A Liberal In The Midst

Active reading skills

2013-04-30T21:56:00.002-05:00

I have yet to venture to any Tea Party sites tonight or today. I am sure if I were to go to such sites, I would hear the ills of social welfare with justification being this story, http://www.inquisitr.com/641849/tsarnaev-welfare-family-collected-at-least-100k-in-benefits-report/. Yeah, I did not use bitly. It is late and I worked all morning and night.

My point in writing tonight before I hit the hay is please read the article. We need to use active reading skills as we browse the web for news.

What I took away from the article:

It is good this nation which has benefited much from the resources of other nations helps those seeking asylum.
The family averaged 10K a year in social benefits for 10 years. I challenge anyone to live on 10K a year.
It is sad we have people in this nation of immigrants blind to how this nation has prospered via the resources of other nations.

I am not happy these young men chose to bite the hands that fed them, I am saying let's not throw the baby out with the water. Two or nineteen people should not change who we are. Let's remain true to ourselves and our nation. Ignore sensationalism in journalism.

One of those days -for ignorance to be handed a mic

2013-04-28T13:16:00.001-05:00

This morning, after waking slow enough to allow my body parts to work, I decided to have a little coffee and review the Twitter feed. The first Tweet was regarding Peter King. I went on a coffee fueled rant(must add cream and sugar next time). There must have been a full moon recently for Peter King was at it again. The "it”, in this instance, being the stupidity that has escaped from his mouth, again. This man is beyond being an Islamophobe, racist, xenophobic, and all other manners of ignorance. The sad fact is he was re-elected to office.

At some point we must stop staring wide-eyed at these moronic elected officials to do something about the people putting them into office. When did we become so fearful that we allow those low on the intellectual totem poles to become our elected leaders? Every other month this man is spouting some fear based rhetoric. Enough is enough. If we are a Christian nation then it is time we act as if we are one. The Biblical Christ had more faith in the harlots and tax collectors than we have in our Christian faith.

It is time Christians call people such as Peter King out for being divisive and a malignant part of society. It is time for us to end the fear in America. How can we move forward as a nation, a people, and a species if we continue to live in fear?

Riddle me that Batman.

http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/04/28/muslim-congressman-confronts-peter-king-profiling-is-ineffective-law-enforcement/

http://www.irishcentral.com/news/In-wake-of-Boston-bombings-Peter-King-calls-for-Muslim-surveillance---says-FBI-went-after-Irish-in-hunt-for-Westies-gang-204653921.html

Seriously.....Who has so much hate

2013-04-15T21:02:00.000-05:00

Today, it took a moment for me to register there was a bomb in Boston. It is not that America has not had bombing before on the mainland (OKC, Birmingham, Atlanta, etc...). It just took a moment because for the most part we get along in America. We all usually agree to just see each other in court to settle our disputes. Every now and then someone who feels he or she cannot afford an attorney take things into his or her own hands( Treyvonn Martin's killer). However, we are by nature a litigious society that choose court over bombs. In my defense I am an American and it took a moment for me to understand someone would detonate a bomb during one of our celebrations.

I was so toned out it took a moment for me to realize Boston is the home to someone dear to me. This person was worried about my being vocal in Mississippi, tonight I worry for her. Tonight I am left to wonder who. Who would do such a thing in America? We are the land of the free. That is why we took the fight to Iraq, "Freedom is not free". What type of person has so much disregard for humanity to kill people he or she does not know?

Even the people I know who have harmed me physically are living for the most part. If I can forgive an attacker why is it hard for others to just love someone they do not know. Maybe I am rambling but I am just attempting to understand this level of crazy. It is crazy to attempt to harm people who have done nothing directly to harm you.

I have spent the day asking people to remain calm. Now is not the time for us to start a mass hate initiative. We need to put our mass love plan into action. Send love to a Muslim, a homosexual, even to the right-wing extremist that exist in our society. Today we need love more than ever. Today is not the day to point fingers. Today is not the day to claim political or religious victory. Today is the day to ask, what have we become as a species. Have we not evolved?

I have seen tweets and Facebook feeds that question our sorrow when so many deaths occur abroad. I am sadden. I have a right to be sad today. Someone is attempting to instill fear in my nation, I should be sad. I have compassion for those who have died today around the world. I pray that their nation come to have a level of consistent peace. Today, I am sad over the 3 deaths and the 130 injured. I am sad for those who will be searched in the morning. I am sad for the vigil of heighten awareness. It is ok to be sad in my view. It is not ok to be mad and to spread lies.

We must remain calm. We must wait for the official report. We must keep faith that truth will prevail. Most of all we must not succumb to fear as we did after 9/11. In fear we allowed our government to take away our rights as citizens. We now have indefinite detention, warrantless wire taps, drones in the hands of local authority, and who knows what else. Remain calm America. Allow time for the truth to come out. Show love to each other.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/04/15/us/site-of-the-boston-marathon-explosion.html

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/McGinn-SPD-ending-drone-program-returning-to-vendor--190294501.html

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/dec/10/homeland-security-increasingly-loaning-drones-to-l/

Accident my tail bone

2013-02-11T08:28:00.002-06:00

Friday’s flying of the Confederate Battle flag over the Mississippi Supreme Court has been label an error. Having been around a few flag poles in my life, I find it hard to believe the flag could have been flown for two hours without anyone noticing. Mississippi leads the nation in many health related issues. We also have a large number of our population classified as working poor. The working poor are unable to afford self-insurance but make too much for Medicaid. Add to this mix a GOP controlled executive and legislative branches and you get political grandstanding at the expense of the people.

