Nixon Resignation Day

I think we're up to Nixon Resignation Day again, aren't we? Something in my memory says it was Aug. 9.

So it's been yet another year since we've had Nixon to kick around.

Nixon might not look that bad in hindsight, going by the feral Republicans we have these days. As bad as he was, there was at least a sense that he had some aspects of the good of the country at heart. Not like his modern day brethren, who are complete sell-outs to their peculiar brand of anti-Americanism.

Very Radicalized

I heard of a very sad story, one that no one hopes ever happens to them.

It concerned a father and his son, going down a bad path, making bad choices.

The father was so distraught that he actually went to the American embassy and reported his concerns, fearing what might happen, because his son has recently become very radicalized. There was no telling what he would do. But would anyone heed his father's warnings?

And indeed it was a serious matter, as it turned out. He was so radicalized he'd actually become a Republican. We can only hope and pray that someone steps in and make things right!

Who Knew?

At my hometown, before I was born, they had public swimming in the pond at the park. Then some kid drowned. And immediately swimming was now prohibited. So by the time I was a kid, we took it for granted that no one could swim there ... because that kid had drowned there. Back then, I guess we have to conclude, they didn't know someone might ever drown, so swimming was allowed.

Then at another place I lived, they didn't have stop signs or anything at the railroad tracks. It was like the Wild West. And everyone was happy enough with that arrangement. I was actually saying it was dangerous and wondering why no one seemed concerned about it. Then something happened. A guy in a truck got hit by a train and killed. And immediately they put up stop signs. Because, of course, no one knew before that such a thing could happen. It was just a mystery that such things could happen.

Now we have another bomber on a plane. This time not a shoe bomber but an underwear bomber. And the Republicans are all up in arms that such a thing could happen. After all, who knew such things could happen? According to them, it's a larger failure on the part of President Obama for not doing complete strip searches of everyone on a plane to, from, or within the United States. He ought to personally be doing complete exams of all body cavities to ensure that nothing bad ever happens to anyone. (I'm wondering why they were so silent in the Bush years.)

Naturally we need to examine our procedures. And do as good as we can. But if you can't imagine scenarios right now, before they happen, then you're not doing as good as you can. We're never going to be so safe that nothing bad happens. But a little imagination would go a long way. But you can imagine this, that if the Obama Administration had done any clamping down in advance, they would've been opposed to that too. Because the Republicans are opposed to anything and everything. Then when something happens, they say "Why didn't you do X, Y, and Z?"

Remember the Republicans' mantra in the Bush years? Here it is: It's not a matter of IF it will happen, it's a matter of WHEN. That is what they literally said about terrorism. They could imagine it happening at the time. Now that they're out of power and seeing every partisan advantage -- every partisan advantage -- they act like they shocked when something does happen. But you know, the Republicans are so scurrilous, you know they're actually glad when something bad happens. You'll never convince me that this underwear bombing attempt isn't something the Republicans are happy about.

Joe Lieberman -- Putting Up With Him

It's hard to believe the entire party supported this guy for VP in 2000. After all we've been through with him in the meantime.

It's impossible to forget that this clown appeared at the Republican National Convention last year. And that he supported John McCain for President. That's bad enough, but that also means he supported Sarah Palin for VP. And potentially for president at any given moment, depending on McCain's ticker.

Isn't that something? If Joe Lieberman had his way, Sarah Palin would be that close to the presidency. And the Republicans, who gave us eight years of irresponsibility, would still be in control.

Personally, if I had my way, we would've kicked this lousy turncoat to the curb as soon as the '08 election was over. He could've had a nice time over at his new home, the Republican caucus.

Now, here he comes again. Threatening the health-care reform bill. After all the work they've put into it. After all the hope that we've built up that something decent might finally happen for a change. We've got the insurance companies with a knife to our throat all the time. And what's Joe Lieberman's take on that? He won't lift a finger to help.

I renounce half of my vote in 2000. Al Gore, you should've picked someone better.

