Here’s my wish that 2014 brings to each of you all success, contentment and joy you so richly deserve. To celebrate, here’s a cartoon from each month in 2013.
January:
February:
March:
April:
May:
June:
July:
August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
Ever since Social Security passed under FDR, Republicans have been trying to change it. For them it’s a painful thing to see the money folks have paid in over the years returned to the beneficiaries. Republicans want it to become a vehicle to transfer that wealth from the beneficiaries to billionaires and corporate criminals. Here is an article from a wonderful progressive. I’ll say who at the end.
For a generation now, working families have been squeezed by stagnant wages and rising costs for housing, health care, and college. Even as families have cut back on expenses for things like food, clothing, furniture, and appliances, it hasn’t always been enough; many have been forced to take on more and more debt just to pay for necessities.
One major consequence of these increasing pressures on working people is that the dream of a secure retirement is slowly slipping away. Families haven’t been able to save as much as they used to, and only 18 percent of private-sector workers have defined benefit pensions today compared with 35 percent two decades ago. Forty-four million workers have no workplace retirement savings plan…
…Social Security isn’t the answer to all of our retirement problems. We need to find ways to tackle the financial squeeze that is crushing our families. We need to help families start saving again. We need to make sure that more workers have access to better pensions. But in the meantime, so long as these problems continue to exist and so long as we are in the midst of a real and growing retirement crisis — a crisis that is shaking the foundations of what was once a vibrant and secure middle class — the absolute last thing we should be doing is talking about cutting back on Social Security. The absolute last thing we should do in 2013 – at the very moment that Social Security has become the principal lifeline for millions of our seniors — is allow the program to begin to be dismantled inch by inch.
The decisions we make about Social Security benefits are not just about math. At their core, these decisions are about our values. I believe we must honor our promises, make good on a system that millions of people paid into faithfully throughout their working years, and support the right of every person to retire with dignity and that means protecting and expanding Social Security.
Inserted from <Alternet>
I can assure you that my Social Security benefits have not kept pace with what it costs me to live, so I fully agree with this author. And who is it with such expertise? She’s also an expert on Bought Bitch Mitch!!
Here are the results of our Christmas Dinner Poll. Politics Plus Polls are not scientific, because those who respond are not balanced according to demographic categories. Therefore, we do not accurately reflect the makeup of the US population. Nevertheless, our polls are often both accurate and indicative of the nation’s view.
And here are your comments.
Showing comments 1–7 of 7.
Posted by Jerry Critter December 28, 2013 at 8:16 pm.
We served turkey and ham to the family, but I am a vegan so only veggies for me.
Posted by Joanne D December 28, 2013 at 4:07 am.
I’m not fond of either ham or turkey, and that’s a good thing. because I was just cooking for myself.
Posted by Patty December 28, 2013 at 1:12 am.
It was the first year I didn’t cook. We went to friends’ house and they made prime rib, twice baked potatoes, green beans and Brussels sprouts. Yummy! I made Raspberry Lime Trifle for dessert and of course took a large tray of Christmas cookies to share with all.
Posted by Marva December 27, 2013 at 5:52 am.
We didn’t have a Christmas Dinner on Christmas day. We were still on left-overs from two days before which was the only day we could get some part of the family together in one house. We did have turkey and ham on the 23rd. Next year, I think I’ll just tell everyone to come over on the 21st and we’ll have a Happy Solstice dinner.
Posted by John Dasef December 27, 2013 at 4:50 am.
Turkey and ham, but you didn’t give that option.
Posted by gene jacobson December 27, 2013 at 4:48 am.
I went to the Mandarin Buffet, it isn’t their holiday, and I enjoy the opposite of what most are doing. Though, there are quite a few people who feel as I do, considering the number of people there!
Posted by Lynn Squance December 26, 2013 at 11:11 pm.
I cooked a "turkey breast in a bag" on Catmas eve because I knew I wouldn’t have time for Catmas dinner on Catmas day . . . I went to see my mother. Scalloped potatoes, veggies and 3 cats ready to eat turkey rounded out the fare. On Catmas day, quinoa salad for dinner after returning from mother’s.
I voted for Turkey bird!! It’s a cat thing.
The new poll is up. Enjoy!!
I’m writing for tomorrow, the first day of the new year and planning a big roast beef dinner to celebrate the occasion. Please stay safe. There are drunks, maniacs and Re3publicans on the road.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 2:44 (average 4:50). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Short Takes:
From Right Wing Watch: Ending Aid To Jobless Americans
The perception, revealed in polling, that the GOP does not care about people is doing great harm to the Party…. To people who are flat on their back, unemployed or disabled and in need of help, they do not care if the help comes from the private sector or the government — they just want help.
