Buck Naked Politics: Bill Maher on the Tonight Show: Obama a Socialist? "He's Not Even a Liberal.": "...'We do not have the right two parties [for a two-party system]. We have one party that is good if you're defending banks, credit card companies...and the pharmaceutical lobby. That would be the Democrats. On the other side, we have a party of religious lunatics, flat-earthers, and Civil War re-enactors who call themselves the Republicans and take their orders from Rush Limbaugh. They think Obama is a socialist. Socialist? He's not even a liberal. What we need in this country is a progressive party and we don't have it...'"
I'm still pissed at Maher, but he's right here.
Monday, August 31, 2009
No Ted Worship Here
Read the entire post if you want to understand how Larry Johnson arrives at his conclusion.
My Problem With Teddy : NO QUARTER: "...So count me as one of the folks who did not get teary-eyed or maudlin at the passing of the so-called Lion of Liberalism. Ted Kennedy could of been a contender. While some try to portray him as a champion of the poor it is more clear that Kennedy was a champion of Kennedy and a self-indulgent politician who refused to live by the rules that apply to average folks. I won’t miss him."
My Problem With Teddy : NO QUARTER: "...So count me as one of the folks who did not get teary-eyed or maudlin at the passing of the so-called Lion of Liberalism. Ted Kennedy could of been a contender. While some try to portray him as a champion of the poor it is more clear that Kennedy was a champion of Kennedy and a self-indulgent politician who refused to live by the rules that apply to average folks. I won’t miss him."
More Journalistic Incest
Former First Daughter Jenna Bush Scores TV Job on Today Show | ChattahBox News Blog: "...After two prior appearances on the Today Show, Jim Bell, executive producer for the show, was impressed with [Bush] Hager’s natural presence before the cameras..."
"Presence," ah, yes, the invisible stuff deep within the DNA of the blueblood that separates them from us. Darwin, Darwin. This is just one more nail in the credibility coffin of the major news outlets. No wonder the bloggers and the internet in general are trampling over other media in terms of delivering relevant news. Of course, any smuck can blog, but only a few blogs have "presence," and we know where they are.
"Presence," ah, yes, the invisible stuff deep within the DNA of the blueblood that separates them from us. Darwin, Darwin. This is just one more nail in the credibility coffin of the major news outlets. No wonder the bloggers and the internet in general are trampling over other media in terms of delivering relevant news. Of course, any smuck can blog, but only a few blogs have "presence," and we know where they are.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Killing The Elderly
Why the GOP Is Gunning for Grandma | Newsweek Newsweek Voices - Jacob Weisberg | Newsweek.com: "...But why would Republicans be trying to kill old people? After all, senior citizens are more likely to vote for the GOP than for Democrats. They were the only substantial demographic segment John McCain won in 2008. You'd think conservatives would want them to hang on as long as possible. The problem is that because of the Democratic programs Social Security and Medicare, the aged are expensive for government to keep around. The writer Jodie T. Allen once explained the reason for the GOP's 'pro-death' policies: faced with an unpalatable choice between cutting benefits and raising taxes to pay for the growing costs of entitlement programs, Republicans gravitated toward a third alternative—restraining growth in life expectancy. If you want lower taxes and aren't willing to risk cutting spending, you need fewer beneficiaries..."
No Brit Stink In Lockerbie
UK minister denies secret deal on release of Lockerbie bomber - CNN.com: "British Justice Minister Jack Straw denied Sunday that the Lockerbie bomber was freed from jail as part of an agreement to allow a British energy company to drill for oil in Libya..."
I should hope not; that sounds like the kind of deal The Dick would think of then sell to Skippy.
I should hope not; that sounds like the kind of deal The Dick would think of then sell to Skippy.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
O'Accounting For Katrina
On Katrina anniversary, Obama seeks accountability - MarketWatch: "NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- In his weekly radio address Saturday, President Barack Obama remembered the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, calling on the government to be more accountable and prepared to help the public..."
Good luck with that accountability. (See Iraq, see VA, see Plamegate, see... oh never mind.)
Good luck with that accountability. (See Iraq, see VA, see Plamegate, see... oh never mind.)
Friday, August 28, 2009
Backfiring Joke
Some joke: Idaho GOP candidate suggests Obama hunt: "Earlier this week, Rex Rammell, a Republican who plans to challenge Idaho's incumbent Republican governor next year, was appearing at a rally.
The state's wolf hunt, for which wolf tags are required, came up. Along the way, a woman --- you got to love Idaho -- was inspired to shout 'Obama tags...'"
I remember Jesse Helms quite seriously warning Bill Clinton not to come to North Carolina, yet that was not treated as a threat, though it should have been. This incident does not come near the Jesse level and is best left to lie on fallow ground.
The state's wolf hunt, for which wolf tags are required, came up. Along the way, a woman --- you got to love Idaho -- was inspired to shout 'Obama tags...'"
I remember Jesse Helms quite seriously warning Bill Clinton not to come to North Carolina, yet that was not treated as a threat, though it should have been. This incident does not come near the Jesse level and is best left to lie on fallow ground.
Another GOP Low Blow
The Associated Press: GOP hints Dems would deny Republicans health care: "WASHINGTON — The Republican national party has mailed a fundraising appeal suggesting Democrats might use an overhaul of the health care system to deny medical treatment to Republicans.
A questionnaire accompanying the appeal says the government could check voting registration records, 'prompting fears that GOP voters might be discriminated against for medical treatment in a Democrat-imposed health care rationing system...'"
If they are all as principled as their leaders claim, then this should not be a problem; if it is indeed some form of socialized medicine, then a true-red GOPer would refuse it, as he now does for other socialized medicine, like Medicaid, Medicare, VA. and Social Security.
