I am totally enjoying the show "Legend of the Seeker." I stumbled upon it online a months ago. I was hooked from the first episode. Check out this recap of the first season:
I will admit that my attention is had when you tell me that something has wizards, a quest and/or a hot guy. This show has both, with beautiful women included. And add that to the fact that the show is filmed entirely in New Zealand (so many LOTR remembrances), and I couldn't have put together a more perfect show. I strongly urge folks to check it out.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
My Take on What Happened in Baltimore on "Friday"
By the time I finished watching Obama conclude his Q&A with the GOP House Conference up in Baltimore yesterday, this was the first thought that came into my mind about the GOP:
What Obama did on Friday was something that I could never imagine George W. Bush doing when the Democrats were in the minority. I am not sure that Bush could have fielded questions like that, off the cuff, with equally substantive (and politically beneficial) results. All I know is that I appreciated watching every bit of it.
Obama showed everyone in that room more respect than they would ever show him. The weakness of the GOP's ideas on health care, for example, were on full display. If I hear portability and tort reform one more time, I am going to scream. Neither of those issues helps to insure the millions who are currently uninsured, nor do those issues help to reduce the overall costs of health insurance.
This should be a monthly event. I think that doing Q&A sessions with various caucuses and conferences on the Hill would really help all of us, regular Americans, understand where the administration and Congress are coming from, and it would provide regular Americans an opportunity to hold the President, as well as Congress, accountable for their political rhetoric.
I also thought it was brilliant of Obama to point out that because of the outrageous political rhetoric of the GOP members, they have essentially boxed themselves in with their supporters. If Obama gets GOP help, then those GOP members risk genuine retribution from their party members. Last week provided a good example of the box that GOP members have put themselves in (see here).
As for my bottom line assessment about Friday in B-more, Chris Tucker said it all.
What Obama did on Friday was something that I could never imagine George W. Bush doing when the Democrats were in the minority. I am not sure that Bush could have fielded questions like that, off the cuff, with equally substantive (and politically beneficial) results. All I know is that I appreciated watching every bit of it.
Obama showed everyone in that room more respect than they would ever show him. The weakness of the GOP's ideas on health care, for example, were on full display. If I hear portability and tort reform one more time, I am going to scream. Neither of those issues helps to insure the millions who are currently uninsured, nor do those issues help to reduce the overall costs of health insurance.
This should be a monthly event. I think that doing Q&A sessions with various caucuses and conferences on the Hill would really help all of us, regular Americans, understand where the administration and Congress are coming from, and it would provide regular Americans an opportunity to hold the President, as well as Congress, accountable for their political rhetoric.
I also thought it was brilliant of Obama to point out that because of the outrageous political rhetoric of the GOP members, they have essentially boxed themselves in with their supporters. If Obama gets GOP help, then those GOP members risk genuine retribution from their party members. Last week provided a good example of the box that GOP members have put themselves in (see here).
As for my bottom line assessment about Friday in B-more, Chris Tucker said it all.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
On Salinger, Holden and My Adolescence
J. D. Salinger passed away today at the age of 91.
I was 14 when I was introduced to Salinger's Catcher in the Rye, and I was amazed by the time I finished that book. In a profound way, the world as I knew it changed forever after I read those books.
I was convinced that I needed to go to prep school in order to find (and maximize) who I thought I was. Only by going away to school did it seem (to me) plausible to shape who I would become as I approached adulthood. I was mad at my family for more than a year, when my request to go to prep school was denied (I'd envisioned Woodbury Forest, Deerfield or St. Paul's as my future alma maters). I thought at the time that they simply didn't understand my needs. They were "phonies," just like Holden Caulfield talked about, "phonies" holding me back.
I didn't fit in at my junior high or even high school back then, even though I was moderately popular. I'd been introduced to a world so different from my own in Catcher in the Rye. Mind you, I had no intention of losing my mind like Holden. No, I saw opportunity in the world that he was running from; I knew that I could make it where he could not. I felt that I could channel my angst differently, and use it to my advantage. For all of those people inspired by Holden Caulfield to abandon the establishment, I wanted in.
It took years for me to reconcile that side of my personality (that desire to be of the establishment) with the reality of being black and gay and not rich. The world that Holden was escaping physically and mentally, quite like Salinger, was not to be mine, no matter how much I thought I wanted in at the time. And in so many ways, I am thankful that I was never given that opportunity. I have learned so much, and I have been through many experiences, experiences that have enriched me as a human being. I would not have become the person I am if I'd had my way back then.
But for that small window of time in my adolescence, I wanted what Holden was giving up. I wanted it, because I thought that the keys to the kingdom were along that path. And though I understood his concerns about the people around him, those concerns were immaterial to my adolescent desire to get what I felt I deserved: an opportunity to have and be among the so called best.
Funny thing is that Salinger was right all along. People are phony, and there I was desperate to become one. I am so glad I did not, and I think that might have made Salinger (and Holden) proud.
I was 14 when I was introduced to Salinger's Catcher in the Rye, and I was amazed by the time I finished that book. In a profound way, the world as I knew it changed forever after I read those books.
I was convinced that I needed to go to prep school in order to find (and maximize) who I thought I was. Only by going away to school did it seem (to me) plausible to shape who I would become as I approached adulthood. I was mad at my family for more than a year, when my request to go to prep school was denied (I'd envisioned Woodbury Forest, Deerfield or St. Paul's as my future alma maters). I thought at the time that they simply didn't understand my needs. They were "phonies," just like Holden Caulfield talked about, "phonies" holding me back.
I didn't fit in at my junior high or even high school back then, even though I was moderately popular. I'd been introduced to a world so different from my own in Catcher in the Rye. Mind you, I had no intention of losing my mind like Holden. No, I saw opportunity in the world that he was running from; I knew that I could make it where he could not. I felt that I could channel my angst differently, and use it to my advantage. For all of those people inspired by Holden Caulfield to abandon the establishment, I wanted in.
It took years for me to reconcile that side of my personality (that desire to be of the establishment) with the reality of being black and gay and not rich. The world that Holden was escaping physically and mentally, quite like Salinger, was not to be mine, no matter how much I thought I wanted in at the time. And in so many ways, I am thankful that I was never given that opportunity. I have learned so much, and I have been through many experiences, experiences that have enriched me as a human being. I would not have become the person I am if I'd had my way back then.
