After a week of intense misgivings over the President's unprecedented 'compromise'(a grave misnomer at this point) with those dastardly Republicans on the proposed new tax bill, I've come to reason as he has suggested that it's the best bill possible under the present circumstances. If it were possible to reach through my TV set and get my hand around the neck of that so- called conservative Joe Scarborough(thankfully that action was not possible), I'd probably now have a criminal record of assault. I often watch his 'morning joe' talk show because I'm an early riser and I can only take so much of 'mike and mike' in those wee hours. But on the morning after the President announced to the public his compromisee tax bill, there was morning Joe, glowing, reveling with his fellow conservative guests, "we won, we won". He went on and on,"GW Bush is in Dallas now with a smile on his face because this Democratic president has finally seen the light and come over to 'our' side, and now realizes that he was right all along that tax cuts for the very wealthy is the way to stimulate the nations economy." He forgot to add that this President Bush with his tax cuts over 8 years damn near crashed this nation into another great depression. To this I say,"yes you did,for now".
Our president of the United States has been,(and these are his words, not mine) 'held hostage' by the Republican party with the usual help of a number of so-called 'blue dog' Democrats. Let's face reality, I'ts a done deal and we liberals and the rest of the decent struggling Americans can be certain of a very dim future with the new Congress in January.
The few progressive leaders we've left in Congress with an ounce of backbone know that we have lost the message and in turn the health of our nation for some time to come. Those immoral Republicans will continue what the previous president started and indeed bankrupt this country now. It's just a matter of time. Don't expect any wealthy to pass down funds from those tax breaks to create jobs as the conservatives try and sell us. They proved this the past 10 years, yet the voters put them back in power. A vote, I'm afraid, we will all lament soon.
I now would ask our President to now rebuke those he termed' hostage takers' as he so severely done so to his most reverent supporters this week. I call on the President to loudly and often let the american people clearly see who the real culprits are in this disaster. And stop demeaning his base. We want you to succeed more than you could possibly know.
To the new leader of Congress. Mr. Speaker, are you ready to stop playing silly political games with the peoples' lives? Now you wield the power. Can you lead?
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
I had a brief talk at work last week with a client who unfortunately fell into that demeaning and dreadful category of (99'er). The woeful term given to individuals who's unemployment insurance claims has continued past 99 weeks.
It wasn't the first of similar such conversations nor do I expect it will be the last, but this young couple in particular, almost drove me to tears. A prowd young manand his wife who's found themselves without work for over a year now and 3 little children's mouths to feed. They were in the office to inquire if there would or would not be anymore extensions of benefits because of what they had heard on the news. I told them that we had no furthur information concerning extending benefits by the US Congress as yet.
The wife went on to tell me that she was very sad and felt quite hopeless and askd me if I was going to set up a Christmas tree in my home this year. I told her that I did plan to use the same artificial one I've used for the past 5 years. She went on to tell me that she's been sitting in her room at night after the kids are gone to bed and crying because they have no way to even get them the little toys they are seeing on tv. But she went on to explain that it's not the toys that are that important. Rather, it's the look in their eyes when she said that they would not have a Christmas tree this year. And the eldest of the 3 remarked, "But ma, not even a Charlie Brown Tree?" No not even one so modest could the family afford.
This young couple clearly understands that having money for Christmas is not only a nice thing but but also for this particular Christmas, it's a matter of not enough food to go around and maybe not have enough heating in their small residence.
I wonder how many of our nations' congressmen/women could stand to go home for the holidays and stand before the children and tell them there won't be at least a 'tree' this year because they failed to do the 'peoples' business and make sure that those who are out of work for no reason of their own, could rely on them, the people they sent to Washington to 'resresent' them. And representing them includes seeing that an extension of benefits succeeded.
I realize as well as that young family does that it's really not about toys or gifts or even a 'tree'. That it's the plain and simple decency and compassion that humans in need get those needs addressed.
It's appaling that I've had to even write such a post in this day and age;But it's the ugly reality of the dumbing down of the human condition so prevalent in todays society.
I for one will make an effore to give my tree to a needful family this Christmas season in hopes of at least giving some kid a real 'Charlie Brown Christmas'.
