Today has been a very busy day for me. After 2.5 hours of physio therapy which includes weights, bicycling, ultra sound etc, I was off to teach ESL. My student was upset from a meeting last Monday and a letter she received, so I spent some time advocating for her with a provincial government office. Once that was done, she was calmer and better able to concentrate on the lesson. I finally came home about 4 pm, did some prep work for TC's blog, and then indulged in one of Lona's cat naps. Thank goodness she sends those by the gross! So here we are. My oldest boy just came into the den and is lying on the floor beside me. If the chair were empty, he'd be in the chair!
Puzzle — Today’s took me 3:26 (average 4:57). To do it, click here. How did you do? For those that don't know, we always do the 48 piece classic.
Short Takes
RSN — You are going to be hearing a lot about “Bernie Sanders, the Radical Socialist” in the coming months. So before that bandwagon rolls off down the great American highway let’s pin a little truth to its tail. …
“This country has socialism for the rich, rugged individualism for the poor.”
– The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.“A basic principle of modern state capitalism is that costs and risks are socialized to the extent possible, while profit is privatized.”
– Noam Chomsky
Socialism for working people, maybe not so radical. Want to really make America great again? Do it the way FDR did it in the 1930s. That is where Sanders is leading the 99%.
Socialism in the US is a very misunderstood term, but it exists and possibly in places you never thought of before. Read the rest of this short piece to learn more. The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr had it right!
Raw Story — Prior to being fired herself, former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina used tax incentives from the federal government, intended to increase research and development and employee hiring, to buy back stock before firing thousands of HP workers.
According to The Daily Beast, Fiorina — whose troubled tenure at HP has come under more scrutiny as she moves up in the polls for the GOP presidential nomination — was not the only high-ranking executive to take advantage of a corporate “tax holiday” and work it to her own advantage.
Is Fiorina the kind of leadership that the Republicans want in the White House? She has failed in spectacular fashion in business; she allowed her company to commit fraud against the federal government all the while laying off tens of thousands of workers while shareholders were enriched (including herself); she managed to get one hell of a golden parachute despite tanking her company; she has lied about "Planned Parenthood" videos; and she thinks that she's done nothing wrong.
Alternet — In addressing a question about Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, Chomsky assessed the political landscape: "Today’s Democrats are what used to be called moderate Republicans. The Republicans have just drifted off the spectrum. They’re so committed to extreme wealth and power that they cannot get votes … So what has happened is that they’ve mobilized sectors of the population that have been around for a long time. … Trump may be comic relief, but it’s not that different from the mainstream, which I think is more important."
…[Republican Party] It’s a radical insurgency; it’s not a political party.
I am a Chomsky fan and have been for a number years. This 4 minute video is worth the time to listen. The audience certainly gets into Chomsky's humour.
My Universe — h/t Dandelion — It's Saturday and time to partay!
36 Responses to “Squatch’s Open Thread 26/09/2015”
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Love the kitties! Thanks for helping people understand historical reality and current practices related to socialism and corruption as both relates to presidential campaign.
in the US, the word Socialism has been corrupted byt he GOP into a 4 letter word even though most US citizens don't know what it means…………any community is social and needs to be, homo sapiens are meant to be social, together, but not when it comes to the Greedy Old Persons of the USA
4:31. Shows why this combination is called a Bluepoint. (Although not a Siamese – might be a Birman, or not.)
RSN – Socialism for working people is indeed what we had roughly FDR through Eisenhower, and it was pretty radical when it came in. But starting with Reagan, the system radically (=down to the root) changed again, back to pre-FDR conditions. The fact that it did so gradually does not mean it was not radical. Now unfortunately we need to go back down to the root to get back the democratic socialism we once had.
Raw Story – Oh, I think that Fiorina represents EXACTLY the kind of leadership Republicans want in the White House. A real role model.
Alternet – While I hesitate to disagree with Chomsky, who is SO right so much, I would say Trum may or may not be comic, but he is definitely NOT relief.
Universe – Too cute. Reminds me of the time I went on a roller coaster with a six foot six recruiting poster male Marine and he could not open his eyes or unclench his fists during the entire ride. Theese kittens are doing better than that.
3:34 Pretty kitty. You can almost hear him purring.
RSN: Love Bernie!!! Excellent quotes too.
Raw Story: Can one even fathom what would happen if she were elected?? No ethics, as she just looks out for herself. And…not only that, after being sneaky at HP, she manages to get a 21 MIL severance package?? wth?
My Universe: Love the kitties having a blast. Going outside, it's beautiful here, hot still, but we did get a little rain last night. Thanks, Lynn. Have a relaxing day.
So many people in USA do not really understand that our country is already Socialistic!
