Scarborough Co-Hosts Anti-American?

Hello Bloggers - Did you guys see the way that A-HOLE Joe Scarborough made a fool of himself on MSNBC this morning?! It was outrageous - I'll look for it on YouTube. He made a complete ass of himself this morning by accusing his co-hosts of being anti-American and anti-Texan. The really sad part was that he wasn't joking - if he was, you couldn't tell. He actually looked offended.

It happened when the Morning Joe program came out of a commercial early this morning when they showed a shot of the Dallas skyline. Mike, Willy and Mika (the "liberal/progressive" co-hosts) were trying to figure out the significance of the Dallas skyline shot. They quickly concluded that it had something to do with a baseball game.

Joe "the deaf and dumb" Scarborough, sitting in another studio somewhere with what must have been a bad audio connection, starting accusing them of being anti-American for mocking the idea of showing a picture of Dallas. He simply jumped to the conclusion they were mocking America and Texas. The weird part is they never said anything of the sort. It was very strange to watch.

He didn't seem to be kidding. He seemed to be kind of angry. It was so weird to watch him accuse his co-hosts, and his countrymen, of hating America - right there on national TV. The others just sat there in shock for a moment. Then Willy Geist responded by saying that he didn't need his patriotism questioned "by the likes of you." I thought that was pretty cool. Mike and Mika just sat there stunned. They quickly cut away to another shot in another studio.

I'm not a regular viewer, but I will say that I was extremely offended by Joe's remarks. It was embarrassing and rude. I hope to never watch the a-hole again. The man comes across as a reactionary moron. He should be suspended, or maybe fired. Who needs that crap? We the viewers certainly don't. I guess MSNBC does for ratings, but they should think twice on this one.

I don't care if he's controversial and represents a segment of society - it's a very UGLY SEGMENT OF SOCIETY to the majority of Americans. To me, the guy represents what's wrong with the right today. In my opinion they're harboring deep anger towards us on the left. That little scene showed the real Joe - and they way people like him think.

In my opinion there are too many hot-headed Republicans out there screaming about progressives being anti-American these days. I don't know about you guys, but I'm tired of having my patriotism questioned - like Willy Geist. Who the hell do they think they are? I don't want to hear any more of their crap! He and his ilk are all a bunch of intolerant twits! I only hope he pays a price for his stupidity.

Btw, on a similar note, let's add one more psycho story to the list of Republican psycho stories. In addition to the developing list of red state calls for succession these days, we now have Congressman Nathan Deal, a Republican candidate for governor of Georgia, proposing to change the long-standing federal policy that automatically grants citizenship to any baby born on U.S. soil. Of course, it's pretty much opposed by immigrant rights advocates.

Deal and his supporters say the 14th Amendment wording was never meant to automatically give citizenship to babies born to illegal immigrants. "This is a sensible, overdue measure that closes a clause that was never meant to be a loophole," said Bob Dane, spokesman for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, which seeks tighter immigration restrictions.

Under Deal's proposal, babies born in the U.S. would automatically have citizenship only if at least one of their parents is a U.S. citizen or national, a legal permanent resident of the U.S., or actively serving in the U.S. military.

I wonder how the Hispanic community will react to the Republican Party after hearing that little tidbit? I'll leave it to the courts to decide, but I do think it's fascinating to watch the Republicans constantly shooting themselves in their electoral foot.

Wow, think about it, if they add that campaign to a serious one against Supreme Court Nominee Sonia SotaMayor, they may as well go all the way. They should just start slurring the Holy Mother, wear cheap sombreros and sing tasteless Latin music. That might attract even better publicity. LOL!!

Tuesday's Political Rant - Michael

Real Life Guts and Common Sense

Good Morning Bloggers! Jonathan Turley on MSNBC this morning said that President Barack Obama's new choice for the Supreme Court, New York jurist Sonia Sotomayor, is considered an "intellectual lightweight" by most "intellectual court observers." I don't know what to say about that point, but I will say that I was struck by the speeches this morning.

Her story is the quintessential American story, and it begs the question whether having a little more humanity on the court is more important right now than one more brilliant jurist. President Obama obviously thinks so, and he's an excellent legal scholar. I think I'll go with his expertise and ignore the talking-heads for now. It seems like a good choice to me.

The idea of our first Hispanic justice is also very exciting. Her "common touch and a sense of compassion" seem like excellent qualities for a person who is meant to judge our laws and our lives. Republicans may not understand the emotion, but I agree with the president - empathy is a very good quality when it comes to judging others. So far, I'm a big fan of the 54-year-old Sotomayor. I guess we'll all have to wait and see how it unfolds over the summer. For now, I'm very happy! I'll write more about it later.

