Dear Mr. President,
I hope things are going well for you in your new job. From what I have seen, you have done many good things and begun erasing the stain of the previous administration. I congratulate you on the successful appointment of Justice Sotomayor, and hope that you can get some measure of relaxation on your upcoming vacation.
Starting with your famous speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, I have been a eager supporter of you. Your election as my senator in 2004 was a bright spot in an otherwise dark election day. I was ecstatic when you announced your candidacy for President on that frigid February day in Springfield. The moment when the networks declared you the winner of the election last November still remains one of my favorite memories ever.
For the most part I have been pleased by the things you and the members of your administration has accomplished. I hope you are still as committed to closing the national disgrace of Guantanamo as your Executive Order said you were. I wish you were more emphatic of your support of the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, and weren't so wishy-washy on the Honduras situation. However, for the most part these are just minor issues.
I wish you the best of luck as the fight for health care heats up as it heads towards floor votes in Congress. After all, this was one of the biggest, if not the biggest, part of your domestic plan during the campaign. Failure to create "Change We Can Believe In" will not only harm your political agenda, it will hurt many Americans who are already hurting far too much. I am sure you understand how important this issue is.
I assure you that real and lasting health care reform is very important to us Americans who elected you. It is why we assented to you welcoming Joe Lieberman back into the fold without any real consequences. After all, you have preached empathy and forgiveness, and the potential political capital doesn't hurt either. No action for the rights of our GLBT citizens? It will come, we rationalized, we need to focus on health care. Other important issues to the progressives who helped get you elected need to be delayed? No problem, we're going for health care first.
What has all that capital bought so far? Not all that much, as far as I can tell. All I read about are secret deals with the Pharmaceutical giants, pressure for any bill to be "bi-partisan", and secret negotiations by self-appointed "centrists" who seem adamant on making a bill that no one will like, especially the Republicans who are supposedly involved.
I understand the complexity of our government. I'm well aware that most of the country, yourself included, are more to the right of my ideas. Compromise, behind-the-scenes negotiation, and parliamentary machinations are a necessary and vital part of a representative democracy. As much as a large portion of us on the left would like to deny it, we have to be willing to work with the Blue Dogs. I believe in the ideas of congenial cooperation and consensus building.
What I don't agree with is completely selling out core principles of the plan. At many of your town halls, you have done an excellent job of debunking the ridiculous crap coming out the mouths of the Limbaugh/Beck/BillO/GOP brigade. You've also seemed very committed to a strong public option, a real choice that can compete with the bloated insurance companies. I would like to think those who are skeptical of reform would change their mind if they heard your words.
However, it appears that this supposed critical plank is being eroded. Senators such as Jeff Bingaman and Kent Conrad don't seem confident that the public option can get passed, despite a large percentage of Americans supporting this option. Instead, the talk seems to be shifting towards some weak-ass coop idea, an idea that seems like a chickenshit cop-out.
I am sorry for the passionate language in the previous paragraph. This issue means a great deal to me, and I can tend to get carried away. I just don't understand why you would be so bold as to state your strong preference for a public option to us, but clearly don't care about it when talking to your buddies in the Senate.
I just don't see the strategy in place here, unless it is a strategy meant to betray the American people. I mean, Senator Baucus seems intent on sacrificing CHIP, a program he seems to be very proud of if you view his website. What the hell kind of compromise is it if he is willing to remove care for children just to appease some Republican who would never vote for the bill? How exactly is this change we can believe in?
Your administration seems far too reactive in getting its message out. How is it that a party that controls the White House and both houses of Congress doesn't seem able to get on one page, or even come close to controlling the message on the issue? Why do you not feel it necessary to get out and take this message to the people in a big way. The town hall meetings are a good start, but it still doesn't seem like you are engaged as much as you should be.
