Showing posts with label POLITICS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label POLITICS. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
DA MAYAH IS PISSED!
Oh man, there are few things I like better than when our illustrious OVERLOAD, aka Mayor Richard M Daley, goes ballistic during press conferences. He doesn't yell, no, he snarls and on occasion there appears to be spittle flying from his mouth. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.
The most recent press conference/rant touched upon the subject of this typically erroneous attack ad endorsed by geriatric wunderkind McCain. Take a look:
The most recent press conference/rant touched upon the subject of this typically erroneous attack ad endorsed by geriatric wunderkind McCain. Take a look:
Now I could run around the web and gather various quotes and such to dispute all 76 words uttered in that ad, but I prefer Daley's response: "You want to get tough in politics, I can get tough in politics as anyone else," Daley said. "When you start throwing mud, mud is going to be thrown at you and it's going to be sticky." YIKES!
He then went on to remind us that McCain is one of the famous Keating Five. Oh snap! Forgot about that little "whoopsie" but now that I think about, how could anyone in their right mind want McCain to fix the housing crisis with blood like that on his hands?
Bottom line, leave the subject of Chicago politics out of the Presidential race. Besides being unrelated to more important concerns like foreign policy, health care, etc, it's just plain obvious. Politics in Chicago and Illinois is corrupt? WHOA! Thanks for blowing my fucking mind! Don't fuck with the Chicago Machine bitch, it'll bite your dick off.
He then went on to remind us that McCain is one of the famous Keating Five. Oh snap! Forgot about that little "whoopsie" but now that I think about, how could anyone in their right mind want McCain to fix the housing crisis with blood like that on his hands?
Bottom line, leave the subject of Chicago politics out of the Presidential race. Besides being unrelated to more important concerns like foreign policy, health care, etc, it's just plain obvious. Politics in Chicago and Illinois is corrupt? WHOA! Thanks for blowing my fucking mind! Don't fuck with the Chicago Machine bitch, it'll bite your dick off.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
ASK THE CANDIATES: ISSUE#1
America, there is looming crisis that I feel the Presidential candidates have failed to address:
TV stations serving all markets in the United States are airing digital television programming today, although most will continue to provide analog programming through February 17, 2009. At that point, full-power TV stations will cease broadcasting on their current analog channels, and the spectrum they use for analog broadcasting will be reclaimed and put to other uses.
Thankfully, I allow Comcast to rape me on a monthly basis for basic cable service, and thus I am immune to this change, I will continue to have access to MSNBC, BET and the wonderful world that is network television. Also, I can still watch The Best of Soul Train on Saturday mornings. My country 'tis a thee yo!
But what about "the forgotten Americans"? Those that watch television with the aid of bunny ears, wire hangers and such, will be S.O.L. I feel this is a grave injustice that needs to addressed. Not everyone can afford a $60 adapter, or a new television equipped with a digital tuner.
With that in mind I decided to ask the candidates about their thoughts on this most important issue...
TV stations serving all markets in the United States are airing digital television programming today, although most will continue to provide analog programming through February 17, 2009. At that point, full-power TV stations will cease broadcasting on their current analog channels, and the spectrum they use for analog broadcasting will be reclaimed and put to other uses.
Thankfully, I allow Comcast to rape me on a monthly basis for basic cable service, and thus I am immune to this change, I will continue to have access to MSNBC, BET and the wonderful world that is network television. Also, I can still watch The Best of Soul Train on Saturday mornings. My country 'tis a thee yo!
But what about "the forgotten Americans"? Those that watch television with the aid of bunny ears, wire hangers and such, will be S.O.L. I feel this is a grave injustice that needs to addressed. Not everyone can afford a $60 adapter, or a new television equipped with a digital tuner.
With that in mind I decided to ask the candidates about their thoughts on this most important issue...
"Well, look, the -- I think it is important to lead. And I think this necessary change -- the fact is is that I support this change, and did so from the start. And, you know, I think it's important not to play politics on something that is as critical and as difficult as the need for superior broadcast quality. It is not easy to vote for digital television, because the fact is there are people out there still using bunny ears. And I'll let Hillary speak for herself, but the fact of the matter is that we need to exercise our best judgment, we need to make a change. And I think it's important for us to be clear about that."
