By Dave
Hypocrisy truly knows no bounds.
Today the Senate voted 60-40 to enact PAYGO rules. These rules are among the first steps needed to force fiscal discipline on the government and they are responsible for the budget surpluses inherited by the Bush Administration in 2000. But EVERY SINGLE Republican voted against it. Not one Republican Senator voted yes. Not Olympia Snowe, not John McCain, not Susan Collins, not one. This is truly the Party of No.
For the last decade, Republicans have worked tirelessly to put this country into debt and financial ruin. They destroyed the country's budget with cut taxes for the wealthy, giant unfunded entitlement programs, and two wars. Yet they have the audacity to insist that they are the Party of Fiscal responsibility, despite all evidence to the contrary.
Wake up, people. Let know one ever insist to me that Congressional Republicans have ideas or favor deficit reduction. They couldn't care less about the deficit. Today's vote proves it. These people are power hungry narcissists who have no interest in making government more efficient or more productive. They just want the power. They will say or do anything to get it.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Great Moments in American Politics
By Dave
For anybody who hasn't seen it, here is the video from Obama's Q&A with the Republican Caucus.
Given the level of political debate over the last year, this back and forth looks all the more remarkable. One, it was great to see Obama demolish the Republican talking points using only facts and logic. Two, it was nice to see Republicans being respectful and actually taking this seriously. All in all, both sides came off looking pretty good.
In a lot of ways, the Q&A reminded me of when the British Prime Minister addresses the House of Commons. There's a give and take, everyone has to be on their toes, and intellectual capacity matters. It would be cool to see this happen more often. I've heard Republicans are already regretting giving a platform to Obama to shoot down their talking points.
So who knows if this is a one-time fluke or the beginning of a new trend, but I can dream can't I.
For anybody who hasn't seen it, here is the video from Obama's Q&A with the Republican Caucus.
Given the level of political debate over the last year, this back and forth looks all the more remarkable. One, it was great to see Obama demolish the Republican talking points using only facts and logic. Two, it was nice to see Republicans being respectful and actually taking this seriously. All in all, both sides came off looking pretty good.
In a lot of ways, the Q&A reminded me of when the British Prime Minister addresses the House of Commons. There's a give and take, everyone has to be on their toes, and intellectual capacity matters. It would be cool to see this happen more often. I've heard Republicans are already regretting giving a platform to Obama to shoot down their talking points.
So who knows if this is a one-time fluke or the beginning of a new trend, but I can dream can't I.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
SOTU Concluding Thoughts
By Dave
Well, first let me say. Live blogging is no joke, it's a lot of work. It's meant, I think, as a first impression type of analysis. What are the things that stick out? What was the initial reaction to certain ideas? Etc. I had fun. Hopefully, it is at least somewhat interesting to readers.
Based on this speech, this is obviously a President focused on domestic issues. The number one priority is to improve what's going on here at home. He's clearly focused on issues abroad. But he barely spent a couple of minutes on foreign policy and only briefly touched on Iran and North Korea.
The bulk of this speech was dedicated to 'feeling your pain.' He made it clear again and again that he knew how people were feeling and he empathized. It was also very policy heavy. Lot's of explaining the rationale for previous policies, and laying the ground for new policies.
A big focus, predictably, was jobs. I'm generally skeptical of the government's ability to create jobs, but I understand the need for the administration to focus on this issue. Some of Obama's ideas seem like they could actually get the job done (no pun intended). Tax breaks and credits for small businesses to hire new people, eliminating the capital gains tax for investing in small businesses, and providing more credit for small businesses all could go a long way to creating jobs.
Again, this is a president who is believes that government needs to work. He's not a socialist, and he's not a corporatist as his critics on the far right and left like to charge. He believes in an effective, active government but look at his policy proposals. Almost all of them try to improve or work with market forces to improve the quality of life for Americans. None of his proposals called for the government to be a primary player. Rather the government will act as a facilitator and a supporter.
I think he needs to drive this political philosophy home in a more forceful and direct fashion. I know he prefers to show not tell. But this is a narrative that needs to be explicitly spelled out again and again.
Lastly, he was reassuring. He spoke plainly, honestly, and was straight forward. This wasn't the soaring rhetoric of the Obama campaign but it put me at ease and if you've talked to me lately, you know that I have not been at ease. I think this type of talk will resonate with people. It's easy to understand andjust dissipates the shrillness that pervades our political discourse.
Well, these are just some preliminary thoughts. What did you think?
