S.W.A.G. [Scientific Wild-Ass Guess]

Hypocrites R Us — GOP Knows No Bounds

2012-02-13T21:32:00.008-05:00

GOP, Cookie Jar, Red Handed, and Red State Games

Charts snatched from msnbc.msn.com [Politics Nation segment]

The GOP strikes again and again hopes that no one is looking or checking up on them. This issue is a lot like the issue when they bashed Mr. Obama about the stimulus money not being effective (speeches in public) and then going back home and taking the money while bragging about how they were "saving the day" like this report from Bloomberg.com shows (click here).

This current issue is about how "Red" states take piles of Federal aid and assistance, and are not paying their full share, or perhaps even a fair share, in tax dollars to help offset the costs — all the while bashing Federal aid and Obama.

Sound familiar? Apparently, today the GOP stands for Got Other Priorities. However, there is nothing grand about this old party any longer. The evidence is clear.

Severely Conservative Brass Tacks Time

2012-02-13T13:13:00.005-05:00

Graph: Thanks to msnbc.msn.com (and Ezra Klein)

Ezra Klein is very good at crunching the numbers and putting them into context as he does in the clip on this show (link above). He highlights three points I'd like to reinforce regarding this Romney budget proposal:

#1: The needed cuts in all domestic programs (36%) if Romney and the GOP he wants to control Congress next year if they all win should concern every American.

#2: Romney says he would not touch social security for those now drawing that benefit for 10 years, but after that its would be fair game (more or less), then by postponing that, he'd have to cut all domestic programs by 50%.

#3: At the same time the GOP (as announced by Sen. Mitch McConnell *(Feb 13, 2012 speech) the Obama 2013 budget is DOA even before the President had submitted it to Congress.

Nothing is apt to change in that regard. Somehow the GOP thinks that resisting everything and anything that President Obama proposes is a winner for them. I wonder, how much more will they have to resist to improve their latest Gallup approval poll number of 10 percent?

The GOP: Wrong Side of Women's Health Care

2012-02-12T19:07:00.006-05:00

Sen. Mitch "Mr. Peepers" McConnell (R-KY) and his GOP Senate Team: Out of Touch

Story from Talking Points Memo and the headlines that got me on this topic even more than I was before I read the story:

McConnell: GOP Will Fight To Let ANY Employer Deny Birth Control Coverage

Sub-title: "Not satisfied with President Obama’s new religious accommodation, Republicans will move forward with legislation by Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) that permits any employer to deny birth control coverage in their health insurance." Says GOP Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Sunday (February 12, 2012).

If this is not insane political posturing, then I don't know what is. What in the world is in the GOP's diet besides of course, a steady stream of red raw meat served over burnt toast and rotten eggs on the side?

The GOP is now trying to spin this issue of birth control ever since Mr. Obama announced the original rule and then changed it by offering the so-called "accommodation rule" for religious agencies. It must be noted that the words "compromise, negotiate, and accommodate" are not in the GOP's playbook of rational terms.

TPM continues with this fact: "The debate over access to contraception could be politically problematic for Republicans as polls show Americans overwhelmingly support the use of birth control and want insurance plans to cover the service for free. Tellingly, McConnell was eager to keep the focus on religious freedom as opposed to contraception itself."

In short, if the GOP wants to commit political suicide, then this issue is the right tool to accomplish that. They are in a word: Out of touch. Hopefully, in November, they will also be out of office, or can they survive with a 10 percent approval much longer? Doubtful, but watch them try.

So, women in America: Are you paying close attention? I suspect they are.

Birth Control — GOP Concern, but Big Fake

2012-02-07T20:02:00.003-05:00

Graph shows just how weak the GOP argument is, even as a poor political stunt:

Fact: 28 states require employers to provide birth control in their state-run heath care plans, including Mass. (which has Romney-care).

Fact: Those in red do not have the so-called "religious exemption," either.

GM Comeback and Romney Negativity

2012-02-07T14:21:00.003-05:00

A chart that is easy to understand and measure success, and a candidate who is out of touch.

Finis...

War on Women and Their Healthcare Needs

2012-02-06T23:14:00.003-05:00

[Cartoon Credit: Jim Morin, Miami Herald]

That issue tied to the subject posted below should concern every women in America - the battle has begun - the war is going to be very long (again):

HHS announced earlier this month that all employers’ health care plans would be required to provide full coverage for a range of preventive health services for women, including the cost of contraception.

The rule exempts houses of worship like churches or synagogues, but other nonprofits with religious affiliations – for instance a Catholic University – would have to comply. Most employers will have until August 1, 2012 to meet the rule, but religiously-affiliated nonprofits will have an extra year.

The back blast and fallout has started. Not everyone supports the new rules.

1. The Family Research Council claims the decision “undermines the conscience rights of many Americans.”

2. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, chairman of Committee on Pro-Life Activities with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops says “pregnancy is not a disease, and fertility is not a pathological condition to be suppressed by any means technically possible.”

3. Many others feel the decision forces people to participate who may hold strong moral or religious convictions and oppose any contraception use.

Meanwhile, the Obama administration released an amendment to the prevention regulation that allows religious institutions offering health insurance to their employees the choice of whether or not to cover contraception services.

Not only that, but this important part is being overlooked (mostly for political gain: Supporters of the policy decision have said that full coverage of birth control costs is one of the most popular parts of the new health care reform law. For example, a 2010 Hart Research poll commissioned by the Planned Parenthood Action Fund showed that 71 percent of American voters (including 77 percent of Catholic women voters) have supported having health plans cover prescription birth control at no cost.

Background on the HHS Ruling

• The ruling requires health insurance plans beginning on or after August 1, 2012 to cover several women's preventive services, including birth control, and voluntary sterilization.

• According to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius the decision is a part of the Affordable Care Act's move to stop problems before they start she said in a press release, “These historic guidelines are based on science and existing literature and will help ensure women get the preventive health benefits they need.”

• In July, the Institute of Medicine issued the results of a scientific review of women's health needs and provided recommendations on specific preventive measures to help them. Thus, HHS approved those recommendations.

• Besides contraceptive use, the list includes screenings for conditions such as gestational diabetes and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), as well as breastfeeding support and counseling on sexually transmitted diseases.

The full list is available on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

The Very Poor. Not to Worry. Oops.

2012-02-02T13:39:00.005-05:00

Mr. Romney says he is not concerned about the very poor. I wonder why not. His tax plan (cuts and more deficits) for the less-fortunate targets them clearly as shown above. (Hint: Red indicates tax cuts).

Funny, I always thought our presidents represented every American, rich or the "very" poor?

Follow the Money and Con$ider the $ource$

2012-01-31T13:27:00.009-05:00

Wrapped in Green Offering the Best Government Money Can Buy ...
(Go ahead, say it's not so with a straight face)

Several good sources to track the money and especially the so-called "Super PACs" unleashed by that God-awful Citizens United v. the FEC (5-4) ruling in 2010, which opened up the floodgates that are not apt to close any time soon.

From iwatchnews.org web page

Ironically, the Washington Post (here) and others support the USSC ruling calling it "Freed up Political Speech." As for me, and I suspect for many millions of others, I say, what a crock.

Another view from ThinkProgress.org here: "Two-Thirds Of Small Business Owners Say Citizens United Ruling Hurts Them."

One aspect is in the news lately: Las Vegas billionaire, Sheldon Adelson, gave $5 million for use in attack Ads that favored Newt Gingrich against Mitt Romney. That was followed by his wife who kicked in another $5 million.

I have been asking: "How will the public react when someone like Adelson, a billionaire, actually writes a $1 billion dollar check for attacks Ads?" Would the USSC again say, "He is just expressing his right to free speech?"

I hardly think any American would swallow that line. But, hey, that's just me thinking out loud again. What do you think?

The bottom line (as always) is: What can we do about it? At this stage, speak out and work to get Congress to act and either repeal, amend, or get the ruling reversed.

As They

2012-01-31T13:27:00.000-05:00

The Details Lie with the Devil

2012-01-30T20:43:00.004-05:00

The 2012 GOP Playbook

Enter our "Name the Book Contest" and maybe you will win an all-expense paid trip to the GOP nominating convention in August.

/s/ Gingrich and Romney, et al

Note: All proceeds go to "Super PAC Ads" not claimed by anyone in this race so we can beat Obama.

Sing Along — A One and a Two and a Three

2012-01-27T19:36:00.004-05:00

Current 2012 GOP hit songs:

♪ ♫ "Bring in the Clowns" ♪ ♫

♪ ♫ "Fly Me to the Moon." ♪ ♫

New American Hobby: Duck Accountability

2012-01-26T14:46:00.003-05:00

Northrop-Grumman X-47B Drone (now $813 million) and Alfred E. Neuman, Accountability Expert

This story is from the LA Times - read for full context for specifics. Highlights from this fine article are:

• The Navy is testing an autonomous plane that will land on an aircraft carrier. The prospect of heavily armed aircraft screaming through the skies without direct human control is unnerving to many.

• The X-47B marks a paradigm shift in warfare, one that is likely to have far-reaching consequences. With the drone's ability to be flown autonomously by on board computers, it could usher in an era when death and destruction can be dealt by machines operating semi-independently.

• Says Noel Sharkey, a computer scientist and robotics expert, "Lethal actions should have a clear chain of accountability. This is difficult with a robot weapon. The robot cannot be held accountable. So is it the commander who used it? The politician who authorized it? The military's acquisition process? The manufacturer, for faulty equipment?"

Sharkey and others believe that autonomous armed robots should force the kind of dialogue that followed the introduction of mustard gas in World War I and the development of atomic weapons in World War II. The International Committee of the Red Cross, the group tasked by the Geneva Conventions to protect victims in armed conflict, is already examining the issue.

So, the question is as I introduced this topic: "Who would be accountable?" Sadly, in this day and age it appears that no one wants to be held accountable or force anyone to be held accountable in the event these drones would suddenly develop glitches and run wild and kill God knows how many before, what self-destruction, or what?

A simple, "What me worry" Alfred E. Neuman expression will not suffice, or at least it should not. But, will it?

Bush v. Romney Tax Plans: Both Disasters

2012-01-20T13:38:00.003-05:00

The plan that only a Romney or Romulan could love. Why? It's far, far out, fictional, cold, callous, and makes about as much sense as this:

"Aefvadh ru nunh'le s'Catoena ih'Swaet Doaege Rihanai hrrau Eoth ih'Rehvie!"

Translation: "Welcome to the presence of the Central Institute of the Romulan Language on the Planetary Network!"

The Romney You Probably Don't Know

2012-01-19T01:09:00.008-05:00

Rich and an Embarrassment??

Off-shore waiting for GOP "tax holiday." Romney's plan favors Romney.

Sometimes pictures do indeed speak louder than words. Enjoy. These graphs were lifted from the Ed Show on MSNBC.msn.

Tax Policy Leader Pays Less Than You Pay

2012-01-18T21:07:00.003-05:00

Full Disclosure: I'm in the 25% bracket. How about you???

Again Pesky Facts Win Over Biased Opinions

2012-01-16T22:36:00.008-05:00

Denial is more than a river in Egypt

The facts are what they are: factual

Blame the CIA: Maybe not all the time

2012-01-14T22:31:00.004-05:00

CIA logo and Mossad logo

The CIA, rightly so and well-earned, has gotten plenty of blame for a lot of screw-up's all around the world over a long period of time. But, to be fair, they also have done some pretty good work. The latest of course is about CIA spies being captured, killed, or coming up missing, and worse, being blamed for a string of assassinations around the globe.

This latest story is posted at rawstory.com [read here] - highlights:

WASHINGTON — Agents with Israel’s Mossad agency posed as American CIA agents in operations to recruit members of the Pakistani militant group Jundallah, a report in Foreign Policy magazine said Friday. Using American dollars and US passports, the agents passed themselves off as members of the Central Intelligence Agency in the operations, notably in London, according to memos from 2007 and 2008, said the report.

So, what else is our staunchest ally in the ME up to (for their benefit and not ours?).

The White House's position through an official (unnamed): “There’s no question that the US has cooperated with Israel in intelligence-gathering operations against the Iranians, but this was different. No matter what anyone thinks, we’re not in the business of assassinating Iranian officials or killing Iranian civilians,” said the official (in view of the latest assassination in Iran of another nuclear scientist).

Oh, the woes of the intelligence community in these trying times.

Back Taxes — No Big Deal (at least for some)

2012-01-12T22:52:00.003-05:00

Woes of Not Collecting Taxes Due: So, who's watching the watchdogs???

Basic story from Talking Points Memo [click here].

More detailed information on this timely topic can be seen at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities [click here].

A main point:

"The IRS’s new estimate of the “tax gap,” its first in six years, shows that taxpayers failed to pay $450 billion in federal taxes on time in 2006, $385 billion of which they never paid. That’s real money (more than Medicare cost that year, as the graph shows), particularly for a country facing wrenching choices on how much to raise taxes on honest taxpayers and to cut Medicare, health and science research, education, and other vital priorities in order to rein in long-term deficits."

What can be done to settle this multi-billion dollar question?

"Eliminating the tax gap would be impossible. Nor can any single measure substantially reduce it. But Congress can — and should — take a number of steps that would boost collection of taxes that are already owed by many billions of dollars."

Stay tuned — this election may or may not address this — however, don't expect the GOP to address this with any clarity or compromise.

Anti-Porn Pledge

2012-01-10T14:48:00.004-05:00

Romney, Gingrich, Santorum: The Holier-Than-Thou Trio

The Basic Story Comes from Here

Raise Your Right Hand and Repeat After Me: "We also pledge to only watch porn in the privacy of our homes, bedrooms, hotel suites, and only with other consenting adults. So help us God."

Asked to identify and define porn they all smiled like trapped sheep and couldn't recall Justice Potter Stewart's advice: "I know it when I see it." [in Jacobellis v. Ohio 378 U.S. 184 (1964) regarding possible obscenity].

