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What's the Matter with Arizona?
Author: BobR
Date: 04/15/2011 12:30:52
In his 2004 book "What's the Matter With Kansas?", author Thomas Frank examines what happened to turn Kansas from a left-wing populist state to a deep red conservative one. In light of recent events, it might be time to write a sequel, with a focus on Arizona instead. By their actions, the leaders of that state might make one pause and question their sanity.
The most famous and recent example is their controversial anti-immigration law. The worst aspects of it allowed a police officer to demand a person's proof of citizenship if the officer suspected the person might be here undocumented. The potential for abuse in such a law is huge, and creates a burden of proving one's innocence. Who routinely carries their citizenship papers (ie: passport)? Answer - no one does, not even legal immigrants. This also brings racial profiling into legal status, because the unwritten aspect of this law is that a poor hispanic person will likely "look illegal" in the eyes of many. Fortunately, a federal appeals court is maintaining a stay on the law imposed by a lower court, preventing it from being implemented.
Arizona can now also be labeled "the state most likely to vote for Donald Trump", after the state Senate passed a bill that could legalize the crux of the birther movement: any candidate for president must produce their birth certificate to get on the ballot. It was specifically worded so that a "certificate of live birth" (what Obama has produced) is NOT valid. Oddly enough, other certificates - including circumcision papers - ARE acceptable. Does the U.S. want to know if their President is cut or uncut? I think not.
One of the most far-reaching stories out of Arizona, though, is mostly sliding under the radar. Back in 1998, Arizona passed a law that mandated that the state provide campaign funds to candidates to match contributions made to well-funded candidates. The idea behind the law was to level the playing field so that the rich couldn't buy elections. Obviously, the rich couldn't allow that to happen and sued saying their 1st Amendment rights (ie: their money's freedom of speech) were being violated. That case has now made it to the Supreme Court. This is important because the court has already decided in the "Citizens United" case that corporations are the same as people when it comes to campaign donations. This case will likely go the same way, further solidifying the corporate takeover of government. The only recourse after that will be a Constitutional amendment declaring that "We the people" refers only to actual human beings, not artificial entities such as businesses.
For now we wait and watch as Arizona becomes the new bottom-feeder in this union of states. Way to go...
The most famous and recent example is their controversial anti-immigration law. The worst aspects of it allowed a police officer to demand a person's proof of citizenship if the officer suspected the person might be here undocumented. The potential for abuse in such a law is huge, and creates a burden of proving one's innocence. Who routinely carries their citizenship papers (ie: passport)? Answer - no one does, not even legal immigrants. This also brings racial profiling into legal status, because the unwritten aspect of this law is that a poor hispanic person will likely "look illegal" in the eyes of many. Fortunately, a federal appeals court is maintaining a stay on the law imposed by a lower court, preventing it from being implemented.
Arizona can now also be labeled "the state most likely to vote for Donald Trump", after the state Senate passed a bill that could legalize the crux of the birther movement: any candidate for president must produce their birth certificate to get on the ballot. It was specifically worded so that a "certificate of live birth" (what Obama has produced) is NOT valid. Oddly enough, other certificates - including circumcision papers - ARE acceptable. Does the U.S. want to know if their President is cut or uncut? I think not.
One of the most far-reaching stories out of Arizona, though, is mostly sliding under the radar. Back in 1998, Arizona passed a law that mandated that the state provide campaign funds to candidates to match contributions made to well-funded candidates. The idea behind the law was to level the playing field so that the rich couldn't buy elections. Obviously, the rich couldn't allow that to happen and sued saying their 1st Amendment rights (ie: their money's freedom of speech) were being violated. That case has now made it to the Supreme Court. This is important because the court has already decided in the "Citizens United" case that corporations are the same as people when it comes to campaign donations. This case will likely go the same way, further solidifying the corporate takeover of government. The only recourse after that will be a Constitutional amendment declaring that "We the people" refers only to actual human beings, not artificial entities such as businesses.
