First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Lance Gregg, Holland MI — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:27:52 GMT

Obama has a lot of guts going to Michigan. It's run by Democrats top to bottom, and they have destroyed the state. And Obama is turning the trip from a phony town hall meeting with staged questions to just be a speech that is full of lies. Obama can't even answer the staged questions anymore apparently.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:28:39 GMT

Sorry I missed out on the festivities here yesterday... decided to spend the beautiful afternoon poolside with my daughter enjoying some yummy mojito's!

Anyway... getting back to the HRC argument... I have a story to share with all as to WHY we NEED to take the obscene profit out of our current health care system:

I have a very close relative (whom I love dearly) who happens to work in a world renowned hospital. For the 10th year in a row at the end of their fiscal year (which happens to be on June 30th) their profit margin was so ENORMOUS that once again they are paying EVERY employee at the hospital a bonus of 15% of their annual salary!!! Plus they are getting performance raises... hell I haven't had a salary increase in 3 years BUT my healthcare cost is increasing by 10+% EVERY year! Must be in the wrong line of work LOL!

This includes the Dr's nurses, janitors and so on... right down to the cashier in the cafeteria!!! As of this last weekend the TOTAL amount to be paid out among the employees is 17 MILLION (yes I said million) DOLLARS!

Now I'm not begrudging people that earn bonus's based on their performance and contribution to their employers... what I DO HAVE A PROBLEM with is when a hospital can make such and EXCESSIVE profit that they HAVE to give 17 million away as a tax break for themselves! And don't even get me started about the 250K that was spent on new carpeting in one of the wings... only to be TORN OUT the following week because the owner didn't 'LIKE' it! Give me a break! It's OBSCENE & just plain WRONG!

This is only one hospital...one year... If we start shaving off some of the corporate greed it will go a long way in FUNDING affordable quality healthcare for all AMERICANS!

I knew it wouldn’t be long before Lizzard Cheney slithered out from under her rock to blather on in her ‘forked tongue’… she’s nothing more than a run of the mill reptile oops… I mean Republicant! Rather than trying to defend Daddy Dearest she’d be better served in the kitchen baking a cake with a file in it… cause Daddy Dick is going to be needing ONE! While you’re at it Lizzard start stocking up on some soap on a rope as well (nah on second thought… scratch that… bar soap will do the job)!

***Call 800.555.5555 and purchase a can of Republicant repellant… but WAIT… if you order in the next 10 minutes you’ll receive a trial size can of Rabid Rat Repellant ABSOLUTELY FREE!*** Sorry no COD's

Oh and to all the developmentally challenged righties who’s new hobby is let’s play steal someone’s moniker… keep in mind whack jobs that...

Imitation is the sincerest form of FLATTERY!

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Nurse Betty — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:28:44 GMT

Obama's teleprompter that broke apart yesterday. The poor thing was exhausted. Did it have health care?

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Idenity Politics - Catch It! — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:30:08 GMT

Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie “has a ten point lead” over Governor Jon Corzine (D),

Sure, but Corzine is picking a black Lt. Governor as his running mate. That means he'll get the minority vote.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Hill Toppers — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:31:16 GMT

It sure would be nice to have a SecofState that had a security clearance. This explains why Hillary hasn't done anything yet.

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Tim, PA — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:31:26 GMT

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Bad Chihuahua — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:33:02 GMT

Yesterday First Read knocked Prez H.W. Bush for bouncing the first pitch while wearing a bulletproof vest.

What about the perfect strike that George W. Bush threw in Cincinnati while wearing a bulletproof vest?
No mention of that. Figures. Here's hoping Obie will make a damn fool of himself when throwing the first pitch out tonight. I wanna hear the libby excuses.

Maybe he'll pull a Travis Tritt and feel 10 feet tall and bullet proof. (for those who live in Red China or on the left coast it's the title of a Tritt album)

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Donald Money, St. Louis — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:33:25 GMT

Headline: $1 Trillion Deficit Complicates Obama's Agenda? Annual Budget Gap Passed Benchmark in June, Dimming Outlook for Economic Recovery and Appetite for Big-Ticket Policies

This is just the thing to stimulate the economy! New taxes, higher taxes, less deductions. And their even targeting investment! Yesiree, this should really help small business and America's future.

I like the name "The anti-business anti-stimulus" for what Obie is doing. Now we just need to "give it time to work as planned", just like Obama says it will. Yet another home run from the Obamunist and the Democrats.

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Deficit Danny — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:34:38 GMT

First Read; Bottom line: the White House has "cleared the decks" and focusing almost exclusively on health care for the next three weeks or however long it takes to get separate bills through the House and Senate before the August recess.

================

Why don't Obama and the Democrats provide as much focus on getting jobs to come back in the county? Even if this legislation passes (it won't, but if it did), it would be giant job killer. Without jobs. people, don't pay taxes. Without tax revenue, the deficit grows, just like what is happening today.

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Bad Chihuahua — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:35:27 GMT

Hillary in the news.

Hillary who?

