The protests at the Statehouse in Wisconsin against Scott Walker's proposals set up the classic Right/Left conflict in our Infotainment media - The Right calls unions lazy and overpaid and everything up to and even including un-American while the Left mumbles something about how those claims are false without really creating a rival narrative. This position is stupid. The majority of Americans who pay only a passing glance at the news believe what is shouted loudest at them, whether or not it is true.
ACORN's demise was relished by the Right because of the Slam Dunk investigative video from James O'Keefe and Andrew Breitbart that proved that the organization was corrupt and openly facilitated prostitution and countless other seedy offenses. The Right trumpeted that Obamacare was really, truly only about one thing - Death Panels that would allow the "Government" (Note the scare quotes) would have final say as to if you got life saving treatments or died.
There's one commonality of those two stories - they're complete bullshit. O'Keefe used highly edited filming that, after seeing the unbiased version, clearly showed that he and his 'prostitute' did not wear their outfits inside the building, and that nearly all of the employees chose not to help them and one even called the authorities on them. None other than the California Attorney General took a look at the unedited tapes and said that there were absolutely no crimes displayed. The Death Panel nonsense really was nothing more than the delusions of Sarah Palin. It was started as an amendment by a Republican representative that called for the option of individuals to have a meeting with a doctor paid for that allowed them to construct a living will if they saw fit. There was no mandatory facet of this provision or any language that prevented individuals from demanding every last bit of possible life-saving measures. After all the negative press, the provision was stripped from the bill before it ever even passed the House.
Looking at the Democratic response to these two incidences, another commonality can be seen. After withstanding the initial salvo from the Right, the Democrats calmly say that the claims are untrue and leave it at that. While this response at first seems logical and well thought out, it cannot handle the barrage that is the Right Wing Noise Machine. Fox News feeds talk radio and vice versa. Each becoming louder than before until the 'disproved' story until it reached a tipping point when the Mainstream media then must take the story seriously and thus report it as if it were fact. Then, after ACORN is defunded or the provision in 'Obamacare' is removed by the Democrats to stop the Right from making hay on the issue, the Right can claim victory and that they were right all along because 'why would they have caved in if we weren't right all along?' After this song and dance, it doesn't matter if the initial claim was disproved or not - the Right won because they were able to scream down the truth with convincing lies.
This is how the events in Wisconsin tie into the narrative. Walker came into the Governorship with a projected $121 million budget surplus at the end of the year. He promptly began his term this year by giving out $140 million in business tax cuts, creating a budget deficit. His answer for this? Breaking public unions and stripping their ability to collectively bargain.
Never mind that the three unions he gave exceptions to (Police, Firefighters and State Troopers) were the only unions who supported him in the election or that stripping the right to collectively bargain would have no effect on the deficit. Walker's fight is one of politics, trying to eliminate the major fundraisers for the Democratic Party - public unions. It's blatantly partisan and any claim to the contrary is insane. Balancing the budget isn't going to happen by taking public employees' pensions away from them. Doing that will only make the poor poorer and the rich richer.
I hope that the Democrats, and the 'supposedly' liberal media will not let the unions be hung out to dry. That false claims will be shouted down with facts. That unions can and will be strengthened and rightfully celebrated as the institutions that helped create the middle class and might again once more.
Occupy
Friday, February 18, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Murderous Anti-Abortion movement - Fuck You
First off, it's been way too long since I've posted on this blog... I guess it just takes the right story to rile me up and bring forth the word vomit.
Watching Maddow tonight and saw the latest batch of death threats from the "Pro Lifers." This constant threat of violence has single-handedly kept Topeka, Kansas from having an abortion provider in over a year. Abortion, by the way, is not a sin but a Constitutionally protected right that all women in this country should have access to.
How is this OK? How can someone who claims the moral high ground be so obviously depraved? Sure, these movements claim that by killing these 'murderers' they're saving countless souls. Doesn't this COMPLETELY undercut the moniker of Pro Life? Sure all life is sacred unless the person is willing to perform legal women's health care services... in that case, kill the motherfucker. Let's look beyond the hypocrisy that these live in - that most of these people believe in the Death Penalty and War (I guess Muslim or American soldiers lives aren't that sacred) - and cut to the heart of the matter; that this constant threat of violence (along with the tacit approval of those who oppose abortion) creates a de facto ban on abortion.