A questionnaire accompanying the appeal says the government could check voting registration records, 'prompting fears that GOP voters might be discriminated against for medical treatment in a Democrat-imposed health care rationing system...'"
If they are all as principled as their leaders claim, then this should not be a problem; if it is indeed some form of socialized medicine, then a true-red GOPer would refuse it, as he now does for other socialized medicine, like Medicaid, Medicare, VA. and Social Security.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Exhausted America?
War of Exhaustion or Maneuver?: "The war in Afghanistan appears to have settled into the category Delbrueck called 'wars of exhaustion.' If it remains there, the U.S. cannot win. The American people will become exhausted long before the Pashtun do..."
America has never succumbed to the kind of exhaustion extrapolated in this post, i.e. WWI Germany. We will never run out of material or bodies to fight the Taliban. Iraquis, yes. Vietnamese, yes. What exhausts America is fighting for the wrong reason. Give us the right reason, and we, like the British, will muddle onward somehow. We (meaning the Western Allies, not just the U.S.) fought the Cold War for fifty years. Though some of the skirmishes in the larger war were ill-conceived (Vietnam) or less than perfectly executed (Korea), we slogged onward for half a century.
America has never succumbed to the kind of exhaustion extrapolated in this post, i.e. WWI Germany. We will never run out of material or bodies to fight the Taliban. Iraquis, yes. Vietnamese, yes. What exhausts America is fighting for the wrong reason. Give us the right reason, and we, like the British, will muddle onward somehow. We (meaning the Western Allies, not just the U.S.) fought the Cold War for fifty years. Though some of the skirmishes in the larger war were ill-conceived (Vietnam) or less than perfectly executed (Korea), we slogged onward for half a century.
Attack Of The Warrior Hobbit
Kucinich Calls on Insurers to Testify Before Panel - Roll Call: "The insurance industry is facing new heat from House Democrats as Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on Domestic Policy, on Wednesday requested that six top insurance company executives appear before his panel to explain how they do business..."
It is really unfair of me to call Kuncinich a hobbit but... Anyway, I like Kucinich on many levels and, one of the things I like about him is that he is unafraid to tilt at both windmills and monsters. The insurance industry is a monster.
It is really unfair of me to call Kuncinich a hobbit but... Anyway, I like Kucinich on many levels and, one of the things I like about him is that he is unafraid to tilt at both windmills and monsters. The insurance industry is a monster.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Only Republicans Died On 9-11
The American Spectator : Obama's Plan to Desecrate 9/11: "The Obama White House is behind a cynical, coldly calculated political effort to erase the meaning of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks from the American psyche and convert Sept. 11 into a day of leftist celebration and statist idolatry..."
Keep working, GOP. Soon you will have me voting Democratic again.
Keep working, GOP. Soon you will have me voting Democratic again.
Kennedy Dies
Dems Pushing for Health Care Reform Say 'Win One for Teddy' - ABC News: "Democrats are hoping that the memory of Sen. Ted Kennedy will revive the Democratic Party's flagging push for health care reform..."
I remember Ted Kennedy refusing to shake Jimmy Carter's hand at the Democratic Convention... what my mama taught me...
I remember Ted Kennedy refusing to shake Jimmy Carter's hand at the Democratic Convention... what my mama taught me...
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Slamming Gov Health Care
Hot Air » Blog Archive » 1200 vets mistakenly told they’re dying from ALS: "Just as the Obama administration tries to reassure people that the government can manage the health-care system more competently than what we have now, one of its single-payer systems demonstrates exactly what we can expect from ObamaCare. The VA mistakenly informed 1200 veterans that they have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, a 100% fatal condition. They blamed it on a “coding error” (via JWF):..."
Consider the source then ask yourself the question, "How has private sector veterans health care performed?" Oh, wait. Not any. So let's compare apples and watermelons. Of course, the private sector has never incorrectly informed anyone of a diagnosis; well, except maybe me.
Consider the source then ask yourself the question, "How has private sector veterans health care performed?" Oh, wait. Not any. So let's compare apples and watermelons. Of course, the private sector has never incorrectly informed anyone of a diagnosis; well, except maybe me.
Hate That Socialized Medicine
Simon Johnson and James Kwak - Don't Want a Public Plan? Well, What Do You Think of Medicare? - washingtonpost.com: "Opponents of health-care reform should be chanting 'No more Medicare!' The arguments that have been made against the public option (a health insurance plan sold and administered by the federal government) apply with equal or greater force to Medicare.."
Traveling The World For Healthcare
Following is an excerpt from an excerpt. Highly recommended. Good writing. Good read.
EXCERPT: 'The Healing of America,' by T.R. Reid - ABC News: "...In 2000, when a Harvard Medical School professor working at the World Health Organization developed a complicated formula to rate the quality and fairness of national health care systems around the world, the richest nation on earth ranked thirty-seventh. That placed us just behind Dominica and Costa Rica, and just ahead of Slovenia and Cuba. France came in first.
The one area where the United States unquestionably leads the world is in spending. Even countries with considerably older populations than ours, with more need for medical attention, spend much less than we do. Japan has the oldest population in the world, and the Japanese go to the doctor more than anybody—about fourteen office visits per year, compared with five for the average American. And yet Japan spends about $3,000 per person on health care each year; we burn through $7,000 per person..."
EXCERPT: 'The Healing of America,' by T.R. Reid - ABC News: "...In 2000, when a Harvard Medical School professor working at the World Health Organization developed a complicated formula to rate the quality and fairness of national health care systems around the world, the richest nation on earth ranked thirty-seventh. That placed us just behind Dominica and Costa Rica, and just ahead of Slovenia and Cuba. France came in first.
