Tag Archives: stimulus

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ENVIRONMENT: The Gulf’s Murky Future


July 20, 2010

Three months after BP’s Deepwater Horizon exploratory rig exploded, the Gulf of Mexico faces a murky future of imperfect solutions to intractable problems. The new cap installed on the gushing wellhead has for the first time stopped the flow of oil into the ocean, though there remains serious concerns about the wellbore’s integrity. If the cap holds, the region will still have to deal with the millions of gallons of oil spread throughout the Gulf and along hundreds of miles of shoreline as the peak hurricane season approaches. Over one third of the Gulf is closed to fishing, and investigators still do not know what caused the April 20 explosion. In the coming months and years, thousands of scientists will attempt to assess the damage done to the valuable ecosystems of the region, although many will be working for BP. Also unknown are the health effects to the region and the tens of thousands of hired cleanup workers who are handling the toxic oil and dispersants. For many, the BP disaster is just the latest of many heavy blows. The region awaits solutions to its endemic poverty, eroding coast, and dependence on the oil industry that is killing the Gulf. The Obama administration is attempting to brighten this future, announcing yesterday a “new national policy for strengthening the way the U.S. manages its oceans and coasts.” Furthermore, “the Senate now must provide additional safeguards for offshore oil production, slash oil consumption, and reduce global warming pollution.”

CAPS, SEEPS, AND LEAKS: “New problems arose in the struggle to contain the Gulf of Mexico oil spill as bubbles and seepage appeared in four areas around the damaged BP well, but Obama administration and company officials agreed to keep the new well cap closed for at least 24 more hours as they weigh the gravity of the developments.” “It’s the collective opinion of folks that these small seepages do not indicate there is any threat to the well bore,” incident commander Thad Allen said at a briefing in Washington. Even if these leaks prove inconsequential and the gusher is plugged, the region still faces the ongoing degradation and risk of catastrophe from its ties to Big Oil. “Our national response must drive a sustained effort to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels,” write Center for American Progress analysts Bracken Hendricks, Kate Gordon, and Tom Kenworthy. “We must target the structural causes of our vulnerability to oil in an effort to rebuild and strengthen our national economy while restoring the economic health of oil-dependent regions.” One of the first steps is capping the gusher of billion-dollar subsidies for the oil industry, including the write-off for punitive damages in cases like the BP disaster. The United States must also finally cap the global spill of greenhouse gas pollution and direct energy investment into green jobs instead of toxic disasters.

ERODING HOPES: Since early May, Gov. Bobby Jindal (R-LA) has pushed a crash effort to build artificial “barrier islands” from dredged sand to prevent BP’s toxic oil from reaching Louisiana’s fragile coastline. He and other Louisiana politicians excoriated the federal government for waiting until June 3 to authorize the $360 million project, even though “categorically, across the board, every coastal scientist” questioned its wisdom. In mid-May, Jindal justified the barrier-island construction by saying it was the “obvious” thing to do. “We know it works, we have seen it work, but if they need to see it work, they need to do that quickly,” argued Jindal. On May 27, Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) attacked President Obama, calling the administration’s caution “absolutely outrageous.” In reality, photographs released by Louisiana scientist Leonard Bahr and the US Army Corps of Engineers show that the artificial island E-4 — intended to reach an 18-mile length — is struggling to survive at 1,100 feet. Jindal is pressing for the federal government to approve the emergency construction of 125 miles of sand berms, arguing the 0.2 miles constructed are “are doing what they were intended to do.” That plan would use up valuable resources and take too much time, notes Climate Progress’ Joe Romm. However, Jindal has offered no “obvious” answer for the long-term threats to Louisiana’s eroding coastline — rising seas fueled by global warming, rivers killed by agricultural pollution, and decades of oil industry development.

