise the government is borrowing authority to a record level, with 37 Democrats joining Republicans opposing the measure. The then Speaker Pelosi reminded people that among other things that the Democratic Party, focused on jobs, concerned and working toward equal rights for the people, proud that the lily Ledbetter law  passed as well. Well, that was two years ago. After gaining control of the House of Representatives, the Republican Tea Party decided that taking apart any legislation that has President Obama’s stamp of approval is the only thing the people elected them for last November. This is not just offensive it is one of several issues that has divided Americans and will continue to until the Republican Tea Party stops playing games with the lives of all Americans and gets to work for the citizens of the United States instead of what seems like only for Corporate America.

Two and a half years ago, in an effort to make it hard to fill the Obama Administrations cabinet, like appointee Martha Johnson. Now, with half of President Obama’s term over, the Republican Tea Party has managed to hold up over 20% of his appointments and some have withdrawn completely, the result is a less than complete cabinet for the governing party.

This behavior by the Republican Tea Party is just not acceptable and be considered un-American. In a moment of emotion, Senator Dorgan voiced my feelings at the time,” that for over 8months Republicans have blocked her nomination and now almost unanimously vote to put her in, which raises doubts in the integrity of Republicans.”

Yes, some good things came out of the hard work that the House and Senate Democrats performed but it is obvious they need to do more while the Republican Tea Party has put the future of America at risk and will continue to do so unless Americans begin to push back.

Other News …

Life expectancy of US women slips in some regions

Washington Day Ahead: Fed Officials Discuss Inflation Target

 Why Michele Bachmann is no Sarah Palin

Latest union proposal exempts Wis. transit workers

Pakistan’s arrest of CIA informants exposes Bin Laden raid frustrations …

Police Fire Tear Gas, Stun Grenades Amid Fresh Athens Clashes

Despite Crackdown, Syria Calls for Refugees to Return Home

‘US says it won’t support UN Palestinian statehood bid’

CSPAN …

House Panel Continues Look into “Fast and Furious”

Defense Secretary & Joint Chiefs Chairman Testify on Pentagon Spending

Lawmakers Review Islamic Radicalization in Prisons

AP sources: Pakistan arrests 5 CIA informants from bin Laden raid in latest US-Pakistan rift – The Washington Post

F.D.A. Unveils New Rules About Sunscreen Claims – NYTimes.com

~ Culture & History

Your vision propels us forward! a message from NMAAMC


It is a tremendous and rewarding challenge to build something the size and scope of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Your willingness to get involved in this historic project during these early stages is inspiring. It underscores your vision; your ability to see the entire scope of the plan, and the promise of things to come!

Equally important is the work your support makes possible. Just look for a moment at the Museum’s image above. You can see that you are helping to create a truly spectacular museum on the National Mall.

What will be featured inside will be equally exciting. A collection of exhibitions and treasures that will tell the entire, rich story of the African American experience and its role in our history. Simply put, the African American story is America’s story.

You can tell I am proud and excited about this Museum. I believe you share that pride and anticipation.

That is why I am asking for your financial support today. We cannot build this museum without your help.      http://go.si.edu/site/R?i=mhj_5OJO7nPU690Zcjf6EA..

The entire project will cost $500 million, with Congress providing half of that amount. The remaining $250 million must be raised via private resources and, most importantly, from individual contributions from men and women who, like you, share the greater vision of what this Museum will be when we open our doors in 2015.

There are many good reasons to support the Museum: the powerful history and culture that will be presented in exhibitions and public programs; the opportunity to be part of something that will inspire and educate future generations; and the telling of this important story in the grand tradition of a Smithsonian museum.

Whatever your reasons, we are honored by your commitment to the Museum. Our campaign to build the Museum continues to gain momentum. With the help of supporters like you we remain on schedule to break ground in 2012.

However, the bottom line is that we need your steadfast support now and are very grateful to receive it.   http://go.si.edu/site/R?i=mhj_5OJO7nPU690Zcjf6EA..

So, please, take a moment right now to make a contribution to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Again, thank you very much.