Dare We Hope?

The health-care debate is getting crazy, with multiple voices claiming various things. The public option's in, it's out, they support it, they don't, Obama supports it, Obama doesn't. Sheesh.

Just wake me up when we get something done. I'm so sick of it.

I think it'd be helpful if we knew 100% that President Obama wanted X, Y, and Z. Then all the competing voices -- all the king's horses and all the king's men -- wouldn't make any difference.

A lot of the craziness I suppose we can chalk up to the Republican mischief makers, the scoundrels, our national cancer. They're no doubt behind the scenes trying to gin up as much mischief as they can.

Yes, the Republican party is a cancer in our country. They're a scourge and it'd pay if we could somehow find the cure.

Another 9/11 Would Perk The Republicans Up

We know the Republicans won't be happy with anything good that happens for America while Barack Obama is president.

They're against any positive legislation, against the Olympics, against the Nobel Peace Prize. We'll surely be hearing from them soon that Thanksgiving and Christmas should be canceled.

So what's it going to take to bring a rosy hue back to their cheeks? I think it would take something massive. Perhaps a terrorist strike. I'm sure they'd love that! The worse the better.

Then we'd be able to see Dick Cheney make one of his glorious appearances. Saying in his best Penguin voice, "Wah, wah, I told you so."

Another full blown, all out 9/11 attack would definitely pluck their heart strings -- we have to think -- and put a bounce back in their step.

Anything that is bad for America, that's what the Republicans want. You know they're rooting for worse unemployment numbers. They really are.

They'd love to see the stock market crash. The Black Plague would be good.

If somehow butterflies might be killed off just before spring and the swallows didn't return to Capistrano, that would be a plus.

A Very Disturbing Photo

Wow, Tom DeLay is one creepy looking guy. A snake in red stripes? Not a good look.

Cheers To Michael Moore

Screw any Democrat who won't govern like a Democrat.

If a Democrat is against reasonable, progressive health care reform, then there's no reason we should be supporting him or her. I can't think of any reason. Our support needs to be earned. Don't take it for granted.

I like it that Michael Moore is saying that. The Democrats think they can win the last election, then get in there and govern like Republicans, think again. We have a majority to get things done as Democrats.

Michael Moore is threatening to campaign against Democrats who betray us. Cheers to him. If that's what it takes, so be it.

There's a big warning to Max Baucus, Ben Nelson, and some of these other losers. If you're going to be Republicans, switch parties.

Getting Health Care Reform Approved

Is anyone else as fed up as I am with the non-ending circus that Congress is in the process of supposedly getting health care reform approved?

Good grief, wake me up when it's over! This is such a slow moving process, I just hope they get it into effect before I get sick and die. And I'm feeling pretty well at the present moment.

One thing, we haven't got the Republicans on board. And they're nothing but civic vandals. Put forth any plan to actually help people and the Republicans will be there to smear it, kick it, swat it with an ax, and deface it in any way they can.

I've asked the question till it's almost ridiculous, because there's not really a good answer. Why would anyone vote for the Republicans, in light of the blatant fact that they do not mean an ounce of good to the American people? They are so in the pocket of big business interests, big business has to unbuckle their pants a few times a day just so the Republicans can breathe. (I say, Wear tighter pants and sit down more often!)

Some of the Democrats aren't much better, but at least the majority appear to be on our side. Government of the people should mean something. Unlike the Bush years, when it was entirely false.

Just get it done! I'm sick of this slow as molasses process.

So-Called "Values Voters" Are Rude

At the "Values Voter Summit," put on by people who apparently have bad values, MSNBC reporter Brian Mooar was heckled by audience members while he was trying to do a story about their gathering.

It's amazing the kind of thuggery from the right these days. Speaking of values, get some, morons.

The Kind Of Political Ad I Like To See - Caught Red-Handed

Here's what we need more of, political ads that brutalize the Republicans for their underhanded, nefarious ways. Caught red-handed taking money from health care interests, then voting against reform.

This one is about Republican Rep. Patrick Tiberi (R-OH). It was released by MoveOn.org and started running in his district today (Thursday).

There's another one, probably similar, for Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA).

Both these scoundrels serve on the House Ways and Means committee and voted against reform.

God bless MoveOn.org!

Disapproval Of Wilson Passes By Comfortable Margin

The public scorn of Rep. Joe Wilson for his egregious outburst at a recent joint session of Congress came to a head in a vote of disapproval by the House of Representatives. The motion passed by a comfortable margin: 240 yes, 179 no, and 5 saying present.

We can assume the 179 who voted no will each make a similar outburst next time the president gives a speech, since they don't disapprove of Joe Wilson's practice. If they approve, doesn't it stand to reason that they also ought to be waving pitchforks and shouting bloody murder?

My personal opinion is that Joe ought to get help, some kind of therapy for his rage. And having done that, speak with the House chaplain any time he feels it coming back and threatening to get the best of him. And just for everyone's good, it would be good if there were a fence between him and the president anytime the president is in the area.

Other than that, I'm willing to forgive and forget. I'm not turning a blind eye to this outrage, like it may sound. But I'm willing to give Joe another chance. A great nation like ours is overflowing with mercy. At least that goes for the Democrats and any other rational people there might be.

A Republican Thought Conundrum

Would you like to live long and prosper? The Republicans hope you drop dead. If there's ever anything wrong with you, they won't lift a finger to help. You're on your own.

How can the Republicans get support for these kinds of ideas? They have never met one program that would do anyone any good that they actually like. To them we're all just in the way. They "love America," they just happen to hate Americans.

So if you want to make the Republicans happy, drop dead. Or if you want to make them sad, support government that is competent and does some good.

It's seriously a thought conundrum I have. How many times do they have to beat someone in the head with a 2 x 4 before they'll vote Republican?

The Republican Response

"Blah, blah, blah -- I'm a heart surgeon -- blah, blah, blah."

These guys are such worthless clowns.

The Republicans. Ideologically, intellectually, morally bankrupt.

Tonight, some lying idiot named Boustany.

Alberto Gonzales Backtracks On Torture

It'd be great to be privy to the Republicans' emails and phone calls.

Every time one of them say anything, whether it has to do with Rush Limbaugh, the terror alerts, or now, the torture probe, you can wait a day and hear them saying just the opposite.

Today it's Alberto Gonzales, who supported the CIA torture probe the other day. Now he's spun around and is against it. What happened in the meantime? We can only guess, but it possibly involves a severed horse head.

The other day it was Tom Ridge, who couldn't backpedal fast enough on whether the terrorist alerts were raised for political reasons in 2004. At first he said they were. Now he says they weren't.

Here's a clue for you all: They were.

But come back tomorrow and I'll say they weren't.

Michelle Bachmann's Slitting Her Wrist

I don't know if I've heard anything this crazy in a long time. And believe me, I'm listening!

But maybe the craziness factor is compounded by the fact that this is from a Congressperson. Who, at least at some point in my past, I always figured to be at least semi-sane.

Minnesota's favorite daughter, Michelle Bachmann, though, is setting a new low for the reputation of members of Congress. She is so loony it's scary. This is no longer funny performance art -- I try to be generous. She has passed over into something so bizarre even Sarah Palin's shaking her head.

What did she say now? How about this:

"What we have to do today is make a covenant, to slit our wrists, be blood brothers on this thing. This will not pass. We will do whatever it takes to make sure this doesn't pass."

She's talking about healthcare reform. Isn't that weird? You know, she cuts her wrists, the first thing they'll do is rush her to the hospital. And being a Congressperson, having government health insurance, we'll be paying for her recovery. There's some irony there!

Mike Huckabee

Mike Huckabee climbs aboard the Crazy Express -- the same train Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck, and Rex Rammell -- are on.