If you're talking about Ms. Clinton, the last I heard from her she was pissed at the prez for being what he is ... all out for himself and not including her. Whaaaa.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:37:36 GMT

Well, it looks like the All-Star balloting is about over, especially in the National and American Leagues." - Broadcaster Jerry Coleman

"If I ain't startin', I am departin'." Gary Templeton, 1981 All Star Game
_______________
The Say Hey Kid -
National League Rookie Of The Year: 1951
National League Most Valuable Player: 1954 and 1965

Ty Cobb believed that Mays had "restored the art of base running to the game." Mays was the on-deck batter when Bobby Thomson hit his famous pennant-winning home run, "The Shot Heard 'Round the World," on October 3, 1951. He was a National League all-star every season from 1951 through 1973, playing in a record tying 24 all-star games and participated in four World Series. His catch of a Vic Wertz drive in the 1954 Series remains one of baseball's most memorable moments. In the 1955 All Star Game, he robbed Ted Williams of a homerun.

In the 1950s and '60s, fans couldn't get enough of Willie. In the first flush of his fame and popularity, he would get up early to play stickball in the street with the worshipful children who gathered in front of his Harlem boarding house.

Willie Mays – The Best

“They invented the All-Star game for Willie Mays.” Ted Williams

Enjoy the game everyone!

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Nashville_fan — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:37:51 GMT

Good morning all . . . I am feeling refreshed after four days in the beautiful Blue Grass state! I did read some comments from Friday, and I am sorry to have been away when Richard, from Washington reappeared . . . good to hear from him none the less . . . even though we usually disagree . . . I enjoy the edge and humor of his posts . . . goodness knows we could use some humor around here . . .

Anywho . . .

I agree with the White House about “clearing the deck” to really focus on and finalize a good health care reform bill. That is one of the PRIMARY REASONS that I supported President Obama, in addition to his common sense and common decency approach to foreign policy.

With that said, once the bill is done, reconciled, and signed, I would like very much for someone to answer these simple questions:

Why does the media treat each new revelation about Dick Cheney’s abuse of power as a political event instead of a legal and Constitutional one?

Who (if anyone) authorized Dick Cheney to oversee the projects that he ran?

Has any other elected official in U.S. history every hid behind their daughter’s skirt as shamelessly as Dick Cheney? Pretty astounding for someone so full of “tough talk” . . . hey Dick . . . man up and fight your own battles.

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James_TX — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:38:24 GMT

FR: So they want to hear a public pledge, and key Senate sources tell us that public pledge is coming -- possibly as early as today.

Ohh, a Public Pledge, how exciting.

Will it start something like: "I pledge allegiance to Barack, for the Socialist state of America"?

Democrats don't want to go back to their distrcits before they because they know they'll get a earful from angry people asking why they are wasting their tax dollars and screwing up their health plans.

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Taxalcoholic Timmy — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:40:10 GMT

What is Obama going to do when he runs out of people to tax?

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Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:41:28 GMT

What a laugh Quitter Palin as Chuckles Krauthammer, they're both way out there in conservative lalaland. Jon Stewart and Samantha Bee did a great job of ridiculing Sinner Sarah last night, come to think of it so did Rachel Maddow. Obviously Sinner Sarah had that op ed written for her and we'll find out who the ghost writer was. Anyone who takes her seriously has more than a few screws loose.

The Sotomayor hearings went well yesterday and the dopes of nope looked like real racist fools trying to paint her as racist. I see that jilted Supreme Court nominee Sessions has confirmation envy that Sotomayor will get what he was rightfully denied. Stephen Colbert was too hilarious ripping the hearings last night and the dopes of nope for their idiotic arguments.

Barack Obama is going to rock the pitchers mound tonight throwing out the first pitch. He'll throw some heat for a strike the way he drains three pointers. He'll make Clueless George look like he was throwing like a girl.

In Obama We Trust!

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GW, Vancouver, Canada — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:41:58 GMT

Why do you consider Liz Cheney as a spokesperson ,she is a propagandist and liar in chief for her father. And you let her get away with it. No too long ago , the Lizwitch used McCarthy like tactics to question Colin Powell's patriotism. Only Frank Rich chided her fot it. So when you have the Liazwitch on your programs , you are basically saying it is ok to do that. She just lies and distorts like her father and we all know what problems he has caused for us. I guess we will have to send her to the 4th grade class that nailed Mushroom Cloud Condi. The Lizwitch represents everything that is bad in US politics.and if you were journalists instead of entertainers you would no let her get away with it. Unfortunately , with a few exceptions, there are no Murrows, Cronkites or Brinkleys around,

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newdayDAWNING — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:43:10 GMT

Liz Cheney...really? I think her 15 minutes are up. She can crawl back under the rock she slithered out from. And Feisty, Lizzard Cheney..priceless.

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Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:44:14 GMT

What about the perfect strike that George W. Bush threw in Cincinnati while wearing a bulletproof vest?
No mention of that. Figures. Here's hoping Obie will make a damn fool of himself when throwing the first pitch out tonight. I wanna hear the libby excuses.

Maybe he'll pull a Travis Tritt and feel 10 feet tall and bullet proof. (for those who live in Red China or on the left coast it's the title of a Tritt album)

Bad Chihuahua (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 9:33 AM)

I'll agree with you there. Bush sure did hit that strike zone.

