President Obama returns from his Christmas visit in Hawaii to the White House in Washington, December 27
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Dec
12
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President Obama returns from his Christmas visit in Hawaii to the White House in Washington, December 27
Let’s all think outside the box, starting N.O.W !! Thank you, PBO
Love it!
ARGH:
Worthless press.
Yet there were people on here as well as on Twitter lambasting PBO based on “GOP sources” (Scott Brown FB page) and their GOP-friendly media stenographers.
The GOP media plays the far left like a fiddle. Everytime!
I truly don’t understand the people lambasting Pres. Obama. He’s the one person who’s been working his ass off and fighting for them. On days like this, I’m glad I’m not the president because even though I’m a very patient person by nature, I would have flipped them the birdie by now.
I share your sentiments, UT!
Russell Schaffer @RussOnPolitics
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We have a Republican leadership acting out of fear: Boehner afraid of losing speakership next week; McConnell of losing primary in 2014.
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And well they should be. May all their fears be realized… Suggest if they were acting in a morally sound and ethical ‘greater good’ manner, they would have nothing to fear.
AND INDEED…BOTH OF THE AFOREMENTIONED ARE WORTHLESS…TAKING UP WASTED SPACE IN D.C.!!!!
I love the top 10.
You’re so funny.
Just heard on MSNBC (so I’m takin’ it with a truckload of salt) that despite Sen. Inouye’s deathbed wish, there possibly was a personal twist behind the reasoning of Gov. Abercrombie to select someone other than his choice to replace him (which was unusual from the start, but it seems crass that he didn’t do that). Apparently the two politicians didn’t see eye to eye. So, I’m guessing Abercrombie got in the last word.
Sometimes it goes the other way, and it reminds me of two security guards I worked with once, John (the one with the sense of humor) and Henry (a surly type). They didn’t like each other at all. Henry passed away and John was shocked when the widow asked him to be a pallbearer. John accepted, of course, and as he was fulfilling his duties, at one point moving floral arrangements to another location, wearing white gloves, all of a sudden the water in one of the arrangements poured out over his then-soaked gloved hand, a big mess. Later, John told me, “That s.o.b. Henry. He got me from the grave!” It annoyed him for weeks. Ha!
I kind of think the youth issue was important. The senate is aging and some young fresh blood will make for a better future.
Oh, I agree with that one. Not sure it’s a given that “some young fresh blood” will always work out, but we need some new ideas which better match those of our innovative, global, eyes-on-the-prize, legendary President!
Scott Brown???
No thanks!
Shit happens. Don’t it?
Hello TOD, how is everyone?
Did you know today is the third day of Christmas?
Someone said POTUS didn’t look to happy. Why would he be happy, having to leave his family in Hawaii to come back to try to deal with a bunch of Republican right wing terrorists who is trying to destroy this economy. I’m piss off myself, because a deal could have been worked out by now. And no “F” that come together B.S from the coffee guy., it is one side holding everything up, the Republicans.
Yep. He looks pissed and rightfully so. I pray for the Republicans if he misses New Year’s.
And COLD. Coming back to DC and the cold because of the assholes in the GOP. Don’t know if POTUS is angry but I’m angry enough for both of us.
Can he get back on the plane as soon as this is done?
I was wondering the same thing, Pamela.
Oh, and incidentally — pick up some milk today. Or tomorrow.
But definitely soon…
He looks so tired! Courage my President! We can do this.
He has more than enough courage. We need the Rethuglicans to show half the courage because so far, they haven’t shown more than one eighth the courage of PBO!
Not even 1/16th.
Actually what is needed is not the President’s courage. He has demonstrated over and over again that he is a man of courage. What is needed, in my humble opinion, is a groundswell of “We The People” to put the pressure on Congress to pass the President’s proposals. These right wing nuts intent on destroying the country should be constantly put on the hot seat with phone calls, e-mails, faxes, tweets, etc.
Yes, Nathkatun7 – you have it exactly right! Everyone, please FAX, tweet, call, use the Dashboard call tool, or otherwise lay it out for Republicans in Congress that we are paying attention and we blame them for not doing the right things weeks ago!!
Absolutely. I get so aggravated when those on the left berate him – he’s not perfect, and I don’t agree with everything he does, but considering what he has to deal with he’s doing a great job. Thanks for your response.
Members of Congress do not get paid until they do their job.
They can’t just let the country go “over the cliff”
and not take the brunt of it themselves.
