Category Archives: America

FOOTBALL — Orrin Hatch’s Legislative Priority

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You can’t make this stuff up. 

We are fighting for economic recovery, we are fighting two wars, we are fighting multiple insurgents in the health care industry, we are trying to save the planet from our carbon emissions, we are trying to prevent nuclear proliferation and SENATOR ORRIN HATCH WANTS THE PRESIDENT TO INTERVENE ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL BOWL CHAMPIONSHIPS?

Sen. Hatch says there is some antitrust violation involved in the way the championships are decided.  Senator, there may be another antitrust violation, too.  It involves health care.  Maybe you read about it.

Orrin, Orrin, Orrin.  Do we live on the same planet?  Don’t you have pressing matters of state in the Senate that require your UNDIVIDED focus?  Are our national problems a joke to you?  If you were a senator from New York, I would start a campaign to recall you.

By the way, in No-Where-istan, we have no organized sports leagues.  Since No-Where-istan lives in my head, cleats would be painful.

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 By FREDERIC J. FROMMER, Associated Press Writer Frederic J. Frommer, Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 9 mins ago

WASHINGTON – Shortly after winning last year’s presidential election, Barack Obama said he was going to “to throw my weight around a little bit” to nudge college football’s Bowl Championship Series to move to a playoff system.

On Wednesday, Sen. Orrin Hatch took him up on that.

Hatch asked the president to launch a Justice Department investigation into the way the BCS — a complex system of computer rankings and polls that often draws criticism — crowns its national champion.

“Mr. President, as you have publicly stated on multiple occasions, the BCS system is in dire need of reform,” Hatch, R-Utah, wrote in a 10-page letter, obtained by The Associated Press.

Hatch, who held a hearing on the BCS in July, told Obama that a “strong case” can be made that the BCS violates antitrust laws.

[rest of article omitted]

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Mr. President, please let me see you sweat

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Mr. President, I am sweating.  I am sweating the outcome of the healthcare reform votes.  I am sweating the outcome of financial system reform.  I am sweating the recession.  I am sweating Iranian nuclear proliferation.  I am sweating global warming.  I am sweating more troops in Afghanistan, which just seems to be a quagmire.  In short, everything on the micro-level of my life seems still as precarious as it was when you were elected. 

We elected you in part for your No Drama Obama comportment and you words of empowerment and calm assurance.  But now I want to see you sweat, too, Mr. President, in a take charge way.  Twist some arms to get the reform you promised.  Support the process of stripping health care insurers of the anti-trust immunity if they are bad players. 

LBJ was not Mr. Nice Guy when it came to getting Medicare passed.  And generations of Americans are in his debt.

Mr. President, be principled, be honorable and please be ready to rumble in order to get things done.

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It is time for us to make things again in this country

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Toxic drywall?  Lead in children’s toys?  Poison in toothpaste? US souvenir shop trinkets “made in China”?  Disposable furniture?

This is not economic protectionism.  This is health protection and consumer protection (Ok, not the trinkets in the souvenir shops or the furniture.)  These are valid reasons to make the products here, subject to our health and safety standards.  (Which could use some updating — new recall of beef today.)

Yeah it is cheaper to import the stuff, until the first child died, and then the price was too high.  And that was years ago and still we import this stuff.

I am not advocating tariffs, because that is not the point. 

Let’s make things again in this country.  If it costs a little more then we will think twice before we toss it out for the new model.  We will actually save money by investing in quality things that last awhile.  And it is good for the economy and environment, too.

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Insurers dropping Chinese drywall policies

By BRIAN SKOLOFF, Associated Press Writer – Thu Oct 15, 10:45 am ET

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – James and Maria Ivory’s dreams of a relaxing retirement on Florida’s Gulf Coast were put on hold when they discovered their new home had been built with Chinese drywall that emits sulfuric fumes and corrodes pipes. It got worse when they asked their insurer for help — and not only was their claim denied, but they’ve been told their entire policy won’t be renewed.

Thousands of homeowners nationwide who bought new houses constructed from the defective building materials are finding their hopes dashed, their lives in limbo. And experts warn that cases like the Ivorys’, in which insurers drop policies or send notices of non-renewal based on the presence of the Chinese drywall, will become rampant as insurance companies process the hundreds of claims currently in the pipeline.

[rest of article omitted]

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Out of the mouths of babes come truths

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At a town hall meeting, a fourth grader asked President Obama why everyone hated him.

I think we should stop wondering about the kid who was NOT aloft in a hot air balloon and we should think about what this fourth grader asked the President. It is easier to wonder about hot air balloon boy, his family’s interest in science experiments and their appearance as contestants on “Wife Swap”.  Putting this family under a microscope helps us avoid bigger and, dare I say, more important, issues.

