The bill moves to the Senate now, where Democratic leaders are confident that they have the 51 votes required to pass the measure and believe they also have the 60 votes needed to overcome a Republican filibuster.
"And this reporter thinks it's about f*@#ing time!"
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Okay...this pissed me off.
The 42 Republican Senators decided that they wouldn't allow anything to be done until the wealthiest 2% of Americans got their tax cuts extended.
And by that, they meant "We will not discuss any bill on its own merits until you give us what we want."
And they followed through: all 42 Republican Senators voted to block the Defense budget bill--the one that provides the armed forces with the funding they need. They blocked a bill on immigration reform. And then they blocked an extension and improvement of health benefits for 9/11 first responders.
Let me repeat that last one: They blocked a bill that would extend and improve health benefits for 9/11 first responders.
Check it out:
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=2&vote=00269#position
The Daily show had this to say:
And while Jon Stewart pretty much gets it right, I feel I need to add something:
The GOP has spent nearly a decade loudly trumpeting their support for both those who were killed in the 9/11 attacks and those who responded to them. But the truth is that Senate Republicans have demonstrated the opposite with their actions. The truth is that Senate Republicans don't give a rat's ass about 9/11 first responders except as a bargaining chip.
Senators, you disgust me. As of right now, I am starting a grass roots movement to have every one of those 42 Senators voted out of office--or removed from office if possible. You didn't just take hostages, you starting shooting them.
And by that, they meant "We will not discuss any bill on its own merits until you give us what we want."
And they followed through: all 42 Republican Senators voted to block the Defense budget bill--the one that provides the armed forces with the funding they need. They blocked a bill on immigration reform. And then they blocked an extension and improvement of health benefits for 9/11 first responders.
Let me repeat that last one: They blocked a bill that would extend and improve health benefits for 9/11 first responders.
Check it out:
http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=2&vote=00269#position
The Daily show had this to say:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Lame-as-F@#k Congress | ||||
| ||||
And while Jon Stewart pretty much gets it right, I feel I need to add something:
The GOP has spent nearly a decade loudly trumpeting their support for both those who were killed in the 9/11 attacks and those who responded to them. But the truth is that Senate Republicans have demonstrated the opposite with their actions. The truth is that Senate Republicans don't give a rat's ass about 9/11 first responders except as a bargaining chip.
Senators, you disgust me. As of right now, I am starting a grass roots movement to have every one of those 42 Senators voted out of office--or removed from office if possible. You didn't just take hostages, you starting shooting them.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Prop 8 trial starts in a few minutes.
It's supposed to be broadcast live on CSPAN (Verizon's TV Guide doesn't show it...) and the three judges on the panel will be deciding A: whether the Prop 8 supporters have legal standing to appeal a ruling against the state of CA, and B: whether Judge Walker was correct in his finding that there is no rational basis for discrimination against same-sex marriage.
The three judges consist of a well-known liberal, a mormon conservative, and a 'wild card' moderate. All eyes are seemingly on the moderate judge in this case...everyone seems to know how the other two will rule, and he will be the tiebreaker. Prop 8's defenders have already filed (and lost) a motion for the liberal judge to recuse himself because his wife fought the Proposition during the elections, but ironically they seem to have no issue with the mormon conservative--a member of the organization responsible for the majority of funds to support Prop 8.
Fingers crossed that sanity prevails.
The three judges consist of a well-known liberal, a mormon conservative, and a 'wild card' moderate. All eyes are seemingly on the moderate judge in this case...everyone seems to know how the other two will rule, and he will be the tiebreaker. Prop 8's defenders have already filed (and lost) a motion for the liberal judge to recuse himself because his wife fought the Proposition during the elections, but ironically they seem to have no issue with the mormon conservative--a member of the organization responsible for the majority of funds to support Prop 8.
Fingers crossed that sanity prevails.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
North Korea unleashes a massive artillery barrage on South Korean island.
Early reports state that 2 South Korean Marines are dead, 3 civilians are injured, and dozens of homes are still in flames after last night's attack.
The assault came only 8 months after North Korea torpedoed a South Korean destroyer in an unprovoked attack, sinking the vessel and killing 46 sailors.
South Korea is bristling to respond to this blatant violation of the 58-year-old ceasefire, but for the moment they appear to be exercising restraint.
Experts believe that North Korea is 'flexing its muscles,' putting on a show for the rest of the world to strengthen its negotiating position.
iBear believes that unprovoked acts of war are not a legitimate bargaining chip. This was your second strike, North Korea. One more attack and you're out...which in this case should mean an all-out airstrike on hundreds of military targets in the North. Artillery emplacements, army posts, command centers, and weapons plants--including the nuclear-enrichment facilities that the North recently 'unveiled' in another case of blatant provocation.
If you're not going to respect the ceasefire, then you aren't going to be protected by it. The United Nations have unilaterally comdemned this attack, and quite frankly you're starting to piss us off. Now then...are you sure you want to go to war with the rest of the world?
The assault came only 8 months after North Korea torpedoed a South Korean destroyer in an unprovoked attack, sinking the vessel and killing 46 sailors.
South Korea is bristling to respond to this blatant violation of the 58-year-old ceasefire, but for the moment they appear to be exercising restraint.
Experts believe that North Korea is 'flexing its muscles,' putting on a show for the rest of the world to strengthen its negotiating position.
iBear believes that unprovoked acts of war are not a legitimate bargaining chip. This was your second strike, North Korea. One more attack and you're out...which in this case should mean an all-out airstrike on hundreds of military targets in the North. Artillery emplacements, army posts, command centers, and weapons plants--including the nuclear-enrichment facilities that the North recently 'unveiled' in another case of blatant provocation.
If you're not going to respect the ceasefire, then you aren't going to be protected by it. The United Nations have unilaterally comdemned this attack, and quite frankly you're starting to piss us off. Now then...are you sure you want to go to war with the rest of the world?
Monday, November 22, 2010
Date set for Pat-Down Protest Day!
Shuffle your travel plans so that you don't fly on January 20th. John Pistole is now on record saying that the full-body scanners and "gate rape" pat-downs aren't going anywhere.
Newsflash for you, John. You work for us, not the other way around.
iBear is calling on all his readers to not only protest the airlines on January 20th, but to write their congressional representatives in a call for John Pistole's removal.
Newsflash for you, John. You work for us, not the other way around.
iBear is calling on all his readers to not only protest the airlines on January 20th, but to write their congressional representatives in a call for John Pistole's removal.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Last night was Election Night.
