Author: T. Whit

Republican Mitch McConnell Filibusters his Own Fiscal Cliff Bill in One of the Douchiest Moves Ever

people-politico-mcconnell-filibusters-himselfThis should make everyone angry (not just Democrats): on December 6, Republican Mitch McConnell introduced a debt ceiling bill, only to filibuster his own bill when Democratic Senate leader Harry Reid calls for a vote on it. This is so insane that I, as many have already, had a hard time even articulating this audacity other than with a primal scream of absolute frustration.

We are doomed; there is no doubt, to go over the fiscal cliff. Like Thelma and Louise we are flying over with Republicans Mitch McConnell and John Boehner driving.

It is as simple as that.

The Senate Republicans can’t even pass a bill that was introduced by Republicans. Everyone must understand, the person who made, crafted, created the bill, Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was the one to reject his OWN LEGISLATION! Seriously, what the hell is wrong with him and the Republicans? For the sake of the American people, and our future, this Republican obstinacy has to stop.

How the hell are we supposed to get anything done with this dysfunctional Republican policy of completely and totally blocking anything the Democrats want to do? Even when what the Democrats want to do is accept the Republican legislation!

This must be clear and everyone needs to understand. It is not Democrats and Republicans fighting over what was to be done.

  1. Republicans said we want Mitch McConnell’s debt ceiling bill.
  2. Democrats said, OK.
  3. Republicans said they do not want Mitch McConnell’s debt ceiling bill.

It was that simple and about that fast, astonishing.

This is precisely the insane shit that needs to be splattered all over the news. Luckily, this was getting some attention because it is so totally and completely insane.

Luckily the American people are smarter and have longer memories then the Republicans want to believe. This last election made it clear that:

  • Americans watched the Republicans obstruct government.
  • The American people know it was the Republicans who damaged America by not even trying to come to reason on the debt ceiling talks.
  • The American people now have seen the Republican Leader in the Senate filibuster his own bill.
  • The American people see the Republicans playing political games with their livelihoods.
  • The American people now know the Republicans are not serious about solving any issues. Their only interest is to obstruct Democrats.

I am so flabbergasted by this whole thing it took me some time to even form my rage into comprehensible thoughts. There was all this talk after the general election in politics that the Republicans were humbled and that they were going to change their ways or at least not be so overzealous in obstructing everything the Democrats wanted to do. That is clearly not the case.

The reality of the situation is that they are wounded toddlers. Angry and upset without the ability to comprehend what damage their actions do. The only thing they know is that they didn’t get to do what they wanted. So now, they will make it their mission in life to make those that spanked them pay for it with every opportunity that arises regardless of the damage it does them or to America.

President Barack Obama Weekly Address December 8th, 2012

people-politico-reflecting-pool-political-buildingIn President Barack Obama Weekly Address for 12/8/12 he urges people to push their congress to come to a compromise before America goes over the Fiscal Cliff.

President Barack Obama points out a few of the highlights of what will happen if we end up going over the Fiscal Cliff if Republicans in Congress can not come to a reasonable compromise. If the recent history of the Republicans are any indication there is little hope that any compromise will be made.

Here are a few of the key points of what will happen as laid out by President Barack Obama in this weeks weekly address.

  • Tax Cuts end at the end of 2012.
  • All Families will see a typical tax increase of $2,200 going over the Fiscal Cliff.
  • Congress can pass tax cuts on everyone’s income up to $250,000, including those that make more.
  • 98% of Americans would not see a tax increase.
  • Congress can pass tax increase on income of over$250,000.
  • 97% of American Businesses would not see a tax increase.

Here is the videoof President Barack Obama Weekly Address for December 8th, 2012.

 

President Barack Obama Weekly Address December 1st, 2012

people-politico-steps-government-buildingPresident Barack Obama is at it again. He is pushing Congress to pass legislation to keep middle class American’s from getting a tax hike of $2,200 in lieu of the upper 2% of American’s paying their fair share. It is not a surprise to anyone that Congress is once again up to their same old destructive tricks. The Senate has already passed a bill that will stop America from going over the fiscal cliff and the Democrats in the Congress are ready to pass this same bill.

The frustrating this is that both Democrats and Republicans have publicly agreed that they do not want middle class taxes to go up. So what is the deal Republicans? Do your job, pass this bill and then please, for the love that is all that is good, figure out how to work with Democrats and solve this deficit problem that Republicans created in the first place.