The one area where the United States unquestionably leads the world is in spending. Even countries with considerably older populations than ours, with more need for medical attention, spend much less than we do. Japan has the oldest population in the world, and the Japanese go to the doctor more than anybody—about fourteen office visits per year, compared with five for the average American. And yet Japan spends about $3,000 per person on health care each year; we burn through $7,000 per person..."
Monday, August 24, 2009
Killing Monsters
Op-Ed Columnist - All the President’s Zombies - NYTimes.com: "...Washington, it seems, is still ruled by Reaganism — by an ideology that says government intervention is always bad, and leaving the private sector to its own devices is always good.
Call me naïve, but I actually hoped that the failure of Reaganism in practice would kill it. It turns out, however, to be a zombie doctrine: even though it should be dead, it keeps on coming..."
If it keeps on coming after you've killed it dead, then burned it, then drove a stake through its heart, then it must be a werewolf, which is, I think, a more apt description of Reaganism.
Call me naïve, but I actually hoped that the failure of Reaganism in practice would kill it. It turns out, however, to be a zombie doctrine: even though it should be dead, it keeps on coming..."
If it keeps on coming after you've killed it dead, then burned it, then drove a stake through its heart, then it must be a werewolf, which is, I think, a more apt description of Reaganism.
Progressive Hypocrisy Dissected
Anglachel rips the pseudo-liberals whilst exploring corporate branding:
Anglachel's Journal: Whole Foods Nation Betrayed: "...This is exactly how The Precious was marketed to Whole Foods Nation, a facsimile of liberal values tied up in a 'clean' package. The 'progressives' are a social class, not a political movement, and they are all about image. It is a class still held captive by a fantasy of the JFK White House, wanting to see it as moon landings and cultural events and chic fashion, and not as Bay of Pigs and Vietnam and invasive policing by the FBI and CIA. Its a class that waxes rhapsodic over Woodstock, but is silent over tear-gas in the streets of Berkley.
I look at this situation and see a perfect microcosm of all the delusions about the nature of power and all the unacknowledged class prejudices held by Whole Foods Nation."
Anglachel's Journal: Whole Foods Nation Betrayed: "...This is exactly how The Precious was marketed to Whole Foods Nation, a facsimile of liberal values tied up in a 'clean' package. The 'progressives' are a social class, not a political movement, and they are all about image. It is a class still held captive by a fantasy of the JFK White House, wanting to see it as moon landings and cultural events and chic fashion, and not as Bay of Pigs and Vietnam and invasive policing by the FBI and CIA. Its a class that waxes rhapsodic over Woodstock, but is silent over tear-gas in the streets of Berkley.
I look at this situation and see a perfect microcosm of all the delusions about the nature of power and all the unacknowledged class prejudices held by Whole Foods Nation."
You Know, Bush Went On Vaction, Too
God, I hate hypocrisy. Carl gets after it in fine fashion in this post-- Simply Left Behind: Vacation, Have To Get Away: The Non-Rapturist's Guide To The Galaxy: "...The concern trolling on the part of the Republicans (including Joe LiebeRman) has been touching but unnecessary. After all, when Bush was running up half trillion dollar deficits during our last recession...you recall? The one that lasted nearly his entire first term?...no one seemed to mind. Indeed, Veep Cheney pointed out that deficits don't matter..."
Sunday, August 23, 2009
More Troops Needed
U.S. Military Says Its Force in Afghanistan Is Insufficient - NYTimes.com : "BAGRAM, Afghanistan — American military commanders with the NATO mission in Afghanistan told President Obama’s chief envoy to the region this weekend that they did not have enough troops to do their job, pushed past their limit by Taliban rebels who operate across borders..."
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Ghosts Of My Lai Past
Convicted US soldier apologises for My Lai massacre - Americas, World - The Independent: "The only US Army officer convicted over the 1968 massacre of Vietnamese civilians at My Lai made an extraordinary public apology while speaking to a small group near the military base where he went on trial.
William Calley, who has long shied away from publicity and routinely turned down journalists' requests for interviews about My Lai, broke his long silence after accepting a long-time friend's invitation to speak at a meeting of a local community club..."
I remember him as red-headed teenager; I knew people in the area when the massacre happened. I knew some folks involved in the, er, "confusion" that followed the event. What I know for sure about it is that there is never a simple answer to the question "Why?"
William Calley, who has long shied away from publicity and routinely turned down journalists' requests for interviews about My Lai, broke his long silence after accepting a long-time friend's invitation to speak at a meeting of a local community club..."
I remember him as red-headed teenager; I knew people in the area when the massacre happened. I knew some folks involved in the, er, "confusion" that followed the event. What I know for sure about it is that there is never a simple answer to the question "Why?"
Terrorist Revenge
VOA News - Taliban Reportedly Cut Off Fingers of 2 Voters: "An Afghan election monitoring group says Taliban insurgents have made good on their threat to chop off ink-stained fingers of voters. Meanwhile, international observers are rendering a tentative verdict on the electoral process, calling Thursday's balloting generally positive and democratic..."
Friday, August 21, 2009
On Mercy For Terrorists
Mercy My Ass : NO QUARTER: "...The Scottish and FBI investigators initially had assumed that the chip was part of a Toshiba radio. But, with the help of CIA analysts, it was discovered that the chip was from a timer made by Mebo. From that point forward the puzzle of the bombing was assembled into a coherent picture. This act of terrorism was carried out by Libyan intelligence officers with the knowledge and direction of their leader, Muammar Qaddafi.