The Republicans took back control of the House in a landslide, while the Democrats managed to retain control of the Senate. The major story here is the shift in Independent voters toward the Republicans due to widespread disaffection with the Democrats' political maneuvering as a majority, coupled with the overall lack of turnout from younger voters.
Here in Florida's Senate race, Tea Party candidate Marco Rubio managed an avalanche victory over Independent (and current Governor) Charlie Crist and Democrat (and laughing-stock) Kendrick Meek.
But we do not yet know who our next Governor will be. Moderate Democrat Alex Sink is just a fraction behind mud-slinging Republican newcomer Rick Scott. Hopefully today we will find out which of these two will be our next Governor.
Here in Florida's Senate race, Tea Party candidate Marco Rubio managed an avalanche victory over Independent (and current Governor) Charlie Crist and Democrat (and laughing-stock) Kendrick Meek.
But we do not yet know who our next Governor will be. Moderate Democrat Alex Sink is just a fraction behind mud-slinging Republican newcomer Rick Scott. Hopefully today we will find out which of these two will be our next Governor.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Rally to Restore Sanity was AWESOME!
Attended the Satellite Rally here in Tampa, and it was fun!
The Rally itself (fully televised) was amazing. The perfect blend of music, fun, comedy, and just a slight touch of sincerity during Jon's monologue at the end. Here's hoping the call for Sanity and Reason catches some attention.
Get out and vote, people!
The Rally itself (fully televised) was amazing. The perfect blend of music, fun, comedy, and just a slight touch of sincerity during Jon's monologue at the end. Here's hoping the call for Sanity and Reason catches some attention.
Get out and vote, people!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
President Obama appeared on the Daily Show last night.
Jon pulled some punches, but did not refrain from throwing them. The President defended the Health Care Bill as laying a framework for future policy, arguing that it was not "timid" but instead ground-breaking, and that it accomplished "90%" of what he wanted.
He directly expressed dissatisfaction with the very thing that dissatisfied so many of us: the Obama Administration made broad promises to revamp and restructure a corrupt and often completely non-functional system, but then relied on the manipulations of that system to accomplish its goals so far. President Obama said that this was a necessity: certain actions had to be taken quickly, and therefore they made use of the existing system despite its myriad pitfalls. He also revealed a minor glimpse of his agenda for the next two years: energy reform, immigration reform, and a priority on rebuilding the workforce.
All in all, he seemed relaxed and handled the encounter with a loose cannon--Jon Stewart is one of the most unpredicatable yet effective interviewers in the media, and his popularity among the young voters makes him a politically powerful pundit (Try saying that 3 times fast!)--fairly well. He said all the right things. But Mr. President, we have heard you say all the right things before. Talk is cheap, and to be perfectly honest "Talk" values have reached an all-time low during this election season. Let's see more results, and less complaining about how filibusters turn "Yes We Can!" into "But It's Hard!"
He directly expressed dissatisfaction with the very thing that dissatisfied so many of us: the Obama Administration made broad promises to revamp and restructure a corrupt and often completely non-functional system, but then relied on the manipulations of that system to accomplish its goals so far. President Obama said that this was a necessity: certain actions had to be taken quickly, and therefore they made use of the existing system despite its myriad pitfalls. He also revealed a minor glimpse of his agenda for the next two years: energy reform, immigration reform, and a priority on rebuilding the workforce.
All in all, he seemed relaxed and handled the encounter with a loose cannon--Jon Stewart is one of the most unpredicatable yet effective interviewers in the media, and his popularity among the young voters makes him a politically powerful pundit (Try saying that 3 times fast!)--fairly well. He said all the right things. But Mr. President, we have heard you say all the right things before. Talk is cheap, and to be perfectly honest "Talk" values have reached an all-time low during this election season. Let's see more results, and less complaining about how filibusters turn "Yes We Can!" into "But It's Hard!"
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Gay couples in Florida can adopt!
Today the state opted not to appeal an earlier ruling, and so gay couples in Florida now have the legal right to adopt children.
Excellent to see a ridiculous and prejudicial law overturned:)
Excellent to see a ridiculous and prejudicial law overturned:)
Monday, October 4, 2010
iBear continues to support the Rally to Restore Sanity.
As Jon Stewart so eloquently noted on the Daily Show, it often seems that the only people in this country who make their voices heard are the screaming lunatics. The Rally to Restore Sanity is a movement to put a stop to that; it is a movement to remind the American people that reason is the best way to resolve conflict, and that Americans can disagree without calling each other Hitler.
iBear is planning to attend the Tampa Bay satellite rally on October 30th, but dearly wishes he could be in DC for the main rally. For more information, visit the official Rally to Restore Sanity site: http://www.rallytorestoresanity.com/
iBear is planning to attend the Tampa Bay satellite rally on October 30th, but dearly wishes he could be in DC for the main rally. For more information, visit the official Rally to Restore Sanity site: http://www.rallytorestoresanity.com/
Friday, September 17, 2010
iBear supports the "Rally to Restore Sanity"!
Finally, Jon Stewart is calling for a return to reason and sanity in our nation's capital.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Rally to Restore Sanity | ||||
| ||||
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Daily Show vid: The Parent Company Trap
Wyatt Cenac and John Oliver debate whether Fox News is Evil or Stupid.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| The Parent Company Trap | ||||
| ||||
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Appeals panel issues stay of same-sex marriages in CA.
The Federal Panel hearing the appeal of the Proposition 8 challenge has agreed to put a hold on all same-sex marriages in the state of CA until the case is heard. While Judge Walker's ruling is unlikely to be overturned, the main question at present is whether the Prop 8 supporters can demonstrate that they have standing to appeal the case: as they do not represent the state of California, they are not the entitry being forced to recognize same-sex marriages. If the panel finds they do have standing, then everyone expects this case to eventually go before the Supreme Court.
In any event, as Prop 8 supporters failed to list even a single rational cause for a ban on same-sex marriage, iBear is keeping his fingers crossed that the judicial system upholds the law.
In any event, as Prop 8 supporters failed to list even a single rational cause for a ban on same-sex marriage, iBear is keeping his fingers crossed that the judicial system upholds the law.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Judge Walker overturns Prop 8!
So it turns out I picked a horrible time to be out of town and away from the internet: on Thursday, Federal Judge Walker ruled that California's Proposition 8 was unconstitutional, citing that it does not comply with the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. Judge Walker wrote in his opinion that a ban on same-sex marriage has no rational basis and would not stand.
