Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

Good Morning...

Woo Hoo.

good one, craig.

"Bill and Hillary. . .great Americans!"

od, rez, patsi, my sentiments exactly. nice way to end an old thread and begin a new one.

and it was good to see that beaming smile of al gore's as he reached out to pat bill on the shoulder. very genuine expression. his hug earlier really said a lot too.

anyone know who recently has been funding armey's moveable mob (freedomworks)? takes a lot more dough than he has alone to run something that mobile.

"Rupert Murdoch plans charge for all news websites by next summer
Times and Sun readers to pay as loss-making Murdoch declares end to free-for-all"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/aug/06/rupert-murdoch-website-charges

Craig, I thought you had quit taking that stop smoking drug that causes those weird dreams?

I enjoyed the comments everyone wrote yesterday. And Max, your pandering to the Clinton fans seems to be working on me.

Craig...... ROFL!
thanks for starting my day off with that.....

surprisingly.... I'm doing ok at my fair.... not gangbusters... but I am selling enough to satisfy.... and considering this economy and the fact that the attendance has taken another hit.... I'm very happy....

and I've sold several of my new high end silk blended scarves and have had 4 galleries ask for some for the Xmas season..... happy, happy, joy, joy....

ok... you guys solve all the world's problems until I come back next week....
everyone take care...

Ha! An Obama/Clinton ticket presupposes that Obama has written off any semblance of support by Republicans, and is hoping to retain independent pragmatists and the broader Democratic constituencies; groups that admire Mrs Clinton for her abundant talents.

Flatus... Right on track....
So if I may extract a thought from yours.
This would thus presuppose that the Obama brand of sound bites like Change and Yes We Can... has Zero or negative value.

So Barack has to cling to a Clinton to try and save his tenure.
Nope just go for the real thing -
Barack will be a one hit wonder

Carol -- I doubt Max is working to change your mind. I have plenty of criticisms of Obama that have to do with his promises of Glory Days and a world where all youth are working happily on community projects in His Name. I don't talk about them all that much because there just doesn't seem to be any point. I do, however, see that more and more young people say they are less likely to vote next time.

And I certainly don't disagree with absolutely everything Max says. But his pandering along Hillary lines don't move me.

Patsi, is pandering still against the law??

Behind the drug company profits....

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/johann-hari/the-horrifying-hidden-sto_b_251365.html

ROFL, Flatus. Maybe it should be. I still remember Obama's pandering to California Reagan lovers by citing his "transformative" presidency.

I guess all politicians do it, but still....

Ya know I thought that whoever would want to be the president, with all the mess that was left for the president, had to be a little nuts.

People aren't realistic. They want everything to be perfect right away, especially many of the new naive voters. When, poof, it isn't all better right away, they will be very dissappointed and blame the person in charge. And they will have lots of help to encourage it. .

Good points, Carol.

That video was like watching Scooby Doo! LOL!

Max, this is one that you would enjoy:
https://www.afio.com/2009Symp_DraftAgenda.htm

patsi, thanks for the article on big pharma. underscores my harangue about the wasteful $$ on drug ads.

"But a detailed study by Dr Marcia Angell, the former editor of the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, says that only 14 percent of their budgets go on developing drugs -- usually at the uncreative final part of the drug-trail. The rest goes on marketing and profits. And even with that puny 14 percent, drug companies squander a fortune developing "me-too" drugs -- medicines that do exactly the same job as a drug that already exists, but has one molecule different, so they can take out a new patent, and receive another avalanche of profits.

As a result, the US Government Accountability Office says that far from being a font of innovation, the drug market has become "stagnant." They spend virtually nothing on the diseases that kill the most human beings, like malaria, because the victims are poor, so there's hardly any profit to be sucked out."

Okay, That was fun, and much more pleasant to contemplate that the predictions of Dr. Doom who was on MoJo this am http://www.cnbc.com/id/32012679

Another jobless recovery and it is going to get very, very ugly out there.

Thought for the day :
" The average woman would rather be beautiful than smart because the average man can see better than he can think. "

1870 White conservatives suppressed black vote & captured Tenn legislature

Great video, Craig. What a great morning for me, Clintons and humor. My two favorite things. Although it is a nightmarish video, it would be a dream for me.

Posted by: Patsi | August 6, 2009 7:43 AM

Patsi - and all -- This Huffington Article might have a little basis in fact but it is full or weak connections.
This is an Obamaite hidden attempt which is really an insult the more one thinks about it.
Sadly now someone will quote this article as if it is fact - and it is not - it is OPINION.

Couple of points: the error of the statement that Government funds the research - Simply wrong - You might hate big Pharma but they do take the risk. The core R&D is done in many cases by places like Scripts or Burnham Inst - PRIVATE - then they pass on to pharama to take the concepts - which is very costly.

Also the Risk Reward is then with big pharma - the one that Barack is trying to make people hate - So Sad Barack - so sad.
Yes they make a profit - And this capitalistic free market has brought these drugs, Scanners and other devices to market.

Now Barack will just KILL this effort and we will not have this problem as Innovation will Stop.

Stop it Barack

Dump Biden, what a thought.

Patsi, it is not pandering. I have leveled some tough words on the Clintons, but if you take the totality of what I have said, bringing up their views and actions in reminding their supporters to resist certain policies of Obama is not pandering.

Damn right Gore hugged Bill. His network sent a mother into no man's land where NK soldiers arrested his reporters. That was almost as dumb as what three Americans did in Iran. Kimmie refused to have the brain child of this plan come and get them.

Craig, quite funny -your basement that is. I don't see how Palin could win over the critical Independents, but perhaps another GOP candidate could exploit big mistakes by the O-team and make it a close election requiring Hillary. The question would be whether Hillary would go for a revolt within, or accept VPness. I guess that depends on what shape the Dems are in.

This morning Hillary gives support to the Somalian President in her travels around Africa. My deepest wish is for her to protest with the women in Sudan who reject the trial for those women wearing pants,
I think Bill could go to Israel and dust off the map he drew which Arafat rejected. Of course, Bill is a God in India and I suppose he has much support in Russia too. Funny that after to repeated gestures, stature derived by experiance and centrism is what America needs.

Now let's see if the "pandering theory" works. I just said some nice things about the Clintons. I now make an observation: People are getting tired of the vague platitudes and pep talks of a President that often shows the Press his lack of the detailed understanding of the policies he's pushing. His rhetoric is becoming worn out as he shows little substance to his bipartisan claims, the evidence for his projections and any sign that his strategies are producing predicted results. He comes across as less genuine than the Clintons who show far more passion and investment in a pathway that really unites. They often build their case on not the deficiencies of the opposition, but the promise of their vetted and centrist vision. They promote reform as change instead of the slogan of change as they cater not to the extremes but to the center of politics. And that doesn't mean they lack boldness as we can see, but that boldness comes from a pathway that really can work.

Healthcare is an example. CommonDreams is furious that Obama has watered down healthcare. The Right is furious Obama secretly wants a government run plan. The result may very well be a neutered failure that drives up deficits and leads to Craig's Clinton fantasy. The opposite approach is to start with a well throughout transparent balance in the middle using incremental steps that control costs, are transparent enough to resist false characterization, simple enough to modify through time as the results come in and present the choices Americans favor. People in Boston know what Duval's plan has become. You start with common ground, reasonable economic predictions, targeted steps to fix the most pressing problems and a real effort to be bipartisan. Instead we have a mess. Is this pandering to make a point?

I am not pandering to bring up what is right about the Clintons and put that out there as we watch Obama having some serious problems. His gestures to Russia, Muslims and South American despots have fallen on deaf ears. Look at what Chavez, Putin, Ahmadinejad, Castro, Hamas, Hizb'Allah, Sudan, and others have said to Obama. We can see Hillary was right in thinking this wasnot a "plan". I guess she was plan B.

We can see the problems with sloppy bills and uncontrolled spending. We can see the influence of the more Liberal in Obama's strategies. We can see how much of Bush and Hillary Obama retains despite his disingenuous claims otherwise that played race and GOPphobia in defeating both Hillary and the GOP. This is a matter of credibility.

I don't say this to be mean to Obama. I think he is capable of changing his tune and being the pragmatic egoist he is. There is time. I just think he is so full of himself, change will not come easily. Gravitas may not come at all.

If things get really bad both domestically and abroad, it is questionable whether Hillary and Bill would want to join forces to such a degree as a joint ticket or rather put forward their concept of referendum and reform.

Yep, Karma sucks, and that is hardly a pandering observation.

In that be careful what you wish for category--more about the White House & big Pharma agreement
on cost savings.

