On Shame As A Tactic, Or, Betsie Gallardo: She Won...And So Can You!

by: fake consultant

Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 13:44:07 PM EST

She has inoperable cancer, her death is imminent, and her mother was working hard to make it possible for Betsie to die at home with some dignity.

As we reported just a couple days ago, half the battle was already won, as the Florida Department of Corrections had agreed to place her in a hospital so that she could again go back on nutritional support.

On January 5th, the Florida Parole Commission voted to allow her to end her life at home-and that means you spoke out, made a difference, and achieved a complete victory for the effort.

But even as we celebrate that victory, I think we should take a moment to realize that there is a bigger lesson here: the lesson that the fights over "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), benefits for 9/11 first responders (the Zadroga Bill), and Betsie Gallardo's imminent release are all actually pointing us to a political strategy that works, over and over, if we are willing to understand the wisdom that's been laid before us.

On How To Honor The Brave, Or, Why We Hate Republicans

by: fake consultant

Wed Dec 22, 2010 at 05:30:49 AM EST

And yet there is one important bit of legislation that is still being blocked by Republicans, and, amazingly enough, it's a bill that would provide health care and compensation for those people who ran down to the World Trade Center site on September 11th, and for months thereafter, in the effort to rescue and recover victims, and to restore normal operations in the city after the attack.

Yes, folks, you heard me correctly: the Party of waving flags and "Second Amendment solutions" and tri-cornered hats and Rudy ("noun, verb, 9/11") Giuliani is now engaged in a desperate battle to screw over the very 9/11 first responders that you would think they would be...well, putting up on a stage somewhere next to Rudy Giuliani.

On Honoring A Legacy, Or John Edwards, We Need To Talk

by: fake consultant

Thu Dec 16, 2010 at 06:03:56 AM EST

Despite having more things thrown at her than anyone I've ever had the chance to support in my entire political life, she managed to represent, in her very presence, a sense of grace and kindness and concern for those who were looking to have a better life than the one they had now, and I don't know that I could ever live up to the quiet courage she showed as her life came to an end.

And, bless her heart, it appears that she took the time to make sure that her kids knew her, and that she helped them put away enough "past" to, hopefully, ease some of the pain of the future.

But now the time has come to look beyond death, and, John...that's why I want to talk to you today.

On Pushing The Unwilling, Or, Laughter: A Tool Of Asymmetric Warfare?

by: fake consultant

Thu Dec 09, 2010 at 06:01:04 AM EST

In fact, as the President announces a deal that even he agrees the majority of the American people do not support, and he prepares the Nation for the news that we're going to have to borrow money for the very tax cuts he said we couldn't afford a few weeks ago, it's starting to look like Obama isn't even going to pursue the same agenda he campaigned for in October.

Now it is true that a lot of the problem here is the President's-but it's also fair to say that we Progressives have failed to force the President, and certain reluctant Members of Congress, to govern in a way that promotes that agenda.

That's a real problem, and it needs a real solution; before we get done today I'll offer a suggestion that could be not only highly effective, and a lot of fun besides, but a great chance to release your artistic muse as well.  

On Asking And Telling, Or, 115,000 LBGT Troops? How Many Is That, Exactly?

by: fake consultant

Thu Dec 02, 2010 at 02:21:53 AM EST

Today we'll take on "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT); this because the Pentagon's top leadership just came out and reported that revocation of the policy, following a period of preparation, would be their preferred way to go.

There will be lots of others who will take on the question of what's right and wrong here, and exactly how implementation might occur; my interest is, instead, to focus on one little fact that makes all teh rest of the conversation a lot more relevant.

That is the fact that about 70,000 LBGT troops serve in the military today, DADT notwithstanding, and, that if it wasn't for DADT, almost 45,000 more troops would be serving that aren't today.

And that one little fact leads to today's Great Big Question: exactly how much military would 115,000 troops be, exactly?

Social Security: If The Rich Paid Taxes Like You And Me...Problem Solved

by: fake consultant

Tue Nov 16, 2010 at 10:31:32 AM EST

Today we take on another bite-sized chunk of economic analysis: how can you get to a situation where Social Security is financially stable for the next 75 years?