Who will introducethat resolution?
No paychecks for them. None.
Until they have done their job.
Or else we fire them.
It’s not the cliff that we need to worry about, it’s the debt limit. That would send us unto a depression, just like the 1930s.
And I am beginning to think that is exactly what the republicans want, so they can justify their getting rid of government.
Many, if not most, members of Congress are already millionaires. I like the symbolism very much, but most don’t need the cash. They’re in it for the power. Well, actually, to abuse the power in the case of Republicans.
GOP: AGAINST EVERYTHING AND FOR NOTHING
Bush aide: ‘GOP is shrinking daily before our eyes’
By Steve Benen
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When a former aide to George W. Bush and John McCain does it, the criticism resonates a little louder. In this case, it’s Mark McKinnon, who wants “a new Republican Party.”
Increasingly, it is becoming clear that the party is against everything and for nothing.
Nothing on taxes. Nothing on gun control. Nothing on climate change. Nothing on gay marriage. Nothing on immigration reform (or an incremental, piece-by-piece approach, which will result in nothing). It’s a very odd situation when the losing party is the party refusing to negotiate. It may be how you disrupt, but it is not how you govern, or how you ever hope to regain a majority.
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http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2012/12/27/16192232-bush-aide-gop-is-shrinking-daily-before-our-eyes?lite
I just love how all this was handled. Nice clean passing of the torch. Nicely done, Democrats.
One of our own is hitting the (sort of) big time: Deaniac is going to be on Davis Shuster’s radio program this Saturday talking about chained CPI at 3.30 pm EST. His post is here: http://www.thepeoplesview.net/2012/12/programming-note-i-will-be-on-radio.html
Nice!
HE’S going to make some head’s explode:) From BOTH fringes….
That’s great! Recognition for Deaniac’s intelligent analyses is long overdue. He’s one of the most thoughtful people writing today.
WOW, convened for pro forma session and then adjourned for the weekend. Wow.
Nancy Pelosi has something to say to the DO NOTHINGS she has to put up with!
http://www.democraticleader.gov/Pelosi_Calls_on_House_Republican_Leadership_to_Come_Back_to_Work_on_Fiscal_Cliff
6:30 Sunday night!!
This is nothing but a deliberate spit in the eye to the president. He is dealing with two-year olds.
NYT says POTUS brought Bo back with him.
What did Harry Truman (think it was Harry) say about “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog … “
good hawaii morning chips and todville! that picture right there tells me how our president feels about leaving his family early and returning from beautiful hawaii to a hard town and a hard job…in the cold winter. my heart goes out to him!
If anyone missed the Kennedy Center Honors last night——and need a break from all this frustrating, dumb nonsense—–here are the highlights, and it was amazing. I am obsessed with Beth Hart after that performance last night—wow!
http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/12/27/kennedy-center-honors-buddy-guy-led-zeppelin-video/
The Kennedy Center Honors were amazing last night!!
Best show I have seen in a long time. Class acts all round…..
Delusional, dangerous little fockers
http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2012/12/republicans-now-100-awol-fiscal-cliff-talks
No Republican dares to be associated with a tax increase, including McConnell. Grover Norquist and his blood pledge still control them all. Will this change after January 1, when the conversation is no longer about raising taxes, but about lowering them? That would make sense, but sense is in short supply these days in the GOP caucus. Here’s the best quote in the entire story:
“The president made a strategic miscalculation and overreached,” said one GOP aide granted anonymity to discuss party strategy. “He could have worked to reach a fair agreement, but instead he picked a fight, poisoned the well, and now we are likely to have a rather unproductive next four years. The decision he made only hurts himself.”
The president overreached! He spent an entire year campaigning on letting tax rates go up modestly on the rich, and then, after winning a convincing victory in November he insisted on….letting tax rates go up modestly on the rich. In GOP-land, that constitutes “poisoning the well,” and it will now become the official excuse for another four years of bitter obstruction and spittle-flecked conspiracy theories. The whole process took less than two months from start to finish. Happy New Year, everyone.
Someone explain to me how this is not a tax hike. They won’t even close loopholes because that ‘counts’ as a tax hike, but they will let taxes rise for nearly everyone that that doesn’t violate their stupid pledge.
Df, this is their delusional way of saying that their own vindictiveness is more important than anything that will help their own constituents, the American economy or the nation’s future. They want the uninformed to believe that they are blameless. But it isn’t going to work. Americans know which branch of government is out to get them and it’s our job to make sure they never forget.
