This is the only picture I have of us.
Cartoon: Breaking news
22 hours ago
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Freakshow that is Blago
Trainwreck. Crash.
The Illinois Senate just voted 59-0 to impeach him, removing him from office and also voted (again, 59-0) that he can never hold public office in Illinois in the future. Maybe he should try running in Alaska?
I've thoroughly enjoyed watching this douchebag babble on the news for the last few weeks. Very entertaining, even if it does make IL look like a bunch of idiots. Who elected this guy anyway? Oh yeah, me.
Instead of appearing at his impeachment trial, Dil-Rod decided to go on a media tour and take his appeal to the public. Even his lawyer (who resigned last Friday) thought this was political suicide. Now, he's hired a PR firm to replace his lawyer - and not just any PR firm, but the very same that is representing the egomaniacal slimeball Drew Peterson. Pea meet pod.
Repeating over and over his tag lines: "the fix is in", "what ever happened to the presumption of innocence?", "I want all the tapes heard, sooner rather than later", "they won't let me bring any witnesses", "due process"...blah, blah, blago. Gezundheit.
Part of the problem with all of his whining is that none of it matters to his case. They never said he couldn't bring witnesses - just not the high profile, political big dogs (Rahm, Jarret, etc) that he wanted. He chose to ignore the trial and not put up a defense. "The fix is in." That's funny coming from a guy that was "allegedly" caught on tape putting in multiple fixes to his campaign account. Impeachment trials are not criminal trials and have a different set of rules - -allotted by the IL Constitution which he vowed to uphold. So the rules are ok, except when they apply to him?
This is an excerpt from his interview with MSNBC & Air America's Rachel Maddow. By far the best interviewer he faced in his media blitz-o-thon this week (imho):
RACHEL MADDOW:
When-- when you-- again, this is from the wiretapped calls, and I realize you're not gonna testify to their veracity. But they are out there, and the transcripts are there, and some of them were played today in the senate. Speaking about Barack Obama's advisors, "They're not willing to give me anything but appreciation in exchange for the senate seat. Bleep them." What would you want other than appreciation? What-- what could be kosher to exchange for a senate seat?
BLAGOJEVICH:
Well, how about helping us pass healthcare and a jobs bill? And helping the people of Illinois. Don't just leave Illinois now. And--
RACHEL MADDOW:
I will appoint person X instead of person Y unless you do this (UNINTEL) favor for me?
BLAGOJEVICH:
No, no, the-- no, the one-- for the other is not-- that-- that's not what I'm saying. I'm simply saying-- I'm in a political business. When Barack Obama agrees to raise $10 million for Hillary Clinton to get out of the race that's the natural political sort of thing that happens in this business. It's appropriate. Nothing that you-- improper about it. Again, in the full context, discussions and the explorations of ideas and thoughts and whether you could or couldn't do something-- you-- you should be able to do that in a free country that guarantees the right of free speech. Especially when you're doing it in what you think is the sanctity of your home, and you want to do it out of your home phone, because you don't want any interconnection with the government's lines, so somebody thinks you're talking politics on a government phone. Again, when the whole story is-- is heard, and put in the proper context, I think you'll see a process that ultimately-- ultimately would-- would lead in the right place.
*emphasis mine.
So, his defense is that I did all my shady shit from my home, so you can't impeach me? Was he really that arrogant--I mean, stupid to think that since he was under federal investigation that they would tap his office, but not his home? Is that why he never went to the office, Springfield or Chicago? Again, douche.
After said media tour (every channel that would have him in 2 days), which I'm convinced he did, so that Fitzy couldn't possibly find a jury that hadn't seen him splattered everywhere, he finally decides -- on the 4th day of the trial -- to show up and defend himself. Whatev dude. For 47 minutes he talked about...himself. If you didn't catch it, watch it on YouTube - it was good.
The problem is he didn't address any of the articles of the impeachment. He just went on and on about all the good he did, how they (Senate) operated the same way he did (uh, maybe you shouldn't be slamming them right before they vote?), not fair, NOT FAIR! All they had to vote on is whether he abused his power and could effectively act as Gov.
As a final act of douchbaggery, he hopped on a state-funded plane before the vote, so we all had to pay for it. Thanks. I hope you find a good lawyer 'cuz Fitzy is comin' after you.
The Illinois Senate just voted 59-0 to impeach him, removing him from office and also voted (again, 59-0) that he can never hold public office in Illinois in the future. Maybe he should try running in Alaska?