The release of Baset is an outrage. The Libyan celebration of his return is disgusting. And the Obama Administration’s weak response is sickening. I hope that Megrahi’s death is prolonged and painful. I hope fervently that he is haunted by the faces and voices of those he helped murder. Yesterday was a bad day for combating terrorism."
Is there any upside to this act of compassion? Will any Muslim head be slightly turned toward the Western World? Will relations in any way improve?
The release of Baset is an outrage. The Libyan celebration of his return is disgusting. And the Obama Administration’s weak response is sickening. I hope that Megrahi’s death is prolonged and painful. I hope fervently that he is haunted by the faces and voices of those he helped murder. Yesterday was a bad day for combating terrorism."
Is there any upside to this act of compassion? Will any Muslim head be slightly turned toward the Western World? Will relations in any way improve?
The Glass Is One Third Filled
The Truth About Record-Setting U.S. Life Expectancy - Longevity | Prevention | Aging - FOXNews.com: "Life expectancy in the United States rose to an all-time high, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said today. But that's only half the story.
The country is behind about 30 others on this measure.
Though the United States has by far the highest level of health care spending per capita in the world, we have one of the lowest life expectancies among developed nations — lower than Italy, Spain and Cuba and just a smidgeon ahead of Chile, Costa Rica and Slovenia, according to the United Nations. China does almost as well as we do. Japan tops the list at 83 years..."
The country is behind about 30 others on this measure.
Though the United States has by far the highest level of health care spending per capita in the world, we have one of the lowest life expectancies among developed nations — lower than Italy, Spain and Cuba and just a smidgeon ahead of Chile, Costa Rica and Slovenia, according to the United Nations. China does almost as well as we do. Japan tops the list at 83 years..."
Thursday, August 20, 2009
HC Food For Thought
Ten Things That Are Missing from Obama's Health Care Reform Debate by Mike Adams the Health Ranger: "(NaturalNews) You can't fix one broken system by replacing it with another broken system. Sure, the current health care system of 'that's a pre-existing condition' insurance companies, employer-funded health insurance and miserable Medicaid is a public health disaster, but if we're going to fix the system, we have to come up with something that actually addresses the root cause of disease in America..."
Afghan Elections Doing OK
VOA News - Afghan Election Spared Major Attacks, But Questions Linger Over Turnout: "Voters in Afghanistan have cast ballots in the country's high-stakes presidential election, in a poll that avoided large-scale Taliban attacks..."
Cash For Codgers
Chain email making the rounds...
"JUST IN ....
"JUST IN ....
Democrats, realizing the success of the President's "Cash For Clunkers" rebate program, have revamped a major portion of their National Health Care Plan.
President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Sen. Reed are expected to make this major announcement at a joint news conference later this week. I have obtained an advanced copy of the proposal which is named....
"CASH FOR CODGERS" and it works like this... Couples wishing to access health care funds in order to pay for the delivery of a child will be required to turn in one old person. The amount the government grants them will be fixed according to a sliding scale. Older and more prescription dependent codgers will garner the highest amounts.
Special "Bonuses" will be paid for those submitting codgers in targeted groups, such as smokers, alcohol drinkers, persons 10 pounds over their government prescribed weight, and any member of the Republican Party.
Smaller bonuses will be given for codgers who consume beef, soda, fried foods, potato chips, lattes, whole milk, dairy products, bacon, Brussel sprouts, or Girl Scout Cookies.
All codgers will be rendered totally useless via toxic injection. This will insure that they are not secretly resold or their body parts harvested to keep other codgers in repair.
Remember you heard it here first........"
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Daily Uh-Oh
Concerns Over White House Senior Adviser David Axelrod's Ties to a Media Firm - Special Report w/ Bret Baier - FOXNews.com: "Questions are being raised regarding the relationship between White House senior adviser David Axelrod and a Chicago-based media firm he founded that still employs his son.
Bloomberg reports AKPD Message and Media still owes Axelrod $2 million following his departure in December to work for President Obama. The firm is part of a multi-million-dollar advertising deal with Health Economy Now, a coalition that includes PHARMA, the lobbying group that represents the drug industry..."
Bloomberg reports AKPD Message and Media still owes Axelrod $2 million following his departure in December to work for President Obama. The firm is part of a multi-million-dollar advertising deal with Health Economy Now, a coalition that includes PHARMA, the lobbying group that represents the drug industry..."
Not Getting Out?
US pullout in doubt after day of slaughter on streets of Baghdad - Times Online: "Extremists struck at the Iraqi Government with a wave of bombings and mortar attacks, killing at least 95 people and injuring more than 560 and raising new doubts about the withdrawal of US soldiers from the country..."
This Won't Help HC Reform
Shoot enough and you will eventually hit your foot.
Charlotte Front and Center: A.C.O.R.N. Buried Inside Health Care Bill: "...CNS News reports: ' In a section entitled, 'Community-Based Prevention Health Activites,' the bill calls on grant recipients (like ACORN) to measure weight loss,physical activity, smoking, and other activities of people in the neighborhood.' The bill goes onto say these activities are not limited to the above mentioned.
Once again we see a sneaky provision that allows money to be funneled to A.C.O.R.N. which has proved to be a liberal activist group that is already under investigation..."
Charlotte Front and Center: A.C.O.R.N. Buried Inside Health Care Bill: "...CNS News reports: ' In a section entitled, 'Community-Based Prevention Health Activites,' the bill calls on grant recipients (like ACORN) to measure weight loss,physical activity, smoking, and other activities of people in the neighborhood.' The bill goes onto say these activities are not limited to the above mentioned.
