W. Now Has a Library--What an Oxymoron

The George W. Bush Presidential Library was dedicated in Dallas last Thursday.

what eye thynk:    I can't help but wonder if this is the first library W. has ever entered.

I've sent my personal pigeon army to let W. know what I think of his presidency, his legacy and his value to the world.

No need to thank me.

April 29 - Monday Quote

Ask yourself...

monday quote:

(Gabrielle Roth, American dancer and musician, 1941-2012)

Eye Recommend --- Iowa G.O.P. Eyes Pay Cuts for Pro-Marriage Justices

IOWA G.O.P. EYES PAY CUTS FOR PRO-MARRIAGE JUSTICES, by Steve Benen -- http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2013/04/26/17930576-iowa-gop-eyes-pay-cuts-for-pro-marriage-justices?lite

In 2009, in a unanimous decision, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled in favor of same sex marriage. Since then Republicans have tried to remove these justices from the court by retention elections, (some of which were successful), then by calling for the remaining justices to resign, (which they didn't), then by impeaching them, (which failed).

 Now the Iowa G.O.P. is trying a new tactic...they want to reduce the salary of those justices who voted in favor of marriage equality.

"Keep in mind, there's no attempt at subtlety here.  It's not like Iowa Republicans are saying they have to cut judges' salaries to address a budget crisis.  Rather, they simply hope to cut the pay for state Supreme Court justices Republicans don't like.

It's unusually shameless--justices on the state court who didn't side in support of marriage equality"    (those who joined the court after the unanimous 2009 decision)    "will receive their full pay, justices who endorsed equal marriage rights will get a pay cut.

Jillian Rayfield noted that proponents of the idea insist their measure is not intended to be punitive;  Iowa Republicans are 'just holding them responsible for their decision'...

...It's unclear if the bill has a credible chance of passing, but the fact that it was proposed at all is rather stunning."

Spite is never pretty; but when it's this obvious and at this level, it's particularly ugly...and childish. 

Quick Question: What if...?

???   Wouldn't this be something?

Eye Recommend --- House Majority Leader's Quest to Soften G.O.P.'s Image Hits a Wall Within

HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER'S QUEST TO SOFTEN G.O.P.'S IMAGE HITS A WALL WITHIN, by Jonathan Weisman -- http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/25/us/politics/majority-leaders-quest-to-soften-gops-image-hits-wall.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

Speaking at the American Enterprise Institute in February, Eric Cantor (R-Virginia), described a bill he planned to introduce to the House: The Helping Sick Americans Now Act.  At the time, his fellow conservatives greeted his ideas with enthusiasm. Now it is April and things aren't going as well. 

"Representative Eric Cantor of Virginia, the House majority leader, has been trying for months to remake the image of the Republican Party, from one of uncompromising conservatism to something kinder and gentler.

It isn't working so well...

...The debacle on Wednesday was the worst moment yet.  The Helping Sick Americans Now Act sounded like solid middle ground--a measure to actually expand the part of President Obama's health care law that created a federal 'high-risk pool' in which people with pre-existing conditions could band together to buy subsidized insurance coverage.  The provision was to be paid for by siphoning money from another part of Mr. Obama's health care law, the Prevention and Public Health Fund."

To be fair here, it should be noted that President Obama was not in favor of Mr. Cantor's bill and encouraged Democrats to oppose it. The President does not want his planned ACA funding distributions tinkered with. And, also to be fair, the ACA already has a provision that prohibits health care providers from denying coverage because of a pre-existing condition. 

Despite a lack of Democratic support, the Republican majority in the House could have passed this bill on their own.

"But these days, those who linger in the middle of the road end up flattened...The Club for Growth, a conservative political action committee, warned that Republicans who voted in favor of the act would have their scorecards marked down for supporting part of the health care law."

When it became clear that Mr. Cantor did not have enough votes to pass his bill, the vote was called off.  Afterward, Mr. Cantor said:

"We in the House remain committed to putting our conservative principles first to help people first."

Unless some corporate sponsored lobbyist threatens them with a bad report card.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev Was Upset That Much of the World Sees Islam as Violent.