But for that small window of time in my adolescence, I wanted what Holden was giving up. I wanted it, because I thought that the keys to the kingdom were along that path. And though I understood his concerns about the people around him, those concerns were immaterial to my adolescent desire to get what I felt I deserved: an opportunity to have and be among the so called best.
Funny thing is that Salinger was right all along. People are phony, and there I was desperate to become one. I am so glad I did not, and I think that might have made Salinger (and Holden) proud.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
And Folks Wonder Why I Love Wanda Sykes
Other than her unabashed love of Sade (I hope Sade comes on Wanda's show), Wanda nailed it talking about "dignified" black people in the age of Obama. I am related to so many of them. Enjoy!
Rep. Alan Grayson Remains a Hero of Mine
I came across this little gem while perusing news over at Rod 2.0. By the time the clip was done, I wondered what the political world in Washington would be like if the majority of Democrats on the Hill had a solid percentage of the chutzpah of Rep. Grayson. And imagine if Obama even walked down the Grayson street when addressing his opponents. Sure some of his language is hyperbolic, and yes, he has been a victim of overreach on occasion. But I would rather apologize for hyperbole and overreach than to listen to the craven and the feckless. Those are qualities I've seen in too many Democrats, when it comes to the blind madness of the GOP and its attacks on anything suggested by Democrats.
Notice how the GOP tries to ignore and/or dismiss Grayson. Also notice how not too many try to bite back at him. That is the key point. The GOP knows that this man does not play, nor does he cower. Now whether they respect or loathe him, shit is rather silent when he makes his floor speeches now.
And what a brilliant way to bitch slap Pat Robertson and his supporters(puts an interesting spin on the notion of the "devil you know," don't it?).
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Will Being Gay in Uganda Lead to Execution or Imprisonment? VI
When you begin to lose an argument in justifying the murder of gays and lesbians, then perhaps those making the argument feel that it's prudent to go for the porn. Just check this link to see some of the details. It's incredible that there are still people who actually believe what they believe about "the majority" of gays (and I am sure that the images were those of men, because once again, lesbians don't seem to rate as high on the fear scale for these Christianist bigots).
Even Bill Gates doesn't seem that pressed about the prospect of this "Kill the Gays" bill passing. Oh, and check this old story about Obama's Christianist buddy Rick Warren.
These people are crazy, no ifs, ands or buts.
Even Bill Gates doesn't seem that pressed about the prospect of this "Kill the Gays" bill passing. Oh, and check this old story about Obama's Christianist buddy Rick Warren.
These people are crazy, no ifs, ands or buts.
Monday, January 25, 2010
How About a 21st Century CCC, Instead of a 20th Century-like Freeze?
For a number of reasons, I was disturbed to hear that Obama is considering a spending freeze in the midst of the deepest recession since the Great Depression. Perhaps I would be less disturbed if the Obama administration had come in all FDR-like with a number of working programs aimed at those hit hardest by the "Great Recession," but that isn't the narrative. Okay, so the response wasn't a failure (I actually know someone auditing some of the stimulus funded programs), but it did not have the feel of an immediate impact, and for the infantile and impatient average American, that "feeling" is actually important.
I think that creating something akin to the Civilian Conservation Corps (1933-1942), a New Deal program, would be something that would have an actual immediate impact that Americans would understand easily. There are even people who are still alive who can tell tales of their days in the CCC, thus reminding Americans of how a similar program could help average Americans.
The Obama administration could decide where the members of the CCC would operate, with emphases, I would suggest, on infrastructure projects (Department of Transportation, for example), deferred maintenance projects (particularly from the National Park Service), and green projects (Departments of Energy and Agriculture and the EPA, for example). By developing a 21st century CCC, the Obama administration will have the potential of meeting a multiplicity of needs: immediate employment in new (albeit temporary) jobs, job training (with experience building), and shoring up the country's infrastructure.
I've no idea if anything of this sort is being discussed within the administration, but it is something that people could understand easily, and, I think, buy into rather quickly. It could be developed to help people with no skills, as well as people with advanced degrees, especially since the Great Recession has impacted so many across the economic spectrum. And what is the likelihood that the GOP would hate the idea? Remember this dig at using stimulus funding to repair the National Mall from the GOP?
Focus on the 21st century needs of the American people Obama, not on the 20th century siren songs of the GOP. Damn, those rocks are real close.
I think that creating something akin to the Civilian Conservation Corps (1933-1942), a New Deal program, would be something that would have an actual immediate impact that Americans would understand easily. There are even people who are still alive who can tell tales of their days in the CCC, thus reminding Americans of how a similar program could help average Americans.
The Obama administration could decide where the members of the CCC would operate, with emphases, I would suggest, on infrastructure projects (Department of Transportation, for example), deferred maintenance projects (particularly from the National Park Service), and green projects (Departments of Energy and Agriculture and the EPA, for example). By developing a 21st century CCC, the Obama administration will have the potential of meeting a multiplicity of needs: immediate employment in new (albeit temporary) jobs, job training (with experience building), and shoring up the country's infrastructure.
I've no idea if anything of this sort is being discussed within the administration, but it is something that people could understand easily, and, I think, buy into rather quickly. It could be developed to help people with no skills, as well as people with advanced degrees, especially since the Great Recession has impacted so many across the economic spectrum. And what is the likelihood that the GOP would hate the idea? Remember this dig at using stimulus funding to repair the National Mall from the GOP?
Focus on the 21st century needs of the American people Obama, not on the 20th century siren songs of the GOP. Damn, those rocks are real close.
Let Them Filibuster
I agree with Gov. Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania. Why not let the Republicans actually filibuster Democratic proposals. Make them do it. But, if Democrats go down that path, then they would need to make legislative proposals that truly reflect a consensus view. Even though it can drive me crazy at times, it is quite possible that the diversity within the Democratic caucus could really work in the Party's favor, specifically in the face of a united Republican wall of "no." Make the GOP explain to the American public why something that could be beneficial to the American people should not be afforded at least an up or down vote.
Democrats needs to stop reacting to threats and innuendo, and they need to stop acting as though 41 is 51. Call the GOP's bluff, and let them filibuster as they wish. I dare the Democrats on the Hill and in the White House to let the Republicans do it.
Democrats needs to stop reacting to threats and innuendo, and they need to stop acting as though 41 is 51. Call the GOP's bluff, and let them filibuster as they wish. I dare the Democrats on the Hill and in the White House to let the Republicans do it.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
An Example of How Not to Begin a Potentially Interesting Discussion
Leave it to a member of the GOP to screw up a potentially interesting discussion. South Carolina Lt. Governor Andre Bauer raised some interesting points in a speech he gave the other day. In discussing the need to require people who received government assistance to do things in order to receive that assistance, Bauer had to go there and compare welfare recipients with animals, and stray animals to boot.