I've thoroughly enjoyed watching this douchebag babble on the news for the last few weeks. Very entertaining, even if it does make IL look like a bunch of idiots. Who elected this guy anyway? Oh yeah, me.
Instead of appearing at his impeachment trial, Dil-Rod decided to go on a media tour and take his appeal to the public. Even his lawyer (who resigned last Friday) thought this was political suicide. Now, he's hired a PR firm to replace his lawyer - and not just any PR firm, but the very same that is representing the egomaniacal slimeball Drew Peterson. Pea meet pod.
Repeating over and over his tag lines: "the fix is in", "what ever happened to the presumption of innocence?", "I want all the tapes heard, sooner rather than later", "they won't let me bring any witnesses", "due process"...blah, blah, blago. Gezundheit.
Part of the problem with all of his whining is that none of it matters to his case. They never said he couldn't bring witnesses - just not the high profile, political big dogs (Rahm, Jarret, etc) that he wanted. He chose to ignore the trial and not put up a defense. "The fix is in." That's funny coming from a guy that was "allegedly" caught on tape putting in multiple fixes to his campaign account. Impeachment trials are not criminal trials and have a different set of rules - -allotted by the IL Constitution which he vowed to uphold. So the rules are ok, except when they apply to him?
This is an excerpt from his interview with MSNBC & Air America's Rachel Maddow. By far the best interviewer he faced in his media blitz-o-thon this week (imho):
RACHEL MADDOW:
When-- when you-- again, this is from the wiretapped calls, and I realize you're not gonna testify to their veracity. But they are out there, and the transcripts are there, and some of them were played today in the senate. Speaking about Barack Obama's advisors, "They're not willing to give me anything but appreciation in exchange for the senate seat. Bleep them." What would you want other than appreciation? What-- what could be kosher to exchange for a senate seat?
BLAGOJEVICH:
Well, how about helping us pass healthcare and a jobs bill? And helping the people of Illinois. Don't just leave Illinois now. And--
RACHEL MADDOW:
I will appoint person X instead of person Y unless you do this (UNINTEL) favor for me?
BLAGOJEVICH:
No, no, the-- no, the one-- for the other is not-- that-- that's not what I'm saying. I'm simply saying-- I'm in a political business. When Barack Obama agrees to raise $10 million for Hillary Clinton to get out of the race that's the natural political sort of thing that happens in this business. It's appropriate. Nothing that you-- improper about it. Again, in the full context, discussions and the explorations of ideas and thoughts and whether you could or couldn't do something-- you-- you should be able to do that in a free country that guarantees the right of free speech. Especially when you're doing it in what you think is the sanctity of your home, and you want to do it out of your home phone, because you don't want any interconnection with the government's lines, so somebody thinks you're talking politics on a government phone. Again, when the whole story is-- is heard, and put in the proper context, I think you'll see a process that ultimately-- ultimately would-- would lead in the right place.
*emphasis mine.
So, his defense is that I did all my shady shit from my home, so you can't impeach me? Was he really that arrogant--I mean, stupid to think that since he was under federal investigation that they would tap his office, but not his home? Is that why he never went to the office, Springfield or Chicago? Again, douche.
After said media tour (every channel that would have him in 2 days), which I'm convinced he did, so that Fitzy couldn't possibly find a jury that hadn't seen him splattered everywhere, he finally decides -- on the 4th day of the trial -- to show up and defend himself. Whatev dude. For 47 minutes he talked about...himself. If you didn't catch it, watch it on YouTube - it was good.
The problem is he didn't address any of the articles of the impeachment. He just went on and on about all the good he did, how they (Senate) operated the same way he did (uh, maybe you shouldn't be slamming them right before they vote?), not fair, NOT FAIR! All they had to vote on is whether he abused his power and could effectively act as Gov.
As a final act of douchbaggery, he hopped on a state-funded plane before the vote, so we all had to pay for it. Thanks. I hope you find a good lawyer 'cuz Fitzy is comin' after you.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
What You Don't Know
We live in a society that is all news all the time. With cell phones connected to the internet, free wifi everywhere, 24/7 news channels that have graphics and voice overs and tickertape going on at the same time as the talking heads...you'd think we were pretty well informed.
Have you ever wondered what the media isn't telling us? I try to take most of it (condsidering right-wing Murdoch owns most of it) with a grain of salt because it is being skewed and torqued into what they want us to know. (And yes, I do like conspiracy theories).