As a result of the House health care overhaul measure
that would allow government to negotiate drug prices & demand additional rebates from drug mfrs, big pharma lobbyists reacted and successfully demanded that the White House explicitly acknowledge that they had committed to protect drug makers from bearing further costs beyond the agreed upon $80 billion over
10 years cost savings.

Details of the agreement had never been spelled out by the Obama administrration.

"White House affirms deal on drug cost"

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/06/health/policy/06insure.html?hp

Craig

I totally believe it. (Just not sure Biden does - since it could mean the end of his political career...)

I also think Rahm will move on and he will be replaced with an up and coming Democrat.

Patsi:

"I have plenty of criticisms of Obama that have to do with his promises of Glory Days and a world where all youth are working happily on community projects in His Name."

My criticisims would be in his not following through on such promises - rather than him making them.

"I don't see how Palin could win over the critical Independents, but perhaps another GOP candidate could exploit big mistakes by the O-team and make it a close election requiring Hillary."

Seems to be what they are grooming T-Paw for...

Believe or not=not,,,,but do believe that the video should come out again in October.......funny!

Chloe, was not going to post an answer to your question. Max " religion in drag" but I don't think Bethy's was up to her standards (in length.).......she was right on.....most things evil..is religion in drag to me.

Yes I believe that Max has finally said something that I agree with. Im sure that he will disagree with what Im going to say however. Anon is closer to the truth on this one I think.

the Crusades are live and well...they are. Bush, and his family, the Cheney's , the Bakers of the world see to them blk water is just a part of them, they are the soldiers of the new crusaders,,and the the G. Becks, Roves, Hannity's are the pushers. Even Anon is pushing his religion...he always wishes me god bless me.....well I don't want it, how would he like it if I sign off saying May the Devil Damn you every time..

.I know that AP is not pushing anything other than his good will,,,but to me..this is enabling the others that don't....O D will never admit to the atrocities that the Catholics have done thru-out time, the Muslims speak for themselves, and are just as violent, if not more....I don't know enough about the oriental religions...but know that there have been some holy wars over there also.

Max, would like to go to war with the world......I would like to go to war with the worlds religions. Max might not agree with this, but Hitler was very much into religion,he started the churches,,,just so he could get unwavering loyalty...he was totally right...some how that is not taught here in the U S...and the fact that we never wanted the Jewish refugees...we lied a little in our history books.

What started me thinking along these lines...over 40 years ago...is how many people that I have known that were, are religious,,and how violent,,and money hungry they appeared to me...how many non religious that I have known,,to be just the opposite.....I know that this is way too much...

Back to Max...what he doesn't say in all of his post's about going to war all of the time, is that they mostly go on in countries that are religious..and by the religious. He has told me that I was loco, for saying that all we, and Israel want is the Oil of Iran,,and other countries.......well lets see....what are we doing in Iraq? oil has been proven to be the reason no?

Over in I ran...the 2nd richest nation for oil and its potential is where we want to go next...is it any coincidence that it is Afghanistan's neighbor?..If we control the world oils. we control its religion and what is taught...nothing has changed since the first terrorist,,than when the bible was written,,,nothing ....

Gods children still want to inherit the world...but so does Ala's children,,and all of the other self proclaimed true religions....Thank the devil that they don't have the ability to do so much harm as these two...these two...Christians, and Muslims, are the ones that think that the world is theirs, for the taking, and don't care how many lives are lost in order to do it. That's why the sciences are so important..specially now with them all sharing information....the more we learn...the faster the end of religion......imo.

So if we don't stop Iran from getting the bomb. They just might go into partnership with the Soviets, and Venezuela, Cuba, China etc etc. they get the Iranian oil. If we get our way this will not stop the ones that want it all. They already have enough money to last several hundred lifetimes...so what could they possible want....they also have enough $ for their children s life time, and theirs.....but they do want to see them all in heaven, or wherever they think that they will meet up with them....It is all about religion IMO...at least 95% of it is...what does religion teach other than GREED? Morals...we are born with morals, they are innate.

The laws that are in the 10 commandments were from others,,from past peoples that existed before God wrote his on the tablets...I posted about those too. later...

.I see that no one claimed lunch yesterday........just like pinks....always on diets...( even if they don't have to). Later.

ps....mmmmmm Craigs video........maybe we should change the club house to be like the cool one that he just did....

Hillary Care failed because it was too detailed and all the business thieves could see where they were about to be made honest and stop injuring human beings.

Obama Care seems to be failing because it is too vague and it is scaring the business thieves because they can't see what crimes they will be able to continue committing.

Max -- okay, let's not talk about pandering. Let's talk about writing. Will you PLEASE try to condense your meandering criticisms? Maybe you could make an outline with a subject, a couple of salient points, and a conclusion.

Obama won't do it Warren. It would too public a consession that he was in big trouble. I do see Biden leaving, but the suggestion now will get him angry and more prone to gaffs. Rahm should have stayed on his course to be Speaker of the House and remove Pelosi.

Max:

I do agree with a good way to tackle a problems is through incremental and transparent steps.

Usually if something is too complex to explain - it either will not work - or it is complex because people are trying to mask over the downsides...

Now I wonder if this same philosophy can apply to politics.

It seems that Washington is a fan of saying we want a "comphrensive" solution or we will have nothing.

With "comprehensive" actually meaning that we need to give this person what they want - so they will accept these other things they don't want (but which are wanted by pols A, B and C).

In my mind - find the points of broad consensus - and pass legislation to cover that ASAP. And then work out the rest. But I suppose that is not always the best policy in the messy world of politics....

Perhaps you meant that comment for Solar Patsi. I think my thread effectively deconstructed the pandering comment.

Max:

It would be a tough move to explain, Especially since all would be reluctant to simply state one of the major motivations: to set up HRC for 2016.

Also could be tough to justify if Clinton is in the middle of major diplomatic moves on the world stage. Which I hope will happen in the future. Nothing major has happened yet - but I suspect Clinton is laying the groundwork for future international deals.

Love the video and your basement Craig. Sure would be nice if this prediction came up out of the basement in time for the next election. Fantasy is so much fun!

"Dogma doesn't just lead to extremes. Dogma is extreme - it is extreme obedience, it is extreme belief, it is extreme subservience, it is extreme deliverance of yourself to the control of others. Dogma demands absolute belief and obedience. Dogma refuses questions and examination. It is evil."

YES BETHY! All of it.

Solar,
Thanks for answering the question. I was looking forward to seeing what you had to say about it.

Solar, You're right! Craig's basement would make a great clubhouse. Maybe he'll lease us a little space down there, in an out of the way corner. (We can rummage through all his secrets :)

So what happens to Biden in 2012? (Perhaps he'll be chained to the wall in Craig's basement.)

Obama will call this "Chains we can believe in."

patd: Olbermann & Madow on MSNBC have been uncovering the sources of the Republican town meeting thug funding. It's two rich right wing extremists: one was behind the teaparties and another was behind the swiftboating campaign. I can't recall their names but you could check youtube for some recent clips, or just watch tonight. They've been digging into this story for the past week.

Ree,

The Fox newstwit who keeps interrupting on that video with "Isn't it written by lobbyists?" is either remarkably incompetent, unprepared for his job, or doesn't have a clue as to how much imput lobbyists and industry reps have in ALL legislation not just the health care bill.

Obviously, he is trying to dish out propaganda or rouse the rabble, not actually provide information or encourage discussion of the issue. When a Republican rep keeps trying to answer despite constant interruptions, you almost feel sorry for him having to appear with the beauty contest entrants disgusing as news.

Never knew this existed: the three-person Congressional Surfing Caucus, which includes Dana Rohrabacher, Brian Bilbray and Duncan Hunter.

Alright - off to work. Carry on peeps!

Gee Solar. Two things that shoot your claims: 1. oil is not the future and the drive between our adversaries to unite oil power will fall to new technology. Remember Canada has the largest hydrocarbon reserves in the world. 2. The secret war Hitler wages with the Church in Germany. Quite an extraordinary affair not well known to the West. HItler was is own god.

I would agree Solar that one could put Chavez, Stalin. Mao and Kimmie in a "religious" camp given their creeds and behaviors. If we take such zealots and add them to religious history, this group has slaughtered almost a half a billion people.

Religion does not require a specific "god". We can see that every day on the left. No doubt you have identified some pinheads on the right like Beck and Rush. To elevate them however into the patheon of the dangerous is pushing it Solar. Just look at what Chvez said yesterday. The Bolivian revolution is far more religious than Fox.

(one more ; )

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/the-power-to-do-less.html#comment-249364

Bethy:

That is why I like Eastern Philosphy.

In Western Thinking - People often claim to know more than they do.

