Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Newsmax writer John Perry advocates coup
There is a remote, although gaining, possibility America’s military will intervene as a last resort to resolve the “Obama problem.” Don’t dismiss it as unrealistic.
America isn’t the Third World. If a military coup does occur here it will be civilized. That it has never happened doesn’t mean it wont. Describing what may be afoot is not to advocate it.
[...]
Will the day come when patriotic general and flag officers sit down with the president, or with those who control him, and work out the national equivalent of a “family intervention,” with some form of limited, shared responsibility?
Imagine a bloodless coup to restore and defend the Constitution through an interim administration that would do the serious business of governing and defending the nation. Skilled, military-trained, nation-builders would replace accountability-challenged, radical-left commissars. Having bonded with his twin teleprompters, the president would be detailed for ceremonial speech-making.
Quote from Balloon Juice, the article's been taken down because some people found it kind of outrageous. You know, calling for the overthrow of the government.
There is a fairly prominent fringe of the conservative movement that is, to my eyes, crazy and dangerous. I don't mean to paint with a broad brush here but this is a staff writer for a fairly major conservative news outlet. Would a staff writer at Huffington Post advocate this sort of thing under Bush?
The original article can be found here (pdf).
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
DC Vote Fine-Tunes Its Hill Strategy
Sept. 29, 2009
By Emily Yehle
Roll Call Staff
Less than a year ago, District residents seemed poised to get their first-ever Representative in Congress after decades of protests, political negotiating and repeated disappointment.
To voting rights advocates, the environment seemed perfect: A Democratic Congress paired with a new president who had once publicly supported the city’s goals. Within weeks of President Barack Obama’s inauguration, D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) had reintroduced the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) had made the bill’s passage a “high priority.”
But four months ago, the bill’s progress came to a halt in the House thanks to an amendment that would create new, looser gun laws for the city. Under pressure from the National Rifle Association, conservative Democrats wouldn’t vote for an amendment-free bill, and D.C. officials wouldn’t settle for Congressionally imposed gun laws.
The bill’s supporters still hope to pass the legislation during the 111th Congress. But the political wrangling over the voting rights bill has also prompted local advocacy group DC Vote to broaden its efforts beyond the bill.
This summer, DC Vote’s board of directors officially extended its mission to include “home rule” issues that affect Washington, D.C.’s autonomy. Though the group’s focus will continue to be Congressional representation, officials will also energize its members whenever Members of Congress try to change city policy from the halls of the Capitol.
“We believe that with votes in the Congress, the District will be able to have a say in issues that matter but also have the power to prevent other Members of Congress from imposing their will on the city,” said Ilir Zherka, executive director of DC Vote. “However, as we’ve worked on this issue over the years, we have been forced to defend the city’s home rule rights.”
The fight over the voting rights act had put the conflict in sharp relief: In order to pass a bill giving the city Congressional representation, D.C. officials were forced to consider an amendment that stripped the city’s authority to pass its own gun laws.
In June, advocates decided the price was too high, and DC Vote began considering a larger mission.
“That was very important because they were slapped in the face by the NRA,” Norton said in a recent interview. “They saw wisely that equality and freedom for the District is not a one-issue matter.”
In fact, even if Congress passed the voting rights act, the federal government would still wield a great deal of power over the city. The voting rights act only gives the District a voting seat in the House; the Senate is left untouched, along with laws that allow Congress to review the city’s budget and legislation. For years, Norton has introduced bills to give the city budgetary and legislative autonomy, but they have never made it out of Congress.
The fate of the D.C. voting rights bill is similarly uncertain. Congress is poised for months of work on an array of legislation, while District officials seem to be stuck in a catch-22 on the bill. DC Vote has focused much of its efforts on changing the mind of Rep. Travis Childers (D-Miss.), who penned the provision that became the voting rights bill’s poison-pill amendment.
Norton said she has made progress in negotiations but declined to give any details. She scoffed at the idea that Congress’ full plate might thwart the bill’s chances.
“The notion that we can’t walk and chew gum at same time has been disproven repeatedly,” she said, later adding: “We have not been sitting on our hands for the past four months.”
Other D.C. issues where Congress may choose to inject itself are also on the horizon, however. D.C. Councilmember David Catania has said he plans to introduce a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in the District. If passed, it promises to spark debate among Members of Congress, who have the power to veto any of the city’s laws.
In such scenarios, DC Vote will now pitch in with its 80 coalition partners, who can call on their members to write letters, visit Congressional offices and stage protests to try to prevent Congress from intervening.
“Within our city, within our coalition, we might have differences of opinions on, let’s say, guns and gay marriage, but we all agree that the proper venue to decide those issues is the city council,” Zherka said.
The city’s budget is another area where officials constantly battle Congressional interference. Recently, Democrats removed a few long-standing provisions from D.C.’s budget that, among other things, banned the city from holding a referendum on medical marijuana and using funds on needle exchange programs. That victory, however, wasn’t total: Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.) attached an amendment that makes needle exchange programs within the city difficult, prohibiting them within 1,000 feet of schools, parks, playgrounds and a variety of other youth-oriented areas.
Such efforts, Zherka said, often “have to do with politics outside of D.C. and have nothing to do with politics within the District of Columbia.” DC Vote’s mission is to change that culture — by protecting the city’s home rule day to day and eventually by helping the city become a full-fledged state.
“Ultimately Washingtonians need to be in their own jurisdiction, not overseen by Congress,” Zherka said. “We recognize that’s not going to be easy, and we recognize that there’s going to be some resistance to that and also that it will take a lot of time.”
Best piece of political journalism I have seen for a long time
Beautiful piece of political journalism.
Critics Voice their concern on Obama's trip to Denmark
Well, like I mentioned yesterday, there is always crticism and it has arrived this morning. Obama is out of the country from Thursday night to Friday afternoon. Obviously there is the factor of tiredness as well, but does less than a full day really matter when it comes to the issues at hand? I don't think so, but I've been wrong before. Comments? (not on my being wrong part, no need to get into specifics...)
Live Blogging: Senate Finance Committee Debate on Public Option
Two Public Option Amendments both just voted down.
Interstate competition
Does anyone know why reforms don't include interstate insurance competition? Kelsey?
Rep. Franks Clarifies his Comments
I guess if Michelle and Barack Obama can leave the wrong impression, so can Representative Franks:
"'He was just referring to the way President Obama has set himself up as the most pro-abortion president in America's history,' Bethany Haley, spokeswoman for Franks, said. She ticked off a list of the president's policies and appointments she said were favorable to abortion rights.
'It's a trend — it's not just one or two things. Ever since his days in the Illinois Senate, President Obama has been radical on the issue of abortion,' Haley said.
A White House spokesman had no immediate comment."
"'He was just referring to the way President Obama has set himself up as the most pro-abortion president in America's history,' Bethany Haley, spokeswoman for Franks, said. She ticked off a list of the president's policies and appointments she said were favorable to abortion rights.
'It's a trend — it's not just one or two things. Ever since his days in the Illinois Senate, President Obama has been radical on the issue of abortion,' Haley said.
A White House spokesman had no immediate comment."
Rep. Trent Franks (R-Arizona) on President Obama
"Obama's first act as president of any consequence, in the middle of a financial meltdown, was to send taxpayers' money overseas to pay for the killing of unborn children in other countries. Now, I got to tell you, if a president will do that, there's almost nothing that you should be surprised at after that. We shouldn't be shocked that he does all these other insane things. A president that has lost his way that badly, that has no ability to see the image of God in these little fellow human beings, if he can't do that right, then he has no place in any station of government and we need to realize that he is an enemy of humanity."
Emphasis mine.
Independents key in N.J. governor's race
"Mr. Christie's latest commercial features voters saying they voted for Mr. Obama because they wanted change and support Christie for the same reason."
Supreme Court Week
Figured this was pretty relevant with our Supreme Court trip coming up soon. Starting Oct. 4, C-SPAN has a week-long line-up of Supreme Court programming which includes interviews with all currently sitting and some retired justices.
I hear about this all day, and have worked on it a bit, so I figured the least I could do was pass it on. The link above is to the main site, which has some pretty interesting stuff on it, and this is the week's schedule: http://supremecourt.c-span.org/TVPrograms.aspx
I hear about this all day, and have worked on it a bit, so I figured the least I could do was pass it on. The link above is to the main site, which has some pretty interesting stuff on it, and this is the week's schedule: http://supremecourt.c-span.org/TVPrograms.aspx
New Technique of Storing Bomb Materials Used by Terrorists
The article ends on a particularily dire note...
Districts and Medical Coverage
Discusses the districts and the percentage of people who are uninsured.
GOP's competitiveness conundrum
"Both parties agree that Congress should impose new regulations on the health insurance industry, and Republicans say they share the Democrats’ goal of expanding coverage. So the central fight is about how to slow the growth of ever-escalating health care costs and constrain rapidly rising insurance premiums.
In this tussle, Democrats, by pushing an optional, self-sustaining, government-run insurer to keep private insurers honest, may be offering a more clear-cut proposal for increasing competition than their free-market counterparts on the other side of the aisle.
Whereas the Democrats’ plan would operate in the existing marketplace, many Republicans would like to revamp that marketplace completely — something that makes most Americans queasy. Ideas range from dismantling Medicaid to upending the system of employer-provided health care so that insurers cater to the people they cover, rather than the companies that pay for that coverage."
Monday, September 28, 2009
New Deal for Artists
First stop on excursion.
