Blogging Democratic

Oil Fouls Pensacola Beach, Florida - Thanks BP!

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 04:53:00 +0000

The day we were hoping we'd never see arrived here in Pensacola, Florida today. The most pristine beaches in the United States were fouled by the oil gushing from the Deepwater Horizon accident site. The video also features a young dolphin impacted by the oil that later died. A dark day indeed for Pensacola Beach, Florida. To those who want to lift the deep water drilling moratorium, I say you've lost your friggin minds!

Obama's Visit To Pensacola, Joe Barton Apologizes to BP CEO, Gen. McChrystal, Oil Moratorium

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:08:00 +0000

President Obama Visits Pensacola Beach, Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 03:32:00 +0000

Oil Takes Aim At Pensacola

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 06:25:00 +0000

So far we've escaped the fate of Louisiana, Mississippi, and now Alabama. Although we've seen scattered tar balls on Pensacola Beach and a very limited amount of oil enter Pensacola Bay, the impact here has been relatively minor compared to what has been happening to our west.

But in the last two days oil has entered Perdido Pass along the Alabama-Florida border and fouled the beaches of Orange Beach, Alabama. A sense of foreboding hangs in the air tonight over Pensacola as we wait to see what our fate will be here. At this point it looks like it could go either way. There appears to be no consensus as to whether or not oil will foul Pensacola Beach in the coming days. Large patches of oil are lingering precariously close to our coast at this very moment.

This is what deregulation, massive corporate lobbying, and lax enforcement of existing regulations looks like. It is black, sticky, and smelly. And after infiltrating Louisiana's wetlands it is now impacting the most pristine beaches in the United States. President Obama will be visiting Mississippi, Alabama, and here in Pensacola on Monday and Tuesday. I think his access is going to be limited here in Pensacola, but if I catch a glimpse I'll let you know. As of this moment, I'm sure if he's going to see our famous sugar-white beaches or a nasty mess. I'm hoping for the former.

Supreme Court Justice Roberts Whines, Liz Cheney Condemned by GOP

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:39:00 +0000

Dick Cheney Rebuked By REPUBLICANS Colin Powell and General Petraeus

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:16:00 +0000

I have been very outspoken about my disgust for former Vice President Cheney's disgraceful conduct since he was rolled out of the White House in a wheelchair as one of the most unpopular politician's in our history. Lacking any evidence whatsoever, he has continually leveled the charge against President Barack Obama that he has made the United States "less safe." In fact, virtually all of the evidence points to the contrary. There has been no 9/11 on President Obama's watch. Increased cooperation with other countries has led to major successes, drone strikes have been dramatically increased in Pakistan, and numerous plots have been disrupted in the past year here in the U.S. Cheney's one discredited point seems to be that illegal torture methods are no longer employed and therefore we are less safe. Again, the experts agree with virtual unanamity that higher quality intelligence is gathered through proven, professional interrogation methods and not toruture. A flood of recent cases including the "underwear" bomber and Najibullah Zazi (who had plotted to blow up the New York City subway system) show that reams of intelligence were gained without torture and by using the professionals in our criminal justice system.

It was nice to finally see two of the most popular Republicans condemn Cheney's nonsense. Petraeus has actually publicly disagreed with Cheney before stating that "It is hugely significant to us to live the values that we hold so dear and that we have fought so hard to protect over the years." Being that both David Petraeus and Colin Powell are or were Generals, I think they might have just a little bit more credibility on this issue than the former Vice President. The obvious attempt by Cheney and his daughter to undercut the current President of the United States with unsupported, universally discredited, self-serving talking points may make good theater for the far right-wing fringe, but it is beyond shameful. I applaud both Powell and Petraeus for strongly backing President Obama's highly-effective, pro-American anti-terrorism strategies. I would like to see many more Republicans speak out on this issue which should be above the partisan fray, but I am not holding my breath. Watch Powell's scathing rebuke of Cheney's factless charges in the video above. In addition he lays out the FACTS about military commissions.

Palin Qualified to Be President? New Poll Says Emphatically "No"

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:07:00 +0000

After last week's most recent embarrassments at both the Tea Party Convention and on Fox News it appears that Sarah Palin has reinforced the perception that she is profoundly unqualified to be President of the United States. At the Tea Party Convention she was seen by a national television audience reading scribbled notes from the palm of her hand. This came shortly after criticizing President Obama for using a teleprompter and during a question and answer session for which she was prepared for in advance. It was stunning that she would bring up the worn out teleprompter criticism after President Obama's recent performance at the House Republican retreat where he outshined his hosts during a live national broadcast.