Now if only he had devoted the same amount of energy with the rest of his endeavors...

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matt — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:44:31 GMT

I'm sure we'll see more explosions from the white men the Republicans have on the committee. More demonizing Sotomayor for no good reason in front of her family...

http://www.political-buzz.com/

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Jeff Gollin, Holmdel, NJ — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:44:46 GMT

Random points -

- The GOP strategy regarding Sottomayor appears to (a) letting her win approval while simultaneously(b) "spitting in the soup" (i.e. damning her with faint praise, lodging "mild concerns" etc.) in order to damp down any Democratic edge in popular support, morale or momentum going forward).

- Two Proposed New NBC Cable Channels -

1.)The National Security Channel (news, info, rumor, discussion, documentaries relating to the military, intelligence and geopolitics).

2.) The Economics 101 Channel (actually an expansion and recycling of CNBC with much less emphasis on the stock market and much more on macro-economic policy, personal money management, "Jobs: how to find them, keep them, land them" and technogical change and breakthroughs)

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Better luck next time — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:46:10 GMT

Will it start something like: "I pledge allegiance to Barack, for the Socialist state of America"?

Democrats don't want to go back to their distrcits before they because they know they'll get a earful from angry people asking why they are wasting their tax dollars and screwing up their health plans.

James_TX (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 9:38 AM)

If you took the time to make a coherent argument, I might listen to you. But posting silly rants involving the word socialist make me ignore you just like I'd ignore someone typing in all caps.

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Bad Chihuahua — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:46:28 GMT

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Sally Barron, WI — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:47:39 GMT

If Hillary has any political goals, she'll need to resign by the end of the year. Just what does she do? While Obama is flying around the globe apologizing to people, she's answering questions about having showers installed at the State Department.

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A BASEBALL FAN — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:48:40 GMT

Obama has STRUCK OUT so many times as President, I'm surprised they'll let him in the ballpark tonight.
Truthfully, the last thing I want to see is a politician at a ballgame. It's the one place we can go to escape all the political BS....But now Obama's gonna' ruin that too.
Hey Barrack....why do you think Presidents stayed away from the All-Star Game for 33 years? Don't ruin a good thing. Keep your ass in Michigan, have a beer with Willie Mays, and keep your stinking politics away from our beautiful national pastime!

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Another Bad Chihuahua — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:49:24 GMT

Palin can and should write all the op-eds she wants against the Obama administration. Maureen Dowd, kook that she is, needs to be flattened too. The New York Times is a failing news rag.

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Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:50:12 GMT

Rachel Maddow did a great segment last night exposing that nefarious secretive christian C Street church known as The Family. She's donme a great job exposing their nefarious ways about how they abuse the tax exempt church status to allow a few repugnant one politicians to pay below market rent and to pump up their foolish egos into thinking they're special and can get away with things we normals can't.

I'm not saying that this nefarious oprganization is a criminal organization, all I'm saying is that isn't it interesting that this nefarious organization uses the English version of the Mafia's La Familia name for it's criminal organization? I say it's time to investigate this false church and to end the tax exempt status for all churches. Time to tax the churches to cover the tremendous budget deficit, time for them to contribute to help the poor and needy.

Since War Criminal Cheney is too scared to talk to the media regarding his new secret plan he hides behind his daughter's skirts. She's a real Cheney as she willingly tries to twist this story to make it sound like the Democrats are making us less safe by stopping this nefarious program that was never implemented, that we now know of. If it was such a great program to keep us safe from Osama bin Laden then why didn't War Criminal Cheney implement it? Plus we should never have another one of the wicked cheney's in government again, there ought to be a constitutional amendment against it.

Prosecute War Criminals Bush and Cheney!

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Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:50:20 GMT

Who called the Liz Cheney Justification Tour Round Two? That's right, saw it coming a mile away.

Liz, I don't want to be the one to break it to you; but your father is a criminal. He probably shouldn't have dropped out of college. He absolutely should have read the Constitution. He's going downtown, Julie Brown.

It couldn't happen to a more deserving "American".

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Jim, WV — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:50:25 GMT

RE: *** Sarah Palin as Charles Krauthammer?

Anyone else find it ironic that Palin is attacking a cap and trade program just nine months after running on the Republican Presidential ticket with a man that supports it?
Tim, PA

----------------

Any one else find it ironic that 3 days after the current VP says "We misjudged how bad the economy was" that the President comes out and says "Everything is going according to plan."?

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Houston — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:51:14 GMT

FR: We're watching Senate Republicans having to play base politics over Sotomayor in the same way Democrats felt pressure to do the same with Roberts and Alito.
---------------------------------------------------

I don't buy the moral equivalence you're selling. The Democrats didn't base their opposition to Alito and Roberts based on comments taken out of context like the Repubs, with the help of the corporate media, have taken Sotomayor's "wise Latina" comment out of its context, which was cases concerning race and gender discrimination. It's a no-brainier that someone like Sotomayor would be far more likely to give a just ruling in such cases than a pampered son of privilege like John Roberts was.

