Jack Lessenberry opines weekly for Detroit's Metro Times.---I copied this from Smirking Chimp
by Jack Lessenberry | April 25, 2012 - 9:17am
"Want to know how unhappy I am with the constant
stream of lies and smears told by the Republicans? How angry at
their open threats to take away reproduction rights and the health-care
safety net Americans finally won? Not to mention their gleeful, open
intention to continue stealing from the poor to give to the rich.
Well, let's put it this way: If Mitt Romney becomes the president
in November, I will either be dead or in jail by this time next year.
And if you can't go home and get everybody in your lives to clean house
in this vile, evil, America-hating party ...
I don't know what you are made out of."
Outrageous words? Damn right. Had I written them a few weeks ago, my
guess is that my editors at the Metro Times never would have printed
them. Besides being badly written and grammatically incorrect, they are
pretty close to a threat to incite violence, possibly against the
president of the United States, which is against federal law.
But these aren't my words at all. They are a near-exact quote from
Ted Nugent, an aging minor rocker who is better known these days as a
gun nut. Nugent, who especially loves to kill defenseless animals, said
the outrageous words above in a video posted on YouTube. All I did was
substitute "Mitt Romney" for "Barack Obama," and "party" for
"administration." His outburst earned him a visit from the Secret
Service, at which Nugent rolled on his back like a frightened puppy,
whimpering, "I have never made any threats of violence against anyone.
God bless the good federal agents."
By the end of the week, the fading Motor City Madman had other things
to think about; he was off pleading guilty to transporting an illegally
killed bear in Alaska, and cutting a deal to stay out of jail.
The problem, however, is far deeper than Nugent. There are an
alarming number of nasty and crazy right-wing nuts out there, many of
whom clearly cannot tolerate that an African-American is the president
of the United States.
They spew a torrent of lies and hate onto the Internet and the
airwaves, when broadcasters let them on. They are spurred on by
unscrupulous showmen like Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck and their imitators,
and have been given aid and comfort by many Republican candidates, some
at the highest level. Far from denouncing and disavowing them, which is
what any decent Republican would have been expected to do a
half-century ago, they slyly encourage them.
Take Newt Gingrich, a brawling, grossly pathetic has-been who is
still running for the GOP presidential nomination, even though any
chance of his winning evaporated weeks ago.
Newt recently told ABC News that he finds it "very bizarre" that the
president is "desperately concerned to apologize to Muslim religious
fanatics." He added that the Obama administration was "going to war
against the Catholic Church and against every right-to-life Protestant
organization in the country."
Both those statements are not even subjective; they are demonstrably
untrue. Yet that is just the kind of rhetoric that could easily get some
troubled young fanatic fired up.
Yet nothing will happen to Gingrich. Before Rick Santorum pulled out
of the race, he took target practice at a shooting range where a woman
hollered, "Pretend it's Obama."
He later said he didn't hear her. However, when another woman in a
town hall meeting told Santorum that the president was "an avowed
Muslim," he did not correct her. Instead, he just said, "Believe me, I'm
doing anything I can to get him out of the government."
These incidents are just the tip of the iceberg. Besides writing this
column, I am the ombudsman for an Ohio newspaper, the Toledo Blade. In
that capacity, I receive torrents of right-wing attacks on the
president, many filled with hatred, thinly veiled racism and rage.
Recently I got bombarded from an "open letter" from one Lou Pritchett, a former
soap salesman who rose to become a Procter & Gamble vice president. It begins:
"Dear President Obama; You are the thirteenth President under whom I
have lived and, unlike any of the others, you truly scare me."
Really? The soap salesman wasn't bothered by John F. Kennedy taking
us to the brink of nuclear war? Not worried by the possibility that the
felonious Richard Nixon might try some kind of a coup when he was about
to be removed from office? Not worried about Lyndon Johnson bombing
Vietnam back to the Stone Age?
Having demonstrated that he is clueless, Pritchett goes on to list a
whole lot of reasons why he is scared of Obama, including that
"culturally you are not an American." That settles that.
Incidentally, it turns out that soap man wrote this letter back in
May of 2009, when President Obama had barely been in office four months.