I understand why you don't want to engage the lunatics that seem to be intent on disrupting the genuine discussion of ideas. Hopefully their misplaced anger will dissipate as August moves on towards September. Still it is unfortunate that it appears your chief of staff is more concerned with yelling at progressives than getting Blue Dogs in line or dealing with Republican falsities.
I don't offer my concerns out of dislike, or even disappointment. I only offer them out of genuine curiosity at what is going on. Its very possible that you have an excellent strategy in place, and we will really see it in action once Congress gets back from its recess. It wouldn't be the first time that you and your advisers instincts have been better than mine.
I still trust that my vote wasn't in vain, and that we will see some genuine progress and improvement in this country. We need real solutions, and elected you and your colleagues up the street to provide those answers. Universal Health Care has been an issue in this country since the early 20th century. It is time we finally join the 21st century in regards to health care.
Sincerely,
Andrew C. Tate
P.S. I apologize, but I am withholding any donations to you, congressional democrats, or the DNC until a real health care bill is passed. I hope you understand that I require an appropriate level of return before I invest any of my resources. Unless my donation allows me to discuss this situation one on one with you, Mr. Emanuel, Mr. Baucus, or any of your other colleagues, I figure my donation won't be much use.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Absolutely Moronic
Absolutely Fu**ing pathetic
Keep in mind that this nut would have been our Vice President had Senator McCain won last November. Yes, this crazy person would have been one heartbeat away from the White House. Granted, one big reason why McCain didn't win was because he nominated the Wacko from Wasilla as his #2. However, I shudder to think what might have happened had she been able to move into the Naval Observatory.
Last time I checked creating "death squads" to decided whether the mentally handicapped or the elderly lived or not wasn't part of the democratic plan. I've never seen any body suggest such a reprehensible plan. None of those "Socialist hell-holes" in Europe have these death squads, and their systems are far more comprehensive than any of the weak-ass solutions Harry Reid will squeeze out of the Senate. Considering the shit his mother went through with the private insurance companies as she fought cancer, tying the President to this nonsense is beyond insulting.
Why is it that far too often, I have to wonder whether some powerful member of the GOP is insane, criminally stupid, or criminally cynical. If she is as insane or stupid as this comment applies, the Republican party, and this nation is in trouble. But the far more dangerous alternative is that she is this cynical. Fortunately given her track record, I don't think she is smart enough to be that cynical of an operator.
Sensible Republicans, please take your party back. Conservative principles of frugality, responsibility, and tradition are real values, and have ideological merit. But ignorant authoritarianism, wrapping itself in the flag and carrying the bible, is not a valid strategy if you believe in democracy. I beseech you to ACT NOW, before the party of Lincoln and the Party of TR is completing covered in the shit started by Ronald Reagan and propagated by Ms. Palin.
Keep in mind that this nut would have been our Vice President had Senator McCain won last November. Yes, this crazy person would have been one heartbeat away from the White House. Granted, one big reason why McCain didn't win was because he nominated the Wacko from Wasilla as his #2. However, I shudder to think what might have happened had she been able to move into the Naval Observatory.
Last time I checked creating "death squads" to decided whether the mentally handicapped or the elderly lived or not wasn't part of the democratic plan. I've never seen any body suggest such a reprehensible plan. None of those "Socialist hell-holes" in Europe have these death squads, and their systems are far more comprehensive than any of the weak-ass solutions Harry Reid will squeeze out of the Senate. Considering the shit his mother went through with the private insurance companies as she fought cancer, tying the President to this nonsense is beyond insulting.
Why is it that far too often, I have to wonder whether some powerful member of the GOP is insane, criminally stupid, or criminally cynical. If she is as insane or stupid as this comment applies, the Republican party, and this nation is in trouble. But the far more dangerous alternative is that she is this cynical. Fortunately given her track record, I don't think she is smart enough to be that cynical of an operator.
