Friday, December 23, 2011

Boner Caves

And it's about time. Finally John Boehner gave in and cut a deal with Senator Harry Reid and the Democrats in extending the payroll tax cut for 60 days, during which time a one year deal could be worked out.

Why, WHY John Boner would have let himself be led to the edge of a political and career cliff by a small handful of Teabaggers is hard to imagine.

This is the party that signed a Pledge to Obey a Lobbyist and never, ever, ever, ever raise taxes. But until last night that seemed to only apply to the 1% -- the millionaires and billionaires. Even when he finally and appropriatedly caved, it was done grudgingly.

He's the weakest and least effective Speaker I've seen in my lifetime. Just knowing that this payroll tax cut extension would benefit 160,000,000 American Middle Class workers should have been enough. Having to have the Wall St Journal, Karl Rove, Mitch McConnell, John McCain and many other major rightwing mouthpieces tell him he was going in the wrong direction for the country -- and committing political suicide -- is extraordinary.

What's wrong with this man? How screwed up IS he? Can't he think for himself? Can't he see when something is the obvious thing to do?

Apparently not. He had to be beaten over the head by his own party for 3 days before relenting. He deserves to be stripped of his title as Speaker of the House.

Pathetic.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Merry Christmas -- Your Taxes are Going Up

Thanks to the Regressive republicans and Teabaggers in the US House of Representatives which Weeper of the House John Boner cannot control.

The Senate passed a bi-partisan Payroll Tax Cut Extension bill by the wide margin of 89-10, including 39 Regressive republicans voting FOR a 2-month extension so the holiday recess can go on without the American Middle Class workers getting hit with a $1,000 tax increase. The purpose: to continue the tax extension without interruption and have plenty of time to work on the ONE YEAR extension after the holidays. No Democrat only wants a 2 month extension. Anyone who says that on Fox or elsewhere is a liar.

Reid
McConnell
It was compromised and agreed upon by Senator Harry Reid (D) and the chinless wonder, Mitch McConnell (R). Boehner and his Teabag Extremists are holding it up, refusing to pass it in the House. Now Boner wants the US Senators -- who already did their job and passed the bill -- to fly back to Washington to start negotiating all over again, as if this time he'll be able to control his far rightwing mob.

So, to sum it up... in the Senate, both the Democrats and the Republicans are IN FAVOR of extending payroll tax cuts.

In the House, Democrats IN FAVOR of extending payroll tax cuts.

But House Republicans REFUSE to extend payroll tax cuts.

Boner has no control over his people. They control him.

He's an embarrassment. Now is when he should cry, and for good reason.

The Weeper of the House will soon be fired.

In a related story...


From CNN:

President Barack Obama’s approval rating jumped 5 percentage points from November to December, fueled by dramatic gains among middle-class Americans, according to a CNN/ORC International poll released Tuesday.

Obama’s approval rating rose from 44% last month to 49% now, and the results suggest the debate over extending the payroll tax cuts in Congress is helping Obama’s efforts to portray himself as defender of the middle class. The poll was conducted from Friday through Sunday, while the Senate was passing the measure with bipartisan support and House Speaker John Boehner was giving it a dim outlook in his chamber.

And a majority now say they have more confidence in Obama than in Republicans in Congress -- last spring, only 44% felt that way.

Democrats do particularly well among middle-income Americans, while the Republicans win support only from the top end of the income scale.

In addition, the Regressive republican-led Congress now has THE LOWEST APPROVAL RATING IN THE HISTORY OF THE GALLUP POLL:     11%.

Behind the Scenes at Letterman's Late Show with Darlene Love

Best show of the year is the final one before Christmas -- a Late Show tradition -- featuring Darlene Love singing Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) just as she originally sang it in 1963.  Biggest production of the year, with Paul Shaffer and the CBS Orchestra, an entire string section, and choral background singers.  Oh, and snow!

Watch this short video of the rehearsal including clips from years past.

You can see this year's version on The Late Show With David Letterman this Friday night (12/23).

Bill Press's "Parting Shot"

From Dec 20.