In 1934, Americans grappled with an economic situation that feels all too familiar today. Against the backdrop of the Great Depression, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's administration created the Public Works of Art Project—the first federal government program to support the arts nationally. Federal officials in the 1930s understood how essential art was to sustaining America's spirit. Artists from across the United States who participated in the program, which lasted only six months from mid-December 1933 to June 1934, were encouraged to depict "the American Scene." The Public Works of Art Project not only paid artists to embellish public buildings, but also provided them with a sense of pride in serving their country. They painted regional, recognizable subjects—ranging from portraits to cityscapes and images of city life to landscapes and depictions of rural life—that reminded the public of quintessential American values such as hard work, community and optimism.
1934: A New Deal for Artists celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Public Works of Art Project by drawing on the Smithsonian American Art Museum's unparalleled collection of vibrant artworks created for the program. The paintings in this exhibition are a lasting visual record of America at a specific moment in time. George Gurney, deputy chief curator, organized the exhibition with Ann Prentice Wagner, curatorial associate.
It Happened One Decade; What The Great Depression Did To Culture
This article which appears in the current issue of The New Yorker talks about how the great Depression affected culture. Relevent to Wednesday's fieldtrip.
Princeton Students Dislike Kindle for Study Purposes
Maybe digitizing textbooks isn't such a great idea...
The Pyschology of Obama's Speech at the UN
I think this article is grossly misusing psychological terms to describe Obama's rhetoric at the UN. The author writes, "Much of the speech seemed to be an exercise in what Sigmund Freud called "projection," assuming that others think the way you do. Obama spoke as if the mullahs of Iran, the Kim Jong Il clan of North Korea, Vladimir Putin and his gang of oligarchs, and the rulers of China had the same gripes against the Bush administration as Obama and the liberal Democrats in Congress. Hey, if we just close Gitmo, they'll realize that we're all in sympathy now." I'm not sure that's at all what Obama was doing, especially in regards to Guantanamo. The author seems to me to be taking so very serious leaps from what was said in the speech and the pyschological pretenses behind it.
Obama - Denmark - 2016 Olympics
As usual, anything Obama does is met with a huge amount of controversy and the decision to appear at the Olympic presentations is no exception. After deciding to send only his wife to Denmark, where the candidate cities will be making their pitches, Obama announced today that he will be attending as well. This move makes him the first president to actually attend one of these conferences.
A lot of people may say the timing is completely wrong, as unemployment is still high, the healthcare debate is still hot, and the Olympics will be in his final year of office anyways (assuming he wins in 2012). However, these protests are ridiculous and stretching for reasons to criticized the president. He will only be abroad for a few days (the winner will be announced on Friday) and the Olympics is a great event and honor for any country to host. This world wide event is one of the few things that really brings a country together and isn't that what we need in this time of crisis? Also, it is a great opportunity for the host city and country to show off. People announced the 2008 Beijing Olympics as the official coming out party for China, where they showed off their new money by making amazing facilities and orchestrating a grand opening ceremony. If America wins the bid for 2016, we will have an opportunity to show we are still the best and most powerful country in the world. America is in a crisis and the world is doubting our presence. Winning the bid for the Olympics can go a long way to shutting down those claims.
Obama's presence will greatly help Chicago's chance to host the Olympics and he should definitely take a few days off to make any attempt he can at winning this. The Olympics isa country uniting event and as the President, he should aim for this goal whenever he can. Every other leader from the other candidate countries is attending and it is Obama's right and duty to do so as well.
A lot of people may say the timing is completely wrong, as unemployment is still high, the healthcare debate is still hot, and the Olympics will be in his final year of office anyways (assuming he wins in 2012). However, these protests are ridiculous and stretching for reasons to criticized the president. He will only be abroad for a few days (the winner will be announced on Friday) and the Olympics is a great event and honor for any country to host. This world wide event is one of the few things that really brings a country together and isn't that what we need in this time of crisis? Also, it is a great opportunity for the host city and country to show off. People announced the 2008 Beijing Olympics as the official coming out party for China, where they showed off their new money by making amazing facilities and orchestrating a grand opening ceremony. If America wins the bid for 2016, we will have an opportunity to show we are still the best and most powerful country in the world. America is in a crisis and the world is doubting our presence. Winning the bid for the Olympics can go a long way to shutting down those claims.
Obama's presence will greatly help Chicago's chance to host the Olympics and he should definitely take a few days off to make any attempt he can at winning this. The Olympics isa country uniting event and as the President, he should aim for this goal whenever he can. Every other leader from the other candidate countries is attending and it is Obama's right and duty to do so as well.
Right Wing Conspiracy Still Going Strong
First Carter calls racism, now Clinton calls conspiracy. Thoughts on these former Democrat President's interesting thoughts?
I wonder if the Bush's have anything to say about all this.
I wonder if the Bush's have anything to say about all this.
Wal-Mart Nation
It looks to me like the elite at 60 Minutes and Vanity Fair are trying to harness their inner mid-westerner. Are sales/ratings that bad?
Debate Topic- Cap and Trade
This post is linked to the New York Times' topic page on cap and trade, this week's debate topic.
Learning from history
In the 1980's Congress enacted a plan to protect seniors financially from catastrophic illnesses. Some of the intended beneficiaries complained loudly, and the law was soon repealed. Are there lessons?
Iran Launches Long-Range Missiles
Hey Obama, can you please take a super tough stance on Iran? Now? Please? Thanks.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Obama: Kids need more time in school
I feel like this article is speaking to issues in inner-city schools, though Obama's statements imply that he wants to increase instructional time at all U.S. schools. I had a 7-hour school day throughout K-12 (7:50am-2:50). Especially as I got older, between school, after-school sports, music and community service, I had very little time to spend with friends/family and pursuing personal interests and hobbies. If anything, Obama should be encouraging funding for teachers to get Master's degrees in their fields and spend more time training to make the most of existing class time.
ObamaCare: Losing Everyone
(from NYPost/Dick Morris blog)
Will Obama's plan alienate the middle class? Obama has already lost senior citizens over the proposal to cut $500 billion from Medicare. What about average Americans who will have to pay thousands before receiving any subsidy?
Does ObamaCare cause more "pain" than reform?
Will Obama's plan alienate the middle class? Obama has already lost senior citizens over the proposal to cut $500 billion from Medicare. What about average Americans who will have to pay thousands before receiving any subsidy?
Does ObamaCare cause more "pain" than reform?
Saturday, September 26, 2009
How to Tell the Difference Between Swine Flu, Seasonal Flu, and Glenn Beck
"Seasonal flu symptoms consist of fever, painful body aches, dry cough, and fatigue. Swine flu brings all those symptoms plus an obsessive desire to oink. Glenn Beck causes anger, resentment, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weeping followed by hysterical laughter and, in extreme cases, attendance at tea party rallies."
Shear Madness @ Kennedy Center
Shaan and I saw this whodunit comedy last night. It's the longest-running play in American theater, but the script is constantly updated to make the show current. Last night, for instance, the actors were making cracks at Kanye West and Joe Wilson's "You Lie" outburst. The show is set in a wacky hair salon, where a famous concert pianist is murdered in the apartment upstairs. Audience members get to interrogate the actors as the cops retrace the suspects' steps. Then the audience actually gets to choose which actor committed the crime.
Tickets are only $42, and it's worth it. There aren't any choice restaurant options in the immediate area, so either eat at home before hand, or leave plenty of time eat in nearby Georgetown.
Tickets are only $42, and it's worth it. There aren't any choice restaurant options in the immediate area, so either eat at home before hand, or leave plenty of time eat in nearby Georgetown.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Uninsured 22-year-old Boehner constituent dies from H1N1
This is very tangible evidence of the fact that we need reform, and hopefully it will wake up some Republicans who think that it's wise to kill efforts at reform because it's political gold. 22-year-olds should not be dying because they're scared of paying to go to the doctor.
I don't care how exactly we go about guaranteeing affordable insurance for everyone. We can have vouchers, or Medicare for all, or a public-private hybrid system. I really am not that picky. But people our age should not die because they're scared of the bill that comes from seeing the doctor.
I don't care how exactly we go about guaranteeing affordable insurance for everyone. We can have vouchers, or Medicare for all, or a public-private hybrid system. I really am not that picky. But people our age should not die because they're scared of the bill that comes from seeing the doctor.
ELI Energy Subsidies Graphic
Link to PDF graphic that accompanies study, the full version of which is available at www.eli.org if you're interested.
Lion's Share of Government Energy Subsidies support Foreign Oil
I'll try to post the graphic that compliments this, but here are some quick facts:
1) Fossil fuels benefited from approximately $72 billion over the seven-year (fiscal years 2002-08) period.
2) Subsidies for renewable fuels totaled $29 billion.
3) More than half the subsidies for renewables—$16.8 billion—are attributable to corn-based ethanol, the climate effects of which are hotly disputed.
4) Of the fossil fuel subsidies, $70.2 billion went to traditional sources—such as coal and oil—and $2.3 billion went to carbon capture and storage, which is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants.
5) Government energy subsidies highly favored energy sources that emit high levels of greenhouse gases over sources that would decrease our climate footprint.
1) Fossil fuels benefited from approximately $72 billion over the seven-year (fiscal years 2002-08) period.
2) Subsidies for renewable fuels totaled $29 billion.
3) More than half the subsidies for renewables—$16.8 billion—are attributable to corn-based ethanol, the climate effects of which are hotly disputed.
