IN THE FORUM

Friday, February 24, 2012

Categories: CNN, Entertainment, Film, Music, Television

We purposely didn't cover this story due to its sensitive nature. But a HUGE story from this week is the latest cover of the National Enquirer displaying a photo of Whitney Houston in her casket.

The photo is easily found on the Internet or just by standing in line at the grocery store and looking at the latest National Enquirer. We won't post it here out of respect for the deceased and her family, who intended for that image to be private.

Apparently an unknown family member or friend, who was invited to the private service, took a photo of Whitney Houston lying in her casket, then sold it to the National Enquirer for an undisclosed amount. Or it other words, they sold the family out!

This was an incredible breach of trust and one that will have lingering karma consequences for that family member or friend who totally disrespected the Houston family over a buck. Thanks to the Enquirer and their newly made millionaire, that image will linger for perpetuity, forcing the family to relive the sadness every time they see it online, on blogs, in stores --- for the rest of their lives.

Rest in Peace, Whitney!

WHAT OTHER NEWS STORIES
CAPTURED YOUR ATTENTION THIS WEEK?

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May 13, 2011 2:02 PM

You may have noticed that OK WASSUP! was experiencing difficulties today. Google, which hosts the platform for OK WASSUP! had a malfunction on their end, which pretty much shut our site down all day. In fact, 1 story from yesterday regarding Newt Gingrich for president is missing.

Google is still working on getting everything back to norman. So in the meantime, if you happen to see more glitches, at least now you know why. Thank you for your patience and for your continued support!

- DJ

Truthiz

May 14, 2011 9:54 AM

Thanks for explaining that DJ! I wondered what had happened to the TGIF post I submitted last week, and by yesterday (Friday) when I visited the site I figured that something was wrong.

Alrighty then: 3 of the stories that got my attention this week include: (1) the NBA playoffs, (2) Tiger's continued meltdown and (3) Of the 10 states that rely THE MOST on Food Stamps (viewed as a "hand-out" by more than a few SOUTHERN White soc-cons) the MAJORITY of those 10 states are located IN. THE. SOUTH. Why am I NOT suprised!?!

USDA:
South Carolina, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, West Virginia, Oregon, New Mexico, Maine, Michigan

HuffPost:
Recent statistics from the USDA indicate that 14.2% of the U.S. population was using food stamps in February 2011, or around 44.2 million total, up from 33 million just two years before in 2009.

In 2006, the year before the financial crisis, 26.5 million people participated in the program, officially titled the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). [...]

USDA Report: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailers/pdfs/2010-annual-report.pdf

Truthiz

May 20, 2011 9:26 AM

As you pointed out DJ, the Rev has made this SAME "End of the World" prediction in the past and THAT obviously didn't go as predicted. Yet there are people out there right now who takes this guy serious to be making ready for "Judgement Day" tomorrow...smh. It really does boggle the mind.

Okay. Moving on.....

Another story I followed this week is Newt Gingrinch's NOT-so-excellent adventure in the world of politics. IMO, Newt's candidacy was DOA and frankly the man has gone out of his way to confirm my belief in that in that regard. If this past week is any indication of how he intends to run his campaign, it should be a hoot...lol

I also caught a bit of the President's foreign policy speech yesterday. Included in his speech was his call for a return to the 1967 Israeli-Palestinian borders, to work towards a Peace Agreement between the 2 fighting groups. A pretty bold step, by the President, IMO, because until NOW no sitting President in recent American history has had the balls to make such a public call. American Presidents, and politicians in BOTH parties have bent over backwards to accomodate Israel on every hand, to the detriment of America's reputation throughout the world and especially among Arab Muslims.

I'll be the first to admit, my knowledge of the U.S. Middle East foreign policy is mighty slim. But I do know this much: Neither group (Israeli zionists and most Palestinians) appear to really want Peace. For decades nuts and hate-mongering bullies have been running the show in both groups. I think the President is as fed-up with them as everybody. Basically he sent a message to both groups yesterday: "Here's my marker. Take it or leave it. But you guys work it out on your own because I've got bigger problems to solve right here in America. I do NOT have time to waste on your endless fighting."

TGIF!

Truthiz

May 27, 2011 11:11 AM

Quote of the Day:
"The hottest place to be in Republican politics right now is sitting on the sidelines. With Governor Daniels deciding not to run, it is slowly dawning on the Republican mind that the party’s choice may effectively come down to Mitt Romney or Tim Pawlenty. This prospect produces a range of emotions running from disappointment to panic." - Rich Lowrey @ National Review 

For the past few days the blogosphere has been abuzz about Palin's latest gimmick, prompting the question: Is she planning to run for President?

PennLive: "Sarah Palin Launching Bus Tour and Movie"

Politico - Her political action committee, SarahPAC, announced that the former half-term governor of Alaska and 2008 vice presidential candidate will launch a bus tour this weekend in Washington, D.C.

Palin is expected to make stops in Philadelphia and Gettysburg en route to New Hampshire, the early primary state. Palin said this week she has the "fire in my belly" for a presidential run. 

That prospect might be close at hand, given the forthcoming release of Palin's commissioned documentary about her: The "Undefeated." According to the The Guardian, the film presents Palin as a Joan of Arc-like figure beset at every turn by vicious leftwing enemies seeking to thwart her ambition of reviving the conservative legacy of Ronald Reagan.

A new Gallup poll shows Palin in 2nd place behind Romney, 17% to 15%, among declared and potential Republican presidential candidates. [...]

Video clip:
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/05/sarah_palin_launching_bus_tour.html

The woman is a piece of work. But she knows how to PLAY the political media..lol.

Does it APPEAR that she's planning to run? Yep. And she'll milk that for all it's worth. But will she ACTUALLY run? Unless she formally announces that she is...I think the answer is No.

TGIF :) !

Truthiz

May 28, 2011 12:01 AM

Just became aware of this sorry news: "Eddie Long Reaches Settlement Out of Court"

Atlanta megachurch pastor Bishop Eddie Long has reached a settlement out of court with the four young men who accused him of sexual misconduct, lawyers for both sides of the case said Thursday. Eddie Long was accused last year of coercing four men he mentored into sexual relationships. [...]

Read: http://www.christianpost.com/news/bishop-eddie-long-reaches-settlement-out-of-court-50561/

Truthiz

June 3, 2011 1:40 PM

Yes indeed. The 2 *Revs* (Long and King) were *as thick as Thieves* BEFORE all H*LL broke lose and Long's dirt was exposed to the entire world. With the empire crumbling and folks scurrying to cover their azzez, it's every man/AND woman) for himself/herself.

And in other BREAKING News to wrap up the week:

John Edwards was indticted today on 6 Felony counts stemming from his alleged use of donated money "to keep his the ex-presidential candidate's mistress hidden in 2008."

"The former presidential candidate, John Edwards, was indicted today for allegedly orchestrating a nearly $1M cover-up enabled by a wealthy widow."

Full story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43260386/ns/politics-more_politics/?GT1=43001

TGIF!

June 3, 2011 1:43 PM

I think Dallas coming back from 15 points in the hole in the 4th to win game 2 of the NBA finals was pretty big news.

June 3, 2011 2:50 PM

I have to agree with you here BD. With Miami up by 15 during the 4th quarter, only to lose the game in the final seconds, is probably the biggest collapse in NBA Finals history. No matter what they say, Miami was celebrating early as if they were incapable of losing, yet it cost them the game. I was glad to witness such an historic moment.

Truthiz

June 10, 2011 10:24 AM

First: The NBA finals have been interesting. I watched most of the playoffs but for some reason my nerves couldn't take watching the finals so I've not seen even 1 game. But I've kept up with the results via ESPN and through one of my dearest friends, a Dallas native. The Heat could pull it out. But I think at this point, the Mavs are in a good place (mentally and physically) to win it all.

(sidenote) Lebron's collapse really has surprisd me. And I think, win or lose, he's going to have to deal with that problem.

Okay...moving on....

Second story: Newt's staff resiging en masse yesterday.

David Frum:
The Gingrich campaign has collapsed so rapidly, so abruptly, and so seemingly hopelessly that it seems incredible that anybody could ever have thought of Newt Gingrich as a serious candidate for president.

Yet only a few months ago, Gingrich ranked as one of the four top-tier candidates for president, along with Huckabee, Palin, and Romney.

Now consider what’s left of the field.

Huckabee decided no-go, as did Mitch Daniels, Haley Barbour, and Jeb Bush. Palin is … Palin. The Trump candidacy aborted on the launch pad. Rick Perry is thinking about it, but making no sign of movement. Giuliani is talking about it, but ditto. Chris Christie and Paul Ryan are waiting for a draft. Marco Rubio is waiting for the vice presidency. Michele Bachmann and Herman Cain are sports and diversions, Rick Santorum not even that.

So what’s left? We’re down to a three-person field: Romney, Tim Pawlenty and Jon Huntsman. [...]

And possibly Rick Perry, Gov. of Texas and Tea-Party favorite.

TGIF!

Truthiz

June 20, 2011 7:26 AM

I expected it would come to that (him resigning) as soon as it was made clear that he'd lied over and over again about it AND WORSE, he allowed other people to defend him when he knew he was lying. As usual, with politicians caught behaving badly, the *Cover-up* did him in.

I think the Heat collapse (more specifically Lebron's collapse), ran a close 2nd in terms of significance.

And a 3rd story that continues to amuse people like me is the GOPs obvious desperation to find a candidate, ANY candidate that can supposedly ignite its extreme right-wing "base." Mitt AIN'T gettin it done. Pawlenty may BE done(?) Bachmann? Naaa. Palin? She's having a lot of fun with the media.

So the flavor of the month is now: Rick Perry. (pause) .....LOL!

Quote of The Day

"The problem is that the deep internal fissures created by the Southern Strategy have finally come home to roost. There is literally no way for a candidate to satisfy the aims of the Atlantic Corridor elite while maintaining acceptability in “real America” or vice versa.” ~Frunforum Commenter

Truthiz

July 8, 2011 11:47 AM

I think, there's NO question that the *system* failed not only little Caylee but it has Failed Us All, as a society. Any one of Us could find ourselves a victim of a very Violent crime and depending on the circumstances related to your case, including (but NOT limited to) the competency...OR lack thereof...of the jury and SADLY the MEDIA's involvement) the Criminal who victimized you could very well walk free.

