Have you ever been censored or blocked by social media sites, like Facebook, for journalism, opinion or news-related content? Please tell us your story for an upcoming investigative report. Write to narconews@gmail.com with the details of your story. (From Al Giordano)
GM all. Last day to officially celebrate the Holidays….12 days after Xmas.
The Love from TOD monthly videos are on You Tube? Well, over at HP, a kindred spirit is indeed helping to spread the LOVE and the Goodwill of Chips over there.
I will be tickled pink when non-News outlets like Fox are treated like the scum that it is. Banned. Thrown out. Then, I will rejoice, loudly. For now, just….timid clapping.
This is what they deserve – mocking and sarcastic ridicule. They’ve made the public discourse so rude and juvenile, they deserve to be treated like children.
Did you notice how in sync were the strides of PBO and the Air Force officer as they walked to Marine 1? This says much about their relationship as well as a wider symbolism related to PBO’s relationship with the military.
Does anyone know who the Air Force officer is who always greets PBO when he goes on/off AF1? I think it’s always the same man and I’m guessing his wife. What is his official title? He always looks so genuinely happy to see the First Family.
Yes, it is clearly a warm and familiar relationship. Did you notice that the officer kissed Malia on the cheek just before she boarded Marine 1? Off to google around to see if I can find out his name.
Yay! They’re back. The camaraderie Pres. Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have with the military men and women who come to escort them on and off Air Force One thrills me. It says a lot about who POTUS and FLOTUS are as human beings. They treat everyone with dignity, kindness, and respect.
POTUS has signed H.R. 41 into law, this is the Sandy flood insurance bill that puts a little more than $9b towards Sandy recovery.— Shawna Thomas (@ShawnaNBCNews) January 06, 2013
The Washington Post reports that there are divisions within the Republican Party about whether or not they can effectively use a threat to destroy the country’s credit rating and cause a global recession to extract spending cuts from the Democrats. If they did it before, why not do it again?
Meanwhile, the New York Times focuses more on the big picture divisions like immigration, women’s rights, gay marriage, and letting the NRA dictate the GOP’s policy on guns.
In both cases, it is really a divide between conservatives and Republicans. The near-total capture of the GOP by conservatives has created a situation which has now come to a head. They call it the Conservative Movement for a reason. They have places to go. The problem is, the American people do not want to go there.
The conservative movement is too stupid to live, but the Republican Party is too advantaged by law to die. It would like to remake itself into a party that reflects the values of enough Americans for them to win. But conservatives would rather wallow in their own impotence and rage than change their core beliefs. The GOP will remain bitterly divided for quite some time. The splits will grow when we debate guns and when we debate immigration and when we debate climate and energy. The coalition cannot hold. The most reactionary of the bunch have the advantage of being correct about one thing. Without race-hatred and religious tribalism and gay-bashing and attacks on women’s rights, the GOP has no coalition at all. It would simply scatter to the winds. So, they will persist.
It has been stated by a few authors that the GOP/conservative radicals and their allies are in its death throes…i say that we should never underestimate the enemy…
I worry that as they fall to the dust…that they could just take us all with them….
taking back the state houses has to be a priority for the ~Obama Coalition~ forces…
Great piece and a must read! Thanks Ladyhawke for sharing it with us. This is the kind of critical analysis of the state of our politics, which is, for the most part, missing from our sensationalist driven, unethical, mainstream media
I agree with TahitiNut and I was born shortly after (4 months) FDR passed away. Thanks Chipsticks and UT for sharing these lovely pics of our first family, which practices family values instead of just talking a good game about family values.
Did FLOTUS’s Mom go with them this year. I haven’t seen anything of her, sorry to be nosey just that I have missed seeing her with them this Christmas.
As a mother, she has to balance her support for both of her children! My mother, may she R.I.P., did that over and over again for her seven scattered children.
My mother, may she also R.I.P. with yours, did that for her three children, too! They were excellent role models for the parents that followed … those of us who try to live up to their standards!
Yes we do, and I’m happy to report that Bo returned with the First Family as well.
No press cabin visit by the president on the flight home, but press pool reports Bo the dag strolled through on the way to the rear galley.— Mark Knoller (@markknoller) January 06, 2013
PBO would be as interested as coming by the the press cabin as he ends his shortened vacay as he would in having his eyes poked out. Really, Mark et al think it is all about them.
Over the past decade, Americans’ anger at government has grown. We’ve seen griping and grumbling, ranting and raving about government’s size and its role in our lives. Civil, healthy debate is valuable, but it’s impossible when the participants are uninformed.
Far too many people hold some very peculiar notions about our history, the Constitution, and government functions. Many of those who screeeeech the loudest about cherishing the Constitution have never bothered to read it and are ignorant about its contents. “We the people” can’t begin to solve our problems until we understand the governing process. And no, governing itself is not an evil activity.
Successful democracy requires citizen participation in all phases of governing, not just on Election Day. Participation requires an educated public. Unfortunately, our schools have been producing socially, politically, and economically illiterate citizens for far too long. Corporate lobbyists control the government because they know how to, and the public doesn’t stand in their way.
When you know how government works, you can influence Congress, find the text of a bill online, find help with government agencies, obtain documents under the Freedom of Information Act, and evaluate your representatives’ work. When you know what’s in the Constitution, and what’s not, you’ll know who’s grabbing power, and who’s not. Your life, and your children’s lives, will improve.
Recently, I wrote that we need to start teaching civics again. I asked parents to teach their children, but it’s a big subject, and perhaps you can use some help.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, and yes I cannot thank you enough for this post. I have been preaching the same thing to fellow employees and friends. I had a very nice Republican tell me that PBO is the one who is forcing us into the awesome Obamacare. He just made up the law. This person attends college. This pesron did not understand the role of the three branches of government, e.g. executive branch sets and implements policy, Congress makes and funds laws, and the judicial interprets policy and law within our constitutional framework. The TEAPARTY folks I’ve seen on cable news shows seem UNREAD, UNEDUCATED, and UNINFORMED. They are angry but they are not able to make a cogent argument as to why they’re angry. I think all news outlets, especially C-SPAN and cable shows have a responsbility to make sure the public has a basic understanding of our system of govermment so they can make an informed decision about how they view a specific policy. Just getting viewers riled up and angry is not appropriate or socially responsible and I would argue ETHICAL.
Election night pic: President Obama works on his acceptance speech while waiting for concession call from Gov. Romney flic.kr/p/dH8Tww— Suzanne Williams (@SueWinMA) January 06, 2013
/blinking and rubbing eyes; cleaning glasses which are where they should be on nose/ Goodness gracious, YOU are still around! Well! Well! /muttering/ Good thing I wasn’t planning any trouble in the village.
Hellooo, Chips Chica! It’s sooooo nice to see you all chirpy and wide-eyed AND enjoying your Sunday.
Sleepy, but good. Stayed up until 5am (after exiting early from the village) reading. Can’t believe I actually remembered how to read a novel.
Now don’t go leaving today’s portion of work till the last minute. I won’t have too many clean towels to wipe up your tears if you are behind tomorrow!
It has just dawned on me that there is no snow on the ground in the touchdown pics. Sure hope it stays that way until well after the 22nd January! This is my American prayer for this month.
Apart from a few flurries last week, DC has been mainly sunny and dry (but chilly) so far. I hope it stays that way through January. We have an inauguration coming up in couple weeks!
PRESIDENT OBAMA DNC CONVENTION SPEECH – “CITIZENSHIP”
————————————–
But we also believe in something called citizenship — (cheers, applause) — citizenship, a word at the very heart of our founding, a word at the very essence of our democracy, the idea that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations.
I know that we have all felt it and talked about many times, but it is just amazing how so many people hold this president and his family in their hearts. We pore over every photo and commentary; we worry for their health and well-being; we defend them fiercely and pray for them without ceasing. We smile when they smile; we love the way that they love, and we want all of life’s bounty for them. We admire them for their works’ sake and for their sacrifices; and finally, through some strange alchemy that we had never experienced before them, we love them as family.
Yes they shut down and went to a paying scenario, and just when I was getting comfortable adding pics to my tweets too. Ticked me off, I can tell you, LovelyP.
I just figured it out too VC, the way I do it now is right click on a photo and if there is a “save as” option do that. Then in your tweet in the bottom left corner hit the camera icon and upload the .jpeg or whatever “save as” file component, and it will convert to a twitpic!
There has been a camera icon in the bottom left corner of my tweets! Well what do you know!! Did they just add that there after I read your instructions? They must have because *I* have never noticed it before today. LovelyP, thank you for bringing that to my attention.
/musing in dazed wonder/ You really live and learn……except if you are a Repub of course. Thanks again, LP.
While President Obama may not be happy about the low amount of the aid bill, he nonetheless signed it immediately. You gotta respect a man who keeps his word “put it on my desk, I got my pen ready”.
Big time, you betcha, GGail! That was the exact note on which I started my tweets earlier today.
Good Morning, tweeple! Here's a reminder that we have THE-MAN-WHO-KEEPS-HIS-WORD in the White House for 4 MORE YEARS. youtube.com/watch?feature=…!— Vick C. (@sonamie) January 06, 2013
Our Nation | Historical Documents | Branches of Government | How Laws Are Made
National versus State Government | Election Process | Citizenship | Games and Activities
Glossary | U.S. Government Web Sites for Kids
Thank “YOU” a4a. This is a pet peeve of mine. An educated electorate is the Republican Party’s worst nightmare. I am on a mission today to post as many vehicles as I can find to help educate the public on how our government works. In addition, every American should know how their representatives are voting on important legislation. I would love to see votes posted on the front pages of newspapers across the country. Also, clearly the mainstream media needs a refresher course in government 101 too. Everything is President Obama’s fault. it’s as if the congress does not exist.
You know Ladyhawke, I say “knowledge is power” to my students all the time, especially when I taught them the constitution! They just groan now, they have heard it so often. I am hoping it is seared into heir brains by the time they graduate from middle school.
One of my former civics students graduated from Harvard Law School. When he was a student in my class, he never complained about any of the assignments, even the more difficult ones. Other gifted students in the class were lazy, and all I heard from them all semester was how “difficult” and “meaningless” the assignments were and that I assigned “too much work.” They didn’t like studying the Constitution in detail, and they didn’t like the critical thinking exercises I developed. The truth is that they thought that because they were gifted, they already knew everything there is to know about everything, and besides, the workload interfered with their extracurricular pursuits. Well, the student who graduated from HL returned to the school one day and told me that the stuff I’d taught in civics class about the Constitution stuck with him and helped him when he was in law school. It provided a sort of heads up for his constitutional law class. You can imagine how surprised I was when he said this. Today he lives in Atlanta and works for a very prestigious Atlanta law firm.
GovTrack.us: Tracking the U.S. Congress govtrack.us use this handy tool to track your congress critter or senator – easy to use— (@a4alice) January 06, 2013
Accountability time … like these dudes have never faced from any President, ever …
Dear @McConnellPress you may have an impaired memory but We the People don't. YOU voted for #GWB's 2 unfunded wars + 2 tax cuts. #GOPFAIL— Bobfr (@Our4thEstate) January 06, 2013
Way to go Bobfr! Keep exposing their hypocrisy! As you keep reminding us, we can no longer depend on the the unethical media to communicate TRUTH to the American people. It’s now up to us, ordinary citizens, to be the source of of information for our fellow Americans. And you, sir, have been relentless in practicing what you preach. All I can say is thank you for all you do to spread TRUTH!
So everyone is talking about Chuck Hagel as SoD today I see. People are talking about the fact that it looks like Obama will be nominating him even with the Hagel antagonist doing their usual. I was just thinking and I maybe wrong, but what I think this shows is that Susan Rice may NOT have President Obama’s first pic for SoS anyway. I suspect that he was always gonna pick Kerry. But the GOP (particularly McCain and Graham) by elevating and throwing bombs Susan Rice just royally pissed off Obama and company. If Obama had really wanted Susan Rice as his SoS, the whole Susan Rice “asking to be taken from consideration” thing would never had materialized.