Republicans in Congress rejected an extension of unemployment benefits, which will not only hurt approximately 1.3 million Americans during a period when long-term joblessness is still high, but will also result in serious harm to economic growth. If Republicans do not waver from their position, up to 5 million people could be affected by the cuts. The party also passed enormous cuts to the food stamp program under the auspices of preventing the tremendously low rate of fraud in an effort to kick 5 million people off of food assistance.
But the GOP continues to give special benefits to millionaires, as earlier this year Republicans once again rebuffed the “Buffet Rule,” which would have ensured that millionaires don’t end up having a lower tax rate than average Americans.
This is just one of five ways that, according to the author, the Republican Party got even worse in 2013. Click through for the other four.
From Robert Reich: Despite do-nothing congressional Republicans, we ARE making progress around the country because Americans are organizing and mobilizing. Together we can make 2014 the year we turn the tide on economic inequality.
Spot-on! If you don’t vote in 2014, you are the problem, not the solution!
From Upworthy: A Little Taste Of What Capitalism Is Like When It Has No Limits.
This is the kind of vulture capitalism the Republican Party seeks, not just for third world nations, but here in the US as well.
Cartoon:
Here is the thirty-sixth article in our Republicans on Parade series, featuring individuals who personify what the Republican Party has become. Today’s honoree is retired Major General, and Faux Noise contributor, Paul E Vallely. He is so honored for proposing treason.
A retired general and Fox News analyst has prescribed a regimen of extra-constitutional measures to protect the Constitution from President Barack Obama.
“We need to get off our derrieres, march at the state capitol, march in Washington (and) make citizens arrests,” said conservative activist and retired Major Gen. Paul E. Vallely.
He said the president and his allies in Congress were “conducting treason,” [World Nut Daily delinked] “violating our Constitution and violating our laws,” and he’s demanded that Obama resign or face a vote of no confidence…
…Vallely suggested that Obama’s misdeeds – which he identified as a handful of broken campaign promises, Benghazi and the Affordable Care Act passed by Congress and upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court – were so egregious that conservatives wouldn’t be breaking any laws by violating the Constitution to remove him from office… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <Raw Story>
Here’s video.
While Vallely did not go as far in his sedition in this clip as he did in World Nut Daily, for a General to suggest removing the President from office in violation of the Constitution is clearly sedition, boarders on treason, and is obviously Republican. I almost expect him to accuse Obama of stealing his precious bodily fluids.
I’m writing for tomorrow and running late, because I overslept. Because we’re almost out of year I contributed to the campaigns of my Congressman, Earl Blumenauer, and my Senator, Jeff Merkley. I urge all to support the progressives that represent them, because progressives are the ones Republi9cans most want to destroy.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 3:17 (average 5:12). To do it, click here, Hoe did you do?
Fantasy Football Finals:
Here are the final playoff standings for our fantasy football league, Lefty Blog Friends.
Congrats to all!
Judy had informed me that she won’t be playing next year. If you let me know very quickly, I think I can get you plugged in in advance. It really is a lot of fun.
Short Takes:
From Upworthy: This time of year, the word "family" gets thrown around a whole lot, which can leave a lot of people who don’t have it feeling left out. Imagine how much kinder the world could be if we extend the definition to make it a little more inclusive.
I’m thankful for my family… all of you.
From NY Times: Democratic Party leaders, bruised by months of attacks on the new health care program, have found an issue they believe can lift their fortunes both locally and nationally in 2014: an increase in the minimum wage.
The effort to take advantage of growing populism among voters in both parties is being coordinated by officials from the White House, labor unions and liberal advocacy groups.
In a series of strategy meetings and conference calls among them in recent weeks, they have focused on two levels: an effort to raise the federal minimum wage, which will be pushed by President Obama and congressional leaders, and a campaign to place state-level minimum wage proposals on the ballot in states with hotly contested congressional races.
With polls showing widespread support for an increase in the $7.25-per-hour federal minimum wage among both Republican and Democratic voters, top Democrats see not only a wedge issue that they hope will place Republican candidates in a difficult position, but also a tool with which to enlarge the electorate in a nonpresidential election, when turnout among minorities and youths typically drops off.
I consider this an excellent strategy, because it gives voters another reason to come to the polls and because Republican opposition demonstrates they they represent only the super rich and corporate criminals.
From TPM: Belief in evolution among Republicans has dropped more than 10 percentage points since 2009, according to a new poll by the Pew Research Center.
Pew found that 43 percent of Republicans said they believed humans and other living beings had evolved over time, down from 54 percent in 2009. More (48 percent) said they believed all living things have existed in their present form since the beginning of time.
