“No president has ever been treated like that. Ever."

The "United" States had a national election in 2008. President Obama prevailed, with over 50% of the popular vote. No ideologically-bound Supreme Court (justice) had to break a tie to appoint this president.

Last night's outburst during President Obama's speech to Congress was inexcusable. It is reprehensible behavior. I also hold other members of that "august" body to account who boorishly held up signs during the speech. To me, these actions during a presidential speech bordered upon treason. (OK, not quite...) A formal reprimand should be considered, particularly for the heckler. (Joe Wilson of South Carolina, "Party of No".) From the look upon Speaker Nancy Pelosi's face, I'm hopeful that one will be forthcoming. (UPDATE: Apparently not: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090910/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_heckling_17 )

(Old photo from Google/LIFE archives)

Link to news story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090910/ap_on_go_co/us_health_care_heckling

Where were the congressional shouters and sign holders during speeches where George W. Bush fabricated about WMD hidden in Iraq, arms-related shipments to Iraq (a lie), the cost of the Iraq war (cynically underestimated/hidden), attempting to tie Iraq to 9/11 terrorism, and so on? http://www.bushlies.net/

The quotation that heads this blog entry came from Rahm Emanuel, White House Chief of Staff. Disrespectful behavior like this should not be excused or overlooked. The subsequent "apology" from the offender is not sufficient. Tepid condemnations from Republican leadership are also not sufficient. (UPDATE: And the mouth of S. Carolina is already weaseling out from his "apology": http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/10/wilson-calls-his-outburst-spontaneous/?partner=rss&emc=rss )

9/11/09 update: This loose cannon is actually becoming more combative, now: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32797625/ns/politics-health_care_reform/

And he may manage to get himself formally reprimanded after all. Per the following, 72% in this poll totally disapprove of his action:
http://www.newsvine.com/_question/2009/09/09/3244332-what-do-you-think-of-rep-joe-wilsons-decision-to-shout-out-you-lie-during-the-presidents-speech

Allow yelling at the president in Congress, and whacko shouting at local town hall meetings will only be the beginning.....

CT DEP protection funds "eliminated"

Apparently a number of Connecticut DEP protection funds, including the Clean Air Fund, were raided in this week's state budget "compromise" actions, with all monies transferred to the state's general fund.

Here's a link to a 9/1/09 press release from the Connecticut Fund for the Environment: http://ctenvironment.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=256:9-01-09-environmental-groups-weigh-in-on-budget&catid=3:press-release-items&Itemid=38

And here's a 9/2/09 story link from "CT News Junkie", which notes that the Long Island Sound fund and many others were drained : http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/state_capitol/budget_battle_some_winners_som.php#more

Interestingly, I haven't read anything yet about this action from major, "traditional" state news sources like the Hartford Courant, or Hartford-area TV news sites. 9/14/09 update: It's a sparse story, but the budget action has now been picked up in a brief article by AP:

http://www.courant.com/news/local/statewire/hc-ap-ct-lisoundplatessep13,0,3023193.story

I need more information. Still, where's the outrage about this move?

(Old image from Google/LIFE photo archives)

Excuse me, but what's been advocated here for weeks....?

Re CT Gov. Rell apparently offering a more workable possible compromise in the state's ongoing budget battle:

(Link to information from the Hartford Courant "CT Confidential" blog: http://blogs.courant.com/rick_green/ Also: A link to the "CT News Junkie" story.)

I'm far from alone (among non-zillionaires advocating for it), but what has this blog been "suggesting" for weeks? E.g., here (link) , here, and here ??

A: Compromise.



Please....let's be grown-ups now and "get it done". Thank you.

CT budget impasse: Recalcitrant Republicans

Link to 8/22/09 Hartford Courant Connecticut state budget impasse news story: http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=3138688709219220372

Republican Governor Rell states: "I'm equally as frustrated as the public is now...."

It may not be scientific, but this poll at the "CT News Junkie" site has a clear message for Gov. Rell and recalcitrant state Republicans: Increase state income taxes on those fortunate enough to earn $600,000 or more per year. 76% of respondents (currently) vote 'yes':

Link: http://twtpoll.com/r/mqzcok

C'mon millionaires and billionaires; how about doing your fair share.... Axe a day of paid dog-walking for the labradoodles, or something meaningful like that. What's $20 a week to you, while the rest of us can't afford the trifles... like decent health care. (Something that state Republicans want to cut further.)



One word, my state "representatives": Compromise.

And another, revenue-based word: Tolls.

Palin "wins", intelligence loses. (World smirks.)

As governor (before she quit), Sarah Palin supported "plan(-ning) ahead for health care decisions, related to end of life care...." Please see this link to an official, 4/16/08 proclamation, signed by Gov. Palin: http://gov.state.ak.us/archive.php?id=1094&type=6#

As has been pointed out, we're seeing blatant demagoguery on her part re this issue.

