PAUL RANTS

Posted by Paul at June 3rd, 2010

But I think we can agree he’s no slouch. Arizona State University once had President Obama deliver their commencement speech, but they declined to give him the usual honorary degree. A Harvard graduate (editor of the law review) and professor who became Senator of Illinois, and then the first non-white President in the history of the nation “hadn’t achieved enough yet”. Ha.

YES, HE WILL HAVE TO SHOW THE DISCERNING STAFF HERE AT ASU MORE ACCOMPLISHMENTS BEFORE HE’LL GET OUR COVETED HONORARY DEGREE (Translation: CAN HE TURN WHITE?).

Posted by Paul at May 17th, 2010

Oh, look: we’re giving more per month to war profiteers than under Bush. Would be nice to see an itemized ledger showing how our 6.7 billion a month is being spent. But no, let’s not talk about that. There’s other stuff which costs way less we can spend hours on cable news blathering about.

And from the In Case You Didn’t Already Know They Were Two Faced Bloodsuckers department: Goldman Sachs Publicly Supports Financial Reform But Fights It With Lobbyists

Posted by Paul at April 17th, 2010

What you believe and what is true are two different things. Different people have different allegiances to each. If you believe your taxes were raised when in fact they were lowered, or that someone will take your guns away when in fact they show no interest in guns; or if you believe benefits for citizens is bad, but benefits for corporations who outsource labor is fine, well then my friend, you have left the land of facts and set up camp in the land of belief.

For instance, I believed Obama would be a change from Bush, but in fact the difference is only around the edges; the rest is just misdirection. I assumed corporations had limits on how much they can spend lobbying Congress. But in fact the Supreme Court says they can spend as much as they like. And hardest of all to accept, or even wrap my head around: the bail-out of Wall St. gamblers helps pay for their legal right to keep right on gambling.

Posted by Paul at March 29th, 2010

There goes Mitt Romney’s chance to become the Republican candidate in 2012. He signed a health care bill for Massachusetts just like the one President Obama signed for the nation — the one Romney is now raging against. Which proves what I’ve been saying all along: Romney is a soulless Ken doll with no convictions. So, good luck with that in 2012, Republicans.

But’chya still got Sarah! By the looks of their last appearance, John McCain will be her running mate this time around. The party of Hell No (Palin’s words, not mine), proud to stand for getting nothing done.

They’ve come a long way from the Republicans under Bush, who gladly set spending records getting stuff done for corporations.

Two predictions: Tea baggers continue to assert their influence on the GOP to the point that every candidate must embrace them; and the new health care laws gain a measure of quiet acceptance. Trying to get health care for everyone is a kind act, whether people appreciate it or not. Pandering to your vocal fringe doesn’t have the same upside.

UPDATE: When Mitt loved Teddy

Posted by Paul at March 23rd, 2010

The new health care bill is as thick as three phone books. Few know everything it contains, and no one really knows what affect it will have. The insurance industry gets a windfall of new customers and some long overdue regulation, that much seems certain. Poor people and small business owners get tax breaks, rich people get tax hikes. Oh yeah, and the government won’t be giving Americans health insurance, they’ll be forcing them to buy it if they don’t have it already. This part hasn’t fully sunk in yet.

Expanding Medicare for all and letting private health insurance go the way of the dodo is possibly the furthest thing to what happened (but don’t try to tell that to a Tea Bagger). Billions of dollars in insurance industry lobbying tilted the bill seventy-five percent in their favor. The other twenty-five goes to the poor, those with chronic illness or pre-existing conditions, and those under twenty-seven years of age living with their parents.

On the losing end we have anyone uninsured who doesn’t want to buy health insurance in the first place, no matter the cost. Now they must buy insurance, and the government says how much they will pay. Never mind that two people with the same income might have different ideas of what’s affordable. The whole plan rests on everyone being in the pool to bring down prices. Which means millions more using services, who in turn get more healthy. At least that’s the idea.

The last health bill this expensive took away Medicare’s right to negotiate drug prices. It was signed by George W. Bush to the delight of drug companies and the dismay of any taxpayer paying attention. But most people didn’t know about or understand that bill. This one is front and center. It could actually benefit citizens as well as the health industry. But nothing is certain… Hooray!

Posted by Paul at March 16th, 2010

“Johnny” Edwards was a handsome billionaire presidential contender, so I get why Rielle Hunter became his mistress. I even get why she’s now talking about their relationship in the press.

But talking about Elizabeth Edwards and the Edwards’ marriage problems is just unseemly. Edwards or his wife can talk publicly about their marriage if they wish, but his mistress? Extremely presumptuous of her. How about: “I’m not going to comment on their personal lives, it’s not my place.” ? No, that won’t do; in these times we elevate lack of decorum. Better to spout off like a contestant on a reality show. If Hunter is really worried about what her daughter will think one day, maybe a catty portrayal of a woman she doesn’t know and whose life she helped ruin is not the best example to set.

UPDATE:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Posted by Paul at March 2nd, 2010

Where did he go? The steely-eyed organizer who beat the Clintons and the Republican spin machine. Overwhelmed by the maze of loyalties and agendas in Congress to the point he can no longer organize anything, let alone lead the way out. He’s too careful, too inclusive. I’d rather see him screw up spectacularly than witness this slow dismantling of his potential. I know: the system’s rigged, he doesn’t stand a chance to change anything, really. Or he’s still getting his sea legs, and one day he’ll be known as a strong leader. He’s yet to be tested. Or the test is far too complicated.

Posted by Paul at February 13th, 2010

Posted by Paul at February 9th, 2010

Ooh… Meghan McCain disagrees with something Sara Palin said. You know what? Even if you’re John McCain’s daughter it doesn’t make you a maverick when you disagree with Sarah Palin. It doesn’t even make you worthy of praise. It just makes you sane.

It was easy to disagree with John McCain on some issues and still respect him as a U.S. Senator, until the Summer of 2008. He may have secretly disliked Palin as a VP, but the final decision was his. He had to believe Palin was an acceptable choice for President should he be unable to complete his term. If he was fooling himself on this crucial point, that’s even more scary. Maybe the most reckless thing a nominee for president has ever done.

Hey, I disagree with Pat Robertson. Anyone impressed?

Posted by Paul at September 22nd, 2009