Suffice it to say, I've lost darn near ALL faith in the American Criminal *Justice* system...and YET, another story I actually HAVE been following and the media HASN'T is......

"The Story of Cory Maye" July 7, 2011

Last week Radley Balko reported that Cory Maye will go free after ten years behind bars. Maye, trying to protect his daughter from what he thought were intruders, shot and killed a cop when police mistakenly raided his home. [...]

H/T: Patrick Appel - The Daily Beast/The Daily Dish

Full Story: "Cory Maye To Be Released From Prison"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/01/cory-maye-to-be-released-_n_888454.html

TGIF!

Truthiz

July 8, 2011 2:31 PM

I also think this story is worht mentioning:

"Job Growth Falters Badly, Clouding Hope for Recovery"
Motoko Rich, NYTimes, 7/8/2011

It’s getting harder to say that this is just temporary.

For the second month in a row, employers added a dismally small number of jobs, showing that the United States economy is barely creaking along despite being two years into the official recovery.

With all levels of government laying off workers, the Labor Department reported that employers eked out just 18,000 new nonfarm payroll jobs in June. The already low number of jobs created in May was also revised downward to just 25,000, less than half what was originally reported last month.

Even as the government’s survey of employers showed that they were adding an anemic number of jobs, a survey of households showed that more people were out of work, causing the unemployment rate to rise to 9.2 percent.

Economists were stunned since they had been expecting June to show stronger job creation as oil prices eased and supply disruptions receded in the aftermath of the Japanese tsunami and earthquake. [...]

Full story: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/09/business/economy/job-growth-falters-badly-clouding-hope-for-recovery.html?_r=1&hp

Frankly I've been thoroughly disgusted by the President's absolute FAILURE to produce a viable "JOBS" plan to at least ATTEMPT to address the rising Unemployment crisis in this country! IMO, the ONLY reason he has a fair chance of being re-elected is the GOP's TOTAL breakdown (See ALL of the GOP Presidential candidates thus far). Were it not for that pathetic reality I'd say Obama would certainly be looking at a "one AND done" term Presidency.

It should be noted: If Mitt can somehow win the GOP nomination (and that's a very big IF at this piont in time) and the economy continues to slide, the Prez will have a REAL fight on his hands and IMO, he will have earned it.

Romney's NO friend to Middle-class working families. He's a Repub. He looks out for the rich. And like all Repub POSERS he has NOT a clue as to how to get Us out of this colossal mess either.

But millions of working middle-class voters voted for Pres. Obama with an expectation that he would LEAD, and in particular, on the issue of the ECONOMY. Thus far he hasn't shown that.

Truthiz

July 15, 2011 12:08 PM

"Or, here's a better question: Is this really the person the Republican Party wants representing them as their nominee??"

Whelp DJ. I'd say, if you believe the current poll results in IA and NH, most Repub voters in those 2 states prefer Bachmann over any other Presidential candidate at this point in time. As crazy as it seems, she could actually win the GOP nomination!?! THAT has got to be striking fear in the heart of Romney and the GOP *establishment."

Okay. other stories I've been following to some degree this week include:

1. The deficit-reduction/debt ceiling battle between the President and the Repubs.

Seems to me the Repubs may have overplayed their hand AGAIN. But the President MUST be careful not to overplay his either. He MUST show decisive Leadership on resolving this issue.

2. "The fall of the House of Murdock"

That ruthless old media mogul has one h*ll of a hacking-scandal on his hands and it's causing all kinds of fallout including having the FBI now launching a preliminary investigation into whether 9/11 family vicitms we also hacked.

3. Hall of Famer, Michael irvin, is featured in this month's issue of "Out Magazine" coming out in favor of "Equality" for gays and lesbains related to his love for his brother Vaughn (now deceased) who was gay. It's really quite a story and he's receiving overwhelming positive responses.

Gotta mention: Rick Perry's NOT-so-excellent prospects in IA and NH should he decide to throw his hat in the ring. Current polls in those 2 states have him polling at roughly 2-4% in terms of voter support...which doesn't surprsie me at all.

TGIF!

Truthiz

July 22, 2011 11:44 AM

I agree DJ. The Altanta school scandal is certainly one hack of a "sad" story. I'll continue following the updates and see where the investigations leads. Dr. Hall had better have a good attorney. She's probably gonna need one.

Other stories on my radar include:

1. The continuation of the Murdock hacking scandal. The scope of the investigation seems to be widdening. James Murdock, in particular, could really be in a world of trouble:

NYTimes July 22, 2001:
The pressure on Mr. Murdoch built a day after two former executives of News International — the British subsidiary of the News Corporation — publicly contradicted evidence he gave on Tuesday to a parliamentary panel seeking to untangle the story of phone hacking at the now defunct Murdoch tabloid The News of the World. [...] 

Full Read: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/23/world/europe/23murdoch.html?_r=1&hp

2. THE. HEAT.

I live in Pennsylvania (born and raised). We're no strangers to HOT summers around here. But THIS YEAR the heat really is off the chain!!! Heat-advisories are flashing day and night on our local TV stations. People are generally feeling a bit out of it and are staying out ofthe sun as much as possible. I truly cannot remember a summer being this hot up here.

TGIF!

Truthiz

July 29, 2011 10:58 AM

You've nailed it with the "big 3 stories" highlighted in your post today DJ.

Re: "Same-sex marriage comes to NY"

I couldn't be happier! Same-gender-loving (SGL) people aren't asking for any kind of "Special" treatment or "Rights." They just want Equal Rights..the SAME "Rights" all other Americans enjoy.

Re: "Debt Ceiling Showdown"

What *We* (the American people and the emntire world) are witnessing is the most disgraceful thing I've ever seen in politics. Both sides (Dems and Repubs) acting out in Kabuki theater fashion with this country's future at stake. BOTH sides continue to run "Game" on the people.

However, I must point out that the Repubs are now controlled by a crazy-azz contingent of Kamikaze (mostly tea-party) freshman who are acting out in politically suicidal ways just to prove their point. And what might their MAIN point REALLY be?

"We want OUR country back beginng with kicking that Black "N*gger" OUT of OUR White House.And if it takes destroying OUR country to do so...then SO.BE.IT."


Re: "the tragedy in Norway"

A lot of information is still unfolding concerning the right-wing Christianist TERRORIST, Anders Behring Breivik. As per his 1518-page manifesto, radical right-wing bloggers across Europe AND the U.S, along with right-wing media such as FAUX News, made quite the impression on him...smh.

My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Oslo Norway.

TGIF!

Truthiz

July 29, 2011 11:36 AM

Ooops. I forgot to tie in the Christianist mentality of the Kamikaze Repubs.

So then WHAT, pray tell might their MAIN point REALLY be?

"We're on a mission from OUR God to take back OUR country, beginng with kicking that Black "N*gger" out of OUR White House. And if it takes destroying OUR country to do so...then SO.BE.IT."

TGIF!

Truthiz

August 6, 2011 12:09 AM

It's Friday night, Aug. 5, 2011....and um...about 2 hrs ago (10:00PM) I turned on CNN and saw the following:

"S&P downgrades U.S. credit for first time in American history"

Full Article: 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/sandp-considering-first-downgrade-of-us-credit-rating/2011/08/05/gIQAqKeIxI_story.html

I am thoroughly disgusted with BOTH political parties!!! And I'm remined of a quote I posted yesterday and would like to modify just a bit tonight:

"One party has NO heart"... (and IMO NO BRAINS) ...."the other party has NO spine" (and IMO NO VISION). 

Where are men like John Adams, Martin Luther King, Robert Kennedy and Frederick Douglas when WE need them???!

Truthiz

August 12, 2011 10:58 AM

I've been following the Somalia Crisis just a bit. I can't watch stories about it on tv for too long because it just breaks my heart. But I'm certainly aware of the suffering and loss of life (particularly among thousnads of children under the age of 5) happening there.

Two other stories that's got my attention are: Rick Perry's decision to "git in where you fit in" in the GOP race for the Presidential nomination; And the GOP debate in Iowa last night.

I've said it before and I'll sya it again. IF the Republican Party is so desperate to find a "Winner" that they actually see Rick Perry as being "the answer" to their prayers...(pause)...they have GOT to be kidding!?!

I still believe that Mitt is the ONLY Repub candidate with a SLIGHT chance of defeating Pres. Obama. But frankly after watching his rather shifty AND NON-substantive performance last night I think it's pretty clear..there's NO "there" there. Mitt just LOOKS kinda Presidential. NONE of the candidates articulated even the slightest hint of a viable Plan or Vision for how he/she intends to tackle the critical challenges this country faces now and in the immediate future. They spent darn near the entire debate saying what they're AGAINST, bashing Pres. Obama and talking utter foolishness.

But. Ookaaay.

TGIF!

Truthiz

August 12, 2011 12:13 PM

I almost always forget to mention something in my initial post in this forum every Friday......

Kudos to FOX News. With the exception of a question or 2, FOX hosted a great debate last night with Tough but very fair questions. I agree with those who say it was "a far, far, better debate than CNN did (or MSNBC could)". Honestly, it's the reason I kept watching. I couldn't believe FOX was doing such a great job.

Some Right-wing Reax....

Erik Erickson:
Last night in Iowa, the Republicans debated. It was like the Island of Misfit Toys. Mitt Romney won the debate if only because Ames is apparently not big enough for two Minnesotans. The barbs between Bachmann and Pawlenty did them no favors. [...]

Steven Hayes:
It's one of the most predictable and tiresome of the many presidential debate clichés: The candidate who didn’t participate won because the others were so weak. And yet that was the case in the Republican presidential debate here Thursday night. A Republican presidential field often described as weak seemed to confirm that conventional wisdom in a debate that featured many tough questions and many more weak answers. Rick Perry, who will announce his bid for the presidency on Saturday, did well because he didn’t do poorly. [...]

H/T: Andrew Sullivan

Truthiz

August 19, 2011 2:29 PM

I like your list so much DJ that...if i may?...I'd like to add my own little twist to each topic.

