This came in this morning from The Other 98% (of which I'm a member) as they "celebrate" the second anniversary of Citizens United and I simply had to share it. Enjoy!!!
Support the Amendment!!!! Corporations are NOT people -- no matter what Romney says!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!
Kay
Showing posts with label Constitution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Constitution. Show all posts
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Just a Quick Update and a Couple Funnies!!!
I've been a very busy old girl! Visits to the Shrink (yes, what Hemingway called the Black Dog has been camped here for a while) and Dr. Maria were in order as well as my annual inspection by the good folks who help pay my rent which is always my excuse to do all the stuff I have been ignoring/neglecting. My place looks pretty dang good but I still have a few things that I need to do -- the new curtains in my kitchen, den and bathroom really brightened things up (blessings to Bryce for his invaluable help). That said, I'm taking today to do my best to get around and visit y'all. Thanks to Friko for a mental hotfoot. Keeping up with all y'all is, at times difficult as the 'follow' list keeps growing, as has my channel's subscription list on YouTube, and as has the list of newsletters that I read as well. (I don't vlog -- just follow some channels I like a lot.)
That said, I'll be around to visit as many of y'all as I can -- barring the ever-ubiquitous interruptions!!!
Here are a couple short videos that made me smile. I hope y'all do, too!
And he sings a la Al Green . . .
Romney is still not releasing his tax returns.
My hero, Robert Reich supports Amend2012 -- a referendum to repeal Citizens United -- and y'all can sign the petition here.
See y'all soon!!!!!!!!!! Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!
Kay
That said, I'll be around to visit as many of y'all as I can -- barring the ever-ubiquitous interruptions!!!
Here are a couple short videos that made me smile. I hope y'all do, too!
And he sings a la Al Green . . .
Romney is still not releasing his tax returns.
My hero, Robert Reich supports Amend2012 -- a referendum to repeal Citizens United -- and y'all can sign the petition here.
See y'all soon!!!!!!!!!! Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!
Kay
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The 2011 Muzzle Awards
Between my surgery and my computer woes, I am woefully late with what is always one of my favorite posts each year: The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression's annual Muzzle Awards. Around April 13th to celebrate Jefferson's birthday, these awards are given to those persons and entities " who in the past year forgot or disregarded Mr. Jefferson’s admonition that freedom of speech ‘cannot be limited without being lost.’ Amen! The envelope, please! This year's 'honorees' are:
1.The Obama Administration and BP
2.The Transportation Security Administration
3.Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution G. Wayne Clough
4.The Virginia Department of Corrections
5.Mississippi State Court Judge Talmadge Littlejohn
6.Gail Sweet, Director of the Burlington County (New Jersey) Library System
7.The Administration of Albemarle High School (Virginia)
8.The Administration of Hamilton College (New York)
I'm not going to comment on all of them but I urge y'all to go here and check out their offenses against free speech. From President Obama to a Glen Beck supporter, violators of the First Amendment abound.
My personal favorite was #2 the young man who was flying from Richmomd, VA to Cincinnati, OH (not even an hour flight) about the time the TSA introduced the horrible new scanners and searches. This enterprising young fellow had written the 4th Amendment (illegal search and seizure) on his chest in protest and took of his shirt and sweats in protest. So what did the TSA do? They arrested him and tried to prosecute him for disorderly conduct. Fortunately, the prosecutor in that county is sane and dropped the charges which could have meant prison and a nasty fine.
The TJ Center does great work and I always enjoy them. Hope y'all do, too!
Happy Blogging!!!!
Kay
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Sorting It Out a Bit
My poor damaged brain is on overload -- so much information it's hard to sift through the bul . . . er, ah . . . rhetoric from both sides.
Y'all know that I have the utmost respect and admiration for Congressman Marcy Kaptur of Toledo so of course I was eager to see what she and other members Ohio's congressional delegation had to say about the debacle in Tuscon. The Cleveland Plain Dealer interviewed her and several other representatives from Ohio and y'all can read it here. Marcy talked about how she took Gabrielle Giffords under her wing as a rookie in the House and was effusive in her praise of her. She also made made this outstanding statment:
Remember when we were kids and hollered "Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me?" That might have worked on the playgrounds of our youth but the Reckless Right's vile rhetoric has created fear and hate no different than the fear and hate that Hitler propagated and we all know how that turned out.
There's been a lot of talk about banning guns and the Second Amendment since Giffords' shooting -- most of it knee-jerk and irrational from both sides. Today Rain has published a wonderful piece on rethinking the issue and makes a sane, practical statement (and I think brilliant) on what needs to be done. I'm forwarding it to my senators and representatives.
We need to restore common sense and fairness in this country. Write your representatives in Congress and turn off Fox News!!!!!
Kay
Y'all know that I have the utmost respect and admiration for Congressman Marcy Kaptur of Toledo so of course I was eager to see what she and other members Ohio's congressional delegation had to say about the debacle in Tuscon. The Cleveland Plain Dealer interviewed her and several other representatives from Ohio and y'all can read it here. Marcy talked about how she took Gabrielle Giffords under her wing as a rookie in the House and was effusive in her praise of her. She also made made this outstanding statment:
"What has to change is our treatment of one another," Kaptur said. "And we have to reign in these propagandizing, foul-mouthed, anger-mongering interests that have really replaced rational thought in the media."
Remember when we were kids and hollered "Sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me?" That might have worked on the playgrounds of our youth but the Reckless Right's vile rhetoric has created fear and hate no different than the fear and hate that Hitler propagated and we all know how that turned out.
There's been a lot of talk about banning guns and the Second Amendment since Giffords' shooting -- most of it knee-jerk and irrational from both sides. Today Rain has published a wonderful piece on rethinking the issue and makes a sane, practical statement (and I think brilliant) on what needs to be done. I'm forwarding it to my senators and representatives.
We need to restore common sense and fairness in this country. Write your representatives in Congress and turn off Fox News!!!!!
Kay
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Thursday Random Thoughts
It's a busy, frustrating week in Kay's World which means that the more things change, the more they stay the same -- only the suspects, crimes, and misdemeanors vary. I'm trying hard to keep up with y'all as well as get I ready -- sorta -- for the holidays which I suspect are not going to be much fun. Bah!!! Humbug!!!
* As per Ronni Bennett's call to arms for Social Security. I tried to call my new "teabagger" Congressman and tell him to vote for HR 1685 per her instructions. When the 800 number didn't work, I called the House switchboard and used some of my daytime minutes and free long distance to tell him to leave Social Security alone and pass the damned bill. I told my senators the same. My sainted grandpa used to say, "If it ain't broke. don't fix it." Social Security is solvent so of course the greedy GOP wants to get their sleazy claws on it and fill their pockets. Raise hell!
* God/Buddha/Yahweh/Allah or whatever y'all call the Big Guy must have loved idiots -- he made so many of them. And we're reminded of this daily when we read the news.
* Note to Willy: Word on the street is predicting that your Hogs are gonna play my Buckeyes in the Sugar Bowl. I wish both teams well and think it will be an excellent game but you know who's gonna win and their colors are Scarlet and Gray! :)
* Just when I thought the birthers had pretty much shut up, this idiot decides to fight with Anderson Cooper. There are fools and there are damned fools and this guy is the latter. One of my ex-husband's favorite lines when discussing politics is "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle 'em with bullsh*t" and I think that applies to the birthers.
* What galls me most is that all of the crap going on is because -- my stars and garters!! -- we elected a black man! Does anyone remember that his mother (who raised him) was white? And that his grandparents, who took over when his mom died, were white. AND he grew up in Hawaii -- the most multi-cultural, multi-racial state in the Union. From what I can see and have read, Hawaiians cannot afford to be racist because families that have a so-called "pure line" are rare. Ignorance is bliss, I guess, but dammit, I think it's time that these racist idiots "man up", grow up, and shut up. I'm not naive enough to believe that there's no racial/ethnic problems in Hawaii but I suspect it's not a big deal because I haven't noticed any shouting in the news in the news or blogosphere.
* The funniest (and sadly far too true) thing I've read on Sarah Palin is this at Moscow News (Pravda). I love it when he refers to her "the former Governess of Alaska." I don't think it was a mistake in translation, do you?
* The best thing (and most intelligent) I've read on Sarah Palin is by CNN Senior Contributor Ed Rolins:
Y'all can read the rest of it here.
Okay, it's time to go get my blood pressure out of the stratosphere. Here's a song from from "back in the day", as my kids used to say, that rattled through my alleged brain that I think works in the current political climate and has a great message for us all but I suspect that certain people will blow it off as "dirty hippie music" even though they used to be one but that's another blog . . .
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
* As per Ronni Bennett's call to arms for Social Security. I tried to call my new "teabagger" Congressman and tell him to vote for HR 1685 per her instructions. When the 800 number didn't work, I called the House switchboard and used some of my daytime minutes and free long distance to tell him to leave Social Security alone and pass the damned bill. I told my senators the same. My sainted grandpa used to say, "If it ain't broke. don't fix it." Social Security is solvent so of course the greedy GOP wants to get their sleazy claws on it and fill their pockets. Raise hell!
* God/Buddha/Yahweh/Allah or whatever y'all call the Big Guy must have loved idiots -- he made so many of them. And we're reminded of this daily when we read the news.
* Note to Willy: Word on the street is predicting that your Hogs are gonna play my Buckeyes in the Sugar Bowl. I wish both teams well and think it will be an excellent game but you know who's gonna win and their colors are Scarlet and Gray! :)
* Just when I thought the birthers had pretty much shut up, this idiot decides to fight with Anderson Cooper. There are fools and there are damned fools and this guy is the latter. One of my ex-husband's favorite lines when discussing politics is "If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle 'em with bullsh*t" and I think that applies to the birthers.
