The GOP Attack Machine Kicks Into Gear
by Jed L
Thu Jan 22, 2009 at 06:04:11 PM PST
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/1/21/214045/780/138/687364
It's as easy to see as 1-2-3:
1. Rush Limbaugh tells his radio audience that he wants Obama to fail.
2. Within four hours of Barack Obama's inauguration, FOX was pimping the Republican talking point that the Dow took the biggest dive of any inaugural day in history, mentioning it on at least ten separate occasions. (The talking point is technically true, but misleading. It ignores the fact that in percentage terms, the Dow dropped by about the same amount as it did on Ronald Reagan's inaugural day. More importantly, the drop had no more to do with Obama than the fact that on Wednesday, the Dow climbed by more points than it has on the first full day in office of any President in U.S. history.)
3. On Wednesday alone, Republicans stalled Secretary of State Clinton's confirmation until late in the day, lambasted Timothy Geithner for having screwed up his taxes a few years ago, even though he's subsequently paid back everything that was due, and blocked a vote on Eric Holder's nomination to be Attorney General.
President Obama has steadfastly extended his hand to these very same Republicans. He's tried in good faith to work with them. He's given them every opportunity to be a productive part of this government, even though they were battered in the November elections.
But so far, the GOP is refusing the President's olive branch. Instead of signing up to help turn this country around, they are playing the same old petty partisan games that led to their defeat in 2008.
They might be making the mistake of misinterpreting President Obama's gestures as signs of weakness. They might think that he doesn't have the heart for conflict.
If that's what they believe, and they insist on continuing on their destructive path, then they are making a grave mistake. They have no idea what's coming. If they thought 2008 was bad, just wait until 2010.
Smart Republicans understand that now is the time to jump on board the train. Trouble for the GOP is, not that many of them are all that smart.
After all, these are the same jokers who got us into this mess in the first place.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Obama: It is not about promoting abortion, but defending women right to choose
Obama: "...we are united in our determination to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce the need for abortion, and support women and families in the choices they make”.
I agree completely. It is not about promoting abortion or running around telling women 'go ahead, have an abortion, it's OK and cool" , as those crazy, liar conservative demagogues want make people believe. It is about defending women right to choose what they think is best for them, while at the same time we work to avoid unintended pregnancies through education and support.
I agree completely. It is not about promoting abortion or running around telling women 'go ahead, have an abortion, it's OK and cool" , as those crazy, liar conservative demagogues want make people believe. It is about defending women right to choose what they think is best for them, while at the same time we work to avoid unintended pregnancies through education and support.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
What is HOPE?
The Texas Democratic Women of Collin County, TX
President Obama has renewed our hope for the future. How do you spell your hope for the future? Is it . . .
Housing that is affordable
Opportunity for all
Peace
Early childhood education
Healthcare for everyone
Openness and accountability
Positive international relations
Environmental protections
President Obama has renewed our hope for the future. How do you spell your hope for the future? Is it . . .
Housing that is affordable
Opportunity for all
Peace
Early childhood education
Healthcare for everyone
Openness and accountability
Positive international relations
Environmental protections
Monday, January 19, 2009
Social responsibility - just business
http://entrepreneur.virgin.com/2008/12/18/social-responsibility-just-business/
Richard Branson in his book "Business Stripped Bare":
"I don’t think big businesses make good governments. I know governments don’t make great businesses. But somehow we need to close the circle."
As a progressive I guess I have that "genetic predisposition" against big business, but which I have confirmed being correct over the years. Also as an American I have some of the same cynic mistrust against government which it has also been proved correct, especially after 8 years of the Bush administration. Sir Richard Branson has a point in what extremes are always bad. Businesses are not good to function as government and government is not good to function as a business (just see Bush's legacy).
I agree that in some way we need close the circle and find that perfect balance that makes business socially responsible and government efficient without firing half of the federal workforce or eliminating all social programs.
Richard Branson in his book "Business Stripped Bare":
"I don’t think big businesses make good governments. I know governments don’t make great businesses. But somehow we need to close the circle."
As a progressive I guess I have that "genetic predisposition" against big business, but which I have confirmed being correct over the years. Also as an American I have some of the same cynic mistrust against government which it has also been proved correct, especially after 8 years of the Bush administration. Sir Richard Branson has a point in what extremes are always bad. Businesses are not good to function as government and government is not good to function as a business (just see Bush's legacy).
I agree that in some way we need close the circle and find that perfect balance that makes business socially responsible and government efficient without firing half of the federal workforce or eliminating all social programs.
Labor can revive the American Dream
http://www.truthout.org/011509LA
Could be a long reading but it is worth it!
Could be a long reading but it is worth it!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Families USA: National Grassroots Meeting/Health Action 2009
National Grassroots Meeting
January 29-31, 2009
Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
Washington, DC
We stand at the edge of a new era in Washington and in our country – an era that holds great promise for health care reform to improve the lives of countless people. It is an exceptional opportunity for advocates and for those whose health may depend on reform.
At the same time, opposing interests are no doubt marshaling their resources to stop reform from happening. What does this all mean for health advocates and our work in the coming year?
It means we need to get ready. We need to:
*
build on our strengths,
*
sharpen our skills, and
*
hone our messages.
To borrow the words of President-elect Obama, “We are the ones we have been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
So join us in January at Health Action 2009:
*
Hear powerful speeches from national leaders, including from the new Administration.
