excuse the mess...that was just my head

Stop SOPA and PIPA

2012-01-17T23:09:00.000-08:00

ACT NOW
TO STOP INTERNET CENSORSHIP

(If I knew how to, I'd make the blog dark for the day.)
Contact your Congress and Senate critters. Changes in the bills don't mean that it's fixed. Make them fix it.

Some people need to get a grip

2012-01-04T16:50:00.000-08:00

New Hampshire GOP Bill Mandates That New Laws Find Their Origin In 1215 English Magna Carta

Get real, New Hampshire GOP. (I know, asking for the moon.) They're requiring all bills introduced to have a quote from the MAGNA CARTA. You know, the Magna Carta. Written in 1215. 797 years ago. Way to be repulsive, New Hampshire GOP!

In the continuing story of Republicans being horrible...

2011-12-23T14:50:00.000-08:00

Republican lawmaker says he expects 'race card' from Obama in 2012

Oh good! DEADBEAT DAD Republican from Illinolis, Joe Walsh has opened is ignorant mouth yet again!

“The minute you say, 'They’re criticizing me because I’m African American,' or whatever, that is voter intimidation,” Walsh said. “You are trying to stifle honest debate, and my fear is this is going to happen again in the next election. We saw it in ’08; thankfully, the president now has a record — he didn’t have a record in ’08 — so now we can criticize the fact that he destroyed the economy, and hopefully we can do that without being accused of being racist.”

Please, someone get deadbeat Dad Joe Walsh a dictionary. Because the simple meaning of words escapes him.
Oh, also, someone ask him if he's ever going to pay his ex-wife the money he owes her.
In fact, can someone, anyone, ask him that every single day from now until he actually does?

I... Just.. I mean...

2011-12-21T15:50:00.000-08:00

Lawmaker Says Michelle Obama Has ‘Large Posterior’

No, Jim Sensenbrenner, I have a large posterior. The FIRST LADY is a perfectly fit person. And, hey, not to fat snark or anything, but have you looked in a damn mirror, oh, ever? 'Cause you make my ass look not too bad.

My head is going to explode over absolute garbage like this. That ridiculous attention seeker in Alaska thinks there's something wrong with the White House's Christmas card. The circus peanut wearing a badger thinks that Barney Frank is disgusting. And I say, fuck off cowards. Both of you are too CHICKEN SHIT to actually run.

Somehow, I think the boy who was raped had a ruined weekend.

2011-12-19T12:20:00.000-08:00

Devil's Deposition: Joe Paterno Delayed Reporting Sex Abuse to Avoid Ruining Anyone’s Weekend

The entire football program should be completely dismantled at Penn State.
Torn completely down. And the ground salted.
And, then, maybe in three or four decades, there can be talk about starting a football program at Penn State.

Sam Brownback is a child

2011-11-24T09:58:00.001-08:00

Disparaging tweet about Gov. Sam Brownback lands Kansas teen in principal’s office

My alternate title is: Good for you, Emma Sullivan!

I'm quite sure Sam Brownback and his people will see this, since they seem to troll media looking for instances of his name.
So, what are you going to do, Sam? Call my mommy and tell her I was mean to you?
I guess no one is allowed to question Emperor Brownback in Kansas.

I stand for the victims.

2011-11-09T23:24:00.001-08:00

Actually, I think I need to edit that. I stand for all victims.

I said this earlier this evening, as I was watching the news from College Park.
"Why don't more abuse victims come forward? Just look at the scene at Penn State and I think you have an answer."

The Board at Penn State fired Joe Paterno. Good for them.
I watched reporters at the press conference lead off by asking "who's coaching the team on Saturday?"
I watched students pour out across the campus, proclaiming their love for him and their anger and disgust at his firing.

And all I could think was that some of the victims of Jerry Sandusky are the same age as these students.
And that victims of abuse are current students at Penn State.

Victims of abuse don't come forward more often because they are the people that get scrutinized.
Not the abuser.
It's just that simple.

So I make it clear. I stand with the victims. Always.

People in authority are supposed to protect children

2011-11-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

Mothers Of Alleged Sandusky Victims Speak Out

I realize how hopelessly naive that title is. I mean, just below is a story of the Boy Scouts of America protecting a child molester for 20 years. And I've written before about the horrors of the Catholic Church's behavior towards the victims of its own priests. Why should I be surprised that a football program at a major university did nothing?
We can not stop highlighting the abuses. Shine a bright light on the cockroaches who abuse children.

Can't debate honestly, so resorts to name calling

2011-11-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth Warren Heckled By Tea Party Supporter

Oh Tea Party. You are so very offensive.
"First they ignore you, then they ridicule you, then they fight you, then you win."
So they're up to fighting.
Which means they've lost.

A little more on the incident, from Greg Sargent.
Elizabeth Warren's Anger

Fuck off Joe Arpaio

2011-11-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

Joe Arpaio, Arizona Sheriff, Calls On Obama To Release Birth Certificate Microfiche

So yet another racist thinks he has the right to demand of our President that which has never been demanded of any other.
Gee. And I wonder why the rage of anger makes my head hurt.
I am so fucking sick of assholes who have no business opening thier mouths just keep fapping away.
Shut up. Fuck off. And mind your own business, you disgusting racist buzzard.

Wow

2011-10-29T18:44:00.000-07:00

Boy Scouts failed to report abuser

Apparently, the Boy Scouts, who refuse with every fiber of their organizational being, to allow homosexuals in their organization, are perfectly happy to allow molesters! And they'll also help hide the molester's behavior for two decades.

If you can do this and not think there's anything wrong with it,

2011-10-29T17:52:00.001-07:00

You are a fucking psychopath.

What the Costumes Reveal

I can't even. The country's largest foreclosure firm thinks it's perfectly splendid to dress up as homeless. So the people they've put out on the streets.
Wrap your mind around that.

As the Mayor, the buck stops with her.

2011-10-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

Jean Quan says she has little input on Occupy raid

There is no excuse for the actions of the Oakland PD and the other departments they called in for assistance.
And then the Mayor says she doesn't know? That's horrendous. Either she's lying. Or she's so incompetent that her acting Police Chief made a decision to bring officers in riot gear against unarmed protesters. Either way, it sounds pretty bad, right?

It's time to raise the screams for a new revolution

2011-10-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

A Womb With a View

Actually, it's well past time.
But this garbage bullshit is putting me over the top.
The economy is cratered. Actually, beyond cratered, heading towards the center of the earth.
And all the damn Republicans in Congress can do is come up with bill after bill after bill attacking women's health and abortion rights.
FUCK. THAT. NOISE.

I... I... I... Speechless.

2011-10-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

Joe Walsh Says He Had 'Verbal' Deal Not To Pay Child Support

Wait. I take that back. I do have somethings to say. Most of them are expletives. And a lot of Seth Meyers-esque "Really?!" thrown in.
Wouldn't you just love to try this argument in court? "I thought we had a verbal agreement not to pay". Are you fucking kidding me?
Throw the bastard in jail for non support.

Um... Isn't that what it's supposed to do?