I came across this site the other day. Just in case you're curious.
Check this one out!
Have you ever wondered what the media isn't telling us? I try to take most of it (condsidering right-wing Murdoch owns most of it) with a grain of salt because it is being skewed and torqued into what they want us to know. (And yes, I do like conspiracy theories).
I came across this site the other day. Just in case you're curious.
Check this one out!
Try Try Again
House Judiciary Chair, John Conyers yesterday issued another subpoena to Karl Rove. Let's see if this one works...
What We Are Watching
What do you think the top grossing movie for two weeks straight surrounding the Inauguration was?
"Frost/Nixon"? A real-life politcal thriller dealing with a shady and corrupt outgoing President? No.
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"? A feel-good flick about living your life to the fullest? No.
"Milk"? A tour de force performance by Sean Penn about the first openly gay public official and how activism can create good? No.
It was "Paul Blart: Mall Cop".
I'm not making this up.
"Frost/Nixon"? A real-life politcal thriller dealing with a shady and corrupt outgoing President? No.
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"? A feel-good flick about living your life to the fullest? No.
"Milk"? A tour de force performance by Sean Penn about the first openly gay public official and how activism can create good? No.
It was "Paul Blart: Mall Cop".
I'm not making this up.
Crazy Creationism
My friend Chris just told me about this last night. The state park at the Grand Canyon actually sells books that say the GC was made by the Great Flood (you know, of Noah and his Ark fame?). What? Did Sarah Palin write it?
Just another of Bush & Co's lovely gifts to our country. How many families have gone on vacation and bought their kids a book about one of our greatest national momuments and have them reading and believing this! I went with my parents -- there was no mention of Noah in the 70s (except in Sunday school). I hope the O Administration can systematically start revoking all of these seemingly inconsequential things that are damaging the collective knowledge of our youth.
Read full article here.
Just another of Bush & Co's lovely gifts to our country. How many families have gone on vacation and bought their kids a book about one of our greatest national momuments and have them reading and believing this! I went with my parents -- there was no mention of Noah in the 70s (except in Sunday school). I hope the O Administration can systematically start revoking all of these seemingly inconsequential things that are damaging the collective knowledge of our youth.
Read full article here.
And behind door #10...
Instead of attending any of the Inaugural Balls, the Obama girls had some of their new friends from school over to the new house for a party, ABC News reports. They watched "High School Musical 3" and "Bolt" and the WH staff prepared a scavenger hunt. Fun!
After all of the events and concerts and celebrities surrounding the First Daughters, how do you surprise them at the end of said hunt? You have the Jonas Brothers hiding behind a door at the last clue.
Of course.
After all of the events and concerts and celebrities surrounding the First Daughters, how do you surprise them at the end of said hunt? You have the Jonas Brothers hiding behind a door at the last clue.
Of course.
I'm back!
I took a few days to celebrate, recover and let it sink in. President Obama (omg!) is hard at work trying to get the GOP to sign on to his stimulus plan and about 14,000 other little things like ending torture and stuff. I'm a little behind, so expect myriad posts on the Inauguration -- even thought it seems like it was many moons ago already.
So far he has received a ton of criticism from the right, left, center and abroad. He must be doing something right.
So far he has received a ton of criticism from the right, left, center and abroad. He must be doing something right.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Inaugural events
Here is a list of tv coverage of the myriad Inaugural events happening in the next couple of days.
(Thanks Mark!)
Celebrate at will.
(Thanks Mark!)
Celebrate at will.
Accountability
This site -- The Promise Audit -- lets us keep track of Obama's campaign promises and what he's doing during his new administration.
He's said over and over that government needs to be held accountable. This is one way for us to do it...will we?
He's said over and over that government needs to be held accountable. This is one way for us to do it...will we?
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Letter to the Girls
Parade Magazine is publishing a letter that PE Obama has written to his daughters. Sniffle.
Dear Mr. President
McSweeney's and 826 National, both brainchilds of Dave Eggers (yum!) are publishing a collection of letters from students to President Obama: Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country
Here is a sample.
Here is a sample.
IL House gets down to business
On Monday the Illinois House of Representatives passed two bills:
1. Paycheck Fairness Act: to "allow gender-based pay discrimination victims to sue for more money and require employers to meet a higher standard to justify pay disparities."
2. Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 -- "allow courts to consider each new paycheck as a new instance of discrimination."
