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Stormwatch
Author: Will in Chicago
Date: 2012-10-29 10:00:18
As I write this, the East Coast of the United States is waiting for the merger of a Canadian cold front and Hurricane Sandy into what some are calling Superstorm or Frankenstorm. Some areas of the East Coast are expecting a foot of rain and some areas may get two feet of snow. The City of New York has shut down public transit as of 7 PM Eastern Sunday, other areas are taking similar steps – including Philadelphia and Washington D.C. An estimated 10.8 million Americans will face the closure of public transit. Meanwhile, the New York Stock Exchange is cancelling live trading on Monday. Some predictions call for billions of dollars worth of damage to the East Coast
Many people have bigger worries than getting to work as evacuations have been ordered in many places. From NBC News,
CNN reports that storm has already cost many lives even before it reaches landfall in the U.S.
As one might expect, even the presidential campaigns are impacted by the storm. NBC News reports:
All this brings to mind the question of global climate change. While no single storm can perhaps be attributed directly to global climate change, there is speculation about whether it has helped create the Frankenstorm.
However, this raises the issue of where the candidates stand on the issue of global climate change and alternative energy sources, as over 900 global climate change studies link the use of fossil fuels to our changing climate. Let’s first look at the Obama campaign:
For the sake of fairness, let’s also examine the positions of the other major candidate, Mitt Romney, Going to the issues page, there is no separate section for the environment. So, I thought that I would check about the issue of energy.
Last I checked, the company that will own the Keystone XL pipeline plans to process the oil in the U.S. and not sell it in the U.S. There is also a great deal of concern about the environmental impact of the pipeline and the processing of tar sands in Canada.
I have to admit that I was mildly surprised that there was no environment section on Mitt Romney’s official campaign site. However, he is in a party where people like Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma have called global climate change a hoax. Indeed, he was recently awarded the Rubber Dodo award from the Center for Biological Diversity. However, if global climate change is indeed causing more severe weather events from storms to droughts, we may see more discussion nationally and internationally in addressing these issues.
For now, my thoughts are with those whose lives will be impacted by this storm and I hope that the Frankenstorm is not the harbinger of things to come.
Many people have bigger worries than getting to work as evacuations have been ordered in many places. From NBC News,
Hundreds of thousands ordered to evacuate as Sandy nears
Transit systems, including NYC's, have started shutting down in advance of hurricane's onslaught
Giant Hurricane Sandy lumbered toward the East Coast on Sunday, leaving potentially tens of millions of residents with only hours to prepare for its onslaught of punishing wind, torrential rains and, at higher elevations, heavy, wet snow.
Signaling the growing concern over what forecasters predict will be an historic storm, state and local officials, including New York City’s Mayor Michael Bloomberg, issued mandatory evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands of residents in low-lying areas.
Workers on Sunday night began shutting down New York City's subway, bus and commuter railroads , as ordered by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. In New Jersey, bus, rail and light rail services were gradually shut down starting Sunday afternoon.
Forecasters said Sandy has the ingredients to transform into a "super storm" as it merges with an Arctic jet stream, which could make the storm unlike anything seen over the eastern United States in decades.
"We're looking at impact of greater than 50 to 60 million people," said Louis Uccellini, head of environmental prediction for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
In anticipation of widespread damage and vast power outages, states of emergency were declared in nine states from North Carolina to Maine, as well as in Washington, D.C., as Sandy made its way north after killing at least 65 people in the Caribbean.
CNN reports that storm has already cost many lives even before it reaches landfall in the U.S.
Hurricane Sandy has caused at least 67 deaths, including 51 in Haiti; the other deaths were in Cuba, Jamaica, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. As of 8 p.m. Sunday, Sandy still hadn't veered toward the United States and was centered 280 miles east-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and 485 miles south-southeast of New York. The CNN Weather Unit forecasts that it will make landfall late Monday near the Delmarva Peninsula - which includes Delaware and parts of Maryland and Virginia - and southern New Jersey.
