President Barack Obama talks with Natoma Canfield, right, and her sister, Connie Anderson, in the Oval Office, Dec. 12. The letter Canfield sent the President in 2010 hangs on the wall in the background. (Photo by Pete Souza)
Politico: The Ohio woman whose name become a rallying cry for President Obama in his fight for health care reform finally came to the White House on Wednesday to see a letter that she wrote, framed and placed on a West Wing wall outside the Oval Office. Natoma Canfield wrote to Obama in 2010 about her battle with cancer and how she could no longer afford to pay insurance premiums. He cited her letter as one of his inspirations while pushing for health care reform, called her after the Supreme Court upheld the law and met her for the first time in July this year. Obama promised at that meeting that Canfield, at right above, could come to the White House and see the letter.
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Today:
7:40: President Obama delivers remarks at the Hanukkah Reception at the White House, First Lady Michelle Obama attends
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ABC: Barack Obama holds a substantial advantage over John Boehner in handling budget negotiations to avoid the fiscal cliff: Nearly twice as many Americans in a new ABC News/Washington Post poll approve of the president’s work on the issue so far as favor the speaker’s approach.
More here
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Jonathan Bernstein: In the “elections have consequences” department, add today’s announcement by the Federal Reserve that it will not only tolerate somewhat more inflation, but will do so until unemployment drops below 6.5 percent. It’s a decision that pushes the Fed more and more in the direction of liberal economists who have supported monetary policy designed to encourage economic growth, not fight inflation.
….. the decision is a consequence of an election, but not the one we just had — it’s a consequence of the November 2008 election, which allowed Obama to appoint and a Democratic Senate to confirm members of the Fed Board of Governors; he’s now appointed six of seven, all of whom voted for today’s policy.
More here
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Greg Sargent: Republicans have long derided Elizabeth Warren for describing herself as an intellectual godmother of Occupy Wall Street. Now the intellectual godmother of Occupy Wall Street will occupy the Senate committee that oversees it.
The Senate Democratic leadership is announcing that Warren will be given a seat on the Senate Banking Committee. As Forbes put it recently, Warren’s ascent to the Senate alone was “Wall Street’s worst nightmare.” This could make that nightmare a good deal worse.
More here
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Washington Post: Military officials on Wednesday spilled details of the elaborate plans for President Obama’s second inauguration, rolling out a gym-size map to show how an army of National Guard members and active-duty personnel will contribute to the event’s pomp and manage its backstage nitty-gritty.
Strolling the 40-by-60-foot floor map with what he quipped were “God-like powers,” Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Scott Hinds demonstrated how units will be deployed from staging areas to various command posts along the Mall and the Pennsylvania Avenue parade route.
More here
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This is one of Yahoo’s viral photos of the year - cracks me up every time:
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Morning everyone ;-)
White House.gov
Morning
Morning DF, how are you doing?
I’m ok. Thank you for your tribute to Sue yesterday. You raised this family well:) Everyone must be still snoozing!
Sleepy heads!
Cutest thing!!!!
super cute… giggly applause ;) <3 it!!
I would like to add my thank you as well. I just finished reading all the tributes to Sue and they were beautiful. Chips, thank you for this blog of such caring people. I don’t comment often but read everything every day. This place and the folks here are a treasure.
Thank you so much Diane, we have a very lovely bunch of people here. Great hearing from you, I hope all’s good with you.
Yes, we do. I say ~the spirit~ is ALIVE and WELL here at TOD. I say it keeps us gentle and sweet and fierce,
for the long haul. xoxox
“Gentle and sweet and fierce.”
Love that Sara.
Hello and GM Sara…
my 9 yo granddaughter takes ballet…she has a saying that she has to be STRONG yet ~soft~…i like that…that is my spirit…too…smilin
I wanted to say Thank You too, Chips. I’m new here but I really do enjoy the warmth and love and energy here. A stop here is quickly becoming my favorite part of the day! (((hugs)))
Congrat’s df on #1 :)
Thanks, hf:) Happy accident…
VCprez must be busy this morning!
Not really, Hopef, just playing the ostrich. I was figuring that if I delayed signing on I may forget for a little longer. It wasn’t really working once I woke up, and washed my hair and tried to read,and peeked in at twitter …so here I am.
G’morning to you, ‘morning all TODobots, and congrats, Desertf! Special ‘Hi’, Chips Chica!
G’morning vc. We missed you! :)
{{Hopefruit}} I’m finding my way back, TY. I’m also copying Cookemom’s scenario of bathroom renovation. The contractor/plumber ripped out the main bathroom yesterday and is supposed to arrive any time now to install jacuzzi tub, tile floor and 1/2 wall, and install new cabinet and mirror. :roll: I suspect I’ll have to go to hardware store to exchange the shower head I bought ‘cos offspring prefers mine! |We’ll see.
Good morning!
Morning Xtine and LadyJazz, and whatever late birds turn up!
Been up! Stuck in traffic in my 32 seat limo! :) Gives me a chance to catch up on TOD posts, guilt-free! Sometimes traffic is a friend! :)
“Sometimes traffic is a friend!”
Xtine, that’s the most positive view of traffic I’ve ever heard!!! :lol:
A symptom of incurable TODiction! :)
“TODiction”
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Happy Day to Ms Chips and the TOD family. On holiday from today, and, in the spirit of Christmas I am about to get serious in the kitchen by making pastelles and black cake.
What’s black cake?
I want to know too Symmetry, it’s the name I’d give to my last baking effort, but I’m guessing LadyJazz is more gifted!
Caribbean fruit cake. Black cake, sorrel, ginger beer are all staples of Caribbean Christmas festivities!! No matter which part of the Caribbean you’re from. :) :)
Ah ha, thank you Hopefruit. Now all we need is an invite to LadyJazz’s feast.
Thanks, HF2!
Black cake? Hmmm, may I PLEASE have mine purolatored up….over night? That’s actually the only time I wave my alcohol stance. ;)
G’morning Chips, TOD, lurkers, everyone. Happy Thursday all!
Morning Hopefruit ;-)
Oh my! Just finished pricking tears from all the tributes to Sue. R.I.P.
Some good economic news!!
Hmm…Gas prices have been falling since the election. Kinda knew they were being manipulated.
Holiday hairstyle idea! :)
Crikey!!!! I think I’ll give it a try!!
Okay then…LOLZ! :)
I just need a retweet from Wayne Rooney, Hopefruit, and then it’s champagne time!
Guess what I found out yesterday Chiparoo? Brian Ray who plays guitar for Paul McCartney follows me on Twitter. I let out a yell so loud it broke the sound barrier. :D
Damn NerdyWonka - it’s just a matter of time before the man himself follows you! Congratulations :) :)
Wooooooooooot!!!!! But I can top that UT - I’ve just been followed by Santa Claus :???:
He needs to keep an eye on you to see if he can take you off the naughty list.
