Yesterday I did not watch the Republican debate. In this case, religion took the lead over politics. It was a high holy day in the Church of the Ellipsoid Orb, and I was mediating on Texans, Bengals, Lions and Saints. I’m current with replies. Today is another high holy day and the meditation between the Broncos and Steelers will be televised here. I’m long on hope, but short on faith.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today it took me 4:46 (average 4:47). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Short Takes:
From MoveOn: How The Lives Of 2.5 Million Young People Changed on 1/1/2012
Obamacare is far short of perfect, but every story like this one makes me glad Obama cared.
From Washington Post: President Barack Obama is highlighting companies that have returned jobs to the U.S. and he says that’s one more way of putting people back to work.
The White House plans a forum Wednesday, called “Insourcing American Jobs,” that will bring together business leaders who shifted work back home. The president said Saturday in his weekly radio and Internet address that the event will discuss ways business leaders can return more jobs to the country.
I like this idea, because with so many corporate criminals giving business a bad name, it is fitting that companies that are doing right by American workers be recognized as such.
From NY Times: Now that the most polarized and paralyzed Congress in memory has managed to kill one of its most resilient boondoggles — the three-decade-old, multibillion-dollar subsidy for corn ethanol — we hope it has not exhausted its resolve and will take a hatchet to other harmful energy subsidies, chiefly those it gives to fossil fuels.
I have always considered it insane to waste tax dollars subsidizing the conversion of food to fuel, because it costs more that and pollutes more than gasoline, and because we need to use our food to feed people. Now it’s time to end subsidies for ALL fossil fuels.
Cartoon:
12 Responses to “Open Thread–1/8/2011”
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Obamacare — It may not be perfect but it is a move in the right direction. This young woman Emily has learned a valuable lesson and is in the midst of turning her personal health crisis into a silver lining for others. As her mother commented, she has matured through this and will do what she sets out to do. Other young people, indeed everyone, could learn from her example.
Personally, my mother suffers from Alzheimer’s now in the severe stage. When she was officially diagnosed 16 Jan 2008, I knew nothing substantive. But ask me now and you may find out more than you wanted to know. Dealing with this as her sole care giver, other than the care aids in the assisted living residence she is in, has taught me many things, but above all, patience. I readily share my mother’s story and mine as a care giver. I try to find the silver lining everyday so that others can learn.
Emily’s story is about sharing her daily struggle and looking for ways to make things better for others. Way to go Emily!
The President’s High 5’s — I agree with you TC. Morally and ethically it is the right thing to do, to acknowledge those companies who are putting Americans back in the jobs market. These companies may have altruistic reasons for bringing jobs back, and they might have financial reasons, or both. Nonetheless, jobs are returning and these companies should be acknowledged. It can also serve as a reminder to those companies who have not done so that their competitors are getting valuable free advertising and in this market, will likely take some market share away. I wonder how corporations not on side will like that. I bet they go to the Republican/Teabaggers to campaign against the President’s move. Well if I may quote Bart Simson, “eat my shorts!”
Energy Subsides — One can only hope that the energy of Congress has not disappated and they can find their way to cancelling fossil fuel subsides. Just don’t hold your breath or you too may be part of fossil fuels before your time.
Cartoon — Love the cartoon but the only thing I’d do is put the usual red/white stripe target on each of the Injustices with the dead elephant in the middle. More to aim at!
I agree.
Excellent point about the advertising good will.
That set of subsidies was set to expire anyway, so inaction worked in our favor for once.
I disagree. That’s what Sarah Palin did to incite violence against Democrats, resulting in the deaths Gabby Giffords being shot and others being killed and wounded. If I had, it would have been completely in jest, but we have a few nut-cases on our side of the aisle. As much as I cannot stand what SCROTUS represents, I want them impeached, not shot.
I never thought of it that way. I am not accustomed to guns etc and only thought of it as a rhetorical way of clearly taking aim to get rid of the person, not violently but legally. I still have a lot to learn and remember about American culture!
I know you didn’t mean it that way, Lynn. However, because that’s the way Republicans mean it when they do it, they will accuse us of meaning it the same way, if we do it.
Love your SCOTUS portrait. Consider it stolen!
Thou shalt steal!
4:01
It’s good that Pres. Obama is giving these companies recognition. If only more of them would put aside their greed and follow suit.
Good time!
Amen to that!
4:29 I think we are going to have to pick up our game, TomCat. Patty is cleaning our clock.
Really! Or maybe I should block her IP address. 😉
1 minute on the next.
I agree Lynn that the healthcare is not perfect and you are right it is a step going forward. Healthcare is a right that all humans and animals have. The Republians propaganda that is been the law of the land for how many yrs. that healthcare,education is not a right. What was the walk up call? You should hear Newt and Santorum on education (the poor think they can go to school the audacity Obama wanting all kids to get an education can you believe him?They should have to clean toilets and wipe tables ) Healthcare law will be appealed) It almost makes you wish you lived somewhere eles. Obama is our only hope for going foward. We must vote Obama/Biden 2012.
The video will put tears in your eyes Thanks for sharing TomCat Will have to share with others
YVW, Mama.