Elmirza Khozhugov, ex-husband of the Tsarnaev brothers' younger sister, was quoted in a news interview where he tried to explain the thinking of Tamerlan Tsarnaev before the Boston Marathon bombing last week. (The underline is mine.):   "It was very hard to argue with him on themes somehow connected to religion.  On the other hand, he did not hate Christians.  He respected their faith.  Never said anything bad about other religions.  But he was angry that the world pictures Islam as a violent religion."

what eye thynk:   Well, killing three people and injuring 260 others, then killing a policeman, injuring a second policeman and hijacking a car sure will go a long way to dispel that myth, now won't it?  

Many of us think of Islam as a violent religion because that is what so many Muslims demonstrate.  Over and over we read of Muslims who choose to deal death instead of discourse.  And, while there are undoubtedly many peaceful followers of Islam, we don't hear them condemn the actions of the destroyers.  We don't hear them call for an end to the violence.  We don't hear your leaders say "Stop.  This is not the way of Islam."

Suicide bombers in Iraq and Iran kill scores of innocent people in the name of Islam--fellow Muslims guilty only of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  And the organization taking credit for the mayhem always seems to explain their action was necessary because they are upset with another government, (usually ours), or they are angry that someone in their own country's leadership is not following the Koran closely enough.  

Then there is the practice of  throwing acid in the faces of young girls or attempting to kill them because they want to learn to read and write.  This is not the way to put a peaceful face on any movement--religious or otherwise. Choosing to behead people who do not agree with you or your strict interpretation of your holy book instead of partaking in a discussion of your differences and desires, is going to earn you a negative review from any civilized society.

When a main talking point of your religion is "jihad", or holy war, and your members demonstrate their willingness to partake in this belief on a near daily basis around the world, what conclusion can we reach other than yours is a violent religion?  And the Tsarnaev brothers just gave further evidence to that point--no matter what their relatives say.  

Quick Fact - France Passes Same Sex Marriage Bill

On Tuesday, France became the 14th nation to recognize and legalize same sex marriage.

C'est magnifique!

what eye thynk:   No comment needed.

April 22 - Monday Quote(s)

I have two quotes this week.  Both are dedicated to all the Senators who voted "No" on any new regulations for gun buyers.  

It should be noted that the first comes from a man known as the founder of modern conservatism and the second by the author who Paul Ryan says had the most influence on the forming of his conservative views.

monday quotes:    No one could make a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.  (Edmund Burke, Irish statesman, 1729-1797)

The evil of the world is made possible by nothing but the sanction you give it. (Ayn Rand, author, 1905-1982)

The Republican Party's Appeal to Women Campaign Could Use Some Work in New Hampshire

The RNC is in the process of spending $10M in an attempt to portray their party as more welcoming to minorities and women.   

what eye thynk:  The Republican Party may have a bit more work to do on their We-Heart-Women campaign, particularly in New Hampshire. 

Earlier this month, the New Hampshire legislature was debating a stand-your-ground gun bill.  One legislator gave a floor speech explaining why he favored retreating instead of using deadly force.  The issue continued to be debated in a series of e-mails shared through that state's official legislative electronic mailing list.

State Representative Peter Hansen (R) contributed to the e-mail debate in this way:

"What could possibly be missing from those factual tales of successful retreat in VT, Germany, and the bowels of Amsterdam?  Why children and vagina's (sic) of course.  While the tales relate the actions of a solitary male the outcome cannot relate to similar situations where children and women and mothers are the potential victims." 

When his use of the term "vagina" in this context was questioned by Representative Rick Watrous (D), Mr. Hansen's initial response was: 

"Having a fairly well educated mind I do not need self appointed wardens to A: try to put words in my mouth for political gain and B: Turn a well founded strategy in communication into an insulting accusation, and finally if you find the noun vagina insulting or in some way offensive then perhaps a better exercise might be for you to re-examine your psyche."

Later, when his e-mail became public, he attempted to explain it this way:

"Can there be any doubt my comment is being misinterpreted and taken completely out of context?"

Mr. Hansen, I don't think anyone can be accused of taking your words "out of context" since we have the text of your entire e-mail; but if it makes you feel better to blame everyone but yourself  for your crude and degrading slang, or as you put it, your "well founded strategy in communication", then you go right ahead.  

No one who actually possesses a vagina expects anything more from your Party. And that would include your state's governor, the speaker of your state House, your entire state's delegation to the U.S. Congress--both House and Senate--and the chief justice of your state's Supreme Court, all of whom happen to be women.  I have to believe they would prefer to be recognized for their accomplishments rather than their anatomy; but, hey, Mr. Hansen, go ahead and call 'em whatever you want. 

