The Official Response Begins by Scott Horton.
Time for a Special Prosecutor by Scott Horton.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Acknowledging History
When I visited Dachau near Munich, Germany in 1995 one of the most impressionable moments came when I saw a sign that read "Those Who Cannot Remember the Past are Condemned to Repeat It."
The Crime of not "Looking Backward" by Glenn Greenwald.
The Crime of not "Looking Backward" by Glenn Greenwald.
Plutarchy
The republican is the only form of government which is not at open or secret war with the rights of mankind - Thomas Jefferson
The case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission is an appeal from the D.C. District Court that was published today. We the people? Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? All [humans] are created equal? Nope. A republic no longer. We are simply an oligarchy and a plutocracy; we are but a plutarchy. A powerfully wealthy elite are in control of this country, which was formerly a republic.
Analysis: The personhood of corporations by Lyle Denniston.
What Should Congress Do about Citizens United? by Erin Miller.
The case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission is an appeal from the D.C. District Court that was published today. We the people? Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? All [humans] are created equal? Nope. A republic no longer. We are simply an oligarchy and a plutocracy; we are but a plutarchy. A powerfully wealthy elite are in control of this country, which was formerly a republic.
Analysis: The personhood of corporations by Lyle Denniston.
What Should Congress Do about Citizens United? by Erin Miller.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Social Security
The Republic is in serious trouble. Obama is now putting Social Security on the block. Good article. Thanks to James Ridgeway.
It's days like these that I feel like we're on the Titanic and the music is getting louder and more furious as the shipping violently sinks into the icy cold abyss.
It's days like these that I feel like we're on the Titanic and the music is getting louder and more furious as the shipping violently sinks into the icy cold abyss.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
The Protected Class...
The Protected Class...
Governor Douglas continues to do his best to look out for a special, protected class of Vermont citizens. Who is this special minority Diamond Jim has taken an interest in through the years? Kids? The elderly? The disabled?
Nope. Rich people. To his credit, he has at least been consistent in his choice of interest group. He has consistently sought to provide special treatment for those with the most among us. Close the capital gains loophole? He opposed it. Support for the Bush tax cuts that benefited the super-rich in this country (and squandered the Clinton budget surpluses)? For it. More taxpayer dollars for private corporations ($25 million at last request, through VEGI). For it. Yep, he's consistently been a friend to the have's at the expense of the have nots. But, his largesse may finally be catching up to him thanks to a recession brought on by the trickle-down policies he supported throughout his tenure during the Bush years. And, I'm not the only one noticing.
Indeed, the "Great Recession" as it's popularly become known, was brought on by the reckless fiscal policy of the ultra conservatives in the Republican party. The deregulation that led to massive investment in toxic assets on Wall Street that led to a severe market crash, the unscrupulous lending practices of mortgage brokers who instantly flipped bad loans to other corporate entities, which were then packaged by real estate investment groups and sold as risky investments on Wall Street - all of it was a direct result of the "less is more" laissez-faire approach to economics that Douglas and his buddies in the GOP blindly subscribed to over the last decade. Well, it ruined many a 401-k retirement fund, led to massive layoffs, and the result is that state's are now feeling the pinch of lower revenues leading to huge fiscal crises in state budgets around the country.
So, here we are in Vermont with a $150 million budget gap. And, Douglas trots out the same old plan as last year: Cut your way out. In addition to calling for massive cuts this time around, however, Douglas is adding a new and insulting wrinkle: tax the middle class by raising property taxes, but pretend that you're not really doing it. It's insulting because he doesn't think people will figure out that his plan is all about raising taxes on the middle class. Worse, it's not a shared burden. The highest income earners are left out! The people Douglas wants to soak are not the rich, but the folks in the middle who are struggling with mortgage payments, childcare costs, and stagnating wages.
Douglas is proposing reducing income sensitivity for middle-class property taxpayers which will immediately raise their property taxes. And, on top of that he's going back to the well with his plan to shift teacher retirement commitments from the general fund to the education fund which will force local school districts to either eviscerate their local school budgets or raise taxes themselves.
