EPIGONIC

Obama's Health Care Speech, Pt. 1

2009-09-10T10:55:30-07:00

Here's the first part of a truly great political address.

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Obama's Health Care Speech: The History-Making Bit

2009-09-09T22:18:55-07:00

The last couple of paragraphs of tonight's speech were words for the ages:

This has always been the history of our progress. In 1933, when over half of our seniors could not support themselves and millions had seen their savings wiped away, there were those who argued that Social Security would lead to socialism. But the men and women of Congress stood fast, and we are all the better for it. In 1965, when some argued that Medicare represented a government takeover of health care, members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, did not back down. They joined together so that all of us could enter our golden years with some basic peace of mind.
You see, our predecessors understood that government could not, and should not, solve every problem. They understood that there are instances when the gains in security from government action are not worth the added constraints on our freedom. But they also understood that the danger of too much government is matched by the perils of too little; that without the leavening hand of wise policy, markets can crash, monopolies can stifle competition, and the vulnerable can be exploited. And they knew that when any government measure, no matter how carefully crafted or beneficial, is subject to scorn; when any efforts to help people in need are attacked as un-American; when facts and reason are thrown overboard and only timidity passes for wisdom, and we can no longer even engage in a civil conversation with each other over the things that truly matter – that at that point we don't merely lose our capacity to solve big challenges. We lose something essential about ourselves.
What was true then remains true today. I understand how difficult this health care debate has been. I know that many in this country are deeply skeptical that government is looking out for them. I understand that the politically safe move would be to kick the can further down the road – to defer reform one more year, or one more election, or one more term.
But that's not what the moment calls for. That's not what we came here to do. We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it. I still believe we can act even when it's hard. I still believe we can replace acrimony with civility, and gridlock with progress. I still believe we can do great things, and that here and now we will meet history's test.

Can you say asshole?

2009-08-05T17:09:41-07:00

If you are are News Corp. employee, you must be at least a little ashamed to be associated with a creep like Glenn Beck.

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Obama and Willie Mays

2009-07-17T17:58:09-07:00

This is a reminder of why the election in November was, to quote Itzak Stern, "an absolute good."

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This is a Typepad test post

2009-07-06T16:00:43-07:00

Here is the body of my post

This is a Typepad test post

2009-07-06T15:49:38-07:00

Here is the body of my post

This is a Typepad test post

2009-07-06T15:27:57-07:00

Here is the body of my post

This is a Typepad test post

2009-07-06T15:15:49-07:00

Here is the body of my post

Bill O’Reilly Put Dr. Tiller in His Sights

2009-06-01T15:32:36-07:00

Is it any wonder some right-wing loon shot and killed Dr. Tiller?

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We Have Met the Enemy

2009-04-24T21:58:00-07:00

I'm sorry, but I've now officially had it with puritanical lefties who are "disappointed" in Barack Obama because he's not quite pure enough for their tastes.

This post from David Kurtz at TPM (a site I love) pushed me over the top and compelled me to blog on a Friday night.

Here we have a President who is pushing -- by far -- the most progressive agenda in nearly 50 years and shows real signs of greatness. But that's not enough for the rigid purists.

I think Obama has been terrific so far; I'm an adult, I fully understand why he has to compromise on some of these issues. The disappointment has come from pundits and bloggers on the left. After eight years of George Bush, and an election lost in 2000 in part because so many on the left saw no distinction between Al Gore and Bush, you'd think a lesson would have been learned.

VandeHarris (John Harris, Jim Vandehei) from Politico on First 100 Days

2009-04-24T11:18:08-07:00

This is a fun, informal, sort-of "behind-the-scenes" feel video from top editors at Politico on Obama's first 100 days.

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The Morons of the GOP and Fox

2009-04-13T11:27:56-07:00

Ooops! Wonder if Newt will say, "My bad!"

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Obama Visits Iraq

2009-04-07T10:06:27-07:00

Here's the BBC's description:

The president then shook hands with many of the soldiers, who greeted him with cheers and shouts of "we love you Obama".

Here's the NY Times dry description of Obama's visit to Iraq today:

Addressing hundreds of troops gathered at a military base here, Mr. Obama said that it was time for Iraqis to “take responsibility for their country,” winning enthusiastic applause.

Here's FoxNews:

Obama's appearance pleased troops interviewed by reporters. They said they were gratified the new president came to visit so soon after taking office.

"We love you," shouted a few troops. The president shouted he loved them back. (emphasis mine)

It's funny, for all the claims the media is in the tank for Obama, it's clear the US media can't quite bring themselves to admit that people might like and admire the man.

Here is the video from Politico, you be the judge.

Obama arrives in UK ahead of G20

2009-03-31T15:37:37-07:00

What a refreshing change to see President Obama as our emissary abroad. If you lived abroad during the Bush years, you know just how huge this is.

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CBS package on the future of journalism

2009-03-30T12:35:19-07:00

Nothing terribly new here for folks who have been following this story (demise of traditional newspapers, rise of blogs and other web media).

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