I think that it is worthwhile to have a discussion related to things like required parental participation in their children's education, if their children receive government assistance. We know that a key to breaking the cycle of poverty is through education, and I would hope that the vast majority of parents receiving public assistance would want to see their children progress. Though I am not as draconian as Bauer, I do think that there should be certain requirements and penalties in place for people to receive government assistance (with the exception of the elderly).
But, what on earth was the purpose of comparing welfare recipients with stray animals? That is the easiest way to lose people. To me, it shows that Bauer is comfortable in thinking that he is better than welfare recipients, which is not the case at all. That is how you put a discussion of value on lock down before the discussion has really even begun.
If Bauer wants to have this discussion, I think that he needs to reassess his thoughts about welfare recipients, apologize with sincerity, and then start over again. Give the people he criticized in such a condescending manner the respect that they deserve as human beings. Once he begins there, then perhaps people who would dismiss him solely on his "stray animal" comment might be willing to listen to an interesting proposal.
I think that it is worthwhile to have a discussion related to things like required parental participation in their children's education, if their children receive government assistance. We know that a key to breaking the cycle of poverty is through education, and I would hope that the vast majority of parents receiving public assistance would want to see their children progress. Though I am not as draconian as Bauer, I do think that there should be certain requirements and penalties in place for people to receive government assistance (with the exception of the elderly).
But, what on earth was the purpose of comparing welfare recipients with stray animals? That is the easiest way to lose people. To me, it shows that Bauer is comfortable in thinking that he is better than welfare recipients, which is not the case at all. That is how you put a discussion of value on lock down before the discussion has really even begun.
If Bauer wants to have this discussion, I think that he needs to reassess his thoughts about welfare recipients, apologize with sincerity, and then start over again. Give the people he criticized in such a condescending manner the respect that they deserve as human beings. Once he begins there, then perhaps people who would dismiss him solely on his "stray animal" comment might be willing to listen to an interesting proposal.
Friday, January 22, 2010
So the Haitian Telethon Was Not Relevant to the Viewers of Fox News?
As I settled in to watch the telethon for Haitian relief organized by Wyclef Jean (I flipped across a number of channels to see the potential scope of the viewing), something told me to check Fox News. Why was I not surprised to see that the channel was not covering the event? Is there really anything to say about that? Other stations were covering the telethon? Sure, that's it. Well, I suppose Fox News felt that this article was sufficient.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
The Perils of Limiting the Discussion of Race to Blacks and Whites
I just finished reading an article over at MSNBC detailing a terrible situation in a Philly neighborhood between black and Asian students in a local high school. Here is the link. It's disturbing to me, because it seems that those Asian kids clearly are being harassed based on their racial and cultural differences. It's also apparent that this particular South Philly neighborhood is in the midst of cultural change, and some of the black students are reacting.
And this is different from whites going after blacks during the age of integration how? There seems to be little difference, and the perpetrators of the violence against these students should be called on their racism and their violence (and I don't want to hear the bullshit line about black folks inability to being racist). If the victims and violators were reversed, we would certainly hear of it, and rightly so.
And this is different from whites going after blacks during the age of integration how? There seems to be little difference, and the perpetrators of the violence against these students should be called on their racism and their violence (and I don't want to hear the bullshit line about black folks inability to being racist). If the victims and violators were reversed, we would certainly hear of it, and rightly so.
To the Ladies McCain, Respect Where Respect is Due
Both Cindy and Meghan McCain have come out publicly in support of marriage equality (Sen. John remains comfortable with inequality). Meghan came out in favor of marriage equality a while ago, and I think that it is reflective of her generation; marriage equality is not a big deal, because being gay is not a big deal.
I think that it is important to recognize people who support marriage equality from all political stripes, because it is truly and issue about equality before the law. Thanks for being allies. This is a fight that will be won, hopefully in my lifetime.
I think that it is important to recognize people who support marriage equality from all political stripes, because it is truly and issue about equality before the law. Thanks for being allies. This is a fight that will be won, hopefully in my lifetime.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Great White Hopes on the March
If I could give a gift to President Obamaon his first anniversary as POTUS, I would give him a copy of Ken Burns' Unforgivable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson. I would ask him to concentrate on the way that Johnson handled his opponents in the ring, and more importantly his detractors outside of it. The people against Johnson were united in their desire to see him fail (sound familiar?). His title was seen as illegitimate (sound familiar?). And it wasn't until the fight of July 4, 1910 with the ultimate "Great White Hope" Jim Jeffries that Johnson was able to shut up his detractors, if only for a little while. But those detractors finally conceded that they had a tough opponent who was not about to give them an inch, unless it was an inch of rope to hang themselves with.
I have no question that many of Obama's opponents are praying for "Great White Hopes" of their own to "save" them from the Obama menace. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins made it plain back in the summer of '09, and Senator-elect Scott Brown has really burnished those hopes. There are hundreds of thousands of Americans who are still spooked about the notion of a self identified black man being POTUS. And with that in mind, Obama should take on his opponents directly and forcefully, like Jack Johnson took on his opponents. Obama should beat his detractors at their own game, expose their prejudices (all of them, not just racial) and their bankrupt rhetorical swings, and beat the shit out of them.
Jack Johnson did this beautifully throughout his reign. Obama still has an opportunity to do this during his first term. As a matter of fact, considering that this is the centennial year of the Johnson-Jeffries fight, I think that it would be a perfect way to honor the memory of Jack Johnson, his fistic legacy and his ability to look his detractors in the face and laugh at their silliness.
I hope that Obama can awaken his own inner Jack Johnson, face his opponents and detractors head on, and beat the shit out of them politically. He owes that to the millions of Americans who voted for him. He owes that to himself, because right now, I am not seeing the spirit of Jack Johnson anywhere. But there are all sorts of "Great White Hopes" out there jockeying for positions.
Obama, you better handle your business.
I have no question that many of Obama's opponents are praying for "Great White Hopes" of their own to "save" them from the Obama menace. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins made it plain back in the summer of '09, and Senator-elect Scott Brown has really burnished those hopes. There are hundreds of thousands of Americans who are still spooked about the notion of a self identified black man being POTUS. And with that in mind, Obama should take on his opponents directly and forcefully, like Jack Johnson took on his opponents. Obama should beat his detractors at their own game, expose their prejudices (all of them, not just racial) and their bankrupt rhetorical swings, and beat the shit out of them.