Focusing on the fourth grader’s question requires us to look at how we behave.

We have to examine the tenor of our disagreements, the personal nature of the attacks, our fears for the future of our way of life and our desperate anxiety about not being all powerful on the international stage.

From the simplicity of his question, the following things came to mind:

1. We need to disengage from the-ends-justify-the-means view.  There is another word for “means” and that word is “barbarism” — i.e., torture, character assassination, lies, bribes, etc.

2. Passion for one’s cause not require person attacks, lies and defamation.  Passion is evident in the force of one’s argument and tireless efforts promoting the cause.

3. There is room for the loyal opposition.  When did we forget the phrase, “my country, right or wrong”?

The goal should be fair and open, vigorous and informative debate, “deciders” act for the common welfare and everyone abides by the result.  If losing means you make up lies and propaganda and continually do things disrespectful of the government, then you don’t deserve to be a citizen.    I was pretty unhappy when GW Bush was declared winner in 2000 and elected in 2004 and every time he did something with which I disagreed, I always hoped that his decisions were right.  Because if he were, the country would suffer.

4.  We must be willing to see the flaws in our own arguments.

I’ll start.  I believe that the public option insurance is necessary, but no one can predict the price tag and it really could be too costly right now.  Maybe in five years, we could afford it.

Also, Afghanistan is a quagmire with a corrupt government.  Nation-building is always a disaster.  I don’t believe that President Obama should send more troops.  In fact, we should remove our troops and seek a relationship with a fairly elected government.  But we should continue to bomb out Al-Qaeda.  (I’m feeling pretty extreme this afternoon.)

Now, let’s look at the GOP who use the slogan, “America First”.  WAIT, do you think Democrats don’t put America first?  Are you delusional?

Let’s look at the facts of the GOP’s putting America first:

  1. Under GOP leadership, manufacturing jobs went overseas in astounding numbers, and promoted the burgeoning economies of India and China.
  2. Refusal to meet with Iran (and GWB’s botching of several opportunities for some sort of freeze) only increased its determination to build nuclear weapons.
  3. The war in Iraq made us indebted to the Chinese government in an insane amount.
  4. Our armies cannot continue another war without a DRAFT.
  5. Our need for fossil fuels has made Russia a necessary player.
  6. De-regulation almost brought this mighty nation to its knees and then the small government politicians had to bailout the banks (SOCIALISM, anyone?)

Now, explain to me again why the GOP blames President Obama for having to forge new diplomatic relationships and alliances?

(Now tell me the truth.  Was I ranting?)

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Soldiers and civilians will die whatever the Afghanistan strategy

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G-d bless the men and women in our armed services.  They put their lives on the line in Somalia, on the DMZ between the Koreas, in Afghanistan, in Pakistan and in many other places known and unknown.  They are heroes.  (Ok, there are some gross exceptions to the rule — Abu Gh’raib for example.) 

I hate the war in Iraq and I know I am blessed to have others fight those dangerous battles.  Regardless of how you feel about the war, the veterans deserve all that a grateful nation should give them — honor, respect, the best medical care in the world, the best jobs, the best education for them, their spouses and children, economic security in old age and even throw in a country club membership.  And still, there is no way to repay the dedication and honor of these brave souls who have seen and done the unspeakable.

Afghanistan seems to be a quagmire.  We are damned if we pull out, we are damned if we keep the status quo and there are no assurances of success if we commit further troops there.  In short, soldiers and civilians will die no matter what decision is made. 

I will not allow my son to fight unless there is an imminent threat to our country.  And, in that case, I will go to war with him to protect this nation.  So, I can’t say that other people’s children should go.

For everyone involved in the decision-making process, I hope they have children in the line of fire.  Then, I’ll believe it is the best decision and not a political one.

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President Obama, I am here, I am queer and I am “over” your speech

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You gave a campaign speech.

You re-told the story of the LGBT fight for equality.

Mr. President, how will you add to our collective story line?

I know that you need to get the economy, health care and two wars under control and then, if you still have enough political capital, you can make good on your promises to our community.  That is the way it should be. 

We are Americans, after all, and jobs and economic recovery and health care come first.  

But, please don’t keep promising.  What is the status of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell?  In your speech, you essentially said that a national hate crimes bill is effectively a done deal.  I sure hope you are right.

By the way, Mr. President, you could have carried off a lavender or rainbow tie.

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Could it be 8 years already?