It wasn't the first of similar such conversations nor do I expect it will be the last, but this young couple in particular, almost drove me to tears. A prowd young manand his wife who's found themselves without work for over a year now and 3 little children's mouths to feed. They were in the office to inquire if there would or would not be anymore extensions of benefits because of what they had heard on the news. I told them that we had no furthur information concerning extending benefits by the US Congress as yet.
The wife went on to tell me that she was very sad and felt quite hopeless and askd me if I was going to set up a Christmas tree in my home this year. I told her that I did plan to use the same artificial one I've used for the past 5 years. She went on to tell me that she's been sitting in her room at night after the kids are gone to bed and crying because they have no way to even get them the little toys they are seeing on tv. But she went on to explain that it's not the toys that are that important. Rather, it's the look in their eyes when she said that they would not have a Christmas tree this year. And the eldest of the 3 remarked, "But ma, not even a Charlie Brown Tree?" No not even one so modest could the family afford.
This young couple clearly understands that having money for Christmas is not only a nice thing but but also for this particular Christmas, it's a matter of not enough food to go around and maybe not have enough heating in their small residence.
I wonder how many of our nations' congressmen/women could stand to go home for the holidays and stand before the children and tell them there won't be at least a 'tree' this year because they failed to do the 'peoples' business and make sure that those who are out of work for no reason of their own, could rely on them, the people they sent to Washington to 'resresent' them. And representing them includes seeing that an extension of benefits succeeded.
I realize as well as that young family does that it's really not about toys or gifts or even a 'tree'. That it's the plain and simple decency and compassion that humans in need get those needs addressed.
It's appaling that I've had to even write such a post in this day and age;But it's the ugly reality of the dumbing down of the human condition so prevalent in todays society.
I for one will make an effore to give my tree to a needful family this Christmas season in hopes of at least giving some kid a real 'Charlie Brown Christmas'.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
IN PRAISE OF HOWARD DEAN
I have never been as disappointed in an American president as I am now at this current one occupying the Oval Office. I was holding out hope that he was really going to be different, maybe in part because, he was our nations first African-American President, and because there were so many non-minority citizens who believed he would be a breath of fresh air. That 'Black' President of honor and integrity so many times portrayed in Hollywood on the big screen does not exist. No not this fence-sitting, weasel who would not stand up to the likes of a few Repubcrats in the Senate including that disgusting Senator from Connecticut, whose name I care not to even distinguish by spelling it out in this blog.. For completeness, I'll simply refer to him as Joe.
I know that there are those in my family and friends as well as other liberal progressives, who will really scoff at me for saying this but I no longer can lend support to President Obama. He's given us fair warning now after a year in office, that he's just another Chicago politician who's more concerned with his 'image' and 'legacy' than helping the helpless American poor. I've turned away from him because I truly feel that he will cave on the progressives on 'everything' of substance that comes to the fore from this point onward.
But this blog was not intended to direct my anger at him or those so-called conservative democrats. This blog is in praise of a former governor of Vermont, who has demonstrated a soundness of mind despite what the 'media' did to him, rather shameful during his run for the Presidency in 2004.
Although I don't think it's going to amount to a hill of beans to this administration, I do want to thank the former governor for having a sense of conviction and taking a DAMN stand for once.
Thank you Howard Dean for opposing this farce of a healthcare reform piece of junk that our President and leaders in the Senate are trying to shove off on the American people. It does absolutely NOTHING to reel in the big insurance companies. In fact a former insurance executive said yesterday on MSNBC'S 'The Ed Show' that the insurance companies will find a way to get around those weak measures the Senate has sold us and are popping the corks today.
So thank you Mr. Dean for your courage and sense of integrity because we progressives are in for a very disheartening next 3 years under this administration.
I know that there are those in my family and friends as well as other liberal progressives, who will really scoff at me for saying this but I no longer can lend support to President Obama. He's given us fair warning now after a year in office, that he's just another Chicago politician who's more concerned with his 'image' and 'legacy' than helping the helpless American poor. I've turned away from him because I truly feel that he will cave on the progressives on 'everything' of substance that comes to the fore from this point onward.
But this blog was not intended to direct my anger at him or those so-called conservative democrats. This blog is in praise of a former governor of Vermont, who has demonstrated a soundness of mind despite what the 'media' did to him, rather shameful during his run for the Presidency in 2004.
