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Still Blaming Both Sides.
Author: Raine
Date: 09/27/2013 13:41:23
I wrote this in May 2012, and looking at it again, reminds me how little things have changed regarding the Republicans in Congress. Who needs to write another blog when nothing has changed? This image remains as true today as it did a year and a half ago, when the GOP was once again threatening to shut down Congress. 
I still believe this sums up of the current state of affairs. Lastmonth year the Washington Post ran an article in the opinion section titled: Let’s just say it: The Republicans are the problem.
I wrote then: Greg Sargent had a very interesting observation about the latest drama unfolding on Capitol Hill. In a word he calls it insane. He also goes on to call out the press corp -- pundits and journos alike -- to inform people of what is really happening here: Or as Steve Benen put it: 
These are things that the media should be vocally informing people about. Chuck Todd is just the latest in line of reporters not doing their job. You'll recall his fateful words last week: Contrast that to what White House adviser Dan Pfeiffer said about the GOP and the Continuing Resolution drama: Boom. That should be the story instead of this ridiculous meme that there's bipartisanship - this hand-ringing from reporters and pundits is a distraction from what is really happening. The GOP is holding America Hostage. Again.
Credit should go to Sergent, Benen, Klein and the others that do a good job of trying to stick to the real story instead of following the easier (and lazier) distractions. Sadly these voices seem to be drowned out by ridiculous dog-and-pony shows like the one Ted Cruz pulled this week. Ball's in your court, Media -- tell the truth about what the GOP is doing here: they are holding our country hostage for their own extreme agenda. That isn't hyperbole - that's truth. That is your ONE job: you tell truth. Don't make it the first casualty.
Republicans are to blame and as long as the media represents these issues as "both sides do it" its an accomplice to this malady.
I guess I wrote another blog after all.
and 
Raine
I still believe this sums up of the current state of affairs. Last
I wrote then:
This is proof to me that yes, we can blame them both, the Republicans in office for obstructing the work for the people of this nation and our fourth estate, the media, for failing to honestly report the news -- especially when the news is about their tendency to say both sides are to blame. The media loves a circus, and the GOP is more than happy to provide it. Republicans are not the same as Democrats, in spite of what some people will tell you. For all the railing against the mainstream media, it appears that the most radical among us (left and right <<< see what I did there?) have fallen for this meme that they are the same. I would say it's more than fair to declare that nothing is getting done in Washington-- at least not as much as could be done, but the reasons why have far more complicit participants. It's really a sad joke on those (myself included many times) that claim to be part of voice representing either side of the aisle. The media - which we need to have to inform us all - is failing us at the very root level: It refuses to take reflection on itself.
It remains to be seen whether major commentators and news orgs will clearly and forthrightly reckon with — and convey to readers — how insane the GOP position here really is. I laid out the reasons for this yesterday, but the short version is that Democrats are not asking Republicans to give up anything in requesting that they support a debt limit hike. They are not asking Republicans to agree to more spending. They are not asking for new taxes. They are simply asking Republicans to join them in making it possible for Congress to pay obligations it has already incurred, and in so doing, avert economic catastrophe for the whole country. There is no rationale for giving Republicans anything in return for this.
In return for a one-year suspension of the debt ceiling, House Republicans are demanding a yearlong delay of Obamacare, Rep. Paul Ryan’s tax reform plan, the Keystone XL pipeline, more offshore oil drilling, more drilling on federally protected lands, rewriting of ash coal regulations, a suspension of the Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts to regulate carbon emissions, more power over the regulatory process in general, reform of the federal employee retirement program, an overhaul of the Dodd-Frank financial regulations, more power over the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s budget, repeal of the Social Services Block Grant, more means-testing in Medicare, repeal of the Public Health trust fund, and more.
These are things that the media should be vocally informing people about. Chuck Todd is just the latest in line of reporters not doing their job. You'll recall his fateful words last week:
"What I always love is people say, 'Well, it's you folks' fault in the media.' No! It's the President of the United States' fault for not selling it."
A top White House aide said Thursday that the White House refuses to negotiate with Republicans over the debt ceiling, likening the GOP to someone with "a bomb strapped to their chest."
"What we're not for is negotiating with people with a bomb strapped to their chest," senior White House adviser Dan Pfeiffer said on CNN. "We're not going to do that."