Sensible Republicans, please take your party back. Conservative principles of frugality, responsibility, and tradition are real values, and have ideological merit. But ignorant authoritarianism, wrapping itself in the flag and carrying the bible, is not a valid strategy if you believe in democracy. I beseech you to ACT NOW, before the party of Lincoln and the Party of TR is completing covered in the shit started by Ronald Reagan and propagated by Ms. Palin.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
This is not the Voice of the American Public
Whether you watch the news on TV, listen to it on the radio, or read it online, you are very likely not getting the whole story. Case in point are the "spontaneous protests" at health care town hall events, such as an event held by HHS Secretary Sebelius and Senator Specter in Pennyslvania. Another disruption also took place at a congressman's district in Texas. The goal is to create a sense that the Democrats are acting against the "will of the people".
If you had read the New York Times, it would appear that the Democrats have a problem. Without doing any sort of research, the reporter decided that these angry folks were the unassailable vox populi of the American people. And if they had just shown up and were indiciative of a popular movement in these locales, it would be news, and would be something for Democrats to consider.
However, this is clearly not the case. These aren't groups of citizens trying to make their voice heard in a legitimate matter. These are nothing more than mobs meant to disrupt the meetings and stifle any meaningful discussions of the issues. They have no desire to hear the other side, to them the other side isn't worth debating. They are just there to make sure the Democrats can't get anything done.
To them, debate and compromise are weaknesses, not the foundation of a functioning government. Hell, to most of these people (The supposed patriots known as "Tea-Baggers"), a functioning government is not a desirable goal. They believe any government is unproductive, and as little as possible needs to be put into place. Its a breed of fanaticism that has nothing to do with religion, but has everything to do with the mythical infallibilty of the high holy market. Anything they don't like is tarred and feathered with the word "socialism", and anyone they disagree with is called less than patriotic.
The strategies employed by these mobs are not indicative of what democracy should be. Democracy is built upon the free exchange of ideas, on the grand process of taking many different perspectives and ideas and turning them into functioning policy and law. These town halls are meant to be open forums, where people can get answers from those who represent them in our government. It quite obvious that the tactics of these groups show their desire to be destructive instead of constructive. If they decide to stop attacking and start delivering real alternatives, we'll be waiting for them.
If you had read the New York Times, it would appear that the Democrats have a problem. Without doing any sort of research, the reporter decided that these angry folks were the unassailable vox populi of the American people. And if they had just shown up and were indiciative of a popular movement in these locales, it would be news, and would be something for Democrats to consider.
However, this is clearly not the case. These aren't groups of citizens trying to make their voice heard in a legitimate matter. These are nothing more than mobs meant to disrupt the meetings and stifle any meaningful discussions of the issues. They have no desire to hear the other side, to them the other side isn't worth debating. They are just there to make sure the Democrats can't get anything done.
To them, debate and compromise are weaknesses, not the foundation of a functioning government. Hell, to most of these people (The supposed patriots known as "Tea-Baggers"), a functioning government is not a desirable goal. They believe any government is unproductive, and as little as possible needs to be put into place. Its a breed of fanaticism that has nothing to do with religion, but has everything to do with the mythical infallibilty of the high holy market. Anything they don't like is tarred and feathered with the word "socialism", and anyone they disagree with is called less than patriotic.
The strategies employed by these mobs are not indicative of what democracy should be. Democracy is built upon the free exchange of ideas, on the grand process of taking many different perspectives and ideas and turning them into functioning policy and law. These town halls are meant to be open forums, where people can get answers from those who represent them in our government. It quite obvious that the tactics of these groups show their desire to be destructive instead of constructive. If they decide to stop attacking and start delivering real alternatives, we'll be waiting for them.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Simply Shameful
Fact: Barack Hussein Obama was born in Hawaii.
Get used to it birthers.
