I have to admit, despite the fact that I try to stay informed of political goings-on, I have never heard of Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL). And now that I have, I'd like to introduce you to him if you haven't made his acquaintance already.
Last March, Shimkus inferred that climate change is a myth by stating that sea levels will not rise and that God would never destroy the earth through a flood again, as stated in Genesis 8:21-22 and 9:11. Clearly, Shimkus is anti-science, but perhaps the most frightening aspect of Shimkus is that he aspires to chair the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Furthermore, he recently sent a letter to his colleagues in which he states that he is "uniquely qualified among a group of talented contenders to lead the Energy and Commerce Committee."
One could only assume that such a person is well-studied in climate change, energy production, and commerce. Of course, he has none of these credentials, but he does have a teaching certificate from Christ College in Irvine, CA. However, to be fair, he also has an MBA from Southern Illinois University.
So we have now reached a point in our political system where a Bible-thumping, climate-change denier who gets kick-backs from the oil industry with no scientific background in energy production or climate change seeks to take the wheel of our nation's energy policies.
I don't know about you, but this man makes me a wee bit nervous.
Just when I think Glenn Beck couldn't sink any lower depth of depravity and inhumanity, he proves me wrong. Again.
On September 29th, firefighters in South Fulton, TN refused to respond to a call to put out a fire that burned Gene Cranick's house to the ground. The local fire chief, David Wilds, stated that the reason no firefighters were dispatched is that he refused to pay an annual $75.00 fee for fire services. Cranick stated that he forgot to pay the fee. In reality, it doesn't matter whether he Cranick forgot to pay the fee or not. Also, the town's mayor, David Crocker (Republican, of course), is reported to have said "You're out of luck" to Cranick. Later that day, Cranick's son sustained an injury to his hand after knocking the living daylights out of Wilds.
Wilds' response to the whole situation? It was a "stressful" and "emotional" day. Cry for me. At least you and Crocker still have a house to live in.
Enter Glenn, who, along with trusty sidekick Pat Gray, mocked Cranick.
I seem to remember Beck talking about the finer points of "faith, hope and charity, the essential teachings of Christ." Where is your heart for charity now, Glenn? More importantly, where are the hearts of firefighters who took an oath to protect life and property, only to watch a fire burn down with three dogs and one cat inside? I can understand a filthy-rich, right-wing coward like Beck having no heart, but to be a firefighter and watch a house burn down?
I took the liberty to browse the Obion County website for directives of this stupid, inhuman policy that county executives have implemented. I came across this pdf and read this:
"The only rural property owners guaranteed to receive fire protection services are those who choose to pay for it. It they choose not to purchase an annual subscription and require fire protection services, they fall on the mercy of a municipal department who provide services on an as needed basis. When such occurs, the responding fire department normally provides those services without compensation."
In other words, David Wilds is a cold-hearted prick who simply chose not to do the right thing. Case closed. Also, although I can't find a reliable source, apparently Obion County firefighters must respond to calls, regardless of whether the $75.00 fee was paid or not. This story should never have made local news, other than firefighters were dispatched to put out a fire at the Cranick residence.
Anyway, I'm proud to live in a country where citizens in financially distressed areas are forced to pay a subscription fee in order to enjoy safety and security when it should be assumed as a common service to all, regardless of income.
Just as I predicted last Sunday, not only did the right-wing nutjobs at Fox News not condemn the racist attacks by some teabaggers toward some members of the Congressional Black Caucus on March 20th, they simply denied these events ever happened.
Before I go on I have to make a disclaimer. I don't have the time nor the ability to listen to the right-wing pundits like Beck, Limbaugh, and Hannity on a daily basis, so there is a possibility that they could have condemned them but I missed it. And to be honest, the only reason I ever do give them a listen is to keep my anger for right-wing jackassery burning bright. Besides, unlike the aforementioned, I actually work for a living.
Anyway, I've searched for the better part of an hour today for any evidence that right-wing talking heads actually condemned the hate-fest that took part last week. I haven't been able to find anything. The best they can do is brush aside events from the 20th while reminding us that members of the far left often take part in violent activities. Meanwhile, during last night's "O'Reilly Factor" Laura Ingraham said that there was no evidence that anyone spit on Emanuel Cleaver on March 20th.
Fair and balanced, huh?
And what does Limbaugh have to say? "Let me ask you a question. When is the last time you can recall a bunch of conservatives having a riot?" They don't have to have a riot, Rush. They just blow off cops' heads off with an AK-47.