But, raise a nickel from anyone who took a ride on the Bush gravy train throughout the last decade? Nope. The joke is that the governor is fond of saying "we're all in this together." What he really means is that we're all on our own. But Douglas and his "protected class" are indeed in this together. To the great detriment of the rest of us, and the future of the state of Vermont. Some joke.
Here's hoping the legislature charts a more responsible, sustainable course. A balanced approach would immediately tap the rainy day fund infusing $60 million into our economy. As the Public Assets Institute recently showed, this would provide immediate and much needed stimulus to our local economy and eliminate a huge chunk of the budget gap. The legislature should then identify on a case-by-case basis any responsible savings, efficiencies or budget cuts for non-essential programs and services. And, finally, the legislature should look at the remainder and implement a fair, sustainable income-tax surcharge weighted most heavily on those who can most afford it. Such a strategy would ensure that we are truly "all in this together" and that we come out of it stronger and better positioned for the future.
To do anything less is to join Lame-Duckless, er, Jim Douglas with his head in the sand.
Governor Douglas continues to do his best to look out for a special, protected class of Vermont citizens. Who is this special minority Diamond Jim has taken an interest in through the years? Kids? The elderly? The disabled?
Nope. Rich people. To his credit, he has at least been consistent in his choice of interest group. He has consistently sought to provide special treatment for those with the most among us. Close the capital gains loophole? He opposed it. Support for the Bush tax cuts that benefited the super-rich in this country (and squandered the Clinton budget surpluses)? For it. More taxpayer dollars for private corporations ($25 million at last request, through VEGI). For it. Yep, he's consistently been a friend to the have's at the expense of the have nots. But, his largesse may finally be catching up to him thanks to a recession brought on by the trickle-down policies he supported throughout his tenure during the Bush years. And, I'm not the only one noticing.
Indeed, the "Great Recession" as it's popularly become known, was brought on by the reckless fiscal policy of the ultra conservatives in the Republican party. The deregulation that led to massive investment in toxic assets on Wall Street that led to a severe market crash, the unscrupulous lending practices of mortgage brokers who instantly flipped bad loans to other corporate entities, which were then packaged by real estate investment groups and sold as risky investments on Wall Street - all of it was a direct result of the "less is more" laissez-faire approach to economics that Douglas and his buddies in the GOP blindly subscribed to over the last decade. Well, it ruined many a 401-k retirement fund, led to massive layoffs, and the result is that state's are now feeling the pinch of lower revenues leading to huge fiscal crises in state budgets around the country.
So, here we are in Vermont with a $150 million budget gap. And, Douglas trots out the same old plan as last year: Cut your way out. In addition to calling for massive cuts this time around, however, Douglas is adding a new and insulting wrinkle: tax the middle class by raising property taxes, but pretend that you're not really doing it. It's insulting because he doesn't think people will figure out that his plan is all about raising taxes on the middle class. Worse, it's not a shared burden. The highest income earners are left out! The people Douglas wants to soak are not the rich, but the folks in the middle who are struggling with mortgage payments, childcare costs, and stagnating wages.
Douglas is proposing reducing income sensitivity for middle-class property taxpayers which will immediately raise their property taxes. And, on top of that he's going back to the well with his plan to shift teacher retirement commitments from the general fund to the education fund which will force local school districts to either eviscerate their local school budgets or raise taxes themselves.
But, raise a nickel from anyone who took a ride on the Bush gravy train throughout the last decade? Nope. The joke is that the governor is fond of saying "we're all in this together." What he really means is that we're all on our own. But Douglas and his "protected class" are indeed in this together. To the great detriment of the rest of us, and the future of the state of Vermont. Some joke.