4) Of the fossil fuel subsidies, $70.2 billion went to traditional sources—such as coal and oil—and $2.3 billion went to carbon capture and storage, which is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants.
5) Government energy subsidies highly favored energy sources that emit high levels of greenhouse gases over sources that would decrease our climate footprint.
Drinking water unsafe at thousands of schools
Kids across the country are forced to drink bottled water at schools for their own safety. In most cases, it's not because the tap water is contaminated before it reaches the school, but it's that the water infrastructure within the buildings (lead, copper pipe contamination) causes dangerous contamination levels that render the water undrinkable.
Professional Development 101
An LA handed me this WashPo article about how to make the most out of an internship
Because I just love polls
Here's a surprise: Obama's approval is still fairly high, and people think Republicans have very few ideas on health care compared to Obama. Also, two out of three Americans support a public option.
The New York Times polled 1,042 Americans, conducted last Saturday through last Wednesday, and it has a margin of error of 3%.
In case you're curious about how this poll stacks up to others, a recent Research2000 poll found that nearly 60% of Americans support a public option.
The poll reflects the challenges facing the White House as it is consumed by two issues, Afghanistan and health care. By a margin of 52 percent to 27 percent, Americans said Mr. Obama has better ideas about overhauling health care than Republicans. And the percentage of Americans who approve of how Mr. Obama has handled health care has gone from 40 percent in August to 47 percent, about equal to where it was earlier in the summer.(emphasis is mine)
On one of the most contentious issues in the health care debate — whether to establish a government-run health insurance plan as an alternative to private insurers — nearly two-thirds of the country continues to favor the proposal, which is backed by Mr. Obama but has drawn intense fire from most Republicans and some moderate Democrats.
The New York Times polled 1,042 Americans, conducted last Saturday through last Wednesday, and it has a margin of error of 3%.
In case you're curious about how this poll stacks up to others, a recent Research2000 poll found that nearly 60% of Americans support a public option.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Head down, walk fast.
As I walked along the street trying to keep pace with my dad, I contemplated the advice he had offered on the train. “Now I don’t know if I’ve told you this before, but when I walk in the city I always look down. If you look down, others assume you don’t see them, so they’ll get out of your way… Just always remember that if you’re ever in a hurry..” Of course, as always, he had imparted this strategy many times before, and I had efficiently stored it away where I would never remember. And as I motored a few paces behind him rushing to get to the office on time, I discovered its efficiency.
But, when I rush to work in Washington, I get the feeling the strategy wouldn’t fly. Unsure of an alternative, I don’t rush. Turns out nobody is rushing, at least not until the subway door begins to close and then it seems like EVERYONE is rushing. Somewhat ironically, no one, no matter the city, wants to wait another 3 minutes on a subway platform when they could be at work 3 minutes earlier. Even when you leave the train it’s a race to the turnstalls, almost as if the smartcard charged based on time spent travelling.
The escalators bring back the lethargy. I find myself the minority as I trapse up each moving step. I’d stand to experience the Washington culture, but I cannot bring myself to submit to the lack of urgency. Urgency of nothing, it turns out, despite the seeming importance of the Hill’s activities…But then again, perhaps this truly ISN’T reality, but some fiendishly expensive knock-off featuring thousands of staffers and interns scurrying around but merely shuffling papers and speaking in hushed voices. Does anything really ever get done anyway? Most times it seems unlikely.
Wall street, on the other hand, now there’s a purpose behind that urgency. Stocks to be traded, and money to be made – A national economic dominance to be asserted. But, what IS the purpose? It seems in the current economic crisis this purpose is lost as well. Turns out, BOTH systems are broken, so why do we hurry, head down, in Manhattan?
The Real Washington
Allen describes what I think is a very accurate portrayal of two different Washingtons. The first is the one I walked through on my first days here; a land of marble columns and statues that impressed the hell out of me (and to be fair, I'm still more than a little impressed). But with every morning commute I feel more and more like Allen's "real" Washingtonian. To Allen, the true Washington is comprised of suburban streets and shady parks, of down-to-earth workers who disdain opulence. Living in the "real" Washington carries with it a sense of silent superiority, and I would be lying if I said I haven't found myself enjoying a slight self-important smile when watching groups of tourists roll by on their segway tour. It's cool to be a local, and it's even cooler to be a "true" Washingtonian (even if I'm only faking it for a few months). But maybe one day I'll pass the Capital on my way to work and won't even care to turn and admire it; that would be the coolest.
A Walk to Remember (2009)
A Walk to Remember (2009)
CBS is plain
Washington D.C. is short
I need a cold drink.
Washington Reflection
Putting government and politics aside, Washington feels like a city in its own world; like a city that has allowed itself to be so intimately involved in American life yet so remote and independent. It’s almost like a city that has escaped the doldrums that many others have faced. It’s unlike any other city, unlike any other “state,” if you will. It’s the epicenter of the greatest nation on earth, the beating heart of the land of the free, yet it has a mind and soul of its own. Allen’s view of Washington and its contrast with sister cities is why I love Washington. Sometimes Washington can seem artificial – we have buildings and monuments and memorials commemorating nothing but themselves. Department of this and Office of that. Everything seems scripted. Like a maze or a jigsaw puzzle that jumped right off the page and onto the streets and into plan living form. However, from sunrise to sunset, Washington proves that it is alive and thriving. Washington has the uncanny ability to be vibrant yet calm, busy yet peaceful, urban yet rural, full of business yet full of nature, and so forth. Living in Washington is like working in a remote paradise. Although sometimes it’s a repeating pattern, the heartbeat of Washington is unique enough to speak for its fame and prestige, yet makes it easy to call home.
Growing up in a town that has the words Wil, Bra, and Ham in its name, I’ve been forced to realize that I’m a small town girl, plain and simple. What’s Chipotle? Pink berry? Please don’t look at me like I’m insane, those places really don’t exist in small town Wilbraham. No, I’m serious, they really don’t exist where I’m from. Washington is a whole new world for me, providing so many more adventures and opportunities than I ever thought existed. Even after a month, I feel as though there are so many more things that I need to see and do, and not nearly enough time to do them. When I take a step back, however, I’m starting to see that Washington really isn’t that different from my small town roots. Maybe there are some more restaurants to go to, and it doesn’t take me 45 minutes to get to the nearest Whole Foods, but it still has the same feel as my home. You can find the same people strolling around with their dogs along the shady lanes of residential neighborhoods on Sunday. You don’t need to have a fashion meltdown before leaving the apartment because people wear whatever they want without feeling any need to dress to impress. Maybe what I really thought was a big city, is really just a bigger small town that I can call home for a little while. Who would have ever thought I’d call a city home? Certainly not me, but I guess we still have some time.
Perfection in the Imperfected
Washington is a bar of Ohio State, Penn State, Georgetown, the Red Sox, and Eagles fans. It is one of the best stadiums in baseballs, courting perhaps the worst team, nearly empty. It is a stunning park that is so frightening none wish to enjoy it. It is the home of the highest crime rates coupled with the highest judiciary powers. It is a lipstick stain on the favorite shirt that reminds you of a lost love; the only fallen tree in a forest that spans the river; a sunburn after a long summer day. It is the beauty that comes with not getting it quite right.
You Work For ME
You Work For ME
Phone rings, mad man shouts!
What's he so angry about?
Fall's reckoning soon.
The Real Washington
Allen describes what I think is a very accurate portrayal of two different Washingtons. The first is the one I walked through on my first days here; a land of marble columns and statues that impressed the hell out of me (and to be fair, I'm still more than a little impressed). But with every morning commute I feel more and more like Allen's "real" Washingtonian. To Allen, the true Washington is comprised of suburban streets and shady parks, of down-to-earth workers who disdain opulence. Living in the "real" Washington carries with it a sense of silent superiority, and I would be lying if I said I haven't found myself enjoying a slight self-important smile when watching groups of tourists roll by on their segway tour. It's cool to be a local, and it's even cooler to be a "true" Washingtonian (even if I'm only faking it for a few months). But maybe one day I'll pass the Capital on my way to work and won't even care to turn and admire it; that would be the coolest.
Good Stuff Eatery
Professor, this is the place I mentioned to you at the game- great burgers, a la Five Guys...and now featuring Michelle Obama!
Just Skim It
An interesting article about the role of "conceptual" v. "legislative" language when considering Congressional bills. Seems to me that the conceptual language would be preferable for a complicated issue like health care reform, but if the Republicans feel the need to continue to delay reform on something they will never read or for the most part fully understand...
Double standards
The Dixie Chicks were basically booted out of the national consciousness after criticizing President Bush in the lead-up to the Iraq War.
As put by Rich Lowry, in 2003:
But then Sarah Palin goes and says, in Hong Kong:
She doesn't mention Obama by name as one of these Democrats. But from reading Lowry, I thought we were all supposed to rally 'round the Commander in Chief and agree with whatever decisions he makes.
Guess not.
(Hat tip to Firedoglake, but I dug through Palin's speech myself.)
As put by Rich Lowry, in 2003:
Comments critical of the commander in chief on foreign soil on the eve of a war are, uh, shall we say, not appreciated.
But then Sarah Palin goes and says, in Hong Kong:
Prominent voices in the Democratic Party are opposing the additional U.S. ground forces that are clearly needed.
She doesn't mention Obama by name as one of these Democrats. But from reading Lowry, I thought we were all supposed to rally 'round the Commander in Chief and agree with whatever decisions he makes.
Guess not.
(Hat tip to Firedoglake, but I dug through Palin's speech myself.)
