Open Thread–4/13/2011

Yesterday I recovered from doing taxes and worked on volunteer projects.  I’m up to date on comments.  Today I co-facilitate a therapy group for former prisoners, so I’m staying too busy.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 4:25 (average 5:09).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From AP/Google: Last fall, when Democrats and President Barack Obama supported nearly $450 billion in Medicare cuts as part of their health care law, Republicans in the House vigorously criticized the effort.

In a postelection turnaround, House Republicans are backing the cuts to Medicare called for in the 2012 budget proposed by Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan. Those cuts account for a significant share of the $5.8 trillion Ryan claims his budget will save over the next decade.

To correct ongoing Republican lies, these were not cuts in benefits to retirees.  They were very small cuts to providers and mostly eliminating the 15% extra to Medicare Advantage plans.

From Alternet: In the final hours of the state’s 2011 legislative season, Maryland made history when it became the twelfth state to pass a law granting undocumented immigrant students the right to pay in-state tuition at the state’s four-year colleges.

Kudos to Maryland for countering red state racism.:

From Think Progress: In response to Kasich’s disastrous reign, Democratic state Reps. Mike Foley and Bob Hagan will introduce legislation this week to make Ohio the 20th state to allow voters to remove and replace state officials, including the governor and legislators.

Why wait until next week?  Last week would be better.

Cartoon:

Happy hump day!