In the East - People often claim to know less than they do.

Humility engenders respect and encourages more learning.

Pride engenders resentment and encourages foolishness.

"Perhaps he'll be chained to the wall in Craig's basement.)"

... not sure if anyone would notice he was missing.
Good Morning Nash. Welcome to the mix.

Warren you are on to something in applying that standard to politics. Please follow that up when you can with examples.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249411

I agree Warren.
I think that pride is sometimes called confidence.... and confidence can sometimes turn into arrogance.

Again Warren good points. I must go to work too. You all have a great day and I shall return.

See Patsi? I may be long but I'm not always here in words if not spirit..........

Chloe....very funny. Biden belongs on TV.

A few random thoughts:

1. Former President Bill Clinton did a terrific job in carrying out a sensitive diplomatic mission. You can be assured, though, that a huge amount of groundwork was laid beforehand by the State Department and others. You can also be certain that nothing that he did or said was done without White House approval. In this case it was especially important to keep the WH, and to a lesser extent, DOS in the deep background. It was certainly a full team effort: BC, HRC, and BHO.

2. It's a bit early to be predicting VP candidates for 2012. Among other things it will depend upon what Hillary WANTS to do. Will she want to run in 2016 for President? An alternative for which she would be superb would be the Supreme Court. Wouldn't she make a great Justice?

3. Pharma has its role to play, but a few comment here make them sound like that role is a public service mission. It is not. They are driven by profit, and quite often they cross what many of us would consider an ethical boundary in their pursuit of that end.

4. Before anyone writes off the Obama presidency, I'd consider it to be a natural that at this point in his administration, with the economy only beginning its long road to recovery, and an as-yet 'incomplete' on is initial legislative agenda he would see erosion in his approval rating. It still has some time to play out before the mid-term elections and the 2011 kick-off to the national election. Way too early to write his political obit. And, again, if unemployment is below 6% by next summer, the Dems will be in good shape to retain majorities in both houses, even if they see the expected mid-term losses of seats.

"My criticisims would be in his not following through on such promises - rather than him making them."

Yes, you're probably right about that Warren.

"Perhaps you meant that comment for Solar Patsi. I"

ROFL -- Solar could do some condensing, too...:

(Sorry pal -- that's for mentioning my electric broom....heh heh...)

Yes, Max -- I know you are capable of making your point with fewer ramblings....and you do it well. Keep up the good work!

Posted by: maxtrue | August 5, 2009 10:53 AM :
"And in the 13 th century when Genghis Khan received his ambassador's head back from the Muslim king he sought to negotiate with, he destroyed their kingdom, even diverting a river to wash away any trace of the Islamic empire. He sent 20,000 across the desert sands against hundreds of thousands in what became the greatest military campaign in history. Yes, there where survivors, but Islam never recovered."

I am sorry that my absence caused me to miss out on this touching display of nostalgia for Genghis Khan. Fancy turning the Khan into the Defender of Western Civilization, Apple Pie, Motherhood, and Elvis.

Posted by: maxtrue | August 6, 2009 10:02 AM :
"I would agree Solar that one could put Chavez, Stalin. Mao and Kimmie in a "religious" camp given their creeds and behaviors. If we take such zealots and add them to religious history, this group has slaughtered almost a half a billion people."

The decimal point is one space too far to the right. Putting Chavez into the same basket as Stalin and Mao is rather like equating Officer Crowley with Heinrich Himmler.

"In Western Thinking - People often claim to know more than they do. In the East - People often claim to know less than they do."

Love this!

Gracias Patsi. Now if I can just figure out the company that writes fortune cookie messages - and try and land a job!!

Yes -- that's a great fortune cookie slogan!

Patsi,

"ROFL -- Solar could do some condensing, too...:

(Sorry pal -- that's for mentioning my electric broom....heh heh...)"

Here is your atta girl, girl..........If the electric broom comment brought out the old you, the real you ......wait till you get a load of whats coming next........ready? Can't never be sorry about someone telling the truth. The smiley face would have been just about right.......did you have to do that witchie "heh heh" thing...that down right scarry!!!

Max, a cpl of months ago..when Netanyahu came to see Obama: I said that the fix was in....he's made a big showing of being against the stealing of the Palestinian lands....AIPAC, has been working real hard in the background, I think........The Big Fix Is IN...

Another case of them leaving their homelands voluntarily huh!!

US Seeks One-Year Israel Settlement Freeze
Unclear What Will Happen After the Year, However

US Envoy George Mitchell has reportedly asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to commit to a one year freeze on settlement construction as a “deposit” on the peace negotiations. Mitchell said the move would lead to concessions from Arab states toward Israel.

Sources however say that while the Israeli government did not reject the call out of hand, as it has so many other US requests in recent days, they had disagreements over the details and would accept a suspension of six months, at most.

Unclear is what would happen after the year is up. The Obama Administration has been seeking a permanent halt to all settlement expansion pending the creation of a Palestinian state, while Israel is hoping to win “understandings” from the administration similar to those it claims to have had with the Bush Administration.

The fact that the US is seeking only a one year freeze now, instead of a permanent cessation of expansion, is likely to be seen as a serious concession from the Obama Administration and a political victory for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government, amid concerns that their hardline position would harm US ties.

Trail Mix headquarters -
Crawford's kitchen

Flatus -
Fodder for my novel -

Seaweed on beaches in France produce deadly fumes

Because of farm fertilizer runoff, the seaweed in coastal waters in Brittany is growing like a monster. Scientists warn that as the seaweed rots, it forms white crust that traps hydrogen sulphide gas. When the crust breaks, it can poison people.

http://www.boingboing.net/2009/08/05/seaweed-on-beaches-i.html

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249407

nash, you don't mean t. boone, do you? tho't he had put away all those childish things (except that is for playing with his great big whirley gigs)

btw, welcome aboard or back as the case may be.

"did you have to do that witchie "heh heh" thing...that down right scarry!!!"

:)

T. Boone was married to my friend Nelda for awhile...but he was a homebody and she was a social butterfly....

"Pharma has its role to play, but a few comment here make them sound like that role is a public service mission. It is not. They are driven by profit, and quite often they cross what many of us would consider an ethical boundary in their pursuit of that end."

cjoe, my beef isn't about bigpharma making a profit so much as it's about their role as blatant drug pushers and right out there on tvland. save that ad dough for more research or better quality. there is no ethical reason for them to lure, entice or cajole us to beg our docs for their latest feel good pill. just educate the docs.

the big dawg's on a roll.

http://www.newsday.com/clinton-deal-lowers-hiv-drug-cost-in-poor-nations-1.1352654

all he needs now is a little relish.

repubs listed so far for sotomayor

http://politics.theatlantic.com/2009/08/republicans_for_sotomayor.php

they (the movable beasts) keep shouting "read the bill".... there's a bill? tho't there were bills plural in both houses. am i missing something?

POLITICO Breaking News:
-----------------------------------------------------

Sonia Sotomayor has been confirmed as a justice for the United States Supreme Court on a 68-31 vote.



For more information... http://www.politico.com

Last account I had, nine GOP for, 31 against.

ole`

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249447

Patd

TV drug pushers is right. Even more they keep coming up with stronger and stronger versions with that long list of side effects for only one reason. Their former drug has gone from protected status to generic. Then they get doctors to push the new drug rather than the generic that is usually not only as good or better, but cheaper with fewer side effects. They do all of this while ignoring the "orphan" drugs or those with only small populations to purchase.

As far as profit. I always figured if 10% was good enough for God, it was good enough for business.

That doesn't keep you from paying good salaries, reinvesting in the business, creating improvements and even giving the big cheese a nice bonus (say an income 40 times the lowest paid employee the way it used to be here and still is in most countries.)

This day in history

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do

Lots of interesting things, but mainly the Atom bomb kills 8000 in Hiroshima

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249450

Patd

He may have relished enough for one lifetime. :-)

sotomayor to be sworn in saturday
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/08/06/us/politics/AP-US-Sotomayor-Swearing-In.html

totally unrelated, but strangely relevant; shall seek forgiveness after the fact;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxVAEtC-39U

(Eugene Chadbourne performs his version of the lounge classic, 'The Girl From Al-Qaeda)

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249452

patd

You are right. There are bills plural. The one they keep citing is the Baucus commerce committee one since they are the ones holding up the parade. All the others had passed out of their committees and were ready to go to mediation to form the single house bill.

Between the Blue Dogs and the Insurance company owned and bribed aligning with the Republicans on the committee, it has been the one with all the noisemaking.