We'll describe some proposals that are out there-but the big focus of this conversation will be to look at one change that, all by itself, could not only solve the entire funding problem, but could actually allow us to lower the Social Security tax rate, immediately, and still achieve fiscal balance.

"Well, if that's such a bright idea" you might ask, "why haven't we adopted it already?"

That's a great question-and after you hear the proposal, you may well have explanations of your own.

Social Security: They Want To Cut, We Plan To Fight

by: fake consultant

Wed Nov 10, 2010 at 06:56:45 AM EST

Now what's supposed to happen is that a television ad buy sponsored by a Wall Street billionaire is supposed to get you enthused about cutting your own Social Security benefits in the future; this is the tip of a "disinformation iceberg" that is trying to get you to act, right now, because if you don't you will never, ever, ever, ever, see a single dime of Social Security when you get older.

I was on a "let's talk strategy" conference call today that laid out some ideas for the "next steps"; we'll be talking about that call over the next couple of stories...but for today, we're going to talk about something you can do that will bring the message right to your favorite Member of Congress.  

Social Security: The War Begins Tuesday, And You Better Say...Oh, No!

by: fake consultant

Sat Nov 06, 2010 at 13:16:30 PM EDT

Today, that's exactly what we have.

There is a war coming to try to change Social Security from a social safety net to a "revenue stream" for certain corporate interests, and that war is set to begin Tuesday morning, according to information that was provided to me yesterday afternoon.

Follow along, and you'll be both forewarned and forearmed.

Halliburton Gets $2 Billion Contract For Florida "Cardboard Condos"

by: fake consultant

Sun Oct 17, 2010 at 23:07:43 PM EDT

"Having homeless senior citizens drag their appliance boxes all over the city reduces the community's aesthetic appeal and leads to complaints", said Halliburton spokesman Tendei Furlough. "The new modular design, combined with our ability to print attractive images on the outside of the boxes, guarantees both increased protection from winter weather and fewer complaints from affected neighborhoods."

FEMA's Director of Emergency Housing Resources Spike Fromula agreed: "We thought we had a real problem with homelessness in a number of our major cities after the Social Security safety net collapsed...but now, we think...well, we think we have a way to wrap the problem up in a neat little package."

On Why Voting Matters, Or, Could You Outrun The Toxic Red Flood?

by: fake consultant

Wed Oct 06, 2010 at 22:58:21 PM EDT

Now I could give you a bunch of "what ifs" to make my point, or I could remind you how we spent all summer watching oil gush into the Gulf, and how that came to be...but, instead, it's "Even More Current Event Day", and we're going to visit Hungary for a extremely real-world reminder of what can go wrong when the environmental cops are considered just too much of a burden by the environmental robbers-and if today's story doesn't scare you to death, I don't know what will.

It ain't Texas, but we will surely visit a Red River Valley...and you surely won't like what you're gonna see.

MI-Gov Primary Focus: Republican Mike Cox has (Marine) Corps Values?

by: Hector Solon

Sat Jul 24, 2010 at 11:14:51 AM EDT

What's his storyline?

"I'm a Marine."

The fact is that U.S. Marine Corps has changed a lot since Cox was a short timer, one enlistment, non-rate, brawling leatherneck. The question is now; does Mike Cox have the character and core values of today's Marine? This analysis takes a look at Marine Corps Values and Mike Cox, his history, background and personal potential as Michigan's next "Marine" governor.

OK, Private. Shit-hot and square? Chinese field day time.
Dump ruck, junk on bunk. Urah?

In other words... Mr. Cox, if that's the premise; let's explore what that might mean, for you, your campaign, and for the citizens of Michigan.

Analysis and AAR below fold...

Lee Surrenders To Grant, Obama Retains Slavery

by: fake consultant

Thu Jul 22, 2010 at 03:53:07 AM EDT

Although most observers are generally happy with the surrender, many of President Obama's most loyal supporters are livid with the Commander-in-Chief because of the concessions he made in order to obtain the future support of the Southern Senators who will rejoin the body when the next Session begins.