"This is a fascinating question. They asked the Republicans, they asked the Democrats. And I think from -- irrespective of what you've already heard, I believe in making the transition to an all digital broadcasting format. I think we should have everybody helping us to make this change. And when I...when I become president, Bill Clinton, my dear husband, will be one of the people who will be sent around the nation as a roving ambassador to make sure that everyone's adapters are working, and the rest of the world will know that we're back to a policy of reaching out and working and trying to make sure honest, hard working Americans have access to all their favorite television programs."
"One of the greatest assets we have in America today, frankly is television. The two Democrat candidates for president say that they're going to unilaterally, they're going to support the switch to an all digital broadcasting format, and force the American people to buy an adapter to watch free, local television. Our biggest asset - free television - they're going to unilaterally abrogate that. Now, how do you think the American people are going to react to that - who we are enjoying now their enormous and invaluable programming options, and we're going to abrogate free television?Thursday, January 17, 2008
THIS IS WRONG ON SO MANY LEVELS
On a semi-weekly basis I am the unfortunate recipient of my bosses' politically-charged e-mail forwards. Rather than preface this message with my thoughts, I would ask you to read the below message...
From: Xxxxx Xxxxx [mailto:REDACTED]
Sent: Wednesday, January 09, 2008 8:14 AM
To: REDACTED
Subject: FW: Who is Barack Obama????
[This is very interesting - please take a few moments and read it. Who is Barack Obama? Something that should be considered when you make your choice.]
If you do not ever forward anything else, please forward this to all your contacts...it is very scary to think of what could lie ahead for us here in our own United States...better heed this and pray about it and share it.
We checked this out on "snopes.com". It is factual. Check for yourself.
Who is Barack Obama? Probable U. S. presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black MUSLIM from Nyangoma-Kogel, Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white Atheist from
Wichita, Kansas.
Obama's parents met at the University of Hawaii. When Obama was two years old, his parents divorced. His father returned to Kenya. His mother then married Lolo Soetoro, a RADICAL Muslim from Indonesia. When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocated to Indonesia. Obama attended a MUSLIM school in Jakarta. He also spent two years in a Catholic school. Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He is quick to point out that, "He was once a Muslim, but that he also attended Catholic school." Obama's political handlers are at tempting to make it appear that he is not a radical. Obama's introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this influence was temporary at best. In reality, the senior Obama returned to Kenya soon after the divorce, and never again had any direct influence over his son's education.
Lolo Soetoro, the second husband of Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, introduced his stepson to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in Jakarta. Wahabism is the RADICAL ISLAMIC teaching that is followed by the Muslim terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world. Since it is politically expedient to be a CHRISTIAN when seeking major public office in the United States, Barack Hussein Obama has joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background. ALSO, keep in mind that when he was sworn into office he DID NOT use the Holy Bible, but instead the Koran.
Barack Hussein Obama will NOT recite the Pledge of Allegiance nor will he show any reverence for our flag. While others place their hands over their hearts, Obama turns his back to the flag and slouches.
Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential candidacy.
The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the US from the inside out, what better way to start than at the highest level - through the President of the United States, one of their own!!!!
Please forward to everyone you know. Would you want this man leading our country?...... NOT ME!!!
We checked this out on "snopes.com". It is factual. Check for yourself.
Who is Barack Obama? Probable U. S. presidential candidate, Barack Hussein Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Barack Hussein Obama, Sr., a black MUSLIM from Nyangoma-Kogel, Kenya and Ann Dunham, a white Atheist from
Wichita, Kansas.
Obama's parents met at the University of Hawaii. When Obama was two years old, his parents divorced. His father returned to Kenya. His mother then married Lolo Soetoro, a RADICAL Muslim from Indonesia. When Obama was 6 years old, the family relocated to Indonesia. Obama attended a MUSLIM school in Jakarta. He also spent two years in a Catholic school. Obama takes great care to conceal the fact that he is a Muslim. He is quick to point out that, "He was once a Muslim, but that he also attended Catholic school." Obama's political handlers are at tempting to make it appear that he is not a radical. Obama's introduction to Islam came via his father, and that this influence was temporary at best. In reality, the senior Obama returned to Kenya soon after the divorce, and never again had any direct influence over his son's education.
