Politics Plus

Articles are a little late today, because I did laundry while researching.  No matter how long it sits there, and now matter how I feel, it just refuses to do itself.   The multiple trips up and down the stairs have me feeling gasses, but I’m current in replying to comments.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 4:23 (4:35 average).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From CREW: Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) asked the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) to investigate whether members of Congress who sleep in their offices are violating House rules. CREW also asked the OCE to determine whether these members are violating tax law by failing to report lodging as a taxable fringe benefit. Press reports indicate that at least 33 members – 26 Republicans and 7 Democrats – have turned their offices into dorm rooms.

Are the Republicans engaging in AIDES research?

From News Hounds: If "liberal" attorney Greta Van Susteren had any qualms about using her show, On The Record, as a fundraising vehicle for Arizona Governor Jan Brewer’s lawsuit against the federal government, Van Susteren kept them to herself. During the rest of the interview, Van Susteren coddled Brewer like she was Sarah Palin. The entire segment was clearly intended as a set up to promote Brewer’s legal theatrics and the money pot for it.

The Arizona Death Angel’s lawsuit against the government is over her racist “papers” law.

From Right Wing Watch: At the CPAC panel on “How Political Correctness is Harming America’s Military,” Elaine Donnelly of the Center for Military Readiness continued her campaign against gay and lesbian members of the armed forces serving openly and honorably, but she was upstaged by GOP congressional candidate Ilario Pantano, who insisted that America is meant to be a Christian nation and that the military must reflect biblical values.

Another Republican lie.  The 1797 Treaty of Tripoli, ratified unanimously in the Senate, while many founding fathers were still Senators, states specifically that the US is NOT a Christian nation.  Subjecting our troops to religions pressure violates the Establishment Clause.

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TGIF!

I hoped to get some visits in yesterday, but I ended up on the phone organizing volunteer work.  Today, we’ll see how I feel, but I am up to date on comments.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 3:56 (average 4:51).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From NPR: Olbermann, whose decision last month to give up his top-rated MSNBC program shocked his fans, will host a nightly primetime program on Current TV and become the network’s "Chief News Officer." The Olbermann/Current TV agreement comes at a time when cable and digital media outlets are scrambling to position themselves before the 2012 presidential campaign.

The buzz was right!  I, for one can’t wait to have him back.

From Alternet: Wide majorities of Americans across the political spectrum favor accelerating the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, according to a new Gallup/USA Today poll.

Obama seems blind to the popular will on this issue.

From McClatchy DC: …the Obama administration on Monday proposed a $53 billion plan for high-speed rail, and Republicans who control the purse strings said not so fast.

This kind of infrastructure spending generates $4.30 for every dollar spent.  By comparison, Republican tax cuts for the top 2% generate less than $0.50 for every dollar spent.

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Happy hump day!

Yesterday I thoroughly enjoyed the Super Bowl and congratulate the Green Bay Packers for their well-deserved championship.  Today begins the season of mourning in the Church of the Ellipsoid Orb, because the Orb has set and will shed no light until August.  I grieve!  I’m up to day on comments and will have to see what the day brings as there are things I have to do.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 4:47 (average 5:36).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From Huffington Post: AOL Inc. [NYSE:AOL] announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire The Huffington Post, the influential and rapidly growing news, analysis, and lifestyle website founded in 2005, which now counts nearly 25 million unique monthly visitors.

For now, it appears that the change will not effect HuffPo’s political orientation, but I am concerned about the long term.

From Washington Post: Authorities say a Florida man is accused of stabbing another man in the neck after learning he was Muslim during a discussion about religion.

According to an arrest affidavit, the man who was stabbed told 52-year-old Bradley Kent Strott that he was Muslim while the two talked on Saturday. Investigators say Strott then grabbed the man by his shirt and stabbed him with a pocket knife.

Yet another victim of the hatred directed against Muslims by the Republican party.

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OGIM!

Yesterday I thought I was feeling better and I did some more visiting.  Sadly, today I’m worse, but I am caught up with comments.

Jig Zone Puzzle:

Today it took me 5:01 (average 6:07).  To do it, click here.  How did you do?

Short Takes:

From NECN: Palin spoke at a banquet celebrating the centennial of former President Ronald Reagan’s birth. She said America is dangerously out of step with Reagan’s values and that the country is "on the road to ruin."

Palin said the moment of disconnect came with the passage of Obamacare.

Were the immaculate Saint Ronnie around today, the blood libel bitch would be the first to drum him out of the party as a liberal socialist Nazi.

From Alternet: Embattled Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak, whose regime has received billions in U.S. aid, has been in the global media spotlight of late. He’s long been “our bastard,” but he’s not alone.

Let’s take a look at the other dictators from around the planet who are fortunate enough to be on Uncle Sam’s good side.

This three page article is an excellent primer on whom the US should NOT be supporting!

From Think Progress: Now, Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) has sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates inquiring about Manning’s condition, protesting the Army’s treatment of him, and requesting a visit with the imprisoned solider.

Dennis will never be my choice for the Presidency, but I sure support him here.

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What’s up in your world?