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Promises promises.
Author: Raine
Date: 03/09/2009 12:51:27
It is a bit hard to comprehend what has been happening, but things are actually getting done-- or being undone -- just as we were promised during those two long campaign years.
In less than 2 months we have seen SCHIP funding passed, the Gag Rule lifted, Stem Cell research Returned, Gitmo was ordered closed, the Iraq War was given a withdrawal date, President Obama stopped torture, the DOJ is on it's way to functioning the way it is supposed to, The Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay act was passed, there will be no more medical marijuana raids, he is reversing many environmental rules, money has been put back into higher education --- oh the list can go on. He has even said that the era of no bid contracts is ending. (It's something I admit I did not hear about in the campaign, but was thrilled to hear last week) You can track them here. The Budget, Health care and credit cards are next and if recent history is any indicator, we may be pleasantly surprised.
The point is that things are getting done, and getting done far faster than I expected. I find it so hopeful and refreshing to see that despite the fact that one party has turned itself into he party of obstruction -- things are getting done anyway. It's happening even with the pundits crying that President Obama is trying to either do too much or is making our country fail. To tell you the truth, I wish President Obama and the congress could work faster-- but hey, I am a liberal-- I like change.
The reality is this: our country has been failing for a few years now. We not only have had a housing crisis and a financial crisis for some time, but we have suffered from a crisis of confidence in our government. We have been told for many many years -- even decades -- that all politicians are the same. The new boss is the same as the old boss, that government doesn't work and that all we realy need is to be individuals and stand on our own. For decades, people believed that crap and voted the very people that hate government INTO government. That didn't happen this Novemeber. We elected people who promised to help our country, they promised to help US. We elected people who looked at American government as the solution, instead of the problem.
It's happening. It's happening faster and quicker than I expected, and I could not be happier. I expected that there are things that will get worse before they get better, but just knowing that there are people in Washington DC that really meant it when they said it was a campaign promise gives me hope and inspires me. More important -- it is restoring my faith in our country.
It's Monday... let's get Blogging.
:peace: and
In less than 2 months we have seen SCHIP funding passed, the Gag Rule lifted, Stem Cell research Returned, Gitmo was ordered closed, the Iraq War was given a withdrawal date, President Obama stopped torture, the DOJ is on it's way to functioning the way it is supposed to, The Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay act was passed, there will be no more medical marijuana raids, he is reversing many environmental rules, money has been put back into higher education --- oh the list can go on. He has even said that the era of no bid contracts is ending. (It's something I admit I did not hear about in the campaign, but was thrilled to hear last week) You can track them here. The Budget, Health care and credit cards are next and if recent history is any indicator, we may be pleasantly surprised.
The point is that things are getting done, and getting done far faster than I expected. I find it so hopeful and refreshing to see that despite the fact that one party has turned itself into he party of obstruction -- things are getting done anyway. It's happening even with the pundits crying that President Obama is trying to either do too much or is making our country fail. To tell you the truth, I wish President Obama and the congress could work faster-- but hey, I am a liberal-- I like change.
The reality is this: our country has been failing for a few years now. We not only have had a housing crisis and a financial crisis for some time, but we have suffered from a crisis of confidence in our government. We have been told for many many years -- even decades -- that all politicians are the same. The new boss is the same as the old boss, that government doesn't work and that all we realy need is to be individuals and stand on our own. For decades, people believed that crap and voted the very people that hate government INTO government. That didn't happen this Novemeber. We elected people who promised to help our country, they promised to help US. We elected people who looked at American government as the solution, instead of the problem.
It's happening. It's happening faster and quicker than I expected, and I could not be happier. I expected that there are things that will get worse before they get better, but just knowing that there are people in Washington DC that really meant it when they said it was a campaign promise gives me hope and inspires me. More important -- it is restoring my faith in our country.
It's Monday... let's get Blogging.
:peace: and
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 03/09/2009 13:11:17
wickedpam on 03/09/2009 13:11:17
Morning :hug:
Comment by 
Random on 03/09/2009 13:11:50
good blog.
Random on 03/09/2009 13:11:50
good blog.
Comment by 
Raine on 03/09/2009 13:12:24
Raine on 03/09/2009 13:12:24
:hug: Morning...
anyone listening to Seattle Talk? it sounds like Momma is on Helium!
anyone listening to Seattle Talk? it sounds like Momma is on Helium!
Comment by 
TriSec on 03/09/2009 13:14:06
TriSec on 03/09/2009 13:14:06
*grunt*
It's snowing.
I'm off to the agency today for another resume review.
