Jan 31st, 2011
It is worth giving credit where it is due. Coming from a family that has so injured our nation for so very long, I must applaud young Barbara Bush's decision to support the HCR campaign for marriage equality.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Most Obvious Study Result Award
Jan 31st, 2011
 |
| FOXNews' Megyn Kelly |
Women are used as objects in broadcasting to sell men lousy beer, to sell one another little "massager" devices and according to a recent Indiana University study by Maria Elizabeth Grabe and Elizabeth Sampson, to essentially make male viewers less receptive to detail oriented news and complicated information structures. FOX... we're looking at you.
Last week, Miller McCune reported on the methodology of the Grabe/Sampson Study:
"They created two versions of their own short newscast, both of which featured the same 24-year-old female anchor.
For the first version, the broadcast journalist “was dressed in a tight-fitting dark blue jacket and skirt that accented her waist-to-hip ratio,” they write. “She also wore bright red lipstick and a necklace.” For the alternate version, she was dressed in “a shapeless and loose-fitting dark blue jacket and skirt,” and wore no lipstick or necklace.
“The anchorwoman was framed in a medium-long shot to reveal her upper body, including her upper thighs, waist and hips,” the researchers note. “The news stories were about local matters, including United Way fundraising, interest rate changes for federal loan programs” and the like.
The just under 400 participants were randomly assigned to watch one version or the other. All then filled out questionnaires summarizing their impressions of the reporter. They were also asked four multiple-choice questions about her physical appearance, and 10 multiple-choice questions about the content of the five stories she presented."
From their report in the magazine Communication Research:
"Male participants saw the sexualized version of the anchor as less suited for war and political reporting. They also encoded less news information presented by the sexualized than her unsexualized version. Conclusions were drawn in line with evolutionary psychology expectations of men’s cognitive susceptibility to visual sex cues. Women participants, on the other hand, did not vary across conditions in their assessments of the anchor’s competence to report on war and political news. Moreover, they encoded more news information presented by the sexualized than unsexualized anchor condition."
In an ironic turn of events, Tucker Carlson's increasingly low-rent rag, The Daily Caller, "reported" on the findings by confirming them:
"In the words of Antoine Dodson, “hide your wife,” at least if she happens to be a television anchor."
I will go out an limb here at the risk of alienating some of my female contributors and readers. When I look at the photo of FOXNews' Megyn Kelly (above left) I am NOT thinking about politics.
Most Obvious Study Result Award
Jan 31st, 2011
|
| FOXNews' Megyn Kelly |
Women are used as objects in broadcasting to sell men lousy beer, to sell one another little "massager" devices and according to a recent Indiana University study by Maria Elizabeth Grabe and Elizabeth Sampson, to essentially make male viewers less receptive to detail oriented news and complicated information structures. FOX... we're looking at you.
Last week, Miller McCune reported on the methodology of the Grabe/Sampson Study:
"They created two versions of their own short newscast, both of which featured the same 24-year-old female anchor.
For the first version, the broadcast journalist “was dressed in a tight-fitting dark blue jacket and skirt that accented her waist-to-hip ratio,” they write. “She also wore bright red lipstick and a necklace.” For the alternate version, she was dressed in “a shapeless and loose-fitting dark blue jacket and skirt,” and wore no lipstick or necklace.
“The anchorwoman was framed in a medium-long shot to reveal her upper body, including her upper thighs, waist and hips,” the researchers note. “The news stories were about local matters, including United Way fundraising, interest rate changes for federal loan programs” and the like.
The just under 400 participants were randomly assigned to watch one version or the other. All then filled out questionnaires summarizing their impressions of the reporter. They were also asked four multiple-choice questions about her physical appearance, and 10 multiple-choice questions about the content of the five stories she presented."
From their report in the magazine Communication Research:
"Male participants saw the sexualized version of the anchor as less suited for war and political reporting. They also encoded less news information presented by the sexualized than her unsexualized version. Conclusions were drawn in line with evolutionary psychology expectations of men’s cognitive susceptibility to visual sex cues. Women participants, on the other hand, did not vary across conditions in their assessments of the anchor’s competence to report on war and political news. Moreover, they encoded more news information presented by the sexualized than unsexualized anchor condition."
In an ironic turn of events, Tucker Carlson's increasingly low-rent rag, The Daily Caller, "reported" on the findings by confirming them:
"In the words of Antoine Dodson, “hide your wife,” at least if she happens to be a television anchor."
I will go out an limb here at the risk of alienating some of my female contributors and readers. When I look at the photo of FOXNews' Megyn Kelly (above left) I am NOT thinking about politics.