Although I don't think it's going to amount to a hill of beans to this administration, I do want to thank the former governor for having a sense of conviction and taking a DAMN stand for once.
Thank you Howard Dean for opposing this farce of a healthcare reform piece of junk that our President and leaders in the Senate are trying to shove off on the American people. It does absolutely NOTHING to reel in the big insurance companies. In fact a former insurance executive said yesterday on MSNBC'S 'The Ed Show' that the insurance companies will find a way to get around those weak measures the Senate has sold us and are popping the corks today.
So thank you Mr. Dean for your courage and sense of integrity because we progressives are in for a very disheartening next 3 years under this administration.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
PRESIDENT' OBAMA'S DISAPPOINTING HEALTHCARE REFORM PERFORMANCE
This black American man is very angry and disappointed in the first black President of these United States of America. I thought it might be better termed sadness, but sadness is best suited to feelings of something that was in all actuality unavoidable. This President's actions or non-actions concerning the health of millions of helpless Americans cannot be overlooked any longer.
I'm angry at the man at the top because he is the one who could have wielded much more power to help bring about REAL change in the way our nation's health care is provided than he apparently ever attempted to do. Yes Mr. Obama, you have failed the very people who worked our tails off relentlessly to see you take the oath of office on January 20th of this year. You allowed first, the hugh Pharmaceuticals, then the greedy Insurance Industry to influence you and your approach in support of a change in our health care delivery. You then sat idly by and allowed the US Congress to argue over and delay and delay REAL change.
Yes, they share a very large burden in seeing REAL health care reform NOT materialize but I simply cannot help but to hold YOU responsible.
You reached out a hand to those who opposed you and your once- stated goal of seeing that ALL Americans have affordable and meaningful health care coverage, while those very people had every intention of seeing you and your policies fail. Even at the expense of the lives of millions of suffering Americans.
I wonder Mr. President, where would 'I' and the nation's other minority citizens be today had President Johnson in 1964, said that, "certain parts of civil rights reform was but a 'sliver' of the overall goal of equal rights for all under the constitution". If he had so stated that "we should compromise and 'take what we can get' with those who would stand in the way of equal rights for all men.
I wonder where would 'MY DAUGHTER' and other women be today had Mr. Johnson taken off the table initially, any talk of granting ANY civil rights to her but only to 'black' men. I wonder if the President in 1964 had allowed a handful of conservative members of congress gut and derail passage of landmark civil rights legislation, would YOU have even been remotely considered a legitimate contender for the nation’s highest office.
Mr. President, there was no loyal and more hopeful citizen than this man in supporting your candidacy for change and I'm hoping that I was not in error.
You have but one year in this office and there are so many issues facing this nation. But I must say here that progressive Democrats such as I are extremely disappointed thus far in many of your decisions. THEY will NOT stop until you have failed believe me. Please do not assist them.
Mr. President, I suppose the tear drops will have dried on my keypad before you read this letter, but they are not important. I rather feel that of more importance is that you stand and fight for the nameless out here who believed in you.
I'm angry at the man at the top because he is the one who could have wielded much more power to help bring about REAL change in the way our nation's health care is provided than he apparently ever attempted to do. Yes Mr. Obama, you have failed the very people who worked our tails off relentlessly to see you take the oath of office on January 20th of this year. You allowed first, the hugh Pharmaceuticals, then the greedy Insurance Industry to influence you and your approach in support of a change in our health care delivery. You then sat idly by and allowed the US Congress to argue over and delay and delay REAL change.
Yes, they share a very large burden in seeing REAL health care reform NOT materialize but I simply cannot help but to hold YOU responsible.
You reached out a hand to those who opposed you and your once- stated goal of seeing that ALL Americans have affordable and meaningful health care coverage, while those very people had every intention of seeing you and your policies fail. Even at the expense of the lives of millions of suffering Americans.
I wonder Mr. President, where would 'I' and the nation's other minority citizens be today had President Johnson in 1964, said that, "certain parts of civil rights reform was but a 'sliver' of the overall goal of equal rights for all under the constitution". If he had so stated that "we should compromise and 'take what we can get' with those who would stand in the way of equal rights for all men.
