Inspire Political Discourse

OP-ED: Reagan, Gorbachev, Obama and Thanksgiving

During the Reagan years, I lived and worked in Washington D.C., and I grew to love that city with a passion.

A little background:
During those years, I ran an upscale women's apparel shop in the area of 17th and K streets, aka the business district and/or lobbyist land, and the area where Ted Koppel had his office and where he frequently broadcast Nightline. One of my stock boys was a Nancy Reagan marine¹, on a sabbatical, working toward his masters degree at Georgetown University at government expense, and moonlighting in my shop. (Oh, the stories he told us about working at the WH parties.) Yes, Washington is an odd place, and more like a small town in many ways than anything else..

While I loved and will always love WDC, it is many things, and one of the things it was during the Reagan years is heartless to the plight of the homeless.

I used to wonder how a man could be THE President, and look out from his windows in the White House on a daily basis, and see the urgent need of these poor people, and do nothing to change it. Nothing that mattered.

During the winter, these people slept across from the WH nightly, trying to stay warm on heating grates, or whatever they are called. One of them slept under the awnings over my shop year round. I used to buy him breakfast at the French pastry shop next door. Just a palmier or a croissant and a coffee. I also occasionally brought him some home-baked goodies or a few bucks or a hat and scarf when it was cold outside. Just little things which I did out of both compassion and to assuage my own guilt at not being needy. No big deal.

The Siege in Mumbai Ends - IPD Weekend Update Nov. 29-30, 2008

Sunday, November 30, 2008

►Top Indian security official resigns as death toll reaches 183, and questions are asked regarding India's preparedness for this type of attack.

 “As an investigation moved forward, there were questions about whether Indian authorities could have anticipated the attack and had better security in place, especially after a 2007 report to Parliament that the country’s shores were inadequately protected from infiltration by sea — which is how the attackers sneaked into Mumbai.
Home Minister Shivraj Patil, responsible for public safety and internal security as one of the most senior members of the government, resigned on Sunday to take responsibility for the failure of the country’s intelligence services and military to prevent the attacks in Mumbai.”  NYT

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Saturday, November 29, 2008

Terror in Mumbai - IPD Daily Political News Round-Up - Friday, November 28, 2008

 ►The State Dept. has ordered FBI agents to Mumbai today to investigate the terror attacks that killed four American citizens. Er, did I miss something, or isn't the FBI's mission to operate in the US, while the CIA operates out of the country??

“Intelligence officials looked urgently for clues about the identify of the attackers, a crucial unknown as Indian officials charged, without giving details, that "elements in Pakistan" were involved. A tentative rapprochement between the two nuclear-armed rivals could hang in the balance, and a U.S. counterintelligence official cautioned against rushing to judgment on the origins of the militants.”  AP report

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► According to ABC News, George W. Bush hopes to be remembered for "liberating" the Iraqi people, according to an interview conducted by his sister for the oral-history organization StoryCorps for the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.
Excuse me, but WHAT the frack?? Does he really believe that that is what he did? Oh hell, never mind. This requires an entire separate post over the weekend. But I have to say in response to his statement --- freakin' ludicrous.

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►Senate democrats are preparing health, economic and spending legislation that they hope will land on Obama's desk when he takes office on January 20. Go dems!

“Given the severity of the problems facing the nation, officials on Capitol Hill and in the Obama team say Democrats have put their schedule on fast-forward rather than allowing the usual lull between the start of the new Congress, this time on Jan. 6, and President-elect Barack Obama’s swearing-in two weeks later.
Lawmakers and staff members are already laying the groundwork for a running start, and Congress is scheduled to remain in session once its expanded Democratic majorities are sworn in.”  NYT

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Barbara Walters Interview With Michelle and Barack Obama - November 26, 2008

A great interview, and truly revealing re the relationship between Barack and Michelle Obama.

A Thanksgiving 2008 Message From President-elect Obama

Transcript coming. Complete video of the Barbara Walters interview of the Obamas here.

Al Qaeda Unhappy Re Press Bias

Al Qaeda Condemns "Unfair" Pro-Obama Press Bias

This is just too funny, and also pathetic. These psycho religious fanatics who have attacked us, killing thousands of Americans, are complaining that the media is biased against them and for Obama??? PLEASE, get a freaking grip and go set yourselves on fire or something. How utterly and completely ludicrous.