He thinks -- Mike Huckabee seriously thinks this -- that ... get this ... that if we had President Obama's healthcare reform that Ted Kennedy would've been neglected the whole last year of his life, that he would have been told to go home, take a pill, and die.

I don't know what planet that is believable on. But I know it's very very far from this one.

Is there no penalty anymore for this kind of insane talk? Blather. Good grief, how far we've fallen in the quality of discourse in this country. The Republicans are out and out crazy.

Republicans Hunting Obama

Just imagine the outrage if anyone had said anything like this about President Bush. But it's getting more and more common, these terrible things people are saying about President Obama. And made no mistake. These people are not patriots. They're anti-patriotic. They're scum of the earth.

First, a gubernatorial candidate in Idaho. Rex Rammell said he would buy a license to hunt President Obama if such a thing were offered. As it is he needs to stick with a $11.50 wolf tag. I say let's get out some of the anti-terrorist laws we had when Mr. Bush was president and put a guy like Rammell away for a while. This is outrageous. This guy is not a loyal American. And he's running for governor of one of our states? Crazy.

Second, a pastor (!), although no pastor I'd want to have anything to do with, Steven Anderson of the Faithful Word Baptist Church in Tempe, Arizona, had a sermon titled "Why I Hate Barack Obama." Wow, nice pastor. Good grief, if this is the "Faithful Word," please steer me toward something else. This sounds like the devil.

Anyway, "Pastor" Steven Anderson said, "I don't obey Barack Obama. And I'd like Barack Obama to melt like a snail tonight." And he also said, "Nope. I'm not gonna pray for his good. I'm going to pray that he dies and goes to hell."

Obviously "Pastor" Anderson has issues, number one being he has no idea about God whatsoever. Loser.

The thing is, though, remember the uproar over the pastor from Chicago during the campaign? Pastor Wright? Supposedly he was so unpatriotic and the Republicans had their underpants in a knot over him. Wright doesn't hold a candle to these idiots.

Another Guy With A Gun?

There another guy with a gun at one of these meetings where President Obama is, this time an assault rifle.

How in the world can this be legal? So you're telling me Lee Harvey Oswald was well within his rights to show up at Dealey Plaza with a gun? That he could've brought a cannon and set up on the street if he wanted?

When I've gone to see presidents and presidential candidates, the Secret Service (or someone) has been downright thorough about checking everyone's possessions, down to cameras and cellphones. I can only imagine what they would've said had I shown up with my hunting guns.

"Uh, sir, may we help you?"

"Yes, please help me up, now that you've wrestled me to the pavement and broken both arms."

Is there something, though, about having a Democratic president where we have to put up with this? I remember there was a deal in Denver during Bush's years where someone was hustled out for having an anti-Bush BUMPER STICKER on their car out in the parking lot. C'mon!

So a bumper sticker is a no-no, but a guy brings an assault rifle, that's OK?!

Republican Prattling

I see Republicans very much up in arms -- literally in some cases! -- over health care reform and everything else.

They "don't see how it will do any good, blah blah blah." Socialism, lines in England, death panels. And endless such prattling.

I'm all in favor of citizens voicing their opinions. But we just had an election. And President Obama promised health care reform. That's what the country voted for. That's what we should get. That is democracy in action.

The Republicans lost the election big time. They had their time in office, and someday they probably will again. When they were in power, they did not give one iota of concern for what the Democrats' opinions were. They ramrodded through whatever they wanted. Whether by hook, crook, lying propaganda, or all three. They told us to sit down and shut up. That we were unpatriotic for thinking anything different.

Now of course they're making a big stink, because that's what they do. (It turns out that true patriots are supposed to speak up. How convenient!) It's weird they were willing to support any criminal activity that George W. Bush and Dick Cheney engaged in. But they blink at anything decent that President Obama wants to do. Literally choking over him! I'm not seeing principles here, just partisan opportunism.

If the Republicans wanted the same kind of disastrous government we had in the Bush years, they should've worked harder for Senator McCain. As it is now, we don't want to hear from you. That's the same treatment you gave us, you will recall.