Tag Archives: king of pop

Tuesday tantrums & some News …


Ok… today is a day to close your eyes breathe in through your nose slowly and deeply and release your breathe slowly … be still stay calm

Yesterday, the President announced his nominee pick for the Supreme Court, which was followed by a whole lot of whining , false reports and more rumors.  It is a side of Politics some in the News say is obvious yet it just seems like the President should get his pick and then follow the process without all the nonsense that seems to come with it.  We the People voted for Barack Obama and the vote the 53% the right to appoint and get who you want in place should come with all the power that any other President has had.

Though last night was both sad and disturbing; maybe it should enlighten people as well, AC360 had a birther who happened to have been a Military Officer, a well-known Doctor; who showed up with his lawyer who seemed more nutty than the doctor.  Is it just me or have we gone into to some twilight zone where people who have titles feel they are much more likely to know the truth to where our President is from? it was clearly an example of a guy who cracked who definitely was on the far right and is mad; maybe into making decisions that will affect him for the rest of his life … a Court Marshall… Cooper called him a once honorable man … corrected by Rolland Martin…thank goodness and just because you have a title does not mean you have a valid, legal or power challenge; specifically when the Hawaii Vital Stats has proved it beyond a reasonable doubt …and more important how many Presidents prior had to show their birth certificates eh? and tell me this is not a racist … maybe much more …that hair cut tipped me off … just sayin

For all those people who want our President to govern more left of center have to understand that Presidents have to at least work to get Congress and other lawmakers to come together … which, is center not left of center … that is how it works.

My take is that the job for We the People is to vote for people who are not extremists on either side, don’t practice exclusion and who believe in equal rights for all and from where i sit it looks like this is one of just a few problem points for Elena Kagan … that she doesn’t practice exclusion(Discrimination)… listen up people;  how middle America can you be with one parent being a Teacher the other a Tenant lawyer …

The BP oil spill is not just a spill anymore … what do we call it? an oil dump?  well, the oil dump on the Gulf Coast is almost 1 month now and what has not been talked about much …  what is going on on the Gulf floor … the blanket of oil on the floor of the water ways is very troubling and as we all think about whether BP and associates have made a good faith effort to deal with these kinds of accidents, they all seem content on pointing the finger at each other.  The group of  Three didn’t  seem to have had any emergency plan whatsoever and that is both disturbing and evidence that drilling cannot continue until companies have emergency plans, emergency equipment, boats in place ready to move in… not a month from the incident. It is also a sad thing to know that eleven people lost their lives and not much coverage in the News about that or what BP intends to do for those families.

Other News ..

The lettuce recall expands … Moore Ok, Yuma AZ, NY,Ohio and Michigan… Ohio based FreshWay Foods reported the 23State recall but the FDA is recalling more romaine lettuce from other States …

**UK’s PM Gordon Brown stepped down from office today;david cameron taking his position as Uk’s new PM today

**Reports of a new Climate Bill for consideration for Wednesday from Senators Kerry/Lieberman

**A Chilean judge ordered a Pakistani man to be held under an anti-terrorism law Tuesday after he was arrested in the U.S. embassy in Chile with traces of explosive on him.

**Flights to/from Morocco,Italy and Spain have effected ..check your flights asap

**The Obama Admin is working on new Drug controls

**A benefit/concert for the people on the Gulf Coast will include Lenny Kravitz



C-SPAN

Nominee Kagan begins to lobby Senators

Supreme Court Justice Nominee Elena Kagan and the White House have begun their lobbying efforts with phone calls to Senators. She is expected to begin Hill visits tomorrow with an initial meeting with Senate Maj. Leader Harry Reid (D-NV). Confirmation hearings are expected to begin in early summer.

Oil leak Under CONGRESSIONAL Investigation

Executives from BP, Halliburton and Transocean appear at two Senate hearings today on the effects of the Gulf of Mexico oil leak to the local economies, tourism, as well as wildlife and natural resources. The Senate Energy Cmte. is reviewing offshore oil and gas development and later the Senate Environment Cmte. will investigate the environmental impact.

Congress Looks at Safeguarding Wall Street

Last week, the Dow Jones industrial average dropped almost 1000 points from its previous closing number. Yesterday, Federal regulators agreed in principle to a system that would slow trading during periods of market volatility. Securities and Exchange Commission Chairwoman Mary Schapiro will explain the terms of the agreement and respond to lawmaker’s calls to implement a “one size fits all” system before a House Financial Services subcmte. hearing.

OFA in full effect …


Photos from around the country

From folks advocating reform on Wall Street in Manhattan, to those calling their neighbors in Ohio, to senators’ offices getting calls from across the country, thousands of OFA supporters in every state spoke out with one voice to demand change.

In Greenville, South Carolina, the headline yesterday was about the 50 OFA supporters who attended a “rally to demand Wall Street reforms.” And the Indiana News Center led with “Local Hoosiers ‘Call’ For Wall Street Reform.”

Even better? The stories we got from participants.