I know you won't mind if we return the favor and call you Dick.

Quick Fact: New Zealand Parliament Passes Same Sex Marriage Bill

Early this past week, New Zealand became the 13th nation to legalize same sex marriage when their Parliament voted 77-44 in favor. Following the governor-general's royal assent, which is generally a given, the law permitting same sex partners to marry and to adopt children will go into effect in August of this year.

This is a link to a speech by a member of New Zealand's Parliament before the vote was taken.  The speech is given with a genuine sense of humor and you can feel the almost festive atmosphere in the room as he speaks:  http://www.upworthy.com/this-new-zealand-politician-unleashes-one-of-the-funniest-gay-marriage-speeches-on-record-2?g=2

Welcome, New Zealand, to the ever increasing company of rainbow nations!

Our Senate - Cowards Being Led by Liars

From a New York Times article by Jennifer Steinhauer, (the underlines are mine):

"President Obama, his face set with rage, stood in the Rose Garden surrounded by the families of Newtown and former Representative Gabrielle Giffords and asked how a measure to expand background checks for gun buyers--one supported by an overwhelming majority of Americans and a bipartisan majority of the Senate--had slipped away.

'The American people are trying to figure out,' Mr. Obama said, 'how can something have 90 percent support and yet not happen?'...

...(The N.R.A.) which once supported new background checks, (decided it) would no longer abide them...Then the Gun Owners of America chimed in, attacking Republican senators who showed any interest in compromise, arguing that a national gun registry would arise from the bill...

...(Mark Glaze, director of Mayors Against Illegal Guns), said...'the American people have recently been treated to such a stark display of frank dishonesty.  You have grown men making statements that they plainly know to be false reading directly from talking points from a gun lobby that plainly knows them to be false.'

...The fierce lobby against gun control believes the battle is over for now.

'We feel confident this will spell the end of gun control for the 113th Congress,' said Michael Hammond, the legislative counsel for Gun Owners of America, based in Virginia.  'The gun registry defined the battle over universal background checks.'"

what eye thynk:   How is it possible that 90% of Americans were ignored by their Senators, Mr. President?  Because Congress' attitude has become "You elected me to represent you and that is my job; but now that I'm here, I feel that my position as an elite lawmaker is more important to me than your opinion or the safety of your children and so I have decided to protect my cushy billet by pledging my support, not to you, but to any lobbyist willing to pay for my vote and who will campaign against anyone who opposes me.".

As for the gun lobby's claim that universal background checks would result in a national gun registry, that was a lie created out of whole cloth.  Nowhere in any of the bills offered--neither those created by the bi-partisan Senate committee nor the compromise bill offered by conservatives Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) and Pat Toomey (R-Pennsylvania)--is there mention of a national gun registry.  But that didn't stop anti-gun control activists from claiming it was fact and that it presented a threat to the liberty of every American.

Where I grew up, lying to get what you wanted was considered cheating.  In today's political arena, it is business as usual.  And Mr. Hammond is proud to say it "defined the battle".

Just before the Senate was to vote on these gun control bills, former Representative Gabrielle Giffords ran into Senator Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) in the hall outside the Senate chamber.  It is difficult for Ms. Giffords to speak since her brush with gun violence in 2011.  She wanted to convince Senator Flake, who had indicated that he intended to vote against any new gun control legislation, to change his mind.  The only word she was able to get out was "need".  Mr. Flake could not look her in the eye, but said that he "was sorry".  He later explained that he "didn't know what else to say. It's very hard."  

Hard?  Or were you just not brave enough to stand up to the NRA and the Gun Owners of America and say "Enough"?
The votes:

• Universal background checks - 46 no, 54 yes (Sen. Reid changed his "yes" vote to a "no" in order to  preserve the parliamentary right to re-introduce the bill.
• Assault weapons ban - 60 no, 40 yes
• Magazine size limits - 54 no, 46 yes

So this is our once proud Senate...a room half filled with cowards being piloted by a group of liars waving money.

Quick Fact: Mitch McConnell Proud That His Party Thwarted the American People's Desire for New Gun Control Measures

Senate Republicans defeated new gun control legislature yesterday.

Democrats comforted those who had lost loved ones to gun violence.  

Mitch McConnell posted this on his Facebook page:

I've always thought it was wrong for people from one state to interfere in another state's elections, but in Mitch's case, I'm about to make an exception.  I'll be sending a contribution to Mr. McConnell's opponent--whoever it is.  

