In the next few days, either Senate Democrats will reform the filibuster rules or they will allow the GOP to continue to dismantle the federal government. It's really that important, so why don't people care? There are several reasons.
For this generation of GOP politicians, their basic tenet and their mantra is fairly simple: The federal government is bad and needs to gotten rid of or starved out of existence. Any programs run by the federal government can be run by a corporation or a company. States have the sovereign right to do whatever they like. And no state has to agree with another state when it comes to laws. Looking at every GOP move over the last 5 years, you can see that this is exactly what every law and every idea they've agreed to have stemmed from. So how will Filibuster Reform stem this tide? Simply, the GOP in the Senate simply refuse to confirm any nominee for any government board or agency they disagree with through the filibuster. All this reform act does is to make those nominees' approval by a simple majority instead of by more than 60 votes. It's a small act of reform but an important act. So why don't people care? Simply, part of the population, those watching Fox News, agrees with the GOP, while others care but they're watching channels that are following the trial in Florida. But, the biggest reason is that Senate Democrats haven't even tried to get on TV and explain the reason why this move is needed. Think the GOP has that problem? Of course they don't. They're on TV every day telling the world what they don't like, why they don't like it, and what they're going to do about it. This is one place where the Democrats need to follow the lead of the GOP.
If Senate Filibuster Reform fails, the GOP will continue to dismantle the federal government. Too bad most people don't know how important this reform is to their daily lives.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Friday, July 5, 2013
President Obama hypocritical because of corruption?
There are some here in Kansas City that are complaining that President Obama is being hypocritical of African democracies when he said that their governments need to worry about the rot of corruption. Now, as anyone who follows politics can tell you, he was talking about how money can make new fledgling governments do things that go against the will of their people and overlook laws. Is that what the Obama Administration is doing? Get real!
No matter what side of the scandals a person takes, and I think most are basically just the GOP hating the President, there is no doubt that big money does influence governments in the country. Now, as far as anyone can tell, there is no scandal where money changed hands to change anything. Now, money does go into campaigns to influence votes on both sides, but that is not corruption like the President was talking about in Africa. Here in America, at this time, almost all big money is on the side of the GOP and against President Obama and every-day Americans. Wall Street backs the GOP, but gives money to Democrats to try to keep a voice in the process if they get elected. ALEC simply takes their money and their ideas into State Legislatures and hands bills to GOP State Congressmen and Senators to get enacted into law. People like the Koch Brothers are getting local laws passed and attempting to buy newspapers to quiet anyone who disagrees with them. Not one of them would back anything the President would try and get enacted.
Some people are saying President Obama was hypocritical of African corruption when there is so much here in America. But here, it's actually the GOP that uses big money, and vise versa, to attempt to subvert the American people's will.
No matter what side of the scandals a person takes, and I think most are basically just the GOP hating the President, there is no doubt that big money does influence governments in the country. Now, as far as anyone can tell, there is no scandal where money changed hands to change anything. Now, money does go into campaigns to influence votes on both sides, but that is not corruption like the President was talking about in Africa. Here in America, at this time, almost all big money is on the side of the GOP and against President Obama and every-day Americans. Wall Street backs the GOP, but gives money to Democrats to try to keep a voice in the process if they get elected. ALEC simply takes their money and their ideas into State Legislatures and hands bills to GOP State Congressmen and Senators to get enacted into law. People like the Koch Brothers are getting local laws passed and attempting to buy newspapers to quiet anyone who disagrees with them. Not one of them would back anything the President would try and get enacted.
Some people are saying President Obama was hypocritical of African corruption when there is so much here in America. But here, it's actually the GOP that uses big money, and vise versa, to attempt to subvert the American people's will.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
The problems in Egypt should surprise no one.
With the Army taking control in Egypt today, some are saying that that this is a terrible move against democracy, while others are saying it is a great move for democracy. But the truth is, it shouldn't come as a anyone that democracy in Egypt comes in spurts and sputters along. And that isn't because of any reason that is special to Egypt, but because of democracy itself.
A few years ago, a country said that it no longer was part of a great European empire and declared itself a sovereign country. A year later, Articles of Confederation were wrote while the country was still fighting for its sovereign rights. The first time the Articles went to press, there was a mistake, and a second pressing had to be made. Four years later; the country won its freedom, but 6 years later the Articles were found to be insufficient to the tasks of the nation. This change took a year before a new constitution was ratified, but to this day, that founding document is being amended, with amendments being debated by both politicians and regular people. And tomorrow, that country will celebrate with fireworks in every major city, and most of the small ones. Yes, that country that got off to such a rough start is the United States of America.
The actions in Egypt today should make democracy-loving people around the world pause and take notice. But we also be calmed by the fact that Egyptian democracy, while not on a straight line, is progressing like other countries' push for freedom, and shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.
