I’m writing for tomorrow, and am feeling quite tired, because, between personal business, volunteer business, and research, I’ve been going strong for six hours. Two pounds of you know what in a one pound bag is a constant around here.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 4:05 (average 6:10). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Short Takes:
From Upworthy: Uganda’s anti-homosexuality law is so extreme it’s almost unbelievable. But it is very real for the lesbian and gay community living there. And if you want to organize a movement against the law in Uganda? You could go to prison too. That’s why the rest of the world must speak up, and loudly.
When Republican Representatives and Senators from the US originally travelled to Uganda to propose and promote this law, it also contained the death penalty.
From Daily Kos: You know how experiencing personal tragedy can make some Republicans very nearly human? Like when Sen. Mark Kirk had a stroke and the epiphany that low-income residents on Medicaid wouldn’t get the same chance at rehabilitation that he got? And that that was bad? Well, that doesn’t work with every Republican. Meet Arkanasas [sic] state Rep. Josh Miller, one of the Republicans trying to take Medicaid away from what is now about 100,000 people who’ve gained it through the state’s Medicaid expansion.
Miller, 33, was on an alcohol-fueled drive with a friend about 11 years ago (he can’t remember who was driving) when their pickup plunged off a ravine near Choctaw. He was rescued, but suffered a broken neck and was paralyzed. Miller was uninsured. […]
Months of hospitalization and rehabilitation followed, including a long stretch in intensive care at St. Vincent Infirmary. There was a $1 million bill. Medicaid paid most of it. Miller was placed on disability and checks began. In time, between Medicaid and Medicare, all his health costs were covered by the federal government. For that reason, he need not be among the 82 Arkansas legislators (61 percent of the body) who enjoy heavily subsidized and comprehensive state employee health insurance.
Health insurance isn’t Miller’s only government benefit. Another federal Medicaid program for which he qualifies provides daily personal care assistance…
Click through for more. How do you spell hypocrite? R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C-A-N!!
From The New Yorker: Russian President Vladimir Putin received “strong, unqualified words of support” last night in a ninety-minute conversation with himself, Mr. Putin confirmed today.
The invasion of Crimea was the main topic of the conversation, which Mr. Putin described as “extremely collegial and enthusiastic.”
“We discussed a wide range of issues, including how everyone in Ukraine had invited us to come to Ukraine, and also how the soldiers reported to be in Crimea were not actually Russian soldiers but, in fact, local volunteers who looked a lot like Russian soldiers,” he said. “There was strong agreement on all of these matters.”
But Andy, Putin (R-RU) dies not need himself for praise. He has the Republican Party!
Cartoon:
Note here that the lawyer who volunteered to defend the British soldiers was John Adams, because he believed that all accused have the right to a vigorous defense. If only Republicans would recognize this.
13 Responses to “Open Thread–3/5/2014”
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4:11 Who's going to win the gold? Not I. Maybe silver???
4:42 I think all I won is a lump of coal.
3:43 You're correct TC, it won't last. This looks like a broach I had years ago. Where's Miss Kitty?
Upworthy ~ There are petitions out there to sign against this. I know because I have done so in the past days. Sorry. I don't remember who had them but if you Google or Bing them, I'm sure you'll find a few.
Daily Kos ~ These hypocrites will probably get their way. It would be divine justice if Miller lost his Medicaid coverage because of his vote. And if he also also lost his seat so he wouldn't have the elite coverage to which he would otherwise be entitled as a state Rep. Sadly Karma just doesn't work like that.
New Yorker ~ Pootie talks to himself much the same way that our much hated RepubliCons do. They always agree with themselves because most others won't. Unless they watch FAUX NOISE, that is.
Cartoon ~ They don't believe in any kind of justice but their own.
Daily Kos – isn't Miller an utter and horrendous hypocrite?!! What a vile man to try and take from others what he has himself benefitted so largely from (and a self-inflicted injury too) – but that is the Right Wing all over – to the Right Wing what is theirs is theirs, and what is ours is theirs too!! (In fact especially what is ours!).
You are right TC – "How do you spell hypocrite? R-E-P-U-B-L-I-C-A-N!!" – also 'Conservative' over here!
The situation in the Ukraine has me worried and praying hard that democracy and moderation will win the day – I can but pray and pray.
PS have signed several petitions for moderation and understanding towards the Gay community in Uganda – I think AVAAZ has one and there are many others around.
6:37 Not what I would call a tender blossom.
Upworthy – I am on AllOut's mailing list so have signed the petiyion referenced in the graphic, and, yes, severla others. If only we could get it into law in the US that you get 5-7 years in jail for aiding and abetting the Republican party. Of course that might not be enough of a game changer, so it might have to be increased to life. Or death. The Republicans would want it that way. Snerk.
Daily Kos – Josh Miller is – how should I say this – a real piece of work. Maybe we could send him to Uganda.
New Yorker – Oh, yeah, Sarah Palin, for one, will jump right in: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/03/04/1282005/-Sarah-Palin-explains-Vladimir-Putin-s-manly-qualities?detail=email
Cartoon – John Adams must have taught his son well. John Quincy defended the Amistad slaves. Good for both of them.
Can't wait for SNL… 😆
Upworthy: Our senators and representatives had an opportunity to let the leaders of Uganda know they would not support this law, but they did not.
Daily Kos: I like the title of the Daily Kos article. He is typical of most Republicans, "I got mine, and I want yours, too!"
The New Yorker: You are so right, TC
Cartoon: The only people the Repubs think deserve defense are other Repubs.
I'm ahead so far!! 🙂 Won't last!! 🙁
Amen to all of the above!
No travel to this place and I am straight…
5:12 – Puzzle
Puzzle — 3:43 You're correct TC, it won't last. This looks like a broach I had years ago. Where's Miss Kitty?
Upworthy — This is so wrong and morally repugnant! The law should outlaw HATE! . . . serious prison time for hate crimes or promoting hate. . . that being extended to include certain US Cogress Critters and others.
Daily Kos — If it is good enough for the Republicanus/Teabagger goose, it is good enough for the citizens that that goose is voting against.
Daily Kos — The RNC has been declared an offical Pootie fan club.
Cartoon — Amazing how often the Republicanus/Teabaggers invoke the names of the Founding Fathers yet they have no idea what they stood for.