” Americans know which branch of government is out to get them and it’s our job to make sure they never forget.”
I wish this were completely true, JackieG! The mainstream media keep pushing the meme that both sides are at fault. So called progressive are quick to jump on the President’s throat whenever the media writes negative pieces blaming the President. Sadly, even some of us here have not been immune to media manipulation that always manage to blame the President .
Senator Schatz from the state of Hawaii has been sworn in by VP Biden.
He’s being welcomed with handshakes from Senators who are present on the floor.
aaagh–i missed it!
Here you go:
brian schatz being sworn in live feed:
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/category/198303/livestream
sorry–over.
He cannot beat brown, that’s a ten point loss. We need somebody better, better name recognition
Hasn’t Markey been around a long time, tried and true? A wise gentleman? Well known in MA? Of course, with our celebrity culture, I see what you mean.
He’s been around. I’ve seen him a lot on TV. Speaks on environmental issues I think. He can win.
Jovie they said the same thing about PBO in the Dem primaries, didn’t they?
This guy lost to coakley in the primaries. He is uninspiring.
Lets keep looking!
We can do better
Jovie I completely agree with you!!!! He is a wet blanket!!!
That’s absolutely untrue! Do you live in Massachusetts? I really wish people here would stop spreading negativity.
Laurence O’Donnell had a lot to say about this race. He knows Massachusetts politics as well as anyone, I think. He misses others sometimes (i.e.Tim Pawlenty) but he knows the MA Demo party and politics. He said three weeks ago that Markey is the strongest candidate, and gave reasons. I, of course, do not remember. I have been impressed when I’ve seen him and heard him speak. He is smarter than Brown, and if he campaigns hard, and Gov. Patrick comes out strong, he will make it. He would make an excellent Senator. He is especially strong and sound on environmental issues, something dear to the MA heart.
Correction. Ed Markey did not run against Martha Coakley. How I wish he had run then!!!
I agree. Mrs. Vicki Reggie Kennedy MUST run!!!
We on this blog are not from MA. Think how off we were on the Hawaii appointment…..every state has internals we know nothing about.
I think you are totally mistaken, Jovie. My cousin lives in Boston and tells me Rep. Ed Markey is well known, and highly respected, throughout MA. He has been a major force in Congress on the issue of environmental protection. He is an excellent speaker and debater. I am absolutely convinced that he will crush Scott Brown. So please stop spreading negativity.
You are correct, Nath. Markey is a well known commodity in MA. He has a good reputation, and more importantly, he has a big presence there. He was well known long before I moved from MA to FL 12 years ago.
Jovie, I beg to differ. Congressman Markey has the best name recognition of any member of the Massachusetts delegation. He is a true liberal and the majority of our volunteers will work for him. I am delighted that he has decided to run. Scott Brown is not the inevitable winner. First, he is not the “nice young man” who is new to statewide politics any more. He has a record, and I am sure he wishes he could undo some of it. Second, he ran a despicable campaign against Elizabeth Warren and the memory of that campaign is still fresh. I am sure that Elizabeth will work well with Ed Markey. Good choice for Massachusetts, good for President Obama and terrific news for all environmentalists.
Hgerhard, I agree with you 100%! My cousin and her daughter who are in Boston are exited about the news of Rep. Markey deciding to run for the Senate. He is widely known and very well respected in MA. He is also widely respected by environmentalists throughout the country. I have seen his speeches both on the House floor and in the House Committee hearings. He is an absolutely brilliant and effective speaker and a highly skilled debater. As the patently subjective saying goes: Ed Markey has “presence.” This notion that Scott Brown would trounce him is totally absurd and can only come from people who do not know Congressman Ed. Markey. By the way, If I remember correctly, I don’t think Rep. Markey run in the 2010 Democratic primary to replace Ted Kennedy, as Jodie alleges. But then again I could be wrong on this one. I will look this up.
I cannot wait until the Inauguration so that he can kick their asses with his State Of The Union speech. This is a shame that he has to leave his family for this nonsense. And they can blame him is so predictable. I trust him that he knows their next idiotic move, whines and cries, pointing fingers and blaming others.
Thank goodness he has Bo to keep him company. Thank you Nancy P. for telling those lazy do nothing to get back to DC and work. They should not get paid if they don’t.