Republicans are crying foul against progressives and Democrats after a bullet went through a window in Eric Cantor's office in Richmond, VA. Cantor said that he was "directly threatened". As it turns out, the bullet was errant, and not intentionally fired into Cantor's office. Time will tell if he does the right thing and apologizes. Meanwhile, House Democrats continue to be the target of violence and hatred. Applause to John Boehner for condemning such violence.
In related news, hoards of the gun-toting fearful will arrive in D.C. on April 19th, of all days. Nice timing, guys. What possible outcome you clowns are hoping to achieve is way beyond me.
It's not about patriotism. It's not about standing up for what's right. It's not about compassion. It's not about a sense of duty. It's not even about health care anymore. It's simply about hate and fear of a black president. At least for some.
I'm angry today. I'm angry because I'd like to think that for all we have contributed to as a country and for as far as we've come, the hatred that some have for others just because of the color of their skin would have ended by now.
For all the talk we hear from right-wing troglodytes like Hannity and Beck about right vs. wrong, you would think that they and their braindead listeners would begin to distance themselves from the "grassroots" Tea Party clowns that spit on black members of Congress. You know, the same..."ahem"...grassroots organizations that are being well-funded like Dick Armey's FreedomWorks? Yeah - real grassroots, guys.
It's only Sunday, March 21st, but I can almost guarantee you that by Sunday, March 28th, no right-wing talking head will condemn, nor distance themselves, from the hate-fest that took place yesterday in DC.
What are you going to talk about this week, Sean? Are you going to tell your listeners that there's a socialist in the White House who's trying to destroy the country? What about you, Glenn? Are you going to stir up a hornets nest by claiming health care should be for only those who can afford it and screw everyone else? Or are you going to claim that the health care bill is going to kill grandma and grandpa? Meanwhile, the cost of health care premiums in California are sky-rocketing, ensuring that some will lose their benefits because they can't afford them. Did you mention this to your listeners, Rush? I didn't think so. After all, it's all about the money, right?
While Mike Pence and Michele Bachman were out in full force addressing and supporting the teabaggers, much credit needs to be given to Michael Steele, who condemned racially charged actions and statements at the rally. Time will tell if the rest of the Republican party will follow suit.
Last week I was offered a job with the census bureau as an assistant manager in State College. It's the first time I found true, meaningful work in well over a year, so you better believe I'm thrilled! But that thrill was somewhat diminished about ten minutes ago.
Part-time census worker, Bill Sparkman, was found dead hanging from a tree in Kentucky with the word "Fed" scribed on his body. There are conflicting reports whether the word was found on his belt or on his chest, as well as this truly has something to do with anti-gub'ment, right-wing conspiracy nutjobs.
If this does indeed have something to do with anti-government fear, mark my words - when all this alarmist rhetoric about the census dies down in 2011, those same right-wing nutjobs who can't find their collective asses with both hands and a road map are going to hail fear-mongers like Glenn Beck and Alex Jones as heroes.
This is getting scary.
Yeah, that's it, Glenn - unarmed people that are desperate for work and have no arms of any kind are going to walk up to your home and try to take your guns and owner's permit away. You're a loon.
By now everyone who pays any attention at all to politics has heard about the uproar regarding the commentary that Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC...shock) made during the speech that President Obama was giving last week over health care reform. "You lie!" he yelled at the president, in response to the president's claim that his health care reform did not cover illegal immigrants. He apologized the very next day. But as is typical of Repubs these days, Wilson's attack has no credibility.
Meanwhile, Limbaugh is upset with Wilson because of his apology, and also believes that the president is lying. Hit the play button:
Limbaugh again opens his mouth when he should do Americans a huge favor and nail it shut. But I have to thank Rush because he just keeps on making his own party look ridiculously inept. Here's why.
In 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 was introduced on the House floor. The bill authorized federally funded health care for illegal immigrants. It was unanimously passed by both the House and the Senate, and President Bush signed it into law on December 8, 2003. The interesting part is, Joe Wilson voted for it.
So, open up wide, Rush and Mr. Wilson. Your crow is ready.
For all you so-called "conservatives" out there, I just came across this little tidbit from the...ermm...*ahem*...Great Orator himself.
Speaking on behalf of members of the mujahideen, who later became Al Qaeda, on the White House lawn in 1985, he said:
"These gentleman are the moral equivalents of America's founding fathers."