Once again we see a sneaky provision that allows money to be funneled to A.C.O.R.N. which has proved to be a liberal activist group that is already under investigation..."
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Novak Dies
What Mama taught me...
Z on TV: Robert Novak on cable TV: A Polarizing Presence - Sun critic David Zurawik writes about the business, culture and craziness of television - baltimoresun.com: "I will leave it to his colleagues in Washington to place Robert Novak, who died Tuesday at age 78, on the political and journalistic map..."
Z on TV: Robert Novak on cable TV: A Polarizing Presence - Sun critic David Zurawik writes about the business, culture and craziness of television - baltimoresun.com: "I will leave it to his colleagues in Washington to place Robert Novak, who died Tuesday at age 78, on the political and journalistic map..."
Real Death Panels.
Free-Market Death Panels by Froma Harrop on Creators.com - A Syndicate Of Talent: "'Death panels'? I'll tell you about death panels. My husband faced one some years ago, and it didn't involve any government bureaucrat. It was run by our private insurer, the sort of corporate entity that foes of health care reform say will give you anything you want.
My husband was diagnosed with liver cancer. We were 'insured' by United Healthcare. The deal was as follows: You had to use doctors on its list, but if you needed specialized care outside the network, United's health-maintenance organization would pay for it. Fair enough..."
My husband was diagnosed with liver cancer. We were 'insured' by United Healthcare. The deal was as follows: You had to use doctors on its list, but if you needed specialized care outside the network, United's health-maintenance organization would pay for it. Fair enough..."
Monday, August 17, 2009
Promenading BugMan
Tom DeLay to Save "Dancing with Stars" From Old Fogey Smut - Moraes on TV: "Former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay -- who has already suffered one gimongous embarrassment on ABC's dance competition series 'Dancing with the Stars' -- is game to be humiliated again.
This time, he's one of the dancers..."
This time, he's one of the dancers..."
Some Dems Hanging Tough
Some Democrats Push for Keeping Public Insurance Option - NYTimes.com: "A faction of Congressional Democrats argued Monday that the public insurance option should not be discarded in favor of a health cooperative, setting the stage for a contentious debate inside the party over how to overhaul health care..."
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Mayor Protects And Serves
Milwaukee's Mayor Barrett 'stepped up', 'did the right thing' | NECN: "(NECN: Milwaukee, Wisc.) - Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett was hospitalized with head and hand injuries on Sunday after he attempted to assist a woman crying for help, and was attacked by a man with a metal pipe near the Wisconsin State Fair, police said..."
I wonder if he'll get reelected.
I wonder if he'll get reelected.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Swiss Gnomes Pursued By Feds
Since I might use some of the same words that AP uses, all I can say is-- it's about time! The Associated Press: Tax dodgers scramble to come clean amid crackdown
Brits Defend Their System
U.K. Health System, Maligned in U.S., Draws Praise at Home - WSJ.com: "...Mr. Brown joined a wave of Britons who rallied to defend the 61-year-old institution on the 'welovetheNHS' stream on Twitter. 'The NHS often makes the difference between pain and comfort, despair and hope, life and death,' wrote Mr. Brown on Thursday.
'It's not just a health-care system; it's part of our social fabric,' said Lord Ara Darzi, a surgeon and former minister in Britain's Department of Health. He defended the U.K. system as effective and comprehensive. 'I don't come to work in the morning thinking if the patients are going to be able to afford the treatment I'm about to give them,' Lord Darzi added..."
'It's not just a health-care system; it's part of our social fabric,' said Lord Ara Darzi, a surgeon and former minister in Britain's Department of Health. He defended the U.K. system as effective and comprehensive. 'I don't come to work in the morning thinking if the patients are going to be able to afford the treatment I'm about to give them,' Lord Darzi added..."
Friday, August 14, 2009
Just When You Thought It Was Over
Oh, god, please don't let it be more self-important, self-indulgent crap from the latest teevee series. But I fear it shall be more of the same old, emoting, whining, and machines that look just like people! But since all of us science fiction fans are not very intelligent, we will easily duped, yet again, by a concept that was old back with the first edition of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Maybe this movie will wreck the Galactica universe as thoroughly as the last Star Trek movie destroyed all the reasons for being a Star Trek fan.
'Battlestar Galactica' headed for big screen at warp speed under 'X-Men' director Bryan Singer: "...'I think Hollywood previously underestimated the intelligence of the science fiction audience...'"
Duh. You think? When was the last time an A.E. vanVoigt novel was made into a movie? How about Ringworld? Wait, there must be a comic book somewhere that has not been converted into a movie.
(See what a lack of health care can do? Turn you into a ranting lunatic!)
'Battlestar Galactica' headed for big screen at warp speed under 'X-Men' director Bryan Singer: "...'I think Hollywood previously underestimated the intelligence of the science fiction audience...'"
Duh. You think? When was the last time an A.E. vanVoigt novel was made into a movie? How about Ringworld? Wait, there must be a comic book somewhere that has not been converted into a movie.
(See what a lack of health care can do? Turn you into a ranting lunatic!)
AP Ain't Gonna Get Me
I originally saw this on an AP feed but since they've gone mean on us, I was betting I could link to it somewhere else-- The VO | Black Guy Posed As A White Racist On Facebook
Deflation?
MarketWatch First Take: Inflation can't get any traction in this economy - MarketWatch: "WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) -- In America today, prices are just as likely to be falling as rising. For the first time since the 1950s, consumer prices are actually lower than they were a year earlier..."
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Rebuild Manufacturing!