I reach this conclusion based on hubris. Friday the Chaney, the Insurance Commissioner of Mississippi received notice that our plan to implement the insurance exchange was denied. It was denied in part to Governor Bryant’s refusal to expand Medicaid. Given the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act as the legal law of the land, it would only be fitting to fly the flag above the Mississippi Supreme Court as a sign of victory. It is a sign of state’s rights triumph over federal control. It is a small, petting, minuscule victory gained not on the level playing field of law but by using low-level ego based short sighted thinking.

Our current GOP controlled legislature and executive branches have done everything they can to pass every ALEC based legislation created. They do these things although the state of Mississippi cannot afford any of the corporate protection based ALEC legislation. I would have called the flying of the flag typical but given all that occurred Friday it seems, in my view, to have been an intentional signal of victory over the federal government. Is there a real call, by the GOP in our legislature and the Governor for Mississippi to secede from the Union? It is time we call our elected officials on such childish games that negatively affect our lives.

Speak up and speak out on such matter. Also, the denial of the state’s plan for the insurance exchange only means we will not run it. It will be run by the federal government. If every state acts as has Mississippi we will have what will amount to be universal healthcare. The legislation Hillary wanted in the 1990’s. This check and mate has been brought to Mississippi by “Slick Willie” Clinton. It is sad he can count on some people to not change. Mississippi, raising the flag since 1894.

Gun Control

2013-02-04T09:59:00.000-06:00

I have been asked in my private life about my thoughts on the White House position on guns. I am not known for being the biggest anti-gun person on the planet. I even told one person during a conversation I would no longer be a Democrat if the party seeks to eradicate the 2^nd Amendment. I believe in and participate in the right to defend my home. When I mention gun control, I am usually referring to the practice of shooting with eyes open and no sneezing. I was reared in a home filled with guns, shooting my first 410 at age 7. Guns and the accurate shooting of guns are almost genetic in my family. I write almost for I made a decision, prior to having children of my own, to stop the madness.

It is pure madness to have at a minimum one gun in each room of your home. It is insane to teach a child how to kill before you teach the child how to love. There is a huge chasm between the reality of actions and the ideals of words when one prepares to take the life of another while claiming to live in faith on the “Word” of Jesus. As a young adult I said no to such madness.

Although I do not stockpile weapons and ammunition, I do believe in the right of self-defense. I arm myself more for the wild boar attempting to claim rights to my land than I do my neighbor. I am armed with a good rifle that requires less ammunition than the Bushmaster in bringing down wild boars. In defense of your home, Joe Biden is correct in saying only a good shotgun is required. Attempting to arm one’s self against the government is ridiculous if not outright madness.

Rambo only works in the movies. If there is fear of the government then, “We the People” need to discuss why we have such fear. If you live in an area within the United State of America that is a “war zone” that requires military grade weaponry and local law enforcement are powerless against such forces, then it is time for state or federal action in your neighborhood. However it is hard for local law enforcement to do their jobs when private citizens have a higher grade of weaponry. I write hard for I know, with the current militarization of local police forces, it is not impossible. In short there is no reason for private citizens to stockpile weapons or to live in fear in the United States of America. Many times these weapons are used to kill the owner or family members or neighbors or friends. We must require more responsibility of gun owners in the usage and storage of their weapons. It is time for this “Christian” nation to live as did Christ, full faith.

Libby's back, you know I am back

2013-01-19T17:20:00.002-06:00

Ok, before I start, I say thanks for hanging with me. It has been a wild ride for me. However, I am back to form. It has been a long time coming.

Now on to business.
Prepare yourselves for the return of "Benghazi". It is time we understand a few things about the world.

1. It is not our job to police the world.
2. Private corporations desiring to do business in other countries do so at the liberty of the host country.
3. The United States military and the national guard are not security for private corporations.
4. U.S. Embassies operate based on the hospitality of the host nation. We cannot station troops in any country without being seen as "occupiers". If you doubt me talk with the locals in Germany or Japan.
5. If we desire the resources of other countries we must to pay to them the true value of the resources. The days of colonialism are behind us.
6. When we provided the means of death to other nations, we should expect backlash of some sort. It is time we stop warring for resources and work with other nations peacefully.

In short Benghazi was an attempt to influence US foreign policy that failed. We have only taken a harder stance. Although the goal was the same in Algeria, Algeria involved private citizens working for private companies. When one is open to working in countries that are not stable, one is made aware of the risk. In fact one must sign a waiver in regards to the dangers.

We must not commit our military to becoming the World Police Force. If we can not acquire the resources we need from other countries then we must develop substitutes here in the United States. It is time we get out of the war industry and into the industry of sustaining a high quality of life for all humans. The people in the Near East have shown to us they are able to overthrow their own governments without our intervention.