As one might expect, even the presidential campaigns are impacted by the storm. NBC News reports:
Hurricane injects uncertainty into presidential campaign
By Michael O'Brien, NBC News
The storm put some of Obama's campaigning on hold, as he canceled a northern Virginia event for that afternoon, along with an event in Colorado Springs on Tuesday. Obama was still set, though, to travel to Youngtown, Ohio on Monday morning. The president appears — for now — intent upon returning to the campaign trail on Tuesday evening in Green Bay, Wis. His campaign also advised on Sunday afternoon that two stops on Wednesday in Ohio would go forward.
The storm might have rearranged Romney's own campaign itinerary, though it's unclear whether the GOP presidential hopeful will be able to return to Virginia soon. Romney didn't address the storm in his remarks in Celine, Ohio, but his running mate, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, urged voters in the Buckeye State to keep East Coasters in their thoughts and prayers.
Nonetheless, the hurricane could prove to be the proverbial "October Surprise" of this campaign as it upended other elements of the election well before it had even made landfall.
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) canceled early voting in his state for Monday, a decision other east coast governors could mirror. That could have an especially pronounced impact on a state like Virginia, a battleground state in the presidential election and home to a competitive Senate race.
Late Sunday, Governor Dannel P. Malloy signed an executive order to extend in-person voter registration in Connecticut to Thursday, Nov. 1. The deadline had originally been Tuesday.
All this brings to mind the question of global climate change. While no single storm can perhaps be attributed directly to global climate change, there is speculation about whether it has helped create the Frankenstorm.
However, this raises the issue of where the candidates stand on the issue of global climate change and alternative energy sources, as over 900 global climate change studies link the use of fossil fuels to our changing climate. Let’s first look at the Obama campaign:
Addressing global climate change
Under President Obama’s watch we have more than doubled production of renewable energy from wind and solar, while investing in over 15,000 clean energy projects across the country. Mitt Romney would cut funding and incentives for clean energy, including ending the tax incentive for wind energy, which could cost 37,000 American jobs. Meanwhile, he would continue providing billions in subsidies to Big Oil companies.
forward
The President has taken historic steps to reduce carbon pollution in the United States, including establishing fuel economy standards that will cut the amount of carbon pollution from cars by a half, proposing standards to decrease carbon pollution from new power plants, and helping us transition to cleaner and more efficient energy sources.
backward
Mitt Romney doubts the science behind climate change and would roll back progress to combat it. He opposed new fuel efficiency standards that will save consumers at the pump and reduce carbon pollution.
For the sake of fairness, let’s also examine the positions of the other major candidate, Mitt Romney, Going to the issues page, there is no separate section for the environment. So, I thought that I would check about the issue of energy.
Open offshore areas for energy development
Mitt will establish the most robust five-year offshore lease plan in history, that opens new areas for resource development – including off the coasts of Virginia and the Carolinas – and sets minimum production targets to increase accountability
.Pursue a North American Energy Partnership
Mitt will approve the Keystone XL pipeline, establish a new regional agreement to facilitate cross-border energy investment, promote and expand regulatory cooperation with Canada and Mexico and institute fast-track regulatory approval processes for cross-border pipelines and other infrastructure.
Last I checked, the company that will own the Keystone XL pipeline plans to process the oil in the U.S. and not sell it in the U.S. There is also a great deal of concern about the environmental impact of the pipeline and the processing of tar sands in Canada.
I have to admit that I was mildly surprised that there was no environment section on Mitt Romney’s official campaign site. However, he is in a party where people like Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma have called global climate change a hoax. Indeed, he was recently awarded the Rubber Dodo award from the Center for Biological Diversity. However, if global climate change is indeed causing more severe weather events from storms to droughts, we may see more discussion nationally and internationally in addressing these issues.
For now, my thoughts are with those whose lives will be impacted by this storm and I hope that the Frankenstorm is not the harbinger of things to come.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 11:46:17
Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 11:46:17
Good morning, bloggers!
Here is an update, courtesy of NBC:
Be prepared, my friends out East. If you have any chance of getting more supplies before the storm reaches your area, try to do so.