Funny, these candidates also don't seem to know the basic privacy rulings of the country, either, as seen in these historical cases:

Meyer v Nebraska (1923)

Griswold v Connecticut (1965)

Stanley v Georgia (1969)

Ravin v State (1975)

Kelley v Johnson (1976)

Cruzan v. Missouri Dep't. of Health (1990)

and Lawrence v Texas (2003)

I guess GOPers never watch porn under any conditions, and especially in South Carolina, right?

GOP Field: How would they govern???

2012-01-09T21:58:00.005-05:00

What they stand for and who they stand against ...

GOP Lies: Food Stamps and Black Americans

2012-01-07T18:34:00.007-05:00

The Food Stamp program is officially called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). It replaced the old "Welfare" part of public assistance.

The GOP is trying to get a lot of mileage over this issue by calling President Obama "The Food Stamp" President all the way to flat out lying flat out about the program while insisting that those on food stamps are lazy and need a job, or worse are more Black than White. None of what they say in context is true, and the facts are reflected in the three USDA graphics above grabbed from the Ed Show on msnbc.msn.com.

Facts and Data: Today nearly 46 millions Americans use food stamps to supplement their low income in order to get healthy food. The GOP implies they need to get a job "not get a government handout." As the chart shows nearly have are under the age of 18, which means getting a job is difficult and in further analysis, nearly half of that half are small children.

Data from May 2011: To qualify for food stamps, individual income can't exceed $1,174 a month or $14,088 a year -- an amount that is 130% of the national poverty level. The average food stamp benefit was $133.80 per person and $283.65 per household.

The highest concentration of food stamp users were in California, Florida, New York and Texas -- where more than 3 million residents in each state received food stamps.

This divisive political harping by the GOP is sickening to say the least. They are only fooling themselves.

A Graph Worth a Million Jobs, or More

2012-01-07T14:00:00.004-05:00

This is all that is needed for now, right?

Psst: Just don't ask the GOPers, though. You are not apt to like their answer.

Hey, Stop Blaming Bush - Wink/Wink

2012-01-06T20:51:00.004-05:00

Hey, you figure it out - I already know. Take the plunge in 2008 and then swim like hell up stream.

GOP Nostalgia vs the Facts

2012-01-06T00:39:00.006-05:00

Easy to Understand Graphs

Every GOPer in office and/or running for office wants to lower or greatly reduce Corporate taxes to "enable them, as the job creators" to create jobs.

Um ... seems like we have done that in the past with awful results. That's what historical facts tend to do: taint opinions and hinder nostalgic flashbacks.

Precursor of the New America

2012-01-01T13:03:00.007-05:00

Daryl Cagle always captures the moment in his posted cartoons —

My Views:

• Every police force across America today looks like a "Jack Bauer/CTU backup team" storming a hideout; Drones [here] and [LA Times here] are coming to the skies of the nearest neighborhood; police forces and Federal agencies run a muck resembling the Stasi police of old East Germany; and the lines between the protection of our rights vs. our safety are unclear now more than at any time in our history (for all of us).

PBS presents a fine article here — listing five issues that are especially worrisome to civil liberties watchdogs: Each one is detailed in the article.

1. Indefinite military detentions of U.S. citizens

2. Targeting U.S. citizens for killing (see my post on that topic here)

3. Arresting witnesses for recording police actions

4. Using GPS to track your every move

5. Surveillance drones spying on American soil (as discussed above)

These are my observations as we move into 2012. But, we shall see ... however, this little guy in the cartoon brings that message and point into focus and closer to home than ever before. Stay tuned.

Welcome 2012, Have a Seat, Rest a Bit

2011-12-31T13:12:00.006-05:00

For everyone I know, have ever known, or will ever know... have a joyous and healthy New Year.

From my home to your home, all the best for Twenty-Twelve.

GOP: Standing for Whom and Why

2011-12-29T01:08:00.002-05:00

What they would strive for ...

What they did before...

Trickle down; yes, but trickle down what, and lands on whom???

Pictures worth a billion breaks, give or take a million. It soon adds up to big money.

Whose Voice Matters in America - Really???

2011-12-27T12:52:00.003-05:00

Supreme Court Says Corporations and Unions ARE People

(Citizens United v. the FEC)

That 5-4 ruling is proving precisely what many predicted and feared including this statement in part from the dissent of Justice John Paul Stevens (recently retired):

“We find no basis for the proposition that, in the context of political speech, the government may impose restrictions on certain disfavored speakers. The court's ruling threatens to undermine the integrity of elected institutions across the nation.”

This also in part from MotherJones.com (complete article here):

"In a year packed with populist uprisings, in which Time named "the protester" its person of the year, the fight against Citizens United is gaining momentum with battle fronts in Congress, statehouses, city halls, and the homes of hundreds of Americans. The decision, handed down in January 2010 by the court's five conservative justices, effectively gave corporations the same free speech rights as people, gutted key provisions of the 2002 McCain-Feingold campaign finance law, and green-lighted unlimited spending by corporations and labor unions in American elections. Fred Wertheimer, president of Democracy 21, a pro-reform campaign finance organization, called it "the most radical and destructive campaign finance decision in Supreme Court history."

The question if or course can or will the movement to repeal Citizens work - it certainly will not for 2012, which is on track to set and shatter all previous record for campaign funding. Worst of all, we will never know where most of the big money comes from, but we have an idea when we see headline like this from the Washington Post: "In race for campaign funds from billionaires, Romney outpaces Obama."

Or stories telling us that one individual can or my have already given $20 million to one candidate.

Representative democracy - yes; in theory, but no in practice. If anyone thinks that a Bill Gates, Ross Perot, Michael Bloomberg, or the Koch brothers speaks for them, then may I suggest they need to reexamine what representative government truly means. I may agree with a millionaire and his/her ideas, but their money does not translate into them expressing my wishes and dreams and desires about the country or our collective future - not by a long shot.

This Congress right now has over 250 members who are millionaires. The top 25 have incomes well above $25 million: #25 on the list has $31 million. The top #1 is somewhat over $250 million. Representative government - maybe, but representing whom?

Unless and until we change the current system (which BTW those in office defend and write the rules for), then nothing is apt to change. In fact, I would argue, it will get worse. Just wait until we see how 2012 is tallied.

Fair Voting: We Don't Need Any Stinking Fair Voting

2011-12-17T16:33:00.007-05:00

Of course, a leader in fake voter fraud has to be Wisconsin.

This slide is update to the issue that follows below

Update of the following post: The GOP sees no way to win next year, so win anyway possible by stopping the vote, reducing the vote, suppressing the vote, and winning at any cost other than by fair and open elections as seen in this excellent 12-minute video from the ED Show on msnbc.msn.com.

The GOP: Says they are only standing up for American values, the rule of law, the Constitution, our democratic system, the overall process, and even for the public good with effective and efficient government? Right - nope, think again.

Original Post Starts Here: Great rundown on the GOP's obstructionism at this site - good charts and simple statistics... check them out (source: Crooks and Liars.com).

Regarding the Senate and their old worn-out rules? "...cloture (to shut off debate and vote on issues) was invoked a total 63 times in 2009 and 2010, which isn't the just the most ever, but it's more than the sum total of instances dating between 1919 and 1982." (source: The EdShow on MSNBC.MSN.com). Guess whom the cloture was directed at in these cases? That's right:

The GRAND OBSTRUCTIONIST PARTY . . .

GOP moves in several states and growing, to suppress the vote next year - posted at RawStory.com with a report from the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU (.pdf format report here). I have to tell you, this report is worth your time to read - you can worry later. It contains a worrisome trend.

We must continue to fight these laws in those states - we must stand up to the injustice now being sought by the phony name and game the GOP is playing.

They say they are only preventing fraud from happening.

However, this is a fake problem that does not exist.

Awful Trend When Some States Abuse Power

2011-12-16T14:00:00.003-05:00

A Chart Worth 312,000,000 Words (or US Population)

Now is the time to pause and reflect on the above chart and the Commonwealth of Virginia and a recent very harsh law. VA is one of our 50 states the last time I checked, but they prefer to be called "Commonwealth" along side KY, MA, and PA. Commonwealth means "Common consent of the people." Sadly, Virginia does not seem to practice what they preach, or do they? Let's take a look at how the above chart has been explained in various circles there.

Their new adoption law kicks in next Spring with these highlights here from the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

"Virginia's Board of Social Services just approved (December 14, 2011) the final regulations on adoption that will effectively allow state-licensed private agencies to deny the adoption of a child by same-sex couples.

"The regulations also will allow the adoption agencies to deny services to prospective parents on the basis of age, gender, disability, religion, political belief and family status.

"The regulations, however, will prohibit discrimination based on race, color or national origin."

So, it's nice to see that VA can pick and choose what and whom to discriminate against? Welcome to Amerika, Part II.

What's next in VA?

Your guess is as good as mine. As for me, I seriously would not want to, or choose to live in the Commonwealth of Virginia for any reason whatsoever ...

Military Cooperation — Why Can't Congress

2011-12-12T10:10:00.005-05:00

Cooperation: Marines lifting the Army

Coordination, cooperation, compromise, and concern about getting the job at hand done professionally — that is the military way.

They do it all the time and they they do it well. They are the best in the world, without doubt. So, why can't Congress take a page from this valuable lesson and get their collective act together to live up to their sworn oath of office to get the job done that they promised when they ran and now serve in office?

Members of Congress always pat themselves on the back and spout: "We are in office to serve the American people. We do it for the children."

It is sickening to hear their crap all the time and not see any positive results. After all, deeds are more powerful than words, aren't they? Except to a politician. Yet, they seem surprised when people get all up in arms and angry about the stalemate, gridlock, and arrogant practices we see ever single day.

They have one interest: stay in office and pander as long as possible and not accomplish anything worthwhile. Oh, they will tell us different things, and they will continue to pan for money and beg for votes, but as I say, "Where's the beef?"

Velkom to Police, USA — Some welcome; Not all

2011-12-10T14:00:00.005-05:00

Peaceful Protesters in Boston; Protesters in jail (not bankers); TEAers safe and sound in DC

How can so many OWS be hauled off the public streets for their mostly peaceful protest against big money, big business, few opportunities for most Americans. Still others sit in jail, while zero bankers and others who caused the 2008 mess buy more mansions, yachts, pad their pensions, and enjoy the good like (many via bailout money from the taxpayers now protesting. Then add in the TEA "party" - the so-called "Patriots - hell bent to take back the country. They are all do-gooders, they say. They disrupt public meetings, shout down elected officials, or worse, and hoist nasty signs in public, wear all sorts of guns in plain sight, and yet they are the "good Americans" just trying to save the country.

Sample from Boston:

• Boston is the latest in a string of cities where officials have moved to oust protesters demonstrating against what they call corporate greed and economic injustice.

• As the officers moved in, about two dozen demonstrators linked arms and sat down in nonviolent protest and police soon began arresting them, according to the Boston Globe.

• The protesters were "very accommodating" to the officers. Forty-six people were arrested on charges of trespassing and disorderly conduct, police said. No injuries were reported.

• The entire operation lasted less than an hour. Crews then entered the area to begin cleaning it.

What is wrong with this picture? I don't get it; do you? So, what to expect next. Look up on the sky. What's that? It's a bird, it's a plane, no, it's Superman. No, it's not. It's a sky full of Drones (coming soon to a neighborhood near you). They will probably be operated by the law or as some want, in the hands of private contractors (you know, all those job creators). And, of course, they will be owned by Halliburton, Blackwater (Xe), or God knows who else who wants a piece of that growing industry. Don't look up, but if you do, remember to smile and say "cheese" — "You'll be on candid camera."

Are things in our country ass-backwards, or what?

GOP calling Sherlock Holmes, Pick up Line Two

2011-12-09T19:07:00.003-05:00

Mr. Holmes not available — okay, how about Inspector Clouseau?

This interesting story from Think Progress.org [here]. The meat of the story follows:

NPR put out a request to Republican offices and the business groups that have been lobbying against the surtax to find business owners who’d be affected. Unsurprisingly, Republican leadership and the business groups came up empty:

NPR wanted to talk to business owners who would be affected. So, we requested help from numerous Republican congressional offices, including House and Senate leadership. They were unable to produce a single millionaire job creator for us to interview.

So NPR went to the business groups that have been lobbying against the surtax. Again, three days after putting in a request, none of them was able to find someone for us to talk to. A group called the Tax Relief Coalition said the problem was finding someone willing to talk about their personal taxes on national radio.

There’s good reason why Republicans came up empty. Just 2 percent of people with any business income, large or small, would be affected by this tax increase.

Contrary to the GOP’s rhetoric, NPR found several business owners who’d be affected who insisted that the tax wouldn’t hurt hiring at all.

“It’s not in the top 20 things what we think about when we’re making a business hire,” said one business owner.

It “didn’t even make it on the agenda.” Another business owner said that, even with slightly less disposable income, the marginal tax rate “has nothing to do with what my business does.”

Indeed, business owners have long been telling Republicans that the marginal tax change makes “zero difference” in hiring.

“I’m no sure what the connection is” between raising tax rates and hiring, said Anchor Brewing CEO Keith Greggor, adding that not a lot of “small-business owners I know are millionaires.” But many Republicans like Sen. John Thune refuse to let facts challenge their dogma.

“I think most small-business owners who are out there right now would argue that raising their taxes has the opposite effect that we would want to have in a down economy,” Greggor said.

Velkom to Amerika: Our Skies are Your Skies

2011-12-06T23:08:00.004-05:00

Our New National Emblem -

This story begs for our immediate and close attention (from Salon.com here).

Highlights in part follow:

• Excitement over America’s use of drones in multiple Muslim countries is, predictably, causing those weapons to be imported onto U.S. soil. Federal law enforcement agencies and local police forces are buying more and more of them and putting them to increasingly diverse domestic uses, as well as patrolling the border, and even private corporations are now considering how to use them. One U.S. drone manufacturer advertises its product as ideal for “urban monitoring.”

• While one can certainly envision how drones could perform legitimate police functions, the importation of instruments like drone technology into domestic police activities raises a slew of profound questions, and there is one thing we can be certain of: establishment media outlets like NPR will do their best to obscure and belittle those questions while glorifying these weapons. That’s what it means to be the “establishment media.”