1. "Rick Perry Enters Presidential Race"...and in NO TIME opens his big fat mouth, spews ignorance as far as the eyes can see causing some congressional Repubs to ask: "WTH!?!

2. "Tim Pawlenty Drops Out of Presidential Race"...and upon hearing this news most Americans reacted by asking: "WHO???"

3. "Michelle Bacmann On Gay Marriage."...(pause while i consider HER um husband). ROTFLMAO!

4. "Bachmann Says "Happy Birthday Elvis" On Anniversay of His Death." ...(pause while i consider the idiocy of this woman). ROTFLMAO!

5. "Stock Market Tumbles"...but no worries. The Repubs have THE answer to ALL our economic problems..."more tax breaks for the rich" and make the U.S. Federal Government "inconsequential" to Our lives.

TGIF!

Truthiz

August 26, 2011 11:00 AM

Other stories that caught my attention this week include:

1. Republican elites/intellectuals still pining for a 2012 saviour.

Politico: "Conservative Elites Pine For a 2012 Hero"

The problem, in shorthand: To many conservative elites, Rick Perry is a dope, Michele Bachmann is a joke and Mitt Romney is a fraud. [...]

It's funny because, IF recent polls are close to accurate(?) most Repub voters now say, with Perry in the race, they're "satisfied" with the GOP field. In fact, Gallup now has Perry leading the field over Romney by double-digit percentage points.

Dislosure: I dismiss most polls (even polls that favor my pick)...especially 14 months out. But here's where the 2nd story to catch my attention comes in:

2. THE MEDIA'S ROLE in this whole thing.

During the 2008 Presidential campaign I watched the U.S. media initially HYPE John "the so-called maverick" McCain, Rudy "9/11" Giuliani, and Fred "Dead" Thompson. When the dust settled McCain was the last man standing AND DESPERATE. He danced to whatever drums the media, and the polls told him. He WASTED the 2 final months of the race perched in the swing-state of Pennsylvania (my homestate) believing the HYPE showing he was supposedly within "2% points" of overtaking Obama, with PALIN strapped to his back no less!?!

When in fact McCain was NEVER within any such strike point. And I could have told him so 2 months out. But he didn't ask me..lol. Obama won by double-digits.

Neither Perry NOR Bachmann could buy the kind of hyping they've enjoyed from the U.S. media. The GOP can fall for the okey doke AGAIN but they do so at their own political peril. To run either Perry OR Bachmann against the President will be an EPIC disaster for the GOP.

H*ll. Perry has YET to prove himself in a debate. He'll get his chance on Sept 7th. In the meantime, he'll keep right on shooting his mouth off for right-wingers who eat that stuff up.

Bottom line: Notwithstanding Mitt's flip-flopping all over the place, I still think Mitt would be the stronger candidate to put up against the Prez. next Nov. I think Obama would edge Mitt out for the win. But I think it would be a real dog-fight.

3. Honorable mention: "Why WE (Blacks) Are Moving Back South"
H/T: The Root.com

TGIF!

Truthiz

September 16, 2011 12:14 PM

"Could Republican in-fighting get any more severe?"

I say, Yes. But Bahmann's snipping (and delusions) won't matter. The handwriting is on the wall. Her campaign is over.

Heck truth be told: The only reason that Romney has any real chance against Perry is because the Repub "establishment" are absolutely horrified that their "base" is about to hand Perry the nomination and they're determined to NOT let that happen IF they can help it.

Not sure they're gonna be able to stop Perry!?! The "base" really dislikes and distrust Mitt. And they dearly love (or strongly like) Perry. No matter how proudly ignorant Perry shows himself to be, support for him among Repub Tea-party "base' remains strong.

Another story I caught this week: Ed Koch (Jewish zionist) and the role he played in convincing Older, more conservative Jewish (mostly zionist) residens of NY 9 to vote AGAINST Pres. Obama via the congressional Democrat candidate and FOR the Republican (a seat heald by a Dem for the past 93 years).

NYT: "Koch May test His Political Voice On National Stage"

Former Mayor Edward I. Koch’s strategy seemed almost nutty at first: ask Jewish residents in Brooklyn and Queens to vote against an Israel-loving observant Jew for Congress to send a message to Pres. Obama.

But the idea caught fire and appeared to be a significant factor in the special election on Tuesday in which Bob Turner, a Republican businessman, defeated Assemblyman David I. Weprin, a Democrat, in a race for the House of Representatives. [...]

Read: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/16/nyregion/koch-may-oppose-obamas-israel-stance-on-national-stage.html?_r=2&hp

I hope the President pays Koch and ALL other zionists (along with their threats) NO MIND.

TGIF!

Truthiz

September 23, 2011 2:49 PM

Another IMPORTANT execution took place this week...AND on the same day as Troy Davis's execution. But apparently the American media can only cover ONE execution at a time because it got little to NO media attention at all:

Texas executed White Supremacist, Lawrence Russell Brewer (age 44) for his role in the vicious 1998 dragging death of James Byrd Jr.

Read: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/21/lawrence-russell-brewer-executed_n_974926.html?ir=Crime

Next story: Palestinians Make A Bid For U.N. Recognition: "YES to Palestinian Statehood"

"Efforts to stop the Palestinians from winning statehood at the U.N. are misguided and self-defeating"
Read: http://www.economist.com/node/21530117?frsc=dg|a

Rick Perry (and his dangerous band of Christianist talibangelical supporters) can take his/their "clear directive" to support Israel...NO MATTER the costs to Our national interests, circumstances, Or Israel's actions...and SHOVE.IT.

TGIF FOLKS!

Truthiz

September 30, 2011 9:02 AM

On Point DJ. That audio recording of MJ weeks before his supposed concert was to take place is "nothing less than shocking."

I think there is s case to be made on both sides:

1. Among Michael Jackson's MANY serious "issues," his long history of a abusing combinations of highly addictive (and lethal) prescription drugs led to his eventual death. Hence, he killed himself, over a period of years.

BUT. He did so with the "assistance" of MANY people (including the JACKSON family and LOTS of doctors and other "Yes" people).

2. Dr. Murray happened to be the LAST ONE caught in the act of "assisting" Mike when death finally came knocking.

TGIF!

Truthiz

September 30, 2011 11:37 AM

Another story that I've been watching (and forgot to mention) is the Palestinian push for statehood at the U.N.

It seems clear to me that Israel has had the U.S. in a veritable choke-hold for DECADES. I'm not at all sure how this madness came to be??? But starting this weekend I will begin researching the history of this Unholy one-sided alliance for myself to have a geater understanding of the topic.

TNR: "Why The U.S. Should Support Palestinian Statehood at the U.N."

Read: http://www.tnr.com/article/john-judis/95166/israel-palestine-netanyahu-abbas-un-obama?page=0,0

TNR Commenter:
Given that Netanyahu could stop settlements and does not, it is difficult form me not to conclude that his government has no interest in actual peace on terms acceptable to the world at large. By acting generously from its position of strength vis-a-vis the Palestinians, Israel and the US could shift the entire grounds of discussion in the Middle East by not standing in the way of recognition at the UN. The rise of populist government in Egypt and across the Middle East that will not automatically renew the power politics detente that has served Israel well for the last 20 decades makes this more, not less urgent. That neither Israel or the US recognized these dynamics and so continue to block statehood for Palesting will, I suspect, only redound to Israel's own disadvantage over time. [...]

Truthiz

October 7, 2011 7:00 PM

Well..looks like ALL ...umm...*MORMON* has broke OUT in the Republican Party now!

BREAKING on CNN: Fri. evening, Oct 7th,2011:

"Rev. Jeffress: "Mormonisn is a CULT".... "I believe Evangelicals need to go with Rick Perry."

Dr. Robert Jeffress (pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas) gave a speech introducing Rick Perry earlier this afternoon.

Reporter:
...if you don't mind me saying, Pastor Jeffress, you created a bit of a stir coming out of that speech because in talking to reporters, you said in pretty strong, plain language what you think of Mormonism. You described it as a cult and you said that if a Republican votes for Mitt Romney, they're giving some credibility to a cult. Do you stand by that comment? [...]

Dr Jeffress:
[...] Oh, absolutely. And that's not some fanatical comment. That's been the historic position of evangelical Christianity. The Southern Baptist Convention, which is the largest Protestant denomination in the world, has officially labeled Mormonism as a cult.

I think Mitt Romney's a good, moral man, but I think those of us who are born-again followers of Christ should always prefer a competent Christian to a competent - to a competent non-Christian like Mitt Romney.

So that's why I'm enthusiastic about Perry. [....]

Full transcript:
http://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2011/10/07/rev-jeffress-i-believe-evangelicals-need-to-go-with-rick-perry/

Truthiz

October 14, 2011 12:55 PM

I agree! The spectacle playing out in the GOP right now IS the story.

Btw DJ, you left out "the Donald." Let's not forget his clown-role in all this.

Our whole politcal system must seem like a JOKE to the rest of the world.

Which brings me to something I've noticed for awhile but particularly this week:

The Political media AND the GOP "elites" seem to have NOT.ONE.CLUE when it comes to REALLY understanding the:

1. Political strengths and WEAKNESSES of the GOP candidates

2. Dynamics AND motivational DIFFERENCES between the tea-party faction AND the Southern evangelical faction within the GOP.

With the "Rise" of Cain, the media and so-called political "analysts" find themselves sitting around looking stupid, trying to figure out WHY the political narrative ISN'T going as per usual???

Things have gone so far OFF SCRIPT that a BLACK MAN named Herman Cain now sits at the top (or near top) of the GOP Nomination!?! HAH. THAT certainly was NOT in the "conventional thinking" script.

Cain's "9-9-9" plan is a joke. But the audience he speaks to doesn't see it that way. To them, he's a "REAL Conservative" and a "REAL Black man" unlike that "other" fake Black guy." Cain speaks to them in THEIR language. As Perry falters, Cain gains more supporters. Will they stick with him? Time will tell.

Tea-partiers and Southern evangelicals ARE "united" in their irrational Hatred of Pres. Obama and their desire to "GET RID OF OBAMA!" But everyone watching this spectacle can SEE the factions AREN'T "United" on HOW best to achieve THAT goal_or any other goal for that matter.

