When asked why he robbed banks, Willie Sutton, a prolific bank robber of the 1920s and 1930s, replied by saying, "because that's where the money is."
On Tuesday, US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced the latest states to win the Race to the Top competition — and a share of $3.4 billion in federal financing — he said they were chosen because they outlined the boldest plans for shaking up their public school systems.
But others noted another common denominator: geography. Of the dozen states that have won major grants to date in the two-part grant contest that is the Obama administration’s signature education initiative, 11 are east of the Mississippi and most hug the East Coast, including Florida and Georgia in the South and New York and Massachusetts in the North. Among the winners, Hawaii is the lone geographic exception.
Educators in many of the states that did not win, or did not even participate in the competition criticized the competition’s rules saying that they were tilted in favor of densely populated Eastern states. To these critics, Willie Sutton, were he still alive, would surely have responded, well that's where the students are.
Asked whether he was concerned that almost all of the winning states were Eastern, Mr. Duncan noted that Geography was irrelevant in the selection process.”
In fact, some rules governing other federal education money are stacked in favor of largely rural states. For example, most federal education money flows to states, using formulas that give rural ones more federal financing per student than their big urban counterparts.
Those disgruntled educators can take a lesson from old Willie. If you want to invest in education you have to invest where the students are. Isn't continuing education a wonderful thing?
Friday, August 27, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
REPUBLICANS AND RIGHT WING MEDIA TAKE ISSUE WITH THE U.S. CONSTITUTION AND THE PRESIDENTIAL OATH OF OFFICE AND POSSIBLY THE TOOTH FAIRY AND APPLE PIE AS WELL
THE REPUBLICAN RIGHT-WING COMES OUT AGAINST FREEDOM OF RELIGION
Republicans and right-wing media are attacking President Obama's statement that he "believe[s] that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country" and are entitled to build a mosque in Lower Manhattan.
Either they have not read the Constitution;
Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
or the Presidential Oath;
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
in which the President swears to preserve, protect and defend the constitution, or they have and they don’t believe in either one.
Perhaps they should take the time to read the document that they so readily send our youth out to defend with their lives because if they have read it, their beliefs, while cloaked to seem patriotic could not be more unpatriotic and un-American. Shame on them!
"THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
THEN THEY CAME for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up."
Republicans and right-wing media are attacking President Obama's statement that he "believe[s] that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country" and are entitled to build a mosque in Lower Manhattan.
Either they have not read the Constitution;
Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
or the Presidential Oath;
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
in which the President swears to preserve, protect and defend the constitution, or they have and they don’t believe in either one.
Perhaps they should take the time to read the document that they so readily send our youth out to defend with their lives because if they have read it, their beliefs, while cloaked to seem patriotic could not be more unpatriotic and un-American. Shame on them!
"THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
THEN THEY CAME for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up."
Sunday, August 1, 2010
WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU GOT BESIDES NO?
Republicans, the party of NO, once again said NO to the American People this week when they failed to agree on a small business aid package that could inject $300 billion into the economy. The reason? You guessed it: politics.
The small-business aid bill -- a central component of what President Obama has called "Recovery Summer" -- would create a $30 billion fund designed to increase lending to small businesses, in addition to providing $12 billion in small-business tax breaks over the next decade. The government says small banks could use the fund as capital to provide $300 billion in small business loans.
The republicans blocked this bill because the Democrats would not allow any amendments to be added to it. What did the republicans want to add to the bill? They wanted to add the only thing they know how to say yes to, a provision which would have made the Bush tax cuts, which benefit only the wealthiest Americans, permanent.
They want to take the country back to the days of unfunded, deficit exploding, tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% of Americans, saying that tax cuts are the answer to the nation's unemployment problems and economic woes. Are we in a time warp here? Does the country suffer from a case of collective amnesia? We tried that in the past administration and look where it has gotten us.
It is a failed theory, and today no less a champion of republican economics, the former chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan said so.
"....the push by congressional Republicans to extend the Bush tax cuts without offsetting the costs elsewhere could end up being "disastrous" for the economy. Greenspan expressed his disagreement with the conservative argument that tax cuts essentially pay for themselves by generating revenue and productivity among recipients.
"They do not," said Greenspan.
The country was economically devastated by the last administration, it didn't just happen. Rather it was the direct result of failed republican economics.
Ever since he took office, this President has been trying to dig the country out of the hole the republicans left it in and at every turn the republicans have taken the opportunity to shovel more dirt into the hole so as to make it harder for the country to recover. Why? Politics. If things get better for the nation they will not improve for the republicans at the ballot box in the midterms, so instead, the republicans just say NO. They can dress it up any way they want and they can spin it this way and that, that are very good at that but the facts can not be hidden.
Blocking the small business aid bill is only the latest example of Republicans using procedural tactics to stymie President Barack Obama's midterm-election-year agenda. In the past week alone the republicans have said NO to help for the millions of Americans who as a result of republican economic policies find themselves among the long term unemployed, NO to helping small businesses and their access to capital, NO to aid for the heroes of 9/11. At each opportunity to do the right thing and help the country the republicans have said NO to the American people and yes to the failed, wrong headed, policies that brought us to the brink.
To the republicans, when it comes to providing the tools (be they unemployment benefits or a second round of economic stimulus) needed to help ordinary working American's climb out from under the economic rubble left by the previous administration, deficit spending is akin to devil worship but when the issue is tax cuts to benefit the wealthiest Americans, they have, based upon their words and deeds, no problem with it. The party of NO, you see, is also the hypocrisy party.
Memo to the party of NO: Tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% of Americans don't produce new jobs. This is not a just theory but thanks to you a proven fact.
The question the American people are asking the republicans is what else have you got besides NO?
The small-business aid bill -- a central component of what President Obama has called "Recovery Summer" -- would create a $30 billion fund designed to increase lending to small businesses, in addition to providing $12 billion in small-business tax breaks over the next decade. The government says small banks could use the fund as capital to provide $300 billion in small business loans.