Because you don't like that colored fella with that Islamocommunofascioexistentialpost-modernistic name being elected President, you will believe any crap you are fed, especially if it feeds into your own preconceptions about the man. I'm sure the color of his skin, or his name, or his unique history plays no role in your decision. After all, you are just looking out for the Constitution. I'm sure you were also looking out for the Constitution when President Dubya and his buddy Cheney were shredding it. I'm also sure you applied the same "thorough" research into John McCain's birth.
Shame on you for propagating this crap. It is one thing to criticize a President due to ideological differences. Don't believe the government should fund or play a role in health care? Fine. Believe the deficit should be our highest financial priority? Sure thing. Believe that we should sell Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Gettysburg battlefield to amusement parks? As bad as this idea is, you're entitled to it.
But ignore every piece of legitimate evidence, such as the birth notices in the Honolulu papers, the testimony of Hawaiian Officials, or the the fact that he has produced the same fucking form that EVERY PERSON IN THE STATE OF HAWAII GETS WHEN THEY REQUEST THEIR BIRTH CERTIFICATE ARGGGHGHHHHH5t43530-59375%#%(#%_#%0-%^560qa...
(calm.......)
(calm.......)
Sorry about that.
Of course, this is what conspiracy theorys are built upon. Come up with solid evidence that disputes their "theory"? Nuh-uh, it ain't real. The Honolulu Newspapers, Obama's relatives, the state of Hawaii, the FBI, the CIA, the NSA, every fucking other media outlet this side of the National Review, the Bilderbergers, and Guild of Calamitous Intent are clearly behind this. Show us some form that nobody ever gets to see, and we'll be satisfied. Except of course, that form you just showed us clearly is a forgery of the fuschia triplicated super XL long form for the birth of unicorn babies.
That is what you expect from conspiracists. From JFK and Lincoln, to the Moon Landing deniers and the Truthers, those who hold conspiracy theories as gospel are a dime a dozen. In and of themselves they aren't dangerous.
The real problem is this isn't just that crazy guy on the corner. According to this poll, 23% of the country either believes Obama isn't a natural born US citizen, or aren't sure what to think. Unsurprisingly, the majority of those "patriotic Real Amurcans" are found in the GOP. Sadly, more of those who identify with the once great political party are likely to have doubts about his citizenship than not. Why is that?
Its not blatant racism. I don't believe 58% of the GOP are out their in Klan outfits trying to put the "negrahs in thur place". I don't think the vast majority are truly racist, in that they believe that people of a certain race are inferior or superior to another. The racial dialouge of this country is so screwed up that it just can't be that simple, except for the most hateful slugs and gentle innocents at the ends of the spectrum.
No, I think it rests on pure opportunism by the forces that have constantly milked the undereducated rank and file of the Republican party. The blame for this disgusting trend falls on the shoulders of men like Rush Limbaugh, Lou Dobbs, and Glenn "I think the President is a Racist" Beck. I'm not sure these men believe their talking points (I'm not even sure Beck is legally sane), as I truly believe if Obama came out for all of their "positions" tomorrow they would suddenly become strong believers in global warming, single payer health-care, and diplomacy instead of cowboy posturing. However, they certainly do know how to fan the flames, while whistling all the way to the bank.
I understand the appeal of people like Limbaugh, Dobbs, and Beck. We live in a complicated world, one where you are lucky if you do your job competently, keep your marriage running, and raise your children to be good adults. Democracy was complicated in 1789, and it has only gotten more complicated over the last 220 years. Most political experts really don't know what the hell they're doing, so why would you expect to understand it? These men offer you simple dichotomys, good guys and bad guys, and easy to understand talking points that stir your emotions, while absolving yourself of any guilt or responsibility for the greater good.
Hell, I can't really say the left isn't without its own versions of these guys. It isn't like Keith Olbermann is known for inviting those on the other side of an issue, even when that issue has a true opposite argument, to appear on his show. As much as I enjoy his comments, he is certainly preaching to his own choir.