Trisha, in Columbus, Wisconsin, called an elderly neighbor. As she tells it, “I asked him if he’d ever contacted a member of Congress. He said ‘no’ he hadn’t. Then after a short pause he said, ‘Well, just what was that number? I guess there’s a first time for everything. I’ll make that call!'”

After meeting in front of the library in Branigan, New Mexico, Evelyn — an OFA Neighborhood Team Leader — said that she and other volunteers “talked to people passing by about the importance of standing up to the power brokers and the lobbyists and the big banks. What I love the most is when you really get to have a conversation and inform someone about what’s really going on — they are so appreciative of getting straight-forward information.”

And at an event on Wall Street itself, a volunteer named Erin said that “I am here today to stand up for the everyday people who work and raise families and don’t want to have their lives disrupted as a result of Wall Street’s reckless practices.”

Everything you did this week made a difference. That’s why Wall Street reform legislation is picking up steam — there could even be final votes as early as next week.

We’ll be in touch soon with more ways you can help push reform through the final stretch.

Thanks for all you do,

Jeremy

Jeremy Bird
Deputy Director
Organizing for America


Weekend News and Reviews …


Sunday …and it’s Mother Day …

it’s clear BP is having trouble getting the make shift dome into place … which should have been made before drilling … is that a novel idea or maybe just one of many things BP was obviously willing to risk…  maybe a list of things to do or have available if something happens? like an emergency plan? it’s a nice day in the 206… again…drinking coffee watching the screen for our President to announce his Supreme Court Nominee and yes most of us stayed up to watch Betty White; she was great and can’t wait to see her on the new show.

It’s Saturday, the weather here in the 206 is great this morning for shopping antique, thrift and or garage that is …outdoors all the way.  It’s beautiful and hopefully will stay this way.

Apparently, a Ferry in the NYC rammed the Dock … more news to come but looks like engine issues or a stuck throttle  … The BP oil spill has occupied all our minds and has put every thing on hold… the Gulf Coast economy will need major help;  SO… if you live across the country like me and want to help … go to http://www.matteroftrust.org and see if you can do your part… sometimes you just have to.

The move to stop oil drilling; maybe evaluate or even push the need for Wind, Solar and Bio-fuel up to a higher priority and onto a faster track of development in the USA is now; now is the time to stop talking about the plans and start investing in wind,solar and bio-fuel production HERE in the USA .

How tough would it be to see oil cover a beach or lap to shore and have people say that it’s a natural thing ? … it’s not serious and will dissipate …WHAT? clearly the crazies are out in force and hopefully the sane out number them; though is anyone else find it disturbing that those who are pretending to know what is going on or spinning the disaster created on the Gulf Coast as a natural disaster.  These are the same people stating the attempted bombings in NYC are the fault of our current President? uh check your history and admit this started long before the 2008 Presidential campaign and an issue that did not get solved … it’s very disturbing and those who are doing so should stop talking … period.

And just so the Pat Buchanan’s of the world know … The right person is in the office of President … i shudder to think where we would be with a McCain/Palin ticket … think of the flip flop the ex-Maverick has taken think of things he is now walked away from … is it that Purity Pledge that Republicans take ? which includes practicing exclusion? those that sided with the tea party  group who did back McCain are now running from the tea party movement …the tea is not that strong …we have Republicans wanting to strip citizenship away from people, legalize racial profiling give Big Banks more or equal power as an individual and the list can go on.

The Senate vote of  some 27 Democrats against Wall Street Reform is very disturbing; the  financial reform debates are not over and Bernanke stated he is not waiting for Congress; though i am not sure what that means because most talkingheads feel Bernanke was apart of the problem.. is he planning on implementing the reform needed ?  We all know Congress gets paid to work for We the People…& they let us down … ok maybe just me.  While Wall Street Reform is not over yet it is clear that lobbyists and big Corporations have a hold on some on both sides of the aisle and though it does make sense it is disturbing and disappointing … the change that 53% voted for didn’t include those 27 Democrats i guess.

Other News … on Sunday

**Airports in Iceland and nearby are closed due to ash clouds

**

C-SPAN …

Sunday …

Sen. Durbin on Legislative Work of 111th Congress

Joining C SPAN’s Newsmakers, Majority Whip. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) discusses the current debate in the Senate on financial reform legislation. He also looks at the status of other major legislative priorities heading into the 2010 midterm elections.

watch Newsmakers: 10am & 6pm ET    watch Entire Interview
visit Previous Newsmakers

Senate Continues Debate

On Monday, the Senate will begin its second week of work on financial reform legislation. (S. 3217), They are slated to take up Sen. Sanders’ (I-VT) amendment that would allow the Government Accountability Office to conduct limited audits of the Federal Reserve. Last week, Sen. Maj. Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) urged lawmakers to keep debate to a minimum, saying, “I can’t spend 24 hours on one amendment and accommodate people here.” His remarks came after members spent hours debating Sen. Shelby’s (R-AL) amendment on a new consumer protection agency, which was defeated 38 to 61.