Great post that explores that "radical" idea that maybe the US ought to make something. We need a New Brain Trust « The Confluence
Boo-Hoo For The Dick
Atlantic Wire: Spoiling for a Bush-Cheney Fight: "Dick Cheney, the most powerful American vice-president in history, thinks his considered opinion was ignored under Bush's second term. His upcoming memoir, as reported by Barton Gellman in this morning's Washington Post, purports to detail the inconveniences he believed he suffered..."
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Market Prices And Health Care
For a very clear primer on health care costs and market forces click on the following--it is excellent. " Morons Amaze Me" Simply Left Behind: The Non-Rapturist's Guide To The Galaxy
Pot 'n Kettle Once Again
Question by a Malden girl becomes the target of conservative critics - Malden - Your Town - Boston.com: "A question an 11-year-old girl from Malden posed to President Obama this week has riled conservative critics who insist the girl was a plant by the Democratic White House.
The critics point to campaign donations and other partisan links of the girl's mother, Kathleen Manning Hall, who was an early Obama supporter and donated money to his campaign. But a White House spokesman insisted that audience members are selected randomly..."
But Incurious George the Smirking Skippy the Shrub and his dark dukes never did anything like that. Riiiggghht.
The critics point to campaign donations and other partisan links of the girl's mother, Kathleen Manning Hall, who was an early Obama supporter and donated money to his campaign. But a White House spokesman insisted that audience members are selected randomly..."
But Incurious George the Smirking Skippy the Shrub and his dark dukes never did anything like that. Riiiggghht.
The Health Care Food Chain
Strange Bedfellows? Industry Groups Join In Effort to Push Health Care Reform - Political News - FOXNews.com: "...The common thread for these strange bedfellows? Self-interest, observers say.
'Either you're sitting down at the table or you're on the menu,' said Ernest Istook, a fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation.
With the option of a national coverage mandate on the table, industry groups stand to win tens of millions of new customers regardless of the concessions the federal government extracts from them. Advocacy groups get the reform they wanted and union groups can win added benefits for their members..."
I know many groups who should be on the menu...
'Either you're sitting down at the table or you're on the menu,' said Ernest Istook, a fellow at the conservative Heritage Foundation.
With the option of a national coverage mandate on the table, industry groups stand to win tens of millions of new customers regardless of the concessions the federal government extracts from them. Advocacy groups get the reform they wanted and union groups can win added benefits for their members..."
I know many groups who should be on the menu...
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Another Reason NC Is Broke
Ex-university brass get leaves, payouts - Local & State - News & Observer: "Last year, North Carolinians gave Beverly Washington Jones six months of pay -- $104,000 -- as she left the provost's job at N.C. Central University so she could prepare for her return to the classroom.
Jones took the UNC system-sanctioned administrative leave at the same rate of pay she earned as NCCU's top academic officer. But she didn't return to the university. At the end of the six-month leave, she retired..."
Jones took the UNC system-sanctioned administrative leave at the same rate of pay she earned as NCCU's top academic officer. But she didn't return to the university. At the end of the six-month leave, she retired..."
Lest We Forget:Insurance Edition
Simply Left Behind: Town Bawls: The Non-Rapturist's Guide To The Galaxy: "...Insurance companies exist to make money off your death. Period. And that's the theme that Barack Obama needs to throw back at the unruly unwashed masses of the hateful and deceitful charlatans..."
Excellent post from Carl. Click the link to read it all.
Excellent post from Carl. Click the link to read it all.
Lest We Forget
The recent activities of the GOP and its Siamese twin, Big Health Care, have almost driven me to sympathy for the Oborg. Almost. To echo a post from last week-- I hope they both lose.
Entitlements and Smoke Filled Rooms « The Confluence: "...And then it hit me. Weren’t the voters the ones who should have had a sense of entitlement? That point continually gets lost in the argument that Hillary had a sense of entitlement. The entitlement goes to the people who vote. It is their prerogative to give their votes to whomever they choose and not have their choices overturned by party operatives cutting a deal because they don’t like the way the election is going.
I was stunned by the hyperaggressive attitudes of the Obot coalition last year who thought it was just political hardball to steamroll over the voters on their quest to install Obama. They seemed to think it was OK to characterize Hillary voters as racists and stupid, old ugly hags because that made it easier to justify depriving them of their entitlement to their own votes. Right, guys? Admit it. That’s how you felt. If we were going to be dumb old hicks who were bitter guntoting politically incorrect racists, then we didn’t deserve our votes..."
Entitlements and Smoke Filled Rooms « The Confluence: "...And then it hit me. Weren’t the voters the ones who should have had a sense of entitlement? That point continually gets lost in the argument that Hillary had a sense of entitlement. The entitlement goes to the people who vote. It is their prerogative to give their votes to whomever they choose and not have their choices overturned by party operatives cutting a deal because they don’t like the way the election is going.
I was stunned by the hyperaggressive attitudes of the Obot coalition last year who thought it was just political hardball to steamroll over the voters on their quest to install Obama. They seemed to think it was OK to characterize Hillary voters as racists and stupid, old ugly hags because that made it easier to justify depriving them of their entitlement to their own votes. Right, guys? Admit it. That’s how you felt. If we were going to be dumb old hicks who were bitter guntoting politically incorrect racists, then we didn’t deserve our votes..."
Loony From Both Sides
Health debate turns vile with Nazi analogy - Breaking Bioethics- msnbc.com: "Rush Limbaugh and those who invoking the Nazi analogy to attack President Barack Obama’s effort to reform health care in America are not “insane” as David Brooks pronounced on last Sunday's “Meet the Press.” Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin and the rest of the loud-mouthed right wing are, when they even hint at an analogy to the Nazis in talking about Obama’s health reform effort, engaged in something far worse than insanity. They are engaged in the vile evil of Holocaust denial..."