Obama Press Conference Nov 25, 2008 - Video and Transcript

Complete Transcript of Press Conference, November 25, 2008

PRES.-ELECT OBAMA: Please be seated. Good morning, everybody.

Yesterday, we talked about the need to jumpstart our economy. I speak to you today mindful that we meet at a moment of great challenge for America, as our credit markets are stressed and our families are struggling.

But as difficult as these times are, I'm confident that we're going to rise to meet this challenge, if we're willing to band together and recognize that Wall Street cannot thrive so long as Main Street is struggling, if we're willing to summon a new spirit of ingenuity and determination and if Americans of great intellect, broad experience and good character are willing to serve in our government at its hour of need.

George Brennen Takes His Name Out of the Running for an Intelligence Position in the Obama Administration

George Brennan, Obama's top advisor on intelligence, today took his name out of the running for an intelligence position in the Obama administration. Brennan blames it on liberal blogs, who have been very vocal about not wanting Brennan to be a part of the Obama administration.

An example of the media criticism --- from Glenn Greenwald at Salon.com:

“To appoint someone as CIA Director or Director of National Intelligence who was one of George Tenet's closest aides when The Dark Side of the last eight years was conceived and implemented, and who, to this day, continues to defend and support policies such as "enhanced interrogation techniques" and rendition (to say nothing of telecom immunity and warrantless eavesdropping), is to cross multiple lines that no Obama supporter should sanction.  Truly turning a page on the grotesque abuses of the last eight years requires both symbolism (closing Guantanamo) and substantive policy changes (compelling adherence to the Army Field Manual, ensuring due process rights for all detainees, ending rendition, restoring safeguards on surveillance powers).  Appointing John Brennan to a position of high authority would be to affirm and embrace, not repudiate, the darkest aspects of the last eight years.”

And from the Huffington Post:

“Brennan has privately told colleagues that he opposed waterboarding and questioned other interrogation methods that many in the CIA feared could be later deemed illegal.

"It has been immaterial to the critics that I have been a strong opponent of many of the policies of the Bush administration such as the pre-emptive war in Iraq and coercive interrogation tactics, to include waterboarding.

"The fact that I was not involved in the decisionmaking process for any of these controversial policies and actions has been ignored," he wrote, in a letter obtained by The Associated Press. "Indeed, my criticism of these policies within government circles was the reason why I was twice considered for more senior-level positions in the current administration only to be rebuffed by the White House."”

So which is it? I believe that Greenwald is correct, but I expect that we'll learn more in the next few days.

Collectibles: Mashup of Palin Clips on The Daily Show

Hilarious. I only wish that we could be completely done with her.Scroll down for the Tuesday political news round-up, or click here.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

The Daily Show's Best Sarah Palin Moments

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Daily Political News Round-Up - Tuesday, November 25, 2008

►Bush is handing out Presidential pardons to a group of people who created the last financial meltdown in the 1980's. Despicable and predictable.

“President George W. Bush has not thus far granted many pardons, but he has been generous in coming to the aid of one particular constituency group: S&L executives and others who swindled thrifts in the mid-1980’s.” HARPER'S MAGAZINE

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►The New York Post reported today that Ann Coulter has broken  her jaw, and her mouth is now wired shut.
Seriously. I am LMAO, however, nothing will shut up the nasty Ms. Coulter as long as her fingers are intact. Too bad.

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►According to ABC News, Robert Gates will be staying on as the Secretary of Defense for at least one year.

“The former Eagle Scout is expected to be rolled out immediately after the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend as part of a larger national security team expected to include Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-NY, as Secretary of State; Marine Gen. Jim Jones (Ret.) as National Security Adviser; Admiral Dennis Blair (Ret.) as Director of National Intelligence; and Dr. Susan Rice as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.”

Daily Political News Round-Up - Monday, November 24, 2008

►Joe Biden's longtime aide and friend, Edward Kaufman, has been named to replace him in the senate.

“Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner announced on Monday that she would name Mr. Kaufman, the senator’s chief of staff for 19 years and a close personal friend, to fill the vacancy through 2010. Mr. Kaufman, 69, said he intended to retire after two years, leaving opening the possibility that Senator Biden’s son Beau, the state’s attorney general, could run in 2010.” NYT

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►According to ABC News, Susan Rice will likely be Obama's UN Ambassador.