Japa, I’ve been good, for goodness sake!!
Guuuuuurl….it’s only a hop, skip, and a jump before the Pope follows you. :D
p.s. I just watched the video you made for Sue and you may be a lapsed Catholic Chiparoo, but there is a special place in heaven for you. You’re a beautiful soul. Thank you so much for that video. I’ll be smiling today when I think of Sue and when Pres. Obama’s inauguration rolls around, I’ll be wearing an extra special grin in honor of Sue.
Yes, I agree that there’s a special place in heaven for Chips. Her soul came shining right through to me with the video for Sue . . . that she made those kinds of connections around a life, around our shared lives here, around the end of life, and the new life being created now . . . . “Oh, happy day” yes, just so. awesome.
Is pontifex really the pope?!? I saw yesterday that he’s following 7 versions of himself. As you tweeted, a major egomaniac, His Holiness. :)
It’s him alright Hopefruit. I notice he’s not following God on Twitter, which is kind of odd :???:
I would imagine that God is not too happy with all of this. God said that “you shall follow on Twitter no other God but me, because I the lord your God am a jealous God!” Pontifex of all people should be very familiar with this commandment.
:) :)
Goooood morning! Now we are really closer to Friday! :-).
:lol: :lol: But when Friday comes, CTGirl, will you start the countdown to Monday? You’re in SUCH a hurry!!!!
Never! :-) hopefully my Friday will be great :-)
It will be excellent CTGirl - well, I hope so, you’ve waited long enough!!
:-)
Love your Friday petitions! :)
Hee.hee :-)
In awesome news this morning.
Will this be front-paged with the screaming headlines it deserves? Or will it be buried under some other poutrage nonsense?
Obama is taking away my pot, headlines.
Btw- Pot is a gateway drug, leads to more heavy drugs, any addict will tell you that.
It hasn’t been scientifically proven that pot is a gateway drug. I know people who are occasional and frequent Mary Jane users and it hasn’t lead to heavier substances. Pot does not lead you down the road to heavier substances because drugs affect people in different ways. If one has an addictive personality then yes you can transition from pot to cocaine, heroin, etc. It has to do with the chemical and neurological make-up of the individual.
Making generalizations about anything however, has always been proven to be wrong.
Actually, scientific research is showing that alcohol, not marijuana, is more of a gateway drug. And marijuana doesn’t deserve to be classified in the same category as heroin, cocaine or even prescription drugs. This is why you don’t hear that many people saying that all drugs should be legalized. When it comes to heroin and cocaine, many will contend that new strategies need to be undertaken to deal with them, but most don’t advocate legalization of these drugs.
Also, alcohol is more addictive and dangerous than pot. Alcohol kills at least 100,000 people a year. Pot hasn’t killed a single person. However, alcohol is legal for a very good reason. Attempts at prohibiting it were a dismal failure. Prohibition of pot is also a dismal failure, however, its prohibition lasted a lot longer than alcohol’s because its negative impact isn’t as blatant. With alcohol’s prohibition, we got organized crime and enormous levels of mob violence. With weed, we still have organized crime, but most of the people arrested for pot are consumers (not sellers). Consumers aren’t even targeted for prosecution most of the time. Consumers ended getting arrested because they are suspected of other crimes and the authorities uncover pot possesion or to get to the dealers. So, for 70 years, consumers (and a few small-time dealers) quietly go to jail. This is a huge contrast to what happened with alcohol’s prohibition (which was way more disruptive in a much shorter time-span). Pot prohibition’s disruption to society is just now being felt. And when the government can’t come up with good reasons to keep it prohibited and rely on the “gateway” theory which is being disproven by researchers, something has to give.
I strongly suggest you watch Ken Burns’ “Prohibition” documentary and then watch another documentary called “Breaking the Taboo.” Both of these demonstrate how the current drug war is a failure. “Prohibition” does this in an indirect way by describing a moment in American History that we still haven’t learned from. “Breaking the Taboo” demonstrates how international leaders are beginning to re-examine the current drug policy (especially in Latin America - who had experienced the blunt of the failed drug war - countries in this region are sick and tired of their political leaders being either bribed or killed).
Besides, Obama, when he was Cartegena, Colombia said that he was open to the idea of decriminalizing pot. Legalization is the ultimate goal, but decriminalization is a very important initial step. He said this while Latin American leaders at the same conference overwhelmingly vote for a major re-examination of their current drug policies. Also, the anti-pot sentiment in DC is heavily entrenched, but the tide is turning. It’s not a question of if pot will be legal, it’s a question of when…And when pot prohibition does end, it will go the away alcohol prohibition did - states will stop participating. We already have 18 states that have legalized medical marijuana and two states that just legalized it for recreational use, too. States are under no obligation to have their own laws prohibiting pot or to even enforce those laws. If the Feds want to keep pot illegal, they will have to enforce those laws themselves and let me tell you that this will be difficult. The Feds just don’t have the time or resources to increase enforcement.
The idea of prohibiting something is to protect people from any harm that “something” can cause. However, when you have a situation where the prohibition is more damaging and harmful than what’s actually being prohibited, something is seriously wrong. That’s where we are with pot. The prohibition of it is more harmful than the drug itself. The drug itself doesn’t kill you and although you still have to use some level of care with it, it’s not as physically destructive of so many other drugs. With prohibition (if in the rare chance you are caught) - you could face jail time, fines, and a permanent blemish on your record. This blemish can prevent you from getting a job and living a productive life. If pot was so harmful, putting an offender through this may be worthwhile. It’s better to be safe than sorry. However, this is just not the case and more and more people are begining to see that.
It’s a decision that pushes the Fed more and more in the direction of liberal economists who have supported monetary policy designed to encourage economic growth
but, but… robert reich was whining on twitter today that it would fail.
Amk, Robert Reich has perfected whining into an art form. Can’t remember when he has whined about something that wasn’t done to his satisfaction.
Robert Reich is Bernie Sanders, Jr. I mute the tv when he appears on shows. He is like the boy who cried wolf.
Rachel Maddow shows how Republican legislatures have manipulated state voting districts to ensure disproportionate Republican election victories with the potential to secure a White House win.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#50182647
GM Chips and everyone. while watching Rachel last night, it sent chills up my spine knowing how much control the repugs have in blue and red states. While everyone concentrates on the Nat’l level, they are quietly taking over the blue state legislatures. The only thing I could think of, was how Dems sat at home in 2010, because they were upset at PBO because he had not done everything that they wanted. We are suffering the consequences now and for years to come.
