I have come down with a flu-like upper respiratory infection and feel like something a TomCat should have buried. I’ll keep you posted and be back ASAP. Today I plan to spend in bed.
Nov 122011
Nov 112011
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:
Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.
An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars… [emphasis original]
Inserted from <VA>
Thanks to all who served, and especially to those that serve us still through your participation in the 99% Movement.
Nov 102011
Sorry, but my COPD flared up, and I’m down. I should not need more than one day off.
Nov 102011
Last night I sacrificed myself for your benefit. I watched the Republican debate from beginning to end, save a brief interlude to empty three barf bags, my trash can, my pocket and my shoe. The subject of the debate was the economy. The Republicans had nothing new to offer, and ignored the subject of jobs, but two of the candidates gave the worst performances I have ever seen in a Presidential Debate. Let’s go over the candidates and then get Michael Moore’s take on the debate.
In my opinion, the debate was poorly moderated. There were few hardball questions, but at least they stock with the questions when the Republicans tried to duck. Not all the candidates got to answer all the questions.
Rick Santorum:
To fix the economy Santorum favors no tax on manufacturers, and allowing corporations to repatriate funds without paying taxes. He thinks energy should not be subsidized or regulated. He favors health savings accounts and Medicaid block grants for states. He would not negotiate with Democrats on revenue.
Michelle Bachmann:
To fix the economy Bachmann favors lower corporate taxes, less corporate regulations, repealing “Obamacare” and Dodd-Frank, and building the Mexican border fence. She would raise taxes on the poor. She blamed Obama for TARP. She would allow health insurance across state lines and outlaw malpractice suits. She would not renew the payroll tax cuts. To solve the trade problem with China, she would stop borrowing from China.
Newt Gingrich:
To fix the economy, Gingrich would fire Bernanke, audit the Fed, lowered taxes and cut regulations. He lied when asked if his firm had represented Fannie and Freddie. He proposed seven Lincoln-Douglas style debates between himself and Obama. He would extend the payroll tax cut, privatize Social Security for younger workers, end student loans. He said that the trade problem with China is all because of US taxes and regulations.
Mitt Romney:
Romney would ignore the Italian debt crisis. He was on both sides of the auto industry bailout, but finished against it. He refused to answer a question about Cain’s character. He said he would preserve Bush tax rates, but later said he would make taxes flatter. He would convert Medicaid to a voucher program. He said first that states should manage health care (flip) and then that individuals should (flop). He would extend payroll tax cuts, cut entitlements and fire 10% of the federal work force. On trade issues with China, he would accuse them of currency manipulation at the WTO and impose tariffs.
Herman Cain:
Cain would ignore the Italian debt crisis. He claimed the charges against him are unfounded, saying that thousands of women have not charged him with harassment. He called Nancy Pelosi “Princess Nancy”. To fix the economy, he would 9-9-9. Instead of union rights, he said 9-9-9. To deal with Fanny and Freddie, he would 9-9-9. To deal with the trade problem with China, he suggested 9-9-9. And to deal with speculation and insider trading in the stock marked, he proposed 9-9-9.
Rick Perry: To fix the economy, Perry would let the free market make the decisions. He proposed a 20% flat tax. He would change Medicaid to a voucher program for states. He would eliminate the the Departments od Commerce, Education and Energy, but could not remember Energy until much later. What a meltdown! The would privatize Social Security for younger workers. He would eliminate student loans. To deal with insider trading a speculation, he would enforce the law.
Ron Paul: Paul would let Italy fail, regardless of consequences to the US. He would abolish the Fed, replace Medicare with medical savings accounts. He would eliminate Medicaid (over time), the Department of Education and student loans. He said students can pay for college the way they pay for cell phones. To deal with insider trading and speculation, he would get the government out of the markets’ way.
Jon Huntsman:
Huntsman blamed TBTF banks for the Italian debt crisis, and said that the 99% and the 1% are on the same side. He opposes the auto industry bailout. Instead of breaking up the TBTF banks, he would “right-size” them, whatever that means. On healthcare, he would let the market bring everyone in. He would remove all deductions and loopholes from the tax code. He would not take China on, because the US manipulates our currency too.
That’s my take. Here’s Lawrence O’Donnell with Michael Moore.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
As anticipated, we agree.
If I had to pick a winner, I’d call it a three way tie between Gingrich, Romney and Huntsman, but there were no winners here, because the Republican Party has nothing to offer that will benefit the American people.