For now we wait and watch as Arizona becomes the new bottom-feeder in this union of states. Way to go...
Comments:
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Comment by 
Raine on 04/15/2011 12:40:14
Raine on 04/15/2011 12:40:14
Good Morning!
May I just shake my head at this lunacy? I don't a State can pas a birther law like this.
May I just shake my head at this lunacy? I don't a State can pas a birther law like this.
Comment by 
TriSec on 04/15/2011 12:50:38
TriSec on 04/15/2011 12:50:38
I've said it since Obama announced his candidacy.
Anyone that doubts the President is a citizen must provide their own paperwork...and if they are unable to meet the standards that they demand of the President, then they should be immediately deported. Maybe to North Korea.
Anyone that doubts the President is a citizen must provide their own paperwork...and if they are unable to meet the standards that they demand of the President, then they should be immediately deported. Maybe to North Korea.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 13:10:40
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 13:10:40
Morning 
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 13:10:48
Raine on 04/15/2011 13:10:48
OMG. They cancelled One life to Live??? 
that is a bit sad.
that is a bit sad.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 04/15/2011 13:14:47
Scoopster on 04/15/2011 13:14:47
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee.. 
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 13:24:38
Raine on 04/15/2011 13:24:38
Comment by wickedpam on 04/15/2011 13:27:41
WOW.
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 13:27:41
Quote by Raine:
HE actually said it. Boom, Trump is a birther, cause he showed how racist he really is.
WOW.
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 13:34:54
Raine on 04/15/2011 13:34:54
You know, That birther law could come under religious freedoms scrutiny. I am PRETTY sure Muslims don't get circumcised.
What a thinly veiled bit of bigotry.
What a thinly veiled bit of bigotry.
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 13:39:22
Well I appear to be incorrect. My bad.
Raine on 04/15/2011 13:39:22
Quote by Raine:
You know, That birther law could come under religious freedoms scrutiny. I am PRETTY sure Muslims don't get circumcised.
What a thinly veiled bit of bigotry.
Well I appear to be incorrect. My bad.
Comment by 
BobR on 04/15/2011 13:41:02
per the link, "Postpartum medical records or a baptismal certificate are also apparently enough to prove citizenship in the Grand Canyon state."
I am CERTAIN that there are postpartum medical records for President Obama. I'm certain those were trotted out as well to pacify the birthers
BobR on 04/15/2011 13:41:02
Quote by Raine:
You know, That birther law could come under religious freedoms scrutiny. I am PRETTY sure Muslims don't get circumcised.
What a thinly veiled bit of bigotry.
per the link, "Postpartum medical records or a baptismal certificate are also apparently enough to prove citizenship in the Grand Canyon state."
I am CERTAIN that there are postpartum medical records for President Obama. I'm certain those were trotted out as well to pacify the birthers
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 13:42:58
Raine on 04/15/2011 13:42:58
Well, I'm surprised it took this long. 
The problem, of course, is the breathtaking shamelessness of the oft-confused Majority Leader claiming credit for these encouraging job numbers.
Indeed, by Cantor's own reasoning, the boast doesn't even make any sense. How can all of these jobs be created in the midst of Obama-induced uncertainty? And with crushing tax rates so high? And with pesky regulations stifling the engines of ingenuity? Are we to believe Republicans' mere presence in the House of Representatives is enough to overcome these burdensome hurdles? And if so, why do we need to act on the GOP agenda at all?
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 13:45:04
The bottom line is that birthers will never have enough to be satisfied. I mean the Man has has an AMERICAN passport his entire life.
Raine on 04/15/2011 13:45:04
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
You know, That birther law could come under religious freedoms scrutiny. I am PRETTY sure Muslims don't get circumcised.
What a thinly veiled bit of bigotry.
per the link, "Postpartum medical records or a baptismal certificate are also apparently enough to prove citizenship in the Grand Canyon state."
