Editorial – Page 8 – Politics Plus

Happy Independence Day

Posted by TomCat at 2:52 am Editorial, Personal, Plus, Politics

Jul 042011

4th of July

While leaving the constitutional convention in 1787, a passerby asked Ben Franklin whether the new government would be a Republic or a Monarchy. “A Republic, if you can keep it,” was Franklin’s famous reply. His words echo across the centuries. Can we keep it? There have been many challenges to our great republic over the years, but never since the civil war have the foundations of our republic been so shaken as they are today.

The threat comes from the Republican Party, their criminal corporate cronies, and a handful of DINOs that goose step behind the Republican leadership in betrayal of America. They would transform America from a democratic republic into a fascist corporate plutocracy, a regime of one-party Republican rule.

Every 4th of July, I make it a point to reread the Declaration of Independence. Every 4th of July, I cannot help but notice how many of our founding fathers’ grievances against King George still fit Republican policies.

Can we keep it? That’s up to you and I. I see it as a two step process. Admittedly the Democratic Party is a swamp, but doing anything about it is very difficult, as long as it is infested with vicious Republican alligators. Therefore step one has to be pest control. Exterminate the alligators (politically speaking, only). The Republican Party must follow the Whigs into political oblivion. Then it will be time to drain the swamp in step two.

I wish you all a happy Independence Day, rich in all the blessings you deserve.

Obama: No Fire Down Below

Posted by TomCat at 2:24 am Editorial, Politics

Jun 302011

30Obama

Tom122007_Painting_Painting Yesterday I watched Obama’s news conference three times. I wanted to be certain I understood what he said, before writing this editorial. The biggest problem is that everyone who decided what their response would be, before the news conference took place, can find support for their point of view. Obamaphiles saw it as as a proof of his fidelity. Obamaphobes saw it as proof of his perfidy. The only people likely to have any difficulty understanding it are those of us who watched with an open mind. My biggest issue with it is that I wanted him to come out swinging, but he continued to play “the adult in the room.” There was no fire down below. Nevertheless, there were things I liked, and things I did not.

He did not address what cuts he was willing to negotiate. He said negotiations have identified what cuts are possible, but did not specify. However, he did say that he would not accept any reduction in entitlements spending that shifted the burden onto the recipients. He said that reducing the debt would require revenue enhancements, and that they must come out of the pockets of people who are doing extraordinarily well.

He gave his best explanation of his view of Libya and the War Powers Act to date. He said that US forces were out of the combat zone well before the deadline and are providing non-combatant support only. I still disagree with him and think he should have submitted the request to Congress, but at least I understand his reasoning now. No American has been killed.

On Afghanistan, he expressed no change in position. He used the safety in Kabul to justify success of the Afghani government. So did the USSR. Like them, he is still wrong.

He ducked whether or not he personally believes in gay marriage. That did not bother me. He has a right to his own religious view, but he does not allow it to dictate policy. Between repeal of DADT and refusal to defend DOMA, no president has done as much for the LGBT community.

On immigration, he insisted on a comprehensive solution, including a path to citizenship for for those without documentation, who are here now.

He easily ducked the question on the Constitutionality of the debt ceiling, because it was the last item in a three part question by Chuck Todd. When reporters question politicians, they are lucky to get two parts acknowledged, let alone three. Evading it may have been wise, because committing to invoke the Constitution lets Republicans off the hook. They would love provoking a Constitutional crisis to keep the focus off job creation.

His big failure was his stated expectation that Republicans leaders will lead in good faith and do the right thing where the debt is concerned. There is zero evidence to support the notion that Republicans have the slightest inclination to do the right thing, and overwhelming evidence to the contrary. When he blamed “Congress”, I have no doubt that he meant Republicans in Congress, but he should have come out and said so.

In closing, he focused on the needs of Main Street Americans, and the need to undo the structural changes in our economy in the last decade. He should have clearly defined that those were Republican changes, the massive upward redistribution of wealth.

Overall, I feared far worse and was pleased with most of it, but Obama must overcome his dislike for confrontation and display fire down below.

You don’t have to take my word for it. If you missed it, here is the complete video.

If you prefer, the text of Obama’s news conference is here.

