He signed the STOCK act today...so, I'm guessing Mittens is in favor of repeal??
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The President's Barnburner of a speech in front of the Associated Press Editors (VIDEO)
Too bad the Associated Press, apparently, declined to listen to any part of it (via TPM):
One of the key moments of President Obama’s Tuesday speech before an Associated Press luncheon came at the end, when he urged reporters not to cast partisan disagreements about the key issues of the day — health care, the environment, the role of the federal government — as a product of equal intransigence on both sides. Republicans, he noted, have abandoned their previous support for Obama initiatives — from transportation funding, to cap and trade, to the health care reforms that comprise ‘Obamacare’ — many of which emerged as conservative alternatives to more liberal policies.
His hosts weren’t listening — and as a result they’ve made Obama’s points about Republicans and the media for him.
“[I]f Republicans have moved to the right on health care, it’s also true that Obama has moved to the left,” reads an AP wrap on the Obama speech. “He strenuously opposed a mandate forcing people to obtain health insurance until he won office and changed his mind.”
It’s true that Obama campaigned against an individual mandate in 2008, only to embrace it — however reluctantly — after he became president. But to say that constitutes a move to the left betrays a lack of understanding about the origins and purpose of the individual mandate, and of Obama’s broader evolution on health care reform.
In the early aughts, as a member of the Illinois state Senate, Obama strongly supported a single-payer health care system.
Over the years, that position became more tempered by political realities, and by the 2008 Democratic primary, he had embraced the basic framework of what eventually became “Obamacare,” with two glaring exceptions: He supported a public option, and he opposed an individual mandate — the latter of which was crucial to the success of “Romneycare” in Massachusetts.
Obama was criticized by a mix of liberal and conservative technocrats and industry stakeholders for opposing the mandate. By embracing it as president, while dropping the public option, he was arguably moving further right still from his past support for single-payer. As Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) — then the top Republican on the committee that drafted the health care law — said before health care reform turned toxic on the right, “I believe that there is a bipartisan consensus to have individual mandates.”
As Obama lurched toward Massachusetts’ plan as a potential framework for bipartisan consensus, Republicans quickly abandoned the pretense of supporting the principle of universal health care of any kind.
Steve Pearlstein: Why we should tell Corporate America to drop dead...
From Eat your broccoli, Justice Scalia, published on March 31st:
My first thought on perusing the briefs filed in the combined cases was to notice what wasn’t there: any involvement on the part of Corporate America.
For the past 20 years, big business has complained endlessly about escalating health-care premiums, which they correctly blamed on “cost-shifting,” including paying indirectly for the free care provided to the workers at firms that did not provide health benefits. They wanted an end to fee-for-service medicine that rewarded doctors for providing more care than necessary. Some even talked of reforms that would begin to move the country away from an employer-based insurance system.
Yet despite the fact that “Obamacare” did all of those things and more, there was not a single brief in support of the law from an organization representing big business.
Small businesses have spent the past two decades complaining that the reason they don’t offer coverage is that it’s too expensive because they don’t get the large-group and community rating advantage. So how did the National Federation of Independent Businesses respond to a law that assured small businesses the benefits of large-group purchasing and community rating and threw in billions of dollars in subsidies to boot? It signed up as one of the named plaintiffs challenging the constitutionality of the new law.
It’s hard to know what the business community will demand if the Supreme Court overturns the health-care law. At that point, however, it will hardly matter, since they will have lost all political credibility on the issue, particularly with the Obama White House and anyone who happens to be a Democrat.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Just getting warmed up... (VIDEO)
The President launched this ad today, pissing off Mittens:
And Priorities USA came out with this ad on March 30:
I don't think they're coordinating, but they sure as heck are thinking the same.
And Priorities USA came out with this ad on March 30:
I don't think they're coordinating, but they sure as heck are thinking the same.
Friday, March 30, 2012
For once, Santorum should've gone with "Anti-Government Blah Person" (VIDEO)
Key point. Rick Santorum does not call our President a N***** int his video.
But he really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, meant to.
I feel very comfortable pronouncing Rick Santorum as a cheap, two bit racist.
But he really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, meant to.
I feel very comfortable pronouncing Rick Santorum as a cheap, two bit racist.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
If Claire McCaskill is good enough for @votevets, then she's good enough for me (VIDEO)
Claire McCaskill has been driving me crazy these last two years, tacking right while trying to keep her seat. She's done it enough to make me not care too much if she got re-elected.
However, if she's good enough for VoteVets, then...
Still mad about Mizzou bustin' my Bracket, though.
However, if she's good enough for VoteVets, then...
Still mad about Mizzou bustin' my Bracket, though.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Uhh, does this guy look like he's been assaulted to you?? (VIDEO)
This is from ABC News. It's pretty sharp-looking video.
The video might bleed over my format's margins, but Zimmerman doesn't disappear as far as I can tell. A smaller version of the video is below.