Tuesday's Political Rave - Michael

We Honor and Remember the Fallen

Hello Bloggers! I remembered a piece I wrote last year that was very much in keeping with Memorial Day, so I thought you might like to see it - click here if you wish to read it. It's all about Remembrance Day and World War I, but it's still meant to honor the fallen. I hope you enjoy it.

We honor and remember them all on this Memorial Day - Michael

PS - I also recommend this video if you have the time.

Democrats Failing Health Care Reform

Happy Memorial Day Bloggers! I hope we all honor the spirit of the holiday today and dedicate a moment of silence to remember the men and women who gave so much to keep us free. I would also like to pay special tribute to the members of my own family who fought in wars and who served during peace time.

It may not be an exciting topic, but it's important to each and every one of us. We need to discuss the lack of debate in Congress about America's broken health care system.

I wish I could say that it was the usual scenario where Republicans fight to maintain a bloated and broken system while Democrats ride to the rescue, but unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case. It seems President Obama, the man we voted into office to reform our broken system, is allowing Congress to set most of his agenda. Unfortunately for all of us, very little reform seems to be on that agenda.

It's all being controlled by a very corrupt Democrat who has no interest in real reform. It is Senator Max Baucus of Montana, and he is doing everything he can to thwart actual reform. Senator Baucus and the Senate Finance Committee have been corrupted by corporate health industry profiteers, and their donations are now standing in the way of us getting the kind of health care reform we need.

To demonstrate just how important reform is, you need to consider that health care represents 15% of the U.S. gross domestic product - a very important money-making industry to America's money-changers. Health care costs rise rapidly every year, surpassing $2.4 trillion in 2007 - more than three times the $714 billion spent in 1990. The cost of health care is projected to reach $4.4 trillion by 2018. It's an extreme for-profit industry that most Americans cannot avoid.

Those figures are terrifying when you consider the risk to average Americans trying to earn a living - or businesses trying to cover employees. They point to incredible waste and profiteering where none should exist. I don't care how Republicans spin it, corporate health care profiteering is the biggest drain on both Americans and the American economy.

We are one of the few countries in the world that support extreme profiteering when it comes to health care - something many other countries and cultures find unethical and immoral.

The health care industry has invested heavily in Max Baucus and his friends who sit on the Senate Finance Committee. The reform that we voted for under President Obama is being perverted by the Senate Finance Committee.

They won't even allow any talk about a single-payer health care system, which is the only reform that would take the "profiteering" out of today's for-profit health care system.

The only bill being considered today is a pro-industry bill that will ensure trillions in profits for the health insurance industry, HMO’s and pharmaceutical industry. It isn't what we voted for, and President Obama isn't doing enough to deliver the reforms that he promised. A matter of fact, the White House is a little too quiet about the controversy, and so is the corporate media. It's all a little too coincidental in my opinion.

Baucus has held only two hearings (not enough) so far and has refused to allow advocates for the most popular reform – a single payer national health policy – to even testify.

Single payer, improved Medicare for all, is favored by more than 60% of Americans as well as majorities of doctors, nurses and economists. It's what Barack Obama campaigned on and what most Americans voted for. It is the most cost-effective and efficient way to provide health care to all Americans from cradle to grave, and it's BEING IGNORED! If you would like to learn more about it, or sign-up to help, visit SinglePayerAction.org. It's worth it!

According to Consumer Watchdog, Senator Baucus alone has received more campaign contributions from the health insurance and pharmaceutical corporations than any other current Democratic member of the House or Senate. The man is bought-and-paid-for! He's no better than a lousy Republican! According to their report, Senator Baucus received $183,750 from health insurance companies and $229,020 from drug companies in the last two election cycles.

It's disgusting and outrageous how our system can allow one powerful man to take "bribes" in exchange for denying us the health care reforms we need. The number of Americans who die each year because they can't afford health care is estimated in the tens or hundreds of thousands.

That figure makes 9/11 look like a drive-by shooting. It's an issue just as serious as the "War on Terror," yet the fat-cat Congress treats it like agricultural reform. As long as they have their excellent health care insurance - they do, I know after working on Capitol Hill - they could give a damn about average Americans. THEY ARE NOT TAKING OUR DESIRE FOR REFORM SERIOUSLY ENOUGH!

During recent Senate Finance Committee hearings on health care reform, Baucus refused to allow even one person to testify on behalf of a single payer health care system.

• During the May 5th hearing a group of doctors, lawyers and other single advocates rose inside the Senate Finance Committee hearing room and one by one asked that Baucus open up the hearing to single payer advocates. Baucus refused and had the eight arrested, handcuffed, and charged with “disruption of Congress.”
• During the May 12th hearing another group of doctors and nurses asked to testify on behalf of a single payer plan. Baucus again refused and had the five arrested and charged.