Abercombie and Fitch in Trouble...again
A girl is suing Abercombie and Fitch because they did not hire her because she wears a burka. Do they have a point? Seems like the Burka violates a lot of the store policies...
More from the department of cool and nonpartisan
NewsDots is an aggregator which graphically represents where issues in the news stand, how central they are, and how they connect to one another.
Very cool, and it changes daily, so it's worth checking.
Very cool, and it changes daily, so it's worth checking.
It might not be your fault! (a little psychology for everyone)
Just as the political environment a newly elected president enters into can influence his overal policy and public opinion success, so too can the circumstances of your birth -- especially if you're born in the winter?
I am not only a winter baby, but also adopted and originally born to an unmarried, less affluent 18 year old, so this study hits home for me. I've always joked that my Dec. 15th birthday makes me a "spring break baby" (count backwards 9 months...), but I had never considered the implications of that in terms of how many others might be in precisely the same position. It turns out that data shows that winter babies tend to be born to unmarried, poor women, although the article points to prom as a possible culprit.
The Malcolm Gladwell book "Outliers" discusses a similar point -- how circumstances can influence success (I recommend it), and points out that when you're born during the year can influence how good you'll be at sports and in school due to cut off dates for grade and team rules. I hadn't thought about it before, but the same ideas could possibly apply to how good a political leader one might be? I conducted some breif research and found that among the Presidents since JFK, only two presidents are born in the winter months. Reagan and...wait for it....Carter. The article also suggests that those born in the winter are sometimes young for thier grade due to cut offs, so perhaps being young makes you less of a leader among peers. Additionally, since winter babies tend to be less academically successful, I motion to give any of us winter babies some sort of handicap for grading -- it's only fair right?
Anyway, I thought this was really interesting, and although not directly related to politics, there's always room for a little psychology and sociology, right?
I am not only a winter baby, but also adopted and originally born to an unmarried, less affluent 18 year old, so this study hits home for me. I've always joked that my Dec. 15th birthday makes me a "spring break baby" (count backwards 9 months...), but I had never considered the implications of that in terms of how many others might be in precisely the same position. It turns out that data shows that winter babies tend to be born to unmarried, poor women, although the article points to prom as a possible culprit.
The Malcolm Gladwell book "Outliers" discusses a similar point -- how circumstances can influence success (I recommend it), and points out that when you're born during the year can influence how good you'll be at sports and in school due to cut off dates for grade and team rules. I hadn't thought about it before, but the same ideas could possibly apply to how good a political leader one might be? I conducted some breif research and found that among the Presidents since JFK, only two presidents are born in the winter months. Reagan and...wait for it....Carter. The article also suggests that those born in the winter are sometimes young for thier grade due to cut offs, so perhaps being young makes you less of a leader among peers. Additionally, since winter babies tend to be less academically successful, I motion to give any of us winter babies some sort of handicap for grading -- it's only fair right?
Anyway, I thought this was really interesting, and although not directly related to politics, there's always room for a little psychology and sociology, right?
Squeezing a balloon?
Avoiding tax increases requires squeezing money out of Medicare. But will Senator Bill Nelson go along?
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Possible Risks of Swine Flu Vaccine
Re: Zach's comment in class about the risks of the swine flu vaccine, the shot may increase the risk of contracting a serious nerve disease called Guillain-Barre Syndrome by eight times.
Not to be a Debbie Downer or anything, haha
Not to be a Debbie Downer or anything, haha
Rep. Steve King (R-IA) on gay marriage.
So in the end this is something that has to come with a, if there’s a push for a socialist society, a society where the foundations of individual rights and liberties are undermined and everybody is thrown together, living collectively off of one pot of resources earned by everyone. That is, this is one of the goals they have to go to is same-sex marriage because it has to plow through marriage in order to get to their goal. They want public affirmation. They want access to public funds and resources. Eventually all those resources will be pooled because that’s the direction we’re going. And not only is it a radical social idea, it is a purely socialist concept in the final analysis.
via.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
How one family eliminated $106,000 in debt
If these people can pull it off the way they did, then anyone can.
ACORN Update
A worker in one of the videos who purportedly 'aided' the undercover 'reporters' called a police officer, who contacted a human trafficking task force to report the suspicious activity.
Regardless, the ACORN worker was fired.
Regardless, the ACORN worker was fired.
Follow Marc Elias
If you use twitter, you might want to follow Marc Elias, who tweets frequently about campaign law and finance.
Why Obama Wishes he was King
"Obama is...a man who won the presidency largely on the basis of the electorate's judgment about his personality — he was seen as bright, and personable, and engaging, which was not surprising, because he is bright, and personable, and engaging. He was, for all intents and purposes, a Rorschach ink blot test for the body politic — individual voters saw in him whatever it was they wanted to see in him, reflected back to them.
He was so popular, in fact, that he became only the fourth Democratic President in the last century and a half to win an outright majority of the popular vote — something Woodrow Wilson, and Harry Truman, and Bill Clinton, and even the sainted John Kennedy failed to accomplish.
Imagine, then, how frustrating it must be for him to be that popular, but not to be able to enact either his legislative or his political agenda; to know that, among the public, he has a deep reservoir of goodwill, but to know that for his ends, it is all but worthless."
He was so popular, in fact, that he became only the fourth Democratic President in the last century and a half to win an outright majority of the popular vote — something Woodrow Wilson, and Harry Truman, and Bill Clinton, and even the sainted John Kennedy failed to accomplish.
Imagine, then, how frustrating it must be for him to be that popular, but not to be able to enact either his legislative or his political agenda; to know that, among the public, he has a deep reservoir of goodwill, but to know that for his ends, it is all but worthless."
Maybe I should become conservative
Apparently, 'your women are hot,' and liberals aren't, or something.
-David Mattera, speaking at the Values Voters summit, making a David and Goliath metaphor. In particular, addressing how David (the conservatives) would slay Goliath (liberals), and how King Saul promised his daughter to anyone who could slay Goliath.
"You know [King Saul's] daughter must have been beautiful because there’s no guy whose gonna die for an ugly girl. Our women are hot. We have Michelle Malkin. Who does the left have, Rachel Maddow? Sorry, I prefer that my women not look like dudes."
-David Mattera, speaking at the Values Voters summit, making a David and Goliath metaphor. In particular, addressing how David (the conservatives) would slay Goliath (liberals), and how King Saul promised his daughter to anyone who could slay Goliath.
Pentagon Delays Troop Call
Think Tankers and military experts are pushing for a massive addition of 45,000 US troops in Afghanistan at a time when the Obama administration seems to balk at their previous commitment to come out of this war victorious. The kitchen may have just gotten too hot.
Last poll I'm ever putting up!
Weekly "State of the Nation" poll put out by Daily Kos. You'll notice that everyone except for Obama and every group has a higher unfavorable percentage than favorable.
At the end of the day, though, I find most political opinion polls completely worthless. It's all about the wording of the questions, which always manages to skew them in some way. If the question was "How do you feel about what the current Congress has accomplished so far?", I bet you'd see different results.
At the end of the day, though, I find most political opinion polls completely worthless. It's all about the wording of the questions, which always manages to skew them in some way. If the question was "How do you feel about what the current Congress has accomplished so far?", I bet you'd see different results.
Congress must move on Climate Bill before Copenhagen...
...otherwise, Obama's promises will only be empty words. If we can't show that we're setting a good legislative example for other nations, we'll have little influence at the pending Denmark summit.
Boris Yeltsin at his finest
Perhaps the most startling story in the article, however, involves then-Russian president Boris Yeltsin. Clinton told Branch that Yeltsin had been staying at the Blair House, the White House guest residence, in 1995 when the Secret Service found Yeltsin standing alone on Pennsylvania Avenue, wearing only his underwear, trying to get a cab. Yeltsin, slurring his words, told the Secret Service he wanted a pizza. The next night, Clinton reportedly told Branch, Yeltsin took back stairs to the basement of the Blair House, where a guard assumed he was an inebriated intruder. U.S. and Russian security forces soon arrived to assure the guard that the man in question was in fact the Russian president.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Bidenisms
A taste:
"Stand up, Chuck, let 'em see you. … Oh, God love you! What am I talking about? I tell you what. You're making everybody else stand up, though, pal. … Stand up for Chuck!"—Telling Missouri State Sen. Chuck Graham, who is bound to a wheelchair, to rise at campaign event, Columbia, Mo., Sept. 9, 2008
"Stand up, Chuck, let 'em see you. … Oh, God love you! What am I talking about? I tell you what. You're making everybody else stand up, though, pal. … Stand up for Chuck!"—Telling Missouri State Sen. Chuck Graham, who is bound to a wheelchair, to rise at campaign event, Columbia, Mo., Sept. 9, 2008
Are Rappers and Conservative Talk Show Hosts Really that Different?
Can't we all just be friends?
Comments accepted...
Comments accepted...
NJ and VA Governor's Races this fall may set tone for 2010
These races will be very interesting to watch in November. While they refer to NJ as "deep-blue" state (8 of the 13 House districts are Democratic, and our two Senators are also Democrats), there's certainly enough dislike for Corzine to swing the election in favor of Chris Christie (Christie leads by narrow to moderate margins in the polls). Republican wins in the two states have the potential to make Democrats squirm over 2010 mid-term elections.
Regional breakdown of Republican approval
via Andrew Sullivan. The actual poll is a Research2000 poll last week of 2400 Americans.