Shortly thereafter, Palin appeared on Fox News and floated the possibility that President Obama might "play the Iran war card" in an attempt to enhance his prospects for re-election in 2012. Even the interviewer seemed somewhat stunned at this bizarre notion. It was not a good week for Palin.

These incidents, combined with countless past blunders, seem to have solidified her lack of competence in the minds the American electorate. There is undoubtedly a relatively small but very enthusiastic group of supporters who remain fiercely loyal to Palin. But even that group appears to be shrinking. According to the most recent Washington Post/ABC News poll, 71% of Americans believe she is unqualified to be President of the United States and only 37% have a favorable opinion of Palin. A majority of Republicans also believe Palin is not qualified for the nation's highest office! Although she will continue to have a voice and some level of influence within the GOP, it is becoming more and more obvious that she has no chance of being elected in 2012.

New Poll Documents Bizarre Views Held By Many In Today's GOP

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 22:46:00 +0000

An astounding new poll conducted by Research 2000 (Daily Kos) highlights some of the absurd opinions about President Obama held by a LARGE portion of the current incarnation of the republican party. Therein lies the problem of today's political climate. In order to justify their opposition to President Obama these people consciously demonize the President. Rather than having the intellectual honesty to oppose his policies on their merits, these republicans act like a bunch of angry losers who have never come to terms with being defeated in November.

Instead of meeting President Obama halfway when he extends his hand they cut it off and eagerly spew forth the most preposterous claims, all while maintaining a straight face. To heck with the country, it is much more important to attempt to destroy the President at all costs. Take a look at some excerpts from this poll and try to understand what strange, alternate universe these respondents currently occupy.

1. Should Barack Obama be impeached?
Answer: 68% Yes or Not Sure
Based on what charge?? Absolutely unbelievable!!

2. Do you believe Barack Obama was born in the United States?
Answer: 58% No or Not Sure

3. Do you think Barack Obama is a socialist?
Answer: 79% Yes or Not Sure

4. Do you believe Barack Obama wants the terrorists to win?
Answer: 67% Yes or Not Sure
That's why Obama has dramatically stepped up strikes against terrorists.

5. Do you believe Barack Obama is a racist who hates white people?
Answer: 64% Yes or Not Sure

GOP Golden Boy O'Keefe Self Destructs With An Act of Criminal Stupidity

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 01:23:00 +0000

James O'Keefe, the hack right-wing "journalist" who made a name for himself in the ACORN tax/prostitution scandal, destroyed any shred of credibility he had by deciding to get involved in the "Louisiana Watergate" scandal. Although the tactics used in the attempted ACORN sting may very well have been illegal, it appears O'Keefe and his co-conspirators stepped in it big time with this bizarre stunt. Getting mixed-up in federal crimes was probably not the best next step in O'Keefe's "career." He may find it a little difficult to conduct his heavily-edited, gotcha sting operations from a cell in a federal prison.

I can't wait to see where this case leads. Does it stop with O'Keefe and his right-wing hit squad or does it go further? I notice that Fox News and the congressmen who passed a resolution praising O'Keefe are relatively silent on this incident. Fair and Balanced? I don't think so.

Mary Matalin Claims Bush Inherited the 9/11 Attacks! Not A Joke!!

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 02:47:00 +0000

Mary Matalin is just another in a long line of former Bush Administration officials and right-wingers who are shamelessly trying to rewrite the sordid history of the Bush Administration. In this video clip she claims that President Bush inherited the 9/11 attacks, but fails to provide any supporting explanation of this bizarre statement.

Ed Shultz does a good job of calling her out on it and I'll also do my part in fighting this kind of nonsensical revisionism whenever I see it. And unfortunately we see it occur alarmingly often. I think somebody needs to buy Matalin a calendar and thorough instructions on its use. Take a look.

Jon Stewart NAILS Hannity In Yet Another Fox News Deception!