Continue story at the link.

THEN THIS UPDATE:

• The Los Angeles Times reported yesterday that the head of the drone program for Homeland Security, Tom Faller, is being investigated for possible ethics violations because he joined the Board of the above-referenced drone industry association while overseeing the drone program for that agency.

• As is true with virtually all of this militarization and War on Terror abuse, the motive is not merely power but also profit, and the almost complete erosion of the wall between the public and private sector is a key instrument for how policy justified in the name of security is exploited for private gain (as one commenter put it here the other day: every time the U.S. Government gets to explode something, more money is transferred from the 99% to the 1%).

So, Let the PR Games Begin: YouTube has this flashy 30-second Air Force recruitment TV ad (h/t Super Bowl XX).

How can anyone, after seeing this, not swoon over the greatness of drones? It’s precisely because of their constant glorification in the War on Terror that their use is virtually inevitable on U.S. soil: if they’re such fantastic weapons for stopping Bad Guys over there, why wouldn’t they be used over here?

Greenwald lays out the case for concern in a very compelling fashion as he does on so many issues.

This story adds a totally new aspect to the idea that we truly are becoming a police state. As we say in the military while on parade: "Eyes, Right."

FED and Banks OP Loan Shark Par Excellence

2011-12-03T13:55:00.006-05:00

What do Cookie Jar, tons of FED money to the Banks have in common???

Famous crook and robber, Willie Sutton, once responded to the question, "Why do you rob banks," with "That's where the money is." That still applies today albeit what the FEDS have done may be perfectly legal in the most narrow sense because they do act independently from politics (supposedly), therefore we must conclude as Jon Stewart did recently on The Daily Show that it is "The poorest Loan Shark operation" of all time (paraphrased).

From my assessment and hopefully condensed from the original 29 page report from Bloomberg.com [reported here], and follow up from ABCNews and Washington Post follows here (I like to try and keep things simple with the KISS rule):

The basics:

The FED and the biggest banks made secret bailout deals that went far beyond the $750 Billion in TARP money: How did this “Loan Sharking” work?

• Banks borrowed FED money far below the market rate of 0.01 percent.

• Banks loaned money at 3 percent loan rate.

• Banks earned $13 billion in profits on those loans.

What did the Banks do?

• Gave huge bonuses to their CEOs, who in turn ...

• Gave top employees raises and promotions (remember those news stories) ...

• Spent $21 million to lobby against stronger Bank regulations that were being written at the time (Dodd-Frank).

Summary:

1. FED and Banks didn’t tell anyone (Congress, investors, stockholders) how bad shape they were.

2. FED and the Banks lied and kept their records secret.

3. On Dec 5, 2008, the FED gave Banks $1.2 Trillion (largest single loan) reflected in over 29,000 pages of documents that show 21,000 loan transactions made between 2007 and 2010 that total $7.7 TRILLION.

Opinion:

Who is going to jail, or does anyone need to go to jail? Probably no one, and probably not. However, that is not the right question. I think some should go to jail. Taking public money was perhaps justified, but not while under the table deals were cut and huge profits were made and pockets were crammed with tons of money for the top crust.

What it all legal? Perhaps, maybe not. Certainly with all the secrecy, it was not moral, ethical, or rational.

Simply stated: The banks got billions in public TARP money (process was open and public). Then under the table, the FED money handed over $7.7 trillion and hid the details from the public. In essence it was a Loan Shark operation as they, in my view, raped the taxpayers.

This sounds harsh, I know. But, as this blog implies: it's my view.

Thumbs Up or Thumb in the Eye

2011-12-02T22:18:00.004-05:00

Disturbing Images and More Disturbing Story (see below)

Original story is from Think Progress [click here].

So, Mr. Weeper is the payroll tax cut extension "chickenshit" or not?

Highlights of the two-faced, or completely drunk, Rep. John Boehner (R-OH), Speaker of the House:

One statement: “The fact is that Republicans are doing everything we can to allow American families and small businesses to keep more of what they earn." Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) said in the morning of efforts to whip GOP lawmakers to support an extension.

But in private: Boehner seems to hold a different view. Politico reports that in a closed-door GOP meeting the same morning referred to the extension of the payroll tax holiday as “chicken-shit.” He said he wanted to tack on unrelated legislation favored by Republicans to make it palatable ...

Read the rest here ... warning, it paints a pretty clear picture of the GOP, now in Charge of the House of Representatives. Just think, they are working to gain more power.

Pretty pathetic I conclude.

Two War Criminals Tried in Absentia

2011-11-25T02:10:00.002-05:00

Former President George W. Bush and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair

The story from here [Salon.com] by Glenn Greenwald, a former Constitutional and civil rights litigator and author of two New York Times Bestselling books on the Bush administration’s executive power and foreign policy abuses ...

Highlights from the Article:

"A tribunal in Malaysia, spearheaded by that nation’s former Prime Minister, yesterday found George Bush and Tony Blair guilty of “crimes against peace” and other war crimes for their 2003 aggressive attack on Iraq, as well as fabricating pretexts used to justify the attack. The seven-member Kuala Lumpur War Crimes Tribunal — which featured an American law professor as one of its chief prosecutors — has no formal enforcement power, but was modeled after a 1967 tribunal in Sweden and Denmark that found the U.S. guilty of a war of aggression in Vietnam, and, even more so, after the U.S.-led Nuremberg Tribunal held after World War II."

and

"The tribunal ruled that Bush and Blair’s name should be entered in a register of war criminals, urged that they be recognized as such under the Rome Statute, and will also petition the International Criminal Court to proceed with binding charges. Such efforts are likely to be futile, but one Malaysian lawyer explained the motives of the tribunal to The Associated Press: “For these people who have been immune from prosecution, we want to put them on trial in this forum to prove that they committed war crimes.”

Enjoy the article — it's a good read and food for thought, but it assumes one is hungry for justice!!

Poverty Impacts Everyone

2011-11-18T20:16:00.002-05:00

No doubt about it

A picture worth several million jobs. Keep in mind that hunger and homelessness are NOT options.

I leave it at that.

Cartoons Say Things Better Than Words

2011-11-17T20:01:00.005-05:00

Thanks to Jim Morin, The Miami Herald: A Great Cartoon

Those who display a weak indignation as they ramp up their anger and vile toward the OWS crowd, either those in NYC or in other major cities with the harsh police actions, etc., do so at their own peril.

Those on the right (mostly on the right) who keep propping up and offering lame excuses for the Corporations and Bankers that took the public to the cleaners and nearly wrecked the entire free world economic system are plainly aloof and out of touch with those they now try to blame.

Need anyone be reminded and as the cartoon illustrates that the top "greed of the crop" got off pretty much scott free and mostly even after the taxpayers bailed them out. Their arrogance is astonishing to say the least.

More worrisome is how short some memories are.

GOP: Obstruct, Blame, Spin, Hope to Win

2011-11-01T21:12:00.008-04:00

[Charts: Swiped from MSNBC.msn.com PoliticsNation show]

The GOP's latest rant it about how the DEMS use the OWS protesters to divide America and that is really bad.

Now, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) makes that point again when he blames President Obama about division while Mr. Obama "blames the GOP." I say to Mr. Ryan: Sir, where did you get the gall; the unmitigated gall for such a rash and unfounded statement?

The GOP has been willing for a very long time to give some $4 billion in oil subsidies, and they have threatened to basically shut down Washington to defend those subsidies. Yet, they have no qualms about axing food stamps which they now say "Is just too expensive and something we can no longer afford."

Now, who is practicing class warfare, Mr. and Mrs. G. O. Pee?

The two charts above need no explanation - the need for food stamps is real; it has grown and the need will not go away; it may be reduced once people start working and earning and shopping again. But, until that day we cannot abandon 45.8 million Americans now on food stamps; 1-8 of the total population and 1-4 are children.

Class warfare?? I seriously wonder if the GOP even knows what that means. Yes, I am sure they do. Just ask then about their opinion about the Wall Street protesters and their message. Americans for the most part hate class warfare of any kind and basically we dislike the word class. It is not the people whipping those flames to divide the public more - nay, it is the GOP, and that is painfully obvious.

How do they sleep at night, I wonder?

Can We Blame Wall Street — Yes, We Can

2011-10-29T13:14:00.002-04:00

Americans think about: "My retirement and what I look forward to enjoying."

Clearly before is the idea picture and set of circumstances we all look forward to enjoying as move into retirement: our pensions (either privately-funded, or government-based plans); our savings plan (whatever that may be); and social security (which all working Americans pay into all their working lives).

What has happened to those three pillars over time, say from the 1970's until today is worrisome and that topic needs close attention, quite frankly, as it gets worse; not better.

As explained much better than I can explain the circumstances we face comes from this fine 12-minute clip from the Rachel Maddow show available here.

Highlights:

(1) Pensions: How two of the pillars are come under attack and therefore lost a lot of personal ground for us as Wall Street kinda of took them over as it were like for example, private and other pensions moving from a rather secure nest into the 401(k) field since they came into being and have grown since 1978. Problem therein as explained are those nasty "hidden fees" that most of don't read about but hear a lot about. Over the life of a 401(k) plan, for example, those fees can reduce the plan by nearly 30% (using data from 1997). Most if not all 401(k) plans are connected to Wall Street, even those by a small percentage like the government's TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) - one I am very familiar with.

(2) Personal Savings: Regarding the second pillar, our personal savings. This is not a pretty picture, either. Most Americans used to save about 12% of their income back in the 1970's, for example. Today, our savings is near zero. And, we all know how the banks and others where we park our savings and invest in CDs, etc. have lowered the interest we used to make, say like it had been in the past with rates up around 15% to a mere .44% today. The reward for saving is meager to say the least. Most of the rates benefit Wall Street and greatly influence the movement of billions of dollars on a daily basis. Much of it, however, does not help the individual investor like Mom and Pop or you and I, even though some 43% of all Americans invest on Wall Street.

(3) Social Security: Now, today as before, Social Security is in the sights of Wall Street and the GOP. Why? It's a huge amount of money that Wall Street brokers would love to "manage." Many in the GOP hate SS and they have since it was started in 1936. Some candidates today call it all sorts of names, like Ponzi scheme, or rip-off, or worse as they try to scare people into adopting their brand of "reform" to "save or fix it."

The Maddow clip is followed by a short 6-minute clip from a very smart man, MIT Economics Prof. Simon Johnson, who addresses this question directly: “Yes, we can blame Wall Street” as seen here.

Now, imagine for a minute all the damage and losses since 2007-2008 caused by the banks and Wall Street. Then contemplate where any retiree would be had Wall Street had their mitts on Social Security? Scary thought, isn't it.

There is very rewarding information here. Enjoy the visit.

GOP Fake Issue: Voter Fraud

2011-10-12T16:42:00.006-04:00

Senior Citizen Voting. Dorothy Cooper: Denied her Right to Vote. Age 96, and voted since the 1930's

Reposted with New Link s (see below) as Story Grows

Jobs and the economy will dominate the 2012 election, but there is no defining issue as critical or as important than being able to vote. The right to vote speaks directly to the rights of every eligible citizen to choose the kind of government they want; the kind of future they seek; and, the world they strive to see.

This posting is long, but it needs to be said. I hope you enjoy it.

Subject: The current movement by the political Right at any cost to counter and cancel all successes made by the Left since the days of FDR

Fact: Since the GOP gained control in 2010 after the midterm elections, the most visible efforts of the TEA-backed GOP have been focused on women’s rights, Union and workers’ rights, and now against voters’ rights.

Why is that?

On Voting: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who worked for a woman’s right to vote, famously asked once time why it is that men were so resistant to the franchise to women in the public realm with the right to vote. She went on to answer her own question as she argued it was because men did not want to give up power in their home or at work. There was something about the intimacy of control in the private realm — the home and workplace — that always has been central to conservatism. In short: work to keep a woman in “her place at home, and out of the work place and under the thumb of her man.”

After the 2010 elections, the first thing the Right did was to go after labor rights, and not just in Wisconsin that got massive national attention, but in some 35 other states, including big ones like Ohio and Florida and Michigan and Minnesota. All of these states have one common thread, one goal that mirrors the Wisconsin approach: take away the rights of Union workers to collective bargain, and thus weaken them.

Reproductive rights: The Left as a whole segregates that issue as if it were separate (and it is), but it is absolutely critical and central to the conservative project because it is, again, man’s control over women.

Go back as far as the French revolution and Louis de Bonald, who was one of the great theoreticians of the counter-revolution. He was obsessed with the liberalization of divorce because he saw a connection between the emancipation in the family and of women, and thus the entire revolutionary project.

Fake Voter Fraud: Today, we see a state-by-state movement against eligible voters and their right to vote that is spreading all across the land under the GOP fake name of “Voter fraud.” A solution that they believe is in search of a problem that does not exist.

For example, that during the period 2002-2008, some 300 million votes were cast across the country. Out of that number, there were only 86 documented cases of prosecution of any kind of voter fraud. That amounts to only 0.000003% (I think) – image the time and effort and money spent to stop that GOP boogieman?

The case of Dorothy Cooper: She is 96 years old. She was born in Georgia, moved to and has lived in Chattanooga, Tennessee for decades. She has voted in very election since the late 1930’s, missing only the 1960 vote because she was in between moves and had not changed her voting registration card.

Under a new Tennessee law, she and all voters are now required to have a photo ID. She does not, but she tried to get one.

She was unable to produce a valid marriage license that showed where she had changed from her maiden name (Alexander) to Cooper. She was denied a voter ID card. Thus for the first time in her life she can’t vote because she does not qualify for the new voter ID card. She apparently could not prove who she was even with a ton of documents. Imagine that.

Her story is making the headlines, as it should to show the nastiness of the GOP on this issue. What affects her in TN also influences some 500,000 other eligible voters who may not be able to vote next year. Think about that.

Now multiply that number in TN by several hundred thousand across all states and what do we see. We see that the poor, the elderly like Mrs. Cooper, lots of college students, some Vets, like in the case of Colorado where the SOS would not authorize soldiers’ ballots be mailed to Iraq and Afghanistan because they had not voted in the last election. Imagine that: missing a voting date due to being in war and a firefight or two.

