Yesterday I didn’t get much catch-up done, because a site I frequent was hacked, potentially compromising one of the twenty passwords I commonly use. I also needed to ban someone, who has read and commented here for several years, because he would not heed warnings to stop attacking people who disagree with him. Here I insist that we argue issues, but we treat each other with respect when we disagree. I’m current with replies. Tomorrow is another catch-up day.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today it took me 4:42 (average 5:28). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Short Takes:
From Huffington Post: During the Senate’s five week holiday, President Obama has several recess options, including invoking Theodore Roosevelt’s intercession mandatory adjournment precedent. Courts have long held that recess appointments may be made during both intersession and intrasession Senate breaks.
Recess commissions signed before the end of the 112th Senate’s first session — Jan. 3, 2012 at 12 p.m. — last through 2012. However, recess commissions better-timed to be signed instantly at noon (or anytime after the second session formally begins) last through 2013. The officials could then be re-recess appointed during Obama’s second term.
Many recess appointments are needed at this time. This situation bears close watching. Urge Obama to appoint.
From Business Week: Former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson, who has been excluded from most Republican presidential debates and has barely registered in polls of the race, said he instead will seek the Libertarian nomination for the White House.
“I am a Libertarian — that is, someone who is fiscally very conservative but holds freedom-based positions on the issues that govern our personal behavior,” Johnson, 58, said in a statement as he announced his decision at the New Mexico State Capitol in Santa Fe. “This election is about issues larger than party or personal ambition. The future of our country is at stake. I believe this election needs a true libertarian voice.”
I’m certainly in favor of splitting the Republican vote.
From Cap Times: Last year the Honor Roll that I [John Nichols] compiled for The Nation recognized courageous, if often lonely, battlers against an austerity agenda, an ascendant tea party and a Republican electoral wave that had put Democrats, working folks and the unions that represent them on the defensive nationwide. This year we celebrate the remarkable movements that have arisen not just to stem the conservative tide but to build a new vision of progressivism for the 21st century. How much has changed? As 2011 finished, even Barack Obama was sounding populist themes. And progressives were organizing, fighting and winning critical battles on the streets, in the polling places and in the media. The events of 2011 did not transform America. But they did confirm that millions of Americans are ready to fight for the 99 percent.
This is well worth reading. Click through for the honor role.
Cartoon:
9 Responses to “Open Thread–12/29/2011”
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This is a graphic reminder of all the GOP does is DESTROY!!!
Welcome Laura. I fully agree. 🙂
How about Pres. Obama and Madame Sec. Clinton topping this year’s Gallup’s “Most Admired Poll” … AGAIN! http://www.gallup.com/poll/151790/barack-obama-hillary-clinton-again-top-admired-list.aspx
And MORE good news: Jon Stewart is now CRUSHING Faux News in number of viewers! http://www.politicususa.com/en/jon-stewart-fox-2011-ratings
Good news on both fronts!
Recess Appointments — I need to understand this correctly. Using Cordray as an example because we have talked about him as the Director designate of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, if Mr Obama appoints him on 31/12/11 then his appointment is good through 2012. But if he appoints him at 1 pm on 03/01/2012 then his appointment would be secure through 2013. Am I correct?
Also, the 112th Senate’s first session ends at 12 noon, 03/01/12. Does the 2nd session start at 12:01 pm even though the Senate is in recess for a 5 week holiday? Once an appointment or two is done, can the Senate come back early and prevent any further appointments? Or are they prevented from coming back early except in the direst of circumstances, ie war?
If this is the case, then pitter-patter, let’s get at it! Let’s get those appointments done!
The Honour Roll — I admire the stand that Sheriff Dave Mahoney of Dane Co Wisconsin took. His act is an act of serving the people, an act that all should emulate. From the Cap Times:
That is correct.
The second session begins whenever it is called to order. Yes. No.
By all means!
I agree.
It should. That is the source of the base image.
Save the camels!
Welcome Sylvia. 🙂
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