President Barack Obama urges you to call, email, or tweet your representatives and tell them how important it is to pass this legislation. You don’t want your taxes to increase. Neither do the Republicans or Democrats. So do it. Get it done. Do your jobs and lets get to other pressing issues that are facing America. When you tweet your representatives, make sure you include the hash tag #My2k. Let’s bombard them with popular support so we can get this done and avoid the fiscal cliff.

President Barack Obama’s Weekly National Address for December 1st, 2012

President Barack Obama Weekly Address Nov 22 2012

statue-of-libertyThis week President Barack Obama gives thanks to the American people in his weekly address on November 22, 2012. President Obama wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving and points out all those that have worked so hard and volunteered to aid in the recovery effort from super storm Sandy.

President Barack Obama also urges the people of America to put the last election cycle behind them. In a round about way saying how damaging the nasty campaigning was and how it focused on pointing out all of the differences in Americans when we should now be focused on what we all have in common. The only real way we will continue to move forward is to focus on our similarities and look to accomplishing what we all agree will make America better.

To watch all of the Presidents weekly address just click on the video below.

President Barack Obama Weekly Address Nov 17, 2012

people-politico-flag-cloudsHere is the Presidential weekly address for November 17th, 2012. This week President Barack Obama is still focused on the looming fiscal cliff. President Obama continues to focus on the cooperations needed in congress. Bills have already been passed by the Senate and are ready to solve this every increasing problem of the fiscal cliff but it will require cooperation from the Republican held Congress. This alone may be a long shot since the Congress has made a point of blocking and stopping anything that has come through. If you doubt this in any way look at what they did to downgrade America’s credit rating when it should have been an otherwise standard increase of the debt ceiling. Now the fear is that after holding America hostage for political gains they are going to hold the middle class and small business holders hostage.Additional public pressure will be needed to make sure that Congress becomes willing to work with President Obama. There are some signs that this might be working.

It seems that this week President Obama is working to keep everyone engaged. He didn’t come out and say it directly but I think it was implied, that everyone needs to urge their Congressman to work with the President to get this financial cliff taken care of so we can move forward with repairing America.

That is my take on President Barack Obama’s November 17th weekly address but I urge everyone to watch it themselves. Below is the President’s address in full.

President Barack Obama Weekly Adress Nov 10, 2012

This week President Barack Obama talks about the economy and what we need to do to keep it moving forward. The main focus of this address is on who is going to be paying more or less taxes in the years to come. The Bush Era Tax Cuts needs to come to an end so the most wealthy in this country are paying their fair share. President Barack Obama also stated that the middle class tax breaks need to be extended to keep the slow recovery of the middle class moving forward. The President said that the voters choose the vision they wanted for America in the recent election. Congress now needs to step forward and pass these middle class tax cuts immediately as a sign of good faith that they understand what the American people want and will work towards helping the people in America.

It is definitely time that the Congress stop what they have done over the last two years and push to get this issues resolved. They need to remember what compromise is and move forward to get legislation passed so that we can improve the rate of the recovery of America and move us into the future.

Here is President Barack Obama’s Weekly Address in its entirety. Its just a couple minutes long so please take the time to watch it.

Hope Survives as President Barack Obama Wins a Second Term

After the long and often nasty campaign, President Barack Obama has won a second term in the oval office. He won by a pretty good margin, with the numbers between the two candidates not being nearly as close as predicted. This in of itself says a lot about our political environment and the accuracy of our media here in America. I think it also says a lot about the GOP platform and the way that Republicans have been conducting their everyday affairs.

However, I don’t want to delve too deep into the repercussions of the 2012 General Election. First and foremost I wanted to congratulate President Barack Obama and the Democrats on their gains in the senate. There was a lot said in the numbers of the election and who was elected and rejected. I think one of the most important things that was said about this election is that America is not nearly as forgetful about the past as I feared. I think it also shows that even though many are not too happy with the reality of America right now, people still understand the failing that was taken place before him, and the work that needed to be done when he entered office. I find it comforting that it appears people do have an understanding that President Barack Obama and his administration has done some very important things to right the sinking ship they boarded.