A few years ago, a country said that it no longer was part of a great European empire and declared itself a sovereign country. A year later, Articles of Confederation were wrote while the country was still fighting for its sovereign rights. The first time the Articles went to press, there was a mistake, and a second pressing had to be made. Four years later; the country won its freedom, but 6 years later the Articles were found to be insufficient to the tasks of the nation. This change took a year before a new constitution was ratified, but to this day, that founding document is being amended, with amendments being debated by both politicians and regular people. And tomorrow, that country will celebrate with fireworks in every major city, and most of the small ones. Yes, that country that got off to such a rough start is the United States of America.
The actions in Egypt today should make democracy-loving people around the world pause and take notice. But we also be calmed by the fact that Egyptian democracy, while not on a straight line, is progressing like other countries' push for freedom, and shouldn't be a surprise to anyone.
NFL gets advice from the White House and threats from GOP Senators
The NFL may be the most powerful sports league in America, but the people in the league office found they are not immune from the politics in Washington. And, unfortunately, the NFL did what it had to do and back the GOP.
Both the White House and two GOP Senators sent letters last week to the NFL office concerning The Affordable HealthCare Act. Obviously, the White House sent the letter to try to get all NFL teams to get the word out in their organizations, while the GOP Senators sent a letter advising the NFL to stay completely out of the Act. So why was that letter a threat? Simply, it's Congress that has the say whether the NFL is breaking anti-trust laws. So, in effect, the letter, whether the threat was implied or not, was telling the NFL that they would watch and see what actions the league would take. Think the NFL didn't know that when they decided to take no action to tell teams about the Act? Think of it this way: Your boss' boss' boss says that he'd like you to look at an idea of his and tell him if you like it or not. Then your boss comes back and says you better not like that idea. I won't tell you who can make your life here a living hell, but I better not find that the idea has your approval. Which way would you go on the idea? Probably the same way the NFL
did, saying to the big man, thanks for the information, but I don't think it works for me. Now, everyone is okay with your decision, or at least accept it. Everyone except the people that could have been helped with the idea to start with.
The NFL got two letters about The Affordable HealthCare Act, the first from the White House asking for help and advising the league on how the Act works, and the second from 2 GOP Senators telling the NFL that they better not act on the first letter. So tell me, which branch of the government was advising and which one was bullying?
Both the White House and two GOP Senators sent letters last week to the NFL office concerning The Affordable HealthCare Act. Obviously, the White House sent the letter to try to get all NFL teams to get the word out in their organizations, while the GOP Senators sent a letter advising the NFL to stay completely out of the Act. So why was that letter a threat? Simply, it's Congress that has the say whether the NFL is breaking anti-trust laws. So, in effect, the letter, whether the threat was implied or not, was telling the NFL that they would watch and see what actions the league would take. Think the NFL didn't know that when they decided to take no action to tell teams about the Act? Think of it this way: Your boss' boss' boss says that he'd like you to look at an idea of his and tell him if you like it or not. Then your boss comes back and says you better not like that idea. I won't tell you who can make your life here a living hell, but I better not find that the idea has your approval. Which way would you go on the idea? Probably the same way the NFL
did, saying to the big man, thanks for the information, but I don't think it works for me. Now, everyone is okay with your decision, or at least accept it. Everyone except the people that could have been helped with the idea to start with.
The NFL got two letters about The Affordable HealthCare Act, the first from the White House asking for help and advising the league on how the Act works, and the second from 2 GOP Senators telling the NFL that they better not act on the first letter. So tell me, which branch of the government was advising and which one was bullying?
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Gov. Perry: Sorry Governor, but your compliment is a slap in the face to women.
Upon hear that Wendy Davis, the Texas State Senator who filibustered the anti-abortion bill, didn't appreciate what he said about her, Governor Perry said that he was giving her a compliment. Well Governor, Senator Davis and millions around the country saw it for what it really was: A slap on the face to women and men all over your state. The sad part is that, as Governor, you don't even see why anyone sees it that way.
After Governor Perry said that he was trying to give State Senator Davis a compliment, she said that she was proud of her daughter and the choice she made, but she wasn't going to take that choice away from other women. And with one fell swoop, Senator Davis hit the point right on the money. You see Governor, women just want the choice. They want to do what they, and the men in their lives for that matter, think is in the best interest of them, their family and their unborn child. Now you Governor, and GOP politicians all over this country, are really saying to these women and their families: You have no choice in what you think is best. I know what's best for you and your family, and you'll do what I say is best for your family or you'll go to jail. If someone would tell that to anyone in your family, are telling everyone that it wouldn't be a slap in the face? Of course it would! And you can't see that?
Governor Perry, you may have been trying to give Senator Davis a compliment, but what you really doing was giving a slap to the face to millions of women who just want a choice, and the fact you can't see that makes me wonder about your ability to have empathy for people. And a governor needs to have empathy. Not having it, it makes me and millions of others if you should be governor, or hold any government position.
