I especially Love the Clean-up part.

In a tag team effort...

First after an ecstatic news cycle where progressives everywhere took a cautious sigh of relief at news that the public option was going to be in the senate version of the health care reform bill we now how that mutt and jeff tag team of annoying fence sitters causing all sorts of havock.

Lieberman says he'll support a republican filibusterer if the senate bill contains a public option.

That means that we have to go searching for another vote again- and Snowe of Maine hopes all eyes will be back on her so she can push her insurance company sponsored "triggers" plan where the public option would be indefinitely on hold while the insurance companies pretend that they want to reform the system that has made them billions and billions of dollars.

Ball's in Harry Reid's court. I hope no matter what happens that

1. Lieberman's constituents are planning to replace him.
2. The White house is regretting it's naive support of him.
3. They kick this snake in the grass out of the caucus.
4. They find a different solution and DON'T have to play ball with Sen. Snowe.

in anycase, here we are again.
Get on the phones and call your senator- or call Lieberman and Snowe and express your support for the Public Option.

brilliant.

What the heck are you all up to?
do tell...

Another sign (as if we needed more) that corporations around the country (and the globe for that matter) have taken their prodigious skills at paying for influence to all new levels. This is obvious now in the Health care fight. But we should remember that the economic crisis, triggered by risky and bad mortgage and stock market practices remains unresolved. They got us here and so far they are not doing much to get us out...

FROM POLITICO Republicans and Democrats on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee agreed Friday night on language for a wide-reaching subpoena of Countrywide (now Bank of America) Financial’s VIP lending program as part of an investigation into allegations of influence peddling by the company at all levels of government, committee aides said.

The subpoena, which was sent out Friday night, will ask the lender to fork over documents relating to its “Friends of Angelo” program – named for CEO Angelo Mozilo, who allegedly offered favorable mortgage rates to persons of influence.

Republicans and Democrats agreed to request documents relating to a wide range of government employees – including members of the executive branch, House members and staffers, officers of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and employees of state and local governments. Senators will not be included in the House’s investigation.

Really? The Friends of Angelo program-- wow you can't make shit like this up. I am an aspiring fiction writer- trying to do a detective-type deal and I swear making up things like this is hard and when you do you think...Yeah, but no one will believe that! truth really is stranger, more corrupt and far more frustrating than fiction. And Senator's will not be included??? why the hell not!? God these people make me want to throw things.

Photo by Annie Leibovitz/Released by White House Photo Office

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia, sit for a family portrait in the Green Room of the White House, Sept. 1, 2009. (Official White House Photo)

What a lovely family. Malia is getting gorgeous. Very Nice- lovely first family.

A fun view of Halloween and scary stuff from deep in the heart of Tokyo, Japan. Check out the Tokyo Map of Terror. Boo!

What are you doing for All Hallow's Eve?

I am sure you can figure out which comments are mine...

MILWAUKEE AP- Former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin will speak(CANCEL-NOT-SHOW-UP-QUIT) in a Milwaukee suburb next month as part of a (FEARMONGERING)program presented by Wisconsin "Right to (CONTROL WOMEN)Life."

Officials say no tickets will be sold(TO SANE PEOPLE) at the door of the Nov. 6 event at Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in West Allis, Wis.(UNLESS YOU PASS A WINGNUT EXAM AND SIGN A LOYALTY OATH)

General admission tickets are $30 with a limit of four (TOWNHALL-CRAZIES)per order.

Palin's (CANCELLATION)stop in Milwaukee comes 11 days before the former Alaska governor's (AND HER LAZY HUSBAND'S)(GRAVY TRAIN PRESS TOUR)memoirs(USING THE TERM LOOSELY) will be released.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled media spin-programming.

Limited bandwidth right now, please talk amongst yourselves...

The expected fall resurgence of Swine Flu is combining with some bad news today out of the CDC.

US officials have warned of delays in the delivery of swine flu vaccines just as deaths from the H1N1 virus climb above epidemic level in some states.

Only 28-30 million doses would be available by the end of the month, said Anne Schuchat of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That was down from an earlier estimate of 40 million.-BBC

no explanation yet on the short fall or delay, but everyone especially those with small kids please take precautions. 86 children have died from N1H1 more than in an entire flu season. SO please, I know there are lots of jokes about this, and many people are not taking it too seriously but just be careful. Here is a pretty comprehensive site on what to do, what to look for etc. http://www.medicinenet.com/swine_flu/article.htm

Seriously, I know we have regions in the USA that are not keeping up with modern times (and that is really as nice as I can say this) But you have got to be kidding me.

AP- NEW ORLEANS – A Louisiana justice of the peace said he refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple out of concern for any children the couple might have. Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, says it is his experience that most interracial marriages do not last long.