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Any critical-thinking individual doesn't need any convincing that Fox News is regularly deceptive, dishonest, or incredibly biased on a daily basis. But in classic Jon Stewart style, Sean Hannity's remaining microscopic particle of integrity is destroyed in this clear example of journalistic malpractice. In an INTENTIONAL attempt to make it appear that Michele Bachman's Super Bowl of Freedom rally was well-attended, Sean Hannity and Fox News used footage from the 9/12 rally from two months ago. This is a must-see video clip. Although Hannity has since apologized after getting caught red-handed, I do not believe for a second that his use of the videotape from two months ago was "inadvertent." See also Jon Stewart's response to Hannity's apology:

Stewart Calls Out Sean Hannity and Fox News - AGAIN!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Sean Hannity Uses Glenn Beck's Protest Footage

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Jon Stewart's Response:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Sean Hannity Apologizes to Jon

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Eric Holder and President Obama Make The Correct Decision on Terrorism Trial

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 07:30:00 +0000

There only appear to be three reasons that some "Americans" are opposed to trying Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other terror suspects on trial in a federal court in Manhattan:

1. "It is dangerous to bring them here." "They might escape or be found not guilty." "It invites another terrorism attack in New York."
The bottom line of all these assertions is FEAR. I have zero patience for for Senators, Congressmen, or American citizens playing the fear card here. This country is fully capable of securely transporting, prosecuting, and incarcerating these individuals. If fear is driving your opposition to trials in the Federal Courts in New York then I suggest you toughen up and remember what country you are living in. This nation does not cower in fear at the feet of these terrorist pieces of crap. We stand tall and swiftly prosecute these SOB's and put them to death or put them in a federal maximum security prison for life. To the fear mongering wimps I say either toughen up, shut up, or get the hell out. The only reason these terrorists could be found not guilty is the horrendous decision by the Bush Administration to use torture. We, as a country, cannot torture somebody and then say "Oh well, since we tortured them we cannot bring them to justice because WE used illegal tactics." Holder says he has enough to convict these particular suspects and I believe him. But, if somehow one of these scumbags is found not guilty the feds are prepared to level additional charges, so they will not walk free.

2. "These terrorists should be tried in the military tribunal system."
Why? They are not part of any army. They were NOT picked up on the battlefield. They committed an act of terrorism and murdered Americans on American soil. The victims were virtually all civilians. If somebody murders Americans on American soil we prosecute them here. Although some suspects currently held in Guantanamo Bay may be better suited for the modified military tribunal system, these suspects are not. We've tried, convicted terrorists in the past. Again, if you have such little confidence in our system of justice and the dedicated professional prosecutors, then maybe you should be investigating other countries to live where their legal systems are much more restricted and secretive.

3. "It will turn into a show trial and inspire other terrorists."
Factually incorrect. Does somebody want to show me the federal judge who will let this turn into a show trial? Khalid Sheikh Mohammed does not get to walk into court and start saying whatever he wants; that's not how it works despite what Pete Hoekstra might want you to believe. Any federal judge is completely capable of maintaining decorum in the courtroom and will find these terrorists in contempt if they try to disrupt the proceedings. If these guys go down as martyrs then so be it. They would be martyrs in either the military or federal system because the outcome will be the same.

FINAL THOUGHTS:
I find it fascinating that the opposition to prosecuting and housing these suspects on American soil is skewed heavily towards conservatives. Aren't these supposed to be the "tough guys" who are so "tough on terrorism?" When we finally get ready to give these terrorists a taste of American Justice after 8 years of "dithering" by the Bush Administration, these tough guys start shaking in their boots. The decision by the Obama Administration is 100% correct and 100% what America is all about. If some people want to use half-truths and fear (including Democrats) as their reasons for opposing these trials then that is their right. It is also my right to call them out on it and show why none of their feeble arguments stand up to scrutiny.

I have tremendous sympathy for the families of the victims, but that is exactly what happens to any family who has to go through the trial of a murderer of one their family members here in the U.S. There is no difference in their suffering as compared with the suffering the 9/11 families will soon be going through. It is maddening to see some of the same people from the right who were dissing the 9/11 families for being greedy are now using their suffering as a propaganda tool to oppose the trial taking place in the Federal Court system.

Jon Stewart Channels The Craziness of Glenn Beck

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0000

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

The 11/3 Project

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Health Care Crisis

Pelosi Delivers! What Now?