Newt Gingrich wants to arrest judges with whom he disagrees if they don't come before Congress to defend themselves; wants to fire half the school janitors and hire 8-year-olds to clean the toilets; blames Freddie Mac for the foreclosure epidemic while taking $1.6 million to lobby for it.

Bill Press explains that the Newtmare is almost over.


OK, make it number five. Five Republican candidates not named Mitt Romney who have had their 15 minutes of fame at the top of the polls – only to crash and burn.


First, it was Donald Trump. Then, Michelle Bachmann. Followed, ever so briefly, by Rick Perry. Who soon gave way to Herman Cain. Who in turn passed the torch to Newt Gingrich.


And now it’s Newt’s turn to fold. The latest polls from Iowa, all of which he led just two weeks ago, now show Ron Paul in first place, followed by Mitt Romney – with Newt far behind in third place, for now.


In a sense, it’s no surprise Newt’s bubble would burst, once voters got a closer look at him. He’s a failed Speaker, a huge flip-flopper, a closet liberal on some issues, a serial adulterer, a big-time lobbyist, and dispenser of a lot of wild-ass, crazy ideas.


But, the truth is, none of those five wanna-be Republicans were ever serious candidates. And neither is Ron Paul. The media only trumpeted them as serious candidates because it helped to keep the race interesting – and generate ratings.


We all know Mitt Romney is going to be the Republican candidate. And the sooner everybody admits that, the better.


That’s my parting shot for today.

Bill Press's live radio show can be heard M-F 6am-9am on Sirius/XM Satellite radio and on many stations including Green 960 on an iPhone ap.

Rick Perry: Little Dumber Boy

From the Stephanie Miller Show:

The Little Dumber Boy by Mike In Raleigh

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Message on Iraq from President Obama

Good afternoon,
After nearly nine years, our war in Iraq is ending.

In recent days, many of our troops have come home and been reunited with their families for the holidays. Over the next few days, a small group of American soldiers will begin the final march out of Iraq.
This moment of success is because of their sacrifice. More than 1.5 million Americans have served in Iraq. More than 30,000 of these brave men and women were wounded. Nearly 4,500 gave their lives. America’s military families have borne a heavy burden.

As we mark the end of this war, we need to show our veterans and their families that they have the thanks of a grateful nation.

Take a minute to look back at the moments that brought us to this point, then share a personal message of gratitude with those who have served.

Friday, December 9, 2011

New Christmas Traditions

From a recent email I've received:

 
Christmas 2011 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are

kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor.

This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a

gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about

gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are

thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed?

Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who thinks

nothing of plunking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all

offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.

Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their

car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE

the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find

some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and
running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local

crafts people make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated

restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre?

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing

local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten

thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

Don't forget to donate to local animal rescues!

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American

pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post
it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants
and Raves section in your city -- send it to the editor of your local
paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Newt's on Top; Trump Moderates Upcoming Circus-Debate

The ONLY reason Noot has a turn at the top is the Regressives are so miserable with each of their clownish contestants, since they've pretty much run through each of them as the flavor-of-the-month, they are down to backing Newton Gingrich by default. There's simply no one left.

The Regressives couldn't back serial adulterer and philanderer Herman Cain, so they've decided to support serial adulterer and philanderer Newt Gingrich.

Huh?

You may remember his illustrious history. Newt was forced to resign in shame as Speaker of the House under a cloud of a half-million dollars in ethics violations. He cheated on, and left, his first wife while she was dying of cancer in the hospital; he left his second wife after cheating on her with what would be his third wife.

While railing against Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, he accepted almost $2 million as a lobbyist for them.

His latest bizarre thought? Firing janitors and making 9 year olds clean toilets in school. He actually said, out loud, that child labor laws are stupid.

This is who they're rallying around this week.

By the way, don't you love how these Teabaggers rallied about how much they've "changed" their republican party -- yet the two front runners (Romney and Gingrich) are old Regressive hacks who have been around for 30 years, pushing their tired, old, failed ideas to whomever will listen. Unbelievable.