For another perspective here’s Keith Olbermann on Countdown.

One of the things I like about Keith is that he usually agrees with me, and expresses it better.

Of one thing, there is no doubt. I will certainly support Obama over anyone the Republicans offer.

In Honor of Fallen Heroes

Posted by TomCat at 1:37 am Editorial, Holiday

May 302011

Memorial Day

You may ask why I, as one who opposes war almost by definition, would want to celebrate the day in which we honor those military service people, who have given their lives in service to America. From my earliest days as an antiwar activist opposing the war in Vietnam, I have believed that it is as important to honor the warriors, as it is to oppose the wars.

They took an oath to obey and honored it. They had nothing to do with the decisions. I have no doubt that, if those who died in our Revolutionary War, for example, can look at today’s wars, they are shedding tears over the senseless waste of life, but honoring their comrades as they fall.

Now, unlike Veterans day, Memorial Day is not intended as celebration of those who served and survived. Nevertheless, to all veterans who read this, thank you for your service. I thank God that you are not among those whom we honor today.

Planning a CAMPING Trip? Poof!

Posted by TomCat at 1:19 am Editorial, Politics, Religion

May 212011

Rapture Day

I trust all are aware that Republican Supply-side pseudo-Christian, Harold Camping, has predicted that today the rapture will occur, and that all Christians will disappear, caught up to heaven by God, while the rest of humanity will be left behind to endure God’s wrath. With that in mind, I have two predictions of my own. First, the rapture will not take place today, if ever. Second, if I am wrong and the rapture does occur today, the Republican Supply-side pseudo-Christians will still be in their churches perverting Christianity tomorrow morning, unaware that they are the ones who have been left behind. Here we will look at Camping’s delusional claims and their probable motivation, examine the rapture, both historically and Biblically, and end with a pair of videos certain to give you a chuckle or three.

For Camping’s claim, Lawrence O’Donnell, covered it well with New Testament Professor, Barbara Rossing.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

That’s right! Camping has $70 million reasons to persist in this hokum.

The very notion of a rapture is new to the theological scene. I vaguely remember a passing reference in the third of fourth century, but cannot find it. The concept disappeared until the 16th century. According to Wikipedia, the term “rapture” was first used by Phillip Doddridge and John Gill, late in the 16th century. Several authors mentioned it over the years, but it never enjoyed any significant following, until popularized by John Nelson Darby in 1827. The point is, Christianity survived without the rapture as the doctrine of any major sect for the first 1800 plus years. It is most useful for Republican Supply-side pseudo-Christian dogma, because sheeple can be ordered to think and do as told or suffer the great tribulation.

Biblically, rapture doctrine is a virtual minefield. Bible references contradict each other.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so it is through Jesus that God will bring back with him those who have died. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have died. With a shout of command, with the archangel’s call, and with the sound of God’s trumpet, the Lord himself will come down from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. [1 Th 4:14-17 ISV]

Also consider:

For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there’s a body, there the vultures will gather." "Immediately after the suffering of those days, ‘The sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of heaven will be shaken loose.’ Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn when they see ‘the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven’ with power and great glory. He will send out his angels with a loud trumpet blast, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to another." [Mt 24:27-31 ISV]

Moreover:

The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some people understand slowness, but is being patient with you. He does not want anyone to perish, but wants everyone to come to repentance. But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. On that day the heavens will disappear with a roaring sound, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done on it will be exposed. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, think of the kind of holy and godly people you ought to be. [2 Pe 3:9-11 ISV]

Note that these references describe a noisy event. Compare it with verses also used as a primary reference to support the rapture.

For just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be when the Son of Man comes. In those days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage right up to the day when Noah went into the ark. They were unaware of what was happening until the flood came and swept all of them away. That’s how it will be when the Son of Man comes. At that time two people will be in the field. One will be taken, and the other will be left behind. Two women will be grinding grain at the mill. One will be taken, and the other will be left behind. "So keep on watching, because you don’t know on what day your Lord is coming. [Mt. 24:37-42 ISV]

In this description the left behind continue in their daily lives after a quiet disappearance, and the world is not immediately destroyed. Republican Supply-side pseudo-Christians try to weasel out of this contradiction by proposing two separate second comings. It has no basis except as a desperate attempt to fit a square peg in a round hole.