Eye Recommend --- Bring on the Next Boston Marathon

BRING ON THE NEXT BOSTON MARATHON, by Thomas L. Friedman -- http://mobile.nytimes.com/2013/04/17/opinion/friedman-bring-on-the-next-marathon.xml

Mr. Friedman has written a beautiful and heartfelt answer to the violence in Boston, or anywhere...

"We still do not know who set off the Boston Marathon bombs or why.  But we do know now, after 9/11, after all the terrorism the world has seen in the last decade, what the right reaction is:  wash the sidewalk, wipe away the blood, and let whoever did it know that while they have sickeningly maimed and killed some of our brothers and sisters, they have left no trace on our society or way of life.  Terrorists are not strong enough to do that--only we can do that to ourselves--and we must never accommodate them.

So let's repair the sidewalk immediately, fix the windows, fill the holes and leave no trace--no shrines, no flowers, no statues, no plaques--and return life to normal there as fast as possible. Let's defy the terrorists, by not allowing them to leave even the smallest scar on our streets, and honor the dead by sanctifying our values, by affirming life and all those things that make us stronger and bring us closer together as a country."

Shame! Shame! Shame!

Today, Wednesday April 17, 2013, the Senate could not garner 60 votes to pass a bi-partisan compromise on background checks for gun buyers.  The other contested regulations agreed on in a bi-partisan Senate committee--an assault weapons ban, a limit on magazine size, even harsher punishment for illegal gun traffickers, (which even the NRA supported)--were all defeated.

what eye thynk:   I cannot express the disgust and shame I feel for my country right now.   Americans speak and our Congress is deaf to our voice.  They hear only NRA money. 

The full text of the President's response can be read here:
http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2013/04/17/17798850-obama-condemns-a-shameful-day-for-washington

Eye Recommend --- Westboro to Picket Boston Funerals

WESTBORO TO PICKET BOSTON FUNERALS, by Kristen Butler -- http://www.upi.com/blog/2013/04/16/Westboro-to-picket-Boston-Marathon-funerals/4981366117775/

"Westboro Baptist Church, famous for their anti-gay rhetoric and funeral protests, issued a press release and posted it to Twitter.  Westboro thanked God for the attack and announced their plan to picket victims' funerals.

'The federal government is classifying the bombs as a terrorists attack but say it's unclear if it's of a domestic or foreign nature.  Here's a hint --GOD SENT THE BOMBS!  How many more terrifying ways will you have the LORD injure and kill your fellow countrymen because you insist on nation-dooming filthy fag marriage?!'"

Their full press release can be read here:   https://twitter.com/WBCFliers/status/323992820232880128/photo/1


The God of Love I learned about in Sunday School would feel very unwelcome at Westboro Baptist Church.

For Boston

what eye thynk:   How sad and how frightening that we live in a world seemingly designed by the Middle East, where civility is demode, violence is the language of choice and innocent people the coin willingly paid.

April 15 - Monday Quote

In honor of tax day, (yuck), and the fact that Congress is looking at new federal budgets, (double yuck)...

monday quote:    The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn't get worse every time Congress meets.  (Will Rogers, actor, 1879-1935)  

Eye Recommend --- Oregon May Be 1st With Automatic Voter Registration

OREGON MAY BE 1ST WITH AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION, by Ryan Holeywell -- http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/gov-oregon-considers-automatic-voter-registration.html

Oregon's Secretary of State Kate Brown (D) wants to make voting as easy as possible for Oregonians.  She has proposed that the state automatically register a citizen to vote when a state agency has their name, age, address and a digital signature.  Initially, this would mean anyone who gets a drivers license would be simultaneously registered to vote in Oregon, but the service could be expanded to other state agencies.

"The effort would work in tandem with the unique system of voting in Oregon, launched in 1998, in which residents receive ballots by mail and either send them back or drop them off at designated sites.  That system has led to Oregon having some of the highest turnout rates in the nation."

No one should be shocked to hear that the Oregon Republican Party hates the idea saying it shouldn't be "so easy for people to participate" because they will not be "an informed voter."  Greg Leo, head of the GOP in Oregon tried to explain that his party feels that the act of registering to vote is part of the responsibility of citizenship. 

 I'm not sure Oregon has the answer to voter registration--I've always liked Wisconsin's method of allowing people to register at their election location on the day of the election, (a system under attack by Gov. Scott Walker)--but it sure sounds more democratic than the restrictive voter I.D. laws preferred by the Republican Party.