“ABC News has learned that Dr. Susan Rice has emerged as the leading candidate to be President-elect Obama's nominee as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.” Jake Tapper - ABC News
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►Obama announces economic team appointments - Obama has formally announced the appointments of Tim Geithner as Secretary of the Treasury, Larry Summers as Director of the National Economic Council, Christina Romer as  Chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, and Melody Barnes as Chair of the  Domestic Policy Counsel.  ABC News, live. 12:10pm EST.

View the video and the transcript here.

:: Melody Barnes to Run Domestic Policy Council »Think Progress
:: Obama Introduces His Economic Team  »HUFFPO
:: Obama announces economic team »Jake Tapper - ABC News

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►Yet another big bail-out of a financial services company announced by President Bush this morning. Citicorp is the latest to be added to the taxpayer dole. On the plus side, the stock market reacted favorably to the announcement.

“Nov. 24 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. stocks climbed for a second day after the government said it will guarantee $306 billion of troubled Citigroup Inc. assets and Democratic lawmakers pledged to pass an economic stimulus package by January.” Bloomberg.com

:: Massive effort to rescue Citigroup »HUFFPO
:: Regulators approve a radical plan to help Citigroup »NYT

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►P-E Obama has appointed Professor Christina Romer, of UC Berkeley, to Chair President Elect Obama's Council of Economic Advisers. Great choice, kudos to Obama.

“Romer wrote, if not the book, at least the chapter for Encyclopedia Britannica on the Great Depression [pdf].” HUFFPO

:: Obama names Romer to lead Council of Economic Advisors »NYT
:: Obama appoints Christina Romer »Jake Tapper - ABC News

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►Bronx burough president, Adolfo Carrion Jr., considered for cabinet appointment.

“Adolfo Carrión Jr., the Bronx borough president, is being considered for a senior position in the Obama administration, possibly as secretary of housing and urban development, people involved in the transition said on Saturday. Mr. Carrión was elected Bronx borough president in 2001 and re-elected in 2005. He is one of several prominent Hispanic officials reportedly under consideration for a cabinet post; Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico, who is considered the country’s most influential Hispanic politician, is a contender for secretary of commerce.” NYT

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>Daily Political News Round-Up - Monday, November 24, 2008
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>It's Torture, Not "Coercion" and Euphemisms are Unacceptable
>Full Transcript and Video of President-elect Obama's Weekly Video Address to the Nation, November 22, 2008
>Video of President-elect Obama's Weekly Address to the Nation as He Promises to Take Action on the Economy Immediately Upon Taking Office
>Jon Stewart and the Somali Pirates

President-elect Obama Formally Announces Economic Team - Video and Transcript

TRANSCRIPT OF OBAMA REMARKS

“Good morning.

The news this past week, including this morning’s news about Citigroup, has made it even more clear that we are facing an economic crisis of historic proportions. Our financial markets are under stress. New home purchases in October were the lowest in half a century. Recently, more than half a million jobless claims were filed, the highest in eighteen years – and if we do not act swiftly and boldly, most experts now believe that we could lose millions of jobs next year.

Op-Ed: About Inspire Political Discourse

Politics for me has always been a love-hate affair. And, I have long ignored it.

However, when John McCain nominated a completely unqualified candidate to be his vice-president, I woke up. After all, there is really only one constitutional definition for the job of the veep, and that is to be the "replacement president", the go-to man/woman if the unthinkable were to happen and the president were unable to fulfill the duties of his/her office.

That said, can you see Sarah Palin as "THE President"? I think not, and that nomination scared the hell out of me. It also caused me to realize that we are all responsible for the candidates that are elected to public office in this country, and we all have an obligation to do what we can to influence those elections for the better.

So here I am, having blogged daily, all day, during the three months leading up to the election on another of my blogs, Inspire Emotion (much higher PR, and therefore more likely to have even a small influence in the blogging world), and now I find myself determined to continue, at least for now, to blog about politics, in hopes that eventually, I will be able to use this blog when needed to have an influence, to disseminate information, and to affect the political landscape even if in a very small way. I consider it my obligation as a citizen, and as a mom who wants my child to have the same freedoms that I grew up with.

It's Torture, Not "Coercion" and Euphemisms are Unacceptable

An excellent op-ed piece by Andrew Sullivan of The Daily Dish, Sullivan refuses to go with the popular practice of using euphemisms to describe what exactly was authorized by the American government concerning the use of torture, and forces the reader to look at the reality.