So, given the limited historical and Scriptural evidence, added to Jesus’ statement that we cannot know when the end will be, I’m confident that we will take no CAMPING trips today.

Therefore let us celebrate the day with levity. In the first a Theocon gets left behind.

In the second, Margaret Cho mocks this as only she can.

Once again, if I’m wrong, I’ll see y’all in heaven, including my friends of the atheist faith, where Teabuggery is not allowed, tomorrow. 😉

Obama: A New Direction in the Middle East?

Posted by TomCat at 1:50 am Editorial, Politics

May 202011

Obama Governors

Like many, I watched yesterday’s speech. More than not, I liked what he had to say. I am pleased with his support for Arab Spring and his pledge to assist Egypt and Tunisia. I support his calls for religious freedom and equality for women. I agree with promise to sanction Syria. And I also believe that the Palestinian state must be based on Israel’s 1967 borders. While I disagree with his Afghanistan stance, I can’t claim betrayal, because he had made it clear before I voted for him. My problems are more with what he did not say. Here are the speech, Republican reactions, and more commentary.

If you prefer, the text of the speech is here.

While Obama mentioned the autocrats in Bahrain, Yemen and Jordon, he ignored them in Saudi Arabia and the UAR. If Syria deserves sanctions, why not Bahrain?

I support the unification of Fatah and Hamas, because there can be no peace, excluding the latter. I would like to see Obama take a more active role using carrots and sticks on both sides, especially Israel. Look at what has happened over the years.

20israel_palestine

Israel has been ignoring the Helsinki accords and annexing major areas of Palestinian land, apparently attempting a de facto takeover of all the land. Both sides need to stop fighting and return to what was previously agreed.

Here are some of the Republican Reactions.

Michelle Bachmann:

Michele Bachmann said Obama had “betrayed our friend and ally Israel.”

“Obama’s call for 1967 borders will cause chaos, division & more aggression in Middle East and put Israel at further risk,” Bachmann said on Twitter, linking to the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s sharp statement.

Ron Paul:

Ron Paul said the Obama administration had again "proven that it does not understand a proper foreign policy for America."

“Israel is our close friend," Paul said in a statement. "While President Obama’s demand that Israel make hard concessions in her border conflicts may very well be in her long-term interest, only Israel can make that determination on her own, without pressure from the United States or coercion by the United Nations. Unlike this President, I do not believe it is our place to dictate how Israel runs her affairs. There can only be peace in the region if those sides work out their differences among one another. We should respect Israel’s sovereignty and not try to dictate her policy from Washington."

Tim Pawlenty:

Tim Pawlenty called a return to 1967 borders "a mistaken a very dangerous demand."

"The city of Jerusalem must never be re-divided," he said in a statement. "To send a signal to the Palestinians that America will increase its demands on our ally Israel, on the heels of the Palestinian Authority’s agreement with the Hamas terrorist organization, is a disaster waiting to happen. At this time of upheaval in the Middle East, it’s never been more important for America to stand strong for Israel and for a united Jerusalem.”

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL):

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R) of Florida, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the president for imposing “new pressure on Israel to make concessions on its borders,” without calls on Palestinian leaders to recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.

Mitt Romney:

“President Obama has thrown Israel under the bus,” said former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, in a statement. “He has disrespected Israel and undermined its ability to negotiate peace.”

Rick Santorum:

Rick Santorum said the speech as a whole hearkened to the "sad state of American diplomacy.”

"The fact that the President took six months to simply say that our policy is to oppose violence, support universal rights, and support reform epitomizes the sad state of American diplomacy," Santorum said, calling Obama’s foreign policy confused and dangerous.

Pat Toomey:

“The president’s reference to pre-1967 borders as the basis for peace undermines our ally Israel’s negotiating position, demonstrates insensitivity to the security threats Israel faces on a daily basis, and ignores the historical context that has shaped the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for more than 60 years,” said freshman Sen. Pat Toomey (R) of Pennsylvania, in a statement.