After Governor Perry said that he was trying to give State Senator Davis a compliment, she said that she was proud of her daughter and the choice she made, but she wasn't going to take that choice away from other women. And with one fell swoop, Senator Davis hit the point right on the money. You see Governor, women just want the choice. They want to do what they, and the men in their lives for that matter, think is in the best interest of them, their family and their unborn child. Now you Governor, and GOP politicians all over this country, are really saying to these women and their families: You have no choice in what you think is best. I know what's best for you and your family, and you'll do what I say is best for your family or you'll go to jail. If someone would tell that to anyone in your family, are telling everyone that it wouldn't be a slap in the face? Of course it would! And you can't see that?
Governor Perry, you may have been trying to give Senator Davis a compliment, but what you really doing was giving a slap to the face to millions of women who just want a choice, and the fact you can't see that makes me wonder about your ability to have empathy for people. And a governor needs to have empathy. Not having it, it makes me and millions of others if you should be governor, or hold any government position.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
What lesson did Governor Perry learn as a kid, and was it the right one?
One thing I have to give to Texas Governor Perry is that he did learn at least one lesson. Unfortunately, I'm not sure it was the right lesson for him.
After the Texas legislature couldn't pass an anti-abortion bill in the regular session, Governor Perry called a special session to try and pass a bill that would make abortions basically illegal in Texas. But through grass roots efforts and an heroic filibuster, the special session came and went without the bill being passed. So what lesson did Perry learn as a kid that he could apply? Simply the lesson of, If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. That's right, Governor Perry simply called for a second session after the Fourth of July. You see, at first he didn't succeed, so he tried again, and he failed. So now he's trying again. But there's another lesson I think he should have learned. This lesson isn't boiled down to an easy sentence, though, so Perry may not have learned it. This lesson is, look at the group that disagrees with you and see how vehemently they're doing it. If you're making the other side bigger, stronger, and making them angry against you, review your position. There's probably something wrong with it. You haven't learned that one, have you Governor Perry? There's talk now, with your stance on this bill, that it won't be 2030 or 2024 that demographics turns Texas to a blue state, but 2016 at the latest. Is that what you were trying to do? No, of course not. So now, not only have you torpedoed your Presidential run with inept political ability, but now you're hurting the state GOP and sounding another death knell in the national party, too.
Governor Perry's stance on the legislature's special session showed he learned a lesson as a kid. Too bad it was the wrong one.
After the Texas legislature couldn't pass an anti-abortion bill in the regular session, Governor Perry called a special session to try and pass a bill that would make abortions basically illegal in Texas. But through grass roots efforts and an heroic filibuster, the special session came and went without the bill being passed. So what lesson did Perry learn as a kid that he could apply? Simply the lesson of, If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. That's right, Governor Perry simply called for a second session after the Fourth of July. You see, at first he didn't succeed, so he tried again, and he failed. So now he's trying again. But there's another lesson I think he should have learned. This lesson isn't boiled down to an easy sentence, though, so Perry may not have learned it. This lesson is, look at the group that disagrees with you and see how vehemently they're doing it. If you're making the other side bigger, stronger, and making them angry against you, review your position. There's probably something wrong with it. You haven't learned that one, have you Governor Perry? There's talk now, with your stance on this bill, that it won't be 2030 or 2024 that demographics turns Texas to a blue state, but 2016 at the latest. Is that what you were trying to do? No, of course not. So now, not only have you torpedoed your Presidential run with inept political ability, but now you're hurting the state GOP and sounding another death knell in the national party, too.
Governor Perry's stance on the legislature's special session showed he learned a lesson as a kid. Too bad it was the wrong one.
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Supreme Court tells minorities: It's 1955 again.
The Supreme Court in striking down Part 5 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act today basically told minorities that no local government or state is trying to restrict their vote. But the worst thing is, they're telling states and local governments that it's okay if you want to discriminate. And if you don't believe it, look at what a Texas politician said right after the law was struck down.
The Supreme Court told Congress today that the Voting Rights Act needs to be up-dated. Updated since 2006? That's when the bill was last voted on. So, there's less racism now than there was 7 years ago in places like Texas and Alabama? That's why a Texan GOP state politician said that the state could now pass a voting bill to restrict people from voting, because there's no racism? That's why Shelby county Alabama thought the bill was so onerous because they couldn't restrict voting rights, so they decided to take the bill to court to try to overturn it? That's not racism? Isn't that like getting rid of a speed limit because no one is speeding?
The Supreme Court today said that states and local governments are back in power when it comes to who votes. In other words, the GOP may want to take the country to 1955, but only the Supreme Court can actually take the country there.
The Supreme Court told Congress today that the Voting Rights Act needs to be up-dated. Updated since 2006? That's when the bill was last voted on. So, there's less racism now than there was 7 years ago in places like Texas and Alabama? That's why a Texan GOP state politician said that the state could now pass a voting bill to restrict people from voting, because there's no racism? That's why Shelby county Alabama thought the bill was so onerous because they couldn't restrict voting rights, so they decided to take the bill to court to try to overturn it? That's not racism? Isn't that like getting rid of a speed limit because no one is speeding?
The Supreme Court today said that states and local governments are back in power when it comes to who votes. In other words, the GOP may want to take the country to 1955, but only the Supreme Court can actually take the country there.
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