Why is it so hard to revoke the tax exempt status of churches whose pastors actively endorse political candidates? It's a violation of the law. Why is it so hard? Investigate, revoke the tax status, and make the fuckers start paying property taxes.
Separation of church and state, my ass.
28 September 2008
24 September 2008
Gotta love the Daily Show
So what McCain is saying when he says he'll hijack the debates and election process if a deal isn't reached by Friday on this proposal is that he's backing Paulson's plan that would give an unelected official complete rule over how to oversee fixing a problem that he didn't even see coming as recently as March of this year without any form of oversight and without accountability to anyone. Nice.
The "joint" statement by the candidates regarding the importance of fixing this problem was pretty funny. Olbermann read it last night. It was a general statement about how we need to come together for a bipartisan solution, yada yada. And then, an addendum added by Obama, but not in the "joint" statement - so we can infer that McCain did not want his name associated with this piece of the statement - called for more oversight (in reference to Paulson's demand for absolutely no questions asked) and it also called for taxpayers to benefit from the program in some way (i.e. getting interest back on their 'loan'), and also to ensure that the CEOs do not profit from this, and that it needs to contain a solution for people struggling with their mortgages also. So McCain didn't want that in the joint statement? So handing over 700 billion of taxpayer dollars, no questions, no oversight, to an industry that got us in this mess precisely because HIS economic advisor paved the way for deregulation and no oversight is OK by him??? Does anyone smell anything fishy here??
20 September 2008
Meaningful lyrics
There's a lot of debate about what this song is about, but here's what I think: To me, it tells a story of a society that has become so far removed from it's own sense of agency that we see no choice but to sit back and passively accept what Government, God, Greed, Globalization, George (capital G) does and says without critical thought.
Capital G, Year Zero, Nine Inch Nails
I pushed the button and elected him to office and a
He pushed the button and he dropped the bomb
You pushed the button and could watch in on the television
Those motherfuckers didn't last too long
I'm sick of hearing about the have and have not's
Have some personal accountability
The biggest problem with the way that we are doing things is
The more we let you have the less that I'll be keeping for me
Well I use to stand for something
Well I'm on my hands and knees
Turning in my god for this one
and he signs his name with a capital G
Don't give a shit about the temperature in Guatemala
Don't really see what all the fuss is about
Ain't gonna worry about no future generations
And I'm sure somebody's gonna figure it out
Don't try to tell me that some power can corrupt a person
You hadn't had enough to know what its like
Your only angry cause you wish you were in my position
Now nod your head cause you know that I'm right..alright!
Well I use to stand for something
But forgot what that could be
Theres a lot of me inside you
Maybe your afraid to see
Well I use to stand for something
Well I'm on my hands and knees
Turning in my god for this one
and he signs his name with a capital G
Capital G, Year Zero, Nine Inch Nails
I pushed the button and elected him to office and a
He pushed the button and he dropped the bomb
You pushed the button and could watch in on the television
Those motherfuckers didn't last too long
I'm sick of hearing about the have and have not's
Have some personal accountability
The biggest problem with the way that we are doing things is
The more we let you have the less that I'll be keeping for me
Well I use to stand for something
Well I'm on my hands and knees
Turning in my god for this one
and he signs his name with a capital G
Don't give a shit about the temperature in Guatemala
Don't really see what all the fuss is about
Ain't gonna worry about no future generations
And I'm sure somebody's gonna figure it out
Don't try to tell me that some power can corrupt a person
You hadn't had enough to know what its like
Your only angry cause you wish you were in my position
Now nod your head cause you know that I'm right..alright!
Well I use to stand for something
But forgot what that could be
Theres a lot of me inside you
Maybe your afraid to see
Well I use to stand for something
Well I'm on my hands and knees
Turning in my god for this one
and he signs his name with a capital G
18 September 2008
He's the Real Deal
Given that the election rigmarole has escalated, I wanted to share a story:
"He's the real deal."
That's what my friend's dad (we'll call him Dad) proclaimed about Barack Obama in June at a summer BBQ. Why do I think that warrants a special post? Because coming from Dad, it means a hell of a lot more than from any politico, pundit (armchair or professional), news anchor, or spokesperson. Dad served on the IL state Senate with Obama for many years, and is, himself, a proud Republican from Chicago. Yes, you read that right - there are republicans in Chicago.
While socially moderate and fiscally conservative, Dad worked with Obama several times prior to his own retirement, and follows his own logic, working for the greater good rather than tow a party line. In this way, both men are a rare breed among today's politicians. The few times I've had the opportunity to speak to Dad, I listen, because I respect his opinions.