Crow man

I've always preferred the Sondheim version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5oDePe4Mgo

a little island music in celebration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvOLT7fjQ3Q&feature=related

CNN is doing another one of those report cards tonight 8:00 PM eastern. I believe there is still time to get in your vote if you want to

http://reportcard.cnn.com/

Sondheim...hmmm...wonder if there's a karaoke version of that?

When it comes of paradise, when I win the lottery, we are all going here for a little weekend getaway.

http://www.neckerisland.com/

this saturday, bet there'll be a parade in nyc even bigger & brassy-ier & happier than this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVRkx6BgLmg&feature=related

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249464

Crow Man

It is on the Side By Side by Sondheim Album and is from and early work called "The Mad Show"

ok now, let's all dance and sing "a, ya, ya, ya, puerto rico"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnUkieEzljA&feature=related

Took a look at the CNN report card status and I think they've been punked. When you get a 19% "F" grade in DC, you know the rabble has been roused to vote.

colorado bob & patd: "Nash 2.0" is the (bad) old Nash reborn after recovery from serious illness. I am now a "kinder, gentler" version. (Except when I see Pat Buchanan on MSNBC.)

welcome back Nash 2.0. May I just call you 2? Hope your recovery went well. I always wondered what happened to you as you were there one day and then you were gone. Glad to have you back.

My cousin Linda lost her battle with ovarian cancer on Tuesday. She was 54. She was the person they had the "Celebration of Life" party for back in June. The funeral is Saturday.

Welcome back kinder gentler Nash 2.0

More sloppy b.s. from Politico -

And yet, when Politico -- in a story that appeared early yesterday morning -- wrote about ACCCE's big lobbying push on the Senate bill, including an interview with the group's spokesman, it didn't bother to mention, even in passing, the forged letters controversy.

No one at Politico, it appears -- not reporter Lisa Lerer, nor any of her editors who looked at the story -- thought this was relevant context for readers.
http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/08/politico_covers_coal_industry_groups_lobbying_camp.php?ref=fpb

Corey -

Sorry for that news .

Nash -

Happy for your news.

I'm sorry, Corey.

Good to have you back, Nash!

Corey -- I'm so sorry -- your family has been through a lot recently.

Corey, that sucks. Hang tough.

Nash, sick is sick. Healthy is better.

I listened to Buchanan on Imus this morning. Agree or disagree with his politics; but, he always has something thought provoking--at least for me. :)

I'm downloading three different versions of the final release of Windows 7. I'm hoping for, and expecting, the best.

Flatus

As long as you don't go anywhere near Vista, your sanity such as it is should be safe.

Human Rights Watch charges Gaza with war crimes in rocket attacks against Israel.

Glad you're back, Nash.

Death to Vista !

Death and Damnation to VISTA

http://jdurward.blogspot.com/2007/06/golden-oldie.html

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249418

"Before anyone writes off the Obama presidency, I'd consider it to be a natural that at this point in his administration, with the economy only beginning its long road to recovery, and an as-yet 'incomplete' on is initial legislative agenda he would see erosion in his approval rating."

Hey Joe
I agree with your comment.I definitely hope the President begins to get tough and tell the people what a healthcare bill must contain for him to sign it..I agree with those that say he's out there selling an idea rather than a healthcare plan.What he say's is so iffy that its alllowing Republicans to scare people...Grace tells me this morning that on FOX they said if the President's plan goes through she will have to go before a committee to decide if she could have cataract eye surgery..BS...I just feel like screaming take a stand Mr.President...

One of the good guys....does not matter he is repug....if he is like his father....the better for the country.

It's official: Ron Paul's son running for US Senate

Popular Texas Republican Congressman Ron Paul is about to watch his son attempt to follow in his footsteps.

Dr. Rand Paul officially declared on Thursday his intent to run for Senator Jim Bunning's (R-KY) soon-to-be vacated seat. He will challenge Kentucky's Secretary of State Trey Grayson for the 2010 GOP nomination.

From CNN:

Paul, however, has no traditional political base in Kentucky, and Grayson is more of a mainstream conservative like the state's other senator, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Paul, like his father, is a strict constitutionalist who believes in traditional Republican principles like small government and a free-market approach to the economy. And another thing he has in common with his father: He's also a doctor. Paul has worked as an eye surgeon in Bowling Green, Kentucky, for the past 18 years. He says his being a political outsider should be a plus for voters.

"You need people outside of government. If your primary goal is to continue your career, you tend to do things that are good for you, but not necessarily good for the country," he said.

He's also been a vocal advocate for smaller government and is the chairman of Kentucky Taxpayers United. He says the government needs to stop borrowing money, because "we cannot borrow our way into prosperity."

Paul's supporters, thanks to his father's challenge to hawkish Republicans during the 2008 presidential primaries, are not just in Kentucky. As a flag-bearing member of the Campaign for Liberty -- Ron Paul's grassroots group that fueled his campaign and now seeks a takeover of the GOP -- Rand has enjoyed a number of substantial "money bombs" which attracted donors nation wide via the Internet, in an echo his father's campaign efforts.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/08/06/kentucky.senate.paul/index.html

Welcome back Nash....Glad your better...

Corey
Sorry for your families loss.......

What exactly is Vista? Hate to be dumb. Is it like Internet Explorer?

Ree

"PUMA" was a Republican invention. The women who supported Hillary were loyal Democrats. They may have been royally PO'd at the DNC and Obama, but they didn't run out an vote for McCain. All of the noise in that department came from the organized web nonsense from the white power and RNC groups.

Some who supported Clinton may have voted Libertatian or Green, but they sure as hell didn't vote Republican. Any noise to the contrary was for the most part a lie.

When Hillary went on the Cabinate, Obama gained a few points and "wait and see". We may still think Clinton was more experienced, but he's a good President. Just wish he had a little more "in your face" fight in him when it comes to Health Care.

.

Corey,

Lo seinto!

Patsi

It is an operating system that semi replaced Windows. Read my blog article on it. The cartoon at the bottom says it all.

If there is a way to crash, Vista found it. When you tried to deal with Microsoft the level of frustration approached death by appoplexy.

Patsi, Internet Explorer is the browser you're choosing to use. There's also Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and so on. The browsers make it possible for you to cruz around the internet, do your searches for you and just about everything else. But they would work without your operating system (that runs your computer).

Vista is your complete windows operating system. It was supposed to be an upgreade from XP and all the ones before it. Your computer came with it (I think you said your new laptop had Vista, anyway).
If you had an apple computer, you be using there operating system.

jeez!
would = would not
you = you'd
there=their
... and so on, and so forth.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249498

that's par for a Bullwinkle member....and for hangin around with me..

Solar, I still didn't correct them all. MG!

Tu puedes decir eso otra vez.......

Rocky and Bullwinkle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYPpoV4_9Fk&feature=related

Corey, I'm so sorry for your loss and your family's loss.

Nash, To you, congratulations on recovering from your illness. I don't remember you as being bad so the new you is all I know. Glad you're back.

Obama seems less and less a "transformational leader" by the day from this perspective, and more like a party pitch-man.

This perspective was also impressed with Kit Bond's remarks regarding the Sotomayor nomination and his support of it.

Corey, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your cousin too.

Solar, I still didn't correct them all. MG!

.... sorry Solar, my translator is a little slow.

"One of the good guys....does not matter he is repug..."

Posted by: SolarCrete Author Profile Page | August 6, 2009 6:09 PM

When did you start using the term "repug", Solar? It doesn't suit you, if I may be so bold.

I've been trying to come up with a simile for the shock those two young women must have experienced when they saw Bill. I can only think it must have been like something out of a fairy tale, and the one that speaks to me the most powerfully is when Cinderella's fairy godmother turns the pumpkin and the mice into that heavenly coach. I still am awed when I see that spot in the movie.

I mean, really, don't you think those women must have been truly incredulous for the first couple of seconds?
really really unable to believe their eyes?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249501

= You can say that again......

Now that Soto, has/is going to be confirmed.....maybe the D's will wake up and let Puerto Rico vote No?.....that and with the new Cuban voters they have in Florida....

let =get

"Obama seems less and less a "transformational leader" by the day from this perspective, and more like a party pitch-man."

Lord, He always seemed like a pitch-man to me.

... as Jack would say: Duck and run!

Champ,

I just caught that, and will never use that again.....not my style...and I don't know; was being lazy I think. Are you still traveling around...having fun, and all that? Meet any muchachitas? details and pics please!!!!

Flatus,

After further thought, form this perspective, $4500 is a lot of (tax-payer) scratch for a heap of metal. Inferior product or not, the "Cash for Clunkers" program should have mandated the purchase of an American-manufactured automobile.