Here's hoping the legislature charts a more responsible, sustainable course. A balanced approach would immediately tap the rainy day fund infusing $60 million into our economy. As the Public Assets Institute recently showed, this would provide immediate and much needed stimulus to our local economy and eliminate a huge chunk of the budget gap. The legislature should then identify on a case-by-case basis any responsible savings, efficiencies or budget cuts for non-essential programs and services. And, finally, the legislature should look at the remainder and implement a fair, sustainable income-tax surcharge weighted most heavily on those who can most afford it. Such a strategy would ensure that we are truly "all in this together" and that we come out of it stronger and better positioned for the future.
To do anything less is to join Lame-Duckless, er, Jim Douglas with his head in the sand.
Cross-posted from:
Vermont Yankee
Wash, Rinse, Spin and Repeat by Shay Totten.
In 2003, the Vermont Public Service Board fined Entergy $50,000 for showing a “willingness to mislead” regulators — essentially, for being a bully. Prescient.
In early 2006, Entergy handed a report to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Atomic Safety and Licensing Board. It claimed VY’s cooling towers were structurally sound. In 2007, one of the towers collapsed. Spectacularly.
After the 2007 collapse, Entergy claimed it had beefed up its inspection program to prevent such a collapse from happening again. Federal regulators concurred, and state regulators were assuaged. Then, in 2008, more support beams collapsed around a cooling tower. Whoops.
In early 2008, Entergy promised the legislature that new hires would beef up VY’s quality assurance program. In 2009, Entergy issued a hiring freeze.
In 2009, Attorney General Bill Sorrell ruled that a 2008 statewide media blitz claiming VY had “zero fossil fuel emissions” was inaccurate, in violation of state consumer fraud laws. VY officials called the wording “unfortunate” and vowed not to use such adjectives again.
And the list goes on.
In 2003, the Vermont Public Service Board fined Entergy $50,000 for showing a “willingness to mislead” regulators — essentially, for being a bully. Prescient.
In early 2006, Entergy handed a report to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s Atomic Safety and Licensing Board. It claimed VY’s cooling towers were structurally sound. In 2007, one of the towers collapsed. Spectacularly.
After the 2007 collapse, Entergy claimed it had beefed up its inspection program to prevent such a collapse from happening again. Federal regulators concurred, and state regulators were assuaged. Then, in 2008, more support beams collapsed around a cooling tower. Whoops.
In early 2008, Entergy promised the legislature that new hires would beef up VY’s quality assurance program. In 2009, Entergy issued a hiring freeze.
In 2009, Attorney General Bill Sorrell ruled that a 2008 statewide media blitz claiming VY had “zero fossil fuel emissions” was inaccurate, in violation of state consumer fraud laws. VY officials called the wording “unfortunate” and vowed not to use such adjectives again.
And the list goes on.
Lyrics of the Day
The more things change the more they stay the same. Be the change you want to see in the world. Really?
World Wide Suicide by Pearl Jam
I felt the earth on Monday. It moved beneath my feet
in the form of a morning paper. Laid out for me to see.
Saw his face in a corner picture. I recognized the name.
Could not stop staring at the. Face I'd never see again.
It's a shame to awake in a world of pain
What does it mean when a war has taken over
It's the same everyday in a hell manmade
What can be saved, and who will be left to hold her?
The whole world,... world over.
It's a worldwide suicide.
The whole world,... world over.
It's a worldwide suicide.
Medals on a wooden mantle. Next to a handsome face.
That the president took for granted.
Writing checks that others pay.
And in all the madness. Thought becomes numb and naive.
So much to talk about there's. Nothing for to say.
It's the same everyday and the wave won't break
Tell you to pray, while the devil's on their shoulder
Laying claim to the take our soldiers save
Does not equate, and the truth's already out there
The whole world,... world over.
It's a worldwide suicide.
The whole world,... world over.
It's a worldwide suicide.
Looking in the eyes of the fallen
You got to know there's another, another, another, another
Another way
It's a shame to awake in a world of pain
What does it mean when a war has taken over
It's the same everyday and the wave won't break
Tell you to pray, while the devil's on their shoulder
The whole world,... world over.
It's a worldwide suicide.
The whole world,... world over.
It's a worldwide suicide.
World Wide Suicide by Pearl Jam
I felt the earth on Monday. It moved beneath my feet
in the form of a morning paper. Laid out for me to see.