2011-10-10T19:23:00.001-07:00

Occupy Wall Street Protests Rankle the Rich

I mean, what kind of a dumb headline it that?
That's the point of the protests.
And good luck finding people to feel bad for the rich people.
Aw, are their fee-fees hurt because the poor people and the unemployed people are mad at them?
Too bad, so sad.

Keeping it classy with a K, ladies and gentlemen, I present you Scott Brown

2011-10-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

Scott Brown Calls Elizabeth Warren Ugly

Let's see, the guy who went on and on about his daughters' dating life on election night implies his possible opponent is ugly.
Klassy!
No wonder Elizabeth Warren was beating him in polls barely a week after she announced she was running.
Run scared Scott Brown, Elizabeth Warren is no Martha Coakley. She's not afraid of getting in the weeds.
So keep on flapping your mouth. You inner ugliness is shining bright.

Oh yeah, here's Elizabeth Brown's ActBlue page. Elizabeth Warren, you know, in case you're so inclined.

Not in my name

2011-09-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

A Message From Troy Davis

I want to thank all of you for your efforts and dedication to Human Rights and Human Kindness, in the past year I have experienced such emotion, joy, sadness and never ending faith. It is because of all of you that I am alive today, as I look at my sister Martina I am marveled by the love she has for me and of course I worry about her and her health, but as she tells me she is the eldest and she will not back down from this fight to save my life and prove to the world that I am innocent of this terrible crime.

As I look at my mail from across the globe, from places I have never ever dreamed I would know about and people speaking languages and expressing cultures and religions I could only hope to one day see first hand. I am humbled by the emotion that fills my heart with overwhelming, overflowing Joy. I can’t even explain the insurgence of emotion I feel when I try to express the strength I draw from you all, it compounds my faith and it shows me yet again that this is not a case about the death penalty, this is not a case about Troy Davis, this is a case about Justice and the Human Spirit to see Justice prevail.

I cannot answer all of your letters but I do read them all, I cannot see you all but I can imagine your faces, I cannot hear you speak but your letters take me to the far reaches of the world, I cannot touch you physically but I feel your warmth everyday I exist.

So Thank you and remember I am in a place where execution can only destroy your physical form but because of my faith in God, my family and all of you I have been spiritually free for some time and no matter what happens in the days, weeks to come, this Movement to end the death penalty, to seek true justice, to expose a system that fails to protect the innocent must be accelerated. There are so many more Troy Davis’. This fight to end the death penalty is not won or lost through me but through our strength to move forward and save every innocent person in captivity around the globe. We need to dismantle this Unjust system city by city, state by state and country by country.

I can’t wait to Stand with you, no matter if that is in physical or spiritual form, I will one day be announcing,

“I AM TROY DAVIS, and I AM FREE!”

Never Stop Fighting for Justice and We will Win!

My heart is so broken right now.

I don't understand the desperate need to kill

2011-09-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Troy Davis: 10 reasons why he should not be executed

I'm not a lawyer, nor do I play one on tv. But I'm pretty sure there has to be some evidence actually linking a person to the crime they're being put to death for. And in the case of Troy Davis, evidence seems to be absolutely lacking.
The state of Georgia is rushing to kill him.
7 of 9 people have recanted their sworn testimony. 1 has not spoken about the case ever in 20 years. And the last is one person who originally Davis was the murderer. And has been spoken of by more than one person as being the real killer.

By the way, the evil racist who dragged James Byrd to death and confessed is also supposed to be put to death today. I oppose that state death as well.

Elizabeth Warren is amazing

2011-09-21T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Elizabeth Warren Quote Every American Needs To See

I don't think it's any kind of a surprise that I really like Elizabeth Warren and the positions she takes. I think she'll do a fantastic job as Senator from Massachusetts. (Maybe send her some dough, if you like.) She announced last week that she's running and has already taken a 2 point lead over Scott Brown.

And the State of California pisses itself from laughing so hard.

2011-09-17T09:26:00.000-07:00

Bachmann predicts a GOP win in California in 2012

I love the fact that the very first sentence of the article is basically "yeah, she's full of crap."
Or, put another way, no way in hell is a Republican going to win a statewide election in California.

Sarah Grunfeld is absolutely 100% wrong

2011-09-15T16:12:00.000-07:00

Student who mistakenly accused Prof of anti-Semitism unapologetic

There's wrong and then there's SPECTACULARLY wrong. Sarah Grunfield is SPECTACULARLY wrong. She has accused a professor of antisemitism based on something she heard incorrectly. And refuses to back down. So for the rest of her life, she needs to be followed by this story. Prospective employers will google her and learn how she said a professor said something antisemitic. And when confronted with the actual reality, refused to back down. So feel back being ignorant and wrong, Sarah Grunfield.

She's losing and getting more desperate.

2011-09-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

Health Expert Offers Bachmann $10,000 If She Can Provide One Case Proving HPV Vaccine Causes Retardation

Let's leave aside the sheer ridiculousness of Bachmann's statement. It's utterly unprovable on her part. The part of the article that caught my eye is the end. Where some adviser or the other said that Bachmann only pays attention to about 80 or 90% of whatever she's reading. And I can believe that. So many of her actions and statements seem to be of a person who hasn't caught the entire story. I'd feel bad that she's been shunted aside in the race. But then I remember that the Republican contenders are all pretty much a group that really doesn't care about the actual working people of the country. And get over my sympathy for her.

You sound like an unpleasant person

2011-08-29T14:51:00.000-07:00

My Brief OkCupid Affair With a World Champion Magic: The Gathering Player

Many many other people will write many words about this article by Alyssa Bereznak at Gizmodo.
I just want to say, Ms Bereznack, you sound like an unkind person. So he wasn't your flavor of date. Was he mean, rude, unkind, abusive, or drunken during your date? Doesn't sound like. Sounds like he was a nice man with a hobby you want to mock. Which makes you mean.

Despicable

2011-08-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

Embattled Fullerton police chief goes on medical leave

Key phrase, for me:

City spokeswoman Sylvia Palmer Mudrick said the chief cannot be fired while on medical leave.

I don't know if you've read anything about this story. A young schizophrenic homeless man was beaten to death by some Fullerton police officers. He was well known in the area and people say he was harmless. The picture taken of him just before he died is so sad. You can't recognize him.
And the official response has been horrendous. The Chief of Police should be fired. "Medical leave" is a cop out. He's running away from his responsibility to the citizens.

Only deeply unserious people spew things like this.

2011-07-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Beck: Youth Camp Attacked In Norway "Sounds A Little Like The Hitler Youth"

Look, I am aware that giving Beck attention is giving him what he craves. But absolute insane bullshit does not go unreplied to.

From a survivor of the attack in Norway

2011-07-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

The worst day of my life.

It's translated, but some of the translation is a bit rough.
It's heartbreaking to read. 14 to 18 year olds, working to build a better world.

But I'm still in shock. And that is why I write this note. I can not bear to tell the story over and over again. It was in brief what happened. With me. But the fear was there all the time ... Do NOK not think I can put it into words. We also continuously hear who was shot, etc. - that I have omitted to write about. It is degrading above the relatives. They deserve better.