There are many similar rants. One Joe Quinn, apparently of Toledo,
tells me in the course of a long letter that "the list of [Obama's]
atrocities against the American people is too long to list here."
However, he does disclose that if he is re-elected, "he will be much
freer to completely transform America into a socialist state."
Well, we can only hope, but my guess is the Republicans in Congress might raise some mild objections.
There are, in fact. legitimate conservative arguments that can be
made against the president's policies. The huge deficits are
frightening, and it is fair to challenge the assumptions of his health
care plan or his foreign policy in an intellectually legitimate way
But by not repudiating the racists, the crazies, and those filled
with hate, today's GOP is giving up any claim to legitimacy. Not to
mention taking a serious risk of having blood on their hands.
Consent Agreement update: Last week, as I was watching the
Detroit City Council refusing to agree on salaries for the new positions
the "consent agreement" is supposed to create, a ghastly Kennedy
assassination metaphor popped into my mind.
It was the scene from William Manchester's classic book The Death of a
President, when they rush the dying John F. Kennedy into the emergency
room at Parkland Memorial Hospital. Had he been anybody else, they would
have put a tag on his toes. Seeing that he was the president, however,
they hooked him up to machines and started blood transfusions. Alas, the
blood just flowed out of the immense hole in the side of his head just
as fast as it went in.
Which brings us to the city. Detroit was supposed to create two new
powerful positions, program manager and chief financial officer, within a
week and fill them within a month. But this now seems hopelessly behind
schedule. The first three members were named to the overseeing
financial advisory board last week.
They were strong names. But there are six more to come, two to be
named by the governor and two by Mayor Bing, who tends to move slowly,
and two by a City Council that seems to usually have great difficulty
deciding what day of the week it is.
I've been asking a number of high-ranking and high-placed politicians
and corporate executives whether they thought the consent agreement
would work — or whether Detroit eventually would be forced to face an
emergency manager, go through bankruptcy, or both. I asked them all to
tell me off the record.
But I can reveal the names of those who think the consent agreement is likely to succeed. Ready? OK. Here they are:
See you next week.
TV News, San Diego Radio, Politics and News, Sewing--The Sewing Herald Tribune....we need contributors, Travel.... Agree or Disagree....Please feel free to comment.....all comments appreciated and thank you for your time..... and food,dogs and cats...... let's sit down at this cafe, have a cup of coffee and talk about politics.
Apr 26, 2012
Apr 14, 2012
In Defense of Hilary Rosen, Ann Romney, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton, Deborah Wasserman Schultz, Bay Buchanan and Michelle Bachman, In Offense of Bill Maher
In Defense of Hilary Rosen, Ann Romney, Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton,
Deborah Wasserman Schultz, Bay Buchanan and Michelle Bachman, In
Offense of Bill Maher
by Chloelouise
As a single mom of 2 twenty something kids, 2 real old cats and one pit bull mix dog and a democrat who loves President Obama I would like to say that I admire Ann romney, Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachman, Hillary clinton, Hilary Rosen, Deborah Wasserman Schultz and all of the other strong women who give up their personal time to speak out on issues to move forward the political debate. If I do not like what they say I will not vote for them but I like to hear their ideas and information. All of my dem ideas may not be correct, they may need a republican adjustment. I'm with Karl Rove on this one--In the long run it is the political discussion that moves things forward. Bay Buchanan even came out on CNN to support Hilary Rosen. It was very noble and uplifting. Should the women completely take politics over now?
I do not like Bill Maher. I knew his big money donation would be trouble. He basically issued himself a license to let his mouth run without a filter. His goal is self promotion, not the betterment of individuals anywhere. I predict its just a matter of time before we have to suffer another insult and then listen to the media discuss it because he gave a big donation. When he insults women, particularly Sarah Palin, in this instance I take offense. What is really bad about Mr Maher is that he makes it seem cool to diminish women because he is funny. He sets the stage to get the boys to laugh at the girls. Its the wrong sentiment and we have plenty of right wing conservative radio hosts to jump on the band wagon. There is violence against women her in the US. I suggest that he finds new and less harmful material for his comedy routine. Then we had to listen to him ramble on further in the NYT about how he was in fact so funny and did not have to apologize. We paid a very high price for that donation.