I'm proud to say my rep (Janice Shakowski) voted "yes" on both.
On a side note...I love that Blago had to swear in the same people that will eventually vote on whether to throw him out of office. Toupe'! I mean Touche'!
Sign up to track your Senators' & Reps' votes here!
1. Paycheck Fairness Act: to "allow gender-based pay discrimination victims to sue for more money and require employers to meet a higher standard to justify pay disparities."
2. Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 -- "allow courts to consider each new paycheck as a new instance of discrimination."
I'm proud to say my rep (Janice Shakowski) voted "yes" on both.
On a side note...I love that Blago had to swear in the same people that will eventually vote on whether to throw him out of office. Toupe'! I mean Touche'!
Sign up to track your Senators' & Reps' votes here!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Presidential Poetry
Samantha Henig wrote a column in Newsweek ("Give Us a Sonnet, Doggonit") about poems written or read at past Inauguration ceremonies. This Walt Whitman poem was her pick for the best. (Warning: it is a bit long.)
When Lilacs Last in the Door-yard Bloom'd
When Lilacs Last in the Door-yard Bloom'd
Friday, January 9, 2009
Bitch Slap
A few years ago I was riding around with my friend Krenly and encountered a slew of bad drivers. In his angst K came up with a new rule: if someone cuts you off or just shows signs of being an ass while driving, the wronged driver could cut them off, pull them out of the car, bitch slap them and inherit their vehicle (I think the said ass was driving a Mercedes?).
This blog (courtesy of Andrew Sullivan) reminds of that rule...only way funnier. It had me snorting at work!
This blog (courtesy of Andrew Sullivan) reminds of that rule...only way funnier. It had me snorting at work!
Impeached!
Yes! Today the the IL House voted (114 - 1!) to impeach our beloved (cough, hack, puke) Governor Dill-Rod.
The New York Times reports: Representative Jack D. Franks, a Democrat who was also on the panel, added, "It's our duty to clean up this mess and stop the freak show that has become government in Illinois...I believe we're finally doing what we should have done a long time ago," Mr. Franks said later during the deliberations. "We're doing the right thing. I know it's hard. It's unprecedented. It's uncharted territory. But I can't think of a more important thing we've done in this body."
I concur -- and yes, he really said 'freak show'. I love it.
Now, if we could only get this done on the federal level...war crimes anyone?
Bonus -- check out Blago's subsequent presser...he's not right. Serious whack job.
The New York Times reports: Representative Jack D. Franks, a Democrat who was also on the panel, added, "It's our duty to clean up this mess and stop the freak show that has become government in Illinois...I believe we're finally doing what we should have done a long time ago," Mr. Franks said later during the deliberations. "We're doing the right thing. I know it's hard. It's unprecedented. It's uncharted territory. But I can't think of a more important thing we've done in this body."
I concur -- and yes, he really said 'freak show'. I love it.
Now, if we could only get this done on the federal level...war crimes anyone?
Bonus -- check out Blago's subsequent presser...he's not right. Serious whack job.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
My Word of the Day
Sanguine --
cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident (dictionary.com).
Something to aspire to...or refind? It was the word for the entire world only a few short weeks ago.
cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident (dictionary.com).
Something to aspire to...or refind? It was the word for the entire world only a few short weeks ago.
Newsweek cover story
This article -- "A Plan of Attack For Peace" by Daniel Klaidman is a worthwhile read.
I've been trying to figure out how I feel about the events in Gaza and what possible solutions can work. This helped some. I have trouble with any violence being used to end violence - doesn't make sense to me. And I've found myself thinking that people that suffered the horrors of the Holocaust would be a bit more empathetic...
I've been trying to figure out how I feel about the events in Gaza and what possible solutions can work. This helped some. I have trouble with any violence being used to end violence - doesn't make sense to me. And I've found myself thinking that people that suffered the horrors of the Holocaust would be a bit more empathetic...
More from The Atlantic
Andrew Sullivan's Quote for the Day:
"The African in him is the one who is making him ask, 'What is the consensus?' That's the African way at its best. The good leader in Africa is the leader who keeps quiet and lets others speak and then says at the end, 'I have heard you all, and this is our mind,'" - Desmond Tutu on Obama.
Read the full interview with Desmond Tutu here.
"The African in him is the one who is making him ask, 'What is the consensus?' That's the African way at its best. The good leader in Africa is the leader who keeps quiet and lets others speak and then says at the end, 'I have heard you all, and this is our mind,'" - Desmond Tutu on Obama.
