Read the Bill????

For all of the belly aching from Conservatives screaming "READ THE BILL" to Democratic Congress members, one of their own claims he won't even read the finalized bill. Republican Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma stated at a town hall “I don’t have to read it, or know what’s in it. I’m going to oppose it anyways,”

This arrogant bloviating is exactly what the teabaggers are complaining about. While the mobs attending town halls believe there is one bill to read, the Senator does not even correct them. There are 3 bills in the House, and 2 in the Senate. Apparently his constituents don't mind if a Republican fails to do his job, just Democrats.This is not surprising that the GOP will put their power ahead of the American people, and simply oppose anything President Obama tries to do.

The Twisted logic of mocking political deaths

The right-wing is gleefully mocking the death of Senator Kennedy. From Rush Limbaugh, to right-wing blogs. At one, I chose to inject Chapter 18 of the book of Matthew,

"Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?
Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy seven times"

I am not a religious person at all. Yet it is the right-wing who cried foul when the left mocked Reagan's death, and I agree with them, however, their hypocrisy is deafening. No matter your differences with any accomplished public servant, mocking their death is beyond even the scum of the earth.

Vice President Biden on Ted Kennedy

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A tearful Senator Byrd remembering Senator Kennedy

Senator Robert Byrd issues statement on the floor to honor his longtime friend and rename the health care bill.
"In his honor and as a tribute to his commitment to his ideals, let us stop the shouting and name calling and have a civilized debate on health care reform which I hope, when legislation has been signed into law, will bear his name for his commitment to insuring the health of every American."

"The Lion of the Senate" Ted Kennedy passes at 77

The Senate lost one of it's hardest working members in Senator Edward Kennedy. At age 77, "Uncle Teddy" as many referred to him, lost his battle with brain cancer. Serving nine terms in the Senate, Kennedy was a warrior. Repeatedly showing compassion for average men and women of the United States. Watching the news this morning, all but one cable news program are dedicating their shows to his passing. On MSNBC, conservative pundits Joe Scarborough and Pat Buchanan both noted, I paraphrase, "Senator Kennedy, being such a man of privilege was always there for people getting the shaft", and they continued to suggest "no matter how liberal he was, he was always prepared to reach out across the aisle. "

Many in America take advantage of the accomplishments of Senator Kennedy. It was his efforts that led to us celebrating Martin Luther King every year,
it was his efforts that championed Meals on Wheels,
it was his efforts that made the "Alternative Minimum Tax" law, it was his efforts that led amended the Voting Rights Act, and his longtime fight was for Universal Health Care for all Americans which became his hallmark issue in 1966. Being the last of 9 children, Edward, like his brothers Robert and John, he dedicated his life to the poor and disadvantaged. This from a family who had all the money in the world, yet in the essence of a true liberal, wanted to make everyone's lives better.






Rest in Peace Edward Kennedy, the Dream Shall Never Die"

Tale of Two Cities

Long being on the wrong end of the joke, and has record successes in the wrong category. That being said, Detroit faces a rebirth of sorts, it can either grow out it's history as a fighter and champion or wallow in it's failures.
"I made the most of my ability and I did my best with my title. " -Joe Louis

" I'm gonna do the best thing for the team and the best thing for me. And I think they're one and the same, really."
-Steve Yzerman

Two legendary figures in Detroit sports history, and two quotes , two the city itself could draw from. Detroit tends to find itself on the outside looking in, without recognizing it's own attributes.

Historically, and to this day the arts have benefited Detroit. From Motown, to to hip-hop, to rock to blues. Which, fortunately under President Obama's stimulus package Detroit public schools will receive $148.4 to achieve goals others have had a head start in. As the Motor City we have seen foreign auto makers pass us by over the years, likely because we pretended to be what we were, not what we can be. Since Chrysler and GM accepted bailouts from the Federal Government, they have not quite sunk to the bottom, and have been directed to compete.