So when he started talking politics with the few remaining BBQ guests, we stuck around. In a nutshell, what he said was this: Obama is a great man, and the 'real deal.' The election is his to lose. If Barack Obama stays true to his roots, remains the type of man he was in the Illinois Senate, that he can do some real good.
Coming from this man, that means a lot. And I hope he's right.
"He's the real deal."
That's what my friend's dad (we'll call him Dad) proclaimed about Barack Obama in June at a summer BBQ. Why do I think that warrants a special post? Because coming from Dad, it means a hell of a lot more than from any politico, pundit (armchair or professional), news anchor, or spokesperson. Dad served on the IL state Senate with Obama for many years, and is, himself, a proud Republican from Chicago. Yes, you read that right - there are republicans in Chicago.
While socially moderate and fiscally conservative, Dad worked with Obama several times prior to his own retirement, and follows his own logic, working for the greater good rather than tow a party line. In this way, both men are a rare breed among today's politicians. The few times I've had the opportunity to speak to Dad, I listen, because I respect his opinions.
So when he started talking politics with the few remaining BBQ guests, we stuck around. In a nutshell, what he said was this: Obama is a great man, and the 'real deal.' The election is his to lose. If Barack Obama stays true to his roots, remains the type of man he was in the Illinois Senate, that he can do some real good.
Coming from this man, that means a lot. And I hope he's right.
11 September 2008
Are you really that dumb?
This is what I want to ask people who think Sarah Palin is fantastic because she's an 'everywoman,' or she's 'just like me,' or 'she makes us feel like anyone can be president.' Seriously folks? You want a president who's just like you? You don't want a president to be smarter and more experienced in governing and foreign policy? Are you really that dumb?
I personally want a president who IS smarter than me. I don't find that threatening or elitist in any way. The president is supposed to be a job that not everyone can get. I, for one, want a president that represents the best of us, not the average in us. I want a president that is well spoken, intellectually curious, and smart enough to surround him/herself with the best people - not just his/her buddies. I want a president who is comfortable enough with his/her own abilities that s/he is able to deal with criticism and dissent in a mature and responsible manner.
Another thing I'm tired of is people who keep saying "we'll see where the country stands." As if this election will somehow solidify public opinion on the myriad issues up for discussion this season. Whomever is elected will need to be able to serve ALL Americans, not just those who voted for him/her. This was Bush's biggest mistake - believing that he should only represent the opinions and policies of the "side" that voted for him. Regardless of who wins, there will remain a large divide between Americans on a variety of issues. Whoever is elected will need to be able to find a common ground and compromise on those issues, not just push the country in the direction of his/her party. I want a president that is able to represent the majority of people and able to compromise to find solutions that serve the best interests of the country as a whole, not just his/her party affiliates.
I don't want a president that thinks, believes and worships exactly the way I do. Nor do I want a president that has exactly the same worldview as I do - because I know that's a selfish and narcissistic concept. If I did believe that the president should represent MY views as closely as possible, I'd be backing Kucinich. I believe whoever the next president is should be able to compromise and find solutions that serve the interests of the most people, on the most substantive issues, regardless of how it might conflict with his/her own personal ideologies.
That person is not McCain/Palin. Nor, I might add, is it Kucinich.
I personally want a president who IS smarter than me. I don't find that threatening or elitist in any way. The president is supposed to be a job that not everyone can get. I, for one, want a president that represents the best of us, not the average in us. I want a president that is well spoken, intellectually curious, and smart enough to surround him/herself with the best people - not just his/her buddies. I want a president who is comfortable enough with his/her own abilities that s/he is able to deal with criticism and dissent in a mature and responsible manner.
Another thing I'm tired of is people who keep saying "we'll see where the country stands." As if this election will somehow solidify public opinion on the myriad issues up for discussion this season. Whomever is elected will need to be able to serve ALL Americans, not just those who voted for him/her. This was Bush's biggest mistake - believing that he should only represent the opinions and policies of the "side" that voted for him. Regardless of who wins, there will remain a large divide between Americans on a variety of issues. Whoever is elected will need to be able to find a common ground and compromise on those issues, not just push the country in the direction of his/her party. I want a president that is able to represent the majority of people and able to compromise to find solutions that serve the best interests of the country as a whole, not just his/her party affiliates.
I don't want a president that thinks, believes and worships exactly the way I do. Nor do I want a president that has exactly the same worldview as I do - because I know that's a selfish and narcissistic concept. If I did believe that the president should represent MY views as closely as possible, I'd be backing Kucinich. I believe whoever the next president is should be able to compromise and find solutions that serve the interests of the most people, on the most substantive issues, regardless of how it might conflict with his/her own personal ideologies.