Here is an update, courtesy of NBC:
Sandy strengthens as it bears down on eastern US
Sustained wind levels rise to 85 mph in latest update from National Hurricane Center; 'life-threatening storm surge' feared along coast
NBC News and news services
updated 1 hour 4 minutes ago
Hurricane Sandy strengthened overnight off the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States and is expected to bring a "life-threatening storm surge", the U.S. National Hurricane Center said early Monday.
Maximum sustained winds of about 85 miles per hour were recorded 385 miles southeast of New York City, which forecasters warned could be hit by a wall of water up to 11 feet high.
The center of the storm was forecast to make landfall Monday night, likely in central or southern New Jersey, leaving millions of residents with only hours to prepare for its onslaught.
"We're looking at impact of greater than 50 to 60 million people," said Louis Uccellini, head of environmental prediction for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Forecasters said Sandy has the ingredients to transform into a "super storm" as it merges with an Arctic jet stream, which could make the storm unlike anything seen over the eastern United States in decades.
Forecasters said the combination could bring close to a foot of rain in places, a potentially lethal storm surge of 4 to 11 feet across much of the region, and punishing winds that could cause widespread power outages that last for days. The storm could also dump up to 2 feet of snow in Kentucky, North Carolina and West Virginia.
Be prepared, my friends out East. If you have any chance of getting more supplies before the storm reaches your area, try to do so.
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 10/29/2012 12:09:32
trojanrabbit on 10/29/2012 12:09:32
For the moment, I am at work, though I intend to bug out of here a little after lunch before the winds really pick up. People were left to decide for themselves if they wanted to come in to work today. With no school and many government workers told to stay home it makes for an easy commute. Being a few miles inland from Boston and in a valley I think the worst we are supposed to see are wind gusts around 60, maybe a couple of inches of rain, nowhere near as bad as expected along the coast. Since I can see the Boston skyline from work, meaning a clear shot for the wind, I wouldn't be surprised if we lose power here sooner rather than later.
I've started saying that the only oil we would see out of Keystone XL is whatever leaks out.
Only good thing to come out of this is that people were told to get all the political signs out of the ground lest they become projectiles.
Very annoying to see the cancellation scrawl on the bottom of the screen go away during a commercial (showing all the "G"s) then come back after the commercial still going (up to the "J"s). Idiots.
I've started saying that the only oil we would see out of Keystone XL is whatever leaks out.
Only good thing to come out of this is that people were told to get all the political signs out of the ground lest they become projectiles.
Very annoying to see the cancellation scrawl on the bottom of the screen go away during a commercial (showing all the "G"s) then come back after the commercial still going (up to the "J"s). Idiots.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 10/29/2012 12:27:01
wickedpam on 10/29/2012 12:27:01
Lucky me I get to drive home while the worst of it hits the area 
Comment by 
Raine on 10/29/2012 12:35:46
Raine on 10/29/2012 12:35:46
Thanks for filling in Will! I woke up to that news that the storm is gaining strength and may possibly become a Cat 2.
Our area is expected to have the worst winds around 2 in the morning--
I'm going to admit it, at this point, I am getting nervous. After it comes ashore, our area is still in the *red* zone.
Mala, I hope they let you go home early today. *sigh*
Our area is expected to have the worst winds around 2 in the morning--
I'm going to admit it, at this point, I am getting nervous. After it comes ashore, our area is still in the *red* zone.
Mala, I hope they let you go home early today. *sigh*
Comment by Raine on 10/29/2012 12:38:46
This is actually a really good idea. I haven't heard that suggestion around here yet, We have a mile or so strip of road that has Hundreds. that could pose a really bad danger.
Raine on 10/29/2012 12:38:46
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Only good thing to come out of this is that people were told to get all the political signs out of the ground lest they become projectiles.
This is actually a really good idea. I haven't heard that suggestion around here yet, We have a mile or so strip of road that has Hundreds. that could pose a really bad danger.