BP COVERUP: Meanwhile, BP is hard at work minimizing the damage to its bottom line, not to America’s coastline and gulf economy. BP’s legal and public-relations maneuvering has increased as it faces tens of billions of dollars in damages and fines. BP is on a spending spree, buying the silence of Gulf Coast scientists. Scientists from Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, and Texas A&M have “signed contracts with BP to work on their behalf in the Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA) process” that determines how much ecological damage the Gulf of Mexico region is suffering from BP’s toxic black tide. The contract, the Mobile Press-Register has learned, “prohibits the scientists from publishing their research, sharing it with other scientists or speaking about the data that they collect for at least the next three years.”  “Testimony before a panel investigating the cause of the Deepwater Horizon explosion grew heated Monday as lawyers for various companies connected to the rig attempted to place blame on one another and angled to expose maintenance problems they say existed before the April 20 accident.” Fortunately for BP, Vitter is attacking “trial lawyers” who could threaten its bottom line. BP was even caught posting a doctored photograph of its crisis response center by blogger John Aravosis. “I guess if you’re doing fake crisis response,” Aravosis commented, “you might as well fake a photo of the crisis response center.” “Apparently BP is no more adept at doctoring photos than it is at plugging deep-sea oil leaks,” the Washington Post’s Steven Mufson jabbed.

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RADICAL RIGHT — CONSERVATIVES PREDICT A ‘CONFRONTATIONAL ATMOSPHERE’ WITH MUSLIMS OVER CONSTRUCTION OF MOSQUES:


UNDER THE RADAR

While President Obama has undertaken a series of valuable efforts to emphasize to the Muslim world that the U.S. is not at war with them, that message is being undercut by radical conservatives here at home who are hell-bent on opposing the construction of Muslim places of worship. The most prominent example of this hysteria has been conservatives — including Sarah Palin — rallying against the construction of a mosque near the Ground Zero site in New York because, as the New York Post put it, “where there are mosques, there are Muslims, and where there are Muslims, there are problems.” The Manhattan fear-mongering is just one example of a national trend. In Murfreesboro, TN, a local Republican candidate for Congress recently claimed a proposed mosque was “designed to fracture the moral and political foundation of Middle Tennessee.” Meanwhile, the planned construction of a mosque in Southern California is currently inspiring fierce opposition from the local, “mostly conservative community.” The pastor of a church “just across a cul-de-sac from the site of the mosque” said Islam and Christianity “mix like oil water” and anticipated a “confrontational atmosphere” if the mosque is built. He ominously mused, “Are we supposed to be complacent just because these people say it’s a religion of peace?” In an event at the Center for American Progress Action Fund last week on homegrown extremism in the U.S., Duke University Professor David Schanzer expressed concerns about “the tone of public discourse” alienating Muslims within American Society. He observed that people have been allowed to “say things about Muslim Americans and Islam that they couldn’t say about any other racial or ethnic group and still be respected or still hold a high position in their community.”

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THIS WEEK on CHANGE.ORG: Racist Facebook App; Another BP Spill?; Rethinking Haiti Relief


Tell Sarah Palin: Start Telling The Truth

by Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee

Sign the Petition »

Require all Government Buildings to have Zero footprint by 2020

by Cherie Hunton

Sign the Petition »

Racist Facebook App

Plus: Another BP Spill? • Rethinking Haiti Relief • 50% of Children Missing • Prisons vs. Schools • Poverty-Creating Jobs

This past week, Vaseline launched a controversial Facebook application that encouraged users to lighten the appearance of their skin. The application was targeted at users in India, who were asked to upload their profile photos and whiten their faces.

This isn’t the first time Unilever — which owns Vaseline — has used less-than-discreet attempts to market the virtues of white skin in India. Back in 2008, the multinational began hawking a skin-whitening product called “White Beauty.”

The difference now is that by using Facebook, Unilever has the potential to reach its more than 500 million users around the world, and spread its racially charged message that white is beautiful.

The skin whitening industry has taken off across India and other Asian countries, and creams are sold on shelves in black neighborhoods in the U.S. as well. The last thing we need is a tool on Facebook to extend this disturbing trend online.

While Unilever’s application is offensive, it gives Facebook the opportunity to draw a line in the sand of what sort of applications it is willing to host, and what kind of values it hopes to advance. As the largest social network in the world, the company has an unprecedented opportunity to advance tolerance and understanding. Let’s make sure it serves that purpose rather than serving as a platform for prejudice.

Join us in calling on Facebook to remove Unilever’s racially charged application today.

For more news and commentary on this week in change, see the summaries from your favorite causes below.