Well, first let me say. Live blogging is no joke, it's a lot of work. It's meant, I think, as a first impression type of analysis. What are the things that stick out? What was the initial reaction to certain ideas? Etc. I had fun. Hopefully, it is at least somewhat interesting to readers.
Based on this speech, this is obviously a President focused on domestic issues. The number one priority is to improve what's going on here at home. He's clearly focused on issues abroad. But he barely spent a couple of minutes on foreign policy and only briefly touched on Iran and North Korea.
The bulk of this speech was dedicated to 'feeling your pain.' He made it clear again and again that he knew how people were feeling and he empathized. It was also very policy heavy. Lot's of explaining the rationale for previous policies, and laying the ground for new policies.
A big focus, predictably, was jobs. I'm generally skeptical of the government's ability to create jobs, but I understand the need for the administration to focus on this issue. Some of Obama's ideas seem like they could actually get the job done (no pun intended). Tax breaks and credits for small businesses to hire new people, eliminating the capital gains tax for investing in small businesses, and providing more credit for small businesses all could go a long way to creating jobs.
Again, this is a president who is believes that government needs to work. He's not a socialist, and he's not a corporatist as his critics on the far right and left like to charge. He believes in an effective, active government but look at his policy proposals. Almost all of them try to improve or work with market forces to improve the quality of life for Americans. None of his proposals called for the government to be a primary player. Rather the government will act as a facilitator and a supporter.
I think he needs to drive this political philosophy home in a more forceful and direct fashion. I know he prefers to show not tell. But this is a narrative that needs to be explicitly spelled out again and again.
Lastly, he was reassuring. He spoke plainly, honestly, and was straight forward. This wasn't the soaring rhetoric of the Obama campaign but it put me at ease and if you've talked to me lately, you know that I have not been at ease. I think this type of talk will resonate with people. It's easy to understand andjust dissipates the shrillness that pervades our political discourse.
Well, these are just some preliminary thoughts. What did you think?
Live Blogging State of the Union Pt. 3
By Dave
10:07: We need to support our troops. Not just with bumper stickers. Last year, saw the largest increase in funding for veterans in decades. Next step reforming the VA
10:08: Takes his message of nuclear disarmament to congress. We'll see how far this message goes with this crowd.
10:09 Tough talk towards nations that pursue nuclear weapons. Calls out Iran and promises consequences unless they change their path.
10:10: America is a nation that provides leadership to other countries. We work with others. We will not be bystanders on important problems.
10:11: Who's the guy with the awful tie in this shot?
10:12: Pledges to stand with the people living in oppression and poverty. Also administration to help working to rebuild Haiti.
10:13: Civil rights: Prosecute those who commit hate crimes. Promises this year to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell. Yes! Way to go, Obama. Let's see this happen.
10:15: American Values. Not republican or democratic. Not business or labor. American values. This is clearly a speech about positioning himself on the side of the American people and letting people know that he gets it. That he understands.
10:15: What bravery. He knows the perceptions that people have of him. He's willing to admit that he can't do everything. That change doesn't come easy. But this is not a time to easy things. This is a time to look to the future. To me it is refreshing and admirable to see a President who admits when he's wrong but won't give up and won't stop fighting the good fight.
10:17: Ties this moment back into history. To remind people of the sacrifices of the past. To remind Congress of the job the have.
10:19: We are strong. We are resilient. We are American.
1019: We have finished a difficult year. After a difficult decade. But this is a new decade and I WON"T QUIT.
10:07: We need to support our troops. Not just with bumper stickers. Last year, saw the largest increase in funding for veterans in decades. Next step reforming the VA
10:08: Takes his message of nuclear disarmament to congress. We'll see how far this message goes with this crowd.
10:09 Tough talk towards nations that pursue nuclear weapons. Calls out Iran and promises consequences unless they change their path.
10:10: America is a nation that provides leadership to other countries. We work with others. We will not be bystanders on important problems.
10:11: Who's the guy with the awful tie in this shot?
10:12: Pledges to stand with the people living in oppression and poverty. Also administration to help working to rebuild Haiti.
10:13: Civil rights: Prosecute those who commit hate crimes. Promises this year to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell. Yes! Way to go, Obama. Let's see this happen.
10:15: American Values. Not republican or democratic. Not business or labor. American values. This is clearly a speech about positioning himself on the side of the American people and letting people know that he gets it. That he understands.