Is that something we're ok with? What does the Law mean if a group can Terrorize a practice and all of those involved until it goes away? Where does it end? Guns and fanaticism take a precendent over even the fucking Supreme Court? If a challenge to Roe v. Wade was put before the Supreme Court today it would be Affirmed because Kennedy would rule with the Liberal minority for a 5-4 decision. If even the archaic Conservative Supreme Court can't overturn Roe v. Wade, then this fucking crazy movement wants this nation even to the right of them.
So, fuck you 'Pro Life' movement. And fuck you religious individuals who secretly approve of what these nuts are doing. Until religious leaders or the damn Public disavow this group from all semblance of legitimacy then those silent are complicit. Abortion is not a happy thing. But it is a legal act if done within the parameters of the law. Until this threat of violence is lifted, women are not free (especially poor women)
Randall Terry, Operation Rescue and ever single other Anti-Abortion group:
Fuck you for being sexist
Fuck you for trying to control women's bodies
Fuck you for ignoring the fucking rule of law
Fuck you, seriously...
FUCK YOU
Watching Maddow tonight and saw the latest batch of death threats from the "Pro Lifers." This constant threat of violence has single-handedly kept Topeka, Kansas from having an abortion provider in over a year. Abortion, by the way, is not a sin but a Constitutionally protected right that all women in this country should have access to.
How is this OK? How can someone who claims the moral high ground be so obviously depraved? Sure, these movements claim that by killing these 'murderers' they're saving countless souls. Doesn't this COMPLETELY undercut the moniker of Pro Life? Sure all life is sacred unless the person is willing to perform legal women's health care services... in that case, kill the motherfucker. Let's look beyond the hypocrisy that these live in - that most of these people believe in the Death Penalty and War (I guess Muslim or American soldiers lives aren't that sacred) - and cut to the heart of the matter; that this constant threat of violence (along with the tacit approval of those who oppose abortion) creates a de facto ban on abortion.
Is that something we're ok with? What does the Law mean if a group can Terrorize a practice and all of those involved until it goes away? Where does it end? Guns and fanaticism take a precendent over even the fucking Supreme Court? If a challenge to Roe v. Wade was put before the Supreme Court today it would be Affirmed because Kennedy would rule with the Liberal minority for a 5-4 decision. If even the archaic Conservative Supreme Court can't overturn Roe v. Wade, then this fucking crazy movement wants this nation even to the right of them.
So, fuck you 'Pro Life' movement. And fuck you religious individuals who secretly approve of what these nuts are doing. Until religious leaders or the damn Public disavow this group from all semblance of legitimacy then those silent are complicit. Abortion is not a happy thing. But it is a legal act if done within the parameters of the law. Until this threat of violence is lifted, women are not free (especially poor women)
Randall Terry, Operation Rescue and ever single other Anti-Abortion group:
Fuck you for being sexist
Fuck you for trying to control women's bodies
Fuck you for ignoring the fucking rule of law
Fuck you, seriously...
FUCK YOU
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Auto Tune the News
After first hearing these guys on Rachel Maddow a couple months ago, I've become obsessed. These are the Gregory Brothers applying Auto Tune to regular news clips to much hilarity.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Why I will never watch Fox News again and ask everyone else to follow suit
With the assassination of George Tiller - which, mind you occurred within the sanctuary of his own church - culpability has been denied by all who spouted hateful and violence-inducing hateful speech. 'Pro-life' movements who can do anything but denounce this killing (note - even Sarah Palin denounced the act) are truly disgusting.
Olbermann, last night, chronicled the hateful language that O'Reilly, Ingraham and other talking heads on Fox News had used to demonize 'Tiller the Baby Killer.' These attacks were not only bombastic but also lies. The only instances that Tiller did in fact perform late term abortions was when at least two doctors found - in their professional opinion - that the health and/or life of the mother was severely compromised by having the child. In times such as this, no one is pleased when actions of this need be done... but it's important to note that these were in fact legal and these procedures were necessary.
Finally, here's the clip of Olbermann and this is my plea to you. No source of 'news' should spout this hatred. And if it does it loses the ability for it to be called news. People like this will continue to act in this way unless their bottom line is affected. Watch this and follow whatever course you see fit - thank you.
And one more from Rachel Maddow, where she interviewed Frank Schaeffer, a former vehement member of the far right Anti-Abortion movement - where he took some culpability for the violence perpetrated and how all others who shared his view also share the blame.
Olbermann, last night, chronicled the hateful language that O'Reilly, Ingraham and other talking heads on Fox News had used to demonize 'Tiller the Baby Killer.' These attacks were not only bombastic but also lies. The only instances that Tiller did in fact perform late term abortions was when at least two doctors found - in their professional opinion - that the health and/or life of the mother was severely compromised by having the child. In times such as this, no one is pleased when actions of this need be done... but it's important to note that these were in fact legal and these procedures were necessary.