Lolo Soetoro, the second husband of Obama's mother, Ann Dunham, introduced his stepson to Islam. Obama was enrolled in a Wahabi school in Jakarta. Wahabism is the RADICAL ISLAMIC teaching that is followed by the Muslim terrorists who are now waging Jihad against the western world. Since it is politically expedient to be a CHRISTIAN when seeking major public office in the United States, Barack Hussein Obama has joined the United Church of Christ in an attempt to downplay his Muslim background. ALSO, keep in mind that when he was sworn into office he DID NOT use the Holy Bible, but instead the Koran.
Barack Hussein Obama will NOT recite the Pledge of Allegiance nor will he show any reverence for our flag. While others place their hands over their hearts, Obama turns his back to the flag and slouches.
Let us all remain alert concerning Obama's expected presidential candidacy.
The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the US from the inside out, what better way to start than at the highest level - through the President of the United States, one of their own!!!!
Please forward to everyone you know. Would you want this man leading our country?...... NOT ME!!!
PAUSE
OK - regardless of your political persuasion, and regardless of the dubious facts and the nature and their presentation, is this not COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY FUCKING UNPROFESSIONAL?
Now, I work for a small, privately owned firm, one of the partners is the man who sent this message. Obviously, he feels totally warranted in projecting his (IMO) extreme political point of views, of which I am at odds with.
Then again, this man signs my checks, and this is a country where free speech (no matter how full of shit) is a constitutional right.
That being said, even my generous tolerance is becoming dangerously depleted. I feel like I should say something, but, fuck, he pays me!
That alone fucks with my conscious, but on a practical level I feel I should just ignore it and do my job (although that makes me feel like a wimpy bitch).
So...any thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions? A few friends of mine think I should "report" him, but really, to whom would I? Last time I checked, there are no laws against being an ASSHOLE.
Am I right?
PS - Roomie posed an important question to me. What if this man (or whoever wrote this shit) switched out the word "Muslim" for "Jew" or "Woman"? Something to chew on...
OK - regardless of your political persuasion, and regardless of the dubious facts and the nature and their presentation, is this not COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY FUCKING UNPROFESSIONAL?
Now, I work for a small, privately owned firm, one of the partners is the man who sent this message. Obviously, he feels totally warranted in projecting his (IMO) extreme political point of views, of which I am at odds with.
Then again, this man signs my checks, and this is a country where free speech (no matter how full of shit) is a constitutional right.
That being said, even my generous tolerance is becoming dangerously depleted. I feel like I should say something, but, fuck, he pays me!
That alone fucks with my conscious, but on a practical level I feel I should just ignore it and do my job (although that makes me feel like a wimpy bitch).
So...any thoughts? Ideas? Suggestions? A few friends of mine think I should "report" him, but really, to whom would I? Last time I checked, there are no laws against being an ASSHOLE.
Am I right?
PS - Roomie posed an important question to me. What if this man (or whoever wrote this shit) switched out the word "Muslim" for "Jew" or "Woman"? Something to chew on...
Thursday, January 3, 2008
OBAMA WINS IOWA
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!“They said this day would never come. They said our sights were set too high. They said this country was too divided, too disillusioned, to come together over a common purpose.”
“You have done what the cynics said you couldn’t do. You have done what the state of New Hampshire can do in five days. You have done what America can do in this new year, 2008. We are one nation, we are one people, and the time for change has come.”
Thursday, December 27, 2007
OBAMA'S DOPE CAMPAIGN SONG
At the risk of alienating my readership any further, I thought I would post a campaign song made for Barack Obama by one of my current musical obsessions, Chicago's very own Kidz In the Hall.
Hillary wishes she had a song this tight...and Romney and Huckabee don't strike me as fans of Hip Hop, so this song would probably give them headaches. This isn't an official campaign song of Obama's, but it was made for his benefit, and although it rocks, I also like the "message".
Enjoy, or flame at will.
Hillary wishes she had a song this tight...and Romney and Huckabee don't strike me as fans of Hip Hop, so this song would probably give them headaches. This isn't an official campaign song of Obama's, but it was made for his benefit, and although it rocks, I also like the "message".
Enjoy, or flame at will.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
THIS MAN COULD HAVE BEEN MY FATHER
HUGH RODHAM (HILARY'S BROTHER)
The year was 1968, Hendrix dominated radio airplay, we were bombing Vietnam, and Hillary Rodham Clinton's younger brother, Hugh, was trying to get into my Mom's pants. Allow me to explain...