10:15: What bravery. He knows the perceptions that people have of him. He's willing to admit that he can't do everything. That change doesn't come easy. But this is not a time to easy things. This is a time to look to the future. To me it is refreshing and admirable to see a President who admits when he's wrong but won't give up and won't stop fighting the good fight.
10:17: Ties this moment back into history. To remind people of the sacrifices of the past. To remind Congress of the job the have.
10:19: We are strong. We are resilient. We are American.
1019: We have finished a difficult year. After a difficult decade. But this is a new decade and I WON"T QUIT.
Live Blogging State of the Union Pt. 2
By Dave
9:40: Investing in Education. Best anti-poverty campaign is a world-class education. Education outcomes shouldn't depend on where you live, rather on your potential. Revitalize Community colleges! Excellent. Community colleges do so much for this country and so much for students who can't afford or don't need to go to a four-year school.
9:42: Increased Pell Grants from money that used to subsidize banks for offering student loans. Debt forgiveness after ten years or for students who go into public service. All awesome ideas.
9:43: Finally the call for health insurance reform! Let's see the gloves come off, Mr. President!
9:45: Yes, let's clear somethings up! Nice joke about the politics, too. Starts off by framing this as a moral issue. People are suffering. That's why we need to do this. We can fix this problem.
9:46 Michelle looks realllly awkward....
9:47: HCR will bring down the deficit by $1 trillion over the next two decades. Obama takes his share of the blame for not explaining it well enough. What's in it for me? Without HCR more people will suffer, premiums will increase, more will lose coverage.
9:48: This is an improvement over the status quo. If you can bring down the deficit, bring down premiums, cover the uninsured, etc, etc. Let me know. Nice straight talk. Call 'em out.
9:49: Let's get this done!
9:50: That's right. Reminds us that our deficit is the result of not paying for two wars, not paying for tax cuts, etc, etc.Plus the recession made it worse. "All that was before walked in the door." Just stating the facts.
9:51: Specific steps to pay for what it took to save the economy. 1) Freeze discretionary spending for three years starting in 2011. Will enforce this discipline by veto! The gloves really are off. 2) Keep going through the budget to get rid of programs that don't work. Will extend middle class tax cuts, but will roll back others. 3) We still need to fix
9:53: Points to Deficit reduction commission. I don't have too much faith in it. But I think it's cool that he will create one by executive order because the Senate couldn't create one on it's own.
9:54: Restore pay-as-you-go law.
9:55: Nice little quip: That's how budgeting works...
9:56: Juxtapose right wing philosophy to what he's proposing now. Good reminder, right wing policies got us in this mess. Let's invest in our people, without leaving them a mountain of debt. Let's use common sense.
9:57: Washington suffers from a deficit of trust. Reminds them of work we've done so far. Mentions banning lobbyists from serving on boards. Republicans jeer but they have little room to talk on this issue. Note the total disrespect they have for this President.
9:59: Posting earmark requests on line. Good idea.
9:59: Nice that he can laugh at the stereotypes about him. "I didn't believe I'd usher in a post-partisan era"
10:00 Everyday is election day. We can't solve problems in a climate where I win when you lose. Not sure how much of this will get across. At least, he gets to scold the Republicans and look like the adult in the room. Commits himself to changing the tone in Washington.
10:01: Again comes back to a Washington that works and solves problems.
10:01: Don't run for the hills.
10:01: Calls out the Republican for filibustering every single issue. But now they have to step up to the plate. They need to solve problems too. Republicans can't just fulfill their short term ambitions.
10:03 Will begin monthly meetings with House Dems and Reps. This is a Congressional President.
10:03 Makes the transition to security. He really is the adult in the room. This is what strength looks like. Calls on Congress to put aside school yard taunts about who's tough.
10:05: Outlines the way his administration has made the country safer and how we will soon begin bringing troops home. This is his chance to remind us why we are fighting in Afghanistan and what is at stake in that country.
10:06 Promises to end the War in Iraq. All combat troops out by August. This isn't all troops but it's a good step. Make no mistake this war is ending. All of our troops are coming home.
9:40: Investing in Education. Best anti-poverty campaign is a world-class education. Education outcomes shouldn't depend on where you live, rather on your potential. Revitalize Community colleges! Excellent. Community colleges do so much for this country and so much for students who can't afford or don't need to go to a four-year school.
9:42: Increased Pell Grants from money that used to subsidize banks for offering student loans. Debt forgiveness after ten years or for students who go into public service. All awesome ideas.