Edit: I incorrectly originally listed the sample size as 2600 Americans. The correct number is 2400 Americans.
No More Bank Overdraft Charges!
As the financial regulation reform starts to gain speed again, an area that can hit close to home for many college students has risen to the forefront. Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT) is going to be pushing legislation through to put a ban on banks charging hefty fees for people who overdraft their accounts. In light of the financial crisis, many banks have been using these fees, reaching up to $30 dollars per overdraft, to support daily operations. The Financial Times reported that these fees could total up to $38.5 billion dollars for the industry this year. The proposed legislation would require customers to choose whether or not they wanted to belong to these overdrafting program which would prohibit banks from blindly charging consumers. This could be great news for fellow college students who, like myself, are not quite certain what is left in their bank accounts during the last few weeks of the school year.
A Dicsussion about the Overexposure of Obama
I remember we touched upon this subject last week so I figured this article would be interesting.
Stimulus Funding for Job Retraining: Ineffective
We're spending $3 billion on the Dislocated Worker Program in fiscal 2009, though a Labor Department study found that job retraining, "does not significantly improve earning power", and this study was only of those retrained who found jobs. Compared to those who find jobs and don't do retraining, there is no advantage, according to the article.
On a lighter note...
This is fun. Add this blog to your favorites, it's consistantly absurd and always enjoyable. Also, i think it's something we can ALL find humor in?
Border Battle
The interactive chart in the link above is merely a means to illustrate how prevalent drugs are throughout the country, particularly hard drugs such as cocaine. I don't think it will be necessarily a shock to anyone how prevalent drugs are (unless maybe if you're from Rhode Island). However, I am curious to here peoples opinions on the cartel carnage occurring at our nations southern border. It seems obvious that we have a crisis on our hands, but will it be resolved before it becomes a far more serious crisis. It seems to me that there is no forum to address this issue given the plethora of other items on the agenda. Maybe I am putting too much emphasis on the severity of the situation; however, my experience watching Gangland on the history channel has made me very uneasy about the whole situation. Any thoughts would be great
CNN's Susan Roesgen Counter Protests The Chicago Tea Party Rally
Im not sure what my comment should be...
"CNN: The [least] trusted name in news"
"CNN: The [least] trusted name in news"
General Calls for More U.S. Troops to Avoid Afghan Failure
Iraq was a hot topic last week. Any opinions on the on-going War on Terror?
Fox News caught rallying Tea Party protesters
I'm not sure what my comment should be.
"We incite. You decide"?
"We're fair, but Glenn Beck is pretty unbalanced"?
And conservatives wonder why liberals don't take Fox seriously as a news outlet.
"We incite. You decide"?
"We're fair, but Glenn Beck is pretty unbalanced"?
And conservatives wonder why liberals don't take Fox seriously as a news outlet.
Obama continues to avoid conflict...
... in more ways than one.
Obama refused to interview with Fox recently (they refused to televise his address to Congress) but also speaks with 5 other news sources in interviews that seem to go too well? He's so good at talking to the media, staying calm and composed, and maintaining a firm and consistant message, it seems as though it's become ineffective. Perhaps what we once saw as his best characteristics and skills will end up defining the downfall of his presidency, rather than its sucecss? He continues to make his message clear, but it never seems to catch on. The countdown on 2009 has really started and it will be very interesting to see if he can get healthcare reform through, and how that outcome will influence the rest of his presidency.
Additionally, it's interesting that his press office seems to be on the offensive with Fox. Obama never seems to stray from complete composure, but perhaps he's set up the structure of his white house staff so that he can remain calm while others fight the battles. I don't know about everyone else, but I'm starting to become less interested in what he has to say to the American people and much more interested in what goes on behind closed doors with his staff. He MUST have a less composed side, and maybe he'd get more done if he let out a little passion sometimes...just to remind us he is indeed human?
Obama refused to interview with Fox recently (they refused to televise his address to Congress) but also speaks with 5 other news sources in interviews that seem to go too well? He's so good at talking to the media, staying calm and composed, and maintaining a firm and consistant message, it seems as though it's become ineffective. Perhaps what we once saw as his best characteristics and skills will end up defining the downfall of his presidency, rather than its sucecss? He continues to make his message clear, but it never seems to catch on. The countdown on 2009 has really started and it will be very interesting to see if he can get healthcare reform through, and how that outcome will influence the rest of his presidency.
Additionally, it's interesting that his press office seems to be on the offensive with Fox. Obama never seems to stray from complete composure, but perhaps he's set up the structure of his white house staff so that he can remain calm while others fight the battles. I don't know about everyone else, but I'm starting to become less interested in what he has to say to the American people and much more interested in what goes on behind closed doors with his staff. He MUST have a less composed side, and maybe he'd get more done if he let out a little passion sometimes...just to remind us he is indeed human?
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Washington Cathedral Haiku
Was I too excited by the Haiku assignment? Probably.
Here's my haiku from my visit today to the National Cathedral.
Sunset through the glass
Colors Indiana limestone
Shades of red and blue
Here's my haiku from my visit today to the National Cathedral.
Sunset through the glass
Colors Indiana limestone
Shades of red and blue
Reed Elsevier v. Muchnick
This is a summary of the issues in the case we will hear in oral argument at SCOTUS on 10/7.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
John Edwards is a cad!
"Edwards once calmed an anxious Ms. Hunter by promising her that after his wife died, he would marry her in a rooftop ceremony in New York with an appearance by the Dave Matthews Band."
Friday, September 18, 2009
Conservatives use liberal playbook
Excerpts:
"The left-wing rhetoric and symbolism are so thick on the right, in fact, that some conservatives have been taken aback by it: The logo for the Sept. 12 protest in Washington, which organizers called the 'March on Washington,' featured an image that looked so much like those associated with the labor, communist and black power movements that some participants objected to it — until they found out that’s what the designers were shooting for."
...
"The irony thus far seems to have been lost on the left, however, which has mostly voiced either disbelief or derision that the conservatives would be so shameless — or so clueless. In Democratic Underground’s discussion forum, a photo of a marcher holding a 'Keep Your Laws of My Body' sign was captioned 'OK, the cognitive dissonance hasn't hit them yet.' And of the 9/12-ers’ logo, one poster on Stephen Colbert’s site asks, 'Did these guys grow a sense of humor overnight, or did they just skip history class?' "
"The left-wing rhetoric and symbolism are so thick on the right, in fact, that some conservatives have been taken aback by it: The logo for the Sept. 12 protest in Washington, which organizers called the 'March on Washington,' featured an image that looked so much like those associated with the labor, communist and black power movements that some participants objected to it — until they found out that’s what the designers were shooting for."
...
Ex-Secretary of the Interior under investigation.
A former Secretary of the Interior under Bush gave valuable land leases to Royal Dutch Shell, then wanted to go work for Royal Dutch Shell. This might violate the law.
Attempts to shape climate bill in "full swing"
We may actually see climate legislation before the end of the semester.
Constitutionality of the Individual Mandate
To continue our discussion of constitutionality from last night, as applied to health care. Here are a couple articles that present both sides of the argument.
Constitutional: http://www.slate.com/id/2224258 (Professor - notice the reference to Amar)
Unconstitutional: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204518504574416623109362480.html#articleTabs%3Darticle
Constitutional: http://www.slate.com/id/2224258 (Professor - notice the reference to Amar)
Unconstitutional: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204518504574416623109362480.html#articleTabs%3Darticle
It's Not About Race
David Brooks op-ed about the tea party. He argues that it is not a racial thing, rather it is a manifestation of rural, small town America lashing out against cosmopolitanism, an issue as old as Jefferson and Hamilton.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
My Favorite Things: Dhani Jones
This article has nothing to do with politics. But I think its interesting to read about a man who is living to the fullest.
"Carpe diem. Live this moment without flinching, live this second without wincing, live this year in its presences, and just be."
"Carpe diem. Live this moment without flinching, live this second without wincing, live this year in its presences, and just be."
Public Policy Polling is biased
Article quoting a PPP employee who admits that the polling company is indeed biased in its political opinions:
“We’re absolutely rooting in the race. We don’t want Richard Burr to get reelected. We wanted Obama to win last fall,” said Jensen. “But our reputation is predicated on getting it right, and we’re not going to cook the numbers just to tweak Richard Burr’s nerves. They are what they are.”
Recently, a poll of likely New Jersey voters was put on the blog. What kind of reputable polling company would ask people questions like, "Do you think Barack Obama was born in the United States?" and, "Do you think Barack Obama is the Anti-Christ?" Probably one that's looking for a few cheap laughs.
Definitely some of the most useless information I've ever read.
“We’re absolutely rooting in the race. We don’t want Richard Burr to get reelected. We wanted Obama to win last fall,” said Jensen. “But our reputation is predicated on getting it right, and we’re not going to cook the numbers just to tweak Richard Burr’s nerves. They are what they are.”
Recently, a poll of likely New Jersey voters was put on the blog. What kind of reputable polling company would ask people questions like, "Do you think Barack Obama was born in the United States?" and, "Do you think Barack Obama is the Anti-Christ?" Probably one that's looking for a few cheap laughs.
Definitely some of the most useless information I've ever read.
You stay classy, Rush
It's amazing that we treat people like this as very serious members of our national discourse.
Where are we on the Laffer curve?
From the abstract:
Via Matt Yglesias.
For benchmark parameters, we find that the US can increase tax revenues by 30% by raising labor taxes and 6% by raising capital income taxes. For the EU-14 we obtain 8% and 1%. Denmark and Sweden are on the wrong side of the Laffer curve for capital income taxation.