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Tomorrow is September 11, 2009.  Eight years since the attack on our nation.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, we were strong, we were scared, we were compassionate.  The world rallied to our side.

Then came the anger, the blood lust for revenge, the ramp up to war that stoked our desire to strike back at the aggressors, the use of 9/11 as a political tool to divide us just when we needed unity most.

We hit back blindly — at the wrong despot and at each other.  We lost our way.

Eight years later, the question remains:   how do we move forward as a nation, united and committed to making sure this doesn’t happen again for us and for any nation?

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Say it ain’t so, Joe

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Joe Wilson, GOP Congressman from South Carolina, broke protocol by yelling at the President, “you lie!” when the President was giving his address to Congress last night.  Of course, this is the same guy who supports Sarah Palin’s assertions about death panels that will decide care for elderly.  

Look, I wish some people called out Bush on the false claims of Iraq’s buying WMDs and plutoniun from Niger in his speech to Congress, so maybe protocol breaches are ok every now and then.

The problem with Wilson’s outburst is what it lays bare for all to see: 

  1. the discussion of health care reform has become an exercise in name-calling and fear mongering;
  2. there can be no debate while people are screaming to score points with constituents; and
  3. the ideologues (on either side of the issue) will not bend to acknowledge the facts and realities “on the ground”. 

Ideology without common sense (and some sinister malfeasance, thank you, Dick Cheney) got us in the guagmire known as the Iraq War, where debate was stifled by fear-mongering and name-calling (“unpatriotic” was often used) and people afraid to be unpopular with constituencies that just wanted revenge (as in “round up the usual suspects”).

Trying to bring the likes of Joe Wilson into the bipartisan tent is a fool’s errand.  Similarly, if bringing in armchair “Progressives” into the bipartisan tent means clinging onto a public option come hell or high water, then close the tent flaps to them, too. 

Actually, let’s have both sides of the extreme ideologies in an arena and let them scream at each other.  We’ll sell tickets, televise it (and get advertising revenue) and the proceeds will help pay for health care reform.  We’ll call the show “Extreme Dysfunction”.

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No, really, she said “Great White Hope”?

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Nooooooo.  She didn’t really.  Yesssss?  Nooooooo.

A representative from Kansas, Lynn Jenkins (R) used the phrase “Great White Hope” when referring to existing and future leadership talent within the Republican party.  And Obama got skewered for saying the Cambridge police acted stupidly?

She says she wasn’t thinking about a white contender against Obama in 2012 [I accept that she wasn’t thinking; but I wondered when she exercises her gray matter].  Also, various Republicans said no offense was meant.  How nice for them to say.  Charming, really.

Rep. Jenkins, one of 535 who review and pass laws affecting our land, did not know the back story on the unfortunate turn of phrase.  Except you don’t have to know any back story to know that it can’t be a good phrase.  [That is, if one uses one’s gray matter.]

Let’s sound it out together:  Great [not bad so far] White [anyone have a plausible reason for this word other than racial reference?] Hope [as in champion].  Let’s parse it: White Hope.  Hmmmm. A champion for whites as opposed to .  .  . other races?

To review, history books are not necessary to the implications of the statement.  But I bet no one intended any offense.  Rep. Jenkins and others like her [Herr Glenn “Gestapo” Beck, par exemple] truly are afraid of losing their status as the majority and governing race in America.  And they are voicing it.  And then, they fear they may face discrimination [retribution?] for their elitism and excusivity and want all of the programs against which they fought so hard when they had the power.

They see an end to THEIR society of whites-only country clubs, privilege and access to power (and not all whites are allowed, so if you have bad dental work, live in a trailer park and wear a sheet on occasion, you don’t belong either). 

I am counting on the citizens of this great country (including “whites” like me) looking forward to having leaders and people in positions of power reflect the rich multi-cultural society that is the United States of America.   Maybe because I come from the huddled masses who achieved the American Dream.  Or maybe because skin color is an irrelevant marker for anything of value. 

So these people are really hoping for a great WHITE hope.  And, in case you are wondering, yes they’ve inbred so much that someone who can stay idiotic things can still become a Congresswoman.

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From the Associated Press —

OTTAWA, Kan. – A Kansas congresswoman says a recent comment about fellow Republicans seeking a “great white hope” was not a reference to someone who could challenge President Barack Obama‘s political agenda.

Rep. Lynn Jenkins said Thursday that she was making a comment about GOP leaders in the U.S. House. She says she was trying to reassure Republicans that there are bright leaders there.

But Jenkins says she apologizes if anyone was offended by her remarks at the Aug. 19. forum.

She says she was unaware of any negative connotation to the phrase.