The republicans blocked this bill because the Democrats would not allow any amendments to be added to it. What did the republicans want to add to the bill? They wanted to add the only thing they know how to say yes to, a provision which would have made the Bush tax cuts, which benefit only the wealthiest Americans, permanent.
They want to take the country back to the days of unfunded, deficit exploding, tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% of Americans, saying that tax cuts are the answer to the nation's unemployment problems and economic woes. Are we in a time warp here? Does the country suffer from a case of collective amnesia? We tried that in the past administration and look where it has gotten us.
It is a failed theory, and today no less a champion of republican economics, the former chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan said so.
"....the push by congressional Republicans to extend the Bush tax cuts without offsetting the costs elsewhere could end up being "disastrous" for the economy. Greenspan expressed his disagreement with the conservative argument that tax cuts essentially pay for themselves by generating revenue and productivity among recipients.
"They do not," said Greenspan.
The country was economically devastated by the last administration, it didn't just happen. Rather it was the direct result of failed republican economics.
Ever since he took office, this President has been trying to dig the country out of the hole the republicans left it in and at every turn the republicans have taken the opportunity to shovel more dirt into the hole so as to make it harder for the country to recover. Why? Politics. If things get better for the nation they will not improve for the republicans at the ballot box in the midterms, so instead, the republicans just say NO. They can dress it up any way they want and they can spin it this way and that, that are very good at that but the facts can not be hidden.
Blocking the small business aid bill is only the latest example of Republicans using procedural tactics to stymie President Barack Obama's midterm-election-year agenda. In the past week alone the republicans have said NO to help for the millions of Americans who as a result of republican economic policies find themselves among the long term unemployed, NO to helping small businesses and their access to capital, NO to aid for the heroes of 9/11. At each opportunity to do the right thing and help the country the republicans have said NO to the American people and yes to the failed, wrong headed, policies that brought us to the brink.
To the republicans, when it comes to providing the tools (be they unemployment benefits or a second round of economic stimulus) needed to help ordinary working American's climb out from under the economic rubble left by the previous administration, deficit spending is akin to devil worship but when the issue is tax cuts to benefit the wealthiest Americans, they have, based upon their words and deeds, no problem with it. The party of NO, you see, is also the hypocrisy party.
Memo to the party of NO: Tax cuts for the wealthiest 1% of Americans don't produce new jobs. This is not a just theory but thanks to you a proven fact.
The question the American people are asking the republicans is what else have you got besides NO?
Saturday, July 10, 2010
AS MUCH AS THE REPUBLICANS DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT
The New York Times reported today that Wall Street has again begun hiring in anticipation of an economic recovery. The shift underscores the effectiveness of President Obama's leadership in beginning to right the country's economy and in putting America back to work.
While immense challenges still remain on the road to full employment, the remarkable recovery of the biggest banks and brokerage firms is surely a leading indicator that recovery is well under way.
While Republicans and even a few blue dog Democrats continue to resist the additional economic stimulus that President Obama has called for, it is clear that additional, targeted economic stimulus, at the expense of short term spikes in the national deficit, is the economic medicine that most reputable economists prescribe. Not doing so will only slow or even stall the recovery which, after all, would seem to be the goal of the Republican leadership, whose only concern seems to be the midterm elections rather than the well being of the nation.
At least they are consistent, the Republicans being the party of NO, have said no to everything that President Obama has proposed and now they have said no to economic recovery as well.
Come November, Americans should say NO to them.
While immense challenges still remain on the road to full employment, the remarkable recovery of the biggest banks and brokerage firms is surely a leading indicator that recovery is well under way.
While Republicans and even a few blue dog Democrats continue to resist the additional economic stimulus that President Obama has called for, it is clear that additional, targeted economic stimulus, at the expense of short term spikes in the national deficit, is the economic medicine that most reputable economists prescribe. Not doing so will only slow or even stall the recovery which, after all, would seem to be the goal of the Republican leadership, whose only concern seems to be the midterm elections rather than the well being of the nation.
At least they are consistent, the Republicans being the party of NO, have said no to everything that President Obama has proposed and now they have said no to economic recovery as well.
Come November, Americans should say NO to them.
Monday, July 5, 2010
THE WORST
The nation's 238 leading presidential scholars, who have been polled annually for the last 28 years have, upon consideration, rated George W. Bush as the worst president in modern times and the fifth worst of all time.
President Barack Obama, who hasn't yet served a full term, rated 15th.
At least some people are paying attention.
President Barack Obama, who hasn't yet served a full term, rated 15th.
At least some people are paying attention.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
HELP WE'VE FALLEN AND WE CAN'T GET UP
Rather than put forth effective solutions to the great challenges that face the country, republicans instead will fall all over themselves in their mad, cynical, rush to criticize President Obama for political gain. The funny part is, the only thing they ever manage to do is fall all over themselves.
How can anyone ever take this party seriously? The only way is if you are being intellectually dishonest in order to push a wrong headed right wing agenda. No wonder the republicans are a regional minority party.
Within the past few days both Karl Rove and Michael Steele have fallen all over themselves.
On Thursday, Karl Rove criticized President Obama for an "orgy of overspending."
The fact is when Bill Clinton turned over the keys to the White House to Rove's protege, George W. Bush, the U.S. government enjoyed a budget surplus. By the time that W. handed over the keys to Barack Obama, the federal budget deficit was more than a trillion dollars.
Can somebody please help Karl because he has fallen and he can't get up.
On the same day, republican party chairman Michael Steele claimed in a speech that the war in Afghanistan was "a war of Obama's choosing" and that "This is not something the United States has actively prosecuted or wanted to engage in." The only problem with these statements, as with most of what republicans say, is that they are factually inaccurate. The war, of course, was begun by President George W. Bush in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. These statements are also far out of line with the consensus view among republicans that the president is, for the most part, executing the right strategy to win the war in Afghanistan.