That proves it. Republicans are DEvolving!
Cartoon:
When Muslim terrorists attacked the US compound in Benghazi, Libya, the bodies of the four Americans killed were still warm, when Republicans tried to create a scandal, accusing the Obama administration of a cover-up. They have relentlessly propagandized over the incent ever since, but now we know that the original assessment from Obama’s team was accurate, and everything on which Republicans have based their conspiracy theories is wrong.
…Months of investigation by The New York Times, centered on extensive interviews with Libyans in Benghazi who had direct knowledge of the attack there and its context, turned up no evidence that Al Qaeda or other international terrorist groups had any role in the assault. The attack was led, instead, by fighters who had benefited directly from NATO’s extensive air power and logistics support during the uprising against Colonel Qaddafi. And contrary to claims by some members of Congress, it was fueled in large part by anger at an American-made video denigrating Islam.
A fuller accounting of the attacks suggests lessons for the United States that go well beyond Libya. It shows the risks of expecting American aid in a time of desperation to buy durable loyalty, and the difficulty of discerning friends from allies of convenience in a culture shaped by decades of anti-Western sentiment. Both are challenges now hanging over the American involvement in Syria’s civil conflict.
The attack also suggests that, as the threats from local militants around the region have multiplied, an intensive focus on combating Al Qaeda may distract from safeguarding American interests.
In this case, a central figure in the attack was an eccentric, malcontent militia leader, Ahmed Abu Khattala, according to numerous Libyans present at the time. American officials briefed on the American criminal investigation into the killings call him a prime suspect. Mr. Abu Khattala declared openly and often that he placed the United States not far behind Colonel Qaddafi on his list of infidel enemies. But he had no known affiliations with terrorist groups, and he had escaped scrutiny from the 20-person C.I.A. station in Benghazi that was set up to monitor the local situation… [emphasis added]
Inserted from <NY Times>
I have provided just a small outtake from an extensive article. I strongly suggest reading it in its entirety to understand the full impact.
Of course Republicans have their panties in a huge bunch that their propaganda has been blown away. This should prove that the Times article is accurate.
Just like clockwork. here we go with the push back on the New York Times and their reporting on the attack on our consulate in Libya. Fox "news" has got way too much time invested in pushing their misleading and outright lying talking points and fake outrage over their drummed up Benghazi "scandal" and they’re not about to let it go now…
Inserted from <Crooks and Liars>
If the Republican Reichsministry of Propaganda, Faux Noise, makes a controversial claim, rest assured that the opposite is true.
As I see it, the American fault for the incident can be divided three ways. Most responsible is Ambassador Chris Stevens, who should never have ignored security warnings he received and placed himself in such an exposed position. Next come Congressional Republicans, who slashed the funding for diplomats’ security. Next come Republican hate mongers, who created the video designed to ridicule Islam. No doubt, Republicans will try to project their just share of responsibility onto Obama.
I’m writing for tomorrow, and trying to finish before the final week of holy days in the Church of the Ellipsoid Orb begins services.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today’s took me 2:53 (average 5:06). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Religious Ecstasy:
Peyton Manning set the all time NFL records for passing touchdowns and passing yards in a single season, before sitting out the entire second half. The Broncos set the all time NFL record for storing in a single season. This makes this year’s Broncos the most potent offense in history.
Short Takes:
From Alternet: Joseph Epstein in Wall Street Journal: The problem with America is the collapse of white rule.
There just are not enough rich, white men in power in America anymore. It is a terrible problem. Instead, what we have is some sort of self-styled meritocracy, where instead of the good old-fashioned ruling elite, people who have overcome adversity and achieved success by dint of hard work and effort, rather than their lineage, are in charge. Ugh! This must be why society is going to hell in a handbasket.
So goes the argument of writer Joseph Epstein, who penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal last weekend bemoaning the collapse of white rule. Not just white rule. WASP rule.
The column, which resembles satire, but apparently is not, argues [Murdoch delinked] that modern-day “corruption, scandal and incompetence” are hallmarks exclusive to this new era of non-white rule. Because that shit never happened when whites were in charge. If only, he laments, colleges still admitted more legacies and didn’t encourage applications of non-white students. Then maybe, instead of a Senate that is 95% white, we could go back to the 100%.
And don’t even get him started about the president.
This is just one of the eight worst things Republicans said last week. Click through for the other seven.
From Bill Moyers: For the past 40 years, corporate America has spent untold millions convincing lawmakers and the wider public that government intervention in the private sector results in painful unintended consequences that harm us all. At the same time, corporate-backed think tanks and media outlets have advanced the narrative that public benefits create a culture of dependency, and by doing so ultimately do their recipients more harm than good.