Link:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/19/world/africa/algeria-hostage-crisis/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/18/opinion/ghitis-algeria-hostage-crisis/index.html
http://www.fair.org/blog/2012/10/17/noise-and-nonsense-on-benghazi-attack/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/sep/20/obama-officials-spin-benghazi-attack
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/22/unarmed-people-power-libya

Seriously

2013-01-01T19:47:00.003-06:00

My final day off work and I decided to tune in to CSPAN. I wanted to see what the House was up to in regards to the fiscal issues we face as a nation. if you follow me on twitter (@amsmawoman) you know my reaction. Those children of God get paid to do nothing. They spoke for almost an hour about the executive order by President Obama for a Congressional pay raise. They then moved on to discuss a post office in Wisconsin. I thought to myself "Seriously?!?" It is a new year and I have vowed to tone done my cursing. Days like today, are trying. The GOP controlled House is very trying. These people were doing everything they could to not address the matter of the fiscal well being of the nation.

As always, I must be honest. I am not a fan of the deal hammered out in the Senate. It is a piece of work at best. The first thing that caught my attention was the fact of a permanent tax cut. We as a nation of responsible adults can not afford a tax cut for any of our citizens when we have yet to pay for the wars we started. I am keeping it plain. We must start paying down the loans given to us for the wars we started. We do not need to allow these loans to accrue any additional interest. It is wrong to put this bill on our children when the wars were not fought for our children.

Although I was against the wars, the Bush tax-cuts of 2001, and every other GOP waste of the projected surplus left by the Clinton Administration, I am prepared to work to get our nation out of this unnecessary debt. Yes, it means more beans and rice in my home but I would rather beans and rice now than on the table for my grandchildren. The truth as I see it is we can not cut our way out of this mess. We need to spend money on our infrastructure, education, science, and our healthcare. The time to cut will come but cutting the social fiscal safety net is not showing fiscal responsibility

The only good thing about the House's reaction today is it shows the GOP obstruction for what it is. Although I am not a fan of the deal hammered out in the Senate, it would have been better for the GOP to have voted on the bill today. Today's infantile behavior by the House is showing the GOP to be corporate owned pawns more concerned with corporations than the people. This behavior must be addressed in 2014 and in our local/state government. Enough is enough.

The narrative is GOP obstruction

2012-12-31T08:49:00.001-06:00

There is a difference between being an activist for a cause and a political activist. In 2010 I moved from being an activist (LGBTQ rights, minority rights, women's rights, etc...) to being a political activist. At some point I recognized having the right person in office would ensure the rights of everyone in America were protected. When I made this move I learned the importance of the narrative held by the public. I also learned how the media actually formed the narrative. Watching Morning Joe this morning on the Fiscal Cliff Vote Eve, I listened to the formation of the narrative to give the GOP an out on the deal.

There is no out for the GOP. It is imperative that we are clear on the GOP's out, it does not exist. In 2010, while not yet the majority in the House, the GOP was able to strong arm a continuation of the2001 Bush Tax Cuts. They even expressed surprised President Obama went along with their demands. At that time, Christmas 2010, I blogged my desire for the President to allow unemployment benefits to end rather than to give into GOP demands. We know he and the Democrats gave in rather than see vulnerable Americans go without at Christmas time. In every stand-off the GOP attacks the poor/working poor to get protection for the 1.2%.

This morning on Morning Joe, the talking heads discussed how it was up to President Obama to get Congress to work. I thought that was the job of the Speaker of the House and the Senate Majority Leader. One of the pundits called President Obama the poison in D.C. that prevented Congress from working together. Another spoke of the damage to his legacy. My response to both comments was, "Seriously?"

President Obama is not the issue. The GOP is the issue. The narrative as I see it is GOP obstructionism. They vowed in 2010 to not work with the President. They continued to sell the 2001 Bush Tax Cuts even in light of the fact the tax cuts had not worked by 2008. They promised to create jobs but spent most of their time since 2010 creating more bills attacking Roe v Wade than comprehensive legislation for jobs. Even against the backdrop of seats lost in the House and the Senate, the GOP continues to play the passive aggressive fiscal bully. Mitch McConnell's statement of needing a dance partner is moot given he has not arrived to the ball. The ball is the fact that Americans turned out in 2012 to vote down the GOP's fiscal policy for America.

It is time to change the narrative. It is time for the mainstream media to stop lying to the people. The people must seek out to become more educated on the issues. It is time to for actual sound policy rather than policy based on race, sex, sexual orientation or even religion. We must evolve in 2013 to become informed voters who have become informed by our own research efforts. The narrative is stop GOP obstruction.

Active

2012-12-27T10:38:00.001-06:00

Simple blog posting. Americans we must become active. Call Congress today. Time is over for the games.

Take me over the cliff - again

2012-12-23T10:06:00.004-06:00

I expect many Americans in my fiscal position are fed up with the GOPs continued fight for the rights of the wealthy to pay less in taxes. I say take me over the cliff. I recently found a Twitter account regarding the $250K threshold. Many of the tweets\RTs where describing the hardships of $250K living. It is time for a reality check across the board in America.

If the grown-ups were honest about this fiscal mess, they would admit the tax cuts must end for all. The ending should be in stages to reduce the likelihood of the need for public assistance for working\working-poor families. Although $250K is different for different parts of the U.S.A it does mean you are not in the ghetto. There is no $250K/individual ghetto in America. If you are reading this posting and you know of such a ghetto, please let me know for I need to move to that state.  If taxes go up for individuals making $250K and above they will not face a need for public assistance or eating cold food in the dark in a cold home. Economist may I have a reality check for all?