* What galls me most is that all of the crap going on is because -- my stars and garters!! -- we elected a black man! Does anyone remember that his mother (who raised him) was white? And that his grandparents, who took over when his mom died, were white. AND he grew up in Hawaii -- the most multi-cultural, multi-racial state in the Union. From what I can see and have read, Hawaiians cannot afford to be racist because families that have a so-called "pure line" are rare. Ignorance is bliss, I guess, but dammit, I think it's time that these racist idiots "man up", grow up, and shut up. I'm not naive enough to believe that there's no racial/ethnic problems in Hawaii but I suspect it's not a big deal because I haven't noticed any shouting in the news in the news or blogosphere.
* The funniest (and sadly far too true) thing I've read on Sarah Palin is this at Moscow News (Pravda). I love it when he refers to her "the former Governess of Alaska." I don't think it was a mistake in translation, do you?
* The best thing (and most intelligent) I've read on Sarah Palin is by CNN Senior Contributor Ed Rolins:
"If you want to be a player, go to school and learn the issues. Put smart people around you and listen to them. If you want to be taken seriously, be serious. You've already got your own forum. If you want to be a serious presidential candidate, get to work. If you want to be an imitator of Ronald Reagan, go learn something about him and respect his legacy.
If you want to be a gadfly, just keep doing what you're doing."
Y'all can read the rest of it here.
Okay, it's time to go get my blood pressure out of the stratosphere. Here's a song from from "back in the day", as my kids used to say, that rattled through my alleged brain that I think works in the current political climate and has a great message for us all but I suspect that certain people will blow it off as "dirty hippie music" even though they used to be one but that's another blog . . .
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Keeping On Keeping On
I'm still fighting with this cold/whatever and am seriously tired of it. Assorted other nonsense adds to the 'fun' and do rain by the buckets pouring on -- I've had fun and, my friends, this ain't it so forgive me if I'm a bit snarky.
I get assistance with my utility bill because I'm low-income and I dutifully re-certified last month and had a long wait in line outside (which I think is the source of my current illness) and waited inside nearly all damned day last month to get things right -- or so I thought. Wrong!!!! AEP has everything all screwed up and wants me to pay nearly double the amount I'm supposed to pay and shows electricity as my primary heating source -- WRONG! I called Columbus to the Ohio office and they said to tell AEP to fix it so I did and they say our local office has to fix it. Right. I held strong and she finally told me that I needed to talk to the Public Utitlities Commission which almost sent me ballistic but, fortunately, I managed not to lose it. I called the PUCO and talked to a really nice, very helpful young lady named Maggie who checked out everything and said yes, my local agency messed up so I needed to call them which I just did and left a message for them to call. We shall see if they call back. If they don't, I just had a light bulb go off in my brain
and might have an end run through the red tape. Pray, light a candle, think good thoughts or whatever y'all do to get through hell. Thanks!!!!! In my next life I'm gonna be rich.
(Vent mode off)
* I got this marvelous history lesson from Russ up in Wisconsin and it's wonderful food for thought and if y'all forgot what was happening here before the American Revolution, it's a excellent reminder and germane to our country today. Here's an excellent short excerpt:
* If y'all like to bake for the holidays, you can have some awesome new cookie recipe delivered to your inbox here. I get these every every year and it's fun!!!
* This group's website is self-explanatory and doing good works that are working: Glen Beck kas no sponsors for his program in the UK due to their efforts. Imagine what would happen if we all told his sponsors that we would no longer buy their products/services as long as they funded Beck's lies. It works for me.
& I swiped this video (and added it to my YouTube Channel) from my friend Colleen whose quirky sense of humor meshes with mine!!!! Thanks, girlfriend!!!
* Any weekend the Buckeyes win a nail-biter and I get to hear/see wonderful music, it's a good thing! Too bad such euphoria gets dashed when one returns to the real world. Sigh. Hence the today's song screamed for a sappy oldie. Sigh. Tomorrow I hope to be back to my regular nutty, rockin' self.
Whew!!!! I started this post at 2 PM while I was in 'hold mode' and it's 10 pm now. Can y'all say distractions and interruptions? The worst part is that I don't have the problem resolved there goes my day tomorrow. Sigh.
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
Kay
I get assistance with my utility bill because I'm low-income and I dutifully re-certified last month and had a long wait in line outside (which I think is the source of my current illness) and waited inside nearly all damned day last month to get things right -- or so I thought. Wrong!!!! AEP has everything all screwed up and wants me to pay nearly double the amount I'm supposed to pay and shows electricity as my primary heating source -- WRONG! I called Columbus to the Ohio office and they said to tell AEP to fix it so I did and they say our local office has to fix it. Right. I held strong and she finally told me that I needed to talk to the Public Utitlities Commission which almost sent me ballistic but, fortunately, I managed not to lose it. I called the PUCO and talked to a really nice, very helpful young lady named Maggie who checked out everything and said yes, my local agency messed up so I needed to call them which I just did and left a message for them to call. We shall see if they call back. If they don't, I just had a light bulb go off in my brain
and might have an end run through the red tape. Pray, light a candle, think good thoughts or whatever y'all do to get through hell. Thanks!!!!! In my next life I'm gonna be rich.
(Vent mode off)
* I got this marvelous history lesson from Russ up in Wisconsin and it's wonderful food for thought and if y'all forgot what was happening here before the American Revolution, it's a excellent reminder and germane to our country today. Here's an excellent short excerpt:
Incorporated companies with proper limitations and guards,
may in particular cases, be useful, but they are at best a necessary evil only. Monopolies and perpetuities are objects of just abhorrence. The former are unjust to the existing, the latter usurpations on the rights of future generations. It is not strange that the law which will not permit an individual to bequeath his property to the descendants of his own loins for more than a short and strictly defined term, should authorize an associated few to entail perpetual and indefeasible appropriations…? – James Madison, March 10, 1817
* If y'all like to bake for the holidays, you can have some awesome new cookie recipe delivered to your inbox here. I get these every every year and it's fun!!!
* This group's website is self-explanatory and doing good works that are working: Glen Beck kas no sponsors for his program in the UK due to their efforts. Imagine what would happen if we all told his sponsors that we would no longer buy their products/services as long as they funded Beck's lies. It works for me.
& I swiped this video (and added it to my YouTube Channel) from my friend Colleen whose quirky sense of humor meshes with mine!!!! Thanks, girlfriend!!!
* Any weekend the Buckeyes win a nail-biter and I get to hear/see wonderful music, it's a good thing! Too bad such euphoria gets dashed when one returns to the real world. Sigh. Hence the today's song screamed for a sappy oldie. Sigh. Tomorrow I hope to be back to my regular nutty, rockin' self.
Whew!!!! I started this post at 2 PM while I was in 'hold mode' and it's 10 pm now. Can y'all say distractions and interruptions? The worst part is that I don't have the problem resolved there goes my day tomorrow. Sigh.
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Random Cranky Thoughts Before the Midterm Election
Yeah, whatever the hell this is that I have, it's still very much with me so I'm mostly vegetating. I haven't been working on John's campaign because I don't want to pass on this you-know-what and I really don't feel like it. However, I've been trying to get caught up on what y'all have been doing and think I have at least made a dent in that so I know that y'all have been busy, too, and I appreciate your comments and support despite my sporadic participation of late. I love y'all madly!!!
* My buddy Russ of Russ' Filtered News weighs in with an excellent memory of the Republican party before it was taken over by thieves, liars, and bullies here and a bunch of links that prove it that it's no longer the party of Barry Goldwater and Abraham Lincoln. I have always heeded my Dad's advice to vote for the man (woman?)-- not the party but I reiterate that I will never cast a vote for a Republican again until they clean house and get rid of these people who are more concerned (consumed?) with power than their constituents.
* I found this excellent blog, The Baseline Scenario on the economy because I saw one of the authors, Simon Johnson of MIT in a video with Bill Moyers (one of my favorites for common sense) on the economy and yeah, my hero Marcy Kaptur is in it, too. I took an economics course in college and how I managed a B+ in the course, I'll never know because I find it confusing. These guys actually de-mystify the problems so we ordinary mortals can understand them. It's a long video but definitely worth the time because it reveals how badly we have been treated. I learned a lot and it scares me.
* Has anyone besides me been confused by the inclusion of Bristol Palin on Dancing with the Stars? She's a star? I don't think so. (Rumor has it from Alaska is that she's preggers again -- so much for abstinence.) That DWTS is playing to her mother's antics tells me I don't need to watch it anymore.
* If I hear the word(?) 'sheeple' applied to anyone who doesn't support Palin and her toadies one more time, I'm going to hurt someone. The real 'sheeple' are the ones throwing the term around. Just my take.
* My good friend Rain posted this excellent piece on the Tea Party crazies. As usual, she makes excellent sense.
* Would you vote for someone who doesn't know what's in the First Amendment? No? Neither should the people of Delaware. It would be funny if it weren't so pathetic.
* On a rare positive note this week, Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity will be held on Saturday and he's touting it on The Daily show all week. It's going to be fun! I wish I could be there. It's predicted that tens of thousands will attend.
Okay, my blood pressure is sufficiently elevated so I might get something done around here so I'm going to leave you with the song of the week! I think it's Eric Clapton at his finest!!!! And yes, we can change the world -- get out there and help and VOTE!!!!!!!!
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
Kay
* My buddy Russ of Russ' Filtered News weighs in with an excellent memory of the Republican party before it was taken over by thieves, liars, and bullies here and a bunch of links that prove it that it's no longer the party of Barry Goldwater and Abraham Lincoln. I have always heeded my Dad's advice to vote for the man (woman?)-- not the party but I reiterate that I will never cast a vote for a Republican again until they clean house and get rid of these people who are more concerned (consumed?) with power than their constituents.
* I found this excellent blog, The Baseline Scenario on the economy because I saw one of the authors, Simon Johnson of MIT in a video with Bill Moyers (one of my favorites for common sense) on the economy and yeah, my hero Marcy Kaptur is in it, too. I took an economics course in college and how I managed a B+ in the course, I'll never know because I find it confusing. These guys actually de-mystify the problems so we ordinary mortals can understand them. It's a long video but definitely worth the time because it reveals how badly we have been treated. I learned a lot and it scares me.