It's Time To Ask
Jan 31st, 2011
How long can the nation of Israel maintain the position that it's very existence is dependent on preserving the oppressive regimes of it's neighbors? Yuval Ben Ami asks the question:
"According to Haaretz, the Israeli government sent a message to world governments urging them to enhance their support of Mubarak’s regime in Egypt. The message urged that the stability of Egypt’s regime is beneficial to the stability of the entire middle east and thus must be preserved.
"According to Haaretz, the Israeli government sent a message to world governments urging them to enhance their support of Mubarak’s regime in Egypt. The message urged that the stability of Egypt’s regime is beneficial to the stability of the entire middle east and thus must be preserved.
What is the value of our so called democracy if it can only flourish by keeping millions and millions out of democracy’s reach? We have been told for years that such occupation techniques as the construction of the separation barrier are neccesary to ensure the survival of “the Middle East’s only democracy”. We learned to accept that our democracy is dependent on human rights infringements. Now we learn that the scale of these infringements must be fantastically greater.
For 30 years Israel enjoyed the status quo with Egypt, while Egyptians suffered from tyranny, lacked freedom of speech and could not effect their own destiny. What message is Israel sending now? Does it truly imply that only a dictatorial Middle East will permit it to survive as a Jewish state?
Is this Jewish state such a fragile fantasy, that an entire region of the world must be kept imprisoned in order for it to thrive?"
"How many people must be deprived of liberty so we can have ours? Can we only have our liberty by maintaining absolute dictators as allies? Are we really that scared?"
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Rep. Jack Kingston's Amusing Denials
Jan 30th, 2011
The real irony here is watching a man denying evolution and in the process making a monkey out himself.
The real irony here is watching a man denying evolution and in the process making a monkey out himself.
Quote Of The Day
Jan 30th, 2011
"The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage." -- Thucydides
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Quote Of The Day
Jan 29th, 2011
"Dictators ride to and fro on tigers they dare not dismount. And the tigers are getting hungry." -- Winston Churchill
Friday, January 28, 2011
Made In U.S.A., cont...
Jan 28th, 2011
Rich Engel reports from Cairo:
"In my hands, this is one of the tear gas canisters and very clearly written in English on it it says "Made in the U.S.A. by Combined Tactical Systems from Jamestown, Pa."
Rich Engel reports from Cairo:
"In my hands, this is one of the tear gas canisters and very clearly written in English on it it says "Made in the U.S.A. by Combined Tactical Systems from Jamestown, Pa."
Worth 1,000 Words
Jan 28th, 2011
This just came across the interwebs. A protester in Cairo kisses a "bewildered" security officer.
This just came across the interwebs. A protester in Cairo kisses a "bewildered" security officer.
Made In The U.S.A.
Jan 28th, 2011
This photo is causing quite the stir around the world. It should. It shows an Egyptian protester holding one of the hundreds of spent tear gas canisters that litter the streets of Cairo. As you look at it, remember that it was our tax dollars that payed for it's manufacture. It was our tax dollars that payed for it's shipment it to Mubarak's regime. It was our country that made it possible for a people crying out against their own tyrannical government to be abused with "low-intensity" chemical weapons.
This photo is causing quite the stir around the world. It should. It shows an Egyptian protester holding one of the hundreds of spent tear gas canisters that litter the streets of Cairo. As you look at it, remember that it was our tax dollars that payed for it's manufacture. It was our tax dollars that payed for it's shipment it to Mubarak's regime. It was our country that made it possible for a people crying out against their own tyrannical government to be abused with "low-intensity" chemical weapons.
When Cliché Is Essential
Jan 28th, 2011
Mother Jones posted this as the tweet of the day. A clear response to Mubarak's unnervingly detached statement regarding the current upheaval.
Mother Jones posted this as the tweet of the day. A clear response to Mubarak's unnervingly detached statement regarding the current upheaval.
"They Didn't See This Coming"
Jan 28th, 2011
Egypt continues to spiral. The money quote from an "Egyptian official":
"We didn't see this coming."
Egypt continues to spiral. The money quote from an "Egyptian official":
"We didn't see this coming."
Quote Of The Day
Jan 28th, 2010
"The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little." -- Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The U.S. Map Of Ugly
Jan 26th, 2011
I haven't a clue what methods were used to compile this. Nevertheless, it is interesting.
I haven't a clue what methods were used to compile this. Nevertheless, it is interesting.
The Complete SOTU & Responses
Jan 26th, 2011
Here is the full 2011 State of the Union Address
Last night's responses are below.