Most Tea-partiers may give Mitt a pass on his flip-flopping ways _and they may not care much about Mitt being a Mormon. They'll hold their nose and vote for him anyway.

Suffice it to say, Mitt WON'T get any such pass from many, if not MOST, evangelicals_and especially NOT on the issue of his "Cult" religion. Moreover, the Christie endorsement, IMO, did more harm to Mitt than good. ...."a RINO endorses a RINO."

Is Mitt still likely to win the GOP nomination? As of TODAY, I say Yes.

BUT it hardly matters who wins the GOP nomination. I don't see any of them beating Pres. Obama.

TGIF!

Truthiz

October 15, 2011 11:48 AM

Sat. Oct. 15, 2011

I'll give this entry a title: "GOP Smoke and Mirrors Exposed TEXAS style"

Quote

The basis of Perry’s appeal is the idea that he is an uncompromising conservative, sure of what he knows. And what he knows best is that America would be a lot better off if it were a little more like Texas. “We’re gonna translate what’s happened in Texas to Washington, D.C.,” Perry says. But look closely at Rick Perry’s Texas and it seems less like an answer to Washington’s problems and more like a reflection of them—rising poverty and unemployment, too many people without health insurance, serious long-term challenges, and not nearly enough revenue to meet them. [...] 

Joshua Green: "Rick Perry Needs a Miracle"
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/rick-perry-needs-a-miracle-10122011.html

H/T: Andrew Sullivan

Anita Perry: Husband Rick Perry "brutalized" by median and GOP because of his faith

It’s been a rough month. We have been brutalized and beaten up and chewed up in the press to where I need this today," she said. "We are being brutalized by our opponents, and our own party. So much of that is, I think they look at him, because of his faith. He is the only true conservative – well, there are some true conservatives. And they’re there for good reasons. And they may feel like God called them too. But I truly feel like we are here for that purpose. [....]

Video:http://trailblazersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/10/anita-perry-husband-rick-perry.html

Truthiz

October 21, 2011 9:41 AM

"Gadhafi Killed:" Knew it was just a matter of time.

It turns out that the President is proving himself to be quite the Commander-in-Chief regarding Our foreign policy. "Leading from behind" appears to be a winning stratgey, thus far.

Regarding the economy: "Leading from behind" will NOT due. He MUST take the LEAD and stay there.

He MUST be aggressive in fighting for the creation of good JOBS in this country. His current "JOBS Plan" is a good start. But he can NOT stop there. He MUST continue seeking out good/innovative ideas about how to BEGIN to get this country back on track and, at least, moving in the right direction again.

The Repubs will continue to obstruct at every turn. ANNND SO!?!

The President must simply IGNORE THEM and keep taking HIS message to the American people.

Whenever the Repubs obstruct, the President MUST fighter just that much harder (sweat should be dripping from his brow).

"WE The People" WILL take note of his efforts (little OR much) and next year We WILL remember.

TGIF!

Truthiz

October 21, 2011 1:59 PM

Suffice it to say that THIS is neither "Breaking News"....Nor a suprise...

Politico et al: Fri. Oct 21, 2011

"Michele Bachmann paid New Hampshire staffers quit en masse"

Full Read: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1011/66555.html

Truthiz

October 28, 2011 11:52 AM

There are certainly plenty of OTHER stories out there.

But I'll tell you the truth: Right now NOTHING has gotten my attention (in a perplexing sorta way) more than the Circus show currently in "FULL Effect" for the entire WORLD to see called the Republican Party.

I mean. It really IS a sight to behold....

TGIF!

Truthiz

November 4, 2011 10:17 AM

As I expressed last week..."It really IS a sight to behold."

After one week of Politico's endless pushing of 12 y/o sexual harassment allegations against Cain (with a LOT of help from the news media)...and despite Cain's horrendous mishandling of the entire matter (which made things 10x worse for him)_Cain has seen his support grow substantively, among right-wing base voters and $$$. At least for NOW anyway.

Checking some of the popular right-wing blog-sites, righties who weren't backing Cain are coming to his defense against the GOP establishment and the "Left-wing media" who righties are certain have conspired to take down "The Only Consevative Left" who can defeat Mitt AND THEN Pres. Obama.

SEE: "I Forgive Hermain Cain, the Only Conservative Left"
http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/11/i_forgive_herman_cain_the_only_conservative_left.html

There are even a number of Palin supporters now expressing outrage at the political "hit-job" against Cain.

Of course, by this time next week Cain could find himself alone and without a right-wing friend in the world. (Newt. Your turn son).

But IF Cain manages to survive, AND gains more base support (AND there's no more dirt lurking around out there) Romney may find himself in one heck of a battle for the GOP nomination.

TGIF!

Truthiz

November 7, 2011 3:42 PM

Mon. Nov. 7, 2011

Well so much for no more *dirt* on Cain lurking around out there.

MSNBC: "Fourth woman details sexual harassment allegations against Cain"
A fourth woman, Sharon Bialek, leveled new allegations of sexual harassment against Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain at a press conference on Monday.

Bialek, a former employee of the National Restaurant Association's educational foundation, accused Cain of making an inappropriate advance toward her in 1997, when she visited Cain in Washington, D.C. in 1997 to seek his assistance in finding a new job. At the time, he was president of the restaurant association. She appeared at a press conference arranged by attorney Gloria Allred.

Bialek accused Cain of touching her in an inappropriate manner during her visit to D.C., where Cain was still serving as president of the restaurant association. When she rebuffed him, Cain said, "You want a job, right?" per Bialek's retelling.

Cain's spokesman denied the new allegations in a statement while the press conference was under way.

...Bialek said that the new allegations had prompted her to go public.

"..I'm coming forward to give a face and a voice to those women who cannot, or, for whatever reasons, do not wish to come forward, and on behalf of all women who are sexually harassed in the workplace but do not come out of fear of retaliation or public humiliation," she said.

"I really didn't want to be here today, and wouldn't have been here if it had not been for the three other women who have alleged sexual harassment against Mr. Cain," she added. "I want you, Mr. Cain, to come clean. Just admit what you did; admit that you were inappropriate to people ... Mr. Cain, I implore you, make this right so you and the country can move forward and focus on the real issues at hand." [....]

Full: http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/11/07/8684597-fourth-woman-details-sexual-harassment-allegations-against-cain

I didn't see the press conference. But I've read that the accuser is a White Republican Tea-partier. And if indeed that IS the case, Cain's make-believe campaign for the Presidency is officially over.

Truthiz

November 8, 2011 8:32 AM

Tues. Nov. 8, 2011

Okay so upon closer scrutiny of Sharon Bialek's background, it appears I may have spoke too soon regarding her story being the nail in the coffin of Cain's presidential campaign.

This morning a lot more info about Ms. Bialek's um..rather *troubling* history is coming to light and let's just I won't be suprised if by the end of this week, Bailek's *credibility* (or the lack thereof) actually winds up being *the* story and Cain possibly emerging stronger than ever.

If Bialek does turn out to be a major flake, I'll give props to Cain's right-wing supporters for very vocally expressing RED FLAGS immediately following her press conference.

Truthiz

November 11, 2011 2:21 PM

As the GOP continues its descent into Repub H*ll, I'm not at all sold on the media's narrative that Mitt will be the "inevitable" nominee of that party. Despite all the challenges Cain has faced the past 2 weeks, the majority of right-wingers still have still got his back, while approx 70% of right-wingers still want nothing to do with Mitt.

IF Cain can continue to tie_or lead_ Mitt right up to the Iowa caucus Jan 3, 2012_and IF Cain can actually win that caucus vote, I think it's going to be an uphill battle for Mitt.

Re: Penn State

I am just sick to my stomach about this madness :( ! Those poor children.

I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. Never liked Joe Paterno. Was never a fan of Penn State football. Thought they should have gotten rid of Paterno at least 10 yrs ago.

But I grew up LOVING Penn State because of the Quality education offered there. IMO, it's always been 2nd to NONE in terms of academics. I achieved my undergrad and graduate degrees at Penn State University and I couldn't have asked for a better education.

My heart_and prayers_go out to ALL of the victims, and their families.

And I pray that EVERYONE who played a part in protecting Sandusky (ignoring and covering-up that demon's crimes) is brought to swift Justice (Criminal and/or Civil).

TGIF!

Truthiz

November 18, 2011 10:29 AM

IMO, it's a 3-way tie beteen the OWS Movement, the growing Penn State sex scandal, and the NEVER ENDING hot mess on FULL display for the entire World to see called the G.O.P.

Re: OWS Movement

I fully respect their right to gather and protest. But I have not a clue as to what the Movement's goals and objectiives are(?). Any assistance in giving me a greater understanding would be most appreciated!

Re: The growing Penn State sex scandal

Just as I suspected when this story first broke: This whole sorry tragedy is a lot bigger than initally reported.

Re: the G.O.P.

I take my cues of where base-voters are (in tems of the candidate(s) the majority of them support and the candidates they dont) from the right-wing blogosphere. National polls are absolutely meaningless at this point and time. And even local polls should be taken with a HUGE grain of salt right now because the GOP base is all over the map, with the excpetion of their continued REJECTION of Mitt. It's still anybody's guess who will emerge as the "anti-Romney, the majority of base will support(?)

In the meantime....

1. Perry doesn't seem to be rebounding. His funds are drying up as deep-pocket donors and conservative voters are bailing on him.

2. Cain APPEARS to still be standing, despite 2 back-to-back horriffic weeks. The majority of his supporters (unlike Perry's) are still sticking with him...at least for now.

3. Newt is getting closer scrutiny, as a so-called "front-runner" and (as expected) it's showing him to be a pathological liar, hypocrit, and your all-around Corrupt and vulgar guy. IOW: Newt being Newt.

TGIF!

Truthiz

November 19, 2011 1:51 PM

Sat. afternoon, Nov 19, 2011

Re: Perry's plummeting fundraising AND the sorry state of the GOP

Quote of the Day

Another one bites the dust. I overestimated Perry’s chances. I knew he wasn’t very bright, but I didn’t expect him to be this dumb. When they call Bush “the smart one” in Texas, they aren’t kidding.