Pfeiffer then took the metaphor a step further, saying the GOP is asking for a "ransom."
Credit should go to Sergent, Benen, Klein and the others that do a good job of trying to stick to the real story instead of following the easier (and lazier) distractions. Sadly these voices seem to be drowned out by ridiculous dog-and-pony shows like the one Ted Cruz pulled this week. Ball's in your court, Media -- tell the truth about what the GOP is doing here: they are holding our country hostage for their own extreme agenda. That isn't hyperbole - that's truth. That is your ONE job: you tell truth. Don't make it the first casualty.
Republicans are to blame and as long as the media represents these issues as "both sides do it" its an accomplice to this malady.
I guess I wrote another blog after all.
and Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 13:11:00
Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 13:11:00
Morning.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 13:14:16
Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 13:14:16
Comment by 
wickedpam on 09/27/2013 13:18:45
wickedpam on 09/27/2013 13:18:45
Morning 
Comment by wickedpam on 09/27/2013 13:24:03
wickedpam on 09/27/2013 13:24:03
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 13:35:29
Yep.
Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 13:35:29
Quote by wickedpam:
So I guess Bob would be seeing him in the halls anymore -
Allen West Fired from PJMedia
Yep.
Comment by 
Raine on 09/27/2013 13:45:52
Blog is being edited, and this stub will go away shortly.
Raine on 09/27/2013 13:45:52
This is the shit I'm talking about in today's blog. Distractions just piss me off.
Blog is being edited, and this stub will go away shortly.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 13:48:31
MEGO occurs when I hear/read those on the left yammer about "Imperialism! He's just like/worse that Bush!"
Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 13:48:31
Quote by Raine:This is the shit I'm talking about in today's blog. Distractions just piss me off.
Blog is being edited, and this stub will go away shortly.
MEGO occurs when I hear/read those on the left yammer about "Imperialism! He's just like/worse that Bush!"
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 13:59:43
**** BLOG POSTED ****
Raine on 09/27/2013 13:59:43
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 14:14:04
Raine on 09/27/2013 14:14:04
I love that the WH basically called the GOP terrorists.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 09/27/2013 14:28:23
Scoopster on 09/27/2013 14:28:23
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 14:38:11
Raine on 09/27/2013 14:38:11
Blog kilt Blog. Long live Blog. 
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 14:39:13
ooOOoo Afflek and Damon are working together again?
Just that is awesome.
Raine on 09/27/2013 14:39:13
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & Happy Fridee!
So it looks like Matt Damon will be taking on Whitey..
Just that is awesome.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 14:42:17
Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 14:42:17
:finishes reading blog: I guess you can't say this too many times: the petulant temper tantrum throwing babies GOP leadership is not the same as the Democratic leadership despite what the likes of Chuckers the Beaver would have us think.
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 14:44:08
Who is the beaver?
Raine on 09/27/2013 14:44:08
Quote by Mondobubba:
:finishes reading blog: I guess you can't say this too many times:the petulant temper tantrum throwing babiesGOP leadership is not the same as the Democratic leadership despite what the likes of Chuckers the Beaver would have us think.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/27/2013 14:52:37
wickedpam on 09/27/2013 14:52:37
gawd its only 10:50 
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 14:58:24
Chuck Todd. Doesn't he look sorta like a beaver with his weak chin hidden behind the goatee? I could have sworn I told you about the animated show I want to pitch to NBC called "Chuckers." The main character is an anthropomorphic beaver who looks a lot like Chuck Todd.
Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 14:58:24
Quote by Raine:Who is the beaver?Quote by Mondobubba:
:finishes reading blog: I guess you can't say this too many times:the petulant temper tantrum throwing babiesGOP leadership is not the same as the Democratic leadership despite what the likes of Chuckers the Beaver would have us think.
Chuck Todd. Doesn't he look sorta like a beaver with his weak chin hidden behind the goatee? I could have sworn I told you about the animated show I want to pitch to NBC called "Chuckers." The main character is an anthropomorphic beaver who looks a lot like Chuck Todd.
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 15:01:07
I had a derp moment and read that as Chuckers and Beaver. 
<--- on me.
Raine on 09/27/2013 15:01:07
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Who is the beaver?Quote by Mondobubba:
:finishes reading blog: I guess you can't say this too many times:the petulant temper tantrum throwing babiesGOP leadership is not the same as the Democratic leadership despite what the likes of Chuckers the Beaver would have us think.