Here is the full 2011 State of the Union Address
Last night's responses are below.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
SOTU LiveBlog
Jan 25th, 2011
My final take... It really needs to be said that I agree with almost nothing that Paul Ryan has ever proposed. However, I think he got set up. Seriously. I think the laaaazy and corrupt old guard of the GOP totally set out to hurt him. And it worked. Which really sucks. The problems I have with Ryan are the same problems I have with ALL brilliant, young and idealistic people:
"You are so wrong... but filled with interesting and potentially valuable ideas. NOW, let's talk." Well, the old guard really got what they wanted. They have diminished the ONLY young man in the GOP who has a tremendous intellect AND believes more in the country than in raising money. We'll dissect Bachmann tomorrow.
9:37 Ummmmm. Okay. Well.... the Ryan response happened too.
9:35 sigh... suggesting that China or India should not have superior infrastructure than the Greatest Nation on Earth is not "repackaging spending. " Ryan, even if it was, you can't win it that way tonight.
9:32 Why did the brightest young man in the GOP agree to this? Blah, blah, blah... "didn't create jobs"... (not true) blah, blah, blah "plunged us into more debt" (except 3/5 of all expenditures are non-negotiable "security expenditures") DUDE. You are my hope for a smart opposition. Fuck.
9:30 Ryan: The President was "right" to focus on what he did.
9:28 The Ryan response has begun.
9:18 Annnnnnd now the pundits try and figure it out. Matthews is characteristically fawning... Krauthammer sounds scared... Couric is still pretty much a teenager... Blitzer is actually so inarticulate as to be frightening... The real response we are waiting on, one more time, is Ryan's
9:14 The Kirk/Durbin Illinois pairing was interesting. What a whirlwind. President Barack Obama gave what might be the first really important SOTU in 60 to 70 years. However cynically anyone might interpret the night so far, there is no denying the one, single overarching meme was this "WE... DO... BIG... THINGS."
9:05 Neo-Fascist apologist (and personal frenemy) Jonah Goldberg heard this...
"This is just a part of how we are shaping a world that favors peace and prosperity. With our European allies, we revitalized NATO, and increased our cooperation on everything from counter-terrorism to missile defense. We have reset our relationship with Russia, strengthened Asian alliances, and built new partnerships with nations like India. This March, I will travel to Brazil, Chile, and El Salvador to forge new alliances for progress in the Americas. Around the globe, we are standing with those who take responsibility – helping farmers grow more food; supporting doctors who care for the sick; and combating the corruption that can rot a society and rob people of opportunity. Recent events have shown us that what sets us apart must not just be our power – it must be the purpose behind it. In South Sudan – with our assistance – the people were finally able to vote for independence after years of war. Thousands lined up before dawn. People danced in the streets. One man who lost four of his brothers at war summed up the scene around him: “This was a battlefield for most of my life. Now we want to be free.” We saw that same desire to be free in Tunisia, where the will of the people proved more powerful than the writ of a dictator. And tonight, let us be clear: the United States of America stands with the people of Tunisia, and supports the democratic aspirations of all people. We must never forget that the things we’ve struggled for, and fought for, live in the hearts of people everywhere. And we must always remember that the Americans who have borne the greatest burden in this struggle are the men and women who serve our country. Tonight, let us speak with one voice in reaffirming that our nation is united in support of our troops and their families. Let us serve them as well as they have served us – by giving them the equipment they need; by providing them with the care and benefits they have earned; and by enlisting our veterans in the great task of building our own nation. Our troops come from every corner of this country – they are black, white, Latino, Asian and Native American. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish and Muslim. And, yes, we know that some of them are gay. Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love. And with that change, I call on all of our college campuses to open their doors to our military recruiters and the ROTC. It is time to leave behind the divisive battles of the past. It is time to move forward as one nation"
And all he had was this on Twitter "Biden wanders off, "starts singing Hey Mr. Taliban tali me banana." No. He won't be living it down.
9:02 Get ready everyone... whatever is going on behind the scenes, you are watching the start of the 1st 6 year Presidential term in U.S. history.
8:59 The co-option of the BS rhetoric of the Right is leaving them with nothing. What are so-called conservatives going to have left? Making fun of his clothes or dissing the lox joke? CAN'T WAIT for Bachmann's whatever... Maybe NOW we can get to work.
8:56 That's right. Not smaller government... BETTER government.
8:55 The gauntlet on the "W cuts." Boehner looks like he just threw up in his mouth.
8:53 Tort reform. Nervous bi-partisan applause and one noticeable "boooo."
8:50 Shared sacrifice. Where's the applause? Hello? 4 or 5 people clapped? That's right. You are all children. This is why I stand with the Frum's, the Sullivans, and the Friedersdorfs... Obama is "THE ONLY ADULT IN THE ROOM."