At a media event this morning, Press Secretary Dick Timoneous expressed the President's hope that the formerly Confederate Members of Congress are looking forward to changing the political culture and steering the Nation in a better direction:

"It's time for the opposition to realize that what really matters is putting America first. The President is certain that by offering some concessions now, Southern Senators will look beyond their own parochial interests and do their part to move this process forward."

Republicans Intervene In Traffic Accident, Call Settlement "Shakedown"

by: fake consultant

Thu Jun 24, 2010 at 07:55:28 AM EDT

The intervening attorneys claim the settlement reached between the two parties to the accident is a "shakedown" because the plaintiff had not yet exhausted all possible legal remedies when the agreement was finalized, and because the agreement was executed in the presence of the plaintiff's brother, a well-known local attorney.

They hope Judge Bryan will decline to approve the settlement in today's hearing, and that he will order the parties to move forward to trial.

"What we have is government transferring property from one party, an admittedly unattractive one, to others, not based on preexisting laws but on decisions by one man, a car czar", said Crush Mimbaugh, attorney for the RSG, "and we are here today to protect all Americans from this legally sanctioned rape of an innocent driver."

Republicans don't know Jack....errr.. Mark (Schauer)

by: Eclectablog

Tue Mar 23, 2010 at 07:13:07 AM EDT

Washington - Despite a myriad of polls showing that a vote in favor of a government takeover of healthcare would be directly at odds with the interests and values of her constituents, Mark Schauer, instead chose to stand with President Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

And later, in the same email:

"By ignoring the overwhelming majority of her constituents, and voting in favor of Nancy Pelosi's government takeover of healthcare, Mark Schauer has fueled a level of anger and frustration within the constituency he claims to represent," said NRCC Communications Director Ken Spain.

Congressman Schauer (MI-07) is, as you have probably already figured out for yourself, a man.

You can see the entire email HERE.

I'm pretty danged proud of my Congressman just about now. I believe he cast an historic vote this past weekend and I, for one, am impressed by his leadership, his thoughtfulness and his position on the reform of our nation's health insurance system.

Meanwhile, as they play cutty-cutty, pastey-pastey with their emails and send them out across the country, the NRCC can't even get the sex right of the person they are trying to slam.

Lame, rookie, fail move, NRCC. Well-played.

I'm just sayin'...
==================================================
Cross-posted at Eclectablog.com and Blogging for Michigan.

On Selling Paranoia, Or, Conservative Emails, Examined

by: fake consultant

Fri Mar 19, 2010 at 20:11:32 PM EDT

On Assigning Blame, Or, "So, You Think I'm Retarded?"

by: fake consultant

Sun Feb 28, 2010 at 12:53:46 PM EST

LANGUAGE WARNING: Today’s story is uncharacteristically blunt, and from this moment forward we will be using lots of inappropriate language in making our points.

Gentle Reader, you have been officially...warned.

With that in mind, if you take offense when confronted with language strong enough to knock a fuckin’ buzzard off a shitwagon, please stop reading now.

Mike Rogers: "They just sentenced to death 36K women"

by: Eclectablog

Tue Jan 05, 2010 at 19:56:10 PM EST

My former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers stopped by the offices of the Livingston Press & Argus in Howell, Mich. yesterday to throw some poop on health care reform. Not only did he throw poop, he told several bald-faced lies including this one:

He said a government-appointed panel's conclusion that women need fewer mammograms at certain ages would be incorporated in the bills.

Rogers, himself a cancer survivor, said the government shouldn't dictate who has access to mammograms.

"I said, 'Oh, my gosh. They just sentenced to death 36,000 American women.'"

And that's not the only whopper he told.

On Understanding Your Market, Or, Mr. Obama, We Need To Talk

by: fake consultant

Wed Sep 09, 2009 at 13:26:53 PM EDT

Poll: Cut Education Funding, Voters May Not Return You

by: LiberalLucy

Fri Jul 03, 2009 at 14:40:42 PM EDT

While Republicans appear to be running rampant with burning torches and pitchforks chanting "Slash and Burn!" through the state's budget, it might be worth their while to pay careful attention to a recent poll released last week.