I am CERTAIN that there are postpartum medical records for President Obama. I'm certain those were trotted out as well to pacify the birthers
Comment by wickedpam on 04/15/2011 13:51:27
he only says it cause he thinks they actually did something to create a job
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 13:51:27
Quote by Raine:
Well, I'm surprised it took this long.
Indeed, by Cantor's own reasoning, the boast doesn't even make any sense. How can all of these jobs be created in the midst of Obama-induced uncertainty? And with crushing tax rates so high? And with pesky regulations stifling the engines of ingenuity? Are we to believe Republicans' mere presence in the House of Representatives is enough to overcome these burdensome hurdles? And if so, why do we need to act on the GOP agenda at all?
he only says it cause he thinks they actually did something to create a job
Comment by TriSec on 04/15/2011 13:51:46
TriSec on 04/15/2011 13:51:46
Muslims do a great many things that aren't codified in the Koran.
If Mohammed did it...that's considered the precedent. (See: beards)
If Mohammed did it...that's considered the precedent. (See: beards)
Comment by Scoopster on 04/15/2011 14:07:05
Scoopster on 04/15/2011 14:07:05
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 14:23:22
Raine on 04/15/2011 14:23:22
OMG, that bumper music makes me think of Keyboard cat.
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 14:25:51
Raine on 04/15/2011 14:25:51
Comment by BobR on 04/15/2011 14:37:44
I think this is the gold crown winner of the keyboard cat videos
BobR on 04/15/2011 14:37:44
Quote by Raine:IT makes me laugh EVERY time.
I think this is the gold crown winner of the keyboard cat videos
Comment by wickedpam on 04/15/2011 14:39:28
omg! What was that movie!? Also this now taints Hall & Oats for me 
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 14:39:28
Quote by Raine:IT makes me laugh EVERY time.
omg! What was that movie!? Also this now taints Hall & Oats for me
Comment by wickedpam on 04/15/2011 14:42:32
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 14:42:32
Is Steph young enough to have playe Charlie's Angels? 
Comment by TriSec on 04/15/2011 14:43:46
TriSec on 04/15/2011 14:43:46
Keyboard cat, bah!
Toonces Rules!
Toonces Rules!
Comment by BobR on 04/15/2011 14:46:27
I am going to guess Angel Dusted
CORRECTION: It's Desperate Lives
BobR on 04/15/2011 14:46:27
Quote by wickedpam:
I am going to guess Angel Dusted
CORRECTION: It's Desperate Lives
Comment by TriSec on 04/15/2011 14:47:17
TriSec on 04/15/2011 14:47:17
I must say, Dr. Maddow's new-found friendship with former GOP chair Mr. Steele is really starting to irritate me.
Yeah, it was great the first time. But every week?
Yeah, it was great the first time. But every week?
Comment by wickedpam on 04/15/2011 14:52:31
wow - They scream after school special, looks like they elevated it to primetime movie though
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 14:52:31
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:
I am going to guess Angel Dusted
CORRECTION: It's Desperate Lives
wow - They scream after school special, looks like they elevated it to primetime movie though
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 14:59:14
IT was an afternoon special. I remember watching it. Actually our teachers wanted us to watch it for Homework!
Raine on 04/15/2011 14:59:14
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:
I am going to guess Angel Dusted
CORRECTION: It's Desperate Lives
wow - They scream after school special, looks like they elevated it to primetime movie though
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 15:00:05
I'm thinking she is -- barely.
Raine on 04/15/2011 15:00:05
Quote by wickedpam:
Is Steph young enough to have playe Charlie's Angels?
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 15:02:24
Raine on 04/15/2011 15:02:24
Plot.