“This is the defining line of torture: not some arbitrary comic book technique, but a psychological and physical fact: pushing another human being to the point where choice becomes unavailable to him or her. You can do this in any number of ways; it can take  three seconds of electrocution or it can take two months of sleep deprivation, hypothermia and darkness. But the line it eventually crosses is the same line.

(Photo: a detainee killed by US forces in Abu Ghraib prison, after being beaten and forced into a position with his arms bent back over and behind his head, with a hood restricting his breathing. All the techniques used against him were authorized by president George W. Bush.)” [.....]

RELATED - RECENT POST

>Full Transcript and Video of President-elect Obama's Weekly Video Address to the Nation, November 22, 2008
>Video of President-elect Obama's Weekly Address to the Nation as He Promises to Take Action on the Economy Immediately Upon Taking Office
>Jon Stewart and the Somali Pirates
>Sarah Palin and the Turkeys
>Daily Political News Round-Up - Friday, November 21, 2008
>The Obama Administration: a Listing of the Obama Cabinet, White House Staff, and Cabinet - Level Positions

Full Transcript and Video of President-elect Obama's Weekly Video Address to the Nation, November 22, 2008

Verbatim transcript of President-elect Obama's weekly video address, November 22, 2008. Annotation and bolding is mine. View the video here.

On the state of the economy this week:

“Good morning.

The news this week has only reinforced the fact that we are facing an economic crisis of historic proportions. THe financial markets faced more turmoil. New home purchases were the lowest in a half a century. 540,000 more jobless claims were filed last week, the highest in eighteen years, and we now risk falling in to a deflationary spiral that could increase our massive debt even further.”

On job loss this month and year:

“While I'm pleased that Congress passed a long overdue extension of unemployment benefits this week, we must do more to put people back to work and get our economy moving again. We have now lost 1.2 million jobs this year and if we don't act swiftly and boldly, most experts now believe that we could lose millions of jobs next year.”

On his economic recovery plan:

“There are no quick or easy fixes to this crisis, which has been many years in the making, and it's likely to get worse before it gets better. But January 20th is our chance to begin anew with a new direction, new ideas, and new reforms that will create jobs and fuel long-term economic growth.

I have already directed my economic team to come up with an economic recovery plan that will mean 2.5 million more jobs by January of 2011. A plan big enough to meet the challenges we face, that I intend to sign soon after taking office. We'll be working out the details in the weeks ahead, but it will be a two year, nationwide effort to jumpstart job creation in America, and lay the foundation for a strong and growing economy.

We'll put people back to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges, modernizing schools that are failing our children, and building wind farms and solar panels, fuel-efficient cars and the alternative energy technologies that can free us from our dependence on foreign oil and to keep our economy competitive in the years ahead.”

On long-term goals and what he expects from Congress:

“These aren't just steps to pull ourselves out of the immediate crisis, these are the long-term investments in our economic future, that have been ignored for far too long, and they represent an early down payment on the type of reform my administration will bring to Washington. Government that spends wisely, focuses on what works, and puts the public interest ahead of the same special interests that have come to dominate our politics.

I know that passing this plan won't be easy, that I will need, and seek support from Republicans and Democrats. And I'll be welcome to ideas and suggestions from both sides of the aisle, but what is not negotiable is the need for immediate action.”

Empathy for Americans who face job loss, declining incomes, loss of college and retirement funds:

“Right now there are millions of mothers and fathers who are lying awake at night wondering if next week's paycheck will cover next month's bills. There are Americans showing up to work in the morning only to have cleared out their desks by the afternoon. Retirees are watching their life savings disappear, and students are seeing their college dreams deferred. These Americans need help, and they need it now.”

The enduring power of the American dream:

“The survival of the American dream for over two centuries is not only a testament to it's enduring power, but to the great effort, sacrifice and courage of the American people. It has thrived because in our darkest hours, we have risen above the smallness of our divisions to forge a path toward a new and brighter day. We've acted boldly, bravely, and above all, together.That is the chance our new beginning now offers us, and that is the challenge we must rise to in the days to come. It is time to act. As the next president of the United States, I will.”

RELATED - RECENT POST

>Full Transcript and Video of President-elect Obama's Weekly Video Address to the Nation, November 22, 2008
>Video of President-elect Obama's Weekly Address to the Nation as He Promises to Take Action on the Economy Immediately Upon Taking Office
>Jon Stewart and the Somali Pirates
>Sarah Palin and the Turkeys
>Daily Political News Round-Up - Friday, November 21, 2008
>The Obama Administration: a Listing of the Obama Cabinet, White House Staff, and Cabinet - Level Positions
>Are All of the Republicans NUTS or Just the Evangelicals?