To someone outside of the country – it seems as if the GOP can do nothing but insult their President. He returns from vacation – and they decide congress should go home. It is more than disgusting – it is vile – and there seems to be no other reason other than the color of his skin. Until the GOP is completely removed from any form of power – they are making the case for the US to be seen as gun loving racists.
Our President does look a little tense–maybe he’s just bracing for the cold weather (remember he just left the warm and sunning island of Hawaii). But realistically, he’s most likely in deep thought and perhaps bracing for the fallout from the Republican-inflicted ‘Fiscal Cliff’ fiasco. Besides, it’s been a long and arduous year for our President.
Sure there have been some wonderful and joyful moments–like sweet victory on Election Night or the feeling of joy on the night of the State of the Union Address when he embraced Congresswoman Gabby Gifford publicly one last time before she stepped down and when he used the same occasion to kick some Republicans’ butts.
But there also have been way too many low moments. Of course we all know about two weeks ago when he had to console the nation and the families of Newtown, CT after that tragic massacre of 20 young children and 6 six adults at the hands of a crazed gunman. And shortly thereafter the President had to attend another funeral and extend an arm of comfort to the widow of the late Senator from Hawaii. And as we know, the year leading up to the the President’s reelection was fraught with tragedies. Remember, Hurricane Sandy came about a week before his reelection. And the list of tragedies for the year of 2012 goes on and on…
So, judging from that photo of our President above, it does look like we need to say a little prayer, light a candle, or just send out some good vibes of support and encouragement. We know President Obama is a courageous man, but he needs to be reminded every once in awhile that he’s still loved by ALL of US, and we’re right there behind him.
Donna Dem posted the White House link earlier to send him a note of encouragement. Maybe we should overwhelm him with encouragement, as you said!
I did go to WhiteHouse.gov and do just that; I told him we trust him to do what is best for the country, but I did also express my desire that a hard and fast line be drawn against the Republican opposition. We have had enough.
These people just cannot stand for the President to have a few days off. They always find something to destroy his time off. It would not surprise me if the House left for that reason. It’s time this nation show its gratitude for such a wonderful leader.
The House, according to Cantor, according to MSNBC, taken with a grain of salt, will be coming back 6:30 p.m., Sunday evening. Expletives deleted from what I’d like to write here.
Boner coming to work at 6:30 on Sunday night, McConel will work too.
Boner said they will act on whatever The Senate passes.
WTF?
I guess what Boner’s saying is that we don’t need the House any more. Time to amend the Constitution, then. Let’s leave all of our laws in the hands of the President and 100 Senators. Yeah, that’ll work in the offyears. Not.
The funny thing is, these bills cannot originate in the senate. They will be blue slipped.
They r just fucking around!
Of course. It’s who they are and what they do. Stall tactics, cop outs = the only tricks of losers.
I would love it if we could dock their pay for the time they have been off this year. They have only worked an average of two days a week, which is less than working only weekends, Ridiculous.
We need to start a campaign to at least dock the salaries and other benefits of the Speaker, House Majority Leader and other Republican House leaders who set the House agenda. May be also for the majority of Republicans in Congress. I would hate to dock the salaries of Democratic members of Congress who have been ready to go to work but have been stymied by the GOP obstructionists.
Hey Repugs, Our PBO, the hardest working, most dedicated person in our government for the past four years, returned early from a much deserved vacation with his family. Where are you…………sitting around crying in your beer, or whatever you are drinking. Ask us, the citizens of this country if we are impressed with your behavior, NOT! When are you going to do your job, the rest of the country would like to have a job like yours, do nothing and get paid regardless. There that is my rant.
Yes. Ask.Us.
Is Senator Reid still giving that presser?
I believe it was moved, then cancelled. Not sure anymore. Up is down, and all that!
This was so damn awesome last night:) h/t Political Carnival
The drummer is John Bonham’s son….
I was in California for the holiday but luckily made it home last night just in time to watch the Kennedy Center honors. What a great show.
The show was rocking from start to finish.
http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2012/12/27/white-house-petition-to-recognize-westboro-baptist-church-as-hate-group-most-popular-ever/
Science rocks! So does this smart young man:)
http://crooksandliars.com/susie-madrak/15-year-old-kid-may-have-just-saved-y
Of all the things that happened this year, one of the most important innovations is one you probably didn’t know about. A fifteen-year-old boy named Jack Andraka has developed a cheap, easy and highly accurate paper sensor for the early detection of pancreatic cancer, and in May, he won the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in the medical and health sciences category, earning a $75,000 prize.