Yesterday Hilary Rosen was talking about Ann Romney not actually working in a job at a facility or workplace receiving wages and every thing got so messed up.......
I'm just devastated by the fact that I am forced to disagree with some of my co-liberal dems. Believe it or not I actually like Ann Romney and I enjoy listening to her speak. The difference, for me, is a matter of time.
My daughter is still talking about the time when she was five years old and won an award, had to go up on stage all by herself--and you guessed it--I wasn't there. Why--because I could not get the time off work.
So then I spent a large part of my career being "per diem" so I could control my schedule in liew of benefits; or buy my own benefits, health insurance for the kids, which I often could not afford.
Let's see. I wonder if Ann Romney can afford health insurance or if she has time to attend the award ceremony?
I admire Ann Romney and I can't imagine raising five boys. I bet she does not have a knick-knack left standing in her house.
I heard Hillary Rosen say that comment on CNN yesterday and I knew it would be trouble. She has verified her intent of the statement talking about the actual workplace.
I'm sad about the misinterpretation for everyone. These are both fine, intelligent, well-spoken, hard working women with different political views.
And right now I'm not even going to get into trying to endure the beastliness of the other women at work.......
I have always enjoyed Hilary Rosen, particularly when she used to speak in favor of my girl, Hillary Clinton. I also want to remind people that Ann Romney has never suffered being taken into the office for "a talk." In other words, if you do not be quiet and be a cheer leader for the company, instead of verbalizing and noticing their inconsistencies, you may lose your job. So what is the decision--oh gee--I guess I'll be quiet so I will not be fired so I can pay my rent and feed my kids.
The media is way off on so many levels on this issue. Ann Romney can talk politically, at will. Most women I know cannot speak either because they do not have time or because they are in fear of losing their position and possibly their home because they are the sole provider. Ann Romney does not have to fear putting the well being of her loved ones in jeopardy because of calling in sick, getting in a fight at work, talking about the company at work, joining the union etc., etc., etc., etc.........
Ann Romney does not ever have to suffer the depression or stress of putting up with the work place. Thank God I did have children to cheer me up. Going to work for me has always been very, very hard and very, very stressful. Frankly, I am happy for Ann that she had a chance to raise her children and time to focus on their upbringing. I am sorry for her terrible illness.
Everyone is missing the point of the conversation. Hilary Rosen has even apologized, now.
I don't work now and I finally have time. My life is so incredible I can't believe it.
And also please remember what Hillary Clinton said. "I make that phone call every day at 3 o'clock to make sure my daughter got home from school safely." That was my whole life and that is the day I became a Hillary Clinton supporter no matter what.
Here is another good point. I have worked at places where they tried to force me to stay overtime and feel bad about it because I could not. I had to pick up my kids at the babysitter or daycare. You can't be late or the price skyrockets.
Its hard to have teenagers in the house all the time when you are at work.
Everything gets so mixed up because there is no time---no time to do homework after work, go to the activities, cook the meal, go to the grocery store...There have been so many days when I have gone to work completely exhausted.
I don't really think anyone is angry with Ann Romney one bit or lacks appreciation for how well she has raised her children in the face of her struggles with health issues. I do not think Ann Romney would even disagree with me right now. But people who go to work every single day and are the sole provider do have a different life. I used to work with low income families. One mom worked at two taco shops to make ends meet. That is all Hilary Rosen is saying. Some women have different lives.
I challenge anyone to go against me on this one.
Hilary girl and Hillary girl, ChloeLouise
by Chloelouise
As a single mom of 2 twenty something kids, 2 real old cats and one pit bull mix dog and a democrat who loves President Obama I would like to say that I admire Ann romney, Sarah Palin, Michelle Bachman, Hillary clinton, Hilary Rosen, Deborah Wasserman Schultz and all of the other strong women who give up their personal time to speak out on issues to move forward the political debate. If I do not like what they say I will not vote for them but I like to hear their ideas and information. All of my dem ideas may not be correct, they may need a republican adjustment. I'm with Karl Rove on this one--In the long run it is the political discussion that moves things forward. Bay Buchanan even came out on CNN to support Hilary Rosen. It was very noble and uplifting. Should the women completely take politics over now?