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:00:00 +0000

I must say I am surprised that with the massive money injected into the political process from corporate opponents of healthcare reform, I didn't really expect we'd ever see the day that significant reform would ever make through the House. This was a big day for the average American citizen.

I think the plan is far from perfect and does not go nearly far enough in introducing competition into the system. But it is still an enormous leap forward from where we have been stuck for decades. I still cannot see how a similar bill will make it through the Senate and for this reason my excitement is tempered by the dim prospects there. Unless something changes with Lieberman or Senate leaders are willing to use the process of reconciliation, the bill which emerges from the Senate is unlikely to contain a public option.

In addition, it now looks like it could be several months into 2010 before we see a final bill emerge from the Senate. Although this was a historic night for the country, the final bill is likely to be less robust than what we saw come out of the House this evening. I will now spend the next few weeks using my psychic powers to influence the feeble mind of Joe Lieberman. If you see him flip-flop again on healthcare reform I will expect full credit for my efforts and superpowers.

P.S. Let's give some credit to Rep. Cao of Louisiana for having the courage to defy the GOP and vote for this bill!

Michael Jackson Movie Review: This Is It

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 +0000

Last week I went to see the new Michael Jackson documentary entitled This Is It. My motivation for going was basic curiosity. I have never been a big Michael Jackson fan, but I thought some of his songs were well produced. Sometimes a curious nature is a good thing because I was beyond impressed with This Is It.

Thankfully, This Is It was playing in a digital theater near my home. Surprisingly, I was the only person in the theater! I guess I hit a slow patch between opening day and the weekend. I felt fortunate to have my own private screening of This Is It.

From the opening moments it was clear that reports of Jackson being debilitated by his drug use related to chronic insomnia were false. I'm sure the producers culled the best footage, but we see enough to conclude that he was "on his game." Jackson was able to rise above his demons during his rehearsals at Staple Center in Los Angeles. The digital footage was stunning although there was one camera angle which was non-digital. The digital video combined with the pulse-pounding audio resulted in a final product almost beyond description.

It is difficult to believe that you are watching a man of 50 years. He doesn't appear to have lost a step since his 20's. You're not witnessing some washed-up performer just going through the paces. Performers are interviewed and gush with admiration for Jackson. The young female guitar player, Orianthi Panagaris, steals the show when she plays the Eddie Van Halen riff during "Beat It." I almost got goose bumps watching Jackson perform when all aspects of the show came together perfectly. The London concerts were set to feature some of the most spectacular and sophisticated video segments ever used in a concert. It was fascinating to peak behind the scenes as the actors and technical gurus worked on these amazing videos.

This documentary will stand as the definitive testament of Jackson's undeniable talent as a performer. Jackson comes across as gracious and respectful as he interacts with dancers, musicians, and director Kenny Ortega. For a while I forgot about legal issues and plastic surgeries gone wrong as I witnessed a man flourishing in his element. Even non-fans are likely to come away with an incredible sense of appreciation of Jackson's raw talent. I never expected to be blown away by This Is It, but blown away I was.

Weekly Podcast - Episode 37

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:05:00 +0000

Click on the title above or click here to listen to my Weekly Podcast.

Louisiana Justice of the Peace Resigns!

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 18:15:00 +0000

In a follow-up to my scathing critique of Louisiana Justice of the Peace Keith Bardwell, I am ecstatic to report that he has resigned due to public pressure and impending action from the state of Louisiana. He represents the worst of America. In his warped mind he felt that if he could just impose his outdated views upon the rest of society he could fix what is wrong with this country.

What is so ironic is that he said the following about interracial couples: "I am concerned for the children that might be born of the relationship..." Could somebody in Tangipahoa Parish please inform this dimwit that the President of the United States is one of those children that he is so concerned about? It kind of blows his transparently racist rationale out of the water. Although I am disheartened that idiots like this still walk the earth taking up valuable resources while perpetuating stupidity at every opportunity, I am comforted by the swift public outcry which drove him from office.

Keith Bardwell, your 15 minutes of fame are over, albeit bestowed on you for all the wrong reasons. A side benefit of your journey into obscurity is that I will never have to lay eyes on that ugly mug ever again.

Weekly Podcast - Episode 36

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:50:00 +0000

Click on the title above or click here to listen to my Weekly Podcast.

Weekly Podcast - Episode 35

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:44:00 +0000

Click on the title above or click here to listen to my Weekly Podcast.