If you live in America, chances are you’ve lost at least one relative or friend to the disease, because it’s one of the most common (and most lethal) forms of cancer. (I lost my dad to pancreatic cancer a few years ago.)
Jack explains:
I lost my aunt almost six years ago. She was in her mid 70′s and had the surgery that almost killed her but the cancer came back and she decided to let it take it’s course. It was the most horrible thing to watch. The detection took almost four months to diagnose that it was pancreatic cancer. I don’t know if finding it earlier would have made a difference. The treatment gained only one year and half after the surgery.
so sorry to hear about your aunt, jojo.
Agree +100000000%
Excellent Idea, Bobfr! These terrorists need to be exposed.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/plum-line/wp/2012/12/27/the-irresponsible-republican-party/?hpid=z2
more good news on sen schatz:
‘ On his flight on the presidential aircraft: “It was a lovely flight. I slept almost the whole way,” he said.
Asked about his conversation with the president, he said: “We had a brief chat. We’re anxious to get to work, and see what we can to try to avert the fiscal cliff and I’ll be looking forward to supporting the administration’s priorities.”
Schatz served as the chairman of Obama’s 2008 campaign in Hawaii. Asked about his relationship with him, he said, “I’ve been a supporter of his from the very beginning. For Hawaii it’s not just a matter of him being from Hawaii, but we feel that he represents our values on the national stage. That’s what I’m looking forward to supporting.”
The pool reporter asked about his reaction to how the appointment process worked, noting it was something of a surprise since Sen. Inouye had expressed a different preference.
“No one can fill Senator Inouye’s shoes, but we’ll all try to walk in his footsteps together,” Schatz said, echoing remarks at the news conference yesterday. “His humility, his service to his state and his country, his kind demeanor — we’ll all try to emulate that. But certainly no one can fill his shoes.” ‘
http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/story/20433973/newly-appointed-sen-schatz-arrives-in-dc-gives-first
I really, really, really like Senator Brian Schatz a lot – what a breath of fresh air…
There’s just something so decent, honorable and intrinsically good about him…
Something that has been missing for a while in the twisted, nasty, disrespectful, dishonorable, messy culture that is D.C…
I agree with you, Chi. He really comes across as a very genuine and decent man. I’ve been feverishly reading everything about him and I think he will be a good Senator and a very dependable Democrat.
I think so too Nath; I really loved how kind and respectful he was to Senator Akaka and to V.P Biden…
I must say that I was incredibly impressed overall with how remarkably brisk, clean, strategic and respectably this entire process of replacing Senator Inuoye was handled…
Democrats should do things like this more often…
Smile:) This change has been long in the making, but it WILL come!! Be proud of the change we are forging…and never give up!
http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/27/opinion/ghitis-2013-social-change/index.html?hpt=hp_c1
Give ‘em hell, Harry!
it’s beyond me how boner can think destroying his country’s fiscal solvency will assure re-election to a leadership position. still, the evidence against the rethugs in this disaster is impossible to ignore. they are going down in a blaze of ignominy, but they are going down.
It’s insane and so arrogantly presumptuous, selfish and seriously unpatriotic…
Sen. Harry “Honey Badger” Reid just tore Boehner and McConnell a new one on the senate floor. Reid is piiiiiiiiissed.
Here’s a link: sorry that it’s huffy puffy
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/27/harry-reid-john-boehner-fiscal-cliff_n_2370269.html?ncid=webmail1
A NORMAL PARTY TAKES RESPONSIBILITY
It’s Our System On The Cliff
By EJ Dionne
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WASHINGTON — The United States faces a crisis in our political system because the Republican Party, particularly in the House of Representatives, is no longer a normal, governing party.
The only way we will avoid a Constitutional crackup is for a new, bipartisan majority to take effective control of the House and isolate those who would rather see the country fall into chaos than vote for anything that might offend their ideological sensibilities.
In a democratic system with separated powers, two houses of Congress, split between the parties, a normal party accepts that compromise is the only way to legislate. A normal party takes into account election results. A normal party recognizes when the other side has made real concessions. A normal party takes responsibility.
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http://www.nationalmemo.com/its-our-system-on-the-cliff/
Right Wing Plotting Coup Against Boehner?
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In response, some on the right are mobilizing to replace Boehner with a House speaker who drops Boehner’s pretense of being willing to negotiate with the White House, and who sticks more purely to extreme conservative dogma.