9:43: Finally the call for health insurance reform! Let's see the gloves come off, Mr. President!
9:45: Yes, let's clear somethings up! Nice joke about the politics, too. Starts off by framing this as a moral issue. People are suffering. That's why we need to do this. We can fix this problem.
9:46 Michelle looks realllly awkward....
9:47: HCR will bring down the deficit by $1 trillion over the next two decades. Obama takes his share of the blame for not explaining it well enough. What's in it for me? Without HCR more people will suffer, premiums will increase, more will lose coverage.
9:48: This is an improvement over the status quo. If you can bring down the deficit, bring down premiums, cover the uninsured, etc, etc. Let me know. Nice straight talk. Call 'em out.
9:49: Let's get this done!
9:50: That's right. Reminds us that our deficit is the result of not paying for two wars, not paying for tax cuts, etc, etc.Plus the recession made it worse. "All that was before walked in the door." Just stating the facts.
9:51: Specific steps to pay for what it took to save the economy. 1) Freeze discretionary spending for three years starting in 2011. Will enforce this discipline by veto! The gloves really are off. 2) Keep going through the budget to get rid of programs that don't work. Will extend middle class tax cuts, but will roll back others. 3) We still need to fix
9:53: Points to Deficit reduction commission. I don't have too much faith in it. But I think it's cool that he will create one by executive order because the Senate couldn't create one on it's own.
9:54: Restore pay-as-you-go law.
9:55: Nice little quip: That's how budgeting works...
9:56: Juxtapose right wing philosophy to what he's proposing now. Good reminder, right wing policies got us in this mess. Let's invest in our people, without leaving them a mountain of debt. Let's use common sense.
9:57: Washington suffers from a deficit of trust. Reminds them of work we've done so far. Mentions banning lobbyists from serving on boards. Republicans jeer but they have little room to talk on this issue. Note the total disrespect they have for this President.
9:59: Posting earmark requests on line. Good idea.
9:59: Nice that he can laugh at the stereotypes about him. "I didn't believe I'd usher in a post-partisan era"
10:00 Everyday is election day. We can't solve problems in a climate where I win when you lose. Not sure how much of this will get across. At least, he gets to scold the Republicans and look like the adult in the room. Commits himself to changing the tone in Washington.
10:01: Again comes back to a Washington that works and solves problems.
10:01: Don't run for the hills.
10:01: Calls out the Republican for filibustering every single issue. But now they have to step up to the plate. They need to solve problems too. Republicans can't just fulfill their short term ambitions.
10:03 Will begin monthly meetings with House Dems and Reps. This is a Congressional President.
10:03 Makes the transition to security. He really is the adult in the room. This is what strength looks like. Calls on Congress to put aside school yard taunts about who's tough.
10:05: Outlines the way his administration has made the country safer and how we will soon begin bringing troops home. This is his chance to remind us why we are fighting in Afghanistan and what is at stake in that country.
10:06 Promises to end the War in Iraq. All combat troops out by August. This isn't all troops but it's a good step. Make no mistake this war is ending. All of our troops are coming home.
Live Blogging the State of the Union Pt. 1
By Dave
Pre-SOTU: Lots of pomp and circumstance, cabinet members, important people, etc. LET"S GET THIS THING GOING!
9:06 EST: Ok we're off! Obama comes in. Looking calm and confident. That's good. Shaking hands. Hi, how are ya, Hi, how are ya, Laughing at funny(?) jokes, couple of kisses. All right, let the guy enter!
9:08: Big handshake to Joe Biden!
9:09: Now, he's got his serious face on.
9:10: Nice opening. Connecting this moment to history, how our story fits into the greater context of American history. Reminding us to move forward as "one people, one nation"
9:13 Reminding us what it looked like when he came in. Two failed wars, awful recession. Congress has acted but we're not out of it yet. He's connecting with the everyday Americans. Reminding them he knows what they're going through.
9:15: "Change has not come fast enough." - Congress has been unable or "unwilling to solve their problems." Nice touch.
9:16: This is Obama's recurring theme: a government that actually works to solve problems. A government that improves the living standards for it's citizens.
9:17: Never been more hopeful. Still on the "hope" theme.
9:18: We do not quit. We do not let fear govern our emotions. We need a government that embodies their decency and strength. Well said!
9:19: We all hated the bank bailout. Admits it's unpopularity but defends this action as necessary. If the banks had failed Americans would hurt even more. More people would out of work and homeless. This was a good segue to promote his bank fee. Americans rescued the banks. If they can afford to give big bonuses, they can afford to pay back the taxpayers who saved them.