The hypocrisy of these claims is becoming increasingly evident as low-wage employers — notably retailers and the fast-food industry — enjoy profits subsidized by their workers’ reliance on public benefits. These firms are the real “welfare queens” in today’s economy.
In short, our tax dollars are going to give the Walton family, owners of Wal-Fart, more money than the entire bottom 40% of American families.
From Bernie Sanders: (received in email.
I want to take this opportunity to wish you and yours a very happy new year. I also want to express my gratitude to you for the political support that you have given to me, and for all of your efforts in trying to move our country and the world in the direction of peace, justice and environmental sanity.
As we survey our country at the end of 2013 I don’t have to tell you that the problems facing us are monumental, that the Congress is dysfunctional and that more and more people (especially the young) are, understandably, giving up on the political process. The people are hurting. They look to Washington for help. Nothing is happening.
Clearly, if we are going to save the middle class and protect our planet, we need to change the political dynamics of the nation. We can no longer allow the billionaires and their think tanks or the corporate media to set the agenda. We need to educate, organize and mobilize the working families of our country to stand up for their rights. We need to make government work for all the people, not just the 1 percent.
Before we talk about 2014, let me ask you a favor. Do you know of friends, family or co-workers who might be interested in receiving our email newsletters and updates? If you do, please forward this email and encourage them to sign-up for occasional updates. They can sign-up for our emails by clicking here.
When Congress reconvenes for the 2014 session, here are a few of the issues that I will be focusing on.
WEALTH AND INCOME INEQUALITY: A nation will not survive morally or economically when so few have so much while so many have so little. It is simply not acceptable that the top 1 percent owns 38 percent of the financial wealth of the nation, while the bottom 60 percent owns all of 2.3 percent. We need to establish a progressive tax system which asks the wealthy to start paying their fair share of taxes, and which ends the outrageous loopholes that enable one out of four corporations to pay nothing in federal income taxes.
JOBS: We need to make significant investments in our crumbling infrastructure, in energy efficiency and sustainable energy, in early childhood education and in affordable housing. When we do that, we not only improve the quality of life in our country and combat global warming, we also create millions of decent paying new jobs.
WAGES: We need to raise the minimum wage to a living wage. We should pass the legislation which will soon be on the Senate floor which increases the federal minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour, but we must raise that minimum wage even higher in the coming years. We also need to expand our efforts at worker-ownership. Employees will not be sending their jobs to China or Vietnam when they own the places in which they work.
RETIREMENT SECURITY: At a time when only one in five workers in the private sector has a defined benefit pension plan; half of Americans have less than $10,000 in savings; and two-thirds of seniors rely on Social Security for more than half of their income we must expand Social Security and make sure that every American can retire with dignity.
WALL STREET: During the financial crisis, huge Wall Street banks received more than $700 billion in financial aid from the Treasury Department and more than $16 trillion from the Federal Reserve because they were "too big to fail." Yet today, the largest banks in this country are much bigger than they were before taxpayers bailed them out. It is time to break up these behemoths before they cause another global economic collapse.
CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM: We are not living in a real democracy when large corporations and a handful of billionaire families can spend unlimited sums of money to elect or defeat candidates. We must expand our efforts to overturn the disastrous Citizens United Supreme Court decision and move this country to public funding of elections.
SOCIAL JUSTICE: While we have made progress in recent years in expanding the rights of minorities, women and gays, these advances are under constant attack from the right wing. If the United States is to become the non-discriminatory society we want it to be, we must fight to protect the rights of all Americans.
CIVIL LIBERTIES: Frankly, the National Security Agency (NSA) and some of the other intelligence agencies are out of control. We cannot talk about America as a "free country" when the government is collecting information on virtually every phone call we make, when they are intercepting our emails and monitoring the websites we visit. Clearly, we need to protect this country from terrorism, but we must do it in a way that does not undermine our constitutional rights.
WAR AND PEACE: With a large deficit and an enormous amount of unmet needs, it is absurd that the United States continues to spend almost as much on defense as the rest of the world combined. The U.S. must be a leader in the world in nuclear disarmament and efforts toward peace, not in the sale of weapons of destruction.
Let me conclude by once again wishing you a happy and healthy new year — and by asking you to share this email with friends, family and co-workers. They can sign-up for our occasional emails by clicking here.
This is a tough and historical moment in American history. Despair is not an option. Let us stand together as brothers and sisters and fight for the America our people deserve. Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Senator Bernie Sanders
This is a bit long for a short take, but Bernie is America’s Senator, so I passed it on.
Cartoon:
