On Blast Off! radio Monday, the topic of torture came up. Sinfonian gave several great arguments as to why torture doesn't work, why it's wrong and the like. I wanted to expand on one thing.
A commenter (as a devil's advocate) asked the typical conservative question about the ticking time bomb scenario, as in, would you approve torture if you knew it would stop a bomb in an American city. Sinfonian correctly answered no and gave his reasons. I have an additional reason -- the scenario is nonsense in the first place. Name me one situation in the history of the world where this actually happened. I'll bet you can't. Because it's a fictional situation used in TV and movies. There is almost no chance where we will have in custody someone who knows the exact details of a bomb that is about to go off. Not going to happen.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Doug Tudor to Announce Run in FL-12
His status on Facebook two hours ago:
Doug Tudor Has Many Phonecalls to Make on Wednesday Before he Formally Files his Candidacy Paperwork for the U.S. House in FL-12. So C'mon and Get Aboard, or Get Left Behind.
Arlen Specter's A Democrat!
Before you get too excited, realize that he's now the bluest of the blue dogs. That may help out on a few issues, but it still means trouble on a lot of others. So, it's small good news, but it's still a problem to be fixed. It will help us make this seat a Democratic seat, as it should be, and should help Al Franken get seated (if Harry Reid is worth his salt, which is questionable), but it would still be better for a progressive to be in this seat.
Sign on to pledge to support a progressive against Specter in the primary. It's the least we can do.
Sign on to pledge to support a progressive against Specter in the primary. It's the least we can do.
Impact of Obama's First 100 Days on Florida
From the president:
*Jobs created or saved by the Recovery Act: 206,000
*Workers receiving the Making Work Pay Tax Credit: 6,689,000
*Additional children with health care: 290,000
*Students aided by the American Opportunity Tax Credit: 195,000
*Example Recovery Act Project: $20.6 million for job placement assistance programs
*Jobs created or saved by the Recovery Act: 206,000
*Workers receiving the Making Work Pay Tax Credit: 6,689,000
*Additional children with health care: 290,000
*Students aided by the American Opportunity Tax Credit: 195,000
*Example Recovery Act Project: $20.6 million for job placement assistance programs
Help Bring Ethical Reform to Democratic Campaigns for Congress
Susan, Alison and I signed the open letter at Stop Fake Reform in an effort to get the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee to embrace President Barack Obama's ban on accepting money from PACs and lobbyists all year long, not just on the day of one particular event. You, too, can sign the letter...
This idea comes from Lawrence Lessig's new project Change Congress and has gotten quite a bit of press coverage already:
NEW YORK TIMES: Activists Urge Top Democratic Groups to Ban Lobby, PAC Donations
HUFF POST: Progressives Call Out Dems' "Hypocritical" Fundraising
POLITICO: Activists, bloggers rip DCCC, DSCC
NATIONAL JOURNAL: Dem Groups Urged to Ban Lobby Donors
WASHINGTON POST: To Lure Obama, Fundraisers Briefly Ban Contributions
We read that you have chosen to accept President Obama's ban on fundraising from PACs and lobbyists, but only for June 18 – the day he headlines a fundraiser for you.
This isn’t just hypocritical – it defies common sense that you'd think the public would believe this was a principled stand against special-interest influence.
For 364 days a year, your rules would allow members of Congress to leave a hearing about regulating Wall Street and then walk straight to the DSCC and DCCC offices to “dial for dollars” from Wall Street lobbyists who want more bailout money and less accountability to taxpayers. Most Americans would find that conflict of interest repulsive.
We call on you to ban PAC and lobbyist contributions 365 days a year, just as President Obama did.
This is actually the least you could do to take on special-interest influence.
Will the DSCC and DCCC reject donations from executives of bailout recipients such as AIG, the way you did for Enron? Will you require candidates you support to publicly endorse the real solution to special-interest influence: public funding of congressional elections?
The public is tired of political gamesmanship. Please recognize that your “one day of reform” is absurd on its face and, if left standing, an embarrassment to your organizations. We urge you to announce a 365-day ban of PAC and lobbyist contributions – at a minimum.
This idea comes from Lawrence Lessig's new project Change Congress and has gotten quite a bit of press coverage already:
NEW YORK TIMES: Activists Urge Top Democratic Groups to Ban Lobby, PAC Donations
HUFF POST: Progressives Call Out Dems' "Hypocritical" Fundraising
POLITICO: Activists, bloggers rip DCCC, DSCC
NATIONAL JOURNAL: Dem Groups Urged to Ban Lobby Donors
WASHINGTON POST: To Lure Obama, Fundraisers Briefly Ban Contributions
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Dear Abby
A letter to the editor from my good friend Gerry Losey in Tallahassee:
I am a proud American. I get cold chills when I hear the National Anthem being played. I love to lead in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. I love Joe the Plumber. I wear an American Flag pin in my lapel. I buy shoes made in Italy and, socks made in Belarus, tires made in France, and gas from Venezuela. My last suit from JC Penney was made in Vietnam. I love my Mecerdes-Benz SUV, and Honda outboard motor. I continue to buy in order to help stabilize America’s economic condition. I just bought a 42-inch television set made in China. I shop at Wal-Mart, Kmart, Sears, and Target.
Abby, what has happened to the America I used to know? I am 77 years of age and lived through many recessions and now two major depressions. How did we get here? I thought that tax cuts for the wealthy increased revenue and therefore should have raised everyone’s boat equally and cured all our financial ills. Did it? I don’t think so!
Abby what more can I do? I listen to Rush Limpaw, Glenn “The Puke” Beck, and Sean Insanity. How can I get all the Un-American rascals out there to support our nation and stop those darn Pinko Commie fagots from criticizing the USA and our George W. Bush? I’m not going to take it anymore. We need to nuke-em. Lets be more proud of America. Okay? Cheeze - where is their pride?
PS: This is tongue in cheek except for the first three sentences.
Respectively yours,
Gerry Losey
The anti-snake oil salesman
Action Alerts
Send an e-mail: Act to Protect Florida's Waters! (SC)
Send an e-mail: Defend Religious Liberty in Florida! (AUFSCS)
Send an e-mail: Women in Florida deserve medically-accurate information (PP)
Send an e-mail: Tell your senators to pass the Appalachia Restoration Act and end mountaintop removal mining (NRDC)
Send an e-mail: Tell your Representative to vote yes on The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (LCV)
Send an e-mail: Take Action to Protect Florida's Environmental Treasures! (SC)
Send an e-mail: Tell Congress to Stop Mercury Pollution from Chlorine Plants (Oceana)
Send an e-mail: Fix the economy and the planet now! (TM)
Send an e-mail: Tell Your Senators to Confirm Kathleen Sebelius for Secretary of Health and Human Services (NWLC)
Send an e-mail: Impeach Judge Jay Bybee (CC)
Send an e-mail: Tell Congress: Fund vital housing initiatives so Habitat can build more homes! (HFH)
Send an e-mail: Urge Your Senators to Co-sponsor the Paycheck Fairness Act (NWLC)
Send an e-mail: Support Improvements in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (NWLC)
Sign the petition: Help Stop Poverty Now (GF)
Sign the petition: Tell Chevron: Fire the lawyer behind Bush torture. (Credo)
Send an e-mail: Defend Religious Liberty in Florida! (AUFSCS)
Send an e-mail: Women in Florida deserve medically-accurate information (PP)
Send an e-mail: Tell your senators to pass the Appalachia Restoration Act and end mountaintop removal mining (NRDC)
Send an e-mail: Tell your Representative to vote yes on The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (LCV)
Send an e-mail: Take Action to Protect Florida's Environmental Treasures! (SC)
Send an e-mail: Tell Congress to Stop Mercury Pollution from Chlorine Plants (Oceana)
Send an e-mail: Fix the economy and the planet now! (TM)
Send an e-mail: Tell Your Senators to Confirm Kathleen Sebelius for Secretary of Health and Human Services (NWLC)
Send an e-mail: Impeach Judge Jay Bybee (CC)
Send an e-mail: Tell Congress: Fund vital housing initiatives so Habitat can build more homes! (HFH)
Send an e-mail: Urge Your Senators to Co-sponsor the Paycheck Fairness Act (NWLC)
Send an e-mail: Support Improvements in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (NWLC)
Sign the petition: Help Stop Poverty Now (GF)
Sign the petition: Tell Chevron: Fire the lawyer behind Bush torture. (Credo)
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
More A Dollar A Day To Make Norm Go Away
If you haven't helped out with this campaign yet, you should. We need Norm Coleman to go away and for Al Franken to take the Senate seat he won fair and square. More on the story:
HUFFINGTON POST: Norm Coleman Raises $28,000 for Progressives
NY TIMES: $1 a Day Campaign Against Coleman
HUFF POST: Norm Coleman Legal Fight To Bring In Cash For Dems
POLITICO: Fundraising for 2010 off Minn Sen
ABC’s THE NOTE: New push in the Minnesota Senate race
NBC’s FIRST READ
TIME, MARK HALPERIN: $1 A Day to Make Norm Coleman Go Away
MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE: A group of Democratic activists has launched a new fundraising gambit "to make Norm Coleman go away."
MN PROGRESSIVE BLOG: DFA, PCCC: a dollar for every day Coleman keeps it up
MN BLOGGER DUSTY TRICE: A Dollar A Day To Make Norm Go Away!
MN PUBLIUS: A Dollar a Day Keeps Norm Coleman Away
DAILY KOS: Norm Coleman Raises $20,000 for Progressives
HUFFINGTON POST: Norm Coleman Raises $28,000 for Progressives
NY TIMES: $1 a Day Campaign Against Coleman
HUFF POST: Norm Coleman Legal Fight To Bring In Cash For Dems
POLITICO: Fundraising for 2010 off Minn Sen
ABC’s THE NOTE: New push in the Minnesota Senate race
NBC’s FIRST READ
TIME, MARK HALPERIN: $1 A Day to Make Norm Coleman Go Away
MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE: A group of Democratic activists has launched a new fundraising gambit "to make Norm Coleman go away."
MN PROGRESSIVE BLOG: DFA, PCCC: a dollar for every day Coleman keeps it up
MN BLOGGER DUSTY TRICE: A Dollar A Day To Make Norm Go Away!
MN PUBLIUS: A Dollar a Day Keeps Norm Coleman Away
DAILY KOS: Norm Coleman Raises $20,000 for Progressives
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Ammunition
The latest links to the information you need to counter right-wing spin...
Obama did not show weakness at the Americas summit
Obama was stern with Chavez, not buddy-buddy
Former American presidents did smile and greet Russian leaders
The New York Times did not use a left-wing blogger as their waterboarding source
It isn't true that only 17% of guns recovered in Mexico are traceable to the U.S.
Obama's pollution cap doesn't hurt the poor
The American people like Venezuela more than they like Republicans
Cow farts aren't more dangerous to the environment than people
Only conservatives are upset with Obama, not Americans
Torture does recruit new terrorists
The director of national intelligence did not oppose releasing the torture memos
The stimulus transportation projects are coming in under budget and ahead of schedule
George Will is just plain wrong on global warming
There was never a consensus on global cooling
Carbon dioxide levels are not declining
The NI director is not planning to release enemy combatants on American soil
Weak regulation brought us the AIG scandal
Obama is taxing the rich less than Nixon or Reagan did
Obama did not show weakness at the Americas summit
Obama was stern with Chavez, not buddy-buddy
Former American presidents did smile and greet Russian leaders
The New York Times did not use a left-wing blogger as their waterboarding source
It isn't true that only 17% of guns recovered in Mexico are traceable to the U.S.
Obama's pollution cap doesn't hurt the poor
The American people like Venezuela more than they like Republicans
Cow farts aren't more dangerous to the environment than people
Only conservatives are upset with Obama, not Americans
Torture does recruit new terrorists
The director of national intelligence did not oppose releasing the torture memos
The stimulus transportation projects are coming in under budget and ahead of schedule
George Will is just plain wrong on global warming
There was never a consensus on global cooling
Carbon dioxide levels are not declining
The NI director is not planning to release enemy combatants on American soil
Weak regulation brought us the AIG scandal
Obama is taxing the rich less than Nixon or Reagan did
Important Reading
Good stuff you all should read from bloggers around the country...
Wonk Room: Shortage Of Health Care Prescriptions Is Killing The GOP
Down With Tyranny!: Has A Bank Ever Stuck You With Overdraft "Protection?" It's a $17.5 Billion Annual Rip-Off
Open Left: De-Nazify America--Part 4: Accountability Watch--Impeach Bybee
Open Left: De-Nazify America-Part 3: Vindicate, Exonerate & Honor Those Who Fought 4 Freedom & The Rule of Law
Wonk Room: Cost Containment Will Require Government Action
techPresident: Clearing the Public's Path in to Federal Decision-Making
Saint Petersblog: A point-by-point rebuttal of Diane Stenle's editorial criticizing early mail-in voting
Open Left: The Nature Of Ideology And Mental Freedom
Wonk Room: Shortage Of Health Care Prescriptions Is Killing The GOP
Down With Tyranny!: Has A Bank Ever Stuck You With Overdraft "Protection?" It's a $17.5 Billion Annual Rip-Off
Open Left: De-Nazify America--Part 4: Accountability Watch--Impeach Bybee
Open Left: De-Nazify America-Part 3: Vindicate, Exonerate & Honor Those Who Fought 4 Freedom & The Rule of Law
Wonk Room: Cost Containment Will Require Government Action
techPresident: Clearing the Public's Path in to Federal Decision-Making
Saint Petersblog: A point-by-point rebuttal of Diane Stenle's editorial criticizing early mail-in voting
Open Left: The Nature Of Ideology And Mental Freedom
What's Going On: Tea Bag Parties
Blast Off!: We get even more email
Blast Off!: I just threw up a little in my mouth
Blast Off!: Pensacola Tea Party video #4: playing the Obama = Hitler card
Blast Off!: Pensacola Tea Party: video #3
Pushing Rope: Sinfonian Punks Tea Baggers
Blast Off!: Pensacola Tea Party: video #1
Blast Off!: I just threw up a little in my mouth
Blast Off!: Pensacola Tea Party video #4: playing the Obama = Hitler card
Blast Off!: Pensacola Tea Party: video #3
Pushing Rope: Sinfonian Punks Tea Baggers
Blast Off!: Pensacola Tea Party: video #1
National Politics Round-up
What are Florida bloggers saying about national politics...