It's estimated that 60 Americans die each and every day from a lack of health insurance. Single payer is the only proven way to save the hundreds of billions of dollars in administrative overhead and profits needed to insure everyone, and save lives. President Obama knows it, and yet he's doing very little to fight the efforts of sell-outs like Max Baucus.

It's time WE THE PEOPLE stand-up to corrupt politicians like Max Baucus. As I often say on this blog, it's time we act ourselves. Please sign-up at SinglePayerAction.org today, and take some time to call your representatives in Congress as well as President Obama NOW! Tell them you disagree with the way Max Baucus is handling health care reform. Tell them you want them to support a SINGLE PAYER SOLUTION! It's the only path to real change.

Memorial Day Political Rant - Michael

PS - If you decide to take action, here are a few links that may help you. Email President Obama, or your national elected officials. If you wish to call, simply call the Whitehouse at 202-456-1414, or the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.

I suggest complaining to Max Baucus directly, Senator Harry Reid's office to complain about how he's running the debate, or your local newspaper. Please let them all know that you want a single-payer health care solution, and that we must minimize profiteering in our health care system.

Here is an example of what I wrote to various elected officials:

Dear _____________:

"I would like to encourage you to support a single payer health care reform solution.

To that end, I promise to give you financial support if you ignore the health care industry and its donations and support health insurance reform for the good of ALL Americans. I also promise to recruit other support if you actively support a single payer solution that minimizes a for-profit solution.

Senator Baucus is currently blocking all single payer reform debate in the Finance Committee, and it's discouraging to Democrats like myself who support real change and reform. Americans are dying. We need reform that protects them, not the industry.

Respectfully - your supporter,
Michael Boh"

Republican Hubris and Repetition

Good Morning Bloggers! I will admit the time will come when the Republicans become acceptable to the majority of Americans again, but I'm hoping - and praying - that time will be far into the future.

Why? The most important reasons are probably trust and past performance. They do not deserve our trust after discovering so many ill-gotten gains and broken promises, and their poor past performance proves they adhere to principles and policies that are clearly detrimental to the American middle-class.

What may shock most of you is that I may vote for them someday again, just like many of you, if I see them return to their roots and dedicate themselves to help ALL Americans, including average middle-class Americans. I do believe in a two-party system, however, I'm not holding my breath.

That is not the case today. Without a doubt, despite their rural, earthy American "red state" support, they are the party that represents the top percentile, or the richest and least vulnerable in our society. Until that changes, I will continue to fight them, going so far as to believe they are the party that lies to, and cons, average Americans into voting against their own best interests.

Why am I talking about the subject now. It's because of all the Republican hubris that has been polluting the airwaves lately. The minority opposition has been out there swinging at everything and anything that comes into its path. They seem to thrive on being the angry opposition. It's obvious to most observers they love it.

Anybody who listened to Dick Cheney's speech this morning could tell he loved criticizing without having to support any of his darkest points with real evidence. He proposed nothing new. It was more of his-way-or-the-highway crap! Thanks, you're so helpful DICK!

What I'm saying is that there are healthy and unhealthy forms of opposition, and I think today's GOP specializes in the unhealthy. Their passions seem almost narcissistic, unproductive, and misplaced. They seem to like screaming into the wind, whether we're there to listen or not.

The GOP can say we were the same as the opposition all they want, but it's not true. I remember Democrats making valid arguments against most of Bush's policies, and it turned out we were right. Our opposition was credible, unlike the discredited, GOP broken record of today.

There is no doubt in my mind that their lack of compromise, stick-to-their guns while fighting for outdated solutions approach, gets in the way of making real progress on real issues.

They are more and more vocal about opposing everything that President Obama and the Democrats are trying to fix/achieve than anytime I can remember. They are ignoring the people, the mood, the trends away from the dark side, and the past poor performance of their own record. The whole thing is amazing to watch. It's also very sad.

Notable examples this past week involved people like RNC Chairman Michael Steele talking about it being the end of "Republicans apologizing" for mistakes of the past. Well, I don't know about you, but I don't ever recall them apologizing for anything. A matter of fact, I'm pretty sure they ALL pretty much claim their past performance to be successful, despite all the facts to the contrary. It's crazy, but overall it's true.

The idea they apologized for anything is both shocking and downright deceitful. In the end, it's simply another example of GOP message manipulation that has little basis in fact.

Other examples involve that fat-cat of Republicanism, the least "humane" human being on the planet, Rush "that lying sack of crap" Limbaugh. He has been out there daily dishing-up all kinds of lies in his usual gross attempt to manipulate the masses. He's like the proverbial demon in the wilderness, working hard to tempt the innocent into making bad choices. For him today, it's all about socialism, socialism, and more socialism.