Okay, so at least he was detained for a time.
So I'm back to one of my questions. The lead Homicide Investigator says he thought a charge of Manslaughter was appropriate. It looks like Zimmerman was arrested, at least for a little bit.
So what happened after he goes in that door. Because something changed after that, and we still don't know what.
Also, we are being told a story that this man was under mortal assault, fear for his life, so much so that he had no choice but to go for his gun.
You tell me. Is the back of his head bloodied up? Is his nose broken? Does he look like anything's happened to him at all?
I can't say that these things did not happen, but the very lurid and vivid descriptions provided by Zimmerman's defenders seem to be 100% Grade-A Bullshit.
The video might bleed over my format's margins, but Zimmerman doesn't disappear as far as I can tell. A smaller version of the video is below.
Okay, so at least he was detained for a time.
So I'm back to one of my questions. The lead Homicide Investigator says he thought a charge of Manslaughter was appropriate. It looks like Zimmerman was arrested, at least for a little bit.
So what happened after he goes in that door. Because something changed after that, and we still don't know what.
Also, we are being told a story that this man was under mortal assault, fear for his life, so much so that he had no choice but to go for his gun.
You tell me. Is the back of his head bloodied up? Is his nose broken? Does he look like anything's happened to him at all?
I can't say that these things did not happen, but the very lurid and vivid descriptions provided by Zimmerman's defenders seem to be 100% Grade-A Bullshit.
Questions about the Trayvon Martin shooting...
This list started out with one question, and quickly grew to many. I would love to add more.
This is not a list of political questions, these are all questions that could be (or rather should be) asked at a Legal proceeding, and answered with hard documentation. The fact that we don't know the answers...and may never know the answers...to these questions terrifies me.
In the end, I think George Zimmerman is going to get away with murder, because the Police have hopelessly botched the case. I also think they hopelessly botched the case on purpose.
If you've got any more, I'd love to hear 'em.
Now, it's also fair to ask Trayvon's parents some questions, but I'm betting I don't know the answer to these out of my own ignorance rather than a concerted effort to conceal them:
UPDATE: 10:54pm Pacific: Well, I got one of the answers. From Joy Ann Reid at the Griot (Thanks Dirk!)
This is not a list of political questions, these are all questions that could be (or rather should be) asked at a Legal proceeding, and answered with hard documentation. The fact that we don't know the answers...and may never know the answers...to these questions terrifies me.
In the end, I think George Zimmerman is going to get away with murder, because the Police have hopelessly botched the case. I also think they hopelessly botched the case on purpose.
Where is the gun?
Where are Mr. Zimmerman’s clothes, along with any physical evidence of an assault?
If you needed these pieces of evidence, now way after the date, could the Sanford Police Department get them from Mr. Zimmerman?
Where is Mr. Zimmerman now? Could the Sanford Police Department find him if they needed to?
Is there any documentation backing up the claim that Mr. Zimmerman was assaulted?
Is there a Medical Report showing that Mr. Zimmerman was assaulted?
Was an ambulance called to treat Mr. Zimmerman because of this alleged assault?
Where there photographs taken at the scene? Of Trayvon’s body, of Mr. Zimmerman’s head and face?
Why did the Sanford Police Department hold onto Trayvon’s body for three days without identifying him?
Did anyone at the Sanford Police Department make any attempt to look at Trayvon’s phone during those three days?
Who made the decision to hold onto Trayvon’s body for three days without identifying him?
What position was Trayvon found in?
Was Trayvon shot in the back or front?
Were any nitrate tests done on Mr. Zimmerman’s hands to determine if he had fired a weapon? If not, why not?
Were any nitrate tests done on Trayvon to determine how close he was to the weapon that killed him? If not, why not?
If the Lead Homicide Investigator was overruled at the scene as to whether or not to charge Mr. Zimmerman with manslaughter, who overruled him?
Who are the eyewitnesses to the assault?
Does the Sanford Police Department have records of testimony from these eyewitnesses to the alleged assault on Mr. Zimmerman?
What was Mr. Zimmerman’s height and weight at the time of the incident? What was Trayvon’s? (Goes to the relative threat Mr. Zimmerman is alleged to have faced).
What is the status of ALL the 911 Recordings from the night of the incident? Will they be released in their entirety?
Do we have a complete timeline of the incident, collating with hard evidence, because even Mr. Zimmerman’s own alleged account seems to leave out about a minute of time.
And because it can’t be asked enough...where is the gun?
If you've got any more, I'd love to hear 'em.
Now, it's also fair to ask Trayvon's parents some questions, but I'm betting I don't know the answer to these out of my own ignorance rather than a concerted effort to conceal them:
When did you call Police to report Trayvon missing?
Did you hear the shots?
Did you notice the Police activity nearby?