Comment by 
TriSec on 10/29/2012 12:41:02
TriSec on 10/29/2012 12:41:02
I still say "bah". Living in the most weather-obsessed part of the country, this has been nothing but hyperbole and histrionics for over a week now.
I don't think the impact in Eastern MA is going to be anywhere near what they think, although I'll defer to Ma Nature on the oceanic front; some of the buoys are reporting 17-foot seas, and the height of the storm is supposed to come at high tide today. Eep!
I know the Mid-Atlantic is under the gun; you guys watch out down there.
Although on the Job front (as in "Book Of"), Mrs. TriSec now has Pneumonia and a partially-collapsed lobe of lung...(was not hospitalized; resting comfortably at home). But with a hurricane bearing down on us, and me with a suppressed immune system, the likelihood of the tree out front lancing the house in two, and then my getting a disease and dying, have increased exponentially.
I would drink heavily today if I could; but it's too soon after treatment for that. Seltzer, anyone?
I don't think the impact in Eastern MA is going to be anywhere near what they think, although I'll defer to Ma Nature on the oceanic front; some of the buoys are reporting 17-foot seas, and the height of the storm is supposed to come at high tide today. Eep!
I know the Mid-Atlantic is under the gun; you guys watch out down there.
Although on the Job front (as in "Book Of"), Mrs. TriSec now has Pneumonia and a partially-collapsed lobe of lung...(was not hospitalized; resting comfortably at home). But with a hurricane bearing down on us, and me with a suppressed immune system, the likelihood of the tree out front lancing the house in two, and then my getting a disease and dying, have increased exponentially.
I would drink heavily today if I could; but it's too soon after treatment for that. Seltzer, anyone?
Comment by TriSec on 10/29/2012 12:43:56
Ah, you're on the rain side of the storm. NE is going to be on the wind side; we'll see.
TriSec on 10/29/2012 12:43:56
Quote by Raine:
This is just the Rainfall. UGH.
Ah, you're on the rain side of the storm. NE is going to be on the wind side; we'll see.
Comment by Raine on 10/29/2012 12:47:32
And tonite is a full moon!
Raine on 10/29/2012 12:47:32
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
This is just the Rainfall. UGH.
Ah, you're on the rain side of the storm. NE is going to be on the wind side; we'll see.
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 12:51:50
Your company is run by asshats. Why are you even at work today? The feds are closed today, yes? This totally begs the question why are you at work?
Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 12:51:50
Quote by wickedpam:
Lucky me I get to drive home while the worst of it hits the area
Your company is run by asshats. Why are you even at work today? The feds are closed today, yes? This totally begs the question why are you at work?
Comment by wickedpam on 10/29/2012 12:53:37
I'm not holding my breath.
wickedpam on 10/29/2012 12:53:37
Quote by Raine:
Thanks for filling in Will! I woke up to that news that the storm is gaining strength and may possibly become a Cat 2.
Our area is expected to have the worst winds around 2 in the morning--
I'm going to admit it, at this point, I am getting nervous. After it comes ashore, our area is still in the *red* zone.
Mala, I hope they let you go home early today. *sigh*
I'm not holding my breath.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/29/2012 12:57:21
there are days I wonder. We are open cause grocery stores are open.
wickedpam on 10/29/2012 12:57:21
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
Lucky me I get to drive home while the worst of it hits the area
Your company is run by asshats. Why are you even at work today? The feds are closed today, yes? This totally begs the question why are you at work?
there are days I wonder. We are open cause grocery stores are open.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 12:58:52
Nerd icon Joss Whedon on Mitt Romney and the Zombie Apocalypse
Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 12:58:52
Nerd icon Joss Whedon on Mitt Romney and the Zombie Apocalypse
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 12:59:59
People aren't buying wine, they are (D&M reference) buying BREAD MILK & TOILET PAPER!
Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 12:59:59
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
Lucky me I get to drive home while the worst of it hits the area
Your company is run by asshats. Why are you even at work today? The feds are closed today, yes? This totally begs the question why are you at work?
there are days I wonder. We are open cause grocery stores are open.
