Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Lest We Forget:National Puma Day
The action is in the comments. May 31, 2008. The Day Democracy Died in the Democratic Party « Uppity Woman:
Non-Virgins Beware
They have a different idea about privacy and human dignity in some places. Egyptian general admits 'virginity checks' conducted on protesters - CNN.com:
Monday, May 30, 2011
Ban Hurts Blue Collar Residents
Is it classism, heartless, stupid, bureaucratic, or all of the above? Alabama town bans FEMA trailers - USATODAY.com:
Sunday, May 29, 2011
What We Were And Are
One step ahead makes you a leader… « The Confluence: "...We were once Democrats. No one represents us now. I think the proper term for us is “unaffiliated Liberals”. We are not Tea Party people. Nope. Not even close. We never signed onto the birther fiasco. We didn’t like the way the left was demonizing Sarah Palin because it was sexist, boorish behavior that wasn’t going to change anyone’s mind. It’s a pointless distraction and she plays her role as a shiny object to lefty magpies very well. Nevertheless, we don’t support her or her politics..."
Flogging Libertarians
Cannonfire:'Surveillance' --- "...We must be ruthless with Libertarians. When they enter the room, the topic must always be economics, economics, economics. Are you or are you not in favor of more deregulation for finance capitalists? If the answer is 'more deregulation, please,' then you are the devil and must be treated as such. No compromise. No forgiveness. And I will not be distracted by your claimed stances on things like the Patriot Act, the Iraq war, pot smoking or any of the rest of it. You are the Devil and that is that..."
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Reverse Racism Rampant?
Well, not really, but it is galling to be accused of racism because you didn't support O'Precious or because you like bluegrass music, rasslin', NASCAR, Civil War reenacting, or live below the Mason-Dixon line-- I think that is where the attitudes expressed in the cited study come from. White People Face the Worst Racism?:
Friday, May 27, 2011
Justifying Screwing US
More magical number crunching from the rich elites, all to argue for the worst soak-the-poor scheme of all-- the alleged flat tax rate. Stephen Moore: A 62% Top Tax Rate? - WSJ.com:
Rape And Tires
Kansas Rep. Pete DeGraaf: Being impregnated during a rape is just like getting a flat tire - Kansas City News - Plog: Someone needs some cuddly-time in Deliverance country. Maybe squealing like a pig would give this moron a more, uh, nuanced insight on rape.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
NC GOPers Go Petty
NCAE Daily Political Briefing:
"...Democratic senators repeatedly asked their GOP colleagues during the debate why NCAE was being singled out in this legislation and no answer was given. Many legal observers predicted the silence was because Senator Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) revealed too much in committee last week. Hise, the bill sponsor, admitted in the Rules Committee that he was told that Senate Bill 727 would not progress through the General Assembly unless it was targeted specifically at NCAE.
Senator Doug Berger (D-Franklin) admonished his Senate colleagues for their political pettiness. “If this legislation passes, it will be the most shameful act passed by this legislative body,” he said before explaining the illegality of the bill. “It is pure discrimination and you’re asking for a law suit. It will be struck down by the courts...”
North Carolina does not have unions. The NCAE is an advocacy group with no power to strike or anything else.
"...Democratic senators repeatedly asked their GOP colleagues during the debate why NCAE was being singled out in this legislation and no answer was given. Many legal observers predicted the silence was because Senator Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) revealed too much in committee last week. Hise, the bill sponsor, admitted in the Rules Committee that he was told that Senate Bill 727 would not progress through the General Assembly unless it was targeted specifically at NCAE.
Senator Doug Berger (D-Franklin) admonished his Senate colleagues for their political pettiness. “If this legislation passes, it will be the most shameful act passed by this legislative body,” he said before explaining the illegality of the bill. “It is pure discrimination and you’re asking for a law suit. It will be struck down by the courts...”