This was presented by TC on August 31, 2015 in PP.
https://www.7thstep.org/blog/2015/08/31/personal-update8312015/
http://www.care2.com/news/member/527046926/3906293
The Teabagger Socialist-Free Purity Pledge
https://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/09/18/783895/-The-Teabagger-Socialist-Free-Purity-Pledg
I, ________________________, do solemnly swear to uphold the principles of a socialism-free society and heretofore pledge my word that I shall strictly adhere to the following:
I will complain about the destruction of 1st Amendment Rights in this country, while I am duly being allowed to exercise my 1st Amendment Rights.
I will complain about the destruction of my 2nd Amendment Rights in this country, while I am duly being allowed to exercise my 2nd Amendment rights by legally but brazenly brandishing unconcealed firearms in public.
I will foreswear the time-honored principles of fairness, decency, and respect by screaming unintelligible platitudes regarding tyranny, Nazi-ism, and socialism at public town halls. Also.
I pledge to eliminate all government intervention in my life. I will abstain from the use of and participation in any socialist goods and services including but not limited to the following:
Social Security
Medicare/Medicaid
State Children’s Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP)
Police, Fire, and Emergency Services
US Postal Service
Roads and Highways
Air Travel (regulated by the socialist FAA)
The US Railway System
Public Subways and Metro Systems
Public Bus and Lightrail Systems
Rest Areas on Highways
Sidewalks
All Government-Funded Local/State Projects (e.g., see Iowa 2009 federal senate appropriations)
Public Water and Sewer Services (goodbye socialist toilet, shower, dishwasher, kitchen sink, outdoor hose!)
Public and State Universities and Colleges
Public Primary and Secondary Schools
Sesame Street
Publicly Funded Anti-Drug Use Education for Children
Public Museums
Libraries
Public Parks and Beaches
State and National Parks
Public Zoos
Unemployment Insurance
Municipal Garbage and Recycling Services
Treatment at Any Hospital or Clinic That Ever Received Funding From Local, State or Federal Government (pretty much all of them)
Medical Services and Medications That Were Created or Derived From Any Government Grant or Research Funding (again, pretty much all of them)
Socialist Byproducts of Government Investment Such as Duct Tape and Velcro (Nazi-NASA Inventions)
Use of the Internets, email, and networked computers, as the DoD’s ARPANET was the basis for subsequent computer networking
Foodstuffs, Meats, Produce and Crops That Were Grown With, Fed With, Raised With or That Contain Inputs From Crops Grown With Government Subsidies
Clothing Made from Crops (e.g. cotton) That Were Grown With or That Contain Inputs From Government Subsidies
If a veteran of the government-run socialist US military, I will forego my VA benefits and insist on paying for my own medical care
I will not tour socialist government buildings like the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
I pledge to never take myself, my family, or my children on a tour of the following types of socialist locations, including but not limited to:
Smithsonian Museums such as the Air and Space Museum or Museum of American History
The socialist Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson Monuments
The government-operated Statue of Liberty
The Grand Canyon
The socialist World War II and Vietnam Veterans Memorials
The government-run socialist-propaganda location known as Arlington National Cemetery
All other public-funded socialist sites, whether it be in my state or in Washington, DC
I will urge my Member of Congress and Senators to forego their government salary and government-provided healthcare.
I will oppose and condemn the government-funded and therefore socialist military of the United States of America.
I will boycott the products of socialist defense contractors such as GE, Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Raytheon, Humana, FedEx, General Motors, Honeywell, and hundreds of others that are paid by our socialist government to produce goods for our socialist army.
I will protest socialist security departments such as the Pentagon, FBI, CIA, Department of Homeland Security, TSA, Department of Justice and their socialist employees.
Upon reaching eligible retirement age, I will tear up my socialist Social Security checks.
Upon reaching age 65, I will forego Medicare and pay for my own private health insurance until I die.
SWORN ON A BIBLE AND SIGNED THIS DAY OF __________ IN THE YEAR ___.
_____________ _________________________
Signed Printed Name/Town and State
Perfect for viral email, my friends. You know what to do.
This was just too god not to share!
I messed up on this post. I forgot to "hot link" the sources of the informations. My bad. If you want to delete this post because of it is fine with me. I can redo to include the "hot links" later. Jim.
Don't worry about it Jim. Hot links also create the same problem. If you need to do more than 3 links, Do it in the reply box to your comment. Max 3 links in the reply box too. As you can see, I released your comment. Thanks
Thanks for releasing this post. I did not see the "fourth" link, Iowa, 2009. My bad and sloppy eyesight. lol. Hugzzz…
You know Jim, anybody who swears to this is a liar and delusional, and cannot hope to keep this pledge! It is insane . . . no, insaniTea!
Right on Jim!