We deserve not to die. And it's also why I write this note. We are just normal teenagers. We are engaged in politics. We will make the world a better place - I missed the part where we becam the bad guys.

My sympathies to Norway and the suffering families.

Do we need to pull out a dictionary?

2011-06-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

In Response To Prosser Choking Allegations, Fox’s Van Susteren Calls On Female Chief Justice To Resign

Frankly, I just want to ignore Van Susteren. Trolling shouldn't be rewarded. And you know as well as I that's what she's doing. Because she can't really be calling on the person WHO WAS ATTACKED to resign, can she? I mean, that would be colossally stupid. And trollish.
And let us talk about Judge Prosser. Who admits to putting his hands around Justice Bradley's neck. But, according to him, she had it coming. Really? In what magic dream world does he live in, that you can actually do that? In the world I live in there's no justification for ever putting hands on anyone. No matter the circumstance. But apparently there are special rules for Mr. Prosser.

Congratulations New York!!!

2011-06-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

National impact from New York marriage law: experts

You guys! I'm so excited about this vote! I'd have been happier if the Church-y types had kept their noses out of it. But steps in the right direction are steps in the right direction.
Also, friends, I am fully prepared to travel for weddings. hint hint.

5 years.

2011-05-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

Bin Laden 'in same house for five years, says wife'

Obama's been in office for 2 years. And caught bin Laden.
Bush, the guy who was "going to get him dead or alive" couldn't find him. Then Bush defunded the unit that was specifically tasked to hunt down bin Laden.
Bin Laden was in the same house for FIVE years.
Oh, don't get me started on Pakistan's role in this, by the way. Most wanted man in the world hiding in a million dollar compound 30 miles from your capital, 1000 yards from your military training compound. Suuuuuuuuuuure you didn't know he was there. Riiiiiight.

Oh hello rotten puritans!

2011-04-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

Parents: English Teacher Writes Racy Novels

You know, the news this day is filling me with rage.
I woke up to news of the President releasing his long form birth certificate. So straight up racism is being given media time. Wow.
And then this story. I... I just can't. The ignorance and hate displayed by the complaining parent is unbelievable. Judy Buranich, the teacher,has 25 years experience teaching. Twenty five years. And, from the comments, she's quite well loved. So what's the big deal?

updated to add: Erotic Romance Writer Outed

There's nothing "immoral" about anyone writing erotic fiction. And to say that because a person chooses to write in a certain genre says something about them as a person doesn't really get it. 'Cause then shouldn't we be concerned about writers of horror? Or mysteries? I mean, aren't they suspect for coming up with all those gory deaths? What's that? That's different? Um, no. No it isn't.

What an amazing young woman

2011-04-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Pregnot: Toppenish High student fakes pregnancy as social test about stereotypes, rumors

Gaby Rodriguez, for her senior project, pretended to be pregnant for a good portion of her senior year for her senior project. Her mother, the principal and a few select others knew about it.
I am so impressed by her. What an amazing social experiment. I really don't have the words to explain how fascinating an idea it is.
Don't read the comments.

Just Saying

2011-04-21T14:39:00.001-07:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

If Tasini was actually serious, he'd be suing other places as well.

2011-04-12T16:31:00.000-07:00

Huffington Post's Unpaid Bloggers Are Suing Arianna

I mean, I'm not a fan of the HuffPo. I think people like Amanda Terkel and Ryan Grim do some really great work.
Nobody forces the unpaid bloggers to post at HuffPo. I won't generalize anyone's motives. But if Tasini were honestly serious about suing the people who use his freely posted work for their own gains, he'd be suing Daily Kos as well. Too bad that doesn't suit his narrative of choice.

The GOP hates women

2011-04-08T11:28:00.000-07:00

I mean, it's not like you needed me to tell you that. But this looming shutdown over the defunding of Planned Parenthood really points to nothing else. I mean, after all the Hyde Amendment prevents any Federal funds go to provide abortions. So who exactly does the GOP think they're fooling with this bullshit?
It's nothing but a naked attempt to slap at women's healthcare. Flat out.
Now, I don't have a personal story about Planned Parenthood. But I do have a story about former college roommates of mine. (And since I haven't spoken to either one of them in over 20 years, I'm going to tell it.)
I went to a small Catholic college in Rochester, NY for my undergrad. Late '80s, early '90s. My freshman year I roomed with 2 women from far upstate NY. I'd met them both on a visit to the campus and they'd seemed like nice people, so we asked to room together. Anyway, one of these women had a boyfriend at home. He was slightly younger than her and still in high school. And she was always telling us about how they were both going to wait until they got married to have sex, and were always going to be true to each other. You know, all the things you say as an 18 year old.
Well, she came back from Christmas break and it seems they'd "done it" over the break. As the next few days progressed, well, she was having some problems. But couldn't go to the health center on campus. Catholic school, you know.
So we took her to Planned Parenthood. And hey guess what?! She wasn't pregnant. But her never had sex ever boyfriend had given her and STD! Which Planned Parenthood diagnosed and helped her treat.
But if it hadn't been for Planned Parenthood, she would not have done anything about it. She was never going to go to student health services.
So. The GOP wants to shut down the national government because the Democrats refuse to defund Planned Parenthood. And I say again, the GOP hates women.

Help Japan

2011-03-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

SHELTERBOX IN JAPAN

donate $10 by texting REDCROSS to 90999

Two ways you can help with the devastation in Japan.

Victim blaming in the New York Times

2011-03-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

Vicious Assault Shakes Texas Town

An 11 year old girl is raped by a gang and we're supposed to care that

They said she dressed older than her age, wearing makeup and fashions more appropriate to a woman in her 20s. She would hang out with teenage boys at a playground, some said.

And also:

“It’s just destroyed our community,” said Sheila Harrison, 48, a hospital worker who says she knows several of the defendants. “These boys have to live with this the rest of their lives.”

Yes. Those poor poor boys. Who are accused of violently raping an 11 year old. The attack that they recorded on their cellphones, by the way. I feel ever so terrible for them. Oh wait. I completely feel nothing but contempt and disgust for those men. And great amounts of sympathy for the 11 year old girl who was raped.

Just go read this

2011-03-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

I’m Not Your Scapegoat

Audrey Barbakoff, a public librarian in Wisconsin, says what I've been thinking for a very long time.

Librarians add incredible value to society. We help children develop the early literacy skills that will allow them to excel in school, reduce their dropout rate in high school, and continue on to higher education (and incomes). We help unemployed patrons learn the tech skills they need to find work. We provide enriching books and company to isolated seniors. We are defenders of intellectual freedom—safeguarding free, nonjudgmental access for everybody.

And those are just among the things we are asked to do.

We also do a million little things that were never in our job descriptions. Every day, we cope with patrons dealing with homelessness, mental illness, and extreme poverty—along with their ramifications. We are the default social service for those that have slipped through the cracks. I can’t imagine that anybody would take all of that on just because they want to make $40 grand a year. Like teachers, nurses, police officers, and many other public employees under fire, we do it because we understand how critically important it is.