North Carolina does not have unions. The NCAE is an advocacy group with no power to strike or anything else.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
O Wins Reelection Due To Racism
The GOPers are making themselves crazy. Shelby Steele: Obama's Unspoken Re-Election Edge - WSJ.com:
Dems Win Special Election
Apparently Democratic ads about GOP plans to wreck Medicare were effective, though Ryan claims the ads were deceptive. I guess when a Republican ad works, it's effective, but when a Democratic ad works, it's "scare tactics." Ryan blames NY-26 on Dem 'scare tactics' - Jennifer Epstein - POLITICO.com:
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Christie Whines About Evolution
Gov. Christie got upset at a reporter's question about evolution, apparently fuming that he couldn't answer honestly because of all the Darwin-deniers in the GOP. I have some advice,Gov: if your political party is too stupid for you, then change the party, or change parties. Don't shoot the questioner. Birtherism, the debt ceiling, climate change, evolution: Are Republicans losing their grip on reality? - By Jacob Weisberg - Slate Magazine:
Monday, May 23, 2011
Greed Is The Answer Below
I had worked full-time, unpaid overtime, high stress, constant aggravation, for twenty years before I took a real vacation-- a one week trip to the beach. Sure, I had some time-off but I could never get enough saved to do anything so my vacations were consumed with part-time jobs and chores. Relax? Nah. Work, work, work. Now that I'm sorta retired and could do some things, my health is so problematic that even those trips to the beach seem out of reach. I think there is a health price to pay for too much work. Why is America the 'no-vacation nation'? - CNN.com:
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Return Of The Cosmological Constant
So regular old stuff: planets, stars, and dirty socks, only account for 4% of the stuff in the Universe. I'd like to see a bit more proof before I buy the entire set, like a pint of dark matter or a watt of dark energy. BBC News - New method 'confirms dark energy':
He Ain't His Daddy
Like Bad Penny George Bush, the prodigal son returned, much diminished, from a couple of decades of partying. This apple fell a long ways from the tree. Franklin Graham: The next Jerry Falwell? - Local - TheSunNews.com:
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Well, That's One Explanation
...for irrational praise for over-priced products. Apple triggers 'religious' reaction in fans' brains, report says - CNN:
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The Psych Of Power
Excellent article that examines a few psych studies on power, corruption, and hypocrites. Yep. They are all related. How Power Corrupts | Wired Science | Wired.com:
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Ryan's War
Tuesday: Paul Ryan and Class Envy « The Confluence:
"...I’m not sure where Ryan’s going with this “class envy” thing but recently, I have gotten really nostalgic for the 70′s, minus the bad fashion and avocado and gold color schemes. I grew up in an America where you could own a house and two cars on one measly income. I can’t recall anyone in my family moping around resentful of the rich. It would have been nice to have a college fund but it’s not like we were hungry, homeless or over our heads in debt. Every kid had their own bedroom and we went to DisneyWorld on vacation a couple of times. The rest of the time we went camping. Ok, so we had a single color TV and every time the sucker went on the fritz, my dad would swear he wasn’t going to get it fixed so that we could all learn to enjoy each other’s company.
That lasted about 72 hours.
When people are losing their jobs and homes and are angry that the rich aren’t paying their fair share, like at the level they did when I was a kid, I’m pretty certain it’s not “class envy” they’re expressing. It’s righteous indignation that they’re getting screwed by the bastards who aren’t even pretending anymore that tax cuts create jobs..."
"...I’m not sure where Ryan’s going with this “class envy” thing but recently, I have gotten really nostalgic for the 70′s, minus the bad fashion and avocado and gold color schemes. I grew up in an America where you could own a house and two cars on one measly income. I can’t recall anyone in my family moping around resentful of the rich. It would have been nice to have a college fund but it’s not like we were hungry, homeless or over our heads in debt. Every kid had their own bedroom and we went to DisneyWorld on vacation a couple of times. The rest of the time we went camping. Ok, so we had a single color TV and every time the sucker went on the fritz, my dad would swear he wasn’t going to get it fixed so that we could all learn to enjoy each other’s company.
That lasted about 72 hours.