Jack Johnson did this beautifully throughout his reign. Obama still has an opportunity to do this during his first term. As a matter of fact, considering that this is the centennial year of the Johnson-Jeffries fight, I think that it would be a perfect way to honor the memory of Jack Johnson, his fistic legacy and his ability to look his detractors in the face and laugh at their silliness.
I hope that Obama can awaken his own inner Jack Johnson, face his opponents and detractors head on, and beat the shit out of them politically. He owes that to the millions of Americans who voted for him. He owes that to himself, because right now, I am not seeing the spirit of Jack Johnson anywhere. But there are all sorts of "Great White Hopes" out there jockeying for positions.
Obama, you better handle your business.
Post Special Election Thoughts
Two things.
First, I have no desire whatsoever to watch the so called "liberal media" wax poetic about last night's election. It will be worthless commentary. I think I could find more intellectual wisdom, and frankly joy, by watching episodes of "Spongebob Squarepants." Lord knows that there are enough people in this country who have the intelligence of Patrick Star, yet I'd rather see him do his thing than to suffer the sentient beings who are his intellectual peers on television and in the American electorate.
Second, I will likely leave the Democratic Party. The relationship certainly lasted longer than my relationship with the GOP (22 months versus 6 weeks). I suffered the ascension of a "white South will rise again" party in Virginia ("cheers" to the Commonwealth's new governor, a perfect example of what I ran from back in the late 80s), and decided not to look back (though Jack Kemp continued to intrigue me). As for the Democrats of 2010, I just don't know what to say. So, I will let John Stewart say it for me. Add this post to the mix as well.
I remain a ship without a proper harbor.
First, I have no desire whatsoever to watch the so called "liberal media" wax poetic about last night's election. It will be worthless commentary. I think I could find more intellectual wisdom, and frankly joy, by watching episodes of "Spongebob Squarepants." Lord knows that there are enough people in this country who have the intelligence of Patrick Star, yet I'd rather see him do his thing than to suffer the sentient beings who are his intellectual peers on television and in the American electorate.
Second, I will likely leave the Democratic Party. The relationship certainly lasted longer than my relationship with the GOP (22 months versus 6 weeks). I suffered the ascension of a "white South will rise again" party in Virginia ("cheers" to the Commonwealth's new governor, a perfect example of what I ran from back in the late 80s), and decided not to look back (though Jack Kemp continued to intrigue me). As for the Democrats of 2010, I just don't know what to say. So, I will let John Stewart say it for me. Add this post to the mix as well.
I remain a ship without a proper harbor.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
When Tennessee Met New York
Back in the day, when the brotha was in the House and seen as a rising star in the Democratic Caucus, I would see Harold Ford, Jr. at the Starbucks on Pennsylvania and 3rd, SE. I'd be reading some history book for class, and I caught his eye occasionally when he was in there. We'd do some bourgie version of a brotha nod, and both return to our respective worlds.
I didn't feel like I'd gained a measure of the man until he ran for the Senate in Tennessee. And what a measure it was. Ford became a Southern Republican in every way except that he was black and still some version of a Democrat. That is all well and good. In the end, however, that drag didn't really work for Ford (and this ad didn't help much either).
So Ford packed his bags and moved to the Big Apple. Cool. If one has an opportunity to cash in, then I say do you. And he has. But when I heard that he was considering a run for the Senate in New York, as a Democrat, I shook my head and laughed.
Ford is making a fool of himself, and he is smarter than that. He has a solid record of his own to run on. I may not agree with much of it, but it is his record nonetheless. It becomes a question of integrity, when he goes about doing as he has done. Ford is trying to be all things to all people, and the folks of New York aren't buying it. And now, as posted over at Rod 2.0, Ford is refusing to do interviews with the New York press, seemingly for fear of being asked substantive questions on his record.
I wonder if Ford is afraid that his actual political record will show that he is essentially to the right of Republican Dede Scozzafava,and we know what happened to her. The New York GOP may be looking for a potentially charismatic black candidate for a major office. Perhaps Ford should look there, since he seems determined to challenge Senator Gillibrand.
BTW, check Rod 2.0 for this series of posts on Ford.
I didn't feel like I'd gained a measure of the man until he ran for the Senate in Tennessee. And what a measure it was. Ford became a Southern Republican in every way except that he was black and still some version of a Democrat. That is all well and good. In the end, however, that drag didn't really work for Ford (and this ad didn't help much either).
So Ford packed his bags and moved to the Big Apple. Cool. If one has an opportunity to cash in, then I say do you. And he has. But when I heard that he was considering a run for the Senate in New York, as a Democrat, I shook my head and laughed.
Ford is making a fool of himself, and he is smarter than that. He has a solid record of his own to run on. I may not agree with much of it, but it is his record nonetheless. It becomes a question of integrity, when he goes about doing as he has done. Ford is trying to be all things to all people, and the folks of New York aren't buying it. And now, as posted over at Rod 2.0, Ford is refusing to do interviews with the New York press, seemingly for fear of being asked substantive questions on his record.
I wonder if Ford is afraid that his actual political record will show that he is essentially to the right of Republican Dede Scozzafava,and we know what happened to her. The New York GOP may be looking for a potentially charismatic black candidate for a major office. Perhaps Ford should look there, since he seems determined to challenge Senator Gillibrand.
BTW, check Rod 2.0 for this series of posts on Ford.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Waiting at the Brink: The Massachusetts Special Election
I would say that around midnight Wednesday morning, we will know whether or not an ineffective and seemingly out of touch candidate for a special election in a solidly blue state will have sealed the fate of the Obama agenda. We will also see cheers coming from a mixture of racists, birthers, deathers, and most importantly pols on the right (whether they are racists, birthers, deathers, or simply haters about the election results of 2008) who have no desire to do anything, and I mean anything, that will be beneficial to more than the top 2% of the income earners.
Now, I don't think that every single aspect of what Obama wants to do is picture perfect. However, I do believe that the man is sincere in his desire to do right by the American people, including those who hate him. I cannot say the same about virtually anyone in the GOP right now. I do believe that they are sincere in their desire to do nothing but make sure that every single thing that Obama does is held back, derided, or defeated. EVERY SINGLE THING. And for all of the false equivalents that the right tries to construct about what Democrats did during the Bush administration, I would just direct them to the votes on the Hill between 2001 and 2009. The truth is in the Congressional Record. Bush enjoyed more bi-partisan support than this POTUS has ever experienced, and it damn sure isn't because Bush had better ideas.