People aren't buying wine, they are (D&M reference) buying BREAD MILK & TOILET PAPER!
Comment by wickedpam on 10/29/2012 13:04:52
also snacks and alcohol.
Like I said I'm not holding my breath, we have overnight bags in the car and there's a couple hotels close by. I'm hoping he's not going to be so stubborn but I doubt it.
wickedpam on 10/29/2012 13:04:52
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:
Lucky me I get to drive home while the worst of it hits the area
Your company is run by asshats. Why are you even at work today? The feds are closed today, yes? This totally begs the question why are you at work?
there are days I wonder. We are open cause grocery stores are open.
People aren't buying wine, they are (D&M reference) buying BREAD MILK & TOILET PAPER!
also snacks and alcohol.
Like I said I'm not holding my breath, we have overnight bags in the car and there's a couple hotels close by. I'm hoping he's not going to be so stubborn but I doubt it.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/29/2012 13:05:09
wickedpam on 10/29/2012 13:05:09
Quote by Mondobubba:
Nerd icon Joss Whedon on Mitt Romney and the Zombie Apocalypse
Comment by trojanrabbit on 10/29/2012 13:09:09
trojanrabbit on 10/29/2012 13:09:09
The "Sports Talk" idiots felt it was better to complain about the presence of a sign-language interpreter at Governor Patrick's presser yesterday. Given the Pats destruction of the Rams in London and Gronkowski's rather uh......creative (probably will get fined twice by the No Fun League) touchdown dances, I thought they would at least talk about the game. No such luck. Channel clicking time.
At least The "Weather" Channel is on in the break room. Though their idea of a local radar shot is something so small it only takes about 1/4 of the screen. Must be a DirecTV thing.
At least The "Weather" Channel is on in the break room. Though their idea of a local radar shot is something so small it only takes about 1/4 of the screen. Must be a DirecTV thing.
Comment by TriSec on 10/29/2012 13:10:46
TriSec on 10/29/2012 13:10:46
Retail: Vital, Open.
Health Insurance: Closed.
God forbid we cut into anyone's profit margin 60 days before Christmas!
Health Insurance: Closed.
God forbid we cut into anyone's profit margin 60 days before Christmas!
Comment by trojanrabbit on 10/29/2012 13:14:31
Given that BJ's had their Christmas stuff up the last week in fucking SEPTEMBER I'd say that's vitally important, and if Mrs. Rabbit was still working in retail, she'd be expected to be out in this...or else.
Only thing I made sure to have done was my open enrollment (health care etc) selections on Sunday (due Tuesday), just in case the systems go down.
Have a lighting fixture "warming up" before I test it, so I'll be heading into lurk mode for a bit.
trojanrabbit on 10/29/2012 13:14:31
Quote by TriSec:
Retail: Vital, Open.
Health Insurance: Closed.
God forbid we cut into anyone's profit margin 60 days before Christmas!
Given that BJ's had their Christmas stuff up the last week in fucking SEPTEMBER I'd say that's vitally important, and if Mrs. Rabbit was still working in retail, she'd be expected to be out in this...or else.
Only thing I made sure to have done was my open enrollment (health care etc) selections on Sunday (due Tuesday), just in case the systems go down.
Have a lighting fixture "warming up" before I test it, so I'll be heading into lurk mode for a bit.
Comment by Raine on 10/29/2012 13:17:14
Raine on 10/29/2012 13:17:14
Comment by Raine on 10/29/2012 13:21:32
Raine on 10/29/2012 13:21:32
I hope Clint peeps into the blog today. I think his area is getting snow. 
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 13:31:36
I thought you would like that. Zombies and Joss Whedon, what more do you need.
Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 13:31:36
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Nerd icon Joss Whedon on Mitt Romney and the Zombie Apocalypse
I thought you would like that. Zombies and Joss Whedon, what more do you need.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 13:33:37
NPR reported that the ship hasn't sunk. Some confusion there. Side note, Washington, NC is where until recently Mamma Mondo lived.
Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 13:33:37
NPR reported that the ship hasn't sunk. Some confusion there. Side note, Washington, NC is where until recently Mamma Mondo lived.
Comment by wickedpam on 10/29/2012 13:35:36
Joss is a Pop Culture god
So I've been meaning to ask - are you new to the world of the Browncoat?
wickedpam on 10/29/2012 13:35:36
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:
Nerd icon Joss Whedon on Mitt Romney and the Zombie Apocalypse
I thought you would like that. Zombies and Joss Whedon, what more do you need.
Joss is a Pop Culture god
So I've been meaning to ask - are you new to the world of the Browncoat?
Comment by trojanrabbit on 10/29/2012 13:35:39
trojanrabbit on 10/29/2012 13:35:39
We've just been given the word at work to leave at noon.
Comment by Raine on 10/29/2012 13:40:02
I don't know when you heard that report because most other outlets in the past hour are reporting that it has.
It's sad.
Raine on 10/29/2012 13:40:02
Quote by Mondobubba:
NPR reported that the ship hasn't sunk. Some confusion there. Side note, Washington, NC is where until recently Mamma Mondo lived.
It's sad.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 14:08:44
Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 14:08:44
Over hear, we have high winds.
Nicole Sandler will be in for Randi today. I will not be shocked if Thom has to have someone fill in for him tomorrow.
Nicole Sandler will be in for Randi today. I will not be shocked if Thom has to have someone fill in for him tomorrow.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 14:08:52
Well it was about 2 hours ago. Not to mention that it was from the first hour of Morning Edition which comes on at six so call it four hours ago.
The Bounty replica wouldn't be the first ship to sink off Hatteras. They don't call it the Graveyard of ships for nothing.
Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 14:08:52
Quote by Raine:I don't know when you heard that report because most other outlets in the past hour are reporting that it has.Quote by Mondobubba:
NPR reported that the ship hasn't sunk. Some confusion there. Side note, Washington, NC is where until recently Mamma Mondo lived.
It's sad.
Well it was about 2 hours ago. Not to mention that it was from the first hour of Morning Edition which comes on at six so call it four hours ago.
The Bounty replica wouldn't be the first ship to sink off Hatteras. They don't call it the Graveyard of ships for nothing.
Comment by Raine on 10/29/2012 14:11:20
He's got a houseboat here in DC. I'd be surprised if he's in today.
Raine on 10/29/2012 14:11:20
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Over hear, we have high winds.
Nicole Sandler will be in for Randi today. I will not be shocked if Thom has to have someone fill in for him tomorrow.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 14:14:00
I am particularly concerned about Thom's houseboat, as I had this horrific thought that it was going to splinter.
Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 14:14:00
Quote by Raine:He's got a houseboat here in DC. I'd be surprised if he's in today.Quote by Will in Chicago:
Over hear, we have high winds.
Nicole Sandler will be in for Randi today. I will not be shocked if Thom has to have someone fill in for him tomorrow.
I am particularly concerned about Thom's houseboat, as I had this horrific thought that it was going to splinter.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 14:14:03
Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 14:14:03
We are launching a new product today. To that end, I was given a for color pen in the shape of a rocket (clever! :eyeroll:) Staying within the rocket theme, the pen is an ICBM with that has been MIRVed!
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 14:26:06
Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 14:26:06
I titled today's blog Stormwatch, as we are watching the storm. It is also the name of a superhero team in DC Comics.
Since that time, J'Onn J'Onnzz the Martian Manhunter has left the team and will soon be in a spin off of the Justice League book, the Justice League of America. (J'Onn was apparently part of the main Justice League for a little while, but things did not work out as he cleaned their clocks.) So, here is a new team. The Green Lantern here is Simon Baz, a Muslim-American from the Detroit area.
So, if a good team on the environment can be compared to the Justice League, how would I use the same metaphor to characterize the Romney team? I present to you, the Inferior FIve:
This is perhaps slightly better than the Bush administration, who could perhaps best be characterized by the following image:
Since that time, J'Onn J'Onnzz the Martian Manhunter has left the team and will soon be in a spin off of the Justice League book, the Justice League of America. (J'Onn was apparently part of the main Justice League for a little while, but things did not work out as he cleaned their clocks.) So, here is a new team. The Green Lantern here is Simon Baz, a Muslim-American from the Detroit area.