Saturday …

watch Pres. Obama’s Weekly Address

watch Entire Interview Sen Durbin and Financial Reform

watch News Conference Rep. Markey trip to Gulf Coast

watch State Department Press Briefing Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Philip Crowley

watch Pres. Obama Remarks on Jobs Report

Sec. Clinton: U.S. Committed to Vision of Nuclear Free World

As part of the “irreversible, transparent and verifiable steps” to reduce its nuclear arms, Sec. of State Clinton announced that the U.S. will publicize the number of weapons in its nuclear arsenal. This was one of several actions by the Obama Administration to encourage world leaders to follow its nonproliferation agenda. Sec. Clinton also responded to Iranian Pres. Ahmadinejad’s remarks, saying that Iran has failed to meet its responsibility and is in noncompliance with U.N. safeguard obligations.

Primaries matter … 2010


How often do we all hear how the GOP will be picking up a significant amount of seats in Congress … we have a special election coming up for Hawaii.  And to make it even more complicated, in the Hawaii election not only is there a Republican on the ballot, but Republican voters will be voting too. That means, it’s two Democrats vs. one Republican but only one winner takes it all.

The  Democratic Party needs to get out in front of any election, plan for transportation and do whatever helps to GOTV, which goes without saying but then  …

This morning a Msnbc host stated that his party(Republican)…should do whatever it takes to win but do it quietly and behind closed doors… Dems need to give all the Community Organizers available the tools to win any and all elections …special or not.  My take is that most Democrats get involved in major elections but it’s a new day, now everyone should get involved at every level to keep Democrats in office on track to getting our broken down system back on track.  We all know what happened and who shoved us toward an enormous ditch; they bet and spent, spent, spent  money without enforcing regulations.  While it’s possible a lot of people saw the problem no one did a thing until it was too late and passed it on to the next Administration.

So, what’s my point to Primaries matter? This is not the time to move away from Democratic ideology, move away from getting things done unlike Republicans, it’s not the time to give up. We have to demand action from Congress.  We need to move into the 21st Century; while Republicans fight to keep us from progressing into a country that has health care for all, climate change because we care about our earth, our children.  We need to demand regulations and financial reform for a failed financial system that they took advantage of. Congress needs to make a good faith effort to reform the way people come into the US … immigration is not going away and the Arizona laws definitely are a catalyst

it’s Friday and we’re following Congress …


Updates when needed

The Senate will convene at 9:30amET  and will resume consideration of S.3217, Wall Street Reform.

There will be no roll call votes during Friday’s session of the Senate.

Unanimous Consent:
The Senate adopted the following resolutions by unanimous consent:

– Cal. #261, S.Res.297, (Webb-Warner) Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
– Cal. #262, S.Res.275, (Kerry-Kirk-Brown) Minute Man National Historic Park

The Senate passed the following bills by unanimous consent:

– Cal. #261, S. Res.297 (Webb-Warner) Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve
– Cal. #262, S. Res.275 (Kerry-Kirk-Brown) Minute Man National Historic Park
– Cal. #287, S.1053 (Murkowski) National Law Enforcement Museum
– Cal. #291, S.1405 (Kennedy-Kerry-Kirk-Brown) Longfellow National Historic Site
– Cal. #295, H.R.689 – Administrative Jurisdiction of certain lands (Feinstein-Boxer)
– Cal. #297, H.R.1121 – Blue Ridge Parkway (Burr-Hagan)
– Cal. #300, H.R.1442 – Mount Olivet Cemetery (Bennett-Hatch)
– Cal. #305, H.R, 2802 – John Adams Memorial (Kerry-Brown)

The committee amendments, where applicable, were agreed to, and the bills were passed as amended, if amended.

Passed Calendar #195, H.R.3619: Coast Guard Authorization w/ substitute amendment

Adopted S.Res.480: Burma w. Gregg amendment

Adopted H.Con.Res.247: Use of Capitol Grounds—Soap Box Derby (June 19, 2010)

Adopted H.Con.Res.263: Use of Capitol Ground—D.C. Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run

Adopted S.Res.503: Discharge Judiciary, Endangered Species

Adopted S.Res.515: Physical Education and Sports Day

Adopted S.Res.516: Americorps

Adopted S.Res.517: Train Day

Adopted S.Res.518: Nursing Home Week

Passed S.3333: Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act

The Senate confirmed the following nominations:

– Calendar numbers 849 to and including 879 (all militar promotions), and all nominations on the Secretary’s Desk in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy.

CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF MAY 7, 2010
111TH CONGRESS – SECOND SESSION

10:01 A.M. –
The Speaker announced that the House do now adjourn pursuant to a previous special order. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on May 11, 2010. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair led the House in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Clete Kiley, Faith and Politics Institute, Washington, DC

10:00 A.M. –
The Speaker designated the Honorable Steve Driehaus to act as Speaker pro tempore for today. The House convened, starting a new legislative day.