It happened because the 50 state strategy was abandoned. Tim Kaine was not a good DNC Chair. The year, 2010 was known. That was not a year to be cute due to census population count and the Jan 21, 2025 SCOTUS ruling on Citizen United. I wrote the WH, called screamed even cried pleading and begging for them to pay attention. I failed, woefully.
Today, PA, WI, OH, IN, MI, all have GOP controlled houses, plus govs. NJ…..look at what Christie is doing there too with Dems’ help. NY, Coumo is dumping Dems and using TBGOPers to hold control over Dems.
When Dems start understanding that Power is about winning and setting your agenda….NOT compromising First. That is why when TBGOPers grab power, they USE it and they force the public to accept their nonsense. NJ giving Christie a 72% approval drives me bunkers.
It happened because Democrats didn’t vote and Independents were swayed by the Tea Party’s screeching. Let’s not kid ourselves, the anger over the bailouts went far deeper and was more easily sustained and morphed into anger about other things than anyone anticipated. The other reason is that when Dems are angry, they don’t vote and when Reps are angry they do vote. It’s as simple as that. And Rachel Maddow and others at MSNBC, were a large part of promoting that anger and the not voting.
Exactly, TienLe! You cannot urge Democrats not to vote and then expect Democrats to win. In my humble opinion, the Democratic losses in 2010 had nothing to do with the DNC chair or the White House.
Nena, you didn’t fail, they failed. You did your part. I was saying then that Kaine was a drip. He never seemed like he had the fire in him. Even now, I think he was largely lifted by Obama. I voted for him and still feel this way. Thing about blaming Rachel or Ed is bogus, or even the fat boy from Flint. Dem voters are not that slavish to any media like Fox’s audience. What they’re prone to is going to sleep until somebody exciting comes along to wake them up. The party has always known that we’ve had problem with midterms, but because it was a census year, you would think they would operate like a major campaign was underway. Many people like Nena were screaming that they take this seriously, but the dem establishment slept. So now we’ve the craziest bunch of motherfuckers in the bluest of states and gerrymandered districts for 10 more years!
Bullocks!!! The non-stop demoralizing rhetoric and denigration of the President by every progressive/PL voice went a long way in negatively impacting and depressing traditional Dem voters!!!
They were constantly being told their President was “weak”, “caved”, “gave away everything”, “had no clue”, was “no better than a Republican”, “did not close Guantanamo Bay”, “was killing innocent terrorists with drones”, “did not put on his walking shoes to picket Scott Walker in Wisconsin” and on, and on!!!
Michael Moore, Ed and the rest very specifically told Dems to stay home to “teach President Obama a lesson”. They told them that the President was “not worthy of their support or vote since he had failed them” by not magically fixing everything that ailed America while vacuuming peoples homes, doing their grocery shopping and personally tutoring their kids in algebra!!!
Factor in a largely unsupportive Dem delegation many still brimming over with envy and resentment and too busy trying to one-up President and Mrs Obama, and the fiasco of 2010 can be placed squarely at the feet of the rowdy PL armchair quarterbacks and their self-promoting progressive friends in congress!!!
To pretend that this was again the fault of the White House or the Obama campaign for not “taking this seriously” is complete nonsense!!!
Yessss….
i got those same chills and fears…cos…
AlEC..makes cookie cutter laws about voting..womens’ rights…gun laws….workers rights…
talk about the long game…these conservative groups definitely have a long plan…to dismantle and destroy our rights and since the Federal Gov has become our last defense…and now they have a plan to impact that…
What is our plan…What do we do….the most organized group on our side are the Trade Unions…and we see the relentless attack that is being waged on them…and that attack impacts us all whether we are in a union or not…
so i ask again…What do we do..We need real think tanks…. we need a long range plan…
2014 is the the next elcetion cycle and then 2016…i know that PBO has just won re-election but there is no time to bask in the glow…because the forces against cntinue to delegitimze our voice and our votes.. will continue their onslaught against democracy…
we must have a plan…we must save our unions…
FORWARD!!!
NC was slowing moving away from red to purplish—blue. Then KOCH and co came in with desegregation and busing.
Maddow talks about voting and the attention it is getting from Attorney General Holder.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#50182945
Good Morning all….a beautiful tribute to a cherished member of TOD by all of you who are filled with so much compassion…which leads me to watching 12 12 12 last night while reading your caring words…….I felt I was watching a benefit filled with Obama supporters with COMPASSION being the operable word….and it suddenly dawned on me that the difference between Democrat leaning and Republican leaning is Compassion…you either have it or you don’t………It also suddenly dawned on me that Mick is 6 months younger than me and Paul is 6 months older than me and there is seriously something wrong with this picture….which leads me to…..job of the day…..run to Walgreens, buy Loving Care, get up from computer, wrap the H out of presents, vacumme ,dust, water tree, and clean carpet, while playing music from my youth…..which leads me to ponder????…..do you think being a skinny vegeterian and constant dancing is the answer to our healthcare crisis ?……and now that I have confused you with all the thoughts jumping around in my head….just wanted you to know I am in awe of all of you and in awe of aging rockers…
“It also suddenly dawned on me that Mick is 6 months younger than me and Paul is 6 months older than me and there is seriously something wrong with this picture”
:lol: But you’re waaaaaay younger at heart, Kathryn!
Thanks, I try….having young Grandchildren helps….off to get these old bones moving to James Taylor’s(who is just a couple of years younger than me) Christmas cd….got to start off slow and then progress to “Brown Sugar”…
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
in 1960, talking about UNIFORM VOTING STANDARDS.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#50182721
Here is a great resource for keeping up to date with your state’s most recent progress on setting up the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) Health Exchanges.
http://healthreform.kff.org/State-Exchange-Profiles-Page.aspx?source=QL
Pennsylvania said no yesterday!
Here’s the info that came up when I selected the state of PA:
// On December 12, 2012, Governor Tom Corbett (R) notified federal officials that Pennsylvania would default to a federally-facilitated health insurance exchange.1
Prior to the announcement, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department had taken the lead with exchange planning. The Insurance Department, released an extensive report in November 2011 that suggested broad support for a state-run exchange.2 In January 2012, the Department released a conceptual draft for proposed legislation which would establish multiple private exchanges overseen by the Department.3 Consumer representatives expressed concern over the proposed model, citing such an approach would be inconsistent with the exchange requirements under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).4 In May 2012, the Department had begun soliciting for a subcontractor to provide guidance and consultation on exchange planning.5
Essential Health Benefits (EHB): The ACA requires that all non-grandfathered individual and small-group plans sold in a state, including those offered through the Exchange, cover certain defined health benefits. Since Pennsylvania has not put forward a recommendation, the state’s benchmark EHB plan will default to the largest small-group plan in the state, Aetna POS. //
NBC/WSJ poll says that both sides will be to Blame, if we go over the fiscal cliff.