The Cameron family seems, on the surface, to be the perfect family, but things are not as they seem. Their two teenage kids, Scott and Sandy, fall in with the wrong crowds at their high school, both eventually getting involved with drug experimentation. In a disturbing turn of events, Sandy, after ingesting angel dust made by her boyfriend in the school's chemistry lab, winds up suddenly jumping through a glass window of the school (purposely cutting her arms with the cut glass in the process) and is subsequently paralyzed from the fall. A caring teacher, Eileen Phillips, sees the problem that is going on in the school and, after other tragic incidents involving two other students (one of which involves Scott and his girlfriend smoking drugs and crashing their car off a cliff) and when no one else on the staff is willing to do anything about it, takes the steps to deal with and confront the problem. The aftermath of this tragedy makes Scott and Sandy's parents realize that even their "perfect" kids can be affected by drugs. At a school assembly, Eileen Phillips storms in and confronts the students about the increasing drug use, sending a message to the crowd about the effects of what the drug problem is doing to the kids and the tragedies that resulted because of it.
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 15:04:20
Raine on 04/15/2011 15:04:20
Quote by Raine:
Plot.The Cameron family seems, on the surface, to be the perfect family, but things are not as they seem. Their two teenage kids, Scott and Sandy, fall in with the wrong crowds at their high school, both eventually getting involved with drug experimentation. In a disturbing turn of events, Sandy, after ingesting angel dust made by her boyfriend in the school's chemistry lab, winds up suddenly jumping through a glass window of the school (purposely cutting her arms with the cut glass in the process) and is subsequently paralyzed from the fall. A caring teacher, Eileen Phillips, sees the problem that is going on in the school and, after other tragic incidents involving two other students (one of which involves Scott and his girlfriend smoking drugs and crashing their car off a cliff) and when no one else on the staff is willing to do anything about it, takes the steps to deal with and confront the problem. The aftermath of this tragedy makes Scott and Sandy's parents realize that even their "perfect" kids can be affected by drugs. At a school assembly, Eileen Phillips storms in and confronts the students about the increasing drug use, sending a message to the crowd about the effects of what the drug problem is doing to the kids and the tragedies that resulted because of it.
Comment by BobR on 04/15/2011 15:08:56
that is HIGHlarious!
BobR on 04/15/2011 15:08:56
Quote by Raine:Quote by Raine:
Plot.The Cameron family seems, on the surface, to be the perfect family, but things are not as they seem. Their two teenage kids, Scott and Sandy, fall in with the wrong crowds at their high school, both eventually getting involved with drug experimentation. In a disturbing turn of events, Sandy, after ingesting angel dust made by her boyfriend in the school's chemistry lab, winds up suddenly jumping through a glass window of the school (purposely cutting her arms with the cut glass in the process) and is subsequently paralyzed from the fall. A caring teacher, Eileen Phillips, sees the problem that is going on in the school and, after other tragic incidents involving two other students (one of which involves Scott and his girlfriend smoking drugs and crashing their car off a cliff) and when no one else on the staff is willing to do anything about it, takes the steps to deal with and confront the problem. The aftermath of this tragedy makes Scott and Sandy's parents realize that even their "perfect" kids can be affected by drugs. At a school assembly, Eileen Phillips storms in and confronts the students about the increasing drug use, sending a message to the crowd about the effects of what the drug problem is doing to the kids and the tragedies that resulted because of it.
that is HIGHlarious!
Comment by wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:11:44
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:11:44
Wow - I don't even remember that one
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 15:11:54
Raine on 04/15/2011 15:11:54
OMG, This picture must be captioned: 
No-tax-hike pledge creates Republican rift, potential roadblock to deficit deal
No-tax-hike pledge creates Republican rift, potential roadblock to deficit deal
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 15:13:06
perhaps that is because you were HIGH on the Angel Dust from your school lab or veterinarian.
Raine on 04/15/2011 15:13:06
Quote by wickedpam:
Wow - I don't even remember that one
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 15:13:29
Raine on 04/15/2011 15:13:29
I cannot believe this nasty stuff they are reading on the show! 