Chuck Todd. Doesn't he look sorta like a beaver with his weak chin hidden behind the goatee? I could have sworn I told you about the animated show I want to pitch to NBC called "Chuckers." The main character is an anthropomorphic beaver who looks a lot like Chuck Todd.
<--- on me.
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 15:06:54
Raine on 09/27/2013 15:06:54
So, can we agree that "Mo" will get into the Hall of Fame his first year of eligibility?
I'm very happy that I can say I watched him close a few games.
I'm very happy that I can say I watched him close a few games.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/27/2013 15:08:32
Scoopster on 09/27/2013 15:08:32
On Sept 30 Rush (the band) is re-releasing a remixed version of their 2002 album 'Vapor Trails'..
I'm really glad they admitted that the original studio mixing was flawed. I really love this album because Peart's songwriting is incredibly emotional, but musically it's sooooo hard to listen to.
I'm really glad they admitted that the original studio mixing was flawed. I really love this album because Peart's songwriting is incredibly emotional, but musically it's sooooo hard to listen to.
Comment by 
BobR on 09/27/2013 15:08:51
Pitch it to Adult Swim. We have friends there.
BobR on 09/27/2013 15:08:51
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Who is the beaver?Quote by Mondobubba:
:finishes reading blog: I guess you can't say this too many times:the petulant temper tantrum throwing babiesGOP leadership is not the same as the Democratic leadership despite what the likes of Chuckers the Beaver would have us think.
Chuck Todd. Doesn't he look sorta like a beaver with his weak chin hidden behind the goatee? I could have sworn I told you about the animated show I want to pitch to NBC called "Chuckers." The main character is an anthropomorphic beaver who looks a lot like Chuck Todd.
Pitch it to Adult Swim. We have friends there.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 15:31:09
It has to be NBC. Because Chuckers is a newsbeaver for a major broadcast network. His shenanigans are constantly getting and his network in trouble. Hence the catch phrase, "Aw Chuckers!"
Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 15:31:09
Quote by BobR:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Who is the beaver?Quote by Mondobubba:
:finishes reading blog: I guess you can't say this too many times:the petulant temper tantrum throwing babiesGOP leadership is not the same as the Democratic leadership despite what the likes of Chuckers the Beaver would have us think.
Chuck Todd. Doesn't he look sorta like a beaver with his weak chin hidden behind the goatee? I could have sworn I told you about the animated show I want to pitch to NBC called "Chuckers." The main character is an anthropomorphic beaver who looks a lot like Chuck Todd.
Pitch it to Adult Swim. We have friends there.
It has to be NBC. Because Chuckers is a newsbeaver for a major broadcast network. His shenanigans are constantly getting and his network in trouble. Hence the catch phrase, "Aw Chuckers!"
Comment by 
TriSec on 09/27/2013 15:54:08
Buster Olney on Baseball Tonight was talking about this the other day. Not only should he be a first ballot hall-of-famer, he should be a unanimous choice. He went on to point out a few other people that should have been unanimous but weren't, and he threw the gauntlet down even before Mr. RIvera had played his last game.
Baseball writers that vote "No" on his admission maybe shouldn't be baseball writers.
So says the Red Sox fan. (And remember, Javi watched his first baseball game with me while we were still in Manila - at 7am (8pm EDT), and it was the Yankees.)
TriSec on 09/27/2013 15:54:08
Quote by Raine:
So, can we agree that "Mo" will get into the Hall of Fame his first year of eligibility?
I'm very happy that I can say I watched him close a few games.
Buster Olney on Baseball Tonight was talking about this the other day. Not only should he be a first ballot hall-of-famer, he should be a unanimous choice. He went on to point out a few other people that should have been unanimous but weren't, and he threw the gauntlet down even before Mr. RIvera had played his last game.
Baseball writers that vote "No" on his admission maybe shouldn't be baseball writers.
So says the Red Sox fan. (And remember, Javi watched his first baseball game with me while we were still in Manila - at 7am (8pm EDT), and it was the Yankees.)
Comment by TriSec on 09/27/2013 15:57:41
TriSec on 09/27/2013 15:57:41
Although he will never be as beloved as Dave Roberts or Curt Schilling around here, the fact remains that the Red Sox would have never broken the curse in 2004 without his help.