Differing from all the other polls, which said that the public would Blame Republicans.
Good old MSNBC, gotta love our Liberal media?
I saw the mouth piece for the Romney campaign Chuckie Todd and his B.S. this morning on the Today show and I turn it before he finish because I saw when their poll was trying to blame both equally. Let’s remember Todd is the one who kept telling us what a close race it was, how the Republicans were more excited to get out to vote than we were.
I knew it was just a matter of time before some manufactured poll “both sides” false equivalency polling garbage was released and promoted by the media.
Yep. Since when the media has allowed President Obama and democrats to keep an advantage in the polls? They’ll work overtime to give platform to the republicans talking points and push the narrative that both sides are to blame. I really hope that President Obama and his team are prepared for this. It has happened over and over again in the past four years.
Funny hoe WJS/NBC poll mimics the other polls, but in the Blame part?
How come that is different form CNN, ABC/WashPost, Gallup, etc? Yep……WJS…..that is how.
g’morning folks ~ Chips I just wanted to mention that marabout/hachiko is having her surgery this morning at 9:30am ET… so please pass on your good thoughts, vibes & prayers for her, TOD family.
Thank you so much Sherijr, it was only the other day I saw that she was having surgery today, didn’t know the time. Thinking of her.
You’re very welcome, thank YOU. Hopefully we’ll hear good news from her afterward :)
I told her that I would text her somewhere between 12-1 to check on her.
oh thank you Symmetry.. will you let us know her response please?
Yes
Hey Sherijr, she is out of surgery. Not sure how the surgery went yet. She is waiting on the doctor to come by.
thank you ~ hopefully it is good news.
Thank you symmetry. Will keep her in our thoughts/prayers.
Thanks Sherijr - will add her to my prayer list.
She’d be very grateful for that CT Girl, thank you.
Did the mainstream press blow the biggest campaign story of 2012? Chris Matthews revisits one of Hardball’s biggest stories—the radical right-wing, off-the-rails lurch of the Republican Party—and discusses with Mother Jones’ David Corn and Salon’s Joan Walsh.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036697/#50180466
Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!
Now that is the cutest thing I’ve seen all year! Thanks for the chuckle amk.
Doctors pay depend on Patient care to hold down costs-
http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-73675892/
http://blackamericaweb.com/81496/first-lady-michelle-obama-talks-to-the-tjms/
FLOTUS on Tom Joyner this morning :-)
Thanks CTGirl, I just finish listening to FLOTUS on Tom Joyner. I hope POTUS can get his vacation time with his family and not have to stay in D.C. trying to deal with those crazy ass Republicans.
Good morning TOD family.
I want to ask that everyone to say a prayer to our friend Haiko/marabout32 who is having surgery as I write this.
Absolutely.
THE 57TH PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION - JANUARY 21, 2025
===================================================
Faith in America’s Future
The 2013 Inaugural Ceremonies theme, “Faith in America’s Future” commemorates the United States’ perseverance and marks the 150th anniversary of the placement of the Statue of Freedom atop the U.S. Capitol dome.
====================================================
http://www.inaugural.senate.gov/
http://inauguration.dc.gov/
http://www.inauguralscholar.com/
[Right on, Smartypants!]:
To be effective in their “opposition only” approach, what the Republicans need is a media that is too ignorant, lazy, or complacent to point out this difference. If you’d like to see how that’s done, take a look at this video of Bob Woodward being interviewed on CBS This Morning (sorry embedding disabled). What you’ll see is 5 minutes of Republican spin about how both sides do it and total lies on the reality I’ve just laid out here.
That’s what we’re facing folks. And so we can either sit back and expect President Obama to do all the work of calling that shit out. Or we can buck up and do our part - no matter how large or small - to tell the truth about what’s going on here.
Let’s get busy!!!!!
http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2012/12/gop-opposition-without-plan.html
CONSERVATIVE LOONS AND WACKOS (Taking incompetence to a whole new level.)
Cautious negotiators or ideological victims?
by pm carpenter
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I subscribe to Chait’s theory on the same explanatory level on which I subscribe to Ezra Klein’s maxim, as expressed a few months ago in Columbia Journalism Review: “[T]he people in charge aren’t just wrong or bought off, but … quite often, they fundamentally don’t know what they’re doing.” There looms an immense chasm between the seeming competence behind Washington’s august titles-United States Senator, United States Representative-and the reality of their embodiments. Louie Gohmert, anyone? Or Jim Inhofe? Virginia Foxx?
—————————-
http://pmcarpenter.blogs.com/p_m_carpenters_commentary/2012/12/cautious-negotiators-or-ideological-victims.html
Excellent. That’s what I am talking about. Fuck the corrupt bw gatekeepers. Turn “all the politics is local” on its head.
Charlie Todd’s head has just imploded? Well. my wish.
I thought I heard a noise outside this morning. That must’ve been Chuck’s empty skull bouncing on the pavement after his head exploded.
Lovely, HF2. Howdy?
Hello Nena! Doing Happy Thursday to you!
[Dotster, here are the stations]:
The list of stations: WPVI in Philadelphia, WLTV Univision, in Miami, WCCO in Minneapolis, and KCRA in Sacramento, Calif.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2012/12/13/obama-fiscal-cliff-local-television-phlladelphia/1766477/#
.
[I’m betting the stations’ reach is far & wide! :) :) ]
[Sarah Silverman’s “Be Bro-Choice”]:
:) :)
Sarah Silverman is hysterically funny——always has a very unique (hilarious) way of making her case.
The 1212concert last evening…..I am sure it was televised. Did anyone see it? Will it be repeated? Is there a place that I can go to see this once in a life time performance?
I am not a fan of Kanye West…..but I had seen on CBS Morning today that Mr. West has a Leather skirt on? I had no idea that he did that. I was impressed for it was unexpected.
I saw part of the show, that part was great, on AMC. They will probably re-air it. (I DVR’d it, so I could watch the whole thing, later.) Also saw his leather skirt, did a double take, but I liked it!
The concert was aired on a wide range of Cable TV networks, HBO, Encore, Hallmark, AMC, TBS, VH1, MTV, just to name a few. According to this article from HuffPo:
// The sold-out “12-12-12″ concert was being shown on 37 television stations in the United States and more than 200 others worldwide. It was to be streamed on 30 websites, including YouTube and Yahoo, and played on radio stations. Theaters, including 27 in the New York region and dozens more elsewhere, were showing it live. //
I’m not sure whether it will be aired again, but I would hope so because I only got to see a little bit just before bed.