I Had to Share.

what eye thynk:    No, I don't think the threats coming out of North Korea are a joke.  While his father made similar threats every couple of years,  they always seemed to coincide with some internal crisis--a way to make the people accept that their starving to death was an act of patriotism maybe; but this kid doesn't seem to have an "off" switch.  He could go ahead and try something just to prove to the world he's as bad as he thinks he is--kind of like W.

That being said, this composite was just too good to resist sharing.

Quick Fact: Uruguay Legalizes Same Sex Marriage

On Wednesday, Uruguay's lower house voted to legalize same sex marriage with a vote of 71-21.  The Senate already passed the bill 23-8.  President Jose Mujica has indicated he supports the bill and expects to sign it into law within ten days.  

May we see the U.S. join them soon!  

The Republican Party's War on Women, the Kansas Front

This is the third in a series of articles on the subject of women, abortion rights and the Republican Party. 

Republicans continue to say they don’t have to change their core principles, they only have to change the language they use to get their message out.  One perception they want to alter is the idea that they are running a “war on women”.  Looking at the news over the past few years, I’d say the Republican Party has a long way to go on this subject.

• Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky): “Talk about a manufactured issue.  There is no issue.” 
• RNC Chairman Reince Priebus:  “It’s a fiction.”

The War in Kansas

the facts:  Last Friday, the Republican led legislature in Kansas passed the "Women's Right to Know Act".  This act declares that life begins "at fertilization" and prohibits abortions related to the baby's sex.  It also eliminates tax breaks for any health care provider who performs abortions.

It is interesting that they state that life begins at fertilization, but do not prohibit all abortions at that point thus avoiding any showdown on constitutionality based on the Supreme Court's interpretation of Roe v. Wade.

The bill also requires that doctors lie to their patients.  Any doctor meeting with a woman who is considering an abortion will be required, by law, to tell that woman about a link between abortion and breast cancer.  In 2003, the National Cancer Institute completed a study that concluded there is no such link, but Kansas doctors will now be required to tell women there is "potential risk".

How can these Republicans, who claim they are all about small government and who continue to complain that the ACA should be repealed because it puts government between patients and their doctors, justify placing their legislative foot firmly between Kansas women and their doctors by requiring those doctors to lie?   This would seem to fly in the face of all common sense...though common sense is not necessarily a major part of the Republican Party's DNA these days.

Finally, the bill prohibits Planned Parenthood from providing any sex education material in Kansas schools.

Because, God forbid, we wouldn't want to prevent any unwanted pregnancies among Kansas teens.

Republican Governor Sam Brownback has indicated that he will sign the bill into law. 

You have to admire Kansas legislature's chutzpah in calling this the Women's Right to Know Act considering that part of the bill requires the withholding of information and another part requires the dissemination of lies.

And Republicans wonder why they lose the female vote.

The Republican War on Women is "fiction"?

WHAT YOU SAY SPEAKS SO LOUDLY
THAT I CANNOT HEAR WHAT YOU SAY.

Eye Recommend --- New Mexico Martinez Vetoes Bill for Gay Soldiers' Families

NEW MEXICO MARTINEZ VETOES BILL FOR GAY SOLDIERS' FAMILIES, by Steve Benen --
http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2013/04/08/17658756-new-mexicos-martinez-vetoes-bill-for-gay-soldiers-families?lite

Republicans continue to say they want to appeal more to women, minorities and young people. The RNC is spending $10M in their effort to show their tolerance for diversity.  

Then along comes reality and they show their true colors...

"Republican governor and gay marriage opponent Susana Martinez has vetoed a Senate bill to help the families of gay service members obtain professional licenses in New Mexico.  After issuing the pocket veto, Martinez signed an identical version of the measure that would only streamline the process for straight spouses." 

Yep, that is one tolerant Republican face alright.

Democracy or "Filibustocracy" - Which Will Senate Republicans Choose?

From a New York Times editorial late last month regarding presidential nominations: “Earlier this month, during one of his new across-the-aisle good-will tours, President Obama pleaded with Senate Republicans to ease up on their record number of filibusters of his nominees.  He might as well have been talking to one of the statues in the Capitol. Republicans have made it clear that erecting hurdles for Mr. Obama is, if anything, their overriding legislative goal.”

what eye thynk:    Now, the Republican Filibuster Festival has moved on to the question of gun control.  Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell announced on Monday that he will join Rand Paul, Ted Cruz and ten other Republican senators in their promise to filibuster any legislation on gun control.  