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 15:24:54
Raine on 04/15/2011 15:24:54
Comment by wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:25:31
oh yeah, me and hte angel dust - totally notorious in high school
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:25:31
Quote by Raine:perhaps that is because you were HIGH on the Angel Dust from your school lab or veterinarian.Quote by wickedpam:
Wow - I don't even remember that one
oh yeah, me and hte angel dust - totally notorious in high school
Comment by wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:27:40
All they need is Kate Smith or at least a recording of her singing God Bless America
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:27:40
All they need is Kate Smith or at least a recording of her singing God Bless America
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 15:27:47
Raine on 04/15/2011 15:27:47
Donald Trump is just a POS.
That is all.
That is all.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:28:24
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:28:24
I wanted to be Jacklyn Smith - smart and pretty
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 15:28:47
They would've thrown Squids at her. They are tough.
Raine on 04/15/2011 15:28:47
Quote by wickedpam:
All they need is Kate Smith or at least a recording of her singing God Bless America
They would've thrown Squids at her. They are tough.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:28:47
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:28:47
But really I wanted to be WOnder Woman
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 15:29:22
Raine on 04/15/2011 15:29:22
I still want to be Wonder Woman.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:31:24
I think traditional Flyers fans would totally respect the Kate Smith!
Kate Smith and the Flyers
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:31:24
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
All they need is Kate Smith or at least a recording of her singing God Bless America
They would've thrown Squids at her. They are tough.
I think traditional Flyers fans would totally respect the Kate Smith!
Kate Smith and the Flyers
Comment by wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:32:30
She had better hair and didn't have to carry a gun - the braclets were awesome!
wickedpam on 04/15/2011 15:32:30
Quote by Raine:
I still want to be Wonder Woman.
She had better hair and didn't have to carry a gun - the braclets were awesome!
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 15:37:47
Raine on 04/15/2011 15:37:47
Obama address was surprise attack, GOP lawmakers say.
Aside from the BS whining, I have to say this was a hack piece. Can Ms. Montgomery show her partisanship ANY MORE?
Aside from the BS whining, I have to say this was a hack piece. Can Ms. Montgomery show her partisanship ANY MORE?
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 15:43:11
Raine on 04/15/2011 15:43:11
Comment by 
livingonli on 04/15/2011 15:43:32
livingonli on 04/15/2011 15:43:32
Good morning everyone. After hearing the birther porn bit on Momma's show, I think the American Right has been candidates for the insane asylum.
Comment by livingonli on 04/15/2011 15:46:31
Strangely enough, the soap cancellations occur before SoapNet is slated to shut down in 2012 when it gets replaced by Disney Junior. When the smoke settles the Soap Lot will thin out to Young and the Restless, Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives and General Hospital.
livingonli on 04/15/2011 15:46:31
Quote by Raine:
OMG. They cancelled One life to Live???
that is a bit sad.
Strangely enough, the soap cancellations occur before SoapNet is slated to shut down in 2012 when it gets replaced by Disney Junior. When the smoke settles the Soap Lot will thin out to Young and the Restless, Bold and the Beautiful, Days of Our Lives and General Hospital.
Comment by BobR on 04/15/2011 15:50:50
OMG - Did Boehner just shit his pants?
BobR on 04/15/2011 15:50:50
Quote by Raine:
OMG, This picture must be captioned:
OMG - Did Boehner just shit his pants?
Comment by Raine on 04/15/2011 15:51:00
Raine on 04/15/2011 15:51:00
I am already losing my shit with the little they just said about Bradley Manning.
Ellsberg isn't a member of the Armed services. Manning is subject to the USMJC. Manning is a damn suicide risk.
EVERYTHING they are going to repeat is based on Jane Hamsher --
Ellsberg isn't a member of the Armed services. Manning is subject to the USMJC. Manning is a damn suicide risk.
EVERYTHING they are going to repeat is based on Jane Hamsher --