-- Jose Marti
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Quote Of The Day
March 29th, 2012
"Liberty is the right of every man to be honest, to think and to speak without hypocrisy."
-- Jose Marti
-- Jose Marti
Santorum Watch - No Pink Balls Edition
March 29th, 2012
This kind of thing that makes me wonder how many casual, throwaway exercises in fearful hatred are being missed when the press is not around.
Via the HRC website:
"At a campaign event at a bowling alley in Wisconsin today, GOP presidential hopeful Rick Santorum told a boy who reached for a pink bowling ball: "You're not gonna use the pink ball. We're not gonna let you do that. Not on camera." Santorum went on to say "Friends don’t let friends use pink balls." The comments were tweeted by Reuters reporter Sam Youngman." (EMPHASIS MINE)
It has come to this. The GOP base is flirting with nominating a man so virulently homophobic that he would order someone else's child not to use a pink bowling ball.
So much for small government.
This kind of thing that makes me wonder how many casual, throwaway exercises in fearful hatred are being missed when the press is not around.
Via the HRC website:
"At a campaign event at a bowling alley in Wisconsin today, GOP presidential hopeful Rick Santorum told a boy who reached for a pink bowling ball: "You're not gonna use the pink ball. We're not gonna let you do that. Not on camera." Santorum went on to say "Friends don’t let friends use pink balls." The comments were tweeted by Reuters reporter Sam Youngman." (EMPHASIS MINE)
So much for small government.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Quote Of The Day
March 25th, 2012
"When a man gives his opinion, he's a man. When a woman gives her opinion, she's a bitch."
-- Bette Davis
-- Bette Davis
The War On Women, cont...
March 25th, 2012
One more time, if you think there is no GOP war on women, you are not paying attention. Or, you're in denial.
One more time, if you think there is no GOP war on women, you are not paying attention. Or, you're in denial.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Quote Of The Day
-- Patrick Henry
Friday, March 23, 2012
Mitt Watch - Shake, Shake, Shake - Why The Etch-A-Sketch Gaffe Should End Him
March 23rd, 2012
by F. Grey Parker
Up until a couple of days ago, it had become somewhat superfluous to discuss the fact that Mitt Romney has no real positions on any issues.
This is not to say he doesn't believe in certain things.
I will concede the possibility that he might.
All this said, it is now obvious that there is something in his programming which precludes the courage of whatever convictions he might actually hold.
So used to Romney's 180 degree shifts had we become that we were beginning to dismiss the deadly seriousness his lack of character presents.
Enter the Etch-A Sketch moment. In an interview with CNN, Romney's closest campaign adviser and confidante, Eric Fehrnstrom, had this exchange with John Fugelsang:
Yes. This is as bad as it seems.
Already, this inadvertent revelation of the truth is being compared to Dukakis in the tank in 1988, George H. W. Bush's apparent fascination and previous inexperience with product scanning technology in 1992, and John Kerry's notorious stunner regarding the Iraq war in 2004.
by F. Grey Parker
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| Image via |
This is not to say he doesn't believe in certain things.
I will concede the possibility that he might.
All this said, it is now obvious that there is something in his programming which precludes the courage of whatever convictions he might actually hold.
So used to Romney's 180 degree shifts had we become that we were beginning to dismiss the deadly seriousness his lack of character presents.
Enter the Etch-A Sketch moment. In an interview with CNN, Romney's closest campaign adviser and confidante, Eric Fehrnstrom, had this exchange with John Fugelsang:
Fugelang: Is there a concern that the pressure from Santorum and Gingrich might force the Governer to tack so far to the rigft that it might hurt him with moderate voters in the general election?
Fehrnstrom: Well, I think you hit a reset button for the fall campaign. Everything changes. It's almost like an Etch-a-Sketch – you can kind of shake it up, and we start all over again. But I will say, if you look at the exit polling data in Illinois, you’ll see that Mitt Romney is broadly acceptable to most of the factions in the party. You have to do that to become the major party nominee. (EMPHASES OURS)
Yes. This is as bad as it seems.
Already, this inadvertent revelation of the truth is being compared to Dukakis in the tank in 1988, George H. W. Bush's apparent fascination and previous inexperience with product scanning technology in 1992, and John Kerry's notorious stunner regarding the Iraq war in 2004.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Quote Of The Day
March 22nd, 2012
"Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value."
