Prop 8 on trial

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

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,

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

So shut the hell up you massive cow!!

Things that shouldn't need to be explained

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

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!

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.