Via Matt Yglesias.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Rahm Emanuel Keeps It Classy
"Emanuel, in any case, has not shown any embarassment about his language, which is famous to the point of caricature. He reportedly keeps in his office a nameplate reading, "Undersecretary for Go F*** Yourself.”"
A link in the Politico story leads to a longer New Yorker story on Rahm Emanuel.
A link in the Politico story leads to a longer New Yorker story on Rahm Emanuel.
White House calls out liars
From the White House blog post:
Last week, when the President addressed the Joint Session of Congress in a speech on health reform, he referred to some of the untruths – okay, lies – that have been spread about the plan and sent a clear message to those who seek to undermine his agenda and his presidency with these tactics: "We will call you out." So consider this one of those calls.
Dangers of Iconography
I dont agree with all the comparasons he makes and the presentation itself is a bit lacking, but some good issues are brought up.
Washington, D.C. favorite area for wealthy young
Interesting article on how DC is quickly becoming a hotspot for young professionals, a possible choice for many after graduation.
18% of New Jersey conservatives think Obama is the anti-Christ (17% aren't sure) - pdf
And other very fun crosstabs!
Other headlines: 6% of New Jersey citizens support the abolition of the federal government, but only 5% support the end of public education. Truthers number slightly less than birthers. More if you click the link.
Other headlines: 6% of New Jersey citizens support the abolition of the federal government, but only 5% support the end of public education. Truthers number slightly less than birthers. More if you click the link.
Complexities of health insurance reform
The case of Massachusetts. Is incremental reform like squeezing a balloon?
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Health care costs double for workers over decade
Just to drive the point home about health insurance reform and the need to create competition among insurance plans, potentially with a public option. According to the study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, average premiums for a company-provided plan for a family have risen 131% in the past decade. Compare that increase to that of average employee wages, which have only risen by 38%.
I thought health care was the most important issue in the House right now...
Thank you, Steny Hoyer, D-Md., who sponsored this waste-of-time measure with Democratic Whip James Clyburn, D-S.C. It's so comforting to know that you spent a day doing absolutely nothing productive.
"I wouldn't dignify you by peeing on your leg"
Pete Stark (D-Cal.) speaks his mind at another friendly Town Hall.
Marc Elias, Guest Observer, Roll Call, 9.15.09
Roll Call’s Guest Observers yesterday were campaign lawyers Marc Elias (Franken 08 recount; Kerry-Edwards campaign) and Trevor Potter (general counsel, 2000 and 2008 McCain presidential campaigns). Here are the key parts their op-ed, “Congress Can Better Voter Registration”:
“We have always worked for opposing candidates, but our common campaign experience has led us to the firm agreement that the inefficiencies of the election administration system require common sense upgrades...
We have formed the Committee to Modernize Voter Registration, a national, bipartisan group of individuals with vast and varied experience in elections...
[We] share a commitment to update the way that we register voters so it is more efficient, costs less, provides adequate safeguards against fraud and ensures that all eligible Americans can participate in the process...
There are two problems [with our current voter registration system]: First, our system is based almost exclusively on paper voter registration forms, and second, too many forms are submitted in the last weeks before voter registration deadlines. The result is a chaotic environment in which election officials are forced to develop complex, costly systems of data entry and quality control to decipher millions of handwritten forms in the lead-up to a major election. Millions of eligible Americans each election cycle are blocked from the polls as a result...
But there is a solution. States should use an automated system to add voters to the registration rolls when they become eligible, and that registration should move with the voters when they change residences. If we do this, we can get rid of the paper, free up resources for state and local governments, provide strict protections against voter registration fraud and eliminate many of the frustrating problems that voters face on election day...
In the area of voter registration, there is a bipartisan chorus calling for reform. Unfortunately, the closer we get to an election, the more likely partisanship will drown out our unified voices on this critical issue. Implementing the reforms will take time, but the moment to act is now."
“We have always worked for opposing candidates, but our common campaign experience has led us to the firm agreement that the inefficiencies of the election administration system require common sense upgrades...
We have formed the Committee to Modernize Voter Registration, a national, bipartisan group of individuals with vast and varied experience in elections...
[We] share a commitment to update the way that we register voters so it is more efficient, costs less, provides adequate safeguards against fraud and ensures that all eligible Americans can participate in the process...
There are two problems [with our current voter registration system]: First, our system is based almost exclusively on paper voter registration forms, and second, too many forms are submitted in the last weeks before voter registration deadlines. The result is a chaotic environment in which election officials are forced to develop complex, costly systems of data entry and quality control to decipher millions of handwritten forms in the lead-up to a major election. Millions of eligible Americans each election cycle are blocked from the polls as a result...
But there is a solution. States should use an automated system to add voters to the registration rolls when they become eligible, and that registration should move with the voters when they change residences. If we do this, we can get rid of the paper, free up resources for state and local governments, provide strict protections against voter registration fraud and eliminate many of the frustrating problems that voters face on election day...
In the area of voter registration, there is a bipartisan chorus calling for reform. Unfortunately, the closer we get to an election, the more likely partisanship will drown out our unified voices on this critical issue. Implementing the reforms will take time, but the moment to act is now."
Something cool (and nonpartisan!)
Link is to a site which has basically all of the ARRA (stimulus bill) spending to date.
A very popular, expensive restaurant in my town received a $267,000 loan to cover expenses. Seeing stuff like that is pretty cool if you ask me.
A very popular, expensive restaurant in my town received a $267,000 loan to cover expenses. Seeing stuff like that is pretty cool if you ask me.
For the ladies in the room...
This is an interesting article about how perhaps female representatives are more effective legislators than thier male counterparts. I'm sure some confounding factors are present here, however the article claims the study accounts for differences in party affiliation, seniority, and other major differences between a representative's reign in office. Perhaps some congressmen have gotten a little too comfy in thier seats?
Monday, September 14, 2009
Are D.C. Citizens the only Residents in this Country not being Represented?
While this post is not entirely on topic with our debate this Thursday, I still thought it was an interesting thing to think about: the voting rights of non-citizen residents. As a former member of this group, I know that despite having absolutely no vote in mayoral, congressional, presidential, or any other type of governmental vote, permanent residents who are not American citizens are taxed just as much as citizens, and some more depending on income. This is a different situation than what D.C. citizens have for a few reasons. D.C. citizens can vote for their own officials, as well as in the Presidential election, due to the 23rd Amendment, passed in 1961. Really the only way D.C. citizens are not represented is in the Congress, which of course is a huge part of the American Government, but still would only give them maybe two out of what would be 437 seats in the house and 2 out what would be 102 seats in the Senate. D.C. citizens are obviously being treated worse than any other citizens in this country but note that I use the word "citizen" and not "person in this country" or "resident in this country."
I have heard people argue that if you live in New York or any other state, then you are represented by your Senators and your congressman or woman, but I would like to pose the question, if you did not vote in the election, do you really have a say, and if you do not have a say, are you really represented? Sure a McCain supporter is still represented by President Obama even thought he/she did not vote for the eventual winner, but the fact is that he/she has a vote and had an influence in who won, no matter how small it was. Isn't this influence what we pay taxes for? Do we not pay taxes so that we can have a say in how our government is run and how our money is spent? If I remember right, the American Revolution started at the most basic level, because England was taxing the Americans without the Americans having a direct vote how their hard earned money was being spent across the pond. When an immigrant comes to this country (legally of course), this immigrant must wait two years before applying for and receiving a Green Card, which then allows this immigrant to apply for citizenship.......five years later. For those of you keeping count at home, that's seven full years of all government taxes, (local, state, and federal) with a total of zero votes (local, state, and federal). Does this sound fair?
I can understand the argument that immigrants should not be able to vote until they have a solid grasp about this country and how it works, but does it really take seven years (it takes only 5 in Canada) and should an immigrant be paying for rights he/she does not receive? I know nothing will change (especially considering immigrants cannot vote for a change), but I would still like to pose this question just as food for thought and because it is kinda relevant for this week.
The Great Myth: Bipartisanship
A short article analyzing the supposed true motives of each party in the present healthcare debate and beyond.
D.C.'s Shadow Delegation
In addition to Delegate, Eleanor Homes Norton, D.C. also has a shadow delegation of two senators and one representative.
Colbert Report's Better Know a District: DC
Stephen asks Congresswoman Norton whether it's safe to give her constituents full voting rights. (0:47)
Colbert Report's Better Know a District - DC
Colbert interviews Rep. Elizabeth Holmes Norton (DC)
"Since the District of Columbia is not a state, it is not in the United States." (7:18)
"Since the District of Columbia is not a state, it is not in the United States." (7:18)
Comprehensive history of the DC Voting Rights issue
Have no fear: this Wiki article is chock full of reliable footnotes and a very accessible history of DC voting rights.
Ayn Rand was an idiot.
Article is very long but explains why very well.
Long story short, she's a crank, and her ideas aren't very well backed up by reality. Don't believe me? Why didn't the whole country 'go Galt' when the top marginal tax rate bumped up against 90%?
Long story short, she's a crank, and her ideas aren't very well backed up by reality. Don't believe me? Why didn't the whole country 'go Galt' when the top marginal tax rate bumped up against 90%?
Obama receives 30 death threats a day
"Since Mr Obama took office, the rate of threats against the president has increased 400 per cent from the 3,000 a year or so under President George W. Bush"
Last week we discussed whether any of us would actually want to be the President. Here's an interesting Telegraph article about the sort of threats that Obama receives on a daily basis, as well as how thinly stretched the Secret Service has become.