Do you tribal Republicans ever stop and consider what it says about your party when it can’t find one single credible presidential candidate? While your next generation of Republican leaders is tweeting jokes about shooting the Hated Kenyan? [....]   ~ FumForum Commenter

The truth is, I'm amazed every time I hear someone express their amazement at the realization that Perry is actually a JOKE, as a Governor, to say nothing of the disaster he's been as a Presidential candidate.

That his "handlers" and *backers* (from Texas no less) thrust him onto the National political stage with the absurd expectation that he would be a formidable candidate (a strong fundraiser and capable of BSing his way straight through to the nomination) has got me wondering just WHAT is in the water in Texas? CRACK?!

To my knowledge he's NEVER shown himself to be anything more than a big mouth BULLY with a low IQ who is scared sh*tless of debates. But he's been a useful tool for Texas fat-cats AND talibangelicals...well at least up til now.

The fact that every one of the so-called "A List" of Repubs who chose to NOT RUN for President this time around is, in actuality, ONLY about a half-step betteer that the current "D-List" candidates that ARE running for President speaks VOLUMES about what the GOP has become_smh.

Truthiz

December 9, 2011 11:06 AM

Dec, 9, 2011

In response to Megham McCain's post yesterday, in which she expresses sheer terror_not to mention feeling absolutely ill_at the very real possibility that Newt could win the GOP Presidential nomination, a Daily Beast commenter wrote:

"I'm sure many, if not most Republican conservatives were scared of Obama before he was elected. They often don't like what he has done in office but it is clear he is a thoughtful leader who is taking measured steps to implement sane policies whether you agree with them or not.

The voters of one party are often afraid of the possible nominees in the opposition party. That happens every year. But being afraid of your own frontrunners is a new and frightening indicator of how truly bizarre is this situation we find ourselves observing.

Newt is liked by the blood lust conservatives who like him, chiefly because he is a loose cannon. Like their party, they choose destruction over bipartisan legislative bargaining. [...] 

First: Trump really needs to go somewhere and SIDDOWN.

Second: It's obvious the GOP *establishment* chose to IGNORE the discussions among rank-and-file right-wing voters in the right-wing blogosphere the past 4 years. The wide-spread Rejection of Mitt Romney is NOT new. The handwriting's been on the wall since the last Presidential primary season 3 ys ago, when he lost to John McCain. 

A sizeable chunk of the GOP *base* was/is NEVER going to support Mitt and Everybody knows why: He's a MORMON. End of story. He may still win the nomination (though it appears less likely now). But the man is a Very weak candidate. I don't see him beating Pres. Obama.

Likewise, Newt will lose to Pres. Obama if he wins the nomination. But his supporters don't believe that. They believe he's gonna "wipe the floor with [...]

Truthiz

December 16, 2011 11:43 AM

I'm with you (again) DJ. The *rise* of Newt is certainly the #1 story I'm watching. Heck the entire GOP fiasco is really something to see!

Btw: There was another debate last night in Iowa hosted by Faux News. The consenus is that Newt took some serious hits from Bachmann. But he rebounded and "won" the overall debate. The consensus also is that Ron Paul, who seemed to be gaining some traction, may have actually shot himself in the foot last night with his foreign policy suggestions, particularly when it comes to Iran.

But back to Newt....

"...perhaps the most devastating news came from a recent poll, which concluded that if the election were held today, in a head to head contest President Obama would wipe the floor with Newt Gingrich."

Suffice it to say that Newt's supporters don't believe that. They think the media is "lying." They've convinced themselves that the Dems (and especially the President) are petrified of Newt and so therefore the "lamestream media" is in bed with the Dems to bring down Newt.

In fact, in right-wing world many *base* voters believe that "ANY" of their candidates would "destroy" Pres. Obama. They just feel that Newt would accomplish that task much quicker and nastier than the others. We're 19 days away from finding out if Newt's actually going to get that chance.

#2 story......

"Christopher Hitchens, the brilliant, pugilistic essayist and journalist, died Thursday of cancer at age 62."

Read: http://entertainment.time.com/2011/12/16/christopher-hitchens-rip/?iid=ent-category-mostpop1

Truth is, I disagreed with *Hitch* on MANY issues. But I found him to be a brilliant thinker, a True intellectual and always his own man.

R.I.P Christopher Hitchens.

TGIF!

Truthiz

December 23, 2011 10:59 AM

"It's been another week of Republican chaos."

And that about sums up the state of the entire Republican Party, Chaos, with no end in sight.

Alas, it appears the GOP is imploding. Thanks to following insidous and cynical moves by the GOP establishment, over the past 40+ years:

1. Nixon's Southern Strategy
2. Atwater's *slash and burn politics*
3. Gingrich AND FRIENDS *politics of personal destruction*
4. Rove and Cheney's talibangelical-Neocon alliance

....ALL capped off with the unleashing of the teajihadist faction of the Republican Party AFTER the election of the first Black President in U.S. history.

Add it all up, you get pure Poison; Poison that has rotted the very foundation of the GOP and they have NO ONE to balme but themselves.

Look. I'm hardly pleased with the job performance of Pres. Obama (a highly intelligent and Classy man in every respect. But much too weak and half-hearted on too many important issues). But I'm darn right petrified of the Repubs and FURTHER catastrophic damage they most certainly WILL cause this country IF they regain power anytime soon!

I pray that I ...(We) will never have to find out...smh.

TGIF....and Merry Christmas!

Truthiz

December 30, 2011 1:56 PM

Well, I was happy to read that at long last Eddie Long's school has been shut down for good over this Christmas holiday due to money woes. It should have been closed a long time ago as far as I'm concerned.

But again. NO other story has been more entertaining (and at the same time quite disturbing) to watch than what's going with the GOP.

In Iowa, right-wing "purists" (talibangelical and teajihadist voters) continue to be split into several smaller factions which is freaking out their leaders because: 1. It means Mitt can win a plurality of Iowa caucus votes and 2. there is real concern that a Romney win means talibangelicals and teajihadists having a lot LESS political influence going forward.

Comments in the right-wing blogosphere range from total dismay and resignation to total outrage and anger at the entire "disaster."

Add to that drama: In Iowa, expectations are high for Ron Paul. He had better have (at least) a strong 2nd place finish...OR he and his fanatical *base* will be eating lots of crow. Their claims that Ron Paul has widespread support among voters looking for new leadership will be further mocked and categorically dismissed from that point on.

For Perry and Gingrich, it's no-brainer. Make at least a strong 3rd place finish in the Iowa caucus or Go. Home. Money doesn't seek out LOSERS. South Carolina won't save you if Mitt has the wind at his back and lots of money to go the distance.

And about Santorums's so-called "surge" that the media can't get enough of hyping:

Now honestly. Does anyone with even half a brain really believe that Santorum OR Bachmann, OR Hunstman stands a snowball's chance in Haiti of winning the GOP nomination?!

No.

TGIF! ........And Happy New Year!

Truthiz

January 6, 2012 8:59 AM

HAH. What could possibly beat what is going on in the Republican party??! ...and promises to keep Our attention for quite some time to come.

AP via CNS: "Romney Campaigns in S.C. With McCain, Who Misspeaks: ‘President Obama’ Will Turn Things Around"

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney made a strong play for votes in conservative South Carolina's primary on Thursday, --snip-- McCain drew chuckles from the audience with a slip of the tongue near the close of his speech. "And so I am confident with the leadership and backing of the American people, President Obama will turn this country around," he said, inadvertently referring to the Democratic incumbent before repeatedly correcting himself with a grimace. [...] 

Read:http://cnsnews.com/news/article/romney-campaigns-sc-mccain-who-misspeaks-president-obama-will-turn-things-around

Now is THAT pitiful? Or is THAT pitiful?...smh.

GOP debates this weekend: 

I stopped watching the debates after the 5th debate. My brain couldn't take any more torture.

HOWEVER. Two more debates are scheduled for this weekend (debates #19th & 20th) and with Newt being on a mission to destroy Mitt _and Santorum feeling his *oats* since virtually tying Mitt in the Iowa Caucus_and Santorum AND Hunstman being on a mission to bring down Mitt's numbers a bit (prior to the N.H. primary next Tues. Jan. 10th) I just may have to check out at least a little of the debate on Saturday night(?) But we shall see. 

TGIF!

Truthiz

January 6, 2012 11:29 AM

Honestly. Perhaps I should wait until about 12 noon every Friday before submitting my response in this forum because usually AFTER I post, I'll see a story that reminds of one more topic I meant to comment on initially :) !

Okay...so following the Iowa Caucus results I commented the next day on how I was struck by the fact that for ALL the fire-breathing right-wing rabble rousing spewing frrth from the GOP declaring that Repubs "CAN'T WAIT" to *destroy* Pres. Obama (via the vote) and take back "Our" country, ...the actual numbers show that (compared to 2008 numbers) LESS than 3,000 additional voters showed up for that Caucuses this year_and many if not MOST_of those additonal voters were Independents and Dem-crossovers (who voted for Ron Paul btw) NOT Republican voters.

Total Iowa GOP Caucus votes in 2008: 119,188.
Total Iowa GOP Caucus votes in 2012: 122,000 approx

And it appears that that same LACK of entusiasm is already clearly visible in New Hampshire:

RealClearPolitics: "Enthusiasm Lacking as N.H. Primary Nears"

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- A major political contest is happening in this state just five days from now, but you'd barely notice if you spent a day here.

The Granite State takes pride in its first-primary-in-the-nation status: Every four years, politicians who hope to be president pound its pavement, meet its voters and eat its pie. The Republicans vying to take on President Obama in November have done some of that this cycle, but not enough to excite the state's residents. Many of them are greeting Tuesday's voting with a collective yawn. [...]

Read: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2012/01/06/enthusiasm_lacking_as_nh_primary_nears_112670.html

Oh and btw: There's a report out that 20 votes for Santorum may have "mistakenly" went to Romney?!

Iowa Republican News: "Questions Raised As RPI Begins Certification of Caucus Results"
http://theiowarepublican.com/2012/questions-raised-as-rpi-begins-certification-of-caucus-results/

I'll be watching for updates on THIS story.