In the short-term we will moan and groan but we will be ok. Last week I paid my bills with the exception of the gas money required for me to go to work. I, my child and even the stray cat have eaten all week. Although I have no tree, partridge or even a pear, I do have electricity and gas. I am growing closer with my teen by showing to him how to prepare meals from scratch. I explained to him how paying now while saving a little will allow us to have a better life later.

I admit, I do not know macro from micro economics but I do know we did better in 1994 than in 2004. We must end the Bush Tax Cuts now while the rates are low on our loans. It is better for us to pay than for our children, grand-children, and the generations after them. We can end this mess now.  We allowed Bush and the GOP controlled Congress to issue a tax cut before we paid the deficit in full in 2001. What company, other than Hostess or Bane Capitol, pays a bonus before an increase in revenue? It is time we end the fiscal insanity of the GOP federal money grab. Take me over the cliff.

President Obama must stand strong on his campaign promise to us? We stood in unnecessary long lines for up to eight hour and voted for $250K not $400K. The GOP lost seats in both the House and the Senate. The GOP does not have an austerity mandate. GOP austerity for all but corporations (think oil subsidies) is not the answer for our nation. The President must not back down on $250K with no cuts to the fiscal social safety nets.

I have been over the cliff for years. I am not dead yet. Between social safety nets, family, friends, and a will to just live I am still here. I know we as Americans will come together to keep our nation strong after the cliff dive. Please contact Congress and the White House.

Twitter lesson #10089 - Applebee's IMHO

2012-12-16T13:02:00.002-06:00

Ok, boys and girls, I have another Twitter lesson for you. Watch what you tweet. It seems I have gained a follower on Twitter as a result of something I may have tweeted recently.

I sent a tweet in reply to a tweet someone sent recently about having dinner at Applebee's. I replied to the tweet with directions to another restaurant with a suggestion McDs would be better. It seems my tweet did not go unnoticed. I stand behind my comments.

I have been traveling since I was 1. (Long story of models, airline stewardess, and flight privileges). I am a big woman who lives to eat. Because of traveling for work I got out of the habit of cooking at home. Only because of a stroke did I slow my roll and return to cooking at home. However, I and my children are no strangers to restaurant dining. We also are not afraid to just say forget it when a restaurant continues to produce plastic food.

Applebee's was placed on that list after several attempts to enjoy their new creations fell flat. In my home we now look at those commercials and laugh. We have left too many uneaten meals on the table at Applebee's. I can not recall when Applebee's went bad but I know in the late 80's, I loved Applebee's. Today, I am willing to eat from the vending machine rather than at Applebee's.

My issues with Applebee's:
Franchising diminishes the quality of service.
Servers not attentive. Water comes out with meal? Seriously
Advertised special not available.
Food tastes as if heated in plastic in a microwave. Is it possible to get anything fresh?

I am not asking for Gordon Ramsay service and food . I am asking for the service staff to be aware of the menu, fresh food, less microwave tasting food, and more flavor. It is not fair, especially for diners far from home, to have a choice of not eating or of eating food with less flavor than cardboard.

I am only writing of my experience with Applebee's in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Tennessee. I may have missed a state. I am sure my opinion would improve if the glass of water arrived at my table in less than 15 minutes of my being seated.

Not another gun violence blog post

2012-12-16T10:50:00.000-06:00

It is simple in my view, we have a problem. We must ask why are assault weapons, weapons that spray when fired, required in civilian life. I am not against gun ownership. I do question those who are arming themselves with weapons more suited for battle than stopping home invasion. Are these people expecting the American government to attack them? Why?

As details emerge from this latest mass shooting, it becomes more clear, we have a problem that is not solved by more guns.

GOP's horror movie - The fiscal cliff

2012-12-02T12:50:00.000-06:00

I am amazed at the intentional obtuseness of the GOP. One must think it is intentional they are not seeing the rejection of their policies by the American people in the last national election. In spite of the open attempts by the GOP to prevent people from voting, the people voted to reject GOP policies. Yet, I have seen\heard nothing but continued attempts by the GOP to scare the people into continuing the disastrous polices of the party.

This fiscal cliff is a "boogeyman" created under the guise of bi-partisanship by the GOP to scare the Dems into doing their bidding. The GOP is making the talk show rounds to promote the "boogeyman" as being the scariest thing ever. However, much like the pathetic "Paranormal" series, even six year olds are calling it whack. The people who voted down the GOP policies in the 212 national election are the survivors of the train wreck of the Bush Administration. We have lived through some shit and are no longer fearful. We are about getting the job done right this time around. In 2010 we showed we are not afraid to let do nothing Democrats leave office. Fiscal Cliff is not the new "Friday 13th" for us. We understood and voted against the Ryan plan. The Ryan Plan was the worst "kick- the- can- down- the -road" piece of legislation since Congress agreed to use our credit card to finance two wars based on the outright lies of the Bush Administration.