As for the Repubs harping on "empathy," a lack of empathy for other human beings is the primary symptom of a sociopathic personality, of which I suspect there are more than a few in the Republican Party and on the Republican-dominated Supreme Court.

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Dookie — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:51:16 GMT

Hmmm...why the rush to finish the health care bill? Could it be that the Dems don't want their members to have to face their angry constituents at home before voting? Will they actually read the bill this time? We rushed the stimulus through because the country was going to collapse if it wasn't passed and boy has it been effective!

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The - Democrat Soldier — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:51:59 GMT

I find it fascinating how the GOP - people like Boehner didn’t seem to care about things like health care, until someone saw that it's not working and there need to be a change.

But, then when a change is suggested and is being seriously considered - all of a sudden the GOP has ideas and ways to make it better, and every body else ideas are wrong and won't work.

GOP's are scandalous - as long as their buddies are getting wealthy at the taxpayers expense - everything is fine, but when the President want to ease the burden on the average American, now according to Boehner and the GOP it's a big mistake and it won't work.

God bless the day when our politicians are truly in office to serve the people and not just the special interests.

Boehner days and politicians like him are numbered - America won't stand for the same old, same old.

Don't you get it GOP? That's why we voted for change, the sooner you realize that - the better your party will become and maybe you can be competitive in future elections - if not you will fall by the waist side and another party with fresher and more prudent ideas will supersede you in the future.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

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Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:53:47 GMT

Tim, PA (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 9:31 AM)

right there with you on this one. her entire persona is irony. socialism from the biggest proponent of government shared oil wealth. etc., etc., etc.

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Bill, Fairfax, VA — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:54:08 GMT

FR: "Obama publicly reiterated his pledge that he will NOT raise taxes on households making $250,000 or less....the president is not a fan of taxing health-care benefits."

OK, so where is the money going to come from to pay for health care reform? Apparently from evil rich people, possibly in the form suggested by Charlie Rangel's surtax. For all the dimwit lefties around here who think evil rich people don't pay their fair share of taxes, consider this.

The top 0.1% of taxpayers by income pay about 17% of all federal income taxes, the top 1% pay about 37%, and the top 5% pay about 57%. Oh, and the bottom 50% pay about 3%.

So it sure looks like the federal income tax structure is already quite progressive with evil rich people (and even not so rich people) carrying the vast bulk of the tax burden load. But now the clueless want to add to that burden. Makes no sense to continue to squeeze the most productive earners in our society in order to implement the extravagant visions of our socialist president.

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Matt, Tampa FL — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:54:16 GMT

Tim in PA, you beat me to it. (I'm surprised First Read didn't mention it; they usually point out contradictions like that.) How can Sarah Palin run on a Republican presidential ticket that promotes cap-and-trade and now be so opposed to it? She needs to be called out on this crap.

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Republican 4 life — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:55:08 GMT

Sotomayor is a racist, but then again so is obie and he got elected. So, confirmation for this racist shouldn't be a problem. And boy did she hit every branch of the ugly tree!!

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HT Wellstone, Indiana — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:55:58 GMT

Michigan keep electing Democrats, and the state keeps seeing increased unemployment.

Maybe the people that vote in that state will figure out that the two are related at some point.

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Republicans keep spinning, and America is getting dizzy — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:56:43 GMT

My newest best friend is Jon Voight. This great actor is not afraid to air his complaints againt Obie, inspite of the expected attacks from the Huff Puff Post and Daily Kos.

He is ruthless in his verbal disrespect for Obama, and I agree with every word he said. The bottom line is Obie doesn't care if he bankrupts this country.
It's all about Obie.

Bad Chihuahua
====================================
Interesting that Jon Voight would be a hero of yours - another right wing blowhard who knows how everyone else should live their lives, but cannot seem to run their own personal lives.

Typical.

And about bankrupting America? The Republican Party had already done that before Senator Obama even gave his break out speech at the 2004 Democratic Convention . . . that is why NOBODY believes that you folks have the economic answers we seek . . . because EVERYTIME we trust you - you steal our money and play dumb about where it went.

Everytime.

P.S. Ruthless verbal disrepect of the President? That's all you got left? You know what they say, sticks and stones may break my bones, but "ruthless verbal disrespect" is for losers! :P

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Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:57:34 GMT

Good to hear that Hillary is on the mend and is back to making appearances, or speeches. Funny how the media tries to make controversy where none is, but then they have to sell papers don't they?

One thing that was pounded into me when I was in the Army Security Agency was that not only must a person have the proper security clearance to see classified material but they also had to have a "Need to Know". While Liz Cheney might have had a security clearance I wonder what was her need to know about the torture program when all she was was a lawyer in the State Department. I guess Daddy Says was her only reason for her need to know and that doesn't cut it for national security. I think an investigation is in order to find out why she got secret information passed her way when it looks like the only reason was for her to defend her criminal dad after leaving office.

It's looking better and better for health care reform with the public option. It's amazing how much money is being wasted by big medical to fight this much needed reform, and patients end up paying for it in the end.

Pass Health Care Reform with the Public Option!