By floating the Susan Rice pic though, it elevated everyone’s ire up even though the news forever had been that Kerry was next up for state. By making Susan Rice a more sympathetic character, the GOP basically ensured that Rice would get backing from the our side even though we ALL thought Kerry would be next SoS.
Much like with the Mass Senate appointment. If Barney Frank was already being considered,then great, but if he wasn’t being considered and instead governor Patrick had already had a 1st choice, then the constant “hey Guv Patrick pick Barney” cascade would cause the same dynamic if/should Patrick pick someone other than Barney Frank.
Lamh36—-when John Kerry’s speech at the DNC was mostly foreign policy I thought that was a message as to who the next SOS would be.
The entire disgusting fracas about Susan Rice seemed odd to me. Where was the GOP getting her “impending” nomination from????
Hi Chips, Tried to thank you for the lovely greetings and shared feelings, but for some reason it didn’t post under the lovely video, above. Just wanted you to know!
Posted this upthread, but it also works with ur comment jovie
People are talking about the fact that it looks like Obama will be nominating him even with the Hagel antagonist doing their usual. I was just thinking and I maybe wrong, but what I think this shows is that Susan Rice may NOT have President Obama’s first pic for SoS anyway. I suspect that he was always gonna pick Kerry. But the GOP (particularly McCain and Graham) by elevating and throwing bombs Susan Rice just royally pissed off Obama and company. If Obama had really wanted Susan Rice as his SoS, the whole Susan Rice “asking to be taken from consideration” thing would never had materialized.
By floating the Susan Rice pic though, it elevated everyone’s ire up even though the news forever had been that Kerry was next up for state. By making Susan Rice a more sympathetic character, the GOP basically ensured that Rice would get backing from the our side even though we ALL thought Kerry would be next SoS.
Much like with the Mass Senate appointment. If Barney Frank was already being considered,then great, but if he wasn’t being considered and instead governor Patrick had already had a 1st choice, then the constant “hey Guv Patrick pick Barney” cascade would cause the same dynamic if/should Patrick pick someone other than Barney Frank.
The confirmation process will be quite a show. The neocons and the AIPAC’S lapdogs will reveal themselves. As well as the puppets of the defense contractors.
I wish the “left” wakes up to the fact that President Obama IS going against the big lobbies; he just carefully chooses his battles and doesn’t do everything at once because it is politically impossible. President Obama had begun some “cleaning house” at DoD in the first term ( some legislation on arms programs, on procurements) but I think that with the wars winding down and with a more stable economy, President Obama in his second term will have more time and energy to work on 1) the inefficiencies in the Pentagon and the political influence of the defense contractors and 2) the oversized influence of the Israel lobby both in Congress and in the State Department .
Hang on to your hats folks, it won’t be easy. We’ll see a lot of screaming at the President from all corners.
“he just carefully chooses his battles” – perfect – he chooses the ones he “HAS” to win & the McCain’s of the world never realize how little their opinion is liked, wanted or relevant.
A big stream of bullshit to watch this month: Republicans who made no effort to extend the payroll tax cut blasting O for not extending it.— (@daveweigel) January 06, 2013
I just got an email from MoveOn telling me to tell PBO to get Paul Krugman as next Treasury Sec. Is Geithner leaving? I respect Krugman’s economic knowledge and agree with him mostly but I think he has few political skills.
Agreed. Krugman is a good economist, point. He wouldn’t survive a week in the SoT position; it would drive him nuts.
Jack Lew is at the top of the list as Secretary of Treasury. He’s extremely qualified. And he cares about ordinary americans. He will be an ally of the President to fight against the excesses of capitalism, but unlike Krugman he is a pragmatic who’s aware of the political difficulties. And from the little I’ve seen of him, he has good people skills and works well in a team.
I used to subscribe to MoveOn but I stopped in 2010 because of their relentless attacks on President Obama. Paul Krugman is a distinguished economist, but he is not pragmatic when it comes to politics. Even more important to me, I deeply resent the idea that I should tell President Obama who to pick for his cabinet. I bet you people running MoveOn never told Bill Clinton who to pick for his cabinet! And Clinton had a few corporatists in his administration. Yet MoveOn was founded to defend Bill Clinton from impeachment. I am sick and tired of the double standards of the born again, holier than thou, liberal/progressives. I voted for President Obama because I respect and trust his judgement. President Obama is not my child for me to tell him what to do. Actually, I stopped telling my daughter what to do after she graduated from High School.
I completely agree. I have not unsubscribed but haven’t contributed to their campaign for years and for the same reasons. I voted for President Obama and I trust him to make the right decisions. I can’t remember a time when so many people seemed to feel they knew better than the man they elected.
George Stephanopolis pushed back against McConnell’s lies!
This morning on ABC’s This Week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) reiterated what has become the go-to Republican talking point in the wake of the fiscal cliff deal: That the issue of taxes and new revenue is finished, and will not be re-opened. “Now the question is, what are we going to do about the biggest problem confronting our country and our future,” McConnell said.
But this time host George Stephanopoulos pushed back. He pointed out that since last year Congress has already cut $1.5 trillion in spending, without any counter-balancing hikes in tax revenue until the fiscal cliff deal:
REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS REFUSE TO PAY BILLS THAT “THEY” HAVE INCURRED.
Obama to Use Bully Pulpit to Push Agenda
By Kenneth T. Walsh
———————————-
Obama has already begun framing the debate on raising the debt ceiling, which is emerging as the next economic battleground. He says failure to extend the current federal borrowing limit by late February would be a calamity, and he pledged not to negotiate over it. “I will not have another debate with this Congress over whether or not they should pay the bills that they’ve already racked up through the laws that they passed,” Obama says. “Let me repeat: We can’t not pay bills that we’ve already incurred. If Congress refuses to give the United States government the ability to pay these bills on time, the consequences for the entire global economy would be catastrophic.”
.
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But former House Speaker Newt Gingrich warns that confronting Obama on the debt ceiling will be harmful to the GOP. “They’ve got to find, in the House, a totally new strategy,” Gingrich told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Friday.
How about the strategy of doing their jobs and putting the welfare of the nation above their petty power struggles? If they actually did this instead of indulging in the feckless, divisive behavior that they have exhibited so far, they may actually grow their party.
Clue to @SpeakerBoehner it's both Unconstitutional & Unconscionable for Congress not to pay its bills. You have NO WAY out of that reality.— Bobfr (@Our4thEstate) January 06, 2013
NBC Boss Defends Trump : If he says things that r hurtful or cross a line, we would figure out what to do about that. buzzfeed.com/kateaurthur/nb…— Edwina (@NJedwina) January 06, 2013
Robert Greenblat: Donald Trump is an embarrassment to NBC; your defense of him is pathetic + unacceptable. Call NBC 818-777-1000. .@NBC— Edwina (@NJedwina) January 06, 2013
Retweet if you think Congresspersons should be required to take annual Continuing Education Test on Civics and be fined for public lies.— ForUS50 (@FORUS50) January 06, 2013
Have a highly recommended movie review to pass along—-from my daughter. Silver Linings Playbook——said it may be her fave movie of the year—–way more than she was expecting—–had tears and laughs and sports and music and meaningful drama. Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro—-said acting was superb. Loved it, said I had to see it.
Wow! I’m old enough to remember that address! What I remember is “military industrial complex” and all the talk that generated. We didn’t fully comprehend the significance of or danger of it at that time. We sure do now!
Bob, I, too, heard many a political speech in front of the radio. People developed better listening skills with radios. You didn’t get distracted by visual details like Eisenhower’s gray hair or his often stiff appearance. Ike had done real things in the world, he wasn’t just a politician. He could tell BS when he saw it and, as the former Supreme Allied Commander, he had nothing to prove. What impresses me now when I hear his old speeches is how he spoke to people as if they had brains and could understand complex sentences (as did Adlai Stevenson if you remember). He didn’t feel that he had to dumb it down for the masses.
“What impresses me now when I hear his old speeches is how he spoke to people as if they had brains and could understand complex sentences (as did Adlai Stevenson if you remember). He didn’t feel that he had to dumb it down for the masses.”
Very much so, Jackie. And, it’s interesting that you mention Adlai Stevenson – he’s easily in the top 10 people I have most admired in my life.
Bob, Adlai was the man who made me a Democrat. I heard him on the radio and then watched his speeches on B&W television and I found myself, as a very young girl, agreeing with him. Every one else in my family was a Republican at that time. But I kept the spirit of Adlai in my heart and never looked back.
Are you fearful that you might one day be “that guy” on The Tonight Show who becomes perplexed by the question, “How many U.S. Senators are there?” Do you think of mudslinging as something you and your little brother used to do in the backyard on rainy afternoons? Is your knowledge of American Government, well, a bit rusty?
If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, Project Vote Smart’s Government 101 is designed especially for you. This tutorial is informative, practical and easy, and is intended to help refresh your knowledge of American politics by providing useful information about Congress, political parties, campaign finance, the Constitution, elections, state government and much more.
We hope that if you take a little time to read through Government 101, you’ll be able to see past the spin and get the facts next time you vote. At the very least, you’ll be a heck of a lot more competitive the next time you play Trivial Pursuit.
– Introduction
– The Constitution
– Congress
– President
– How a Bill Becomes Law
– Elections
– Electoral College
– Campaign Finances
– The Budget
– State Governments
– Historical Documents
Funny you posted this just now, Ladyhawke! Was just there looking at the voting record of my shit for brains rep…..not pretty, but there’s an “R” behind his name…..so……it IS AZ you know! Although we are getting better! 5 Dems/ 4 Nutjobs!
Don’t know if this has been posted, but just finished watching Bill Moyers on PBS and this is INTERESTING TO EVERYONE
Anthony Leiserowitz on Making People Care About Climate Change | Moyers & Company | BillMoyers.com http://bit.ly/XA7r23 via @BillMoyers
Does anyone know who put the pork for Alaskan fisheres in the Sandy Relief Bill? Just curious who and why. Also curious about who added the pork for the agribusiness daries in the tax bill? Is there some source one can go to and discover this info? Thanks
aloha desertflower
thanks for this link. the shameless way the rethugs imply all the ‘pork’ in the bill is the reason they voted no. when actually, it was that very pork that got the yes votes from rethugs.
Whenever they scream the loudest…you know they are full of BS. That, and when their lips are moving. They never gave 2 hoots about the debt OR deficit. You know that:)
I don’t know if anyone has already posted this from smartypants, but it is excellent and deserves to be read and spread.
“The Obama Method
These days lots of political pundits are either trying to game out how President Obama will avoid negotiating with Republicans over the debt ceiling (which he has promised to do) or they are busy giving him advice about how to avoid it. The truth is – this is going to be a tough call. ”
That blog post by SmartyPants was great too. I never thought about a Mehod before that PBO uses to deal with RWNJ’s in congress but this fits the bill. Isolate them.
That was a very sweet story. It made me think of Greyfriars Bobby. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby “Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, John Gray (Auld Jock), until he died himself on 14 January 1872.[1] A year later, Lady Burdett-Coutts had a statue and fountain erected at the southern end of the George IV Bridge to commemorate him”
Beyond reinstating the lapsed Assault Weapon Ban and enacting bans on high-capacity ammunition magazines, the White House is reported to be considering instituting universal background checks for gun buyers, boosting mental health checks, putting into place a national database to track the movement and sale of weapons, and locking in harsher penalties for carrying guns in the vicinity of schools.