Obviously the ruling has been appealed, but this is a major leap forward for equal rights in this country. iBear applauds Judge Walker and looks forward to this ruling being upheld.
Obviously the ruling has been appealed, but this is a major leap forward for equal rights in this country. iBear applauds Judge Walker and looks forward to this ruling being upheld.
Friday, July 23, 2010
iBear's going out of town for a couple of weeks.
A couple of you I'll soon be seeing in person!
The rest of you can deal with it until I get back:P
The rest of you can deal with it until I get back:P
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Argentina approves gay marriage.
Reposting this quote from a friend of a friend: "The US has long prided itself on being a land of liberty and equality, and now we are falling behind nations like Sweden, Iceland, South Africa, and now Argentina. Hopefully this helps serve as a wake up call."
Way to go, Argentina!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/16/world/americas/16argentina.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1279224015-eYWI2M3PhKr8IZrF8Jsjiw
Way to go, Argentina!
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/16/world/americas/16argentina.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1279224015-eYWI2M3PhKr8IZrF8Jsjiw
Friday, July 9, 2010
Arizona's Photo Radar
So it turns out one of the co-sponsors of the controversial Arizona Immigration Law is now on a crusade to end civil rights violations...in the form of highway cameras equipped with radar that snap a photo of your license plate if you're speeding. State Representative Carl Seel says that writing tickets based off of photos from a radar-equipped camera is "grossly unconstitutional." Seriously, Carl!?
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Arizona's Photo Radar | ||||
| ||||
Thursday, July 8, 2010
DOMA Section ruled unconstitutional.
In two separate cases, a federal court in Boston has ruled that the 1996 "Defense of Marriage Act" violated the US Constitution.
The first ruling found that the DOMA takes away the states' right to decide whether a couple can be considered married or not. As marriage licenses are obtained from the states themselves, the federal government does not have authority to make that determination on their behalf.
The second ruling found that the DOMA violates the equal protection guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. The court ruled that marriage benefits were being withheld from citizens based on their sexual orientation.
A great step forward for equal rights! :)
The first ruling found that the DOMA takes away the states' right to decide whether a couple can be considered married or not. As marriage licenses are obtained from the states themselves, the federal government does not have authority to make that determination on their behalf.
The second ruling found that the DOMA violates the equal protection guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment. The court ruled that marriage benefits were being withheld from citizens based on their sexual orientation.
A great step forward for equal rights! :)
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
US Justice Department sues, seeking injunction on Ariz. immigration law
The lawsuit, filed today, claims that Arizona's hideous immigration law (see here for details: http://ibear2.blogspot.com/2010/04/and-while-im-thinking-about-it.html) violates the legal doctrine of "preemption", namely the principle that the US Constitution and Federal laws supercede state and local laws.
Finally! It's about time, people!
Finally! It's about time, people!
Thursday, June 24, 2010
News Flash: BP is still stupid!
Yesterday they had to remove the cap from the gushing oil well because--and here's the funny part--they ran a robot into one of the pipes!
That's right, blog fans; you heard it here first: BP not only put Wile E. Coyote in charge of their emergency spill operations, but the fate of the Gulf of Mexico is now in the hands of somebody who couldn't operate a quarter-operated claw machine...
That's right, blog fans; you heard it here first: BP not only put Wile E. Coyote in charge of their emergency spill operations, but the fate of the Gulf of Mexico is now in the hands of somebody who couldn't operate a quarter-operated claw machine...
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Israel lifting blockade of Gaza 'except for military items'
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/meast/06/20/israel.gaza/?hpt=T1
Seeing as how there's nothing like a humiliating international incident to finally change years of oppressive and illegal policy, Israel announces that they will lift the blockade of Gaza, "except for military items."
Seeing as how there's nothing like a humiliating international incident to finally change years of oppressive and illegal policy, Israel announces that they will lift the blockade of Gaza, "except for military items."
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Follow-up post! In the wake of Obama's address, Jon Stewart examines whether any other President has made such a bold plan for energy independence.
Break it down for us, Stew-Beef!
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| An Energy-Independent Future | ||||
| ||||
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
President Obama's Oval Office address from last night.
A good speech, and if he follows through with everything he said it will be a good thing for America. But I've heard speeches before, and some of them came from him...then there were no results.
Make it happen, Mr. President. How about you start with a federal grant so I can build that solar plant I've been thinking about?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Leaving the atrocious Gulf Oil Spill aside for a moment, we move on to Israel.
A couple of weeks ago, Israeli forces crossed into international waters and boarded a Turkish ship bound for Gaza and carrying relief supplies. The crew attempted to drive the commandos off their vessel, but the IDF opened fire, killing nine people.
Israel has been harshly criticized for their actions, but they claim they were protecting themselves from the horrible damage that Palestinian terrorists could inflict with those wheelchairs and hospital gurneys.
But let's get this straight: they forcibly (and illegally) boarded a ship in international waters, shot several members of the crew, and then hijacked the vessel and returned home with its cargo.
I think we have a word for that.
Piracy.
Israel has been harshly criticized for their actions, but they claim they were protecting themselves from the horrible damage that Palestinian terrorists could inflict with those wheelchairs and hospital gurneys.
But let's get this straight: they forcibly (and illegally) boarded a ship in international waters, shot several members of the crew, and then hijacked the vessel and returned home with its cargo.
I think we have a word for that.
Piracy.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
So Barack Obama "doesn't look angry enough" about the oil spill.
And here I thought that the PotUS was supposed to be level headed. Apparently now we want somebody in charge who will throw a screaming fit and stroke out when there's a crisis.
Grow up, people.
Grow up, people.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
So I've been gone for almost two weeks...
...And the oil is still gushing into the Gulf.
Anyone got like a REALLY big bandaid?
Anyone got like a REALLY big bandaid?
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The embedded video of Jon Stewart's Glenn Beck roast.
Because it was masterful:)
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Conservative Libertarian | ||||
| ||||
Friday, May 14, 2010
Colbert Report Clip - Glenn to the Mountaintop
Stephen Colbert takes a shot at Glenn Beck, including a few rare unveiled one-liners at the Pillsbury Dough-pundit!
| The Colbert Report | Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c | |||
| Glenn to the Mountaintop | ||||
| ||||
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Putting things into perspective.
A shot of one of the survivors of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska in 1989.
"SPILL, BABY, SPILL!"