However checkered you consider Obama’s record, this cacophony of clowns are eight excellent reasons to reelect him.
Nov 102011
The wait to determine who will be the Democratic nominee to replace David Wu as the Representative in Oregon’s 1st Congressional District. Although she was not my first choice, I have no qualms that she will represent me well, if we can get her past the Republican nominee in January. Among the leading Democrats there were no bad choices.
The Oregonian projects that Democrat Suzanne Bonamici and Republican Rob Cornilles have won their primary contests in Oregon’s 1st Congressional District.
Early returns show the two candidates with strong leads over a large field of candidates vying to fill the Northwest Oregon congressional seat left vacant after Democrat David Wu was forced out of office in August following a sex scandal.
Cornilles [Republican delinked], who owns a Tualatin sports marketing firm, was winning more than 70 percent of the vote over four other rivals. Bonamici, a state senator from Beaverton, was winning about two-thirds of the vote in the eight-way Democratic primary.
Both candidates now face a 12-week sprint until the Jan. 31 special election to fill the only current vacancy in Congress. The winner will serve the remainder of Wu’s term but will have to quickly turn around and run in May primary and in November as well to win a full two-year term…
Inserted from <The Oregonian>
Congratulations to Suzanne, who has distinguished herself as a warrior for consumer protection against criminal corporations, especially Banksters. Here is one of her ads.
This is the Republican opposing her for the seat.
Rob Cornilles wants us to believe that he is progressive and moderate. Don’t fall for that lie.
I happily endorse Suzanne Bonamici for Congress and have made a donation to her campaign. I urge all Oregonians to join me.
Nov 102011
Yesterday I did some paperwork. I fell through the donut hole today: $404 for one medication. I’m quite tired, because I missed a sleep cycle to cover the Republican debates. It was a slow day for news, because the media was focused on what I reported yesterday morning. I’m current with replies. Today I have more paperwork and errands.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today it took me 4:21 (average 4:49). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Short Takes:
From Christian Science Monitor: In an apparent rebuke to his hard-line politics, Arizona state Senate President Russell Pearce was recalled by voters Tuesday. Senator Pearce was the author of the state’s tough anti-illegal immigration law that has spawned copycat laws in several states from Utah to Alabama.
Senator Pearce’s crusade against illegal immigration made him a national icon but ultimately factored into his historic recall.
His defeat, at the hands of political novice Jerry Lewis, puts a different face on Arizona and signals that voters are ready to take state politics in a new direction, says Bruce Merrill, a political scientist and professor emeritus at Arizona State University in Tempe.
Good riddance to bad rubbish! I bet the Arizona Death Angel, Jan Brewer, famous for killing patients by cancelling their Medicaid, is infuriated at the loss of her chief ally.
From Think Progress: A new Commonwealth survey finds that the United States leads wealthy nations in the number of adults who can’t afford health care services and end up skipping care altogether. Forty-two percent of Americans with health issues chose to go without care, the survey found, compared to a range of 1 to 14 percent of adults in 10 other countries. Also, more than a quarter said they could not or had difficulty paying their medical debt.
The only thing that separates us from them is the Republican Party’s protection of Big Insurance.
From Christian Science Monitor: Ok. Sarcasm may be the lowest form of wit, but it feels like the appropriate tone for addressing the "hot mic" moment in Paris the other day, when French President Nicolas Sarkozy told President Obama that he "can’t stand" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and that "he’s a liar."
The two men thought they were having a private chat ahead of a public conference, unaware that the microphones in front of them were already on. Mr. Obama appeared to share some of Mr. Sarkozy’s frustration with the Israeli leader, reportedly saying "you’re fed up with him, but I have to work with him every day." [emphasis added]
While it is a diplomatic embarrassment, it does show that both Obama and Sarkozy live in the real world in a refreshingly humorous way.
Cartoon:
Nov 092011
Yesterday’s elections included three measures that received national attention do to Republican attempts to cram their agenda down voters throats. They hoodwinked their way into office by promising jobs, and far too many Americans believed their lies. In Ohio, Republicans tried to destroy the power of unions. In Maine, Republicans tried to limit voter registration. In Mississippi, Republicans tried to give a fertilized egg all the rights of a person, making it murder for a doctor to end a pregnancy to save the life of a woman. Thankfully, it was a bad day for Republican Tyranny.