My mother, looker that she was in high school, had the distinct pleasure (displeasure?) of being assigned a locker opposite that of a much younger Hugh Rodham. On several occasions he would ask my Mom out, and every time she denied him!
The year was 1992, Nirvana dominated radio airplay, HW Bush threw up in the lap of the Japanese Prime Minister, and my mother decides to tell me the story about Hugh and his less then noble intentions...
ME: "So why did you always say no when he asked you out?"
DAD: (rolls eyes)
MOM: "Oh honey, he was a loser!"
Unfortunately I don't remember much else of the story, but perhaps there really isn't much else to tell.
My Mom thought nothing of this "loser" (apparently jocks destined to be lawyers was not her type) but at the time, as I still do now, I wonder if things had gone differently, would my Father go golfing with Bill Clinton on the weekends?
How fucking cool would it be to play a round with Uncle Bill? Nevermind politics, consider a day golfing (drinking) followed by a quick visit to the local Titty Bar (more drinking) and perhaps a shady business deal thrown in for good measure (Hugh had some batshit insane deal to import $110 million of hazelnuts from the Republic of Georgia, sweet!).
Imagine me on the right (haha)!
My mother, looker that she was in high school, had the distinct pleasure (displeasure?) of being assigned a locker opposite that of a much younger Hugh Rodham. On several occasions he would ask my Mom out, and every time she denied him!
The year was 1992, Nirvana dominated radio airplay, HW Bush threw up in the lap of the Japanese Prime Minister, and my mother decides to tell me the story about Hugh and his less then noble intentions...
ME: "So why did you always say no when he asked you out?"
DAD: (rolls eyes)
MOM: "Oh honey, he was a loser!"
Unfortunately I don't remember much else of the story, but perhaps there really isn't much else to tell.
My Mom thought nothing of this "loser" (apparently jocks destined to be lawyers was not her type) but at the time, as I still do now, I wonder if things had gone differently, would my Father go golfing with Bill Clinton on the weekends?
How fucking cool would it be to play a round with Uncle Bill? Nevermind politics, consider a day golfing (drinking) followed by a quick visit to the local Titty Bar (more drinking) and perhaps a shady business deal thrown in for good measure (Hugh had some batshit insane deal to import $110 million of hazelnuts from the Republic of Georgia, sweet!).
Imagine me on the right (haha)!
The year was 2007, (insert favorite band here) dominates radio airplay, the WGA is on strike and I just realized what an insufferable ASSHAT would be right now had my Mom not spurned Hugh's advances and married my Father. Whew!Bill is cool and all, but Hillary scares the living shit out of me (exhibit A: her Wikipedia profile picture). She's like an exaggerated amalgamation of every elementary school Math/Science teacher I ever had. Which is not a good thing since I excel at neither.
LONG STORY SHORT: If you must vote for one Presidential Candidate from my neck of the woods in 2008, I implore you not to choose the one related to a guy that used to hit on my Mom.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
HAROLD WASHINGTON
Eventually I plan on writing more on my thoughts about race in what some consider "the most segregated city in the United States". For now, I wanted to share the recent program that This American Life produced about Harold Washington, the first and only African-American mayor of the city of Chicago.
Washington was elected in 1983, beating out the incumbent Jane Bryne, not to mention our current mayor and family scion, Richard M. Daley, and was only the second mayor in Chicago's history to be elected to a second term. Unfortunately, he died 7 months into his second term, on November 25, 1987.Although I find myself unable to effectively convey the importance of his election and subsequent Mayorship, if you listen to the link below, you will know the greatness that was and still is Harold Washington.
The majority of people do not have an hour to sit and listen to a radio program about a politician they have never heard of, but I encourage you to download the free podcast. Listen to it at the gym! In the car! While cooking! No matter how, I just hope at least a few other people become aware of the amazing story that is Harold Washington.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
MATTHEW SHEPARD ACT APPROVED BY THE SENATE!
This is really awesome news! The Senate passed the Matthew Shepard Act! Of course Fucking W could still veto it, but still...THIS IS A HUGE VICTORY for us homos!
I was alerted to this news by the Human Rights Campaign e-mail feed and this is a part of their official press release:
"For over a decade our community has worked tirelessly to ensure protections to combat violence motivated by hate and today we are the closest we have ever been to seeing that become a reality," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Congress has taken an historic step forward and moved our country closer to the realization that all Americans, including the GLBT community, are part of the fabric of our nation. The new leadership in Congress fully understands that for too long our community has been terrorized by hate violence. And today, the US Senate has sent a clear message to every corner of our country that we will no longer turn a blind eye to anti-gay violence in America."