"SPILL, BABY, SPILL!"
Oil spill task force set up in St Pete.
So it turns out all kinds of horrible, horrible things happen around my birthday: Oklahoma City was bombed...Columbine HS was shot up...and now this year an explosion aboard a floating offshore oil rig caused what is quite possibly the largest oil spill in recorded history.
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are already deep into cleanup operations, as the oil slick has been drifting northward. But due to concerns that it might find its way into the Gulf's Loop Current, the US Coast Guard recently set up a command center in St Pete, in the Tampa Bay area of Florida where I live.
The message sent by this spill is that offshore oil drilling is not as safe as we would like to believe. The cause of the original explosion is still unknown, despite Rush Limaugh's appalling suggestion that it was deliberately caused by 'radical environmentalists' to strengthen the language of the upcoming Cap-and-Trade Bill.
I propose a different, and in fact somewhat less ridiculous explanation: as Rush Limbaugh has long been known as an outspoken critic of environmental laws in general, and Cap-and-Trade in particular, I suggest that it was he who planned the destruction of the rig.
He certainly has a better chance of obtaining access from the oil companies; can you imagine that BP would ever allow someone they knew to be a 'radical environmentalist' near their multi-million-dollar platform? But Limbaugh...he's on their side.
His comments prove that he doesn't consider this an environmental disaster, either: "The ocean will take care of this on its own if it was left alone and left out there. It's natural. It's as natural as the ocean water is."
So there we have it, folks. He was opposed to Cap-and-Trade...and now Cap-and-Trade has been postponed. He had a much greater chance of being allowed access to the structure, and it goes without saying that there are thousands of 'radical conservatives' willing to follow his marching orders. And finally, he does not consider this a disaster. No doubt he expects everyone will see how quickly and easily the ocean 'take[s] care of this on its own' and the hubbub over environmental protection will fade away.
Mr. Limbaugh, I find it extremely ironic that you would level a ridiculous accusation at a group of people who are idealogically opposed to the action you accuse them of.
Shifting the blame, perhaps?
Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are already deep into cleanup operations, as the oil slick has been drifting northward. But due to concerns that it might find its way into the Gulf's Loop Current, the US Coast Guard recently set up a command center in St Pete, in the Tampa Bay area of Florida where I live.
The message sent by this spill is that offshore oil drilling is not as safe as we would like to believe. The cause of the original explosion is still unknown, despite Rush Limaugh's appalling suggestion that it was deliberately caused by 'radical environmentalists' to strengthen the language of the upcoming Cap-and-Trade Bill.
I propose a different, and in fact somewhat less ridiculous explanation: as Rush Limbaugh has long been known as an outspoken critic of environmental laws in general, and Cap-and-Trade in particular, I suggest that it was he who planned the destruction of the rig.
He certainly has a better chance of obtaining access from the oil companies; can you imagine that BP would ever allow someone they knew to be a 'radical environmentalist' near their multi-million-dollar platform? But Limbaugh...he's on their side.
His comments prove that he doesn't consider this an environmental disaster, either: "The ocean will take care of this on its own if it was left alone and left out there. It's natural. It's as natural as the ocean water is."
So there we have it, folks. He was opposed to Cap-and-Trade...and now Cap-and-Trade has been postponed. He had a much greater chance of being allowed access to the structure, and it goes without saying that there are thousands of 'radical conservatives' willing to follow his marching orders. And finally, he does not consider this a disaster. No doubt he expects everyone will see how quickly and easily the ocean 'take[s] care of this on its own' and the hubbub over environmental protection will fade away.
Mr. Limbaugh, I find it extremely ironic that you would level a ridiculous accusation at a group of people who are idealogically opposed to the action you accuse them of.
Shifting the blame, perhaps?
Monday, April 26, 2010
And while I'm thinking about it...
...I thought I'd bring up another topic that I find rather unpleasant--one that had been kinda' pushed out of the spotlight by Revolution Muslim and their stupid zealotry. (Or was that zealous stupidity? I think it works either way.)
Longtime readers will know what I'm talking about, folks. (Okay...I'm just saying that. They don't really know:P)
I'm talking about Arizona's new Immigration Law, SB1070; the one that requires police to confirm immigration status if they suspect someone is in the country illegally. Critics immediately raised an outcry, rightly denouncing the law as racist. Arizona's Governor Brewer claims this is false, and that great pains will be made to discourage racial profiling.
I call bullshit.
I did some digging around, and FINALLY came up with the actual text of the bill. The most relevant--and by that I mean egregious--sections are quoted below:
FOR ANY LAWFUL CONTACT MADE BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE WHERE REASONABLE SUSPICION EXISTS THAT THE PERSON IS AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, A REASONABLE ATTEMPT SHALL BE MADE, WHEN PRACTICABLE, TO DETERMINE THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE PERSON.
This is the section that gives police officers the responsibility to check up on someone's immigration status if the hideously vague standard of "reasonable suspicion" is met. Now comes iBear's question: what exactly is a Arizona's police officer's "reasonable suspicion" going to be based on, if not racial profiling?
A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, WITHOUT A WARRANT, MAY ARREST A PERSON IF THE OFFICER HAS PROBABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THE PERSON HAS COMMITTED ANY PUBLIC OFFENSE THAT MAKES THE PERSON REMOVABLE FROM THE UNITED STATES.
This section simply adds teeth to the first, ensuring that police officers don't need a warrant to make an arrest if they think a person looks like an illegal immigrant and he/she can't provide paperwork to the contrary.
NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LAW, A PEACE OFFICER MAY LAWFULLY STOP ANY PERSON WHO IS OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE IF THE OFFICER HAS REASONABLE SUSPICION TO BELIEVE THE PERSON IS IN VIOLATION OF ANY CIVIL TRAFFIC LAW AND THIS SECTION.
And again we see this "reasonable suspicion" phrase, here allowing police officers to pull a vehicle over if the driver appears to be an immigrant.
Now I'm all in favor of immigration reform; in fact I see a permeable border as not only a bad idea, but a possible threat to National Security. But give me a f***ing break, people! Is there anyone in this entire country who honestly believes we're going to deport a single Canadian because of this law? This bill was aimed squarely at Mexican immigrants, and now Arizona police can start pulling people over for no other reason than because they look Latino.
Governor Brewer, you're lying through your teeth. SB1070 might as well be known as the "Racial Profiling Law". It is grossly unconstitutional, and I can only hope that it will be overturned in court.