8:47 "Now, I’ve heard rumors that a few of you have some concerns about the new health care law. So let me be the first to say that anything can be improved. If you have ideas about how to improve this law by making care better or more affordable, I am eager to work with you. We can start right now by correcting a flaw in the legislation that has placed an unnecessary bookkeeping burden on small businesses. What I’m not willing to do is go back to the days when insurance companies could deny someone coverage because of a pre-existing condition." EVERYBODY STANDS "I’m not willing to tell James Howard, a brain cancer patient from Texas, that his treatment might not be covered. I’m not willing to tell Jim Houser, a small business owner from Oregon, that he has to go back to paying $5,000 more to cover his employees. As we speak, this law is making prescription drugs cheaper for seniors and giving uninsured students a chance to stay on their parents’ coverage. So instead of re-fighting the battles of the last two years, let’s fix what needs fixing and move forward."
8:46 It's not mere rhetoric. The tax code is corrupt by Republican design. Boehner looks like he needs bourbon. 30 years of Reaganomic bullshit is coming home to roost. POTUS just launched from endorsement of REAL New Deal style investment into the language of the pseudo-free-marketers. But... wait for it... Regulations are "WHY OUR FOOD IS SAFE TO EAT."
8:42 It's not "spending" when it's ACTUALLY investment. Listen up! Rs just don't get it but the center is catching on to what the Left has known for 70 years:
"We will put more Americans to work repairing crumbling roads and bridges. We will make sure this is fully paid for, attract private investment, and pick projects based on what’s best for the economy, not politicians. Within 25 years, our goal is to give 80% of Americans access to high-speed rail, which could allow you go places in half the time it takes to travel by car. For some trips, it will be faster than flying – without the pat-down. As we speak, routes in California and the Midwest are already underway. Within the next five years, we will make it possible for business to deploy the next generation of high-speed wireless coverage to 98% of all Americans. This isn’t just about a faster internet and fewer dropped calls. It’s about connecting every part of America to the digital age. It’s about a rural community in Iowa or Alabama where farmers and small business owners will be able to sell their products all over the world. It’s about a firefighter who can download the design of a burning building onto a handheld device; a student who can take classes with a digital textbook; or a patient who can have face-to-face video chats with her doctor."
8:39 Close up shot of fat R freshman unknown to me on all 3 networks (What IS his name?) reading the leaked copy instead of listening.
8:36 The "Prom Night" diminuitives about seating were well placed by the enemies of POTUS. It's working. No overlong, BS single-party standing ovations. Rs standing with Ds or sitting with Ds. This is awesome. Bet it won't last. Wonder who has to buy the first drink later? I assume the Ds will buy the top shelf.
8:31 Hey! Republicans. You want ED alternatives?
“If you show us the most innovative plans to improve teacher quality and student achievement, we’ll show you the money.”
8:26 POTUS is orating on "American reinvention" Yglesias just tweeted "We should challenge the Chinese to race to the Moon."
8:25 SPUTNIK (heehee) Right on. Been waiting for the Sputnik Moment moment
8:24 The first President in decades to plausibly speak of shred struggle and joint sacrifice.
"The future is ours to win. But to get there, we can’t just stand still. As Robert Kennedy told us, “The future is not a gift. It is an achievement.” Sustaining the American Dream has never been about standing pat. It has required each generation to sacrifice, and struggle, and meet the demands of a new age."
8:22 Get ready for it...
8:20 Our challenges have been "Decades in the making." I have been building a meme for months that we are in the end-game of Reaganomics. Frankly, this is exactly the rhetoric I wanted to hear. "Decades in the making."
8:17 We measure progress not by the old metrics but they sound like the old metrics. Nice.
"At stake right now is not who wins the next election – after all, we just had an election. At stake is whether new jobs and industries take root in this country, or somewhere else. It’s whether the hard work and industry of our people is rewarded. It’s whether we sustain the leadership that has made America not just a place on a map, but a light to the world."
8:13 POTUS draws out the usual opening by congratulating Boehner as 'new speaker" ( I was just happy he didn't fall down) and had a moment to honor Gifford's empty chair. Marks our "differences" and it's "up to us" to "work together tomorrow."
8:11 p.m. Boehner didn't fall down. Looking for some kind of hidden "sleeve straw"
8:10 p.m. Bret Baier is discussing the SCOTUS critique from last year's SOTU (they could at least discuss the pussy SCOTUS no-Shows more)
8:09 p.m. The receiving line Sullivan critiqued earlier today has begun. POTUS looks cool under this obscene pressure. "He saved an INDUSTRY, not just a company," says O'Donnell.
8:07 "Mr. Speaker!!!" etc...
8:05 p.m. Very pleased to see so many B&W ribbons commemorating Tuscon Massacre in light of Limbaugh's gutter talk this afternoon.