* Has anyone besides me been confused by the inclusion of Bristol Palin on Dancing with the Stars? She's a star? I don't think so. (Rumor has it from Alaska is that she's preggers again -- so much for abstinence.) That DWTS is playing to her mother's antics tells me I don't need to watch it anymore.
* If I hear the word(?) 'sheeple' applied to anyone who doesn't support Palin and her toadies one more time, I'm going to hurt someone. The real 'sheeple' are the ones throwing the term around. Just my take.
* My good friend Rain posted this excellent piece on the Tea Party crazies. As usual, she makes excellent sense.
* Would you vote for someone who doesn't know what's in the First Amendment? No? Neither should the people of Delaware. It would be funny if it weren't so pathetic.
* On a rare positive note this week, Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity will be held on Saturday and he's touting it on The Daily show all week. It's going to be fun! I wish I could be there. It's predicted that tens of thousands will attend.
Okay, my blood pressure is sufficiently elevated so I might get something done around here so I'm going to leave you with the song of the week! I think it's Eric Clapton at his finest!!!! And yes, we can change the world -- get out there and help and VOTE!!!!!!!!
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The 2010 Muzzles
Each year on or about April 13th, the birthday of Thomas Jefferson, The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression presents it annual Muzzle awards to those who have the dubious honor of having forgotten or ignored the First Amendment right to free speech. I like it that there's a center like this dedicated to the First Amendment. I really think it's the most important right we Americans have. The 2010 Muzzle awards Awards went to a motley crew ranging from a Congressman to various government agencies on every level as well. Here is the list of 'honorees':
1.U.S. Representative Alan Grayson (D-FL)
2.The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board
3.Chicago Alderman James A. Balcer
4.The Oklahoma Tax Commission
5.The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department
6.The Texas State Legislature
7.The West Fargo School Board in North Dakota and Principal S.K. Johnson of Orange High School in California
8.The Administration of Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California
9.The Virginia Department of Corrections
10.The Puerto Rico Department of Education
In the interest of time and space, I'm only going to address the #1 offender. But y'all can read about the rest of them here.
The number one offender for 2010 is Congressman Alan Grayson (D-FL)!!! Now this shocked me greatly. I actually kinda like (or is that 'liked'?) him and I would not have thought that this man would be so petty. Some of his Republican constituents are not happy with him and put up a website that parodies Grayson's website. Grayson asked in his lawsuit that the person who started the site be imprisoned for five years!
Okay -- who hasn't lambasted a politician? I plead guilty, guilty, guilty. Silly me -- I thought I had the right to my opinion. If everyone who ever posted a blog that criticized or made fun of a politician was imprisoned for it, there wouldn't be room for real criminals. (A they'd be coming to get me and a lot of others (Rain and Darlene? Think they'd let us share a cell?) Thank God for the Supreme Court who ruled:
"[W]e consider this case against the background of a profound national commitment to the principle that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide open, and that it may well include vehement, caustic, and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks on government and public officials."
In short, Grayson's suit is a huge violation of the First Amendment and that he didn't realize that sets off a warning to me. I truly resent the pettiness and frivolity of this suit. And I truly believe that if a body can't take criticism, then politics is not a the career for you.
Voltaire said: "I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it." I think our Founding Fathers had that in mind when they wrote the Constitution and that Grayson needs a review on its content.
What do you think?
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Saturday Random Thoughts
It's a pretty Saturday albeit crisp, chilly Saturday in Ohio with a glorious cloudless blue sky -- the kind of day that makes this old body smile. It's been a hell of a week and I'm hoping for a simpler one next week.
* Jeff called this morning and he and Shaughnessy will be returning from Florida long about Thursday. He asked me to make sure the cleaning lady gets things ready for them, get some stuff for him at the grocery, and that I keep Friday night open. No problem. He also said, "We need to talk." I don't know about y'all but my experience is that those four words are among the scariest words I've ever heard. They are harbingers of hard questions, difficult decisions and/or bad news in my experience and right now that isn't what I need. Sigh. Oh well. I'll get fed well.
* Y'all know that I am a huge believer in the Constitution of this country. Next week I get to do one of my favorite posts of the year: The Jefferson Muzzle Awards!!!!!! Yes!!! The top violators of the First Amendment in 2009!!! The sad news is that the every year the list of candidates grows. We have forgotten what our Founding Fathers set down to keep this country free. Given the past year, it should be a interesting albeit horrifying list.
* Tonight is symphony night. We have a guest artist and the programme is Chopin! One of my favorites! I am really looking forward to it!!! Sounds like I pull my favorite 'Audrey Hepburn dress' out of the closet!
* Michelle Bachmann and Sarah Palin got together this week. Scary, huh? Thelma and Louise go Tea Party.
* Quote of the Week: Obama on the new START Treaty: "I really have no response. Because last I checked, Sarah Palin's not much of an expert on nuclear issues." Did anyone recall except me that this treaty was the brain child of Ronald Reagan who wanted to eliminate nuclear weapons?
* My plan to re-organize and redecorate my blog is on hold indefinitely. I simply haven't the time to burrow through the nooks and crannies of Blogger and add the pages, widgets, etc. at the present time.
* Here's an amazing, short happy video of hope. It made me smile! Hope y'all do, too!
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
* Jeff called this morning and he and Shaughnessy will be returning from Florida long about Thursday. He asked me to make sure the cleaning lady gets things ready for them, get some stuff for him at the grocery, and that I keep Friday night open. No problem. He also said, "We need to talk." I don't know about y'all but my experience is that those four words are among the scariest words I've ever heard. They are harbingers of hard questions, difficult decisions and/or bad news in my experience and right now that isn't what I need. Sigh. Oh well. I'll get fed well.
* Y'all know that I am a huge believer in the Constitution of this country. Next week I get to do one of my favorite posts of the year: The Jefferson Muzzle Awards!!!!!! Yes!!! The top violators of the First Amendment in 2009!!! The sad news is that the every year the list of candidates grows. We have forgotten what our Founding Fathers set down to keep this country free. Given the past year, it should be a interesting albeit horrifying list.
* Tonight is symphony night. We have a guest artist and the programme is Chopin! One of my favorites! I am really looking forward to it!!! Sounds like I pull my favorite 'Audrey Hepburn dress' out of the closet!
* Michelle Bachmann and Sarah Palin got together this week. Scary, huh? Thelma and Louise go Tea Party.
* Quote of the Week: Obama on the new START Treaty: "I really have no response. Because last I checked, Sarah Palin's not much of an expert on nuclear issues." Did anyone recall except me that this treaty was the brain child of Ronald Reagan who wanted to eliminate nuclear weapons?
* My plan to re-organize and redecorate my blog is on hold indefinitely. I simply haven't the time to burrow through the nooks and crannies of Blogger and add the pages, widgets, etc. at the present time.
* Here's an amazing, short happy video of hope. It made me smile! Hope y'all do, too!
Hope y'all are having a great day!!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!
Kay
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Ashamed
[Note 1: Sorry I missed some of you -- for some reason I am having trouble getting Blogger blogs. I'll try again later.]
[Note: 2: This post is probably too long. Sue me. I have ingested so much information that I wanted to share since Sunday because of all the idiocy going on across the country. Trust me when I tell you that this is what's left after ruthless editing.]
I have gone on the record as being of no political party affiliation time and again here and I've pretty much decided that I will stay that way. However, the G.O.P. is doing it's best to lose my vote forevermore. Right now, as an American I am ashamed -- ashamed of the Republican party; ashamed of the Teabaggers; ashamed of the people who call themselves our leaders for their blatant disregard for us; ashamed of the racism I've seen from them and their plain damn ignorance. The Constitution clearly states:
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
No, they didn't forsee a lot things when those words were written nor could they have. However, they were men of foresight and creativity who left room for change peaceful change and that is how it is supposed to be. They simply couldn't envision all the growth, advances, and changes in our society.
Those words seem to have been forgotten by an awful lot of people lately.
The list above from Sarah Palin's PAC is an example of why I feel that way. It's her "hit list" for November. She wants to destroy anyone who helped pass the health care bill. It includes my Congressman, John Boccieri. The wackos who support her have made threats against the people on it and their familes. How serious is this? The FBI has been called in and I hope they are doing something to protect these folks. In the meantime, the Republican party has given its soul to Fox News and allow wackos like Sarah, Rush and Glen to make their policies.
I have nothing against dissent. Dissent can be a good thing and it is healthy if it is done in a rational manner. I haven't seen too much rational coming from the Republican side. That Ms. Palin hasn't been muzzled by her party astounds me. Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Barry Goldwater, and Ronald Reagan -- all good men -- are rolling in their graves along with every single one of the Founding Fathers.
This mercifully short video against illustrates what we're up against. I hope y'all laugh as hard as I did!
And here's another short video of my Congressman before the vote. He actually sent an email asking how we wanted him to vote. Our old Congressman just did whatever his corporate puppeteers told him to do.
He also sent an email explaining what the bill is going to do after it passed (color me seriously surprised and I can almost forgive him for voting for Cap and Trade):
Dear Kay:
Today we make history as President Barack Obama signs H.R. 3590 the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. With the signing of this historic health care reform bill, insurance companies cannot dump you when you get sick, can’t deny you coverage because of a preexisting condition, or cap your insurance.
Our senior citizens should be proud that local Medicare Advantage plans are now strengthened and the life of Medicare itself is extended. Beginning today we will close the doughnut hole where so many seniors find themselves struggling to afford prescription drugs. A $250 check will be in the mail soon. Our small businesses can begin to hire back people and get a tax incentive for providing them with health care.
Upon the President signing the health care reform bill today, several provisions go into effect immediately or soon after enactment. Those provisions are outlined below:
1. SMALL BUSINESS TAX CREDITS—Offers tax credits to small businesses to make employee coverage more affordable. Tax credits of up to 35 percent of premiums will be immediately available to firms that choose to offer coverage. Effective beginning for calendar year 2010.