So, as I sit here waiting to see what the folks of Massachusetts will do, I will think about those days a year ago, when I saw a wide cross section of Americans descend on Washington to celebrate possibility.
Now, I don't think that every single aspect of what Obama wants to do is picture perfect. However, I do believe that the man is sincere in his desire to do right by the American people, including those who hate him. I cannot say the same about virtually anyone in the GOP right now. I do believe that they are sincere in their desire to do nothing but make sure that every single thing that Obama does is held back, derided, or defeated. EVERY SINGLE THING. And for all of the false equivalents that the right tries to construct about what Democrats did during the Bush administration, I would just direct them to the votes on the Hill between 2001 and 2009. The truth is in the Congressional Record. Bush enjoyed more bi-partisan support than this POTUS has ever experienced, and it damn sure isn't because Bush had better ideas.
So, as I sit here waiting to see what the folks of Massachusetts will do, I will think about those days a year ago, when I saw a wide cross section of Americans descend on Washington to celebrate possibility.
Friday, January 15, 2010
A Liberal's Love of Country: Honoring Dr. King
A conservative friend of mine has suggested that I see our country as a place that needs to be fixed. I always found fault with his premise, because it supposes that I see little good in this country. Every relationship worth having requires work, and an experiment as grand as the American experiment is no different.
I've long known that our hearts, generally, are in the right places. Overall, I actually do think that the nation as a whole inherently has a desire to be a force of good in the world. Our response to the horror of the earthquake's aftermath in Haiti is a vivid reminder of precisely how good we can be as Americans, and it really makes me quite proud. Yet, if we are going to form that "more perfect union," we have to continue identifying areas where the work can be done to achieve that, while strengthening that which makes our country unique among the community of nations.
Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., and those who assisted him in the cause of expanding American freedom, worked in that effort to form a "more perfect union." Sometimes, I think the people who truly love this country are the ones who are able to see the nation as it is, maintain an expansive vision of what it can be, and then work toward implementing that vision.
So, just because I see things that I think need to be fixed in this nation, I know that I want them fixed, because I believe the country will be better for it. I am proud that I have that perspective, and I will continue working in the tradition of forming that "more perfect union."
I've long known that our hearts, generally, are in the right places. Overall, I actually do think that the nation as a whole inherently has a desire to be a force of good in the world. Our response to the horror of the earthquake's aftermath in Haiti is a vivid reminder of precisely how good we can be as Americans, and it really makes me quite proud. Yet, if we are going to form that "more perfect union," we have to continue identifying areas where the work can be done to achieve that, while strengthening that which makes our country unique among the community of nations.
Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr., and those who assisted him in the cause of expanding American freedom, worked in that effort to form a "more perfect union." Sometimes, I think the people who truly love this country are the ones who are able to see the nation as it is, maintain an expansive vision of what it can be, and then work toward implementing that vision.
So, just because I see things that I think need to be fixed in this nation, I know that I want them fixed, because I believe the country will be better for it. I am proud that I have that perspective, and I will continue working in the tradition of forming that "more perfect union."
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Class in the Face of the Crass: Responding to Idiotic and Insensitive Representatives from the Right
Let me begin by stating that I think Rush Limbaugh is vile. In the face of obvious devastation in the poorest nation of the Western Hemisphere, Limbaugh decides that the American response to the disaster is not based on charity and good will. No, our response is allegedly based on the President's desire to shore up his street cred with American Negroes of all hues. And, Limbaugh added, because of Obama's overwhelming desire to (what?) keep it real with the black folk, he responded to the Haitian disaster more swiftly than he did to the attempted terrorist attack on Christmas. Add Pat Robertson's Christianist perspective of why Haiti suffered this natural disaster, and you have to wonder who made the pact with the devil. That there are perhaps millions of Americans who actually agree with either of these men is more pitiful and shameful still.
On The Rachel Maddow Show last night, the Haitian Ambassador to the U.S. with his anger sufficiently restrained, offered genuine Christian charity, as well as a history lesson, to Pat Robertson:
Meanwhile, Keith Olbermann offered a pitch perfect response to the madness emanating from the representatives of the right. Again, it was a pitch perfect response.
And to see the face of Pras Michel (from the Fugees), after Olbermann responded to his question of what Limbaugh had to say, was to see the face of a person who could not believe that someone would "go there."
May God have mercy on the souls of Limbaugh and Robertson, as well as those crazy enough actually to agree with their positions on virtually anything.
On The Rachel Maddow Show last night, the Haitian Ambassador to the U.S. with his anger sufficiently restrained, offered genuine Christian charity, as well as a history lesson, to Pat Robertson:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Meanwhile, Keith Olbermann offered a pitch perfect response to the madness emanating from the representatives of the right. Again, it was a pitch perfect response.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
And to see the face of Pras Michel (from the Fugees), after Olbermann responded to his question of what Limbaugh had to say, was to see the face of a person who could not believe that someone would "go there."
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
May God have mercy on the souls of Limbaugh and Robertson, as well as those crazy enough actually to agree with their positions on virtually anything.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Pat Robertson's Idea of "Christian" Charity
I just read this post over at Huffington Post that just incensed me. Pat Robertson has accused the freedom fighters of 19th century Haiti of making a "pact with the devil" in order to gain their freedom from France.
Haiti has just suffered a catastrophic disaster, and within the first 24 hours Robertson invokes the devil as an explanation for the devastation. This is the same man, who along with Jerry Falwell, blamed the attacks of 9/11/01 on liberals, people who've had abortions and the GLBT community. And he is saying this about a country that is more than 80% Catholic. He has no credibility whatsoever.
Here is the clip (from Media Matters for America, which is a great site) from today's 700 Club:
If this is Robertson's idea of "Christian charity," then I am sure the people of Haiti will, even in the midst of great historic need, let that charity stay right in Virginia Beach, VA.
WTF?!
Haiti has just suffered a catastrophic disaster, and within the first 24 hours Robertson invokes the devil as an explanation for the devastation. This is the same man, who along with Jerry Falwell, blamed the attacks of 9/11/01 on liberals, people who've had abortions and the GLBT community. And he is saying this about a country that is more than 80% Catholic. He has no credibility whatsoever.