Longtime readers will know what I'm talking about, folks. (Okay...I'm just saying that. They don't really know:P)
I'm talking about Arizona's new Immigration Law, SB1070; the one that requires police to confirm immigration status if they suspect someone is in the country illegally. Critics immediately raised an outcry, rightly denouncing the law as racist. Arizona's Governor Brewer claims this is false, and that great pains will be made to discourage racial profiling.
I call bullshit.
I did some digging around, and FINALLY came up with the actual text of the bill. The most relevant--and by that I mean egregious--sections are quoted below:
FOR ANY LAWFUL CONTACT MADE BY A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR A COUNTY, CITY, TOWN OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION OF THIS STATE WHERE REASONABLE SUSPICION EXISTS THAT THE PERSON IS AN ALIEN WHO IS UNLAWFULLY PRESENT IN THE UNITED STATES, A REASONABLE ATTEMPT SHALL BE MADE, WHEN PRACTICABLE, TO DETERMINE THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF THE PERSON.
This is the section that gives police officers the responsibility to check up on someone's immigration status if the hideously vague standard of "reasonable suspicion" is met. Now comes iBear's question: what exactly is a Arizona's police officer's "reasonable suspicion" going to be based on, if not racial profiling?
A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, WITHOUT A WARRANT, MAY ARREST A PERSON IF THE OFFICER HAS PROBABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THE PERSON HAS COMMITTED ANY PUBLIC OFFENSE THAT MAKES THE PERSON REMOVABLE FROM THE UNITED STATES.
This section simply adds teeth to the first, ensuring that police officers don't need a warrant to make an arrest if they think a person looks like an illegal immigrant and he/she can't provide paperwork to the contrary.
NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LAW, A PEACE OFFICER MAY LAWFULLY STOP ANY PERSON WHO IS OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE IF THE OFFICER HAS REASONABLE SUSPICION TO BELIEVE THE PERSON IS IN VIOLATION OF ANY CIVIL TRAFFIC LAW AND THIS SECTION.
And again we see this "reasonable suspicion" phrase, here allowing police officers to pull a vehicle over if the driver appears to be an immigrant.
Now I'm all in favor of immigration reform; in fact I see a permeable border as not only a bad idea, but a possible threat to National Security. But give me a f***ing break, people! Is there anyone in this entire country who honestly believes we're going to deport a single Canadian because of this law? This bill was aimed squarely at Mexican immigrants, and now Arizona police can start pulling people over for no other reason than because they look Latino.
Governor Brewer, you're lying through your teeth. SB1070 might as well be known as the "Racial Profiling Law". It is grossly unconstitutional, and I can only hope that it will be overturned in court.
YouTube video: South Park vs Islam.
I had a really great video linked here, but apparently it used one-too-many still frames from South Park and Viacom had it pulled for copyright violations.
.....And so, I present the mirror video:)
.....And so, I present the mirror video:)
Friday, April 23, 2010
iBear is laying out fatwa bait.
That's right; you heard me! Turns out there are some idiots in this world who seem to think they have the right to control what people say and think.
This is their wakeup call.
And in closing, I wish to add the following, because Jon says it much better than I can:
This is their wakeup call.
And in closing, I wish to add the following, because Jon says it much better than I can:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| South Park Death Threats | ||||
| ||||
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
If *I* were President...
...I would call my entire Cabinet into the Oval Office and tell them I want each one to present a list of realistic ways to cut spending in their Department by 15%.
And I want it in 30 days, ladies and gentlemen. I look forward to your proposals.
And I want it in 30 days, ladies and gentlemen. I look forward to your proposals.
Monday, March 29, 2010
My American Dream
I dream of seeing the birth, not of a political party or a social movement, but of a new tomorrow. I dream of a day when "We the People" stand united by a common goal—by the goal that is common to all People, everywhere around the globe: the simple desire to be heard.
I dream of the day when we will be heard, because on that day there will be no one in this country who can ignore us any longer. On that day even the most sheltered and corrupt have to take notice, because I dream of the day when we speak with one voice. Not the voice of a Democrat or a Republican, but the voice of America.
I dream of the day when the American people are recognized as one people, not as just another movement riding the coattails of one party or the other, because I dream of the day when we realize we are more than that. We are the living, breathing pulse of America, gathered from all walks of life and all corners of this country. I dream of one people united by the promise of Growth, the promise of Renewal, and the promise of Life. I dream of the day when we recognize that we are Life, because America is Life. And We Are America.
I dream of the day when Washington wakes up to the realization that they work for us, and not the other way around. Because this is our government, our country, and our home. That is the dream upon which this nation was founded: not only that All Men are Created Equal, but that every man, woman, and child in this country deserves the chance to speak and to have their voices heard. I dream of the day when politicians stop telling the American people what they want and choose to listen instead.
Because in that day, we will once again truly be an example to the world, demonstrating that liberty can accomplish anything; that it can break the chains of tyranny, that it can stand as a beacon of hope to millions of people around the globe, that it can even reach for the stars beyond our world and plant its flag on the moon. There are no limits to what freedom can do. And there are no limits to what America can do, because America is freedom; the two words have been synonymous for over two hundred years, ever since our Founding Fathers indelibly wrote that principle into our Constitution, and Huddled Masses from every corner of the globe harbored a secret dream to one day stand on the shores of the Land of the Free. Make no mistake: America is freedom, and therefore we are the embodiment of freedom, because We Are America.
I dream of the day when the American people will speak with one voice and insist on being heard by those who should already be listening.
I dream of the day when we realize that We Are America.
I dream of the day when we will be heard, because on that day there will be no one in this country who can ignore us any longer. On that day even the most sheltered and corrupt have to take notice, because I dream of the day when we speak with one voice. Not the voice of a Democrat or a Republican, but the voice of America.
I dream of the day when the American people are recognized as one people, not as just another movement riding the coattails of one party or the other, because I dream of the day when we realize we are more than that. We are the living, breathing pulse of America, gathered from all walks of life and all corners of this country. I dream of one people united by the promise of Growth, the promise of Renewal, and the promise of Life. I dream of the day when we recognize that we are Life, because America is Life. And We Are America.
I dream of the day when Washington wakes up to the realization that they work for us, and not the other way around. Because this is our government, our country, and our home. That is the dream upon which this nation was founded: not only that All Men are Created Equal, but that every man, woman, and child in this country deserves the chance to speak and to have their voices heard. I dream of the day when politicians stop telling the American people what they want and choose to listen instead.