Can somebody please help Michael because he too has fallen and he can't get up.
How quickly, republicans forget. Americans won't.
How can anyone ever take this party seriously? The only way is if you are being intellectually dishonest in order to push a wrong headed right wing agenda. No wonder the republicans are a regional minority party.
Within the past few days both Karl Rove and Michael Steele have fallen all over themselves.
On Thursday, Karl Rove criticized President Obama for an "orgy of overspending."
The fact is when Bill Clinton turned over the keys to the White House to Rove's protege, George W. Bush, the U.S. government enjoyed a budget surplus. By the time that W. handed over the keys to Barack Obama, the federal budget deficit was more than a trillion dollars.
Can somebody please help Karl because he has fallen and he can't get up.
On the same day, republican party chairman Michael Steele claimed in a speech that the war in Afghanistan was "a war of Obama's choosing" and that "This is not something the United States has actively prosecuted or wanted to engage in." The only problem with these statements, as with most of what republicans say, is that they are factually inaccurate. The war, of course, was begun by President George W. Bush in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. These statements are also far out of line with the consensus view among republicans that the president is, for the most part, executing the right strategy to win the war in Afghanistan.
Can somebody please help Michael because he too has fallen and he can't get up.
How quickly, republicans forget. Americans won't.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
SHAME SHAME SHAME
The message that the right wing wants you to buy is that the immense hole that the country still finds itself in, a year and a half after George W. Bush left office, is somehow the result of Barack Obama's policies.
No sale! As you can see from the previous post, the American people are not buying. How can they when thanks to Dubbya they have no money to buy anything?
Under the Obama administration's leadership the country is steadily digging its way out of the multifaceted, multi layered mess left by Dubbya. After eight years of poorly thought out, misguided, for sale, wrongheaded policies, it is an effort that is going to take a great many years.
I guess the best we can say to Dubbya is....
No sale! As you can see from the previous post, the American people are not buying. How can they when thanks to Dubbya they have no money to buy anything?
Under the Obama administration's leadership the country is steadily digging its way out of the multifaceted, multi layered mess left by Dubbya. After eight years of poorly thought out, misguided, for sale, wrongheaded policies, it is an effort that is going to take a great many years.
I guess the best we can say to Dubbya is....
WE WON'T GET FOOLED AGAIN
A new CNN poll shows that the American people aren't fooled by the Republican spin. Asked which party is "more responsible for the country's current economic problems," 41 percent faulted Republicans as opposed to just 28 percent who faulted Democrats.
Friday, June 18, 2010
THE PEOPLE WILL BE THE WINNERS
Francesca Carlow is well on her way to securing a place on the Democratic Party primary ballot to become the Democratic nominee for New York's 6th State Senate District. The primary will be held on September 14th, 2010
The response from the District to the news that Francesca has decided to run has been overwhelming and we are well on our way to building an unprecedented grassroots organization capable of overcoming those who would like nothing more than to continue the same old politics. Francesca would like to restore effective leadership to the 6th District by defeating the career politicians.
To the many who have signed petitions to put Francesca on the ballot, we thank you and appreciate your support. To those who have not yet had the opportunity, please look for our representatives who will be visiting your neighborhood soon.
On Primary day, September 14th, we urge you to please come out and vote in the Democratic Primary for Francesca Carlow and help us take our government back from the career politicians. It is The People who will be the winners.
The response from the District to the news that Francesca has decided to run has been overwhelming and we are well on our way to building an unprecedented grassroots organization capable of overcoming those who would like nothing more than to continue the same old politics. Francesca would like to restore effective leadership to the 6th District by defeating the career politicians.
To the many who have signed petitions to put Francesca on the ballot, we thank you and appreciate your support. To those who have not yet had the opportunity, please look for our representatives who will be visiting your neighborhood soon.
On Primary day, September 14th, we urge you to please come out and vote in the Democratic Primary for Francesca Carlow and help us take our government back from the career politicians. It is The People who will be the winners.
Friday, June 11, 2010
A FRESH NEW VOICE
Francesca Carlow a fresh new voice for Long Island.
It is time for an independent, fresh voice for the people of the 6th Senatorial District, Long Island and New York State. It is time for a person of the people who has real issues to fight for rather than running because the boys in the back room thought it was his turn, again. It is time for a local business person, a strong community leader and organizer, a person who is not a professional politician to be given the chance to represent us. It is time for someone who has worked to improve our children's educational experiences, a person who is at the forefront of fighting for local business in our district and on Long Island a person who actually cares deeply about the issues that affect us here on the ground.
Send the professional politicians a message. It's time for a fresh new voice for Long Island and New York.
It's time for one of us.
It is time for Francesca Carlow!
It is time for an independent, fresh voice for the people of the 6th Senatorial District, Long Island and New York State. It is time for a person of the people who has real issues to fight for rather than running because the boys in the back room thought it was his turn, again. It is time for a local business person, a strong community leader and organizer, a person who is not a professional politician to be given the chance to represent us. It is time for someone who has worked to improve our children's educational experiences, a person who is at the forefront of fighting for local business in our district and on Long Island a person who actually cares deeply about the issues that affect us here on the ground.
Send the professional politicians a message. It's time for a fresh new voice for Long Island and New York.
It's time for one of us.
It is time for Francesca Carlow!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
WINDOW DRESSING
Sanctions are nice if you like window dressing but they won't get the job done.
Iran is on an undeterred course to build and maintain a nuclear arsenal and short of war, it seems there is little that the world as represented by the UN, the United States or Israel can do about it.
While China and Russia are onboard with this latest round of sanctions they have refused to allow them to rise to the level where they would affect the day to day economy of Iran. Add that to the fact that the Iranians as the New York Times has reported Web of Shell Companies Veils Trade by Iran’s Ships have been actively gaming the system so as to avoid the effects of sanctions already in place and the result is in a few short years Iran will become a nuclear power.