8:02 p.m. Still sort of wanna see Obama come crashing through the ceiling ala Christian Bale Dark Knight and growl "How dare you!!!" at Rs
7:58 p.m. SCOTUS (partly) rolling in. The 6 that showed up are worth 30 of the 3 who didn't.
7:58 p.m. CST We're going to do our best to capture this on the fly. Thanks for the assist, Jeff. The prepared text has been "leaked." If it's been "leaked, why am I blogging??? sigh... Media so far... O'Donnell had a great round-table including Maddow and Ed discussing the principle of "triangulation, triangulation, triangulation" with Howard Dean. O'Reilly had 2 hot broads helping him smear Rahm's Chi mayoral run. Blitzer... well... poor Blitzer. POTUS is on the way!
"You are so wrong... but filled with interesting and potentially valuable ideas. NOW, let's talk." Well, the old guard really got what they wanted. They have diminished the ONLY young man in the GOP who has a tremendous intellect AND believes more in the country than in raising money. We'll dissect Bachmann tomorrow.
9:37 Ummmmm. Okay. Well.... the Ryan response happened too.
9:35 sigh... suggesting that China or India should not have superior infrastructure than the Greatest Nation on Earth is not "repackaging spending. " Ryan, even if it was, you can't win it that way tonight.
9:32 Why did the brightest young man in the GOP agree to this? Blah, blah, blah... "didn't create jobs"... (not true) blah, blah, blah "plunged us into more debt" (except 3/5 of all expenditures are non-negotiable "security expenditures") DUDE. You are my hope for a smart opposition. Fuck.
9:30 Ryan: The President was "right" to focus on what he did.
9:28 The Ryan response has begun.
9:18 Annnnnnd now the pundits try and figure it out. Matthews is characteristically fawning... Krauthammer sounds scared... Couric is still pretty much a teenager... Blitzer is actually so inarticulate as to be frightening... The real response we are waiting on, one more time, is Ryan's
9:14 The Kirk/Durbin Illinois pairing was interesting. What a whirlwind. President Barack Obama gave what might be the first really important SOTU in 60 to 70 years. However cynically anyone might interpret the night so far, there is no denying the one, single overarching meme was this "WE... DO... BIG... THINGS."
9:05 Neo-Fascist apologist (and personal frenemy) Jonah Goldberg heard this...
"This is just a part of how we are shaping a world that favors peace and prosperity. With our European allies, we revitalized NATO, and increased our cooperation on everything from counter-terrorism to missile defense. We have reset our relationship with Russia, strengthened Asian alliances, and built new partnerships with nations like India. This March, I will travel to Brazil, Chile, and El Salvador to forge new alliances for progress in the Americas. Around the globe, we are standing with those who take responsibility – helping farmers grow more food; supporting doctors who care for the sick; and combating the corruption that can rot a society and rob people of opportunity. Recent events have shown us that what sets us apart must not just be our power – it must be the purpose behind it. In South Sudan – with our assistance – the people were finally able to vote for independence after years of war. Thousands lined up before dawn. People danced in the streets. One man who lost four of his brothers at war summed up the scene around him: “This was a battlefield for most of my life. Now we want to be free.” We saw that same desire to be free in Tunisia, where the will of the people proved more powerful than the writ of a dictator. And tonight, let us be clear: the United States of America stands with the people of Tunisia, and supports the democratic aspirations of all people. We must never forget that the things we’ve struggled for, and fought for, live in the hearts of people everywhere. And we must always remember that the Americans who have borne the greatest burden in this struggle are the men and women who serve our country. Tonight, let us speak with one voice in reaffirming that our nation is united in support of our troops and their families. Let us serve them as well as they have served us – by giving them the equipment they need; by providing them with the care and benefits they have earned; and by enlisting our veterans in the great task of building our own nation. Our troops come from every corner of this country – they are black, white, Latino, Asian and Native American. They are Christian and Hindu, Jewish and Muslim. And, yes, we know that some of them are gay. Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love. And with that change, I call on all of our college campuses to open their doors to our military recruiters and the ROTC. It is time to leave behind the divisive battles of the past. It is time to move forward as one nation"
And all he had was this on Twitter "Biden wanders off, "starts singing Hey Mr. Taliban tali me banana." No. He won't be living it down.
9:02 Get ready everyone... whatever is going on behind the scenes, you are watching the start of the 1st 6 year Presidential term in U.S. history.
8:59 The co-option of the BS rhetoric of the Right is leaving them with nothing. What are so-called conservatives going to have left? Making fun of his clothes or dissing the lox joke? CAN'T WAIT for Bachmann's whatever... Maybe NOW we can get to work.