Story from decades ago, "Great Train Robber" to be released from jail on compassionate grounds:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/norfolk/8188479.stm

Posted by: SolarCrete Author Profile Page | August 6, 2009 6:55 PM

Yes, maybe, and nope. Sorry.

Dark Lord

They wanted to specify "American Made". Unfortunately, that would have violated several existing agreements that could not be set aside. Decided to go with the money to the consumer anyway.

Champ, did you see the post I made earlier; Ron Paul's son is definitely running for Senator of Kentucky.....cool huh!

Bethy

"IMPOSSIBLE!!!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSDuY6BN1gM

Posted by: Jamie Author Profile Page | August 6, 2009 6:58 PM

Can you imagine how much fraud the "Cash for Clunkers" program will facilitate? Should be interesting.

Sea,

I saw that you peeked in a little...a little earlier.......Did you get your knew Chocolate Machine? if not are you still in it all the way up to your elbows; or past. Details. and pics please......the full size ones just e-mail to me..........Hope that all is going smooth for you?

I asked Tony if he ever made that beef soup.....that I posted a while back....did your ever make it....I just had some that was frozen yesterday...and it was still very good after months in the freezer....forgot about it.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249511

Ha Chloe
I'm with you!!! Hey lets stick it out like we did during the DEM WARS..HA

And of course once everything becomes "POSSIBLE!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIe2Y5lgahQ

Of course if the Prince dumps you, you might have to go to work"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J8gf9OFTRY

Dark Lord

The only "fraud" I've heard of is the "buyer beward" type. Cars that cost $3,000 less a few weeks ago suddenly (me or hy who would believe it?) are $3,000 more now. Consumer doesn't save any money and the dealers get the jacked up price and the government funds.

Hey if it keeps them in business and the buyers can't argue down the price, them's the breaks.

This coming Sunday, shows to watch:

National Geographic: Drain The Ocean

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/episode/drain-the-ocean-3639/Overview

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249525

Thanks Jamie
Set the DVR..

I agree Solar! Let them vote.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249521

LOL Tony. I'd never want to go through that emotion again. I feel like I never will, but just, something will come along to spark it

YES! Chris Matthews just called the Republicans "frauds."

Posted by: Jamie Author Profile Page | August 6, 2009 7:15 PM

Let's just say it's a great time to buy a '76 Caddy.

Yes, indeed, Jamie, but I think I prefer the Disney version of the coach - I saw it as a little girl when I was more impressionable than I am now. The coach was prettier and it seemed even more magical.

but that dress Brandy wore was gorgeous!

"Consumer doesn't save any money and the dealers get the jacked up price and the government funds."

Isn't the important thing, Jamie, that they will have $4500 toward their down payment. That's impossible for some people on the low end to come up with. If on top of that they get a good interest rate on the loan, their payment may be low too. Often, financing is more important than purchase price.

Thinking of it that way, it wouldn't be such a bad idea to give those who make $50K as the first ones to be eligible.

Should have said $50K or less, like I've seen written about.

Carol, We miss you here on the Trail... hope you're doing well.

That should have read: Hope you and Maggie are doing well. :)

Laird, I'm glad we agree on the philosophy on whom our tax dollars should benefit. After I made my comment I felt better because I learned that every fifth Toyota oil filter will contain a silicon cocktail.

The Health Insurers Have Already Won
How UnitedHealth and rival carriers, maneuvering behind the scenes in Washington, shaped health-care reform for their own benefit

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_33/b4143034820260.htm?chan=magazine+channel_top+stories

Bob, this ocean thing is so perplexing. I read what you wrote and it prompted me to read about the Calypso and it's future after Cousteau's death. Not nice.

Not long after the war, his book came out talking about the detritus he was finding in the ocean. Not long after, Rachel Carson's work became popular. It's ironic, or perhaps eye opening, that on the heels of a terrible war we were seriously aware of our relationship with nature.

Hey all
Watching CNN and I graded President Obama from Jamie's link. I gave him an overall grade of C and I graded him an F on healthcare! According to CNN he recieved a D on Healthcare,well people don't know what the hell he wants????

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249530

Dark Lord,

Only if you can get one of the last 200 Bicentenniel Convertibles. They were magnificent. I got to ride around in one from 1976 to 1984.

http://www.bicentennialeldorado.com/

The whole problem with most of these on line or TV polls is that for the most part liberals don't do that sort of thing. The Conservatives do the lock step march over the cliff even if it is bad for you lemming thing. (Even lemmings don't do that). They like slogans and marching orders.

Liberals are in the "no organized party" thinking grouchers. we talk ideas not dogmatics.

End result: the on line stuff such as this CNN makes the 20% dismal demographic look like 35 or 40%.

For reality CNN should probably throw out the A's and F''s

jJamie
Agreed.When I saw the President's overall grade of an F from almost a third of participants ,i knew those right wingers went crazy here...What a difference for Hillary from this panel an average of an A...It was a C+ from the poll participants...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249532

Chloe,

I absolutely agree. The stimulus went wrong by not shoving more money in at the bottom. Money flows up. By ignoring that principle, the recovery got stalled.

Posted by: Jamie Author Profile Page | August 6, 2009 8:41 PM

"What cost $13000 in 1976 would cost $48645.83 in 2008."

http://www.westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi

...nice ride, although I never liked Cadillacs. It's a boomer-thing, methinks.

"Liberals are in the "no organized party" thinking grouchers. we talk ideas not dogmatics."

Posted by: Jamie Author Profile Page | August 6, 2009 8:47 PM

LOL. Good one.

ATTN. Vice President Joe Biden..........if ya wanna you can come over to the crabfest at Bohicket Marina...........It's world class seafood and 60's music from the band.............The Mighty Crabs of Joy..............we dropped the ball on the square dance, but we all feel that we make up for it with Polka Time.......(if you come, please just disregard the big galvanized washtub with the big "TIPS" sign.....that's just for the locals.....or the guys from wadmalaw, I forget...................

oh......the crabfest this week is Friday night at "Fischer's, Seafood and Bohicket Creek" ............take your pick............

Ha ha.....at last I get to pimp my gig....................lol

I wish corey could come..............but i reckon that michigan is way up there far away from year................kathleen parker explains the southerners as being all about the confederacy.....that was surreal...............

I mean, I had a passing flirtation with the confederacy until I met my first transvestite.........

Solar, I mentioned in a Debka report posted here months ago that Obama lost that fight with Netanyahu. Part of the problem was not only Bush promises but Clinton promises. The logic that I have stated many times here is that after the 67 war, Israel told Palestinians and adversaries that not making peace would result in "slow annexation". Rabin and others clearly advanced land for peace, but there was a price to be paid by those attacking Israel for more than 60 years. I mean, should the attackers who deny Israel's right to exist while kicking out Jews from most of the 57 Muslim nations pay a price? Former US policy said "yes some price". So certain settlements were allowed and others are clearly bad. Again Arafat rejected the map and Barak the Israel President at the time said there would be MORE of a price to pay.

Obama didn't distinguish between certain enclaves Clinton permitted nor did he allow reasonable growth on them. In addition, settlements bring up another important issue: with more than a million Arab Israelis, do the Palestinians think Jews should be denied the right to live in the West Bank? So why are all settlements bad? How many Jews left Gaza after living there before 1948?

So Obama put himself in a strange position which Netanyahu played. Iran pushed Obama's strategy out the door and the Palestinian summit going on now is so anti-peace is adds to the embarrassment of the O-team. Obama enjoys a 6% approaval rating in Israel and everyone wants to know when Hillary is coming.

I wouldn't worry. Settlements are to be decided at the final stage and Israel forced many thousands to leave Gaza. They will do the same in the West Bank if real peace is in reach or trade their land for illegal settlements built after the Clinton map. Netanyahu has already said he would consider this.

XRepublican, excuse me if I wasn't clear. I meant that the ideology of these people, though clearly different is like a religious belief. I think Chavez, Mao, Stalin and Hitler had/have a quasi-religious ideology though different from each other that was based on irrational faith found in religion. It doesn't mean they are equally bad, just that people commonly think these were atheists, but in fact promoted their ideas and fantasy much like religious zealots. Of course I prefer Chavez to Hitler, but they both drank the kool aid.

You are right once again that I could have stated this better the first time.

http://www.bohicket.com/bohicket-events.php

Very nice Sturge.
I was curious...... never been to South Carolina.
Only seen pictures, absolutely beautiful.

Mr max......would I be somewhat of a hamlet's player if i axed you how you came by all these strong opinions?

I'm mystified by the breadth of your spread............