2. BEGINS TO CLOSE THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE—Provides a $250 rebate to Medicare beneficiaries who hit the donut hole in 2010. Effective for calendar year 2010.
3. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS—Increases funding for Community Health Centers to allow for nearly a doubling of the number of patients seen by the centers over the next 5 years. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.
4. INCREASING NUMBER OF PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS—Provides new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.
5. HEALTH INSURANCE CONSUMER INFORMATION—Provides aid to states in establishing offices of health insurance consumer assistance in order to help individuals with the filing of complaints and appeals. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.
6. HELP FOR EARLY RETIREES—Creates a temporary re-insurance program (until the Exchanges are available) to help offset the costs of expensive health claims for employers that provide health benefits for retirees age 55-64. Effective 90 days after enactment.
7. IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED UNTIL EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE (INTERIM HIGH-RISK POOL)—Provides immediate access to insurance for Americans who are uninsured because of a pre-existing condition - through a temporary high-risk pool. Effective 90 days after enactment.
8. EXTENDS COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 26TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS’ INSURANCE – Requires health plans to allow young people up to their 26th birthday to remain on their parents’ insurance policy, at the parents’ choice. Effective 6 months after enactment.
9. ENDS RESCISSIONS—Bans health plans from dropping people from coverage when they get sick. Effective 6 months after enactment.
10. NO DISCRIMINATON AGAINST CHILDREN WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS—Prohibits health plans from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions. Effective 6 months after enactment.
11. BANS LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE—Prohibits health plans from placing lifetime caps on coverage. Effective 6 months after enactment.
12. BANS RESTRICTIVE ANNUAL LIMITS ON COVERAGE—Tightly restricts new plans’ use of annual limits to ensure access to needed care. These tight restrictions will be defined by HHS. Effective 6 months after enactment.
13. FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER NEW PRIVATE PLANS—Requires new private plans to cover preventive services with no co-payments and with preventive services being exempt from deductibles. Effective 6 months after enactment.
14. NEW, INDEPENDENT APPEALS PROCESS—Ensures consumers in new plans have access to an effective internal and external appeals process to appeal decisions by their health insurance plan. Effective 6 months after enactment.
15. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SALARY—Prohibits new group health plans from establishing any eligibility rules for health care coverage that have the effect of discriminating in favor of higher wage employees. Effective 6 months after enactment.
16. FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER MEDICARE—Eliminates co-payments for preventive services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program. Effective beginning Jan. 1, 2011.
17. ENSURING VALUE FOR PREMIUM PAYMENTS—Requires plans in the individual and small group market to spend 80 percent of premium dollars on medical services, and plans in the large group market to spend 85 percent. Insurers that do not meet these thresholds must provide rebates to policyholders. Effective beginning Jan. 1, 2011.
18. CREATES NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM—Creates a long-term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become functionally disabled. Effective beginning Jan. 1, 2011.
Today we can expect to reduce our deficit by $1.4 trillion over the next 20 years, reign in fraud, waste, and abuse and achieve a delivery system that works for all Americans.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
John Boccieri
Now tell me how any of that is going to ruin this country. And I'll bet every damned one of those old fart teabaggers will take the $250 and run -- if they truly believed in what they say, they would return the money.
Happy Blogging!!!!!
Kay
[Note: 2: This post is probably too long. Sue me. I have ingested so much information that I wanted to share since Sunday because of all the idiocy going on across the country. Trust me when I tell you that this is what's left after ruthless editing.]
I have gone on the record as being of no political party affiliation time and again here and I've pretty much decided that I will stay that way. However, the G.O.P. is doing it's best to lose my vote forevermore. Right now, as an American I am ashamed -- ashamed of the Republican party; ashamed of the Teabaggers; ashamed of the people who call themselves our leaders for their blatant disregard for us; ashamed of the racism I've seen from them and their plain damn ignorance. The Constitution clearly states:
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
No, they didn't forsee a lot things when those words were written nor could they have. However, they were men of foresight and creativity who left room for change peaceful change and that is how it is supposed to be. They simply couldn't envision all the growth, advances, and changes in our society.
Those words seem to have been forgotten by an awful lot of people lately.
The list above from Sarah Palin's PAC is an example of why I feel that way. It's her "hit list" for November. She wants to destroy anyone who helped pass the health care bill. It includes my Congressman, John Boccieri. The wackos who support her have made threats against the people on it and their familes. How serious is this? The FBI has been called in and I hope they are doing something to protect these folks. In the meantime, the Republican party has given its soul to Fox News and allow wackos like Sarah, Rush and Glen to make their policies.
I have nothing against dissent. Dissent can be a good thing and it is healthy if it is done in a rational manner. I haven't seen too much rational coming from the Republican side. That Ms. Palin hasn't been muzzled by her party astounds me. Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Barry Goldwater, and Ronald Reagan -- all good men -- are rolling in their graves along with every single one of the Founding Fathers.
This mercifully short video against illustrates what we're up against. I hope y'all laugh as hard as I did!
And here's another short video of my Congressman before the vote. He actually sent an email asking how we wanted him to vote. Our old Congressman just did whatever his corporate puppeteers told him to do.
He also sent an email explaining what the bill is going to do after it passed (color me seriously surprised and I can almost forgive him for voting for Cap and Trade):
Dear Kay:
Today we make history as President Barack Obama signs H.R. 3590 the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law. With the signing of this historic health care reform bill, insurance companies cannot dump you when you get sick, can’t deny you coverage because of a preexisting condition, or cap your insurance.
Our senior citizens should be proud that local Medicare Advantage plans are now strengthened and the life of Medicare itself is extended. Beginning today we will close the doughnut hole where so many seniors find themselves struggling to afford prescription drugs. A $250 check will be in the mail soon. Our small businesses can begin to hire back people and get a tax incentive for providing them with health care.
Upon the President signing the health care reform bill today, several provisions go into effect immediately or soon after enactment. Those provisions are outlined below:
1. SMALL BUSINESS TAX CREDITS—Offers tax credits to small businesses to make employee coverage more affordable. Tax credits of up to 35 percent of premiums will be immediately available to firms that choose to offer coverage. Effective beginning for calendar year 2010.
2. BEGINS TO CLOSE THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE—Provides a $250 rebate to Medicare beneficiaries who hit the donut hole in 2010. Effective for calendar year 2010.
3. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS—Increases funding for Community Health Centers to allow for nearly a doubling of the number of patients seen by the centers over the next 5 years. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.
4. INCREASING NUMBER OF PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS—Provides new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.
5. HEALTH INSURANCE CONSUMER INFORMATION—Provides aid to states in establishing offices of health insurance consumer assistance in order to help individuals with the filing of complaints and appeals. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.
6. HELP FOR EARLY RETIREES—Creates a temporary re-insurance program (until the Exchanges are available) to help offset the costs of expensive health claims for employers that provide health benefits for retirees age 55-64. Effective 90 days after enactment.
7. IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED UNTIL EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE (INTERIM HIGH-RISK POOL)—Provides immediate access to insurance for Americans who are uninsured because of a pre-existing condition - through a temporary high-risk pool. Effective 90 days after enactment.
8. EXTENDS COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 26TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS’ INSURANCE – Requires health plans to allow young people up to their 26th birthday to remain on their parents’ insurance policy, at the parents’ choice. Effective 6 months after enactment.
9. ENDS RESCISSIONS—Bans health plans from dropping people from coverage when they get sick. Effective 6 months after enactment.
10. NO DISCRIMINATON AGAINST CHILDREN WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS—Prohibits health plans from denying coverage to children with pre-existing conditions. Effective 6 months after enactment.
11. BANS LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE—Prohibits health plans from placing lifetime caps on coverage. Effective 6 months after enactment.
12. BANS RESTRICTIVE ANNUAL LIMITS ON COVERAGE—Tightly restricts new plans’ use of annual limits to ensure access to needed care. These tight restrictions will be defined by HHS. Effective 6 months after enactment.
13. FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER NEW PRIVATE PLANS—Requires new private plans to cover preventive services with no co-payments and with preventive services being exempt from deductibles. Effective 6 months after enactment.
14. NEW, INDEPENDENT APPEALS PROCESS—Ensures consumers in new plans have access to an effective internal and external appeals process to appeal decisions by their health insurance plan. Effective 6 months after enactment.
15. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SALARY—Prohibits new group health plans from establishing any eligibility rules for health care coverage that have the effect of discriminating in favor of higher wage employees. Effective 6 months after enactment.
16. FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER MEDICARE—Eliminates co-payments for preventive services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program. Effective beginning Jan. 1, 2011.
17. ENSURING VALUE FOR PREMIUM PAYMENTS—Requires plans in the individual and small group market to spend 80 percent of premium dollars on medical services, and plans in the large group market to spend 85 percent. Insurers that do not meet these thresholds must provide rebates to policyholders. Effective beginning Jan. 1, 2011.
18. CREATES NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM—Creates a long-term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide benefits to adults who become functionally disabled. Effective beginning Jan. 1, 2011.
Today we can expect to reduce our deficit by $1.4 trillion over the next 20 years, reign in fraud, waste, and abuse and achieve a delivery system that works for all Americans.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
John Boccieri
Now tell me how any of that is going to ruin this country. And I'll bet every damned one of those old fart teabaggers will take the $250 and run -- if they truly believed in what they say, they would return the money.
Happy Blogging!!!!!
Kay
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
The Boston Tea Party -- A Call to Arms
Tomorrow, December 16th, marks the 236th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party. The importance of this event goes to the very core of the principle that led to our war for independence: taxation without representation.
One might argue that our country is still governed with that principle in mind. I don't think it is so I'm posing what I think is a damned good question: Are your representatives in the House and the Senate representing you? Or are they representing the banks, big business, and the lobbyists? Do these people really care about your physical and financial welfare? Given the banking scandal and the health care debacle, I think not. I think they took their thirty pieces of silver and ran.