While Governor Jennifer Granholm has worked tirelessly to encourage business to come to Detroit, it has not come to fruition yet. So, for the citizens...where to from here ? We can sit back and accept things the way they are, or we can "make the most of our abilities, and do best with the results". The city itself has a bad reputation for it's murder rate, for it's high unemployment, for it's welfare recipients, and for it was and no longer is . In my opinion, the places to start are our schools, the protection of our Unions, our arts, our rich history in the arts, and last but not least our politicians. We must elect individuals who honor what can be, no more status quo. In the seventies and eighties Detroit suffered under Mayor Coleman Young and then President Reagan. We need to hold the aforementioned quotes close to our hearts, we need to look to leaders in the city who made strides as businessmen to assist in healing what ails us, Mayor Bing is a good start, Mike Illitch and Peter Karmanos are other shining examples. The old gospel "put down your sword" has some resonance here...put down the sword and pick up a hammer and let's build on our best foundations.

Jon Soltz: "Please, Don't Save me from Government Health Care

Jon Soltz, writing at Huffington Post breaks down Government run health care.

The whole health care debate has been completely confusing to me and a lot of the veterans and troops I talk with every day. See, for us, most of us got free, government-run health care.

First, troops in the Active Duty component and their families get TRICARE, the largest component in the military health care system, which allows them to go to military hospitals and doctors, as needed, and reimburses them for medical costs at private doctors, if they have to go there. For all intents and purposes, it's a mix of the British system (government provided health care) and the Canadian system (a single-payer government run system). The system is so good that virtually every veterans advocacy group has backed extending it fully to the National Guard and Reserve, since they are being deployed now more than ever.

Basically, it's a force readiness issue -- giving this kind of care to troops -- and why support for extending it to the Guard and Reserve is so strong. With all the added pressures from wars and increasing natural disasters, it's essential that all our service members are given preventative care, to ensure they're ready when we need them. We're simply a stronger nation when our troops are kept healthy.

For many, there's also the Department of Veterans Affairs. This is almost exactly like the British system of care. The government builds the hospitals and clinics. The government pays doctors, nurses, administrators, and others a salary. For those with service-connected injuries and disabilities sustained in war, the VA is invaluable. So much so, in fact, that every veterans group has tried to expand eligibility for VA care.

Finally, there's also what's called TRICARE For Life; basically the opportunity for many veterans to reenter the TRICARE system later on. And after you reach the Federal retirement age, that old government-run TRICARE will supplement your government-run Medicare, so you have little or no out-of-pocket expense.

So what's the point here?

Even at the worst of times, when the Bush administration underfunded the VA by billions, leading to backlogs and some real horror stories, the Veterans Health Administration, which administers care, consistently hovered at 80 percent approval among its patients, higher than those in the private system. With the funding improvements in the budget and new construction of hospitals and clinics through the stimulus program, those numbers will absolutely go higher.

TRICARE has been rated the insurance plan with the highest customer satisfaction -- better than any private plan for six years running!

Those on the Right keep harping on how they're looking to "save" the American people from the horrors and evils of government-run insurance and care. Well, troops and veterans don't want to be saved! In fact, when completely fabricated and false rumors started spreading that health reform would mean troops and veterans being tossed back into the private system, the major Veteran Service Organizations freaked out and wrote a letter to Congress demanding that they NOT be thrown back to for-profit care.

A final point: If government-run insurance and care is so evil and so horrible, then why do conservatives keep supporting leaving America's troops and veterans in that kind of system? Do conservatives hold America's warriors in such low standing that they'd subject us to a "Nazi" system, us Rush Limbaugh has called it?

You can't have it both ways. Either TRICARE and the VA are superior systems, worthy of our sacrifice, and thus a government-managed health system can be great. Or, they're terrible, scary, and Communist-Nazi schemes that have to be eliminated, leaving troops and veterans to find their own care for their lost limbs, brain injuries, and other wounds.

America's veterans and troops would say the former. It's why for years they have fought to expand the government programs, not kill them. That's why we find it so confusing that conservatives want to bar the doors and keep those Americans who want to be in a public system from even having that choice.

Very sad news about an admirable athlete

It is often refreshing to not comment on politics and enjoy hockey. This is not one of those moments. Washington Capitals goaltender Jose Theodore has lost his 2 month old son. The reports do not include details. Reported on his sister in-laws Montreal radio show confirm the tragedy. As a hockey fan, I always enjoyed Theodore's character and perseverance in the game. My heart goes out to him and his family. Friends and readers here I would assume share my condolences.

Glenn Beck on forced leave?