"I'm not a racist. I just don't believe in mixing the races that way," Bardwell told the Associated Press on Thursday. "I have piles and piles of black friends. They come to my home, I marry them, they use my bathroom. I treat them just like everyone else."

Bardwell said he asks everyone who calls about marriage if they are a mixed race couple. If they are, he does not marry them, he said.

Bardwell said he has discussed the topic with blacks and whites, along with witnessing some interracial marriages. He came to the conclusion that most of black society does not readily accept offspring of such relationships, and neither does white society, he said.

I wonder if he has noticed the President of the USA- you know, from an interracial couple? You know- the Harvard grad, big brained guy who is now leader of the free world.

First off, all couples these days have some challenges staying together. Second even divorce or challenge does NOT mean that you can stand in judgment of other couples or their kids or their communities for that matter.

Bardwell, On top of being a racist, is a moral moron and judgmental idiot.

I was a Girl Scout, from when I was 7 till I graduated high school. It was such a part of my life that I often forget what an impact it had. It is/was instrinsic to my personality. I credit the Girl Scouts for giving me an undying sense of bravery and curiousity it trying new things. They also gave me the travel bug as my troop went all over the usa on various trips and events. We had no money when I was growing up. At one point my mom when we moved back to PA could not find a teaching job (she was too over qualified in the glut market of the 70's) and for awhile she was waiting on tables for 50 cents an hour. If it had not been for the Girl Scouts my experiences would have been so much more limited at that time in my life.

I was so happy to hear that Michelle Obama is now the honorory president of GS USA. It is a great thing for her to do and I am sure the Girl Scouts will benefit from her support! To be fair, this is traditional and all first ladies do it, but I still think this is a powerful symbol and I have a feeling that Michelle will be more involved than a one day photo op. I hope so!

It is my great pleasure to serve as Honorary National President of Girl Scouts,” said Mrs. Obama. “With their innovative new programming, ground-breaking research, and emphasis on service and leadership, Girl Scouts is preparing the women of tomorrow to be a positive force for change – in their own lives, their communities, and across the globe.- UrbanMecca

For everyone here, you could also do something to support your Girl Scouts in your area. They always need teachers and workshop leaders to come to meetings and give the girls new opportunities to learn. You can do a one day event that would inspire, or you can donate materials and supplies. Find out how you can help the Girl Scouts here.

The Republicans in their ever present wisdom, and before the ink is on the paper for the merged senate and house health care bill are already saying that they want a longer and longer debate time. More delays more wing-nut-townhall-teabagger style politics, ultimately more dead Americans.

according to rollcall

Democratic negotiations to merge two competing Senate health care bills got under way Wednesday, with Republicans characterizing the talks as backroom dealing and demanding two months of floor time to debate the final legislation...

Harry Reid's comment to this was

I believe that the Republican leader and all of his colleagues, with the exception of couple there — one of whom is Sen. [Olympia] Snowe and there are a couple others — want to do anything that they can do not to have a bill,” Reid said. “The length of the debate is going to be one where there will be sufficient time.

So via the report cited by Congressman Alan Grayson- that means that rather than the one month of debate and deliberation the GOP wants another 30 days or another 3,666 Americans without health care or with insufficient health care to die. Almost 4,000 peoples lives mean little or nothing to them. More than died in the twin towers.

no.more.delays.

get this bill done, get it voted on, and it BETTER have a robust public option.

Today we are going to make some cinnamon braised beef for my wine event tomorrow- Cashmere for the Cure. should be tasty.

what are you up to? do tell...

photo Gerald Herbert/AP

Congratulations, Mr. President. (no pressure there...)

update
comments from the president;

This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

of the City Hall of a well-known American metropolis, behind closed doors, a Mare begins the search for scapegoats.

(h/t Beachwood Reporter and NSFW.)

Stairs Hack!

BRUSSELS — After months of complaints by European dairy farmers angry over low prices, protesters in Brussels on Monday poured milk onto the streets, hurled eggs and other missiles, and started fires that filled the air with black smoke.

Police helicopters hovered overhead as hundreds of tractors — and some cattle — blockaded the area outside the European Union’s headquarters while agriculture ministers met in an emergency meeting.

That picture really does make words superfluous. I'm not even exactly sure the nature of the protest but they get points for style.

With the announcement that her book will be out 5 mons early in time for wing-nut-Merry-Christmas!-shopping, and now news that good old Todd is going to be living off the proceeds and touring around with his wife... we are not likely to get a break at all from the Palin Road Show.

Todd Palin, husband of former Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, has quit his job with BP in Alaska, the oil company says.

BP spokesman Steve Rinehart confirmed to the Alaska Dispatch Thursday night that Todd Palin submitted his resignation as a production operation on Alaska's North Slope, effective Sept. 18. Post Chronicle

Yup, Todd is all set to be another "Johnny Freeride" like failed presidential candidate and owner of 7 homes John McCain.