8:56 That's right. Not smaller government... BETTER government.
8:55 The gauntlet on the "W cuts." Boehner looks like he just threw up in his mouth.
8:53 Tort reform. Nervous bi-partisan applause and one noticeable "boooo."
8:50 Shared sacrifice. Where's the applause? Hello? 4 or 5 people clapped? That's right. You are all children. This is why I stand with the Frum's, the Sullivans, and the Friedersdorfs... Obama is "THE ONLY ADULT IN THE ROOM."
8:47 "Now, I’ve heard rumors that a few of you have some concerns about the new health care law. So let me be the first to say that anything can be improved. If you have ideas about how to improve this law by making care better or more affordable, I am eager to work with you. We can start right now by correcting a flaw in the legislation that has placed an unnecessary bookkeeping burden on small businesses. What I’m not willing to do is go back to the days when insurance companies could deny someone coverage because of a pre-existing condition." EVERYBODY STANDS "I’m not willing to tell James Howard, a brain cancer patient from Texas, that his treatment might not be covered. I’m not willing to tell Jim Houser, a small business owner from Oregon, that he has to go back to paying $5,000 more to cover his employees. As we speak, this law is making prescription drugs cheaper for seniors and giving uninsured students a chance to stay on their parents’ coverage. So instead of re-fighting the battles of the last two years, let’s fix what needs fixing and move forward."
8:46 It's not mere rhetoric. The tax code is corrupt by Republican design. Boehner looks like he needs bourbon. 30 years of Reaganomic bullshit is coming home to roost. POTUS just launched from endorsement of REAL New Deal style investment into the language of the pseudo-free-marketers. But... wait for it... Regulations are "WHY OUR FOOD IS SAFE TO EAT."
8:42 It's not "spending" when it's ACTUALLY investment. Listen up! Rs just don't get it but the center is catching on to what the Left has known for 70 years:
"We will put more Americans to work repairing crumbling roads and bridges. We will make sure this is fully paid for, attract private investment, and pick projects based on what’s best for the economy, not politicians. Within 25 years, our goal is to give 80% of Americans access to high-speed rail, which could allow you go places in half the time it takes to travel by car. For some trips, it will be faster than flying – without the pat-down. As we speak, routes in California and the Midwest are already underway. Within the next five years, we will make it possible for business to deploy the next generation of high-speed wireless coverage to 98% of all Americans. This isn’t just about a faster internet and fewer dropped calls. It’s about connecting every part of America to the digital age. It’s about a rural community in Iowa or Alabama where farmers and small business owners will be able to sell their products all over the world. It’s about a firefighter who can download the design of a burning building onto a handheld device; a student who can take classes with a digital textbook; or a patient who can have face-to-face video chats with her doctor."
8:39 Close up shot of fat R freshman unknown to me on all 3 networks (What IS his name?) reading the leaked copy instead of listening.
8:36 The "Prom Night" diminuitives about seating were well placed by the enemies of POTUS. It's working. No overlong, BS single-party standing ovations. Rs standing with Ds or sitting with Ds. This is awesome. Bet it won't last. Wonder who has to buy the first drink later? I assume the Ds will buy the top shelf.
8:31 Hey! Republicans. You want ED alternatives?
“If you show us the most innovative plans to improve teacher quality and student achievement, we’ll show you the money.”
8:26 POTUS is orating on "American reinvention" Yglesias just tweeted "We should challenge the Chinese to race to the Moon."
8:25 SPUTNIK (heehee) Right on. Been waiting for the Sputnik Moment moment
8:24 The first President in decades to plausibly speak of shred struggle and joint sacrifice.
"The future is ours to win. But to get there, we can’t just stand still. As Robert Kennedy told us, “The future is not a gift. It is an achievement.” Sustaining the American Dream has never been about standing pat. It has required each generation to sacrifice, and struggle, and meet the demands of a new age."
8:22 Get ready for it...
8:20 Our challenges have been "Decades in the making." I have been building a meme for months that we are in the end-game of Reaganomics. Frankly, this is exactly the rhetoric I wanted to hear. "Decades in the making."
8:17 We measure progress not by the old metrics but they sound like the old metrics. Nice.
"At stake right now is not who wins the next election – after all, we just had an election. At stake is whether new jobs and industries take root in this country, or somewhere else. It’s whether the hard work and industry of our people is rewarded. It’s whether we sustain the leadership that has made America not just a place on a map, but a light to the world."
8:13 POTUS draws out the usual opening by congratulating Boehner as 'new speaker" ( I was just happy he didn't fall down) and had a moment to honor Gifford's empty chair. Marks our "differences" and it's "up to us" to "work together tomorrow."