Saw his face in a corner picture. I recognized the name.
Could not stop staring at the. Face I'd never see again.
It's a shame to awake in a world of pain
What does it mean when a war has taken over
It's the same everyday in a hell manmade
What can be saved, and who will be left to hold her?
The whole world,... world over.
It's a worldwide suicide.
The whole world,... world over.
It's a worldwide suicide.
Medals on a wooden mantle. Next to a handsome face.
That the president took for granted.
Writing checks that others pay.
And in all the madness. Thought becomes numb and naive.
So much to talk about there's. Nothing for to say.
It's the same everyday and the wave won't break
Tell you to pray, while the devil's on their shoulder
Laying claim to the take our soldiers save
Does not equate, and the truth's already out there
The whole world,... world over.
It's a worldwide suicide.
The whole world,... world over.
It's a worldwide suicide.
Looking in the eyes of the fallen
You got to know there's another, another, another, another
Another way
It's a shame to awake in a world of pain
What does it mean when a war has taken over
It's the same everyday and the wave won't break
Tell you to pray, while the devil's on their shoulder
The whole world,... world over.
It's a worldwide suicide.
The whole world,... world over.
It's a worldwide suicide.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Spine Chilling
Obama confidant's spine-chilling proposal by Glenn Greenwald. Krugman and Greenwald are battling over this issue. Greenwald responds. A healthy debate is a good thing.
There are a couple of things going on in this post. Government propaganda - covert propaganda - is the issue. The Bush Administration paid "experts" to support their agenda in the media by pretending that they were objective and independent, but it has been revealed that they were paid to promote this propaganda. Recently, an expert - Gruber of MIT - has been promoting the Obama Administration's health care plan while failing to disclose his relationship to the White House. He's profiting off of the debate and is not sharing it.
According to Greenwald, "for many people, there's a big difference between hearing from a truly independent authority about Obama's plan and hearing from someone being paid many hundreds of thousands of dollars by the administration. Not disclosing that arrangement, and worse, affirmatively describing him as "objective," is just misleading."
In addition, Cass Sunstein is an advocate for infiltrating dissenters. Check out the abstract. It's quite hypocritical to think that our country is the good, not the bad at all times. Isn't the road to hell paved with good intentions?
There are a couple of things going on in this post. Government propaganda - covert propaganda - is the issue. The Bush Administration paid "experts" to support their agenda in the media by pretending that they were objective and independent, but it has been revealed that they were paid to promote this propaganda. Recently, an expert - Gruber of MIT - has been promoting the Obama Administration's health care plan while failing to disclose his relationship to the White House. He's profiting off of the debate and is not sharing it.
According to Greenwald, "for many people, there's a big difference between hearing from a truly independent authority about Obama's plan and hearing from someone being paid many hundreds of thousands of dollars by the administration. Not disclosing that arrangement, and worse, affirmatively describing him as "objective," is just misleading."
In addition, Cass Sunstein is an advocate for infiltrating dissenters. Check out the abstract. It's quite hypocritical to think that our country is the good, not the bad at all times. Isn't the road to hell paved with good intentions?
Bankers Without a Clue
Krugman's Bankers Without a Clue.
"[T]he bankers' testimony showed a stunning failure, even now, to grasp the nature and extent of the current crisis. And that's important: It tells us that as Congress and the administration try to reform the financial system, they should ignore advice coming from the supposed wise mean of Wall Street, who have no wisdom to offer."
"[T]he bankers' testimony showed a stunning failure, even now, to grasp the nature and extent of the current crisis. And that's important: It tells us that as Congress and the administration try to reform the financial system, they should ignore advice coming from the supposed wise mean of Wall Street, who have no wisdom to offer."
Military Justice and the Fear Game
Military Justice and the Fear Game by Scott Horton.
The GOP conveniently forgets the facts when the tables are turned and another administration is left holding the bag. There were more prosecutions of terrorists in federal courts - 87 - than military commission proceedings - 6 - during the Bush Administration. It is unfortunate that they conveniently forget facts that contradict their spin cycle.