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Cut Your Loses - Elect Republicans — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:58:28 GMT

Obamas health care plan is all about rationing. He's forcing the hospitals to cut their budgets by $500 billion dollars over the next 10 years, and at the same time saying more and more people will require the hospitals services. That's a perfect receipe for rationing.

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SOTOMAYOR SUPPORTS REVERSE-DISCRIMINATION. — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:00:11 GMT

SOTOMAYOR SUPPORTS REVERSE-DISCRIMINATION.

EMPATHY IS HER CODE WORD FOR PREJUDICE.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR!

We have our first president who was elected as an Affirmative Action of the media --- next we will have an Affirmative Action Baby on the Supreme Court. Do we need any more proof that 'Affirmative Action' leads to disaster?

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The - Democrat Soldier — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:00:16 GMT

Bad Chihuahua - birds of a feather flock together -

Just because one is disrespect and has a foul mouth doesn't mean they have anything worthy to say.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

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So much sanctimony, so little time — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:02:16 GMT

I'm sure we'll see more explosions from the white men the Republicans have on the committee. More demonizing Sotomayor for no good reason in front of her family...
-----------------------------------------------------
Did you happen to catch any of the Bork hearings, where Mrs. Bork left the room in tears a number of times?
And nice use of the race card. Do you recall the white men tearing Clarence Thomas down? Or was that okay since they were Democrats?
Quit acting like questioning a SC nominee just suddenly became tough.

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Jody, Iowa — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:02:32 GMT

Would not want to be in the republican's shoes on Sotomayor. Enjoyed Lawrence O's take on Jeff Sessions regarding reading her entire statement containing her "wise Latina woman" when he said it would not surprise him that Sessions had never even read the entire statement. If there were serious issues concerning her judicial rulings, then she should be questioned but it appears that she is more qualified than both Roberts and Alito. If I were a republican senator in July, 2009, I would not worry about what the Limbaugh's of the world have to say. Americans have short attention spans but the democrats will probably use "voted against" in 2010.

Pres Obama's plan for community colleges makes such good sense that it would be hard to argue against it (some will try). I know our local community college has taken drastic monetary cuts recently. Community college do hold the key for higher education for many young people who cannot afford 4 years elsewhere plus continuing education opportunities are essential for the future.

So Boehner, show us that health care plan. Let me see, it is give a tax break for citizens by paying $$ direct to the private insurance company to make certain private insurance continue making record profits. Where was Eric Cantor? Did he fall out of favor with the Boner?

As for Palin, it's just more of the same GOP obstruction of America's future.

Liz Cheney makes my blood boil. When she first came on Morning Joe, I switched to CNN. Later, there she was again but since Eugene Robinson was coming on, I watched. The only people politicizing this is her by trying to make it sound as if the democrats don't want to catch Al Qaeda. When she opens her mouth, just insert the words "Saddam Hussein has weapons of mass destruction" and you see the same around the edges lies her father told. Eugene Robinson did a good job pointing out to her (when she'd shut up and stop interrupting) that the question is whether the CIA and Cheney broke the law, not whether the program made sense in the 9/11 aftermath. Heaven help us if she gets into politics because it means the neocon philosophy is alive and still dangerous for America.

If I'm repeating anything discussed here yesterday, sorry I must have missed it. But speaking of dangerous, last Thurs and Fri Rachel Maddow had Jeff Sharlet, author of "The Family" on who talked about the "C" Street house where 6 republicans including Ensign live. Listening to the video clips of the church leaders' devotion to Hitler and other dictators was frightening. This group sounds like a religious cult and it should scare the rest of us to think that elected officials are part of it. The clips made Rev Wright look eccentric. That book has been added to my list of reading.

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Eric, Salinas, CA — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:02:59 GMT

Here's an interesting factiod about Leon Panetta. In the 70's he lived on a street called "Via Belladonna", which translates as "Devilweed Way". Belladonna is a plant that grows locally and has mild hallucenogenic properties. I always wondered if he knew that, but then he's pretty sharp and I bet he did.

Agent Orange Boehner's idiotic plan for health care reform is to do nothing but allow private industry to rip us all off for as much as they can take. Bonehead's plan is to keep the stagnant quo going because he doesn't want big medical to stop shoveling so much money into his worthless campaign coffer.

Sonia Sotomayor is making some interesting comments about the Second Amendment and the states. I'm sure she'll make the limpwristed conservative crybabies falsely whine baby whine that she's trying to take their guns away.

Confirm Sotomayor Now!

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Clara Kansas City, MO — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:03:50 GMT

http://videocafe.crooksandliars.com/heather/john-boehner-admits-cia-lied-pete-hoekstra

So John Boehner can say the CIA is a bunch of liars; but if Nancy Pelosi says it,...somehow Democrats are politicizing the CIA? Nice steaming hot BS from the party of nope. Your call, Lizzard (good one Feistmeister!)

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Republican Rex — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:05:27 GMT

The liberals are not getting any more free government handouts! That's it liberals, get used to working, and paying for things yourself! Even a lot of the Democrats are not for all these statist programs Obama, Pelosi, and Reid are pushing. Cap and trade passed the House by 2 votes. 2! And that program, even though huge and expensive, is still only a tenth the size of Health Care.