Twenty advertisers to date have requested their ads not air during the Glenn Beck Program after petitions from Colors of Change and others. Now, Beck who's appearances have been dismal, rumors are flying. Politico and TVNewser reports:

"Tipsters inside Fox News tell us Glenn Beck's vacation this week from his Fox News show was not planned. We hear Beck was told to take this week off to let some of the heat surrounding him die down. That heat began July 28 on "Fox & Friends" when Beck said he thought Pres. Obama has "a deep-seated hatred for white people," adding, "This guy is, I believe, a racist."

Now this is not surprising given Beck's outright lies and hypocrisy. He stated that the President "has deep seated hate for white people", and followed that seconds later with "I'm not saying he's a racist" . This nonsense and distortions likely have taken a toll on Fox executives. They are a business and want to make money. We will see how this plays out.

Congressman Barney Frank getting props allover the place

In the heated battles we call town hall meetings these days, most Democrats have been rather spineless, save Senator Specter. Lower on the batting order was Congressman Barney Frank. Since ripping an attendee for nonsensical Nazi/Hitler comparisons, "Ma'am trying to have a conversation with you is like arguing with a dining room table, I have no interest in it" Liberal Democrats have been cheering the Congressman, hoping others will join him. News site after news site is loaded with praise, blogs are glorifying his words, and Facebook is full of cheers. One of the best I read, was for potential 2012 running mates "Palin/Dining Room Table 2012". Here Jon Stewart gives props.

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Jon Stewart Rips Fox News Hypocrisy

Glenn Beck guest host mocks Katrina victims

Glenn Beck, who has been under fire recently for his lose of advertisers has been taking the odd day off . Advertisers jumping ship include Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Geico, and Sargento for his racially motivated comments about Barack Obama. However, hosts tend to have a little say in who fills in for them. Today's host, not making matters better, Pat Gray decided to take a few shots at the advertisers, the orgin of the petition that ignited this, and the victims of Katrina.

My message to Pat Gray, if you wish to retract this vile segment, you ought to do so on Sunday Morning Coffee with Sarge. Sarge is a friend, and one of the most genuine individuals I have ever spoken with. He survived this, and now advocates that we do not allow the ambivelence to see it again.

Congressman Barney Frank stands up to Full Mooner

Congressman Barney Frank held a town hall on health care last night, and in his typical fashion took down a full moon right-winger. The attendee, who came armed with flyers depiting President Obama as Hitler, and suggested the efforts to increase heath care to Nazism asked the Congressman
"Why do you continue to support a Nazi policy, as Obama has expressly supported this policy?"
First off, this nonsense has no business in debating American domestic policy. I was unhappy when the left did it with Bush, and baffled that it is being done to Obama. This rhetoric used by GOP plants hardly deserves a response, but Frank induldged anyway. Here is the exchange.


Of the twits at Fox News have a different take on this, by their standards asking why the President wants a Nazi program is a legitimate question, and the Congressman's response in smacking it down was "rude".

Compassionate Conservatism ?

KWDN in Las Vegas sponsored a town hall on health care. In attendance was an Israeli man, who offered praise for Israel's Nationalized Health Care. In the middle of his interview, offering pros to the U.S. constituting a similar system, a woman shouts out "HEIL HITLER!" To a Jewish man, really? Where is your head?! It was clear the man was upset as he approached the woman, in disbelief, she then mocked him with a "crying sound" to further her insult. This must have been what President Bush meant when he mentioned "compassionate conservatism".

Rachel Maddow faces off with Dick Armey on Meet the Press

Rachel Maddow made her first appearance on Meet the Press yesterday alongside former Republican Majority Leader Dick Armey. Rachel's recent coverage on health care reform caused Armey's resignation from DLA Piper. Armey's other organization Freedom Works, has been one of the lead smear machines on health care reform. Rachel Maddow, who was not given a whole lot of time to speak in her MTP debut, although made the best of it when she did get the chance. Host David Gregory brought up the Hitler/Nazi Germany comparisons to President Obama and the Democratic party , and Armey referenced Move On, claiming the liberal group ran an ad comparing President Bush to Hitler. They never did , and Rachel was quick to dispute that notion.

"They didn't," she said, shaking her head. "They never ran an ad that compared..."

What Dick Armey was referring to was a Move On member contest. The video did not win, nor was it ever run. Of course, Republicans don't have the political courage to debate. Armey, who appeared irritated being positioned next to Rachel. However, she pressed on with the issues at hand. As Armey pushed his illusions about Move On, and made claims that the actions at recent town halls is defensible. Rachel Maddow is too smart for that, she added.