Here's what I propose: On Wednesday, I'd like each and every one of you (and me, too!) to call or visit your Congressmen and Senators and register your dissatisfaction. Do it loud and do it proud!!!! Light up the switchboards in their offices in Washington and at home like Christmas trees and tell them know how you feel in no uncertain terms.
These men and women are our employees. We pay them to represent our best interests. We are their bosses -- Goldman, Sachs et al are not. Remind them that We the People, not corporations, elected them and we can throw them out just as easily.
Make those calls!!!!! Picket their offices!!!!! Raise hell! Let them know that we will not be silenced. Don't go in anger -- it will only land you in jail and label you a nut case. Be polite and peaceful but insistent that you are going to have your say -- at least -- to someone on his/her staff. I'm not saying it's going to be easy but unless we tell then how we feel, they will continue to run roughshod over our rights and spend our money foolishly.
Let's rally !!!!! Show them that the spirit of the Boston Tea Party is alive and well!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!
Kay
One might argue that our country is still governed with that principle in mind. I don't think it is so I'm posing what I think is a damned good question: Are your representatives in the House and the Senate representing you? Or are they representing the banks, big business, and the lobbyists? Do these people really care about your physical and financial welfare? Given the banking scandal and the health care debacle, I think not. I think they took their thirty pieces of silver and ran.
Here's what I propose: On Wednesday, I'd like each and every one of you (and me, too!) to call or visit your Congressmen and Senators and register your dissatisfaction. Do it loud and do it proud!!!! Light up the switchboards in their offices in Washington and at home like Christmas trees and tell them know how you feel in no uncertain terms.
These men and women are our employees. We pay them to represent our best interests. We are their bosses -- Goldman, Sachs et al are not. Remind them that We the People, not corporations, elected them and we can throw them out just as easily.
Make those calls!!!!! Picket their offices!!!!! Raise hell! Let them know that we will not be silenced. Don't go in anger -- it will only land you in jail and label you a nut case. Be polite and peaceful but insistent that you are going to have your say -- at least -- to someone on his/her staff. I'm not saying it's going to be easy but unless we tell then how we feel, they will continue to run roughshod over our rights and spend our money foolishly.
Let's rally !!!!! Show them that the spirit of the Boston Tea Party is alive and well!!!!
Happy Blogging!!!!!
Kay
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
The Jefferson Muzzle Awards 2009
It's that time again!!!!! For the eighteenth year, The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Expression of Free Speech has announced its 2009 Muzzle Awards to those who have grievously ignored Thomas Jefferson's statement that freedom of speech "cannot be limited without being lost."
I look forward to these awards each year and appreciate that these fine folks are paying attention to protecting this precious right. As bloggers, we should all rejoice in their commitment as we could all be in huge trouble without the First Amendment. And whether you agree with their choices or not, it really all about freedom of speech and choice as our Founding Fathers wished and that's a good thing.
This year's list runs the gamut from horrifying to plain damned silly and includes a somewhat motley crew. Some are no big surprise like the two major political parties whose members consistently ignore the Constitution and the First Amendment with monotonous regularity. Others amaze me like the judges who I thought -- silly me -- were supposed to know the Bill of Rights and that scares the hell out of me as the school systems accorded this dubious honor and over-populated the list. I'm only going write about the #1 winners (i.e., the ones who annoyed me most) but here is the list of the offen . . . er . . . ah . . . honorees for 2009:
1. The Democratic and Republican National Parties
2. Command Authority of Camp Lejeune Marine Base (NC)
3. Berrien County (Michigan) Court Judge Dennis Wiley
4. Virginia Circuit Court Judge Westbrook J. Parker
5. The Administrations of Lone Star College and Tarrant County College (both in Texas).
5. The Administration of Cypress College (California)
6. The Administration of Yuba Community College Administration (California)
7. The Perry Township (Indiana) School Board
8. The Administration of the Academy for Arts, Science, & Technology (South Carolina
9. The Administrations of Millard South High School (Nebraska) and Aurora Frontier
K-8 (Colorado)
You can read about all of them here. If you're like me and treasure your freedom of speech, be sure to have a hankie or box of tissue (or whatever medications you require for stress) nearby.
As I said I'm only going to comment on the #1 "honorees" because there are so many among the rest that I want to rant about. I may write about some of the others later.
Thank you Democrats and Republicans for muzzling protesters at both conventions. You truly earned your #1 ranking. I hope you can share it as you re-think the First Amendment. I'm sending extra points to the RNC for not allowing Ron Paul or his delegates on the convention floor. I mean really -- Ron Paul, a multi-term Republican Congressman -- had over thirty delegates committed to him from the Republican primaries and was not allowed to attend the convention. Shame, shame, shame on both parties. Over 850 people were arrested at the Republican convention which included forty members of the press. At the DNC's party they were some horrific incidents, too, although no numbers were available. Words can't truly express how angry I am but I'm delighted the TJ Center calls attention to their transgressions.
Y'all can visit the TJ Center's link above and see what travesties were committed against the First Amendment. And be sure your blood pressure is under control.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
I look forward to these awards each year and appreciate that these fine folks are paying attention to protecting this precious right. As bloggers, we should all rejoice in their commitment as we could all be in huge trouble without the First Amendment. And whether you agree with their choices or not, it really all about freedom of speech and choice as our Founding Fathers wished and that's a good thing.
This year's list runs the gamut from horrifying to plain damned silly and includes a somewhat motley crew. Some are no big surprise like the two major political parties whose members consistently ignore the Constitution and the First Amendment with monotonous regularity. Others amaze me like the judges who I thought -- silly me -- were supposed to know the Bill of Rights and that scares the hell out of me as the school systems accorded this dubious honor and over-populated the list. I'm only going write about the #1 winners (i.e., the ones who annoyed me most) but here is the list of the offen . . . er . . . ah . . . honorees for 2009:
1. The Democratic and Republican National Parties
2. Command Authority of Camp Lejeune Marine Base (NC)
3. Berrien County (Michigan) Court Judge Dennis Wiley
4. Virginia Circuit Court Judge Westbrook J. Parker
5. The Administrations of Lone Star College and Tarrant County College (both in Texas).
5. The Administration of Cypress College (California)
6. The Administration of Yuba Community College Administration (California)
7. The Perry Township (Indiana) School Board
8. The Administration of the Academy for Arts, Science, & Technology (South Carolina
9. The Administrations of Millard South High School (Nebraska) and Aurora Frontier
K-8 (Colorado)
You can read about all of them here. If you're like me and treasure your freedom of speech, be sure to have a hankie or box of tissue (or whatever medications you require for stress) nearby.
As I said I'm only going to comment on the #1 "honorees" because there are so many among the rest that I want to rant about. I may write about some of the others later.
Thank you Democrats and Republicans for muzzling protesters at both conventions. You truly earned your #1 ranking. I hope you can share it as you re-think the First Amendment. I'm sending extra points to the RNC for not allowing Ron Paul or his delegates on the convention floor. I mean really -- Ron Paul, a multi-term Republican Congressman -- had over thirty delegates committed to him from the Republican primaries and was not allowed to attend the convention. Shame, shame, shame on both parties. Over 850 people were arrested at the Republican convention which included forty members of the press. At the DNC's party they were some horrific incidents, too, although no numbers were available. Words can't truly express how angry I am but I'm delighted the TJ Center calls attention to their transgressions.
Y'all can visit the TJ Center's link above and see what travesties were committed against the First Amendment. And be sure your blood pressure is under control.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Afterthoughts on the Second Amendment
I really enjoyed the excellent thoughtful comments y'all made on yesterday's post. I found the articulate, thoughtful and very, very relevant. I also enjoyed that they weren't skewed with NRA rhetoric. (I think y'all know I have damn little patience with fanatics.) The key word for me in these comments was 'responsibility' and it gave me pause to think about it. Mary and Jams both mentioned it implicitly and it was implied by the rest of y'all. I don't know about y'all but "responsibility" was one of the first big words I learned as a kid and y'all probably did, too.
The intent of this amendment was that citizens be able to defend themselves against a tyrannical government as they themselves had had to do. A worthy goal for their era; a somewhat impractical one for ours.
Here's another quote on arms that left me with chills:
"This year will go down in history. For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration. Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead into the future!" -- Adolf Hitler
What's the answer? I'm not certain but I think education is important and letting cooler heads on both sides of this issue prevail to find a middle ground that will quell the epidemic of violence in our society.
Thank you all again for your excellent input.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
The intent of this amendment was that citizens be able to defend themselves against a tyrannical government as they themselves had had to do. A worthy goal for their era; a somewhat impractical one for ours.
Here's another quote on arms that left me with chills:
"This year will go down in history. For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration. Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead into the future!" -- Adolf Hitler
What's the answer? I'm not certain but I think education is important and letting cooler heads on both sides of this issue prevail to find a middle ground that will quell the epidemic of violence in our society.
Thank you all again for your excellent input.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The Founding Fathers on the The Right to Bear Arms
Here are some more words from the Founding Fathers on The Bill of Rights of our Constitution. Today the Second Amendment which has been derided and criticized greatly in modern society. I have mixed feelings about it. I don't think the Founding Fathers were thinking of AK-47s, Saturday Night Specials and bombs when this was written. They lived in a different world. I'm sure my ancestors, who helped settle Ohio, had weapons for hunting and to defend themselves in the French and Indian Wars as well as the Revolution although Ohio and western Pennsylvania didn't see much of the latter.
Many Americans feel that the Second Amendment should be repealed. As I said above, I have mixed feelings. However, if you are one of them or one of the fanatics who are rabidly in favor of it, please stop reading now because this post is not to open a forum for debate but to show the thoughts and intent of the Founding Fathers. Disrespectful or abusive comments will not be published.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
As usual, I went into research mode to see what the Founding Fathers had to say about this now controversial amendment. I think you'll be interested to see what they had to say. I know that I was as it gave me a better understanding of this amendment. In my not so humble opinion, I think Thomas Jefferson stated the intent of this amendment best in the first quote.