The key to this issue is that most, if not all of those voters, vote Democratic. So what, some ask. Well, if anything, it ties directly into the GOP overall plan to win in 2012, take control of government at all levels, and then pass laws that cancel the progress of the entire 20th Century. In short, go back to the future.

Oh, it cannot be that sinister some say. It couldn’t? Let’s ask Karl Rove and others like him with their multi-million dollar war chests the same question, shall we? Prepare yourself; however, you won’t like their answer.

Links and sources for the data used in this post came from (updated):

The Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law here

The Brennan Center document (15 pages) on the same subject here

ABC News report on State Voter ID Laws here

Rolling Stone on the GOP/Rightwing War on Voting here

The Dorothy Cooper story and video from the Rachel Maddow Show (MSNBC.MSN) here

GOP Dark Fantasy here

GOP Voter Fraud Hysteria from 2008 here

More later as this story surely will grow. Check back frequently.

GOP: Going Against Public Opinion

2011-10-05T17:39:00.004-04:00

This recent poll speaks for itself.

So, why is the GOP so persistent, or hardheaded some say, in being against fair taxing for the top 1-2 percent of the richest in the country. We know from hard evidence that over 50 percent of the top earners do not pay a full load or near the top bracket they are in [click here] and [here]. That is due to many factors that average tax payers do not enjoy (e.g., lots of tax lawyers, neat legal loopholes, lots of breaks, and political favors that that enjoy). So, are we overtaxed - and who is the "we" (good summary here), FYI.

Will it matter in 2010 - that remains to be seen. But the facts are the facts.

Taking on the TEA "Party" Stances and Stuff

2011-09-26T12:44:00.003-04:00

Former President Bill Clinton: Notes on the so-called TEA "Party" Movement

A timely article and on the mark in my view. The finer points from his remarks follow [click link for full story]:

"You can stand up and say anything and nobody rings a bell if the facts are wrong. There’s no bell ringing. It’s crazy, we’re living in a time when it’s more important than ever to know things. And not just to know facts but to put them in a coherent. sensible pattern. And we live in a time, if you just want to talk about the economy, where the model that works for economic growth and prosperity is cooperation. But the model that works in politics is conflict." (emphasis is mine)

"You know, there’s not a single solitary example on the planet, not one, of a country that is successful because the economy has triumphed over the government and choked it off and driven the tax rates to zero, driven the regulations to nonexistent and abolished all government programs, except for defense, so people in my income group never have to pay a nickel to see a cow jump over the moon. There is no example of a successful country that looks like that."

Some have said and I agree, that the so-called TEA movement may be a movement, but those running the show behind the scenes (the big money) are in charge. Those out front are in essence the extreme rightwing of the GOP. Don't take my word for it, just ask the moderate Republicans who was run out of office by TEA candidates" who ran against them in GOP primaries.

Others are on the chopping block or in the attack zone for next year (e.g., Sens. Lugar (IN) and Hatch (UT) to name two). If there is a lesson about the TEA "movement" in 2010, it would be to reflect back on Sharron Angle, Christine O'Donnell, Ken Buck, Joe Miller and a few others who ran and lost. Then bounce that against those who won (Rand Paul, Allen West, and a few others).

I rest my case.

The Job Creators: Cutting Jobs to Create More Wealth

2011-09-23T14:00:00.006-04:00

Koch Industries (Wealth vs. Jobs Cut) and Exxon Mobil (Wealth v. Jobs Cut)

I can't speak for everyone, but for me, I am sick and tired of the GOP using the phrase "Job Creators" all over the air waves and in print about hurting them if their taxes are raised, or even if they are asked to pay their fair share (cite: GE, who paid no Federal taxes last year).

Their rates may be at 35 percent, but most of them pay nothing near that rate once their army of lawyers get done with the adjustments. That is a fact as reflected here and in this GAO report.

Yet, the GOP continues that same old drum beat, or worse, about how low-income Americans who earn $25,000 or less a year are the blame by being part of the "nearly half of population who pay no taxes" as if they are some sort of dead beat part of society and need to pay more, or lose more (some have tried that, too - remember?).

Plus, the effort by the Koch brothers (and many others, too), for example, who play the money game in fueling the ultra rightwing by helping their "cause to regain total control of government," and of course alone the way help their bottom line. That is get more GOPers elected to high office and they will in return bless us with favors and not raise our taxes so we can get wealthier and slice a few more jobs. /s/ the Koch brothers and others.

Their profits are at all-time highs; their employee numbers have fallen (as shown above); and, they sustain their lobbying efforts to get more and bigger breaks, and nicer loopholes, and all under the threat of "job losses" if they do not get their way. I'd have to say that pretty much amounts to blackmail by any legal definition - but, those who benefit the most call it "business as usual," or that's how the "game is played."

I say it's time to rename the game and stop the legal blackmail and put America back on track to the future where we all claim we need to go. A whole lot of hypocrites are weighing us down. I won't mention any names to save face, but their brand of TEA is G. O. Pee.

DOD Can't Be Cut. The Rest of Us Can: Why

2011-09-17T19:27:00.005-04:00

Sacrosanct: Hands Off - Leave Us Alone - Do not Touch

The story comes from here - in essence - cut DOD and lose jobs. It seems that nothing means more to the economy than protecting DOD and its contractor jobs.

The Headlines: Newly-appointed Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta, "Plays on Job Fears but Military Spending is the Worst at Creating Jobs.

FYI: When we spend $1 billion on the military rather than green investments, health care, or education we forfeit between 5,000 and 17,000 jobs. But, who's counting, right?

The heart of this story: While representatives of war contractors were on the Hill trying to push elected officials to protect their profit margins from the newly-established deficit committee potential cut, heads of the war industry met in a closed-door meeting with Defense Secretary Panetta.

The next day, the contractors held a press conference to try to spin away the fact that military spending costs jobs compared to other ways of spending the money. [Then] Panetta and his subordinates came out swinging with the same bogus spin about loss of “jobs.” Panetta says that cuts to the Pentagon budget that would be triggered if the deficit committee does not produce a plan that passes Congress could cause the jobless rate to jump 1 percent. Wow - it’s almost like they planned the whole thing. Naw, couldn't be that, right?

Draw your own conclusions. But, wouldn't it be nice if everyone fought as hard to get those long-term unemployed a job like DOD contractors fight to preserve their jobs!!

History does not repeat itself, but it does rhyme (M. Twain)

2011-09-07T10:03:00.010-04:00

Current Fiscal Mess: without two Bush tax cuts (top) and with two Bush tax cuts (bottom) -

[click to enlarge graphs]

Flashback to August 2010: Former head of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan, said then when the debate was raging about the Bush tax cuts and what to do with them (repeal them or extend them) this, which as the article says, "... puts him right in the middle of most-fierce economic policy debate in Washington — what to do with the tax cuts adopted because of his implicit backing back under President George W. Bush — with a position not only contrary to Republican orthodoxy, but decidedly to the left of President Obama."

Further, "... rather than keeping tax rates steady for all but the wealthiest Americans, as the White House wants, Mr. Greenspan is calling for the complete repeal of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, brushing aside the arguments of Republicans and even a few Democrats that doing so could threaten the already shaky economic recovery."

The two charts above without question show the impact of the two Bush tax cuts, and believe me, I am NOT against tax cuts or even lowering the Corporate tax rate (say from the current 35 percent to 25 percent of even 20 percent), but NOT in these troublesome and very uncertain times. Why not now? The purpose of government by those in charge of leading and being responsible for fiscal and economic policies and general problem solving is in fact, solving problems. Keeping the Bush tax cuts in place now sustains our problems because they take away the most important aspect of economic thought (by the public) trust and confidence.

Then add the current lousy job and unemployment situation (steady at 9.1 percent for too long) and misery index stays also stays too high - the public is anxious and their concern will grow.

Pols and candidates either swear by polls, or they ignore them as being stupid, etc., depending of course on what the polls say and where their numbers are in relation to the issue and poll numbers. But, when the pubic by a huge number (some polls show 80 percent) saying "raise the taxes on the rich and repeal the Bush tax cuts," them wisdom should kick in and the Pols and candidates might outta pay attention to the public they say they serve!!

Mark Twain was correct in his quip about history not repeating itself, but it would be wise for those in office or seeking office to keep in mind this little ditty: "Stupidity: The constant repetition of the same bad behavior while expecting different results."

There is plenty of bad behavior in DC right now at both ends of PA avenue. Sadly, the results are the same, too.

I say, repeal the two Bush tax cuts now and solve the current problem. Then move on to other problems. That is called leadership, and it's more than lip service.

(The two graphs were snatched from the Rachel Maddow show on MSNBC.msn.com (seen here). The 17-minute video explains the issue better than I do - ).

Talk Turkey with the Turkeys

2011-09-02T13:37:00.011-04:00

Corporate CEO's on Easy Street — Roll out the Red Carpet ...

I'm airing a lot of anger and frustration in this post. It is a bit long, but there are things I wanted to get off my chest about the lack of jobs, the jobs many have, and the taxes we pay. Hopefully, you feel the same way.

Here goes.

For the sake of argument, let’s say I work for $20.00 an hour / 40 hours a week. That is an annual salary of about 42,000.00. I have withholding taxes (FICA for Social Security Medicare and other with holdings). So, I take home about $40,000.00. But, I also pay sales taxes, gas taxes, phone taxes, and many others from a very long laundry list of other taxes. All required as part of enjoying the good life.

Then at tax time, I work like a dog to find as many IRS deductions as possible to help lower my overall Federal, State, and Local tax bill while I hope “they” took out enough so I don’t have to pay anything extra. As I pray for a refund (with fingers crossed hoping IRS has not changed rules again for the filing year). Over all from my $40,000, I deduct my mortgage, some interest payments, some college costs, and any other deduction I can find that I am entitled to that may help reduce my tax bill.

All this time, I keep trying to be a good citizen and live the American dream about a decent education, good-paying job, nice home, healthy family, a few bucks set aside for a rainy day or even an annual vacation, and then a nice retirement after working my fingers to the bone say for 40 years while staying healthy. We all know that is life with all the bumps and hardships as well as pleasures, and most of us accept it for what it is as we struggle to the finish line while keeping abreast of government, politics, and those around us.

Suddenly, I realize I need a new car. I like Ford products so I go looking for a new Ford. I have my eye on the latest Ford FOCUS that I’ve heard a lot about. I look one over, choose it, and I decide to it. I know I can make the monthly payments after a small down payment or maybe even get a good deal on my old trade in. I buy the car, but not before paying a lot in sales tax, registration and license fees (more taxes) even before I can drive it off the lot where I go to buy gas at $3.00 a gallon. All cars over time need service and the bill comes with a tax, too, even after paying the mechanic $60.00 an hour. But, again, it’s all a part of our American life style and standard of living. As I said, we all accept those things.

What I cannot accept is this. This may seem complicated, but really it is not. Remember that new Ford I bought. The one made in America (I hope) and by a huge Corporation, too. Also, good for Ford for not taking any “bailout money.” But, that’s a different story. I’m talking income and taxes here, okay?

Background: We all know and hear most 2012 candidates running for the presidency, or from those already serving in Congress, calling for Corporate taxes to be lowered, or in some cases, to be reduced to zero. But, at the same time, we have heard horror stories about some (or many) Corporations not paying any Federal taxes at all. A few examples follow below and at other places, like here (for 2008) and here (for GE in 2010).

So, I wonder: HOW FAR BELOW ZERO SHOULD CORPORATE TAXES GO TO BE FAIR IN THE EYES OF THOSE POLS CALLING FOR LOWER OR NO CORPORATE TAXES...

FYI: The top 25 CEO’s in the country pay in 2010 averaged $16.7 million dollars – at the same time the companies they worked for paid no Federal taxes. In fact, many of them got rebates that averaged $300 million per company. In essence, those CEO’s were paid more than their companies paid in taxes. Stories from here and here.

• FORD: CEO received $26 million in salary / they paid no Federal taxes

• VERIZON: CEO was paid $18 million / they paid no Federal taxes

• PRUDENTIAL: CEO received $16 million / they paid no Federal taxes

• GE: CEO got $15 million / they paid no Federal taxes

• E-BAY: CEO received $12 million / they paid no Federal taxes

SIDE FACT: Many of those same Corporations spent more on lobbying than they paid in Federal taxes.

SUMMARY: Corporate profits are at all-time highs again since 2008. Corporate profits is the name of the game – which is okay and understandable – but, corporate profits DO NOT create jobs – they create more profits, but they do not create jobs.

HOW ARE JOBS CREATED: Jobs are created when businesses expand and hire more workers. Those workers in turn earn a living and they spend and buy products and help expand the economy. Just like you and me, but apparently not the guys at the very top. I rest my case.

Two stories somewhat related

2011-08-31T13:52:00.007-04:00

Knowing more about our tax dollars, and discovering more about "Dark" Dick along the way

Two slightly related stories here, both dealing with tax dollars in a round about way.

First, I read these two pieces and I offer them up for your own enlightenment and further research.

This from zdnet.com (about government spending, etc) [click here]. Part follows I found interesting that led me to another site seen here from informationweek.com (about tech stuff). Both relate to the same story about tax dollars going off-shore to help fund workers who will take American jobs moving off-shore. I guess it's a good job, if you can get it???

Second, is the story about former VeePee Cheney, on his book tour, hawking all sorts of nonsense about most anything that makes no sense. This part I found interesting from the story and Cheney's "rational" follows:

Former Vice President Dick Cheney was strongly opposed to saving General Motors and Chrysler and tried to convince then-President George W. Bush not to approve a proposed bailout of the floundering Detroit automakers.

Ultimately, the outgoing Commander-in-Chief decided to approve a partial rescue, at a cost of $17.4 billion for GM and Chrysler and another $7.5 billion for Chrysler Financial and what was then known as GMAC. The money helped carry the two manufacturers and their lending arms through until early 2009 when the White House guard changed, newly-elected Pres. Barack Obama authorizing billions more in rescue money.