Faced with a potentially harsh Congress and efforts by pro-gun lobbyists to hamper such moves, the task force is also considering ways to work around those roadblocks:
In addition to potential legislative proposals, Biden’s group has expanded its focus to include measures that would not need congressional approval and could be quickly implemented by executive action, according to interest-group leaders who have discussed options with Biden and key Cabinet secretaries. Possibilities include changes to federal mental-health programs and modernization of gun-tracking efforts by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
and geeze DF what’s with the Junior Senators putting in their two cents about gun control? Heitcamp has an A from the NRA and Cruz is, well Cruz. They should be working! not being on TV shows. Don’t they have jobs to do ?
I hope Ed Schultz realizes that with ‘Democrats’ like his dear friend Heidi Heitcamp in the mix, President Obama once again does not have the ‘majority’ needed in the Senate and cannot magically do all of Ed’s ‘progressive’ bidding…
Ed will no doubt find any number of ways to absolve Ms. Heitkamp and somehow blame the President for Ms. Heitkamp’s blatant disregard for even the most basic of democratic principles and for clinging to her extreme right wing ideas…
A $10 billion settlement to resolve claims of foreclosure abuses by major lenders is expected to be announced on Monday, several people with knowledge of the discussions said Sunday, after weeks of negotiations between federal regulators and 14 banks.
The settlement follows a sweeping deal in February between state attorneys general and five large mortgage lenders, and covers abuses like flawed paperwork and botched loan modifications, these people said.
An estimated $3.75 billion of the $10 billion will be distributed in cash relief to Americans who went through foreclosure in 2009 and 2010. Another $6 billion will be directed toward homeowners who are in danger of losing their homes after falling behind on their monthly payments. The deal follows a week of feverish negotiations, and it almost fell apart over the weekend. Some officials at the Federal Reserve threatened to scuttle it unless the banks agreed to pay an additional $300 million for their role in the 2008 financial crisis that torpedoed the housing market and led to millions of foreclosuresy.
THESE HEALTH INSURANCE CONGLOMERATES ARE A PAIN IN…’YOU FILL IN THE BLANKS!’ WE CURRENTLY HAVE A WONDERFUL HUSBAND AND FATHER SUFFERING FROM HEALTH INSURANCE ABUSE IN THE HOSPITAL…HE IS A FOSTER FATHER TO SEVERAL SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN…3 WEEKS AGO HE HAD 2 TEETH PULLED…ALL RESULTED IN AN INFECTION IN THE JAW….HIS HEAD AND NECK GREW TO 3 TIMES THE NORMAL SIZE…BECAUSE INSURANCE HAS THEIR SELFISH RULES ON LIMITED HOSPITAL STAYS..THIS POOR MAN HAS NOW HAD 3 EMERGENCY ORAL SURGERIES,LOST 40 LBS. AND FACED INTOLERABLE PAIN. HE IS NOW IN METHODIST HOSPITAL IN INDPLS. ON DRAINAGE TUBES. HIS FAMILY CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT HIM…PLEASE PRAY FOR STEVE SNYDER….THIS IS A CIRCUMSTANCE THAT DESERVES A RIGHTEOUS LAWSUIT…PRAY THAT HE SURVIVES FROM THIS COMPLETELY SHAMEFUL AND HORRIFIC LACK OF DECENT MEDICAL TREATMENT. I AM THOROUGHLY TICKED OFF! MANY OF HIS OWN CHILDREN ARE AT HOME IN WHEELCHAIRS!
Oh Sue, my heart goes out to that poor man and his family. Do you know what the prognosis is? It seems beyond reason that so much could happen from two teeth extractions. This looks like one level of incompetency after another. Sometimes the American health care system is nothing less than inhumane. Please keep us up to date. I will keep him in my prayers.
He is in our prayers and may he and his family survive this unimaginable ordeal.
PS: Sue be careful posting a person’s personal health information on the innertubz. Your intentions are admirable, but there may be some privacy issues involved.
Of course, I will continue to keep the family in my prayers. It is nearly unbelievable that so much would happen in one family. I just wanted to point that out in case your employ or something related to this would include a privacy policy.
TIS’ OK…I UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERNS….UNFORTUNATELY INDPLS. HAS SOME BAD HOSPITALS…LATEST REPORT IS THEY HAD TO CUT HIS JAW MUSCLE FOR TUBE INSERTION…HE IS BEING PUMPED W/ IV ANTIBIOTICS NOW AND WILL STAY IN UNTIL HIS WHITE COUNT IS GONE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS AT FAULT HERE…AND SO IS THE ORAL SURGEON WHO BAND AIDED HIS PROBLEM AND RELEASED HIM TWICE! I’M NOT ONE TO KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT WHEN IT COMES TO MEDICAL MALPRACTICE…ALL OF THIS SHOULD HAVE DONE THE FIRST TIME HE WAS ADMITTED FOR SURGERY…I’LL REPORT LATER HOW HE IS PROGRESSING…BUT, I AM GOING TO ENCOURAGE THIS FAMILY TO SEEK JUSTIFICATION ON THESE MEDICAL BILLS…THIS IS SHAMEFUL. GOD BLESS YOU ALL..KEEP THE PRAYERS GOING!
Good Evening all my O’s!!!! Another great getting up day on the TOD blog!!! I’ve just been kicking back enjoying the games. So far, I’m 50/50. I pulled for the Colts (friend’s son is on the team). They lost. Now I’m pulling for Washington, no special reason, but that’s who I’m backing. They’re only leading by one point, so who know.
// President Obama is getting a special inauguration gift from Ireland: A song from the Corrigan Brothers declaring, “There’s still no one as Irish as Barack Obama.” The group’s first version went viral in 2008, earning millions of YouTube hits, an invitation to Obama’s first inauguration and a mention from Obama himself during his trip to Ireland.
The Corrigans wrote an updated version for 2012, and Ger Corrigan tells POLITICO that Obama’s (very distant) Irish cousin Henry Healy will be attending the inauguration and plans to present a copy of the song to the president. (The president took Healy for pints of Guinness in Washington last St. Patricks Day.) //
NBC News is really trying to stir it up tonight. They started out with ‘if you thought the fiscal cliff crisis was bad, just wait till you see the upheaval with the debt ceiling matter’. ho ho ho, salivating. Then— Looks like PBO is really going to thro down the gauntlet by expectations that he will nominate Chuck Hagel for Sec. of Def.—–then showing Lyndsey Graham and others making opposition statements about this choice—-NBC seemed happy as a lark with the possibility of more controversy. Then they went onto expected sweeping gun control proposals, with Repubs saying that it looks like Obama’s 2nd term will be an “in your face” style presidency. News media, not happy unless there is all kinds of controversy, in election withdrawal, and provoking and promiting it. Now they’re moving on to all the pork in the Sandy relief bill—–stirring up anger in the public about that—-millions to Puerto Rican rum makers and algae growers—-those got top billing in the report.
We watched ABC News with David Muir. Totally different. We used to watch NBC regularly, but have grown disgusted with BriWi. Last Tuesday we watched ABC for news because Diane was interviewing the women senators. I was pleasantly surprised. The actual news was given without editorial comment. Martha Raddatz gave a clear, objective report from the middle east, and the interview was terrific. After it was over, I mentioned to my husband that there was more actual news in the first fifteen minutes than NBC has any more. He agreed. On weekends we watch ABC because we like David Muir. NBC is not the proud peacock any more.
His coverage of the Newtown tragedy was very well done…
As for NBC, it’s all about rustling up ratings and it doesn’t matter if the potential for destroying our country by the republicans provides the ‘excitement’…
I have one more episode of Season 1 to watch on Netflix and then I’m all about finding Season 2 to watch somehow. I will be recording Season 3 to watch later, though and wish I could join in the fun tonight!
Yes, yes, yes! And I’m also going to watch the “Secrets of Highclere Castle” the hour before Downton Abbey starts.
For all of you who like British comedy/drama…….have you seen Doc Martin? It’s on Netflix too. Martin Clunes plays a surgeon who has to leave his surgical practice in London because he develops haeomophobia…..fear of blood….NOT good for a surgeon. He relocates to a seaside village in Cornwall…….if you haven’t seen it, check it out. You will laugh, cry, and become exasperated….great writing and great acting, and the scenery is beautiful.
Received a “heads-up” email that ball tickets go on sale tomorrow via ticketmaster; supposed to receive another email tomorrow with an unique link. Tickets are $60.00 ea; you can purchase two.
GM from my world – this has been a wonderful and informative thread about all sorts of things – you are an amazing and diverse group and Chips has generated a caring, interesting and entertaining group of people. It is a delight to read all the news which seems to send the message
I haz a sad My request for tickets was accepted and I went straight to the site as soon as I got the message on my cell phone of the email telling me how to get the tickets. After puting in my code and password they assigned me and it taking forever to load it said that there were no more tickets available. I am soooo disappointed. I wouldn’t have been able to party all night but I sure would have stayed as long as the First Couple was there
Donna, I’m having the same problem. Received the email @ 7:26 pm; was successful in logging on, however, have not been able to get to the purchase screen.
Yep! Mine came at the exact same time. Why wouldn’t they stagger it? Looks like they sent the email out to everyone who was accepted at the same time. I’m very sad! I knew I wouldn’t be able to stand outside in the cold for that long time it would take for the Inauguration because of health issues so I was hoping for the Ball. When I got that email my heart skipped a beat only to be dejected
Donna, given all that you contributed to re-elect PBO, perhaps you should consider sending a letter to the President and, depending on whom your Rep/Senator are, send one to them. Hope it works!!
They sold out within MINUTES of us getting the email. I guess I should be happy about the excitement for the Inaugural events by the public but if we could only purchase 2 tickets and we were selected with personal access to the site it just seems weird that they could sell out so fast. I guess I would understand this if people were allowed to buy as many tickets as they wanted but according the heads-up email that wasn’t the case.
I don’t know it just seems odd. I guess I should move on….
AP had a big story out today which was blasted across the country about the lack of enthusiasm. The MSM is really pushing that notion, for some troubling reason.
The MSM are totally unethical! They’ve hated President Obama from day one after his victory in 2008 was announced! Like the GOP, they were so convinced that their lies and distortions about the President would be enough to deny him a second term. Having failed to achieve that goal, they are now determined as ever to wreck his second term. Somebody should tell the MSM that they no longer have a monopoly on information.Consequently, they can no longer exert total influence in the formation of public opinion through their biased reporting. They are many sources of information and that’s why some of us can survive, and stay informed, without depending on the MSM.
Hey Yardarm, I saw this video and it reminded me of the conversation you and I had recently. This is the kind of thing I was trying to advocate – young children picking up the {protect us) gun message, organizing a ‘campaign’, building momentum, touching off the conscience of the country and forcing the adults in their world to support and protect them with sensible laws. This little lady has made a start (I wish she wouldn’t refer to my Pres as ‘Obama’ as I find that jarring, but I suspect that’s upbringing talking.
I don’t know if you saw YA’s and my previous discussion on the gun issue but I was dreaming of some enterprising, smart, young kids starting their own push to bring increased attention to the issue, with visions of it rising to the level of ‘Occupy’ but children fueled all across the country. Dreams can be such wonderful and idealistic things, right?
Unfortunately, VC, I’ve been missing much here at TOD because of my company building activities – getting more intense by the day, now. But I share yours & YA’s ‘dream’ … and, apparently Bronte is leading the way!!!
I love that. I wish it would get wide exposure. And I don’t mind the “Obama”—-I think of it as affectionate, familiar, endearing. We feel close to him, he’s part of our family.
In truth, Dotster, while I was discussing this with YA, your granddaughter Dotster who did that terrific civics project re PBO etc came into my mind. I saw her as ‘mature’, intelligent and aware enough to kick-start something in her school that could catch fire as a result of the raw emotions Sandy Hook has touched. I genuinely believe that children around the country have been touched by this. I also believe that there are enough potential leaders among our children who could carry the message along and I think the upraised voices of children ‘campaigning’ on an issue of their safety would be effective. Having said that, I think something like this would be most effective if the idea came FROM the children (ie is not adult driven).