The snippet above is from an Arthur Caplan commentary at MSNBC (yeah, I know) and is illustrative of our political problems. The Hitler analogy coming from the Right is ridiculous as is the Holocaust Denier charges coming from the Left. Steam does not effectively water the garden.
The snippet above is from an Arthur Caplan commentary at MSNBC (yeah, I know) and is illustrative of our political problems. The Hitler analogy coming from the Right is ridiculous as is the Holocaust Denier charges coming from the Left. Steam does not effectively water the garden.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Trashing The Constitution
Bush Lite Strikes Again, Or Is It Signs Again? : NO QUARTER
"You know that during the Campaign, I said a number of times that Obama was the REAL Bush II, not Clinton, and not McCain (for instance, here, here, and here). Many of us saw that writing on the wall as one similarity after another came out.
"You know that during the Campaign, I said a number of times that Obama was the REAL Bush II, not Clinton, and not McCain (for instance, here, here, and here). Many of us saw that writing on the wall as one similarity after another came out.
Well, here is another one: Signing Statements. Yes, the bane of our existence, or at least one of them, during the Bush Years. Yep, apparently, Obama has changed his mind. Just like he did on FISA. DADT. DOMA. And I could go on. So could you, I am sure (and feel free to do so). In this NY Times article, “Obama’s Embrace of a Bush Tactic Riles Congress,” we have yet another example of how much like Bush Obama really is: ..."
Rationing Death Panels
The Daily Dish | By Andrew Sullivan: "What more is there to say about Sarah Palin’s now-famous claim that President Obama’s health-care plan features “death panels” that will give patients the thumbs up or thumbs down? Just that, if this were Obama’s plan, it would have more in common with our current system than you might think.
In Palin’s fantasy, the death-panel “bureaucrats” were going to pick winners and losers based on a judgment about their “level of productivity in society.” Well, if you view income as a gauge of a person’s productivity in society—and God knows there are Republicans who do—then the quality of health care is already correlated with “productivity in society.” Obama’s plan, by making health care more affordable to lower income people, would make that less true.
This is just another way of making a point already made by Peter Singer in response to less delusional concerns about the possibility of rationing under Obama’s plan: we already ration health care; we just let the market do the rationing..."
In Palin’s fantasy, the death-panel “bureaucrats” were going to pick winners and losers based on a judgment about their “level of productivity in society.” Well, if you view income as a gauge of a person’s productivity in society—and God knows there are Republicans who do—then the quality of health care is already correlated with “productivity in society.” Obama’s plan, by making health care more affordable to lower income people, would make that less true.
This is just another way of making a point already made by Peter Singer in response to less delusional concerns about the possibility of rationing under Obama’s plan: we already ration health care; we just let the market do the rationing..."
Sunday, August 09, 2009
AP Goes Crazy
Charlotte Front and Center: Let's Give a Big Hand for Reuters News Service: "For those of us who love to keep up with the news in the world via the internet, it seems we find a friend in Reuters who believes in the positive things bloggers,readers, newsers,and search engines want: free access to the news wires. AP will now charge $12.50 for every 5 words or less quoted from their material via the internet..."
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Helpful Argument
Feuding Kills a Top Militant, Pakistan Says - NYTimes.com: "Pakistani officials said they had received information on Saturday that a ranking militant commander had been killed in a power struggle over who would succeed Baitullah Mehsud, the leader of the Pakistani Taliban..."
Friday, August 07, 2009
Comment Of The Day
The Great Astroturf War of 2009 « The Confluence
"It’s actually kind of interesting to sit back behind the glass and watch the animals ls fling poo.
"It’s actually kind of interesting to sit back behind the glass and watch the animals ls fling poo.
I want his health care to fail but for entirely different reasons then the GOP folk who believe the government is the evil. I want it to fail because in the bill’s form the government doesn’t do nearly enough.
I do find it funny that the media seems to insist that it is only unruly GOP folk protesting the health bill. Baucus’ little health care hearing made it pretty clear there are forces on the left just as willing to be unruly and vocalto be heard. Who can blame them either? Representatives get paid a triple digit income to represent people, not ignore them. They closed off dialogue and basically told 72% of the constituency to go fly a kite by insisting single payer or a public option anyone could buy into is “off the table.” While screaming and hollering is rude, so is ignoring someone. Civility needs to be a two way street and I said as much on Krugman’s editorial page when he wrote about the lack of civility."
What passes for civility many times is simply winning the argument. You are uncivil if you disagree.
Droned Away
Pakistani Taliban leader likely killed by U.S. drone attack - CNN.com: "Pakistani Taliban leader Baitullah Mehsud likely has been killed in a U.S. drone attack, a top Pakistani official said Friday.
Villagers gather at the rubble of houses belonging to supporters of Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud.
Villagers gather at the rubble of houses belonging to supporters of Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud.
'The information I have is that Mehsud has been killed, but we are doing ground verification for 100 percent confirmation,' said Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Pakistan's foreign minister..."
Villagers gather at the rubble of houses belonging to supporters of Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud.
Villagers gather at the rubble of houses belonging to supporters of Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud.
'The information I have is that Mehsud has been killed, but we are doing ground verification for 100 percent confirmation,' said Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Pakistan's foreign minister..."
Another One Bites The Dust
GOP Sen. Mel Martinez Is Resigning - Political News - FOXNews.com: "Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla., is resigning, a senior Republican official told FOX News.