The GOP conveniently forgets the facts when the tables are turned and another administration is left holding the bag. There were more prosecutions of terrorists in federal courts - 87 - than military commission proceedings - 6 - during the Bush Administration. It is unfortunate that they conveniently forget facts that contradict their spin cycle.
Blackwater and the Surge
Blackwater Wants to Surge its Armed Force in Afghanistan by Jeremy Scahill. According to RebelReports, a newly released State Department audit of Blackwater praises the firm's work as the U.S. govenment weighs expanding their operations in Afghanistan.
For some reason I thought, or hoped, that the Obama Administration would put an end to the pigs at the trough. I guess I'm wrong, again.
For some reason I thought, or hoped, that the Obama Administration would put an end to the pigs at the trough. I guess I'm wrong, again.
Private military forces are dangerous. The absence of public debate is equally dangerous.
It is too true, however disgraceful it may be to human nature, that nations in general will make war whenever they have a prospect of getting anything by it; nay, absolute monarchs will often make war when their nations are to get nothing by it, but for the purposes and objects merely personal, such as thirst for military glory, revenge for personal affronts, ambition, or private compacts to aggrandize or support their particular families or partisans. These and a variety of other motives, which affect only the mind of the sovereign, often lead him to engage in wars not sanctified by justice or the voice and interests of his people. But, independent of these inducements to war, which are more prevalent in absolute monarchies, but which well deserve our attention, there are others which affect nations as often as kings; and some of them will on examination be found to grow out of our relative situation and circumstances.
-Federalist 4, Publius
-Federalist 4, Publius
Monday, January 18, 2010
Tea Party Ripoff?
Frank Rich's column The Great Tea Party Ripoff.
Both Steele and Palin claim to be devotees of the tea party movement. “I’m a tea partier, I’m a town-haller, I’m a grass-roots-er” is how Steele put it in a recent radio interview, wet-kissing a market he hopes will buy his book. Palin has far more grandiose ambitions. She recently signed on as a speaker for the first Tea Party Convention, scheduled next month in Nashville — even though she had turned down a speaking invitation from the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, the traditional meet-and-greet for the right. The conservative conference doesn’t pay. The Tea Party Convention does. A blogger at Nashville Scene reported that Palin’s price for the event was $120,000.
The entire Tea Party Convention is a profit-seeking affair charging $560 a ticket — plus the cost of a room at the Opryland Hotel. Among the convention’s eight listed sponsors isTea Party Emporium, which gives as its contact address 444 Madison Avenue in New York, also home to the high-fashion brand Burberry. This emporium’s Web site offers a bejeweled tea bag at $89.99 for those furious at “a government hell bent on the largest redistribution of wealth in history.” This is almost as shameless as Glenn Beck, whose own tea party profiteering has included hawking gold coins merchandised by a sponsor of his radio show.
Both Steele and Palin claim to be devotees of the tea party movement. “I’m a tea partier, I’m a town-haller, I’m a grass-roots-er” is how Steele put it in a recent radio interview, wet-kissing a market he hopes will buy his book. Palin has far more grandiose ambitions. She recently signed on as a speaker for the first Tea Party Convention, scheduled next month in Nashville — even though she had turned down a speaking invitation from the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, the traditional meet-and-greet for the right. The conservative conference doesn’t pay. The Tea Party Convention does. A blogger at Nashville Scene reported that Palin’s price for the event was $120,000.
The entire Tea Party Convention is a profit-seeking affair charging $560 a ticket — plus the cost of a room at the Opryland Hotel. Among the convention’s eight listed sponsors isTea Party Emporium, which gives as its contact address 444 Madison Avenue in New York, also home to the high-fashion brand Burberry. This emporium’s Web site offers a bejeweled tea bag at $89.99 for those furious at “a government hell bent on the largest redistribution of wealth in history.” This is almost as shameless as Glenn Beck, whose own tea party profiteering has included hawking gold coins merchandised by a sponsor of his radio show.