1. ReidBlog: President Obama is still wrong on torture
2. Why Now?: A Seinfeld Degree
3. Pensito Review (Trish): Popular Stereotype Just Bit the Dust
4. ReidBlog: From the Nut Files: I thought Glenn Beck was crazy, until I heard Alex Jones
5. Pushing Rope: Ohh That Smell
1. ReidBlog: President Obama is still wrong on torture
2. Why Now?: A Seinfeld Degree
3. Pensito Review (Trish): Popular Stereotype Just Bit the Dust
4. ReidBlog: From the Nut Files: I thought Glenn Beck was crazy, until I heard Alex Jones
5. Pushing Rope: Ohh That Smell
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Ammunition
The latest links to the information you need to counter right-wing spin...
Obama gets tough with pirates
Fox did not cover the Million Man March
Bush shook hands with nondemocratic foreign leaders, too
Waterboarding has a very low success rate
Obama is a popular president
Fox is hypocritical in complaints about tea bag parties
Fox News, not the people, is the driving force behind the tea bag parties
The American people want the government to seize the assets of oil companies
Maersk crew members cite union membership as key to dealing with pirate attack
The tea bag parties were a failure and gave Obama a victory
Almost every American pays federal taxes
In 2010, Bush Tax Cuts Will Give Millionaires More In Tax Breaks Than 90% Of Americans Will Earn In Income
The Obama tax cut is not $10 per person, it's $400 per person
The government is not investigating only right-wing extremists
John Paul Stevens calls himself conservative, not liberal
The tea bag parties were about Obama hatred
Conservatives aren't that dominant on Twitter
Obama did not cut the defense budget
They aren't all the same camera
The Iowa gay marriage ruling does not affect churches
The American people don't believe that Obama has made us less safe
Obama never proposed nationalized health care
The American people think the taxes they pay are fair
Nancy Pelosi isn't going to confiscate anyone's guns
Welfare reform was a failure
We're Not at War With Islam
Obama's Defense budget does not disarm America or cut funds for troops in the field
Obama gets tough with pirates
Fox did not cover the Million Man March
Bush shook hands with nondemocratic foreign leaders, too
Waterboarding has a very low success rate
Obama is a popular president
Fox is hypocritical in complaints about tea bag parties
Fox News, not the people, is the driving force behind the tea bag parties
The American people want the government to seize the assets of oil companies
Maersk crew members cite union membership as key to dealing with pirate attack
The tea bag parties were a failure and gave Obama a victory
Almost every American pays federal taxes
In 2010, Bush Tax Cuts Will Give Millionaires More In Tax Breaks Than 90% Of Americans Will Earn In Income
The Obama tax cut is not $10 per person, it's $400 per person
The government is not investigating only right-wing extremists
John Paul Stevens calls himself conservative, not liberal
The tea bag parties were about Obama hatred
Conservatives aren't that dominant on Twitter
Obama did not cut the defense budget
They aren't all the same camera
The Iowa gay marriage ruling does not affect churches
The American people don't believe that Obama has made us less safe
Obama never proposed nationalized health care
The American people think the taxes they pay are fair
Nancy Pelosi isn't going to confiscate anyone's guns
Welfare reform was a failure
We're Not at War With Islam
Obama's Defense budget does not disarm America or cut funds for troops in the field
Important Reading
Good stuff you all should read from bloggers around the country...
Open Left: US Public Spending In Context--Part 2
Scholars & Rogues: Devil, meet Deep Blue Sea: how much should progressives spend reaching out to progressives?
The Huffington Post: The Five Strands of Conservatism: Why the GOP is Unraveling
Natch Greyes: Reply To: Understanding (New) Media
Michael Froomkin: The Right to Remain Anonymous Matters
Natch Greyes: The Coming Divide: GOP Civil War
madfloridian: Democrats continue to use the right wing terminology when it comes to women's rights
Open Left: De-Nazify America--Part 2: Honor Those Who Struggled Against The Darkness. Protect Those Who Will
Down With Tyranny: Are Republicans Slitting Their Own Throats On Immigration Reform... Again?
Open Left: Trust But Organize
Open Left: New Public Revenue Key to Long-Term Progressive Victory
Open Left: Obama Addresses Pro-Nationalization Critics
Pam's House Blend: How do we deal with the 'missing white girl syndrome'?
Democratic Strategist: Westen: Dems Need Better 'Branding'
MyDD: The Problem is Pakistan
Open Left: That Band Was Good Before They Were Popular
Open Left: US Public Spending In Context--Part 2
Scholars & Rogues: Devil, meet Deep Blue Sea: how much should progressives spend reaching out to progressives?
The Huffington Post: The Five Strands of Conservatism: Why the GOP is Unraveling
Natch Greyes: Reply To: Understanding (New) Media
Michael Froomkin: The Right to Remain Anonymous Matters
Natch Greyes: The Coming Divide: GOP Civil War
madfloridian: Democrats continue to use the right wing terminology when it comes to women's rights
Open Left: De-Nazify America--Part 2: Honor Those Who Struggled Against The Darkness. Protect Those Who Will
Down With Tyranny: Are Republicans Slitting Their Own Throats On Immigration Reform... Again?
Open Left: Trust But Organize
Open Left: New Public Revenue Key to Long-Term Progressive Victory
Open Left: Obama Addresses Pro-Nationalization Critics
Pam's House Blend: How do we deal with the 'missing white girl syndrome'?
Democratic Strategist: Westen: Dems Need Better 'Branding'
MyDD: The Problem is Pakistan
Open Left: That Band Was Good Before They Were Popular
Resources
Links you can use...
Opensecrets.org opens their archives
Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment
Evolution of Life
Offshore Tax Havens: State by State Break Down
How to file a FOIA request
MyFloridaStimulus.com
Pew Research Center: Internet Political Activity 2008 Part II
CBO: Income inequality gap hit record high in 2006.
Opensecrets.org opens their archives
Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment
Evolution of Life
Offshore Tax Havens: State by State Break Down
How to file a FOIA request
MyFloridaStimulus.com
Pew Research Center: Internet Political Activity 2008 Part II
CBO: Income inequality gap hit record high in 2006.
National Politics Round-up
What are Florida bloggers saying about national politics...
1. BlueHerald: CBO: Income Inequality Gap Hit Record High in 2006.
2. BlueHerald: Impeach Jay Bybee
3. Incertus (Brian): How does this work again?
4. Pensito Review (Trish): The Meaning of the Myth of the Obama Teleprompter
5. Natch Greyes: #Amazonfail x 2?
1. BlueHerald: CBO: Income Inequality Gap Hit Record High in 2006.
2. BlueHerald: Impeach Jay Bybee
3. Incertus (Brian): How does this work again?
4. Pensito Review (Trish): The Meaning of the Myth of the Obama Teleprompter
5. Natch Greyes: #Amazonfail x 2?
Teabagging Morans and the Reality of Taxes
Great picture. But it doesn't even begin to go far enough. Other things in the picture paid for by taxes:
-Breathable air
-Chair that doesn't collapse because of shoddy construction
-Sunglasses that protect the woman's eyes successfully rather than giving her a false sense of security
-No criminals robbing the protesters
-No counter-protesters attacking them
-Education to be able to spell out the words on the signs
-Lack of toxicity in the signs and ink on the signs
-No airplanes falling from the sky
-No mushroom clouds in the background
-Non-flammable jackets
-A lifetime of non-toxic food and water
-I'll wager at least one of these people is on Social Security
-Etc.