{Disclaimer: If you disagree with these quotes, I'm sorry. I'm only repeating what the men who founded this nation said.}
* The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government. -- Thomas Jefferson
* A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks. -- Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 1785. (The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, (Memorial Edition) Lipscomb and Bergh, editors.)
* One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them.
-- Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1796. (The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, [Memorial Edition] Lipscomb and Bergh, editors.)
* We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles. The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their functionaries executive and legislative, and deciding by a jury of themselves, in all judiciary cases in which any fact is involved,) or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; --Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824. (Memorial Edition 16:45, Lipscomb and Bergh, editors.)
* No freeman shall ever be debarred the use of arms. --Thomas Jefferson: Draft Virginia Constitution, 1776.
* They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. --Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759.
* To model our political system upon speculations of lasting tranquility, is to calculate on the weaker springs of the human character. --Alexander Hamilton
* [The Constitution preserves] the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation...(where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms. --James Madison, The Federalist Papers, No. 46.
* To suppose arms in the hands of citizens, to be used at individual discretion, except in private self-defense, or by partial orders of towns, countries or districts of a state, is to demolish every constitution, and lay the laws prostrate, so that liberty can be enjoyed by no man; it is a dissolution of the government. The fundamental law of the militia is, that it be created, directed and commanded by the laws, and ever for the support of the laws. --John Adams, A Defence of the Constitutions of the United States 475 (1787-1788)
* Firearms stand next in importance to the constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence … from the hour the Pilgrims landed to the present day, events, occurrences and tendencies prove that to ensure peace security and happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable … the very atmosphere of firearms anywhere restrains evil interference — they deserve a place of honor with all that's good. --George Washington, First President of the United States
* The supposed quietude of a good man allures the ruffian; while on the other hand arms, like laws, discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as property. The same balance would be preserved were all the world destitute of arms, for all would be alike; but since some will not, others dare not lay them aside … Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them. --Thomas Paine
* To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them. --Richard Henry Lee, American Statesman, 1788
* The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun. --Patrick Henry, American Patriot
* Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense? Where is the difference between having our arms in possession and under our direction and having them under the management of Congress? If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands? --Patrick Henry, American Patriot
* Those who hammer their guns into plowshares will plow for those who do not. --Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States
* The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that . . . it is their right and duty to be at all times armed. --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Justice John Cartwright, June 5, 1824. ME 16:45.
* The best we can help for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed. --Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist Papers at 184-8
* The greatest danger to American freedom is a government that ignores the Constitution. --Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States
* There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Noah Webster, American Lexicographer
* What country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance. Let them take arms. --Thomas Jefferson, to James Madison
I think I understand better what the Founding Fathers meant in creating this amendment. They had just fought a difficult war to rid their lives of the tyranny of British rule and were determined to never let that happen again. I see a certain amount of merit in that.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
Many Americans feel that the Second Amendment should be repealed. As I said above, I have mixed feelings. However, if you are one of them or one of the fanatics who are rabidly in favor of it, please stop reading now because this post is not to open a forum for debate but to show the thoughts and intent of the Founding Fathers. Disrespectful or abusive comments will not be published.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
As usual, I went into research mode to see what the Founding Fathers had to say about this now controversial amendment. I think you'll be interested to see what they had to say. I know that I was as it gave me a better understanding of this amendment. In my not so humble opinion, I think Thomas Jefferson stated the intent of this amendment best in the first quote.
{Disclaimer: If you disagree with these quotes, I'm sorry. I'm only repeating what the men who founded this nation said.}
* The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government. -- Thomas Jefferson
* A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks. -- Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 1785. (The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, (Memorial Edition) Lipscomb and Bergh, editors.)
* One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them.
-- Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1796. (The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, [Memorial Edition] Lipscomb and Bergh, editors.)
* We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles. The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their functionaries executive and legislative, and deciding by a jury of themselves, in all judiciary cases in which any fact is involved,) or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; --Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824. (Memorial Edition 16:45, Lipscomb and Bergh, editors.)
* No freeman shall ever be debarred the use of arms. --Thomas Jefferson: Draft Virginia Constitution, 1776.
* They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. --Benjamin Franklin, Historical Review of Pennsylvania, 1759.
* To model our political system upon speculations of lasting tranquility, is to calculate on the weaker springs of the human character. --Alexander Hamilton
* [The Constitution preserves] the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation...(where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms. --James Madison, The Federalist Papers, No. 46.
* To suppose arms in the hands of citizens, to be used at individual discretion, except in private self-defense, or by partial orders of towns, countries or districts of a state, is to demolish every constitution, and lay the laws prostrate, so that liberty can be enjoyed by no man; it is a dissolution of the government. The fundamental law of the militia is, that it be created, directed and commanded by the laws, and ever for the support of the laws. --John Adams, A Defence of the Constitutions of the United States 475 (1787-1788)
* Firearms stand next in importance to the constitution itself. They are the American people's liberty teeth and keystone under independence … from the hour the Pilgrims landed to the present day, events, occurrences and tendencies prove that to ensure peace security and happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable … the very atmosphere of firearms anywhere restrains evil interference — they deserve a place of honor with all that's good. --George Washington, First President of the United States
* The supposed quietude of a good man allures the ruffian; while on the other hand arms, like laws, discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as property. The same balance would be preserved were all the world destitute of arms, for all would be alike; but since some will not, others dare not lay them aside … Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them. --Thomas Paine
* To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them. --Richard Henry Lee, American Statesman, 1788
* The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun. --Patrick Henry, American Patriot
* Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense? Where is the difference between having our arms in possession and under our direction and having them under the management of Congress? If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands? --Patrick Henry, American Patriot
* Those who hammer their guns into plowshares will plow for those who do not. --Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States
* The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that . . . it is their right and duty to be at all times armed. --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Justice John Cartwright, June 5, 1824. ME 16:45.
* The best we can help for concerning the people at large is that they be properly armed. --Alexander Hamilton, The Federalist Papers at 184-8
* The greatest danger to American freedom is a government that ignores the Constitution. --Thomas Jefferson, Third President of the United States
* There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern. They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters. --Noah Webster, American Lexicographer
* What country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance. Let them take arms. --Thomas Jefferson, to James Madison
I think I understand better what the Founding Fathers meant in creating this amendment. They had just fought a difficult war to rid their lives of the tyranny of British rule and were determined to never let that happen again. I see a certain amount of merit in that.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Ohhhhhhhhhh!!! The Places You'll Go!!!!
I swiped the title for this post from Dr. Seuss. It seems appropriate because I've visited some pretty interesting and fun places -- for me anyway and wanted to share them with y'all.
The Library Thing bills itself as the world's largest book club. A body can post his/her entire library or as much as they wish. Membership is free (with limitations, of course). A life membership is only $25 and I think I'm gonna go for it. A tip of my Thinking Cap to M.E. for having the widget on her blog.
For a hearty laugh go look at OnGame Dating. The real hoot is their prices. I'll do my "happily ever after" single, thank you. I gag when I see the dating service ads on TV but this place takes it to new lows.
I'm wayyyy late in posting this but The National Endowment for the Arts' The Big Read has posted their September 2008-June 2009 reading list. Check your local library to see if they are participating. I've read ten of them and I figure I can read the rest by next September. It's an interesting list.
My dear, dear Fran of Sacred Ordinary mentioned Memiary at her blog the other day. They call it the weightless pocket diary and on their site they ask the question: Don't you wish you could remember five interesting things you did last Tuesday? My answer: "Hell, yeah!" and I signed up immediately. It's easy, quick and fun!
One my favorite sites for just doodling around in mind play is Smith Magazine's Six Word Memoirs. You tell a story in six words. It's really fun and makes an interesting writing prompt. Just reading others' submissions can be a hoot or a heartbreak.
If you liked today's post about the Founding Fathers on Religion, check out this site: Founding Fathers Religion Debate and Poll for further discussion on this topic.
There!!!!!!!! That should keep y'all busy for a while!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
The Library Thing bills itself as the world's largest book club. A body can post his/her entire library or as much as they wish. Membership is free (with limitations, of course). A life membership is only $25 and I think I'm gonna go for it. A tip of my Thinking Cap to M.E. for having the widget on her blog.
For a hearty laugh go look at OnGame Dating. The real hoot is their prices. I'll do my "happily ever after" single, thank you. I gag when I see the dating service ads on TV but this place takes it to new lows.
I'm wayyyy late in posting this but The National Endowment for the Arts' The Big Read has posted their September 2008-June 2009 reading list. Check your local library to see if they are participating. I've read ten of them and I figure I can read the rest by next September. It's an interesting list.
My dear, dear Fran of Sacred Ordinary mentioned Memiary at her blog the other day. They call it the weightless pocket diary and on their site they ask the question: Don't you wish you could remember five interesting things you did last Tuesday? My answer: "Hell, yeah!" and I signed up immediately. It's easy, quick and fun!
One my favorite sites for just doodling around in mind play is Smith Magazine's Six Word Memoirs. You tell a story in six words. It's really fun and makes an interesting writing prompt. Just reading others' submissions can be a hoot or a heartbreak.
If you liked today's post about the Founding Fathers on Religion, check out this site: Founding Fathers Religion Debate and Poll for further discussion on this topic.
There!!!!!!!! That should keep y'all busy for a while!
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
The Founding Fathers on Religion
Throughout the recent election, I've heard a lot of cr . . . er . . . ah . . . rhetoric -- yeah, that's it -- about this country being founded on the Christian religion. I also got the idea that my flavor of Christianity is not the Christianity that these people believe in which immediately makes anything I say suspect so if you feel that way, stop reading now. The Constitution's Bill of Rights clearly states:
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
I put on my Thinking Cap and went into research mode. The results below are the fruits of this endeavor. It's a series of quotes from our Founding Fathers on religion. Enjoy!!!!!!! And if you don't like them, I don't want to hear about it. You can't re-write history and if you try, you're writing lies. I was both fascinated with and very proud of their words.
