Politics Plus

I’m feeling a bit better today, but not much.  Yesterday was the worst COPD flare up I’ve had in months.  Comments are up to date.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 4:39 (average 5:37).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Washington Post: The new Republican leaders in the House have received millions of dollars in contributions from banks, health insurers and other major business interests, which are pressing for broad reversals of Democratic policies that affect corporations, according to disclosure records and interviews.

It’s the worst House mobey has bought.

From Atlanta Journal Constitution: In the last 24 hours, former U.S. House speaker Newt Gingrich has touched base with several prominent Republicans in his former home state, telling them that he intends to make a run for president in 2012 using Georgia as his base.

I hope he runs on his record.

From News Hounds: On Saturday (1/15/11) Forbes on Fox debated panelist Dennis Kneale’s suggestion that pay cuts are good for our economy and, therefore, as the banner on the screen read, “GOOD FOR AMERICA!” Funny, none of the proponents volunteered to reduce their own wages.

They will not apply this to millionaires and billionaires.

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What’s happening this weekend?

I know I won’t get any visiting done today, because I have to go out to run errands, and when I return, I have to do my online grocery shopping for the month.  But I am up to date with comments.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 3:48 (average 5:31).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From The Hill: House Republicans will force Democrats to go “on the record” about government spending in a symbolic vote next week timed to coincide with President Obama’s State of the Union address.

The House Rules Committee on Wednesday approved by a party-line vote of 8-4 a resolution calling on House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) to limit non-security discretionary spending in the second half of 2011 to 2008 levels “or less.”

This is more political theatre.  The Republican-dominated House has still done nothing of note.

From Salon: This is how Rush Limbaugh honored Hu Jingtao on a State visit to the US.

Ironically, he has never sounded more intelligent!

From Think Progress: In an article published on theloop21.com, John Wilson, a “regular contributor to Hip Hop Republican,” mused that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) should resign her seat as she recuperates from her gunshot wounds. Citing media reports about Gifford’s medical condition, Wilson compared Giffords to the late Rep. Gladys Spellman (D-MD), who went into a coma while in office. He then asked, “Should constituents allow members to hold onto their seats like political Brett Favres with no concept of when it is time to go?”

Other Republicans have taken up this despicable meme.  It may well be that Giffords will have to resign, but could we at least wait until we know the extent of her disability, the degree of recovery possible, and the time required to do so?

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Let’s make today Republican toilet paper day.  Wipe well.

I did my laundry today, including over twenty trips up and down the stairs, so I’m feeling thoroughly pooped, but I’m up to date with comments and have a couple good pieces for you.  Hopefully I’ll be back to returning visits this week.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 4:22 (4:42 average).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Alternet: The Koch brothers are bringing their super-wealthy friends to the California desert to a private gathering to strategize how they will dominate American political life, and bring a hardcore right-wing government to power in the U.S. In response, on Sunday, January 30, thousands of activists and concerned people are expected to travel to Rancho Mirage, a wealthy enclave adjacent to Palm Springs, to say no to the Koch brothers’ plan. People will be educated about the Kochs and their cabal of rich friends, and peacefully march to offer an alternative to the greed and right-wing agenda that aims to roll back consumer protections, including the environment, health care, credit cards, banks and more.

Bravo!

From ABC: Sen. Kent Conrad, D-ND, announced today that he plans to retire, a move that looks set to further complicate Democrats’ chances of retaining control of the Senate in 2012.

Perhaps we can get a progressive candidate instead of the DINO.

From Reuters: Former Vice President Dick Cheney said in an interview aired on Tuesday that he will have decide whether to undergo a heart transplant to replace the heart pump that is now keeping him alive.

Could having a heart, for the first time, effect his personality?

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What’s up?

It’s a slow day for news, but I found a couple good topics in addition to the poll results.  Check out the new poll.  I fell asleep during the second half of the second playoff game yesterday.  Today I got op to date with comments and pulled my warmest clothing out of storage.  I’m still not feeling up to par.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 3:54 (average 4:54).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From TPM: Toward the end of the town hall meeting Saturday morning, one of the shooting victims, J. Eric Fuller, took exception to comments by two of the speakers: Ariz. state Rep. Terri Proud, a Dist. 26 Republican, and Tucson Tea Party spokesman Trent Humphries.

According to sheriff’s deputies at the scene, Fuller took a photo of Humphries and said, "You’re Dead."

Deputies immediately escorted Fuller from the room.

While a town hall featuring the victims was a most inappropriate place for the two Republicans to try to evoke support for Arizona’s 19th century gun regulations, I have to condemn Fuller’s response, with the caveat I might be saying the same thing had I just been shot.  The man clearly needs professional help to deal with his experience.

From Huffington Post: Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty urged congressional Republicans on Sunday to not vote to raise the debt ceiling when the matter is considered in the spring.

And this fool wants to be President?

From News Hounds: Bill O’Reilly kicked up a notch his witch hunt against Pima County, Arizona Sheriff Clarence Dupnik. O’Reilly is no longer content to just vilify and demonize Dupnik for having the nerve to suggest that right-wing, inflammatory rhetoric played a part in the Tucson massacre last weekend. Now O’Reilly is suggesting Dupnik bears at least some responsibility for the massacre and is demanding “a very, very stringent investigation by the attorney general of Arizona.”

As I predicted, the Republican Reichsministry of Propaganda has returned to normal.

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May the Orb bless your team.