He talks non-stop about longing for the good-old times when Republicans were in charge, the economy was good, and America was safer. His deceit is only surpassed by his lack of morals. He's right up there with Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld as a GOP poster-boy of illegal war, torture, corporate greed, anti-middle-class values, and anti-American policies and principles.

His "ditto-heads" can believe whatever the hell they want, but the the truth - the facts - speak for themselves. The man's an anti-American PIG!

The other cocky culprits of today's GOP involve the vast and equally out-of-touch right-wing-media and blogosphere - featuring FOX "News" and other "conservative" networks - who have been spewing propaganda in an attempt to undermine Democratic efforts to solve real problems for weeks/months now.

Most of their so-called alternative ideas/proposals - most that I took seriously and studied - have been nothing but propagandistic, rehashed versions of their old, discredited crap. Their sole purpose is to create the illusion of new ideas. Trust me, after careful review, it's repackaged BS! They remain deaf and dumb about the need for new approaches.

You know it's bad when that pinnacle of bi-partisanship, President Obama, begins to say - out loud - that Republicans can't seem to move beyond their own discredited, outdated, broken principles and policies of the past. The bottom-line is he's trying to find/create new solutions to big problems, and they're not.

There can be only one reasonable explanation as to why they are so stubborn about admitting past mistakes and looking at new alternatives. It is because they are BOUGHT-AND-PAID-FOR by special interests, corporations, and other forces that have no desire to help the American people - or even the American nation. It's obvious to me. What about you?

I'm not naive, I know there are bad apples in our Democratic community (especially the Senate), but for all intents and purposes today's GOP today is a compromised political movement/party. They are the used-car-dealers-of-American-politics, trying to get us to buy old, refurbished junk. They do not represent the best interests of the American people or nation. They cannot be trusted, and unless they begin to demonstrate real change, they should not be considered an equal voice in either government or the court of public opinion.

Thursday's Political Rant - Michael

PS - Feel free to check out additional comments over at Papamoka Straight Talk.

The Decline of American Journalism

Good Morning Bloggers! Well it was another weekend of American Sunday talk shows giving angry Republicans a place to distract and attack. This time it was the Pelosi distraction. What's next?

As usual, the follow-up questions were slim to none. It's clear the weekend talk shows have been compromised by the same disease that infests the cable news shows, and it's not pretty.

William Randolph Hearst would be thrilled to know that his legacy of yellow journalism for corporate profit and power is alive and well. Finding the truth on the Sunday talk shows, which used to matter, seems to be less important these days. They're all stuck on the same Washington spin cycle, and what's good for America and it's people is way down their agenda.

I guess we all should be wise to the media's game of hosting false interviews for the sole purpose of generating high ratings, but it still irritates many of us who remain hopeful for things to improve under Obama. I guess the dumbing-down of American journalism - and America - is in full swing, whatever president or party is in power.

Let's face it, we live in a "corporatocracy," and the CEOs are in charge.

It's bad enough large chunks of America watch propaganda spewed by beauty queens and ex-fashion models on FOX "News," but I had hoped the trend would steer clear of intelligent journalism. Unfortunately, Meet the Press, This Week and Face the Nation all seem to be headed down that path as well. I guess we shouldn't be surprised when Miss California soon co-hosts Meet the Press. I guess it's only a matter of time.

You know it's bad when I regret that Meet the Press didn't go to Chris Matthews. He's not perfect - swings to and fro with the prevailing political winds too much, but at least he'll challenge a guest with facts every now and then. David Gregory has become a tool of the Washington elite - he's lost credibility with me these days. I never thought I would miss the days of Tim Russert and his pull quotes.

He was no Edward R. Morrow, but at least news-makers would squirm when he used their own quotes to contradict their latest spin. Gregory doesn't do the homework. He's too easy on them.

Yes, it's clear that American journalism has been broken by its corporate overlords. Now it all seems to be bought-and-paid-for by the Washington elite and it's attack dogs, the DC PR industry. Once great news organizations have been reduced to pseudo-news entertainment designed to illicit fast one-liners, stir political gossip and discover meaningless political intrigue. High ratings stem from colorful news, not informative news.

It all seems designed to get us to tune in without actually informing us of anything important. It's almost as if we're witnessing another free market bubble, but this time it's a corporate news bubble, where we're kept fat and happy on large helpings of distraction and spin. It's obviously all designed to manipulate us into a false sense of control. Unfortunately, it's an illusion. They have all the control.