Look who's tweeting. John Quincy Adams diary day by day on Twitter:

http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2009/08/06/even-john-quincy-adams-uses-twitter/

If you want to follow go here: http://twitter.com/jqadams_mhs

"When did you start using the term "repug", Solar? It doesn't suit you, if I may be so bold."

Interesting, Bloggington....I seldom use that term myself, and when I do it seems uncomfortable. For some strange reason it seems less rude to call them thugs or a-holes than Repugs.

I was snapping greem beams and I thought, "what the fork's he talking about?" I mean, I know I'm iggrant.....but damn....what is it YOU'RE after wanting?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249546

I wasn't a personal fan except of the man who drove the car. There was one neat thing you could do in it. Coming down over the hill into the San Fernando Valley, if you slid down so you eyes were at the bottom of the window and placed the wheels on the little bots in the road, it looked as if you were coming in for a landing on the Hilton Hotel.

What can I say: "80s Ladies" :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88N2Wa6PYrY

The ocean problem is rather scary. I have done a bit of research and I can't think of how we can clean this up. The plastic particles get into fish and birds. They die. This is something on the scale of global warming fears. We can't just release organisms to ingest plastic because they'll eat everything plastic. Kind of like Andromeda Strain. Anyone have a clue how we clean this up? Robotic fish with lasers tuned to the frequency of plastic particles. I think not.

And there are a few other serious problems. We often lose sight of this under the weight of Global Warming politics.

First a law banning all but degradable plastic. Yeah right. We won't wake up until the sea turns black.

Posted by: Patsi Author Profile Page | August 6, 2009 9:54 PM

Pejoratives like that just immediately bias one's argument, and cast suspicion on every assertion made thereafter. Bear in mind this speaker has no special love for Republicans, just the truth, subjective as it may be.

...should have been asleep 2 hours ago. Enjoy your evening.

a song to give "Whiter Shade of Pale" a damn good run for it's money......such as it was........which, I am sure, avoided the band for years...............if not forever.............

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsRZ_O8AW9w

There was one neat thing you could do in [a '76 Cadillac]..."

Posted by: Jamie Author Profile Page | August 6, 2009 9:58 PM

Really? One would think with a backseat that big, that wasn't the only neat thing to do in it.

...should have been asleep 123 minutes ago. Enjoy your evening.

I used it today Patsi. Maybe Solar picked up on it. I have been banned from some conservative blogs I crashed for using this term. Stubborn Facts has asked me not to use it there and I oblige. Personally I think thugs convey the wrong sentiment. One can promulgate repugnant ideas without being a thug.

"I'm mystified by the breadth of your spread....."
Sturg, don't confuse him with Lard

Excellent article on 'Cash for clunkers', in that it is so thorough:

Congress OKs $2B refill of 'cash for clunkers'
"WASHINGTON – Pedal to the metal, Congress sent President Barack Obama legislation Thursday night with an additional $2 billion for "cash for clunkers," the economy-boosting rebate program that caught the fancy of car buyers and instantly increased sales for an auto industry long mired in recession.

In the program so far, GM's share of cars sold is largest, accounting for 18.7 percent of new sales. Toyota Motor Corp. followed with 17.9 percent, while Ford had 16 percent. Detroit automakers represented 45.3 percent of the total sales, while Toyota, Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co., all Japanese firms, totaled 36.5 percent.

Toyota also has the best-selling new model for traders of clunkers, the Corolla. The Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry are also favorites. There is one SUV on the list, the Ford Escape, which also comes in a hybrid model that can get up to 32 mpg. Six of the top-10 selling vehicles are built by foreign manufacturers, but most are built in North America." http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090807/ap_on_go_co/us_cash_for_clunkers

NIte.

ROFLMAO!!! Great one, Craig!!!!!

Love the newt too.

tt

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249565

Dark Lord

He had a California King size bed and a swimming pool, the car was just for getting there. :-)

sturgeone...

...may stop in after the boat...are the clinton's coming?

XRepublican, excuse me if I wasn't clear. I meant that the ideology of these people, though clearly different is like a religious belief. I think Chavez, Mao, Stalin and Hitler had/have a quasi-religious ideology though different from each other that was based on irrational Posted by: maxtrue | August 6, 2009 9:49 PM :
"faith found in religion. It doesn't mean they are equally bad, just that people commonly think these were atheists, but in fact promoted their ideas and fantasy much like religious zealots. Of course I prefer Chavez to Hitler, but they both drank the kool aid."

Thanks for the clarification. Chavez seems to be more on a level with juan peron than stalin or mao. And, his politics are 100% peronist. He'll nationalize a business, and then put it in the hands of a crony to 'manage'. The money, goods, and services will then disappear. Lots of churchy talk, too about Pharisees and Money Changers. I think it is crazy to see Chavez as a leftist, just because he doesn't wear a junkshop on his chest..

1. I guess I really screwed up that paste job.

2. Anywhat, the thuggery is in Big Insho employees, the lobbyists, and the ripuplican staffers rioting, and preventing citizens from meeting with their Congresspeople.

It seems to me that the disorderly conduct organized by dick armey and Big Insho is very threatening to Congresspeople and citizens alike. In fact, it is threatening to the point of being terroristic.

Surely, the Secret Service and Homeland Security should take a role in preventing these rioters from disrupting the business of the country and terrorizing citizens and their Representatives.

I say, round them all up and grill them to keep them busy while agents conduct 4 square warranted searches. After that, round up all the rioters paymasters, and the paymasters of the paymasters, and start a second round of warranted searches. Seize all the bank accounts.

When these republican terrorists have experienced several months incommunicado, except during their interrogations, we may finally get the answer to the question, "How come the US doesn't enjoy Universal Health Care Coverage".

It is precisely to deal with the sort of civil disorder we see today that the republican Congress passed, and the republican President signed, the Bills making searches and incarcerations so dam' easy.

Sweet Dreams.

Today in the in-box

"This is Taps like you've never heard it before from an Andre Rieu concert."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4z9XW26NCM

Pikes Peak or Bust...no...wait...make that Busted...yikes!

Anybody named Sonia, Sonja or Sonya...you gots it done, girl.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249472

Corey,

Heart goes out . I hate that so much. A wasting disease...a waste of a disease. Hate it.

Ivy, Got a little insomnia, peeking in here, and I find you dropped by. I figure you may be vacationing in a different time zone. (?) We miss you!

Health care on a lot of peoples minds, not just here:

Protests, passions roiling town hall meeting on health care
"What was intended to be a town hall discussion on President Barack Obama's health care reform proposal dissolved into a shouting match with shoving and scuffles in Ybor City tonight." http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/aug/06/protests-passions-roiling-town-hall-meeting-health/news-metro/

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249586

Chloe --

Mountain Time is messing with my mind...good Internet connex from this hotel, but I haven't been able to get Craig's video to play. Missing a good one, no doubt. Will have to recap later. I heard that since I left, Jefferson County AL is about to get National Guard called in to cover the jobs of 1000 laid-off county workers. Mountain Brook bubble about to burst, so told to me! Maybe I stay here?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249586

Chloe -- Those rabble-rousers are not original thinkers. They are copying from a 245-year old playbook that is wrapped in a flag of 13 stars and stripes, and was contentious even then. They are besmirching the memories of our founding fathers by fomenting against the very system those founders founded. All because they don't like the stripe of the person who was duly elected. They apparently don't really care about the integrity of the system since an unduly and unruly election result was A-OK with them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sons_of_Liberty

Yawn...now it's late even here...full clear moon tonight on the mountain...Gotta get up early...this relaxing life is stressful... so where's 'dat Carol been??

(^_~)

Hey Solar- I never did make that soup but will for sure, I've got the recipe on file, Funny you ask, I made kale soup (yuck) last night, the boys wanted it. I think the irish do a better job with kale and potatoes than the portuguese.
the chocolate machine has been a real problem. The thermometer is off and the divider was unbalanced so when i would add choc, the untempered would mix in with the tempered. not good. Mon & Tues were both a waste of time and choc, I got it working better wens & thurs , so I have been working from morn to night trying to catch up, made the store deliveries last night and now getting ready for the farmers market. thanks for asking.
also my eldest computer geek son quit drinking last week, thank god, yet he decided to replace my computer so i haven't been able to check in when i had a free minute. i'm really hoping now that he will help me load my corn shots. i have a second stalk that tasseled. pretty exciting in my world, i planted using the three sisters method and marvel every morning at it and the indians ingenuity. anyways, i promised cbob i would load them last sunday, feel like a piece of shit that it never happened, but i keep taking pictures for that glorious day when someone actually hears me and helps me out.
oh and she is on the island now but no one is suppose to know., it was a lot more fun when the other ones were around- out and about all the time.
gates is back home now too, will post a link to that later. gotta go load for the antique show. im tired. already, hope all is well with you.

ps- jamie- we were overruled by my son and yes i candy was changed to yes we candy. haven't forgot your package, think it can only be fudge though with the heat.