-- Albert Einstein
-- Albert Einstein
On Rubio Mania
March 22nd, 2012
Larison wonders why so many GOP insiders are obsessed with Rubio for Vice President:
"I don’t deny that he has political talent, and he seems to inspire quite a lot of enthusiasm among movement conservatives, but I just don’t see why he is so often promoted to the top of these lists. I can’t recall any new Senator receiving so much admiration and praise as a presidential or VP prospect so early in his career, and that includes Obama."
Rubio has no major accomplishments in his freshman term as U.S. Senator. He has sponsored little, rarely makes waves and almost painfully hews to the background. Could it be that this lack of a substantive record coupled with his reliable lip service to general conservative notions is precisely what inspires the establishment?
In a campaign season where each of the GOP presidential contenders is flailing on specifics, it would be wise for the party to remember that a candidate Rubio would have to actually address them.
Larison wonders why so many GOP insiders are obsessed with Rubio for Vice President:
"I don’t deny that he has political talent, and he seems to inspire quite a lot of enthusiasm among movement conservatives, but I just don’t see why he is so often promoted to the top of these lists. I can’t recall any new Senator receiving so much admiration and praise as a presidential or VP prospect so early in his career, and that includes Obama."
Rubio has no major accomplishments in his freshman term as U.S. Senator. He has sponsored little, rarely makes waves and almost painfully hews to the background. Could it be that this lack of a substantive record coupled with his reliable lip service to general conservative notions is precisely what inspires the establishment?
In a campaign season where each of the GOP presidential contenders is flailing on specifics, it would be wise for the party to remember that a candidate Rubio would have to actually address them.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Why No GOP Budget Proposal Can Be Taken Seriously
March 21st, 2012
Ezra Klein lays it out flat and explains why they are all so mercenary:
"The Republican Party has settled on four overlapping fiscal commitments that leave them with few other choices.
The Republican plans we've seen share a few basic premises. First, taxes are too high, and must be cut. Second, defense spending is too low, and should be raised. Third, major changes to entitlement programs should be passed now, but they shouldn't affect the current generation of retirees. That would all be fine, except for the fourth premise, which is that short-term deficits are a serious threat to the country and they need to be swiftly cut.
The first three budget premises means that taxes and defense will contribute more to the deficit, and Medicare and Social Security aren't available for quick savings. That leaves programs for the poor as the only major programs available to bear cuts. But now cuts to those programs have to pay for the deficit reduction, the increased defense spending, and the tax cuts. That means the cuts to those programs have to be really, really, really deep. The authors have no other choice."
That's it, in a nutshell.
"Taxes are too high" in spite of being at a 60 year low.
"Defense spending is too low" in spite of being at its highest level since World War II and consuming nearly 54 cents of every weapons dollar spent globally per year.
Gutting Medicare and Social Security won't provide rapid savings so the poorest Americans will just have to pay for pretty much everything.
Lastly, the deficit has to be slashed immediately by implementing all of the above... which will guarantee higher deficits.
That we are in a position where we have to address these proposals with any seriousness whatsoever boggles.
Ezra Klein lays it out flat and explains why they are all so mercenary:
"The Republican Party has settled on four overlapping fiscal commitments that leave them with few other choices.
The Republican plans we've seen share a few basic premises. First, taxes are too high, and must be cut. Second, defense spending is too low, and should be raised. Third, major changes to entitlement programs should be passed now, but they shouldn't affect the current generation of retirees. That would all be fine, except for the fourth premise, which is that short-term deficits are a serious threat to the country and they need to be swiftly cut.
The first three budget premises means that taxes and defense will contribute more to the deficit, and Medicare and Social Security aren't available for quick savings. That leaves programs for the poor as the only major programs available to bear cuts. But now cuts to those programs have to pay for the deficit reduction, the increased defense spending, and the tax cuts. That means the cuts to those programs have to be really, really, really deep. The authors have no other choice."
That's it, in a nutshell.
"Taxes are too high" in spite of being at a 60 year low.
"Defense spending is too low" in spite of being at its highest level since World War II and consuming nearly 54 cents of every weapons dollar spent globally per year.
Gutting Medicare and Social Security won't provide rapid savings so the poorest Americans will just have to pay for pretty much everything.