"Is that what the Health Care Freedom Coalition wants to have done in the health care debate? FreedomWorks is part of that coalition. You can say that you denounce it, but the organization that you head is part of it."

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Thom Hartmann's Letter to President Obama

Dear President Obama,

I understand you're thinking of dumping your "public option" because of all the demagoguery by Sarah Palin and Dick Armey and Newt Gingrich and their crowd on right-wing radio and Fox. Fine. Good idea, in fact.

Instead, let's make it simple. Please let us buy into Medicare.

It would be so easy. You don't have to reinvent the wheel with this so-called "public option" that's a whole new program from the ground up. Medicare already exists. It works. Some people will like it, others won't - just like the Post Office versus FedEx analogy you're so comfortable with.

Just pass a simple bill - it could probably be just a few lines, like when Medicare was expanded to include disabled people - that says that any American citizen can buy into the program at a rate to be set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) which reflects the actual cost for us to buy into it.

So it's revenue neutral!

To make it available to people of low income, raise the rates slightly for all currently non-eligible people (like me - under 65) to cover the cost of below-200%-of-poverty people. Revenue neutral again.

Most of us will do damn near anything to get out from under the thumbs of the multi-millionaire CEOs who are running our current insurance programs. Sign me up!

This lets you blow up all the rumors about death panels and grandma and everything else: everybody knows what Medicare is. Those who scorn it can go with Blue Cross. Those who like it can buy into it. Simplicity itself.

Of course, we'd like a few fixes, like letting Medicare negotiate drug prices and filling some of the holes Republicans and AARP and the big insurance lobbyists have drilled into Medicare so people have to buy "supplemental" insurance, but that can wait for the second round. Let's get this done first.

Simple stuff. Medicare for anybody who wants it. Private health insurance for those who don't. Easy message. Even Max Baucus and Chuck Grassley can understand it. Sarah Palin can buy into it, or ignore it. No death panels, no granny plugs, nothing. Just a few sentences.

Replace the "you must be disabled or 65" with "here's what it'll cost if you want to buy in, and here's the sliding scale of subsidies we'll give you if you're poor, paid for by everybody else who's buying in." (You could roll back the Reagan tax cuts and make it all free, but that's another rant.)

We elected you because we expected you to have the courage of your convictions. Here's how. Not the "single payer Medicare for all" that many of us would prefer, but a simple, "Medicare for anybody who wants to buy in."

Respectfully,

Thom Hartmann

Defying PC logic, the Eagles sign Michael Vick

The Philadelphia Eagles have chosen to give Michael Vick a second chance. Serving 18 months of a 23 month sentence for running a dog fighting ring, Vick claims "I know I've done some terrible things, made a horrible mistake. Now I want to be part of the solution and not the problem." I am one who believes in second chances and rehabilitation, but Michael Vick's "mistake" was a costly one to dog lovers and rescues, and most of all the dogs. His "mistake" also did harm to his teammates and the Atlanta Falcons, so my question is, what team would want him?

The Eagles are taking a big risk with their fans, and with their newest quarterback. People in this country love football, but we love our dogs more. The degree of torture and fear he put into the animals involved with his fighting ring include the 53 taken from the property and more than 10 carcasses found, and now Vick claims he'd like to be role model to young people. Yeah right! I saw recently, a journalist wrote "what team will defy PC logic and sign Michael Vick?" Well, it's the Eagles, who already have Donovan McNabb in the fold, so you have to wonder, why sign Vick? He can only play in 2 preseason games, and according to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell he only reinstated him to participate in team activities. This stunt by the Eagles only serves as publicity, for a team that has been fairly successful.

Players and teams in the NFL that do serve as role models to my knowledge would be the Detroit Lions. Who work with the Dearborn Animal Shelter, and help produce a calendar every year to benefit the animals in need. The Lions genuine act outshines any "second chance" Vick receives. Also, take Jarrod Cooper of the Oakland Raiders, who violated league rules regarding steroid use. During his suspension he took it upon himself to volunteer at local shelters. "When I first came here, I'd see a mean dog, I'd say what's wrong with that dog? And now if I would see a mean dog, I think, 'Who did that to this animal? The dogs only do what you train them to do.'" said Cooper.