To read the complete press release, go here. Or if you prefer a mainstream take on the news, you can go here.
I must say, appending this bill to the Defense Authorization bill was rather shrewd on behalf of the Dems. Whoever is responsible, I commend your sly maneuver. Veto that shit W!
This certainly takes the sting out of the Cubs getting swept by the lowly Florida Marlins (no offense VJ), although that is neither here nor there.
YAY! Raise whatever glass you may be drinking out of! Cheers! Woot-woot!
I was alerted to this news by the Human Rights Campaign e-mail feed and this is a part of their official press release:
"For over a decade our community has worked tirelessly to ensure protections to combat violence motivated by hate and today we are the closest we have ever been to seeing that become a reality," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Congress has taken an historic step forward and moved our country closer to the realization that all Americans, including the GLBT community, are part of the fabric of our nation. The new leadership in Congress fully understands that for too long our community has been terrorized by hate violence. And today, the US Senate has sent a clear message to every corner of our country that we will no longer turn a blind eye to anti-gay violence in America."
To read the complete press release, go here. Or if you prefer a mainstream take on the news, you can go here.
I must say, appending this bill to the Defense Authorization bill was rather shrewd on behalf of the Dems. Whoever is responsible, I commend your sly maneuver. Veto that shit W!
This certainly takes the sting out of the Cubs getting swept by the lowly Florida Marlins (no offense VJ), although that is neither here nor there.
YAY! Raise whatever glass you may be drinking out of! Cheers! Woot-woot!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
NO ONE IS TRYING TO MUZZLE YOUR PULPIT!
The Human Rights Campaign e-mails me newsletters every few days and just today they sent me one asking for money to help pay for a full-page ad in the USA Today to refute the one above (amongst other fund raising needs).Now, not to get too political here, but I can not understand the group of Minister's concerns about preaching against homosexuality in regards to being held liable to inciting any sort of action against a gay person based on a sermon. This strikes me as a possibility so far removed from reality it boarders on outright absurdity (how would one prove that in a court of law?).
Regardless, if you examine the specific language of the bill in question, you'll find the following:
"Nothing in this Act... shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct protected from legal prohibition by, or any activities protected by the free speech or free exercise clauses of, the First Amendment to the Constitution."
Obviously I am not a constitutional scholar, and at the risk of sounding like an idiot, this leads me to believe that the successful passage of this bill will in no way, shape or form prohibit a preacher/minister from espousing their religious beliefs. Although I'm "preaching to the choir", if I'm missing something really obvious, please let me know.
From my understanding, the purpose of this bill is not to restrict anyone's First Amendment right to Free Speech, but rather the effort seems to ensure that anyone that maims or kills someone based on their sexual orientation receives an extended sentence and to provide additional federal funds to ensure that local municipalities actually follow through on prosecuting stupid fucking pieces of shit like the guys that killed Matthew Shepard. Right? This isn't even a new bill but rather an amendment to the existing Hate Crimes bill.
So what is the problem with these Ministers? This question is not derived from any predetermined ignorance...rather I'm trying to understand the opposition's point of view. Is it just political? Religious?
From my understanding, the purpose of this bill is not to restrict anyone's First Amendment right to Free Speech, but rather the effort seems to ensure that anyone that maims or kills someone based on their sexual orientation receives an extended sentence and to provide additional federal funds to ensure that local municipalities actually follow through on prosecuting stupid fucking pieces of shit like the guys that killed Matthew Shepard. Right? This isn't even a new bill but rather an amendment to the existing Hate Crimes bill.
So what is the problem with these Ministers? This question is not derived from any predetermined ignorance...rather I'm trying to understand the opposition's point of view. Is it just political? Religious?
Monday, May 7, 2007
DID YOUR REPRESENATIVE VOTE IN FAVOR OF THE HATE CRIMES ACT?