VALID Lobby Day - Times Argus Article
Vermont Medical Marijuana Users Face Quandary by Peter Hirschfeld. Thanks to Mr. Hirschfeld for sticking with us on Lobby Day.
It makes no sense why we have a law that allows people to qualify as medicinal users of marijuana when the only way they can get their medicine is through the black market.
There is movement in the Statehouse this year though. We need courage and leadership.
It makes no sense why we have a law that allows people to qualify as medicinal users of marijuana when the only way they can get their medicine is through the black market.
There is movement in the Statehouse this year though. We need courage and leadership.
5 Best Sunday Columns: Presidential Addition
5 Best Sunday Columns: Presidential Edition courtesy of The Atlantic Wire.
Privacy - Facebook and Google
We are definitely living in a world where the more we integrate ourselves into Google and Facebook the less privacy we reserve for ourselves. I'm guilty of it and so are a lot of people. Google sort of scares me because they have a lot of data and the recent events in China are evidence of this problem.
Here's an interesting blogpost from the Atlantic Business Channel by Derek Thompson called Facebook Does Not Understand the Meaning of Privacy.
It is important for people to diligently read the privacy information and protection literature on any social networking site.
Google and China from the Google Blog.
Here's an interesting blogpost from the Atlantic Business Channel by Derek Thompson called Facebook Does Not Understand the Meaning of Privacy.
It is important for people to diligently read the privacy information and protection literature on any social networking site.
Google and China from the Google Blog.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Funny Money - Haiti
Wyclef Jean Charity's Funny Money courtesy of The Smoking Gun.
A follow up article by The Smoking Gun.
A follow up article by The Smoking Gun.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Spitzer's occupation
I'm intrigued by Eliot Spitzer. He first came into my scene when I read an article about him in The Atlantic called
He is still relevant. He made a mistake and he broke the trust of his family and of his office, but he's still an important policy expert.
He writes for Slate.com now. Here is his latest.
He is still relevant. He made a mistake and he broke the trust of his family and of his office, but he's still an important policy expert.
He writes for Slate.com now. Here is his latest.
VALID Lobby Day
Overall, I think that VALID's lobby day at the Vermont Statehouse was successful. It is hard to get attention when a serious leak was discovered at VT Yankee - and it's already on the radar of a bustling General Assembly.
There are great resources out there.
VALID
MPP
Prohibition Costs - MPP
Drug War Facts
There are great resources out there.
VALID
MPP
Prohibition Costs - MPP
Drug War Facts
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Rainy Day Funds
It's time to use the rainy day fund to help save Vermont's economy, it's state government, and it's citizens. Other states have started to use their rainy day funds to ease the harsh realities of the economic downturn. Wall Street should replenish these funds for all 50 states. Obviously, Congress and the White House aren't going to make sure that Wall Street is held accountable for being bailed out on the backs of the taxpayer.
It's Raining Hard: Let's Tap the Fund by Jack Hoffman - "But this crisis teaches the states a lesson: They must be prepared for precipitous drops in revenue just when people are most in need of essential public services. Like other states, Vermont needs a healthy rainy day fun - and it needs to use it."
"It's good for the state economy," according to Elizabeth Nichols of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Key Findings from Is It Raining Yet? Yes, and It's Time for Many States to Use Their Rainy Day Funds:
It's Raining Hard: Let's Tap the Fund by Jack Hoffman - "But this crisis teaches the states a lesson: They must be prepared for precipitous drops in revenue just when people are most in need of essential public services. Like other states, Vermont needs a healthy rainy day fun - and it needs to use it."
"It's good for the state economy," according to Elizabeth Nichols of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Key Findings from Is It Raining Yet? Yes, and It's Time for Many States to Use Their Rainy Day Funds:
- With the economic slowdown creating budget gaps in many states, now is the appropriate time for them to tap the “rainy day” reserve funds they have set aside for just such a contingency.
- Most states have sufficient rainy day funds to reduce the amount of spending cuts or tax increases that would be needed to balance their budgets in the near term.