Vick's grotesque crimes ignited a level of hatred in the public we knew existed, but many did not exercise. Many of us work tirelessly to see to the welfare of dogs and cats, my mother's own efforts at Dearborn Shelter are applauded by not my sister and I, but it is reflected in the awards she has received from them. The efforts of the Lions and Jarrod Cooper, and I am sure countless others is undermined by the NFL's reinstatement of Vick and the Eagles choice to sign him. I certainly hope the fans on the city of "Brotherly Love" show support for the shelter, rather than the greedy illogical team and player in their city.

What are the town hall protests really all about?

It has been said by many, that much these protests are about race. I agree, yet I must admit, I do believe there are some people with serious questions in the midst of the shouting, the screaming, the window and door pounding. But, overall this is about a bunch of people who can't deal with the fact we have a black President. President Obama is receiving 30+ death threats a day, members of Congress are receiving threats as well. Rep. David Scott received a letter using rhetoric filled with racial slurs. Rachel Maddow has a good rundown of the threats so far.

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Reform Madness! Larry Wilmore of the Daily Show

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Healther Skelter

While the fringe on the right is claiming some sort of victory, their tactics show a losing effort. Resorting to shouting down members of the Democratic party, referencing Hitler and the Nazi party at every turn, and now are turning to death threats and vandalism. Pictured is Rep. David Scott's district office in Georgia. Scott, recently held a town hall in which he shouting back at the protesters , which I can't really blame him.



This is not an isolated incident, in addition to the vandalism, Congressman Scott also received a fax with the statement "Death to all Marxists, foreign and domestic" . North Carolina Congressman Brad Milller's office received a call in which the caller stated "health care reform could cost him his life". In Arizona, Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who held meetings with constituents at a local cafe, found that one had walked in and left a gun. Yesterday in New Hampshire, one protester showed up with a gun strapped to his leg, while holding a sign referencing Thomas Jefferson's quote ""The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants." Keep in mind, at the time Tim McVeigh committed his act of domestic terrorism, his shirt read the same quote. Chris Matthews took a few minutes to interview the man.

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However, it doesn't end there, another man in New Hampshire was arrested inside the school where the President was, armed with a knife. Once authorities searched his vehicle, they found a loaded, unregistered handgun. This does not sound like a side that is winning! This sounds like a side that is desperate, white and racist. I have some full mooners claim "dissent ended on 1/20/2009, hmm, that was the day we swore in our first African-American President. You do the math.

One debunk at a time

In the midst of the battle for health care reform, President Obama has faced a barrage of criticisms from the full mooners on the right-wing fringe. We have heard about "death panels", how bad health care in England, Canada, and France is, how he is creating an "enemies list" etc. Adding some insight to the debate, is none other than the brilliant Stephen Hawking. "I wouldn't be here today if it were not for the NHS," he told us. "I have received a large amount of high-quality treatment without which I would not have survived." Now, if the lies out of the right-wing were true, under any type of plan similar to England, Mr. Hawking would have already been "euthanized".

Call and Response(s)

Erik Shelley of Redford, Mi. still continues his pursuit of Rep. Thaddeus McCotter. Shelley, a Green Party member ran against McCotter last year. The congressman stated the members of Congress would return home to face their constituents, "and it will not be pleasant". Thaddeus McCotter however, returned home to appear on the Fox News show Red Eye on August 6th. During his appearance, the pressing issue of "breast feeding dolls" was discussed. The clip can seen here. McCotter's record demonstrates he banks only on the wealthy areas of his district. Shelley, asked and challenged the congressman to a debate to no avail. Now, like myself, Erik Shelley pursues a conversation with Thaddeus McCotter regarding health care reform. The current episodes of "McCotter and Me" can be found here.

Special Comment

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Senator Specter plays referee at town hall

Senator Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) held a town hall meeting this morning to a hostile crowd. After the fracas that the mmetings have turned into, Specter and his staff took a new approach. The event was scheduled for and hour and a half. Constituents were were able to fill out numbered cards with their questions upon arrival. The Senator took 30 questions, and called the numbers off in order. However, some of the protesters continued to disrupt instead of having civil debate on the facts and issues. I applaud the Senator for his approach. That said, one man could not wait his turn, launched out his chair to interrupt and yell. This is not dissent! In the midst of it, another attendee stood and attempted to direct the hooligan back to his seat, which lead to the Senator and authorities to intervene. Well done Senator! Let's get health care reform done!