However, the GOP continues to promote the Bush tax cuts of 2001 as the saving grace for America. We are in year eleven of those tax cuts and have seen no benefit for anyone but the high-level investors(people who do not sweat to earn money). Lindsay Graham had the nerve to suggest that if we do not support the bank accounts of the super wealthy we will become Greece. Graham knows social spending (entitlements) are not the cause for the ills in Greece or any other European nation. Europe's getting into bed with our financial institutions is a factor in the birthing pains experienced by Europe. There was a reason we pushed TARP through Congress; our financial institutions had a ponzi scheme that made them too big to fail. The sad truth, which must be addressed by our leaders, is we are the authors via our corporations of our own financial frustrations.

As I turned to my own children to explain how I had blown my paycheck and bills still had to be paid, Congress must now turn to our corporations and have the same fucking talk. We can not fix this mess by hurting the most vulnerable amongst us. Doing such a thing only weakens us as a nation. We can fix it by doing right by the people first and corporations second.

It is my personal view we should do a few things:

End the Bush tax cuts for everyone. We were doing better in 1994 than we have since 2001. End the tax cuts in stages starting with the upper level incomes.

Get states and corporations out of the healthcare business. We need single payer/national healthcare in America. It helps relieve the stress from the states and businesses.

Asses penalties for the states sitting on the "stimulus"funding.

Improve our transportation, digital,electrical, and other utility, infrastructures. If China and Indida are doing so then surely we can afford improvements.

Invest in space exploration and green technology while we still have potable water. The dividends from our discoveries will be worth the investments.

Links worth the view(link titles are my two cents)

Sen Patty Murray Video 7/2012
Sen Patty Murray
Paul Krugman's thoughts on cliff
GOP response to "fiscal cliff": hurt old people?
America's too big to fail
This is how we do it : American Banks
Nothing like American finance
America's Part in Europe finances
Americans we are global economy

The science of it all
Diving into space exploration, no joke
Space mining
Yields of space exploration: Water?
Mars' ice planet?

Wal-mart, My Life, My Money

2012-11-25T13:33:00.001-06:00

I did not shop at Wal-Mart this Black Friday. Do not clap for if you note in my blog's header I state I am a Wal-Mart shopper. I, a liberal's liberal, love making money. I also worked for Wal-Mart for a brief period of time. I have spent the last few days reading the great shop locally and support small biz mantra. I also heard just how evil is Wal-Mart. Today I write of my view of Wal-Mart, personal economy, and action that matters.

I first ask my readers to speak with the pre-1992 Wal-Mart associates about the company. They have great stories to tell. Sam Walton had a great idea. He supported American manufacturing when possible, believed in customer service and allowed his employees to reap a portion of the dividends of the company's profit. During my brief time at Wal-Mart I learned a few things: 1. You cannot fire at will. (Well known lazy fuck-offs were given the opportunity for occupational rehabilitation) 2. They take discrimination against homosexuals seriously (The deep-South store where I worked only lacked one disco ball from a full fledged Pride celebration) 3. Profit-sharing checks based on store's performance were still being given (Although the calculation of the checks had been modified since 1992) 4. The pay was .25 higher than the other low skilled entry level positions in the area.

I know Wal-Mart does not pay enough at the hourly level to support a family without government assistance. The low pay in conjunction with inability to fire lazy fuck-offs and health issue was one reason I turned down an hourly management position. However, Wal-Mart does allow me to have access to fresh fruits and vegetables at a low price. I am also able to buy at a low cost the basics non-food items I need for my family. The local stores were I live charge more for the things I need for my family. The ones that charge lower have items that are suspect. In 30 years the only reason it is cheaper to not drive 80 miles to the large town to shop is because of Wal-Mart and internet access. In rural Mississippi shopping locally has not been the promise land.

The local stores were charging more before Wal-Mart came to town. The owners paid low wages and to the profits shopping at the high-end department stores. The downtown area failed to grow not because Wal-Mart came to town but because the skilled labor jobs left the town. In fact Wal-Mart had to agree to lower employee wages before being allowed to open a store (pre 1992 days). The current local retail businesses operate with a "share cropping" mentality in regards to their employees. There are no profit sharing opportunities, no health benefits, or even paid days off.

I support small businesses. I enjoy shopping locally, especially for my food. I understand it is senseless for a CEO (i.e. Wal-Mart) to earn 1K times the average hourly wage in his/her corporation. However, blaming Wal-Mart does not solve the issue. Fighting Wal-Mart takes away energy better used to form corporations or co-ops that offer a livable wage, health insurance, educational reimbursement, paid time off, etc.... Fighting Wal-Mart takes away energy better used in getting Congress to enact livable wage legislation that has a mandatory COLA. Fighting Wal-Mart takes away energy better used in getting Congress to strengthen the Affordable Care Act into something that resembles the single payer option President Obama actually wanted. We must move beyond protest and into action.

Post election? Mississippi full hog

2012-11-11T10:12:00.001-06:00

After many months of laws designed to obstruct voting and billions spent on maintaining a racist media narrative, President Obama is re-elected as president of the United States of America. The response from the state of Mississippi to this historic re-election: 400 students at Ole Miss hold a protest over the results of the election. I had two thoughts: Thanks students at Ole Miss for enhancing the image of Mississippi in not only local and national news but in international news as well. The GOP accomplished its goal to take back this nation. We were taken back to a time before the 1960’s. When will we get “it” in Mississippi?

The” it” we need to get in Mississippi is part of my takeaways from this election.