- Unlike spending cuts and tax increases, which worsen a downturn by further reducing overall demand, tapping a state’s reserve fund helps maintain overall demand by injecting savings into the economy.
- States concerned that the downturn could be deep and prolonged should respond not by hoarding their reserves but rather by devising a multi-year plan to address recession-induced budget problems.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Money in Politics
If you want to follow the money in politics a good place to look is a website called Open Secrets - Center for Responsive Politics.
Obama Received $20 Million from Healthcare Industry in 2008 Campaign - Almost three times the amount given to McCain by Brad Jacobson.
Insurance money to Congress - Top 20 recipients from 1989-2010 election cycle. Thanks to the Center for Responsive Politics. The numbers are based on contributions from PACs and individuals giving $200 or more.
I could spend a lot of time looking at these numbers. The numbers don't lie. Corporations have more of a voice in Congress, the Courts, and the Presidency than ordinary citizens.
If you don't believe me look at the top spenders from 1989-2009 - Lobbyists. Thanks again to Open Secrets.
Obama Received $20 Million from Healthcare Industry in 2008 Campaign - Almost three times the amount given to McCain by Brad Jacobson.
Insurance money to Congress - Top 20 recipients from 1989-2010 election cycle. Thanks to the Center for Responsive Politics. The numbers are based on contributions from PACs and individuals giving $200 or more.
I could spend a lot of time looking at these numbers. The numbers don't lie. Corporations have more of a voice in Congress, the Courts, and the Presidency than ordinary citizens.
If you don't believe me look at the top spenders from 1989-2009 - Lobbyists. Thanks again to Open Secrets.
Another reason why we need to free ourselves from this two party hackery.
Stupak is a Democrat but he's anti-choice. These people don't represent me.
Abortion Foe Defies Party on Health Care Bill by Jodi Kantor.
The two party system doesn't work because it fails to represent the people and our diverse view points. We are constantly forced to choose between the Democratic or Republican parties. They are both flawed and do not really represent us. They represent corporations and large monied interests.
In the case of Mr. Stupak, he represents the Catholic Church. Diddlers!
Abortion Foe Defies Party on Health Care Bill by Jodi Kantor.
The two party system doesn't work because it fails to represent the people and our diverse view points. We are constantly forced to choose between the Democratic or Republican parties. They are both flawed and do not really represent us. They represent corporations and large monied interests.
In the case of Mr. Stupak, he represents the Catholic Church. Diddlers!
Update: Sen. Dodd
Why did Sen. Dodd retire. Why Dodd Went Down by Nick Baumann.
As ranking Democrat and then chair of the...banking committee, he was a top recipient of Wall Street campaign cash. And between 1989 and 2008, Dodd took more money than any other politician from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac...Please note that Obama and Sen. Kerry were a close second and third in that race.
As ranking Democrat and then chair of the...banking committee, he was a top recipient of Wall Street campaign cash. And between 1989 and 2008, Dodd took more money than any other politician from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac...Please note that Obama and Sen. Kerry were a close second and third in that race.
Going Rogue?
Deepak Chopra's piece Is the Fate of Democracy in Sarah Palin's Hands?
I'm still shocked that Fox News hired her, but not really. She's an idiot and they play on fear, and she'll make an nice puppet for them to use to further hatred and false information.
I am, however, shocked that McCain's campaign was so reckless in choosing her for VP. She's such a novice and isn't up to any real job. These clips from 60 Minutes are shocking and enlightening.
The GOP had better get their act together if they want a viable candidate for President in 2012. I'm pretty sure that Ms. Palin would be a horrible choice for the GOP nomination.
Let's just tune in - as long as we can stand watching Fox News - to see how she does in the next few months. All she has to do is read the cue card...
I'm still shocked that Fox News hired her, but not really. She's an idiot and they play on fear, and she'll make an nice puppet for them to use to further hatred and false information.
I am, however, shocked that McCain's campaign was so reckless in choosing her for VP. She's such a novice and isn't up to any real job. These clips from 60 Minutes are shocking and enlightening.
