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Open Thread
Author: BobR
Date: 01/21/2010 13:08:29
Please excuse the lack of a real blog today. Personal events of the last couple days have taken their toll, and today's blogger is getting some much-needed rest.
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
TriSec on 01/21/2010 13:51:58
TriSec on 01/21/2010 13:51:58
Morning, folks!
Iffin' you're not listening to the BBC's "Global News" Podcast, you're missing a treat. Their coverage of Haiti has been blowing away anything any US network is doing. It's depressing, gripping, and uplifting all at the same time.
And we've got "Katie in Haiti".
Iffin' you're not listening to the BBC's "Global News" Podcast, you're missing a treat. Their coverage of Haiti has been blowing away anything any US network is doing. It's depressing, gripping, and uplifting all at the same time.
And we've got "Katie in Haiti".
Comment by 
wickedpam on 01/21/2010 14:00:58
wickedpam on 01/21/2010 14:00:58
Morning 
I'm sure ya'll are tuckered out get some rest
I'm sure ya'll are tuckered out get some rest
Comment by 
Scoopster on 01/21/2010 14:17:45
I've been in podcast withdrawl since I left my iPod at mom's over the holiday.. I also think it might not even be there when I go back for Easter, my brother having sold it for gas money or whatnot..
I haven't really been watching much of the news coverage here aside from the local & nightly news, but from what I hear CNN's been really doing a great job... by our shitty standards of coverage anyways.
Scoopster on 01/21/2010 14:17:45
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, folks!
Iffin' you're not listening to the BBC's "Global News" Podcast, you're missing a treat. Their coverage of Haiti has been blowing away anything any US network is doing. It's depressing, gripping, and uplifting all at the same time.
And we've got "Katie in Haiti".
I've been in podcast withdrawl since I left my iPod at mom's over the holiday.. I also think it might not even be there when I go back for Easter, my brother having sold it for gas money or whatnot..
I haven't really been watching much of the news coverage here aside from the local & nightly news, but from what I hear CNN's been really doing a great job... by our shitty standards of coverage anyways.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2010 14:26:51
wickedpam on 01/21/2010 14:26:51
MGM email 
Comment by 
Raine on 01/21/2010 14:36:07
Raine on 01/21/2010 14:36:07
Good Morning... Thank you babe...
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2010 14:53:28
wickedpam on 01/21/2010 14:53:28
hopefully its an actual wake up call and someone doesn't hit the snooze button
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 14:58:08
Raine on 01/21/2010 14:58:08
I am so disgusted with it all today.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/21/2010 15:03:18
Scoopster on 01/21/2010 15:03:18
Mornin' Raine! & everyone else too!
& everyone else too!
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 15:19:52
Raine on 01/21/2010 15:19:52
Fruck. The ONLY way that can change, now that SCOTUS ruled is for REAL campaign Finance reform laws be passed.
I am so sick of this week.
I am so sick of this week.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2010 15:22:23
Me too
wickedpam on 01/21/2010 15:22:23
Quote by Raine:
Fruck. The ONLY way that can change, now that SCOTUS ruled is for REAL campaign Finance reform laws be passed.
I am so sick of this week.
Me too
Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2010 15:24:24
TriSec on 01/21/2010 15:24:24
Interesting point on the Keithcast....
Mass voters didn't vote for Coakley to protest the fact that the healthcare bill didn't go far enough, not that it went too far.
Losing the public option at the same time they put in the mandate/penalty (Just like Mass!) was the deal-breaker for me.
And it's worth noting that my brother's union changed gears and was calling Kerry's office to vote no. They also did not endorse Ms. Coakley in this election. (They were with Capuano in the primary.)
Mass voters didn't vote for Coakley to protest the fact that the healthcare bill didn't go far enough, not that it went too far.
Losing the public option at the same time they put in the mandate/penalty (Just like Mass!) was the deal-breaker for me.
And it's worth noting that my brother's union changed gears and was calling Kerry's office to vote no. They also did not endorse Ms. Coakley in this election. (They were with Capuano in the primary.)
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2010 15:43:27
wickedpam on 01/21/2010 15:43:27
the caller has a point - I know I haven't been as active as I was during the election
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2010 15:54:54
wickedpam on 01/21/2010 15:54:54
I'm wondering - has any public group put together a list of things the public actually wants for healthcare? Then put together a rally to present it to Congress?