Louisiana Justice of the Peace Refuses Marriage License to Interracial Couple

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 07:04:00 +0000

Louisiana justice of the peace Keith Bardwell refused to issue a marriage license because the husband and wife are of different races. Really? In 2009? Yeah, it's true. Check it out here. Another gem of the deep south shines a light on his own stupidity. Just because he is against interracial marriage in no way entitles Mr.Bardwell to deny U.S. citizens to legally marry.

Forgive me for becoming weary of those on the right and religious fringe thinking they are doing God's work by refusing to carry out their jobs in a lawful and respectful manner. Bardwell reminds me of the pharmacists who refuse to dispense the "morning after" pill due to their personal religious beliefs. This country cannot function very effectively if every person in a position of power decides to carry out only those specific functions which do not conflict with their view of the world in any way.

I have some advice if you are a pharmacist who feels compelled to deny women a legal drug or a justice of the peace who just cannot bring himself to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple. Find another line of work! Or better yet, do not enter these professions in the first place. I hope that the couple denied a license in Louisiana decide to proceed with their complaint to the U.S. Department of Justice. In addition, I hope the ACLU is successful in their pleading to the Louisiana Supreme Court which requests that Mr. Bardwell be removed from office.

Weekly Podcast - Episode 34

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 06:05:00 +0000

Click on the title above or click here to listen to my Weekly Podcast. This week's topics include:

1. President Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize.
2. Ban on sale of sex toys upheld by Alabama Supreme Court.
3. Michael Moore movie not playing in my city (Pensacola, Florida).
4. AP poll shows increase in President Obama's popularity.
5. Dick and Liz Cheney still silent on Obama's anti-terrorism successes.

Weekly Podcast - Episode 33

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:10:00 +0000

Click on the title above or click here to listen to my Weekly Podcast. This week's topics include:

1. Separation of Church and State/Prayer In Schools: The case of Pace High School in Florida.
2. Another high-profile terrorist killed in Pakistan.
3. Right-wing ecstatic about Chicago failing to win the right to host the 2016 Olympics. The latest case of "Party First-Country Last" mentality from the GOP.

Weekly Podcast - Episode 32

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 06:16:00 +0000

Click on the title above or click here to listen to my Weekly Podcast. This week's topics include:

1. Fox News - Recent highlights of their problem with the truth and objective reporting.
2. U.S. Special Forces take out high-level al-Qaeda terrorist al-Nabhan in Somalia by launching a daring daylight raid.

GOP Fringe At The Tipping Point?

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:02:00 +0000

Has the tipping point been reached in this country? Has one of our major political parties crossed the line into a bizarre realm where the fringe elements have become mainstream? Is it possible that otherwise intelligent, moderate voices within the GOP lack the courage or good sense to distance themselves from the fringe which is now completely unchecked and out-of-control? Unfortunately, the answer to all of these questions appears to be YES!

Birthers. Deathers. Those who feel comfortable comparing President Obama to Hitler, Nazis, socialists, and Marxists now seem to be in control of the Republican party. People who speak about "death panels" and a "government takeover" of healthcare have free reign within the new GOP. Those Republicans who do nothing to criticize or distance themselves from these fact-free zealots are just as guilty as the zealots themselves.

The warning signs were there months ago when powerful politicians cowered at the feet of Rush Limbaugh rather than face his wrath. Then the tea parties provided a forum for those who could not accept Barack Obama as our President to pop the cork on a big old bottle of "crazy" combined with an large helping of "hate speech." It culminated more recently with Glenn Beck branding President Obama a racist, Joe Wilson calling the President of the United States a 'Liar" on the floor of the House of Representatives, and people carrying signs with the classy slogan "Bury Obamacare with Kennedy." Is there no limit to what is now acceptable behavior within the Republican party? How is this going to end? Will it end? Or will the leaders within the GOP continue to lend support with their deafening silence to the growing fringe who now feel empowered to spew their misinformation, hate, disrespect without being challenged.

Weekly Podcast - Episode 31

noreply@blogger.com (Mark) — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 08:18:00 +0000

Click on the title above or click here to listen to my Weekly Podcast. This week's topics include:

1. Remembering September 11, 2001.
2. Disrespect of President Obama by the right-wing.
3. Congressman Joe Wilson and the President Obama's speech to the Joint Session of Congress.