Truthiz

January 13, 2012 8:57 AM

First: Glad to hear they've identified those soldiers! Absolutely disgusting...smh.

In other news......

"Americans Elect 2012 presidential run: The third-party group has cash, but no candidate"

A new group that hopes to tap into a rising appetite for a third-party presidential challenger has discovered that $30 million in secret cash can buy ballot access and attention, but not necessarily a dream candidate.

The group, Americans Elect, failed to generate interest in possible campaigns from Sens. Joe Lieberman and Lamar Alexander, and its intensive outreach to a host of other prospective candidates including former Nebraska Sens. Chuck Hagel and Bob Kerry hasn’t yielded much public enthusiasm for its efforts.

Instead, Americans Elect has attracted attention from the allies of potential candidates who don’t seem well-suited to the group’s goal of leading a centrist surge on Election Day, including obscure figures such as Buddy Roemer, and those who seem to defy the group’s moderate positioning, such as Donald Trump and Ron Paul. [...]

Read: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0112/71399.html

Given the sorry state of American politics these days, I've long felt that We need a viable Third Party in thise country. I'm not sure if *Americans Elect* is THAT vehicle for ushering in that possibility(?)

Personally, I would take them more seriously had they organized 3, or 4, yrs ago and spent that time working diligently to increase their viability AND visibility as an actual 3rd party option.

Right now it just looks like a Johnny-come-LATE (money-seeking) political gimmick to me.

TGIF!

Truthiz

January 20, 2012 10:47 AM

Wow. Notwithstanding his intellectual deficiency; I still can't believe it took Perry until yesterday to figure out that there NEVER was a path to the White House for him. Amazing.

The OTHER story that I've been paying CLOSE attention to for quite some time is the role of the MEDIA.

Over the years, I've watched the media play politicians for chumps AND politicians play the media for schmucks AND both groups (the Media AND politicians) play Us, the American people, for fools.

Honestly, I had never seen anything like what I saw play out yesterday regarding ABC's decision to run an interview of Newt's 2nd EX-wife (AND FORMER MISTRESS) Marianne Gingrich_AND CNN's John King's asinine decision to make THAT story the first question to Newt during last night's debate.

Suffice it to say that John King gave Newt (a despicable man by darn near EVERY measurement) a golden opportunity to hit a grand-slam right out the park_and Newt (never one to pass up a golden opportunity to exploit the WEAKNESS of his enemies) took FULL advantage of the moment.

Newt ripped King and ABC and the entire media to shreds...and SADLY I found myself agreeing with almost every word he said..smh.

If Gingrich wins tomorrow's primary in South Carolina, he will owe, IMO, his win, at least in part to John King and ABC news. The other person he will owe his win to is Mitt Romney who. just a few weeks ago APPEARED to have killed Newt off. Instead it's Mitt who seems to be DYING slowly on the vine while Newt still lives.

The results of the S.C. primary will be interesting and may prove to be the BIGGEST story of the week.

TGIF!

Truthiz

January 20, 2012 10:47 AM

Truthiz

January 22, 2012 11:35 AM

Sunday Morning - Jan. 22, 2012

Last night's S.C.'s primary Winners: Newt Gingrich, rank-and-file Repub voters who've always hated the media, and NO LONGER trust the GOP establishment and are now in FULL revolt against the same.

Primary LOSERS: Mitt Romney, the GOP establishment, and THE MEDIA (pundit-IDIOTS, CNN and John King, ABC's Nightline and Marianne Gingrich). Drudge is also being called out: "the Drudge Report, which was largely responsible for the HYPE surrounding the interview." - Politico

The overall Winner: Pres. Obama

Truthiz

January 27, 2012 9:49 AM

I wholeheartedly agree! Rep. Gabrielle Giffords should take the *Top* spot this week.

To have suffered such a personal tragedy, and to have progressed as far as she's progressed, she's truly an extraordinary example of Faith and Courage. I wish her continued Success during her recovery.

The other story I've been following is the GOP's *scene* BEHIND-the-scene.

The GOP establishment, aided big time by their right-wing media cohorts, has decided Newt MUST go. They've declared all out *War* on the man. And judging by the consensus that "Mitt wiped the floor" with Newt last night during the debate, it appears Newt is shell-shocked by the "attacks" he's taking from ALL sides now. He could very well lose the Florida primary on Tuesday. However, it'd probably be wise to NOT declare his campaign "dead" just yet, given he's been counted "Out" and then rose from ashes TWICE thus far, during this competition.

But I digress....

The *scene* BEHIND-the-scene I'm referring to is the GOP establishment's seeming to be absolutely Blind and DEAF when it comes to the VERY ANGRY "revolt" of a sizeable chunck of the Repub *base* (in particular, Southern evangelicals and Tea-partiers) WARNING the establishment (AND their media cohorts INCLUDING FOX) that a declaration of *War* against Newt means a declaration of *War* against them.

It's NOT about Newt actually. It's about Mitt. They don't like him. They don't trust him. And, as they see it, Newt is all that stands between Mitt and the nomination.

1. "Turncoats Faux, Rove, Drudge, et al, be damned!! We are the resistance!!"
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2838511/posts

2. "The Republican Base Simply Does Not Like Mitt Romney & Why The Press Rarely Reports It"
http://www.redstate.com/erick/2012/01/23/the-republican-base-simply-does-not-like-mitt-romney-why-the-press-rarely-reports-it/

Gonna be interesting to see what happens next Tuesday if Romney wins the Florida primary.

TGIF!

pat

January 27, 2012 11:32 AM

hey i'm new to this site but i like it alot. ok i think the story about gabrielle giffords was pretty big and real sad to.

i just clicked on some of the links from truthiz and that's some heavy stuff. i see you must be a regular here and know your stuff.

Truthiz

January 27, 2012 2:04 PM

Lol. Thank You Pat!....AND WELCOME ABOARD!!!

Yes. I am indeed a regular on OK WASSUP! since its earliest days.

DJ has always been kind in allowing me to run amok on his site...lol

Please do feel free to chime in whenever the spirit hits you.

The more voices the merrier :) !

Truthiz

January 27, 2012 2:34 PM

A lotta chatter in the political blogosphere today concerning this question:

NRO: "Did Romney Pack The Room?"...(with *his* supporters last night during the debate)

Jonah Goldberg:
The Gingrich campaign clealry thinks so. I don’t know whether he did or not, but it seemed obvious to me that the room had a lot of Romney supporters in it. Romney boosters claimed on twitter last night that he was just winning and people were applauding his great performance. Ehh, I don’t think so. There were definitely moments when Romney deserved the applause and cheers he got. But he also got applause and cheers for lines that have elicited no such response in the previous 8,000 debates.

If Romney did pack the room with ringers, it was smart if also devious. Gingrich exposed a key vulnerability to his debate superpowers: he feeds off the energy from the audience. If Romney and his team figured that out and tampered with his energy source, that’s smart politics. [...]

Read: http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/289464/did-romney-pack-room-jonah-goldberg

NRO Commenter #1:
I agree that Romney packed the room. I agree that it was 'smart' politics.

But how much confidence does that generate when thinking about one candidate or another succeeding against the Billion Dollar Campaign and the LeftMedia in the Fall? Tricks won't win - big, strong ideas clearly articulated with conviction and resolve are the only way to rally enough people to win the general election.

But it's like cheating on a midterm - not in the ethical sense, but in the sense that if you advanced onward due to a 'trick' instead of actually performing for the grade, how are you going to excel on the Final and the semester paper? [...]

NRO Commenter #2:
I don't know if this 'nullifies' Newt. It would seem to me that what this says is that Romney, unable to connect with the audience, would cheat to create the impression that he does.

That's not a good thing.

And, sadly, it goes with the general impression that he's wearing a 'mask' of conservatism--that he's just empty plastic.

I know I don't like Romney, but this, if true, is really bad, and I'd rather Newt have an off night or an outright loss than have a candidate stoop to this.

The saddest thing is that I suspect no one will look into it because, if true, it'd help Newt. [...]

Truthiz

February 3, 2012 7:59 AM

"Romney says he was taken out of context and in fairness he actually was."

Oh I beg to differ with you on that DJ..Lol.

I've heard his statement in its entirety and frankly, to me (even in context) it comes across as sounding pretty BAD. The man sounds insensitive and callous.

Mitt's problem isn't that he's rich. Americans don't have a problem with anyone making lots of money (legally). Mitt's problem is that he appears to have had VERY little exposure to people outside the *very wealthy* bubble. As a result he seems to have NO IDEA as to how to THOUGHTFULLY articulate a message that reaches out to the NON-wealthy. When he stays on script, he looks AND sounds inauthentic. When he goes off script, he's a disaster.

To sum it up: Romney is a very rich, PHONEY, and dreadful politician.

TGIF!

February 3, 2012 9:42 AM

I agree with you that his statement comes across extremely bad. I also agree Mitt Romney is very out of touch with the middle class. But even he's not stupid enough to publicly admit he doesn't care about the poor, even if he really doesn't. It was an ignorant slip up that can not be made by a person wanting to be president.

Truthiz

February 3, 2012 11:56 AM

Uh Oh. The GOP appears to be losing their ONLY argument for why the President should NOT be re-elected and their having to engage in all kinds of mental contortions to TRY and deny the fact that, judging by actual numbers, the nation seems to be in recovery:

The American Spectator: "Employment Report Blows Away Estimates"

The January employment report, released this morning, must have big grins on the faces of President Barack Obama and his campaign staff. And despite the negative political implications (of helping Obama's reelection chances), I still can't find myself rooting against good economic news. The key is that this is happening despite, not because of, Obama's policies. [....]

Read: http://spectator.org/blog/2012/02/03/employment-report-blows-away-e#commentcontainer

Hmm. So when unemployment rises it's the President's fault NOT the people who actually got Us into this mess?! But when unemployment decreases the President should get NO credit???

Lol. .....smh. PI.TI.FUL.

ABC News: "Unemployment Rate Hits 8.3 Pct. After Hiring Burst"

In the most impressive surge for the job market since early last year, the United States added 243,000 jobs in January, far more than economists expected. The unemployment rate dropped to 8.3 percent, the lowest in three years.