9:20: Thank you! We cut taxes! The FNC propaganda machine has somehow convinced people that taxes have increased. Wrong! Taxes have been cut!
9:21: Not sure about the humor and levity here, but what ev's.
9:22: The stimulus bill has been a hard sell for this administration. This was a good time to set the record straight. It's added jobs, protected services, added teachers and cops, given small business loans, etc. This is a good start but it will take more than one speech to set the record straight, the administration needs to be consistently vocal on these points.
9:25: Jobs is the admins "main focus" in 2010. I don't know about this. I know jobs are important but I'm still a little skeptical about the government's ability to create jobs. However, I do agree with Obama's analysis. Businesses create jobs when the conditions are right to create those jobs. $30 Billion to help community banks sounds like it could go a long way, though.
9:27: Eliminating a capital gains tax on small business investment! Now that might do something!
9:27: Infrastructure. This is a big point for me. America is way behind. There is no reason we don't have high speed rail in this country.
9:28: Cut tax breaks to companies that hire overseas. Yawn! I'm skeptical of the efficacy of this type of policy. I'd have to hear more but companies are hiring overseas for more reasons than just tax breaks. This is also a constant refrain in Washington. We'll see...
9:29: People are hurting. Send a jobs bill without delay!
9:30: Obama dismisses the naysaying and the skeptics that we can't fix long term problems. How long should we wait? China's not waiting. India's not waiting. Germany's not waiting. If we want to be competitive in a global economy, we need to start investing now! Second place isn't good enough for America!
9:33: Doesn't want to hurt banks! We need to protect the American economy. Big banks can't put Americans in jeopardy. Nice touch: lobbyists are trying to kill financial reform. Setting the stage for the debate.
9:35: Energy Investment. This is important. Incentives can play an important role in pushing innovation forward, particularly if the market hasn't caught up. Also mention clean coal and nuclear power.
9:36 Republicans won't stand to support climate change legislation. They'd rather keep polluting, thanks.
9:37: Even if you don't agree with the evidence (which you should), it's still the right thing to do for America's economic and energy futures.
9:38: New Goal: Double exports over the next five years. My sense is that more goes into making American products too expensive than the administration probably wants to deal with. Ugh! More subsidies for American agriculture to export products. This is not necessary.
Pre-SOTU: Lots of pomp and circumstance, cabinet members, important people, etc. LET"S GET THIS THING GOING!
9:06 EST: Ok we're off! Obama comes in. Looking calm and confident. That's good. Shaking hands. Hi, how are ya, Hi, how are ya, Laughing at funny(?) jokes, couple of kisses. All right, let the guy enter!
9:08: Big handshake to Joe Biden!
9:09: Now, he's got his serious face on.
9:10: Nice opening. Connecting this moment to history, how our story fits into the greater context of American history. Reminding us to move forward as "one people, one nation"
9:13 Reminding us what it looked like when he came in. Two failed wars, awful recession. Congress has acted but we're not out of it yet. He's connecting with the everyday Americans. Reminding them he knows what they're going through.
9:15: "Change has not come fast enough." - Congress has been unable or "unwilling to solve their problems." Nice touch.
9:16: This is Obama's recurring theme: a government that actually works to solve problems. A government that improves the living standards for it's citizens.
9:17: Never been more hopeful. Still on the "hope" theme.
9:18: We do not quit. We do not let fear govern our emotions. We need a government that embodies their decency and strength. Well said!
9:19: We all hated the bank bailout. Admits it's unpopularity but defends this action as necessary. If the banks had failed Americans would hurt even more. More people would out of work and homeless. This was a good segue to promote his bank fee. Americans rescued the banks. If they can afford to give big bonuses, they can afford to pay back the taxpayers who saved them.
9:20: Thank you! We cut taxes! The FNC propaganda machine has somehow convinced people that taxes have increased. Wrong! Taxes have been cut!
9:21: Not sure about the humor and levity here, but what ev's.
9:22: The stimulus bill has been a hard sell for this administration. This was a good time to set the record straight. It's added jobs, protected services, added teachers and cops, given small business loans, etc. This is a good start but it will take more than one speech to set the record straight, the administration needs to be consistently vocal on these points.