I think most people have no idea what it is we do. And I don't claim to be perfect.

I know everyone's already seen it. But I still love it.

2011-03-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

and a bit more.

zzzzzzzzzzz

2011-02-22T11:54:00.000-08:00

Fewer Americans describe themselves as Democrats

Yawn. And also an "oh please" followed by an eyeroll.
Two years is a long time. I'm not going to start worrying about Obama's and Democrats' chances. 'Cause we have ever so many helpful Republicans like Scott Walker and John Boehner around. Hey guys, keep fucking up the lives of Americans. We'll see who is in power in 2013.
I'll bet you $100 it isn't Republicans.

These are their wives, daughters and mothers that they are attacking.

2011-02-19T10:31:00.000-08:00

Top 10 Shocking Attacks from the GOP's War on Women

Go check out that list. Every single item on there is directly harmful to women and their health. Every single one.

You know, this week has just blown my mind. It seems every single day the news has been full of Republicans actively working against women and the working class. I can't seem to find the words to express how horrifying it is to me.

I will just never understand.

2011-02-16T16:19:00.000-08:00

Apologies From Dubai. Nir Rosen: ‘I Feel Like Shrinking Now’

You know, I'd written a really long post talking about my trip to India and viewing both Asia and America as an outsider. And the women are viewed.
But in the end, what I really want to say seems to boil down to: If you feel like you need to make any comments (or jokes) about a rape (or assault) that anyone anywhere has suffered, don't. Just keep your mouth closed. You weren't there, you have no idea what happened and it's none of your business. What you say is: "I'm sorry that this happened to you and I hope that you will be all right."

edited to add this link: A thank you to CBS reporter Lara Logan for letting her story be known
which mentions many of the things I was talking about.
Half the world's population is female. Every single person who has ever walked on this earth is here because of a woman. We as a species need to do better.

Los Angelenos, Please Support Measure L.

2011-02-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

(Please note, this is written on my own time and on my own, private computer.)

Yes on L: Save Our Neighborhood Libraries

It's Library Lovers Month: Consider the Library

Dear friends,

I am going to ask you a very big favor. Please, if you live in the City of Los Angeles, please vote Yes on Measure L on March 8, 2011.
It is very rare that I drop my snark and ask something honestly and sincerely.
The last few years have been exceedingly difficult for the library system. We've faced cuts to our supply budgets, cuts to staff and cuts to hours. This is the first time since the library opened that branches are not open 7 days a week. Even during the Depression, Central Library was open 7 days a week.
I joke about my job a lot, but I do honestly love it. It gives me pleasure to be a public librarian. We don't just help people with books. We help people find jobs. We teach them basic computer skills. We help students. And sometimes we're the only safe place for a child to be.
Measure L increases the Library's portion of the budget by 0.01% over 4 years. IT IS NOT A NEW TAX. I put that in all caps so that there would be no confusion about it. Your taxes as a City of Los Angeles resident will not go up to pay for Measure L. But whether L passes or not, we in the Library, will be required to assume operating costs for the Library.
If Measure L passes, we will be able to hire staff in order to restore library hours to 7 day weeks. And maintain our book budget. The Los Angeles Public Library system needs Measure L to pass.
I hope that you will consider voting Yes on the measure.

Mr. Tobar is absolutely correct

2011-02-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

'Anchor baby' myth is pure fear-mongering

Xenophobia and racism are becoming far too open these days. The whole "anchor baby" thing is just one aspect of this.

Dammit Florida, stop fucking it up for the rest of us!

2011-01-31T12:31:00.000-08:00

Federal judge strikes down healthcare overhaul

I'm telling you, Florida is why we can't have nice things.

Gone to India

2011-01-10T03:57:00.001-08:00

Be back soon!

Happy New Year all!

Love overcomes bigotry. Always

2010-12-11T09:54:00.000-08:00

Mourners, pickets gather for Elizabeth Edwards funeral

I had the pleasure of meeting Elizabeth Edwards when I was going to Library School at UNC. That was in '98 and '99. You know, before politics, really. She was an amazing person. A truly generous and kind person.
Have you ever seen pictures of the bigots from Westboro? They're rotting from the inside out.
I'm not much of a religious type. But I'm pretty sure, if there is any sort of an afterlife, Elizabeth Edwards will be greeted with joy.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T09:55:00.000-08:00

I hope you all have a marvelous day.

Rand Paul supporters knock woman to the ground and stomp on her head

2010-10-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

Republican Rand Paul’s Brownshirts Assault and Stomp the Head of a Moveon.org Woman Before the KET Debate

The woman's name is Lauren and she's a volunteer for MoveOn. She's got a concussion and some spains from the attack. You can send her well wishes here: wellwishes@moveon.org

This is a second video, showing the attack from different angle.

It's horrendous. And both men were allowed to slip away into the night, like the slimy cowards they are. And oh, by the way, Rand Paul hasn't condemned the attack. According to Rand Paul, emotions were high on both sides. Unfortunately for Rand Paul, only his supporters knocked a woman to the ground and stomped on her head.

I've been thinking about this all day. I pretty much can't stop thinking about it. Lauren Valle is 23. I don't know how old the men who attacked her are. I think I'm pretty safe in saying their both significantly older than her. What if she had been the daughter or wife of one of them? What would they do if someone attacked a member of their family the way they did Lauren?

And other question. He was wearing sneakers. Just how hard did he kick her to give her a concussion?

Even Meg Whitman agrees that Jerry Brown will be a better governor

2010-10-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

You know, when I came to the States as a child, California was leading the nation in school performance. And Jerry Brown was governor then.
Whitman's latest commercial, by the way, has her saying that she knows no one likes her but still vote for her.

Virginia Thomas makes my head explode.

2010-10-19T17:46:00.000-07:00

And not in a good way.

Virginia Thomas Leaves Anita Hill a Voicemail Asking for An Apology -- Hill Says No

She's a major teapartier. Which makes me wonder at the major conflicts of interest that her husband is dealing with. Gee, no wonder he never asks a question in court.
What an embarrassment.

Virginia Thomas’s Message for Anita Hill

Here's another news report about this story. Ask her to pray? Seriously?

Unconscionable

2010-10-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

Firefighters watch as home burns to the ground

I've been thinking about this story a lot. It's sort of become one of those things that plays on a continuous loop in the back of my mind, jumping out when I'm not thinking about other things.
How do firefighters allow a home to burn? I just don't understand it. I am incapable of being able to come up with any sort of acceptance for this. I just can't.
I don't know, maybe it's because I live in fire prone area. Or maybe it's because my branch is next door to a fire station. I do know that the men who I see every day would never have done that. They would have put that fire out, fee or no fee.

But here's another thing that has been preying on my mind. The firemen live in the same community as those of the man and his family. They come into contact with them all the time.
How do you live with yourself, when your direct inaction caused major harm? Do you not have a conscience? And what if someone had been injured or killed? After all, the homeowner was willing to pay right then. And the fire chief refused. What if someone was injured?
People keep telling me that this is what Libertarians want. Maybe.
Doesn't mean I have to look at it as acceptable.