So tune in guys and gals, we are likely to see the talk-show bonanza beginning any day now.

I wonder if their 2008 wardrobe will cut it or if we will see another 150,000 dollar shopping spree?

The president and first lady celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary. And of course the right-wing-racists had a lot to say about their going out to dinner while the war is raging in Iraq and Afghanastan. I never heard a peep from them when Bush was on vacation for fully 1/3 of his presidency. But IOKIYAR*

IOKIYAR-It's OK If You're a Republican. Meaning some action which, if it were attached to a Democrat, would be cause for a firestorm of outrage, but not when committed by a Republican. See "Herr Gropenfuhrer". from Dkosipedia

Or I guess in this case the words And White should be added.

Really, a time of celebration for a couple who have been through a lot and stayed married with no scandals or sordid backstories... and they just can't handle it.

Well I hope the first couple had a wonderful anniversary, and I hope they keep being fierce in their lives and in their love no matter what happens in the political world.

good job!

The American Family Association (which ranks pretty high in the stupid and patronizing name society) are of course the insurgent group fighting their own war on the war on Christmas. I can't begin to express how stupid I think this all is.

Be afraid little Johnny, the big bad liberals are going to put grandma on an ice floe they want to take mommy and daddy's MONEY and force us to join a union and of course they want to ruin Christmas!

from the ridiculous and lying AFA website;

We are pleased to see the Sears company is already offering a "Christmas Club" on its website. You may recall, AFA asked our supporters to contact Sears three years ago when it too was avoiding the word and Sears responding positively. Thank Sears the next time you visit one of their stores.

Well known retailer The Gap, on the other hand, has clearly indicated it WILL NOT use the term "Christmas" in any of its promotional advertising again this year. AFA has repeatedly contacted The Gap and spokesmen say they "don't want to offend anyone" by using the word Christmas. The Gap also owns Old Navy and Banana Republic.

We want you to stand with us and other Christians in proclaiming that Christmas is special, not just any winter holiday. And the gift buying that Americans do for one another is because of Christmas. People don't exchange gifts on Thanksgiving or New Year's Day.

Here's how you can take a stand for Christmas. AFA is making available an attractive button and sticker that carry this thought-provoking, Gospel-focused message: "God's Gift: Merry Christmas."

Purchase enough buttons for each member of your church and enough glossy stickers for each family to have one to go on their automobiles. Urge your fellow members to wear their buttons and display the glossy stickers during the entire Christmas season.

I see an altered art project in my future. These people are incredible. Bet those buttons are made in china in a sweatshop. sheesh what a crock.

I am writing a letter to Gap and telling them that I appreciate that they are protecting religious freedom and are not choosing one religion over any other in their business plans. I might send them a "Seasons Greetings" card too when the holiday season gets closer.

Gap Inc. Headquarters
Two Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
(650) 952-4400

or you can email them at custserv@gap.com

cross posted from an email appeal early this morning from Darcy Burner;

Yesterday, Congressman Alan Grayson (FL-08) got up on the floor of the House and gave a speech in which he described the Republican healthcare plan (accurately) as "1. Don't get sick. 2. If you do get sick... 3. Die quickly."



The Republicans immediately started whining and calling for an apology because their feelings were hurt.

So today Congressman Grayson got up and delivered an apology. I somehow don't think it was the apology they were expecting.



To quote:

Last night here in this chamber I gave a speech. I'm not going to recount every single thing that I said, but I will point out that immediately after that speech, several Republicans asked me to apologize.

Well, I would like to apologize. I would like to apologize to the dead. And here's why. According to this study, "Health Insurance and Mortality in U.S. Adults" which was published two weeks ago, 44,789 Americans die every year because they have no health insurance. That's right, 44,789 Americans die every year, according to this Harvard study called "Health Insurance and Mortality in U.S. Adults." You can see it by going to our website, grayson.house.gov.

That is more than ten times the number of Americans who have died in the war in Iraq. It's more than ten times the number of Americans who died in 9/11. But that was just once: this is every single year. That's right: every single year. Take a look at this. Read it and weep. And I mean that - read it and weep because of all these Americans who are dying because they don't have health insurance.

Now I think we should do something about that, and the Democratic healthcare plan does do something about that. It makes healthcare affordable for those who can't afford insurance, and it saves these peoples' lives. Let's remember that we should care about people even after they're born.

So I call upon the Democratic members of the House, I call upon the Republican members of the House, I call upon all of us to do our jobs for the sake of America - for the sake of those dying people and their families. I apologize to the dead and their families that we haven't voted sooner to end this holocaust in America.

So here's the thing: they're going to come after Alan Grayson. Hard. So if you want members of Congress who will speak truth to power, please help get his back:

http://www.actblue.com/page/graysonapology

Mid week open thread...

What do you think about things? What's got you going? And who is the culprit?
Do tell...