9:25: Jobs is the admins "main focus" in 2010. I don't know about this. I know jobs are important but I'm still a little skeptical about the government's ability to create jobs. However, I do agree with Obama's analysis. Businesses create jobs when the conditions are right to create those jobs. $30 Billion to help community banks sounds like it could go a long way, though.
9:27: Eliminating a capital gains tax on small business investment! Now that might do something!
9:27: Infrastructure. This is a big point for me. America is way behind. There is no reason we don't have high speed rail in this country.
9:28: Cut tax breaks to companies that hire overseas. Yawn! I'm skeptical of the efficacy of this type of policy. I'd have to hear more but companies are hiring overseas for more reasons than just tax breaks. This is also a constant refrain in Washington. We'll see...
9:29: People are hurting. Send a jobs bill without delay!
9:30: Obama dismisses the naysaying and the skeptics that we can't fix long term problems. How long should we wait? China's not waiting. India's not waiting. Germany's not waiting. If we want to be competitive in a global economy, we need to start investing now! Second place isn't good enough for America!
9:33: Doesn't want to hurt banks! We need to protect the American economy. Big banks can't put Americans in jeopardy. Nice touch: lobbyists are trying to kill financial reform. Setting the stage for the debate.
9:35: Energy Investment. This is important. Incentives can play an important role in pushing innovation forward, particularly if the market hasn't caught up. Also mention clean coal and nuclear power.
9:36 Republicans won't stand to support climate change legislation. They'd rather keep polluting, thanks.
9:37: Even if you don't agree with the evidence (which you should), it's still the right thing to do for America's economic and energy futures.
9:38: New Goal: Double exports over the next five years. My sense is that more goes into making American products too expensive than the administration probably wants to deal with. Ugh! More subsidies for American agriculture to export products. This is not necessary.
Live Blogging The SOTU
By Dave
Tonight we're going to try our hand at live-blogging Obama's State of the Union address. It's something we have yet to try at Opedantic, so it should be a fun and exciting challenge. After it's over give us some feedback. What were the most memorable moments to you?
Tonight we're going to try our hand at live-blogging Obama's State of the Union address. It's something we have yet to try at Opedantic, so it should be a fun and exciting challenge. After it's over give us some feedback. What were the most memorable moments to you?
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Citizens United and SCOTUS
By Dave
I've been hesitant to post my thoughts about the Supreme Court ruling on corporate political donations. I know friends are adamantly opposed to it. They think it will open the door for a corporate takeover of American politics. I'm definitely concerned, but I also recognize that there are pretty good arguments that the ruling was correct and that everything may not be so dire.
Here's some of my thinking:
First, I recognize that this is a first amendment issue. These are often, but not always, made with the potential consequences being a secondary or even tertiary consideration. For instance, the KKK is allowed to demonstrate and march even though they may pick up new recruits and will almost always offend. They have the right, regardless of the consequence. But by the same token, you can't yell fire in a crowded theater because it could result in dire consequences. So there's not necessarily a clear line. I highly recommend Glenn Greenwald's discussion on these points.
Second, even if the ruling may have been right on the merits, a possible effect of this ruling is that corporations will take a tighter hold over our political system. Maybe true. But let's be honest, even under the old rules corporations had a fairly tight grip on the system. Worse, there were loopholes that allowed corporations to donate unlimited amounts of money in ways that were difficult to track. They could, for instance, air "educational" ads so long as they didn't officially endorse a candidate. The ruling creates an opportunity to make things more transparent. There may be other potential upsides.
For instance, instead of trying to limit political speech, congress could try to empower it. We could try to strengthen the power of the little guy, the people who only donate $25 or $100 every once in a while. Dick Durbin has a pretty cool idea:
The last question is important to me. If Congress can use this as an opportunity to pass smart reform, they could make the overall system better off. Then again, there's not a lot of proof, at least right now, that Congress is capable of making smart decisions.
I've been hesitant to post my thoughts about the Supreme Court ruling on corporate political donations. I know friends are adamantly opposed to it. They think it will open the door for a corporate takeover of American politics. I'm definitely concerned, but I also recognize that there are pretty good arguments that the ruling was correct and that everything may not be so dire.
Here's some of my thinking:
First, I recognize that this is a first amendment issue. These are often, but not always, made with the potential consequences being a secondary or even tertiary consideration. For instance, the KKK is allowed to demonstrate and march even though they may pick up new recruits and will almost always offend. They have the right, regardless of the consequence. But by the same token, you can't yell fire in a crowded theater because it could result in dire consequences. So there's not necessarily a clear line. I highly recommend Glenn Greenwald's discussion on these points.