In Ohio, the day started with Republican crimes to confuse voters. Many Democratic voters received Republican robocalls telling them Wednesday, not Tuesday was election day. But Republican crimes did not pay off.
Unions won a major victory Tuesday night when Ohio voters repealed a Republican-backed law that limited collective bargaining for public sector unions.
With one third of precincts reporting, the pro-repeal votes were leading anti-repeal votes by 62 percent to 38 percent, a large margin.
The law had been the biggest achievement of Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R), whose poll numbers have plummeted since he focused in on the issue. Democrats and unions invested heavily to repeal the law, spending millions on the election and pitting police and firefighters against the governor. Shortly after the Associated Press called the race, they celebrated the results.
"One message rang loud and clear tonight in Ohio and across the country: those who spend their time scapegoating workers and pushing a partisan agenda will only strengthen the resolve of working people," said AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka in a release. "From the very beginning, it’s been clear that Gov. Kasich, and indeed many politicians, were pushing an agenda that was about politics, not about solving our nation’s problems or creating jobs."…
Inserted from <The Hill>
Maine has enjoyed same day voter registration for years, until Republicans took it away. But Maine Democrats fought back and put the measure on the ballot. Republicans spread the lie that restoring same day registration was a “gay conspiracy”. But Republican lies did not pay off.
Maine voters have repealed a law requiring voters to enroll at least two days before an election, restoring a four-decade policy of allowing registrations as late as Election Day.
With 30 percent of Maine’s precincts reporting, the proposal to repeal the newly enacted two-day requirement was passed with 59 percent of the vote.
The referendum was put on Tuesday’s ballot through a "people’s veto” initiative after the Republican-controlled Legislature passed a law in June requiring voters to register at least two business days before an election is held. Maine’s tradition of allowing "same day” voter registrations began with a law passed in 1973…
Inserted from <MPBN>
And in Mississippi the Republican assault on Women’s rights did not pay off!
Mississippi voters Tuesday defeated a ballot initiative that would’ve declared life begins at conception, a proposal that supporters sought in the Bible Belt state as a way to prompt a legal challenge to abortion rights nationwide.
The so-called "personhood" initiative was rejected by more than 55 percent of voters, falling far short of the threshold needed for it to be enacted. If it had passed, it was virtually assured of drawing legal challenges because it conflicts with the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that established a legal right to abortion. Supporters of the initiative wanted to provoke a lawsuit to challenge the landmark ruling.
The measure divided the medical and religious communities and caused some of the most ardent abortion opponents, including Republican Gov. Haley Barbour, to waver with their support.
Opponents said the measure would have made birth control, such as the morning-after pill or the intrauterine device, illegal — and that it would have deterred physicians from performing in vitro fertilization because they would fear criminal charges if an embryo doesn’t survive.
Supporters were trying to impose their religious beliefs on others by forcing women to carry unwanted pregnancies…
Inserted from <USA Today>
Rachel Maddow reports on these and more.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
We didn’t win everything, but I’ll take want we did! Kudos to all who voted!
Nov 092011
When a political party is in power, it is a crime for the party in power to use the organs of government to cement their party’s hold on power. Nevertheless Republicans are expert at doing just that and, more often then not, they get away with it. A perfect example occurred during the Bush Regime, when Republicans ordered US attorneys to file bogus charges against Democratic candidates on the eve of elections and fired the ones who refused. Every once in a while, one is actually convicted.
A once rising star among Republican Pennsylvania legislative leaders was convicted Tuesday on all 40 corruption counts against him related to a scheme to use taxpayer money for campaign purposes, a scandal that also ensnared the former speaker of the state House of Representatives.
Former Rep. Brett Feese, a former chairman of the House Republican Campaign Committee, and Jill Seaman, his ex-aide and co-defendant, were convicted in what prosecutors described as an illegal scheme to spend millions of taxpayer dollars through the hiring of consultants and the use of state employees to develop high-tech election campaign tools.
The jury of six men and six women reached their verdicts after deliberating for a week following five weeks of testimony.
Feese, who served six terms in the House representing his Lycoming County district, and Seaman, 59, of Dauphin, were the first Republicans to stand trial among 25 people whom the state attorney general’s office has arrested since it began investigating the Legislature in early 2007, while Republican Gov. Tom Corbett was the attorney general… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <ABC>
What these two did is no different from what Republicans are doing all across the country. Efforts to catch them need to be ramped up.