Finally, here's the clip of Olbermann and this is my plea to you. No source of 'news' should spout this hatred. And if it does it loses the ability for it to be called news. People like this will continue to act in this way unless their bottom line is affected. Watch this and follow whatever course you see fit - thank you.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
And one more from Rachel Maddow, where she interviewed Frank Schaeffer, a former vehement member of the far right Anti-Abortion movement - where he took some culpability for the violence perpetrated and how all others who shared his view also share the blame.
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Thursday, April 2, 2009
South Park as metaphor for the economic crisis?
I saw this episode of South Park last week and I found it surprisingly profound for three reasons
1)It showed the crisis (and religion for that matter) in all of their absurity.
2)The Margaritaville for Mortgage metaphor was brilliant in making it understandable but just as maddening.
3) The fact that Kyle just might be the economy's only son...
Here it is in four parts!
Part One -
Part Two -
Part Three -
Part Four -
1)It showed the crisis (and religion for that matter) in all of their absurity.
2)The Margaritaville for Mortgage metaphor was brilliant in making it understandable but just as maddening.
3) The fact that Kyle just might be the economy's only son...
Here it is in four parts!
Part One -
Part Two -
Part Three -
Part Four -
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The failure of Abstinence Only
Bristol Palin and Levi Johnson have broken off their engagement.
Their story is a story in which the legitimacy of Abstinence-only sex education has been removed. In an interview after the election, Bristol admitted that she believed that 'abstinence was unrealistic.' This is a view that many have, and those that choose to take that path have little information given to them in many public schools that have resorted to teaching abstinence only. I can understand the rationale of parents not wanting their children to have sex and their means of succeeding in this is not giving teenagers information and permission to have sex.
I see this as shortsighted and ineffective. Trying to avoid the elephant in the room is impossible. With the sexual culture that exists in the media and in everyday conversation between teenagers, simply ignoring the topic will not prevent individuals from partaking in it. In this culture and these conditions, mainly the high number of teenage numbers and surging number of sexually transmitted infections, safe sex must be taught in public schools. Referring back to Bristol Palin, in the same interview where she called abstinence 'unrealistic,' she was unable to explain why she and Levi did not practice safe sex. Surely some of the blame must lie with the schools, a problem that was not alleviated by the fact that Governor Palin unabashedly supports abstinence only education.
Teenage sexuality is a fact that cannot be swept under the rug. With STIs such as HIV out in the population, this is absolutely a life or death matter. Finally, safe sex education is the surest way to reduce abortions among teenagers. Whether you are pro life or pro choice, no one wants there to be more abortions than are absolutely necessary. By teaching teenagers ways to prevent pregnancy, the number will shrink and the use of abortion as a form of birth control will be shown to all as the wrong path.
Finally, I read online political news far too often. With Jon Stewart and Jim Cramer having a bit of a spat, the Daily Beast posted a few 'on air' feuds. This one I found particularly scathing and entertaining. Stewart, on Crossfire, holds his own with Tucker Carlson through humor and rational discourse... enjoy! (p.s. the link to the page is http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-03-11/7-best-cable-tv-feuds/)
Their story is a story in which the legitimacy of Abstinence-only sex education has been removed. In an interview after the election, Bristol admitted that she believed that 'abstinence was unrealistic.' This is a view that many have, and those that choose to take that path have little information given to them in many public schools that have resorted to teaching abstinence only. I can understand the rationale of parents not wanting their children to have sex and their means of succeeding in this is not giving teenagers information and permission to have sex.
I see this as shortsighted and ineffective. Trying to avoid the elephant in the room is impossible. With the sexual culture that exists in the media and in everyday conversation between teenagers, simply ignoring the topic will not prevent individuals from partaking in it. In this culture and these conditions, mainly the high number of teenage numbers and surging number of sexually transmitted infections, safe sex must be taught in public schools. Referring back to Bristol Palin, in the same interview where she called abstinence 'unrealistic,' she was unable to explain why she and Levi did not practice safe sex. Surely some of the blame must lie with the schools, a problem that was not alleviated by the fact that Governor Palin unabashedly supports abstinence only education.
Teenage sexuality is a fact that cannot be swept under the rug. With STIs such as HIV out in the population, this is absolutely a life or death matter. Finally, safe sex education is the surest way to reduce abortions among teenagers. Whether you are pro life or pro choice, no one wants there to be more abortions than are absolutely necessary. By teaching teenagers ways to prevent pregnancy, the number will shrink and the use of abortion as a form of birth control will be shown to all as the wrong path.