Um, hey Sean? Since you love Reagan so much, who left us $2 trillion in debt by the way, would you like to explain why he was praising the very people who would later become our enemies and murder 3,000 innocent people? Hmm?
I love the First Amendment. But I don't love when it's stretched out of context.
During the July 7th edition of Fox and Friends, anchor Gretchen Carlson and guest Patrick Mahoney took exception to the Pentagon's denial of a flyover request at the "God and Country Festival" at Nampa, Idaho. They're in a tizzy because this is the first time in 42 years that a flyover request has been denied, and apparently it's all Obama's fault.
Carlson read part of the Pentagon's response on air:
"Air Force and DoD policy prohibit support for events which appear to endorse, selectively benefit, or favor any special interest group, religious or ideological movement."
Carlson continued, "But Reverend Patrick Mahoney of the Christian Defense Coalition says the rally was not designed to promote any one religious faith, but rather to celebrate the troops."
A quick visit to the event's website proves otherwise:
The God and Country Festival in Nampa, Idaho is organized by a volunteer-driven organization called the God and Country Association, Inc. The organization is made up of Christians who are committed to strengthening the fabric of the Treasure Valley community through the Good News of Jesus Christ. We are also interested in helping believers around the nation get an independent God and Country event started. We believe that Christians in America should have a natural affection for their country because it was founded on the godly ideal that liberty is derived, n ot as a gift of governments and politicians, but as a gift of our Creator.
So much for that theory, Mr. Mahoney.
Carlson then asks, Maloney, "So, when I first read this story, I found it hard to believe. Because for 42 years at this rally in Idaho the Pentagon has authorized a flyover. Suddenly, this year, a new president in office, and a new policy. What do you make of it?"
There is no new policy, Ms. Carlson. It's just an old policy that is simply, finally, being enforced.
Mahoney responded, "Well, we're stunned actually. And it's a reminder that the Constitution promises freedom of religion, not freedom from religion."
The Constitution protects everyone, reverend. It is there to provide Americans with the freedom to worship however they choose - even if they choose not to. It protects, theists and non-theists alike. It protects Christians, Jews, Wiccans, Muslims, Buddhists, atheists, agnostics, deists, and even Satanists. If you don't like this, perhaps you should leave the country.
By the way, Mahoney is the same clown that paid a visit to Obama's office in July 2008 when he was still a senator. Mahoney showed up with this sign.
Nice.
So, I have a question for Carlson, Mahoney, and other fundamentalists like them - how would you like for tax payer money to be spent on the Thunderbirds having a flyover at an Islamic rally, or even a Satanic rally? It makes all of you very nervous, doesn't it?
Here is the rest of the response letter from the Pentagon that Carlson didn't want you to read:
Thank you for your request for Air Force aviation support during God and Country Festival on 01 Jul 2009 in Nampa, ID.
We have carefully reviewed this particular event. As you may recall from the request form's instructions, the Department of Defense (DoD) authorizes the Air Force to participate in flyovers for those recognition events held in direct support of the five patriotic holidays (Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, POW-MIA Day and Veterans Day) and for aviation-related events, such as airshows and airport dedications. Sporting events that fall on one of the five patriotic holidays mentioned above are not considered to be events held in direct support of a holiday commemoration and will require a waiver.
Your Air Force aviation support request doesn't fall into either approved category, as such, we are unable to approve it. Air Force and DoD policy prohibit support for events which appear to endorse, selectively benefit, or favor any special interest group, religious or ideological movement.
With an increasingly high operations tempo and limited resources to meet our training and operational commitments, we are required to take a hard look at all of our requests and carefully follow our policies and guidelines. In denying your request, we are not questioning the worthiness of the event, but rather enforcing DoD and Air Force policy to preserve the operational and training requirements of our aviation units and to practice the prudent stewardship of taxpayer-financed resources.
We hope that you can appreciate and understand our position. We believe that your event will, nevertheless, be a success. Any further questions can be referred to me at 703-695-9664.
Tech. Sgt. Roy Utley
Aviation Support 703-695-9664 Phone 703-693-9601 Fax www.airshows.pa.hq.af.mil
Paul Wolfowitz recently wrote an article for the Salt Lake Tribune on June 19th simply titled, "Obama needs to change stance on Iran". The basic premise of the article is the same rhetoric that's been coming from the neo-con lunatic fringe like Lindsey Graham and Mike Pence - that the president is weak, passive, timid, etc.