Lastly, the deficit has to be slashed immediately by implementing all of the above... which will guarantee higher deficits.
That we are in a position where we have to address these proposals with any seriousness whatsoever boggles.
Even At A Whisper
March 21st, 2012
I have received a lot of inquiries regarding our relative absence last week. A few readers even asked if I was abandoning the blog.
Not a chance.
Here's the deal.
The first love of my life has always been music.
My dearest collaborator, Stella Katsoudas, and I recently regrouped the band Sister Soleil. The first single is ready and here is a terrific fan video, completed yesterday, that we have chosen to distribute ahead of its wider release.
It is called "Even At A Whisper (Your Voice Is Power)". We meant it to be an anthem in opposition to bullying. In fact, we invited a group of children and teens who have suffered such ill treatment to belt out the chorus.
Speak out. Get involved. Do something. Your voice is power.
Not a chance.
Here's the deal.
The first love of my life has always been music.
My dearest collaborator, Stella Katsoudas, and I recently regrouped the band Sister Soleil. The first single is ready and here is a terrific fan video, completed yesterday, that we have chosen to distribute ahead of its wider release.
It is called "Even At A Whisper (Your Voice Is Power)". We meant it to be an anthem in opposition to bullying. In fact, we invited a group of children and teens who have suffered such ill treatment to belt out the chorus.
Speak out. Get involved. Do something. Your voice is power.
Our Closest Relatives...
March 21st, 2012
It is a dark time for the creatures closest to us on the evolutionary wonder we call our planet. Indeed, the world's wild chimpanzee population is now estimated to be as low as 300,000. If you are harboring any doubts that man alone is responsible, you are indulging yourself. However, not all of the depopulation has been the result of poaching or deforestation. Thousands of these primates have been destroyed over the years through torture masquerading as science. The video below shows a group of rescued "lab specimens" being released into a protective refuge in Austria called Gut Aiderbichl. For some, it is the first time they have breathed fresh air or seen natural light in as long as thirty years.
It is a dark time for the creatures closest to us on the evolutionary wonder we call our planet. Indeed, the world's wild chimpanzee population is now estimated to be as low as 300,000. If you are harboring any doubts that man alone is responsible, you are indulging yourself. However, not all of the depopulation has been the result of poaching or deforestation. Thousands of these primates have been destroyed over the years through torture masquerading as science. The video below shows a group of rescued "lab specimens" being released into a protective refuge in Austria called Gut Aiderbichl. For some, it is the first time they have breathed fresh air or seen natural light in as long as thirty years.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
When You Got Nothin'
March 20th, 2012
The Republicans really have nothing to offer. No legitimate economic policies, no sensible military strategies and dwindling chances come November. Since late last year, every week has brought new lows and ever diminishing returns in the GOP's presidential blood-feud. What does this mean? It's time for more phony tax cut/program slashing!
As Robert Reich writes:
"All that matters is the headlines.
"House Republican Budget to Propose Lower Income Tax Rates," says Bloomberg Businessweek. "Republican Budget Plan Seeks to Play Up Tax Reform," says Reuters. "GOP's Budget Targets Taxes," blares the Wall Street Journal.
Presto. Republicans have gotten what they wanted on the basis of saying absolutely nothing."
Indeed.
The Republicans really have nothing to offer. No legitimate economic policies, no sensible military strategies and dwindling chances come November. Since late last year, every week has brought new lows and ever diminishing returns in the GOP's presidential blood-feud. What does this mean? It's time for more phony tax cut/program slashing!
As Robert Reich writes:
"All that matters is the headlines.
"House Republican Budget to Propose Lower Income Tax Rates," says Bloomberg Businessweek. "Republican Budget Plan Seeks to Play Up Tax Reform," says Reuters. "GOP's Budget Targets Taxes," blares the Wall Street Journal.
Presto. Republicans have gotten what they wanted on the basis of saying absolutely nothing."
Indeed.
Watching Fox "News" - Like Living Under A Rock
March 20th, 2012
You know the old saying "unless you are living under a rock"? Well, it seems we have more proof that exclusive Fox "News" viewers may as well be doing just that. Fox is the media outlet where the Treyvon Martin story nearly doesn't exist.
via ThinkProgress
You know the old saying "unless you are living under a rock"? Well, it seems we have more proof that exclusive Fox "News" viewers may as well be doing just that. Fox is the media outlet where the Treyvon Martin story nearly doesn't exist.
via ThinkProgress
The Koch Fortune Came From WHERE?