Video of President-elect Obama's Weekly Address to the Nation as He Promises to Take Action on the Economy Immediately Upon Taking Office

From change.gov, in President-elect Obama's weekly radio address to the American people. Closed captioned.

It's about the economy, natch.

You can view the annotated transcript here.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

RELATED - RECENT POST

>Full Transcript and Video of President-elect Obama's Weekly Video Address to the Nation, November 22, 2008
>Video of President-elect Obama's Weekly Address to the Nation as He Promises to Take Action on the Economy Immediately Upon Taking Office
>Jon Stewart and the Somali Pirates
>Sarah Palin and the Turkeys
>Daily Political News Round-Up - Friday, November 21, 2008
>The Obama Administration: a Listing of the Obama Cabinet, White House Staff, and Cabinet - Level Positions
>Are All of the Republicans NUTS or Just the Evangelicals?

Jon Stewart and the Somali Pirates

Ha ha..........I know it's a serious situation, however, ya gotta laugh at Jon Stewart no matter the topic. Take a mental health break and enjoy.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

The Buccaneer Stops Here

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Sarah Palin and the Turkeys

Almost surreal. Yesterday, Palin visited Wasilla in order to pardon a local turkey in honor of Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, after she pardoned the turkey, she continues talking to the local tv station [KTUU], seemingly oblivious to the turkeys being slaughtered in the background. Excuse me, but WTF?

Be forewarned - you might find the video gruesome.

On another, truly catty but satisfying note, ahem, Palin looks like she is now making do without her stylist, makeup artist and her designer wardrobe. She looks every minute of her age, and more. Heh. Sometimes justice does prevail, at least in the little ways.

Daily Political News Round-Up - Friday, November 21, 2008

►According to the NYT, Hillary Clinton has made a decision to accept the position of secretary of state.

“Hillary Rodham Clinton has decided to give up her Senate seat and accept the position of secretary of state, making her the public face around the world for the administration of the man who beat her for the Democratic presidential nomination, two confidants said Friday.”Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton campaigning in Florida in October (Photo: Damon Winter/The New
York Times)

►Expected to be nominated for commerce secretary on Monday, is former U.N. Ambassador and Energy Secretary in the Clinton administration, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson.

“New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson has emerged as a "serious contender" to head the Commerce Department under President-elect Barack Obama, according to a Democratic official close to the proceedings.
Richardson, who was elected governor of the Land of Enchantment in 2002 and reelected with 69 percent of the vote in 2006, has made no secret of his interest in returning to Washington to take a place in the Obama Administration.” The Washington Post

Are All of the Republicans NUTS or Just the Evangelicals?

Some of the more prominent media faces of the far right wing of the Republican party being Hannity, the bud of neo-nazi kingpin, Hal Turner, Limbaugh, the king of liars, and Coulter, the homophobic queen of narcissistic insanity [actually, Coulter has the face of a man..maybe she is a transvestite trying to cover it up? <-----insert sarcasm here], does it not make you wonder sometimes if everyone in the Republican party is just plain freakin' whacko NUTS?

I mean, come on. The party base is arguably the evangelicals. You know, those people who believe. And who think that the rest of us should also believe. And not just that we should believe in God, oh no, it isn't quite that simple in the Land of Evangelicals. We must also follow their religion, never mind our own religion; if it isn't their religion, we are going straight to hell, do not pass go, and never mind the "what the fucks?".

So anyway, after this past election cycle, I have just so had it with these freaks. Now don't get me wrong ---there are actually quite a few conservatives that I like, that I feel a kinship with, in that both they and I are thinking Americans with enough intelligence to understand that people are responsible for the world we live in, and that diversity is good. Kathleen Parker, and Christopher Buckley come immediately to  mind, and there are others. See, it isn't that our politics aren't different -- they are. It's that their political opinions/beliefs aren't all rooted in religion, and they are not inclined to follow the party line no matter how crazy the party gets.

If the G.O.P. got rid of the evangelical base, they might actually have a worthy second party, one with real choices, and based on something other than a fake sort of judgemental hypocritical morality. Debate could be intelligent again. Liberals wouldn't be labeled "unpatriotic". And the world would be a better place. One can dream. And I can blame this post on Kathleen Parker, whose column in the Washington Post yesterday set me off.

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