I wonder where would 'MY DAUGHTER' and other women be today had Mr. Johnson taken off the table initially, any talk of granting ANY civil rights to her but only to 'black' men. I wonder if the President in 1964 had allowed a handful of conservative members of congress gut and derail passage of landmark civil rights legislation, would YOU have even been remotely considered a legitimate contender for the nation’s highest office.
Mr. President, there was no loyal and more hopeful citizen than this man in supporting your candidacy for change and I'm hoping that I was not in error.
You have but one year in this office and there are so many issues facing this nation. But I must say here that progressive Democrats such as I are extremely disappointed thus far in many of your decisions. THEY will NOT stop until you have failed believe me. Please do not assist them.
Mr. President, I suppose the tear drops will have dried on my keypad before you read this letter, but they are not important. I rather feel that of more importance is that you stand and fight for the nameless out here who believed in you.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
"RENEWING AMERICA'S PROMISE"
Recall where you heard the phrase sited above in this blog's title, 'renewing America's promise'?
Well, I'll just try and refresh you but this is not a reminder to you but to the elected people in our nations current Congress. And especially to the so-called 'blue dog' or conservative Democrats in the Senate who are prepared to vote against a 'public option' or public plan in the healthcare reform bill to insure that insurance companies be held accountable.
After hearing all of the debate and sometimes sheer lies being sprouted about this past summer in opposition to a universal healthcare reform bill almost exclusively proposed by Democrats in the legislature, I thought to myself what ever happened to those promises we heard on August 25th 2008.
What occured on that date? Well nothing other than the Democratic National Convention and their stated Platform.
What follows is the first paragraph in the preamble to the Democratic National Convention's Party Platform....
'We come together at a defining moment in the history of our nation – the nation that led the 20th Century, built a thriving middle class, defeated fascism and communism, and provided bountiful opportunity to many. We Democrats have a special commitment to this promise of America. We believe that every American, whatever their background or station in life, should have the chance to get a good education, to work at a good job with good wages, to raise and provide for a family, to live in safe surroundings, and to retire with dignity and security. We believe that quality and affordable health care is a basic right. We believe that each succeeding generation should have the opportunity, through hard work, service and sacrifice, to enjoy a brighter future than the last.
A great nation now demands that its leaders abandon the politics of partisan division and find creative solutions to promote the common good. A people that prizes candor, accountability, and fairness insists that a government of the people must level with them and champion the interests of all American families. A land of historic resourcefulness has lost its patience with elected officials who have failed to lead.
And what follows is a portion one of the very first planks agreed upon in this platform..
'We therefore oppose those who advocate policies that would thrust millions of Americans out of their current private employer-based coverage without providing them access to an affordable, comprehensive alternative, thereby subjecting them to the kind of insurance discrimination that leads to excessive premiums or coverage denials for older and sicker Americans. We reject those who have steadfastly opposed insurance coverage expansions for millions of our nation's children while they have protected overpayments to insurers and allowed underpayments to our nation's doctors. Our vision of a strengthened and improved health care system for all Americans stands in stark contrast to the Republican Party's and includes:
Covering All Americans and Providing Real Choices of Affordable Health Insurance Options. Families and individuals should have the OPTION of keeping the coverage they have or choosing from a wide array of health insurance plans, including many private health insurance options and a PUBLIC PLAN. Coverage should be made affordable for all Americans with subsidies provided through tax credits and other means.'
So yes there it is, written and adopted by ALL Democrats at that convention just a little over a year ago in Denver, Colorado.
I did not hear Senator Bachus or Senator Nelson nor Senator Lincoln and many others of the 'blue dog coalition' rise in vehement opposition at that time to a real PUBLIC OPTION as they so stridently do so today.
I also realize that I am but one tiny voice, but one of the majority of the American People you so loudly proclain you are representing in your opposition for real healthcare reform in this country.
You so-called 'blue dogs' were in lock step in Denver last year when it was fashionable to be a Democrat, yet you now stand in the way along with the Republican opposition of delivering the very thing we want. Real healthcare reform with a public option and no more tricks with such things as 'triggers' and the like. Please listen to your fellow Senator Rockefeller and do the job we expect of the Democratic majority we elected and of which you were a part, by ceasing your opposition to a 'public option' and renew your promise to America. Finally, THEY lost last November because the American people rejected their ideas.