Think about that.  Thirteen men have decided that they, and only they, will decide the issue of new gun control in this country--not you, not me, not the 90% of Americans who favor the passage of new gun control measures, not Senate Democrats, not even their fellow Senate Republicans--just these thirteen men.  Their plan is to stand and prohibit debate and block any vote on this issue until it simply goes away.

Even John McCain, who has been a little off the wall on other issues lately, has come down on the side of common sense when it comes to filibustering the debate on gun control.  "The purpose of the United States Senate is to debate and to vote and to let the people know where we stand…I don't understand it.  What are we afraid of?"

These thirteen men object to any measure that may, in Rand Paul’s words, “infringe on the American people’s constitutional right to bear arms”.  

Well, what about my constitutional right to be heard?  My voice may be faint, it may be filtered through layers of lobbyists that surround my Senator, but that one Senator still represents MY constitutional right to cast a vote on any issue before the Senate.  And these thirteen men want to take that right away.

Speaking in Newtown on Monday, President Obama spoke of the need for “common sense” gun control, written with respect for the Second Amendment, but that tragedies like Newtown, Aurora and Portland demand, at the very least, a vote from Congress.

“If our democracy’s working the way it’s supposed to and 90 percent of the American people agree on something, in the wake of a tragedy, you’d think this would not be a heavy lift. And yet some folks back in Washington are already floating the idea that they may use political stunts to prevent votes on any of these reforms,” President Obama said. “They’re not just saying they’ll vote no on ideas that almost all Americans support.  They’re saying they’ll do everything they can to even prevent any votes on these provisions. They’re saying your opinion doesn’t matter.”

I realize that new gun control laws will have little effect on gun violence in this country in our immediate future; but I still believe we have to make a start.  

Personally, I support universal background checks, the banning of assault weapons and the limiting of magazine size.  I want Congress to debate and to vote on these issues.  When the votes are counted, the measures will have passed and we will have new gun controls or they will have failed and we won’t. That is the way Democracy is supposed to work.

These thirteen men shouldn't be permitted to stand in the way.

                        The Filibuster 13:

                        Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky)

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas)

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Florida)

  Sen. James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma)

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas)

Sen. Pat Roberts, (R-Kansas)

Sen. Richard Burr (R-North Carolina)

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin)

Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyoming)

Sen. James Risch (R-Idaho)

Sen. Mike Crapo (R- Idaho)

Sen. Dan Coats (R-Indiana)

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky)

Don't let them silence your voice.  Contact your Senator here:
www.contactingthecongress.org

April 8 - Monday Quote

What a nice idea.  

monday quote:   I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.  (Anna Quindlen, author, 1952 -    ) 

Quick Fact: There is No Cure for Stupid, So Sometimes You Just Have to Laugh

The background:  In 2011, Tennessee State Senator Bill Ketron (R) and Representative Judd Matheny (R)  introduced a bill that would make it a felony to follow some versions of the Islamic code known as Shariah law. 

Last month:  A $16M renovation of the Tennessee capitol building was completed and state legislators began using the upgraded building.  Upon entering the men’s washroom for the first time Mr. Ketron and Mr. Matheny immediately voiced concerns about a new sink in one corner of the restroom, and brought their questions to the attention of Senate Clerk Russell Humphrey, who took their concerns to Legislative Administrative Director Connie Ridley.

The sink in question:

The explanation as published in The Tennessean:  "Tenn. Legislative staffers and building administrators have sought to reassure some concerned lawmakers that the new sink was not installed as a special facility to support Muslim prayer rituals, but rather to make it easier for custodial staff to fill buckets and clean mops."

No comment is necessary.

Quick Fact: North Carolina Wants to Raise Taxes on Families with Students in College

A new attack on voting rights is in the works in North Carolina.  State Representative Bill Cook (R) has introduced a bill that will effectively raise state income tax rates for parents of college students who live on campus and register to vote there.

The bill reads, in part: "If the voter is (claimed as) a dependent...and the voter has registered at an address other than that of the parent or legal guardian, the parent or legal guardian will not be allowed to claim the voter as a dependent for state income tax purposes."