If you have time, try and enjoy reading the comments posted by the readers of this DailyKos "Pledge" article. Some of them are downright hilarious. Others are point-on.
https://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/09/18/783895/-The-Teabagger-Socialist-Free-Purity-Pledge#comments
I love the Pledge. It is what everyone benefits from but they don't aknowledge that they are Socialists.
EXCELLENT, Jim! I'd like to see one of the 1% do that! I would love to spread the love!
Thanks, Jim, you covered all our Socialist activities. I made my comment before I read your post and I included Social Seccrity and Medicare as socialist benefits. Didn't think about the rest of these that we all enjoy.
http://action.npa-us.org/page/s/prescription-affordability
Petition related to legislation to address prescription price manipulation
Petition signed. Costs for medications in the USA are out of control. USA citizens pay more for medications than anywhere else in the world. We need better regulations to be put in place.
Petition signed with enthusiasm! Shared on Facebook.
Thanks Beth
Thanks Jim
Signed! thanks.
You are welcome Patty
SIGNED and SHARED. Big Pharma needs a boot to the you-know-where!
Petition signed and shared on Facebook. Thanks!
Thanks JL. Signed
See the first short take in tomorrow's Open Thread. Between a law suit against the Canadian government by an American pharmaceutical company and language in the TPP, people could be SOL when it comes to affordable prescription drugs.
Thanks for all the hard work again, Lynn, keep it up. One thing you can't say now is that your days are monotonous. Although you might have wished this one to be a little more so after 2.5 hours of strenuous physiotherapy?
RSN: I never understood what America's hang up was with socialism; Americans really don't know what they've been missing out on, but Bernie soon will bring the country up to speed on the benefits of true socialism, not your upside-down version of it. Go Bernie!
Raw Story: Carly Fiorina may not be our idea of an ideal presidential candidate (which one of the Republican hopefuls is?) , but if she truly misappropriated federal tax incentives to buy back stock and then fired thousand of HP workers then this coldhearted, lying, and corrupt bitch must be the Republicans favorite after Donald Trump. She certainly must be ticking a lot of boxes for the equally coldhearted and corrupt Kochs and their friends, except for one: she's a female. She's just as much the token women for them as Carson is the token black man.
Alternet: Noam Chomsky possesses those rare qualities of excellent political insight, eloquence and the (British) type of understated humor which combined make whatever he says both a joy to listen to and hit every nail on the head. Of course there is no difference between Donald Trump and the rest of the GOP insurgency, Donald only says it in other, even more extreme language than they do.
My Universe: Yes, let's dance the night away.
Mother Jones has a nice article documenting Fiorina's dubious relationship with the truth. Good to bookmark as a reference in case its Carly as their nominee.
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2015/09/carly-fiorinas-revisionism-problem
Well worth reading as it reveals her relationship with the truth the article describes as adventurous
Read it and shared it on FAcebook. I currently have a cousin who believes everything she says and is adamantly opposed to Planned Parenthood because of Fiorino. I hope she reads this. Thanks for posting.
I wish to congradulate and thank those who have done this labor of love for TC!
What a kind description–thanks Beth on behalf of all of us!
So do I!
Glad you enjoyed the roller coaster kitties.
RSN: Remember, we have been taught to fear socialists since the cold war,by our government. Few people understand the true meaning of socialism. I have referred to my grandfathers before, who fought for a union for coal miners, so from an early age, I understood the concept. I am sharing this article on Facebook and hope some of my red friends read it. Many of my friends are on Social Security and Medicare and don't even realize what hard fought battles were waged to make this possible. We just have too much ignorance.
Raw Story: Fiorina makes a perfect Republican. Take all you can, while you can, and make someone else pay for it. She is surely not the type of person I would want in the White House, but, I am not a Republican. She has no integrity, if she did she would admit she lied about Planned Parenthood.
Alternet: Chomsky has it right. Our country is in deep trouble when we have religious extremists determing the fate of the rest of us while chanting about how they hate all Muslims and Sharia law. I really don't want to have to wonder if the guy behind me in the check out line has a gun, but thanks to so many concealed/carry laws that have been passed you never know. Bigotry has free rein, so does greed. This is not the country I grew up in and was taught to love.
My Universe: Very cute, but no cat of mine would ever have enjoyed this.
Gosh Lynn – 2.5 hours is a LOT of physio! So glad you could help your student too – what a blessing.
RSN – God bless and protect Bernie!
Raw Story – a typical lying incompetent hateful example it seems to me. Surely a perfect Repug candidate.
Alternet – Noam Chomsky is always worth reading – a wise man – and he is saying what we here, and most outside America have been saying for decades.
My Universe – nooooo! Poor kitties!
Bernie is going to be on Face the Nation this morning. Of course we have heard him before but now the Bernie beat is getting stronger than ever. I hope he wins. I hope Tom Cat gets well soon too!