I missed it. I am anguished about it. I had no idea it was televised until this morning. How I wish that I could see the DVR jacquelineoboomer taped. I really missed it. I am wishing now that that someone would replay it on one of those stations. Wow! Thanks HF2 and Jacquelineoboomer.
I agree - I wasn’t even aware it was going on until I started reading folks’ comments on Twitter well into the concert!
I watched the whole thing and it was spectacular. This was the Democratic, Liberal, Obama agenda in living color. This concert to help Sandy’s victims articulated the vision of America that voters chose by nearly a 5,000,000 margin.
Each singer and comedian or newscaster spoke about the joy in helping others. That we are our brothers/sisters keepers. That we take care of our own.
The poitics were specific: Billy Crystal cited Chris Christie by saying that the Gov had ditched Mitt and political stances to help the people of his state. The cameras showed Christie and Cuomo twice and they got giant applause. A film behind Roger Daltrey singing “See me. Feel me. Touch me . Heal me”, displayed President Obama and Gov. Christie embracing storm victims.
In stark and vivid contrast the only verbal mention of the clearly-not-welcome and absent Bloomberg: ” After 9/11 Giuliani vowed to find and punish terrorists. The curent Mayor is concerned with soda cups. ” During the remainder of the 51/2 hour marathon there were 2 shots of a tiny Bloomberg almost hidden by giant soda cups.
And the music—-OMG—Bruce Bon Jovi Roger Waters Rolling Stones Alicia Keys Billy Joel.. And more. If it is ever re-run people try to catch it.
This night could serve as the Obama Inauguration Concert, since we are evidently not getting that this time around.
So they spent a lot of time boosting Christie?
It was super great—-6 hours of all the legends of rock. Brought the house down. Way better than a Justin Bieber concert. :)
Good morning. Still thinking about Sue. Also, I’m thinking Ms. Canfield’s story, which brought us the top photo, made our President think of his own mother’s story, when she was battling health problems and at the same time on the phone with her health insurance company. So glad he thought to host Ms. Canfield at the White House, because her story - and letter - were riveting. Thank you, Mr. President, for never forgetting about the American people, at large, and the people you meet along the way!
[Greg Sargent]:
I spoke this morning to an official familiar with the fiscal cliff talks. He tells me that ever since Republicans rejected the first White House fiscal offer, White House negotiators have been asking Republicans to detail both the spending cuts they want and the loopholes and deductions they would close to raise revenues while avoiding a hike in tax rates for the rich.
According to the official, Republicans continue to refuse to answer.
///////
There is a great deal of consternation this morning over the failure to reach a deal and what it says about the failings of our “political system.” But the main problem is not the “system,” it’s the behavior of one of the participants. It is overwhelmingly clear at this point that Republicans are the primary obstacle to any compromise. Admittedly, this is not a surprising assertion, coming from this blog. But let’s put it this way. There are three basic points about the current situation that make that conclusion inescapable. And I would ask anyone tempted to blame both sides equally whether they are wrong:
.
[Points discussion continues]: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2012/12/13/the-morning-plum-dems-hold-the-middle-ground-gop-is-on-fringe/
Pres. Obama is taking his fiscal cliff plan to the public today. I think WSCV is Telemundo.
My favorite memory was standing shoulder to shoulder in a sea of humanity of Obama supporters who were thrilled beyond this world to be witnessing such a historic event. I cried tears of joy when he raised his hand and took the oath. Then as the Bush helicopter took them away from the Capitol all 2Million of us sang…Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Na, Hay-Hay-Hay Good Bye :)
Oh and hundreds of us dancing the electric slide in unison to keep warm on one of the coldest days evahhhh in DC!!!
I was there too Donna. lololol I remember when they they sang that but I felt so sorry for the man. hahahahahahahahahahahaha
I am glad that the inauguration is on a holiday so I can stay home and watch it.
I was looking at the lovely pictures Chips posted and I just noticed the little boy sneaking a smooch to another little girl……before the POTUS? Things little kids do. That is just sooooo cute. OMG!
from the sargent article up top…i’m getting annoyed with how the press cannot seem to talk about elizabeth warren without always describing her as some sort of enemy and “wall st’s worst nightmare.” and what’s with sargent linking her to the “occupy” nonsense?!?! she’s a pragmatist that wants progress, just as she said when she fully embraced president obama’s policies and him literally during her campaign, and the “occupy” people have nothing to do with that!
notice how that subconsciously frames her as an “enemy.” always. yet, do we ever see wall st. bankers framed as “enemies” to the people in the mainstream media? since we all know as the economics for the average wage earners improves, the financial system in general improves too, so senator warren is not an “enemy” at all to wall st. she’s trying to help them in spite of their short term greed.
I love it. Why? Sen-elect Warren Scares the dickens out of them. They tried to defeat her and could not. That alone empowered Ms. Warren and makes her much larger in their eyes. For she can’t be bought. That is a Great thing.
I thought that occupy remark was peculiar. That was not a recommendation to me.
Please view the following and pass it on if you have not already done so…A must!
See you tube video- Free Congress from the Norquist Pledge (Professor Robert Thurman’s Meme)
:lol:
Guess she never read the kids book “Be Nice to Spiders”—-it was big at our house. We are not afraid. We do not fear. We learned spiders are our friends. :)
Pretty much my wife’s view as well. However, she always hires a hit-man to do the job. Guess who?
My son ….stands 6’3’….240 lbs………and tough, except when it comes to spiders….kills me every time I laugh so hard.
Barbara Walters is really promoting her interview with the Obamas which airs tomorrow night—-describing it as the Obamas at their most charming, etc. Michelle gives a tour of the xmas decorated WH—-and even Bo gets a segment.
Gag me, BabaWawa! I’ll still watch, not ‘cos of her but for POTUS/FLOTUS! :)
xtine, that is how most of us feel, we will watch for one reason, because of POTUS and FLOTUS.
It isn’t about how we feel about Barbara Walters, it’s about how many people will get to hear directly from the President his thoughts on the fiscal curb. They aren’t doing this to stay in her good graces, they’re doing it because a LOT of people watch.
So right.
This is way off subject, but apparently some photog took an “up skirt” shot of an underwear-less Anne Hathaway getting out of a limo. She was on the “Today” show promoting “Les Miserables” and Matt Lauer immediately says, “Well Anne, we’ve seen a lot of you lately!” What a despicable piece of human garbage he is!
Anne handled it with dignity and class and deftly changed the subject back to the movie.