Still having trouble putting Athena in the rear-view mirror. The team moved over the weekend; I was to be reunited with my longtime friend in a new "pod" today.
:kickcan:
It's snowing.
I'm off to the agency today for another resume review.
Still having trouble putting Athena in the rear-view mirror. The team moved over the weekend; I was to be reunited with my longtime friend in a new "pod" today.
:kickcan:
Comment by wickedpam on 03/09/2009 13:26:01
KTLK - she does seem a little ramped up
wickedpam on 03/09/2009 13:26:01
Quote by Raine:
:hug: Morning...
anyone listening to Seattle Talk? it sounds like Momma is on Helium!
KTLK - she does seem a little ramped up
Comment by wickedpam on 03/09/2009 13:26:44
wickedpam on 03/09/2009 13:26:44
Tri 
You are so going to be on to better things :)
You are so going to be on to better things :)
Comment by wickedpam on 03/09/2009 13:38:40
wickedpam on 03/09/2009 13:38:40
THat was Sigmond
Comment by Raine on 03/09/2009 13:38:54
No seriously, I just rebooted my machine to see if it was me, She sounds fine on the other stations... She sounds like a mini Momma on the seattle stream. So do the mooks.
I subscribed to the steph stream on iTunes, it sounds much better.
Raine on 03/09/2009 13:38:54
Quote by wickedpam:
KTLK - she does seem a little ramped up
I subscribed to the steph stream on iTunes, it sounds much better.
Comment by TriSec on 03/09/2009 13:40:03
TriSec on 03/09/2009 13:40:03
Yeah, I know. I was speaking with said friend over the weekend....she was telling me the same things, too. About how I was a good team lead, I can be a decent manager again, and that she thinks I'll be able to go places. Left unsaid was "Now that I am free of Athena".
It worked for a while, but I know the department I was in was a dead end. Then any other department I could be interested in moved to Maine.
It worked for a while, but I know the department I was in was a dead end. Then any other department I could be interested in moved to Maine.
Comment by Raine on 03/09/2009 13:46:28
Raine on 03/09/2009 13:46:28
Scratch that. 
I can't hear momma today...
I can't hear momma today...
Comment by 
Scoopster on 03/09/2009 13:50:57
Scoopster on 03/09/2009 13:50:57
Mornin' guys.. Nice opening Raine, though for all the progress that has been made there is still much that needs to be done, particularly on sub-cabinet appointments.
NPR - Undersecretary & lower posts in Adminstration slowed by increased vetting & focus on other major problems like the economy.
NPR - Undersecretary & lower posts in Adminstration slowed by increased vetting & focus on other major problems like the economy.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/09/2009 13:57:16
computer issues?
wickedpam on 03/09/2009 13:57:16
Quote by Raine:
Scratch that.
I can't hear momma today...
computer issues?
Comment by 
velveeta jones on 03/09/2009 14:01:59
velveeta jones on 03/09/2009 14:01:59
Morning all. I'm finally up! :P
Comment by velveeta jones on 03/09/2009 14:10:42
velveeta jones on 03/09/2009 14:10:42
Excuse me?? 
WoW! these letters Steph is getting........
:thud:
WoW! these letters Steph is getting........:thud:
Comment by Scoopster on 03/09/2009 14:12:55
Scoopster on 03/09/2009 14:12:55
Interesting.. http://www.samesexkiss.org/
Comment by Raine on 03/09/2009 14:13:31
They are really rather stunning.
Raine on 03/09/2009 14:13:31
Quote by velveeta jones:
Excuse me??
:thud:
They are really rather stunning.
Comment by Raine on 03/09/2009 14:15:02
I like it!
Raine on 03/09/2009 14:15:02
Quote by Scoopster:
Interesting.. http://www.samesexkiss.org/
I like it!
Comment by 
livingonli on 03/09/2009 14:15:27
livingonli on 03/09/2009 14:15:27
Good morning everyone. 
It seems like since that Rush comment. Momma has turned into a full-time right-wing world. God, what idiots these right-wingers are and the ugly level of vitriol that they spew. I am listening on the XM machine. Now that XM airs all three hours I have found the easy way to listen.
I have a rescheduled doctor's appointment at 10:45. Wish me luck.
It seems like since that Rush comment. Momma has turned into a full-time right-wing world. God, what idiots these right-wingers are and the ugly level of vitriol that they spew. I am listening on the XM machine. Now that XM airs all three hours I have found the easy way to listen.
I have a rescheduled doctor's appointment at 10:45. Wish me luck.