How close was Trayvon to getting back to his Dad's Girlfriend's place when he was killed? (I saw the walk through the father gave on Reverend Al's show, but all the distances were relative. I want to know in terms of feet and yards.)
Was the place where Trayvon was shot actually visible from the Girlfriend's House?
UPDATE: 10:54pm Pacific: Well, I got one of the answers. From Joy Ann Reid at the Griot (Thanks Dirk!)
A source with knowledge of the investigation into the shooting of Trayvon Martin tells theGrio that it was then Sanford police chief Bill Lee, along with Capt. Robert O'Connor, the investigations supervisor, who made the decision to release George Zimmerman on the night of February 26th, after consulting with State Attorney Norman Wolfinger -- in person.
Wolfinger's presence at the scene or at the police department in the night of a shooting would be unusual, according to the source. On a typical case, police contact the state attorney's office and speak with an on duty assistant state attorney; they either discuss the matter by phone or the on duty assistant state attorney comes to the crime scene - but rarely the state attorney him or herself.
Quoting @Lawrence, @CharlesMBlow's fury is a magnificent thing to behold (VIDEO)
Again, Lawrence commits another act of Journalism.
First segment:
Second segment, after the lighting was fixed:
The post-mortem afterwards:
Charles M. Blow's port-mortem apology (which I don't think he needed to give):
And Lawrence's Last word:
First segment:
Second segment, after the lighting was fixed:
The post-mortem afterwards:
Charles M. Blow's port-mortem apology (which I don't think he needed to give):
And Lawrence's Last word:
"The member will suspend..." (VIDEO)
Here's Bobby Rush (aka the only man to have ever beaten President Obama in an election) getting thrown off the House Floor for wearing a Hoodie in support of Trayvon Martin.
Typical GOP House.
Typical GOP House.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
@Lawrence O'Donnell commits an act of Journalism LIVE on air (VIDEO)
For viewing over and over and over again. This is how it's done:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The complete Trayvon Martin... (VIDEO)
Video after video after video after video...
One of the earliest segments from MSNBC's Melissa Harris-Perry:
Last night's Lawrence O'Donnell:
And if you thought that segment was good, I thought this one was better:
Big Eddie...
And more Big Eddie...
And Reverend Al's Two Segments:
And Reverend Al's Interview with Trayvon's Father:
One of the earliest segments from MSNBC's Melissa Harris-Perry:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Last night's Lawrence O'Donnell:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
And if you thought that segment was good, I thought this one was better:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Big Eddie...
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
And more Big Eddie...
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
And Reverend Al's Two Segments:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
And Reverend Al's Interview with Trayvon's Father:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Friday, March 16, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The President's 2012 NCAA Bracket (VIDEO)
The President's had a rough two years, but that's because I think he's clinging to his Tar Heels and his Spartans, but we'll see.
Behind the Scenes:
And then there's this from the Wall Street Murdoch:
Here’s a clear difference between Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama: Mr. Romney said he won’t be filling out an NCAA college basketball tournament bracket this year.
“I’m not plugged in well enough this year to do that,” Mr. Romney told reporters traveling with him on Tuesday in Missouri, the Associated Press reported.
Mr. Obama, on the other hand, is making his choices public again this year. The First Fan even brought British Prime Minister David Cameron to a “First Four” game in Dayton, Ohio, on Tuesday between Mississippi Valley State and Western Kentucky. ESPN disclosed the president’s Final Four picks — Kentucky, Ohio State, Missouri and North Carolina – and will release his entire bracket on Wednesday.
Was it just me, or was the tone of the piece just a little bit snide?
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Professor Derrick Bell and something called full context. (VIDEO)
Nice try, Andrew Breitbart. You lived as a racist, and clearly you died as one.
UPDATE: 11:19am Pacific:
A reader on the Daily Dish pointed something about this video that pretty much parallels what I thought all day:
When I saw that video making the rounds yesterday, I didn't watch it. Do you know why? I'd already SEEN it. It was part of a PBS Frontline documentary that came out in 2008. It's available for instant streaming on Netflix. Dud, indeed.
Here now is the Frontline Segment that I too saw, and downloaded, YEARS ago:
Hmm. Took ten times the grief from the Liberals on the Law Review than the Conservatives. Now where have I heard that before?
Watch Obama Speaks at Harvard Law in '90 on PBS. See more from FRONTLINE.
UPDATE: 11:19am Pacific:
A reader on the Daily Dish pointed something about this video that pretty much parallels what I thought all day:
When I saw that video making the rounds yesterday, I didn't watch it. Do you know why? I'd already SEEN it. It was part of a PBS Frontline documentary that came out in 2008. It's available for instant streaming on Netflix. Dud, indeed.
Here now is the Frontline Segment that I too saw, and downloaded, YEARS ago:
Hmm. Took ten times the grief from the Liberals on the Law Review than the Conservatives. Now where have I heard that before?
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