- he said he had to explain it to too many people.

Thanks for the shout out Chloe and Ivy. I see Ivy is on mountain time and mountain air. Since I never get to leave, you guys who can must share.

Last night I sat outside with the mosquitos and watched that big, bright full moon come up over the trees and river into a perfect little circular picture frame created by the branches of several trees, with a little Spanish moss hanging down. It was mesmerizing.

The moon was at a place in the sky where I could actually see it's movement like those time lapse videos where something that you usually can't see move is sped up so that the movement is obvious.

I thought for a moment someone had slipped some marijuanna in my salad. No such luck. I'm sure the Magster would have kept it for herself if she found any.

I agree with the Blogginton/Patsi re: using name calling like repug. It sounds so so Republican to do that, but we have adopted many of their tactics and lets hope we haven't also adopted their karma..

Haven't had much to say lately. You guys have covered things very well. And I'm with you Sturge, I would like to know more about the Maxster. There is a lot of work that goes in his long descertations. What is your game Max? If I was writing stuff like that, I would want to be paid for it. I wouldn't work that hard for free.

http://www.countryopoly.com/

"Monopoly" for country music fans.........I'm going to have to re-think my "Nascar-opoly" concept..........

Jamie is always light-years ahead of most of us when it comes to finding interesting new stuff, but, just in case, Jamie, this one's for you:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/07/opinion/07mcallsmith.html

Carol, certainly the term seems appropriate if used in a decent context e.g., 'the arch repug, Newt Gingrich'.

But to label all Republicans, many of whom are quite decent, albeit misguided, people as being repugs is unkind at best.

ct, I do it for free! Believe it or not I think the real battle has always been here on the Left. Posting helps me clarifiy my thoughts because much of this is thinking in real time as events emerge.

To put it another way, we go back and forth between extremes. If Democrats can find their real center, maybe the back and forth will decrease and we can sustain better long term strategies. If we don't, much of the hard won battles my father's generation won will be lost. So hopefully, my input here can slightly influence. I am not sure why I think this is so.

Though my posts are long, it is a small price to pay as a citizen to engage in informed debate. Perhaps a bigger price to pay reading them. Yes, I am far more in the Clinton camp than Obama's, but underneath my fairly consistent warnings and objections to New Democratic policy, my sentiment on environment, equality, smart reform, human rights remains fairly liberal. Everytime I think Democrats have lost their minds I just listen to Beck for a few minutes.

Kudos to Obama for taking out Meshud. So much for his threat to take out Obama and the White House.

Max, I tend to think that Democrats are hamstrung by their far left while Republicans are dominated by their extreme right.

Strug, working with contractors all these years have bottled up alot of thoughts. Perhaps if I had more daily outlets, my rant index here would decline. Craig has been a cathartic experiance so to speak.......

Lardie would say it started years ago at Horace Mann, but I have been somewhat of a student ever since.

Eventually I will run out of steam...
......but not any time soon.

Max, your posts are long, too long for me to go through in detail (but I do scan many of them).

I understand how you use them as an intellectual process.

Consider this, after you've written your post, why not develop a thesis paragraph as the lead-in to the body? That would certainly give me a heads-up helping me avoid passing by something that would be of real interest to me.

"And I'm with you Sturge, I would like to know more about the Maxster. There is a lot of work that goes in his long descertations. What is your game Max? If I was writing stuff like that, I would want to be paid for it. I wouldn't work that hard for free."

Hi Carol
Yes I agree.I learn much from Max always have.During the Dem primaries he provided facts about Hillary that backed up my passion for her to be President..I don't agree with him on a lot, but he makes me think about issues I never would have given a second thought too....But then Carol so do you!!!

Flatus, you are right. Republicans are a strange lot as "conservative values are hard to define as opposed to "liberal" ones. Republicans tend to be more "traditional" and "moral value" folks that aren't that appealing to me. Liberals on the other hand have "traditionally" excluded the further Left. Yep, the influx from the far side as distorted "Liberal values" and runs the risk of snatching defeat from victory. This has much to do with political strategies that sought a wider base including all minoirty and ethnic groups in a demographic war with Republicans who massed some serious time running thngs in the eighties and this decade.

To put it in perspective: antiwar activists that protested fighting Hitler were basically Republican conservatives. Ron Paul is from this isolationist line.

Today antiwar is largely Liberal and despite birthers and shout outs at health care meetings, Code Pink and 9// ers have far more influence.

Tony, it's comments like this that make me realize how lucky I am that you chose TM as a place to hang your hat!
http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249604

Good idea Faltus, I will try that.

One point. Sometimes I write, let's say five paragraphs. Each may be as a response to five different people. To make it easier, I will try separate posts, each with a link to the orginal comment. I know Patsi said she found me meandering when in fact, I was addressing several people's comments in one long thread.

Thanks...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249605
Max, I agree in toto.

Thanks Tony and Flatus...

And I know my long windedness has been a drawback.

See? Now you would NOT find such tent at most conservative sites. American Thinker has effectively bans my blasts........

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249422

I was just giving praise where praise was due.....

It are the Russians who often bring this history up when discussing "negotiating with Muslims" despite the defeat Genghis also handed the Princes of Moscow.

Krugman: The Town Hall Thuggery

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/07/opinion/07krugman.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

It are the Russians? Holy shit. Did I get enough sleep last night? Obviously not.

pie are round......cornbread are square..........

Flatus
Were all very lucky you choose TM to hang out too!
When I'm at the gym or in a social setting having conversations i realize just how TM has shaped me..I was having a conversation with Grace the other day about healthcare and your info on Tri-care for Life just came flowing out of my mouth..Grace has TCFL (a government healthcare program) but as a Republican she's against a big government healthcare option for the rest us?I said if government can't run healthcare than you should give up TCFL and buy private insurance..Silence...Thank you MR...

Patsi, I didn't see Krugman protesting the disruptive tactics of PETA, CodePink or the antiwar activists. And the little old ladies screaming out are hardly thugs.....

What goes around, comes around and I have mentioned many times the efforts of Democrats to be most disruptive. Krugman? Well, more intelligent that Hannity, Rush and Hannity, but still......

I was at speeches by Hillary where she was rudely shout down. And they weren't Republicans, were they?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249594

Sea,

Yes We Candy is even better. Fudge is absolutely perfect. I'll put up some more letters today. It's been a madhouse around here and doing something that feels awful to my foot didn't help. All conditions improving.

For the music loving bloggers, I've put up at new "Take This Tune" http://takethistune.blogspot.com

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249609

Hi Max
What's up in NY today?Got a day off,i do...Jessie has to go to the groomer's and I need to go to the gym..I might just have time for a walk and a swim in the ocean,lovely as Baz(my aussie friend) would say...

Morning Tony,

I read at Fact Check that as a single payer for private insurance I may see a huge INCREASE in my rates under the Obama plan. While Fact Check did say it would not be a 95% increase, it may be quite large. So how am I to take this Healthcare bill? Will I be asked to pay over $800 per month for an HMO plan? That would be over $9000 dollars a year. Anyone here think that is not fair for one person to pay who ain't rich, but not in poverty.

Seems like this plan could put me there.

I envy your plans. I almost went to the concert now airing on 7 from central park. Sometimes I have had enough of this concrete jungle. I long for the beach.

Maybe in my next life. I hope you are doing well. Sue says hi. She's looking extra cute today.

The GOP's Ugly Jokers

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-08-06/the-gops-ugly-jokers/?cid=hp:mainpromo2

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249614

LOL

I don't know if anyone here knows what Tony looks like. A good looking guy. Swimming, a dog, working out. And from my experiance quite typical of gay men. These are not genes we ought to lose from the gene pool.

Doesn't make me want to switch teams Tony, but I must say there IS much to envy, not that you don't work hard at such a life, or that it is all rosey.

Just sayin.....

Patsi, maybe Obama should have thought about that when he co-opted Alinsky's Soviet Mantra "Yes We Can".

You do know the origin of this slogan, yes? Some say this poster comes from Russia who find it ironic the path Obama seems to heading down given US-Russian history.

I find the Joker poster more disturbing as it implies, not socialism but anarchy, which is hardly anything Obama is suggesting.

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249598

Flatus,

Thank you for the NYT article I finally found a source in the US to buy Haggis since it can't be shipped into the country. I'll get back to everyone once I've tried it.