If it wasn't for a few die-hard print news organizations that bloggers like us rely on, the American people would be left to fend for themselves. We owe them our thanks. I may sound naive, but I do believe they sacrifice some of their potential profit to help us. I do want to believe that so much.

Most of this is the fault of Newt Gingrich and the Republican Congress of the nineties. The GOP wanted corporations to own larger chunks of America's media -Rupert Murdoch and FOX "News" donated most of the support. It was a battle with the Democrats, but in the end President Bill Clinton was too distracted and accepted the deregulation of American media. It was a huge mistake that has led us to this depressing point in our history.

It's bad enough that ratings are now controlling journalism, but it's even worse when you think about how special interests - like industrial-military, health care and pharmaceuticals - control it too. We've all seen Lockheed Martin, Boeing and big pharm commercials while watching the news. Doesn't it make you wonder just what kind of impact they're having on those corporate news rooms? It should, because they are having an impact.

Unfortunately, we probably don't even know the worst of it. Let us hope and pray that it's not too horrible, or too late.

The PR journalism of distract and attack needs to end. The American people need to demand serious media reform now. I realize that it's not high on the agenda, but the President and Congress need to make it so - and long before the next big elections. Serious journalists and congressional investigators cannot do it all alone. They need our help now. As I always say, please take the time to contact your representatives. Let them know that America needs serious media reform. The truth is out there, and we need to find it.

Monday's Political Rant - Michael

PS - There's a healthy reaction/debate over at Papamoka Straight Talk - in case you're interested.

Torture Photos Threaten National Security?

Hello Readers! There are many things that concern me right now, especially health care reform, the escalating situation in Pakistan, and the way my favorite president just announced that he would ignore a court order to release torture photos.

I don't wish to be negative, but when you think about all that's happening the challenges seem almost overwhelming.

Regarding the president, I'm extremely nervous about what's happening. My new favorite president is beginning to look a little like our past - and my least favorite - president. Why would he ignore a court order to release photos of torture when everybody knows we've already done it? I don't get it! Don't the terrorists already have plenty of recruitment tools? I just can't see how national security is threatened. He seems a little Bush-like in this situation, and that terrifies me.

Btw, I do care about the troops and their safety, but I don't buy the argument the photos will make their situation any more dangerous. The troops are already at extreme risk from the policies of the last eight years. Plenty of torture photos are already out there. I think that's some kind of excuse. Respecting our legal system is important too. That's something our troops are fighting and dying for.

If not photos, then how about torture drawings, like the one seen here? Are those banned too Mr. President? Let's be honest, nobody wants those torture photos released, but it's important to respect the legal system. If civil libertarians successfully sued to disclose our sins so that we are forced to learn and heal, then I think the President should respect that decision. It's also important for the military to learn from its mistakes. The generals should not have that kind of power over our system. "National security" as a power should not be abused.

The information is already out there. No matter what you say, we need to respect our legal system. Nobody is above the law.

Thursday's Political Rant #2 - Michael

We Need to Go Green or Else

Hello Readers! I want to mention an incredibly worrisome article in the Seattle Times. It's about how ordinary electronics we all take for granted, like MP3 players, mobile phones and flat screen TVs, are threatening to significantly increase energy consumption in the world over the next few decades. If new green sources of energy aren't perfected soon, it could mean a ticking time bomb for the world environment.

The Paris-based UN affiliated International Energy Agency estimates that new electronic gadgets will triple their energy consumption by 2030 to 1,700 terawatt hours, which - incredibly - is the equivalent of today's home electricity consumption of the United States and Japan combined. That is a phenomenal increase in the amount of energy required to maintain our modern civilization.

"The world would have to build around 200 new nuclear power plants just to power all the TVs, iPods, PCs and other home electronics expected to be plugged in by 2030, when the global electric bill to power them will rise to $200 billion a year," the IEA said.

The IEA says the world will have to do more to regulate the energy consumption of electronic devices, or create new forms of green energy. There is no alternative if we intend to avoid dramatic global climate change.

If nothing changes, cascading man-made C02 levels could lead us to become a less habitable world. Scientists are very worried about our future, so we should be too.

Unfortunately, that task is difficult do the fact that electronics make up such a vast amount of the world economy. Governments and private enterprise will be resistant and slow to act. That fact alone puts our future at risk.

This is another good example of why modern governments must be progressive and proactive when it comes to issues that threaten the globe, like the need to find green energy sources. This is another reason why we need progressive politics, and leave the regressive, unscientific politics of the past behind us.

We need new thinking on every issue, whether it's health care, war, disease or climate change. It's critical that mankind harness green energy. Republicans need to understand that we have no alternative. There is no going back to the old ways. Mankind's future depends on our ability to evolve, change and adapt to these new challenges.