Given the sacrifices families make to pay for their child's college education and the amount of money that a college education costs these days, can anyone possibly believe a college student is not a dependent?  This bill is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to intimidate young voters, who largely vote Democrat, into not registering to vote.  Just another shady way of keeping Democratic voters from the polls and tweaking the voting population to favor the Republican Party.

Quick Fact Digest: Is the Republican Party Becoming the Party of Anarchy?

Recently, we have seen one Republican run state after another pass anti-abortion laws that clearly run counter to the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision.  Flush with their flaunting of federal abortion law, some of these same states have decided to take on other aspects of the U.S. Constitution.
 
Mississippi - The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that powers not specifically reserved for the federal government are reserved for the states.  Mississippi has decided to push the "not specifically reserved" envelope and is making plans to justify that the state of Mississippi should be left alone to decide which federal laws they'll follow and which ones they'll ignore.  

Republican state Representatives Gary Chism and Jeff Smith have filed a bill designed to form a Joint Legislative Committee on the Neutralization of Federal Laws.  They have the support of Governor Phil Bryant (R) who recently asked state legislators to find ways to block enforcement of any gun reform that originates with President Obama.  The Central Mississippi Tea Party, which has expressed the desire for state lawmakers to "re-establish limited federal involvement in Mississippi" has also expressed support for Mr. Chism's and Mr. Smith's efforts.

Matt Steffey, a professor of constitutional law at Mississippi College had this to say: "It is hard to imagine a less productive use of time by key legislative officials than to pursue that which they have no power to pursue".

State Representative Steve Holland (D) said "It's awful.  It is wrongheaded...It is political fodder for the right and borderline stupid".

My vote goes to Mr. Steffey and Mr. Holland on this one. 


North Carolina - The United States of America is a country built on the separation of church and state; but North Carolina would like to make an exception for itself.

State Representatives Carl Ford (R) and Harry Warren (R) are sponsoring a bill that has been introduced to North Carolina's General Assembly that would allow the fine state of North Carolina to adopt an official, state religion.

The proposed law claims that the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution--the one prohibiting Congress from passing laws in respect to establishing religions or prohibiting the exercise of religion in the U.S.--does not apply to states.

I guess North Carolina plans on joining Mississippi in ignoring the Tenth Amendment too.


And then there's Montana - where the state legislature wanted to ban any law prohibiting assault weapons.  Yes, that's right.  They wanted to pass a law that would specifically ban another law.   Their own Department of Justice had to point out to these geniuses that you really can't pass a law banning another law--especially one that doesn't exist.

If the U.S. Congress ever manages to pass an assault weapon ban, Montana can join North Carolina and Mississippi in boycotting the U.S. Constitution.

Connecticut and Maryland Pass New Gun Laws

Connecticut
On Thursday, April 4, Governor Dannel  Malloy (D) signed his state's new gun regulations into law. 

Beginning on July 1, 2013:   

• Anyone wishing to purchase a rifle, shotgun or ammunition will first need to obtain a state issued eligibility certificate.
• Anyone wanting a state issued eligibility certificate will be required to complete a gun safety course, submit to fingerprinting and have their identity compared against a national criminal data base.
• Anyone convicted of any one of 40 weapons violations must register with the state.
• Background checks will be completed for all gun purchases, including gun shows and private sales.
• One hundred additional weapons have been added to the already existing list of banned assault type weapons. Anyone already owning a newly banned weapon will be permitted to keep it, but must register it with the state.
• Magazine size will be capped at 10 rounds.  Anyone who owns a larger magazine will be restricted to loading only 10 rounds except at a shooting range.
• Anyone who owns larger magazines may keep them, but must register them with the state.

Maryland

Maryland's new gun regulations have passed both the state House and the state Senate. Governor Martin O'Malley (D) is ready to sign the bill when it gets to his desk.

Beginning October 1, 2013

• Magazine capacity is limited to 10 rounds.
• All gun buyers will be fingerprinted and licensed to purchase.
• New limits are set on gun purchases by the mentally ill.
• More than 40 types of existing assault rifles, including all models of the AR-15 are banned.

what eye thynk:

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S  

 to   C O N N E C T I C U T   and   M A R Y L A N D !!!

(and thank you.)

Eye Recommend --- Tennessee's Nutty New Primary Plan

TENNESSEE'S NUTTY NEW PRIMARY PLAN, by Steve Benen -- http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2013/04/03/17585534-tennessees-nutty-new-senate-primary-plan?lite

Looks like their new, restrictive voter I.D. law didn't go far enough for the Republicans in Tennessee.  Now they want to stop people voting at all--at least in their primaries.