* If Religion consist in voluntary acts of individuals, singly, or voluntarily associated, and it be proper that public functionaries, as well as their Constituents shd discharge their religious duties, let them like their Constituents, do so at their own expense. (James Madison, memoranda, 1820)
* That religion, or the duty we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience. (Patrick Henry)
* I am persuaded, you will permit me to observe that the path of true piety is so plain as to require but little political direction. To this consideration we ought to ascribe the absence of any regulation, respecting religion, from the Magna-Charta [Constitution] of our country. (George Washington, 1789).
* It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it was by the indulgence of one class of the people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that those who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it, on all occasions, their effectual support. (George Washington, letter to the Touro Synagogue 1790. )
* We should begin by setting conscience free. When all men of all religions ... shall enjoy equal liberty, property, and an equal chance for honors and power ... we may expect that improvements will be made in the human character and the state of society. (John Adams)
* As to religion, I hold it to be the indispensable duty of government to protect all conscientious protesters thereof, and I know of no other business government has to do therewith. (Thomas Paine, the Rights of Man)
* All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish [Muslim], appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit. I do not mean by this declaration to condemn those who believe otherwise; they have the same right to their belief as I have to mine. But it is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself. Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving; it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe. It is impossible to calculate the moral mischief, if I may so express it, that mental lying has produced in society. When a man has so far corrupted and prostituted the chastity of his mind as to subscribe his professional belief to things he does not believe, he has prepared himself for the commission of every other crime. He takes up the profession of a priest for the sake of gain, and in order to qualify himself for that trade he begins with a perjury. Can we conceive anything more destructive to morality than this? (Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason)
* "The legitimate powers of government," he wrote, "extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." (Thomas Jefferson, Notes on Virginia,)
* And I have no doubt that every new example will succeed, as every past one has done, in shewing that religion & Govt will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together.
(James Madison, Letters, 1822)
* I will never, by any word or act, bow to the shrine of intolerance, or admit a right of inquiry into the religious opinions of others. (Thomas Jefferson, Letters, 1803)
I think these words above make it pretty clear what the roles of government and religion were meant to be in this country. If you've studied some of the horrendous persecutions of religions in history and some that are going on today, you know that the Founding Fathers had it right when they wrote the First Amendment.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Kay
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
I put on my Thinking Cap and went into research mode. The results below are the fruits of this endeavor. It's a series of quotes from our Founding Fathers on religion. Enjoy!!!!!!! And if you don't like them, I don't want to hear about it. You can't re-write history and if you try, you're writing lies. I was both fascinated with and very proud of their words.
* If Religion consist in voluntary acts of individuals, singly, or voluntarily associated, and it be proper that public functionaries, as well as their Constituents shd discharge their religious duties, let them like their Constituents, do so at their own expense. (James Madison, memoranda, 1820)
* That religion, or the duty we owe to our Creator, and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience. (Patrick Henry)
* I am persuaded, you will permit me to observe that the path of true piety is so plain as to require but little political direction. To this consideration we ought to ascribe the absence of any regulation, respecting religion, from the Magna-Charta [Constitution] of our country. (George Washington, 1789).
* It is now no more that toleration is spoken of as if it was by the indulgence of one class of the people that another enjoyed the exercise of their inherent natural rights. For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requires only that those who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens in giving it, on all occasions, their effectual support. (George Washington, letter to the Touro Synagogue 1790. )
* We should begin by setting conscience free. When all men of all religions ... shall enjoy equal liberty, property, and an equal chance for honors and power ... we may expect that improvements will be made in the human character and the state of society. (John Adams)
* As to religion, I hold it to be the indispensable duty of government to protect all conscientious protesters thereof, and I know of no other business government has to do therewith. (Thomas Paine, the Rights of Man)
* All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish [Muslim], appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit. I do not mean by this declaration to condemn those who believe otherwise; they have the same right to their belief as I have to mine. But it is necessary to the happiness of man that he be mentally faithful to himself. Infidelity does not consist in believing, or in disbelieving; it consists in professing to believe what he does not believe. It is impossible to calculate the moral mischief, if I may so express it, that mental lying has produced in society. When a man has so far corrupted and prostituted the chastity of his mind as to subscribe his professional belief to things he does not believe, he has prepared himself for the commission of every other crime. He takes up the profession of a priest for the sake of gain, and in order to qualify himself for that trade he begins with a perjury. Can we conceive anything more destructive to morality than this? (Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason)
* "The legitimate powers of government," he wrote, "extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." (Thomas Jefferson, Notes on Virginia,)
* And I have no doubt that every new example will succeed, as every past one has done, in shewing that religion & Govt will both exist in greater purity, the less they are mixed together.
(James Madison, Letters, 1822)
* I will never, by any word or act, bow to the shrine of intolerance, or admit a right of inquiry into the religious opinions of others. (Thomas Jefferson, Letters, 1803)
I think these words above make it pretty clear what the roles of government and religion were meant to be in this country. If you've studied some of the horrendous persecutions of religions in history and some that are going on today, you know that the Founding Fathers had it right when they wrote the First Amendment.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!
Kay
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Yet Another Assault on Our Liberty
I received this email from Kent McKamy of kentsusdrive -- a New Yorker. As an Ohioan born and bred, I was outraged and went and signed it and shared it with every Ohioan I know. After thinking about it, I realized how far-reaching this could be and that such a thing could affect every state in the Union and every single one of you, gentle bloggers so I decided to post it here.
Subject: Tell Mukasey: Don't suppress Ohio voters.
Dear Friend,
This year, there are over 600,000 newly registered Ohio voters, but President Bush has asked Attorney General Mukasey to investigate as many as 200,000 of them. Why? Because Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner has refused to use an "exact match" standard before adding these voters to the rolls.
What is this "exact match" standard? Basically, it works like this: After you fill out your voter registration card, a local or state employee has to type in your information to add you to the voter rolls, and check to see that you really exist, usually by verifying your driver's license number or Social Security number. And as you can imagine, sometimes there are typos or other disparities when the information gets entered and matched - for example, if your last name is "De la Rosa" and it got entered as "Delarosa", you would fail to meet the exact match standard, and your registration form would be invalid.
Secretary Brunner has refused to use this standard on the grounds that it would erroneously deprive tens or even hundreds of thousands of Ohioans of their right to vote. The Ohio GOP sued her a month ago to try and get the courts to compel her to use the exact match standard, but the Supreme Court ruled that they had no standing to make that case.
Now, President Bush is trying to run around the Supreme Court by getting the Department of Justice to intervene. On Friday, October 24th, Bush reportedly asked Attorney General Mukasey to investigate whether as many as 200,000 voters need to reconfirm their registrations before November 4th - which would almost certainly result in forcing them to vote provisionally.
I just signed a petition urging Attorney General Mukasey not to act on President Bush's sickening request. I hope you will, too.
Please have a look at the link below and take action.
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/doj_oh_suppression/?r_by=-1677880-.2Dum_x&rc=paste
Thanks!
Kudos to Jennifer Brunner for attempting to protect our Constitutional right to vote. What I think of Bush's attempt to undermine it is not fit for print here. I hope y'all are as outraged as I am, please send it along to everyone you know. If this is happening here in Ohio, it could happen anywhere in this country -- maybe even to you or someone you know.
Happy Blogging!!!!! (sorta)
Kay
Subject: Tell Mukasey: Don't suppress Ohio voters.
Dear Friend,
This year, there are over 600,000 newly registered Ohio voters, but President Bush has asked Attorney General Mukasey to investigate as many as 200,000 of them. Why? Because Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner has refused to use an "exact match" standard before adding these voters to the rolls.
What is this "exact match" standard? Basically, it works like this: After you fill out your voter registration card, a local or state employee has to type in your information to add you to the voter rolls, and check to see that you really exist, usually by verifying your driver's license number or Social Security number. And as you can imagine, sometimes there are typos or other disparities when the information gets entered and matched - for example, if your last name is "De la Rosa" and it got entered as "Delarosa", you would fail to meet the exact match standard, and your registration form would be invalid.
Secretary Brunner has refused to use this standard on the grounds that it would erroneously deprive tens or even hundreds of thousands of Ohioans of their right to vote. The Ohio GOP sued her a month ago to try and get the courts to compel her to use the exact match standard, but the Supreme Court ruled that they had no standing to make that case.
Now, President Bush is trying to run around the Supreme Court by getting the Department of Justice to intervene. On Friday, October 24th, Bush reportedly asked Attorney General Mukasey to investigate whether as many as 200,000 voters need to reconfirm their registrations before November 4th - which would almost certainly result in forcing them to vote provisionally.
I just signed a petition urging Attorney General Mukasey not to act on President Bush's sickening request. I hope you will, too.
Please have a look at the link below and take action.
http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/doj_oh_suppression/?r_by=-1677880-.2Dum_x&rc=paste
Thanks!
Kudos to Jennifer Brunner for attempting to protect our Constitutional right to vote. What I think of Bush's attempt to undermine it is not fit for print here. I hope y'all are as outraged as I am, please send it along to everyone you know. If this is happening here in Ohio, it could happen anywhere in this country -- maybe even to you or someone you know.
Happy Blogging!!!!! (sorta)
Kay
Sunday, December 30, 2007
A Suggestion/Request re: Thought Crimes Bill
Back in May, I wrote about the annual Jefferson Muzzle Awards. These awards are awarded each year on or about April 13 -- the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson -- by the Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression. I wandered by there yesterday to double check when the 2008 Muzzles would be awarded. One would think that I would remember old Tom's birthday because it's four days before mine which gives credence to the astrological contention that we Aries types don't like to be silenced but I digress.