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2010 16:40:11
wickedpam on 01/21/2010 16:40:11
ummm - its been 8 years and Repubs still blame Clinton for 9/11 so I think only 1 year later we can still blame jackass and grumpy
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 16:43:32
Snap to it!
I'm getting tired over here! (just kidding, Mala)
Raine on 01/21/2010 16:43:32
Quote by wickedpam:
the caller has a point - I know I haven't been as active as I was during the election
Snap to it!
I'm getting tired over here!
(just kidding, Mala)
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 16:44:25
HCAN has.
the biggest problem -- as always, they didn't organize early enough.
Raine on 01/21/2010 16:44:25
Quote by wickedpam:
I'm wondering - has any public group put together a list of things the public actually wants for healthcare? Then put together a rally to present it to Congress?
HCAN has.
the biggest problem -- as always, they didn't organize early enough.
Comment by 
livingonli on 01/21/2010 16:51:58
livingonli on 01/21/2010 16:51:58
Good morning everyone.
Even though the sun's been out and kittie is sleeping on the rug, I did not want to get out of bed. At least I will finally get the remainder of my desktop out of storage so I can hook up my desktop finally. It's been kind of disconnected the last few months.
Even though the sun's been out and kittie is sleeping on the rug, I did not want to get out of bed. At least I will finally get the remainder of my desktop out of storage so I can hook up my desktop finally. It's been kind of disconnected the last few months.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2010 16:53:22
To be honest I have no clue what to do
wickedpam on 01/21/2010 16:53:22
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
the caller has a point - I know I haven't been as active as I was during the election
Snap to it!
I'm getting tired over here!
To be honest I have no clue what to do
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2010 16:54:15
no they didn't - what is HCAN - Health Care ____ _____
wickedpam on 01/21/2010 16:54:15
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
I'm wondering - has any public group put together a list of things the public actually wants for healthcare? Then put together a rally to present it to Congress?
HCAN has.
the biggest problem -- as always, they didn't organize early enough.
no they didn't - what is HCAN - Health Care ____ _____
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2010 16:54:44
well, chop chop, you have a goal to shoot for
wickedpam on 01/21/2010 16:54:44
Quote by livingonli:
Good morning everyone.
Even though the sun's been out and kittie is sleeping on the rug, I did not want to get out of bed. At least I will finally get the remainder of my desktop out of storage so I can hook up my desktop finally. It's been kind of disconnected the last few months.
well, chop chop, you have a goal to shoot for
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 16:57:09
Health Care for America Now
Raine on 01/21/2010 16:57:09
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
I'm wondering - has any public group put together a list of things the public actually wants for healthcare? Then put together a rally to present it to Congress?
HCAN has.
the biggest problem -- as always, they didn't organize early enough.
no they didn't - what is HCAN - Health Care ____ _____
Health Care for America Now
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2010 17:06:52
wickedpam on 01/21/2010 17:06:52
danke
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 17:15:26
Raine on 01/21/2010 17:15:26
I don't know if I can listen to Thom today.
My friend at the Sunlight Foundation is reading the decision too, and has said there are actually a few good things with the SCOTUS ruling regarding transparency. I know it doesn't actually make the decision any better, but take it for what it is.
For example: P. 55. SCOTUS basically codifies transparency and disclosures role in allowing people to make informed decision. With the advent of the Internet, prompt disclosure of expenditures can provide shareholders and citizens with the information needed to hold corporations and elected officials accountable for their positions and supporters. P. 55 Citizens United V. FEC
Here read this.
I am also trying to find out if this is going to finally get rid of PACS. With them you don't really get a chance to know who is donating money.
My friend at the Sunlight Foundation is reading the decision too, and has said there are actually a few good things with the SCOTUS ruling regarding transparency. I know it doesn't actually make the decision any better, but take it for what it is.
For example: P. 55. SCOTUS basically codifies transparency and disclosures role in allowing people to make informed decision. With the advent of the Internet, prompt disclosure of expenditures can provide shareholders and citizens with the information needed to hold corporations and elected officials accountable for their positions and supporters. P. 55 Citizens United V. FEC
Here read this.
I am also trying to find out if this is going to finally get rid of PACS. With them you don't really get a chance to know who is donating money.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 17:17:04
Raine on 01/21/2010 17:17:04
Let me put it another way: Just because entities CAN contribute unlimited, doesn't mean it's smart for candidates and elected officials to accept it if the people know about it.
Comment by 
BobR on 01/21/2010 17:18:08
So in essence - they can still donate huge sums of money, just not anonymously?