As I regularly say, American taxes are the best investment in the history of the planet. All the things marked in the picture and listed above are available for an unbelievably low annual investment.
A more appropriate sign:
H/t Trish
What's Going On: Cuba
Generation Miami: Mario Diaz-Balart thinks you’re a Nazi
Generation Miami: What did this accomplish?
Generation Miami: The Day I Lost My Dad - Remembering the Bay of Pigs Invasion
Generation Miami: Are you serious, Lincoln? Fidel Castro does the “Thriller”
Generation Miami: Then Came The Foreigners
Generation Miami: On “Unilateral Concessions” to the Castro Regime
Generation Miami: Political refugees or immigrants? Does it matter?
Down With Tyranny: The Future of Cuban-American Relations And The Impact On American Politics
Generation Miami: What did this accomplish?
Generation Miami: The Day I Lost My Dad - Remembering the Bay of Pigs Invasion
Generation Miami: Are you serious, Lincoln? Fidel Castro does the “Thriller”
Generation Miami: Then Came The Foreigners
Generation Miami: On “Unilateral Concessions” to the Castro Regime
Generation Miami: Political refugees or immigrants? Does it matter?
Down With Tyranny: The Future of Cuban-American Relations And The Impact On American Politics
What's Going On: Teabagging
Blast Off!: We get email ... from the president of the Pensacola Republican Club
South Florida Daily Blog: Some Signs From The Tea Parties
Bark Bark Woof Woof: Who Ordered the Petard?
Blast Off!: More from the Pensacola Tea Party: Maybe they're just warming up?
Blast Off!: You can't please everyone
Progressive Pensacola: More on the teabagging
Blast Off!: So there I was, on Countdown with Keith Olbermann ...
Talk to Me: Political Squawk: Pandora's Box
Blast Off!: Here's yesterday's radio appearance
Blast Off!: The story behind the video
Pushing Rope: Tea Parties End With A Whimper
Blast Off!: Mocking the teabaggers, part deux
Radio or Not: The ongoing saga of the teabaggers
Progressive Pensacola: Teabagging in Pensacola
Re/Creating Tampa: Cutting the Government
Pensito Review (Jon Ponder): Tea Bagger: ‘Burn the Books!’
Bark Bark Woof Woof: The Party's Over
Morning Martini: Tea Party Fail
Robin 'Roblimo' Miller: ‘Tax Day’ Teabag Protest ~ Sarasota, Florida (video)
Pensacola Beach Blog: Jeff Miller: 'Time for Your Business to Go Away'
Sarasota Livin': If you know this person tell her I think the sign is way off base
Pushing Rope: Tea Bagging Meaning
Blast Off!: DFH blogger speaks at Pensacola Tea Party ... and lives to tell the tale
Natch Greyes: #Teaparty Roundup, Final Edition
Why Now?: Tea Parties?
Natch Greyes: #Teaparty: April 15, Initial Coverage
ReidBlog: Dick's Army: the toooootally spontaneous 'tea parties'
BlueHerald: Tea Party Makes No Sense……
Natch Greyes: #Teaparty Round 2: Or, What Is Wrong With The News
Blast Off!: Teabaggers to slither through downtown Pensacola tomorrow
Pensito Review (Trish): “Tea Parties” are a Total FOX News Invention
Eschaton: Go Sinfonian
South Florida Daily Blog: Some Signs From The Tea Parties
Bark Bark Woof Woof: Who Ordered the Petard?
Blast Off!: More from the Pensacola Tea Party: Maybe they're just warming up?
Blast Off!: You can't please everyone
Progressive Pensacola: More on the teabagging
Blast Off!: So there I was, on Countdown with Keith Olbermann ...
Talk to Me: Political Squawk: Pandora's Box
Blast Off!: Here's yesterday's radio appearance
Blast Off!: The story behind the video
Pushing Rope: Tea Parties End With A Whimper
Blast Off!: Mocking the teabaggers, part deux
Radio or Not: The ongoing saga of the teabaggers
Progressive Pensacola: Teabagging in Pensacola
Re/Creating Tampa: Cutting the Government
Pensito Review (Jon Ponder): Tea Bagger: ‘Burn the Books!’
Bark Bark Woof Woof: The Party's Over
Morning Martini: Tea Party Fail
Robin 'Roblimo' Miller: ‘Tax Day’ Teabag Protest ~ Sarasota, Florida (video)
Pensacola Beach Blog: Jeff Miller: 'Time for Your Business to Go Away'
Sarasota Livin': If you know this person tell her I think the sign is way off base
Pushing Rope: Tea Bagging Meaning
Blast Off!: DFH blogger speaks at Pensacola Tea Party ... and lives to tell the tale
Natch Greyes: #Teaparty Roundup, Final Edition
Why Now?: Tea Parties?
Natch Greyes: #Teaparty: April 15, Initial Coverage
ReidBlog: Dick's Army: the toooootally spontaneous 'tea parties'
BlueHerald: Tea Party Makes No Sense……
Natch Greyes: #Teaparty Round 2: Or, What Is Wrong With The News
Blast Off!: Teabaggers to slither through downtown Pensacola tomorrow
Pensito Review (Trish): “Tea Parties” are a Total FOX News Invention
Eschaton: Go Sinfonian
National Politics Round-up
What are Florida bloggers saying about national politics...
1. Generation Miami: The Day I Lost My Dad - Remembering the Bay of Pigs Invasion
2. The Spencerian: The Most Dangerous Blog Post in the World
3. Radio or Not: It's not torture if we say it's not!
4. South Florida Daily Blog: The Hysterical Right
5. Radio or Not: Interesting, but scary stuff!
1. Generation Miami: The Day I Lost My Dad - Remembering the Bay of Pigs Invasion
2. The Spencerian: The Most Dangerous Blog Post in the World
3. Radio or Not: It's not torture if we say it's not!
4. South Florida Daily Blog: The Hysterical Right
5. Radio or Not: Interesting, but scary stuff!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Daily Humor
Today's reason to laugh...
America Seeks Restraining Order Against GOP
America Seeks Restraining Order Against GOP
America is trying to call it quits with the GOP. She thought there was chemistry when they first met - he had that frat boy swagger and a cocksure attitude. The Democrats had seemed kind of dull, and America was ready for a change.
One of the first things she noticed was that GOP was always getting into fights. He sure hated foreigners, especially the Arabs, even though GOP depended on them for his businesses. And he really hated gays, Mexicans, and liberals.
And then there was the accusations. America realized that GOP was more than a little paranoid. He was always accusing her of being disloyal. Then he started spying on her. She wasn't sure what to make of it, but she kept hearing buzzing and clicking on her phone line.
And GOP was never very good with money. Weren't rich guys supposed to be good with money? But GOP was always broke, and he kept living the good life and sticking America with the bill.
America started finding kinky stuff in GOP's closet. There were some freaky videos of naked Arab guys - it looked like some sort of gay porn version of Oz on HBO. Then there were the stories about GOP having anonymous gay sex in airport bathrooms - but how could he be gay? He hated gays! Besides, he seemed so rugged, and he had a great beard.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Garcia vs. Rivera
Everyone's talking about this video and the great job Joe Garcia does in it, rightfully so. The bigger story to me is how batshit crazy David Rivera is.
Monday, April 13, 2009
National Politics Round-up
What are Florida bloggers saying about national politics...