The United States has a history of intervening in the politics and affairs of other nations. Each time it was because of national interest and preservation. It also has a history of non-intervention as well. Founders such as Thomas Paine, George Washington, John Adams, James Monroe, and Thomas Jefferson had strong warnings against meddling in the internal affairs of other nations. But it wasn't until the 20th century during the Teddy Roosevelt administration that American intervention became prominent. His administration prided itself in the fact that they didn't drag the country into World War I. In fact, the administration's slogan eventually became, "He kept us out of war." But it wasn't before long that the United States did become involved in WWI.
After the entrance of the United States into World War II, intervention became one of the crown jewels in American foreign policy. Every administration since Harry Truman has at least one account of intervention. Perhaps the most famous and alluded to account of American intervention took place during the Reagan administration when he called Mikhail Gorbachev onto the carpet and demanded, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" So-called "conservatives" love bringing up the specter of Ronald Reagan, even though he left the country $2 trillion in debt when his presidency ran its course.
But we're talking about Iran, not the Eastern Bloc. Much different scenario.
American intervention in Iranian politics began with Operation Ajax, which was the blueprint for the overthrow of Mohammed Mosaddeq in 1953, the democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran. The British government accused Mosaddeq with violating rights to the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company, which made Britain increasingly wealthy. Britain subsequently approached the Truman administration with a plan to dethrone Mosaddeq, but Truman washed his hands clean of the plan. However, the plan resurfaced during the Eisenhower administration who accepted it with open arms. Eisenhower allowed the CIA to engage in its first covert operation, and Mosaddeq was ousted from power in 1953. Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was placed in power. Pahlavi himself was overthrown in 1979 by the Islamic Revolution, and a brutal theocracy was born.
Less than 1 year later, conflict erupted between Iran and Iraq over border disputes and fear of Shi'a insurgency. The conflict claimed the lives of over 188,000 Iranians, over 100,000 of which were killed by chemical weapons and nerve gas. The sad reality is through American intervention these weapons were sold by the United States to Iraq under Saddam Hussein. Hussein would later use these weapons against Kurds in the northern region of his country. Even after it was learned that Hussein was using nerve gas on his own people, the Reagan administration continued to sell weapons of mass destruction to his administration. To date, Iranians are still angry over the fact that the United States gave its weapons and resources to Iraq. It should be of little surprise that the phrase, "Death to America!" practically cakes the ceilings of the mosques in Tehran.
It was later learned that the Carter administration supported Iraq's invasion of Iran because he felt it would hasten the release of US political prisoners being held in Tehran, in spite of the fact that Iraq was placed on a terrorist state watch list on December 29, 1979.
Ten years after the end of the Iran-Iraq war, the United States entered Kuwait to evict the Iraqis who had invaded the country. After ongoing talks with US ambassador April Glaspie, who informed Hussein that "We have no opinion on the Arab-Arab conflicts, like your border disagreement with Kuwait." Apparently, this meant a green light for Saddam to invade Kuwait, who began amassing troops along the Iraq-Kuwait border in July 1990. In January 1991, bombs started to fall in Baghdad, and less than 10 hours later all communications and power were lost in the city. Immediately after the aerial assault the ground war began, and 100 hours later President George H. W. Bush declared victory.
The irony of the Gulf War is that in 1994, then Defense Secretary Cheney stated that if troops "finished the job" in Baghdad and took out Saddam it would have been a quagmire. But lo' and behold, 19 years later, Bush 43 decided to invade Iraq after scaring the bejeezus out of the American public with reports of WMDs. $900 billion, 100,000 dead Iraqis, and 4,315 dead American troops later, Cheney admitted what the rest of us knew all along - that Gulf War II was a war of choice. No WMDs were ever found in Iraq, not to mention no proof of Iraq's involvement in 9/11.
I think the video below pretty much sums up American foreign policy in Iraq. Yep, that's Donald Rumsfeld shaking hands with a dictator in 1983.
Funny how neocons like Sean Hannity love to slam President Obama for saying that he would be willing to meet with Ahmadinejad, but give Rumsfeld a pass for shaking hands with a known murderer.
So, if this is Mr. Wolfowitz's idea of President Obama being tougher with Iranian dictators, I want no part of it. Ahmadinejad has already stated that the blood of Iranian civilians is on the hands of Western countries, primarily the UK and the US. If that's the case, how much more blood are you willing to be spilled, Paul?