BobR on 01/21/2010 17:18:08
Quote by Raine:
I don't know if I can listen to Thom today.
My friend at the Sunlight Foundation is reading the decision too, and has said there are actually a few good things with the SCOTUS ruling regarding transparency. I know it doesn't actually make the decision any better, but take it for what it is.
For example: P. 55. SCOTUS basically codifies transparency and disclosures role in allowing people to make informed decision. With the advent of the Internet, prompt disclosure of expenditures can provide shareholders and citizens with the information needed to hold corporations and elected officials accountable for their positions and supporters. P. 55 Citizens United V. FEC
Here read this.
I am also trying to find out if this is going to finally get rid of PACS. With them you don't really get a chance to know who is donating money.
So in essence - they can still donate huge sums of money, just not anonymously?
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 17:19:57
Yes.
Raine on 01/21/2010 17:19:57
Quote by BobR:Quote by Raine:
I don't know if I can listen to Thom today.
My friend at the Sunlight Foundation is reading the decision too, and has said there are actually a few good things with the SCOTUS ruling regarding transparency. I know it doesn't actually make the decision any better, but take it for what it is.
For example: P. 55. SCOTUS basically codifies transparency and disclosures role in allowing people to make informed decision. With the advent of the Internet, prompt disclosure of expenditures can provide shareholders and citizens with the information needed to hold corporations and elected officials accountable for their positions and supporters. P. 55 Citizens United V. FEC
Here read this.
I am also trying to find out if this is going to finally get rid of PACS. With them you don't really get a chance to know who is donating money.
So in essence - they can still donate huge sums of money, just not anonymously?
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 17:21:24
Raine on 01/21/2010 17:21:24
And we can all use that to our advantage. Fuckers can take all the money they want, but we are now going to know about it RIGHT AWAY.
That is huge, and very important it will change the way DC works.
That is huge, and very important it will change the way DC works.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 17:33:32
Raine on 01/21/2010 17:33:32
Seriously -- when I talk about finding out how soon you get to know when a campaign donation was made--- there are already people creating phone apps for that.
imagine being able to receive those updates and wonder -- am I voting for a CEO or a servant of the people? We could capitalize on this.
And it will devastate the teabag party, because they will finally know who is funding them.
imagine being able to receive those updates and wonder -- am I voting for a CEO or a servant of the people? We could capitalize on this.
And it will devastate the teabag party, because they will finally know who is funding them.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 17:38:04
Raine on 01/21/2010 17:38:04
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 17:43:14
Raine on 01/21/2010 17:43:14
Thom is missing a point -- how are Americans going to like it when they finally see what we on the left know about corporations?
When they see an ad sponsored by Goldman Sachs, how do you think people will vote? Most people are ignorant about this crap.
When they see an ad sponsored by Goldman Sachs, how do you think people will vote? Most people are ignorant about this crap.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/21/2010 18:08:17
that is potential huge - pretty close to those NASCAR patchs
wickedpam on 01/21/2010 18:08:17
Quote by Raine:
Seriously -- when I talk about finding out how soon you get to know when a campaign donation was made--- there are already people creating phone apps for that.
imagine being able to receive those updates and wonder -- am I voting for a CEO or a servant of the people? We could capitalize on this.
And it will devastate the teabag party, because they will finally know who is funding them.
that is potential huge - pretty close to those NASCAR patchs
Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2010 19:39:36
TriSec on 01/21/2010 19:39:36
I have absolutely no issue with individuals making huge donations to politicians.
What I do have an issue with is corporations doing the same, as well as all the layers of secrecy.
If the people of Connecticut knew how much money Aetna pours into Lieberman, Inc. every year, would it affect how they vote? (Conversely, how many people know who the CEO of Aetna is....what if all that money came in under his name?)
It might, but then again the intelligence of the average American voter has long been suspect. [except for us above-average folks, of course!]
What I do have an issue with is corporations doing the same, as well as all the layers of secrecy.
If the people of Connecticut knew how much money Aetna pours into Lieberman, Inc. every year, would it affect how they vote? (Conversely, how many people know who the CEO of Aetna is....what if all that money came in under his name?)
It might, but then again the intelligence of the average American voter has long been suspect. [except for us above-average folks, of course!]
Comment by TriSec on 01/21/2010 19:46:27
Oh, my!
This would be a good thing. Can we get a public option back now?
