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Open Thread–4/25/2014

Posted by TomCat at 12:51 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Apr 252014

I’m writing for tomorrow, and this is tomorrow’s only article, because I will not get back from prison until late and will have missed sleep. Day 2.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 2:25 (average 4:36). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Daily Kos: Scary news out of Pennsylvania:

A local chapter of the Traditionalist American Knights of the Ku Klux Klan launched a neighborhood watch in the area of Ridge Road in Fairview Township in response to a recent rash of break-ins, said Frank Ancona, the organization’s imperial wizard and president.

Frank Ancona went on to offer assurances they don’t target minorities:

“It’s just like any neighborhood watch program. It’s not targeting any specific ethnicity. We would report anything we see to law enforcement,” Ancona said. “We don’t hate people. We are an organization who looks out for our race. We believe in racial separation. God created each species after its kind and saw that it was good.”

This news comes on the heels of reports that the KKK has started a new recruitment drive: [Republican KKK delinked]

He and his Republican allies have a point. The government species and the Republican species must be separated and kept apart.

From The New Yorker: Flanked by members of his state’s legislature on Wednesday afternoon, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal proudly unveiled Georgia’s new official state slogan, “We Make Florida Look Safe.”

Gov. Deal told reporters that the slogan was “more than just words,” reflecting Georgia’s determination to best its rival Florida for the nation’s most reckless gun law.

“When Florida passed Stand Your Ground, we knew we were playing catch-up,” Gov. Deal said. “Thanks to the fine men and women in the Georgia state legislature, we’re No. 1.”

Gov. Deal said he hoped that the state’s newly enacted Safe Carry Protection Act, which makes it legal to carry guns in bars, schools, churches, and some government buildings, would send the message that Georgia was taking its competition with Florida “very, very seriously.”

Andy’s satire aside, dozens of innocent victims will die, and dozens of guilty Republicans will go free because of this law.

From Raw Story: A New Hampshire lawmaker found himself being heckled by his colleagues on Wednesday during a state House speech, which asserted that women lacked the work ethic of men so they should be paid less.

During a floor debate on Wednesday, state Rep. Will Infantine (R) argued that the “Paycheck Equity Act” was not necessary to prevent wage discrimination based on gender because women deserved to make less.

“Men, by and large, make more because some of the things that they do,” he opined. “Their jobs are, by and large, riskier. They don’t mind working nights and weekends. They don’t mind working overtime or outdoors.”

At that point in the video clip uploaded by Granite State Progress, other lawmakers began to loudly object to Infantine’s remarks.

Note the way that Republican tried to blame the federal government for his standard Republican misogyny.

Cartoon:

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Morse was a Republican Senator from Oregon, who had wisdom ahead of his times. He switched parties and became a Democrat. His speech against offshore drilling lasted 22 hours and 26 minutes.

Open Thread–4/24/2014

Posted by TomCat at 1:35 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Apr 242014

I’m writing for tomorrow very early in the morning, because I have a busy day, including grocery delivery and preparation for tomorrow’s prison volunteer day.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 3:28 (average 4:58). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Upworthy: A special Upworthy series about work and the economy, made possible by the AFL-CIO. Read more, then check out more in Workonomics.

Just remember some of these people when you go to the mall to get some new pants or whatever.

American workers, who lost their jobs, are not the only victims of the greedy corporations, who create such working conditions to increase their profit, and the Republican Party, that helps make such tragedies possible by taking funds from US taxpayers to finance corporate offshoring costs.

From Daily Kos: Last Friday, a bronze statue honoring the late U.S. District Judge J. Waties Waring, whose legal opinions helped end segregation and the doctrine of separate but equal, was unveiled outside the federal courthouse in Charleston, South Carolina. According to the Charleston Post and Courier, "an integrated crowd of several hundred people gathered to watch" the unveiling.

One dozen speakers spoke at the event, including U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, U.S. Congressman James Clyburn and South Carolina Supreme Court Justice Jean Toal, each paying their respects to Waring for having the vision to try to move the country past the era of Jim Crow segregation.

But despite the large crowd and the attendance of top officials like Holder and Clyburn, you won’t be surprised about who didn’t show up:

Republicans from the area’s congressional delegation were conspicuously absent.