And have you heard about the hilarious upcoming debate? Not even sponsored by any news organization, it's being promoted by "newsmax", the far rightwing website. And even funnier, one of the earliest failed clowns to be kicked to the curb -- fake billionaire Donald Trump -- will be moderating!

I couldn't have written a better script to make these bizarre cartoon characters look more buffoonish. Can't wait to make some popcorn and watch this!

By the way, so far 2 of their candidates were smart enough to say, "I'm not participating in this ridiculous circus" -- Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman. Good for them.

Ron Paul on America's favorite fake billionaire, fake candidate and used car salesman:

"The selection of a reality television personality to host a presidential debate that voters nationwide will be watching is beneath the office of the Presidency and flies in the face of that office's history and dignity.

Mr. Trump's participation as moderator will distract from questions and answers concerning important issues such as the national economy, crushing federal government debt, the role of the federal government, foreign policy, and the like. To be sure, Mr. Trump's participation will contribute to an unwanted circus-like atmosphere.

Mr. Trump's selection is also wildly inappropriate because of his record of toying with the serious decision of whether to compete for our nation's highest office, a decision he appeared to make frivolously."

Even Karl Rove thinks it's ridiculous. From the NYT:

"Karl Rove, the former political adviser to President George W. Bush, railed against the idea of a debate hosted by Mr. Trump. In an appearance on Fox News on Monday, Mr. Rove called on Reince Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, to put a stop to the debate.

“What the heck are the Republican candidates doing showing up at a debate with a guy who says, ‘I may run for president next year as an independent,’ ” Mr. Rove said. “I think the Republican national chairman ought to step in and say we strongly discourage every candidate from appearing.”

UPDATE 12/7/11: Willard Romney has also stated he will not attend this debate circus.

UPDATE 12/9/11: Bachmann the Clown and Perry the Clown have also stated they will not attend this circus.  How soon until it's cancelled?

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Herman Cain Quits

Noooooooooooooooooo!

Serial adulterer and philanderer Herman Cain just CAN'T quit on us now! The clown car is getting emptier. How sad.

I guess his followers will naturally have to join serial adulterer and philanderer Newton Leroy Gingrich. It's a natural progression I guess.

This was never supposed to be a campaign. It was a book tour gone awry. He never expected to get so popular. But he did despite his best efforts to make himself look cartoonish. I guess the Regressive population will glom onto ANYTHING at this point.

His big economic plan was stolen from the Sim City video game; his closing statement at the first debate was lifted from a Pokemon song; he has a trail of [alleged] sexually harassed women, some paid to keep their mouths shut; he wasn't familiar with that obscure thing that happened in Libya ("hmm... Libya... Libya... there was a uprisin' there, right? Was that Khadaffy? is that what we're talking about?") and he thinks it's not necessary to know who runs "U-beki-beki-beki-stani-stan".

Well, it was fun while it lasted.

Friday, December 2, 2011

No Payroll Tax Cuts For You

When you start paying $1000 more, thank your Regressive republican congress.  Send a nice bouquet of flowers if you can afford it. They FAILED to pass an extension of the payroll tax cut which would keep the Middle Class from seeing an increase of $1000 a year.

Democrats in the Senate and President Obama were for continuing the payroll tax cuts for the middle class and it would be easily paid for by a 3% increase for those making MORE THAN a million a year. Regressive republicans refused to extend YOUR tax cuts, and they will cost you $1000 more a year, because they refuse to add a penny to multimillionaires' taxes.

The Regressives had their own ridiculous bill spectacularly voted down last night. Get this: In order to continue your payroll tax cuts, they wanted to CUT 200,000 Federal jobs. "Help the Middle Class by firing 200,000 of them." Genius. Pure genius.

Democrats and the majority of Regressives in the Senate killed that stupidity. It went down in flames.

Apparently the Regressives' "Pledge to Obey a Lobbyist" and not raise taxes didn't include YOUR taxes -- only millionaires'.

And some righties will continue to be stupid enough to vote for them, against their own interests.