Although the Yankees led three-games-to-none in the series, Rivera blew saves in Games 4 and 5, and the Red Sox won both games in extra innings to avoid elimination. In Game 4, Boston's Dave Roberts pinch ran and stole second base off Rivera, eventually scoring on a single to tie the game. In Game 5, Rivera entered with a one-run lead with runners on base and allowed a sacrifice fly to tie the score. Although he allowed just one earned run in the 2004 postseason, he blew three of five save opportunities in the two series. Boston's comeback victories helped them become the first team in MLB history to win a best-of-seven series in which they trailed three-games-to-none.
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 09/27/2013 16:14:42
There's no way Rivera shouldn't be first ballot HoF. The best closer hands down, and a decent person to boot.
I'm sure there will be one child in the BBWAA who feels that relievers shouldn't be in the HoF no matter what.
trojanrabbit on 09/27/2013 16:14:42
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
So, can we agree that "Mo" will get into the Hall of Fame his first year of eligibility?
I'm very happy that I can say I watched him close a few games.
Buster Olney on Baseball Tonight was talking about this the other day. Not only should he be a first ballot hall-of-famer, he should be a unanimous choice. He went on to point out a few other people that should have been unanimous but weren't, and he threw the gauntlet down even before Mr. RIvera had played his last game.
Baseball writers that vote "No" on his admission maybe shouldn't be baseball writers.
So says the Red Sox fan. (And remember, Javi watched his first baseball game with me while we were still in Manila - at 7am (8pm EDT), and it was the Yankees.)
There's no way Rivera shouldn't be first ballot HoF. The best closer hands down, and a decent person to boot.
I'm sure there will be one child in the BBWAA who feels that relievers shouldn't be in the HoF no matter what.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 16:30:15
Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 16:30:15
Tri, I just held you up as a shining example of adult musical education. On of my roller derby girl friends asked if it hard to pick an instrument as an adult. Specifically trumpet.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/27/2013 16:38:32
Scoopster on 09/27/2013 16:38:32
Ooops.. the first link in today's bloggie is borked!
Comment by 
livingonli on 09/27/2013 16:45:35
livingonli on 09/27/2013 16:45:35
Good day, folks. Just wondering who's seen Olbermann since he went back to ESPN even if he is back to just doing a sports show?
When I heard the Chuck Todd Beaver stuff I was thinking "Leave it to Beaver", but he may be more like Eddie Haskell.
When I heard the Chuck Todd Beaver stuff I was thinking "Leave it to Beaver", but he may be more like Eddie Haskell.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/27/2013 17:41:42
Scoopster on 09/27/2013 17:41:42
Ugh.. just got an email from my friend who works for Sen. Warren. Looks like Playgirl Scottie's seriously considering a move to New Hampshire to run against Jeanne Shaheen.
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 17:41:54
Raine on 09/27/2013 17:41:54
Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
So, can we agree that "Mo" will get into the Hall of Fame his first year of eligibility?
I'm very happy that I can say I watched him close a few games.
Buster Olney on Baseball Tonight was talking about this the other day. Not only should he be a first ballot hall-of-famer, he should be a unanimous choice. He went on to point out a few other people that should have been unanimous but weren't, and he threw the gauntlet down even before Mr. RIvera had played his last game.
Baseball writers that vote "No" on his admission maybe shouldn't be baseball writers.
So says the Red Sox fan. (And remember, Javi watched his first baseball game with me while we were still in Manila - at 7am (8pm EDT), and it was the Yankees.)
There's no way Rivera shouldn't be first ballot HoF. The best closer hands down, and a decent person to boot.
I'm sure there will be one child in the BBWAA who feels that relievers shouldn't be in the HoF no matter what.
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 17:42:52
Oh Scottie... run, be free!
Raine on 09/27/2013 17:42:52
Quote by Scoopster:
Ugh.. just got an email from my friend who works for Sen. Warren. Looks like Playgirl Scottie's seriously considering a move to New Hampshire to run against Jeanne Shaheen.
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 17:45:19
OH? Damn -- lemme go fix it!
Raine on 09/27/2013 17:45:19
Quote by Scoopster:
Ooops.. the first link in today's bloggie is borked!
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 17:47:18
Raine on 09/27/2013 17:47:18
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 17:50:33
Raine on 09/27/2013 17:50:33
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 17:51:07
Have not -- is it a good show?