When people are losing their jobs and homes and are angry that the rich aren’t paying their fair share, like at the level they did when I was a kid, I’m pretty certain it’s not “class envy” they’re expressing. It’s righteous indignation that they’re getting screwed by the bastards who aren’t even pretending anymore that tax cuts create jobs..."
Faux News Cover-up
...that may actually be obstruction of justice. All this should come as no surprise to anyone. News Corpse » Megyn Kelly and Fox News Helped Sen. Ensign Cover-Up His Crimes::
Ahnold Admits To Love Child
Arnold Schwarzenegger says he deserves 'feelings of anger and disappointment' over out-of-wedlock child | L.A. NOW | Los Angeles Times:
For all you tongue-clickers, let's have a Daily Flashback to this.
For all you tongue-clickers, let's have a Daily Flashback to this.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Selling America
Carl throws some good jabs in this post. Check it out.
Simply Left BehindThe Non-Rapturist's Guide To The Galaxy: Privatizing The Country:
"Y'know, it's not enough that conservatives screwed the American people by insisting that perfectly good utilities like your power company or the telephone system be deregulated and then handed back to the free markets.
Cuz, you know, that worked so well for the average American...."
Simply Left BehindThe Non-Rapturist's Guide To The Galaxy: Privatizing The Country:
"Y'know, it's not enough that conservatives screwed the American people by insisting that perfectly good utilities like your power company or the telephone system be deregulated and then handed back to the free markets.
Cuz, you know, that worked so well for the average American...."
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Huckabee Saving Himself
And his "credibilty" for 2016? Seems reasonable. Mike Huckabee Won’t Run for President in 2012 - NYTimes.com:
Friday, May 13, 2011
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Inside The Evil (App) Empire
It's GOP techniques aren't well-seen by its fan boys, but Apple lives on PR, renaming programs apps, repackaging old ideas like tablets, and making dull cool.. It screws its customers and patrons regularly,just like the GOP, and they beg for more. Read this interview for a bit of insight in doing business with Apple. The snippet after the link is the gist of the interview. iFlow Reader developer rages at Apple (Q&A) | Fully Equipped - CNET Reviews: "...it's amazing. Apple is the worst company in the world to do business with. It's breathtaking..."
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Monday, May 09, 2011
Blame The Victim Economics
Krugman disputes the notion that the public is at fault for the current economic mess-- a lie sold endlessly by various elites both in and out of government. His position is that this crisis was created from the top down. He is correct. The Unwisdom of Elites - NYTimes.com:
Sunday, May 08, 2011
On Not Telling Secrets
I still think the only thing that should have been released is "Osama bin Laden is dead. We are responsible." First Read - NBC poll: Nearly two-thirds back decision not to release bin Laden photos:
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Friday, May 06, 2011
Magical Purging In Iran
The Head Iranian Nut has been losing his close pals to charges of conjuration and black magic. Is this the beginning of an Islamic Inquisition? Here and Arrests show Ahmadinejad under increasing pressure from Iran’s clerics - The Washington Post
UN Weepy Over Bin Laden
Uppity Woman has a fine rant on the subject. Will UN Mad Hatters and other despots be determining whether or not the USA is “Cold-blooded”? « Uppity Woman:
O Hoodlumism?
Strassel: Obama's 'Gangster Politics' - WSJ.com:
"President Obama has officially kicked off his 2012 re-election campaign, and don't Republicans know it. The president is expected any day now to sign an executive order that routs 70 years of efforts to get politics out of official federal business.
Under the order, all companies (and their officers) would be required to list their political donations as a condition to bidding for government contracts. Companies can bid and lose out for the sin of donating to Republicans. Or they can protect their livelihoods by halting donations to the GOP altogether—which is the White House's real aim. Think of it as 'not-pay to play...'"
Well, that's one way of looking at it.
"President Obama has officially kicked off his 2012 re-election campaign, and don't Republicans know it. The president is expected any day now to sign an executive order that routs 70 years of efforts to get politics out of official federal business.