Our image in the international media does matter. The chances of our children working outside of the United States increases as companies continue to grow in being multi-national corporations (e.g. Wal-Mart) the protest of the election by 400 students at Ole Miss makes about as much sense as the protest of James Meredith being a student at Ole Miss. President Obama’s election simply says the vote of Americans is not for sale and nor will it be denied. Yet, these students at one of Mississippi’s premier universities protested?

The writing has been on the wall for several years. Mississippians need to understand the writing. President Obama won the election twice without the South. We mute our voices in the political discourse by allowing a minority of our population to frame our image. We must become a more informed voting population in Mississippi as well as in the South in general. We must allow race to be less of a factor when voting.

When people, on public assistance, vote for the person who runs on the policy to reduce public benefits, racism or an uninformed populace is the root of such voting. Either option is losing for the South and Mississippi. When independent living Southerners are willing to become dependent on corporations for their lives and livelihoods it is worrisome. At some point the interdependency of government, has become a bad idea in the South. Why have we forgotten that in America, we the humans are the government not corporations?

During my travels around Mississippi in 2011, I observed a disturbing trend amongst all of the people, Americans desiring not to be involved in the function of our government. These same people bemoan the laws designed to improve the finances of corporations while decimating household finances. These people would say they are not experts or had enough money to be more involved. If we continue to allow the “experts” to make decisions we will soon have in America a monarchy of corporate heirs. It is time we become engaged in the political process in America.

Chillin with CBS Undercover Boss

2012-11-02T20:03:00.002-05:00

Ok, truth told I just go home from work but cannot afford to sleep since child is at a game. As I wait for my phone to charge enough for me to read my Kindle books, I watched the ending of Undercover Boss. Mitchell Modell was undercover. He gave one of his employees $250K to move out of a homeless shelter. He raise the compensation of those working in his distribution center.

My first thought was "I wonder if Mitt would do the same for Staple employees?" My next thought was "nope, they are part of the 47%"

One day I shall be able to watch television without being political.

How elected officals should behave

2012-10-31T22:08:00.001-05:00

I think of the six months I lived in NJ. The people opened their doors to me and their restaurants. NJ is the only place outside of the South where eating is a hobby and love affair. The bad part, the food is damn good. Warning, the people in NJ, even Newark, are sweet, loving and kind people. Wear sweat pants and be prepared to eat your way across the state. I ask everyone reading my blog to please text RedCross to 9099 to send $10 to help those affected.

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Sandy does have a silver lining. That lining is elected officials doing their jobs regardless of political affiliation. Christie's response to President Obama's response to Sandy gives to me hope that all is not lost in America. Maybe there is more to us than Democrat or Republican. Am I a dreamer? I hope I am not the only one.

The media has made much of President Obama and Christie actually working together for the people. It is a shame that such expectation are the norm in America. We must hold elected officials responsible no matter what their political affiliations may be.

After Katrina, I watched my home state get through the FEMA red tape with ease. However, my governor at the time was the former RNC Chair and the president at that time was GOP wunderkid George W. Bush. I also watched Louisiana's Democratic governor go through hell to get the help needed from FEMA for the state. The GOP went full political during Katrina. President Obama has done his job well by serving the people hit by Sandy without regard for the governors' political affiliation. Chrisite did his job by not being too proud or too committed to GOP dogma to help the people of New Jersey.

This election please vote for the person who actually gives a fuck for the American people. In every state there is a clear choice on the ballot for those running for office who give a fuck and those just wanting to be in office. We need a President and a Congress that gives a fuck for the people.

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OFFENSIVE, INSENSITIVE, AND TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE WORDS BELOW
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Day-um Christie's ass is large. Please know I am a big woman. I saw Christie's ass and thought, "Shit, I have got to get in better shape?

Limbaugh thinks President Obama beat down Christie for a photo op. What is Limbaugh's deal? Is it the Oxycontin?

Watching the clips of Christie and President Obama walking side by side I think the FLOTUS needs to do an intervention in the Governor's office.

Sandy has made Christie seem normal. I could see why his wife said ok, I'll marry you. He no longer appears to be a huge ass.

Ok, enough about Chrisite. I seriously respect him for doing the right thing during a really fucked up time in America. It is not the time for politics when the people need help. We must come together to rebuild NJ without asking is it worth. Every city and state in America is worth rebuilding. Let's continue working together. Keep FEMA viable for we have only just begun climate change disasters.

Whoopi cushion for Faux News

2012-10-20T14:48:00.003-05:00

I arrived home after the football game to see a cry for help to stop the bullying of Whoopie Goldberg. I had to wonder what she had done? It seems her crime was to ask a question many in the 47% are thinking: Romney family's military service. Faux News' usual suspects ran with what appeared to be a lack of knowledge on the part of Ms Goldberg. It was even suggested she should have done more research.

Although Ms Goldberg is a comedian, black, and female I have reasons to suspect she is a critical thinker. In fact her follow-up statement after Mrs. Romney's smirk filled reply about the Morman religion confirmed the true nature of the conversation. The truth, as I view it, the Romneys love to see America at war but find a mission when called by the country to serve in the war.