Another BP Spill? in ENVIRONMENT

There’s another disaster waiting to happen in the Gulf. The BP Atlantis — the world’s largest oil and gas platform – pumps out 200,000 barrels of oil every day, despite grave safety concerns a whistleblower brought to Food & Water Watch last year. Ever since, the group has been pushing for federal officials to shut down the facility until it can ensure proper safety plans. So far, even after the spill, their concerns have fallen on ears deafened by cozy relationships with the industry. The group’s director, Wenonah Hauter, asks you to join their campaign to prevent another catastrophe. Read more »

Rethinking Haiti Relief in GLOBAL POVERTY

Looks like Haiti’s “15 minutes of fame” are up. The journalists who flooded the zone following the earthquake have since fled, and donor patience is wearing thin. Meanwhile, rain floods Haiti’s rubble-strewn streets, and tent cities still house over a million survivors. Six months after the country was devastated by an earthquake, writes Changemaker Ruth Messinger, it’s time to re-think the relief effort. Read more »

50% of Children Missing in END HUMAN TRAFFICKING

How do you lose half the children in your care? Ask the United Kingdom. A recent study found that 50% of child trafficking victims in the U.K. have gone missing. that’s right, just “poof” disappeared. Except when these children disappear, it’s usually back into exploitation in human trafficking rings. Read more »

Prisons vs. Schools in CRIMINAL JUSTICE

They say your priorities are reflected in how you spend your money. If that’s the case, consider the fact that California spends $216,000 per incarcerated youth, and just $8,000 on each student in Oakland’s public schools. Nationwide, juvenile crime prevention programs are badly underfunded. Join Criminal Justice blogger Elizabeth Renter in telling Congress that it’s time to change this math. Read more »

Poverty-Creating Jobs in POVERTY IN AMERICA

Post-recession job creation is coming, the experts say. Unfortunately, many of these jobs will pay less than $10 an hour. We’ve already got plenty of those professions, writes Poverty in America blogger Josie Raymond, including fast food service, farm work and more. What they all have in common is that they’re all professions that almost guarantee you’ll live below the poverty line.  Read more »
Have a great week,

– The Change.org Team
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Congress in Session …Tuesday 7/20 Goodwin replaces Senator Byrd, remarks&votes on HR5297/HR4213


The Senate Convenes at 10:00amET July 20, 2010

Following any Leader remarks, there will be a period of morning business with the time until 12:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees. The Majority will control the first 30 minutes and the Republicans will control the next 30 minutes.

Senators are permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.

Updates when needed today

The Senate will recess from 12:30 until 2:15pm to allow for the weekly caucus meetings.

At 2:15pm, Carte Goodwin, of West Virginia, will be sworn as senator.

Following the swearing in, the Senate will resume consideration of the House Message on H.R.4213, Unemployment Insurance Extension, with the time until 2:30pm equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees.

At 2:30pm, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R.4213, a bill to extend Unemployment benefits through November 2010.

Votes:
209: motion to invoke cloture with respect to H.R.4213, which extends Unemployment benefits through November; Invoked: 60-40

Cloture limits debate to 30 hours. If all time is used, the time would expire around 9pm Wednesday.

Following disposition of HR4213, (Unemployment Insurance), the Senate will resume consideration of H.R.5297, the Small Business Jobs bill.

Unanimous Consent:
Passed S.3250, the Federal Building Personnel Training Act of 2010.

Adopted S.Res.584, a resolution commemorating the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games.

Adopted S.Re.s 588, a resolution recognizing the economic and environmental impacts of the British Petroleum oil spill on the people of the Gulf Coast.


************************************************************

The next meeting in the House is scheduled for 10:30amET on July 20, 2010

. 7:32 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:31 P.M. –

Mr. Poe of TX requested the following general leaves to address the House on July 27: Mr. Moran of KS for 5 min and Mr. Jones for 5 min.

7:30 P.M. –

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Wolf be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on July 23.

Mr. Poe of TX requested that Mr. Wolf be allowed to address the House for 5 minutes on July 22.

H.R. 1469:

to amend the National Child Protection Act of 1993 to establish a permanent background check system

7:28 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

7:17 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1469.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Scott (VA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

S. 1749:

to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit the possession or use of cell phones and similar wireless devices by Federal prisoners

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

7:16 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

7:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1749.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Scott (VA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5566:

to amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit interstate commerce in animal crush videos, and for other purposes

7:09 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

6:53 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5566.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Scott (VA) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1470:

honoring the life, achievements, and distinguished career of Chief Justice William S. Richardson

6:52 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

6:44 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1470.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Scott (VA) moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 5283:

to provide for adjustment of status for certain Haitian orphans paroled into the United States after the earthquake of January 12, 2010

6:43 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

6:34 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5283.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Lofgren, Zoe moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5532:

to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with respect to adopted alien children

6:33 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

6:25 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5532.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Lofgren, Zoe moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

6:24 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.