I do not like Bill Maher. I knew his big money donation would be trouble. He basically issued himself a license to let his mouth run without a filter. His goal is self promotion, not the betterment of individuals anywhere. I predict its just a matter of time before we have to suffer another insult and then listen to the media discuss it because he gave a big donation. When he insults women, particularly Sarah Palin, in this instance I take offense. What is really bad about Mr Maher is that he makes it seem cool to diminish women because he is funny. He sets the stage to get the boys to laugh at the girls. Its the wrong sentiment and we have plenty of right wing conservative radio hosts to jump on the band wagon. There is violence against women her in the US. I suggest that he finds new and less harmful material for his comedy routine. Then we had to listen to him ramble on further in the NYT about how he was in fact so funny and did not have to apologize. We paid a very high price for that donation.
Yesterday Hilary Rosen was talking about Ann Romney not actually working in a job at a facility or workplace receiving wages and every thing got so messed up.......
I'm just devastated by the fact that I am forced to disagree with some of my co-liberal dems. Believe it or not I actually like Ann Romney and I enjoy listening to her speak. The difference, for me, is a matter of time.
My daughter is still talking about the time when she was five years old and won an award, had to go up on stage all by herself--and you guessed it--I wasn't there. Why--because I could not get the time off work.
So then I spent a large part of my career being "per diem" so I could control my schedule in liew of benefits; or buy my own benefits, health insurance for the kids, which I often could not afford.
Let's see. I wonder if Ann Romney can afford health insurance or if she has time to attend the award ceremony?
I admire Ann Romney and I can't imagine raising five boys. I bet she does not have a knick-knack left standing in her house.
I heard Hillary Rosen say that comment on CNN yesterday and I knew it would be trouble. She has verified her intent of the statement talking about the actual workplace.
I'm sad about the misinterpretation for everyone. These are both fine, intelligent, well-spoken, hard working women with different political views.
And right now I'm not even going to get into trying to endure the beastliness of the other women at work.......
I have always enjoyed Hilary Rosen, particularly when she used to speak in favor of my girl, Hillary Clinton. I also want to remind people that Ann Romney has never suffered being taken into the office for "a talk." In other words, if you do not be quiet and be a cheer leader for the company, instead of verbalizing and noticing their inconsistencies, you may lose your job. So what is the decision--oh gee--I guess I'll be quiet so I will not be fired so I can pay my rent and feed my kids.
The media is way off on so many levels on this issue. Ann Romney can talk politically, at will. Most women I know cannot speak either because they do not have time or because they are in fear of losing their position and possibly their home because they are the sole provider. Ann Romney does not have to fear putting the well being of her loved ones in jeopardy because of calling in sick, getting in a fight at work, talking about the company at work, joining the union etc., etc., etc., etc.........
Ann Romney does not ever have to suffer the depression or stress of putting up with the work place. Thank God I did have children to cheer me up. Going to work for me has always been very, very hard and very, very stressful. Frankly, I am happy for Ann that she had a chance to raise her children and time to focus on their upbringing. I am sorry for her terrible illness.
Everyone is missing the point of the conversation. Hilary Rosen has even apologized, now.
I don't work now and I finally have time. My life is so incredible I can't believe it.
And also please remember what Hillary Clinton said. "I make that phone call every day at 3 o'clock to make sure my daughter got home from school safely." That was my whole life and that is the day I became a Hillary Clinton supporter no matter what.
Here is another good point. I have worked at places where they tried to force me to stay overtime and feel bad about it because I could not. I had to pick up my kids at the babysitter or daycare. You can't be late or the price skyrockets.
Its hard to have teenagers in the house all the time when you are at work.
Everything gets so mixed up because there is no time---no time to do homework after work, go to the activities, cook the meal, go to the grocery store...There have been so many days when I have gone to work completely exhausted.
I don't really think anyone is angry with Ann Romney one bit or lacks appreciation for how well she has raised her children in the face of her struggles with health issues. I do not think Ann Romney would even disagree with me right now. But people who go to work every single day and are the sole provider do have a different life. I used to work with low income families. One mom worked at two taco shops to make ends meet. That is all Hilary Rosen is saying. Some women have different lives.