As you may have noticed over the last year or so I, along with many others, have become more and more disheartened by the state of our country and its politics. I have written many articles about the breakdown of basic human respect and the inability for our politicians to get anything done. I have been particularly displeased about the Republicans’ publicly stated agenda and fervently held mandate to not work on the issues of America but instead use every ounce of energy to undermine President Obama and the Democrats, focusing their energy on this openly hostile stance instead of focusing on taking care of the urgent issues of the day. This went as far as voting against legislation that the Republicans themselves had originally drafted just to undermine anything and everything that President Obama tried to do. The Republicans were ultimately working to undermine America itself for political gain. I was worried that people at large were buying into this treacherous spin and not placing the blame where it truly belonged. Last night proved to me that the people are paying attention to this behavior and that they do not approve. Thank you for standing up and voting down this tragic, self-destructive, and unpatriotic ideology. I know this will not go away completely, but hopefully the message was heard and we can all move towards a little more cooperation in the years to come.

I have also been incredibly disheartened by the vast amounts of cash that have been shoveled into these elections. I think this victory shows that even though money could possibly sway votes one way or the other it is not a guaranteed thing. Maybe the millions and billions of dollars tossed into this campaign will show that even though an unprecedented amount of money was tossed at this election it couldn’t be fully bought. This also lends to hope that maybe we can take some steps forward toward campaign finance reform and regulations. There have been piles of evidence, literally, that have been uncovered to show how corrupt the Citizens United decision was and how corrupting it has been on the election process. Check out Big Sky Big Money on Frontline for more on this sad development.

Lastly my hope was fading as I have been speaking to those around me for years regarding the political environment that we are in. I am very passionate about this as I see how our decisions and the decisions of those around us really do change this country. I know the wounds are still raw and the hope or disappointment is fresh but this election shows that through open, honest, and respectful dialogue we can become better and we can make America greater. I would like to think that through the tenants of being respectful, understanding, and empathetic I have been able to have civil conversations with those around me that do not agree about things politically. But through this discourse we were able to work through some of the issues and come to understand one another’s point of view. In so doing I think we help to make each other’s decisions more sound, educated, and beneficial for the greater good. I hope you feel the same with those around you.

Whether you are happy or disappointed about the outcome of this election, the fact of the matter is that we are all Americans and we all love this country. I think we all want what is best for ourselves as well as each other. The trick is to keep moving forward together to a greater, more prosperous America. I for one have been renewed with hope and a promise of a better future. I hope you are too.

Plan Your Election Day

Vote Democratic in the 2012 General ElectionElection Day 2012 is tomorrow, are you ready to vote? Make sure you know who and what you are voting for. It is very important that everyone that is registered to vote get out and get their vote in tomorrow. We live in a great country and it can only become greater if we all do our civic duty and vote in our countries elections. Elections are the very core of America and the democracy we all hold so dear. It is the responsibility of every American to vote in every election. Only then can we truly be the masters of our own fate.

Make a plan. Schedule a time to hit the polls and grab your friends and family that still need to vote. It is a lot of fun and there is a certain sense of pride and accomplishment that can be felt when we do vote.

Most people in America have already decided who and how they are going to vote. However if you are still undecided here are some of the big issues that are on everyone’s mind this election year.

  • If you are a college student, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you are a firefighter, police officer, teacher, or any other government worker, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you think that the health care industry should profit off us being healthy instead of being sick, , vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you are a woman, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you are on unemployment, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you are one of the 47%, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you are one of the 99%, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you depend on Medicaid, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you depend on Medicare, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you depend on Social Security, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you don’t have a job now, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you depend on PERA, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you depend on a retirement fund, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you don’t want to see another  financial crash, , vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you know that a person’s health is vital to our pursuit of happiness, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you know that cooperation and bipartisanship is the only way to move forward, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you know that every human, without exception, has inalienable rights to freedom and happiness, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you know we solve problems through kindness and cooperation, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you know woman deserve equal pay for equal work, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you lost your job in the great Republican Market Crash, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you live on the coast, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you do not enjoy disastrous weather, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you realize a balanced approach to fiscal responsibility is the only feasible way to dig this country out of the financial hole we are in, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you remember the downward spiral of our country prior to  2008 and want to keep us on the path the repairing that damage, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you report less than 1,000,000 dollars on your business taxes, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you report less than 250,000 dollars on your income taxes, , vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you show up at the polls this year and you can’t vote, , vote for Democratic candidates next election.
  • If you think it is wrong to buy elections, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you think it was about time that someone brought Osama Bin Laden to justice, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you think our environment is worth protecting, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you think that every America equally share the burden of balancing our national budget, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you think that everyone deserves to be healthy whether they are rich or poor, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you think that people of all origins deserve a chance in America, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you think that women’s health care is important, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want a better education for your children, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want a chance to afford education, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want a government that focuses on real problems, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want a President that can get things done even when an entire political party’s singular goal is to undermine him, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want a President that nurtures and grows foreign relations, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want a President that sticks to what he says, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want American businesses to pay taxes in a country that makes them successful, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want bridge the income gap, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want cheaper drug prices, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want healthcare to be better and cheaper, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want jobs to be created in America and the jobs that are here to stay in this country, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want our schools to continue to improve, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want to expand our energy independence and versatility, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want to have a real shot at the American Dream, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want to make a positive difference in America’s future, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want to move America back to being a world leader, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want to see the reckless behavior of Wall Street stop, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.
  • If you want us to push forward into the 21st century instead of falling back into the 20th century, vote Barack Obama for President and vote for your Democratic candidates.