*
Listen to astute analysis from political experts and health policy wonks.
*
Get the latest on messages that work.
*
Enjoy the political satire of the Capitol Steps, who have no shortage of material this year.
*
Let your hair down with fellow health care advocates from across the U.S.
Health Action 2009 occurs mere days after we welcome the new Administration and Congress and kick off a year with real potential for significant health reform. The timing couldn’t be better. We hope you can join us.
Health Action 2009 is coming: January 29 to 31.
Were you one of the fortunate who attended last year's conference and witnessed first-hand the rousing remarks of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the late Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Gov. Mark Warner, CNN's Paul Begala, and many others?
No longer do you need to rely on watching the webcasts over and over again to relive your experience.
Perhaps you attended one of the over 35 workshops - ranging from Messaging 101 to Web 2.0 (Internet advocacy) to the Brave New World of State Medicaid Reform - and you can't wait for another opportunity to rub elbows and compare notes with health advocates from all over the country.
Did you attend in past years and hear President Bill Clinton or Vice President Al Gore? And are you now looking forward to hearing what national leaders have to say about 2009? This is your chance.
Health Action 2009: A great place to learn and share strategies with other advocates around the country and to recharge for the year ahead.
January 29-31, 2009
Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
Washington, DC
We stand at the edge of a new era in Washington and in our country – an era that holds great promise for health care reform to improve the lives of countless people. It is an exceptional opportunity for advocates and for those whose health may depend on reform.
At the same time, opposing interests are no doubt marshaling their resources to stop reform from happening. What does this all mean for health advocates and our work in the coming year?
It means we need to get ready. We need to:
*
build on our strengths,
*
sharpen our skills, and
*
hone our messages.
To borrow the words of President-elect Obama, “We are the ones we have been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”
So join us in January at Health Action 2009:
*
Hear powerful speeches from national leaders, including from the new Administration.
*
Listen to astute analysis from political experts and health policy wonks.
*
Get the latest on messages that work.
*
Enjoy the political satire of the Capitol Steps, who have no shortage of material this year.
*
Let your hair down with fellow health care advocates from across the U.S.
Health Action 2009 occurs mere days after we welcome the new Administration and Congress and kick off a year with real potential for significant health reform. The timing couldn’t be better. We hope you can join us.
Health Action 2009 is coming: January 29 to 31.
Were you one of the fortunate who attended last year's conference and witnessed first-hand the rousing remarks of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the late Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Gov. Mark Warner, CNN's Paul Begala, and many others?
No longer do you need to rely on watching the webcasts over and over again to relive your experience.
Perhaps you attended one of the over 35 workshops - ranging from Messaging 101 to Web 2.0 (Internet advocacy) to the Brave New World of State Medicaid Reform - and you can't wait for another opportunity to rub elbows and compare notes with health advocates from all over the country.
Did you attend in past years and hear President Bill Clinton or Vice President Al Gore? And are you now looking forward to hearing what national leaders have to say about 2009? This is your chance.
Health Action 2009: A great place to learn and share strategies with other advocates around the country and to recharge for the year ahead.
Faithful Reform in Health Care and Families USA
Families USA Health Action 2009 Conference
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 - 7:00-8:30 pm
Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC
http://ga3.org/familiesusa/events/Reception_for_Faith_Advocates/details.tcl
Faithful Reform in Health Care and Families USA invite you to a special reception for advocates who work on health care reform within communities of faith. This event will give participants the opportunity to get better acquainted with one another before the conference begins on Thursday morning.
In keeping with the theme of the conference, an important focus of this gathering will be the sharing of information about faith engagement in the early 2009 health care reform opportunities.
Literature tables will be available for sharing print materials, and attendees will have the opportunity to make very brief verbal presentations about their work.
Heavy hors d'ourves will be served so RSVPs will be needed by Friday, January 23, 2009.
Click here to RSVP:
http://ga3.org/familiesusa/events/Reception_for_Faith_Advocates/details.tcl
Plan to join us for this important opportunity to strengthen our relationships with each other as we enter a critical time for shaping the future of health care reform work in the United States.
May health and peace be yours in the new year!
Maryellen Barreca
Project Manager
Families USA
Rev. Linda Hanna Walling
Executive Director
Faithful Reform in Health Care
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 - 7:00-8:30 pm
Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC
http://ga3.org/familiesusa/events/Reception_for_Faith_Advocates/details.tcl
Faithful Reform in Health Care and Families USA invite you to a special reception for advocates who work on health care reform within communities of faith. This event will give participants the opportunity to get better acquainted with one another before the conference begins on Thursday morning.
In keeping with the theme of the conference, an important focus of this gathering will be the sharing of information about faith engagement in the early 2009 health care reform opportunities.
Literature tables will be available for sharing print materials, and attendees will have the opportunity to make very brief verbal presentations about their work.
Heavy hors d'ourves will be served so RSVPs will be needed by Friday, January 23, 2009.
Click here to RSVP:
http://ga3.org/familiesusa/events/Reception_for_Faith_Advocates/details.tcl
Plan to join us for this important opportunity to strengthen our relationships with each other as we enter a critical time for shaping the future of health care reform work in the United States.
May health and peace be yours in the new year!
Maryellen Barreca
Project Manager
Families USA
Rev. Linda Hanna Walling
Executive Director
Faithful Reform in Health Care
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