In case you've been living under a rock for the past week, there's been a presidential election there. The incumbent, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has declared victory, while the challenger Mir Hussein Mousavi and his followers cry fowl. As a result, Tehran has been in turmoil as tens of thousands loyal to Mousavi have taken to the streets in protest. Personally, I'm in lockstep with the protesters.
But what really puzzles me is why the United States House of Representatives felt it was absolutely essential to vote on resolution to show moral support for dissenters in Tehran. House Resolution 506, introduced by Rep. Mike Pence (R-Indiana) states the following:
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law, and for other purposes.
Resolved, That the House of Representatives— (1) expresses its support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law; (2) condemns the ongoing violence against demonstrators by the Government of Iran and pro-government militias, as well as the ongoing government suppression of independent electronic communication through interference with the Internet and cellphones; and (3) affirms the universality of individual rights and the importance of democratic and fair elections.
I think it's safe to say that most of the civilized world is on the the side of those who seek freedom in Iran. In an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Pence said "I appreciate the fact that the president said the protesters have a right to be heard and represented, and I appreciate the fact that he said he is troubled. But I respectfully disagree with the administration's decision to essentially draw the line at not meddling and not interfering."
The overall tone from the Republicans has been just shy of sabre-rattling while accusing the president of being soft and timid toward Iranian hardliners. Some have even evoked the name of Ronald Reagan and his famous "Tear down this wall" speech to Mikhail Gorbachev, in an attempt to draw correlations between Obama's "softness" and the situation in Iran.
I can hear it now - "Mr. Khamenei, give the presidency to Mousavi! We demand it!"
Please.
Senator John McCain has back-pedaled from his previous statements in which he was also said Obama was timid. John McCain is the last person that should be offering the president any foreign policy advice toward Iran. Jokes about bombing Iran is not foreign policy, Senator.
So what do Congressman Pence and his like-minded peers hope to achieve with their little resolution? Is it really necessary to waste the time and effort to draft a resolution like this? What do they think will happen - that Iranians will just stop what they're doing and kiss their feet?
Let's say that the president does come out with a stronger approach toward Ahmedinejad and Khamenei while Mousavi and his supporters embrace President Obama with open arms. What would likely happen is the current leadership would label Mousavi as friendly toward the "Great Satan", and the blood that is already spilling in the streets of Tehran would only increase. What would be your intervention approach then, Congressman Pence - a fleet of aircraft carriers and tanks?
While Republicans have been calling the president timid toward Iranian foreign policy, even Henry Kissinger said "the president has handled the situation well," during a recent interview on Fox News. He went on to say, "Anything that the United States says that puts us totally behind one of the contenders, behind Mousavi, would be a handicap for that person. And I think it’s the proper position to take that the people of Iran have to make that decision...and I think it was the right thing to do because the public support for the opposition would only be used by the - by Ahmadinehad...against Mousavi." Ironically, John McCain has recently said in his Facebook page that Kissinger is the "smartest man in the world!"
So here's a friendly foreign policy reminder for Mike Pence and those Republicans who call themselves "conservative":
"The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to domestic nations, is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves, by artificial ties, in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities."
George Washington's Farewell Address, 1796
By the way, the resolution passed overwhelmingly 405 to 1. Anyone want to guess who voted "No"?
In the May 29th edition of the Centre Daily Times (CDT) , one Billie Kay Johnson of Lewistown, PA wrote a letter to the editor expressing her disdain for the recent decision by the federal government to increase in excise taxes on tobacco products. The primary reason for her complaint is that it hurts local business, although she didn't provide an example.
The writer believes that smokers are being "unfairly singled out." Somehow this means that smokers are likely to head out of state to get their hands on cheap cigarettes. The author closes by admonishing us to "think clearly" about this.
Happy to oblige!
The excise tax that the author refers to will affect smokers in Pennsylvania by adding a $1.35 tax on a single pack of cigarettes. The tax increases in New York and New Jersey are even higher at $2.75 and $2.58 respectively. Maryland's increase is $2.00, Ohio's increase is $1.25, Delaware's increase is $1.15, and West Virginia's increase is $.55 (of course).These tax increases will take effect on July 1st.
So that means that if you live in Central Pennsylvania, you have to drive at least 2 - 3 hours to WV if you want to save money on your nicotine addiction. With gas currently at ~$2.60 per gallon, how traveling to WV to save money on one pack of cigarettes is a mystery.