If it’s any consolation even the staff got stiffed:
The unnerving feeling that everyone but you got the e-mail for your staff inauguration tickets and the refresh button you keep clicking.— chris dilts (@chrisdilts) January 07, 2013
I really believe that someone jumped the gun tonight. According to the email we rec’d at 3:30 today it said, “‘Tomorrow, Monday, January 7th, you’ll receive an email from Ticketmaster with a unique link.
Then suddenly we get the email with the link tonight at 7:30 which sells out in less than 5 minutes.
Yes, I saw a tweet that someone called a Ticketmaster manager and he said the tix aren’t available yet until tomorrow! I hope this doesn’t turn into a big fiasco.
Meanwhile, as a share of GDP, medicare spending hasn't grown in nearly 3 years. http://t.co/pbBwhAgy— The lovely Plains (@DaRiverZkind) January 07, 2013
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is considering keeping a force of 3,000 to 9,000 troops in Afghanistan after 2014, American officials said Saturday.
A concerted effort to unseat Speaker John A. Boehner was under way the day of his re-election to the position, but participants called it off 30 minutes before the House floor vote, CQ Roll Call has learned.
A group of disaffected conservatives had agreed to vote against the Ohio lawmaker if they could get at least 25 members to join the effort. But one member, whose identity could not be verified, rescinded his or her participation the morning of the vote, leaving the group one person short of its self-imposed 25-member threshold. Only 17 votes against Boehner were required to force a second ballot, but the group wanted to have insurance.
What might have been interesting is if 17 or more Rs had flipped to D before the 113th convened – something I had tweeted about. With 2 currently vacant seats, that would have the Ds at 217 and Rs at 216. If 19 Rs flipped, it’d be a lock and the Ds would have been the majority even if both vacant seats had become R. That didn’t happen.
Big ? for me is just how many House Rs are going to see their chances of re-election in 2014 become highly unlikely if they remain in any way affiliated with the crazies. One thing I am sure is the Leader Pelosi & Whip Hoyer know the Constitution and House Rules inside and out and are certainly capable of managing the implications of such a shift in actual power.
No matter what, it’s blatantly obvious that if Boehner wants to see any legislation of significance make it through the Senate and onto President Obama’s desk, he’s going to need a bunch of D votes. That fact, as demonstrated last week, will become ever more obvious to Americans in the weeks and months ahead. That fact gives Leader Pelosi (and Senator Reid and the President) big time leverage on Boehner. Besides being drunk, that’s why he cried on the 3rd – he got what he wanted, but he knew the consequences
Unfortunately, the U.S. system is not structured the same way as the British system where you can bring a no confidence motion against the Speaker. For now, John Boehner is the Speaker of the House until January 3, 2015; unless, of course, he personally decides to step down from the Speakership before that date. The other alternative, highly unlikely, is to accuse the Speaker of ethics violations and then vote to oust him not only from the Speakership but also from membership in the House of Rep.
What the hell is wrong with these Republicans? McConnell has been around for along time, but yet he is acting and sounding like a dam idiot. Excuse my language please.
Hello TOD family,
I really wanted to go to Washington for the inauguration, but it won’t be possible. I will, however, watch every moment of it online. I can’t wait to hear the inaugural address. In 2009, the great recession confronted the newly elected President. This time, the country is moving forward and President Obama has both a record to be proud of and an exciting agenda for the next four years. The struggles of his first term and the relentless obstruction of a hostile and mean-spirited opposition have not taken one iota of the President’s beliefs and determination away – to the contrary, he is more poised to lead and more confident than ever.
I truly believe that working for the election and re-election of President Obama is the most important contribution I have ever made. I am and always will be proud of having had a part in making history. I won’t have the pleasure of reading reviews of his administration’s accomplishments that may be published after his far reaching changes have fully matured – in another 20-25 years. That’s because this year I will have my 70th birthday and my health is not too great. But I am sure these reviews will be written.
The world is changing rapidly. We are so fortunate to have a President who understands the challenges and also the promise of change. We have the opportunity of embracing positive change to make the world more peaceful and address the big issues of of our time.
What we are witnessing today is the desperate struggle of a discredited minority to hold on to privileges enjoyed in the past. But neither wealth nor influence is the birthright of any one segment of the population, and this struggle is doomed to fail. President Obama is a true champion of democracy and his vision will serve us well. We shall overcome – and we will see a return to reason, to co-operation and progress. We will shape our destiny, as President Obama has pointed out many times. I am looking forward to the next four years – it will be a fabulous time to experience and to share.
hgerhard, this is wonderfully stated. I fully agree that re-electing the president was one of the greatest contributions to democracy that many of us will ever make. Please hang in there. I am catching up to you in age and I fully intend to read at least some of those histories.
hgerhard,
You should be proud of yourself for the amazing work you have done for PBO. I think watching it on TV while you sip whatever poison (drink) of your choice. I am in awe of you.
I won’t have the pleasure of reading reviews of his administration’s accomplishments that may be published after his far reaching changes have fully matured – in another 20-25 years. That’s because this year I will have my 70th birthday and my health is not too great….
**************************************
all things are possible with the Creator…..i hope he has mercy on you…….
Taiwan could become world's second non-Western, non-Latin country to legalize gay marriage (1rst South Africa) shanghaiist.com/2013/01/03/tai…— The lovely Plains (@DaRiverZkind) January 07, 2013
The day Barack Obama starts tweeting who I should hire & how I should do my job is the day I start telling him how to do his. #4yrContract— ForUS50 (@FORUS50) January 07, 2013
The right wing Neocon Israel hawks oppose Hagel because he won't GREEN LIGHT Bibi's attack and War on Iran.— Jeff Gauvin (@JeffersonObama) January 07, 2013
It appears the wedge is Defunding obamacare or give them massive cuts to Medicare etc.
A very cynical plan, while using the debt ceiling and government shutdown as leverage.
Jeesh.
Obama administration quickly rejects Syrian president's plan to stay in power, begin peace process: apne.ws/UxxaYh -RD— The Associated Press (@AP) January 06, 2013
Have you ever been censored or blocked by social media sites, like Facebook, for journalism, opinion or news-related content? Please tell us your story for an upcoming investigative report. Write to narconews@gmail.com with the details of your story. (From Al Giordano)
Congratssssssssssssssss on 1stttttttttttttt…Tien….
Smile. Thanks. Hope everyone is well and is willing to spread the word to help Al write his new piece on censorship (or incompetence) in social media.
done!
Good morning and congrats on First..
I am sure Bobf would be grateful for this as he was blocked on Twitter. I think Meta was too.
So glad he is back.
Well now congrats Tien Le and helloooo everyone.
Hellooooooooooooo Yardarm!
Hiya Admiral. Sorry I’m late but I slept in today. Getting ready for the play offs ya know.
I had to send the Shore Patrol people to look for you Yardarm, you’re a disgrace.
DON’T YOU DARE, MISSY! You’ve got a mighty set on you I’d say. Indeed!
The mightiest set!!!
Mind you they don’t get too big and heavy so they drag in the ground, eh?
Or get in my way when I’m body-surfing on dry land, we can’t be having that.
Then mind your helm and steer a course thats free of reefs and rocks, less your stones get snarled on ‘em, eh?
Em, okay. Snarled stones sound very painful, Yardarm.
It could ruin an otherwise beautiful day.
Top ‘o the Mornin’ to you, Yardarm!
Welcome home!
Hi everyone! Gonna be online for a bit. See you all later!
Urp, that’s OFF-line!
Welcome back to the 1st Fam
GM Dudette, you are truly a Space enthusiast? Music Lover. A TODer. An Obama lover. Kind and gentle soul, etc, etc, etc. You truly Rock lady.
From a fellow space nut….I agree!
((((Dudette))))
Thanks Nena and Rain! You’re very sweet!
GM all. Last day to officially celebrate the Holidays….12 days after Xmas.
The Love from TOD monthly videos are on You Tube? Well, over at HP, a kindred spirit is indeed helping to spread the LOVE and the Goodwill of Chips over there.
I thought you all should know.
Fox News producer was scolded by State Department
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/erik-wemple/wp/2013/01/02/fox-news-producer-was-scolded-by-state-department/
I will be tickled pink when non-News outlets like Fox are treated like the scum that it is. Banned. Thrown out. Then, I will rejoice, loudly. For now, just….timid clapping.
This is what they deserve – mocking and sarcastic ridicule. They’ve made the public discourse so rude and juvenile, they deserve to be treated like children.
that was a most excellent slap down by the state department in defense of SOS Clinton.
Welcome Home First Family
Did you notice how in sync were the strides of PBO and the Air Force officer as they walked to Marine 1? This says much about their relationship as well as a wider symbolism related to PBO’s relationship with the military.
Does anyone know who the Air Force officer is who always greets PBO when he goes on/off AF1? I think it’s always the same man and I’m guessing his wife. What is his official title? He always looks so genuinely happy to see the First Family.
Yes, it is clearly a warm and familiar relationship. Did you notice that the officer kissed Malia on the cheek just before she boarded Marine 1? Off to google around to see if I can find out his name.
Probably the Commander of the base, because it’s his Commander-in-Chief.
Yay! They’re back. The camaraderie Pres. Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have with the military men and women who come to escort them on and off Air Force One thrills me. It says a lot about who POTUS and FLOTUS are as human beings. They treat everyone with dignity, kindness, and respect.
I can see the enthusiasm to be back in Washington secreting from the Obama ladies’ pores.
The Crack-Up of the GOP: No Way Out
By BooMan
————————
The Washington Post reports that there are divisions within the Republican Party about whether or not they can effectively use a threat to destroy the country’s credit rating and cause a global recession to extract spending cuts from the Democrats. If they did it before, why not do it again?
Meanwhile, the New York Times focuses more on the big picture divisions like immigration, women’s rights, gay marriage, and letting the NRA dictate the GOP’s policy on guns.
In both cases, it is really a divide between conservatives and Republicans. The near-total capture of the GOP by conservatives has created a situation which has now come to a head. They call it the Conservative Movement for a reason. They have places to go. The problem is, the American people do not want to go there.
—————————————————-
http://www.boomantribune.com/story/2013/1/6/105318/4727
Seriously…everyone needs to read BooMan’s post…it’s that good.
Just brilliant Tien Le, that post says it all.
It is BRILLIANT. Thanks for sharing.
AWesome AWesome analysis….
here is one of the~money~ lines…
The conservative movement is too stupid to live, but the Republican Party is too advantaged by law to die. It would like to remake itself into a party that reflects the values of enough Americans for them to win. But conservatives would rather wallow in their own impotence and rage than change their core beliefs. The GOP will remain bitterly divided for quite some time. The splits will grow when we debate guns and when we debate immigration and when we debate climate and energy. The coalition cannot hold. The most reactionary of the bunch have the advantage of being correct about one thing. Without race-hatred and religious tribalism and gay-bashing and attacks on women’s rights, the GOP has no coalition at all. It would simply scatter to the winds. So, they will persist.
************************************************************
It has been stated by a few authors that the GOP/conservative radicals and their allies are in its death throes…i say that we should never underestimate the enemy…
I worry that as they fall to the dust…that they could just take us all with them….
taking back the state houses has to be a priority for the ~Obama Coalition~ forces…
The Struggle Continues~~
Great piece and a must read! Thanks Ladyhawke for sharing it with us. This is the kind of critical analysis of the state of our politics, which is, for the most part, missing from our sensationalist driven, unethical, mainstream media
This reply to your tweet was so sweet.
Loved that too UT, what a lovely thing for him to say.
Our oldest baby will be 15 this year; time is moving so fast.
July 4th Malia will be 15. I think FLOTUS has a birthday coming up this month January 17th I believe.
Yes she does. And Eric Holder’s birthday (Jan 21st) is on on MLK /Inauguration Day! Flotus will be 49 and Atty Gen. Holder will be 62.
Eric Holder will be 62? Methinks he’s “aging” well because he always tries to do the right thing for his country! Go, AG Holder!