Here is the clip (from Media Matters for America, which is a great site) from today's 700 Club:
If this is Robertson's idea of "Christian charity," then I am sure the people of Haiti will, even in the midst of great historic need, let that charity stay right in Virginia Beach, VA.
WTF?!
Monday, January 11, 2010
"Trent Lott Said Something That Was Far More Innocuous Than the Racially Tinged Comments Senator Reid Made."
I just want one reporter to ask Senator John Cornyn directly and in person if he believes that praising the prospect of electing a segregationist POTUS, and suggesting that the country has suffered "all these problems" when that did not come to pass, is as innocuous as stating that a black person does not speak with a "Negro dialect." And perhaps Senator Cornyn should consider reviewing exactly what Lott said, and examine precisely what the Dixiecrats stood for in 1948. If he can come back, after his homework, and repeat that Lott's comments were "innocuous," then perhaps Harry Reid will be able to see the winds of criticism change direction.
Finally, I would love to know if Chuck Todd offered a follow-up to Cornyn. Somehow, I doubt it.
Finally, I would love to know if Chuck Todd offered a follow-up to Cornyn. Somehow, I doubt it.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Is There Something Wrong with Politicians Thinking Before Speaking?
In light of the maelstrom surrounding Senator Harry Reid and his comment about the electability of Obama, based of course on where he fell on the color spectrum and his lack of a "negro dialect," I think that it might be worthwhile to re-examine the comments of another Senate Majority Leader who didn't think twice before taking his one shot at speaking.
Former Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi made the following statement at the 100th birthday of late Senator Strom Thurmond back in '02: "I want to say this about my state: When Strom Thurmond ran for president, we voted for him. We're proud of it. And if the rest of the country had followed our lead, we wouldn't have had all these problems over all these years...." Anyone who claims to know anything about American political history in the mid-20th century surely would know the history of the States' Rights Democratic Party or "Dixiecrats." I also think that there is little doubt regarding what Lott was implying (I did not know that Mississippi governor Fielding Wright was Thurmond's running mate in '48, which makes, in my mind, Lott's comment even worse).
Senator Reid described Obama as being "light skinned," and that he had "no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." These comments when put within their broader context were Reid's way of trying to explain why Obama may be successful as a candidate for POTUS. It was in my mind as bad as then candidate Joe Biden saying that Obama was both "clean" and "articulate." Both men, in pitiful ways, were trying to offer compliments to Obama. Both failed, in my opinion. I think that blogger Keli Goff nailed it in her post over at Huffington Post by suggesting that Reid's comments say more about his lack of substantive interaction with black peers than they do deep-seated personal racist perspectives.
Without a doubt, members of the GOP are suggesting that Reid's comments are the equivalent of Lott's, and that Reid should resign his leadership post. It is in fact far from being equivalent, especially when both sets of comments are put into their proper perspectives. Lott suggested that if the country had elected Thrumond and Wright, then the nation would not have its various "problems." The only problem that the "Dixiecrats" had was possible racial integration, to which Lott attributed to "all these problems over all these years." Reid made a weak attempt at offering "praise" to a black dude who was considering running for president.
In retrospect, perhaps Lott should not have been forced (by President Bush no less) to resign his leadership post. I think he was making what he felt to be an honest assessment of the country, just as Reid was making what he felt to be an honest political assessment about the man he later supported to become the first black POTUS.
Both men failed to, as my grandmother says, think twice and speak once. But, there is no question in my mind as to whose statement was worse. Now, it seems that Obama is fine with Reid's apology, and he has decided to move on (after all, Reid's comment was about Obama). Perhaps we need to do the same.
But at some point, I think that we will need to examine exactly what Reid said, because I think he was essentially (and unfortunately) correct in his assessment of why Obama would be politically palatable to the broader American electorate.
Former Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi made the following statement at the 100th birthday of late Senator Strom Thurmond back in '02: "I want to say this about my state: When Strom Thurmond ran for president, we voted for him. We're proud of it. And if the rest of the country had followed our lead, we wouldn't have had all these problems over all these years...." Anyone who claims to know anything about American political history in the mid-20th century surely would know the history of the States' Rights Democratic Party or "Dixiecrats." I also think that there is little doubt regarding what Lott was implying (I did not know that Mississippi governor Fielding Wright was Thurmond's running mate in '48, which makes, in my mind, Lott's comment even worse).
Senator Reid described Obama as being "light skinned," and that he had "no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one." These comments when put within their broader context were Reid's way of trying to explain why Obama may be successful as a candidate for POTUS. It was in my mind as bad as then candidate Joe Biden saying that Obama was both "clean" and "articulate." Both men, in pitiful ways, were trying to offer compliments to Obama. Both failed, in my opinion. I think that blogger Keli Goff nailed it in her post over at Huffington Post by suggesting that Reid's comments say more about his lack of substantive interaction with black peers than they do deep-seated personal racist perspectives.
Without a doubt, members of the GOP are suggesting that Reid's comments are the equivalent of Lott's, and that Reid should resign his leadership post. It is in fact far from being equivalent, especially when both sets of comments are put into their proper perspectives. Lott suggested that if the country had elected Thrumond and Wright, then the nation would not have its various "problems." The only problem that the "Dixiecrats" had was possible racial integration, to which Lott attributed to "all these problems over all these years." Reid made a weak attempt at offering "praise" to a black dude who was considering running for president.
In retrospect, perhaps Lott should not have been forced (by President Bush no less) to resign his leadership post. I think he was making what he felt to be an honest assessment of the country, just as Reid was making what he felt to be an honest political assessment about the man he later supported to become the first black POTUS.
Both men failed to, as my grandmother says, think twice and speak once. But, there is no question in my mind as to whose statement was worse. Now, it seems that Obama is fine with Reid's apology, and he has decided to move on (after all, Reid's comment was about Obama). Perhaps we need to do the same.
But at some point, I think that we will need to examine exactly what Reid said, because I think he was essentially (and unfortunately) correct in his assessment of why Obama would be politically palatable to the broader American electorate.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Broken Down So That it Should be Forever Broke
Just read it, and read it for full comprehension. Sullivan broke that down to the last syllable. And with that, let the church say "Amen, Amen, and Amen."
Gay Marriage in DC Will Lead to the Removal of Black DC Residents? What the Hell?
For those who do not know, all laws passed by the DC Council and signed by the DC Mayor have to go through a thirty day review in Congress. Opponents of marriage equality in Washington have set their hopes on defeating this legislation during this period.