Under the order, all companies (and their officers) would be required to list their political donations as a condition to bidding for government contracts. Companies can bid and lose out for the sin of donating to Republicans. Or they can protect their livelihoods by halting donations to the GOP altogether—which is the White House's real aim. Think of it as 'not-pay to play...'"
Well, that's one way of looking at it.
Teachers Paying The Price In NYC
Bloomberg Budget Will Seek Thousands of Teacher Layoffs - NYTimes.com: "Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg intends to eliminate 4,278 teaching jobs through layoffs, and about 1,500 through attrition, marking the first significant layoffs of teachers since the fiscal crisis of the 1970s..."
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
GOP Fighting The First With The First
Disclosure rules for federal contractors: More disclosure is better - latimes.com: "Offering specious arguments about free speech and intimidation, Republicans are trying to derail an executive order by the Obama administration that would shed light on the political activities of government contractors. The order would require them to disclose any contributions they make to organizations that engage in political advertising, including the Chamber of Commerce and the shadowy groups known as 501c(4)s. In that way voters would know who was behind advertisements by groups with vague or innocuous names..."
The Realest Evilest
Jeffrey D. Sachs: World is drowning in corporate fraud: "The world is drowning in corporate fraud, and the problems are probably greatest in rich countries — those with supposedly “good governance.” Poor-country governments probably accept more bribes and commit more offenses, but it is rich countries that host the global companies that carry out the largest offenses. Money talks, and it is corrupting politics and markets all over the world..."
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
GOP De-evolution
Johann Hari: Donald Trump's lunacy reveals core truth about the Republicans - Johann Hari, Commentators - The Independent:
"Since the election of Barack Obama, the Republican Party has proved that one of its central intellectual arguments was right all along. It has long claimed that evolution is a myth believed in only by whiny liberals – and it turns out it was on to something. Every six months, the party venerates a new hero, and each time it is somebody further back on the evolutionary scale..."
Examples follow.
"Since the election of Barack Obama, the Republican Party has proved that one of its central intellectual arguments was right all along. It has long claimed that evolution is a myth believed in only by whiny liberals – and it turns out it was on to something. Every six months, the party venerates a new hero, and each time it is somebody further back on the evolutionary scale..."
Examples follow.
Ricky Out The Negative Gate First
Corpse handler little Ricky Santorum sez Enemies still won't fear Obama after Osama bid Laden killing - Jennifer Jacobs - Des Moines Register - POLITICO.com:
Business For Better Schools
Well, that's what they say, though they keep supporting tea bagging budget axers and segregationist charter schools. So, I guess they're in favor of better schools as long as they don't have to pay for them. Business leaders push for better education | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper
Monday, May 02, 2011
The Most Important News Of The Day (To Me)
I originally posted the following on November 08, 2008. Last night my son landed in the Middle East for his third tour. It does not get easier.Anxiety
Today my son trooped aboard a jet and disappeared into the sky, destinied for the war. I never wanted him anywhere near the fighting but he said "Dad, that's where the mission is."
And now that's where he is.
I never wanted any American in the Iraq war; I was deadset against it long before all the braying jackasses decided it was a bad idea. If the politicians all had "some skin in the game," then maybe they would give more careful consideration of American blood in foreign adventures.
Please give me and my boy a hopeful prayer and let him and all our sons and daughters return home safely, for they were not the cause of these wars and they should not have to bear the burdens for other people's flawed egos and poor judgment.
God save us all and bless the real patriots.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Teachers As Soldiers
The High Cost of Low Teacher Salaries - NYTimes.com:
"WHEN we don’t get the results we want in our military endeavors, we don’t blame the soldiers. We don’t say, “It’s these lazy soldiers and their bloated benefits plans! That’s why we haven’t done better in Afghanistan!” No, if the results aren’t there, we blame the planners. We blame the generals, the secretary of defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff. No one contemplates blaming the men and women fighting every day in the trenches for little pay and scant recognition.
And yet in education we do just that. When we don’t like the way our students score on international standardized tests, we blame the teachers. When we don’t like the way particular schools perform, we blame the teachers and restrict their resources..."
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