Thursday's Political Rant - Michael

GOP to Swift Boat Health Care Reform

Good Morning Bloggers! I need to point out a new GOP scumbag who is leading the charge against health care for all Americans. His name is Rick Scott, and he recently founded a group called Conservatives for Patients' Rights. Like all GOP organizations, the name has nothing to do with the mission.

Let's just say he's one more greedy asshole that has decided to go to war against the best interest of millions of Americans - not unlike the GOP when you think about it. All kidding aside, the man is human excrement in the way he seeks to destroy an initiative being developed by multiple concerned groups to solve a very important national crisis.

Opposition is one thing, but propaganda is completely different, and that's what they intend to create. It's true, Scott and his GOP operatives intend to "swift boat" health care reform. They are supposedly receiving millions in donations from those who currently profit from America's broken health care system. It's disgusting!

The Washington Post reports that he is working with CRC Public Relations, which is the illustrious group that masterminded the "swift boat" attacks against 2004 Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kerry. They also created the "Harry and Louise" propaganda ads that helped torpedo health-care reform during the Clinton administration.

Scott is a multimillionaire investor and former hospital executive, who has made millions profiting from an industry that can no longer afford to pay him. Unfortunately, greedy bastards like Scott do not go quietly into the night. They fight tooth and nail to hold on to their dirty money, seeking to pig out at the trough for as long as possible. People's lives be damned!

Most industry analysts will tell you that people like Scott - who make millions/billions from health care - profit at the expense of both patients and actual health care.

I don't know about you, but I'm tired of the "it's just business" attitude that so many Americans cling to. We need to call out people like Scott and brand them for maintaining a cold and uncaring health care system. Their quest for profits leads to millions of unnecessary deaths - only the disingenuous and coldest of hearts would deny it.

Scott is the only notable so far spending as much as $5 million of his own money and - according to The Washington Post - as much as $15 million in donations to create a resistance to any government-run program. You know, the kind of program designed to help those Americans who can't afford private health insurance, or who have pre-existing conditions. The ones the GOP wants to ignore, allow to suffer, or even allow to die.

This charming group of heartless Republicans need to be isolated and attacked for their deceitful opposition to a reasonable, industry-wide solution. The latest GOP "swift boat" initiative needs to be isolated and mocked before it can burrow it's way into the brains of America's uninformed electorate. In other words, I hope somebody does something to "swift boat" them before they do too much damage.

Let's face it people, greedy bastards like Scott want to profit from your losses. In almost every instance, they seek to maintain broken systems that earn them billions in profits, at the expense of a better system that would give most Americans a better quality of life.

The GOP is trying to kill something that most Americans want, in addition to most businesses. America's health care costs - resulting mainly from private company profits - are out-of-control. We need President Obama and the Democrats to succeed. I will be writing more about this over the months ahead, but for now I think it's important to simply point out who the scoundrels are who seek to deny us something that we need very badly - it could mean life and death.

Monday's Political Rant - Michael

PS - If you wish to view their propaganda, or just complain to them the way I did, feel free to visit their website. Please consider the source before you believe their spin.

PSS - There are some excellent comments where I posted this on my brother blog Papamoka Straight Talk. They're very interesting, so I recommend you check them out.

Who or What is Today's GOP?

Good Morning Readers! I want to talk about the strange goings-on in the GOP today, using Senator Arlen Specter and Rush Limbaugh as tools for our discussion. Let's just assume Specter is really a Republican. :)

I think they are very good examples of two very different, yet equally retarded, approaches to an evolving GOP electorate. Both represent a certain inertia within the party - neither seems to understand how to handle the changes going on around them.

Let's start with Rush Limbaugh, who we all know is known for his rude, insane remarks. It seems poignant he was caught this week being particularly insane while speaking to the Heritage Foundation. He joined the GOP leadership - and Justice Clarence Thomas - to JOKE about the recession. He spoke about how there is no recession if you want to work and make money - like him. He was more insensitive and insane than ever.

Incredibly, Limbaugh joked about the recession despite knowing that his fat paycheck is a big reason why his distribution partner Clear Channel - who pays almost all of his $400 million plus contract - had to layoff over 12% of its workforce. That's about 12,000 ditto-fed Americans. Most of the people in that audience knew it too, yet they still laughed and applauded. This type of GOP arrogance is outrageous! Limbaugh and his Heritage Foundation audience deserve scorn from the American people. Let's be honest, they are SCUM!

So, I want to use Limbaugh to represent one large segment of today's GOP. To me, he represents today's DEAF and DUMB Republicans. They may be numerous and vocal, but they are deaf and dumb by and large. They ignore the problems of today. They disregard claims that Americans are suffering. Take for example how Congressman Eric Cantor had to rename his "listening tour" this week a "teaching tour" after Limbaugh demanded it. Despite years of damage in their wake, this group of Republicans look to teach, or propagandize, not listen.