8:11 p.m. Boehner didn't fall down. Looking for some kind of hidden "sleeve straw"
8:10 p.m. Bret Baier is discussing the SCOTUS critique from last year's SOTU (they could at least discuss the pussy SCOTUS no-Shows more)
8:09 p.m. The receiving line Sullivan critiqued earlier today has begun. POTUS looks cool under this obscene pressure. "He saved an INDUSTRY, not just a company," says O'Donnell.
8:07 "Mr. Speaker!!!" etc...
8:05 p.m. Very pleased to see so many B&W ribbons commemorating Tuscon Massacre in light of Limbaugh's gutter talk this afternoon.
8:02 p.m. Still sort of wanna see Obama come crashing through the ceiling ala Christian Bale Dark Knight and growl "How dare you!!!" at Rs
7:58 p.m. SCOTUS (partly) rolling in. The 6 that showed up are worth 30 of the 3 who didn't.
Egypt Unravels And We Are Reminded...
Jan 25th, 2011
القمع يخلق مقاومة
History seems to be repeating itself. In a stunning scene many are comparing to the moment when "Tank Man" stood alone in the path of soldiers moving into Tienanmen Square more than two decades ago,
an Egyptian protester this afternoon obstructed an advancing water cannon unit in the streets of Cairo. The video below shows the event. As of this writing, Egypt has blocked Twitter and 3 are dead amidst calls for President Hosni Mubarak's resignation. There are reports the president's family has fled the country.
Early reactions on the part of authorities were muted. We see again what is always the case with repressive regimes. When you loose the yoke of real tyranny, even very briefly, it does not take long for a people to bare their anger and their bravery.
القمع يخلق مقاومة
an Egyptian protester this afternoon obstructed an advancing water cannon unit in the streets of Cairo. The video below shows the event. As of this writing, Egypt has blocked Twitter and 3 are dead amidst calls for President Hosni Mubarak's resignation. There are reports the president's family has fled the country.
Early reactions on the part of authorities were muted. We see again what is always the case with repressive regimes. When you loose the yoke of real tyranny, even very briefly, it does not take long for a people to bare their anger and their bravery.
Disgusting Fox Comment Of The Week Award
Jan 25th, 2011
We have a winner folks. Thank as always to Fox News Comments for going through them all so I don't have to anymore.
We have a winner folks. Thank as always to Fox News Comments for going through them all so I don't have to anymore.
The War On Unions, Cont...
Jan 25th, 2011
The labor movement is under attack from the American Right with a force that hasn't been seen in decades. Public sector pensions in particular have been targeted as the primary villain in budget shortfalls at the state level. Completely ignoring depressed revenue due to the recession, the wildly irresponsible tax code modifications of the last 30 years and even the most basic principles of contract law, a near hysterical meme is gaining traction. It is the argument that we must find a way to dissolve or otherwise dishonor these legal obligations.
There is one problem with the rising level of alarmism. The facts simply don't support it. The average state cost of public sector pensions is an average of 3.8% of GDP. The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College completed an exhaustive study this past October on the actual impact of these commitments.
It should be required reading by every so-called "fiscal-hawk."
The labor movement is under attack from the American Right with a force that hasn't been seen in decades. Public sector pensions in particular have been targeted as the primary villain in budget shortfalls at the state level. Completely ignoring depressed revenue due to the recession, the wildly irresponsible tax code modifications of the last 30 years and even the most basic principles of contract law, a near hysterical meme is gaining traction. It is the argument that we must find a way to dissolve or otherwise dishonor these legal obligations.
It should be required reading by every so-called "fiscal-hawk."
Quote Of The Day
Jan 25th, 2011
"Sometimes paranoia's just having all the facts." -- William S. Burroughs
Monday, January 24, 2011
Wyoming Doesn't Want You... Or You... Or You...
Jan 24th, 2011
When The Daily Beast rated Wyoming as "the least tolerant state" last week I checked out what they had to say. Their methodology, however detailed, still ultimately relied on a narrow set of metrics. Ironically, last year they were also rated the "best run state” by 24/7 Wall St using very different criteria.
I am more inclined to side with the former rather than the latter in light of this afternoon's events. The Star-Tribune reports today:
"The Wyoming House passed legislation Monday to stop recognition of out-of-state gay marriages and civil unions.
House Bill 74 now heads to the Senate, where its chances for passage appear good.
State Rep. Owen Petersen, R-Mountain View, the bill's sponsor, said the legislation is needed to resolve a conflict in Wyoming law, which defines marriage as a contract "between a male and a female person" but also recognizes any valid marriage performed outside the state. Other supporters have said the bill will help to hold back government intrusion into Wyoming traditions and culture.