1. Ranger Against War: The Asunción
2. ReidBlog: Obama beats the pirates (and the right)
3. Pensacola Beach Blog: Student Loans: Obama Reform or Bank Rip-Off?
4. Why Now?: Not Part Of The Program
5. Bark Bark Woof Woof: Redstate's Comedy Stylings
1. Ranger Against War: The Asunción
2. ReidBlog: Obama beats the pirates (and the right)
3. Pensacola Beach Blog: Student Loans: Obama Reform or Bank Rip-Off?
4. Why Now?: Not Part Of The Program
5. Bark Bark Woof Woof: Redstate's Comedy Stylings
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Teabagging Is Fun
Watch the paranoia flow in the tea party "movement":
Awesome!
TEA PARTY CAUTION! DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING - FROM ANYONE - AT ANY TEA PARTY ANYWHERE IN THE USA —- NO EXCEPTIONS!Federally-funded ACORN operators will be at all Tea Parties to get signatures which they will give to Obama stating that the signatures are in support of his policies or to get the names of people who oppose his policies and report dissention.
NO MATTER WHAT, DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING! IF YOU HAVE FRIENDS WHO PLAN TO ATTEND, WHO DO NOT HAVE EMAIL, GET ON THE PHONE TO WARN THEM. TRY TO CALL OR EMAIL RADIO TALK SHOWS AND LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG.
PASS IT ON!
Awesome!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Important Reading
Good stuff you all should read from bloggers around the country...
The Campaign Manager: Environmental Messaging: New Challenges and Missed Opportunities
Daily Kos: Investigative journalism
Open Left: Are We Making Irrelevant Conservatives More Relevant?
Open Left: The Case for Trust and Support
Open Left: The Case for Distrust
Open Left: The Ethics of Afghanistan
AMERICAblog: Follow up to yesterday's post about the top liberal blogs getting annoyed at progressive groups not supporting the Netroots
Democratic Strategist: Demographic Flux Drives Political Strategy
Ezra Klein: ARE LEFTY BLOGS EXTORTIONISTS?
Daily Kos: Changing norms on gay marriage
The Campaign Manager: Environmental Messaging: New Challenges and Missed Opportunities
Daily Kos: Investigative journalism
Open Left: Are We Making Irrelevant Conservatives More Relevant?
Open Left: The Case for Trust and Support
Open Left: The Case for Distrust
Open Left: The Ethics of Afghanistan
AMERICAblog: Follow up to yesterday's post about the top liberal blogs getting annoyed at progressive groups not supporting the Netroots
Democratic Strategist: Demographic Flux Drives Political Strategy
Ezra Klein: ARE LEFTY BLOGS EXTORTIONISTS?
Daily Kos: Changing norms on gay marriage
Ammunition
The latest links to the information you need to counter right-wing spin...
The Free Market Does Not Work In Health Care
Spontaneous Uprising? Corporate Lobbyists Helping To Orchestrate Radical Anti-Obama Tea Party Protests
Hannity still issuing false warnings of Obama defense cuts
Media Guide to Covering Teabagging Disaster
Without evidence, Wash. Times claimed Obama "reneged" on campaign promises
NY Times omitted DoD response to claim that canceling FCS vehicle production would endanger troops
National Organization for Marriage's hired guns for fact-free hate
New sea ice data further bury George Will's global warming credibility
Fox News' Carlson falsely claimed "Social Security [is] already bankrupt"
On Marketplace, Wilkinson ignored economists who say New Deal aided recovery
Hannity misinforms on defense budget, missile defense
Human Events allowed McInerney to invoke false ACORN bogeyman in defense-budget attack
Media figures advance false claim that Obama ceded economic sovereignty at G-20 summit
To The Washington Post Editors: George Will’s ‘Arctic Climate Research Center’ Is A Right-Wing Fabrication
Scarborough claimed Pew poll "said [Obama] split the country," but Pew official reportedly disputed that conclusion
Ignoring Gates' comments, Hill article uncritically quotes retired general criticizing missile defense policy changes
Scarborough Lies About Obama: ‘We Have A President Who Has Never Received A Paycheck’
Hannity falsely claimed Obama administration "taking steps to cut defense spending"
NY Times uncritically reported GOP claim that F-22 cuts mean Obama "refuses to fund programs critical to our national defense"
Socialist health care is the worst
Media advance discredited GOP calculation of Obama cap-and-trade proposal cost
The Free Market Does Not Work In Health Care
Spontaneous Uprising? Corporate Lobbyists Helping To Orchestrate Radical Anti-Obama Tea Party Protests
Hannity still issuing false warnings of Obama defense cuts
Media Guide to Covering Teabagging Disaster
Without evidence, Wash. Times claimed Obama "reneged" on campaign promises
NY Times omitted DoD response to claim that canceling FCS vehicle production would endanger troops
National Organization for Marriage's hired guns for fact-free hate
New sea ice data further bury George Will's global warming credibility
Fox News' Carlson falsely claimed "Social Security [is] already bankrupt"
On Marketplace, Wilkinson ignored economists who say New Deal aided recovery
Hannity misinforms on defense budget, missile defense
Human Events allowed McInerney to invoke false ACORN bogeyman in defense-budget attack
Media figures advance false claim that Obama ceded economic sovereignty at G-20 summit
To The Washington Post Editors: George Will’s ‘Arctic Climate Research Center’ Is A Right-Wing Fabrication
Scarborough claimed Pew poll "said [Obama] split the country," but Pew official reportedly disputed that conclusion
Ignoring Gates' comments, Hill article uncritically quotes retired general criticizing missile defense policy changes
Scarborough Lies About Obama: ‘We Have A President Who Has Never Received A Paycheck’
Hannity falsely claimed Obama administration "taking steps to cut defense spending"
NY Times uncritically reported GOP claim that F-22 cuts mean Obama "refuses to fund programs critical to our national defense"
Socialist health care is the worst
Media advance discredited GOP calculation of Obama cap-and-trade proposal cost
Resources
Links you can use...
How To Handle Criticism On Your Blog
TransTuesday on Twitter
Using Online Technologies in Plain English
Project Vote Analysis Documents a More Diverse Electorate in 2008
Brace yourself for this news, but paying lobbyists pays off
Profiles in Bad Online Organizing: Part 1 (DSCC)
States Looking Beyond "Get Tough" Extremism to Criminal Justice Reform
Twitter Shows Its Purpose
Nationalize, Organize, Decentralize: A "New Way Forward" on America's Banks
The new Center for American Progress report “The State of American Political Ideology 2009 reveals the existence of a substantial group of “ambivalent” or “inconsistent” voters – Here’s what Democrats need to know in order to understand them
Just How Socialist? A Survey of Major Countries
How To Handle Criticism On Your Blog
TransTuesday on Twitter
Using Online Technologies in Plain English
Project Vote Analysis Documents a More Diverse Electorate in 2008
Brace yourself for this news, but paying lobbyists pays off
Profiles in Bad Online Organizing: Part 1 (DSCC)
States Looking Beyond "Get Tough" Extremism to Criminal Justice Reform
Twitter Shows Its Purpose
Nationalize, Organize, Decentralize: A "New Way Forward" on America's Banks
The new Center for American Progress report “The State of American Political Ideology 2009 reveals the existence of a substantial group of “ambivalent” or “inconsistent” voters – Here’s what Democrats need to know in order to understand them
Just How Socialist? A Survey of Major Countries
National Politics Round-up
What are Florida bloggers saying about national politics...