Martinez, who said earlier this year that he wouldn't seek re-election in 2010, told his staffers at a meeting Friday morning that will not return to the Senate after the August recess..."
Martinez, who said earlier this year that he wouldn't seek re-election in 2010, told his staffers at a meeting Friday morning that will not return to the Senate after the August recess..."
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Both Should Lose
A pox on both their houses « The Confluence "I find myself in an unusual situation these days. As I watch the Great Astroturf War of 2009 between Kool-aid swilling progressives that are organized and partially funded by Obamacrat special interest groups and “angry mobs of unregistered self-lobbyists” that are organized and partially funded by the GOP and the Healthcare lobby, I am cheering for both sides to lose. ..."
Amen.
Amen.
Regional Bigotry
Charlotte Front and Center: Kathleen Parker Stirs Up Old Southern Stereotypes: "...Parker denigrates republican southerners (now known as 'birthers') by accusing them of spreading such birther 'disinformation' in a comparison to Kudzu growth. Gee, kudzu got out of hand when Franklin Roosevelt and his New Deal (Soil conservation Service) encouraged its planting and growth to prevent land erosion in the southeast. Kudzu growth got way, way, out of hand. That's what we got for listening to 'Yankees' like Parker. It should be duly noted that improvement in preventing kudzu growth has been achieved by clearing vast amounts of land in the past 15 years; we have had to make way for the hordes of Northern transplants into Tupelo,Atlanta,Charlotte, and other areas of the rich,romantic,mysterious, yet ignorant South..."
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Third O In A Bind
Comprehensive catch-up post if you've missed this media miscue: Olberman’s Obfuscation Can’t Obscure Truth: GE Controls MSNBC’s News Reporting « The Confluence
Jihadist Bail Denied
No bail for 'jihad' suspects despite judge's skepticism - CNN.com: "RALEIGH, North Carolina (CNN) -- A federal judge ruled Wednesday that six men accused of plotting terrorist attacks overseas should remain in custody pending trial, but he expressed skepticism about the charges against them.
Daniel Patrick Boyd, left, and Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan are two of the seven men charged.
Magistrate Judge William Webb said the defendants had made a number of statements espousing holy war that could be interpreted in isolation as empty boasting..."
Daniel Patrick Boyd, left, and Mohammad Omar Aly Hassan are two of the seven men charged.
Magistrate Judge William Webb said the defendants had made a number of statements espousing holy war that could be interpreted in isolation as empty boasting..."
Blackwater Knights Templar
"Blackwater: Murdering whistleblowers and killing Iraqis for fun"--Cannonfire
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Bill Clinton Hits A Homer
The Associated Press: Clinton, 2 journalists depart NKorea for US: "Former President Bill Clinton brought two freed U.S. journalists out of North Korea early Wednesday following rare talks with reclusive leader Kim Jong Il, who pardoned the women sentenced to hard labor for entering the country illegally..."
Life Imitating Art?
Plot by four women leaves unfaithful man bound, humiliated and, uh, glued - On Deadline - USATODAY.com: "A Wisconsin man who thought he was joining his lover at a motel for an afternoon tryst was instead blindfolded and bound while she and three other women, including his wife, berated and humiliated him over his infidelity, according to a criminal complaint..."
Didn't I see this movie?
Didn't I see this movie?
Monday, August 03, 2009
Google v. Apple
Why Schmidt Had To Go - washingtonpost.com
"What happens when the enemy of your enemy is no longer your friend? You cast him out, as Steve Jobs seems to have done to Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who today resigned his seat from Apple's board. An alliance which began with a mutual distrust of Microsoft is now under strain because of a mutual distrust of each other. Google is not so much the enemy of Microsoft as it is the enemy of the old model of device-centric computing which both Microsoft and Apple represent..."
"What happens when the enemy of your enemy is no longer your friend? You cast him out, as Steve Jobs seems to have done to Google CEO Eric Schmidt, who today resigned his seat from Apple's board. An alliance which began with a mutual distrust of Microsoft is now under strain because of a mutual distrust of each other. Google is not so much the enemy of Microsoft as it is the enemy of the old model of device-centric computing which both Microsoft and Apple represent..."
Local Man Swims In Hudson
Franklin, North Carolina. The Franklin Press Online. The local newspaper of Macon County, North Carolina.: "When you're used to swimming in the clean, pure water of Lake Chatuge, it can be a bit shocking while taking a dip in the Hudson River.
'It was pretty disgusting,' Dave Linn said.
'I didn't run across any dead bodies or anything. There was a briefcase and a couple of bottles; everything you could think of.'
Swimming in the Hudson River was the first part of a triathlon, although this wasn't just any triathlon. It was the Accenture USA Triathlon Paratriathlon National Championships, held in New York City Sunday, July 26.
Paratriathlon is the new word for the sport that used to be known as the physically challenged triathlon.
Linn, a 35-year-old triathlete with Cerebral Palsy, won the national event that has eluded him for 10 years. After many second- and third-place finishes, the Franklin resident set a personal-record time to win his category..."
Good going, Dave!
'It was pretty disgusting,' Dave Linn said.
'I didn't run across any dead bodies or anything. There was a briefcase and a couple of bottles; everything you could think of.'
Swimming in the Hudson River was the first part of a triathlon, although this wasn't just any triathlon. It was the Accenture USA Triathlon Paratriathlon National Championships, held in New York City Sunday, July 26.
Paratriathlon is the new word for the sport that used to be known as the physically challenged triathlon.
Linn, a 35-year-old triathlete with Cerebral Palsy, won the national event that has eluded him for 10 years. After many second- and third-place finishes, the Franklin resident set a personal-record time to win his category..."
Good going, Dave!
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