Last week we discussed whether any of us would actually want to be the President. Here's an interesting Telegraph article about the sort of threats that Obama receives on a daily basis, as well as how thinly stretched the Secret Service has become.
10 Largest Bankruptices in U.S. History
Thought some people might be interested in this list, as it is the one year anniversary of the Lehman Brother's downfall.
Republican Strategist Urges Voters To Vote Joe Wilson Out of Office
In this article prominent GOP strategist Mark McKinnon, who worked for both George W. Bush and John McCain, argues that the only way for civil discourse in America to improve is if voters vote out louts like Joe Wilson.
"I’m a Republican, but I’d rather have a Democrat in Congress who I may disagree with but who has some fundamental character and decency that Wilson clearly lacks."
"I’m a Republican, but I’d rather have a Democrat in Congress who I may disagree with but who has some fundamental character and decency that Wilson clearly lacks."
House Armed Services Chair Livid that "no one gives a damn" about Afghanistan
“(There are) two things that could wreck America,” said Skelton, who is serving his 17th term in the House.
“The economy – we go into a deep recession or depression. Number two is Afghanistan and the terrorist threat. They could cause attacks like that again. That’s why we are there – to protect attacks against it,” Skelton said.
Skelton said the president should listen to General Stanley McChrystal, the top commander of U.S. and international troops in Afghanistan, who has delivered a report to the president that is expected to request additional to fight resurgent Taliban extremists.
“The economy – we go into a deep recession or depression. Number two is Afghanistan and the terrorist threat. They could cause attacks like that again. That’s why we are there – to protect attacks against it,” Skelton said.
Skelton said the president should listen to General Stanley McChrystal, the top commander of U.S. and international troops in Afghanistan, who has delivered a report to the president that is expected to request additional to fight resurgent Taliban extremists.
DC Vote and the NRA
This article is interesting in that it sheds some light on the influence of the NRA on the DC Vote. The last version of the DC Vote bill was shot down due to last minute amendments loosening DC gun laws. Although this seems an absurd provision in a voting bill it nonetheless paved the way for conservative Democrats to reject the bill then and now to save their voting record in the upcoming elections. I also share the view presented in the article that this health care debate is truly shining a light on the ridiculousness that DC does not have a vote. In essence half a million people are being left out of this entire debate, which does not seem right.
Liberal Blog List
Finally getting around to a liberal blog list. This is basically what I read on a given day, or try to:
http://www.balloon-juice.com/
http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/
http://delong.typepad.com/
http://www.eschatonblog.com/
http://firedoglake.com/
http://lefarkins.blogspot.com/
http://thinkprogress.org/ - Disclosure: run by CAP
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/
http://washingtonmonthly.com/ (Steve Benen's blog is the front page.)
http://whiskeyfire.typepad.com/
http://yglesias.thinkprogress.org/ - Disclosure: he's at CAP too.
Not a liberal but generally worth reading: http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/
Probably the most conspicuous absence is DailyKos, which I find generally not worth the time. MyDD is also...okay, although I find that it has a weird brand of liberalism that I generally don't see eye to eye with and so it's not something I read often.
My favorites are Matt Yglesias and Atrios, who blogs at Eschaton.
http://www.balloon-juice.com/
http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/
http://delong.typepad.com/
http://www.eschatonblog.com/
http://firedoglake.com/
http://lefarkins.blogspot.com/
http://thinkprogress.org/ - Disclosure: run by CAP
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/
http://washingtonmonthly.com/ (Steve Benen's blog is the front page.)
http://whiskeyfire.typepad.com/
http://yglesias.thinkprogress.org/ - Disclosure: he's at CAP too.
Not a liberal but generally worth reading: http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/
Probably the most conspicuous absence is DailyKos, which I find generally not worth the time. MyDD is also...okay, although I find that it has a weird brand of liberalism that I generally don't see eye to eye with and so it's not something I read often.
My favorites are Matt Yglesias and Atrios, who blogs at Eschaton.
DC Vote: Text of Recently Proposed House and Senate Bills
Link is to page with PDF docs and other informational links.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Dems Practically Flip-Flopping on Public Option
Either they want it or they don't, there shouldn't be any "downplaying" of something that they were so fervently for only a few days ago.
More on undocumented immigrants and healthcare (link is PDF)
For some reason Republicans are treating these "illegal immigration restrictions" brought on by Joe Wilson's outburst as a victory. As this very brief GAO report points out, these regulations harm actual American citizens and do not stop illegals. Basically, they're stripping their constituents of medical coverage, and celebrating this fact.
Weird.
Edit: Apparently Kelsey already linked this. Sorry!
Weird.
Edit: Apparently Kelsey already linked this. Sorry!
How Many Actually Attended?
Whatever the number, the time lapse pictures are impressive...
http://scaredmonkeys.com/2009/09/13/the-912-washington-dc-tea-party-rally-what-was-the-attendance-why-the-msm-is-downplaying-the-numbers/
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/09/12/celebrating-the-912-rallies/
http://scaredmonkeys.com/2009/09/13/the-912-washington-dc-tea-party-rally-what-was-the-attendance-why-the-msm-is-downplaying-the-numbers/
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/09/12/celebrating-the-912-rallies/
Close Encounters of the Teabagging Kind
Last night on the Metro, I was sitting next to a woman holding an Arizona state flag. I asked her if she was part of the festivities, and when she said "yes," I asked her why she came all the way out to DC this weekend. She said she was here to protect our Constitution. She said she wasn't here to protest against Barack Obama in particular; she said she would gladly protest against any President who was violating the Constitution. I asked her if she was referring to Obama's health care bill, and she said she was actually outraged by the passage of S2028, a new pandemic flu preparation law in Massachusetts that would allow authorities to raid residences of people who have swine flu. Then, she told me that she was also outraged that Obama has been packing his administration with certified communists like Van Jones. She explained to me that these 30 or so appointments were against the "checks and balances" clause of our Constitution because the Supreme Court has not approved these nominations.
Anyone else get to talk to teabaggers yesterday?
Anyone else get to talk to teabaggers yesterday?
Interesting article about Washington's new influence over Wall Street.
Whether you are for or against the unprecedented government bailout of the financial sector that began last year, no one can deny its impact.
"It's often said that Wall Street is no longer the financial capital, that it's Washington, D.C., and that's certainly true. I don't think this is destined to change. I think this is going to be a fact of life." Richard H. Clarida, assistant Treasury secretary under President George W. Bush, now an economics professor at Columbia University.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Maybe we don't have universal health care, but how can we not have clean WATER???
Long article, but it illustrates the sad reality that so many Americans don't have access to THE basic, fundamental underpinning of life: clean water.
If you're tired reading about health care...
In other political news, the war in Afghanistan is another issue Obama faces opposition to, within his party.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Swine Flu Vaccine Effective with One Dose
We should all get vaccinated next month, since young adults are one of the main risk groups.
Correction
Correction to an earlier post in which I wrote that Rep. Wilson's Democratic opponent had recieved $800 million that would be $800 thousand. I apologize
Joe Wilson's Dirty Health Care Secret
Guess what - Joe Wilson has single-payer health insurance! Although, oddly enough he has repeatedly voted against health care for veterans.
Support In Wilson's district
Just wanted to point out that, as discussed at some point last night, the outburst by Rep. Wilson may not be hurting him as badly as the some may want us to believe it is. There has certainly been a large backlash from the Democrats, the media, and to a lesser extend the Republicans themselves. And, although Wilson's Veteran Democratic opponent has raised some $800 million, it appears as though he still has quite a bit of support from his district. The quotes in this article would make you think it was a wise political move for Wilson (however tragic it may be for his party).
Border Security a Serious Issue Now
One of the many looming issues beyond health care is immigration. This article describes how Texas is having to expend enormous resources to secure large portions of our international border with Mexico. Though Gov. Perry has publicly denied federal bailout money, he would welcome funding to secure the border, and thus far Congress has not delivered. As we speak, Americans on our side of the Rio Grande are being harassed by Mexicans with ties to violent drug gangs. I hope that once the health care issue is somewhat resolved, Obama turns his attention to this issue that affects so many Americans.
Bank exec borrows foreclosed estate
It's these kind of stories that make me think all bankers are truly evil.
Something for people at the 9/12 event to keep in mind
"It's really not the way I would go, you know, tying my movement in with a historical terrorist attack, especially in post-9/11 America."
-Glenn Beck, cosponsor of the 9/12 protest march on Washington
-Glenn Beck, cosponsor of the 9/12 protest march on Washington
More Raw Afghan Forces Not Necessarily a Good Thing
Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee, announced yesterday that he was opposed to sending more troops to Afghanistan in the near future. Instead, Levin proposed the United States focus on quickly training equiping more Afghan security forces to pick up some of the slack. In this New York Times op-ed a Marine Corps University professor argues that quickly training raw forces and putting them in the field could have a detrimental affect on the progress of the war.
Summary of GAO and Oversight Staff findings on Medicaid citizenship documentation requirements
To follow Evan's post, this is the study that the NYT editorial referenced stating that only 8 undocumented immigrants were found through the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (DRA). Additionally, the DRA resulted in U.S. citizens being declined coverage and only 1 state received potential fiscal benefits from reduction in coverage for undocumented immigrants. This may be part of the reasoning for why the Democrats voted against the amendment to HR 3200 that would have required anyone applying for insurance coverage to show documentation in order to be eligible.