The GOP had better get their act together if they want a viable candidate for President in 2012. I'm pretty sure that Ms. Palin would be a horrible choice for the GOP nomination.
Let's just tune in - as long as we can stand watching Fox News - to see how she does in the next few months. All she has to do is read the cue card...
Friday, January 8, 2010
Jim equals jobs?
It's sort of strange that for 8 years Gov. Douglas has used the slogan "Jim Equals Jobs," but if you look more closely you'll only see lost jobs. We, in VT, like divided government apparently.
It's great that politicians aren't honest with the public. It's such a great honor to be a public servant, yet they commonly mislead and outright lie to their constituents.
Good article on Gov. Douglas's final State of the State by Louis Porter.
Here's to hoping that the Democratic candidates can end the Republican run of the Governor's Office. I'm not optimistic that they can get the seat, but I'm hoping they can do something this session. It's an election year and there is a large field of candidates vying for Jim's old job.
It's great that politicians aren't honest with the public. It's such a great honor to be a public servant, yet they commonly mislead and outright lie to their constituents.
Good article on Gov. Douglas's final State of the State by Louis Porter.
Here's to hoping that the Democratic candidates can end the Republican run of the Governor's Office. I'm not optimistic that they can get the seat, but I'm hoping they can do something this session. It's an election year and there is a large field of candidates vying for Jim's old job.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Effective Arguments for Advocates of Taxing and Regulating Marijuana
The Marijuana Policy Project's Effective Arguments for Advocates of Taxing and Regulating Marijuana.
NJ has made strides. CA just made a huge one today, but still has a long way to go.
WA has also started the conversation. The debate is starting to get interesting.
NJ has made strides. CA just made a huge one today, but still has a long way to go.
WA has also started the conversation. The debate is starting to get interesting.
Increased security at airports...a bad idea.
The Security Line Threat by Matthew Yglesias.
Fix Airport Security by a Slate contest.
Your Junk...On Terrorism.
Fix Airport Security by a Slate contest.
Your Junk...On Terrorism.
Health Care "Debate"
The "debate" over health care is not really a debate according to Glenn Greenwald.
Sen. Dodd's departure.
Sen. Chris Dodd announced that he will not seek re-election for his sixth term. He's probably already lined up a lobbying gig. Let's see he's got choices - health insurance, credit cards, or banks. I bet that he chooses to lobby for the banking industry.
Good riddance.
Good riddance.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Song Lyrics of the Day
Thanks Radiohead. They bring it.
Climbing Up The Walls
I am the key to the lock in your house
That keeps your toys in the basement.
And if you get too far inside
You'll only see my reflection.
It's always best when the candle's out,
I am the pick in the ice.
Do not cry out or hit the alarm,
You know we're friends 'til we die.
And either way you turn
I'll be there
Open up your skull
I'll be there
Climbing up the walls
It's always best when the light is off,
It's always better on the outside.
Fifteen blows to the back of your head,
Fifteen blows to your mind.
So lock the kids up safe tonight
And shut the eyes in the cupboard.
I've got the smell of a local man
Who's got the loneliest feeling.
That either way he turns - I'll be there
Open up your skull - I'll be there
Climbing up the walls
Climbing up the walls
Climbing up the walls
Climbing Up The Walls
I am the key to the lock in your house
That keeps your toys in the basement.
And if you get too far inside
You'll only see my reflection.
It's always best when the candle's out,
I am the pick in the ice.
Do not cry out or hit the alarm,
You know we're friends 'til we die.
And either way you turn
I'll be there
Open up your skull
I'll be there
Climbing up the walls
It's always best when the light is off,
It's always better on the outside.
Fifteen blows to the back of your head,
Fifteen blows to your mind.
So lock the kids up safe tonight
And shut the eyes in the cupboard.
I've got the smell of a local man
Who's got the loneliest feeling.
That either way he turns - I'll be there
Open up your skull - I'll be there
Climbing up the walls
Climbing up the walls
Climbing up the walls
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