Well, I'll just try and refresh you but this is not a reminder to you but to the elected people in our nations current Congress. And especially to the so-called 'blue dog' or conservative Democrats in the Senate who are prepared to vote against a 'public option' or public plan in the healthcare reform bill to insure that insurance companies be held accountable.
After hearing all of the debate and sometimes sheer lies being sprouted about this past summer in opposition to a universal healthcare reform bill almost exclusively proposed by Democrats in the legislature, I thought to myself what ever happened to those promises we heard on August 25th 2008.
What occured on that date? Well nothing other than the Democratic National Convention and their stated Platform.
What follows is the first paragraph in the preamble to the Democratic National Convention's Party Platform....
'We come together at a defining moment in the history of our nation – the nation that led the 20th Century, built a thriving middle class, defeated fascism and communism, and provided bountiful opportunity to many. We Democrats have a special commitment to this promise of America. We believe that every American, whatever their background or station in life, should have the chance to get a good education, to work at a good job with good wages, to raise and provide for a family, to live in safe surroundings, and to retire with dignity and security. We believe that quality and affordable health care is a basic right. We believe that each succeeding generation should have the opportunity, through hard work, service and sacrifice, to enjoy a brighter future than the last.
A great nation now demands that its leaders abandon the politics of partisan division and find creative solutions to promote the common good. A people that prizes candor, accountability, and fairness insists that a government of the people must level with them and champion the interests of all American families. A land of historic resourcefulness has lost its patience with elected officials who have failed to lead.
And what follows is a portion one of the very first planks agreed upon in this platform..
'We therefore oppose those who advocate policies that would thrust millions of Americans out of their current private employer-based coverage without providing them access to an affordable, comprehensive alternative, thereby subjecting them to the kind of insurance discrimination that leads to excessive premiums or coverage denials for older and sicker Americans. We reject those who have steadfastly opposed insurance coverage expansions for millions of our nation's children while they have protected overpayments to insurers and allowed underpayments to our nation's doctors. Our vision of a strengthened and improved health care system for all Americans stands in stark contrast to the Republican Party's and includes:
Covering All Americans and Providing Real Choices of Affordable Health Insurance Options. Families and individuals should have the OPTION of keeping the coverage they have or choosing from a wide array of health insurance plans, including many private health insurance options and a PUBLIC PLAN. Coverage should be made affordable for all Americans with subsidies provided through tax credits and other means.'
So yes there it is, written and adopted by ALL Democrats at that convention just a little over a year ago in Denver, Colorado.
I did not hear Senator Bachus or Senator Nelson nor Senator Lincoln and many others of the 'blue dog coalition' rise in vehement opposition at that time to a real PUBLIC OPTION as they so stridently do so today.
I also realize that I am but one tiny voice, but one of the majority of the American People you so loudly proclain you are representing in your opposition for real healthcare reform in this country.
You so-called 'blue dogs' were in lock step in Denver last year when it was fashionable to be a Democrat, yet you now stand in the way along with the Republican opposition of delivering the very thing we want. Real healthcare reform with a public option and no more tricks with such things as 'triggers' and the like. Please listen to your fellow Senator Rockefeller and do the job we expect of the Democratic majority we elected and of which you were a part, by ceasing your opposition to a 'public option' and renew your promise to America. Finally, THEY lost last November because the American people rejected their ideas.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
PRESIDENT CARTER AND THE RIGHT
I'm not supprised at the faux outrage I'm hearing coming from the right on President' Carter's statement last night on MSNBC'S 'Morning Joe' political talk show. The NBC anchor Brian Williams interviewed the former President and his comment on race relations in this country was in my opinon, straightforward and concise. What he said was, “Racism ... still exists and I think it has bubbled up to the surface because of a belief among many white people, not just in the south but around the country, that African-Americans are not qualified to lead this great country. It’s an abominable circumstance and grieves me and concerns me very deeply,” . Mr. Carter also reiterated that, “I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man, that he is African-American,".