The phrase stems from the early 1900s when there was a campaign to find a white boxer who could defeat heavyweight boxing champion Jack Johnson, who was black.

A spokesman says White House officials will give Jenkins the benefit of the doubt.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A freshman Republican congresswoman apologized Thursday for telling a gathering in her district that the GOPwas still searching for a “great white hope” to stop President Barack Obama’s political agenda.

Rep. Lynn Jenkins used the phrase during an Aug. 19 forum as she discussed the Republican Party‘s future and tried to reassure members that the GOP has promising young leaders. Someone in the crowd recorded video of the event in Hiawatha, about 65 miles northeast of Topeka, and gave it to the Kansas Democratic Party.

“She apologizes if her words have offended anyone,” Jenkins spokeswoman Mary Geiger told The Associated Press. “That was not the intent in any way, shape or form.”

At an event at University of Kansas in Lawrence, Jenkins denied she was speaking in racial terms and said she meant only that the GOP needs “a bright light.”

“I was unaware of any negative connotation, and if I offended anybody, obviously, I apologize,” Jenkins told the Lawrence Journal-World.

At the Hiawatha event, Jenkins was discussing the GOP’s future, with Democrats in control of Congress and Obama elected the nation’s first black president, in response to an audience question. Jenkins is white, as are three House colleagues she mentioned as future party leaders: Eric Cantor of Virginia; Kevin McCarthyof California and Paul Ryan of Wisconsin.

“Republicans are struggling right now to find the great white hope,” Jenkins said last week. “I suggest to any of you who are concerned about that, who are Republican, there are some great young Republican minds in Washington.”

The Democratic National Committee in Washington declined to comment Thursday.

“I saw that report,” White House spokesmanBill Burton said at a briefing on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, where Obama is vacationing. “I also saw that her spokesperson backpeddaled and said that was a poor choice of words. We obviously give congressman Jenkins the benefit of the doubt.”

The National Republican Campaign Committee in Washington didn’t immediately respond to a request for a comment.

Jenkins was not available for comment Thursday morning, but she was to hold an afternoon town hall meeting in Ottawa, about 55 miles southwest of the Kansas City metropolitan area.

The phrase “great white hope” often is associated with pre-civil rights-era racism and is widely believed to have entered usage in the U.S. when boxer Jack Johnson, who was black, captured the heavyweight title in the early 20th century. Many whites reacted to Johnson’s achievement by trying to find white fighters — or a “great white hope” — who could beat him. The boxer’s story inspired a play, then a movie, with that title, both starring James Earl Jones.

Geiger said she doubts Jenkins was aware of the phrase’s connection to the play about Johnson. Geiger said she’s never heard Jenkins use it before.

She said Jenkins simply was discussing how the GOP has faced challenges in recent years but has talented young leaders, adding, “That’s what she was saying, that was it, nothing more, nothing less.”

Tyler Longpine, a spokesman for the Kansas Democratic Party, called Jenkins’ comment “a poor choice of words” but said he doesn’t think it was anything more than that.

He said a Democratic Party supporter shot the video at Jenkins’ forum in Hiawatha and shared it with the state party.

“The thing that kind of strikes me was the partisan tone of it all,” Longpine said. “If she’d stick to talking about policy rather than politics, she could have kept her foot out of her mouth.”

Jenkins, 46, won the 2nd Congressional District seat for eastern Kansas last year by ousting Democratic incumbent Nancy Boyda. She previously served two terms as state treasurer and four years in the Kansas Legislature.

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The Hatfields and the McCoys and the Clampetts?

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Feuding families cause riot in  Marion, Alabama

About 4% of the population of Marion rioted over a family feud.  4% of a town belongs to one or another family?  Let’s think about the evolutionary implications for a “tight-knit” community. 

EEeeeeewwww.  EEEEeeeewww.  Ok, on further reflection, let’s not.   

AND, Michael Jackson is seeming less freakish by the day. 

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Associated Press  Monday, August 24, 2009

MARION, Ala. – Two Alabama families that had been fighting for years turned their feud into a full-scale riot Monday outside a small-town city hall, with up to 150 screaming people hurling tire irons and wielding baseball bats. The town’s police chief was hit in the head with a crowbar but was OK.

The two- or three-year-old feud apparently prompted a fight earlier in the day at a high school, after a window was shot out of a home Sunday night. Then, “all hell broke loose” later in the day, said Sgt. Carlton Hogue of the Perry County Sheriff’s Department.

“It was a full-scale riot is what it was,” said Tony Long, mayor of the town of 3,300 about 85 miles west of Montgomery.

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