.
.
If the move to vote via secret balloting is successful, then House Republicans would be able to anonymously vote until a Republican gains the 218 votes necessary for election as speaker. According to Boyle, House Republicans are confident that Boehner would not survive a secret ballot — but that another, still-anonymous congressman, “will unite the party and take the speakership.”
.
.
Until the Republican Party listens to the American people and compromises on its extremely right-wing (and extremely unpopular) positions, changing its leadership will amount to little more than shuffling the deck chairs on the Titanic.
—————————————–
http://www.nationalmemo.com/right-wing-plotting-coup-against-boehner/
Sounds like Ryan – losing GOP VPs are not very nice people
Yep, pretty sure they’re planning to vote Ryan as speaker. Bad news because Ryan is extremely rigid yet popular (still) in the media because , you know, he’s such a “serious person” and knows so much ( NOT ! ! ) on economics. Good news though is that Ryan has “the Ryan Budget” all around his neck.
I think things will get worse before they get better. It’s pretty clear the “fever” has not broken, as democrats were saying (wishing) it would after the election.
I really really hope President Obama and the democratic leadership in Congress are prepared for the republican antics. The only way they can make republicans back down is with winning the media war. They’ll have to be very organized, because if Ryan gets elected Speaker, he will be on tv ALL THE TIME, spouting his nonsense in a much more “articulate” way than Boehner ever could. Hang on to your hats, folks !
Hi everyone, Happy Holidays !
Seasons greetings to you to – which is somewhat in conflict with my view of Ryan – for a man who was raised on the safety net of help for widows and their children – he is so very keen to ensure that later generations are left to die – the lack of humanity in those elected to represent the people of America is utterly frightening – it seems the media entirely IGNORES the hatred embedded in their souls.
The American media is indeed much of the problem…
If the media did their job as opposed to being a willing partner and completely complicit in the GOP’s continued destruction of this country, the country would not be in this precarious position…
Shame on our media…
THIS!
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
I personally would like to see all votes taken by the House of Representatives and the Senate posted on the front pages of newspapers around the country. Every American should know how their representatives are voting on important issues impacting the well being of the country.
It infuriates me that the GOP are going to waste President Obama’s presidency with these games.
Yes. The GOP is the biggest single source of ignorance and pollution in the country.
You are absolutely right, Sara. And as Chi clearly said above, the GOP is being aided and abetted by the mainstream media.
Theo, take heart (I know it is difficult) but they are not going to succeed wasting PBO presidency. When the story is told it will not be because he had a willing house to work with but what he achieved irrespective of them. I try not to despair by making this analogy, it takes a dark sky to see the star. It also takes the shades in a painting to get the depth and beauty of the picture. That said we the people need to get into action and let our disappointment and or more aptly let this repugs know how pissed we are at them as in for e.g. Bobfr tweets.
Spot on…
h/t http://thepoliticalcarnival.net/2012/12/27/2012-number-crunching/
Congressional working breakdown for 2012:
Days in session: 145
Average hours/day: 4
Total Hrs. in session: 580
Ave. Days absent: 25
Ave. hours attended 480
Ave. pay/Hrs. attended: individual $362.50/hr.
Lots more…it is unconscionable!
They do it because they can get away with it. They are abusive and irresponsible,
and I think we should figure out together how to put an end to this arrangement.
An end to all Congressional entitlements–immediately. Just for starters.
By my reckoning the 580 total hours in session comes out to LESS than 15 weeks of work!
INCREDIBLE
OhMyGod. They are desperate. Wow. I’m glad PBO is back in town.
This does not surprise me in the least.
The GOP has lost its collective mind!
This is ridiculous and a waste of time but……
I don’t trust the Clintons. It was pretty ‘convienent’ that she fell and got a concussion a little bit before she’s supposed to testify. I may be way off but her behavior during this whole Benghazi incident is suspect. She was eerily quiet during the whole Rice debacle and hid behind PBO. It makes no since to have the US Ambassador take the fall for an American Ambassador being killed when HRC is the Sec. of State. PBO is not a helicopter parent and when he puts someone in charge of a department he expects them to handle their business. Someone on this site said Clinton was the weakest part of his Admin and I’m starting to agree. And this is the person EmoProgs are crying to be our first woman president? No thank you. One Clinton was more than enough. I want her to testify so this whole situation can be put to rest.