March 20th, 2012
Much the way the Bush family fortune was built, in part, by doing business with some of the worst human beings of the last century, the Koch brothers are also the beneficiaries of blood money.
John MacMurray explains:
"As the first General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union’s Central Committee from 1922 until his death in 1953, Stalin hired Fred Koch, father of David and Charles, to construct oil refineries, pipelines, and train workers. Fred Koch delivered good value for Stalin’s money, and worked for the USSR for many years.
In later years, Fred apparently had second thoughts about the relationship, and helped found the virulently anti-communist John Birch Society."
Much the way the Bush family fortune was built, in part, by doing business with some of the worst human beings of the last century, the Koch brothers are also the beneficiaries of blood money.
John MacMurray explains:
"As the first General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union’s Central Committee from 1922 until his death in 1953, Stalin hired Fred Koch, father of David and Charles, to construct oil refineries, pipelines, and train workers. Fred Koch delivered good value for Stalin’s money, and worked for the USSR for many years.
In later years, Fred apparently had second thoughts about the relationship, and helped found the virulently anti-communist John Birch Society."
Sleep tight.
Quote Of The Day
March 20th, 2012
"At his best, man is the noblest of all animals; separated from law and justice he is the worst."
-- Aristotle
-- Aristotle
Monday, March 19, 2012
QOTD - Nation Building Is Bullshit Edition
March 19th, 2012
Say what you will about Joe Scarborough, the man is right on Afghanistan:
"Headline for all Republicans and Democrats that want to continue to fight this war, we won the war. It was an anti-terror campaign. We went in to get Osama bin Laden. We went in to break up al Qaeda in Afghanistan where they launched the 9/11 attacks. We killed them. We routed them. We destroyed them. We didn't go in to beat the Taliban. The Taliban is a different thing. Very different thing than al Qaeda. The Taliban doesn't want to blow up buildings in Washington, DC, or New York or Charlotte or Atlanta. They want to be left alone to run their country by second century standards. We should let them." EMPHASIS MINE
Say what you will about Joe Scarborough, the man is right on Afghanistan:
"Headline for all Republicans and Democrats that want to continue to fight this war, we won the war. It was an anti-terror campaign. We went in to get Osama bin Laden. We went in to break up al Qaeda in Afghanistan where they launched the 9/11 attacks. We killed them. We routed them. We destroyed them. We didn't go in to beat the Taliban. The Taliban is a different thing. Very different thing than al Qaeda. The Taliban doesn't want to blow up buildings in Washington, DC, or New York or Charlotte or Atlanta. They want to be left alone to run their country by second century standards. We should let them." EMPHASIS MINE
The Helium Crisis
March 19th, 2012
No. Really. The dwindling supply is threatening vital science. It would seem that children's parties and the squeeky-voiced are to blame.
The Guardian reports:
"Oleg Kirichek, the leader of a research team at the Isis neutron beam facility at the UK's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, had an unpleasant shock last week. One of his key experiments, designed to probe the structure of matter, had to be cancelled – because the facility had run out of helium.
The gas, used to cool atoms to around -270C to reduce their vibrations and make them easier to study, is now becoming worryingly scarce, said Kirichek. Research facilities probing the structure of matter, medical scanners and other advanced devices that use the gas may soon have to reduce operations or close because we are frittering away the world's limited supplies of helium on party balloons."
For a remarkably potential species, we really are idiots.
Gawker chimes in with their dry wit HERE.
No. Really. The dwindling supply is threatening vital science. It would seem that children's parties and the squeeky-voiced are to blame.
The Guardian reports:
"Oleg Kirichek, the leader of a research team at the Isis neutron beam facility at the UK's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, had an unpleasant shock last week. One of his key experiments, designed to probe the structure of matter, had to be cancelled – because the facility had run out of helium.
The gas, used to cool atoms to around -270C to reduce their vibrations and make them easier to study, is now becoming worryingly scarce, said Kirichek. Research facilities probing the structure of matter, medical scanners and other advanced devices that use the gas may soon have to reduce operations or close because we are frittering away the world's limited supplies of helium on party balloons."
For a remarkably potential species, we really are idiots.
Gawker chimes in with their dry wit HERE.
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