"Tennessee state Sen. Frank Nicely, a Republican from Strawberry Plains, has introduced S.B. 471, which would, beginning in 2016, eliminate party primaries for the U.S. Senate in Tennessee.  Members of the state Legislature would instead select the nominees...

...In Washington, as in state legislatures around the country, we often see goofy bills and resolutions introduced, but most thankfully die without any action being taken.  But what really got my attention was the news that the Tennessee Senate's State and Local Government Committee voted 7-1 last week to advance the bill...

...Does this plan have any chance of actually passing?  The Republican leader of the Tennessee Senate said last week,  'If you'd asked me that in January, I'd have said no,' Ramsey told reporters this week.  'If you ask me now, I think it's at least 50/50.'"


Because, really, who needs those pesky citizens getting involved in their own government? Who needs democracy when the feudal system worked so well for centuries?    Good grief!

Republicans Bought and Paid For By the NRA Refuse to Cross the Bridge of Common Sense

The Senate's bi-partisan committee studying gun regulations has submitted their bills to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid who will now decide which bills to present to the Senate for a vote.
Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) were both quoted over the past weekend as saying that universal background checks, which have overwhelming citizen support--even from gun owning members of the NRA, are "a bridge too far for most of us". 

When Mr. Graham was asked if he thought the universal background requirement could pass the full Senate, he replied, "I don't think so.  I don't think it makes any sense.  The current system is broken.  Fix the current system."

what eye thynk:   The latest polls show that 80-90% of the people--including gun owners--support universal background checks.  These statistics have been widely reported and commented on, but the NRA funded Republican Party Talking Heads continue to act as though the polls say just the opposite.  "A bridge too far for most of us".  Who is this "us"?  Can Mr. Graham or Mr. Flake offer any proof that their invisible "us" exists?   

Mr. Flake, in his Meet the Press interview on Sunday, went on to say that "The paperwork requirements alone would be significant".  To that, any person possessed of a modicum of common sense would say "So what?".  Ask any Sandy Hook parent who lost a child last December if they think their child's life was spent wisely in the all important fight to avoid paperwork.

Asa Hutchinson, former Republican congressman from Arkansas was recently chosen to head an NRA funded, "independent" review of school safety standards.  Not surprisingly, when the results were announced last Tuesday, the study called for gun toting guards and voluntarily armed teachers in every school and on every campus in the U.S.   The report did not address the mass attacks we saw last year in a shopping mall and in a movie theater.  Will the next "independent" NRA study call for armed clerks at Macy's perfume counter?  Will it be recommended that every Starbucks barista have access to a company Bushmaster?  Will the kid who sells you your Regal Cinema popcorn be required to have a rifle hidden under the Milk Duds?  

Senator Graham is right about one thing--the current system is broken.  But Mr. Graham's Republican/NRA position that more guns is the answer just goes against all logic.  If South Carolina found it had too many alligators, would Mr. Graham suggest solving the problem by importing more alligator eggs?

We have to start somewhere; and universal background checks are a good first step--whether Lindsey Graham thinks they make sense or not.

Quick Fact: Georgia G.O.P. Warns that Straight People are Going to Pretend to be Gay So They Can Get Married Too.

I read this yesterday and thought it was an April Fool's Day joke; but, nope, this G.O.P. leader is serious.

Sue Everhart, Georgia G.O.P. Chairwoman, in an interview with the Marietta Daily Journal on Saturday:  "You may be straight as an arrow, and you may have a friend that is as straight as an arrow.  Say you had a great job with the government where you had this wonderful health plan.  I mean, what would prohibit you from saying that you're gay, and y'all get married and still live as separate, but you get all the benefits?  I just see so much abuse in this it's unreal.  I believe a husband and a wife should be a man and a woman, the benefits should be for a man and a woman.  There is no way this is about equality.  To me, it's all about a free ride."

I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

April 1 - Monday Quote

During last week's Supreme Court hearings on DOMA, Justice Scalia said that there was no conclusive opinion on the effects of same-sex child-rearing and Justice Alito asserted that gay marriage is newer than cellphones and the Internet and perhaps the court would be hasty to make a decision before the ramifications of same-sex marriage were known and analyzed. 

Jon Stewart had a simple, to the point response.

monday quote:  You don't have to beta test rights.  (Jon Stewart, political satirist, 1962-    )