Hiring accelerated across the economy and up and down the pay scale. The high-salary professional services industry added 70,000 jobs, the most in 10 months. Manufacturing added 50,000, the most in a year.

"This is a very positive employment report from almost any angle," said Brian Bethune, an economics professor at Amherst College.

The report seemed certain to shake up the presidential campaign, which is expected to turn on the economy. The unemployment rate is the lowest since February 2009, one month after President Barack Obama took office. [....]

Read: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/unemployment-rate-hits-83-pct-hiring-burst-15505052

Now careful Mr. President. Please DON'T get over-confident! The election AIN'T over till it's over. From now until November, keep your head down and your shoulders to the wheel, fighting for the American people.

Truthiz

February 3, 2012 3:03 PM

Okay. I didn't mention THIS earlier because...well because there's just so much that Mitt is doing wrong these days that I was simply gonna let THIS slide. But since right-wing elites are in a bit of a PANIC about it AND expressing it out loud........

Philip Klein: "Trump fiasco Romney’s biggest blunder"

Mitt Romney made the biggest blunder of his candidacy today – at least so far. Previous missteps have mainly involved him making badly worded statements. Overall, Romney has been remarkably well disciplined when it comes to broader campaign decisions. Dragging his feet releasing his tax returns may have caused problems, but he remedied that by releasing them. Today’s embrace of Donald Trump is a colossal blunder that will come back to haunt him.

To start, Romney’s entire candidacy was based on the idea that he was the most serious and presidential candidate in the race. Publicly accepting the endorsement of a reality show tabloid figure makes him look silly. Remember, Romney didn’t do a joint appearance to accept the endorsement of Jon Huntsman, a former governor and U.S. ambassador.

Trump is also a loose cannon who will say anything for headlines. At this afternoon’s event, Romney shook Trump’s hand, said he was “honored” by his endorsement and said it meant a “great deal” to him. Now, any of Trump’s crazy statements, past or future, can be linked to Romney in a 30-second attack ad by showing footage from today’s circus. The DNC could put out an ad, for instance, of Trump’s birther statements spliced together with clips of Romney and Trump. For Democrats, it’s a gift that will keep giving should Romney become the nominee. [....]

Read: http://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/trump-fiasco-romney%E2%80%99s-biggest-blunder/356011

Truthiz

February 10, 2012 10:21 AM

A story that I've been following_kinda sorta_is the right-wing backlash caused by the President's new ruiling that "requires faith-based employers to offer workers free contraceptive coverage is popular, even among Catholics."

Don't know how much forethought the President actually gave this issue before deciding to set off such a political firestorm(?) But I think his timing really sucks on this. No doubt he and his team are working diligently to defuse the situation as quickly _and painless_as possible.

Mr. President THIS is an election year. And the truth is, the only person that can defeat you IS YOU.

Speaking of "defeat".......

LA-Times/Politics Now: "CPAC: Conservative gathering opens amid uncertain GOP race"

Reporting from Washington—

Conservative activists began a three-day gathering in the nation's capital Thursday with a clear mission -- defeating President Obama -- if not a clear sense of how to get there. [...]

Read: http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-cpac-conservatives-marco-rubio-20120209,0,2738755.story

A bunch of angry and confused right-wing conservative throwbacks, gathered together, in masse hysteria, trying to figure out how to "destroy" the n*gg*r currently occupying the White House. Boy I'll tell ya...smh.

TGIF!

Truthiz

February 10, 2012 10:51 AM

Two words emerging more-and-more-often indicating just how BAD it's looking for the GOP:

BROKERED. CONVENTION.

"CPAC Takeaways: DeMint Thinks GOP Race Could Go to Convention; Perry May Run Again"

What did we learn walking around CPAC, the Conservative Political Action Conference, the annual Woodstock for the right, held in Washington, D.C.?

For starters, don’t expect the GOP presidential race to end any time soon.

Sen. Jim DeMint, the South Carolina Republican and Tea Party leader told ABC News’ Jonathan Karl he wouldn’t be surprised to see things go all the way to the convention in August in Tampa, Fla. Karl asked if he thought there was room for another candidate to enter the race at this point.

“I don’t know about another candidate,” Demint said. “But we may go to the convention and decide between these candidates. It’d be hard to bring in an un-vetted candidate in the middle of a convention cause we see what this process is doing to our candidates. [...]

Read: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/02/cpac-takeaways-demint-thinks-gop-race-could-go-to-convention-perry-may-run-again/

Erick Erikson: "The Frontrunner"

This is the seventh CPAC I have been to. On the first day, before the candidates have had a chance to bus in their supporters to stack the deck and straw poll, this is the least excited I’ve seen them. The crowd’s heart is with Santorum. But in their mind they do not think he can win

Today Mitt Romney must convince the crowd he is one of them or at least won’t betray them. Rick Santorum must convince them he can beat Barack Obama. Newt Gingrich must convince them he is still viable.

Along the way a funny thing has happened. Romney supporters are starting to be openly critical of him. The business whiz has failed to restructure his own failing organization. His support is a mile wide and an inch deep.

And he has been replaced as front runner by the crowd. They are with Rick Santorum in heart, but also in money and votes. On the horizon looms a brokered convention. [...]

Read: http://www.redstate.com/erick/2012/02/10/the-frontrunner/

Truthiz

February 10, 2012 11:20 AM

Ouch!!! ...if right-wingers are posting THIS kind of info?!...there is indeed PANIC in right-wing world.

WND: "20% of Republicans leaning to Obama!"

“The improvement in Obama’s prospects compared to the four remaining Republican challengers stems largely from two factors,” suggests pollster Fritz Wenzel. “First, Obama has largely avoided the political limelight while the GOP candidates savage each other with increasing intensity.

Second, a smattering of evidence indicates that the economy is getting a little better, which helps the White House in the eyes of the voters. Secondly, the bloody fight for the Republican presidential nomination – by most estimations the nastiest GOP fight in memory – has really hurt the images of the challengers in the eyes of both Republicans and, especially, independent voters.

For Republicans, each candidate carries with them now some taint that cannot be ignored.”

In every case except the match-up against Ron Paul, more than 20 percent of Republican voters said they are more likely to support Obama than the Republican challenger. And Ron Paul is close, as 19 percent of Republicans said they are more likely to support Obama than Paul.

Making the situation more bleak for opponents of Obama, independent voters are apparently quite put off with the Republican nomination fight. While polls last fall showed them leaning Republican by roughly a two-to-one margin, they are now either split evenly or favoring Obama.

“What must be particularly alarming to every Republican campaign regarding this nasty fight is that, even among those who say they think the nation is heading in the wrong direction, Obama still wins at least 20 percent support in head-to-head match-ups against the four remaining Republicans, and among those who said they were unsure about the overall direction of the nation, Obama wins by overwhelming percentages,” observes Wenzel. [....]

Read: http://www.wnd.com/2012/02/20-of-republicans-leaning-to-obama/`

H/T: RealClearPolitics

Truthiz

February 10, 2012 2:05 PM

Oh dear. A rank-and-file Repub supporter of Romney LOSES IT:

Date: Fri, Feb 10, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Subject: a stacked deck

[...] What's wrong with the nutjobs on the right? The loons at NRO were gushing for Mitt in 2008, and now he is persona non-grata all b/c he lost friggin Colorado. Our best shot to beat O is clearly Mitt, journalists know this, O knows this, and pols know this. Santorum is animated by one issue - stopping women from having abortions - do these idiots at NRO not know that is not a winning issue in a national election? I don't see how Mitt escapes from the pincer between the nuts on the right and the journos/dems on the left. He should just break to to the left this afternoon and tell these nuts f u, get an effing job for a living.

sadly, [....]

Read: "One Romney Supporter's Rant"
http://www.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeedpolitics/one-romney-supporters-rant

Actually if you trust polls, most polls now show the President beating all four of the GOP candidates in a 1:1 match-up, including Mitt. But really, at this point WHO, besides Repubs, needs a poll to tell you that!?!

Truthiz

February 10, 2012 2:51 PM

Ok so wait. Did the President use the contraception issue to TRICK the GOP, knowing they (the MEN) would take the bait, proceed to lose their mind and further reveal their madness?

David Frum: "The Contraception Fight"

As Republicans go to war over including contraception in health plans, they are repeating to themselves a reassuring mantra:

"This is not a contraception issue. This is not a social issue. This is a constitutional issue."

The idea is that they are not against contraception. They are only against requiring any employer or plan to provide contraception if that employer or plan conscientiously objects to contraception.

So they say, so they may sincerely believe.

But politics is not only about what you say. It is also about what your intended audience will hear.
If the audience is paying attention, for example, it will notice that Republicans are not proposing to allow employers and plans to refuse to cover blood transfusions if they conscientiously object to them (although there are religious groups that do). Or vaccinations (although there are individuals who conscientiously object to those as well). Or medicines derived from animal experimentation. (Ditto.)

No, Marco Rubio's Religious Freedom Restoration bill provides for one conscientious exemption only: contraception and sterilization.

Which means it will be very hard if not impossible to persuade the target audience that this debate is not in fact about contraception. Everybody quite sure that's a wise debate to have?

Read: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/02/09/the-contraception-fight.html

Female Commenter:
You can rest assured that women understand it's about contraception. I wonder if the GOP will, once again, gather a group of male congressmen, and only males, to a press conference to continue pushing this issue.

Could the GOP have a worse job of attracting the women's vote in this election cycle if they'd tried? [...]

Another female Commneter:
Just like the Komen Foundation thought they could get away with dissing PP and contraception, the right wing social conservatives think they can continue their assault on women and not get any pushback.

Just like the Komen Foundation, I think they will discover they are wrong... [...]

Truthiz

February 10, 2012 3:55 PM

Whatever the President's original intent, a compromise has been reached

ABC News:
"Both Catholic Health Assn and Planned Parenthood Say They’re Pleased With Contraception Rule Announcement"

Though they’re on opposite sides of the birth control and abortion debate, both Sister Carol Keehan, the president and CEO of the Catholic Health Association, and Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, issued statements Friday morning applauding the compromise, which allows religious organizations to keep contraception out of its coverage while requiring the insurance companies to step in and offer contraceptive coverage to the female employees.