A few weeks ago my roomie sent me a link for a survey asking me if I would be more or less likely to buy products or services from a company that supports gay rights by granting benefits to same-sex partners. The survery was being run by those homo-loving fellows from Tupelo, MS, the American Family Institute. Predictably I voted in "yes", that I am inded in favor of such business practices. I seem to have missed the opt-out checkbox because nearly everday since AFA sends me another survey or newsletter about how homos like myself have this fine nation of ours on it's collective knees, practically forcing God-fearing Christians to perform acts of fellatio against their will, (what can I say, I like straight boys!!!).
Today I rececived an actual useful e-mail from AFA, a list of represenatives that voted in favor of the Hate Crimes Act:
Dear Justin,
Below is a list of representatives who voted in favor of the Hate Crimes Act which gives homosexuals special rights not given to others. Homosexuals are considered a “protected class” under the bill.
An attempt was made to add senior citizens, pregnant women, prior victims, children under 18, the unborn, court witnesses and members of our armed forces to the bill, giving them the same “protected class” given homosexuals. The Democrats defeated all amendments, reserving the “protected class” for homosexuals only.
If your representative is listed below, please call and let him or her know that you will remember the vote in the next election. You can reach your representative by calling 202-224-3121. Ask to be connected to your representative. If you don’t know your representative, give the operator your address and you will be connect directly to his or her office.
Abercrombie
Ackerman
Allen
Andrews
Arcuri
Baca
Baird
Baldwin
Bean
Becerra
Berkley
Berman
Berry
Bishop (GA)
Bishop (NY)
Blumenauer
Bono
Boren
Boswell
Boucher
Boyd (FL)
Boyda (KS)
Brady (PA)
Braley (IA)
Brown, Corrine
Butterfield
Capps
Capuano
Cardoza
Carnahan
Carney
Carson
Castle
Castor
Chandler
Clarke
Clay
Cleaver
Clyburn
Cohen
Conyers
Cooper
Costa
Costello
Courtney
Cramer
Crowley
Cuellar
Cummings
Davis (AL)
Davis (CA)
Davis (IL)
Davis, Lincoln
DeFazio
DeGette
Delahunt
DeLauro
Dicks
Dingell
Doggett
Donnelly
Doyle
Edwards
Ellison
Ellsworth
Emanuel
Eshoo
Etheridge
Farr
Filner
Frank (MA)
Giffords
Gillibrand
Gonzalez
Gordon
Green, Al
Green, Gene
Grijalva
Gutierrez
Hall (NY)
Hare
Harman
Hastings (FL)
Herseth Sandlin
Higgins
Hinchey
Hinojosa
Hirono
Hodes
Holt
Honda
Hooley
Hoyer
Inslee
Israel
Jackson (IL)
Jackson-Lee (TX)
Jefferson
Johnson (GA)
Jones (OH)
Kagen
Kanjorski
Kaptur
Kennedy
Kildee
Kilpatrick
Kind
Kirk
Klein (FL)
Kucinich
Langevin
Lantos
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Lee
Levin
Lewis (GA)
Lipinski
Loebsack
Lofgren, Zoe
Lowey
Lynch
Maloney (NY)
Markey
Matheson
Matsui
McCarthy (NY)
McCollum (MN)
McDermott
McGovern
McNerney
McNulty
Meehan
Meek (FL)
Meeks (NY)
Michaud
Miller (NC)
Miller, George
Mollohan
Moore (KS)
Moore (WI)
Moran (VA)
Murphy (CT)
Murphy, Patrick
Murtha
Nadler
Napolitano
Neal (MA)
Oberstar
Obey
Olver
Pallone
Pascrell
Pastor
Payne
Pelosi
Perlmutter
Peterson (MN)
Platts
Pomeroy
Price (GA)
Price (NC)
Pryce (OH)
Rahall
Ramstad
Rangel
Reyes
Reynolds
Rodriguez
Ros-Lehtinen
Ross
Rothman
Roybal-Allard
Ruppersberger
Rush
Ryan (OH)
Salazar
Sánchez, Linda T.
Sanchez, Loretta
Sarbanes
Schakowsky
Schiff
Schwartz
Scott (GA)
Scott (VA)
Serrano
Sestak
Shays
Shea-Porter
Sherman
Shuler
Sires
Skelton
Slaughter
Smith (WA)
Snyder
Solis
Space
Spratt
Stark
Stupak
Sutton
Tauscher
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Tierney
Towns
Udall (CO)
Udall (NM)
Upton
Van Hollen
Velázquez
Visclosky
Walz (MN)
Wasserman Schultz
Waters
Watson
Watt
Waxman
Weiner
Welch (VT)
Wexler
Wilson (OH)
Woolsey
Wu
Wynn
Yarmuth
Not surprisingly my Rep, Rahm Emanuel, voted in favor. A similar bill is working it's way through the Senate, which looks likely to pass as well. Again, not surprisingly the Bush Adminstration has threatened to veto it. If you don't see you Rep on the above list, call/email/fax/send smoke signals to voice your disgust.