The Republican reactions have one thing in common. All are lies. Netanyahu may want to renege on Israel’s treaty obligations, but it is not a betrayal to call upon all signatories to abide by an agreement we helped negotiate. Period. That covers all but Santorum, and the speech clearly goes beyond what Santorum said.

Lawrence O’Donnell and columnist E.J. Dion discuss the speech and the duplicity of the Republican reaction.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Although no speech is perfect, this one was far superior to anything any Republican has said on the subject lately.

There is a new direction in the Middle East, a direction that comes from the people there. Obama would be wise to continue to follow their lead.

Editorial: Obama Talked the Talk

Posted by TomCat at 3:21 am Editorial, Politics

Apr 142011

14Obama

When I watched the video of Obama’s speech yesterday I expected him to triangulate, setting the stage for another crushing compromise. He surprised me. His speech came almost as close to what I wanted to hear as a speech of my own design. Here is a link to the transcript, and the complete video for those who missed it. Next I explain what I think was right and wrong with the speech. Then we have a couple more videos with other opinions. Last comes the big question.

Tom122007_Painting_Painting I found his speech compelling, one of the best he has ever given. He explained how we got here, making it clear that the blame belongs to GW Bush and the Republican Party, without mentioning either by name. When Bush assumed office, America was running a surplus and on the path to eliminating the national debt. Then came two wars, the prescription drug plan and the tax cuts that went mostly to millionaires and billionaires. All were off budget, so when Obama assumed office, the deficit going forward was over $1 trillion, and the economy was on the verge of collapse.

He trashed the Republican budget plan and showed how it’s purpose is transferring wealth from the poor and middle classes to the rich, not balancing the budget. If cutting the deficit was their intent they would not have included huge tax cuts for the super rich.

He promised that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will be protected.

He promised to make the investments in education and infrastructure America needs.

His plan going forward starts by keeping the budget cuts just negotiated. There I have to disagree. That mess contains excessive cuts in critically needed areas. Next he intends to cut Defense spending and evaluate our missions, capabilities and roles. I like that, but I’d like it more, if he evaluated us out of Afghanistan. Next he promised to reform Medicare and Medicaid by reducing the cost of health care, such as negotiating prescription drug costs like we do in the VA, NOT by increasing premiums or reducing benefits. I like that too, but I’d like Medicare for all more. Finally he promised not to go along with Republican plans to cut the the top marginal tax rate (what the richest are supposed to pay, but seldom do) by 28.5%. He promised not to renew the Bush cuts for the top 2%, and suggested simplifying the tax code by limiting deductions for the top 2%. I fully agree.

Rachel Maddow was overjoyed.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Rachel was wrong about one thing. Republicans do have a plan for dealing with health care costs. Their plan is to let greedy insurance companies charge more money for less coverage, and when it runs out, there’s the RepubliCare death benefit.

Ed Schultz and Barney Frank discuss the pitiful Republican responses.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Would they like a little whine with their greed?

And that brings us to the big question. Now that Obama has finally talked the talk, will he actually walk the walk? Last October I pushed myself beyond the limits of my disability to go see him in person, and suffered for doing it. I cheered him as he promised that he would not renew the Bush tax cuts for the top 2%. When he caved-in, I felt crushed. So, I have to admit some skepticism. But, if he follows through, he will have earned my full support.

Action Alert: Draw a Line in the Sand!

Posted by TomCat at 2:52 am Editorial, Politics

Apr 132011

13line

Yesterday I said I would draw a line in the sand. Later in the day, I received a petition from Bold Progressives that dovetails so well with what I said that I have decided to pass it on. It tells Obama that if he cuts Medicare or Medicaid benefits in the 2012 budget that we will not contribute our money or our time to his reelection. In the Comments section I added Social Security too.

Tom,

Urgent! The White House announced that in a big speech tomorrow, President Obama will do what no Republican President has been able to do: Put Medicare and Medicaid on the table for potential cuts.

Many former Obama volunteers, donors, and voters are deeply disappointed. A Democratic Congressman said on MSNBC last night that Obama needs to "act like a Democrat."

Will you sign this urgent pledge, which we’ll deliver to the Obama campaign?

