Open Thread – Page 824 – Politics Plus

Open Thread–7/2/2011

Posted by TomCat at 3:16 am Open Thread, Personal

Jul 022011

Yesterday I spent most of the morning collecting the data for today’s monthly report. I’ve had little sleep with heat, noise and COPD flaring up, but I’m current on replies. Today, I sleep.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 2:54 (average 4:32). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Think Progress: New York State Sen. Marty Golden (R) — the only Brooklyn senator to vote against New York’s same-sex marriage law — has condemned homosexuality as “plain wrong!,” claiming that it would lead to the “destruction of the sacrament of marriage.” But as L Magazine notices, the Senator is more than happy to profit from it: a catering hall that Golden once owned and is still personally invested in is willing to cash in on the marriage equality gold rush and host gay and lesbian wedding receptions.

Republicans are such hypocrites. This reminds me of Denny Smith (R-OR), a 90s politician. While pretending to be a “family values” guy, his printing company, which he still operates, published T & A Times, a guide to Oregon’s steamy, seamy side.

From The Vile Plutocrat: CEO of Walmart [sic] Makes in One Hour What the Average Employee Makes In a Year

Don’t shop there. They are BIG Republican donors too.

From Common Dreams: So this is what “fragile and reversible” progress looks like in Afghanistan: violence is up 51 percent since this time last year, thanks to a hurricane of insurgent suicide attacks, assassinations and bombs, undermining U.S. military claims that it’s breaking the momentum of the Taliban.

We stand a better chance at winning the peace, since we’re losing the war.

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Open Thread–7/1/2011

Posted by TomCat at 2:13 am Open Thread, Personal

Jul 012011

Yesterday I got some blog work done and got some much needed sleep. I’m current on replies. Today I’ll be busy collecting all the info needed for tomorrow’s monthly report.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 3:57 (average 5:02). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Think Progress: Minnesota’s Campaign Finance Board ruled today that both sides of the campaign surrounding the state’s 2012 constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage must disclose the sources of their corporate donations. The National Organization of Marriage (NOM) and the Minnesota Family Council (MFC) unsuccessfully argued against the outcome, alleging their donors could suffer intimidation at the hands of “homosexual activists”.

Let’s hope SCROTUS doesn’t get hold of this.

From TPM: A federal judge denied Boeing’s motion to dismiss a National Labor Relations Board lawsuit that charged the aerospace giant with unfairly penalizing Washington workers’ collective bargaining rights by moving a new production line to South Carolina.

Administrative Law Judge Clifford Anderson is allowing the case against Boeing to proceed to trial. The NLRB charged Boeing executives with retaliating against union workers in Washington state for striking by opening up the South Carolina factory.

Great news for labor.

From Right Wing Watch: A few weeks ago Eric Bearse, the spokesperson for Rick Perry’s "The Response" prayer rally, explained that people of all faiths were welcome to participate in the event and "seek out the living Christ."

Organizers have made it abundantly clear that this is an exclusively "Christian prayer meeting" … and according to this email from Allan Parker of The Justice Foundation, who was part of an organizing conference call for the event, it has to be that way because the inclusion of other faiths "would be idolatry of the worst sort".

As this event is campaign related, Perry is violating the Establishment Clause for Republican Supply-side Jesus.

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Open Thread–6/30/2011

Posted by TomCat at 2:12 am Monthly Report, Open Thread

Jun 302011

It’s a rough day. I missed most of yesterday’s sleep cycle doing analysis for today’s editorial on the press conference. Nevertheless, I’m current on replies. Today there are some ZZZZZZZs I need to find.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 4:25 (average 5:48). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Boston Globe: The United States will push ahead with more targeted drone strikes and special operations raids and fewer costly land battles such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan in the continuing war against Al Qaeda, according to a new national counterterrorism strategy unveiled yesterday.

While I prefer peaceful solutions by definition, I recognize that Al Qaeda needs to be opposed, and this may is preferable to multi-year ground wars.

From TPM: The Michelle Bachmann History Channel

Conan outdid himself!

From Washington Post: The Oregon House voted Wednesday to give tribal police the same off-reservation authority as non-tribal officers, despite objections from county sheriffs who said the measure would open the door to lawsuits and give tribal officers unprecedented authority.

Representatives approved the measure on a 33-25 vote after GOP representatives also argued the bill doesn’t have enough oversight to ensure the tribes comply with state law. The measure now goes back to the Senate, which has already approved the bill but is scheduled to decide Wednesday evening whether to accept changes made in the House. John Kitzhaber has said he supports the bill.

Effectively this will give Native American officers the same authority out of jurisdiction as any other officer. Despite Republican opposition, Oregon is leading the way to progressive reform.

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Open Thread–6/29/2011

Posted by TomCat at 2:14 am Open Thread, Personal

Jun 292011

There must be something in the air, because my eyes are watering, my COPD is flaring up, and I’m running on almost no sleep. I’m current on replies.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 3:48 (average 4:34). To do it, click here. I used to have one like that. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From The Oregonian: Rows of legislators and and educators curled around the walls of the state capitol’s ceremonial signing room as Gov. John Kitzhaber signed a landmark education reform measure.

Senate Bill 909 establishes a 13-member Oregon Education Investment Board appointed by the governor, which will oversee all levels of state education from preschool through college.

Once again, Oregon leads the way to progressive reform.