Apparently, one of the opponents of marriage equality, a woman called Joyce Little, has argued (according to dcist.com) that this legislation will essentially lead to the removal of DC's working class and poor black folks, because the gays will descend on DC (scroll down to the letter entitled "DC's Same-Sex Marriage Bill"), bringing their gentrification, increase rents, and abominable lifestyles with them.
That is, by far, one of the most asinine things I've read. It is a class based and thinly veiled racist argument that is put forth simply to be divisive, and it masks the author's true reason for being willing to put the civil rights of DC residents up to a popular vote: her "faith." Essentially, all of the rich white gay people will take over all of DC, forcing black folks out of their homes, whether they are renter or homeowners.
I am sick and fucking tired of this meme that if given the opportunity, the good black folks of Washington would do the "right thing" and deny marriage equality to these "abominable" (and likely in their minds white) gay people. I wish these people would stop feeding the misguided beast that lets non-black gay folks think that the black community is the most homophobic demographic on the planet. It also feeds the notion that there are no black folks, gay or straight, who actually support marriage equality, and there are many in DC.
In order to support their bigotry, these crazy black folks are turning for help to people who have no political use for them except for their shared hatred of the GLBT community. Maybe Ms. Little should ask the various members of Congress who signed on to try to stop marriage equality in DC their political positions on those issues genuinely affecting the same working class and poor DC residents she feels "the gays" are "threatening." I have no doubt that those cretins could care less about those black folks, but if they can use "religious" black folks to squash equality for the GLBT community, then they are good to go.
Working class and poor black folks in Washington have a multiplicity of pressing concerns that require all sorts attention. Gay residents (including gay black working class and poor ones) being able to marry in the city, I seriously doubt, is one of them.
Apparently, one of the opponents of marriage equality, a woman called Joyce Little, has argued (according to dcist.com) that this legislation will essentially lead to the removal of DC's working class and poor black folks, because the gays will descend on DC (scroll down to the letter entitled "DC's Same-Sex Marriage Bill"), bringing their gentrification, increase rents, and abominable lifestyles with them.
That is, by far, one of the most asinine things I've read. It is a class based and thinly veiled racist argument that is put forth simply to be divisive, and it masks the author's true reason for being willing to put the civil rights of DC residents up to a popular vote: her "faith." Essentially, all of the rich white gay people will take over all of DC, forcing black folks out of their homes, whether they are renter or homeowners.
I am sick and fucking tired of this meme that if given the opportunity, the good black folks of Washington would do the "right thing" and deny marriage equality to these "abominable" (and likely in their minds white) gay people. I wish these people would stop feeding the misguided beast that lets non-black gay folks think that the black community is the most homophobic demographic on the planet. It also feeds the notion that there are no black folks, gay or straight, who actually support marriage equality, and there are many in DC.
In order to support their bigotry, these crazy black folks are turning for help to people who have no political use for them except for their shared hatred of the GLBT community. Maybe Ms. Little should ask the various members of Congress who signed on to try to stop marriage equality in DC their political positions on those issues genuinely affecting the same working class and poor DC residents she feels "the gays" are "threatening." I have no doubt that those cretins could care less about those black folks, but if they can use "religious" black folks to squash equality for the GLBT community, then they are good to go.
Working class and poor black folks in Washington have a multiplicity of pressing concerns that require all sorts attention. Gay residents (including gay black working class and poor ones) being able to marry in the city, I seriously doubt, is one of them.
The Trouble With Geithner
Well GOP, Y'all Put the Brotha In Charge
Clearly, some in the GOP continue to be gobsmacked by the activities, or perhaps antics, of their party Chair Michael Steele. One has to admit that it isn't the best sign that a party is in sync when leaders within the party are caught completely off guard by the publication of a book by its party Chair about the ways that the GOP could "come back" in Obama's America.
And don't think that Steele is terribly pressed about the shock. He is definitely doing his own thing, and telling folks about themselves in the process. Check this article from the Washington Post, where Steele essentially says put up or shut up, if you don't like how he is doing his job. The man has balls, because I know that some of those white folks are pissed that he is not completely towing a line. Hell, both Steele and Newt Gingrich have talked about the way that some white folks in the GOP have a problem with Steele simply because he's black.
It will be interesting to see if Steele actually remains the Chair of the RNC, and if he does not, I will enjoy hearing the reasons, real and/or imagined, for his departure. And with the state of the GOP, I would not be surprised if some are thinking that Sarah Palin may be a more appropriate choice for the RNC Chair.
UPDATE: Well this is an interesting development. LOL
And don't think that Steele is terribly pressed about the shock. He is definitely doing his own thing, and telling folks about themselves in the process. Check this article from the Washington Post, where Steele essentially says put up or shut up, if you don't like how he is doing his job. The man has balls, because I know that some of those white folks are pissed that he is not completely towing a line. Hell, both Steele and Newt Gingrich have talked about the way that some white folks in the GOP have a problem with Steele simply because he's black.
It will be interesting to see if Steele actually remains the Chair of the RNC, and if he does not, I will enjoy hearing the reasons, real and/or imagined, for his departure. And with the state of the GOP, I would not be surprised if some are thinking that Sarah Palin may be a more appropriate choice for the RNC Chair.
UPDATE: Well this is an interesting development. LOL
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Onward Christianist Soldiers
One cannot help but love the take that "The Daily Show" took on Brit Hume's (Fox News) suggestion that Tiger Woods become a Christian in order to enjoy the forgiveness that Buddhism, according to Hume, cannot provide (do we even know if Woods really is a Buddhist?).
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| The Temple of Hume | ||||
| ||||
"Un-American" Commentary From the Right?
I could not help but cheer Keith Olbermann's comment last night on this silly lie that Obama does not use the term "terrorist" or "terrorism" enough.
I've found it utterly offensive the tactic that the right is using to undermine this POTUS as he tries to do his job.
The very things that people on the right are saying publicly, are things that these same people would have decried as both "un-American" and "treasonous."
I know that I should not be floored by the willful ignorance and the rank politicization of the right, but I still remain floored. I am especially floored, because millions of Americans actually think that what these people are saying is in fact true, even in the face of real evidence to the contrary. For some, Jesus could say that Obama did it, and they would disbelieve Jesus. Unfortunately, that's the point we've reached in the current political discourse.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
I've found it utterly offensive the tactic that the right is using to undermine this POTUS as he tries to do his job.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
The very things that people on the right are saying publicly, are things that these same people would have decried as both "un-American" and "treasonous."