Mitt championed Vietnam but did choose to go to France on a mission. Mitt's sons all five are healthy and have not served in the military although our nation has been at war since 1990. Mitt has a son who could have qualified to see active duty during conflict since 1990. However, they all seem to have followed their father's lead. President Obama, because of is his age was either too young or too old to serve during the major conflicts in which our nation engaged. President Bill Clinton was a true conscientious objector to the war.

Mitt Romney, in my view, was a chickenhawk in 1969 and is one now in 2012. He has on several occasions insinuated he will take this nation to war against Iran when he is elected. Romney is more than willing to put the lives of the children of the 47% on the line but not his own. He values his sons' lives while considering the lives of other children to be nothing more than a means to an end.

Ms. Goldberg was correct in asking her question. She asked a question many of us mothers formed in our minds at the start of Mitt's run for the White House. His wife's response does not heal the wounds of the loss of the devout Methodist, Catholic, Episcopalian, Baptist,Unitarian, Muslim, Hindi, Jewish, Atheist, Agnostic and any other religion in America families. I applaud Ms.Goldberg for asking what the MSM should be asking. However, yet again the MSM takes its journalistic cues from Faux News. The narrative is not "gotcha" it is "Chickenhawk beats war drums".

HuffPo View Link
Missionary same as Military Service
MSM takes away the wrong narrative

Vote my way! or else lose your job

2012-10-18T22:41:00.001-05:00

I found that thought I had lost earlier. I post my thought here for it is longer than 140 characters. I have no links for I need feedback from you. We need to create a listing of the CEOs telling their employees a vote for Obama is a vote to be laid-off. We need to be ready to take the intellectual talent from those CEOs to form new ethical corporations.

It is very telling of the value these CEOs place on those they employ. It is time for Americans to take a stand. Voting is our right. It is not a privilege to be earned. Voting should not be subjugated to the whims of CEOs. We need to make our voices heard at the ballot box and where we spend our money.

Train of thought- Seriously I lost it

2012-10-18T22:26:00.003-05:00

I had a really fired up rant over some other statement from Mitt. I have forgotten it while watching President Obama on the Daily Show. Wish I could remember what it was. Multi-tasking getting teenager in bed and homework checked. Worried about student loan payments. What was on my mind? I dislike losing my self-righteous rage.

I had a wonderful tittle. Geez what was it? Mitt says so much wealthy entitled stuff that gets my goat I have a hard time deciding what requires my time.

I feel like a woman

2012-10-17T09:38:00.005-05:00

I shall write more about the debate but I must post this quick thought. When Mitt said binders full of women, my first thought was did he not know any qualified women at Bain? He spent according to him 25 years in private industry (note: Mitt is over 60 where were the other 35 + years).

Seriously, he had no qualifed women at Bain?
Seriously, women only need flex time to cook dinner for their families?
Seriously, the MSM attempting to pain President Obama as rude with Candy? Seriously?

Binders full of women
President Obama's response

Keep in mind Mitt Romney is not off the mark with the GOP. The RNC chair has stated Romney is on mark.

Fairness Doctrine - Liberal media

2012-10-17T09:20:00.002-05:00

Today I sent an email to my local radio station asking for a time slot. I shall see if I am allotted time on the station. I have asked in person and via snail mail.

I asked for a slot on the new Urban radio station that broadcasts football games of the private academies created after Brown v. Topeka.... I live in a very conservative area, hence the name of my blog. The media where I live is much the same as the rest of the United States, not liberal. Reagan's elimination of the Fairness Doctrine allowed conservative media owners to change the narrative presented to the American people. The people here for the most part are under informed or choose not to engage with the local media because it is skewed against free thinking.

Please wish me well. Although I have blogtalk radio, I wish to be able to reach the people in my area as well. Many here do not have broadband or access to a computer. Currently offline radio and print media still have value in this area when it comes to informing the population.

I am also looking into my own station should I need be able to get a slot on the existing airwaves.

Regards,
Libby

http://uspolitics.about.com/od/electionissues/a/fcc_fairness.htm

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/business/2011/06/talk-radios-long-war-fairness-doctrine-over/38634/

Twitter limit during debate

2012-10-16T21:50:00.001-05:00

I somehow hit the 1K tweet limit during the debate. The man shut me down. I enjoyed the debate. Mitt was not allowed to lie. He was called on each lie.

I can be reached at amsmadwoman@gmail.com. Maybe my Twitter account will be restored.

Past time to talk about Mitt as governor

2012-10-16T17:45:00.001-05:00

Tonight bloggers need to do what the MSM will not do, tell the truth. As luck would have it, I have associates from Massachusetts who tell a different story about Mitt's term as governor. These people would be those who worked for the State of Massachusetts. There are many things about Mitt we need to tell and to relate back to the GOP as a whole. His term as governor of Massachusetts is just one of many things the public needs to hear.

I am posting below comments from others who have gone on the record with the Obama campaign about Mitten's term as governor.

Massachusetts Officials Speak Out Against Romney’s Revisionist History

CHICAGO – Mitt Romney’s campaign is telegraphing that he’ll talk about his faux bipartisanship tonight. The debate hasn’t even started yet, and they’re already pushing an argument that is completely divorced from reality. The truth is the real Romney didn’t reach across the aisle in Massachusetts like he claims.