Second, even if the ruling may have been right on the merits, a possible effect of this ruling is that corporations will take a tighter hold over our political system. Maybe true. But let's be honest, even under the old rules corporations had a fairly tight grip on the system. Worse, there were loopholes that allowed corporations to donate unlimited amounts of money in ways that were difficult to track. They could, for instance, air "educational" ads so long as they didn't officially endorse a candidate. The ruling creates an opportunity to make things more transparent. There may be other potential upsides.
For instance, instead of trying to limit political speech, congress could try to empower it. We could try to strengthen the power of the little guy, the people who only donate $25 or $100 every once in a while. Dick Durbin has a pretty cool idea:
The idea, which already works well in New York City and other localities, is to set up a public-financing system that rewards candidates who attract small donors. House candidates, for example, who raise at least $50,000 in donations of $100 or less would be eligible for $900,000 in public money. The president must move the bill to the center of his agenda and mobilize his 13 million 2008 contributors to pressure Congress to enact it.Anyways, like I said, I'm not a 100% and so I've been hesistant to post. But I'd like to hear what other people are thinking. Do the potential consequences of unlimited corporate donations outweigh the First amendment right to unlimited political speech? Could greater transparency be a worthwhile trade-off? What other reforms could be enacted that would make the system better overall?
The last question is important to me. If Congress can use this as an opportunity to pass smart reform, they could make the overall system better off. Then again, there's not a lot of proof, at least right now, that Congress is capable of making smart decisions.
What do Paris Hilton and John Edwards have in Common?
By Dave
You guessed it! Gawker has the scoop. Also if you missed the seedy excerpt from Game Change, it's here.
Seriously, thank God this man didn't make it anywhere near the White House.
H/T Wonkette
You guessed it! Gawker has the scoop. Also if you missed the seedy excerpt from Game Change, it's here.
Seriously, thank God this man didn't make it anywhere near the White House.
H/T Wonkette
The Memo House Dems Need To Read
By Dave
Steve Benen from the Washington Monthly wrote a memo to House Dems saying pretty much everything we've been saying for the last month. It's well worth a read. He recounts this useful piece of history:
Steve Benen from the Washington Monthly wrote a memo to House Dems saying pretty much everything we've been saying for the last month. It's well worth a read. He recounts this useful piece of history:
Kristol, however, noticed that his party lacked direction, and offered his vision as a way forward. His memo offered a simple and clear response: the GOP had to kill the Clinton reform plan at all costs. The merit of the reform proposal and its ability to improve the lives of Americans was deemed largely irrelevant — Kristol argued that a successful reform effort would position Democrats as the "protector of middle-class interests," a fate the GOP could not allow. The Republicans' principal goal, Kristol added, should be to focus on handing the White House a "monumental setback." (He declined to use the word "Waterloo," but the sentiment was hardly vague.)Yep. Sounds familiar.
The memo became the basis for the GOP strategy in 1994 — it remains the guiding principle of the Republican Party today — and was integral in killing what was thought to be the best chance at passing meaningful reform since the days of Truman. Clinton's approval ratings suffered dramatically; Democrats developed a reputation for being unable to deliver on their own agenda; and less than a year later, Democrats lost their congressional majority. Republicans, far from being punished for their obstructionism, reaped the rewards of health care reform's demise. (Indeed, the public blamed the White House and the Democrats for overreaching, grinding on for months, and having little to show for it — a task made easier when Democrats blamed each other in ways that played into the Republican narrative.)
Monday, January 25, 2010
Dear Dems...
By Wade
This letter's specifically for those Democrats and other folks who consider themselves left-leaning and have reached the top-tiers of our national government.
Firstly, please point the guns away from your feet, stop pulling the triggers, and set them down.
It is amazing to me the reaction that the past week has garnered from the lot of you. Dave and I were discussing this, and here's something important to think about: When you all won in 2006, remember how the Republicans all immediately hung their heads in defeat, shuffled across the aisle to you, and admitted in penitent voices that, "you guys were right all along."? No? THEN WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS ABOUT THEM!?