50 days

2010-09-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

There are 50 days left before election day.
50 more days of media madness.
50 more days of teabaggers and their lunatic compatriots being given credibility.
50 days of issues being ignored in favor of imaginary controversies.
And frankly, it's exhausting.
I know good, honest people, some incumbents, some brand new, running for office.
Do I ever get to hear about where they stand on issues?
No.
You know what I get to hear about.
The nutbag bullshit their opponents are pushing.
Lower taxes.
Repeal the 14th Amendment.
Drill more in the Gulf.

Really? Really?
I'm so tired of people with unserious ideas being given valuable time.

And I'm also so sick of people saying "well, I haven't gotten everything I wanted, so why should I bother to vote?"
The simple answer is, because if you don't, things will be so damn much worse.

Hard to shame the shameless.

2010-08-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

Do you guys know what slut shaming is? Short description, Put in the most simple terms, slut-shaming happens when a person “publicly or privately [insults] a woman because she expressed her sexuality in a way that does not conform with patriarchal expectations for women”.
The definition is from here: FAQ: What is “slut-shaming”?

(This is another "inside baseball" sort of post, in a way.)

On Wednesday, I posted a reply to a Facebook friend's status.
Her status was about the insanity of the current media cycle.
And my response to her was: "Unfortunately, our media is allowing itself to be lead by the deranged. After all Pam Geller is being taken seriously."

Not necessarily the most polite thing to say, but, well, that's me.
And then I went out and lived the rest of my day. I got home last night to see there were a some responses. I'm posting them here.

First there was this:

"But ST, maybe tuck your shirt in? No need for cleavage here, is there?"

My Facebook profile picture: my picture (My shirt doesn't tuck in.)
My FB friend replied to the person and told him that was unacceptable. And he responded with this:

"Well, then i take it back, but why do we say things like the narrative in this country is being driven by deranged and then we post comments with pictures of our breasts hanging out.....there is a disconnect here and i have written about it before...imagine if men sported man cleavage and went around with low trousers unzuipepd and their can i say this their balls and penis hanging out.... i mean, cleavage has gotten way out of hand.... privately sure, but on FB, there should be standards......i once met a thearpsit in CNn tv and here she was advising Larry King about rape issues and she had cleaveage on national TV all the way out....i wrote to her adn she threatenwed to sue me, the PHD .......there is a disconnect...if america is deranged like Pam Geller but Fb can show boobs out, then where is sanity...just askiing...if i am out of line her, do delete my posts, i won't mind,,,i udnerstand your feelings, but i am just speaking the truth......before we cast the first stone about deragned we should look at ourslevs. no....? but okay, delete my comments, i made my point. most do not care. that is why i left sick sick USA 20 years ago....but Lindsay, pay me no mind, i still love you,,,,and i will behave...."

spelling, everything unchanged. I simply added the bold.

He posted those two responses publicly and emailed me that last one, so I feel no compunction about posting them here. He also went into my few publicly available pictures and linked to one that was more "suitable". That one being the one in the upper left hand corner.
He also added me as a friend on FB. I've refused that one, by the way. I know, you're shocked.
See, here's the thing, I don't find anything at all shameful about that other picture. Are my considerable assets hanging out freely for everyone to see? Hardly! The shirt is cute, I had a brand new haircut and makeup counter makeover when I took the picture. I think it's a great picture.
I didn't respond to the man last night. Or today either, to tell you the truth. Last night I was too angry. In the morning, well, it was just too ridiculous. And I have a public forum of my own to respond, without having to clog up Facebook.

Wherein I talk about Twitter

2010-08-18T09:22:00.001-07:00

(Sorry, I know this one is going to be very "inside baseball.")

I don't know if you're on twitter. I mean, I am, but I don't expect everyone to be. And this one is basically one that's been festering in my head for the past day.
Yesterday my tweet stream was filled with people tweeting their Twifficiency score. It didn't make me as crazy as it did some people. Turned out, it was a 17 year old, who had written the program to test a twitter feature. And that's actually really great. What he forgot to do was set it so that it didn't automatically tweet your score to all and sundry.
Or explain what the metric it was measuring. And that's what caught my attention.
What Twifficiency measures is

your "twitter efficiency" based on "how many people you follow, how many people follow you, how often you tweet and how many tweets you read."

That is from this article: Twifficiency, By James Cunningham: Better Than A College Diploma?.

What annoyed me over the course of the day was relatively well known people tweeting their score and then saying, "what, why is my percentage so low?" Well, here's the thing, one of the metrics twifficiency measured is how many people you follow, not just how many people follow you. And there are tons of people out there who are followed but don't follow back. And that's their prerogative. I'm honestly not saying that anyone has to follow me. I do fine.

See, here's what I believe. And it is only my belief. Twitter is supposed to be a conversation, not a one way street. When people follow me, I look at their stream and see if they tweet broadcast or if they actually engage. And if they engage with people, I'll follow back. That makes it fun for me.

Back to twifficiency. In the sake of full disclosure, I did check and see what mine is. I did it late in the day, when he'd tweaked the code so that it didn't automatically tweet it to everyone. My score was 44%. Which mean's "You have a good balance between Twitter and other things, this should serve you well." Okay. Sure. I tend to be pretty chatty on twitter. I reply to people who say things that interest me and I reply to people who tweet me. And I follow more people than follow me. Though I don't follow everyone who follows me. And I'm still under 50% efficient.
So for the people who have 3,000 or 30,000 or 3,000,000 followers and only follow a handful, well, that's why your score was 4%.
It's a conversation. Try it sometime. It's fun.

And I thought I was going to a lot of weddings before

2010-08-04T14:47:00.000-07:00

Judge overturns Calif. gay marriage ban

This is a seriously happy day here. And I'm hearing that the ruling is pretty great reading as well. Judge Vaughn Walker, thank you.

Summertime Blues

2010-07-31T10:16:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have that time of year when it seems like everybody is dumping on you? And even though it's beautiful outside, you just can't seem to get happy and get going?
Well I do. It's always right around now, too.

Fire Tom Vilsack

2010-07-21T00:13:00.000-07:00

USDA reconsiders employee ouster over race remarks

"I am of course willing and will conduct a thorough review and consider additional facts to ensure to the American people we are providing services in a fair and equitable manner," Vilsack said.

Huh. Too bad he didn't actually bother to do a proper investigation BEFORE he fired her. Before he fired her for something she said 24 years ago. Before she even worked at the USDA. Tom Vilsack is an asshole.

Oh. By the way, releasing a statement at 3:00 A.M.? That's cowardly.

Um... bitchy much?

2010-07-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

Will Chelsea Clinton's Wedding Ruin Mine? A Bridal Nightmare

This is poor writing and gossipy nastiness all wrapped together in one.

See, even the Old Spice guy loves libraries.

2010-07-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

Tax cuts for the rich

2010-07-14T15:29:00.001-07:00

Let me think...
Let me think...
So. Just to get this clear in my head. Republicans have, one again approved tax cuts for rich people, while denying unemployment benefits for, you know, the unemployed.
Right.
'Cause it always makes sense to have the people who make the most amount of money pay the least in taxes. Of course.
I mean, I know I'm not a fancy economist or anything. But, for some reason that just doesn't make any sense.
Guess I'm just a naive know nothing.