I agree with TahitiNut and I was born shortly after (4 months) FDR passed away. Thanks Chipsticks and UT for sharing these lovely pics of our first family, which practices family values instead of just talking a good game about family values.
Did FLOTUS’s Mom go with them this year. I haven’t seen anything of her, sorry to be nosey just that I have missed seeing her with them this Christmas.
Also meant to say that it is great to see them back in Washington and all looking so rested and fresh from their vacation (interrupted in PBO’s case).
I believe she spent Christmas with FLOTUS’ brother Craig this year.
Ah, that explains it. Just concerned that she was ok. Thanks hopefruit.
We even know where the President’s mother-in-law spent the holidays. I just love it!
As a mother, she has to balance her support for both of her children! My mother, may she R.I.P., did that over and over again for her seven scattered children.
My mother, may she also R.I.P. with yours, did that for her three children, too! They were excellent role models for the parents that followed … those of us who try to live up to their standards!
No worries; everyone on this site is equally “nosy.” We even worry about the whereabouts of Bo!
Yes we do, and I’m happy to report that Bo returned with the First Family as well.
PBO would be as interested as coming by the the press cabin as he ends his shortened vacay as he would in having his eyes poked out. Really, Mark et al think it is all about them.
LOL! Exactly. Bo probably stopped by to give them the middle paw.
Ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For that, I really love and respect my President more than before.
Great to see you Sam, a belated happy new year!
Hi, Chips.
Hi Chips, good to be here, and a happy new year to you also.
Thank you Sam, hope all is good with you, lots of love!
THIS IS PRECIOUS!….LITTLE DID HE KNOW WHERE HE WOULD BE SITTING SOMEDAY!…:)
Government 101: Take the Plunge
Learn How Your Government Works
By Pat O’Malley
——————————————–
Over the past decade, Americans’ anger at government has grown. We’ve seen griping and grumbling, ranting and raving about government’s size and its role in our lives. Civil, healthy debate is valuable, but it’s impossible when the participants are uninformed.
Far too many people hold some very peculiar notions about our history, the Constitution, and government functions. Many of those who screeeeech the loudest about cherishing the Constitution have never bothered to read it and are ignorant about its contents. “We the people” can’t begin to solve our problems until we understand the governing process. And no, governing itself is not an evil activity.
Successful democracy requires citizen participation in all phases of governing, not just on Election Day. Participation requires an educated public. Unfortunately, our schools have been producing socially, politically, and economically illiterate citizens for far too long. Corporate lobbyists control the government because they know how to, and the public doesn’t stand in their way.
When you know how government works, you can influence Congress, find the text of a bill online, find help with government agencies, obtain documents under the Freedom of Information Act, and evaluate your representatives’ work. When you know what’s in the Constitution, and what’s not, you’ll know who’s grabbing power, and who’s not. Your life, and your children’s lives, will improve.
Recently, I wrote that we need to start teaching civics again. I asked parents to teach their children, but it’s a big subject, and perhaps you can use some help.
————————————-
http://voices.yahoo.com/government-101-take-plunge-7742194.html?cat=9
Thank you, thank you, thank you, and yes I cannot thank you enough for this post. I have been preaching the same thing to fellow employees and friends. I had a very nice Republican tell me that PBO is the one who is forcing us into the awesome Obamacare. He just made up the law. This person attends college. This pesron did not understand the role of the three branches of government, e.g. executive branch sets and implements policy, Congress makes and funds laws, and the judicial interprets policy and law within our constitutional framework. The TEAPARTY folks I’ve seen on cable news shows seem UNREAD, UNEDUCATED, and UNINFORMED. They are angry but they are not able to make a cogent argument as to why they’re angry. I think all news outlets, especially C-SPAN and cable shows have a responsbility to make sure the public has a basic understanding of our system of govermment so they can make an informed decision about how they view a specific policy. Just getting viewers riled up and angry is not appropriate or socially responsible and I would argue ETHICAL.
this is awesome! I’m going to go take the constitution quiz and see how little I know!
Hey. I’m a “constitution whiz kid” who knew
Good Morning, Everyone
thank you, Chips, for the latest video recaps.
Helloooooooooooo rikyrah!
Extremely happy to see that the Os are back . I can now relax completely. Thank you Ms Chips.
Hellooooooooooo VC!
/blinking and rubbing eyes; cleaning glasses which are where they should be on nose/ Goodness gracious, YOU are still around! Well! Well! /muttering/ Good thing I wasn’t planning any trouble in the village.
Hellooo, Chips Chica! It’s sooooo nice to see you all chirpy and wide-eyed AND enjoying your Sunday.
Feeling exceedingly chirpy VC, even though I’m actually meant to be working
How ya doing?
Sleepy, but good. Stayed up until 5am (after exiting early from the village) reading. Can’t believe I actually remembered how to read a novel.
Now don’t go leaving today’s portion of work till the last minute. I won’t have too many clean towels to wipe up your tears if you are behind tomorrow!
The office just called me VC, asked was I nearly done. “Ha, of couuuuuuurse,” I lied. Ah sure, everyone’s in too much of a rush, I reckon.
That may be, Chica, but you needn’t feel YOU are chosen to slow them down!
Ah but VC, I am the Slow-’Em-Down-Chosen-One!
Chips’ boss? I tried. I really have … a couple of times.
Nevertheless, she is a committed soul. You can take my word on that, Ma’am…er…I mean Sir.
Ssssssh, don’t tell him – for it is a He – that the reason I’m always late is because I’m hanging with VC on the interwebs.
No worries, CC, he won’t get any more than the hint you are ‘committed’
from me.
Phew, thanks!
I feel the same way.
Afternoon, Betsy. You all ready for school tomorrow?
No. Not ready to go back, so am determined to enjoy today to the fullest.
Go for it! I’ll help where/if I can.
Thank you sweetie pie
Good Morning/Afternoon TOD!
Football time.
Getting taller…
It has just dawned on me that there is no snow on the ground in the touchdown pics. Sure hope it stays that way until well after the 22nd January! This is my American prayer for this month.
Apart from a few flurries last week, DC has been mainly sunny and dry (but chilly) so far. I hope it stays that way through January. We have an inauguration coming up in couple weeks!
Upcoming Inauguration is exactly the reason for my prayer.
Afternoon, Hopefruit.
What a gorgeous family. Look at Sasha!
Most beautiful family on earth! Well, apart from mine. Hiya Jackie!
PRESIDENT OBAMA DNC CONVENTION SPEECH – “CITIZENSHIP”
————————————–
But we also believe in something called citizenship — (cheers, applause) — citizenship, a word at the very heart of our founding, a word at the very essence of our democracy, the idea that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations.
———————————————-
http://www.npr.org/2012/09/06/160713941/transcript-president-obamas-convention-speech
I know that we have all felt it and talked about many times, but it is just amazing how so many people hold this president and his family in their hearts. We pore over every photo and commentary; we worry for their health and well-being; we defend them fiercely and pray for them without ceasing. We smile when they smile; we love the way that they love, and we want all of life’s bounty for them. We admire them for their works’ sake and for their sacrifices; and finally, through some strange alchemy that we had never experienced before them, we love them as family.
You totally speak for me Cebu. I love this First family.
Damn IPAD. *Ceb, not Cebu
You speak for me as well. The Obamas are often part of the conversation and prayer in our home, just as if they were family.
Well said, CEB. Beautiful.
Yes we do love them as family.
CEB, you know darn well you better add my name in the bunch. I agree with everything you said about our lovely First Family.
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!
Chipsticks do you know what happened to Daylife, there used to be access to great AP/Getty photos, but now seems like there is some kind of paywall?
Hiya Lovelyplains, sadly Daylife shut down their pics service a few months ago, makes finding them now a pain in the butt!
I was hoping that was not the case. Well Chipsticks thats why we have you! Thanks for everything……
Yes they shut down and went to a paying scenario, and just when I was getting comfortable adding pics to my tweets too. Ticked me off, I can tell you, LovelyP.
I just figured it out too VC, the way I do it now is right click on a photo and if there is a “save as” option do that. Then in your tweet in the bottom left corner hit the camera icon and upload the .jpeg or whatever “save as” file component, and it will convert to a twitpic!
There has been a camera icon in the bottom left corner of my tweets! Well what do you know!!
Did they just add that there after I read your instructions? They must have because *I* have never noticed it before today. LovelyP, thank you for bringing that to my attention.
/musing in dazed wonder/ You really live and learn……except if you are a Repub of course. Thanks again, LP.
Haha, no worries anytime!
“Middle paw”
!! Good one Bo 
Our Energizer Bunny President just keeps working for the American people.
You know he had to be unhappy about that…knowing how much more they actually need.
Off the plane and right to work. He barely gets a chance to breathe.
While President Obama may not be happy about the low amount of the aid bill, he nonetheless signed it immediately. You gotta respect a man who keeps his word “put it on my desk, I got my pen ready”.
Absolutely, I do.
‘You gotta respect a man who keeps his word’
Big time, you betcha, GGail! That was the exact note on which I started my tweets earlier today.
Great minds vc
Yep.
BEN’S GUIDE TO UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
==============================================
Our Nation | Historical Documents | Branches of Government | How Laws Are Made
National versus State Government | Election Process | Citizenship | Games and Activities
Glossary | U.S. Government Web Sites for Kids
===============================================
http://bensguide.gpo.gov/9-12/index.html
Nice LH thanks for this one too! Let’s get it out there:
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Thank “YOU” a4a. This is a pet peeve of mine. An educated electorate is the Republican Party’s worst nightmare. I am on a mission today to post as many vehicles as I can find to help educate the public on how our government works. In addition, every American should know how their representatives are voting on important legislation. I would love to see votes posted on the front pages of newspapers across the country. Also, clearly the mainstream media needs a refresher course in government 101 too. Everything is President Obama’s fault. it’s as if the congress does not exist.
Amen to all you said, Ladyhawke. Thanks for the info–much needed. Afternoon to all. My Royal Family looks fantastic. Glad they’re back safely
You know Ladyhawke, I say “knowledge is power” to my students all the time, especially when I taught them the constitution! They just groan now, they have heard it so often. I am hoping it is seared into heir brains by the time they graduate from middle school.
One of my former civics students graduated from Harvard Law School. When he was a student in my class, he never complained about any of the assignments, even the more difficult ones. Other gifted students in the class were lazy, and all I heard from them all semester was how “difficult” and “meaningless” the assignments were and that I assigned “too much work.” They didn’t like studying the Constitution in detail, and they didn’t like the critical thinking exercises I developed. The truth is that they thought that because they were gifted, they already knew everything there is to know about everything, and besides, the workload interfered with their extracurricular pursuits. Well, the student who graduated from HL returned to the school one day and told me that the stuff I’d taught in civics class about the Constitution stuck with him and helped him when he was in law school. It provided a sort of heads up for his constitutional law class. You can imagine how surprised I was when he said this. Today he lives in Atlanta and works for a very prestigious Atlanta law firm.
Great job Majiir…
Teachers do make the world a better place one student at a time…
GOVERNMENT TRACK
Easily track the activities
of the United States Congress.
————————————————
Use GovTrack to keep tabs on your representatives in Congress or to research pending legislation that might impact your life or business.
————————————————-
http://www.govtrack.us/
Accountability time … like these dudes have never faced from any President, ever …
Welcome home, Ike # 2
#TrustBarack
Bob, have I told you lately how much I love you?
Way to go Bobfr! Keep exposing their hypocrisy! As you keep reminding us, we can no longer depend on the the unethical media to communicate TRUTH to the American people. It’s now up to us, ordinary citizens, to be the source of of information for our fellow Americans. And you, sir, have been relentless in practicing what you preach. All I can say is thank you for all you do to spread TRUTH!
This will not go well for the NRA and weapons makers/sellers that they represent ….
got it
hello Bob ……When is this,,,
Morning TOD.