If the United States, Israel or anyone else is serious about preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power, it is way past time for action. There are few good alternatives. A nuclear Iran will have many consequences for the region and the world but so will war. War will cost lives, be messy and will be unsupported by the majority of the world. There will be many resulting consequences, some intended and many of which will be unknown and unintended. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. War never is.
In this game of high stakes chess, those who would seek to stop Iran are on the clock. Short of war, the best the world can hope for is a draw. The question is can we live with that outcome?
Iran is on an undeterred course to build and maintain a nuclear arsenal and short of war, it seems there is little that the world as represented by the UN, the United States or Israel can do about it.
While China and Russia are onboard with this latest round of sanctions they have refused to allow them to rise to the level where they would affect the day to day economy of Iran. Add that to the fact that the Iranians as the New York Times has reported Web of Shell Companies Veils Trade by Iran’s Ships have been actively gaming the system so as to avoid the effects of sanctions already in place and the result is in a few short years Iran will become a nuclear power.
If the United States, Israel or anyone else is serious about preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power, it is way past time for action. There are few good alternatives. A nuclear Iran will have many consequences for the region and the world but so will war. War will cost lives, be messy and will be unsupported by the majority of the world. There will be many resulting consequences, some intended and many of which will be unknown and unintended. It is not a decision to be taken lightly. War never is.
In this game of high stakes chess, those who would seek to stop Iran are on the clock. Short of war, the best the world can hope for is a draw. The question is can we live with that outcome?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
WHERE WERE THEY?
The world is in an uproar today over the unfortunate deaths associated with Israel's enforcement of its security blockade of the port of Gaza.
This did not have to happen. Israel offered to transport all of the humanitarian aid material that was onboard the ships after they had an opportunity to inspect the cargo to determine that it did not consist of any weapons or material from which weapons could be made. Of course this offer was refused because the mere transport of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza was not the object of this Turkish financed excursion. No, the object was to break the Israeli blockade. Knowing there was no chance of that, the Palestian activists who planned this operation would settle for international media attention. Sounds similar to the goal of every terrorist act. These people knew in advance that this would happen. They hoped for violence.
There were 6 ships, all knew of and were warned in advance by Israel that a blockade was in force. Five of the ships cooperated and diverted. One ship, forewarned, tried to run the blockade. It was an intentional act that threatened Israel's security. The ship was boarded by members of the IDF with the intention of diverting it without violence. The instant that members of the IDF boarded the ship, they were attacked en mass with clubs, metal pipes, metal chairs and more. At least one Israeli soldier was thrown overboard. It is no surprise that in the course of the IDF defending themselves against this attack people were killed and injured. It did not have to happen but for the actions of the Palestinians who initiated and invited violence.
So now the world is in an uproar. Well, where were they? Where were they when 6 million Jews were systematically being slaughtered without warning? They were deadly silent, very deadly. After crawling out of the horror and the death of the holocaust, the Jews of Israel and the world have always said, never again!
Gaza is controlled by Hamas. Hamas, an Iranian surrogate terrorist group, has fired thousands of rockets into Israel. None other than the holocaust denier in chief, The President of Iran, has stated that his goal, like that of Hamas, is to wipe out the State of Israel. The blockade is merely part of Israel's legitimate and rightful defense strategy to keep its enemies from arming, attacking them and achieving that goal.
Of course the logical extension of this policy is for Israel to stop Iran from possesing nuclear weapons. Iran's quest to become a nuclear state has continued unabated for some time now. In fact, The U.N. international nuclear inspectors declared Monday that Iran has now produced a stockpile of nuclear fuel that experts say would be enough, with further enrichment, to make two nuclear weapons.
In the long history of man, many regimes have tried to wipe out the Jews and each time no one has ever lifted a finger to come to their aid. Jews are nothing if they are not quick learners and they have learned that when it comes to defending Jews there is no one to count on but other Jews. For the past 60 years, never again has been the creed of the Jews of Israel. For them and for Jews everywhere it is literally a choice between life and death.
The United States under Presidents of both parties is long on record as stating that they will not allow Iran to become a nuclear state.
We shall see how it plays out.
This did not have to happen. Israel offered to transport all of the humanitarian aid material that was onboard the ships after they had an opportunity to inspect the cargo to determine that it did not consist of any weapons or material from which weapons could be made. Of course this offer was refused because the mere transport of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza was not the object of this Turkish financed excursion. No, the object was to break the Israeli blockade. Knowing there was no chance of that, the Palestian activists who planned this operation would settle for international media attention. Sounds similar to the goal of every terrorist act. These people knew in advance that this would happen. They hoped for violence.
There were 6 ships, all knew of and were warned in advance by Israel that a blockade was in force. Five of the ships cooperated and diverted. One ship, forewarned, tried to run the blockade. It was an intentional act that threatened Israel's security. The ship was boarded by members of the IDF with the intention of diverting it without violence. The instant that members of the IDF boarded the ship, they were attacked en mass with clubs, metal pipes, metal chairs and more. At least one Israeli soldier was thrown overboard. It is no surprise that in the course of the IDF defending themselves against this attack people were killed and injured. It did not have to happen but for the actions of the Palestinians who initiated and invited violence.
So now the world is in an uproar. Well, where were they? Where were they when 6 million Jews were systematically being slaughtered without warning? They were deadly silent, very deadly. After crawling out of the horror and the death of the holocaust, the Jews of Israel and the world have always said, never again!
Gaza is controlled by Hamas. Hamas, an Iranian surrogate terrorist group, has fired thousands of rockets into Israel. None other than the holocaust denier in chief, The President of Iran, has stated that his goal, like that of Hamas, is to wipe out the State of Israel. The blockade is merely part of Israel's legitimate and rightful defense strategy to keep its enemies from arming, attacking them and achieving that goal.