“The Catholic Health Association is very pleased with the White House announcement that a resolution has been reached that protects the religious liberty and conscience rights of Catholic institutions,” Keehan said. “The framework developed has responded to the issues we identified that needed to be fixed. We are pleased and grateful that the religious liberty and conscience protection needs of so many ministries that serve our country were appreciated enough that an early resolution of this issue was accomplished. The unity of Catholic organizations in addressing this concern was a sign of its importance. This difference has at times been uncomfortable but it has helped our country sort through an issue that has been important throughout the history of our great democracy.” [...]

Read: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/02/both-catholic-health-assn-and-planned-parenthood-say-theyre-pleased-with-contraception-rule-announcement/

Truthiz

February 11, 2012 12:53 PM

Sat. Feb. 11, 2012

Nate Silver: "Santorum has a real shot at the nomination"

So while there was no entrance poll data in Colorado and while Mr. Romney may have been more
organized in Nevada, we can still probably conclude that voter preferences have been incredibly fickle in this primary season. I don’t think you can develop a successful theory about this race unless you assume that voters are changing their minds — a lot. Some demographic groups may be more inclined to support certain candidates than others — but there are a lot of swing voters, and they have been swinging.

That unpredictability makes a case for betting on Mr. Santorum, who is given just a 13 percent chance of winning the Republican nomination on the betting market Intrade right now.

If the Republicans were neatly coloring in the demographic and geographic lines — as Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Obama did — then the small lead that Mr. Romney enjoys in the delegate count so far would be more definitive. The eight states that have voted so far are a reasonably representative sample, so if demographics are destiny, you might be able to make some precise-seeming projections going forward.

If the map is more scrambled, however, those predictions have a greater margin of error. There might be 15 or 20 states that lean toward Mr. Romney and 15 or 20 that lean against him, but few are truly safe calls. [....]

Read: "The Bettor’s Case for Santorum"
http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/10/the-bettors-case-for-santorum/

H/T: Hotair.com

538 Commenter:
Santorum is a legitimate flag bearer for Conservatives. Romney has about one week to dig up a scandal on Rick or he's going to find himself down for the count.

Please realize Obama did this. I haven't favored his pro-establishment policies, but I can't deny Obama's political team is up there with Reagan's in terms of effectiveness. It's just that good.

The issue, as everyone knows, is that the GOP has been forced by Obama to tack hard right as he took the center.

Romney really is a moderate, and it's his moderate stance that makes him electable in November. Thanks to Obama, Romney has to pretend to be a Mr. Conservative versus the looney Santorum. We'll see how well that works out. Even if he does stave off Rick, he'll have to move so far back to the center by November that no one will believe a word he says.

It really is 11 dimensional chess. [...]

Truthiz

February 17, 2012 1:26 PM

Other stories of interest to me include:

BREAKING NEWS (Today): "The U.S. House Passes Extension of Payroll Tax Cut"

The vote passed "293 -to -132." 

Read: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-02-17/house-passes-extension-of-payroll-tax-cut-through-2012-by-vote-of-293-132.html

TDB: "NJ Gay Marriage Goes to Christie" 

Lawmakers have Christie up against the ropes on gay marriage in the Garden State. Three days after the New Jersey state Senate passed a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, the state Assembly affirmed the vote, 41 to 33. The legislation will now be sent to the desk of Republican Gov. Chris Christie, who has vowed to veto it and argued that the issue should be decided by New Jersey voters in a referendum. [....] 

Read: http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheats/2012/02/16/nj-gay-marriage-goes-to-christie.html#comments

And as always: The ongoing GOP comic tragedy. With support for Santorum growing among the GOP *base* Romney sent word yesterday that he would NOT be participating in CNN debate, scheduled for March 1st, in GA, ahead fo Super Tuesday on March 6th. Romney withdrew , and then Santorum and then Paul, which left only Gingrich to attend. CNN canceled the event. 

National Journal: "CNN Cancels March 1 Debate After Candidates Decline"
http://www.nationaljournal.com/2012-presidential-campaign/cnn-cancels-march-1-debate-after-candidates-decline-20120216

Honorable mention: I find it rather amusing that in a Presidential election year that was SUPPOSED to be dominated by the ECONOMY_the GOP has apparently decided to focus on social (cultural war) issues beginning with CONTRACEPTION.

Foster Friess: “You know, back in my days, they used Bayer aspirin for contraception. The gals put it between their knees, and it wasn’t that costly.” :( ??

HAH. TGIF!

Truthiz

February 24, 2012 7:46 AM

Wow. I hadn't heard about that DJ. Pretty appalling.

But, in all honestly, I'm just as appalled by this related story:

TheUrbanDaily: "Houston Family Sells Funeral Coverage…For Bobbi Kristina"

The family of the late Whitney Houston has stuck a deal to sell video of her "home going" ceremony. Over the weekend, the Houston Family allowed one camera to show footage of the services — and the Associated Press provided the live pool feed for other outlets to take part in the broadcast. However, every outlet had to take down their footage 24 hours later. According to TMZ, which spoke to a rep to confirm the news, the Houstons have ”agreed to license footage to several media outlets.”

The rep says the family is charging “customary fees” to “help maximize the estate for the benefit of Bobbi Kristina [Brown].” [...]

Read: http://theurbandaily.com/gossip-news/michaelarceneaux/houston-family-sells-funeral-coverage-for-bobbi-kristina/

Oh well. Moving on to a more positive story...Maryland has now become the 8th state to legalize same-sex marriage.

NYTimes: "Maryland: Gay Marriage Bill Sent to Governor"

Same-sex marriage is all but legalized in Maryland after the Legislature gave its final approval to the law, which is expected to be signed by the governor. The State Senate voted 25 to 22 on Thursday to legalize same-sex marriage, less than a week after the House of Delegates barely passed the measure. Maryland will become the eighth state to allow same-sex marriage when Gov. Martin O'Malley signs the legislation, which he sponsored. Opponents vow to bring the measure to voters with a referendum, and organizers can now begin collecting the more than 55,000 signatures needed to put it on the ballot. [...]

Read: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/24/us/maryland-gay-marriage-bill-sent-to-governor.html?_r=1

TGIF!

Truthiz

February 24, 2012 11:35 AM

MSNBC: "Virginia lawmakers halt anti-abortion 'personhood' bill"

PORTSMOUTH VA — Virginia lawmakers on Thursday shelved until next year a measure ultimately aimed at outlawing abortion by granting individual rights to an embryo from the moment of conception.

The state Senate voted 24-14 to send the so-called "personhood" bill back to a committee to be taken up again in 2013.

The move effectively killed the bill for this year.

Last week, the Republican-controlled House of Delegates voted 66-32 in favor of defining the word person under state law to include unborn children "from the moment of conception until birth at every stage of biological development."

Republican Delegate Bob Marshall, an abortion rights opponent who introduced the legislation, said the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the United States would not have been rendered if Texas state law had regarded the unborn as a person "in the full sense." [...]

Read: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46504390/ns/us_news/

Virginians OUGHT to be embarrassed, having voted in a bunch of twisted-azz CHISTIANISTS (mostly middle-aged and OLD MEN btw) ...and should move quickly and decisively to THROW that trash out at the EARLIEST opportunity.

Truthiz

February 24, 2012 12:18 PM

The colossal FAILURE of Republicanism...aka FAKE Conservatism.

Erick Erikson: "The Elephant in the Room"

He was the elephant in the room, so to speak, at the CNN Debate in Mesa, AZ. And this issue is why Campaign 2012 on the Republican side is so depressing.

The he is George W. Bush. And the issue is that Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney spent most of the debate campaigning against George W. Bush without using his name.

They went after each other on earmarks, spending, No Child Left Behind, Medicare Part D, the debt ceiling, and on and on.                    .................

And that is what is so awful about this election season for so many conservatives. Santorum, Romney, and Gingrich are campaigning against major accomplishments of the Bush Administration that they, at the time, supported, and now have the audacity to lie to us — yes they are lying — and have us believe they would never have supported such big government programs.   [...]

Read: http://www.redstate.com/erick/2012/02/24/the-elephant-in-the-room/

Uh.huh. Well, IMO, Erick and other right-wingers need not continue *PLAYING* themselves. Republicanism didn't start with G. Dubya. It's been in FULL-effect since the days of Reagan and Lee Atwater.

However, any suggestion that another BUSH is just what this country needs!?! not only boggles the mind ...but it also tells you just how DEPLETED the GOPs political gene-pool is.

There's nothing left but the rotting carcus of a DECAYING elephant that's been actively engaged in KILLING ITSELF for years.

Truthiz

February 24, 2012 1:33 PM

...my pick for *Quote of the Day*

[...]

Is Santorum unelectable in a general election? Yep. The current polling says Rick loses to Obama by 6.3 percent. But Mitt loses to him by 5.1 percent. How big an argument do you want over 1.2 percent?

I despise what the GOP has become. But it is what it is. And Santorum is its logical leader. Let this party stand up and be counted. Romney would shroud it in bullshit and blather - while not deviating from it a scintilla. If he won the nomination and lost the general campaign, the GOP would simply blame it on his lack of "real conservatism". And we'd be back where we started. With Santorum, we'd finally get to test whether that "real conservatism" is indeed the future of the GOP or what I think it is - a reactionary form of madness.

And, by the way, those Washington pundits now huffing and puffing about Santorum's extremism? They should have spoken up a long time ago. Or tell us now what substantive differences there are between Santorum's apocalyptic war-mongering and Romney's; or between Santorum's belief in erasing the difference between politics and religion and Romney's. Or simply acknowledge they have no principles but defeating Democrats by whatever means necessary.

But that would be honest, wouldn't it? Like the candidate they now oppose. [...]

Andrew Sullivan Fri. Feb. 24, 2012

Truthiz

February 24, 2012 4:33 PM

Well THIS certainly doesn't help... :( ...smh.

The Atlantic: "Romney Speaks to an Empty Stadium"

SEE Pic: http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2012/02/romney-speaks-to-an-empty-stadium/253578/

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