The Center is a strong defender of the First Amendment of the Constitution which states:
These words are inscribed on the First Amendment Monument, a 54-foot-long wall of shale where the public can express their thoughts in chalk on anything they wish. It's probably the only interactive monument in the country. Also inscribed on the wall are these wonderful words of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall:
The Jefferson Muzzle Awards were established to celebrate Jefferson's birth by, according to the website, "by calling attention to those who in the past year forgot or disregarded Mr. Jefferson’s admonition that freedom of speech ‘cannot be limited without being lost.’"
I think you can guess where I'm going with this given that I've been very vocal about it. HR:1955/S:1959, aka the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 aka the Thought Crimes Bill is the most blatant and frightening assault on the First Amendment we've seen in our lifetime and I contend that the 110th Congress is worthy of this award. It won't be the first time Congress has received this dubious award and probably won't be the last. Do y'all get the feeling that a large percentage of our Congress Critters in both houses have never read the Constitution despite having sworn to uphold it?
While visiting the site I discovered that anyone can make a nomination for this award so I did. Y'all can, too. Please join me here in nominating the 110th Congress for considering (and in the House's case, passing) this heinous legislation. They need a wake up call from us! If we all stand up and shout, they can't ignore us.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
The Center is a strong defender of the First Amendment of the Constitution which states:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of
grievances.
These words are inscribed on the First Amendment Monument, a 54-foot-long wall of shale where the public can express their thoughts in chalk on anything they wish. It's probably the only interactive monument in the country. Also inscribed on the wall are these wonderful words of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall:
Above all else, the First Amendment means that government has no power to restrict expression because of its message, its ideas, its subject matter, or its content. To permit the continued building of our politics and culture, and to assure self-fulfillment for each individual, our people are guaranteed the right to express any thought, free from government
censorship.
The Jefferson Muzzle Awards were established to celebrate Jefferson's birth by, according to the website, "by calling attention to those who in the past year forgot or disregarded Mr. Jefferson’s admonition that freedom of speech ‘cannot be limited without being lost.’"
I think you can guess where I'm going with this given that I've been very vocal about it. HR:1955/S:1959, aka the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 aka the Thought Crimes Bill is the most blatant and frightening assault on the First Amendment we've seen in our lifetime and I contend that the 110th Congress is worthy of this award. It won't be the first time Congress has received this dubious award and probably won't be the last. Do y'all get the feeling that a large percentage of our Congress Critters in both houses have never read the Constitution despite having sworn to uphold it?
While visiting the site I discovered that anyone can make a nomination for this award so I did. Y'all can, too. Please join me here in nominating the 110th Congress for considering (and in the House's case, passing) this heinous legislation. They need a wake up call from us! If we all stand up and shout, they can't ignore us.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Food for Thought
I spent much of my day thinking of Ronni Bennett's post today re: S. 1959, The Thought Crimes Bill and Zeitgeist, an excellent but disturbing movie I watched the other night. It examines history and chronicles how the world and our country has reached the point we're at today. Some people I've spoken with think I've slipped my gears and yeah, a thought crimes bill sounds unbelievable in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave but it's there rearing its ugly head and, in my not so humble opinon, it has to be stopped NOW!
When I was a junior in high school in the mid-60s, I had a wonderful American History teacher. He was Native American and a former Army Intelligence officer and we called him the Chief to his amusement. He was good at making us think about the world we lived in and worked hard to make us understand that there was a cold, cruel world beyond our suburb in which we had to learn to live. In addition to history, both American and Native American, we argued current events and social issues which often turned into screaming matches. In those sessions I learned where I stood on a lot of issues and I learned to speak my mind about them.
Today, while I was absorbing all the information I've been exposed to this week, I remembered a handout the Chief gave us and I want to share it with y'all. Most of you have probably seen it before but I think with the possible threat to our liberty, perhaps a reminder is merited.
It's time for everyone to speak up for all of us.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
When I was a junior in high school in the mid-60s, I had a wonderful American History teacher. He was Native American and a former Army Intelligence officer and we called him the Chief to his amusement. He was good at making us think about the world we lived in and worked hard to make us understand that there was a cold, cruel world beyond our suburb in which we had to learn to live. In addition to history, both American and Native American, we argued current events and social issues which often turned into screaming matches. In those sessions I learned where I stood on a lot of issues and I learned to speak my mind about them.
Today, while I was absorbing all the information I've been exposed to this week, I remembered a handout the Chief gave us and I want to share it with y'all. Most of you have probably seen it before but I think with the possible threat to our liberty, perhaps a reminder is merited.
First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me.
by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945
It's time for everyone to speak up for all of us.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Saturday, November 24, 2007
We Have Met the Enemy and He Is Us!
I mentioned HR 1955, The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism and Prevention Act of 2007 last week in "Random Thoughts" and have been contemplating a post about it but wanted to mull it over a bit first. My dear friend and favorite knitter, Naomi at A Little Red Hen and I have been discussing it at length in email and she's been encouraging me to post my thoughts on it here.
Those of you who came of age in the '60s like me understand the title on this post. It's quote from the cartoon strip, Pogo, that most of us enjoyed for its wit and satire. Unfortunately, it's become all too true again with the the House of Representatives' passing of HR 1955 decisively. What I don't understand is that the press isn't screaming over this bill which has the potential to put reins on freedom of the press and freedom of speech -- a gross violation of our Constitutional rights! The bottom line is that under this law, if passed, stating your opinions publicly, vocally or in writing, could land you in jail! Doesn't this smack of Nazism and Communism? Do you really want to live in a country where you cannot speak your mind?
Consider the millions and millions of people who came to our country -- many of whom are our relatives and ancestors -- to escape such restraints. If for no other reason, supporting this bill with your silence is an insult to them and their legacy.
Under this law the following could happen:
1. No more demonstrations for equal rights, anti-war or other causes.
2. No more strikes or picket lines.
3. No more letters to the editor criticizing the government.
4. No more editorials in the media disagreeing with the government.
5. No dissent with goverment policy whatsoever under threat of fines or imprisonment.
6. No more blogs.
7. Witch hunts a la those conducted in the 50s by Senator Joe McCarthy.
I realize that this list is short and the ramifications of this bill reach infinitely further but I think I made my point.
We are in danger of losing our most precious freedoms and I am angry. I think I was about 14 when I read George Orwell's classic, 1984. This bill tells me that if I don't love Big Brother that the Thought Police will get me and to me, that's a LOT scarier than the bogey man I was afraid of as a toddler. Unfortunately, I'm beginning to believe that Orwell was right -- he just missed the date by a few decades.
I am beseeching you, gentle bloggers, to click on the link above and read the bill. Please take a stand and write your Congress Critters and anyone else you can think of and tell them, in no uncertain terms, that HR 1955 is unacceptable and a gross violation of your rights under the Constitution.
My friend Scarlet over at Another Day in Paradise has a powerful "Happy Thanksgiving" post about how glad she is that she and her parents came here from Cuba. I think it makes an excellent commentary on why we don't want or need HR 1955.
Go on over to Time Goes By (If you haven't been there already) and check out the links on this travesty.
In closing, I'm going to quote my own comment at TGB because it truly illustrates how I feel about this legislation.
Please think about this and follow your conscience but remember that if you do nothing, you're letting the idiots win and losing your freedom.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Those of you who came of age in the '60s like me understand the title on this post. It's quote from the cartoon strip, Pogo, that most of us enjoyed for its wit and satire. Unfortunately, it's become all too true again with the the House of Representatives' passing of HR 1955 decisively. What I don't understand is that the press isn't screaming over this bill which has the potential to put reins on freedom of the press and freedom of speech -- a gross violation of our Constitutional rights! The bottom line is that under this law, if passed, stating your opinions publicly, vocally or in writing, could land you in jail! Doesn't this smack of Nazism and Communism? Do you really want to live in a country where you cannot speak your mind?
Consider the millions and millions of people who came to our country -- many of whom are our relatives and ancestors -- to escape such restraints. If for no other reason, supporting this bill with your silence is an insult to them and their legacy.
Under this law the following could happen:
1. No more demonstrations for equal rights, anti-war or other causes.
2. No more strikes or picket lines.
3. No more letters to the editor criticizing the government.
4. No more editorials in the media disagreeing with the government.
5. No dissent with goverment policy whatsoever under threat of fines or imprisonment.
6. No more blogs.
7. Witch hunts a la those conducted in the 50s by Senator Joe McCarthy.
I realize that this list is short and the ramifications of this bill reach infinitely further but I think I made my point.
We are in danger of losing our most precious freedoms and I am angry. I think I was about 14 when I read George Orwell's classic, 1984. This bill tells me that if I don't love Big Brother that the Thought Police will get me and to me, that's a LOT scarier than the bogey man I was afraid of as a toddler. Unfortunately, I'm beginning to believe that Orwell was right -- he just missed the date by a few decades.
I am beseeching you, gentle bloggers, to click on the link above and read the bill. Please take a stand and write your Congress Critters and anyone else you can think of and tell them, in no uncertain terms, that HR 1955 is unacceptable and a gross violation of your rights under the Constitution.
My friend Scarlet over at Another Day in Paradise has a powerful "Happy Thanksgiving" post about how glad she is that she and her parents came here from Cuba. I think it makes an excellent commentary on why we don't want or need HR 1955.
Go on over to Time Goes By (If you haven't been there already) and check out the links on this travesty.
In closing, I'm going to quote my own comment at TGB because it truly illustrates how I feel about this legislation.
"Well, I guess I don't have to worry about how
I'm going to live in retirement anymore -- I'm going to federal prison and y'all will be paying for my keep because I reserve my right to free speech under the Constitution. This law violates at least 4 amendments: the 4th, 5th, 8th
and 14th and that, in my mind, is a mortal sin.
James Madison said, "If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land,
it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy."
Our Founding Fathers were wise and forward-thinking men. Its time we stop playing fast and loose with the wonderful gift that is their legacy: The Constitution of the United States."
Please think about this and follow your conscience but remember that if you do nothing, you're letting the idiots win and losing your freedom.
Happy Blogging!!!!!!!!!!
Kay
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)