Because in that day, we will once again truly be an example to the world, demonstrating that liberty can accomplish anything; that it can break the chains of tyranny, that it can stand as a beacon of hope to millions of people around the globe, that it can even reach for the stars beyond our world and plant its flag on the moon. There are no limits to what freedom can do. And there are no limits to what America can do, because America is freedom; the two words have been synonymous for over two hundred years, ever since our Founding Fathers indelibly wrote that principle into our Constitution, and Huddled Masses from every corner of the globe harbored a secret dream to one day stand on the shores of the Land of the Free. Make no mistake: America is freedom, and therefore we are the embodiment of freedom, because We Are America.
I dream of the day when the American people will speak with one voice and insist on being heard by those who should already be listening.
I dream of the day when we realize that We Are America.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
We Are America
That's what this country has forgotten. The Left and the Right squabble over who gets to be in power this term, and somewhere along the line they seem to lost track of the idea that WE are in power. It isn't their country...it's our country.
We Are America.
We Are America.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
A fundamental reversal of philosophical roles.
We the People were supposed to be the political power in this country. Our two-party system was designed on the same principle as those cartoons where you see a person having a little angel on one shoulder and a little devil on the other.
On the Right shoulder of the People sits a little elephant dressed in red. "Vote Republican!" He urges. "Lower taxes! National Security! We've got cookies!"
On the Left shoulder of the People sits a little donkey in blue. "Vote Democrat!" He whispers fervently. "Better schools for our children! Save the environment! Free health care for everybody!"
This is how the two-party system is supposed to work. The national parties continually whisper in our ears, nudging us in one direction or the other. The theory was that between these two extremes lies a stable road for America.
But somewhere along the line, something went wrong. I'm not quite sure how it started. Maybe the donkey on the Left picked up a megaphone. Maybe the elephant on the Right just grew up into...well, an elephant. But whatever caused the problem, the system doesn't work this way anymore.
Now, the donkey and elephant wield the power, rather than the People they were supposed to advise. Both have ballooned into a staggering caricature; there is no more whispering, but rather shouting and chanting and angry ranting on the campaign trail and on the floor of Congress.
Somewhere in the confusion of the Left shouting at the Right and the Right shouting back at the Left, the People in between got confused; they became caught up in the vilification of one side or the other, until now the majority of Americans have completely bought into this 'us against them' mentality. The elephant and donkey have successfully sold the American People the idea that one of them has to be completely right, and the other has to be completely wrong.
So what's the solution? Well the ideal solution is for everyone to stop listening to either side for a few years, but that doesn't seem feasible. So the only workable solution is for the American People to reclaim their position of authority in this country. We need to join together and send a powerful message to both parties that we don't work for them...they work for us. We need to remind them that their sole purpose in this country is to represent the will of the American People. We need a fundamental reversal of philosophical roles in this country.
And that's what I'm calling for.
On the Right shoulder of the People sits a little elephant dressed in red. "Vote Republican!" He urges. "Lower taxes! National Security! We've got cookies!"
On the Left shoulder of the People sits a little donkey in blue. "Vote Democrat!" He whispers fervently. "Better schools for our children! Save the environment! Free health care for everybody!"
This is how the two-party system is supposed to work. The national parties continually whisper in our ears, nudging us in one direction or the other. The theory was that between these two extremes lies a stable road for America.
But somewhere along the line, something went wrong. I'm not quite sure how it started. Maybe the donkey on the Left picked up a megaphone. Maybe the elephant on the Right just grew up into...well, an elephant. But whatever caused the problem, the system doesn't work this way anymore.
Now, the donkey and elephant wield the power, rather than the People they were supposed to advise. Both have ballooned into a staggering caricature; there is no more whispering, but rather shouting and chanting and angry ranting on the campaign trail and on the floor of Congress.
Somewhere in the confusion of the Left shouting at the Right and the Right shouting back at the Left, the People in between got confused; they became caught up in the vilification of one side or the other, until now the majority of Americans have completely bought into this 'us against them' mentality. The elephant and donkey have successfully sold the American People the idea that one of them has to be completely right, and the other has to be completely wrong.
So what's the solution? Well the ideal solution is for everyone to stop listening to either side for a few years, but that doesn't seem feasible. So the only workable solution is for the American People to reclaim their position of authority in this country. We need to join together and send a powerful message to both parties that we don't work for them...they work for us. We need to remind them that their sole purpose in this country is to represent the will of the American People. We need a fundamental reversal of philosophical roles in this country.
And that's what I'm calling for.
Credit where it's due.
So it's after 3am here, and I'm tired. But before I take another shot at trying to sleep (Damn this insomnia...) I want to say something that requires an Independent voter with no remaining filters to say.
The word of the week has been Obamacare, which is mildly odd because I don't think the administration has ever referred to it as such. The point is that President Obama has been idolized, vilified, and everything in between for having managed to pass this Health Care Reform Bill.
Except he didn't do it.
That's right, sports-fans...you heard me correctly! (What are sports-fans doing on my political blog when my NCAA Basketball picks are elsewhere, you ask? Well shut up, because I'm trying to get a train of thought going.) Obama is not responsible for the passage of the Health Care Bill. But if he's not...who is?
George W. Bush.
Remember that guy? The last President we had? That's the one.
"But wait!" People are saying. (It's 3 in the morning, so I can hear them...) "Bush didn't pass the Health Care Reform Bill...in fact he strongly opposed this kind of legislation!" And they're right. But he's still responsible for its passage.
How? By becoming such an incompetent laughingstock that at every level of government, Americans would've voted for a gerbil so long as it wasn't running as a Republican.
Think about it: the Democratic Party has held an almost idiot-proof majority in both houses of Congress for more than a year. On top of that, there's Obama himself, a young, charismatic, wildly popular Democratic President who built an entire campaign around his promise to make new things happen in Washington. The deck was stacked astronomically in the Democrats' favor.
And yet it took them over a year to barely squeak through a heavily-diluted bill. In fact it was so close, they had to resort to 'old-school' Washington bribery: juicy kickbacks for certain states just so their Congressmen would deliver the necessary votes. Some of these kickbacks were actually so juicy that the bill was amended to take them out...after they got their votes, of course.