At work today until 5:30pm. 5 more days until my move!
I really want those sunglasses FLOTUS is wearing. I swear I had a pair, but I’ve since lost ‘em.
Hiya Lamh, huh, I’ve lost more sunglasses than I’ve had hot dinners
So everyone is talking about Chuck Hagel as SoD today I see. People are talking about the fact that it looks like Obama will be nominating him even with the Hagel antagonist doing their usual. I was just thinking and I maybe wrong, but what I think this shows is that Susan Rice may NOT have President Obama’s first pic for SoS anyway. I suspect that he was always gonna pick Kerry. But the GOP (particularly McCain and Graham) by elevating and throwing bombs Susan Rice just royally pissed off Obama and company. If Obama had really wanted Susan Rice as his SoS, the whole Susan Rice “asking to be taken from consideration” thing would never had materialized.
By floating the Susan Rice pic though, it elevated everyone’s ire up even though the news forever had been that Kerry was next up for state. By making Susan Rice a more sympathetic character, the GOP basically ensured that Rice would get backing from the our side even though we ALL thought Kerry would be next SoS.
Much like with the Mass Senate appointment. If Barney Frank was already being considered,then great, but if he wasn’t being considered and instead governor Patrick had already had a 1st choice, then the constant “hey Guv Patrick pick Barney” cascade would cause the same dynamic if/should Patrick pick someone other than Barney Frank.
Lamh36—-when John Kerry’s speech at the DNC was mostly foreign policy I thought that was a message as to who the next SOS would be.
The entire disgusting fracas about Susan Rice seemed odd to me. Where was the GOP getting her “impending” nomination from????
Hillary Clinton
WoW!
Hi Chips, Tried to thank you for the lovely greetings and shared feelings, but for some reason it didn’t post under the lovely video, above. Just wanted you to know!
Ah, probably the usual WP gremliny annoyingness Bob! Thank you.
Thank you!!
According to Politico- it’s official The President has chosen Hagel as Sec Def!
Posted this upthread, but it also works with ur comment jovie
People are talking about the fact that it looks like Obama will be nominating him even with the Hagel antagonist doing their usual. I was just thinking and I maybe wrong, but what I think this shows is that Susan Rice may NOT have President Obama’s first pic for SoS anyway. I suspect that he was always gonna pick Kerry. But the GOP (particularly McCain and Graham) by elevating and throwing bombs Susan Rice just royally pissed off Obama and company. If Obama had really wanted Susan Rice as his SoS, the whole Susan Rice “asking to be taken from consideration” thing would never had materialized.
By floating the Susan Rice pic though, it elevated everyone’s ire up even though the news forever had been that Kerry was next up for state. By making Susan Rice a more sympathetic character, the GOP basically ensured that Rice would get backing from the our side even though we ALL thought Kerry would be next SoS.
Much like with the Mass Senate appointment. If Barney Frank was already being considered,then great, but if he wasn’t being considered and instead governor Patrick had already had a 1st choice, then the constant “hey Guv Patrick pick Barney” cascade would cause the same dynamic if/should Patrick pick someone other than Barney Frank.
The confirmation process will be quite a show. The neocons and the AIPAC’S lapdogs will reveal themselves. As well as the puppets of the defense contractors.
I wish the “left” wakes up to the fact that President Obama IS going against the big lobbies; he just carefully chooses his battles and doesn’t do everything at once because it is politically impossible. President Obama had begun some “cleaning house” at DoD in the first term ( some legislation on arms programs, on procurements) but I think that with the wars winding down and with a more stable economy, President Obama in his second term will have more time and energy to work on 1) the inefficiencies in the Pentagon and the political influence of the defense contractors and 2) the oversized influence of the Israel lobby both in Congress and in the State Department .
Hang on to your hats folks, it won’t be easy. We’ll see a lot of screaming at the President from all corners.
“he just carefully chooses his battles” – perfect – he chooses the ones he “HAS” to win & the McCain’s of the world never realize how little their opinion is liked, wanted or relevant.
All he has to do is say: “Ok, put the bill on my desk. I’ll sign it.”
I just got an email from MoveOn telling me to tell PBO to get Paul Krugman as next Treasury Sec. Is Geithner leaving? I respect Krugman’s economic knowledge and agree with him mostly but I think he has few political skills.
Krugman is the last person the President should consider. He wouldn’t be a team player, and is better as a “talker” on the sidelines.
Agree. He’s a smart guy who loves the sound of his own voice. Not even remotely qualified for the job.
Agree. And when he’s good (supportive of the President), he’s very, very good, and when he’s bad, he’s horrid.
Agreed. Krugman is a good economist, point. He wouldn’t survive a week in the SoT position; it would drive him nuts.
Jack Lew is at the top of the list as Secretary of Treasury. He’s extremely qualified. And he cares about ordinary americans. He will be an ally of the President to fight against the excesses of capitalism, but unlike Krugman he is a pragmatic who’s aware of the political difficulties. And from the little I’ve seen of him, he has good people skills and works well in a team.
Good points – I totally agree!
Jack Lew has been a mature, drama-free Chief of Staff…
He’s set quite the right tone for that role and will be hard to follow…
Good gawd, what a bunch of idiots. The position is not about grousing on teevee and print.
Jack Lew will be the nominee for Treasury.
I used to subscribe to MoveOn but I stopped in 2010 because of their relentless attacks on President Obama. Paul Krugman is a distinguished economist, but he is not pragmatic when it comes to politics. Even more important to me, I deeply resent the idea that I should tell President Obama who to pick for his cabinet. I bet you people running MoveOn never told Bill Clinton who to pick for his cabinet! And Clinton had a few corporatists in his administration. Yet MoveOn was founded to defend Bill Clinton from impeachment. I am sick and tired of the double standards of the born again, holier than thou, liberal/progressives. I voted for President Obama because I respect and trust his judgement. President Obama is not my child for me to tell him what to do. Actually, I stopped telling my daughter what to do after she graduated from High School.
I completely agree. I have not unsubscribed but haven’t contributed to their campaign for years and for the same reasons. I voted for President Obama and I trust him to make the right decisions. I can’t remember a time when so many people seemed to feel they knew better than the man they elected.
George Stephanopolis pushed back against McConnell’s lies!
This morning on ABC’s This Week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) reiterated what has become the go-to Republican talking point in the wake of the fiscal cliff deal: That the issue of taxes and new revenue is finished, and will not be re-opened. “Now the question is, what are we going to do about the biggest problem confronting our country and our future,” McConnell said.
But this time host George Stephanopoulos pushed back. He pointed out that since last year Congress has already cut $1.5 trillion in spending, without any counter-balancing hikes in tax revenue until the fiscal cliff deal:
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/01/06/1403521/abcs-stepanopoulos-fact-checks-mcconnell-weve-already-confronted-the-spending-problem/
George got the memo! http://mediamatters.org/research/2013/01/03/media-ignore-past-spending-cuts-in-reports-on-b/192008I
There are MANY OTHERS that should “get the memo” as well!
I thanked George in a tweet
Good idea! What’s his tweet name?
Here you go:
Thanks!
I love Munch
“DEADBEATS ARE US”
REPUBLICANS IN CONGRESS REFUSE TO PAY BILLS THAT “THEY” HAVE INCURRED.
Obama to Use Bully Pulpit to Push Agenda
By Kenneth T. Walsh
———————————-
Obama has already begun framing the debate on raising the debt ceiling, which is emerging as the next economic battleground. He says failure to extend the current federal borrowing limit by late February would be a calamity, and he pledged not to negotiate over it. “I will not have another debate with this Congress over whether or not they should pay the bills that they’ve already racked up through the laws that they passed,” Obama says. “Let me repeat: We can’t not pay bills that we’ve already incurred. If Congress refuses to give the United States government the ability to pay these bills on time, the consequences for the entire global economy would be catastrophic.”
.
.
But former House Speaker Newt Gingrich warns that confronting Obama on the debt ceiling will be harmful to the GOP. “They’ve got to find, in the House, a totally new strategy,” Gingrich told MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Friday.
—————————————————-
http://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/Ken-Walshs-Washington/2013/01/04/obama-to-use-bully-pulpit-to-push-agenda
How about the strategy of doing their jobs and putting the welfare of the nation above their petty power struggles? If they actually did this instead of indulging in the feckless, divisive behavior that they have exhibited so far, they may actually grow their party.
Yep, they are completely out of fecks, and have been for some time/
This is totally and completely unacceptable IMO.
As long as Donald Trump makes Robert Greenblat money he doesn’t care if Trump is a racists.
‘…if…’
Trump has been crossing the line for a long time now…
Have a highly recommended movie review to pass along—-from my daughter. Silver Linings Playbook——said it may be her fave movie of the year—–way more than she was expecting—–had tears and laughs and sports and music and meaningful drama. Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro—-said acting was superb. Loved it, said I had to see it.
I saw it and thought it was very good.
Wow! I’m old enough to remember that address! What I remember is “military industrial complex” and all the talk that generated. We didn’t fully comprehend the significance of or danger of it at that time. We sure do now!
Yes, Carolyn, my family and I listened to it, together – sitting in front of the radio
Am sure you noticed how many times he said ‘balanced,’ as well
#TrustBarack
Bob, I, too, heard many a political speech in front of the radio. People developed better listening skills with radios. You didn’t get distracted by visual details like Eisenhower’s gray hair or his often stiff appearance. Ike had done real things in the world, he wasn’t just a politician. He could tell BS when he saw it and, as the former Supreme Allied Commander, he had nothing to prove. What impresses me now when I hear his old speeches is how he spoke to people as if they had brains and could understand complex sentences (as did Adlai Stevenson if you remember). He didn’t feel that he had to dumb it down for the masses.
“What impresses me now when I hear his old speeches is how he spoke to people as if they had brains and could understand complex sentences (as did Adlai Stevenson if you remember). He didn’t feel that he had to dumb it down for the masses.”
Very much so, Jackie. And, it’s interesting that you mention Adlai Stevenson – he’s easily in the top 10 people I have most admired in my life.
#FORWARD
Bob, Adlai was the man who made me a Democrat. I heard him on the radio and then watched his speeches on B&W television and I found myself, as a very young girl, agreeing with him. Every one else in my family was a Republican at that time. But I kept the spirit of Adlai in my heart and never looked back.
PROJECT VOTE SMART: Government 101: Introduction
============================================
Are you fearful that you might one day be “that guy” on The Tonight Show who becomes perplexed by the question, “How many U.S. Senators are there?” Do you think of mudslinging as something you and your little brother used to do in the backyard on rainy afternoons? Is your knowledge of American Government, well, a bit rusty?
If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, Project Vote Smart’s Government 101 is designed especially for you. This tutorial is informative, practical and easy, and is intended to help refresh your knowledge of American politics by providing useful information about Congress, political parties, campaign finance, the Constitution, elections, state government and much more.
We hope that if you take a little time to read through Government 101, you’ll be able to see past the spin and get the facts next time you vote. At the very least, you’ll be a heck of a lot more competitive the next time you play Trivial Pursuit.
– Introduction
– The Constitution
– Congress
– President
– How a Bill Becomes Law
– Elections
– Electoral College
– Campaign Finances
– The Budget
– State Governments
– Historical Documents
==========================================
http://votesmart.org/education/government#.UOnhybbJK_U
Funny you posted this just now, Ladyhawke! Was just there looking at the voting record of my shit for brains rep…..not pretty, but there’s an “R” behind his name…..so……it IS AZ you know! Although we are getting better! 5 Dems/ 4 Nutjobs!