No liberals. Enough with the socialism, enough with the freebies, you're just going to have to get a job and pay for things yourself.

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That's Sir to You Missy — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:08:14 GMT

When will Sarah Palin call Obama PRESIDENT? She is a traitor (and who wrote the stupid article for her?)

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Redd Meeter — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:09:49 GMT

>> Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie “has a ten point lead” over Governor Jon Corzine (D).

I thought you Dims said the Republicans would be dead meat for years to come?

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

no joe, no bo, nj — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:10:45 GMT

First Read missedthe new CBS poll,out yesterday,that is badnewsfor Obama. this is a poll of adults, which normally shows the highest approval ratings vs. polls of registered voters; polls of likely voters typically show the lowest approval ratings of all presidents.

In the CBS poll, Obama's 57% approval rating is down from the month before, but this is still a healthy number. However, his approval rating from independents is just 50%-down 8 points from the month before.

Moreover, only 48% approve of his handling of the economy, while 44% disapprove-considering the margin of error, this is a statistical tie, but bears noting as he does not get majority support for his handling of the economy.

His handling of the economy probably gets such low marks because of the stimulus package-Obama's signature piece. Only 21% believe that it has had a positive effect on the economy, while 60% believe it has had no effect on the economy, and 15% believe that it has actually hurt the economy.

Support for his health care proposals is tied at similar, less than majority approval as his handling of the economy. While a majority think that there should be a public option, only 12% would join such a plan, and only 31% would join it if they had no health insurance. Obviously, not too many are confident of such a plan.

Now you know why he wants this passed before the August recess. He does not want members of congress to be confronted by their constituents on this issue. If these members actually go along with him,they will lose their seats.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

eagle1776 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:11:12 GMT

Was Sarah so deeply concerned about cap and trade when her running mate proposed it during the campaign? I just thought I'd ask.

Hypocrisy still reigns supreme in the Republican party.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

J. Ellis, Virginia — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:12:04 GMT

Cut Your Loses - Elect Republicans

WHAT? The Rethug-li-Cants are all about frightening people into thinking that the government is going to ration healthcare. There must be health care reform is this country and now is the time. A public option is what the President's plan offers. Please do more reading and far less listening to the CPR propoganda pitches on TV. It'll rot your brain.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

J Foster, OK — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:14:33 GMT

How many more distractions do the Democrats need to cover up their messes? Palin, Bush, Cheney, . . ., what, no Sanford?

Unemployment continues it's rise. 15% is not out of the question. Big ticket programs, job killing programs, are what Obama wants to pass. Foreign policy is nothing more then Obama apologizing to everyone. Obama's Russian trip was nothing short of a disaster.

You've got a lot to cover up liberals. And the thread-bare excuses you keep throwing up are getting a little old, okay a lot old.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Bill, Fairfax, VA — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:15:32 GMT

and, not to live too deep in the past - but this one struck me as classic hypocrisy:

“…You’ve been called on this before, but you still keep repeating the lie. The unemployment rate under Reagan peaked at 10.8% in 1982 – and then declined dramatically throughout the remainder of his term. Get your facts straight and stop with the lies.” Bill, Fairfax, VA (Sent Friday, July 10, 2009 1:45 PM)

Is it fair to say that Reagan inherited a mess from Carter and the unemployment actually RAMPED UP on Reagan’s watch? I mean that’s how I read the history of it. So how is that different from where we are now? I’m curious how this gets twisted back around to Reagan GOOD, Obama BAD. Your team simply can’t have it both ways and then claim some credible foothold on the issues.

But go ahead, the world loves a good story – type away.
Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Monday, July 13, 2009 10:26 AM)

====================

What planet are you from? The purpose of the post you reference was to correct a persistent misstatement by one of your leftist colleagues that the unemployment rate under Reagan was 15%. The post had nothing to do with Reagan GOOD or Obama BAD, it had nothing to do with Reagan inheriting a mess from Carter. It was just a straightforward correction of a factual error, pure and simple.

How you twist that into being a case of ’classic hypocrisy’ is just astonishing. And if your comment is an example of the ‘A game’ Feisty is always bragging about, well you should go back to your room and leave serious discussion to the few adults who hang out around here.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Carnie Woods, Nashville Tennessee — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:16:20 GMT

Was Sarah so deeply concerned about cap and trade when her running mate proposed it during the campaign? I just thought I'd ask.

Hypocrisy still reigns supreme in the Republican party.
eagle1776

Obama and Biden disagree on the economy. Biden says the stimulus has failed, Obama thinks it's working great. Do these two ever talk?

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Pat, Boston, MA — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:20:18 GMT

Allen L. Roland:

“The Bush /Cheney crime syndicate of smoke, spin and deception is finally now becoming obvious to the mainstream press, although the alternative press, including myself, have known and reported this for years. New revelations of abuses of power, lies and deception are being revealed almost every day and all the lies eventually lead to the chief architect himself ~ Dick Cheney.