Yeah I heard about that on Twitter. Men and women alike were grossed out at Matt Lauer behaving in a pervy disgusting manner towards Anne Hathaway.
Lauer is a perv. I remember he interviewed PBO some time last year (2011) or early this year, and he repeatedly asked PBO about whether the girls had photos of some grown-ass baseball player on their bedroom wall. PBO gently reminded him that his daughters were only 10 and 13.
It was a football player (Brady) during the SuperBowl half-time interview.
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/02/05/super-bowl-interview/#comment-251222
Dakota, A real gentlemen would have never brought the subject up.
Absolutely Anniebella.
Matt Lauer is a well known skirt chaser. His several antics almost cost him his European wife. During the Winter Olympics in Canada….the stories were widely written. Yet NBC kept him, but they were quick to dismiss Tiki Barbar(sp) who behaved as such while assigned to the Today Show.
That’s way too many cats. (I’m terrified of cats - even pictures of them)
I so agree! The pic made me stomach turn even…:(
One cat is plenty… Yikes. I like (most) cats, and this scares me totally!
[ISO straight jackets. Steve Benen says …]:
Raising the debt ceiling simply means allowing the United States to pay its bills for money that’s already been spent. If GOP lawmakers want a fight that leads to less debt and smaller deficits, they should have their tantrum when spending decisions are being made, not after. President Obama and Democrats would still have an incentive to work towards a deal, since they wouldn’t like government shutdowns.
So, why doesn’t this happen? Why don’t Republicans pick a different hostage, one in which the consequences of pulling the metaphorical trigger would be less catastrophic?
I can’t read GOP leaders’ minds, obviously, but I suspect it has something to do with motivations — Republicans could pick a reasonable hostage, but to guarantee action, they’re targeting the hostage Democrats take more seriously. It’s the difference between a villain pointing a gun at your neighbor vs. pointing a gun at your children.
Republican pundit Marc Thiessen, whose former boss raised the debt ceiling seven times without incident or precondition, put it this way.
“Unlike with the fiscal cliff, Republicans have all the leverage when it comes to the debt limit. Today, Obama is perfectly willing to go over the fiscal cliff and blame the GOP for the resulting tax increases on the middle class. But when it comes to the debt limit, he does not have that luxury. He can’t default on our debt — the consequences are too catastrophic. So in the end he will cave.”
Let’s be very clear about what Thiessen is proposing. By his reasoning, Republicans should threaten to hurt Americans. President Obama doesn’t want to see Americans hurt, ergo, he’ll “cave” to GOP demands so as to prevent Republicans from following through on their threats on forcing severe consequences on the nation on purpose.
Let’s pause for a moment to appreciate the fact that conservative politics in 2012 has descended to a point of true madness. Marc Thiessen not only thinks this way, he has no qualms about writing it down and publishing it in one of the nation’s largest and most important newspapers.
More here: http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2012/12/13/15884259-why-the-debt-ceiling-crisis-is-easy-to-avoid-and-why-it-wont-matter
Let this be a lesson to the left. If you deign not to vote, you will be ruled by unfit people.
So, this Marc Thiessen is basically saying that Republicans don’t care about America. If the analogy is a villain pointing a gun to a neighbor or your children, then in this scenario with the GOP, the villain is one of the parents of the children under threat of harm! This is why the country is in trouble, and those who can’t see how depraved the GOP have become (all the while bemoaning the loss of their “freedoms”), are party to its destruction.
I’d say PBO is winning the message war:
That sorry Speaker John Boehner was on tv afew minutes ago, why is it he is constantly having his lying updates. Opening his mouth but saying nothing.
Because the media lets him do it. They’re hoping that repetition of lies will create reality.
Posturing……willful media would suck up the energy and regurgitate every syllable as news. Just as tales told by fools….MSM…full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
As Leader Pelosi said…..Boehner should figure it out. Now is the media used the same logic with Boehner, this wicked bat poop nonsense would have been over by now.
We see the press drill Jay Carney ever day and then Boehner waltzes out with a pile of BS and they lay not a glove on the guy. HIDEOUS.
“Hideous” is a good word for them, meta!
Speaking of pervs, I just saw a Walters tease for the Obama interview—-she asks them “How do you keep the fire going?” What? Isn’t that an inappropriate question to be asking the president of the United States and First Lady???
Through exercise…..both of them are known to engage in rigorous and vigorous workouts. Wawa knows that. Remember originality is not her Forte.
They should have told her - plenty of well-aerated firewood and good kindling to start, and then had her try to clarify. She’s so inappropriate.
LOL!!!
Did she ask that question of W and Laura? I wonder…
I doubt it. Laura was a chain smoker and NONE ever asked her. She was never into exercising. GW Bush was the exercise “freak” in that relationship.
Last night, Wawa asked SoS Clinton about her Hair. Nothing she ever asked Laura Bush or anyone else.
Wasn’t Laura also a pain pill popper?
I don’t HF2. I haven’t heard before. But I do know that for days, she left the WH and stayed at a Hotel and the DC press protected her. Something they would never have done for Clinton, or any other Dem.
I will forgive her for that one, dotser3 :-). The fire is just too hot for mere mortals to ignore :-).
Hello everyone.
Just finished watching the glorious tribute to Sue from Minnesota. It was beautiful, Chips.
It means so much to be a part of this family. Who would ever have thought that a group of strangers could become so close, so concerned for each other.
I spent too much time this morning reading about republicans mourning their loss on November 6. The comments were so awful. There is still such hatred, such distortion, and so many wrong, ingrained attitudes concerning those of us who are different, it really hurts to know that so many people hate the president and those us who support him with such viciousness.
I left that site feeling sad and anxious for the future. I prayed that God would help them to see how wrong their opinions are, and that President Obama’s second term would change many of their minds.
Then I came to TOD and felt the love and the genuine concern about Sue and others who have lost loved ones, and those who are I’ll. It was like a slice of heaven. This is the way the world should be. We may fight, disagree and pout sometimes, but we come back, talk it over and move on.
This is truly a lovely place. You have a heart of gold, Chips. God bless you and every member of our growing family.
[Charles Pierce on “Let’s Not Talk About Hillary 2016 Just Yet”]:
[…..] We now have an entire generation of pundits whose formative political experience was the endless pursuit of Bill Clinton’s penis by various ambitious journalists, congresscritters, and interested parties of all sorts. That’s the politics that generation knows. That’s the politics they expect. I maintain that one of the reasons the current president gets so much heat for being “aloof” is that those are the politics his career has resolutely denied to them. Ginning up gotcha scandals against this guy is no fun because you look so damned ridiculous doing it.