But nothing on the left exists that compares to the disgraceful "birther" movement. I don't recall large groups of Democrats questioning Senator John McCain's citizenship due to his being born in Panama. I certainly don't remember Rachel Maddow, Keith Olbermann, or Paul Krugman constantly demand to see the Senator's long-form birth certificate. And I certainly didn't see Dennis Kucinich or Bernie Sanders get mealy-mouthed and non-committal about their own beliefs on McCain's citizenship.
Which brings me to those Republican members of Congress, the supposed august legislative body of this country, who have never answered straight the question of their belief of Obama's citizenship. Like the bloviators, I highly doubt any of these legislators believe Obama was born anywhere other than the State of Hawaii. Their lack of a spine and unwillingness to commit to a position is very evocative of their Bogeyman from Hope. They don't want to anger his high holy lord Limbaugh and his dittoheads by speaking their mind. Or (I hope this certainly isn't the case), they are too cowardly to admit they are on board with the Birthers, lest they be scorned by the establishment (read: lobbyists, influencers, and fundraisers) who would be scared away from whacked-out nutjobs.
I honestly think this is a serious issue for the Republicans. Some of their more respected and senior members should call a press conference and state emphatically that President Obama is constitutionally qualified to be President, even if we have severe ideological differences with his administration. It would marginalize whackos, bring some fence setters back from the ledge, and show some less extreme Republicans who are tired of Limbaugh and his ilk that Republicans can be independent of the Right Wing Media Mafia. Most of all, the move would take away a potential perception coup for the Democrats. After all, although many Republicans believe this crap, its clear that the majority of this country does not. If the Republicans keep kow-towing to their extreme right (which they are guilty of unlike the Democrats), they will soon find themselves as marginalized as the Prohibition party, or maybe even the unlamented and mostly forgotten Know-Nothings.
SUPER SPECIAL ADDITIONAL LINK - Apparently Eric Cantor couldn't quite grasp the entirety of my point above about appropriate response.
Get used to it birthers.
Because you don't like that colored fella with that Islamocommunofascioexistentialpost-modernistic name being elected President, you will believe any crap you are fed, especially if it feeds into your own preconceptions about the man. I'm sure the color of his skin, or his name, or his unique history plays no role in your decision. After all, you are just looking out for the Constitution. I'm sure you were also looking out for the Constitution when President Dubya and his buddy Cheney were shredding it. I'm also sure you applied the same "thorough" research into John McCain's birth.
Shame on you for propagating this crap. It is one thing to criticize a President due to ideological differences. Don't believe the government should fund or play a role in health care? Fine. Believe the deficit should be our highest financial priority? Sure thing. Believe that we should sell Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Gettysburg battlefield to amusement parks? As bad as this idea is, you're entitled to it.
But ignore every piece of legitimate evidence, such as the birth notices in the Honolulu papers, the testimony of Hawaiian Officials, or the the fact that he has produced the same fucking form that EVERY PERSON IN THE STATE OF HAWAII GETS WHEN THEY REQUEST THEIR BIRTH CERTIFICATE ARGGGHGHHHHH5t43530-59375%#%(#%_#%0-%^560qa...
(calm.......)
(calm.......)
Sorry about that.
Of course, this is what conspiracy theorys are built upon. Come up with solid evidence that disputes their "theory"? Nuh-uh, it ain't real. The Honolulu Newspapers, Obama's relatives, the state of Hawaii, the FBI, the CIA, the NSA, every fucking other media outlet this side of the National Review, the Bilderbergers, and Guild of Calamitous Intent are clearly behind this. Show us some form that nobody ever gets to see, and we'll be satisfied. Except of course, that form you just showed us clearly is a forgery of the fuschia triplicated super XL long form for the birth of unicorn babies.
That is what you expect from conspiracists. From JFK and Lincoln, to the Moon Landing deniers and the Truthers, those who hold conspiracy theories as gospel are a dime a dozen. In and of themselves they aren't dangerous.