Somebody wrote this. With a straight face and everything.

2010-06-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

Why I Don't Believe In Nikki Haley's 'Conversion'

Dear NPR, don't let buffoons like Sohni Baliga write for you.
It gives you a bad name.

Who's paying for this?

2010-06-17T23:36:00.000-07:00

LAPD Trying to Control Crowds After Lakers Victory [UPDATED]

(Disclaimer: this is written on my own computer, on my own time.)

As you know, I work for the City of Los Angeles.
Today, Thursday, 2 days before my tenth anniversary with the City, I was required to layoff two employees. It wasn't for cause. It was because the City is in desperate financial straits.
It was the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

And now, tonight, the Lakers have won a national championship. Whoopie?
The news is full of reports of massive numbers of police on the streets. Because of the fools who live in the City who are currently rioting around Downtown Los Angeles.
Fucking. Morons.
Thousands of dollars of damage. All those hours of police and fire salary.
And hey! Let's not forget the inevitable "victory parade". Which, I'm sure, will be paid for by the City.
Fan-freaking-tastic.
A victory parade for a bunch of millionaires.
Just awesome.

The new political discourse

2010-06-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

Texas lawmaker accuses White House of BP shakedown

Apparently, today, it is perfectly acceptable for a private company to be responsible for the very worst environmental disaster in the history of the company. At least, that is, if you're Texas Republican Joe Barton.
Just wrap your mind around that.
It seems that Republicans are willing to destroy the country to smear the President and Democrats.
Maybe somebody smart should make this a running point.

This is probably one of the best things I've ever read

2010-05-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

The Best Thing I've Read All Year

It's a letter to the editor of a Vermont paper about the "homosexual agenda". You need to read this. Mrs. Underwood is pretty damn amazing. Her email address is at the bottom of the letter, but unfortunately, it doesn't work.
She so eloquently puts into words what many of us friends and families and allies feel.

Oh. HELL. NO!

2010-04-30T15:38:00.000-07:00

Miss him? Bush's reputation might be ready for a rebound

Parody? Or publicity for Laura's sure to be horrible book?
Either way, there is no way in hell that the half moron President's reputation is ever going to get better.
In fact, I'd go so far as to say he will continue to be known as the worst President ever.

Why should bigotry be continued?

2010-04-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

Military tells Congress to keep gay ban for now

"Potential opposition in the ranks"? What sort of fucktardery is this? Seriously, I am so damn sick and tired of hearing that bigots need to be indulged. Let's see, homosexuals serve openly in the British army, the Israeli army, and the Dutch army, to name just a few places. The world doesn't come to an end.
We need to get over this sort of thing.

And we thought his father was bad.

2010-04-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

Cong. Hunter Under Fire for Advocating Deporting U.S. Born Children of Illegal Immigrants

Congressman Duncan Hunter, whose father held the seat he's in right now for 14 terms, turns out to be just as much of a rampant, bigoted asshole as his father was.

I call bullshit on this poll

2010-04-26T12:28:00.000-07:00

AP-GfK poll: Recession helps GOP against Democrats

Or maybe, once again, I fail to take into account the rampant stupidity of the American people. 'Cause please, tell me how on earth anyone can take a look at the country and say that the Republicans would be better for the economy. Have the 8 years of Bush failure been forgotten already? Has the fact that Bush and the Republicans took a budget surplus and turned it into a trillion dollar deficit been forgotten? Has the fact that Bush led the country into 2 unfunded wars been completely forgotten?
Sometimes I feel like I'm in crazy land.

Women, you should move out of Nebraska

2010-04-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Nebraska enacts two laws limiting abortions

And you know, I don't think that's too strong a thing to say. Why the hell would you want to live in a state that wants to limit your rights in such a way? Why would you want to live in a state that think you're too stupid to know what is right for your own body?

They have GOT to be fucking out of their minds.

2010-04-02T13:23:00.001-07:00

Pope's preacher: Accusations akin to anti-Semitism

There is no possible way that anyone can have actually said that and expected to be taken seriously. A grown person of reasoning age compared the criticism of coverup of sexual abuse by Catholic priests to the Holocaust. The mind boggles.

Stupak is violating the ideals of the Party Platform

2010-03-19T18:48:00.000-07:00

Renewing America's Promise
Democratic Party Platform, 2008

2008 Democratic Party Platform: "Renewing America's Promise"

Please go look at page 50. Here, I'll put the relevant part in a block quote.

Choice
The Democratic Party strongly and unequivocally supports Roe v. Wade and a woman’s right
to choose a safe and legal abortion, regardless of ability to pay, and we oppose any and all
efforts to weaken or undermine that right.
The Democratic Party also strongly supports access to comprehensive affordable family
planning services and age-appropriate sex education which empower people to make informed
choices and live healthy lives. We also recognize that such health care and education
help reduce the number of unintended pregnancies and thereby also reduce the need for
abortions.
The Democratic Party also strongly supports a woman’s decision to have a child by ensuring
access to and availability of programs for pre- and post-natal health care, parenting skills, income support, and caring adoption programs.

Huh. Awk. Ward.

Something cool a friend led me to today

2010-03-18T13:12:00.001-07:00

Listen carefully to me

2010-03-16T19:26:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned time and again that I'm a civil servant, right?
Yeah, I work for the City of Los Angeles. And to be very clear, I am writing this post on my own time at my home computer. This is not being written during work hours using office equipment.

And if you have a moment, before I start my rant, head over to Save the Library and sign the petition if you wouldn't mind.

And now to what's making me beyond insane right now. Do me a favor. If you ever go into a library and have a problem, DON'T use "I pay my taxes." Got it? Don't do it. Here's the thing, so do I. And I'm not under any mistaken belief that the $.75 of my taxes that go to the library in any way shape or form pay my salary. And that's exactly the threat that is being made when the line "I pay my taxes" is used. It's among the most cliched, hack-kneed phrases out there as well.
Paying your taxes is not an excuse for being rude, bullying or threatening me or anyone else who works for the City for that matter.
Just don't do it.

Alan Grayson makes me happy.

2010-03-16T00:22:00.000-07:00

Florida doesn't really give us too much to be happy about.
But Alan Grayson is one of the good things out of Florida.

Read this fabulous rant:

Alan Grayson for U.S. Congress

It's amusing on every level.

Tales from the Library

2010-02-26T15:35:00.000-08:00

I don't do this often (or ever), but I have to share a reference encounter I had. Names are not used, 'cause I don't know anyone's names.