The “incident” was 99.9% made up by Fox News trying to convince the voters that President Obama lied to the people – BIG FAIL
I am so utterly disgusted by these Repub antics. It’s beyond revolting. And I know I’m not the first person with this thought—-but didn’t we hear at one point that Boehner & Co. would be returning “on Thursday”?—–thus President Obama’s return—–and now not till Monday. I know that messing up Obama’s vacation played a big part in all this. These people are that vile. Scum.
They will play their witless wicked games for a while, but Karma is an inventive vindictive bitch who is coming after them. Their comeuppance will be huge.
Absolutely spot on…
His hair is almost completely gray now. This makes me sad.
Does it get any lower than this—-woman accused in scam related to Ct. school massacre, posing as an aunt of one of the victims, seeking donations for a “funeral fund”?
And isn’t this disgusting? Candy Crowley putting blame on Obama? Our news media is so dense and clueless it’s beyond shameful.
PBO is not a preschool teacher. He has his own kids he has to mold and discipline.
An exasperated hopefruit2 asks: Why is Candy Crowley so damn stupid?
Also, why is she so ugly? Just saying!
Candy Crowley is nearly always following the TeaNN FoxLite line. It’s what I expect from her. The one exception was her debate moderator performance. It’s why I never turn on CNN with rare exception.
How can you deal with people who pack up their toys and run home? She, and those like her, need to STFU and take remedial journalism classes. My minor was in journalism where we were taught that our job was to search tirelessly for the truth and to present it, supported by facts, in an ethical manner. Anything that was opinion had to be clearly labeled as such. Very little of what we have seen in print and electronic media in the past 15 years or so, has even come close to what I and many others fro that era were taught.
Agree with you, CEB–100%. My undergraduate major was in journalism, but now I’m almost ashamed to tell people that. I often wonder what journalism schools are like today. Do they even teach objectivity or journalism ethics any more? I have totally divorced myself from the profession. I no longer watch television news (especially network & cable news), and I no longer read any newspapers–including the so-called “liberal” media. I stay abreast of news by seeking information online–and I’m very discrete about my choices there. Thank God for Chipsticks & TOD. Though I know TOD is not a news operation, it is an excellent clearinghouse for political news. And as a bonus, it has great friends to interact with about the news.
Don’t forget election night Candy. Bohner was asleep and wouldn’t come to the phone when the president called. Good grief. Bohner is a nobody now!
How does anyone “deal with Boehner”? Why don’t the media tell the truth?
Indeed…
I just sent Candy Crowley a email.
THIS
I pay $4.95 a month to get the only legal feed of BBC World in the US. You can get it at livestation.com, and it’s well worth the money. It also streams AJE and France24.
Awesome. I hope they get a wider audience and are offered more broadly. American media is just the absolute WORST.
Discovery Channel owns the broadcast rights to BBC news in the US, and for whatever reason they don’t break it out as a TV channel like it is in the rest of the world.
Hmmmm, that’s interesting. Probably some sort of industry pressure.
More likely BBC World, although it does have ads, has nowhere near the ads that the US news networks do. Discovery wouldn’t be able to milk it for ad revenue as it does its other channels.
are there 25 Repubs in the House who will vote with the Dems on extending the Bush Cuts for the Midd;e Class
Boehner told House Republicans in a conference call that he’s “not interested” in passing a fiscal cliff deal with “mostly Democrat votes.” This really couldn’t be more effed up.
hmmm….well Monday will be here soon enough…we shall see what happens
No, not even 1.
Leader Pelosi has been telling folk for more than a month that she’s got the votes, i.e., knows Rs who will vote for it.
yes…i heard that…Monday is D day
Oooooooh….COLD.
That’s gotta be one of the dumpiest, frumpiest most pathetic things I’ve ever seen. And the HIDEOUS WHITE SHOES and low socks…..GACK!
Yup Magapie…he looks like a jar of mayonnaise.
Here is why the conservatives are really pissed-
investments would pay more. For example, if the family’s income was evenly split between wages and investments, they would pay no Medicare payroll tax because their income wouldn’t be high enough. But Kasprak estimates they would pay about $5,700 because of the tax on investments.
-/
The Affordable Care Act funds a substantial share of its cost through high-income Medicare taxes that will affect individuals making more than $200,000 and joint filers making above $250,000. The tax will go up by 0.9 percentage points on wages above those levels, and there will be a 3.8 percent tax on unearned income.