The new breed of GOP members need to read this
Don’t know if this has been posted, but just finished watching Bill Moyers on PBS and this is INTERESTING TO EVERYONE
Anthony Leiserowitz on Making People Care About Climate Change | Moyers & Company | BillMoyers.com http://bit.ly/XA7r23 via @BillMoyers
Does anyone know who put the pork for Alaskan fisheres in the Sandy Relief Bill? Just curious who and why. Also curious about who added the pork for the agribusiness daries in the tax bill? Is there some source one can go to and discover this info? Thanks
http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/sandy-relief-bill-gets-add-ons-to-lure-gop-votes-1.4340457
Thank you, df
welcome, Anna:)
aloha desertflower
thanks for this link. the shameless way the rethugs imply all the ‘pork’ in the bill is the reason they voted no. when actually, it was that very pork that got the yes votes from rethugs.
I don’t know if anyone has already posted this from smartypants, but it is excellent and deserves to be read and spread.
“The Obama Method
These days lots of political pundits are either trying to game out how President Obama will avoid negotiating with Republicans over the debt ceiling (which he has promised to do) or they are busy giving him advice about how to avoid it. The truth is – this is going to be a tough call. ”
Okay OBVIOUSLY that was not what I intended to post. Sometimes I ctrl-c and it doesn’t actually pick up the url. Sorry, I’ll try again.
http://immasmartypants.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-obama-method.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FlpjFg+%28Smartypants%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher
But the video is really pretty funny.
hey, I liked it.
I liked it too Mary! I didn’t know that about the Vikings!
Neither did I but it makes sense!
I liked it too – shows so clearly how misconceptions start & grow – they probably had the equivalent of Fox News at the time of Lady Godiva
That blog post by SmartyPants was great too. I never thought about a Mehod before that PBO uses to deal with RWNJ’s in congress but this fits the bill. Isolate them.
Interesting that it is a technique used by hostage negotiators.
I loved it. To me, it says people are more attached to their myths than reality, which is why the GOP got away with their lies for so long.
Loyal Italian Cat, Toldo, Brings Gifts To Owner’s Grave (PHOTO) http://huff.to/Z448vz via @HPGoodNews
awwww
That was a very sweet story. It made me think of Greyfriars Bobby. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyfriars_Bobby “Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, John Gray (Auld Jock), until he died himself on 14 January 1872.[1] A year later, Lady Burdett-Coutts had a statue and fountain erected at the southern end of the George IV Bridge to commemorate him”
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/01/06/1403481/white-house-big-push-gun-safety/
Beyond reinstating the lapsed Assault Weapon Ban and enacting bans on high-capacity ammunition magazines, the White House is reported to be considering instituting universal background checks for gun buyers, boosting mental health checks, putting into place a national database to track the movement and sale of weapons, and locking in harsher penalties for carrying guns in the vicinity of schools.
Faced with a potentially harsh Congress and efforts by pro-gun lobbyists to hamper such moves, the task force is also considering ways to work around those roadblocks:
In addition to potential legislative proposals, Biden’s group has expanded its focus to include measures that would not need congressional approval and could be quickly implemented by executive action, according to interest-group leaders who have discussed options with Biden and key Cabinet secretaries. Possibilities include changes to federal mental-health programs and modernization of gun-tracking efforts by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
and geeze DF what’s with the Junior Senators putting in their two cents about gun control? Heitcamp has an A from the NRA and Cruz is, well Cruz. They should be working! not being on TV shows. Don’t they have jobs to do ?
I hope Ed Schultz realizes that with ‘Democrats’ like his dear friend Heidi Heitcamp in the mix, President Obama once again does not have the ‘majority’ needed in the Senate and cannot magically do all of Ed’s ‘progressive’ bidding…
Ed will no doubt find any number of ways to absolve Ms. Heitkamp and somehow blame the President for Ms. Heitkamp’s blatant disregard for even the most basic of democratic principles and for clinging to her extreme right wing ideas…
A $10 billion settlement to resolve claims of foreclosure abuses by major lenders is expected to be announced on Monday, several people with knowledge of the discussions said Sunday, after weeks of negotiations between federal regulators and 14 banks.
The settlement follows a sweeping deal in February between state attorneys general and five large mortgage lenders, and covers abuses like flawed paperwork and botched loan modifications, these people said.
An estimated $3.75 billion of the $10 billion will be distributed in cash relief to Americans who went through foreclosure in 2009 and 2010. Another $6 billion will be directed toward homeowners who are in danger of losing their homes after falling behind on their monthly payments. The deal follows a week of feverish negotiations, and it almost fell apart over the weekend. Some officials at the Federal Reserve threatened to scuttle it unless the banks agreed to pay an additional $300 million for their role in the 2008 financial crisis that torpedoed the housing market and led to millions of foreclosuresy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/07/business/lenders-said-to-be-near-deal-of-foreclosure-claims.html?hp&_r=0
THESE HEALTH INSURANCE CONGLOMERATES ARE A PAIN IN…’YOU FILL IN THE BLANKS!’ WE CURRENTLY HAVE A WONDERFUL HUSBAND AND FATHER SUFFERING FROM HEALTH INSURANCE ABUSE IN THE HOSPITAL…HE IS A FOSTER FATHER TO SEVERAL SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN…3 WEEKS AGO HE HAD 2 TEETH PULLED…ALL RESULTED IN AN INFECTION IN THE JAW….HIS HEAD AND NECK GREW TO 3 TIMES THE NORMAL SIZE…BECAUSE INSURANCE HAS THEIR SELFISH RULES ON LIMITED HOSPITAL STAYS..THIS POOR MAN HAS NOW HAD 3 EMERGENCY ORAL SURGERIES,LOST 40 LBS. AND FACED INTOLERABLE PAIN. HE IS NOW IN METHODIST HOSPITAL IN INDPLS. ON DRAINAGE TUBES. HIS FAMILY CANNOT SURVIVE WITHOUT HIM…PLEASE PRAY FOR STEVE SNYDER….THIS IS A CIRCUMSTANCE THAT DESERVES A RIGHTEOUS LAWSUIT…PRAY THAT HE SURVIVES FROM THIS COMPLETELY SHAMEFUL AND HORRIFIC LACK OF DECENT MEDICAL TREATMENT. I AM THOROUGHLY TICKED OFF! MANY OF HIS OWN CHILDREN ARE AT HOME IN WHEELCHAIRS!
Oh Sue, my heart goes out to that poor man and his family. Do you know what the prognosis is? It seems beyond reason that so much could happen from two teeth extractions. This looks like one level of incompetency after another. Sometimes the American health care system is nothing less than inhumane. Please keep us up to date. I will keep him in my prayers.
He is in our prayers and may he and his family survive this unimaginable ordeal.
PS: Sue be careful posting a person’s personal health information on the innertubz. Your intentions are admirable, but there may be some privacy issues involved.
I KNOW…BUT THEY HAVE SUFFERED SO MUCH…A HOUSE FIRE…THE DEATH OF 2 ILL SONS WITHIN 2 MONTHS…AND NOW THIS..I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED…JUST PRAY PLEASE!
PLUS…ALL THAT I HAVE SAID…HIS FAMILY HAS ALREADY POSTED ON FB.
Of course, I will continue to keep the family in my prayers. It is nearly unbelievable that so much would happen in one family. I just wanted to point that out in case your employ or something related to this would include a privacy policy.
TIS’ OK…I UNDERSTAND YOUR CONCERNS….UNFORTUNATELY INDPLS. HAS SOME BAD HOSPITALS…LATEST REPORT IS THEY HAD TO CUT HIS JAW MUSCLE FOR TUBE INSERTION…HE IS BEING PUMPED W/ IV ANTIBIOTICS NOW AND WILL STAY IN UNTIL HIS WHITE COUNT IS GONE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY IS AT FAULT HERE…AND SO IS THE ORAL SURGEON WHO BAND AIDED HIS PROBLEM AND RELEASED HIM TWICE! I’M NOT ONE TO KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT WHEN IT COMES TO MEDICAL MALPRACTICE…ALL OF THIS SHOULD HAVE DONE THE FIRST TIME HE WAS ADMITTED FOR SURGERY…I’LL REPORT LATER HOW HE IS PROGRESSING…BUT, I AM GOING TO ENCOURAGE THIS FAMILY TO SEEK JUSTIFICATION ON THESE MEDICAL BILLS…THIS IS SHAMEFUL. GOD BLESS YOU ALL..KEEP THE PRAYERS GOING!
Good Evening all my O’s!!!! Another great getting up day on the TOD blog!!! I’ve just been kicking back enjoying the games. So far, I’m 50/50. I pulled for the Colts (friend’s son is on the team). They lost. Now I’m pulling for Washington, no special reason, but that’s who I’m backing. They’re only leading by one point, so who know.
s belongs at the end of the last word of the last sentence ^^^^
Ode to O’Bama
// President Obama is getting a special inauguration gift from Ireland: A song from the Corrigan Brothers declaring, “There’s still no one as Irish as Barack Obama.” The group’s first version went viral in 2008, earning millions of YouTube hits, an invitation to Obama’s first inauguration and a mention from Obama himself during his trip to Ireland.
The Corrigans wrote an updated version for 2012, and Ger Corrigan tells POLITICO that Obama’s (very distant) Irish cousin Henry Healy will be attending the inauguration and plans to present a copy of the song to the president. (The president took Healy for pints of Guinness in Washington last St. Patricks Day.) //
http://www.politico.com/politico44/2013/01/theres-still-no-one-as-irish-as-barack-obama-153419.html#.UOn28Ty3nSU.twitter
NBC News is really trying to stir it up tonight. They started out with ‘if you thought the fiscal cliff crisis was bad, just wait till you see the upheaval with the debt ceiling matter’. ho ho ho, salivating. Then— Looks like PBO is really going to thro down the gauntlet by expectations that he will nominate Chuck Hagel for Sec. of Def.—–then showing Lyndsey Graham and others making opposition statements about this choice—-NBC seemed happy as a lark with the possibility of more controversy. Then they went onto expected sweeping gun control proposals, with Repubs saying that it looks like Obama’s 2nd term will be an “in your face” style presidency. News media, not happy unless there is all kinds of controversy, in election withdrawal, and provoking and promiting it. Now they’re moving on to all the pork in the Sandy relief bill—–stirring up anger in the public about that—-millions to Puerto Rican rum makers and algae growers—-those got top billing in the report.
To hell with little lying Lindsey Graham, President Obama has a right to nominate anyone he choose too to serve in his administration.
We watched ABC News with David Muir. Totally different. We used to watch NBC regularly, but have grown disgusted with BriWi. Last Tuesday we watched ABC for news because Diane was interviewing the women senators. I was pleasantly surprised. The actual news was given without editorial comment. Martha Raddatz gave a clear, objective report from the middle east, and the interview was terrific. After it was over, I mentioned to my husband that there was more actual news in the first fifteen minutes than NBC has any more. He agreed. On weekends we watch ABC because we like David Muir. NBC is not the proud peacock any more.
Always put on NBC out of habit, will give ABC a try. Tired of NBC’s brand of reporting, so transparent in its controversy provoking.
David Muir has been pretty neat…
His coverage of the Newtown tragedy was very well done…
As for NBC, it’s all about rustling up ratings and it doesn’t matter if the potential for destroying our country by the republicans provides the ‘excitement’…
Bad genes—-already a punk
Anyone super duper duper duper duper cotton candy, chocolate, champagne, sex, excited for Downton Abbey tonight?
I have one more episode of Season 1 to watch on Netflix and then I’m all about finding Season 2 to watch somehow. I will be recording Season 3 to watch later, though and wish I could join in the fun tonight!
You’ll find seasons 1 – 3 here. Have to put up with aggravating pop-up ads, but it’s worth it!
http://series-cravings.info/watch-downton-abbey-online
enjoy
Thanks, Susan! I’ll go look.
Yes, yes, yes! And I’m also going to watch the “Secrets of Highclere Castle” the hour before Downton Abbey starts.
For all of you who like British comedy/drama…….have you seen Doc Martin? It’s on Netflix too. Martin Clunes plays a surgeon who has to leave his surgical practice in London because he develops haeomophobia…..fear of blood….NOT good for a surgeon. He relocates to a seaside village in Cornwall…….if you haven’t seen it, check it out. You will laugh, cry, and become exasperated….great writing and great acting, and the scenery is beautiful.