Today I rececived an actual useful e-mail from AFA, a list of represenatives that voted in favor of the Hate Crimes Act:
Dear Justin,
Below is a list of representatives who voted in favor of the Hate Crimes Act which gives homosexuals special rights not given to others. Homosexuals are considered a “protected class” under the bill.
An attempt was made to add senior citizens, pregnant women, prior victims, children under 18, the unborn, court witnesses and members of our armed forces to the bill, giving them the same “protected class” given homosexuals. The Democrats defeated all amendments, reserving the “protected class” for homosexuals only.
If your representative is listed below, please call and let him or her know that you will remember the vote in the next election. You can reach your representative by calling 202-224-3121. Ask to be connected to your representative. If you don’t know your representative, give the operator your address and you will be connect directly to his or her office.
Abercrombie
Ackerman
Allen
Andrews
Arcuri
Baca
Baird
Baldwin
Bean
Becerra
Berkley
Berman
Berry
Bishop (GA)
Bishop (NY)
Blumenauer
Bono
Boren
Boswell
Boucher
Boyd (FL)
Boyda (KS)
Brady (PA)
Braley (IA)
Brown, Corrine
Butterfield
Capps
Capuano
Cardoza
Carnahan
Carney
Carson
Castle
Castor
Chandler
Clarke
Clay
Cleaver
Clyburn
Cohen
Conyers
Cooper
Costa
Costello
Courtney
Cramer
Crowley
Cuellar
Cummings
Davis (AL)
Davis (CA)
Davis (IL)
Davis, Lincoln
DeFazio
DeGette
Delahunt
DeLauro
Dicks
Dingell
Doggett
Donnelly
Doyle
Edwards
Ellison
Ellsworth
Emanuel
Eshoo
Etheridge
Farr
Filner
Frank (MA)
Giffords
Gillibrand
Gonzalez
Gordon
Green, Al
Green, Gene
Grijalva
Gutierrez
Hall (NY)
Hare
Harman
Hastings (FL)
Herseth Sandlin
Higgins
Hinchey
Hinojosa
Hirono
Hodes
Holt
Honda
Hooley
Hoyer
Inslee
Israel
Jackson (IL)
Jackson-Lee (TX)
Jefferson
Johnson (GA)
Jones (OH)
Kagen
Kanjorski
Kaptur
Kennedy
Kildee
Kilpatrick
Kind
Kirk
Klein (FL)
Kucinich
Langevin
Lantos
Larsen (WA)
Larson (CT)
Lee
Levin
Lewis (GA)
Lipinski
Loebsack
Lofgren, Zoe
Lowey
Lynch
Maloney (NY)
Markey
Matheson
Matsui
McCarthy (NY)
McCollum (MN)
McDermott
McGovern
McNerney
McNulty
Meehan
Meek (FL)
Meeks (NY)
Michaud
Miller (NC)
Miller, George
Mollohan
Moore (KS)
Moore (WI)
Moran (VA)
Murphy (CT)
Murphy, Patrick
Murtha
Nadler
Napolitano
Neal (MA)
Oberstar
Obey
Olver
Pallone
Pascrell
Pastor
Payne
Pelosi
Perlmutter
Peterson (MN)
Platts
Pomeroy
Price (GA)
Price (NC)
Pryce (OH)
Rahall
Ramstad
Rangel
Reyes
Reynolds
Rodriguez
Ros-Lehtinen
Ross
Rothman
Roybal-Allard
Ruppersberger
Rush
Ryan (OH)
Salazar
Sánchez, Linda T.