A gentleman came up to the reference desk this afternoon. He wanted some information about a specific incident during World War II, relating to the Holocaust. I looked up some information for him and we were just generally speaking about it.
Another man approached the desk and said how amazing it us to hear us talk about the Holocaust. He said his grandfather had been a survivor. He'd taken the place of a rabbi who the grandfather looked like and gone into the concentration camps. He then told us that his grandfather was "kept with others who had information that the nazis wanted." He asked if we'd ever heard of Mengele. Then proceeded to tell us about how his grandfather was a genetic specialist, who assisted Mengele with his experiments. Apparently his grandfather knew how to work with genes and was able to help Mengele create super babies. The girls were lovely and smart, etc, etc. But the boys were all sociopaths. The man then said his mother was one of those girls. Then said both his brothers were bad. One in jail, the other, he didn't elaborate. But he, on the other hand, wasn't. And what was so different about him? Well, he'd been electrocuted 16 times throughout the course of his life. Supposedly, every few months, he goes in and is studied by doctors to find out why he isn't aging.

The patron I was helping and I just stood their dumbfounded. After all, how often do you run across someone who claims his relative was a nazi collaborator? And that he's the result of Mengele's experiments?
Mind you, I did want to ask him how many times he'd seen Boys from Brazil.

Oh, for Heaven's Sake!

2010-02-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

Assembly fails to approve Maldonado for lieutenant governor

You know, I'm not a Maldonado fan. He's a Republican. Arnie wants him. So two things guaranteed to make me dislike him.
The California Senate is apparently smarter than the Assembly. Maldonado's district is Democratic. If Maldonado is approved as Lieutenant Governor, that opens up his Senate seat. Which would go to a Democrat! Getting the State closer to the magic 3/4 that needs anything to be done.
If only the Assembly would pull it's head out and think of this.

Hey Harold, DON'T call me!

2010-02-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

Last night failed Tennessee Senatorial candidate was on the Colbert Report, talking about how he's considering a run for the Senate seat held by Kristin Gillibrand.
Ford, who 4 years ago, lost his run for Senate from his home state of Tennessee, has recently decided that he may think about running.
Forget about the fact that he just registered to vote in NY. Forget about the fact that he's never been further Upstate than Brooklyn.
Ford's been hired by Merrill Lynch as a senior policy advisor. So he's the candidate of big banking. I should add, Mayor Bloomberg of NYC is in favor of Ford's possible run.
You know, the last two carpetbaggers who ran for the Senate in NY actually bothered to go visit the State, not just New York City. Hilary Clinton, before her run visited every single County in NY. There are 62 counties. Ford's taken a helicopter ride around the city.

If you watched the Colbert Report last night, you saw Stephen ask Ford some questions about his apparently flip flopping positions. Including those on gay marriage, which he's now conveniently in favor of.
But if you watched, you also saw Ford refer to his possible opponent as a "young lady." Now, you may have noticed that I'm not particularly fond of this idea of Ford's. But I'm generally in favor of primaries. Competition is good for the Democratic process. But you know something? Not so much in this race. Ford's a smarmy git at best. The least respectful term he should EVER use in referring to Kristin Gillibrand is: "my esteemed opponent." Young lady? Can he be any more condescending and dismissive? Hard to see how that is possible.

Gillibrand, Democrat for US Senate

Gillibrand's ActBlue page

By the way, as a former resident of the state, who still has plenty of family and friends in NY, Harold Ford will not get one vote from any of them.

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Harold Ford Jr.

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Economy

Prop 8 on trial

2010-01-21T16:08:00.000-08:00

Prop 8 Trial Tracker

I keep forgetting to link this. Prop 8 is on trial. The (frankly fantastic) Courage Campaign is liveblogging the day's proceedings. You can follow the proceedings at the link.

Weak with laughter

2010-01-21T12:10:00.000-08:00

Statement from the President on Today's Supreme Court Decision

With its ruling today, the Supreme Court has given a green light to a new stampede of special interest money in our politics. It is a major victory for big oil, Wall Street banks, health insurance companies and the other powerful interests that marshal their power every day in Washington to drown out the voices of everyday Americans.

Come on Mr. President. The health insurance companies already pretty damn much voted down any meaningful health care reform. Big banks and big oil? Com on! I'm laughing my ass off at this "we're going to stand strong" statement. Please. Make me look like a fool for doubting your commitment to the actual American people. Do it. I'd be happy to eat my words.

Dear President Obama,

2010-01-20T12:27:00.000-08:00

I like you, I really do. I mean, hell, I didn't make all those calls and knock on all those doors 2 years ago because I didn't.
But man, am I disappointed in you. A year ago you came into office and promised hope. You had a Democratic supermajority in the Senate to work with! You have 256 Democrats in the House! Nancy Pelosi is a fierce Democrat! But you won't work with them. You'll make them work for compromise, middle of the road or worse positions.
Don't get me wrong, there has been a shitload of things accomplished that are fantastic. I mean, after all, you did sign the Ledbetter Act into law. And the bank bailouts were important. Too bad you didn't require anything from them before you gave them billions of our dollars. But let's not quibble.
And God knows, you've had an awesome shitload of unexpected crap happen. Pirates? I mean, come on!

I know you're not going to care about what I think. And hell, I don't even think anyone other than me will end up reading this.
So let me tell you why I'm upset and disheartened.
Want to know what I see? I see you aim for compromise all. the. damn. time. And hey, that's great and all. After all, there are people other than Democrats in this country. But you never EVER seem to stand for any of our Democratic ideals. I am a FIERCE pro choice advocate. Have you bothered to protect reproductive rights at all? Not that I can see. Stupak and Nelson should never ever have been able to include their amendments.
Do you have any idea how many gay and lesbian friends I have? Want me to tell you how much it hurts me to see them treated like second class citizens? Why am I having to point out that being gay shouldn't be a reason for denying a person the basic human right of marriage? Or prevent them from serving our country in the armed forces?
I saw banks and Wall Street getting billions of dollars. But you know what I don't see? Poor people getting any help. How many people are living off credit cards? Did you ever think of really actually doing something about credit card reform? I don't see that you did. Rates are still out of control. They're going to be paying the cards off forever. Forget any kind of savings that will allow them to be able to purchase a home of their own ever.
You notice I haven't said a thing about health care? Yeah, 'cause that subject fucking breaks my heart. I'm so damn lucky that I have adequate health care, courtesy of my employer. But you know who I deal with every single day? People who don't! People who can't afford to do to the same. Why can't our government do something about this? People should be able to go to the doctor and be healed without having to fear that they'll be bankrupted. Don't you see that? How can we consider ourselves a leader in the world when we fail our people so very badly?
I've given up hope that the wars we as a country are involved in overseas will ever end. I've given up hope that illegal wiretapping will ever be prosecuted. I've given up believing that my country won't torture.

But hey, who am I? I have no political clout in this world. I have a fantastic Senator whose office I can call and know that they will hear me. But I also know that when it comes to having Barbra Boxer's back on important issues, you won't. You'll aim for compromise with the Republicans. Every. Single. One of them will then proceed to vote against the compromise you've forced to happen.
You know, I get happy chirpy emails from OFA telling me how great everything is. Let me tell you Mr. President, it isn't!
Eh. Why am I bothering?

Actually, Peggy Noonan, THIS is what an American looks like

2010-01-19T13:29:00.000-08:00

So shut the hell up you massive cow!!