The Republicans have proven over and over again that they don't care how much the country suffers as long as they're able to deny your legislation and make you look bad in the process. They are unwilling to cooperate or compromise. Every single play they make is a running-out-the-clock move. In the upcoming elections, they don't want you to be able to proudly say that you helped thirty million (30,000,000, look at all those pretty zeros) Americans achieve better health. They don't want you to be able to say that you helped tear down the Berlin Wall of pre-existing conditions. You are playing brilliantly into their hands with every in-fight, with every concession, every back-room deal that you think will maintain the favor of your constituents. I say look to Ben Nelson's example. Look at how his political game-playing has served him. Do you think he has a chance at re-election after the stunt he pulled with the health care bill?
The Republicans broadcasted their intent long ago: Waterloo. This entire thing has been their campaign against your collective re-election. You think the party of Strom Thurmond likes seeing President Barack Obama sitting in the Oval Office? How many times do they have to spit in your eye when you reach out for a handshake for you to realize what they're about?
Yes, this last week has been bad. Yes, the Fox Propaganda (and we have propagandists on the left as well, it is not in and of itself a bad thing) network has been your own personal Nostradamus, predicting doom, doom, DOOoooOOOoooOOOM! Don't lose sight of your strengths, your diversity of support, and the overwhelming mandates you've received in the last four years from your country. That should tell you, "Yes, we do support you." "Yes, we want you to succeed." "Yes, we believe that you can make our beloved country even greater."
Most of all: "Yes we can."
This letter's specifically for those Democrats and other folks who consider themselves left-leaning and have reached the top-tiers of our national government.
Firstly, please point the guns away from your feet, stop pulling the triggers, and set them down.
It is amazing to me the reaction that the past week has garnered from the lot of you. Dave and I were discussing this, and here's something important to think about: When you all won in 2006, remember how the Republicans all immediately hung their heads in defeat, shuffled across the aisle to you, and admitted in penitent voices that, "you guys were right all along."? No? THEN WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS ABOUT THEM!?
The Republicans have proven over and over again that they don't care how much the country suffers as long as they're able to deny your legislation and make you look bad in the process. They are unwilling to cooperate or compromise. Every single play they make is a running-out-the-clock move. In the upcoming elections, they don't want you to be able to proudly say that you helped thirty million (30,000,000, look at all those pretty zeros) Americans achieve better health. They don't want you to be able to say that you helped tear down the Berlin Wall of pre-existing conditions. You are playing brilliantly into their hands with every in-fight, with every concession, every back-room deal that you think will maintain the favor of your constituents. I say look to Ben Nelson's example. Look at how his political game-playing has served him. Do you think he has a chance at re-election after the stunt he pulled with the health care bill?
The Republicans broadcasted their intent long ago: Waterloo. This entire thing has been their campaign against your collective re-election. You think the party of Strom Thurmond likes seeing President Barack Obama sitting in the Oval Office? How many times do they have to spit in your eye when you reach out for a handshake for you to realize what they're about?
Yes, this last week has been bad. Yes, the Fox Propaganda (and we have propagandists on the left as well, it is not in and of itself a bad thing) network has been your own personal Nostradamus, predicting doom, doom, DOOoooOOOoooOOOM! Don't lose sight of your strengths, your diversity of support, and the overwhelming mandates you've received in the last four years from your country. That should tell you, "Yes, we do support you." "Yes, we want you to succeed." "Yes, we believe that you can make our beloved country even greater."
Most of all: "Yes we can."
The Ultimate Skydive
by E.doc
To get the full effect of this article, you really have to watch the movie about Joe Kittinger. He was the first man to do a skydive jump that was so high up he was actually in space: 103,000 feet above the Earth.
The main reason for this was to see if the human body could withstand the shock of traveling faster than the speed of sound, with no protection other than a pressure suit. For all of those that don't know, the speed of sound is 343 meters/second, or rather about 768 miles/hour. When the sound barrier is broken, a phenomenon called a "sonic boom" is heard...very popular in the sixties when the government was working with high-speed aircraft. When it happened over our house back in 2003, the tremors were so intense they knocked me and my nephew to the ground and I thought we were being attacked by air-bombers.
The pressure suit is to keep your blood from boiling before you get to jump. The atmospheric pressure up there is so low, that your blood will literally start to boil in your veins if you were to be directly exposed to it. Turns out Kittinger had a leak in his suit near his right hand toward the beginning of his flight. He plays it off as no big deal, but the blood pooled there and made it a very, very uncomfortable ride.
Imagine hanging upside down on the monkey bars...for hours...
A Dainty Little Reminder
by E.doc
For all of us that have forgotten that President Obama is just like you and I, here's a little reminder. Except he probably has a better excuse for getting out of jury duty...
photo courtesy of portlandart.net
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