From Washington Independent: A recent poll conducted by Thomson Reuters Pulse Healthcare Survey found than an overwhelming majority of Americans believe that family planning services (not including abortion) for low-income women should be subsidized by the federal government.

When asked, “Do you think the federal government should subsidize birth control and other family planning services, NOT including abortion, at government-funded clinics for low-income women?” 78 percent of respondents said yes.

How any woman could vote Republican baffles me.

From Think Progress: Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) has launched an aggressive campaign against government services since taking office, slashing funding on everything from unemployment insurance to education to aid for homeless veterans, to high-speed rail, helping him become the least popular governor in America just six months into his term.

But his latest target is one of his boldest yet. According to a report by Florida’s Capitol News Service, Scott wanted to disband the Florida Highway Patrol during the last legislative session, but was rebuffed by the state’s sheriffs, who would have been forced to takeover the disbanded forces’ duties.

Scott must own a company that brews InsaniTEA.

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Prosser Video Update

Posted by TomCat at 1:59 am Monthly Report, Open Thread

Jun 282011

28prosser unhinged On Sunday, I posted The Fitzwalkerstan Attack Dog, describing how David Prosser criminally assaulted Justice Ann Walsh Bradley by grabbing her around the neck and choking her, when she demanded that he leave her office. Here’s some good news. The Fitzwalkerstan Attack Dog is under criminal investigation.

Tom Roberts, filling in for Ed Schultz, has the details.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Even back in the 1960s, the right wing had a pattern of physical violence, whenever their arguments lacked the rational authority to prevail, as they usually do. I hope they nail this SOB!

Open Thread–6/28/2011

Posted by TomCat at 1:58 am Open Thread, Personal

Jun 282011

Yesterday I had a bad air day, the heat and humidity set off my COPD. Running my errands wiped me out. Nevertheless, I’m up to date on replies, although there were lots of comments to answer. I never mind that! Today’s schedule depends on how I feel.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 3:34 (average 4:44). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From BuzzFlash: When Scott Walker tried to attend a picnic.

The people chased him away!

From LA Times: With California’s new fiscal year starting Friday and no compromise with the GOP on a budget in sight, Gov. Jerry Brown’s chief spokesman called Sacramento Republicans "basically moronic" for failing to strike an agreement.

Right on, Governor Moonbeam!

From San Francisco Chronicle:

Rod Blagojevich, who won two terms as Illinois governor before scandal made him a national punch line, was convicted Monday of corruption charges, including trying to sell President Obama’s Senate seat.

I’m amazed it took so long!

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Open Thread–6/27/2011

Posted by TomCat at 1:22 am Open Thread, Personal

Jun 272011

Another weekend is passed, and I’m still current with replies. I have more errands to run today, so I don’t know how much I’ll be around.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 3:51 (average 5:04). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Reuters: President Barack Obama must bridge a wide gap separating his Democrats from Republicans when he meets with Senate leaders on Monday over raising the U.S. debt ceiling, but neither side seems inclined to compromise.

I hope Obama can hold off both Bought Bitch Mitch and the Nevada leg Hound.

From Reuters: A top regulator said on Sunday that a nuclear power plant threatened by flooding from the swollen Missouri River was operating safely and according to standards.

While I do not consider nuclear power safe by any means, I’m glad I stayed out of the hype surrounding this incident.

From CBS: Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., said Sunday it was not true that the U.S. government would default on its loans if the debt limit were not raised, and accused the Obama administration of using "scare tactics" to push its agenda.

Sadly, the moderator did not even challenge this batshit crazy BS.

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Open Thread–6/26/2011

Posted by TomCat at 2:55 am Open Thread, Personal

Jun 262011

Yesterday my articles were late, because I was so tired that I fell asleep at the keyboard. After my blog work was done, I had breakfast, napped, had lunch, napped, had dinner, napped and slept late so I’m running behind again. I am current on replies. Today I have errands to run.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 4:09 (average 5:14). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Fantasy Football:

Those to whom I sent notices have one more day. I’ll be posting the ID and password for Lefty Blog Friends tomorrow.

Short Takes:

From Detroit Free Press: Michigan native Mitt Romney and U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann are neck and neck in a new poll of likely participants in Iowa’s Republican presidential caucuses.

Romney, a former Massachusetts governor, claims 23%, and Bachmann, a tea partier from Minnesota, has 22%. Neither has done heavy lifting in Iowa. Retired pizza CEO Herman Cain of Georgia is in third, with 10%.

I’d be happy for us to run against either.

From The Vile Plutocrat: A group backed by 81 major companies — including McDonald’s, Lowe’s, General Dynamics, American Airlines, IBM and General Mills — is lobbying against new rules that would force disclosure of how much more their chief executive makes than the typical worker.

Is it any surprise that they don’t want us to know?

From Right Wing Watch: Despite the common refrain that the Tea Party doesn’t care about social issues like gay rights, today the Tea Party Nation emailed its members a post by right-wing activist Alan Caruba on the dangers of marriage equality and anti-bullying programs. Caruba, who once called marriage equality “an act of societal suicide,” discussed how Tea Party activists need to stop “the queering of America.”

Anyone who believes the Teabaggers aren’t about “social issues”, please send me your credit card numbers, pins, and validation codes to claim your share of a multi-billion dollar fortune. 😈

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