Sanchez, Loretta
Sarbanes
Schakowsky
Schiff
Schwartz
Scott (GA)
Scott (VA)
Serrano
Sestak
Shays
Shea-Porter
Sherman
Shuler
Sires
Skelton
Slaughter
Smith (WA)
Snyder
Solis
Space
Spratt
Stark
Stupak
Sutton
Tauscher
Thompson (CA)
Thompson (MS)
Tierney
Towns
Udall (CO)
Udall (NM)
Upton
Van Hollen
Velázquez
Visclosky
Walz (MN)
Wasserman Schultz
Waters
Watson
Watt
Waxman
Weiner
Welch (VT)
Wexler
Wilson (OH)
Woolsey
Wu
Wynn
Yarmuth
Not surprisingly my Rep, Rahm Emanuel, voted in favor. A similar bill is working it's way through the Senate, which looks likely to pass as well. Again, not surprisingly the Bush Adminstration has threatened to veto it. If you don't see you Rep on the above list, call/email/fax/send smoke signals to voice your disgust.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
OBAMA: "I'M RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT"
As if I needed any more good news right now; Obama officially announced he's running for President in 2008!
"I recognize there is a certain presumptuousness--a certain audacity--to this announcement," he said. "I know I haven't spent a lot of time learning the ways of Washington. But I've been there long enough to know that the ways of Washington must change."
[A century and a half after Lincoln noted that "a house divided against itself cannot stand," Obama used the weekend commemorating the 16th president's birthday to portray himself as a candidate with the strength to lead a country torn by the moral and political conundrum of war.]
[Harold Holzer, a nationally renowned Lincoln scholar and a co-chairman of the federal panel charged with commemorating the bicentennial of Lincoln's 1809 birth, said he did not believe it a daunting risk for Obama to try to appropriate from one of the nation's greatest presidents.]
"Lincoln's design for a better society is manifesting itself with a Latino, a woman and a person of color running for the presidency of the United States," Holzer said. "It sends the message, `We've come a long way, baby.' "
Awesome.
"I recognize there is a certain presumptuousness--a certain audacity--to this announcement," he said. "I know I haven't spent a lot of time learning the ways of Washington. But I've been there long enough to know that the ways of Washington must change."
[A century and a half after Lincoln noted that "a house divided against itself cannot stand," Obama used the weekend commemorating the 16th president's birthday to portray himself as a candidate with the strength to lead a country torn by the moral and political conundrum of war.]
[Harold Holzer, a nationally renowned Lincoln scholar and a co-chairman of the federal panel charged with commemorating the bicentennial of Lincoln's 1809 birth, said he did not believe it a daunting risk for Obama to try to appropriate from one of the nation's greatest presidents.]
"Lincoln's design for a better society is manifesting itself with a Latino, a woman and a person of color running for the presidency of the United States," Holzer said. "It sends the message, `We've come a long way, baby.' "
Awesome.
Friday, January 26, 2007
BRAIN TURNER
Ever since Bush’s State of the Union address last Tuesday I have been debating whether or not I would post a response. My intention for this blog was not for it to become any sort of political forum because I don’t think I’m qualified to accurately debate the issue with the intellectual ammunition I think the subject deserves. Instead I’ll just post a link to this article titled “Where’s the Outrage?”, published 1/16/2007 on Salon.com. In it the author mentions a former infantry team leader named Brian Tucker who recently published a book of poetry titled “Here, Bullet”. After reading the article I thought that Tucker’s words were so much more powerful than that of any commander in chief, pundit or terrorist:
[Author’s note: Here is another Turner poem, whose title means "friend" in Arabic, prefaced with a quotation from Sa'di, the 13th century Persian poet.]
[Author’s note: Here is another Turner poem, whose title means "friend" in Arabic, prefaced with a quotation from Sa'di, the 13th century Persian poet.]
"Sadiq"
It is a condition of wisdom in the archer to be patient because when the arrow leaves the bow, it returns no more.
It should make you shake and sweat,
nightmare you, strand you in a desert
of irrevocable desolation, the consequences
seared into the vein, no matter what adrenaline
feeds the muscle its courage, no matter
what god shines down on you, no matter
what crackling pain and anger
you carry in your fists, my friend,
it should break your heart to kill.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
OBAMA CLOSER TO RUNNING IN 2008
The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Barack Obama has announced he is forming a presidential exploratory committee, and cited February 10, 2007 as a deadline to officially announce whether or not he will seek the Democratic Nomination for the 2008 Presidential election. Some people whom I have discussed his potential run have argued against it, usually citing his lack of extensive political experience. Personally, his lack of political history is one of many reasons why I think he would make am excellent candidate for the White House.
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