LOVE it, Carolyn!! Have you seen Whites? Also great British comedy about cooking. I watched both on Hulu.
Yes, lots of people are arranging their evening around it. Ha! My friend in another time zone is calling me when it’s over.
Received a “heads-up” email that ball tickets go on sale tomorrow via ticketmaster; supposed to receive another email tomorrow with an unique link. Tickets are $60.00 ea; you can purchase two.
GM from my world – this has been a wonderful and informative thread about all sorts of things – you are an amazing and diverse group and Chips has generated a caring, interesting and entertaining group of people. It is a delight to read all the news which seems to send the message
“Don’t be bothered, PBO has got this covered”
BuzzFeed claimed no one was excited for Pres. Obama’s inauguration. Well….HAHAHAHA.
I haz a sad
My request for tickets was accepted and I went straight to the site as soon as I got the message on my cell phone of the email telling me how to get the tickets. After puting in my code and password they assigned me and it taking forever to load it said that there were no more tickets available. I am soooo disappointed. I wouldn’t have been able to party all night but I sure would have stayed as long as the First Couple was there 
Donna, I’m having the same problem. Received the email @ 7:26 pm; was successful in logging on, however, have not been able to get to the purchase screen.
Yep! Mine came at the exact same time. Why wouldn’t they stagger it? Looks like they sent the email out to everyone who was accepted at the same time. I’m very sad! I knew I wouldn’t be able to stand outside in the cold for that long time it would take for the Inauguration because of health issues so I was hoping for the Ball. When I got that email my heart skipped a beat only to be dejected
Donna, given all that you contributed to re-elect PBO, perhaps you should consider sending a letter to the President and, depending on whom your Rep/Senator are, send one to them. Hope it works!!
Finally got in — ball and parade sold out; however, I’m going to check back frequently, just in case they release additional tickets.
This is some bull. Why should the tx be sold out in less than a couple hrs after the site is announced?
They sold out within MINUTES of us getting the email. I guess I should be happy about the excitement for the Inaugural events by the public but if we could only purchase 2 tickets and we were selected with personal access to the site it just seems weird that they could sell out so fast. I guess I would understand this if people were allowed to buy as many tickets as they wanted but according the heads-up email that wasn’t the case.
I don’t know it just seems odd. I guess I should move on….
Just terrible about the lack of enthusiasm for this Prez.
LOL.
AP had a big story out today which was blasted across the country about the lack of enthusiasm. The MSM is really pushing that notion, for some troubling reason.
It’s similar to the “enthusiasm gap” meme. Trying to create a desired outcome by reporting endlessly about it – weather or not it’s true.
The MSM are totally unethical! They’ve hated President Obama from day one after his victory in 2008 was announced! Like the GOP, they were so convinced that their lies and distortions about the President would be enough to deny him a second term. Having failed to achieve that goal, they are now determined as ever to wreck his second term. Somebody should tell the MSM that they no longer have a monopoly on information.Consequently, they can no longer exert total influence in the formation of public opinion through their biased reporting. They are many sources of information and that’s why some of us can survive, and stay informed, without depending on the MSM.
Hey the Corrigan Brothers have a NEW video out — an updated ditty out singing an Ode to O’bama — “There’s STILL no-one as Irish as O’bama
oops here’s the video
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nMJ63zD-NY&w=560&h=315%5D
This is fun! Thanks for posting it.
Hey Yardarm, I saw this video and it reminded me of the conversation you and I had recently. This is the kind of thing I was trying to advocate – young children picking up the {protect us) gun message, organizing a ‘campaign’, building momentum, touching off the conscience of the country and forcing the adults in their world to support and protect them with sensible laws. This little lady has made a start (I wish she wouldn’t refer to my Pres as ‘Obama’ as I find that jarring, but I suspect that’s upbringing talking.
Thank you for sharing the video and Bronte’s message and worthwhile endeavor …
Hello there, Bobfr! How is life these days?
I don’t know if you saw YA’s and my previous discussion on the gun issue but I was dreaming of some enterprising, smart, young kids starting their own push to bring increased attention to the issue, with visions of it rising to the level of ‘Occupy’ but children fueled all across the country. Dreams can be such wonderful and idealistic things, right?
Unfortunately, VC, I’ve been missing much here at TOD because of my company building activities – getting more intense by the day, now. But I share yours & YA’s ‘dream’ … and, apparently Bronte is leading the way!!!
#FORWARD
I love that. I wish it would get wide exposure. And I don’t mind the “Obama”—-I think of it as affectionate, familiar, endearing. We feel close to him, he’s part of our family.
In truth, Dotster, while I was discussing this with YA, your granddaughter Dotster who did that terrific civics project re PBO etc came into my mind. I saw her as ‘mature’, intelligent and aware enough to kick-start something in her school that could catch fire as a result of the raw emotions Sandy Hook has touched. I genuinely believe that children around the country have been touched by this. I also believe that there are enough potential leaders among our children who could carry the message along and I think the upraised voices of children ‘campaigning’ on an issue of their safety would be effective. Having said that, I think something like this would be most effective if the idea came FROM the children (ie is not adult driven).
Boohoo!!
If it’s any consolation even the staff got stiffed:
Poor guy!
I really believe that someone jumped the gun tonight. According to the email we rec’d at 3:30 today it said, “‘Tomorrow, Monday, January 7th, you’ll receive an email from Ticketmaster with a unique link.
Then suddenly we get the email with the link tonight at 7:30 which sells out in less than 5 minutes.
Yes, I saw a tweet that someone called a Ticketmaster manager and he said the tix aren’t available yet until tomorrow! I hope this doesn’t turn into a big fiasco.
How is the tickets being sold out a fiasco ? I take it as that so many people are involved & interested in the inauguration.
Mixed messages about how to acquire tickets and a botched delivery system will leave many unhappy.
I love Imani (ABL)
http://www.balloon-juice.com/2013/01/06/turtle-challenges-president-obama-to-lead-on-debt-ceiling-negotiations/#more-123084
Also too – the comments
But but but Jim Kramer said that Medicare is eating the whole federal budget and their is no money left after Medicare and…
WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is considering keeping a force of 3,000 to 9,000 troops in Afghanistan after 2014, American officials said Saturday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/06/world/asia/us-weighs-fewer-troops-after-2014-in-afghanistan.html
No wonder Graham and McCain are pissed, also, no wonder the President chose Hagel. Haggle hates War.
Imagine? A Dove as SecDef? I love it!
http://www.rollcall.com/news/boehner_coup_attempt_larger_than_first_thought-220607-1.html
A concerted effort to unseat Speaker John A. Boehner was under way the day of his re-election to the position, but participants called it off 30 minutes before the House floor vote, CQ Roll Call has learned.
A group of disaffected conservatives had agreed to vote against the Ohio lawmaker if they could get at least 25 members to join the effort. But one member, whose identity could not be verified, rescinded his or her participation the morning of the vote, leaving the group one person short of its self-imposed 25-member threshold. Only 17 votes against Boehner were required to force a second ballot, but the group wanted to have insurance.
Is there any no-confidence motion that can topple boner ? Or his election assures him the seat for the next two years?
‘No confidence’ is not an option.
What might have been interesting is if 17 or more Rs had flipped to D before the 113th convened – something I had tweeted about. With 2 currently vacant seats, that would have the Ds at 217 and Rs at 216. If 19 Rs flipped, it’d be a lock and the Ds would have been the majority even if both vacant seats had become R. That didn’t happen.
Big ? for me is just how many House Rs are going to see their chances of re-election in 2014 become highly unlikely if they remain in any way affiliated with the crazies. One thing I am sure is the Leader Pelosi & Whip Hoyer know the Constitution and House Rules inside and out and are certainly capable of managing the implications of such a shift in actual power.
No matter what, it’s blatantly obvious that if Boehner wants to see any legislation of significance make it through the Senate and onto President Obama’s desk, he’s going to need a bunch of D votes. That fact, as demonstrated last week, will become ever more obvious to Americans in the weeks and months ahead. That fact gives Leader Pelosi (and Senator Reid and the President) big time leverage on Boehner. Besides being drunk, that’s why he cried on the 3rd – he got what he wanted, but he knew the consequences
#FORWARD
Unfortunately, the U.S. system is not structured the same way as the British system where you can bring a no confidence motion against the Speaker. For now, John Boehner is the Speaker of the House until January 3, 2015; unless, of course, he personally decides to step down from the Speakership before that date. The other alternative, highly unlikely, is to accuse the Speaker of ethics violations and then vote to oust him not only from the Speakership but also from membership in the House of Rep.
Thanks nath and bob.
Josh Marshall @joshtpm
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McConnell says Dems must not only make big cuts to SocSec/Mediare to avoid shutdown, must also say it was their idea. http://talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2013/01/so_does_this_work.php …
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Someone drugged his sorry ass. Ain’t happening,asshat. WTH is wrong with these people??
McConell can blow me!
What the hell is wrong with these Republicans? McConnell has been around for along time, but yet he is acting and sounding like a dam idiot. Excuse my language please.
Anniebella, no need to excuse you language! As far as I am concerned, Mitch McConnell is an idiot!
Hello TOD family,
I really wanted to go to Washington for the inauguration, but it won’t be possible. I will, however, watch every moment of it online. I can’t wait to hear the inaugural address. In 2009, the great recession confronted the newly elected President. This time, the country is moving forward and President Obama has both a record to be proud of and an exciting agenda for the next four years. The struggles of his first term and the relentless obstruction of a hostile and mean-spirited opposition have not taken one iota of the President’s beliefs and determination away – to the contrary, he is more poised to lead and more confident than ever.
I truly believe that working for the election and re-election of President Obama is the most important contribution I have ever made. I am and always will be proud of having had a part in making history. I won’t have the pleasure of reading reviews of his administration’s accomplishments that may be published after his far reaching changes have fully matured – in another 20-25 years. That’s because this year I will have my 70th birthday and my health is not too great. But I am sure these reviews will be written.
The world is changing rapidly. We are so fortunate to have a President who understands the challenges and also the promise of change. We have the opportunity of embracing positive change to make the world more peaceful and address the big issues of of our time.
What we are witnessing today is the desperate struggle of a discredited minority to hold on to privileges enjoyed in the past. But neither wealth nor influence is the birthright of any one segment of the population, and this struggle is doomed to fail. President Obama is a true champion of democracy and his vision will serve us well. We shall overcome – and we will see a return to reason, to co-operation and progress. We will shape our destiny, as President Obama has pointed out many times. I am looking forward to the next four years – it will be a fabulous time to experience and to share.
So true.
hgerhard, this is wonderfully stated. I fully agree that re-electing the president was one of the greatest contributions to democracy that many of us will ever make. Please hang in there. I am catching up to you in age and I fully intend to read at least some of those histories.
hgerhard,
You should be proud of yourself for the amazing work you have done for PBO. I think watching it on TV while you sip whatever poison (drink) of your choice. I am in awe of you.
hgerhard…….
I won’t have the pleasure of reading reviews of his administration’s accomplishments that may be published after his far reaching changes have fully matured – in another 20-25 years. That’s because this year I will have my 70th birthday and my health is not too great….
**************************************
all things are possible with the Creator…..i hope he has mercy on you…….
Hey, Chips! Check your email.
good one, ForUS50!
amen
Amen and peaceful night.
I love your response forUs50. Right On.
Ah, Yep ….
Oh, this is the work being done behind the curtains in congress-
http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/budget/275703-house-and-senate-work-quietly-to-avoid-government-shutdown
It appears the wedge is Defunding obamacare or give them massive cuts to Medicare etc.
A very cynical plan, while using the debt ceiling and government shutdown as leverage.
Jeesh.
Chat away
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/01/06/chat-away-night-owls/