Of course the logical extension of this policy is for Israel to stop Iran from possesing nuclear weapons. Iran's quest to become a nuclear state has continued unabated for some time now. In fact, The U.N. international nuclear inspectors declared Monday that Iran has now produced a stockpile of nuclear fuel that experts say would be enough, with further enrichment, to make two nuclear weapons.
In the long history of man, many regimes have tried to wipe out the Jews and each time no one has ever lifted a finger to come to their aid. Jews are nothing if they are not quick learners and they have learned that when it comes to defending Jews there is no one to count on but other Jews. For the past 60 years, never again has been the creed of the Jews of Israel. For them and for Jews everywhere it is literally a choice between life and death.
The United States under Presidents of both parties is long on record as stating that they will not allow Iran to become a nuclear state.
We shall see how it plays out.
Monday, May 31, 2010
STOP THE LEAK? STOP THE CRAP!
In an effort to make political hay in the wake of the top kill failure, Republicans and their house PR firm Fixed News have been trying to say that BPs failure to stop the oil leak in the gulf is Barack Obama's failure and that The President is to blame. Well here's a challenge to all those who would seek to do so....an open invitation, if you will, to all of my Republican friends; If you know of anyone in this world who can stop this leak, which was facilitated by WCheney, produce him or her and stop the leak. Otherwise, stop the crap.
I am guessing that none of you, not a one, knows of such a person on this earth, huh?
Perhaps Republicans ought to have thought of that before they advocated for virtually unlimited and nominally regulated offshore drilling at depths of 5000 feet. Ah, but the hypocrisy party has never really believed in environmental protection have they? The hypocrisy party...the party of short term profit at the expense of everything and everyone around them.
So do us all a favor and stop the crap, OK?
We're damn tired of it!
I am guessing that none of you, not a one, knows of such a person on this earth, huh?
Perhaps Republicans ought to have thought of that before they advocated for virtually unlimited and nominally regulated offshore drilling at depths of 5000 feet. Ah, but the hypocrisy party has never really believed in environmental protection have they? The hypocrisy party...the party of short term profit at the expense of everything and everyone around them.
So do us all a favor and stop the crap, OK?
We're damn tired of it!
THEY WERE AGAINST IT BEFORE THEY WERE FOR IT
Well here's another fine mess you've gotten us into W.
As toxic crude oil continues to spew into the gulf and into our previously pristine wetlands there are those who, for political reasons, seek to place the blame for this crime against nature at the feet of the President of The United States.
Of course, as we have previously documented in this space it was the previous administration that relaxed the safety standards for deep water coastal drilling Inspector General's Inquiry Faults Regulators (among those for other industries) as part of an overall mindset that government should lighten up on the regulation of private enterprise. After all, the reasoning went, the government never gets anything right and its regulations always delay and add to the cost of doing business.
So, how is that unregulated private sector thingy working out for you? Not so good huh? I suppose the only thing we can be thankful for in this disaster is that it does not involve a nuclear power plant.
The same people who have been reflexively calling for smaller government and lower taxes (on the part of the wealthy) to fund that government, are today screaming for the government to come in and take responsibility for what is almost surely the worst industrial incident the world has known to date.
The nerve of them! Those same people who today decry government as ineffective are the ones who made it so. They spend years dismantling the government and eviscerating it's oversight functions and then predictably, when business under the not so watchful eye of a Republican led government, cuts corners in the quest for short term profits and it leads to disaster they cry for the help of the federal government.
Well, me thinks thou doest protest too much. You can't spend years railing against government regulation of business and then selectively scream about government ineffectiveness when it suits your political purpose. You can't have it both ways. Either you believe that government has a legitimate roll in protecting it's people and our environment against the excesses of the private sector or you don't but you can't have it both ways.
Government, the Republicans were against it before they were for it.
As toxic crude oil continues to spew into the gulf and into our previously pristine wetlands there are those who, for political reasons, seek to place the blame for this crime against nature at the feet of the President of The United States.
Of course, as we have previously documented in this space it was the previous administration that relaxed the safety standards for deep water coastal drilling Inspector General's Inquiry Faults Regulators (among those for other industries) as part of an overall mindset that government should lighten up on the regulation of private enterprise. After all, the reasoning went, the government never gets anything right and its regulations always delay and add to the cost of doing business.
So, how is that unregulated private sector thingy working out for you? Not so good huh? I suppose the only thing we can be thankful for in this disaster is that it does not involve a nuclear power plant.
The same people who have been reflexively calling for smaller government and lower taxes (on the part of the wealthy) to fund that government, are today screaming for the government to come in and take responsibility for what is almost surely the worst industrial incident the world has known to date.
The nerve of them! Those same people who today decry government as ineffective are the ones who made it so. They spend years dismantling the government and eviscerating it's oversight functions and then predictably, when business under the not so watchful eye of a Republican led government, cuts corners in the quest for short term profits and it leads to disaster they cry for the help of the federal government.
Well, me thinks thou doest protest too much. You can't spend years railing against government regulation of business and then selectively scream about government ineffectiveness when it suits your political purpose. You can't have it both ways. Either you believe that government has a legitimate roll in protecting it's people and our environment against the excesses of the private sector or you don't but you can't have it both ways.
Government, the Republicans were against it before they were for it.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
WELCOME TO THE 17TH CENTURY
Rand Paul would like to welcome you all to the 17th century.
With each passing minute it becomes more apparent that this guy is dangerous!
If sanity prevails in Kentucky, which I'll admit is open to question, a Democrat will be elected to the US Senate come November.
After trying unsuccessfully to spin his opposition to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Mr. Paul went on today to burnish his extremist credentials.
On Friday he called the Obama administration “un-American” for taking a tough stance with BP over the company’s handling of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Who should The President take a tough stand with, the fish?