Relatively few people in the upper brackets will purchase their health insurance through the exchanges, and certainly none would be eligible for the premium subsidies. But they are being tapped — to the tune of more than $200 billion over 10 years — to help pay for a law largely designed to make insurance affordable to those who are less well off.
Here’s how the new taxes would hit a family of four making $400,000. Assuming the two parents made $360,000 in total wages and $40,000 through investments, they will pay more than $2,500 next year in new health law taxes, according to Nick Kasprak of The Tax Foundation.
Those who earn a greater share of their living from investments would pay more. For example, if the family’s income was evenly split between wages and investments, they would pay no Medicare payroll tax because their income wouldn’t be high enough. But Kasprak estimates they would pay about $5,700 because of the tax on investments.
-/
So sound like there were some controversy over Rev. Al Revives Award show last night. It seem the best musical award went to Gov. Christie of N.J. when,he was singing with Jimmy Fallon. People were dam right upset because they felt POTUS should have won for him singing Al Green’s song, solo. I can’t understand how they could give the award to Christie, no way, no how. So Rev. Al your award show sucks. POTUS should have won without a doubt.
In the mean time let’s have a laugh, huh!
>
> Subject: How most men think!
>
> Ladies, if a man says he will fix, he will.
> There is no need to remind him every six months about it.
>
> My sex life is like a Ferrari.
> I don’t have a Ferrari.
>
> I heard a guy complaining about how expensive his wedding is.
> He is going to be real pissed when he finds out how much his divorce is going to cost.
>
> My mother in law is coming . . .
> I had to clear out half my closet so she could have a place to hang upside down and sleep.
>
> NASA’s robot Curiosity landed on Mars.
> Early pictures show no signs of ESPN, beer, or porn.
> This makes it very clear that men are not from Mars.
>
> I once won an argument with a woman . . . In this dream I had.
>
> I’m writing a book about reverse psychology . . .
> Please don’t buy it.
>
> I tried exercise, but I was allergic to it.
> My skin flushed and my heart raced. I got sweaty and short of breath.
> Very dangerous.
>
> My ex is living proof of how stupid I can be.
>
> I want one of those jobs where people ask,
> “Do you actually get paid for doing this?”
>
> It’s funny when my girlfriend give me the “silent treatment.”
> She thinks it is a punishment.
>
> If there was a way to read a woman’s mind, I’m not sure I would want to.
> I hate shoes, shopping, gossip, and I already know I’m annoying.
>
> Whenever someone say to me, “You look familiar. Where have I seen you before?”
> I like to respond with, “Do you like porn?”
>
> Men have feelings too.
> For example, we feel hungry.
>
> Judging by the frying pan that just flew by my head, I did something wrong.
> I can’t wait to find out what it was.
This was all so funny…couldn’t stop laughing…
I laughed in spite of myself, whatever that means.
Hi all. I have been working some really loooooooong shifts lately. One of the Ph techs last day was today. I have been working her shifts and a few shifts up in the front of the store in Guest Services. I had a lady today that was scrambling to find really warm cloths for an upcoming trip. SHE IS GOING TO THE INAUGURATION. There was a lady that chartered a bus and booked hotel rooms for anyone that want to pay to go along. Everyone in the line behind her started clapping. Mind you this was in Allen Wests district, now Patrick Murphy’s.
What a great way to start my day,. Just wanted to point that out. Cheers from Delray Beach Florida.
Oh this is so lovely…
I hope loads of people show up in overwhelming numbers once again for the inauguration and shut the naysayers up…and those greedy hotels intent on gorging…
Hotels can’t quadruple room rates 10x over and then pretend that ‘rooms aren’t selling out’ because people just aren’t as ‘excited or interested’ in the inauguration festivities time around…
Stormin’ Norman…… Gone….. Geeze wasn’t that old!
I know, my Mom is 79yrs old and will be 80 next year. RIP General.
Pierce has a way with words that warms the soul
http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/tagg-romney-quote-mitt-romney-12262012
I really enjoy Charlie Pierce…
Smart, witty and truthy…
BINGO.
Phew, new post:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/12/27/this-and-that-48/
Just saw on CBS American Airlines hired 400 new flight attendents with a starting salarie of $23,000 and they will pay more than recently retired flight attendents in health benefits. I was telling a friend that salaries are going down not going up. When I graduated in 1982 these were starting salaries for new graduates. WOW.