/////
So when you hear the speculation about what Mrs. Clinton may or may not do four years hence, I’d advise looking at it the way you looked at the recent remake of Red Dawn— as little more than the expression of barely repressed desires by a number of people seeking to relive those golden days when the trivial was celebrated as the monumental, and when the country’s real problems could be said to fit into the pocket of a little blue dress.
Read more: http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/hillary-clinton-2016-presidential-run-121112?src=sem&mag=esq&dom=out
[Adding this from article because it made me laugh!]:
(And, not for nothing, but did Lindsey Graham (!) really tell the president to “man up” yesterday? I don’t know what’s more surprising, that Huckleberry Closetcase used that phrase, or that he manifestly knows so little about Greece.)
I chuckled when I saw that clip of Lindsey Graham telling President Obama to “man up”. Seemed very ironic… Particularly since Graham is McCain’s lapdog.
Now I can’t get this out of my head “Maureen Dowd famously ejaculated…” Brain bleach please! :-)
You have to read the comments - they’re even more hilarious than the article! I liked this one:
‘The “reasons the current president gets so much heat for being ‘aloof'” stuff…. I think you’re getting to the heart of it. The complainers want a President like Clinton who would let them share their half-cocked thoughts about the issues of the day while reacting as if their opinions were deep, insightful, meaningful. Obama prefers to have dinner with his family, but when he must go to events where he rubs shoulders with the political and media elite he appears more apt to want to talk to them about vacations or golf. Things they actually know about, as opposed to things they think they know about.
You don’t want to be accused of being aloof? Then your social life as President involves lots of cocktail parties and meet-and-greets with conversation that goes something like this… “Wow… you know how to solve the Israel-Palestine conflict, turn Iran and Cuba into progressive democracies and disarm North Korea, and it’s all so obvious, you say? Please, I can’t think of anything better to do as President of the United States than listen to you, and I can’t wait to get back to the Oval Office to implement your brilliant ideas.”‘
Yup! LOL, Theo!
Hee.hee! :-)
CTGirl, he certainly has a way, ahem, with words! :)
Indeed, indeed! :-)
Democrats have such a deep bench of talent (Governors Deval Patrick and Martin O’Malley, Kirsten Gillibrand, etc.) - and many more than we even know of at this point. Four years is a long time - just ask President Obama, who went from speaking at the Dem convention in 2004, to becoming President in 2008! It seems a shame to destroy the bench so early in the game, by putting all your eggs in a basket that doesn’t even exist (since Hillary herself has said she’s not running). It will diminish every candidate and deem them a “second choice” before they’ve even begun.
The opposition so far is: Chris Christie - highly unlikable right wing bully, Jeb Bush - denier of his brother’s legacy of failure and war crimes in violation of international & governor who signed “stand your ground” law into place, Bobby Jindal - he of the disastrous SOTU response and right wing lapdog with a pretty bad record as governor, Nikki Haley - right wing loon who fashions herself after Sarah Palin, speaking of which - possibly even Sarah Palin herself - and a whole host of right wing governor’s who will likely come out of the woodwork because the Obama machine will have been put away (so they think).
“It seems a shame to destroy the bench so early in the game, by putting all your eggs in a basket that doesn’t even exist (since Hillary herself has said she’s not running). It will diminish every candidate and deem them a “second choice” before they’ve even begun.”
And that is EXACTLY the agenda of the MSM and GOP - to diminish DEM enthusiasm for the eventual candidate who will NOT be Hillary.
And don’t forget shady wonderboy Marco Rubio.
Oh dear - how could I forget fresh-faced Marco!?!
Because he’s not that impressive!!
This is very true.
Julian Castro, Elizabeth Warren (yes, I know she just began a senate tenure, but she is there), maybe even Crist (not necessarily for President, but V.P. - look at the job Joe Biden has done; maybe Crist being a centrist could also make a good V.P.), we have quite a few! It feels good, yes?
I think Julian has potential, but he does seem a little green still. As for Elizabeth, I almost think she’ll be more useful in the Senate than trying to play high politics as President. And Crist - I still think he’s going to be a blue dog democrat. I can’t get excited about him - particularly since, after Democrats threw Rep. Meek under the bus in favor of Crist in 2010, Crist still refused to commit to caucus with Democrats. I think Crist will show his true colors in no time - but I hope I’ll be proven wrong.
But, after throwing cold water on your post (sorry! :) ), I do agree that it feels great to have so many really good candidates for so many levels of government. The GOP have a 40 year advantage, and Democrats have to start filling up posts all the way up and down the power ladder, so that the GOP don’t get away with passing laws like the “right to work” garbage, or defining the text books that kids use for learning, or determining what laws get passed or upheld locally.
I’m glad Crist recognized the rot in his party and had the courage to do something about it, but he will never leapfrog ahead of true blue Dems for VP. Too many other younger bright lights ahead of him: Deval Patrick, Kamala Harris, etc.
My number one choice for 2016 is Vice-President Biden. I don’t know why people are leaving him out of the picture.
My apologies - I think the entire party should rally behind VP Biden, if he chooses to run. He’s earned that right, and he’s so honourably served President Obama. His loyalty has been a joy to behold. And, he’s certainly qualified - a wealth of experience, a deep love of country, and a full heart. If he chooses to run, he would be my first choice, too.
Yes please, let’s not!!! And not just yet, but ever!!!
[Over @ Bos Cesca}:
[….] “Whatever House Republicans might think, the White House is all steel when it comes to the debt ceiling. Their position is simple, and it’s typically delivered in the tone of voice that Bruce Willis reserves for talking to terrorists: They’re happy to raise the debt ceiling on their own, as would be the case under their proposal to take authority for the debt ceiling away from Congress. But if Congress rejects that offer, then the debt ceiling is Congress’s problem, and the White House will not help. […]
“They’re almost religious about this: They believe they owe it to future generations to break the back of the idea that minority parties can and should play Russian roulette with the economy.” […]
.
http://bobcesca.com/blog-archives/2012/12/the-republicans-are-totally-screwed.html
Also, from the same article by Ezra Klein that Bob Cesca quoted:
“The Obama administration is utterly steadfast on this point: They will not suffer a repeat of 2011, when they conducted negotiations over whether the United States should default. If Republicans go over the cliff and try to open up talks for raising the debt ceiling, the White House will not hold a meeting, they will not return a phone call, they will not look at the e-mails. They will move to an entirely public strategy, rallying voters and the business community against the GOP’s repeated brinksmanship.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2012/12/11/the-gops-dangerous-debt-ceiling-gamble/
I can’t wait for this. The White House will not negotiate with terrorists, especially when it comes to paying the bills that they themselves incurred with their wars, tax cuts and unpaid prescription program (that did little to help seniors). Let the GOP negotiate with themselves about destroying the full faith and credit of the US.