All the best,

Lonnie Bunch
Director
 

 
P.S. I just want to remind you of the great tax benefit your contribution to the Museum represents. Whatever amount you are able to generously contribute today is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by the law. $250 million is a tremendous goal. We truly need and are grateful for your support.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

TGIF -Republicans vs Democrats …The choice should be obvious


Today, President Obama speaks to Workers at Chrysler Group Toledo Supplier Park in Toledo, Ohio at 12:20pm ET. It definitely is worth going to whitehouse.gov/live and watching because it is proof that not only was helping the auto industry the right thing to do it saved millions of jobs as well contrary to whatever Presidential candidate Romney stated.

About a year ago, this time the House and Senate were quite busy debating, voting up or down on if they should help their fellow Americans while confirming or blocking President Obama’s appointees. The Republican Tea Party members of Congress have become less of that description we use for a Public Servant and more like Corporate Tools. Republicans who seemingly  are being backed financially by folks like the Koch brothers on the State level while their Federal brotherhood continues to put obstacles in the way of any great or big moves to keep the Govt out of the ditch almost three years later.

Now, with Republicans finally coming forward to announce their bids to run for President in 2012, with the obvious quest to complete the divide and conquer Americans.  It is not lost on most of us that we all should make an effort to remind our fellow Americans just who is responsible for this slow sometime stalled path toward the 21st Century. It is obvious that not only is the Republican tea party refusing to move into the 21st Century they have not only voiced attitudes that offend women, children and minorities but have passed legislation that could put them at more risk or in the streets while defunding government jobs will shove middle class workers into minimum wage earner status.  I will admit I only skimmed that Pledge to America but it is clear it was the 19page lie about putting Americans back to work by those job creators who need to keep those bonus dollars in order to do so. I ask Speaker Boehner, Where are the Jobs.  I have actual bumper stickers that say that because well after the midterm elections the Republican led House has been a big failure to create anything to help their fellow Americans.  If you would like a “Where are the Jobs Mr. Boehner Bumper Sticker let me know

 I also admit being slightly surprised by the outcome of the midterm elections. I was surprised at how many drank the Kool-Aid and who actually listened to “the media” instead of asking questions to find out for themselves that in fact far more people in “the media” are a part of the farce that is the Republican Tea Party. Those Republican Tea Party lies won the House of Representatives for only a few months because as we all know; the truth will set you free. The move to attack Roe V Wade,redefine rape, HR3 a Woman’s right to choose while Republicans defunding it offended many but it was not until the effort to end Medicare, as we know it that people began to see the light.  The midterm elections definitely stalled American progress but it also uncovered and highlighted the Republican agenda. The abuses of States Rights by Republican Governors in at least ten states willing to cut slash and burn worker rights, women, children, the poor and services that would help them.  However, that slogan about taking back their country no matter how offensive is worth noting and remembering because it is not a partisan slogan it is a discriminatory rally cry that we all need to push back on … I believe in equality for all on all levels which is not at all how Republicans feel as a whole in my opinion. 

 I don’t know about you but any person running for President must represent ALL Americans not a select few. Therefore, from now on my effort will be to make all those comments from Republicans stepping up to any mic wanting to become President of the United States  caught on tape or otherwise available so their truths will be set free.

 The info below is from June and July of 2010 … attitudes and words do matter

Republicans again blocked Democrats’ attempt to extend jobless benefits to millions of unemployed Americans last night. Senator Harry Reid sent a strong message back to the Minority after they prevented passage of the bill.

July 1, 2010

TYT comments on Micheal Steele -his behavior and comments regarding Thurgood Marshall

June 30, 2010

At today’s Supreme Court confirmation hearing, Senator Al Franken paid tribute to and defended the distinguished record of Justice Thurgood Marshall.

June 30, 2010

During day three of Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan‘s confirmation hearing, Senator Al Franken focused a portion of his Q&A with the Solicitor General on the Citizens United case.

July 01, 2010

In the video below Sen Tom Corburn asks Elena Kagan about Freedom/ Inferring that better days were before women & minorities had rights– TYT

June 30, 2010

At today’s confirmation hearing, Senator Amy Klobuchar asked Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan to talk about the challenges women face in the legal profession and with respect to career choices in general.