An analogy, and Undocumented Immigrants and Healthcare
First, an analogy to Professor Eismeier, who was worried about sort of 'quasi death panels' coming out of a lack of tests like the PSA test. The PSA test would be like using leeches to treat wounds today. Sure, it may have some small effect on outcomes, but that effect is so insignificant that no insurance company would cover bleeding someone or using leeches as a means of treatment. Same goes for the PSA screeningss in the future. We don't use leeches anymore--they're ineffective. Why should we use the ineffective PSA?
"Time for a reality check. Illegal immigrants are here. They are not eligible for Medicaid, but many still get sick and many get care, often in emergency rooms. The current proposals would likely not stop them from using their money to buy coverage through an insurance exchange, without subsidies. Just as they can do now.
Should we take a harder line? Force people to prove citizenship in emergency rooms? That’s illegal, for good reason. Make verification requirements so onerous that not a single illegal immigrant slips through? Very expensive, and not smart. It would be highly likely to snag deserving citizens — like old people who don’t have their original birth certificates. And besides, we’ve tried that: A House oversight committee reviewed six state Medicaid programs in 2007 and found that verification rules had cost the federal government an additional $8.3 million. They caught exactly eight illegal immigrants."
Emphasis is mine. I think this puts the debate over Joe Wilson's comments in perspective. Just how far are we willing to go--and how much are we willing to spend--to catch people in this country illegally? $1 million per illegal isn't really worth it, if you ask me.
Winning the Afghan War
Senator Carl Levin, chairman of the Armed Services Committee announced on Thursday that he was opposed to sending more troops to Afghanistan in the near future. Instead, Senator Levin proposed that the United States should focus more on increasing the size of Afghan forces. In this NYT op-ed, a US Marine Corps University professor argues that increasing the size of the Afghan forces without sufficient training could have a detrimental affect.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Written Version of the Speech
Just in case anyone wanted to reread the speech before tonights debate.
Obama's Speech a Success
From CNN:
"Two out of three Americans who watched President Obama's health care reform speech Wednesday night favor his health care plans, a 14-point gain among speech-watchers, according to a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. national poll." (emphasis mine)
Put differently, the difference between 52% support and 66% support is a, roughly, 25% increase in supporters for this bill from Wednesday morning to Wednesday evening.
Of course, all polls should be taken with a grain of salt.
"Two out of three Americans who watched President Obama's health care reform speech Wednesday night favor his health care plans, a 14-point gain among speech-watchers, according to a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. national poll." (emphasis mine)
Put differently, the difference between 52% support and 66% support is a, roughly, 25% increase in supporters for this bill from Wednesday morning to Wednesday evening.
Of course, all polls should be taken with a grain of salt.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Obama’s Promises Could Use a Good-Faith Deposit
Has Obama made his plans clear? Do his statements contradict the facts and findings of the Congressional Budget Office? Why are so many Americans still opposed?
From the article: "...CBS poll also found that 67 percent of Americans are confused about health-care reform and 60 percent think the president has failed to explain his plan clearly. "
From the article: "...CBS poll also found that 67 percent of Americans are confused about health-care reform and 60 percent think the president has failed to explain his plan clearly. "
Fact Checking Obama's Speech
Saw an interesting article that gives some non-biased information on a lot of Obama's points from tonight's speech.
Rep. Joe Wilson heckles Obama
Could you imagine if an elected Democrat heckled Bush while Bush was speaking to Congress about the Iraq war? Republicans would be calling for his or her resignation immediately.
A Canadian's Take on Healthcare Debate
This is from the Toronto Star, which is one of the bigger newspapers in Canada. The article is written by a Canadian who worked for some different insurance companies, so he has some background on the issue.
Pentagon Keeps Wary Watch as Troops Blog
This article explores the issue of the US Military and the free flowing information coming from its troops abroad through blogs. How long this privilege of blogging will continue remains to be seen.
Bending the Curve
This report by The Brookings Institution discusses the necessity of reducing health care spending. Whether or not a public option is included in health care reform, there need to be measures taken to curb the rising health care costs and reform the payment systems that allow for the out of control inflation.
P.S. I will be at Obama's speech tonight, so look for me!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Urban Institute Debate Over Public Option Importance
Take a look at this PDF for this week's debate. Interesting points on the outcome of the private insurance industry as a result of this health care reform and how they believe that the reform should be structured.
Jacob Hacker speaks about public option
So called “originator” of the Public option, Jacob Hacker, defends it on PBS’s News Hour. Look for the 3 B’s that Jacob refers to as the reasons the public option is necessary. Perhaps Obama should have adopted such an easily absorbable message.
Health Reform
At the risk of poisoning the well, so to speak, before Thursday's debate, here's a little story on health reform.
There's a country in the world that, like most other developed nations, taxes its citizens to pay for their healthcare. The program covers everyone it's supposed to within that nation and it's very efficient. In fact, its national health insurance system actually produces outcomes after the age of 65 which lead to nearly half a year of extra longevity for its citizens, when compared to a country like the Netherlands. The program is also wildly popular, much more popular than the private options that compete against it. A fringe political movement seeks to ban it but none of the mainstream parties would dare outlaw this program; it would mean their doom come election season.
Weirdly, this 'socialist hellhole' is America, and that program is called Medicare. The people it's supposed to cover are those above age 65, and it covers them really, really well. It isn't government-run health care, it's government run health insurance. Is there any reason that an insurer should make a profit for managing the risk of me getting sick? Doctors, surely, should profit. So should drug companies. But why the middleman who manages risk and plays no real part in delivering care?
And a closing thought, for people who say Medicare is going broke, ask yourselves when Medicare last raised its tax rate, and then think of when your insurer last raised its premium over the baseline rate of inflation.
Source for the longevity argument: http://yglesias.thinkprogress.org/archives/2009/08/life-expectancy-facts.php
Source for the popularity argument:
http://www.motherjones.com/files/images/Blog_Medicare_Popularity.jpg
There's a country in the world that, like most other developed nations, taxes its citizens to pay for their healthcare. The program covers everyone it's supposed to within that nation and it's very efficient. In fact, its national health insurance system actually produces outcomes after the age of 65 which lead to nearly half a year of extra longevity for its citizens, when compared to a country like the Netherlands. The program is also wildly popular, much more popular than the private options that compete against it. A fringe political movement seeks to ban it but none of the mainstream parties would dare outlaw this program; it would mean their doom come election season.
Weirdly, this 'socialist hellhole' is America, and that program is called Medicare. The people it's supposed to cover are those above age 65, and it covers them really, really well. It isn't government-run health care, it's government run health insurance. Is there any reason that an insurer should make a profit for managing the risk of me getting sick? Doctors, surely, should profit. So should drug companies. But why the middleman who manages risk and plays no real part in delivering care?
And a closing thought, for people who say Medicare is going broke, ask yourselves when Medicare last raised its tax rate, and then think of when your insurer last raised its premium over the baseline rate of inflation.
Source for the longevity argument: http://yglesias.thinkprogress.org/archives/2009/08/life-expectancy-facts.php
Source for the popularity argument:
http://www.motherjones.com/files/images/Blog_Medicare_Popularity.jpg
The Way Forward on Health Care Reform
Great head-to-head discussion between healthcare policy heavyweights.
History Lessons and Counterinsurgency
West Point graduate Captain Tim Hsia blogs from Afghanistan to "At War; Notes from the Front" a reported blog from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and other areas of conflict in the post-9/11 era. In this blogpost he discusses how this campaign is different from the Russian and British occupation of Afghanistan.
Health Reform Overview
This CQ Researcher report on Health Care Reform gives a general account of the debate with more specific references to the public plan -- For those who want a comprehensive overview of the health reform debate before getting into the details!
N.B. you may need to log in to access the CQ Researcher cite through hamilton (last name and last 5 digits of your hill card library #)
N.B. you may need to log in to access the CQ Researcher cite through hamilton (last name and last 5 digits of your hill card library #)
Monday, September 7, 2009
Obama and the Stimulus
An explanation of why the stimulus package is helping the economy, but not President Obama's poll numbers.
Obama losing his charm as health care debate drags on?
"The spell is broken. The charismatic conjurer of 2008 has shed his magic. He's regressed to the mean, tellingly expressed in poll numbers hovering at 50 percent."
Texting While Driving
A lot of states have been moving to pass, or have passed, legislation prohibiting texting while driving. Car & Driver recently did a real-world study of reaction times when drivers (C&D employees on a closed course) were texting, reading texts, and impaired by alcohol. Definitely eye-opening.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
John Podesta statement on Van Jones resignation
He's the boss where I work, the Center for American Progress. Van Jones worked there too. Emphasis is mine:
Van Jones is an exceptional and inspired leader who has fought to bring economic and environmental justice to communities across our country.
He has chosen to resign because he believed he was serving as a distraction to the president’s agenda. I respect that decision.
Van was working to build a common ground agenda for all Americans, and I am confident he will continue that work. Unfortunately, his critics on the right could find no common ground with him.
Clearly, Van was the subject of a right-wing smear campaign shrouded in hypocrisy. Van’s chief tormentor Glenn Beck, who spent weeks engaged in vicious name-calling, retains his perch at Fox News after calling the president a racist who has “a deep-seated hatred for white people.” Van has set a standard that Beck would never impose upon himself.
I look forward to working with Van to move our country towards a clean energy economy that empowers and lifts up all Americans.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