As we know, the auto bailout has worked and far beyond any one's hopes and dreams. Cheney was and remains flat out wrong not only on that subject but about interrogation, too, which he still advocates for water boarding, (said on NBC Dateline) by saying it is not torture and "we only did it a few times" (that aspect of the Cheney story dealing with detainees, interrogation, and torture can be seen at my interrogation and torture blog here (updated from time-to-time).

Thanks for stopping by. Stay abreast of these two stories. They make good reading, but they won't help keep your blood pressure down, so I'm sorry about that. Just breath normally, take your meds, and enjoy the research.

Something lacking in most Pols today

2011-08-29T12:11:00.006-04:00

• We all know that an "e" is a failing grade in most academic circles.

• I also know that if I add an "e" to the word "spin" as in political spin that we hear and see so much of today as the Pols try to cover their collective backsides by blaming others for their own shortfalls that it spells the single most-important word we really need more of today.

I thought we needed some humor today. But, who's listening in DC or state capitals these days??

F/N: When all is said and done and after the nasty deals are made and the dust settles, sadly, "We, the People" will move forward and look ahead — the Pols will settle back in and start new nests to end up robbing later. Happens all the time, doesn't it?

GOP ideas Obama likes but then GOP backtracks

2011-08-20T13:55:00.006-04:00

GOP has a lot of plans and ideas that they like and push, until Obama agrees, then they retreat.

(Credit this slide from the Rachel Maddow Show)

More on this topic is at two posts below [here].

Flabbergasting — a very good word that fits the moment. It is an excellent title for the way the GOP has been as they try and manage and influence the debate by making suggestions (some good and possibly even workable), but then when Mr. Obama signs and looks towards them for their final input and support, and as he once noted in a speech in Ohio: "Then when I sign on to their idea and look around behind me, they're nowhere to be found. They even have abandoned their own ideas that I signed onto." (paraphrased)

There are tons of graphic evidence to support this contention. Many can be seen in this clip that Maddow put together in this 17-minute clip. It is worth your time to review it [click here]. A classic part of what I am saying and that Maddow points out is at the 4-minute mark re: immigration reform put forth by then-candidate John McCain in 2008 race. Then when Mr. Obama signed on, guess what Mr. McCain says, "That plan, hell no, I wouldn't sign it." (Even though it's pretty much his own idea).

That's the nature of the GOP since January 20, 2009, if you get my drift?

One thing is for certain at this moment in our dismal political history: Whatever the GOP wants and that Mr. Obama agrees to, they will reverse course and try to dampen their own plan. In short, they will never be happy until they beat him into submission and take his lunch money. They want the whole shebang no matter what the issue is, or whether it's their idea along the way or not. The GOP will not allow Mr. Obama to succeed in anything. Then when he can't achieve much, or when they mange to block him more like in the Senate with that asinine 60-vote rule, what do they do? They turn the tables on him and blame him publicly for political gain — sadly, they are getting some traction in that effort, but along they way, the country sinks deeper into the fiscal abyss of gridlock or worse, stalemate. It is apparent to me that the GOP is concerned about the country, but only if it is running on their terms, and God knows what that is, except maybe for Corporate Street interests, but not Main Street.

One example is how the GOP rants and raves about the stimulus plan being an utter failure and not working as Mr. Obama promised. Yet, over 200 elected GOPers in Congress and all across the country (e.g., Gov. Perry in Texas is a great case study), have taken stimulus money, created jobs, saved jobs, and yet have taken to the airwaves blasting Mr. Obama and the stimulus plan as failures on both counts. Mr. Obama could use some old-fashioned leadership counseling from an old Marine Gunnery Sergeant.

I rest my case.

Reflection of the future

2011-08-15T19:49:00.004-04:00

Glimpse of Grandfather Christmas Past

Oh, you devil, you. Well, Dubya, you said you were a "Uniter and not a divider," so I guess I'd better be the opposite, if I am going to make my mark, you think?

So, get ready as the article says, "... for a boat-load of spin." Or any other word beginning with the letter "S."

The story is here - enjoy the read. I did. Very enlightening to say the least.

Wall Street Thrives With New Record Profits

2011-08-04T01:12:00.010-04:00

Go to this GOP web page http://jobs.gop.gov/ and you will see this document.

The way the GOP intends to provide assistance to help the "Job Creators" create jobs (again).

While Wall Street giants report record profits (again), layoffs continue at a record pace as well (the other direction) — they are up some 60 percent. Why? Not hard to figure out when one looks at the basics:

1. Corporations are thriving due to "doing more with less," and the jobs lost will not come back.

2. Corporations are thriving by doing more and more off-shore movement of jobs for lower wages which result in higher profits (but not at home).

Wall Street reacts the exact opposite of what high profits should show because of the sustained low number of jobs. Why? When jobs are down, income is down, people invest less, stocks drop, and Wall Street reacts as they have for over a solid week now: it drops overall.

For other slides on this topic visit the Rachel Maddow show [on MSNBC.com here] - Maddow again presents a very comprehensive analysis of this subject.

How does the GOP intend to help the Jobs Creators? As usual; with more tax breaks and benefits for them to "create" jobs. However, how can they be trusted again?

Remember the promises for the two big Bush tax cuts: Jobs. There were a few million in 8 years. We must wonder where these new promised jobs will be, too: off-shore or here at home? Simple choice, isn't it?

As for me, I'm sick and tired of the same old stale weak GOP argument about taking care of the top -- the "job creators" -- and they will take us of the rest of us. How can that be with the constant assault on Unions and public employees? Something is missing here. What could it be? Well, let's start with a lack of common sense.

Then let's insist that they put away the shovels and stop dumping the crap squarely on the public. I say either deliver the jobs here at home, or lose all the tax breaks. Show some loyalty to the country for a change.

Apply the K.I.S.S. Principle: Keep It Simple Stupid

2011-07-29T14:17:00.009-04:00

Slides snatched from the Rachel Maddow Show (editing is mine)

These slides need no further explanation other than what they reflect: the bills due, the money on hand, who does, or does not get paid.

August 2, 2011 is the so-called deadline. But, it may be too late even by then. What lies ahead? Sadly, no one knows for sure.

My solution if I were sitting in the White House: I would invoke Section 4 of the 14th Amendmen and then I'd move to more serious issues like a workable Jobs Bill; concrete plan to reduce the Deficit; and rational Spending Cuts from here on out.

Is that simple enough for you, Mr. President and Congress? It should be.

GOP Aim: Government of, by, and for the Oligarchy

2011-07-26T13:58:00.006-04:00

Practically every GOPer in the land, or in office who has a strong voice and money-backed say-so, and who can shout the loudest and tell us their aim and goal, it would be this: To get the DEMS out of office so that they, the GOP, can put things in order and get us all fixed up.

For anyone outside of DC who pays close attention probably has already figured this out. For those not paying attention, maybe this will help focus your views about the GOP's aim:

• To have few, if any Corporate taxes.

• Handing Social Security over to Wall Street brokers by privatizing it.

• Ending Medicare by making it a voucher program.

• Eliminating Medicaid health care for the poor.

• Totally doing away with Unions that have teachers and public employees as members (i.e., Wisconsin model).

• Dismantling from top to bottom things like EDUC, HHS, EPA, ENERGY, JUSTICE, COMMERCE, AG, INTERIOR, TREASURY and give the duties and responsibilities to private contractors.

Or something along those lines. The end result would be an Oligarchy. But in that case, it would be a power structure in the hands and under the control of the top wealthiest in the country, or with giant Corporations, and all backed up by an ultra-big and more-massive military establishment. All of it would be controlled and overseen (not really overseen, I said that to be corny) by the GOP-in-Charge.

A lot of what we have seen since January 20, 2009; the day Mr. Obama was sworn into office has been carefully planned. The 2010 election proves that point and it clearly shows what they are capable of should they gain majorities in Congress or the White House.

I believe that the GOP has overreached the public trust and confidence. In many cases at the state level they have totally lost the people entirely with many recall elections on tap and anger far worse than that we saw from the so-called TEA "party."

What is brewing under the surface is not pretty. It portends of a far worse agenda if the GOP does in fact take the White House next year, regain the Senate, and keep their House majority.

Are people paying attention? Is anyone except pundits like me who are concerned and worried about that prospect taking steps or action? Will the voters react against them? Who knows for sure. However with the GOP moves at the state levels to make to harder to vote seems to reinforces their tactics -- that should concern everyone.

Stay in touch -- but more importantly, take action anyway you can that is non-violent.

Amerika: Where Leadership Ranks Dead Last

2011-07-24T15:46:00.000-04:00

Thanks and Cartoon Credits from Daryl Cagle at Cagle.com

These cartoons certainly capture the current mood of the country (about war) and the crappy attitude of our so-called "leaders" in DC ... the place we used to look up to with a fair amount of respect, honor, and pride.

Nowadays, however, I would label it and them as either totally pathetic, or completely asinine, or to be perfectly honest: pathetically asinine.

The train is fast approaching at breakneck speed - the haggling continues. Hang on tight - the end won't be pretty. It never is in these cases of "compromise."

Visit Montana: ExxonMobil Yellowstone River Oil Spill

2011-07-06T13:08:00.011-04:00

ExxonMobil: #1 in the World in Many Ways, Except being a Responsible Neighbor

Various links to this story:

However, the Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC has a very good 13-minute video rundown [here].

A Few Highlights from that clip include:

From 2006 - 2009, ExxonMobil earned billions and by 2010, they were earning an impressive $5 million per hour, 24/7.

They ranked #1 in the Fortune 500 above everyone else (including Wal-Mart) - but Wal-Mart is #1 now again, but ExxonMobil ranks #1 in the oil business. See list from 1955-2005 [here] - impressive.

Yet, according to Montana officials, ExxonMobil cannot figure out what is wrong or why. Cleanup has been slow as the Maddow show video shows.

Other Links to the Story: From the NY POST [here]. From FOX news [here]. From MSNBC news [here].

Remember this from 2010 [film proof here]: ExxonMobil CEO whines about push to cut oil subsides - after they made $6.3 billion in one quarter of this report.

On top of all of this, the current GOP screams about cutting not only these oil subsidies but most other subsidies that continue to flow to and prop up very profitable corporations. The GOP says "... it would hurt them and amount to a tax increase."

It's hard not to roll on the floor laughing out loud isn't it?

Corporations: Come to Wyoming and Hide With Us

2011-06-30T11:59:00.004-04:00

Official Wyoming Welcome Ad: For Those Who Want to or Need to Hide "Corporate" Money

(click link for 17-minute clip regarding this story - it's a keeper)

What is Corporate money? First, the above definition kinda spells it out (at least in Wyoming). I like the words "... used a decoy of fall guy." Remember that house in Cheyenne — the one not far from the Capital — the one with over 2,000 listed mailboxes used as "Corporate HQ" center — yeah that little house on the prairie.

One worker, 2,000 mailboxes, and who knows what else is shown in this great clip from the Rachel Maddow Show in part: "Wyoming doesn't have any Corporate income tax" so, the message is: Come hide with us.

It's a place that only the GOP could love as they bash Mr. Obama about his Corporate Jet vs. the Middle Class (re: tax cuts or tax breaks) remarks during his recent press conference. The GOP, always a defender of the top rung, say dropping that Corporate break is only a drop in the proverbial bucket — a mere $2-$3 billion in savings if that bennie were taken away. But as Maddow points out: they don't have any qualms about:

* Cutting $868 million from WIC (for women and infant children)

* Whacking $7 million from the Smithsonian

* Trimming $51 million from the National Park Service

* Eliminating $899 million from the Renewable Energy Program

* Knifing $2 billion from the Jobs Program

Now that's real savings, but who is the target? Not big oil or not anyone else who are sitting on huge profits, out of sight CEO bonuses and salaries, off-shore hideouts and not this scam in Wyoming (yes, it is a scam), just old Mom and Pop, the kids, seniors, you and I who make up the middle class. And, the GOP has the unmitigated gall to blame the DEMS for "class warfare."

Shame on them.

All You Need to Know About 2012 Hypocrisy

2011-06-28T12:12:00.005-04:00

One of the best 16-minute clips you will ever see — assumes you believe what you see.

I know, I know, a lot of people do not like MSNBC, NBC, or the Maddow Show no matter what is presented or how it is presented. In all fairness, however, Rachel Maddow's investigative skills and presentation of the facts relating to what she finds cannot be disputed on many topics.

For your viewing pleasure you did not catch her latest show [click here] it is a great run down on the shear and utter hypocrisy of the GOP leading up to next year's election. The show deals with many issues that were based on GOP ideas, and in some cases, contained their own proposals and recommendations. Some even got their votes in the past (debt limit for example). But, now since Mr. Obama has picked up on their lead, the GOP is backing down like they never even heard of any of those things and they are digging in for a long fight or worse disaster than 2008.

This is a very excellent presentation of the facts about "Pay-go, Cap and Trade, Deficit Reduction, Individual Mandate for Health Care, and Raising the Federal Debt Ceiling," etc. For example the GOP in the past under former President Bush, voted some 19 times to raise the debt limit without blinking an eye. Now, however, they treat the subject like nuclear waste — they won't touch it under Mr. Obama. They helped make the mess, but they won't pitch in help clean it up.

Enjoy — it's an eyeopener.

Knee-slapping funny but sadly true

2011-06-20T13:49:00.004-04:00

TEA "party" trail of potential candidates for the White House has our complete attention

Caveat: Anyone on planet Earth with even the remotest idea or hint about Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX), or anyone like him who has ever advocated or advocates secession and thus breaking up the Union as they "contemplate" running for president is not only laughable, but completely silly and not serious.

In short, they need their collective head examined.

Stuck on Stupid, Stuck on Stupid, Stuck on Stupid

2011-06-17T13:16:00.003-04:00

Every once in awhile a political cartoon will capture the facts in a single drawing - this one does.

A picture worth a thousand words, or millions and millions of jobs.

GOP Dream Come True: First, Medicare, then Social Secuirty

2011-06-11T11:03:00.004-04:00

Medicare: Vouchers instead. Social Security: Give it to Wall Street

This blogger told you so, and now, the GOP has struck again ... This time with their long sought after gem. The mission they have been pursuing since 1936: To Privatize Social Security. I have to say in all honesty, they are insane, utterly mad.