What Now?!

Glenn Beck vs Mike Malloy

"A Well Armed Violent Country"

This past week has seen the pundits, PACs , hired guns and uninformed American citizens declare war on those who wish to hear details of the three bills in Congress, and get informed on the other legislation being hammered out. Again, I have to note, THERE IS NO BILL YET! As I have been stating, the mis-information fed by some blogs and corporate sponsors are diluting the facts. Freedom Works!, and Americans for Prosperity are leading the mobs with offshoots that on the surface appear to be "grassroots" Representative Dennis Kucinich of Ohio, is proposing medicare for for all, Senator Bernie Sanders is proposing "health care for all", "single payer", Republican Senator Johnny introduced legislation which has been the most misleading, on the now infamous "Page 425" which the naysayers are calling "euthanasia!"...it's a lie! What it is, is ensuring that your "end of life options" are paid for by your insurance company or medicare. As I heard it put, "if you want heroic measures taken, OK" if you wish to simply pass on with dignity after discussing measures with your family and physician, OK. Republican Susan Collins also has similar legislation. It is good legislation. There will be no "death panel" as Sarah Palin puts it.

Further, stoking fake fears into the citizens puts them in danger, and potentially makes others victims. This practice goes all the way back to witch hunts and the Red Scare. Already, "The Mob" is on Twitter sharing the idea of bringing guns to the town hall meetings, with a woman named "Diana in Oregon" threatening the SEIU "y'all are gonna come up against the Second Amendment, stop the violence"


Former right-winger and author of "Crazy for God", Frank Scaeffer has more on the protests, what is stoking them, and what can be done.

Town Hall Meeting(s) Turns Violent

As expected, the town hall anti-health care protests are turning to violence. In St. Louis, Rep Russ Carnahan, holding a town hall, in which six were arrested following a fight outside between a conservative activist and a health care reform supporter. Democratic supporters have been ramping up support in light of the recent disruptions. Turning to our allies in the Unions to curb the outbursts. According to the Post Dispatch "Two of the people were arrested on suspicion of assault, one of resisting arrest and three on suspicion of committing peace disturbances, police say." It should not have to get to this, but many of us knew it coming.


In Tampa Bay, Rep Kathy Castor, also holding an event which seated only about 250 people max. After event workers, including some Union members closed the door so they would not exceed capacity, the protesters erupted. As they pounded on doors, and chanted "You Work For Us!" and "Read the Bill" a shoving match took place between two men. If they would pay attention , there are currently three bills and two additional ones that are not done...there is no bill yet!

Conservatives Gone Wild! pt 2

As the August town hall meetings on health care turn into battle for Democratic lawmakers and conservative protesters, Huffington Post and Firedog Lake reported on Speaker Pelosi's in Denver. Pictured is a kid from Alaska donning a t-shirt with President Obama's image, and the quote "Hitler gave great speeches too!" Most of these protests are drawing close to 300 or 400 people. However, while these disruptions are sponsored by lobbyists and PACs, the attendees can't even explain why they are out there. As seen in this video.

Glen Beck jokes about poisoning Speaker Pelosi's wine

Fox News has to recognize that Glenn Beck has finally crossed the line, although they likely won't. On his August 6th show, Mr. Beck fantasized about attending a fundraiser with Speaker Nancy Pelosi. With grape juice (Beck is an alcoholic) and a staffer with a Nancy Pelosi on his set, he jokes about her looks and demands "go ahead drink your wine!"

"By the way, I put poison in your -- no, I -- I look forward to all the policy discussions that we're supposed to have -- you know, on health care, energy reform, and the economy."

This is not funny, this is not rhetoric for national television, and this is not a difference of opinion. Beck, who has lingered at the edge on many levels is pushing a dangerous agenda for the far right.

Conservatives Gone Wild!

For a weekend mini-series, I will be posting a number of outrageous statements and actions by the right-wing. Rush Limbaugh has taken it upon himself to compare Democrats to Nazis. Chris Matthews shreds this along with Bob Shrum, and Pat Buchanan even attempts to distance himself.
Limbaugh claims that Nazis "were against big business", Rush what do you think fascism was? He goes on to claim that Nazis were adamantly "against smoking", another lie, as you can see pictured. Further, he states that Nazis were against pollution...Rush who isn't against pollution? Rush I believe it was you who told the Democrats and Liberals "to sit down and shut up until you win something" a few years back...well, sit down and shut up! until you win something!