They also have many eccentricities. This is the crazy right that picks and chooses scientific evidence the way they pick and choose morality from the bible. This is part that says America is center-right, when all evidence suggests America is center-left. This is the part that sees tea-bagging as a movement, Sarah Palin as intelligent, hate speech as tough speech, dogs as cats and up as down. There's another way to describe this group, and that is the ends always justify the means. They are DEAF and DUMB, and capable of great damage. Oh yea, and Rush Limbaugh is their leader.

Now on to Arlen Specter. This week proves the man is a Republican. He may now be a Democrat, but he's still a Republican. So, what group does Specter represent? To me, they are the GREEDY SHEEP. They stay silent and avoid morality fights, while quietly fighting for power and wealth. George Bush disguised himself as a DEAF and DUMB Republican, but in reality he was a GREEDY SHEEP - or maybe a weird mixture.

They're the low-tax, leave-me-alone Republicans. They only want money and power, and morality is just a tool to manipulate the masses. In truth, this group doesn't give a rat's ass about the American people, or America. Gays, abortion, flag lapel pins and the like are nothing but wedge issues, to be used as blunt instruments to create division. They play chess with their power, and the American people are simply pawns in their game.

Interestingly, I think Barack Obama understands this group, and may beat them at their own game, but we'll have to wait and see.

They are "sheep" because they enjoy following a strong leader, or despot, as long as he or she leads them to money and power. As long as the Party waves the flag, keeps taxes low and projects power they're happy. Arlen Specter fits perfectly in this mode. His principles are all about money and power. He's a great example of a fiscally conservative, non-empathetic Republican. They're the your-on-your-own Republicans. Individualism and power at ALL COST!

The GREEDY SHEEP are also having trouble adapting to the changing electorate. I think Specter underestimated the importance of change in America today. I think the voters of Pennsylvania are more interested in new ideas and solutions than one old greedy sheep dog. Arlen Specter-like Republicans may be adapting slightly faster than Rush Limbaugh-like Republicans, but it's hard to see the difference. You might as well watch the grass grow.

Thursday's Political Rant - Michael

Arlen Specter Cannot Be Trusted!

Good Evening Bloggers - I can't believe it, but according to The Huffington Post and New York Times Magazine, recent Republican/Democratic "mystery meat" Arlen Specter thinks Republican Norm Coleman should win his Senate recount court battle against Al Franken in Minnesota. What the &%$*!

"There's still time for the Minnesota courts to do justice and declare Norm Coleman the winner," Specter said.

Q: With your departure from the Republican Party, there are no more Jewish Republicans in the Senate. Do you care about that?

A: I sure do. There's still time for the Minnesota courts to do justice and declare Norm Coleman the winner.

Q: Which seems about as likely at this point as Jerry Seinfeld's joining the Senate.

A: Well, it was about as likely as my becoming a Democrat.

This is CRAP! Okay, I have enjoyed what Congressman Joe Sestak (D-PA) has said during interviews about why he should be our choice, and now I'm sold. Now I hope PA gets sold.

Let's try to help! I encourage all of you to visit Mr. Sestak's website right away to give MONEY and encouragement. I did!

Tuesday's Political Rant #2 - Michael

President Obama Needs Our Help

Good Morning Bloggers - I knew it would happen, but I hoped it would take longer to coalesce. In addition to the no-no-no GOP, President Obama is beginning to face opposition from both leading and rank-and-file Democrats on critical issues such as housing, global warming, and tax haven legislation. The signs are ominous, and the American people's critical change agenda may suffer damage if we don't watch it.

As usual, the bought-and-paid-for (to varying degrees) Washington insiders are ignoring the voters and making decisions based on special interest politics. We must stand ready to help the President!

It's the usual cast of characters. While most of them are committee leaders, there are also some junior members jumping into the debate. It almost makes you wonder who's paying their salary. Eliminating corporate tax loop-holes that hurt the middle-class has been an issue since President Kennedy. President Obama is right to try and tackle it, considering the fact that he campaigned on it - openly and honestly. Unfortunately, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) called for “further study” within minutes of the president’s announcement yesterday. That is the first step in trying to KILL something in DC speak.

The same kinds of responses are coming from Senator Barbara Boxer (I intend to write to her soon), as well as Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Committee Member Joseph Crowley (D-NY). We cannot allow their special interest alliances to undermine the President's effort to restructure the tax code to help honest American business. Eliminating tax loop-holes and shutting down tax havens is crucial to improving fairness in the American tax system.