The GOP-controlled House has introduced a bill to privatize Social Security (not yet numbered). But, it has a title, and now get this: S. A. F. E. Account Bill (literally opt out bill).

Articles about it can be seen here: House Republicans propose Social Security opt-out - The Hill's Floor Action. And, here Bill to Privatize Social Security Pushed by GOP Advisor One.

This move of course follows the recent GOP buy one, get one free scheme regarding Medicare (vouchers instead) — the so-called Ryan plan to "save Medicare." They sure have a funny or ironic way of showing their concern about "saving" anything, don't they?

They may have just signed their death warrants ...

Here, Judge, thanks for the ruling

2011-05-27T16:37:00.005-04:00

Could further mark the decline and/or end of our representative process.

The story here. The heart of the article, in part:

Corporations should be able to give directly to politicians just like human beings.

So says Federal Judge James C. Cacheris (was nominated to the federal bench in the Eastern District of Virginia by President Ronald Reagan back in 1981) in his ruling, saying in part: "... for better or worse, Citizens United held that there is no distinction between an individual and a corporation with respect to political speech. Thus, if an individual can make direct contributions within [the law's] limits, a corporation cannot be banned from doing the same thing."

This of course comes on the heels of the awful Citizens United v. the FEC (5-4) ruling that says Corporations and Unions are the same as people. So, if you hated that ruling, then you're about to see a doubled-down dose of that terrible ruling in this opinion.

The madness is now really very ugly. The inmates are in charge for sure.

The question is: who are inmates and what does "being in charge" mean?

Teaching Religion in America at Taxpayers' Expense

2011-05-24T13:23:00.006-04:00

GOP advocates for guns in church, so why not Bibles in schools?

The story comes from here - highlights:

"If you live in a state with a voucher or corporate tax credit program funding "school choice," your state's tax dollars are funding the teaching of religious supremacism."

What is amazing is just how hard the GOP-Rightwing works to scare the public and instill fear about the state of our public schools, which they prefer to call "government-run." They say our current system is bad for the students, bad for the country, and awful for our future thus vouchers, charters and tax money for private schools is the answer. All the while they push their narrow religious agenda; one not for the country as a whole, but for their narrow base as described in this story.

The GOP deserves a lot of credit. They have mastered the PR game and quite effectively all the while bashing certain segments of the media - the side that does not favor them and their PR approach.

Sniffing Koch at Florida State University

2011-05-10T12:37:00.007-04:00

The Koch billionaires and FSU

The Koch's are going to change the face of America, one University at a time. They will keep it up until they get what they want ... at least according to this story. The Koch strategy for higher education.

Highlights:

"Charles Koch, the billionaire libertarian who has funded front-groups and lobbying efforts to expand his anti-tax, anti-regulatory agenda under the guise of “free enterprise,” has now widened his reach into another key public policy area: academics. The Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation entered into an agreement with Florida State University in 2008 in which the foundation would provide millions of dollars in funds for the school’s economics department.

"The funds were marked to add multiple faculty positions in the economics department. But the money came with multiple strings attached, including a demand that Koch have the ability to directly approve who ultimately filled the positions. As the St. Petersburg Times reports, the agreement is now raising questions across the board about academic freedom and integrity at public colleges and universities."

Two links to continue the story here and here from this Tampa Bay site:

Both Mad Cheney's Strike Again

2011-05-09T00:25:00.004-04:00

Like Father, Like Daughter - both insane, totally.

Dick Cheney today (and on Mother's day no less) said on FOX news several things including: "... Obama should reinstate water boarding program..." then he added:

"Well, I certainly would advocate it," Cheney replied. "I'd be a strong supporter of it. We went to a lot of trouble to find out what we could do, how far we could go, what was legal and so forth. Out of that emerged what we called enhanced interrogation. It worked. It provided some absolutely vital pieces of intelligence. It was a good program. It was a legal program. It was not torture. I would strongly recommend we continue it."

However, CIA Director Leon Panetta said water boarding is torture but the former Vice President disagreed.

Meanwhile daughter, Liz Cheney said on ABC this Week, in part as seen and heard in this short 5-minute video (click here), in essence, "...water boarding is NOT torture, it was legal, and it worked..."

For a comprehensive look at this issue and detailed information about torture, visit my library blog on the subject here (http://www.halfwaypundit.blogspot.com).

The bottom line: Water boarding is torture; torture is illegal, - and it has been for decades. It is illegal, unlawful, and a war crimes for which we have prosecuted people in the past.

The Cheney's need to be held accountable, thus, I ask, by whom?

I'm doing my part. However, I am not in power and carry zero to no weight on the subject other my detailed knowledge of the subject as a former Marine Corps interrogator for over 10 years, and a DOD intelligence officer after that. So, what do I know, right - compared to the Cheney's?

New GOP: Phoney, Hypocritcal, Overbearing, and Intrusive

2011-05-07T14:20:00.005-04:00

Florida: Standing for "smaller, less-taxing, less-regulated, and better government, right???"

Okee, dokee, then. Let's examine the latest from the Sunshine, or should I say, Sundown State?

Background: We all know how harsh Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and a few other GOP-governed states have become, or are trying to become with their promises of jobs and fixing budgets, erasing deficits, and such. However, all the while they attack unions, teachers, low-income families, seniors, the needy, and women (with harsh health care proposals).

Now, Florida takes the cake in the area of hypocrisy with three new bills highlighted in the chart above and about to be signed into law. (Thanks goes out to Rachel Maddow who presented this information on her recent show in this video clip seen here (about 7 minutes).

These three bills show the focus of the TEA-mad hatter-driven "new" GOP. They completely out of control and bent on changing the face of the country one state and silly social rule at a time. What makes it all so hypocritical is that they profess to stand for less intrusive, smaller, and less-taxing government.

As the video points out, Gov. Rick Scott in FL wants all pregnant women who even think about an abortion will be "forced to get a mandatory ultrasound" test whether they need it or not, or whether their doctor recommends it or not. (Less intrusive government, right)?

People in FL who need temporary state aid or assistance will have to undergo a mandatory drug test whether they are suspected for drug use, or not, and worst of all: they will be forced to pay for the test themselves. (Less mandated government, right)?

The last issue: controlling baggy pant length/rules for schools kids. This item needs only one footnote: Stupid and laughable. (Fewer rules and less government, right)?

The "new" GOP: bent on changing America, one asinine socially-controlled rule at a time. A funny thing (not a ha-ha funny thing), but a funny thing nevertheless is that most "conservatives" will salute and obey these kinds of rules when the GOP instills them, but they raise holy hell when DEMS do - how ironic it that? All the while, professing smaller, less-intrusive government! How bizarre is that?

Women of America: Your 2012 Campaign Poster

2011-05-06T13:54:00.005-04:00

A picture that is worth more than 1,000 words, for sure!!

I love this sign. The story (click here) and the credit for the sign goes to AlterNet.org and their writer Amanda Marcotte.

Lest, We Forget: This brand new GOP now in charge of the House, and after their big win last November when they promised that they would create jobs, jobs, jobs and build a stronger economy if they were given back the reins of power after they lost in 2006, have done everything except create jobs and solve our economic woes.

They did get back the reins of power and boy are they choking us with those reins. They have strayed way off course from day one, and all women in America are worse off.

Every action this bunch has taken has been a direct and frontal assault on all women and their health care - no matter what one's views on abortion may be, their actions have been harsh and raw and constant.

Continue with this fine story at the link. It is worth your time. And, keep the sign's message in mind all next year.

The GOP's Circle the Wagon of Truth

2011-05-01T14:53:00.005-04:00

Making it simple: This circle of life is according Saint Republican and their Bible of Beliefs that sayeth, in part:

"The rich shall inherit the keys to the Kingdom on Earth that Congress shall pass to them all that is good and righteous. They in turn giveth to us in return for more keys to help keep us in power to further make them happy and content for their giving to us."

Or something like that. This circle of trust shall never be broken, sayeth the GOP.

The Truth: Always comes out after the fact

2011-04-28T17:13:00.006-04:00

Former Def Secy Rumsfeld and former Secy of State Rice

This story of Rice unloading on Rummy is a classic case of the truth being hidden from the public about infighting or whatever we choose to call it that greatly impacted the country in time of war.

For the "truth" to come out now does a great disservice to the public. The same public that these two swore an oath to serve faithfully ... they did not take an oath to protect the former president or each other, and then later make millions with their "tell-all" books (after they leave public service).

A worthwhile example from the story: As for the personal digs Rumsfeld made against Rice -- that she was basically unfit for office -- Rice decided to get personal in return by saying:

"First of all, I didn't have modest experience in management. Managing Stanford University is not so easy. But I don't know what Don was trying to say, and it really doesn't matter. Don can be a grumpy guy. We all know that."

Continue reading here - very enlightening to say the least.

Pictures worth $1.353 trillion words

2011-04-27T14:51:00.012-04:00

Click each image for larger view

Kinda hard to top these three, isn't it? Great cartoons but what the GOP has done and now further attempts to do is no laughing matter.

Carrying the biggest burden when the GOP is done

2011-04-25T15:05:00.008-04:00

America: Heading for two classes: Those who carry the load and those who peddle a load.

I'll make this brief and to the point. It is based on the actions that I see and that I perceive from this "new" GOP about what they want for the country:

Anything that is TEA-managed, corporate-backed, anti-Unions, anti-most government, anti-public employees, anti-women's health care, anti-health care for anyone in fact, and anti-most just about everything else.

I saw that photo and thought it would be an excellent logo just in time for 2012 to depict who will carry the load if and when the GOP gets their way. Their way is total control of all three branches of government.

Tell me I am wrong!! Actions are after all, as they say, louder than words.

Issues of great concern: Disloyalty to the Public

2011-04-19T18:37:00.007-04:00

Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) and Florida Rev. Terry Jones

Introduction: Maybe we do need a second Civil War to go with these two stories:

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) reportedly is going to follow the lead of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) by preparing a plan that would allow him to possibly take over municipalities that don't pass a financial stress test. If you haven't followed that story, a good run down appeared on The Rachel Maddow Show (a 8-minute video) regarding the Michigan story and it can be seen here - it is really very good.

Then add this developing story on top that that. It's the latest from the Qu'ran-burning Rev. Jones.

Both make for a pretty sad state of affairs and an ugly direction the country is heading.

Read and judge for yourself.

GOP Kettle for Sniffing Koch

2011-04-16T20:34:00.008-04:00

The billion dollar Koch kettle ...

The story from Alternet.org here - highlights follows:

Billionaire David Koch's key operative, Tim Phillips, is moving to merge the religious right with the TEA "party" movement, and just in time for the 2012 presidential race.

Coincidence or calculation? You be the judge.

This new front is an old front -- Americans for Prosperity -- to wit:

Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a group fronting special interests started by oil billionaire David Koch and Richard Fink (a member of the board of directors of Koch Industries).

AFP has been accused of funding AstroTurf operations but also has been fueling the "Tea Party" efforts. AFP's messages are in sync with those of other groups funded by the Koch Family Foundations and the Koch's other special interest groups that work against progressive or Democratic initiatives and protections for workers and the environment: AFP opposes labor unions, health care reform, stimulus spending, and cap-and-trade legislation, which is aimed at making industries pay for the air pollution that they create.

According to an article in the August 30, 2010 issue of The New Yorker, the Kochs are known for "creating slippery organizations with generic-sounding names," that "make it difficult to ascertain the extent of their influence in Washington."

However, AFP's budget surged from $7 million in 2007 to $40 million in 2010, and 2012 will be worse, far worse. Stay tuned.

America: Chuck it away; no longer needed, or desired??

2011-04-13T14:31:00.006-04:00

America: Give up and throw it all away, or do what ???

From Mr. Obama's economic address today (April 13, 2011) -- the parts I like and took away:

One view, that most of the GOP holds says:

* "We can't afford to be Americans any longer."

* "We must fundamentally change the way we live to solve our economic problems."

* "We don't want to look back and see what caused this mess."

We are arguing about taking a meat axe to only 12% of our total spending as if they were the main cause -- they are not.

The best statement that should stick with anyone concerned about giving more tax breaks to the top 1-3 percent at the expense of all others is this from Mr. Obama: "I don't want 33 seniors to have to pay $6,000 more in health care in order for me or others like me to get a $200,000 tax cut."

Waiting for and hearing the GOP response will be enlightening ... to say the least.

Education in America: On the ropes...

2011-04-10T15:08:00.005-04:00

Cartoon Credit: Mike Keefe - the Denver POST (4-6-2011)

With the sustained attacks by the congressional GOP and GOP-run states on teachers and their Unions, as well as a good number of other Unions (e.g., public employees) amount to attacks on the very fabric of the country: the middle-class workers. It is reaching a critical tipping point in my view.

From time-to-time a political cartoon will catch that moment in a very succinct way. Mike Keefe at the Denver POST captures that moment in his cartoon.

We can and we must get out of this fiscal and economic mess; that is for sure. But, the GOP's method and road map is totally off track.

Great nations do not back down when pressed against the ropes or waiting to solve the next challenge or the next fight. We have not in the past, and must not now. To do so, would erase our greatness. That must never happen.

New College Grading System in Arizona

2011-04-08T20:19:00.013-04:00

The story comes from Arizona (click here).

My assessment of the new grading system for AZ college students:

A = automatic.

B = banana clip.

C = cartridge belt.

D = draw and shoot.

E = empty.

F = failure is an option.

Inc =(not Incomplete), now Incoherent.

W = WIA - Wounded in Arizona.

Further, I cannot tell you how insane this is ... imagine a disgruntled student who just broke up with his girlfriend showing up in class and buddies start to heckle him. Or how about a student who is hung over from the night before, or a student pissed at the professor about a recent C-grade, or a student who is high on drugs who shows up for class. Imagine the firepower?

Milk with your TEA. One lump or two.

2011-04-07T12:06:00.008-04:00

"One lump or two?"