So, if a good team on the environment can be compared to the Justice League, how would I use the same metaphor to characterize the Romney team? I present to you, the Inferior FIve:
This is perhaps slightly better than the Bush administration, who could perhaps best be characterized by the following image:
Comment by Raine on 10/29/2012 14:26:59
Raine on 10/29/2012 14:26:59
Quote by Will in Chicago:There is an entire community of Houseboats on the DC waterfront.Quote by Raine:He's got a houseboat here in DC. I'd be surprised if he's in today.Quote by Will in Chicago:
Over hear, we have high winds.
Nicole Sandler will be in for Randi today. I will not be shocked if Thom has to have someone fill in for him tomorrow.
I am concerned for all of those people. Many have lived there for years.
I am particularly concerned about Thom's houseboat, as I had this horrific thought that it was going to splinter.
Comment by Raine on 10/29/2012 14:29:11
David Corn has the Audio.
Raine on 10/29/2012 14:29:11
I'm convinced that if this president is reelected, the war on business and economic freedom will continue. I don't think the president likes you very much. If you're in business, I think he looks at you as a necessary evil—and maybe not so necessary. I love you, all right? I love, I love business. I love people who employ other people, who have dreams and ideas, and are willing to start enterprises, and put people to work—all good things grow from successful enterprises. Businesses—good jobs come from good businesses.
Comment by Raine on 10/29/2012 14:32:44
There is an entire community of Houseboats on the DC waterfront.
I am concerned for all of those people. Many have lived there for years.
Raine on 10/29/2012 14:32:44
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:He's got a houseboat here in DC. I'd be surprised if he's in today.Quote by Will in Chicago:
Over hear, we have high winds.
Nicole Sandler will be in for Randi today. I will not be shocked if Thom has to have someone fill in for him tomorrow.
I am particularly concerned about Thom's houseboat, as I had this horrific thought that it was going to splinter.
I am concerned for all of those people. Many have lived there for years.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 14:38:21
Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 14:38:21
Here is the video of the new unofficial Obama campaign song:
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 15:04:39
Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 15:04:39
From HuffPo:
Updates show that Romney still supports this position. Greg Sargeant at the Washington Post notes:
Mitt Romney In GOP Debate: Shut Down Federal Disaster Agency, Send Responsibility To The States
During a CNN debate at the height of the GOP primary, Mitt Romney was asked, in the context of the Joplin disaster and FEMA's cash crunch, whether the agency should be shuttered so that states can individually take over responsibility for disaster response.
"Absolutely," he said. "Every time you have an occasion to take something from the federal government and send it back to the states, that's the right direction. And if you can go even further, and send it back to the private sector, that's even better. Instead of thinking, in the federal budget, what we should cut, we should ask the opposite question, what should we keep?"
"Including disaster relief, though?" debate moderator John King asked Romney.
"We cannot -- we cannot afford to do those things without jeopardizing the future for our kids," Romney replied. "It is simply immoral, in my view, for us to continue to rack up larger and larger debts and pass them on to our kids, knowing full well that we'll all be dead and gone before it's paid off. It makes no sense at all."
Updates show that Romney still supports this position. Greg Sargeant at the Washington Post notes:
There’s another nugget here worth highlighting, though. In that appearance, Romney also suggested it would be “even better†to send any and all responsibilities of the federal government “to the private sector,†disaster response included. So: Romney essentially favored privatizing disaster response.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 15:08:58
Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 15:08:58
You know if you go to weather.gov just based on the forecast info, it doesn't seem that bad. Just sayin...
