Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Quote of the Day

When taxes are raised on the rich, oh sure – that’s class warfare. But when libraries are closed and national parks left to rot so rich people can have more money, that’s trickle-down economics.

As usual we get the truth, not from our politicians, from our comedians, Will Durst.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Conservatives on Supreme Court Tell Georgia It's OK to Execute Innocent Man

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia writes that there is nothing constitutionally wrong with executing an innocent man. Justice Clarence Thomas agrees. These are the people that conservatives appoint to the highest court in America. Liberals are outraged at the statement. So in the next presidential election we will see if pro-lifers are really pro-lifers or if they are merely forced birthers.

This Court has never held that the Constitution forbids the execution of a convicted defendant who has had a full and fair trial but is later able to convince a habeas court that he is “actually” innocent.  Quite to the contrary, we have repeatedly left that question unresolved, while expressing considerable doubt that any claim based on alleged “actual innocence” is constitutionally cognizable.
more 

Monday, September 19, 2011

Why!


 In 1784 Kant wrote, “There will never be a Newton for the blade of grass.” What he meant was that physical science could never explain anything with a purpose, whether it be human thought or a flower’s bending toward the sun. That would have made everything special about living things — and especially us — safe from a purely scientific understanding. It would have kept questions about humanity the preserve of religion, mythmaking and the humanities.
Only 25 years or so later, the Newton of the blade of grass was born to the Darwin family in Shropshire, England.

Today's must read... 

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Face It...Republicans Kill Jobs

We should not fight the deficit with spending cuts. We've done that and look what it got us. Fight the deficit the same way Bill Clinton and Al Gore did by spending money in the right way to grow jobs. More people working equals more people paying taxes equals more revenue equals a lowered deficit. Republicans hate the idea of a country that works to the benefit of all its people. That's why they have diverted the war on the jobless rate to a war on the deficit. Government spending is the fertilizer that will grow the jobs we need to pay the taxes we need to pay down our debt. A vote for a Republican is a vote to kill jobs...Rinse...Repeat...

Alter News

If you have a strong stomach for outrage, this should be one of your daily reads:

Alternet News of the Day

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Quote of the Day

...what we can’t do – what I won’t do – is let this economic crisis be used as an excuse to wipe out the basic protections that Americans have counted on for decades.  I reject the idea that we need to ask people to choose between their jobs and their safety.  I reject the argument that says for the economy to grow, we have to roll back protections that ban hidden fees by credit card companies, or rules that keep our kids from being exposed to mercury, or laws that prevent the health insurance industry from shortchanging patients.  I reject the idea that we have to strip away collective bargaining rights to compete in a global economy.  We shouldn’t be in a race to the bottom, where we try to offer the cheapest labor and the worst pollution standards.  America should be in a race to the top.  And I believe that’s a race we can win. 
President Barack Obama

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Labor Rainy Day Picnic...Good!


A great appreciation to Senator Andy Berke who stood and delivered a great message to the East TN Labor Day Picnic. 

"Republicans don't want to climb mountains, they want to blow up mountains!"


The crowd was well in excess of the torrential expectations and several local notables came out and heard things they don't normally get to listen to in their regular circle.

Roane County Commissioner Steve Kelly led the cooking effort in a constant driving rain. Nobody left hungry.

Senator Berke spoke with everyone and took time to answer all questions.


The theme of this year's picnic was "Honoring Teachers". Reba Luttrell spoke for the Tennessee Education Association supporting those politicians who support teachers, and vowing to vote politicians who work against teachers and education out of office. Great speech, Reba!

Thank You, Senator Berke! What we wouldn't give to have you representing Roane County.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Quote of the Day: "Dear Mr. President"

...if you cannot bring yourself to fight for us, if you do not have the stomach for a battle, that is understandable. But step aside and give your base an opportunity to elect the champion we so desperately need.

We will always love you, Mr. President, but your base is weary. Lift us up.

Susan

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Quote of the Day: Lisa Jackson Smacks Down EPA Haters

Some in Washington are working to weaken safeguards and undermine laws that protect our families from pollution that causes asthma, cancer and other illnesses, especially in children. Big polluters are lobbying Congress for loopholes to use our air and water as dumping grounds. The result won't be more jobs; it will be more mercury in our air and water and more health threats to our kids. As a senior official from the Bush EPA recently wrote, "Abolishing the EPA will not cause a revival of America's economy, but it will certainly result in a major decline in public health and our quality of life."
... Lisa Jackson Director Environmental Protection Agency

There's no short version that carries the impact of the full message from Lisa Jackson. Read the whole thing, particularly YOU, Republicans.