Opponents said the bill is unnecessary, violates the rights of gays and lesbians to marry, and would create havoc for legally married out-of-state gay couples traveling in Wyoming." Emphasis mine
Following the DB rating so closely, the timing of the Wyoming state legislature's actions is amazing. Equally stunning is the implication that something being left to “the states” just isn't good enough for these Tea Party driven folks. So much for that meme.
One last observation: It's also wildly stupid. The second highest source of revenue for Wyoming is tourism. Hmmm.
"We both want to stay in the same room."
"Screw you."
"That's my partner in the back of that ambulance. I want to ride along."
"Screw you."
"That's my partner who just went from the emergency room to surgery! What's going on?!"
"Screw you."
Why risk this? After the 40 year journey since Stonewall, does any LGBT couple really want to chance so much as even passing through this state?
From where I sit, just outside Chicago, there are an awful lot of ways to get to San Francisco, L.A., Portland or Seattle and vice-versa that don't go through Wyoming. Plan accordingly.
First Things Last...
Jan 24th, 2011
The LA Times ran with news today of looming Republican slash and burn proposals for the arts. Early in the piece is this:
"Any way you want to describe it, the Republican Study Committee, made up of about 165 GOP members of the House of Representatives, on Thursday announced a budget-cutting plan aimed at slashing federal spending, and it calls for the elimination of the nation's two leading makers of government arts grants: the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities."
What's buried at the very end of the article is this:
"A small federal investment that's important to the health of the nonprofit arts sector helps sustain its 5.7 million jobs and the $30 billion in annual returns to federal, state and local coffers that those workers pay in taxes.”
What's a direct threat to 5.7 million jobs, give or take, when you have a chance to strike a blow against culture?
Who Wants To Repeal HCR?
Jan 24th, 2011
Pretty much nobody. In fact, support for full repeal has collapsed altogether. I don't expect the Republicans to care very much about the "will of the people" now. Only 8% want repeal of HCR altogether. Figures from the latest NYTimes/CBS poll:
Pretty much nobody. In fact, support for full repeal has collapsed altogether. I don't expect the Republicans to care very much about the "will of the people" now. Only 8% want repeal of HCR altogether. Figures from the latest NYTimes/CBS poll:
Why Spelling Matters
Jan 24th, 2011
One of the minor pleasures I receive is my daily Yahoo Horoscope. I put little stock in such things but do find them amusing and at times even coincidentally pertinent. Some days, however, they present a more curious sort of entertainment value.
From this afternoon's edition:
"Turn inward today. Meditation is perfect, but even just a loon walk on your own may be enough to jog your thinking back to where it needs to be. Get in touch with whatever matters most to you."
A "loon walk?" What the hell is a "loon walk?" Am I missing out? Are they trying to tell me something? Hmm.
Mirriam-Webster defines "loon":
(noun)
1. : lout, idler
2. : boy (chiefly Scottish)
3 : crazy person, simpleton
And this, good readers, is why spelling is so important.
FreedomWorks VS. Immelt
Jan 24th, 2011
In a report today from The Daily Caller comes the news that some of the more prominent Tea Party activists are gearing up their opposition to President Obama's appointment of General Electric CEO Jeffery Immelt as head of his new Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.
 |
| Matt Kibbe |
"According to a press release, FreedomWorks and the Free Enterprise Project – the two groups pushing the campaign – believe Immelt’s appointment is a sign that more favors will be traded between the White House and GE.
"It’s time to break up the unethical romance between government and big business,” said Freedom Works President Matt Kibbe in a statement. “For too long, corporate elites have lobbied to profit from the size and growth of government at the expense of hard-working Americans."
Continued ignorance of the fact that Freedom Works was formed as a shill for just those purposes seems to be a characteristic Mr. Kibbe is counting on from his followers. Indeed, the vast majority of Tea Partiers seem blissfully content to chew their red meat without asking from where it comes. Perhaps they should listen to one of their own.
The radical Constitutional revisionist and freshman Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) put it succinctly at a post election Freedom Works sponsored "retreat" last November. "There is nothing FreedomWorks stands for that hasn't been lockstep with what the Republican Party stands for" he said.
Quote Of The Day
Jan 24th, 2011
"Democracy is a form of government that substitutes election by the incompetent many for appointment by the corrupt few." -- George Bernard Shaw
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Quote Of The Day
Jan 23rd, 2011
"Empirical politics must be kept in bounds by democratic institutions, which leave it up to the subjects of the experiment to say whether it shall be tried, and to stop it if they dislike it, because, in politics, there is a distinction, unknown to science, between Truth and Justice." -- W. H. Auden
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Quote Of The Day
Jan 22nd, 2011
"Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute" -- Josh Billings
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