Politics Plus

Yesterday I slept late.  I ducked my email to finally attack that huge pile of paperwork and got it done in a few hours.  I napped in the late afternoon.  I’m current with replies.  Tomorrow I have housework to do.  What dominated the news today was Republicans attacking Republicans over attacking another Republican for acting like a Republican.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 3:44 (average 4:25).  To do it click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From USA Today: The Justice Department is defending the legality of President Obama’s recent recess appointment of a national consumer watchdog and other officials from criticism by Republicans.

The department released a 23-page legal opinion Thursday summarizing the advice it gave the White House before the Jan. 4 appointments. Assistant Attorney General Virginia Seitz wrote that the president has authority to make such appointments during a congressional recess of the current length. Seitz argued the Senate’s periodic pro forma sessions in which no business is conducted have not enabled the chamber to advise and consent to regular nominations, as it is empowered to do under the Constitution.

That makes sense to me.  The sham pro-forma sessions left the Senate out of session for purposes of fulfilling their duty to advise and consent.

From Crooks and Liars: Less than two days after the NYCLU demanded that Brookfield Properties remove the barricades preventing the public from accessing Zuccotti Park, the property management company has done just that. Tuesday evening, the barricades were removed and stacked off to the sides, permitting visitors to enter the park.

With freedom comes responsibility; according to one occupier, “Brookfield Security said unless we do something stupid the park will remain open!”

Good for them.  I’m glad they got the park back.

From Alternet: It’s almost as if Republicans are actively striving to get a reputation for being mean to poor, hungry people. On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the administration of Gov. Tom Corbett plans to start restricting eligibility to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as the food stamp program). Specifically, the state is imposing an “asset test” — anyone under 60 years old with savings of more than $2,000 is no longer eligible for assistance.

Here Republicans are making certain that, before a needy family can get food, that have to be unable to buy medicine and pay medical expenses.

Cartoon:

May the New Year

Bring you all the love,

Peace, joy and success that

You so richly deserve!

Here are the results of the ‘What’s for dinner’ poll.

And here are your comments.

From catherine turley on November 27, 2011 at 3:02 pm. 

 

gardein!

 

From Lee on November 23, 2011 at 2:21 pm. 

 

From a naturally grass fed pig – who needs "Goebbles"!

 

 

From TWM on November 23, 2011 at 6:20 am. 

 

The Wife…and then she will cook something or other.

All thing’s considered, I think Mark had the tastiest meal, although my turkey was delicious.

This will be today’s only article, because I’m ill.  I’ll keep you posted.

It’s too soon to tell how effective, overall the general strike in Oakland, CA will be, but despite my words fearing the opposite, which I am now happy to eat, the early signs look good..  The 99% protesters are getting strong union support and participation in the first general strike in the US in the last 65 years.  Some businesses supported the strike, and most respected it.  With few exceptions, and those not at all related to the OWS movement, the demonstration was peaceful.

Many businesses in downtown Oakland are closed during today’s Occupy Oakland general strike, whether in support of the movement or in preparation for the mass of protesters marching through the streets.

The closed stores included national chains such as Rite Aid, Tully’s Coffee and Foot Locker. Some of the stores that remained open would only accept cash to honor the strike and avoid sending credit card fees to multinational corporations and banks.

Many local bank branches tried to stay open for customers, but were forced to lock doors where hoards of protesters neared. Marchers also tried to discourage use of ATMs.

Although the Oaklandish clothing store on Broadway closed, staff members set up a turntable with a DJ outside and are offering free water to protesters…

Inserted from <San Francisco Chronicle>

Keith Olbermann covered the strike and other OWS news in two segments on Countdown.

Part 2:

I condemn the actions of the vandals who smashed windows and tried to create havoc.  They are not part of the OWS movement.  Sadly, when people of good will gather to do what is right, others take advantage of the demonstrations and selfishly as them as a cover to do wrong to pursue an agenda of their own.  These are not acts of civil disobedience.  They are crimes.  I hope they are identified, apprehended and prosecuted.  I also hope you will join me in condemning behavior that can only work against our purposes.  While I have no evidence to support this, I would not be surprised to discover that they are agents provocateur in the hire of the Banksters themselves.

Huge kudos to the demonstrators and the unions and businesses that supported them.