D-E-S-P-E-R-A-T-E-!

While the Republicans, Blue Dog Democrats, and Fox News mislead the country about health care reform, the American people still face crisis. Many Americans are still being swallowed up by debt and job losses which effects so many peoples health insurance, they still wish to scare the hell out of us.

Using language like "socialism", "people are going to die" and "it costs too much" while American people suffer. The World Health Organization rates the United States 37th in health care. Number one is France, and also ahead of us is Canada, Italy, Sweden, and England among many others. The same countries that are criticized for their health care. As Paul Krugman notes in the New York Times, "One of the truly amazing and depressing things about the health reform debate is the persistence of fear-mongering over “socialized medicine”. What this creates is an unknown scare before the bill(s) are voted on.

At what point do we acknowledge the health of the American people before the health of big pharma and the insurance industry? The Government is already paying 47% of peoples medical bills vs the 35% paid by insurance companies. So the unknown, is not unknown.

Fox analyst suggests Taliban kill captured soldier

Fox news analyst suggests Taliban kill captured soldier Bowe Bergdahl. Lt. Col. Ralph Peters makes the claim that Pfc. Bergdahl is a "deserter" and that "if he walked away from his post and his buddies in wartime — I don’t care how hard it sounds — as far as I’m concerned the Taliban can save us a lot of legal hassles and legal bills,” What is quite disgusting over the remarks, is that Peters initially stated that all of the facts were not out yet. Bergdahl, now 23 was declared 'missing-captured" on July 3rd and the details have not been released yet. That said, regardless of the details, Bergdahl is a young American soldier, and for the never ending debate over "support the troops" this remark is vile and irresponsible.

Peters makes the suggestion that Bergdahl "collaborated with the enemy" while noting that the facts are not out. Fox does not even call him on his gross accusations.

Detroit Family Dies After Energy Cut to Home

While Michigan families face rising unemployment and financial hardships, falling behind is a reality. A Detroit family who's energy was cut off by DTE energy, they resorted to using a generator to provide their power. However, in their area, they feared the generator would be stolen if it was left running outside. Using the generator inside, the house filled with carbon monoxide. Vaughn Reed and his three children died as a result. Reed who had filed for bankruptcy and had used his mother's address as a primary. DTE claims because of that "bureaucratic glitch", power was not restored. I have had my own run ins with DTE , and can say they can be incredibly difficult. According to a local social worker, DTE has been in the process of cutting power to 36,000 homes in the metro Detroit area. With raising energy costs and rising unemployment, one would hope DTE will now make the attempt to provide reasonable payment plans to those who have fallen behind.

Barking for the right legislation

Saturday's Star-Tribune featured an op-ed from Senator Al Franken on his first bill. His heartfelt article on providing funds to train service dogs for our Vets is ambitious and influenced by a chance meeting with Iraq War Vet Luis Carlos Montalvan.
"This January, I met Luis Carlos Montalvan and his service dog named Tuesday, a beautiful golden retriever, at an inaugural event in Washington."
Having online correspondence with Luis, one can easily recognize the importance Tuesday brings to his life. Not just for the assistance she provides, but also the companionship.

The hardships that our Vets go through can be agonizing, whether it be a physical injury or those that suffer PTSD, and in some cases both. Franken goes on to describe that the high costs of training and placing these dogs can cost over $20,000. Providing funding for this is crucial at a time when we see suicides rise at an alarming rate for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. Being one who has rescued numerous dogs, I can attest to the bond that is between a dog and their owner. For service dogs however, the bond is stronger. Providing assistance to their owners allows a wounded Vet to rebuild their life with their injury and new friend. As Franken points out " they can also detect changes in a person's breathing, perspiration or scent to anticipate and ward off an impending panic attack with some well-timed nuzzling. They are trained to let their masters know when it's time to take their medication and to wake them from terrifying nightmares. " Franken is likely going to face some challenge on this simply because it will be his bill. With Veterans and the public's support, this legislation should be a no brainer. Let Senator Franken know we want the best for our Vets and we support this, 202-224-5641.