What does this mean? Unfortunately, not a whole hell of a lot. Obama and the Dems will keep claiming responsibility for the Health Care Reform Bill, even though they only managed to do it by NOT being members of Bush's party...and even then they only barely managed to pull it off anyway. The cards fell right. Nothing more, and nothing less. And the Rebublicans (and their new favorite stepchildren, the 'Tea-Partiers') will keep blaming Obama and the Dems for taking our country to the so-called 'brink of socialism' and then will fight harder and harder in some unrelated area in the hope of claiming at least a 'moral' victory. (*iBear gazes into the future* I'm seeing...gay rights taking a hit. Write it down, because you'll see it, too.)
And that's why it sucks to be an Independent sometimes: I can see all of this as it unfolds, and I can even see where it's going...but there's not a damn thing I can do about it by myself. And so much of the country has drifted into either the "Obama is The ONE!" or "Obama is the AntiChrist!" camp, and those of us who actually retain some recognition of reality are left in the middle.
We don't have logos.
We don't have speechwriters.
We don't have vast fundraisers or multimillion-dollar ad campaigns.
All we have is some measure of common sense...and that just doesn't seem to impress anybody.
The word of the week has been Obamacare, which is mildly odd because I don't think the administration has ever referred to it as such. The point is that President Obama has been idolized, vilified, and everything in between for having managed to pass this Health Care Reform Bill.
Except he didn't do it.
That's right, sports-fans...you heard me correctly! (What are sports-fans doing on my political blog when my NCAA Basketball picks are elsewhere, you ask? Well shut up, because I'm trying to get a train of thought going.) Obama is not responsible for the passage of the Health Care Bill. But if he's not...who is?
George W. Bush.
Remember that guy? The last President we had? That's the one.
"But wait!" People are saying. (It's 3 in the morning, so I can hear them...) "Bush didn't pass the Health Care Reform Bill...in fact he strongly opposed this kind of legislation!" And they're right. But he's still responsible for its passage.
How? By becoming such an incompetent laughingstock that at every level of government, Americans would've voted for a gerbil so long as it wasn't running as a Republican.
Think about it: the Democratic Party has held an almost idiot-proof majority in both houses of Congress for more than a year. On top of that, there's Obama himself, a young, charismatic, wildly popular Democratic President who built an entire campaign around his promise to make new things happen in Washington. The deck was stacked astronomically in the Democrats' favor.
And yet it took them over a year to barely squeak through a heavily-diluted bill. In fact it was so close, they had to resort to 'old-school' Washington bribery: juicy kickbacks for certain states just so their Congressmen would deliver the necessary votes. Some of these kickbacks were actually so juicy that the bill was amended to take them out...after they got their votes, of course.
What does this mean? Unfortunately, not a whole hell of a lot. Obama and the Dems will keep claiming responsibility for the Health Care Reform Bill, even though they only managed to do it by NOT being members of Bush's party...and even then they only barely managed to pull it off anyway. The cards fell right. Nothing more, and nothing less. And the Rebublicans (and their new favorite stepchildren, the 'Tea-Partiers') will keep blaming Obama and the Dems for taking our country to the so-called 'brink of socialism' and then will fight harder and harder in some unrelated area in the hope of claiming at least a 'moral' victory. (*iBear gazes into the future* I'm seeing...gay rights taking a hit. Write it down, because you'll see it, too.)
And that's why it sucks to be an Independent sometimes: I can see all of this as it unfolds, and I can even see where it's going...but there's not a damn thing I can do about it by myself. And so much of the country has drifted into either the "Obama is The ONE!" or "Obama is the AntiChrist!" camp, and those of us who actually retain some recognition of reality are left in the middle.
We don't have logos.
We don't have speechwriters.
We don't have vast fundraisers or multimillion-dollar ad campaigns.
All we have is some measure of common sense...and that just doesn't seem to impress anybody.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thinking about starting a new, Moderate, political movement.
No idea what we're going to call it, but the truth is that the two major political parties in this country are now completely convinced that they, and they alone, know what the American people want. They see only what they want to see, and hear only what they want to hear...and anything that runs contrary to their expectations they denounce as 'incited' by the other party. Morton's Demon is alive and well.
What we need, and what I hope to create, is a political movement that listens to everything and everyone, and furthermore takes note of what is said. And then we would objectively weigh whether each idea is feasible, and pass that information on to those in a position to follow through, regardless of whether their name is followed by a (D) or (R).
So for the first time ever, dear reader(s), I am asking you to pass my idea along. By definition, I'm going to need all the feedback I can get. (I will, of course, need a few other things, but I'll work on that.) Tell your friends/family/enemies/distant acquaintances, so that I can get as wide a range of ideas as possible.
What we need, and what I hope to create, is a political movement that listens to everything and everyone, and furthermore takes note of what is said. And then we would objectively weigh whether each idea is feasible, and pass that information on to those in a position to follow through, regardless of whether their name is followed by a (D) or (R).
So for the first time ever, dear reader(s), I am asking you to pass my idea along. By definition, I'm going to need all the feedback I can get. (I will, of course, need a few other things, but I'll work on that.) Tell your friends/family/enemies/distant acquaintances, so that I can get as wide a range of ideas as possible.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Quotes for Independent voters:
"An Independent voter is someone who chooses a candidate based on their qualifications and issues rather than what letter is next to their name." -iBear
"It is only by sitting on the fence that one can see the truth: neither side's grass is any greener." -iBear
"Well, I think so, Brain...but if they called them 'Sad Meals' kids wouldn't buy them!" -Pinky, of Pinky and the Brain
"It is only by sitting on the fence that one can see the truth: neither side's grass is any greener." -iBear
"Well, I think so, Brain...but if they called them 'Sad Meals' kids wouldn't buy them!" -Pinky, of Pinky and the Brain
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
iBear presents 'Glenn Beck's 1st Law of Logical Fallacy', as coined by Jon Stewart:
"If you subscribe to an idea, you also subscribe to that idea's ideology and to every possible negative consequence that that ideology remotely implies when you carry it to absurd extremes."
Lest anyone here made the mistake of thinking me a conservative, I remind you all that I disdain both extremes with equal enthusiasm:)
Lest anyone here made the mistake of thinking me a conservative, I remind you all that I disdain both extremes with equal enthusiasm:)
So no word yet from the federal government about the emails I sent.
And I'm shocked. Really. Look: this is my 'shocked' face...
Monday, March 22, 2010
So I've written a letter to the President, Speaker of the House, and my local Representative.
I basically said exactly what I've been saying here: Universal Health Care is a good idea, but there are too many concerns that were not addressed. Plus I kind of blasted the Democratic Party for bullying this through without any attempt at bipartisanship.