That person is not McCain/Palin. Nor, I might add, is it Kucinich.
09 September 2008
Just in case
Just in case CERN blows us up tomorrow, I want all my friends and family to know I love them...
Hopefully I'll see you soon...
Hopefully I'll see you soon...
06 September 2008
The Daily Show Brilliance
The GOP putting their foot in their mouths:
Of course, the old double standards continue. When it doesn't involve a GOP member, it's BAD, but when it does, let's spin it to be good! Like having a candidate that's great at reading teleprompter speeches (for Obama, that's bad, for Palin, it's great). Of course, the difference is Obama isn't afraid to appear on Sunday news shows to answer substantive, on the fly questions.
Bristol Palin's.... oh, what's the word...
They need to stop spinning this as a private family choice unless they want an open debate about what choice really means and how Sarah Palin's policies seek to limit those options. Choice means having more than one valid option, especially for those families not in such powerful, financially stable situations. If this is a "private" family matter, then the government should stay out of it right?
What anti-choice people don't understand about pro-choice movement is that it's not "pro abortion," it's pro choice. Planned Parenthood allows discussion of ALL options, including proper neonatal care should a woman choose to continue her pregnancy, adoption counseling should she choose that option, and yes, birth control and abortion services. They offer a REAL choice to women, not a choice limited to those options they personally or politically feel are 'correct.' My guess is that with her strict evangelical views and adherence to abstinence only education, that her daughter didn't have the full facts about sex, pregnancy, or birth control. She's living proof that no matter how hard you might try, teenagers are going to have sex. What's the best way to stop abortion? How about reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies to begin with by teaching people about their birth control options?????
Of course, the old double standards continue. When it doesn't involve a GOP member, it's BAD, but when it does, let's spin it to be good! Like having a candidate that's great at reading teleprompter speeches (for Obama, that's bad, for Palin, it's great). Of course, the difference is Obama isn't afraid to appear on Sunday news shows to answer substantive, on the fly questions.
Bristol Palin's.... oh, what's the word...
They need to stop spinning this as a private family choice unless they want an open debate about what choice really means and how Sarah Palin's policies seek to limit those options. Choice means having more than one valid option, especially for those families not in such powerful, financially stable situations. If this is a "private" family matter, then the government should stay out of it right?
What anti-choice people don't understand about pro-choice movement is that it's not "pro abortion," it's pro choice. Planned Parenthood allows discussion of ALL options, including proper neonatal care should a woman choose to continue her pregnancy, adoption counseling should she choose that option, and yes, birth control and abortion services. They offer a REAL choice to women, not a choice limited to those options they personally or politically feel are 'correct.' My guess is that with her strict evangelical views and adherence to abstinence only education, that her daughter didn't have the full facts about sex, pregnancy, or birth control. She's living proof that no matter how hard you might try, teenagers are going to have sex. What's the best way to stop abortion? How about reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies to begin with by teaching people about their birth control options?????
03 September 2008
Worth a read
I routinely post some of Irshad Manji's posts here because I feel they have an important message. This one is no exception.
It takes a global village
By Irshad Manji
"As First Lady of the United States, Hillary Rodham Clinton wrote a book called It Takes a Village. A mother and world-traveler, she understood that raising children well demands attention, care and persistence from a sprawling network of individuals beyond the immediate family.
America’s right-wing nuts hated her metaphor of the village, interpreting it as an assault on the sanctity of parental power. But having grown up in a violent household myself, I loved Hillary’s point that a biological mother and father often ain’t enough. It takes a village.
So how ironic that, for many children in the Muslim world, the village is the problem, not the solution. Actually, it’s village idiots who are the problem. Let me illustrate." ...
Click the link above to read the rest. It's very interesting.
It takes a global village
By Irshad Manji
"As First Lady of the United States, Hillary Rodham Clinton wrote a book called It Takes a Village. A mother and world-traveler, she understood that raising children well demands attention, care and persistence from a sprawling network of individuals beyond the immediate family.
America’s right-wing nuts hated her metaphor of the village, interpreting it as an assault on the sanctity of parental power. But having grown up in a violent household myself, I loved Hillary’s point that a biological mother and father often ain’t enough. It takes a village.
So how ironic that, for many children in the Muslim world, the village is the problem, not the solution. Actually, it’s village idiots who are the problem. Let me illustrate." ...
Click the link above to read the rest. It's very interesting.
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