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

making Monday &some News


Unless you live under a rock, much has happened in the news lately. While “the media” continues its quest for more info about OBL or have decided to put that special Media spin on the OBL story most seem to be having on and off camera tantrums. There are few reports on what Republicans Governors are doing, flooding in the South,Vermont’s quest for Single Payer, abortion, that family values platform, more oil spill news, Marches against discrimination and legislation that take away rights from our fellow Americans seemingly all led by Republicans are getting promoted on shows like fox and definitely take over real valuable news time. I am offended by and somewhat curious to know what the people from Right Wing Media tell family, friends and neighbors or others with diverse backgrounds that they know or kids know about the offensive platform and racist positions they push to millions. I do not understand allowing racism, discrimination and or lack of tolerance be a part of the news spot, segment unless of course the agency is private and then why would we subscribe to allowing a private entity promote discrimination, fear monger advocate or campaign for people who are racists or who fear the unknown. I wonder just how these people played or worked with others in school and were they mostly in private school or had vouchers.

Congress is back in Session with plenty to do and plenty of complaints about another recession or worse only a month ago or as talking heads and Republicans refer to it as a double dip. The fact is things look better than even “the Media” will allow us all to hear. The weekend panel shows swiped past the number of jobs gained by the private sector so quickly it seemed like bad news. Yes, the unemployment rate went up and just so, folks know … that was because more people jumped into the fray of looking for work again and unfortunately the Republican effort to squash Public Service jobs is succeeding . However, it is obvious that most if not all the JOBs BS could be avoided if folks in Congress would just work for the best interest of the people instead of what will keep them employed on the Hill. We all know Republicans voted against the unemployed, women, gays, children, first responders, people of colour and every social service that should be handled by our government or at the very least reformed to work better or is moved into the 21st Century. There are many, mostly those in “the media” who feel the vote for President Obama hangs on the employment numbers. I have to disagree with the idea that using polls and or jobs numbers to decide President Obama’s fate are legitimate. However, if you are having issues deciding whom to vote for President in 2012, which is odd because it seems obvious no one on the right is doing a thing to help we the people. I say use your vote for President Obama in 2012 to voice and or say how those NO votes made our Teachers, Police, First Responders and 99ers feel and vote out Republicans.

The party of no is living on borrowed time as more and more constituents probably have family, friends and neighbors directly affected or are now experiencing hard times with Republicans putting Profits before the People. It is hard to believe Republicans still think the outcome of the November midterms is still valid and unless they turned off their hearing aids, those comments and challenges from their constituents should put some fear into their moves between now and the 2012 elections. I can only hope that voters will continue to seek the truth, question and challenge what words Republicans seem to be leaving out of their speeches, seminars, and or town halls. If more people would just stop and listen more people would definitely see the light and stop supporting and or putting up with the Republican Tea Party lies let alone side with Wall Street waging a war on Main Street and those on The Street looking for work who might not have money but definitely have a vote .

Yes, the public is finally noticing the verbal conflicts, manipulation, and avoidance, lack of facts and truths having started calling out Republicans during that long break at town halls. It is upon us all to continue the push for more accurate information more truths to get the rest of those doubters to lean left.

Other News

 **Floods in Mississippi , Missouri

**Vermont continues it quest for Single Payer -insurance

CTV.ca

Hundreds Reported Arrested as Syria’s Crackdown Widens

Paula Abdul Joins Simon Cowell’s ‘X Factor’ as Judge – It’s Official

$2B for rail projects, speed upgrades announced

Newt Gingrich to launch presidential bid Wednesday

Yemen Security Forces Kill Two Protesters

EGYPT: Religious conflict becomes the revolution’s biggest enemy

CSPAN

U.S.-China Meet on Strategic and Economic Issues

http://c-span.org/Events/US-China-Meet-on-Strategic-and-Economic-Issues/10737421393/

Oil, Gas Prices and Budget Debate in Congress This Week

http://c-span.org/Events/Oil-Gas-Prices-and-Budget-Debate-in-Congress-This-Week/10737421391/

Tea Party Activists Take on GOP on Deficit

Address need for leadership http://c-span.org/Events/Tea-Party-Activists-Take-on-GOP-on-Deficit/10737421394/

Joel Lane was born in the colony of North Carolina in 1739 and lived there till his death in 1795. He was involved in North Carolina’s transition from colony to state and with Raleigh being chosen as the state’s capital.

http://c-span.org/Events/Joel-Lane-and-His-Slaves/10737421319/