Think of Cheney as the CEO, War Czar and holder of the secrets ~ who gave Bush his marching orders and Bush complied ~ as witnessed in the sudden resignation of Bush's best friend and advisor, Karl Rove in 2007. Cheney wanted no competition for Bush's ear as he implemented his grand neocon global end game ~ the stakes were too high. Plus, Cheney and Bush are tied at the hip in lies and deceptions that go all the way back to the 9/11 cover-up. (Remember, they refused to testify under oath and would only be interviewed together in the 9/11 commission investigation )

Cheney made his last power stand and eliminating all but his staunchest supporters in the process . But what he can't escape is the trail of lies and deceptions which all eventually lead to himself and Bush, who as President, shares equal responsibility for them.”
______________
Yet the excuses are allowed to continue in large segments of the media by apologists, such as the little lady Cheney. Just who are the “real” Americans in this country? It sure ain’t the Bush Administration apologists.

The Bush Administration DID NOT KEEP US SAFE from anything, whether it be terrorists or the economy. They’re lying.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

The - Democrat Soldier — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:20:38 GMT

Republican Rex - that's the funnies thing I have heard in a while.

So - when did they let you out of the mountains of West Virginia?

I will help you understand - the year is 2009! Liberals work hard and don't want easy free money.

Unlike you conservatives that want the government to make it easier for you to steal tax payers dollars

We liberals like to earn our money and treat each others like human beings - and not slaves to slave owners.

Conservatives are leeches and heartless – you hide behind religion as well, you think ill of people that are not as evil as you.

We pay taxes like everyone else and your typical BS stereotyping wont change that fact, but only emphasizes your ignorance.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

watching — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:20:49 GMT

Why won’t the Louisiana governor and other top Republicans denounce the Young Republicans’ new chairman, Audra Shay, who's accused of spreading racial hate on Facebook? check TDB

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

J. Ellis, Virginia — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:23:36 GMT

EMPATHY IS HER CODE WORD FOR PREJUDICE...

Perhaps you should vist your nearby Webster's to learn the meaning of empathy. In lay terms, it means I know what you are going thru and I feel your pain.

Several years ago, two Christian talk DJ's were discussing the fact that Virginia was considering a new State Song since "Carry Me Back to Ole Virginny" was offensive to African Americans. They saw nothing wrong with the song and wondered why it should be replaced. The lyrics are as follows: Carry me back to ole Virginny. There's where the cotton and the corn and taters grow. There's where the birds warble sweet in the Springtime. There's where this ole darkey's heart am long to go.

Wait, it gets better.

There's where I labored, so hard for ole massa. Day after day in the field of yellow corn. No place on earth do I love more sincerely. Than ole Virginny, the state where I was born.

I would like to think that the Justices that sit on the bench, that serve ALL Americans, would be sympathetic to how offensive these lyrics are. It has nothing to do with affirmative action, but should be able to walk a mile in someone else's shoes.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Glenn, Lexington, KY — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:27:15 GMT

Bill,

The point about taxing the rich isn't how much they already pay, it's about how much they already control. The top 1% of Americans may pay 17% of the taxes, but control 50% of the wealth of the country; property, investments, stocks, etc. When you expand that out to the top 5%, who pay 57% of the taxes (and I'm just accepting your numbers), they control almost 95% of the wealth of the country. So, it seems that they are really paying a smaller percentage of their total wealth than those who make minimum wage. BTW, do you think that all of these people earned all their money, or do you think that a considerable portion of it was inherited; think DuPont, not Buffet.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Nashville_fan — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:27:41 GMT

"Now you know why he wants this passed before the August recess. He does not want members of congress to be confronted by their constituents on this issue. If these members actually go along with him,they will lose their seats. "
-no joe, no bo, nj
=====================================================
First, Washington, DC is not that hard of a city to find . . . we can let our congressional representatives know what we think of pending legislation while they are there . . . so the whole premise of your post is pretty much baseless.

Second, the members of Congress are going to lose their seats if they DO NOT give us the healthcare reform that they have been promising us for YEARS. We the people DESERVE affordable health care, and we will have it. OUR NEEDS should come before private insurance company profits.

Thirdly, the whole "poll numbers dropping" story?

Predictable and meaningless.

The President said it best "time to put away childish things" . . . like the poll of the week for example . . . the entire concept is SO OUTDATED.

Before an election? Great.

Minute by minute analysis of a presidency?

Waste of time.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Donna, Kansas — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:30:10 GMT

Most people in the country like their health care plans, and they see what Obama is doing will destroy that for them. One thing you don't mess with is families and their health, and that is exactly what Barry is doing. People, working people, tax paying Americans, see that they'll be paying more for health care and getting much, much less. Procedures that used take days to take care of will now take weeks and even months. People know that. Families know that. Obama is just trying to blow enough smoke (Marlboro's, right?) into people's faces to get this legislation of his passed. God help us all if it does.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Jez Wondering this morning — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:30:24 GMT

Love the ones with heavily subsidized healthcare whinig about reform plans to include all Americans...

Hw do you socialists on medicare, tricare, VA, civil pensions or any other taxpayer funded benefit program get off claiming the rest of us are socialists for wantig your deal?

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:30:28 GMT

How you twist that into being a case of ’classic hypocrisy’ is just astonishing. And if your comment is an example of the ‘A game’ Feisty is always bragging about, well you should go back to your room and leave serious discussion to the few adults who hang out around here.