Things that shouldn't need to be explained

2010-01-15T10:11:00.000-08:00

In the days since the tragic earthquake in Haiti, I've heard so much rampant stupidity come out of the mouth of right wingers. Things that make me question their humanity.
One of the things I've heard that has bothered me the most is the criticism of the President. The line goes: "well, he took 3 days to come out and talk about the Christmas terrorist attack and he comes out right away and talks about Haiti."
My head spins with the insanity.
Let's see, the Christmas terrorist attack failed. Asshole lit his dick on fire in an attempt blow up a plane. It was thwarted by other passengers on the plane! The plane didn't blow up! And I'm glad the President didn't come out and talk about it. Why is taking time and finding out details and facts a bad thing?
Haiti is an immense, horrible disaster. Thousands of people are dead. Millions are homeless. Do I really need to explain why it was critical that the President came out right away and said something?
In easiest possible terms, thwarted attack, no one dies, it's smart to take time to find out the facts.
Immense human tragedy, with massive amounts of lives lost, it's smart to react as soon as possible. It helps to keep more people from dying!

Huge Earthquake in Haiti

2010-01-12T16:11:00.000-08:00

Many casualties expected after big quake in Haiti

The quake was a 7.0. Also, it's reported that a hospital collapsed.
Doctors Without Borders is helping. Maybe, if you can spare some, send them some money.

And, since I spent my morning brushing up on fire and quake safety, please make sure you are prepared in case of catastrophic disasters.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all much love and happiness in this New Year.
Here's hoping that the new year ahead of us is filled with optimism and hope.

Congratulations D.C.

2009-12-15T13:39:00.000-08:00

DC City Council votes to legalize gay marriage

The vote was 11-2. And now it goes to the Mayor to be signed. May I just say, right on DC? Of course, since it's D.C, it does have to go to Congress.

And now the Senate sticks its foot in

2009-12-07T11:58:00.000-08:00

Senate confronts abortion in health care debate

Ben Nelson has introduced an amendment to the health care bill in the Senate that is almost word for word identical to the odious Stupak/Pitts amendment in the House version.
Is there some reason that these odious, moralizing Democratic assholes can't keep their noses out of a LEGAL MEDICAL PROCEDURE?

Wait. So we're NOT maladjusted freaks?

2009-12-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

Never Married, Over 40, Well-Adjusted

Gosh! Color me shocked!
Okay, granted that I'm not 40 yet. But pretty close. It's not that far around the corner.
I'm pretty damn sure that the people around me would agree that I'm quite capable and self sufficient.

Someone actually got paid to write this

2009-11-25T10:52:00.000-08:00

The White House's unprecedented use of 'unprecedented'

I know it's Politico, so I really shouldn't be shocked at the unprecedented (see what I did there?) vapidity of the story. But come on, really? Is this really something that needs to be written?

There are assholes and then there are guys who give whole new meanings to the word

2009-11-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

Homeowners Fenced Off From Driveways

Or maybe he's a whole new description of dickhead. 'Cause this story is insane!

Time for SOMEBODY to be stripped of their tax exempt status!

2009-11-12T09:08:00.001-08:00

Catholic Church gives D.C. ultimatum

Wow.
Hey, if the Catholic Church wants to be involved in politics, they can surrender their tax exempt status and welcome to the fray.

Not even a little surprised at this story

2009-11-10T15:25:00.000-08:00

Blackwater Said to Approve Iraqi Payoffs After Shootings

The story says the bribe was for $1 million. And that Erik Prince knew about it.
This is when I begin my endless repetition of the question "why are we still paying Blackwater and why are they still in Iraq"? The may have changed the name of the company, but they're still criminals.

Bart Stupak

2009-11-07T10:15:00.000-08:00

Democrats to resolve abortion impasse on the House floor

Bart Stupak is supposedly a Democrat. I disagree. I think he represents the whiny ass, panty sniffing, woman hating caucus.
By all that is holy, if the Stupak amendment passes, I will DO ALL IN MY POWER to make sure he is primaried and voted out of office.

Someone needs a basic lesson on analogies

2009-11-05T14:37:00.000-08:00

Obama’s Pet-Goat Moment

You know, don't go read that bit I linked. It'll make you angry. Linda Chavez, the fool who typed that compares 9/11 to the shootings as Fort Hood. And says that "this is Obama's Pet Goat moment." I... I... speechless.

Are they just making Congressmen extra stupid these days

2009-11-05T12:36:00.001-08:00

GOP Rep. Deal, Candidate For Georgia Governor, Asking For Obama's Birth Certificate

You know, I'm so damn sick of this garbage. The insane whiners whose candidate lost last November can't get the fuck over themselves. And for members of Congress to entertain this nonsense is absurd.
Our country is fucked up. The economy is teetering. People are dying because they can't get basic healthcare. But the petulant screaming of a bunch of losers is getting more attention than the real basic needs of people.
Fan-fucking-tastic.

Election nights are killing me

2009-11-03T22:56:00.000-08:00

So another election day has come and gone here in America.
It's the first time in a long time that I haven't gone to the polls on election day.
That's only because we didn't have an election here in Los Angeles.
But you know there were many races around the country. (Duh)
And the yapping talking heads all told us how "important" they were. After all, if the Republican challenger won in either VA or NJ, well, then Obama is a failure. Of course, they said that right up until the polls showed them it totally wasn't.
Let's not forget NY-23. Oy.
And Maine. Voting on the basic rights of people. We have to stop doing that, by the way. Human beings have the right to marry the man or woman of their choice. None of the rest of us have the right to vote on this. It's disgraceful.
I'm tired of these losses. (Not that I was all right with it last year, by the way.)
What right do we have to vote and decide who has a right to marry?
We don't.
And we should be ashamed.

Good. I'm glad he was convicted

2009-11-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

Physician convicted in cycling case

Dude, you're a doctor. Big flaming deal if they were rude to you. You're in a damn car! They're exposed on what, 10 pounds of metal? How much does your car weigh?
What a disgrace. He deserves to go to jail.

Mitch McConnell is a liar

2009-10-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

McConnell: The Public Option ‘May Cost You Your Life’

Mitch McConnell, who has fully paid government health care, lies about the health care bill.
Not a shock, as he a completely unprincipled hack.

Sheesh! Even Orange County laughed at her

2009-10-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

'Birthers' lawsuit challenging Obama's election is dismissed

Orly Taitz can't even get a judge in ORANGE COUNTY, CA to send her case on. If you don't know, the OC is insanely Republican. And yet, even there a judge told her she was nuts. Except in a legal manner. Without the mocking and finger pointing I'd have thrown in.

Shocking and horrifying

2009-10-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

trigger warning

More arrests expected in gang rape of 15-year-old Bay Area student

This has got to be one of the most horrifying stories I've read in years. A 15 year old girl is raped. And people stood around and watched and laughed and took cellphone pictures. For fuck sake! What they hell?
The girl had to be AIRLIFTED out. Meaning she was so badly injured that a simple ambulance ride was not fast enough to be of help.
Where were the parents and the chaperones? From the story, the attack lasted for 2 hours. Why didn't someone put a stop to it sooner?
Our society is sick. Really.