It seems Mr Paul disagrees with The President's insistence that BP be held accountable — and pay — for the oil spill cleanup and damage.
“What I don’t like from the president’s administration is this sort of, ‘I’ll put my boot heel on the throat of BP,’ ” Mr. Paul said. “I think that sounds really un-American in his criticism of business. I’ve heard nothing from BP about not paying for the spill. And I think it’s part of this sort of blame-game society in the sense that it’s always got to be someone’s fault instead of the fact that sometimes accidents happen.”
His Democratic opponent, Jack Conway, the state attorney general, said on Friday: “Rand Paul apparently has a deeply held conviction that corporations should be allowed to do what they see fit without oversight or accountability.”
Also in the Friday “Good Morning America” interview, Mr. Paul extended his belief that too much blame was being laid at the feet of business, by alluding to the deaths of 29 workers at a Massey coal mine in West Virginia last month. “We had a mining accident that was very tragic,” he said. “Then we come in, and it’s always someone’s fault. Maybe sometimes accidents happen.”
In other words Mr. Paul's answer to the American people is shit happens, get over it. As we all know, neither accident just happened. Corners were cut and safety standards were watered down by the previous Republican administration in the name of short term corporate profits.
By Friday afternoon, Mr. Paul’s campaign had canceled his scheduled appearance on Sunday’s “Meet the Press” program. Apparently even Mr Paul's handlers think he is dangerous.
When it comes to going back to the 17th century the people of Kentucky need to loudly say...
Hell No, We Won't Go!
With each passing minute it becomes more apparent that this guy is dangerous!
If sanity prevails in Kentucky, which I'll admit is open to question, a Democrat will be elected to the US Senate come November.
After trying unsuccessfully to spin his opposition to the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Mr. Paul went on today to burnish his extremist credentials.
On Friday he called the Obama administration “un-American” for taking a tough stance with BP over the company’s handling of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Who should The President take a tough stand with, the fish?
It seems Mr Paul disagrees with The President's insistence that BP be held accountable — and pay — for the oil spill cleanup and damage.
“What I don’t like from the president’s administration is this sort of, ‘I’ll put my boot heel on the throat of BP,’ ” Mr. Paul said. “I think that sounds really un-American in his criticism of business. I’ve heard nothing from BP about not paying for the spill. And I think it’s part of this sort of blame-game society in the sense that it’s always got to be someone’s fault instead of the fact that sometimes accidents happen.”
His Democratic opponent, Jack Conway, the state attorney general, said on Friday: “Rand Paul apparently has a deeply held conviction that corporations should be allowed to do what they see fit without oversight or accountability.”
Also in the Friday “Good Morning America” interview, Mr. Paul extended his belief that too much blame was being laid at the feet of business, by alluding to the deaths of 29 workers at a Massey coal mine in West Virginia last month. “We had a mining accident that was very tragic,” he said. “Then we come in, and it’s always someone’s fault. Maybe sometimes accidents happen.”
In other words Mr. Paul's answer to the American people is shit happens, get over it. As we all know, neither accident just happened. Corners were cut and safety standards were watered down by the previous Republican administration in the name of short term corporate profits.
By Friday afternoon, Mr. Paul’s campaign had canceled his scheduled appearance on Sunday’s “Meet the Press” program. Apparently even Mr Paul's handlers think he is dangerous.
When it comes to going back to the 17th century the people of Kentucky need to loudly say...
Hell No, We Won't Go!
Friday, May 21, 2010
KENTUCKY...BACK IN THE HOOD?
After breaking a barrier that stood for 234 years by electing the first African American as President of the United Sates, something that many Americans never thought they would see in their lifetimes, America earned a newfound admiration throughout the world. At long last, it seemed, we over came. At long last, the promise
of America that all men are created equally and can achieve anything their abilities allowed had been fulfilled.
It was a long 234 years, filled with pain and striving and it could not have happened without a series of important incremental gains. The most important of which was the 1964 Civil Rights Act which for the first time codified Thomas Jefferson's promise into law thereby extending it to all Americans.
Indeed, things have changed dramatically since the days when men in hoods, supported by the wink of the law, could terrorize and murder those that they deemed unworthy. Invariably, such change brings out the most extreme among us, those who would seek to take the country back to its darkest days.
This brings us to the phenomena that is The Tea Party. After the greed and incompetence of the last administration led to the disintegration of 8 million jobs, people became angry and afraid. Can you blame them? But the question must be asked why is that anger directed at Barack Obama? It can not be because he is not doing a good job because clearly, he is doing quite well considering the rubble he was handed upon taking office. No, it has to be something else.
People who are angry and afraid and who are searching for answers are easily led and it seems that the worst among us, aided, abetted and whipped by Fox News have seized control of the tea partiers. What else would explain such misplaced anger?
Early on, Republicans, careening from their losses in the most recent national elections cynically latched onto the nascent Tea Party as a way to gain some traction in the national debate. I don't think that they bargained for what it has come to stand for.
On Thursday, The Tea Party's Rand Paul who not two days earlier won the Republican nomination in Kentucky to run for the U.S. Senate, suggested in a series of television and radio interviews, that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was too broad and should not apply to private businesses, such as but not limited to
lunchonettes. A postition so deeply held that he can not bring himself to utter the words that might cause us to think otherwise even though he tried.
The Republican establishment, led by the Senior Senator from the State of Kentucky, who also happens to be the Republican leader in the Senate perhaps recognizing the extreme direction of the Tea Party, even for them, had backed a more moderate, that is to say a mainstream conservative candidate. He lost and now Republicans are left to wonder if they will be able to put the genie back into the bottle or whether Rand Paul will be able to put Kentucky and the nation back in the hood?
of America that all men are created equally and can achieve anything their abilities allowed had been fulfilled.
It was a long 234 years, filled with pain and striving and it could not have happened without a series of important incremental gains. The most important of which was the 1964 Civil Rights Act which for the first time codified Thomas Jefferson's promise into law thereby extending it to all Americans.