Bill, Fairfax, VA (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 10:15 AM)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Geeze Bill... little testy today are we...?

Repeating the same old tired mantra... doesn't make it magically come TRUE!

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Un-frigging-Believable — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:30:49 GMT

MIka's "interview" this morning was embarrassing. She chose a line of questions that boiled down to "Did your Dad break the law?" "Did he?" "Really?" What the h*** did you expect to get out of that Mika? And then she finished the "interview" with what was essentially an apology to Liz and a slam of Democrats.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Elizabeth Teede, Bellevue, NE — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:31:19 GMT

I doubt if you'll publish this, but someone needs to say it -- again and again until people listen.

The complete lack of respect for various public officials ("Lizard Cheney," "Quitter Palin," etc. from respondents on this blog demonstrates an unreasonable anger that endangers all of our public officials. Because of this kind of disrespect, which sows seeds of resentfulness, people go to extremes of murder and mayhem. PLEASE take the responsibility for being respectful of people -- discourse is far too angry in this country.

It is sad to see what President Obama is doing to the nation -- socialism is a fair description and those who object to the term need to consult some good history books.

It is also heartbreaking to see such artifice coming from a nominee to the Supreme Court who, after prefacing statements of racial bias with "I shouldn't be saying this..." sits before Congress and tells them what she knows they want to hear instead of truthfully owning up to her own expressed prejudice.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Just Wondering — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:31:28 GMT

but WAIT… if you order in the next 10 minutes you’ll receive a trial size can of Rabid Rat Repellant ABSOLUTELY FREE!*** Sorry no COD's
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL

How many cans of rabid democRAT repellant can we get?

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

When you state a fact, BACK IT UP! :) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:31:45 GMT

"Obama and Biden disagree on the economy. Biden says the stimulus has failed, Obama thinks it's working great. Do these two ever talk? "
-Carnie Woods, Nashville Tennessee
=============================================
Hey Carnie . . . when did VP Biden say "the stimulus has failed"?

Oh I know . . . HE NEVER SAID IT!

Also, we have now returned to the Constitutional model of government, you know the one where THE PRESIDENT is in charge . . . welcome back to the real world!

Thanks for stopping by though . . . good to see you!

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Say Again — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:32:51 GMT

WHAT? The Rethug-li-Cants are all about frightening people into thinking that the government is going to ration healthcare. There must be health care reform is this country and now is the time. A public option is what the President's plan offers. Please do more reading and far less listening to the CPR propoganda pitches on TV. It'll rot your brain.
J. Ellis, Virginia

"We need to pass this stimulus plan quickly, because if we don't, unemployment may rise above 8%."

BHO Washington DC - February/2009

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

cindy, las vegas, nv — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:33:19 GMT

Its amazing how many people on this board won't acknowledge when a politician is screwing up. To be honest here people, the bailout is not producing. You can still be a democrat and understand this.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

Greg P. NW Indiana — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:33:19 GMT

The top 0.1% of taxpayers by income pay about 17% of all federal income taxes, the top 1% pay about 37%, and the top 5% pay about 57%. Oh, and the bottom 50% pay about 3%.

So it sure looks like the federal income tax structure is already quite progressive with evil rich people (and even not so rich people) carrying the vast bulk of the tax burden load. But now the clueless want to add to that burden. Makes no sense to continue to squeeze the most productive earners in our society in order to implement the extravagant visions of our socialist president. Bill, Fairfax, VA (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 9:54 AM)
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The top 5% own 90% of the wealth in this country Bill...you want to belong to the club, you need to pay a premium. So 57% of the taxes is a discount...also 2/3rds of corporations pay no taxes at all, which is bunk. You try not paying your taxes and see what happens. They out and out evade taxes, through loopholes and creative accounting.

Back in the day the wealthiest paid capital gains of 80-90%...and we grew just fine. Why?? Because they were reinvesting to avoid those capital gains rather than taking the money and running (like today).

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

I love the smell of GOP hypocrisy in the morning! — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:39:08 GMT

RE: *** Sarah Palin as Charles Krauthammer?

Anyone else find it ironic that Palin is attacking a cap and trade program just nine months after running on the Republican Presidential ticket with a man that supports it?
Tim, PA (Sent Tuesday, July 14, 2009 9:31 AM)
_________

Not at all...after all, this is the same woman who decried socialism, yet had no problem cashing that oil dividend check every year...that wonderful socialist program in Alaska, don't you know.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

dan Austin, tx — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:43:02 GMT

So many of you really should save your few brain cells for something more productive.
The whole my team is right and your team is wrong just gets ridiculous.
Bad Chihuahua please make a point at least sometimes. I can't believe you are given so much space here.
Sotomayer is qualified and Palin will never be anything more than a silly puppet. Bush is a failure and I suggest all of you should give the current President his term time before you suggest it's a complete failure. You just sound ignorant and you look like an impatient child throwing a tantrum.
Grow up and try making this an adult conversation. That goes for both sides.

First thoughts: Sotomayor, Day 2

I love the smell of GOP hypocrisy in the morning!!! — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:43:13 GMT