But if you want to take a step back in time, forgot about the costly illegitimate wars, the economic crash, don’t care women’s health, corruption, and cronyism that brought our country down so fast, vote for the other guys.

The bottom line is that everyone needs to get out and vote. So make a plan, talk to your friends and get out there and participate in one of the most important things that you can do as an American.

Happy voting!

Vote in the 2012 General Election Today!

general-election-2012-stack-ballotsWe have a week left in the 2012 Presidential Election. If you haven’t yet voted be sure to get it done as soon as possible. It is too easy to put off such an important civic duty. The more people that vote in America’s elections the better our democracy is going to work.

One of the great things about technology today is the ability to vote in many different ways. Not only that, technology also gives us an easy gateway to find out what we need to know. The Internet is an excellent tool to find out the information on all of the politicians and political issues that are on the ballot this year. Make sure you take a moment to study up on the political issues that will be up for a vote this November 6th and make sure you vote.

Mail In Ballot

If you have mail in ballots you only have a few more days to turn these in. The cut off in most states is the end of the week. You must have them postmarked by then. If you happen to miss the deadline you can usually turn in the ballots at your local post office.

Use the practice ballot you likely received earlier to mark your choices and write down the questions you have. Then you can research these though the local paper, the blue book, and other political material you have received, as well as on the internet. It shouldn’t take much time and you will have the confidence to cast your vote in a way that is best for you and those around you.

Make sure to check the postage on your mail in ballot as it may need two or three stamps to be mailed. It would be a shame to do all the work only to have your ballot sent back with postage due.

Early Voting

Many states also have early voting. This is also another one of those great conveniences to help get more people out to the polls. Instead of trying to find time during Election Day itself you can go in early and beat the crowds.

Make sure you check the information you should have received in the mail to find out where you can and should vote. If you don’t know where you should vote stop by any polling place in your area and ask them. They should be able to direct you to the proper polling place. If you are unsure where to look most local library’s, community centers, and churches will have polling places in them.

More and more areas across America are allowing not only early voting but the ability to poll at any location in your district. This is very helpful as this makes it easier to stop by a location that is most convenient for you. Who knows, you might live in an area that allows early voting at any polling place. Early voting only takes a couple of minutes so don’t makes excuses, stop by the polls and vote!

Election Day Voting

If you are one of those that like to go on Election Day to the polls or otherwise need to go on Election Day there are a few things you want to keep in mind.

If you are voting during Election Day make an effort to go some time during the day. Mid-morning and early afternoon tend to be the slowest times at the polls on Election Day. This can minimize the amount of time you may be spending there.

You will also want to make sure that you take notes with you so you are sure of your choices in the booth. This way you will be prepared for the issues on the ballot because you have looked them up prior to the polls and made your decision. This avoids the hassle and confusion of trying to figure out what is on the ballot and what it does when you are in the booth. Plus, this helps move the lines along faster and keeps everyone in a good mood.

Lastly, if you are planning to go to the polls on Election Day, make a party out of it! Invite some of your friends, family, siblings, or anyone else to make it fun and enjoyable activity instead of an inconvenience.  This will give you friends to stand in line with, talk about the issues, and enjoy this very important civic activity.  While you’re at it try to invite those that you think may not vote. It can be great to help engage those that are daunted or unsure about the system of our democracy. Bottom line is have fun and get as many involved as you can!

Voting Made Easier (Mostly)

Overall it has become a lot easier to vote in America that it has in the past. With the ability to vote early, cast a vote through mail in ballots, and the ability to utilize the polling place of your choice voting caters to many more American’s needs then in the past. So do not be dissuaded, frustrated or put off about voting. It is our civic duty and a moral imperative as a citizen of the United States of America to be involved in our politics and vote in our elections. If you would like some help ask those around you. If you are an experienced voter, offer your help to those around you.

Good luck, have fun, and go out and vote because every voice counts!

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