Read the full interview with Desmond Tutu here.
My New Boyfriend
I was talking to my Mom this morning and told her I had to go..."my boyfriend is talking". She asked, "Barack -- or a new one?" It was (as usual) Barack holding a press conference, but I think I've found a new one!
Cute, smart and oh so young.
Cute, smart and oh so young.
Another Ambinder
Here is an excerpt from his post today on torture:
"Now, Obama has been silent on the possibility of prosecuting CIA officers or Bush administration officials for their past illegalities. My guess is that he personally opposes them. But perhaps he recognizes the need for some sort of public accounting.
...Obama might not be able to stop Justice from prosecuting CIA officers. If investigations are initiated, the White House can't very well intervene to stop them. It is tempting to think that Obama is granting himself plausible deniability here; the White House can express its opposition to prosecution but say that the U.S. Attorneys' independence is a cornerstone of our legal system, and nothing can be done."
Plausible deniabilty...interesting. I hadn't thought of it as being a way for some good to come out of the torture scandals. Hmm...
"Now, Obama has been silent on the possibility of prosecuting CIA officers or Bush administration officials for their past illegalities. My guess is that he personally opposes them. But perhaps he recognizes the need for some sort of public accounting.
...Obama might not be able to stop Justice from prosecuting CIA officers. If investigations are initiated, the White House can't very well intervene to stop them. It is tempting to think that Obama is granting himself plausible deniability here; the White House can express its opposition to prosecution but say that the U.S. Attorneys' independence is a cornerstone of our legal system, and nothing can be done."
Plausible deniabilty...interesting. I hadn't thought of it as being a way for some good to come out of the torture scandals. Hmm...
Friday, January 2, 2009
Peace
Is it possible?
An interesting piece by Robert Koehler and an eye-opening video of Israeli and Palestinian students at PeaceNow.
What do you think?
An interesting piece by Robert Koehler and an eye-opening video of Israeli and Palestinian students at PeaceNow.
What do you think?
Quote of the day
"With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds.... "
Abraham Lincoln from his 2nd Inaugural Address
Whitehouse.gov
I can't wait to hear what BHO will say in his!!!
Abraham Lincoln from his 2nd Inaugural Address
Whitehouse.gov
I can't wait to hear what BHO will say in his!!!
A Thinking President?
Who? President-Elect Barack Obama. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
What? Yes, a thinking man is going to be in charge.
When? January 20, 2009
Where? Washington, DC
Why? Because "We, the People" said so.
This excerpt from a post on by Kathleen Reardon caught my eye today...read the entire post here.
"We should brace ourselves for him to make decisions that seem at times contradictory to what he said during his campaign - not because he lied, but because he never got very specific. As the complex among us do, he left doors slightly open on major issues knowing he might need to slip through them to focus on more pressing ones.
We elected a complex man. If anyone expected he'd agree with any particular interest group on all issues, he or she wasn't paying attention. But if President-elect Obama thinks he can train all of us to think at his level, with openness and understanding, that we'll come around to his thinking even if he breaks our hearts, he may not have been paying attention either."
I've been trying to "brace myself" for what is to come even though I know it to be futile and impossible. I trust and believe in his judgement, but I'm already wary of the criticism to come (and some that has already regarding the Warren pick).
I wish him godspeed. I wish us the capacity to live with open minds and hearts.
What? Yes, a thinking man is going to be in charge.
When? January 20, 2009
Where? Washington, DC
Why? Because "We, the People" said so.
This excerpt from a post on by Kathleen Reardon caught my eye today...read the entire post here.
"We should brace ourselves for him to make decisions that seem at times contradictory to what he said during his campaign - not because he lied, but because he never got very specific. As the complex among us do, he left doors slightly open on major issues knowing he might need to slip through them to focus on more pressing ones.
We elected a complex man. If anyone expected he'd agree with any particular interest group on all issues, he or she wasn't paying attention. But if President-elect Obama thinks he can train all of us to think at his level, with openness and understanding, that we'll come around to his thinking even if he breaks our hearts, he may not have been paying attention either."
I've been trying to "brace myself" for what is to come even though I know it to be futile and impossible. I trust and believe in his judgement, but I'm already wary of the criticism to come (and some that has already regarding the Warren pick).
I wish him godspeed. I wish us the capacity to live with open minds and hearts.
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