I challenge anyone to go against me on this one.
Hilary girl and Hillary girl, ChloeLouise
Apr 13, 2012
In Defense Of Hilary Rosen
In Defense of Hilary Rosen
by Chloelouise
Yesterday Hilary Rosen was talking about Ann Romney not actually working in a job at a facility or workplace receiving wages and every thing got so messed up.......
I'm just devastated by the fact that I am forced to disagree with some of my co-liberal dems. Believe it or not I actually like Ann Romney and I enjoy listening to her speak. The difference, for me, is a matter of time.
My daughter is still talking about the time when she was five years old and won an award, had to go up on stage all by herself--and you guessed it--I wasn't there. Why--because I could not get the time off work.
So then I spent a large part of my career being "per diem" so I could control my schedule in liew of benefits; or buy my own benefits, health insurance for the kids, which I often could not afford.
Let's see. I wonder if Ann Romney can afford health insurance or if she has time to attend the award ceremony?
I admire Ann Romney and I can't imagine raising five boys. I bet she does not have a knick-knack left standing in her house.
I heard Hillary Rosen say that comment on CNN yesterday and I knew it would be trouble. She has verified her intent of the statement talking about the actual workplace.
I'm sad about the misinterpretation for everyone. These are both fine, intelligent, well-spoken, hard working women with different political views.
And right now I'm not even going to get into trying to endure the beastliness of the other women at work.......
I have always enjoyed Hilary Rosen, particularly when she used to speak in favor of my girl, Hillary Clinton. I also want to remind people that Ann Romney has never suffered being taken into the office for "a talk." In other words, if you do not be quiet and be a cheer leader for the company, instead of verbalizing and noticing their inconsistencies, you may lose your job. So what is the decision--oh gee--I guess I'll be quiet so I will not be fired so I can pay my rent and feed my kids.
The media is way off on so many levels on this issue. Ann Romney can talk politically, at will. Most women I know cannot speak either because they do not have time or because they are in fear of losing their position and possibly their home because they are the sole provider. Ann Romney does not have to fear putting the well being of her loved ones in jeopardy because of calling in sick, getting in a fight at work, talking about the company at work, joining the union etc., etc., etc., etc.........
Ann Romney does not ever have to suffer the depression or stress of putting up with the work place. Thank God I did have children to cheer me up. Going to work for me has always been very, very hard and very, very stressful. Frankly, I am happy for Ann that she had a chance to raise her children and time to focus on their upbringing. I am sorry for her terrible illness.
Everyone is missing the point of the conversation. Hilary Rosen has even apologized, now.
I don't work now and I finally have time. My life is so incredible I can't believe it.
And also please remember what Hillary Clinton said. "I make that phone call every day at 3 o'clock to make sure my daughter got home from school safely." That was my whole life and that is the day I became a Hillary Clinton supporter no matter what.
Here is another good point. I have worked at places where they tried to force me to stay overtime and feel bad about it because I could not. I had to pick up my kids at the babysitter or daycare. You can't be late or the price skyrockets.
Its hard to have teenagers in the house all the time when you are at work.
Everything gets so mixed up because there is no time---no time to do homework after work, go to the activities, cook the meal, go to the grocery store...There have been so many days when I have gone to work completely exhausted.
I don't really think anyone is angry with Ann Romney one bit or lacks appreciation for how well she has raised her children in the face of her struggles with health issues. I do not think Ann Romney would even disagree with me right now. But people who go to work every single day and are the sole provider do have a different life. I used to work with low income families. One mom worked at two taco shops to make ends meet. That is all Hilary Rosen is saying. Some women have different lives.
I challenge anyone to go against me on this one.
Hilary girl and Hillary girl, ChloeLouise
by Chloelouise
Yesterday Hilary Rosen was talking about Ann Romney not actually working in a job at a facility or workplace receiving wages and every thing got so messed up.......
I'm just devastated by the fact that I am forced to disagree with some of my co-liberal dems. Believe it or not I actually like Ann Romney and I enjoy listening to her speak. The difference, for me, is a matter of time.