Comment by 
BobR on 10/29/2012 15:09:19
BobR on 10/29/2012 15:09:19
Atlantic City: 
Comment by BobR on 10/29/2012 15:12:21
BobR on 10/29/2012 15:12:21
I think those are pieces of the boardwalk floating in the streets
Comment by BobR on 10/29/2012 15:13:24
Really? Right there at the top of the page it says "Sandy Expected to Bring Life-Threatening Storm Surge Flooding to Mid-Atlantic Coast"
BobR on 10/29/2012 15:13:24
Quote by Mondobubba:
You know if you go to weather.gov just based on the forecast info, it doesn't seem that bad. Just sayin...
Really? Right there at the top of the page it says "Sandy Expected to Bring Life-Threatening Storm Surge Flooding to Mid-Atlantic Coast"
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 15:25:29
Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 15:25:29
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 15:26:44
We have a lot of damage already.
Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 15:26:44
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
You know if you go to weather.gov just based on the forecast info, it doesn't seem that bad. Just sayin...
Really? Right there at the top of the page it says "Sandy Expected to Bring Life-Threatening Storm Surge Flooding to Mid-Atlantic Coast"
We have a lot of damage already.
Comment by 
clintster on 10/29/2012 15:31:52
clintster on 10/29/2012 15:31:52
Mornin' all. Well, the snow is falling and school is cancelled in my county. Even though the roads are apparently slick, the dirt driveway to the house is still clear. It's 33 degrees outside, and I am planning on making a pot of chili for dinner and listening to some Vince Guaraldi.
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 15:32:06
Did you click on the severe weather links? I meant specifically the day to day forecasts.
Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 15:32:06
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
You know if you go to weather.gov just based on the forecast info, it doesn't seem that bad. Just sayin...
Really? Right there at the top of the page it says "Sandy Expected to Bring Life-Threatening Storm Surge Flooding to Mid-Atlantic Coast"
Did you click on the severe weather links? I meant specifically the day to day forecasts.
Comment by BobR on 10/29/2012 15:34:06
BobR on 10/29/2012 15:34:06
facebook page for Stone Harbor, NJ. The pictures are amazing and it's still several hours until landfall
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 15:34:23
Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 15:34:23
The Ocean City Patch in New Jersey has a photo blog.
Here is an image from Red Hook, Brooklyn from the NY Times and someone named Nick Cope
Ocean City residents pass Seventh Street and Simpson Avenue in a search for higher ground on Monday morning at high tide in Ocean City as a massive coastal storm approached New Jersey. Credit Douglas Bergen
Here is an image from Red Hook, Brooklyn from the NY Times and someone named Nick Cope
Comment by BobR on 10/29/2012 15:36:05
That's not bad?
BobR on 10/29/2012 15:36:05
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
You know if you go to weather.gov just based on the forecast info, it doesn't seem that bad. Just sayin...
Really? Right there at the top of the page it says "Sandy Expected to Bring Life-Threatening Storm Surge Flooding to Mid-Atlantic Coast"
Did you click on the severe weather links? I meant specifically the day to day forecasts.
TONIGHT: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 38. Very windy, with a northwest wind 41 to 45 mph, with gusts as high as 70 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.
That's not bad?
Comment by Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 15:40:19
Will in Chicago on 10/29/2012 15:40:19
TriSec, do you want me to cover you for Ask A Vet?
Comment by Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 15:46:45
Bobber, you are missing my point. The rather bland forecast stuff doesn't leap out and say, "BAD SHIT, CAREFUL!" It is rather muted description of facts.
Mondobubba on 10/29/2012 15:46:45
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:
You know if you go to weather.gov just based on the forecast info, it doesn't seem that bad. Just sayin...
Really? Right there at the top of the page it says "Sandy Expected to Bring Life-Threatening Storm Surge Flooding to Mid-Atlantic Coast"
Did you click on the severe weather links? I meant specifically the day to day forecasts.TONIGHT: Rain. The rain could be heavy at times. Low around 38. Very windy, with a northwest wind 41 to 45 mph, with gusts as high as 70 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New precipitation amounts between 2 and 3 inches possible.
That's not bad?
Bobber, you are missing my point. The rather bland forecast stuff doesn't leap out and say, "BAD SHIT, CAREFUL!" It is rather muted description of facts.