6:22 P.M. –

Mr. Polis (CO) filed a report from the Committee on Rules on H. Res. 1537.

H. Res. 1516:

recognizing the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II, honoring the service members who fought in World War II and their families, and honoring the service members who are currently serving in combat operations

6:21 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 408 – 0 (Roll no. 453).

6:14 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H.R. 5604:

to rescind amounts authorized for certain surface transportation programs

6:13 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 402 – 0 (Roll no. 452).

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

6:05 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

H. Res. 1491:

congratulating the University of South Carolina Gamecocks on winning the 2010 NCAA Division I College World Series

6:04 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 400 – 6, 2 Present (Roll no. 451).

5:35 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

5:32 P.M. –

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 1513:

congratulating the Saratoga Race Course as it celebrates its 142nd season

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

5:31 P.M. –

WORDS TAKEN DOWN – During the course of debate, exception was taken certain words used and a demand was made to have words taken down. Unanimous consent was granted to withdraw the words. Without objection the words were withdrawn. The House resumed debate on H.Res. 1513.

5:04 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1513.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H.R. 5341:

to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Orndorf Drive in Brighton, Michigan, as the “Joyce Rogers Post Office Building”

5:03 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Ms. Norton objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

4:54 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5341.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 4684:

to require the Secretary of the Treasury to strike medals in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and the establishment of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center

4:53 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

4:37 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4684.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mrs. Maloney moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 4842:

to authorize appropriations for the Directorate of Science and Technology of the Department of Homeland Security for fiscal years 2011 and 2012, and for other purposes

4:36 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

4:07 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4842.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Clarke moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H. Res. 1483:

recognizing the exemplary service and sacrifice of the soldiers of the 14th Armored Division of the United States Army, known as the Liberators, during World War II

4:05 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

3:55 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1483.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Critz moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, as amended.

H. Res. 1411:

honoring the service and commitment of the 111th Fighter Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard

At the conclusion of debate, the chair put the question on the motion to suspend the rules. Mr. Critz objected to the vote on the grounds that a quorum was not present. Further proceedings on the motion were postponed. The point of no quorum was withdrawn.

3:44 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1411.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Critz moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H. Res. 1516:

recognizing the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II, honoring the service members who fought in World War II and their families, and honoring the service members who are currently serving in combat operations

3:43 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

3:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1516.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Skelton moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 5604:

to rescind amounts authorized for certain surface transportation programs

3:25 P.M. –

At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.

3:04 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5604.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Perriello moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H. Res. 1463:

supporting the goals and ideals of Railroad Retirement Day

3:03 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution Agreed to by voice vote.

2:33 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H. Res. 1463.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Brown, Corrine moved to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution.

H.R. 5301:

to extend the period during which the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and States are prohibited from requiring a permit under section 402 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act for certain discharges that are incidental to normal operation of vessels

2:32 P.M. –

The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

2:28 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5301.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Oberstar moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

H.R. 5545:

to deauthorize a portion of the project for navigation, Potomac River, Washington Channel, District of Columbia, under the jurisdiction of the Corps of Engineers

2:27 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:22 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5545.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

H.R. 5266:

to extend the final report deadline and otherwise reauthorize the National Commission on Children and Disasters

2:21 P.M. –

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.

2:10 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 5266.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

2:09 P.M. –

Ms. Norton moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until later in the legislative day.

12:02 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Luetkemeyer to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

12:01 P.M. –

The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

12:00 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of July 20.

10:53 A.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.

10:32 A.M. –

MORNING-HOUR DEBATES – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debates. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of the legislative day.

The Speaker designated the Honorable Henry Cuellar to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.

10:31 A.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day

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

Monday mashup &some News


We are at a moment in time when people need to be looking out for each other because our financial outlook truly depends on the domino that is the government; we the People are the government and we all need help. It starts from the poor and is not limited to the middle class it includes our small business community, the private sector, and government workers. If you have not already heard, first responders, teachers, firefighters, and doctors who get government funds have become the first laid off, cut and or fired left and right. It is beyond my understanding to hear comments from the likes of a Sharron angle. She continues to state that people on unemployment are spoiled, oh and get this she said that Harry Reid’s effort to call NV banks to plead for over 79thousand jobs to be saved based on a local project was wrong to do. In a normal situation, too big to fail should be imposed on most projects if the money is funny but we are not in a normal situation.