Just what America needs: More half-truths, innuendo and tabloid sensationalism. That's real leadership.....that's what made this country great: Rampant paranoia and stupidity.




So who's being a disingenuous ass, mainly for political gain?

If Wasilla-hillbilly-led hysteria "wins", many U.S. health care patients stand to lose. Again. (If you aren't receiving care yet, you will....) The rest of the civilized world is laughing: Though not perfect, they generally addressed effective, available health care from birth through old age.....years ago. You don't have to be rich to obtain decent care. (Or almost.) Please also consider: http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jeremywarner/100000571/us-healthcare-expenditure-the-biggest-waste-of-money-in-the-world/

So what exactly is wrong with facilitating proper planning for the inevitable....? I don't find the concept "confusing" at all, Senator Grassley. Oh, and check this item about Grassley and other GOP demagogues apparently voting in favor of so-called "death panel" funding in 2003: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/08/14/grassley-voted-for-socall_n_259750.html

Woodstock flashback: The first 5 albums you bought?

For those who were young around the time of the 1969 Woodstock festival. (And are of a "certain age" now.)

Do you remember the first five or so albums that you bought, with your own money? (I assume that you were good and didn't steal them...)

A new teenager at the time of Woodstock, I was a bit young to go.... Though I know children my age were there. (A guy from our school class went...with his parents.) At the time I was just starting to "graduate" from buying music singles ("45's") to purchasing a few albums...with my newspaper route money. I didn't really "get going" on buying albums until the following year, 1970.

Aside: Actually, I think the first album I ever bought was 1966's "The Supremes A-Go-Go", by the legendary Supremes. I believe my brother and I pooled our allowance money at the time. We loved the Supremes, and that pink-covered album got listened to death. You can currently find an import (remastered) version of this album at Amazon. For over $600. (Photo/link.)


With the Woodstock 40th anniversary here, I started thinking about the first albums I ever owned (on my own). Alas; none of them are in my possession anymore. Pretty sure it was my mother who tossed out most of my vinyl collection several years later. (Thanks, Mom.)

As best as I recall, here's my list of the first albums I owned: They're all from 1970 (I believe) except "Tommy", released in 1969. All were major-ly popular albums at the time. (FWIW, don't remember the exact order in which they were purchased.)

"Chicago II" (Their second album. Pretty sure this is the first one I bought on my own.)

"Deja Vu", Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

"Tommy", The Who

"Cosmo's Factory", Creedence Clearwater Revival (Reached #1 on Billboard pop album chart at the time....)

"Steppenwolf 'Live'", Steppenwolf ("Sookie, Sookie" to you!)


From the period anyway, most of these albums still hold up well, IMO.

Memory test: So what's your list? What were the first albums you owned, especially if you were of age/coming of age around the time of Woodstock.(Wherever you are from....)

It's something of a rhetorical question to contemplate, but I've also opened up comments here if you care to leave one containing your list. I think it's interesting. Thank you.

Newsflash: Mr. Cheney thinks we're all weeners

Re the news article linked below, check the current no. 1 def. for 'weener' at Urban Dictionary: Link

And that goes for YOU, too! Per "Mr. Potter's" disdaining references to "public sentiment" in this comment-worthy Washington Post article (by Barton Gellman, today). Link

"So?"

Remember that one, from the former second most powerful person in the world? (He's knows he really was #1. Or, at least: King)

(Image from Google : LIFE archives)

You...yeah, You! You're a "wuss". So are whoever these guys are fawning around me here. And everyone else, especially my former "boss": "The President" of the United States.
BwahhhhHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Those who matter know I'M the real president! And now I've morphed into "Mr. Loquacious" , too....Got that dunk tank ready for me? (Link)
Bring it on....!!

Hasta la vista, baby. I'll be BACK....

A good letter. Plus: Medicare "anti-socialists"

A very good message in a letter to the editor in today's Hartford Courant. I'll trust the gentleman on his statistics.... Link: http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/editorials/hc-digbrflets0813.art3aug13,0,6901116.story


Why are many people vehemently defending the present, deeply flawed U.S. health care status quo? Per the following link, look where the private insurance system has left many working families/individuals:

Link: http://www.courant.com/business/hc-health-care-coverage-0812,0,73778.story


And, why are so many seen on TV/in photos yelling, screaming (uncivilly) in public officials' faces.... older Americans? (Mostly white, too.) Who either are already covered by government-run Medicare and Social Security, or soon will be....(A link to one current photo.)

Socialism!! Never!! (BTW: Read this 'wiki' on what a "mixed economy" is, here.)
Hands off my Medicare....



There's much distortion, deception, and misinformation out there right now. Enjoy a bit of clarity:



(Articulate Ms. Maddow is also dead-on correct about lazy, poor reporting (generally) slapped together and rushed out re the issue.)