Comment by Raine on 03/09/2009 14:22:02
Not sure... the standalone Streamers are not working for me... the KNUV stream is down and the Seattle station sounds like they are all on helium.
I am listenign to the helium station. Obama Sounds funny!
Raine on 03/09/2009 14:22:02
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Scratch that.
I can't hear momma today...
computer issues?
Not sure... the standalone Streamers are not working for me... the KNUV stream is down and the Seattle station sounds like they are all on helium.
I am listenign to the helium station. Obama Sounds funny!
Comment by Scoopster on 03/09/2009 14:24:23
Scoopster on 03/09/2009 14:24:23
ROFL It has begun.. I just got this in my email box:
Good day to you, I am Timothy F. Geithner, Secretary of the United States National Treasury. President Obama nominated me to be the 75th Secretary of the Treasury and the United States Senate confirmed me to the position on January 26, 2009 and I was sworn into office by Supreme Court Chief Justice. As Treasury Secretary, I am the President's leading policy advisor on a broad range of domestic and international economic issues. Before coming to Treasury, I was the ninth president and chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on November 17, 2003. In that capacity, I served as the vice chairman and a permanent member of the Federal Open Market Committee, the group responsible for formulating the nation's monetary policy. I have also served as chairman of the G-10's Committee on Payment and Settlement Systems of the Bank for International Settlements and i am a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Group of Thirty. I joined the Department o!
f Treasury in 1988 and worked in t
Kindly visit the website below to view my personal profile.
Website: LINK REMOVED TO PREVENT GOOGLING PPL FROM BEING TOO CURIOUS FOR THEIR OWN GOOD.
The United Nations have given me due Instructions, alongside with the World Bank to wire a sum of $10million US Dollars Only into your Bank Account in a Legal way. That is why I have contacted you, as the United States Department of Justice, in The Person of the Attorney General will get some documents for you so that this Transaction can be completed without delay.
Below is the Required Documents:
1: United Nations Stop Order Document
2: World Bank Clearance Certificate
3: Proof of Ownership Certificate.
These three(3) documents are needed before I can proceed with the transfer into your bank account: in the meantime; I want you to Re-Confirm the following details to me for your Case File Processing.
Legal First and Last Name:
Complete Residential Address & Age
Direct Telephone No & Fax
Legal Occupation and Position
Address of Occupation
Please get back to me as soon as possible via my Personal Email:
[email protected]
Thanks and God Bless you.
Timothy F. Geithner
Executive Secretary United States Treasury Department
Main Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20220
Comment by wickedpam on 03/09/2009 14:32:06
weird
wickedpam on 03/09/2009 14:32:06
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Scratch that.
I can't hear momma today...
computer issues?
Not sure... the standalone Streamers are not working for me... the KNUV stream is down and the Seattle station sounds like they are all on helium.
I am listenign to the helium station. Obama Sounds funny!
weird
Comment by wickedpam on 03/09/2009 14:32:39
luck at the doc's :hug:
wickedpam on 03/09/2009 14:32:39
Quote by livingonli:
Good morning everyone.
It seems like since that Rush comment. Momma has turned into a full-time right-wing world. God, what idiots these right-wingers are and the ugly level of vitriol that they spew. I am listening on the XM machine. Now that XM airs all three hours I have found the easy way to listen.
I have a rescheduled doctor's appointment at 10:45. Wish me luck.
luck at the doc's :hug:
Comment by velveeta jones on 03/09/2009 14:33:39
:clap: Too good!! :rofl:
velveeta jones on 03/09/2009 14:33:39
Quote by Scoopster:
ROFL It has begun.. I just got this in my email box:
:clap: Too good!! :rofl:
Comment by Scoopster on 03/09/2009 14:35:04
Scoopster on 03/09/2009 14:35:04
Ooh the E-File is going MUCH faster this year, or maybe they're just good with the update emails!
And I decided to do direct deposit this year too.. should have my refund in a week! (and my new street bike soon after )
And I decided to do direct deposit this year too.. should have my refund in a week! (and my new street bike soon after
)
Comment by livingonli on 03/09/2009 14:52:23
livingonli on 03/09/2009 14:52:23
Off to the doctor. Wish me luck.
Comment by wickedpam on 03/09/2009 15:26:02
wickedpam on 03/09/2009 15:26:02
Comment by 
BobR on 03/09/2009 15:30:50
BobR on 03/09/2009 15:30:50
:ph34r:
Comment by TriSec on 03/09/2009 15:47:57
TriSec on 03/09/2009 15:47:57
*sigh*
Sign of the times...just received a letter from Seattle Photo Works that they will no longer be processing film as of March 13.