The so-called TEA "party" which is not a "party" at all but stray elements of the radical, ultra rightwing conservative Republican branch of the silly tree -- they are the ones calling all the shots. All mainstream or moderate Republicans are running scared and need not apply in the future -- no more room for them.

This power play and nastiness is about staying in office and keeping power, then paying to gain the Senate and White House in 2012 -- and not much else -- and then on to a total redesign of America that fits their twisted agenda. That is all that matters to those hatters.

The country and our structure are last on their list despite their rhetoric otherwise. Problem solving; perhaps, but not on the TEA watch, and not as long as the TEA and Koch (coke) holds out.

Cocaine smugglers and Wachovia bank

2011-04-04T15:52:00.006-04:00

Wachovia in Spanish, I guess, means huge drug profits (for looking the other)? Si señor, eso es verdad. Story is here.

Highlights that should set your hair on fire as they say:

[snip] "... the major banks in the United States have gone from serving as the main bulwarks of credit and entrepreneurial pluck to the moral equivalent of a James Bond villain. There were, for instance, the jaw-dropping mortgage frauds detailed in a "60 Minutes" just last night. There was last week's report on a group of Citibank-affiliated debt collectors actually killing a customer in Indonesia in a dispute over a credit card bill. And there's the long-running but demoralizing story of the unjustified efforts of large banks to foreclose on active-duty soldiers.

"Now comes this: Wachovia Bank -- which merged with the West Coast banking giant Wells Fargo in 2009, in one of the many industry moves sparked by the 2008 mortgage meltdown -- seemingly looked the other way while some of the world's biggest drug lords funneled billions through the bank's holdings."

The next time anyone wants to support a bank bailout, ask them to put this story in their mind.

Keep reading at the link.

GE: Tax expert, par excellence

2011-03-26T17:36:00.014-04:00

GE: Money in the bank without all the tax problems !!

President Obama and GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt

Another Update (March 29, 2011): These updates about GE just keep getting worse... the absolute lowest, arrogant and pathetic yet (but, I'm sure more is coming). Read about this update here. The highlight: After not paying any taxes and making huge profits, ThinkProgress has learned that General Electric is expected to ask its nearly 15,000 unionized employees in the United States to make major concessions.

Update (March 28, 2011): Jeffrey R. Immelt, the chairman and chief executive of General Electric Co. tapped by President Barack Obama as his next top outside economic adviser, will be asked to guide the White House as it attempts to jump-start lackluster job creation and spur a muddled recovery. Immelt's firm stands as Exhibit A of a successful and profitable corporate America standing at the forefront of the recovery. It also represents the archetypal company that's hoarding cash, sending jobs overseas, relying on taxpayer bailouts, and paying less taxes than envisioned (next story below). The original story, below, should as Richard Clarke said about the terrorist chatter before 9/11, "Set your hair on fire."

Introduction from here (AlterNet.org). "General Electric, the nation’s largest corporation, had a very good year in 2010. The company reported worldwide profits of $14.2 billion, and said $5.1 billion of the total came from its operations in the United States. Its American tax bill? None. In fact, G.E. claimed a tax benefit of $3.2 billion. Its extraordinary success is based on an aggressive strategy that mixes fierce lobbying for tax breaks and innovative accounting that enables it to concentrate its profits offshore. GE’s giant tax department, led by a bow-tied former Treasury official named John Samuels, is often referred to as the world’s best tax law firm ... The team includes former officials not just from the Treasury, but also from the I.R.S. and virtually all the tax-writing committees in Congress." So, who says friends in high places doesn't pay off? Then add misery to that misery with the GOP proposing more and more lower corporate taxes (to the lowest level in our history) and what will that produce -- more jobs? Not likely.

Continue reading the story at this link.

Koch Brothers: Billionaire-led American Oligarchy

2011-03-24T22:25:00.009-04:00

What they are worth, collectively: $44 billion

Where they spread their wealth: As politically far "right" as possible

Where their money goes, and their plans for the 2012 election cycle

Background data can been seen in this video (from MSNBC.MSN.COM)

If there were ever an American power group behind the scenes with tons of money and influence it would be the Koch brothers. Just ask Sen. Scott Brown (R-MD) who knows very well the game as we see in this very short video clip showing him asking David Kock for more "support" read: money).

FYI: Koch's father, Fred Koch, founded Koch Industries from money he made working for the Bolsheviks, under Josef Stalin in the late 1920s and early 1930s building refineries, training Communist engineers, and laying down the foundation of Soviet oil infrastructure. Father Fred Koch also was a co-founder of the John Birch Society - how ironic is that?

FYI: David Koch as we also know was the subject of the "fake phone" call to Gov. Scott Walker (R) in Wisconsin. During that 20-minute call we learned exactly how the game is played.

These two are worth watching - very closely.

Tax Cuts Create Jobs: The Myth

2011-03-18T02:06:00.004-04:00

Presidents from Harry S Truman to George W. Bush: A picture worth millions of jobs ...

The Myth Continues (story from here): Rep. Dave Camp (R-MI), the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said he hopes to cut the tax rate for the richest individuals and corporations to 25 percent to help spur job growth. You will note that this is the standard GOP mantra - give tax breaks to the top and they will give create jobs for the bottom of the rung in exchange.

Facts presented in this story show that the two Bush tax cuts (2001 and 2003) resulted in the figures shown above: 3 million jobs in 8 years.

Bill Clinton, on the other hand, raised taxes on the top, and the net result in his 8 years was over 23 million jobs.

There is a message in there somewhere if people will open their eyes and see. Businesses and big corporations are sitting on nearly $2 trillion in profits today, even after the disaster of 2008 nearly melted down the entire economic structure. Yet, Republicans refuse to acknowledge the facts.

So, here we are again in 2011: same message of cut taxes and they will create jobs. If that were true, where are the jobs that were to have followed the two Bush tax cuts?

America: Are You Listening

2011-03-17T10:48:00.000-04:00

One loud, clear message that should be the battle cry...

These supporting stories paint the picture about the GOP-rightwing-TEA attacks on middle-class America with one goal in mind: business only, GOP only and no one else.

Mainstreet Voices

Huckabee is flat out wrong

John "Read My Lips" Boehner - "We're going to cut spending."

Boehner: "... if some of those Fed jobs are cut, So be it, we're broke."

List of Republicans calling for a Federal government shutdown.

So, what is your next move?

Balance of Power: Cairo, Egypt, or Madison, Wisconsin

2011-02-19T19:24:00.005-05:00

Top 5 campaign contributors in 2008 (only two Unions)

Top 10 campaign contributors in 2010 (post-Citizens United ruling) (only three Unions) vs. all others (top seven all GOP-Rightwing groups)

The visual of this story can been seen here in this excellent 14-minute video . . .

The evidence presented is compelling: shut down Unions, disband Unions, and then open the door for one government only (run by the GOP for their benefactors).

That must never happen. This is America, not Iran, or North Korea.

The Supreme Court, Corporations, the Rest of Us

2011-02-15T15:13:00.001-05:00

Update (February 15, 2011): Justice Thomas and perhaps Justice Scalia are being challenged on their participation in the Citizens United v. the FEC ruling as stated below. Some say they should have recused themselves due to their link with the billionaire Koch (coke) brothers, who have ultra-strong ultra-conservative views the the money behind it to prove it - which is the heart of the 5-4 ruling.

Here is recent coverage of this developing story. Run the videos, please (short clip here) and (here).

The basic story comes from the NY Times (here). This is a big story, or at least it should be. That story is based on an inquiry by Common Cause (seen here). Stay tuned.

Most Americans feel like the guy the left against those on the right, propped up by those in the middle. So what are the odds against us? I'd have to say 5 to 4 ...

Headline of this story: The first anniversary of Citizens United v. the FEC (5-4) decision: Already Hundreds of Millions in Corporate Money Pouring into Elections -

Highlights: "After the January 2010 decision, many in the media reported that corporations may be skittish about fully exploiting Citizens United's political windfall, but that proved premature. Millions of dollars began flooding into existing electioneering like Americans for Prosperity, backed by benefactors like the Koch brothers and North Carolina retail magnate Art Pope. New groups like Karl Rove's American Crossroads and American Crossroads GPS were quickly erected to funnel tens of millions of dollars into key congressional races."

Effective or not? Let's take a look. Four key points from this Public Citizens report [click here]:

— Outside groups are making record expenditures (more than four times as much spent in the 2010 midterm election cycle as in the last midterm election cycle in 2006)

— Congressional staffs and lawmakers are intimidated by corporate lobbyists like never before

— Laws designed to protect the political system from the corrupting influence of money have been rendered dead in 24 states

— Power has shifted in dozens of congressional seats in races won with the help of undisclosed outside money

Still there are many those who falsely say, "It's just good access to our government." Okay, I'm all for access to government, but easy access for whom?

Look at it this way: Suppose you contribute the maxium allowed for individuals ($2,400). Then you see where a giant Corporation or some billionaire "donates" $100,000, or more. Then you try and place a call to your Representative or Senator at the same time the giant Corporation or billionaire does. Who do you think will get their phone call accepted?

Finally this little tidbit: As Public Citizen notes, the cloak of secrecy surrounding corporate campaign spending goes against the Supreme Court thinking behind Citizens United, which was that massive corporate spending was acceptable as long as the public knew about it, or as Justice Anthony Kennedy in his opinion for the majority writes in part (and was based in part on the assumption that any dangers posed by the new flood of corporate spending in elections would be mitigated by disclosure) this:

"This transparency enables the electorate to make informed decisions and give proper weight to different speakers and messages."

I have three words about that transparency falsehood: "What a Crock."

So, does it matter? Should it matter? Will it matter? 5-4 says nope. But, they are flat out wrong and time will prove me correct (and hopefully you, too).

Birds of a Feather Flock Together...

2011-02-12T12:51:00.002-05:00

Chamber of Commerce's Tom Donohue and the Vultures: Not much diff . . .

Two stories: One is Chamber-related [here] and one is big business-Vulture-Chamber-related [here].

Highlights:

General Business-related: "The ruins of the American economy represent a massive crime scene. Wall Street built a house of cards on fraud and misrepresentation, it crashed, and Americans' aggregate net worth is now more than $12 trillion off of its peak. Unemployment remains sky-high and the prospects for a robust recovery anytime soon are dim."

Chamber-related: "ThinkProgress.org has learned that a law firm representing the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the big business trade association representing ExxonMobil, AIG, and other major international corporations, is working with set of “private security” companies and lobbying firms to undermine their political opponents, including ThinkProgress, with a surreptitious sabotage campaign."

Then add in some more facts like JPMorgan-Chase cheating over 4,500 military families on their mortgage deals, and then, well ... a nasty, ugly picture stares us squarely in the face and asks this question:

"Who does big business really stand with and what do they stand for if not the country they say they love and cherish?"

"The bottom line," sayeth the Vultures (better seen here).

Donald "McNamara" Rumsfeld - incompetent and war criminal

2011-02-07T13:26:00.004-05:00

Only thing missing for this man is an "Orange" jumpsuit.

After 4 years of silence - the truth, well ... sort of at least.

Donald H. "McNamara" Rumsfeld tells the truth after the fact. He speaks out after all the dead have been buried and as the suffering prevails.

STORY EXTRACT: More than four years after leaving public life, former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld continues to believe the war in Iraq was worth the effort. He has no apologies for his decision-making in leading the campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.

In an exclusive interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer, Rumsfeld concedes that "it's possible" that decisions on how many troops to send into Iraq marked the biggest mistake of the war. "In a war, many things cost lives," he told Sawyer.

Yes, that is true, but your lousy decisions should not have been part of the deal, Mr. Rumsfeld . . . you should be tried, convicted, and hanged.

Yes, these are strong, harsh words on my part. So were the actions and decisions of Rumsfeld that helped get us to where we are today. In that cesspool we call "success" in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I stand by my sentiments about Rumsfeld just like I stand by my sentiments about the lousy decisions of Robert Strange McNamara during Vietnam that cost so many lives unnecessarily.

Dufus does as Dufus is, or Vice Versa ...

2011-02-04T10:32:00.005-05:00

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)

Story from Politico.com [here].

Paul is not only out of touch, but I'd argue out of his mind (assumes he has a mind to be out of in the first place)...

Highlights:

[snip] ... Paul isn’t sure that congressional Republicans have the guts to make the big budget cuts they’ve promised and, he says members of the (TEA) movement are becoming frustrated.

[snip] ... “I go to a tea party and you know what they say to me? ‘It’s not enough. It’s not enough. Where’s the other trillion you need?’”

Then he offers his own budget plan that would cut spending by $500 billion this year, including an end to all foreign aid and a dramatic reduction to the U.S. Department of Education’s budget.

SWAG: Old failed rabid rightwing issues ... scream about Education and our place in the world and then propose cutting education!! Rand Paul: Is he stupid, or does he just look stupid?

GOP Happy Feet Dance

2011-02-01T17:35:00.004-05:00

Dance of the hypocrites...

The story from here - highlights: Today is a happy day for many GOP freshmen Congressmen. Why? Because as of today, their government-subsidized health care is in effect. And that health care plan is robust.

For starters:

1. No one can be excluded or penalized for pre-existing conditions, regardless of age.

2. Dependents are covered up to age 26, whether they're students or not, and even if they have a pre-existing condition.

But wait, there's more (read more):

Yet, they want to repeal it for you and your family. Is this what the election was about? I guess so.

Stay tuned.

FBI Abuses: So what attitude now kicks in ...

2011-01-30T18:53:00.003-05:00

FBI: Once a well-respected, time-honored group of "G-men." Now pretty much disgraced!!

The story from here - Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

Introduction and Highlights: As we prepare to once again extend the Patriot Act, a new report from a privacy watchdog (items next below) indicates that the FBI's use of the law and other surveillance powers may have led to as many as 40,000 violations of the law by the bureau in the years since 9/11 [from RawStory.com here].

1. In a review of nearly 2,500 pages of documents released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a result of litigation under the Freedom of Information Act, EFF uncovered alarming trends in the Bureau’s intelligence investigation practices.