Global warming is also at risk. It has a tremendous ally in my Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) who did a wonderful thing after he ousted Michigan Democrat John Dingell earlier this year taking over the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee. Dingell was a close ally of the auto industry who aimed to water down any global warming legislation. Unfortunately, 14-term Congressman Rich Boucher (D-VA) is fighting hard to keep the fossil fuel companies happy. He has many allies, mostly from coal producing states. President Obama's "green economy" is at risk from many Democrats - as well as ALL Republicans.

It's incredible to think just how many "enemies" President Obama faces on every issue. Housing and the economy are probably the most complicated, so let's just say that he has dark forces massing on all fronts. Change in Washington is never easy, and President Obama is trying to pull off a miracle - for our future. We need him to succeed. What many Americans fail to understand is just how BROKEN the system is today. He's trying to repair it, while making improvements. The man is undoubtedly incredible, but he may need a miracle. The odds are against him.

So, I'm asking everybody who understands this critical situation to please contact your representatives to give President Obama and his "change agenda" as much support as possible. The dark forces representing the broken status quo, supported by special interest millions, have taken over politicians on both sides of the aisle. It's important for us, the American people, to do whatever we can to support POSITIVE CHANGE.

If you agree with the President on any one of his many initiatives, then step-up and support him with an email or phone call to your Senators or Congresspeople in DC. It's the least we can do considering all that he's trying to do for us.

Tuesday's Political Rant - Michael

PS - If you decide to take action, here are a few links that may help you. Email President Obama, and/or your national elected officials. If you wish to call, simply call the White House at 202-456-1414, or the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121. I also suggest you contact your local newspaper. Please let them all know how feel. President Obama needs our help.

The Bush Museum of GOP Lies and Elitism

Hello Readers! While the rest of America reels from dishonest war and one of the greatest economic catastrophes since the Great Depression, super rich Republicans have been showing their disgusting affection for George W. Bush by helping him raise over $100 million in just over 100 days for that abomination of a library he plans at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

It would appear that he and his team are continuing in their quest to sell lies to gullible historians who may one day attempt to repackage his presidency, and the library will be the cornerstone of that sales pitch.

It also appears the richest of the rich, who tended to do very well under Bush at the expense of the rest of us, have come to his aid. The financial backers of the 43rd president have honored the "Don of Dallas" with enough money to provide a decent home for his criminal papers and presidential keep-sakes.

As usual GOP hypocrisy is ripe. Republicans have been screaming bloody murder ever since President Clinton opened his library using confidential donations. The Bush fundraising effort has even more suspicious origins. Time Magazine reports how many unnamed donors were nervous and uncomfortable giving, and demanded privacy. What does that sound like to you? To me, it sounds like "dirty money," extortion, or even blackmail! I have heard it's a Bush family specialty.

Presidential libraries are very scary things. Ex-presidents, unburdened by campaign finance regulations, phone their old cronies to tap them for thousands if not millions of dollars - it's payback time assholes! That must be a fun phone call to get. It's a disgusting modern American spectacle. Billion dollar campaigns aren't enough anymore, so now we have cranky old presidents calling in their chips from all over the WORLD! The rotten libraries are nothing but museums of spin, built on the dirty money using suspicious IOUs.

Bush's 100 co-chairs from every state represent a veritable who's who of American greed. They are his oldest and richest financial backers - a mafia-like inner circle of greed first, country second if you ask me. They may try to look patriotic, but the bulk of them would sell us all for a nickle if given the chance. Oh yes, they had a chance, and did just that over the past eight years or so. They are most likely the core constituency of those who destroyed the middle-class economy, while their supporters waved American flags and trusted in their BS!

The final $300 million project will represent the largest private propaganda institute since Carnegie set about trying to refashion his image. The bad news is that, just like with Carnegie, money talks - and often obscures the truth. The good news is that there are always true historians who print the facts.

Carnegie is still thought by many to be a financial tyrant and murderer - there is plenty of evidence, if you consider the way he put labor at risk and hired thugs to enforce his rules. History was not white washed, despite the libraries and music halls. So, there's hope that no matter what the Bush family does, the Bush library and propaganda will have little effect. Hopefully, despite all efforts, Bush will be remembered for the horrible and despicable things he did.

Groundbreaking for the library is set for November of next year, and the organizers hope to dedicate and open the doors in early 2013. I'm not so naive as to think that Bush will be denied his library, but I do hope it becomes a huge white elephant, a boondoggle, or even a national joke. I'll keep my fingers crossed. Let's hope it will embarrass the GOP, Texans (I know, unlikely), and those who support the Bush crime family.

Let's all hope it becomes one more Bush failure!

Monday's Political Rant - Michael