A very good article: http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2012/12/why-republicans-cant-propose-spending-cuts.html
Nancy Pelosi ought to be the Speaker of the House, not that sorry weasel who is speaker now.
One of the things I LOVE about her: Nancy Smash NEVER minces words.
Especially they gave themselves 2 months off during the campaign, AFTER their standard summer holiday…. This is so ridiculous, it is bizarre that more people are not screaming down the phone lines.
[Poynter’s “The best (and worst) media errors and corrections of 2012.” CNN’s “Mandate Struck Down” topped the list, here are a couple fun ones]:
The Globe And Mail:
François Mitterrand, the former French president, is reported to have said that Margaret Thatcher had the mouth of Marilyn Monroe and the eyes of Caligula — not Stalin, as reported in an earlier version of this article.
.
The Atlantic:
This post originally referred to Jennifer Grey as “Ferris Bueller’s sister.” As commenters have pointed out, her role alongside Swayze in Dirty Dancing is clearly the more relevant. We regret putting Baby in a corner.
.
Lots more here: http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/regret-the-error/197279/the-best-and-worst-media-errors-and-corrections-of-2012/
Hey, taking a break and just ordered 3 Michelle Obama kitchen garden books for Christmas gifts….Amazon $l9.71…just thought I would give y’all a heads up for a great gift idea….;^)
How cool is this! I was just checking it out :-).
Oh, what fabulous health-giving gifts!!
Truly hoping Joy Reid gets her own program:
She is great!
I think she will. This was how they broke in Ed Schultz, Alex Wagner, Rev Al, and Mellisa Harris-Perry and others. Joy is more hard news and journalism than view point and emotionalism. By the way, Gooc after noon everyone. I love ya’ll!
Joy Ann Reid’s problem: she won’t tow the company line. Alex Wagner, when she’s on Bill Maher, is an articulate progressive. You certainly wouldn’t know that from her show. I would assume Joy Ann Reid would not alllow the brass to tell her how to run her show.
We’ll see.
I hope she does get her own show. I sometimes watch these uggh shows because she’s on & I enjoy her take. As soon as her panel is done, I switch stations, anything!
Great. Joy is all facts and truth and class, and sometimes she looks at the others on a panel as though she just wants to interrupt and tell them how it really is! Love that. Go, Joy!
Completely agree. Joy is an adult. Supersmart and fact-based. Also very pleasant easy to watch.
Fingers crossed that she gets her own show. Maybe she could replace one of Tweety’s hours, since we long ago started overdosing on his spitting, otherworldly rants!
I hope she doesn’t get contaminated!!! She is powerful as a clearheaded, articulate pundit!!! She does her homework!!!
But once they give you these shows, they all but gag you and suddenly you are a shadow of yourself!!!
Senate fails to advance bill extending banks’ transaction account guarantee
By Ramsey Cox
The Senate failed to advanced a bill that would extend a guarantee program for certain bank accounts benefiting small businesses.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) introduced S. 3637, a bill extending the Transaction Account Guarantee (TAG) program through 2014.
But Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) raised a budget point of order against Reid’s bill, saying it violated the Budget Control Act by authorizing additional funds. Democrats failed to waive the budget point of order on a 50-42 vote — 60 votes were needed.
-/
If we don’t get a new deal, their will not be any new spending unless we get 60 votes? Wow!
And there are so many small businesses that think the GOP are looking out for them - I kept hearing that during the campaign. They are so worried about their taxes going up, even though the Bush tax cuts will impact only 3% of small businesses. And they ignore the 18 different tax cuts that have already been passed to support small businesses, plus the fact that the Small Business Administration is now part of the President’s Cabinet. Then, when the GOP refuse to fund support for small businesses, the same complainers are silent.
[Deaniac]:
[….] They want to give the president the middle class tax breaks, and only the middle class tax breaks. That means they are leaving on the table several other things: namely, extended unemployment benefits that will expire, the payroll tax cut that will expire, etc. But that’s just on the middle class side of things. What else are they leaving on the table? The estate tax. On January 1, 2013, the inheritance tax is scheduled to reset to 55% for inheritances over $1 million (it is currently at 35% with a $5 million exemption, and President Obama wants it at 45% with a $3.5 million exemption).
What else? Capital gains tax rate will go up from 15% to 20%, and all dividends will be taxed as ordinary income. The president’s proposal is to raise the capital gains rate and tax dividends as ordinary income, but only for incomes over $250,000.
Any more? The Alternative Minimum Tax, which, if Congress leaves it unchanged, will affect more people, but also more affluent people (although they don’t have to be super rich). [….]
[…..] But, they seem destined on never learning that this president has beaten them at their own game again and again. They seem destined to never understand that this country has smartened up to their destructive tactics. They seem destined to humiliate themselves.
.
http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2012/12/the-gops-debt-ceiling-leverage-delusion.html
As I responded to Deaniac yesterday evening:
“Excellent, as always, Deaniac.
As some of us have been saying since August 2011, Boehner loaded the gun and pointed it at his and the GOP’s collective head because they were so certain PBO would be defeated. Ooops.
All the provisions of the BCA that trigger at 0001 1 Jan 2026 will mean a stream of revenue to the US Treasury because, among other provisions, is the most significant cut in defense spending, ever. That’s the law. That’s the trigger and Boehner’s finger is now on it. That’s some ‘98% of what we wanted,’ Mr Speaker. Please proceed.”
http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2012/12/the-gops-debt-ceiling-leverage-delusion.html#comment-734520224
#TrustBarack
Yep-yup, Bobfr! Ditto on “Excellent, as always Deaniac.”
And so, why were they in bed w/ Willard exactly? Hookers Inc.! :)
[Booman on new Senate Committees, but this made me LOL! & I promise to be a kinder person soonest! :) ]:
.
“Joe Lieberman made his farewell speech in the Senate today. No one cared.”
.
[More good stuff here]: http://www.boomantribune.com/story/2012/12/13/053/56926
Sometimes we forget to look at all the aspects of a proposition; I thought this paragraph in the same post was worth noting…
//…
People are giddy that Elizabeth Warren landed a slot on the Banking Committee, BUT[caps mine] they should ponder for a moment the overall effect of Joe Manchin and Heidi Heitkamp joining up with her. West Virginia and North Dakota are very red states, and their votes outweigh Warren’s. I doubt the banks are displeased with the overall change in the ideological makeup of the committee. ..//
I think TPM is rediscovering its “progressive” roots: http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2012/12/the_big_debt_limit_tell.php?ref=fpblg
Chat away everyone, back in a while:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/12/13/chat-away-90/