This is what the the author doesn't tell you:
As of the time of this writing, Pennsylvania is the only state that does not have an excise tax.
Among the ingredients that can be found in cigarettes are over 400 toxins including - toluene, cyanide, arsenic, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, ammonia, DDT, cadmium, and benzene. Ask any smoker if they'd willingly ingest these chemicals and they'll likely say, "No."
Taxes placed on tobacco products brings the states about $22 billion annually, a large portion of which goes to smoking cessation programs.
Use of tobacco products claim over 440,000 lives annually in the US, and 4 million worldwide.
Over 8 million people in the US contract illness due to smoking.
Tobacco-related illness costs Pennsylvanians over $5 billion annually, and about $200 billion nationally.
Second-hand smoke leads to at least 35,000 illnesses across the country annually.
Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the US.
The good news is that after decades of trying to give the FDA regulatory authority over tobacco products (and being stumped by the previous administration), Congress has finally succeeded. The bill is headed to President Obama who, despite struggling with his own nicotine addiction, says he is eager to sign it into law. The bill:
Creates a tobacco control center within the FDA and gives the FDA authority to regulate the content, marketing and sale of tobacco products to protect public health.
Requires tobacco companies and importers to reveal all product ingredients and seek FDA approval for any new tobacco products.
Allows the FDA to change tobacco product content to protect the public health.
Bans the use of flavors, including candies and fruit flavors, in tobacco products.
Calls for new rules that would prevent sales to minors except through direct, face-to-face exchanges between a retailer and a consumer. Limits advertising that could attract young smokers.
Strengthens warning labels.
Bars the use of expressions such as "light, "mild" or "low" that give the impression that a tobacco product poses less of a health risk.
So, here's a suggestion for those of you who hate the thought of driving to West Virginia to buy your cigarettes - Instead of spending all that money on gas, cigarettes, and trips to the hospital because of your nasty habit, why not spend it on a mountain bike instead and stop smoking?
The temperature in hell has dropped another 4 degrees.
Thanks for finally admitting something that we've all known for 7 years, Dick. $675 billion, over 4,000 dead American troops, over 100,000 dead Iraqis, and billions and billions in fraud, waste, and abuse. How fat has your wallet gotten since you left office, Dick?
Hey, Rush? Why are we in Iraq again? Sean? Glenn? O'Reilly? Quinn? Rose? Anybody?
Again, do you Republicans wonder why you had your asses handed to you last November?
Watch Dick make as ass of himself (there's a joke in there somewhere) in this 1994 clip regarding Iraq.
Leave it up to Republicans in Congress to stink up a good thing.
This is a country that is starting to feel the pain of living high on the hog for so long. The value of the dollar is dropping like a rock. There are 6 million people in this country are looking for work, and many of those people are starting to use their credit cards to support themselves. Many of these people have at least $80,000 worth of credit card debt.
Cringe!
But after decades of trying to get some form of credit card relief passed, Congress has finally succeeded.
Last year Democrats in Congress introduced the Credit Card Reform Act of 2008 in an attempt relieve some of the overwhelming,unfair, and outrageous fees associated with credit card debt. Yesterday, President Obama signed the bill into law. The bill requires credit card companies to become transparent regarding their fees. Companies can no longer tack on 30% interest rates on consumers without good reason, although there is no good reason for such high rates. And once consumers pay off their debts, companies have to return their rates to something more manageable, like 8%.
Speaking from experience of someone who has felt the sting of out of control credit card debt, all I can say is it's about damn time!
But some Republicans have decided that credit card relief for Americans isn't good enough. In order for them to vote in favor of the bill, they had to slip in a measure that would allow citizens to carry loaded guns in national parks.
National parks? Are you serious? Are they afraid that Americans are going get carjacked by raccoons?
Again, do you Republicans still wonder why you had your asses handed to you last November? If there is a Republican who voted for this bill who is reading this, please leave a comment and tell me what the hell the 2nd Amendment has to do with credit card relief?
According to the FBI, about .0000165 %, or 1.65 out of 100,000 violent crimes occurred in national parks throughout the country in 2006. That number is now sure to rise.
Over at God's news site, Bob Unruh released an article in which 6,805 Christians have sent an petition to Virginia Governor Tim Kaine to allow Va State Police Chaplains to invoke the name of Jesus during public prayer. It should be noted that about 1/3 of these Christians are not Virginia residents. So, out of 7.7 million Virginians, that brings the percentage who signed this petition to just about .05%.