Cut early childhood development and education funding and consider yourself on the chopping block.

From Monday's subscription-only MIRS-

Three-quarters of voters say it is personally important to them to protect early childhood development and education from funding cuts, with 44 percent saying it is extremely important to them and 31 percent saying very important. At least six out of 10 voters across demographic and political subgroups say it is extremely or very important to protect early childhood development and education from funding cuts.

A majority of voters say they would cast their vote depending on a candidate's position on this issue. Fifty-four percent of voters say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who came out in favor of maintaining funding for early childhood development and education, 31 percent were much more likely; 10 percent less likely; 32 percent no difference. Additionally, 54 percent of voters say they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who came out in favor of reducing funding for early childhood development and education, 38 percent were much less likely, 15 percent more likely and 26 percent no difference.

Of course this comes on the heels of last week's axing of the Michigan Promise Grant by the Senate Republicans, but only a handful of the caucus are facing re-election. The rest are termed out, allowing them to show their true colors, i.e. kids be damned, or something to that effect.

So while they keep the slash and burn mentality, the rest of us are left repeatedly hearing news like this alternative high school that's being forced to close, providing a much-needed second chance for teens.

The Legislature is out for the summer recess, but between this poll and the findings of the Cherry Report in '04, you'd think that sooner or later that the Republicans would wise up when it comes to cutting off funding for education. That is, if they ever hope to gain power or seats again. 

Cherry and the Senate Dems get Creative (and Geeky!) in Fighting for Higher Ed Funding

by: LiberalLucy

Thu Jun 25, 2009 at 09:34:15 AM EDT

In the small chance you've been off the Tubes of the Internets for the last 48 hours, chances are you've heard a whole lot of noise about how the Senate Republicans slashed the state's Higher Education budget yesterday, which included the Michigan's Promise, the $4000 scholarship for Michigan students, which 96,000 students in our state receive and depend on.

As a geek, I love the online organizing tools -- but as a citizen, this is a great way to send a message that we won't stand for breaking Michigan's promise.

From subscription-only MIRS

Minutes before the vote on many of amendments that attempted to restore the Michigan Promise Scholarship, Lt. Gov. John CHERRY, who was presiding over the Senate was sending out messages on Twitter telling his followers to use an online tool to write local newspapers to stress why cutting the scholarship was wrong.

Not too long after I saw the tweets from the Lt. Governor, I clicked on one and was taken to the website from A Whole Lot of People Supporting Cherry, his exploration committee, asking me to make sure our state is 'Keeping Our Promises' by visiting an entire section of his website to take action on this one singular issue. 

Now that might not seem to extraordinary, but if you visit the page, you're apt to be a little more impressed. The page includes a You-Tube video, a petition to sign directed at the Senate Republicans, a link to the Facebook group for the issue, a link to a tool that allows you to automatically send a letter-to-the-editor about this particular issue (with suggested text), a "tell-a-friend" tool, and lastly a link to the news page with all of Cherry's press releases. From an online organizing/get-out-the-vote (GOTV) perspective, that's pretty sweet. 

To be fair, the Senate Democrats have done an impressive job of also using some of these very same online tools to keep folks informed and engaged through their website, blog and Twitter, and Facebook accounts, and have one of the most active and updated YouTube channels, with over 75 videos to date. 

On top of all of that, Cherry started using a new online petition tool, http://act.ly, the Twitter Petition, that just launched within the last 72 hours, to also drive the subject. 

Obviously the Obama campaign set the bar pretty high last year for similar online action, but this early in the 2010 game it's pretty impressive. 

As someone who makes monthly student loan payments equivalent to what some pay for a mortgage, I appreciate the fight that the leadership of Cherry and the Senate Democrats are taking on with this issue. As a giant geek, I think it's great to see public officials really grabbing this online technology by the horns and using it for a very worthy cause.