My daughter is still talking about the time when she was five years old and won an award, had to go up on stage all by herself--and you guessed it--I wasn't there. Why--because I could not get the time off work.
So then I spent a large part of my career being "per diem" so I could control my schedule in liew of benefits; or buy my own benefits, health insurance for the kids, which I often could not afford.
Let's see. I wonder if Ann Romney can afford health insurance or if she has time to attend the award ceremony?
I admire Ann Romney and I can't imagine raising five boys. I bet she does not have a knick-knack left standing in her house.
I heard Hillary Rosen say that comment on CNN yesterday and I knew it would be trouble. She has verified her intent of the statement talking about the actual workplace.
I'm sad about the misinterpretation for everyone. These are both fine, intelligent, well-spoken, hard working women with different political views.
And right now I'm not even going to get into trying to endure the beastliness of the other women at work.......
I have always enjoyed Hilary Rosen, particularly when she used to speak in favor of my girl, Hillary Clinton. I also want to remind people that Ann Romney has never suffered being taken into the office for "a talk." In other words, if you do not be quiet and be a cheer leader for the company, instead of verbalizing and noticing their inconsistencies, you may lose your job. So what is the decision--oh gee--I guess I'll be quiet so I will not be fired so I can pay my rent and feed my kids.
The media is way off on so many levels on this issue. Ann Romney can talk politically, at will. Most women I know cannot speak either because they do not have time or because they are in fear of losing their position and possibly their home because they are the sole provider. Ann Romney does not have to fear putting the well being of her loved ones in jeopardy because of calling in sick, getting in a fight at work, talking about the company at work, joining the union etc., etc., etc., etc.........
Ann Romney does not ever have to suffer the depression or stress of putting up with the work place. Thank God I did have children to cheer me up. Going to work for me has always been very, very hard and very, very stressful. Frankly, I am happy for Ann that she had a chance to raise her children and time to focus on their upbringing. I am sorry for her terrible illness.
Everyone is missing the point of the conversation. Hilary Rosen has even apologized, now.
I don't work now and I finally have time. My life is so incredible I can't believe it.
And also please remember what Hillary Clinton said. "I make that phone call every day at 3 o'clock to make sure my daughter got home from school safely." That was my whole life and that is the day I became a Hillary Clinton supporter no matter what.
Here is another good point. I have worked at places where they tried to force me to stay overtime and feel bad about it because I could not. I had to pick up my kids at the babysitter or daycare. You can't be late or the price skyrockets.
Its hard to have teenagers in the house all the time when you are at work.
Everything gets so mixed up because there is no time---no time to do homework after work, go to the activities, cook the meal, go to the grocery store...There have been so many days when I have gone to work completely exhausted.
I don't really think anyone is angry with Ann Romney one bit or lacks appreciation for how well she has raised her children in the face of her struggles with health issues. I do not think Ann Romney would even disagree with me right now. But people who go to work every single day and are the sole provider do have a different life. I used to work with low income families. One mom worked at two taco shops to make ends meet. That is all Hilary Rosen is saying. Some women have different lives.
I challenge anyone to go against me on this one.
Hilary girl and Hillary girl, ChloeLouise
Apr 12, 2012
chip franklin...Is He For Real Or What?
chip franklin, old school dog, ultra-conserative
radio talk show host and tea-party advocate, is on the air every
morning in San Diego on KOGO 600, he rants, he raves--is he for real?
He says "call in, " but when people don't agree he chops their head off. Is he really this obtuse or is he just making a show. What do you think?
Sometimes
he wants to make a reference regarding a violent physical act to make
his point. I've found this particularly offensive when it involves
women. One time he made the suggestion that a lady should be
"body-slammed" when he disagreed with her philosophy on an issue. I
have made some comments in my posts--it seems like he may be intimidated
by strong women.
Apr 11, 2012
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One day the guy here in San Diego called for smokers at restaurants to be gunned down rather than have a new smoking law by the government. Later it was erased from the podcast. These people are creating a horrible sentiment. They make it seem like violence is an okay way to solve problems. As a dem I will also include Bill Maher in this group--his donation came with a high price. Verbal abuse is not a proper response for a political disagreement.