Apparently, the super-rich are highest on the Republican's priority list, even higher than the 9/11 first responders they claim to love so much. "Since when does the Republican party make 9/11 first responders stand over in the corner with the gays and Mexicans?"



Can it be more obvious that Republican's core principle = money? (And if it's not, they're sure going about things the wrong way.)

Finally, a politician that doesn't sound like a clueless idiot in the pockets of corporations. Not surprisingly, he's an Independent. For all our sakes, I really hope his colleagues listen to him.

Many of my Republican colleagues tell me, "Oh, I'm so concerned about our record-breaking deficit... But wait a minute, it's very important that we give over a 10 year period $700 billion in tax breaks to the top 2%." We're concerned about the debt, we're concerned about the deficit. But we are more concerned that millionaires, people who earn at least a million dollars a year or more, get on average $100,000 a year in tax breaks.

Whether you're Democrat, Republican, independent, or not interested in politics, watch this:

Dear politicians: please stop being idiots and get something done. (Yeah, I know it's wishful thinking...)

I Believe I Can Fly (NY Times)

"98 climate scientists out of 100 will tell you that man's continued carbon emissions pose the risk of disruptive climate change this century. Two out of 100 will tell you it doesn't. And "conservatives" today tell you to bet on the two. If the climate-deniers are right — but we combat climate change anyway — we'll have slightly higher energy prices but cleaner air, more renewable energy, a stronger dollar, more innovative industries and enemies with less money. If the deniers are wrong and we do nothing, your kids will meet the sudden stop at the end."

The Washington Post compared Democratic and Republican tax plans. I don't think any of my friends are in that bottom group, but if they were then I guess I could see why they'd support the Republican plan.

I'm not naive enough to think the passing of the health care bill is the end of all our health care problems, but I do think it's a step in the right direction. This bit in the Atlantic summarizes my feelings pretty well:

Why This Moment Matters

There are countless areas in which America does it one way and everyone else does it another, and I say: I prefer the American way. Our practice on medical coverage is not one of these. Despite everything that is wrong with this bill and the thousand adjustments that will be necessary in the years to come, this is a very important step.

‘Freedom’ and Faux Populism

[W]hen freedom is invoked by the GOP it means liberty for corporations. It's big government getting out of the way so big business can step up. The GOP wants Chevron, Haliburton and United Health Care to have more independence – not the Joe Everyman, Six-Pack or Plumber they try to appeal to.

Justices, 5-4, Reject Corporate Spending Limit (NY Times)

Overruling two important precedents about the First Amendment rights of corporations, a bitterly divided Supreme Court on Thursday ruled that the government may not ban political spending by corporations in candidate elections.

Is there anyone — other than the corporations and lobbyists, of course — who likes this ruling? Corporations are not people and don't deserve the same First Amendment protection.

The founders of this nation warned about the dangers of corporate influence. The Constitution they wrote mentions many things and assigns them rights and protections — the people, militias, the press, religions. But it does not mention corporations. (The Court’s Blow to Democracy)

The Supreme Court has handed lobbyists a new weapon. A lobbyist can now tell any elected official: if you vote wrong, my company, labor union or interest group will spend unlimited sums explicitly advertising against your re-election. (Lobbyists Get Potent Weapon in Campaign Ruling)

Perhaps it's time to update Old Glory...

This graph that shows that younger people are more supportive of gay marriage than older people. As one person commented, "Looks like the debate will solve itself (mostly) in 20 years or so." One can only hope...



Somewhat strange that a couple of the most supportive states (Maine and California) have recently repealed gay marriage laws. Perhaps it shows that younger people don't vote as much as older people.

Jill was watching this tonight and I had to include it. Funny stuff...

If I remember correctly, when disagreement was expressed about [Bush's] actions when y'all were in power, I believe the response was: "Why do you hate America? Watch what you say. Love it or leave it. Suck on my Truck Nutz."

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
Baracknophobia - Obey
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Economic Crisis Political Humor

As always, The Big Picture has some amazing photographs, this time of The Inauguration of President Barack Obama. The third one -- a satellite photo of the National Mall -- really gives you a "holy crap!" shot of the number of people there.

...courtesy of The Onion:

Bush Spends Day Feverishly Booby-Trapping Desk

Vice Presidential Handlers Lure Cheney Into Traveling Crate

Bush Tours America To Survey Damage Caused By His Disastrous Presidency

Bush Tours America To Survey Damage Caused By His Disastrous Presidency

Here is your pro-Obama link...

Very funny video of Katie Couric interviewing Sarah Palin:

Couric: What newspapers and magazines did you regularly read before you were tapped for this, to stay informed and to understand the world?
Palin: I read most of them, again, with a great appreciation for the press, for the media...
Couric: But, like, what ones specifically, I'm curious, did you...?
Palin: Uh, all of them. Any of them.

Sadly, her answer reminds me of Homer Simpson:

Horst: You have been safety inspector for two years. What initiatives have you spearheaded in that time?
Homer: Uh...all of them?

Oh yeah, and when Terry Tate tackled her. That was funny, too.

Undecided

To put them in perspective, I think of being on an airplane. The flight attendant comes down the aisle with her food cart and, eventually, parks it beside my seat. "Can I interest you in the chicken?" she asks. "Or would you prefer the platter of shit with bits of broken glass in it?"

To be undecided in this election is to pause for a moment and then ask how the chicken is cooked.

(via Daring Fireball)

Good for the Rays (except for the crappy theme song). Obviously I would've wanted the Sox to win, but what can you do? (I mean, besides pinch hit for Varitek...WTF?) TB just played better tonight. That said...go Phillies!

A friend of mine noted that while the Red Sox won the world series in 2004, the presidential election didn't work out as well. Maybe this year we'll "win" the election instead...

Jeff:

Do evangelical Christians realize the staggering irony of dismissing Obama's message of "hope" as meaningless and ineffective?

* Not ironic

Earlier this week we took Amelia out for ice cream for her birthday (parties later this week). While we were eating it, we overheard a ridiculous political discussion. Three people were talking about their reason for why they would never vote for Barack Hussein Obama. One said "In 1944 you wouldn't vote for Hirohito" (as if Obama has actually spent time as the leader of an anti-American Middle Eastern country). The other -- the one wearing the "If you can read this, I farted" t-shirt -- agreed.

According to a poll of 109 historians, George W. Bush is the worst president ever.

I'm a big fan of Tim Wakefield, but once again I've learned that most baseball players don't share the same political views as me.

“[President George Bush] knew who I was, which was really cool, and said, ‘Tim, great job, congratulations,’ ” said Wakefield, who plans to return the pleasantries. “(This time) I’d say, ‘Thanks for a great eight years.’ I’m a big fan of his.”

On the other hand, Coco Crisp liked Ross Perot because “he had those big ears working.”