Who is putting Political Party and Profits before The People? Who or What do you believe in? The facts or the stuff Republicans are throwing at us, come on even Alan Greenspan who implemented these tax cuts now calls for letting them expire, he went so far to as state that they were all wrong. No one on the Republican side can throw positive rhetoric on what happened to get us into this mess we, thankfully are slowly but surely coming out of because of the Obama Administration.

In addition to the financial rhetoric, we have racial rhetoric that has moved back and forth from SB1070 to coloreds, if you listen to Mark Williams; and do we really need anyone to break down the Mark Williams satire letter? It is quite obvious what he thinks and just to respond to Mr. Williams and others who feel he was not behaving like a racist – There are jerks in every race but there are also Black folks work just as hard have work ethics and integrity and if we were to judge you by your comments -you sir have no ethics. It would be great if he were banned from the airwaves entirely.

Speaking of airwaves, we all wait for news, any news from the various Media outlets who will give us good news about the BP cap because there are reports that something (methane) is seeping out from the bottom, which sounds ominous. We will all hear they have to lift the cap to release pressure on the well then hope that replacing it will be an easy task. We have to wait for the Senate to begin the replacement proceedings of the beloved late Senator Byrd with Governor Joe Manchin’ appointment of Carte Goodwin; this replacement will clinch the Democratic Party’s ability to pass the extensions bill (HR4213) for unemployment and hopefully the small business bill (HR5297) as well. It should be an eye-opening situation for folks who really have yet to decide who they want in power, who they want to govern, who has been working for The People, which includes the Middle and lower class, the poor, average Joe and Main Street instead of those who have turned their backs on those listed here. It is an obvious choice to me but far be it from me to understand why caring for people and their station in life as the wrong thing to do or that it is spoiling them. The US has undergone a financial crisis that began when a group of fairly wealth off people decided to dabble in off the grid behavior. And while it was covered up for who knows how long it all became  too much that folks had to listen to the few regulators doing all but shooting at the moon to get attention someone’s attention at the end became anybody who would listen… hey, go get “House of Cards” by CNBC and grab the whole story for yourself.

We have many things to deal with before our country is back on track and the best way would be for our Congress to all work on a bipartisan basis. And if this cannot happen the Democratic Party needs to blow full ahead to knock the filibuster out and get the votes that help Americans first unlike the last guy who spent and sent money on 2Wars tax cuts that added to the financial problems we now have.

Other News …


C-SPAN …

watch Talk on the Bayou Radio Show

BP Claims Fund Administrator discusses payout process

Kenneth Feinberg, appointed by President Obama and BP to oversee the $20 billion BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill compensation fund, participated in a question and answer session on his role as the Administrator of the Gulf Claims Facility. Hosted by the Economic Club of Washington, Feinberg outlined the process for responding to oil spill claims, and relatee his experiences dealing with the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, the Hurricane Katrina Mediation and other programs.

Coast Guard Holds Investigatory Hearing into Deepwater Horizon Explosion

The Coast Guard is holding a week-long series of hearings in New Orleans to develop conclusions on the “how” and “why” the Deepwater Horizon explosion happened in late April. This is the third session of hearings intended to collect facts and produce recommendations which will aid the Coast Guard and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement in their research. Witnesses will provide information concerning the structure of the well, the explosion itself, and the leaks associated with the blowout preventer.  According the federal officials, tests revealed last night that oil is seeping out near BP’s blown-out oil well. Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen (Ret.) did not provide further details on the size of the leak but indicated scientist have focused on the spot and are conducting evaluations.

President Obama, P.M. Cameron to discuss economy and oil spill

President Obama will host Prime Minister Cameron at the White House tomorrow, where they are expected to discuss Afghanistan, the economy and BP’s handling of the Gulf oil spill. The two leaders last met at the G8 and G20 meetings in Canada last month, where the Prime Minister revealed he wanted to withdraw troops from Afghanistan within five years.  On the eve of Cameron’s first visit to the White House as Britain’s Prime Minister, political editor for Sky News, Adam Boulton joined the Washington Journal to discuss US-British relations. One topic of discussion was the oil spill and recent revelations that BP lobbied the British government over a prison transfer agreement for the Lockerbie bomber while negotiating a major oil deal with Libya.