1. Unscrewing the Inscrutable: Why gun owners fear Democrats: An analogy.
2. the 13th juror: Grading Obama for his work on poverty
3. South Florida Daily Blog: Exercising His 2nd Amendment Rights In The 'Burgh
4. Why Now?: North Korean Test
5. madfloridian: Why does the Department of Education have a Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Center?
1. Unscrewing the Inscrutable: Why gun owners fear Democrats: An analogy.
2. the 13th juror: Grading Obama for his work on poverty
3. South Florida Daily Blog: Exercising His 2nd Amendment Rights In The 'Burgh
4. Why Now?: North Korean Test
5. madfloridian: Why does the Department of Education have a Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Center?
Friday, April 10, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Sustainability
This is an important article for Democrats and progressive activists to read: Big Liberal Bloggers Tee Off On Progressive Groups For Not Sharing Ad Wealth:
This is directly related to the blogger-driven news distribution network I was talking about last week and is a key component. State and local politics aren't being covered very well in most states, Florida included. One of the reasons why is that many of the people who would cover it (like me and many of the other bloggers around the state) can't afford to cover it. We have to work day jobs to survive or take on campaign work that takes us away from doing what we do best and what we are most needed to do -- spread news, challenge the right and promote the left-wing message. It's full-time work to do this, particularly at the state/local level because there is such a dearth of news sources that are easy to find or access. There is a lot that bloggers like myself could do. And it wouldn't even take much funding for one of these big organizations.
Take me, for instance, I don't live an extravagant lifestyle and don't want to. As long as I can pay the bills, have a little fun and make it to the various political events I need to cover, my financial needs are pretty slight. But I do have them and that requires me not only to teach as many classes as I can, it requires me to find additional paid work on top of that. There are quite a few other left-wing bloggers in Florida (some better than me, some worse), who, like me, would do this type of work full-time and would do a good and thorough job at it if there were a way to do it.
State-level blogs, for the most part, don't have sufficient traffic to warrant the type of ad sales that the national bloggers are talking about. It would be nice if we could, but getting that level of traffic obviously requires promotion, something that few bloggers (if any) have time for. Beyond paying the bills, there is doing the writing and research that we put into blogging. Beyond that, if there is time left, promoting our sites is time-consuming and costs some money, so it isn't easy. Some investment from some of these organizations would definitely go a long way towards increasing traffic on state-level blogs.
The only one of these national groups that has helped FPC out is MoveOn, who bought a couple of ads last year. We've been able to raise money to pay bills, such as web hosting, or travel, such as to the Democratic National Convention, but many of our members are struggling to get the bills paid, so it cuts down on what we can do. I know the situation is similar or worse for other state/local blogs. Unless people have really good and flexible jobs or are independently wealthy, there isn't much help out there. To be fair, the Florida blogs haven't quite had the impact yet that national blogs have on politics, but we are working on it. We're getting there. We'll get there quicker if we get some help.
Some of the leading liberal bloggers are privately furious with the major progressive groups — and in some cases, the Democratic Party committees — for failing to spend money advertising on their sites, even as these groups constantly ask the bloggers for free assistance in driving their message.
It’s a development that’s creating tensions on the left and raises questions about the future role of the blogosphere at a time when a Dem is in the White House and liberalism could be headed for a period of sustained ascendancy.
...
“They come to us, expecting us to give them free publicity, and we do, but it’s not a two way street,” Jane Hamsher, the founder of FiredogLake, said in an interview. “They won’t do anything in return. They’re not advertising with us. They’re not offering fellowships. They’re not doing anything to help financially, and people are growing increasingly resentful.”
...
“Most want the easy way — having a big blogger promote their agenda,” adds Markos Moulitsas, the founder of DailyKos. “Then they turn around and spend $50K for a one-page ad in the New York Times or whatever.” Moulitsas adds that officials at such groups often do nothing to engage the sites’s audiences by, say, writing posts, instead wanting the bloggers to do everything for them.
The behind-the-scenes tensions go to the heart of the role these bloggers have created for themselves in Democratic politics — they’re basically advocates and operatives with big platforms — and their future role, too. They argue that their efforts and fundraising helped drive the Democratic ascendancy. Yet even the Dem party committees are reluctant to advertise with them, raising the question of whether the party will ever be willing to seriously invest long-term in this new media infrastructure.
“We don’t invest in the future, and Republicans do,” says John Aravosis, the founder of AMERICAblog. “The party committees really get that we can be effective as their partners and that we’re happy to help, and they take advantage of that. But even so, very little ad money comes from them. It’s more than just wanting to share in the spoils. We are small business-people who are fighting to survive economically in a really bad year.”
This is directly related to the blogger-driven news distribution network I was talking about last week and is a key component. State and local politics aren't being covered very well in most states, Florida included. One of the reasons why is that many of the people who would cover it (like me and many of the other bloggers around the state) can't afford to cover it. We have to work day jobs to survive or take on campaign work that takes us away from doing what we do best and what we are most needed to do -- spread news, challenge the right and promote the left-wing message. It's full-time work to do this, particularly at the state/local level because there is such a dearth of news sources that are easy to find or access. There is a lot that bloggers like myself could do. And it wouldn't even take much funding for one of these big organizations.
Take me, for instance, I don't live an extravagant lifestyle and don't want to. As long as I can pay the bills, have a little fun and make it to the various political events I need to cover, my financial needs are pretty slight. But I do have them and that requires me not only to teach as many classes as I can, it requires me to find additional paid work on top of that. There are quite a few other left-wing bloggers in Florida (some better than me, some worse), who, like me, would do this type of work full-time and would do a good and thorough job at it if there were a way to do it.
State-level blogs, for the most part, don't have sufficient traffic to warrant the type of ad sales that the national bloggers are talking about. It would be nice if we could, but getting that level of traffic obviously requires promotion, something that few bloggers (if any) have time for. Beyond paying the bills, there is doing the writing and research that we put into blogging. Beyond that, if there is time left, promoting our sites is time-consuming and costs some money, so it isn't easy. Some investment from some of these organizations would definitely go a long way towards increasing traffic on state-level blogs.
The only one of these national groups that has helped FPC out is MoveOn, who bought a couple of ads last year. We've been able to raise money to pay bills, such as web hosting, or travel, such as to the Democratic National Convention, but many of our members are struggling to get the bills paid, so it cuts down on what we can do. I know the situation is similar or worse for other state/local blogs. Unless people have really good and flexible jobs or are independently wealthy, there isn't much help out there. To be fair, the Florida blogs haven't quite had the impact yet that national blogs have on politics, but we are working on it. We're getting there. We'll get there quicker if we get some help.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Gates: ‘This Is A Reform Budget’
Feeling a bit of hope and change right now:
I don’t think it’s overstating things to say that Defense Secretary Gates’ announcement of his 2010 defense budget recommendations represents an appreciable shift in the way that the United States approaches the issue of military acquisitions. Applying lessons learned in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as signifying a recognition that the continuing economic crisis places real constraints on defense spending, Gates’ recommendations are an important — but by no means comprehensive — move toward a responsible re-balancing of America’s defense spending priorities.
Describing it as “the product of a holistic assessment of capabilities, requirements, risks and needs for the purpose of shifting this department in a different strategic direction,” Gates said that “this is a reform budget, reflecting lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan yet also addressing the range of other potential threats around the world, now and in the future.”