Guess the "first purchase" once I get back employed is going to be a digital camera.
:kickcan:
Sign of the times...just received a letter from Seattle Photo Works that they will no longer be processing film as of March 13.
Guess the "first purchase" once I get back employed is going to be a digital camera.
:kickcan:
Comment by Scoopster on 03/09/2009 15:56:16
That was one of the major factors in my recent conversion to a new digital camera. I saw that Kodak & Polaroid were both ditching their traditional photo processing units and started thinking I should look into it.
There are a few small upsides to it.. no toxic processing chemicals (tho developing your own pics is a great experience), no need for separate uber-expensive BW film (just hit the greyscale button in your image editing program), and it really gets you to stock up on rechargeable AA batteries.
BTW, here's my camera and here's the one I wanted but didn't have the $ for..
Scoopster on 03/09/2009 15:56:16
Quote by TriSec:
*sigh*
Sign of the times...just received a letter from Seattle Photo Works that they will no longer be processing film as of March 13.
Guess the "first purchase" once I get back employed is going to be a digital camera.
:kickcan:
That was one of the major factors in my recent conversion to a new digital camera. I saw that Kodak & Polaroid were both ditching their traditional photo processing units and started thinking I should look into it.
There are a few small upsides to it.. no toxic processing chemicals (tho developing your own pics is a great experience), no need for separate uber-expensive BW film (just hit the greyscale button in your image editing program), and it really gets you to stock up on rechargeable AA batteries.
BTW, here's my camera and here's the one I wanted but didn't have the $ for..
Comment by Raine on 03/09/2009 16:06:01
Raine on 03/09/2009 16:06:01
Man... I know Spring is here... my allergies are kicking my ass.
Comment by Raine on 03/09/2009 16:13:06
Raine on 03/09/2009 16:13:06
:rofl: From the Atlanta Area Craiglist (in the FREE Section)
FREE OAK TREES (BUCHANAN)
Have about 15 good sized trees, mostly oak that need to be cut down and removed from my property. You have to be licensed and insured because the trees are close to my house. I can email pics or you could come take a look for yourself.
FREE OAK TREES (BUCHANAN)
Have about 15 good sized trees, mostly oak that need to be cut down and removed from my property. You have to be licensed and insured because the trees are close to my house. I can email pics or you could come take a look for yourself.
Comment by Scoopster on 03/09/2009 16:22:33
Scoopster on 03/09/2009 16:22:33
Comment by Raine on 03/09/2009 16:28:39
Raine on 03/09/2009 16:28:39
<-- testing.
Comment by Raine on 03/09/2009 17:17:41
That is pretty interesting. They are making sound almost as if Axlerod has more power than Rham.
Raine on 03/09/2009 17:17:41
Quote by Scoopster:
Wow..
That is pretty interesting. They are making sound almost as if Axlerod has more power than Rham.
Comment by Raine on 03/09/2009 17:19:02
Why have they not released this bastahds name, out of curiosity?
Raine on 03/09/2009 17:19:02
Why have they not released this bastahds name, out of curiosity?
Comment by livingonli on 03/09/2009 17:35:40
livingonli on 03/09/2009 17:35:40
Back from the Docs. Good news, I did lose 4 pounds but I had to get a tetanus shot and now I have only a few bucks until pay day.
What really sucks is Marc Maron is going to be at Lizz's show tonight but I don't have the money to go into the city to go see it.
What really sucks is Marc Maron is going to be at Lizz's show tonight but I don't have the money to go into the city to go see it.
Comment by Raine on 03/09/2009 17:42:27
Raine on 03/09/2009 17:42:27
A tetnus shot? Did that raccoon bite you?
That is very good news liv. Glad to hear it.
That is very good news liv. Glad to hear it.
Comment by Scoopster on 03/09/2009 17:42:45
Scoopster on 03/09/2009 17:42:45
(credit for this goes to some other guy..)
Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the White House.
One is from Chicago, another is from Tennessee, and the third is from Minnesota.
All three go with a White House official to examine the fence.
The Minnesota contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil.
"Well," he says, "I figure the job will run about $900 -- $400 for materials, $400 for my crew and $100 profit for me."
The Tennessee contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says,
"I can do this job for $700: $300 for materials, $300 for my crew and $100 profit for me."
The Chicago contractor doesn't measure or figure, but leans over to the White House official and whispers, "$2,700."
The official, incredulous, says, "You didn't even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure?"