Finally, I read online political news far too often. With Jon Stewart and Jim Cramer having a bit of a spat, the Daily Beast posted a few 'on air' feuds. This one I found particularly scathing and entertaining. Stewart, on Crossfire, holds his own with Tucker Carlson through humor and rational discourse... enjoy! (p.s. the link to the page is http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-03-11/7-best-cable-tv-feuds/)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Fox News?!
Well, I was flipping around channels tonight and found myself watching Hannity... Wow, I actually missed Colmes. Anyway, there was this 'shocking piece' in which a 'New BRIDGE TO NOWHERE'
Anyway... this piece was shocking in three ways:
1)It gives credit to 'environmental concerns'
2)It feigns interest in the 'survival of the Everglades'
3)They actually interviewed Native Americans
4)It chides excess development as what hurt the Everglades
*RANT BREAK*
Wait, What?! Under the Bush Administration, just a few months ago, it was commonplace for the members of the Department of the Interior (Many of whom are now in jail for partaking in bribery in the form of drugs and hookers from the industries they were regulating) routinely auctioned off valuable protected land to the highest bidder. Not the least of which was contracts to strip mine for Uranium in the land near the Grand Canyon where possible spills into the Colorado River would endanger the main water supply of Las Vegas and Los Angeles?!? To me, these practices don't seem like the best way to maintain precious 'beautiful landscapes.'
*END RANT BREAK*
Ok, I've ranted enough... here is the clip for you to watch to see if you're as angered as me. And it's not just the reporting itself, it's just how disingenuous and hypocritical it is...
Well, here's a link to the video, http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=videolandingpage&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=3778357&referralPlaylistId=949437d0db05ed5f5b9954dc049d70b0c12f2749
Finally, this is shown to be a 'pork' addition to the bill that is CLEARLY one of many in this Spending Bill. I wanted to see who was the horrible congressman whose district this flaunting of money would go in. His name was Adam Putnam and he's a Republican. On his website, http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl12_putnam/20090220_everglades_funding.shtml, he praises the large amount of Everglades funding in the bill. Nailed ya Fox News!
Oh, and on another note... Glenn Beck is insane. A fearmonger among fearmongers, Beck has something he calls the 'War Room' in which he envisions the many horrible ways that the country will inevitably fall (All thanks to Barack Obama, of course). Colbert just killed him with this bit, and I think that for levity's sake I'll include it was well.
Here's Colbert describing Beck's 'War Room'
And, here's Colbert's response to Beck - His 'Doom Bunker'
Anyway... this piece was shocking in three ways:
1)It gives credit to 'environmental concerns'
2)It feigns interest in the 'survival of the Everglades'
3)They actually interviewed Native Americans
4)It chides excess development as what hurt the Everglades
*RANT BREAK*
Wait, What?! Under the Bush Administration, just a few months ago, it was commonplace for the members of the Department of the Interior (Many of whom are now in jail for partaking in bribery in the form of drugs and hookers from the industries they were regulating) routinely auctioned off valuable protected land to the highest bidder. Not the least of which was contracts to strip mine for Uranium in the land near the Grand Canyon where possible spills into the Colorado River would endanger the main water supply of Las Vegas and Los Angeles?!? To me, these practices don't seem like the best way to maintain precious 'beautiful landscapes.'
*END RANT BREAK*
Ok, I've ranted enough... here is the clip for you to watch to see if you're as angered as me. And it's not just the reporting itself, it's just how disingenuous and hypocritical it is...
Well, here's a link to the video, http://www.foxnews.com/video/index.html?playerId=videolandingpage&streamingFormat=FLASH&referralObject=3778357&referralPlaylistId=949437d0db05ed5f5b9954dc049d70b0c12f2749
Finally, this is shown to be a 'pork' addition to the bill that is CLEARLY one of many in this Spending Bill. I wanted to see who was the horrible congressman whose district this flaunting of money would go in. His name was Adam Putnam and he's a Republican. On his website, http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/fl12_putnam/20090220_everglades_funding.shtml, he praises the large amount of Everglades funding in the bill. Nailed ya Fox News!
Oh, and on another note... Glenn Beck is insane. A fearmonger among fearmongers, Beck has something he calls the 'War Room' in which he envisions the many horrible ways that the country will inevitably fall (All thanks to Barack Obama, of course). Colbert just killed him with this bit, and I think that for levity's sake I'll include it was well.
Here's Colbert describing Beck's 'War Room'
And, here's Colbert's response to Beck - His 'Doom Bunker'
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