So everyone look for this status update on Facebook: 'Rob Hogue is being dragged away by the Secret Service.'
Party on, loyal reader(s)! ; )
So everyone look for this status update on Facebook: 'Rob Hogue is being dragged away by the Secret Service.'
Party on, loyal reader(s)! ; )
"Americans have the right to health care."
And Americans have the right to vote, but that includes the right NOT to vote if they don't want to. What kind of tax is going to be levied on those who don't go to the polls this November?
That concludes today's random, off-the-cuff rebuttal.
Thank you for your time.
Stewart/Colbert '12!
That concludes today's random, off-the-cuff rebuttal.
Thank you for your time.
Stewart/Colbert '12!
Well, now that it's been a good...15 hours or so:
iBear is still of the same four minds. Yes, there are millions of Americans living without health insurance...believe me, I know. But I still haven't heard even the slightest suggestion of how we're going to pay for it. And my outrage at the concept of forcing everyone to buy health insurance has actually grown worse overnight. Though I understand that several states are already filing challenges to the bill, and Virginia in particular is claiming that it violates a state law that prevents any citizen from being forced to buy health insurance.
http://www.appomattoxnews.com/2010/virginia-first-state-to-pass-health-care-freedom-act.html
However my disgust at the shockingly-underhanded tactics used by the Democratic Party have simmered down to a kind of cynical disdain. I knew that 'Change We Can Believe In' was just a slogan, but I must admit I didn't expect the idea to be abandoned quite so quickly. We're right back to business as usual for Washington: the Left doesn't care about the Right anymore than the Right cared about the Left a few years ago. We were promised bipartisanship, transparency, and an end to back-room kickback incentives. You're 0-for-3 in those stats, Dems.
http://www.appomattoxnews.com/2010/virginia-first-state-to-pass-health-care-freedom-act.html
However my disgust at the shockingly-underhanded tactics used by the Democratic Party have simmered down to a kind of cynical disdain. I knew that 'Change We Can Believe In' was just a slogan, but I must admit I didn't expect the idea to be abandoned quite so quickly. We're right back to business as usual for Washington: the Left doesn't care about the Right anymore than the Right cared about the Left a few years ago. We were promised bipartisanship, transparency, and an end to back-room kickback incentives. You're 0-for-3 in those stats, Dems.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
iBear is of two minds.
Well...more like four minds.
I like the idea of universal health care. 'Everybody gets medical care' is a great concept, and I feel it's actually overdue in our country.
But I don't know how we're going to pay for it...and it seems to me that this point was sorely overlooked during the process. Nationwide, governmental health care will be staggeringly expensive, and we have no plan in place to pay for it.
In addition, I really dislike the 'loopholing' techniques that the Democratic Party used to push this through. They have effectively announced their apathy toward public opinion, as well as their total disdain for their Republican counterparts, and I am disgusted by the direct implication that 'bipartisanship is for when you don't have enough votes from one side.'
Finally, I find it alarming that every American is now required by LAW to carry personal health insurance, and that failure to do so is punishable by extra taxes. I consider that a flagrant violation of our constitutionally-mandated personal liberties, and hope that somebody is reading this and will pass that word along.
In short, I like the idea of universal health care, but dislike the baggage coming with it...
I like the idea of universal health care. 'Everybody gets medical care' is a great concept, and I feel it's actually overdue in our country.
But I don't know how we're going to pay for it...and it seems to me that this point was sorely overlooked during the process. Nationwide, governmental health care will be staggeringly expensive, and we have no plan in place to pay for it.
In addition, I really dislike the 'loopholing' techniques that the Democratic Party used to push this through. They have effectively announced their apathy toward public opinion, as well as their total disdain for their Republican counterparts, and I am disgusted by the direct implication that 'bipartisanship is for when you don't have enough votes from one side.'
Finally, I find it alarming that every American is now required by LAW to carry personal health insurance, and that failure to do so is punishable by extra taxes. I consider that a flagrant violation of our constitutionally-mandated personal liberties, and hope that somebody is reading this and will pass that word along.
In short, I like the idea of universal health care, but dislike the baggage coming with it...
Friday, March 19, 2010
OMFG! Jon Stewart is a GENIUS!
But I can't get the 'embed' link to work, so here:
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-march-18-2010/conservative-libertarian
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-march-18-2010/conservative-libertarian
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
2nd reactions to the SOTU.
Pres. Obama went back to his campaign roots tonight. There's already been a lot of talk about "reaching across the aisle" so far, but I think a more accurate term is that he was reaching INTO the aisle; I got the impression that Obama was making a deliberate effort to appeal to the Independents again. If I'm reading things correctly (I think I am, of course), the White House recognized last week's lesson that America's Moderates are just as opposed to rampant radicalism from the Left as they were from the Right.
I also liked the ear-marking website idea: let's see if we can follow through with that 100% transparency on ear marks.
I also liked the ear-marking website idea: let's see if we can follow through with that 100% transparency on ear marks.
1st reactions to the State of the Union.
Lots of waffling...but some interesting ideas in there.
The #1 thing that jumped out at me: Obama intends to double our domestic exports in the next 5 years.
If he follows through, that's an excellent idea. It WOULD create jobs, and they WOULD be lasting jobs. I hadn't heard anything leading up to that decision, so that was a pleasant surprise.
P.S. Tampa gets a high-speed train! :)
The #1 thing that jumped out at me: Obama intends to double our domestic exports in the next 5 years.
If he follows through, that's an excellent idea. It WOULD create jobs, and they WOULD be lasting jobs. I hadn't heard anything leading up to that decision, so that was a pleasant surprise.
P.S. Tampa gets a high-speed train! :)
Monday, January 11, 2010
Okay...scratch that.
The US Supreme Court has now halted the YouTube broadcast of the Prop 8 hearing pending investigation. They've offered no reasoning behind the decision, but it seems to be clear that that alleged "we're scared to admit what we've done" argument may carry some weight with them.
Further investigation is due to be complete on the 13th of this month. Cross your fingers, everybody. I want to see it.
Further investigation is due to be complete on the 13th of this month. Cross your fingers, everybody. I want to see it.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Proposition 8 trial to be broadcast on YouTube!
...Apparently the argument that people are too scared of the big, bad minorities to show their faces fell flat.
The world is stunned.
Really.
Look...this is my stunned face.
The world is stunned.
Really.
Look...this is my stunned face.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)