Indeed, things have changed dramatically since the days when men in hoods, supported by the wink of the law, could terrorize and murder those that they deemed unworthy. Invariably, such change brings out the most extreme among us, those who would seek to take the country back to its darkest days.
This brings us to the phenomena that is The Tea Party. After the greed and incompetence of the last administration led to the disintegration of 8 million jobs, people became angry and afraid. Can you blame them? But the question must be asked why is that anger directed at Barack Obama? It can not be because he is not doing a good job because clearly, he is doing quite well considering the rubble he was handed upon taking office. No, it has to be something else.
People who are angry and afraid and who are searching for answers are easily led and it seems that the worst among us, aided, abetted and whipped by Fox News have seized control of the tea partiers. What else would explain such misplaced anger?
Early on, Republicans, careening from their losses in the most recent national elections cynically latched onto the nascent Tea Party as a way to gain some traction in the national debate. I don't think that they bargained for what it has come to stand for.
On Thursday, The Tea Party's Rand Paul who not two days earlier won the Republican nomination in Kentucky to run for the U.S. Senate, suggested in a series of television and radio interviews, that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was too broad and should not apply to private businesses, such as but not limited to
lunchonettes. A postition so deeply held that he can not bring himself to utter the words that might cause us to think otherwise even though he tried.
The Republican establishment, led by the Senior Senator from the State of Kentucky, who also happens to be the Republican leader in the Senate perhaps recognizing the extreme direction of the Tea Party, even for them, had backed a more moderate, that is to say a mainstream conservative candidate. He lost and now Republicans are left to wonder if they will be able to put the genie back into the bottle or whether Rand Paul will be able to put Kentucky and the nation back in the hood?
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
EVERY SINGLE DAY
Every single day Barack Obama should attend a project or visit a business where new jobs are being created. Because for all the demands of the job perhaps the most demanding aspect is keeping it, as well as the congressional majorities that you rely on to move your agenda. The key to keeping both is never forgetting....IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID!
People are scared and when people get scared they get angry. No matter that the previous president ran the country into the ground. No matter that 8 million people lost their jobs at the hands of the previous incompetent and corrupt administration. IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID!
The President needs to get out there and reassure the American people and show them that jobs are being created and that due to his policies things are getting better. He needs to have a series of fireside chats with the American people and he might as well do it out amongst them focusing on an issue that they are sure to be receptive to, their pocketbooks.
The President needs to do this consistently, every single day and he needs to do it loudly, utilizing all the advantages that the bully pulpit offers.
We count on you Mr. President to keep us safe from corporate water carrying, christian pandering, Republicans who drove this country into the ground and who have turned our politics into a culture war.
It's the economy Mr. President, don't be stupid.
People are scared and when people get scared they get angry. No matter that the previous president ran the country into the ground. No matter that 8 million people lost their jobs at the hands of the previous incompetent and corrupt administration. IT'S THE ECONOMY STUPID!
The President needs to get out there and reassure the American people and show them that jobs are being created and that due to his policies things are getting better. He needs to have a series of fireside chats with the American people and he might as well do it out amongst them focusing on an issue that they are sure to be receptive to, their pocketbooks.
The President needs to do this consistently, every single day and he needs to do it loudly, utilizing all the advantages that the bully pulpit offers.
We count on you Mr. President to keep us safe from corporate water carrying, christian pandering, Republicans who drove this country into the ground and who have turned our politics into a culture war.
It's the economy Mr. President, don't be stupid.
LAURA BUSH COMES OUT....FINALLY
Laura Bush came out last night on Larry King.
She came out in favor of gay rights and a woman's right to choose. We welcome her to the fight and to what is right. Glad to have her.
Our question is, where was she when it counted? Where was she when as First Lady such a revelation might have actually made a difference? Her public silence on these issues while her husband used them as wedges to split the electorate and pander to the worst among us makes her coming out all the more frustrating.
Where was she while her husband was busy appointing ultra right wing justices who would like nothing better than to reverse Roe v. Wade?
Where was she while gays were being systematically denied their constitutional right to equal protection under the law?
While we welcome her to the fight we must at the same time hold her responsible for aiding and abetting the basest and most cynical elements of our society. Those who would deny others their rights simply because they are different. Those who would deny others their rights simply to win an election.
When asked about the difference between her position and that of her husband she responded "I understand his viewpoint, and he understands mine." It's too bad she did not let the rest of us in on the secret when it might have done some good.
Better late than never Laura. Welcome to the right side of the issues, the left.
She came out in favor of gay rights and a woman's right to choose. We welcome her to the fight and to what is right. Glad to have her.
Our question is, where was she when it counted? Where was she when as First Lady such a revelation might have actually made a difference? Her public silence on these issues while her husband used them as wedges to split the electorate and pander to the worst among us makes her coming out all the more frustrating.
Where was she while her husband was busy appointing ultra right wing justices who would like nothing better than to reverse Roe v. Wade?
Where was she while gays were being systematically denied their constitutional right to equal protection under the law?
While we welcome her to the fight we must at the same time hold her responsible for aiding and abetting the basest and most cynical elements of our society. Those who would deny others their rights simply because they are different. Those who would deny others their rights simply to win an election.
When asked about the difference between her position and that of her husband she responded "I understand his viewpoint, and he understands mine." It's too bad she did not let the rest of us in on the secret when it might have done some good.
Better late than never Laura. Welcome to the right side of the issues, the left.
REPUBLICANS - THE PARTY OF SPILL
News Item: Bush Lifts Offshore Drilling Ban
News Item: Spill Is Now Estimated At One Million Gallons of Oil Per Day...47 Million Gallons and Counting
Live Spill Cam
Live Spill Cam
News Item: Fox News Host Scoffs At Gulf Spill: 'Where Is The Oil?'