U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, and U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford, R-Charleston, all skipped the dedication ceremony held last Friday at the federal courthouse in Charleston.

The Republican Party is the party of segregation and racism.

From The New Yorker: In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of the United States declared on Tuesday that lying by politicians is protected by the First Amendment because it is an expression of their religion.

By a 5–4 majority, the Court struck down an Ohio law that would make it harder to lie in political ads, arguing instead that “any attempt to restrict or punish lying by politicians is an unconstitutional infringement on a religion they have practiced for decades.”

The Court’s decision won praise from politicians of both parties, with many saying that the Justices’ recognition of lying as a religion was “long overdue.”

Andy had it right, until he made it bipartisan. Democratic politicians have no need to lie, because the truth works for them. On the other hand, "Thou shalt ALWAYS bear false witness," is one of the commandments of Republican Supply-side Jesus (not the real Jesus).

Cartoon:

Open Thread–4/23/2014

Posted by TomCat at 12:01 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Apr 232014

Writing for tomorrow, it’s a better day than yesterday. Of course, that isn’t saying much. I’m resting all I can, because I will be busy tomorrow preparing for a volunteer day in prison on Thursday. Day 1.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 2:38 (average 4:58). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Upworthy: The Southern Poverty Law Center reports that there are 939 hate groups operating in the U.S. — a nearly 60% increase since 2000. This reminded me of my favorite quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

These words are helpful to ponder in any situation, but especially when there are still so many people in need of love — both those who identify with a hate group and those who are on the receiving end of the hate.

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Recent events demonstrate the danger from Republican hate groups. This is a map of Oregon’s Republican hate groups. Here is the link to the SPLC Interactive Map.

From Daily Kos: This story is about one of those very rare moments in history that’s significantly affecting the way in which the public (and, as Paul Krugman acknowledges it, even many in the status quo) views the dismal science known as "economics." If you’re at all interested in the subject, or income inequality in general, last night’s Moyers’ show, with special guest Paul Krugman, is not to be missed.

Since so many of you can’t see the Vimeo included in the article, I found the same clip on YouTube.

The inequality in the US today is the greatest it has ever been in at any other time or in any other country in world history. Moyers and Krugman together is a true meeting of giants.

From NY Times: Every day, our computer churns through the latest polls and reams of historical data to calculate both parties’ chances of winning control of the Senate. Although the Democrats currently have a 51 percent chance, that doesn’t mean we’re predicting the Democrats to win the Senate — the probability is essentially the same as a coin flip.

After months of being told Republicans will win the Senate, this is certainly refreshing. Lets go change those numbers even more!

Cartoon:

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Republicans must hate that site!!

Personal Update–4/22/2014

Posted by TomCat at 12:18 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Apr 222014

I hate few things more than wasting a day, but that is what I’ve done today. I waited the whole half hour for my lift bus to arrive and take me to my medical appointment. They didn’t show up so I called. They apologized and said they were running late. I waited another twenty minutes and called again. They said they came to my address and were told I did not live there. They had sent my ride to my old address, although I have told them I have moved no fewer than five separate times. They told me there was nothing they could do, because the bus had moved on and was no longer in the neighborhood. I called the doctor’s office several times but could get only a recording. He must have given his scheduling staff the day after Easter off. I left a message, but have no idea if it got through, so I may be charged for a missed appointment, which my insurance will not cover. To make matters worse, I had awakened at 3:00 AM to deal with an equestrian necessity, and knowing my penchant for sleeping through alarm clocks, I opted to stay up and clean house. So I was pooped. However, I was too tired and too irritated to sleep. I lay in bed and tossed and turned, finally falling asleep late in the day. I feel frustrated over a wasted day. ARGH!!

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 2:50 (average 4:56). To do it, click here. How did you do?