Something that was said on TRMS last night....let's make what we want, and FORCE the REpugs to oppose it and *actually* filibuster. Pay or Play, peoples!
TriSec on 01/21/2010 19:46:27
Quote by Raine:
RECONCILIATION may be happening!!!
I am getting dizzy today.
Oh, my!
This would be a good thing. Can we get a public option back now?
Something that was said on TRMS last night....let's make what we want, and FORCE the REpugs to oppose it and *actually* filibuster. Pay or Play, peoples!
Comment by Scoopster on 01/21/2010 20:37:02
Scoopster on 01/21/2010 20:37:02
AMEND THE CONSTITUTION NOW!
No entity created or sanctioned by the government of the United States, or by the government of any of the several States, shall be considered a person under the law; nor shall it be considered a citizen of the United States; nor shall it be granted rights enumerated for citizens under this Constitution.
Comment by livingonli on 01/21/2010 21:19:44
Here Here!
And I would favor Scoops's Amendment too.
livingonli on 01/21/2010 21:19:44
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Raine:
RECONCILIATION may be happening!!!
I am getting dizzy today.
Oh, my!
This would be a good thing. Can we get a public option back now?
Something that was said on TRMS last night....let's make what we want, and FORCE the REpugs to oppose it and *actually* filibuster. Pay or Play, peoples!
Here Here!
And I would favor Scoops's Amendment too.
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 01/21/2010 21:23:38
I stand with this amendment.
Raine, I understand why you are so down this week. I hope that your Oma continues to get better.
I did not like the way Obama has governed, squandering several opportunities and trying to win over people who want him to fail. However, the Massachusetts election is small compared with the Supreme Court ruling. I think disclosure is going to be important, but I wonder if there will be enough funds from unions and individuals to counter corporate advertising. I think that we will see many efforts to have disclosure of any corporate donations -- and I think we may see a few people making themselves corporations in order to take advantage of this ruling.
The interview I thought was for an account manager position at Aflac was really for a sales associate position. (Commission based income only.) I thought I did well, but I will have to think about the position if I am offered it. I have never worked in sales, unless you count a college cashier position. On the other hand, I can be thorough in learning about topics and I think that I can be fairly persuasive.
Will in Chicago on 01/21/2010 21:23:38
Quote by Scoopster:
AMEND THE CONSTITUTION NOW!No entity created or sanctioned by the government of the United States, or by the government of any of the several States, shall be considered a person under the law; nor shall it be considered a citizen of the United States; nor shall it be granted rights enumerated for citizens under this Constitution.
I stand with this amendment.
Raine, I understand why you are so down this week. I hope that your Oma continues to get better.
I did not like the way Obama has governed, squandering several opportunities and trying to win over people who want him to fail. However, the Massachusetts election is small compared with the Supreme Court ruling. I think disclosure is going to be important, but I wonder if there will be enough funds from unions and individuals to counter corporate advertising. I think that we will see many efforts to have disclosure of any corporate donations -- and I think we may see a few people making themselves corporations in order to take advantage of this ruling.
The interview I thought was for an account manager position at Aflac was really for a sales associate position. (Commission based income only.) I thought I did well, but I will have to think about the position if I am offered it. I have never worked in sales, unless you count a college cashier position. On the other hand, I can be thorough in learning about topics and I think that I can be fairly persuasive.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 21:34:08
I like that --- A LOT
Raine on 01/21/2010 21:34:08
Quote by Scoopster:
AMEND THE CONSTITUTION NOW!No entity created or sanctioned by the government of the United States, or by the government of any of the several States, shall be considered a person under the law; nor shall it be considered a citizen of the United States; nor shall it be granted rights enumerated for citizens under this Constitution.
I like that --- A LOT
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 21:49:48
Raine on 01/21/2010 21:49:48
AAR is ceasing broadcasting today.
no more AAR
no more AAR
Comment by livingonli on 01/21/2010 22:02:34
livingonli on 01/21/2010 22:02:34
There wasn't much left on AAR when we have the New York affiliate only airing 5 hours a day and Rachel's show was just a re-air of the MSNBC show. I wonder what 1050 in DC is going to air since that means only Randi is left.
Comment by Raine on 01/21/2010 22:03:59
good question.
Raine on 01/21/2010 22:03:59
Quote by livingonli:
There wasn't much left on AAR when we have the New York affiliate only airing 5 hours a day and Rachel's show was just a re-air of the MSNBC show. I wonder what 1050 in DC is going to air since that means only Randi is left.