Raine on 09/27/2013 17:51:07
Quote by livingonli:
Good day, folks. Just wondering who's seen Olbermann since he went back to ESPN even if he is back to just doing a sports show?
When I heard the Chuck Todd Beaver stuff I was thinking "Leave it to Beaver", but he may be more like Eddie Haskell.
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 17:53:29
Raine on 09/27/2013 17:53:29
...and a truncated version of the blog topic:
Comment by TriSec on 09/27/2013 18:03:24
How is it that these people walk upright and use their opposable thumbs to manipulate tools?
TriSec on 09/27/2013 18:03:24
Quote by Scoopster:
Okay that does it. I've lost all faith in humanity now.
How is it that these people walk upright and use their opposable thumbs to manipulate tools?
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 18:05:01
Raine on 09/27/2013 18:05:01
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 18:10:03
This isn't from the Onion?
Raine on 09/27/2013 18:10:03
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Scoopster:
Okay that does it. I've lost all faith in humanity now.
How is it that these people walk upright and use their opposable thumbs to manipulate tools?
Comment by livingonli on 09/27/2013 18:12:33
It is. It has retained some Countdown elements like "Worst Persons" and the bit where he shows the goofy video clips even if they are all sports focused now. He got his most political on his opening comments a few weeks ago on the Sochi Olympics and Russia's anti-LGBT laws.
livingonli on 09/27/2013 18:12:33
Quote by Raine:Have not -- is it a good show?Quote by livingonli:
Good day, folks. Just wondering who's seen Olbermann since he went back to ESPN even if he is back to just doing a sports show?
When I heard the Chuck Todd Beaver stuff I was thinking "Leave it to Beaver", but he may be more like Eddie Haskell.
It is. It has retained some Countdown elements like "Worst Persons" and the bit where he shows the goofy video clips even if they are all sports focused now. He got his most political on his opening comments a few weeks ago on the Sochi Olympics and Russia's anti-LGBT laws.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 18:15:24
Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 18:15:24
Seriously?
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 18:17:32
Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 18:17:32
Comment by Scoopster on 09/27/2013 18:24:41
Scoopster on 09/27/2013 18:24:41
It must be Friday stupid news dump time.. cuz all these headlines are popping up.
Kansas group trying to eliminate evolution from the cirriculum.. by using some unorthodox reasoning
Kansas group trying to eliminate evolution from the cirriculum.. by using some unorthodox reasoning
Comment by Raine on 09/27/2013 18:26:33
I don;t think we've been able to find ESPN2 on the cable mosheen as of late.
Raine on 09/27/2013 18:26:33
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:Have not -- is it a good show?Quote by livingonli:
Good day, folks. Just wondering who's seen Olbermann since he went back to ESPN even if he is back to just doing a sports show?
When I heard the Chuck Todd Beaver stuff I was thinking "Leave it to Beaver", but he may be more like Eddie Haskell.
It is. It has retained some Countdown elements like "Worst Persons" and the bit where he shows the goofy video clips even if they are all sports focused now. He got his most political on his opening comments a few weeks ago on the Sochi Olympics and Russia's anti-LGBT laws.
Comment by livingonli on 09/27/2013 18:29:38
Sounds like they may have just moved it so check your guide. It also airs on ESPN News.
livingonli on 09/27/2013 18:29:38
Quote by Raine:I don;t think we've been able to find ESPN2 on the cable mosheen as of late.Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:Have not -- is it a good show?Quote by livingonli:
Good day, folks. Just wondering who's seen Olbermann since he went back to ESPN even if he is back to just doing a sports show?
When I heard the Chuck Todd Beaver stuff I was thinking "Leave it to Beaver", but he may be more like Eddie Haskell.
It is. It has retained some Countdown elements like "Worst Persons" and the bit where he shows the goofy video clips even if they are all sports focused now. He got his most political on his opening comments a few weeks ago on the Sochi Olympics and Russia's anti-LGBT laws.
Sounds like they may have just moved it so check your guide. It also airs on ESPN News.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 18:36:33
Yeah that's gonna fly, even if it is Kansas.
Mondobubba on 09/27/2013 18:36:33
Quote by Scoopster:
It must be Friday stupid news dump time.. cuz all these headlines are popping up.
Kansas group trying to eliminate evolution from the cirriculum.. by using some unorthodox reasoning
Yeah that's gonna fly, even if it is Kansas.