In response to Mitt Romney revisionist version of history, elected officials from Massachusetts released the following statements:

“I was a Massachusetts Representative for all of Mitt Romney’s term as Governor. I’ve worked with four Governors in Massachusetts, including three Republicans and I never saw a more disengaged chief executive that Mitt Romney. From day one it’s clear that Romney was focused on padding his resume and moving on to a Presidential run. Romney took drastic measure to isolate himself and his office from legislators and constituents. He consistently failed to show up for work, let alone work with legislative leaders on the issues important to the people of Massachusetts. We saw what happened in the Bay State under Romney: the state sank to 47^th out of 50 in job creation and he left his successor with a billion-dollar deficit. America can’t afford a Mitt Romney presidency.” - Massachusetts Representative Jeffrey Sanchez

“I saw firsthand that Mitt Romney had little interest in doing the hard work of governing. Romney was more interested in political posturing and photo-ops as he began planning his Presidential campaign than he was in actually serving the people of Massachusetts. Romney failed the people of Massachusetts and that’s the same brand of leadership he would bring to the White House.” - Massachusetts Representative Marty Walz

“Mitt Romney talks a big talk, but the facts just don’t match the rhetoric. Mitt Romney said he was going to be bipartisan in Massachusetts and wasn’t; he said he was going to create jobs, and didn’t; and he said he was going to balance the budget and couldn’t. Why should anyone think he’d be any different as President of the United States?” - John Barrett, Former Mayor of North Adams, MA

“Mitt Romney thinks he can play by a different set of rules than middle class workers. How many people could get away with not showing up to work for 417 days over a four year period? Not only does Romney think he can get away with not going to work, now he’s asking for a promotion. Woody Allen once said that ‘eighty percent of success is showing up.’ As Governor, Romney couldn’t even be bothered to show up. Now he has the gall to go to a debate and just lie about his record.” – Massachusetts Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein

A letter to Romney

2012-10-16T17:08:00.000-05:00

Mr. Romney:

Today, before the debate tonight, I take the time to write to you. I write to ask that you simply tell the truth or sign a contract with the America people that your words of love and of empathy for the plight of 47% of us will be followed with actions that improve life in America for the 47% who have no sense of accountability. Your lies, I am too poor to use $3 words to describe your first debate performance, hurt the 47% of us who are attempting to have a better quality of life in the United States.

I live in Mississippi. You have come here twice to successfully raise money for your campaign but at no point did you do anything beyond cheesy platitudes. Rather than address the depressed wages and the income disparity in Mississippi, you suggested Mississippi is a model for the rest of the nation. Do ya’ll in the 53% really think grits are enough for living? Do ya’ll think it is okay for people to work 16 hours per day yet still not be middle class? I really would like to know what ya’ll think of Mississippians.

Everything you said about the 47% could be seen as an insult by 98% of Mississippians. We have very few people(<1 .9=".9" be="be" class.="class." considered="considered" in="in" make="make" middle="middle" per="per" span="span" state="state" style="mso-spacerun: yes;" the="the" to="to" who="who" year="year">

In fact, given less than 50% of Mississippians are making $40K per year, middle class is still a dream. It is due to a systemic depression of wages rather than a lack of education that keeps many in the state from being “Middle Class”. Mississippi is a place where a M.A. will get you lead on the production line if you work hard enough. You, Sir, have defined, via the 47% video, 98% of us as lazy.

We are far from lazy. We drive 60 miles one way to earn $10/hr. However, your lies, which are really the GOP platform of lies, which were formed by the corporations of ALEC, hurt Mississippians. We hurt when our elected officials believe such lies and legislate based on the lies. Some say lie is an ugly word but I am too poor to be cute when I and others in Mississippi hurt daily. These lies repeated daily in the news have an oppressed people believing having affordable health insurance is bad for them.

My governor, Gov. Bryant, is spending time needed governing Mississippi to promote the “ills” of the Affordable Care Act. However, if the insurance exchange was in place here in Mississippi, I would not have to drive 60 miles one way for work. I would work as a true independent contractor. Currently, I work for a company that gets the benefits for hiring me without allowing me to have access to benefits. The benefit of writing off my commute to work is lost as well as the cost of purchasing insurance on my own. I am sure $700/month for insurance may not seem like much but for me it is most of my paycheck after you take out fuel and before you take out grocery, utilities, and clothing. I am currently on the stay healthy or just die quick health insurance plan. I know it is hard to imagine but there are people who do stay home and die.

We know the penalty of going to the emergency room for care. The nephew of the ex-governor takes you to court where with a nod and a wink the judge okays a judgment against you. I and co-workers often joke of how we are worth more dead than alive. We also joke about not being revived in the event of an accident. We joke about our economic statuses but we know the truth to our jokes. The truth is we cannot afford to be sick. The time when I should be home resting to regain my health is spent in worry about will I have a job and how will I pay my bills. It is a vicious cycle that can be broken by the Affordable Healthcare Act. The act you vowed to end your first day in office.

I am speaking as amember of the 47%. I am trusting God for my care should you and the Tea Party GOP control all levels of government. The GOP platform is one that invites not robber barons but a return to the feudal system of Europe. In that system one born poor only had a 2% chance of escaping poverty. In that system only those who gained favor of the nobility could afford a physician, an education, or decent housing. I ask of you, please be honest in the debate tonight.

http://www.mepconline.org/index.php

http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=258

Regard,

Sue Harmon