The Chicago contractor whispers back, "$1,000 for me, $1,000 for you, and we hire the guy from Tennessee to fix the fence."
"Done!" replies the government official.
(edit: you can substitute New Orleans or Rhode Island or maybe even NYC for Chicago)
Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the White House.
One is from Chicago, another is from Tennessee, and the third is from Minnesota.
All three go with a White House official to examine the fence.
The Minnesota contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil.
"Well," he says, "I figure the job will run about $900 -- $400 for materials, $400 for my crew and $100 profit for me."
The Tennessee contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says,
"I can do this job for $700: $300 for materials, $300 for my crew and $100 profit for me."
The Chicago contractor doesn't measure or figure, but leans over to the White House official and whispers, "$2,700."
The official, incredulous, says, "You didn't even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure?"
The Chicago contractor whispers back, "$1,000 for me, $1,000 for you, and we hire the guy from Tennessee to fix the fence."
"Done!" replies the government official.
(edit: you can substitute New Orleans or Rhode Island or maybe even NYC for Chicago)
Comment by livingonli on 03/09/2009 17:45:52
No, he didn't. Apparently I'm supposed to get one every ten years. Well, he can't do it again until 2019.
livingonli on 03/09/2009 17:45:52
Quote by Raine:
A tetnus shot? Did that raccoon bite you?
That is very good news liv. Glad to hear it.
No, he didn't. Apparently I'm supposed to get one every ten years. Well, he can't do it again until 2019.
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 03/09/2009 17:58:22
trojanrabbit on 03/09/2009 17:58:22
Whiteout conditions at the moment. Should be a fun drive home.
I dunno if I'd depend upon KNUV to stream anymore. Thought everything was padlocked. Eventually I'd figure the juice to the TX will get cut.
I dunno if I'd depend upon KNUV to stream anymore. Thought everything was padlocked. Eventually I'd figure the juice to the TX will get cut.
Comment by Raine on 03/09/2009 18:01:16
There is no stream at all. that really bites, I like to use iTunes to stream and Aside from Seattle I can't find anyplace else to listen to Momma and Thom on.
Raine on 03/09/2009 18:01:16
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Whiteout conditions at the moment. Should be a fun drive home.
I dunno if I'd depend upon KNUV to stream anymore. Thought everything was padlocked. Eventually I'd figure the juice to the TX will get cut.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 03/09/2009 18:09:03
I'm glad I've at least resisted the temptation to stream the show. Getting the StephCast is good enough for me - there always seems to be some reason I have to repeat a part because I get sidetracked.
trojanrabbit on 03/09/2009 18:09:03
Quote by Raine:There is no stream at all. that really bites, I like to use iTunes to stream and Aside from Seattle I can't find anyplace else to listen to Momma and Thom on.Quote by trojanrabbit:
Whiteout conditions at the moment. Should be a fun drive home.
I dunno if I'd depend upon KNUV to stream anymore. Thought everything was padlocked. Eventually I'd figure the juice to the TX will get cut.
I'm glad I've at least resisted the temptation to stream the show. Getting the StephCast is good enough for me - there always seems to be some reason I have to repeat a part because I get sidetracked.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 03/09/2009 18:12:49
I remember the days I used to buy the 35mm B/W film in bulk and wind my own cassettes. Somewhere in my parents house is my enlarger and the darkroom timer I built.
Which means DAMN I'M OLD!
trojanrabbit on 03/09/2009 18:12:49
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by TriSec:
*sigh*
Sign of the times...just received a letter from Seattle Photo Works that they will no longer be processing film as of March 13.
Guess the "first purchase" once I get back employed is going to be a digital camera.
:kickcan:
That was one of the major factors in my recent conversion to a new digital camera. I saw that Kodak & Polaroid were both ditching their traditional photo processing units and started thinking I should look into it.
There are a few small upsides to it.. no toxic processing chemicals (tho developing your own pics is a great experience), no need for separate uber-expensive BW film (just hit the greyscale button in your image editing program), and it really gets you to stock up on rechargeable AA batteries.
BTW, here's my camera and here's the one I wanted but didn't have the $ for..
I remember the days I used to buy the 35mm B/W film in bulk and wind my own cassettes. Somewhere in my parents house is my enlarger and the darkroom timer I built.
Which means DAMN I'M OLD!
Comment by livingonli on 03/09/2009 18:16:02
livingonli on 03/09/2009 18:16:02
I'm listening to the Stephcast. Boy, even I can't believe the level of bile and hatred coming from the right-wing morans.