I bet it’s a Republican. 🙁

Open Thread–4/21/2014

Posted by TomCat at 12:00 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Apr 212014

I’m writing for tomorrow and feeling a bit groggy after wrapping myself around a generous portion of chili beef, rice and veggies casserole, topped with melted cheese. I got some bad news last night. The group controlling the prison Activities area on Tuesday maxed out their guest list, so I was bumped from my CoDA. Once I have my volunteer card, that will no longer happen. Please don’t expect much tomorrow. I have a Urologist appointment. I’m not sick. I have to go in to fill the cup and get an exam, because he changed my meds in February. The process will kill half the day.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 2:52 (average 4:53). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Upworthy: In this delightful satirical look at a corporate PSA, some energy executives tell us what they are REALLY thinking. YAY!

Just FYI, this uses language that is not safe for work. Also, as I mentioned in the first sentence, this is actually satire, not a real company. Real companies would just keep pretending none of this is true.

So in case you didn’t see the other sentences, I’d like to make clear that this is satire. Also, satire warning.

Dang!! Australia has imported Republicans!! 🙁

From Daily Kos: Dana Perino on Fox News’ The Five:

Without getting into the infinite list of times that Faux Noise, the Republican Reichsministry of Propaganda, has done exactly what they are accusing Obama of doing, calling him a jerk is just the only argument they can make, because he’s right. Perhaps they might like some cheese with their whine.

From NY Times: The health care law may be Republicans’ favorite weapon against Democrats this year, but there is another issue roiling their party and shaping the establishment-versus-grass-roots divide ahead of the 2016 presidential primaries: the Common Core.

A once little-known set of national educational standards introduced in 44 states and the District of Columbia with the overwhelming support of Republican governors, the Common Core has incited intense resistance on the right and prompted some in the party to reverse field and join colleagues who believe it will lead to a federal takeover of schools.

Conservatives denounce it as “Obamacore,” in what has become a surefire applause line for potential presidential hopefuls.

Without Common Core, children in Republican controlled states will get to learn Dinosaur Riding 101, Racism 102, Homophobia 103, Misogyny 104, TEAbuggery 105, and little more.

Cartoon:

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Happy Easter!

Posted by TomCat at 1:02 am Holiday, Personal, Politics, Religion

Apr 202014

Easter

Whether or not you are a Christian, I respectfully invite you to join me in the celebration of the my faith’s most central holiday, even though many of its traditions are borrowed.

Jesus was a fascinating man. He associated most closely with the social rejects of his day. He respected people with faiths different from his. He did not burn their religious writings or try to prevent them from their own forms of worship. Sometimes he used them as an example of what is right, like the Good Samaritan. He had a heart for meeting the needs of the poor, and admonished us to care for them. His concern for the rich was that their own greed would blind them. He had no trouble getting along with sinners. He met people at the point of their need, and accepted all, except for the religious hypocrites who used their position to enrich themselves at the expense of the poor and to force their own piety codes, which they often ignored themselves, onto others. Those were only people Jesus condemned. Sadly, they are still among us.

If we are followers of Jesus, our faith will help us to follow the example of what he did. Of course, none of us is perfect in that way. God knows that I fall short every day. It is important to know that those who preach the things Jesus was against, but condemn those who contend for the things Jesus supported, are not followers of Jesus. They are pseudo-Christians. Authentic Christians try to follow Jesus’ example.

And now, for your listening pleasure:

Open Thread–4/20/2014

Posted by TomCat at 1:01 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Apr 202014

I’m writing for tomorrow, and my COPD is flaring up, but the time being what it is, you get your annual visit from the Easter Cat. 😉

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 2:42 (average 5:17). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Upworthy: Before you go all, "But it’s their money!" I have one thing to say: This country’s entire infrastructure is what enabled these people to make the money they are now hiding away in other countries to avoid paying taxes on it.

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How about a 120% penalty for offshoring?

From Daily Kos:

Let’s superimpose that Karl Rove polling from earlier today with the amount of money the Kochs have spent in those states. The number in parenthesis is the trendline from earlier this year.

Arkansas
Pryor 39 (36)
Cotton 39 (42)

Mark Pryor’s numbers went up, Cotton’s went down, and this is now the sixth poll in a row that doesn’t show Republicans winning a seat they’ve already pencilled in as their own.

That rise in Pryor’s numbers, in Rove’s own polling, comes despite $2 million (and counting) spent by the Kochs.