"President Obama: If you cut Medicare and Medicaid benefits for me, my parents, my grandparents, or families like mine, don’t ask for a penny of my money or an hour of my time in 2012. I’m going to focus on electing bold progressive candidates — not Democrats who help Republicans make harmful cuts." Click here to sign.

Below are some amazing notes from Obama volunteers who worked passionately for the President in 2008.

Many people still want to believe in President Obama. But the White House needs to understand that their actions now will have real consequences for 2012. The level of grassroots enthusiasm will be determined by whether the President fights for bold progressive change — and takes cuts that hurt grandparents, the disabled, and kids firmly off the table.

The White House will absolutely be watching the progress of this petition. And we’ll deliver the pledge signatures to the Obama campaign headquarters in Chicago.

Please sign today — then, pass it to others who worked to elect President Obama in 2008.

Thanks for being a bold progressive.

— Adam Green, Stephanie Taylor, Jason Rosenbaum, Keauna Gregory, and the PCCC team.

NOTES FROM ACROSS THE NATION:

Susan Carpenter, Obama volunteer from Ohio:

"Like many volunteers on his campaign, I was in love with the idea of Obama. I haven’t given up on him quite yet, but I’m mustering the energy to work on the resistance. He needs to know who we are."

John Rotolo, Obama volunteer from Florida:

"I’m almost too heartsick to comment…I’m at a loss."

Barbara Louise Jean, Obama volunteer from Nevada:

"It’s ludicrous to cut Medicare for seniors when Wall Street created this mess without being held accountable. At 69, I’ll be in financial trouble if Medicare benefits are lowered."

Joelle Barnes, Obama volunteer from Pennsylvania:

"This is like a knife through my heart! This is a Republican thing!"

Suzanne Fair, Obama volunteer from Maryland:

"I know he has to compromise sometimes, but it seems that he is caving to the Republicans far too often. We elected him for real change and I would like to see him stand strong against the corporate rich."

Margaret Copi, Obama donor from California:

"I contributed more to Obama’s campaign than I have to anything else in my life, but no more dollars from me and definitely not a moment of volunteer time, unless he makes huge shifts and starts to fight for the peoples’ interest."

Frankie Perdue, Obama volunteer from Colorado:

"I do not think that Medicare/Medicaid and Social Security should be on the negotiating table at all. Have the corporations pay their fair share of taxes."

Deborah Finn, Obama volunteer from North Carolina:

"This is wrong! We did not elect Obama to have him make cuts in valuable, important programs. He needs to stand up to the Republicans. And he needs to speak to the American people about why it is morally wrong to cut the programs."

Michaele Bonenberger, Obama volunteer from South Dakota:

"This does not sound at all like the Barak Obama that I worked so hard to get elected in 2008."

Dotty Hopkins, Obama volunteer from California:

"It makes it hard to gin up enthusiasm for 2012. More like hold your nose and vote again! As a former Obama volunteer, I’m already worrying about my lack of desire to do any campaigning and I’m on our County Central Committee for heaven’s sake."

The White House needs to hear your voice — sign our pledge today. Then pass it on to others.

Now, let me be clear. Here I will continue to support things he does that I like and criticize things he does that I don’t like. If he wins the Democratic nomination, I expect to vote for him. As disappointed as I am, the Republican will be worse, and since those who taught Obama and the Democrats a lesson by staying home have already cursed America with Republican control of the House and numerous state houses, that route is a proven failure. But my money and my volunteer time will go to someone who represents me in Congress or on a state or local level, if he caves on any of these three. I invite you to join me.

Breaking: Victory in Wisconsin

Posted by TomCat at 2:38 pm Editorial, Politics

Apr 062011

6Klop Three weeks ago, nobody had even heard of JoAnne Kloppenberg and incumbent Justice David Prosser, self-proclaimed Walker sycophant, was expected to cruise to an easy victory. But in response to Walkers draconian policies and Machiavellian tactics progressives inside and outside Wisconsin banded together to make this a referendum on Walker and the Republican party. Walker’s corporate backers outspent us nearly two to one, but in the end, no amount of corporate Koch sucking could stand against the people’s voice. The margin was just 204 votes. No doubt there will be a recount, but we can expect it to be fair, only because Wisconsin voters elected a democrat as Secretary of State.

We can make a difference!

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