Here are some of the statements that accompany the petition:
"Since when is it OK to be prejudiced against Christians? We are good people."
"Sir, I will pray in Jesus' name for you and our state. Do the right thing by our State Troopers and the Chaplains."
"Someday we will all have to give an account before God for the things we have done while here on earth. What will you say?"
"Please remember the examples of other Virginians like Patrick Henry, George Mason, and Thomas Jefferson who, though different in opinions, understood the importance of religious freedom. Virginia's Declaration of Religious Freedom was one of the first government documents to codify this essential human right. … PLEASE, don't go down in history as the man who undermined Virginia's heritage and leader on this issue."
"I am tired of Christians being treated like second-rate citizens."
"Thank you Gov. Kaine for stirring up Christians like myself who otherwise become complacent in our faith. It must be a very difficult job in which you try to please everyone. Take heart Gov. Kaine there is only one that you need to please and that is GOD in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I will keep you in my prayers and hope that you will find courage to acknowledge Jesus Christ as the author of truth before all men and reinstate the State Police Chaplains acknowledging Jesus Christ."
"The Founding Fathers are very disappointed in Virginia."
"Shame on you, Gov. Kaine."
"This is outrageous!!"
"To put a limitation on prayer is an outrage! This country was founded on Christian principles and to ban certain aspects of prayer is a disgrace."
I think the first statement is my favorite; as if anyone with a different religious or worldview are not good people? And will someone please tell these people that most of the Founders weren't Christian, and that this country was founded on Greco-Roman principles?
Said petition is going to be delivered by former Navy chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt personally. Says Klingenschmitt in a series of letters to Gov. Kaine,
"Sir, as you're aware, the Virginia House just passed HR2314 by a 66-30 vote to reinstate Virginia State Trooper Chaplains' right to pray publicly according to conscience, including prayers 'in Jesus name.'"
Here's the funny part:
"You may be tempted to veto such a reasonable pro-faith bill, however, attached is a spreadsheet with the names of 6805 people (two-thirds are Virginia citizens) who signed our petition to you, asking you to reinstate your police chaplains' right to pray publicly 'in Jesus' name.' We have thousands more coming in by direct mail this month."
Personally, I'd wait until I had collected all of the signatures for the petition, as opposed to waiting for "thousands" more to arrive. I wouldn't hold my breath for those signatures, Mr. Klingenschmitt.
At Klingenschmitt's website is a link to sign the petition, as well as communications from Gov. Kaine, himself. The site states that 76% of the citizens of Virginia support a police chaplain's "right" to publicly pray in the name of Jesus. Suspecting that there is something fishy about these numbers, I decided to do more digging. I clicked on the link that supports this claim, and found a .pdf file with the results of an online poll stating that 933 out of 1,228 Virginians support the public invocation of Jesus.
1,228 people? It gets better than that.
The poll was held by hamptonroads.com on September 27, 2008. And wouldn't it just so happen that I used to live in Hampton Roads. Langley AFB to be exact. The religious fabric of Hampton Roads is comprised predominantly of evangelicals, not to mention the fact that the 700 club is in Va Beach. I should know, I went to a Baptist church when I lived there. So, according to Klingenscmitt, out of a population of 1,658,754 only about .05% of the citizens of Hampton Roads actually support this frivolous petition. See poll results below.
Mr. Klingenschmitt, you might want to buy this book and read it well. Your claims are about as bogus as creationism itself. You might also want to read the following:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
US Constitution: Amendment 1
Yes, you have the right to exercise free speech, and peacable assembly, and petition the Government with ridiculous grievances such as the one you're whining about. However, in the United States of America, you do not have the right to pray publicly and invoke the name of Jesus with approval from the government. Furthermore, look past your own hatred and bigotry, and realize that "liberals, atheists, and homosexuals" are human, too, and are protected by the very same Constitution that you seem to know so little about.
I want you to imagine a Wiccan giving a blessing over the Va State Police. Or a Muslim. Or a Jew, Shintoist, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, Satanist, or even an atheist simply wishing good fortune. It makes you angry, doesn't it? Hopefully, now you understand why there needs to be a separation of Church and State. You can't have it both ways.
Now, I don't have a problem with chaplains invoking the name of Jesus behind closed doors (there's a joke in there somewhere), but when it crosses the Constitutional barrier of public freedom and respect, then I have a problem with it.