Gates laid a shot across the bow of those in Congress who are likely to try and reinstate beloved boondoggles like the Airborne Laser and the F-22 Raptor, (which Gates recommended canceling after 187 are built) saying “I know that in the coming weeks we will hear a great deal about threats, and risk and danger -– to our country and to our men and women in uniform –- associated with different budget choices. Some will say I am too focused on the wars we are in and not enough on future threats.”
"The allocation of dollars in this budget definitely belies that claim. But, it is important to remember that every defense dollar spent to over-insure against a remote or diminishing risk -– or, in effect, to “run up the score” in a capability where the United States is already dominant -– is a dollar not available to take care of our people, reset the force, win the wars we are in, and improve capabilities in areas where we are underinvested and potentially vulnerable. That is a risk I will not take."
Monday, April 6, 2009
Action Alerts
Send an e-mail: Tell the Legislature: Don't Pave Florida (CC)
Send an e-mail: Protect Florida's Workers (FL AFL-CIO)
Send an e-mail: Stop SB 1360: Bill Would Allow Prayer at Public School Events (AUSCS)
Send an e-mail: Help Save Florida's Renewable Energy Future! (SC)
Send an e-mail: Protect The Grand Canyon from Uranium Mining! (SC)
Send an e-mail: Tell your representative to co-sponsor a national Healthy Oceans Act (NRDC)
Donate money: Support Food Democracy Now!
Donate money: Support the Fair Elections Now Act (PC)
Donate money: Support the Ocean River Institute
Donate money: Support the Union of Concerned Scientists
Sign the petition: Stop Shelter Animals From Being Sold for Research! (AHS)
Sign the petition: Ban the Gas Chamber for Animals in Michigan! (AHS)
Send an e-mail: Protect Florida's Workers (FL AFL-CIO)
Send an e-mail: Stop SB 1360: Bill Would Allow Prayer at Public School Events (AUSCS)
Send an e-mail: Help Save Florida's Renewable Energy Future! (SC)
Send an e-mail: Protect The Grand Canyon from Uranium Mining! (SC)
Send an e-mail: Tell your representative to co-sponsor a national Healthy Oceans Act (NRDC)
Donate money: Support Food Democracy Now!
Donate money: Support the Fair Elections Now Act (PC)
Donate money: Support the Ocean River Institute
Donate money: Support the Union of Concerned Scientists
Sign the petition: Stop Shelter Animals From Being Sold for Research! (AHS)
Sign the petition: Ban the Gas Chamber for Animals in Michigan! (AHS)
Ammunition
The latest links to the information you need to counter right-wing spin...
Another Fox graphic falsely suggests Pay for Performance Bill applies to all employees
National Journal reported that McCain "buck[ed] his party on immigration," but ignored his reversal
Joining Their 11 Colleagues, Eight More Republicans Advance Cap-And-Trade Tax Myth
Glenn Beck: I was wrong. We’re not marching to socialism, we’re marching toward fascism.
Filibusters skyrocket under Republican minority in 110th Congress
GOP Budget Deficit Projections Don’t Account For $3 Trillion In Budget-Busting Tax Cuts
More Than 99% Of The Kyl-Lincoln $250 Billion Estate Tax Giveaway Goes To Wealthy Families
GOP Budget Would Privatize Medicare By 2021
Conservatives Falsely Assert That Green Economy Legislation Would Impose $3,100 Tax On Families
Fox News' La Jeunesse ignores effective tax rate to claim U.S. corporate tax "second highest in the world"
The Hill ignored GOP's use of reconciliation process in forwarding claim it "was never intended to ram through major legislation"
Hannity criticized Geithner plan to "seize companies," but not GOP proposal to do so
Norquist's claim that Fox Nation "takes no position on issues" undermined by Fox Nation -- and Norquist
Fox Business' Smith falsely claimed banks returning TARP money obtained funds under Obama
Myths and falsehoods relating to President Obama's budget proposal
Another Fox graphic falsely suggests Pay for Performance Bill applies to all employees
National Journal reported that McCain "buck[ed] his party on immigration," but ignored his reversal
Joining Their 11 Colleagues, Eight More Republicans Advance Cap-And-Trade Tax Myth
Glenn Beck: I was wrong. We’re not marching to socialism, we’re marching toward fascism.
Filibusters skyrocket under Republican minority in 110th Congress
GOP Budget Deficit Projections Don’t Account For $3 Trillion In Budget-Busting Tax Cuts
More Than 99% Of The Kyl-Lincoln $250 Billion Estate Tax Giveaway Goes To Wealthy Families
GOP Budget Would Privatize Medicare By 2021
Conservatives Falsely Assert That Green Economy Legislation Would Impose $3,100 Tax On Families
Fox News' La Jeunesse ignores effective tax rate to claim U.S. corporate tax "second highest in the world"
The Hill ignored GOP's use of reconciliation process in forwarding claim it "was never intended to ram through major legislation"
Hannity criticized Geithner plan to "seize companies," but not GOP proposal to do so
Norquist's claim that Fox Nation "takes no position on issues" undermined by Fox Nation -- and Norquist
Fox Business' Smith falsely claimed banks returning TARP money obtained funds under Obama
Myths and falsehoods relating to President Obama's budget proposal
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Important Reading
Good stuff you all should read from bloggers around the country...
Incertus (Brian): The Myth of Online Anonymity
Daily Kos: Treasury working overtime to undo Congressional restrictions
Open Left: Conservative Blogs Gaining On Progressives
Open Left: Voting and Donating Require Different Activist Calculations
Open Left: Internet Etiquette
Down With Tyranny: Does Obama Have What It Takes To Be A Truly Transformative President?
Open Left: The Old Question: Movement or Party?
Open Left: Why No One Believes What Democrats Say
Shakesville: Scenes from the Struggle in Post-Feminist America
Open Left: Advocates Identify Voter Registration System as Nation's Biggest Election Problem
MyDD: DNC Working On Changes to 2012 Presidential Nominating Calendar
Incertus (Brian): The Myth of Online Anonymity
Daily Kos: Treasury working overtime to undo Congressional restrictions
Open Left: Conservative Blogs Gaining On Progressives
Open Left: Voting and Donating Require Different Activist Calculations
Open Left: Internet Etiquette
Down With Tyranny: Does Obama Have What It Takes To Be A Truly Transformative President?
Open Left: The Old Question: Movement or Party?
Open Left: Why No One Believes What Democrats Say
Shakesville: Scenes from the Struggle in Post-Feminist America
Open Left: Advocates Identify Voter Registration System as Nation's Biggest Election Problem
MyDD: DNC Working On Changes to 2012 Presidential Nominating Calendar
Ammunition
The latest links to the information you need to counter right-wing spin...
How Conservative Blogs Change Facts
The Answer Before the Question
NBC Nightly News' Chuck Todd getting it wrong - - again
As a consequence of global warming, Antarctic ice shelf on the brink of breaking up.
Right-wing’s false claims that Obama will take away guns ‘has helped fuel the panic buying of firearms.’
Conservatives Holding Up Increasing Number Of Key Obama Nominees
Iowa Court Eviscerates Right-Wing Talking Points
Interviewing Coleman, Fox & Friends repeatedly misinforms on Coleman-Franken race
Fox News falsely claimed Obama budget "4x bigger than Bush's costliest plan"
Republicans for Environmental Protection calls GOP’s cap-and-trade myth ‘a disservice’ to Americans.