Forgot the link for the adventurous. Don't click active X unless you actually like bagpipes :-)

http://www.oatmealsavage.com/

Rumors this morning:

1. The three Jewish Americans detained in Iran are likely to be tried as Israeli spies and that Ahmadinejad will demand an apology from Obama for the way he treated him.

2. Top Israeli security officials and political leaders have rushed to closed meetings about a serious development regarding a new threat to their national security.

http://www.slate.com/id/2224415/

Campaign mistakes repeated by Obama in healthcare debate, but then Obama did win the election.....

http://www.thememriblog.org/blog_personal/en/18865.htm

Wow, and I am sure Egypt has said the same thing. It would be nice for Obama to agree....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLJxmJZXgNI

Hey all
We need Healthcare Now!! I pay about a $1000 to the local hospital to cover the un- insured and immigrants...

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249621

"Doesn't make me want to switch teams Tony, but I must say there IS much to envy, not that you don't work hard at such a life, or that it is all rosey."

Ha Max
You Funny,thanks...Hi Sue...Saw your picture your a beauty! Lucky guy are Max..Still laughing...OMG, the sea is full of men who switch back and forth,HA another myth exposed....On life being rosey all the time,NO..After spending 4 and half years taking care of the ladies, when they both died in 6 weeks of one another I was lost!! It really gave me a better appreciation for life.. I directed my energies into this cleaning business and today things are pretty damn good...

Two great videos from NY Times

Tent City in Redmond WA

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/08/06/opinion/1247463860996/op-ed-scraping-by.html

A Gay Soldier's Husband

http://video.nytimes.com/video/playlist/opinion/1194811622299/index.html#1194840804819

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249618

Max
Doesn't make sense to me that rates under a single payer(Gov) should be that high?If Medicare only has recipients paying about $90 a month, if the masses of un-insured were mandated to be covered seems to me rates wouldn't be that high..
Jamie?

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249607

Max --

Thank you. That's just what Craig has previously suggested to make our "dialogue" more reader friendly.

I figure you must be a lightning-fast keyboardist.

(^_~)

Good Morning Tony,
It's very nice that you've managed to get Friday's off. Enjoy it while you can.
It's so enjoyable, reading your and Max's conversations back and forth: very pleasant.
ps (Enjoy that swim today too!)

Max,
I pay $540.00/month with a $5000.00 deductible for an HSA. So far I still get a $1500.00 credit on taxes which means that I pay around $10,000/yr for a family of 5 if I max out the deductible.
I keep hearing that the new legislation will do away with HSA's. I wouldn't be surprised. They afford me too much control.

Ivy, You're here! I was just ready to post a note to you, regretting that I left to soon last night... I thought were gone.

So you avoided being home at the same time the National Guard got there, huh? Sounds like things got pretty rowdy.

Thanks for explaining the rabble-rousers to me. I didn't really know what was going on. I'll have to check out the link when I come back later.

How's you're trip going?. Hope you're having a great time. Also hope your pups are adjusting to being back at the kennel.

"Last night I sat outside with the mosquitos and watched that big, bright full moon come up over the trees and river into a perfect little circular picture frame created by the branches of several trees, with a little Spanish moss hanging down. It was mesmerizing."

... man, I wish I could have been there looking at that moon with you. Sounds beautiful Carol.
ps (If Maggie had slipped some marijuana, there'd be no end to what you could get her to do to earn those cookies. :)

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249635

Chloe --

I'm just here for a short bit while hubs gets breakfast which I skipped (probably skip lunch too, I'm cheap to maintain in the Lunch Club).

Because of the Boston-history tour last week, and the books from there I'm still reading, I've been amazed at the historical parallels of citizen conflict. between our pre-Revolution times and now. Colonials weren't just clashing with British soldiers, but also with fellow citizens who wanted nothing more than peaceful trade and commerce. More than one Founding Father expressed concern the tyranny of the mob was just as freedom-robbing as British oppression.

Gotta go -- aww, hubs brought me a muffin.

(^_~)

Thought for the day :
" That must be wonderful! I don't understand it at all. "

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249633

Good Morning Chloe
How's things?Emma? I just went and dropped Jessie off at the groomer's and now I'm rushing around here with a million things I want to do..I love having Friday's off! I worked last Friday as we got some ocean condo's to clean.We also took on one sympathy cleaning.We met these people from Ohio in the parking lot.They rented a condo online and when they got there it was dirty..Here it was 4pm and we took it on..Bed linens also had to be washed and beds made...Exhausted I was..Oh and the A/C was broken....

Dierks Bentley said the other day he got a phonecall. The caller id said UNKNOWN CALLER. He said he decided to answer it anyway and it was George Jones on the line. He said that made his whole month!

Thanks for the offer, Sturge. Crabfest would be better than how I'll be spending part of my weekend.

" was at speeches by Hillary where she was rudely shout down. And they weren't Republicans, were they?"

NO they were not. And I saw the thuggery that happened in Las Vegas during the primary season....I don't like it under any circumstances, no matter who is doing it.

Benchmark glaciers' shrinking at faster rate, study finds

"We are getting warmer, and glaciers are shrinking," Josberger said.

With some exceptions caused by unique or unusual local conditions - the glaciers on California's Mount Shasta, for example - more than 99 percent of the country's thousands of glaciers are shrinking, said Bruce Molnia, another USGS scientist.

but Bolivia's Chacaltaya Glacier disappeared this year, earlier than predicted. Its disappearance worries scientists that other glaciers in the region could be melting faster than expected, potentially threatening water supplies for millions of people in South America.

http://www.kansascity.com/444/story/1368991.html

Mel Martinez resigns Senate

http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/08/07/mel-martinez-to-resign-from-us-senate/

NEW THREAD.. http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/its-ovaloffice-time-mr-preside.html

http://blogs.cqpolitics.com/trailmix/2009/08/believe-it-or-not-obamaclinton.html#comment-249634

Jaxtrader

You are going about the cheapest way anyone with funds and reasonably healthy family can go ... Very high deductible. HSA to cover normal medical expenses. Pay the premiums out of the HSA. Non taxable.

At least you are protected against catastrophic costs even though your monthly out of pocket expenses might be high now and then, the savings are in the HSA or MSA are waiting to be used.

Being the bright person you are, I'm assuming you've checked into whether there is a co op in your area where you can negotiate family care rates for what amounts to the self insured.

BTW, a small business can reduce health care costs by getting a similar high deductible group policy and then giving employees a "bonus" to be used to start an MSA or HSA.

It's not perfect, but it can help bring down costs.

The last eight years have seen quite a bit of "thuggery" on the Left side directed at ALL who dare stand in their sights. I wish people were more civil, but I must say it is funny hearing Democrats lament when they are targets. Patsi, I am sure protests all forms of thuggery so I am not accusing her of hipocrisy. I find Liberal pundits lacking in that regard. Many said nothing as Hillary and Bob Kerry became targets.

http://www.factcheck.org/2009/08/cpr-administers-bad-facts-again/

In reading this Jax, I was not convinced that single payers without dependents who already pay $600 a month for decent HMO coverage in NYC will NOT see their bills rocket. No, it won't be a 95% increase, but Fact Check was not too convincing answering how much of an increase it will be. What makes me think that if this healthcare passes I will not get worse coverage, more waiting time and higher bills? If Obama can't answer that question, then why should I not shout out at Sebelius demanding an answer? No, I'm not that rude, but it is infuriating that the sales tour simply falls flat. My sister lives outside of Boston and I am sure most here would not want Duval's single pay plan.

Here's some analysis of Wyden Bennett vs Baucus

http://www.lewin.com/content/publications/LewinAnalysisWydenBaucusFeasibility.pdf

Worth reading if only to get more ideas.

NEW THREAD

ROME -- Archaeologists say they have unearthed a country villa believed to be the birthplace of Vespasian, the emperor who built the Colosseum.

http://www.seattlepi.com/national/1103ap_eu_italy_emperors_villa.html

Jamie, it should not be rocket science for an ordinary self-employed person, let's say an owner of an S-corporation with no employees to get an EPO single pay plan that costs less that $6000 a year with $25 co-pays and everything else essentially covered. One would have to earn $10,000 to pay for that. Let's say that is 1/5th of one's income. If Obama will not lower that cost while sustaining the quality of coverage, what is in it for me (not that that is my income)?

Should I be forced to get a medical insurance professional to explain and set up a complicated HSA? Should this be simplified? And again, what is Obama going to do to lower my single pay cost while keeping quality, waiting times and coverage intact?

" was at speeches by Hillary where she was rudely shout down. And they weren't Republicans, were they?"

Cheap and Lame, but it' works Max. :-)

Joe Biden not having helped himself with his loose mouth. America will be ready for its own Golda Mier in 2016.