I have to agree with the former president's conclusions and I suspect that a fair majority of Americans do as well. However, it appears that a certain group of conservatives, particularly those views heard this morning on the above mentioned television program just don't get it, or at the very least, they pretend to not understand the point he was making concerning the established fact of the ugly stain of racism in our country's history.
Of course the former President did not say nor did he infer in any way that simply because some American's are opposed to the views and policies of the current administration, that they are ALL 'racists'. Which is the recent rantings from conservatives,'tea partiers', birther's, and the like.
The former President is not a simpleton nor does he have any incentive to fan the flames of racism in a nation that is already on the verge of a wildfire. Those who attack him in this way are either misinformed or are treading very dangerous waters.
I had my problems with the Carter administratiion to be fair but to simply incite the crazies in this country to further divide decent people by disparaging him is not only dishonorable but very much so a dangerous tact.
I have to agree with the former president's conclusions and I suspect that a fair majority of Americans do as well. However, it appears that a certain group of conservatives, particularly those views heard this morning on the above mentioned television program just don't get it, or at the very least, they pretend to not understand the point he was making concerning the established fact of the ugly stain of racism in our country's history.
Of course the former President did not say nor did he infer in any way that simply because some American's are opposed to the views and policies of the current administration, that they are ALL 'racists'. Which is the recent rantings from conservatives,'tea partiers', birther's, and the like.
The former President is not a simpleton nor does he have any incentive to fan the flames of racism in a nation that is already on the verge of a wildfire. Those who attack him in this way are either misinformed or are treading very dangerous waters.
I had my problems with the Carter administratiion to be fair but to simply incite the crazies in this country to further divide decent people by disparaging him is not only dishonorable but very much so a dangerous tact.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
CONGRESSMAN JOE WILSON'S LACK OF SHAME
When I heard Congressman Joe Wilson(Republican of SC) clearly and distinctly yell out on the floor of a joint session of Congress to the President of the United States, "YOU LIE", It simply stretched credulity to not believe my lying ears.
It was the sort of moment that should have caused all parties on all sides to take pause and clearly lay down the gauntlet. That that sort of shameful, rude, insidious, disrespect for our nations leader did more than just cross the line, it foretold the kind of people we have become in this country as a whole. And I say 'we' because because of the seeming apathy emanating from people who should know better and the outrageous support from others I do not expect very much from in support of his outburst.
What has become of this country of recent years when we appear to tolerate the most vile and worst from human behavior. Those with political agendas on the far right has gone so far as to propel this man to the status of 'national hero' and therby approving his incivility. Those of much more moderate views have given him a pass as' 'merely expressing frustration' because he's so damned angry at the President because they don't agree with his governing policies. Then there are the weak progressivies on the left that always seem to be caught off guard.
The House of Representatives is scheduled today to introduce a measure of condemnation against this wayward Congressman and yet no one really believes this will amount to very much. The irresponsible Congressman has already decided that it is more profitible to him to continue to be boosted by his rightwing pals than to offer any semblence of decent decorum usually expected from an elected US Congressman.
When will this madness we have come to know in this country abate? Not as long as we have supposedly responsible leaders who find it appealing to some in this nation who have no shame
It was the sort of moment that should have caused all parties on all sides to take pause and clearly lay down the gauntlet. That that sort of shameful, rude, insidious, disrespect for our nations leader did more than just cross the line, it foretold the kind of people we have become in this country as a whole. And I say 'we' because because of the seeming apathy emanating from people who should know better and the outrageous support from others I do not expect very much from in support of his outburst.
What has become of this country of recent years when we appear to tolerate the most vile and worst from human behavior. Those with political agendas on the far right has gone so far as to propel this man to the status of 'national hero' and therby approving his incivility. Those of much more moderate views have given him a pass as' 'merely expressing frustration' because he's so damned angry at the President because they don't agree with his governing policies. Then there are the weak progressivies on the left that always seem to be caught off guard.
The House of Representatives is scheduled today to introduce a measure of condemnation against this wayward Congressman and yet no one really believes this will amount to very much. The irresponsible Congressman has already decided that it is more profitible to him to continue to be boosted by his rightwing pals than to offer any semblence of decent decorum usually expected from an elected US Congressman.
When will this madness we have come to know in this country abate? Not as long as we have supposedly responsible leaders who find it appealing to some in this nation who have no shame
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