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
I know that I should not be floored by the willful ignorance and the rank politicization of the right, but I still remain floored. I am especially floored, because millions of Americans actually think that what these people are saying is in fact true, even in the face of real evidence to the contrary. For some, Jesus could say that Obama did it, and they would disbelieve Jesus. Unfortunately, that's the point we've reached in the current political discourse.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Will Being Gay in Uganda Lead to Execution or Imprisonment? V
I just want folks who check out this blog to check out this post over at the Box Turtle Bulletin (also check out the site's coverage of events in Uganda; it's really informative). I was in shock listening to the things that this Christianist Scott Lively was saying throughout the clips on this post. In the NY Times story that shows the connections between American Christianists and this "kill the gays legislation," Lively actually comes out of his mouth with an expression of disappointment in the harshness of the proposed legislation.
This is unreconstructed bullshit.
Listen to how he describes the GLBT movement. Listen to his suggestions that the genocide perpetrated in Europe during WWII and Rwanda is linked essentially to power hungry gay men. Listen to his words. Why wouldn't a group of people, already steeped in a prejudice against the GLBT community (most likely on some "eww" factor of the typical "two men kissing" image), not go for the toughest measure to stamp out people who allegedly "advocate" genocide and "attacks" traditional families?
This is unreconstructed bullshit.
Listen to how he describes the GLBT movement. Listen to his suggestions that the genocide perpetrated in Europe during WWII and Rwanda is linked essentially to power hungry gay men. Listen to his words. Why wouldn't a group of people, already steeped in a prejudice against the GLBT community (most likely on some "eww" factor of the typical "two men kissing" image), not go for the toughest measure to stamp out people who allegedly "advocate" genocide and "attacks" traditional families?
Monday, January 4, 2010
OMG, I Agree With George Will
Sunday was a strange day. I found myself nodding my head in agreement (mostly) with columnist George Will. Will focused yesterday's column on the situation with the effort to develop the Atlantic Yards site in Brooklyn, NY. I think Will is spot on regarding his analysis of the fallacy of the SCOTUS's of allowing eminent domain to be used to transfer property from one private owner to another for the purpose of economic development.
I've often wondered if Will was an historic preservation enthusiast, because the Kelo v. City of New London case definitely is seen as a genuine potential threat to historic buildings and neighborhoods. And, I agree with Will's desire that the Court will revisit this issue, and reverse its decision on the use of eminent domain. Furthermore, regarding preservation, I found a very measured memorandum produced by the Law Department of the National Trust for Historic Preservation; it puts the Kelo into an historical context regarding preservation.
I also stumbled across this blog, for those who are interested in following the developments of the Atlantic Yards project.
I've often wondered if Will was an historic preservation enthusiast, because the Kelo v. City of New London case definitely is seen as a genuine potential threat to historic buildings and neighborhoods. And, I agree with Will's desire that the Court will revisit this issue, and reverse its decision on the use of eminent domain. Furthermore, regarding preservation, I found a very measured memorandum produced by the Law Department of the National Trust for Historic Preservation; it puts the Kelo into an historical context regarding preservation.
I also stumbled across this blog, for those who are interested in following the developments of the Atlantic Yards project.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
WTF!?: The American Health Care System is All Cool?
I am going to say something that I don't believe I've said in this blog: F*&k You Limbaugh!!!!
Because his rich ass got the best possible care money could buy in that "foreign country" (according to so many on the right) of Hawai'i, and because he came through just fine, he really thinks that all is cool with the American health care system? There has never been a single thing wrong with the system for people in his tax bracket. Limbaugh could have been almost anywhere on the planet and received quality care with the kind of money he makes.
How dare this fool try to pass himself, and his experience, off as an ordinary. How about he try to do what he did without health insurance, while living off of the average salary in any of the counties that make up Appalachia. Or what of the people who make just a bit too much to qualify for Medicaid? To suggest that the total health care experience for him and the average person in this country is equal is bullshit.
Money and access make all of the difference. Either you get the type of care Limbaugh received, and then find that your insurance company will not pay for various aspect of that care, leaving you with a fat ass health care bill. Or you get the type of care Limbaugh received, and if you don't have health insurance, or a sufficient income, you get the whole fat ass health care bill. Both scenarios for too many Americans can lead to bankruptcy, and does not prevent the prospect of experiencing the same circumstances in the future.
I am one of those people, entrepreneurial, working for myself. I cannot afford health insurance right now. Should I find myself in a situation similar to Limbaugh's, I will drown in Shit's Creek (forget the damn paddle). Too many people, who are nowhere near Limbaugh's tax bracket, will hear his bullshit line, take it to heart, and spew it back in discussions on this issue. Meanwhile, some of them are most likely experiencing some faith shaking health insurance nightmares, clinging to the bizarre notion that they showed those "libruls" a thing or two.
Cut. Nose. Spite. Face.
Because his rich ass got the best possible care money could buy in that "foreign country" (according to so many on the right) of Hawai'i, and because he came through just fine, he really thinks that all is cool with the American health care system? There has never been a single thing wrong with the system for people in his tax bracket. Limbaugh could have been almost anywhere on the planet and received quality care with the kind of money he makes.
How dare this fool try to pass himself, and his experience, off as an ordinary. How about he try to do what he did without health insurance, while living off of the average salary in any of the counties that make up Appalachia. Or what of the people who make just a bit too much to qualify for Medicaid? To suggest that the total health care experience for him and the average person in this country is equal is bullshit.
Money and access make all of the difference. Either you get the type of care Limbaugh received, and then find that your insurance company will not pay for various aspect of that care, leaving you with a fat ass health care bill. Or you get the type of care Limbaugh received, and if you don't have health insurance, or a sufficient income, you get the whole fat ass health care bill. Both scenarios for too many Americans can lead to bankruptcy, and does not prevent the prospect of experiencing the same circumstances in the future.
I am one of those people, entrepreneurial, working for myself. I cannot afford health insurance right now. Should I find myself in a situation similar to Limbaugh's, I will drown in Shit's Creek (forget the damn paddle). Too many people, who are nowhere near Limbaugh's tax bracket, will hear his bullshit line, take it to heart, and spew it back in discussions on this issue. Meanwhile, some of them are most likely experiencing some faith shaking health insurance nightmares, clinging to the bizarre notion that they showed those "libruls" a thing or two.
Cut. Nose. Spite. Face.
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