I guess Brit can't believe his own lying eyes.
News Item: As Six West Coast Senators Propose Banning Offshore Drilling, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham (S.C.) announces his support for continued - and additional - offshore oil drilling.
As oil continues to spew into the Gulf of Mexico at an unprecedented rate, and attempts to stop the flow fail, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) reaffirmed his support for continued - and additional - offshore oil drilling. In a press statement issued late last week, Senator Graham said, "I remain committed to safely expanding offshore drilling because I know oil will be part of our nation's energy plan for years to come."
Safely huh? As in when he supported Bush's weakening of safety standards for offshore oil drilling? Or perhaps it was when he supported Bush's choice of a longtime oil industry lobbyist to be the chief regulator of drilling safety.
Of course, as we are seeing now, it only takes one spill to severely damage our environment, perhaps irreparably. Visit this site to learn more about the scope of the disaster.
Speaking of for years to come:
News Item: Oil Spill Shuts Down 19 Percent of Gulf Fishing As much as 40 percent of America's commercial seafood is harvested from the Gulf of Mexico, and the oil spill is already hurting the industry.
News Item: Seafood testing could last years - The spill "will affect the Gulf, and possibly the entire North American region, for maybe years, if not decades," said Rowan Gould, acting director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. More pessimistic was Harry "Chu Chu" Cheramie, 59, a Louisiana trawler: "That's going to kill our fishing grounds forever."
News Item: Seafood testing could last years - The spill "will affect the Gulf, and possibly the entire North American region, for maybe years, if not decades," said Rowan Gould, acting director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. More pessimistic was Harry "Chu Chu" Cheramie, 59, a Louisiana trawler: "That's going to kill our fishing grounds forever."
Comparing the effects of the spill to Katrina, Randy Adams, 48, a construction worker from Grand Isle Louisiana said: "This is worse than a hurricane. We can leave from a hurricane. This we can't leave from."
So, who will pay the enormous costs in clean up and lost business associated with this disastorous spill? Well, if Republicans have their way, it won't be BP and their big oil brethren.
Republicans for the second time blocked legislation that would increase oil companies' liability for oil spill damages, setting off criticism from Democrats seeking to make BP pay for the disastrous oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
News Item: Heavy Sludge Oozes into Marshes of Louisiana
News Item: Oil Spill's Economic Impact Spans Country
Government by, for and of big business is not in the public interest. As I have said many times previously, pick an issue and the Republicans are on the wrong side of it as respects what is actually good for our country. The environment is no exception. Republican's have been voting against protecting the environment for at least the last 50 years.
When you take a few steps back and consider the entirety of the situation, Republicans have either facilitated, excused or denied the enormity of the spill.
Indeed they have well earned the title... THE PARTY OF SPILL.
Indeed they have well earned the title... THE PARTY OF SPILL.
And just when you thought it couldn't get any worse....
You don't even want to imagine.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
BUT THE PEOPLE ARE FOR IT
Well of course the people are for it.
For far too long the federal government has refused or been unable to effectively control our borders. Even in the face of a determined enemy in the form of organized terrorists and some nine years after the events of September 11th. It is shameful. A national disgrace. A national failure.
This failure or refusal has happened no matter what party has controlled The White House or the Congress. When you think about it, it is a failure with broad bipartisan support and culpability.
The Arizona immigration law that imperils our national unity is actually a cry for help which should be heeded by our federal government. It is time for the government to do what it takes to effectively control our borders, every inch of them. It is a matter of national security and it must be done.
In these perilous times, it is imperative that we know who enters our country, where they are and how long they are to be permitted to stay.
If you are here illegally you need to leave. If you are arrested for a crime your immigration status should be checked as a matter of course.
If you are going to work in this country you need to be able to prove that you are either a US Citizen or that you are here legally. Employers who hire people who are here illegally need to face both civil and criminal penalties.
At the very least, every person wishing to enter the country who is not a citizen should be required to provide a DNA Sample and wear a GPS bracelet encoded with their DNA profile. You can take it off when you leave. You don't like it? Don't come!
To do the job right, it will take money and lots of it. It is a big undertaking. I wonder how many of the people who are in favor of the Arizona Law would be willing to pay an additional tax to pay the cost of secure borders?
Our borders need to be secured and the message needs to be sent if you are here illegally, its time to leave.
The only problem is that it is not the State of Arizona that should be sending that message. No, that job needs to be handled by our national government on behalf of all Americans.
For far too long the federal government has refused or been unable to effectively control our borders. Even in the face of a determined enemy in the form of organized terrorists and some nine years after the events of September 11th. It is shameful. A national disgrace. A national failure.
This failure or refusal has happened no matter what party has controlled The White House or the Congress. When you think about it, it is a failure with broad bipartisan support and culpability.
The Arizona immigration law that imperils our national unity is actually a cry for help which should be heeded by our federal government. It is time for the government to do what it takes to effectively control our borders, every inch of them. It is a matter of national security and it must be done.
In these perilous times, it is imperative that we know who enters our country, where they are and how long they are to be permitted to stay.
If you are here illegally you need to leave. If you are arrested for a crime your immigration status should be checked as a matter of course.
If you are going to work in this country you need to be able to prove that you are either a US Citizen or that you are here legally. Employers who hire people who are here illegally need to face both civil and criminal penalties.
At the very least, every person wishing to enter the country who is not a citizen should be required to provide a DNA Sample and wear a GPS bracelet encoded with their DNA profile. You can take it off when you leave. You don't like it? Don't come!
To do the job right, it will take money and lots of it. It is a big undertaking. I wonder how many of the people who are in favor of the Arizona Law would be willing to pay an additional tax to pay the cost of secure borders?
Our borders need to be secured and the message needs to be sent if you are here illegally, its time to leave.
The only problem is that it is not the State of Arizona that should be sending that message. No, that job needs to be handled by our national government on behalf of all Americans.
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