Number of Violations Committed by the FBI

* From 2001 to 2008, the FBI reported to the IOB (Intelligence Oversight Board) approximately 800 violations of laws, Executive Orders, or other regulations governing intelligence investigations, although this number likely significantly under-represents the number of violations that actually occurred.

* From 2001 to 2008, the FBI investigated, at minimum, 7000 potential violations of laws, Executive Orders, or other regulations governing intelligence investigations.

* Based on the proportion of violations reported to the IOB and the FBI’s own statements regarding the number of NSL violations that occurred, the actual number of violations that may have occurred from 2001 to 2008 could approach 40,000 possible violations of law, Executive Order, or other regulations governing intelligence investigations.

Continue reading (here).

Yes, my friends, 9/11 did change everything - for the worse, or so it appears. I will continue to track and update this story from here. Stop by later.

CBO - love 'em or leave 'em sometimes says the GOP

2011-01-06T22:05:00.003-05:00

Inspector John Boehner following CBO's numbers (sometimes)...

Boehner likes CBO numbers, when they suit his agenda - otherwise, he hates their guts.

The Obama health care bill or as the GOP likes to call it "Obamacare" is on the chopping block headed for a repeal or don't fund it vote soon in the all-GOP controlled House. They say it's a "job killer." Here's what the CBO said in March 2011, just before the final bill was passed:

"The non-partisan CBO said in its updated assessment that the Senate bill would cost 875 billion dollars over 10 years and reduce projected budget deficits by 118 billion dollars."

Now, the CBO has made new revised numbers that Mr. Boehner hates. The CBO director said this today in his blog:

"Because CBO and JCT estimated that the March 2010 health care legislation would reduce budget deficits over the 2010–2019 period and in subsequent years, we expect that repealing that legislation would increase budget deficits."

The GOP is very concerned about the debt and deficit spending except, it seems, when they run up the debt and deficit ceilings.

What's a good phrase for that? Um ... oh, yeah, hypocritical partisan tactics to fit the moment.

Corporations Flush: Issa seeks their help to make more for them

2011-01-04T21:53:00.004-05:00

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) - shameful, yet he remains shameless - in the making.

Update (January 4, 2011): This update follows the original story below.

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), seen in this short video has asked over 150 big businesses to help him ID nasty regulations and stuff that cost them jobs and thus profits, and to respond by January 10, 2011. He intends to help them help him erase the nasty laws that prevented them from making more than the $1.66 trillion they already made and are sitting on and didn't use to create jobs - to make more!!

The original story is here and parts are below:

[snip] " ... American businesses saw profits at an annualized pace of $1.66 trillion between July and September 2010 ...

[snip] " ... the wholly expected news that the economy grew faster than an initially reported 2 percent annual rate, reaching a still modest 2.5 percent.

[snip] "... none of this has translated into the sort of job growth that will be required to cut into an unemployment rate stuck at 9.6 percent. Worse, there is little reason to suspect it will anytime soon."

[snip] " ... we have been hearing for so long now (from the GOP) that, once companies start making real money, they will feel the urge to expand. Then, they will hire lots of people, and we can stop worrying and resume shopping. Yet so far -- this most recent quarter included -- all we have gotten is an extended lesson in the modern workings of a stubbornly lean job market and a display of what now stands as American management's core competency: How to rack up profits and reward shareholders while keeping the cubicles empty."

Yet, the GOP now wants to further reward the top 2-3% with more tax breaks (the Bush tax cuts) so they can do what, pray tell: Enjoy more profits at the expense of those millions still unemployed.

Lest, We Forget: GOP opposition background can be seen in this short video because it reminds us of their hypocrisy. Put your waders on.

Caution: the GOP "stuff" is getting pretty deep.

Corporate "Tax Holiday" vs. Your Tax "Holiday"

2011-01-01T18:05:00.004-05:00

One aspect of the Bush tax cuts for Corporations back in 2004 was what they called a "tax holiday" - - they promised in return for a lower tax rate (from 35 percent to what they actually paid: 5.25 percent) was to create more jobs at home.

The net loss was not only billions from Corporate taxes into the Federal kitty, but a loss of some 7 million jobs after that 2004 "tax holiday." So, when was the last time you got a tax holiday?

This story comes from this very-informative clip [seen here].

Social Security: Firmly under attack by the GOP

2010-12-15T23:08:00.004-05:00

Another 75 years of faithful public service, or raided and given to Wall Street by the GOP??

How good is Social Security?

1. For almost one in five (19%) of social security recipients, social security is their sole source of income.

2. For 30% of social security recipients, social security accounts for 90% of their retirement income.

3. More than half (56%) of those on social security rely on social security for more than half of their income.

Source: Social Security Administration

The Threat:

The Obama-GOP “tax cut deal” knocks 2 percentage points off the payroll contributions to Social Security that some 155 million workers in 2011 would normally have to pay 6.2 percent (their share). That lowers it 4.2 percent for all workers for one-year to give them a “tax break.” Their employers would continue to pay their full share of 6.2 percent. Overall though, the amount that would have normally have gone into the trust fund would be reduced by 2 percent for that year – that equals about $120 billion – keep that number in mind.

After one-year, the Federal government (not the states) would have to re-deposit that $120 billion back into the the Social Security Trust Fund to make it whole and to make sure that the previous tax holiday (one-year tax break) does not add to the program’s long-term deficit. This about to become a bone of contention – keep that bone of contention in mind.

As stated, the Federal government would have to repay the Social Security trust fund the the $120 billion in lost tax receipts – yes, money that otherwise would have been there for the entire year of 2011. Now, however, many experts and members of Congress, including some Republicans, say the GOP would be likely to try and make that 2 percentage-point cut permanent.

That is more likely as we move into the 2012 presidential election cycle: They would call it “a tax increase, and that will add to the deficit.” See the madness in their so-called logic of this “tax cut” deal for worker? Keep that in mind, too.

If the GOP were to succeed with that thinking, and you can bet they will pull out all the stops in their Ad campaigns with TEA protesters galore.

Then the hope is that the GOP will add to their numbers in Congress thus fulfilling their long term goal: kill Social Security or at least privatize it. GOP leaders will fight against continuing to pay that $120 billion back to the trust fund, instead not fund it and just let it die a slow death by not being fully funded and making people consider alternatives – as they blame the DEMS along the way. An excellent plan.

Keep that in mind (for them), but not for retirees or near-retirees.What would we see would be the doubling of the program’s long-term funding shortfall – an amount that is currently manageable, and would be unmanageable with the replacement of that $120 billion. Were that to happen, which is very likely, then the GOP would realize a long held “self-fulfilling prophecy” – fixing or funding the program is unsustainable, so get if off the government’s back. Privatize it.

The use of the word hoax that Alf Landon called it in 1936 would be realized. One would have to assume he rolled over in his grave and is now laughing up this sleeve as he says, “See, I told you so.”

THAT MUST NEVER EVER HAPPEN. The DEMS had better stiffen their collective spine on this one . . . the GOP is coming and it's not pretty.

We, the People: Oh, really??

2010-12-11T15:36:00.000-05:00

FOX and FUNDS: The proverbial Fox in the People's House

The GOP is poised to take over the House by a very wide margin (62 seats at last count).

The DEMS hold a slim margin in the Senate, but the outdated 60-vote rule assures stalemate.

Thus far, the GOP is claiming that they want to get things done for "the American people, our kids and grand kids," yada, yada, yap, yap, etc. and other catchy soundbytes.

But, GOP Senate Minority "leader," (where the minority rules), Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) is on the record as saying his priority is to, "Ensure that Barack Obama is a one-term president."

That comes after repealing health care, cancelling, or rescinding everything Obama has accomplished since Jan 20, 2009, and pretty much doing nothing for the country as a whole. So, hang on tight!!

As this blogger, I will be carefully monitoring the GOP's every move and vote and sound byte.

Two different Bears meet for the first time ...

2010-11-13T19:41:00.004-05:00

Average Bear meets TEA Bear - encore!!

First, Average bear meets TEA bear and is he is told what being a "tea partier" means (as if we didn't already know).

In the second clip, Average bear explains what Quantitative Easing means (heads can start to spin now), or in layman's terms: What is the role of the Fed in setting monetary policy for the country (whew, now we all know - I think??) .

Thanks bear. This is really good stuff.

"CEO Pay: Raping American Taxpayers..."

2009-10-15T13:41:00.009-04:00

Corporations in a bind: No problem. Uncle Sam has plenty to fork over. Just ask - whatever you need. CEO bonuses - no problem - we'll look the other way. Keep a lock on any public health care option? Also, no problem - we'll pass on that.

Watch this short video segment from the COUNTDOWN show hosted by Keith Olbermann. His special guest was Dr. Mehmet Oz discussing "free clinics." Then, I ask all elected officials, tell us why we should not have a public health care option to compete with the insurance giants.

Congress has a sworn duty to serve the people - the public - but if health care reform passes without a public option, then they will have failed in that duty, and nothing will have changed.

DANZ VIEW: Any final health care reform bill must include a public option:

(1) to cover those currently without any insurance, (2) to cover those who are under insured (limited for various reasons), (3) to cover those who have health pre-conditions and cannot get any coverage no matter what the cost or if they have the ability to pay or not, and (4) it must guarantee that once you are covered, you will never lose that coverage even if you move, lose your job, or get very sick, if the premiums are paid (poor or low-income will have all or part of their premiums paid by the government).

Any final bill must NOT simply benefit the insurance giants who are in a position to reap billions and billions from the government in the form of new subsidies to help cover everyone who right now has no insurance but will be mandated to get coverage (with or without government help). To do so, would defeat the purpose of any reform regarding full coverage at lower rates and at reduced overall costs.

A public option (that is: a choice for people to choose between a government offered plan or the traditional private insurance plan – regardless, the person chooses, not the government or the private company) serves the public and breaks the failed status quo.

It is the only way to insure and keep costs down and have full coverage. Unless government is willing to mandate price controls, reform will not happen.

Heavily-funded special interests and their millions are already at work setting up roadblocks and helping write amendments with help from most of the GOP and many conservative Democrats. Those members of government have one interest in mind and that is their reelection with insurance PAC money. They are not concerned about reform except that which favors them and the favors they give in return for money to stay in office from their benefactors: The insurance giants.

SWAG: I can't add anything to that.

"Audacious Taliban spreading in Pakistan ..."

2009-10-14T00:06:00.008-04:00

Frontier Justice

— Taliban style: Photo gallery from the story are here. They are from AFP/AP/Getty and Reuters. The one above shows the Pakistani Taliban, during an execution in April, beating a kidnapper they had already shot to death.

In several other locations, the militant groups have ordered judges to stay away, telling local resident to bring all their disputes to them (the Taliban - only they can protect the people - and only they should be trusted).

DANZ VIEW: This has been a huge fear all along: The Taliban and/or al-Qaeda working in conjunction to shift the focus from Iraq to Afghanistan (keeping the U.S. and allies on the move all over the place) as they gear up for the big prize: Pakistan and their nuclear stockpile ... some 80 nuclear warheads.

SWAG: I agree ... and keep in mind: it only takes one nuke to do the nasty deed. The situation in Pakistan is not pretty. By any military measurement tool, definition, or standard, we are not winning. This is bad.

Analysis from TIME is here.

"What are we fighting for? Part II ..."

2009-10-09T16:57:00.011-04:00

[click to enlarge photo]

Latest suicide bombing in Pakistan (49 killed, 100 wounded). US and NATO troop strength in nearby Afghanistan. How some Pakistanis view the US.

So, whom are we fighting (also see next post below) and what are we fighting for? Our security? Afghanistan's security? Pakistan's security? Iraq's security? Hold off Iran? Hunt down al-Qaeda (again)?

We went into Afghanistan to kick out the Taliban and get al-Qaeda (the ones responsible for 9/11) ... but then we invaded Iraq on a pack of lies and now we're back in Afghanistan with an eye on beefing up our troop strength there and doing what long term?

"Afghanistan: So, who are we fighting????"

2009-10-07T13:11:00.005-04:00

Marines returning to their "base camp" after a long patrol in Afghanistan.

The questions of the day? "How much longer are going to stay there? What is the goal, the mission, the aim?" and "Who are we fighting against, really?"

This got me to thinking (from The Nation.com) - this comment from the president's national security adviser, retired Marine Corps General James Jones, on the Sunday shows, said re: The size of the terrorist threat in Afghanistan (namely al-Qaeda:

"The Al Qaeda presence is very diminished. The maximum estimate is less than 100 operating in the country, no bases, no ability to launch attacks on either us or our allies."

Whoa ! Wait a minute! Less than 100! Wasn't al-Qaeda the original mission/target? Now, Gen. McChrystal wants 40,000 more troops to hunt down less than 100 al-Qaeda fighters? What are we missing here?

The story continues this way in helping answer the "why."

"Because of the blind belief, in the minds of those like John McCain, determined to "win" in Afghanistan, that if we don't escalate, al-Qaeda will inevitably come back. It's not like Al Qaeda is an evil weed indigenous to Afghanistan and dependent on its climate and soil for survival. Its members were foreign imports in the first place, recruited by our CIA to fight the Soviets because there were evidently not enough locals to do the job. After all, US officials first forged the alliance between the foreign fighters and the Afghan Mujaheddin, who morphed into the Taliban, and we should not be surprised that that tenuous alliance ended. The Taliban and other insurgents are preoccupied with the future of Afghanistan, while the Arab fighters couldn't care less and have moved on to more hospitable climes." [click here to the read the rest of the story].

DANZ VIEW: If we send more troops and then say in a few months or year, we haven't "won," what then? The tunnel still has no light at the end, so we keep plugging away and adding to the troop "buildup?" That sounds like 1965 all over to me (I know, I was part of that buildup. I know it very well. Then I went back for a second tour in 1968-69 while we were still building).

McChrystal says we have to "win the hearts and minds of the people." Boy, does that sound familiar to this old combat Marine (Vietnam redux). If that were true, then why didn't the North Vietnamese win the hearts and minds of the South Vietnamese thus precluding our intervention and saving 58,000 American lives?

SWAG: I can't add anything to that except to say it reminds me of the 1987 Kevin Costner movie, "No Way Out."