Wash. Post reported GOP criticism of reconciliation, but not that GOP repeatedly used process
Fox's Henneberg uncritically quoted dubious claims that estate tax would harm family farms and small businesses
"The Obama Recession"
Misstating Rove column, Kilmeade baselessly claimed 66 percent oppose "the stimulus bill"
Media fail to challenge Republicans on past acts of massive debt creation
Angle, Kudlow allow Ryan to advance falsehood about stimulus spending timeframe
How Conservative Blogs Change Facts
The Answer Before the Question
NBC Nightly News' Chuck Todd getting it wrong - - again
As a consequence of global warming, Antarctic ice shelf on the brink of breaking up.
Right-wing’s false claims that Obama will take away guns ‘has helped fuel the panic buying of firearms.’
Conservatives Holding Up Increasing Number Of Key Obama Nominees
Iowa Court Eviscerates Right-Wing Talking Points
Interviewing Coleman, Fox & Friends repeatedly misinforms on Coleman-Franken race
Fox News falsely claimed Obama budget "4x bigger than Bush's costliest plan"
Republicans for Environmental Protection calls GOP’s cap-and-trade myth ‘a disservice’ to Americans.
Wash. Post reported GOP criticism of reconciliation, but not that GOP repeatedly used process
Fox's Henneberg uncritically quoted dubious claims that estate tax would harm family farms and small businesses
"The Obama Recession"
Misstating Rove column, Kilmeade baselessly claimed 66 percent oppose "the stimulus bill"
Media fail to challenge Republicans on past acts of massive debt creation
Angle, Kudlow allow Ryan to advance falsehood about stimulus spending timeframe
Resources
Links you can use...
My Blogging Pet Peeves
How To Get Noticed In The Blogosphere
Gary Hamel’s Management 2.0
Strategy or Tool? On the Metaphysics of Twitter
New York Congressional Campaign Used Rare Google Ad Tactic
A First Look at the New FinancialStability.gov
A Look Back at Gov 2.0 Camp
Broadband is Life-Changing: Burlington VT's Telecare for Rural Health Project
My Blogging Pet Peeves
How To Get Noticed In The Blogosphere
Gary Hamel’s Management 2.0
Strategy or Tool? On the Metaphysics of Twitter
New York Congressional Campaign Used Rare Google Ad Tactic
A First Look at the New FinancialStability.gov
A Look Back at Gov 2.0 Camp
Broadband is Life-Changing: Burlington VT's Telecare for Rural Health Project
What's Going On: U.S. Senate Race
The Spencerian: Connie's Out -- Predictive Redemption Rests with Senator Charlie Crist
Pushing Rope: Interview With Dan Gelber
Pushing Rope: Quinnell Is Wrong About Senate Race
Blue in Miami: NRSC Goes after Meek
Progressive Pensacola: Meek to qualify by petition
Pushing Rope: Mack Is Charlie's Pen Pal
The Campaign Manager: Crist Clearing the Field
Blast Off!: Gov. Crist: you win some, you lose some
Progressive Pensacola: U.S. Senate update, 04.02.09
Blue in Miami: Meek stands up for public education
Pushing Rope: Interview With Dan Gelber
Pushing Rope: Quinnell Is Wrong About Senate Race
Blue in Miami: NRSC Goes after Meek
Progressive Pensacola: Meek to qualify by petition
Pushing Rope: Mack Is Charlie's Pen Pal
The Campaign Manager: Crist Clearing the Field
Blast Off!: Gov. Crist: you win some, you lose some
Progressive Pensacola: U.S. Senate update, 04.02.09
Blue in Miami: Meek stands up for public education
National Politics Round-up
What are Florida bloggers saying about national politics...
1. Pushing Rope: Cantor Argues For Do Nothing Government
3. Pushing Rope: Anwar Richardson School of Economics Award: Rush Limbaugh
2. Blast Off!: All bigots on deck!
4. The Spencerian: Could Someone Just Tell Me What It Is They Do?
5. Miami-Dade Dems: The summit, a day later. And the fly in the ointment.
1. Pushing Rope: Cantor Argues For Do Nothing Government
3. Pushing Rope: Anwar Richardson School of Economics Award: Rush Limbaugh
2. Blast Off!: All bigots on deck!
4. The Spencerian: Could Someone Just Tell Me What It Is They Do?
5. Miami-Dade Dems: The summit, a day later. And the fly in the ointment.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
U.S. Senate Race Is Simple
A lot of attention around the blogosphere is being focused on the U.S. Senate race in Florida to replace Mel Martinez, and rightly so. Some are acting like it's a complicated thing when, in reality, it's quite simple.
1. If Charlie Crist runs, he wins. This race then falls to second place in terms of importance in Florida, behind the probable Alex Sink-Bill McCollum match-up for governor.
2. Kendrick Meek is the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, but Dan Gelber has a chance to win. Money talks. Meek raised a lot. Gelber did decent. But how much of Meek's money was front-loaded and won't re-occur? It's likely this is a peak number for Meek. Gelber will likely gain on him quite a bit once the session is over and he's allowed to actually actively raise money again.
3. If Crist doesn't run, the Democrat wins. No other Republican has much of a shot against Meek or Gelber, particularly now that they have a fund-raising head start and the Republican party is consistently playing the anti-progress fool on the national stage.
Now I'm not saying that any of these things is 100%, but they are close enough to be worth wagering on if you're the betting type.
1. If Charlie Crist runs, he wins. This race then falls to second place in terms of importance in Florida, behind the probable Alex Sink-Bill McCollum match-up for governor.
2. Kendrick Meek is the front-runner for the Democratic nomination, but Dan Gelber has a chance to win. Money talks. Meek raised a lot. Gelber did decent. But how much of Meek's money was front-loaded and won't re-occur? It's likely this is a peak number for Meek. Gelber will likely gain on him quite a bit once the session is over and he's allowed to actually actively raise money again.
3. If Crist doesn't run, the Democrat wins. No other Republican has much of a shot against Meek or Gelber, particularly now that they have a fund-raising head start and the Republican party is consistently playing the anti-progress fool on the national stage.
Now I'm not saying that any of these things is 100%, but they are close enough to be worth wagering on if you're the betting type.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Grayson Under Attack By Republican Thugs
Which means he must be doing his job...
Washington Examiner:
firedoglake:
Washington Examiner:
Rep. Alan Grayson, the Florida Democrat who wrote the bill, told me its basic message is "you should not get rich off public money, and you should not get rich off of abject failure." Grayson expects the bill to pass the House, and as we talked, he framed the issue in a way to suggest that virtuous lawmakers will vote for it, while corrupt lawmakers will vote against it.
"This bill will show which Republicans are so much on the take from the financial services industry that they're willing to actually bless compensation that has no bearing on performance and is excessive and unreasonable," Grayson said. "We'll find out who are the people who understand that the public's money needs to be protected, and who are the people who simply want to suck up to their patrons on Wall Street."
firedoglake:
John Culberson of Texas is on the floor of the House, attacking Alan Grayson by saying that his bill to limit bonuses to TARP recipients is bad because the House rushed the Stimulus bill. Barney Frank is responding with shock -- Grayson's bill takes away the language that Culberson says "should not have been" in the stimulus bill.
These people are incoherent. They are going to vote against a bill limiting bonuses? Really?