Colorado
Udall 45 (45)
Gardner 43 (44)

Mark Udall has kept steady despite at least $2 million in Koch attack ads (first buy, second buy).

They can’t claim Democratic bias in polls from Rove Rat. Click through for more examples.

From Right Wing Watch: Channeling Mike Huckabee, WorldNetDaily editor Joseph Farah [World Nut Daily delinked] writes today that liberalism inevitably leads to “the end of freedom” and “death on a massive scale.”

Farah writes that he once “swam in the cesspool” of the progressive movement, and knows how it “works and why it is such an effective weapon of intimidation and coercion.”

He goes on to warn that universities have “indoctrinated” students into a “venomous, anti-American and anti-liberty ideology,” arguing that academia is “redefining right and wrong” in order to “achieve a totalitarian state” akin to Nazi Germany, Pol Pot’s Cambodia and North Korea.

If there was ever a case of projection, this is it!

Cartoon:

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Open Thread–4/19/2014

Posted by TomCat at 12:25 am Open Thread, Personal, Politics

Apr 192014

I’m writing for tomorrow and am feeling quite tired. It’s been a busy day, and I’m up well past my bedtime, waiting for a delivery that cannot be made unless I am up to receive it. They came two days in a row and could not get in, because the front desk was unattended. Now they have instructions to call me to let them in.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today’s took me 2:54 (average 4:10). To do it, click here. How did you do?

Short Takes:

From The New Yorker: With an eye toward a Presidential run in 2016, Rick Perry, the Texas governor, is hoping that a two-pronged strategy of wearing glasses and not speaking will make him appear smarter to voters, aides to the Governor confirmed today.

“After the 2012 Republican primary, we knew that we needed to solve what we called the Governor’s smartness problem,” said Harland Dorrinson, an aide to Perry. “The fix that we came up with was glasses, but, as it turned out, that was only half the solution.”

After outfitting Perry with designer eyewear, aides sent him on the road to reintroduce himself to voters, but the response, Mr. Dorrinson said, was underwhelming: “The problem was, he was still talking.”

A round of focus groups convinced aides that only through a combination of wearing glasses and not emitting any sounds could Perry overcome voters’ initial impressions of him.

He’ll never maintain the silence. Verbal TEAbuggery is an integral part of InsaniTEA.

From Daily Kos:

The Washington Post has published an opinion piece from Justice John Paul Stevens in which he analyzes the history of the second amendment, and recent Supreme Court decisions to support his contention that the interpretation of the Second Amendment advanced by the NRA (and recently accepted by the courts) is contrary to the intent of the framers. According to Stevens:

For more than 200 years following the adoption of that amendment, federal judges uniformly understood that the right protected by that text was limited in two ways: First, it applied only to keeping and bearing arms for military purposes, and second, while it limited the power of the federal government, it did not impose any limit whatsoever on the power of states or local governments to regulate the ownership or use of firearms. Thus, in United States v. Miller, decided in 1939, the court unanimously held that Congress could prohibit the possession of a sawed-off shotgun because that sort of weapon had no reasonable relation to the preservation or efficiency of a “well regulated Militia.”

When I joined the court in 1975, that holding was generally understood as limiting the scope of the Second Amendment to uses of arms that were related to military activities. During the years when Warren Burger was chief justice, from 1969 to 1986, no judge or justice expressed any doubt about the limited coverage of the amendment, and I cannot recall any judge suggesting that the amendment might place any limit on state authority to do anything.

Excellent piece. Click through for the the rest of what the NRA, The Republican Party, and the Fascist Five Injustices of SCROTUS don’t want you to know.

From NY Times: President Obama announced Thursday that eight million people have signed up for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act, including what the White House said were a sufficient number of young, healthy adults, a critical milestone that might counter election-year attacks by Republicans on the law’s success and viability.

The total number of enrollees exceeds by a million the target set by the administration for people to buy insurance through government-run health care exchanges. In particular, the number of young people signing up appears to have surged during the final weeks of enrollment.

That does not even count the three million who are receiving healthcare through expanded Medicaid or the three million young people now covered on their parents’ policies. In short, Republicans are trying to take healthcare away from fourteen million people.

Cartoon:

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