The real problem is this isn't just that crazy guy on the corner. According to this poll, 23% of the country either believes Obama isn't a natural born US citizen, or aren't sure what to think. Unsurprisingly, the majority of those "patriotic Real Amurcans" are found in the GOP. Sadly, more of those who identify with the once great political party are likely to have doubts about his citizenship than not. Why is that?
Its not blatant racism. I don't believe 58% of the GOP are out their in Klan outfits trying to put the "negrahs in thur place". I don't think the vast majority are truly racist, in that they believe that people of a certain race are inferior or superior to another. The racial dialouge of this country is so screwed up that it just can't be that simple, except for the most hateful slugs and gentle innocents at the ends of the spectrum.
No, I think it rests on pure opportunism by the forces that have constantly milked the undereducated rank and file of the Republican party. The blame for this disgusting trend falls on the shoulders of men like Rush Limbaugh, Lou Dobbs, and Glenn "I think the President is a Racist" Beck. I'm not sure these men believe their talking points (I'm not even sure Beck is legally sane), as I truly believe if Obama came out for all of their "positions" tomorrow they would suddenly become strong believers in global warming, single payer health-care, and diplomacy instead of cowboy posturing. However, they certainly do know how to fan the flames, while whistling all the way to the bank.
I understand the appeal of people like Limbaugh, Dobbs, and Beck. We live in a complicated world, one where you are lucky if you do your job competently, keep your marriage running, and raise your children to be good adults. Democracy was complicated in 1789, and it has only gotten more complicated over the last 220 years. Most political experts really don't know what the hell they're doing, so why would you expect to understand it? These men offer you simple dichotomys, good guys and bad guys, and easy to understand talking points that stir your emotions, while absolving yourself of any guilt or responsibility for the greater good.
Hell, I can't really say the left isn't without its own versions of these guys. It isn't like Keith Olbermann is known for inviting those on the other side of an issue, even when that issue has a true opposite argument, to appear on his show. As much as I enjoy his comments, he is certainly preaching to his own choir.
But nothing on the left exists that compares to the disgraceful "birther" movement. I don't recall large groups of Democrats questioning Senator John McCain's citizenship due to his being born in Panama. I certainly don't remember Rachel Maddow, Keith Olbermann, or Paul Krugman constantly demand to see the Senator's long-form birth certificate. And I certainly didn't see Dennis Kucinich or Bernie Sanders get mealy-mouthed and non-committal about their own beliefs on McCain's citizenship.
Which brings me to those Republican members of Congress, the supposed august legislative body of this country, who have never answered straight the question of their belief of Obama's citizenship. Like the bloviators, I highly doubt any of these legislators believe Obama was born anywhere other than the State of Hawaii. Their lack of a spine and unwillingness to commit to a position is very evocative of their Bogeyman from Hope. They don't want to anger his high holy lord Limbaugh and his dittoheads by speaking their mind. Or (I hope this certainly isn't the case), they are too cowardly to admit they are on board with the Birthers, lest they be scorned by the establishment (read: lobbyists, influencers, and fundraisers) who would be scared away from whacked-out nutjobs.
I honestly think this is a serious issue for the Republicans. Some of their more respected and senior members should call a press conference and state emphatically that President Obama is constitutionally qualified to be President, even if we have severe ideological differences with his administration. It would marginalize whackos, bring some fence setters back from the ledge, and show some less extreme Republicans who are tired of Limbaugh and his ilk that Republicans can be independent of the Right Wing Media Mafia. Most of all, the move would take away a potential perception coup for the Democrats. After all, although many Republicans believe this crap, its clear that the majority of this country does not. If the Republicans keep kow-towing to their extreme right (which they are guilty of unlike the Democrats), they will soon find themselves as marginalized as the Prohibition party, or maybe even the unlamented and mostly forgotten Know-Nothings.
SUPER SPECIAL ADDITIONAL LINK - Apparently Eric Cantor couldn't quite grasp the entirety of my point above about appropriate response.
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