No Better Time to Sack the Redskins - SL Did It

From a Washington Post opionion piece today :

More important, dropping the Redskins moniker would be the right thing to do. I'm certain that offending Native Americans is the furthest thing from the minds of fans or franchise. I suspect the truth is that most of us simply don't think about it. We've become comfortable with the word, complacent. And that has made us unwilling to challenge our own thinking or our assumptions about whether it might be offensive to those whom it describes. But can you imagine anyone in their right mind today trying to coin the name Washington Wetbacks? How about California Chinks? Or Kentucky Krauts? It wouldn't take a legal challenge from Hispanics, Chinese or Germans to put the kibosh on those ideas. It shouldn't take a lawsuit now to bring an end to such an unfortunate and hurtful name.

Open Letter From Lou Pritchard

Lou Pritchard (patriot) wrote a letter to the New York Times explaining why he is afraid of President Barack Obama. You can read the letter at snopes.

Better yet, go to "The Rant" by Tom Degan" (my favorite new blog) and read Mr. Pritchard's letter with commentary by Tom. It's a hoot.

I just have one question......why are conservatives always scared?

Go GOP

Witch Doctor Obama - Racist or Satirical?

No, not all conservatives or republicans are racist. At least half of the country is going to disagree with President Obama's policies at any one time. But it seems likely that there is a level of outright hatred out there about Obama, whether it is about his policies or his race. Personally, I have to believe that the above image is being carried by a racist individual. Why not have a poster of a 'mad scientist medical doctor' rather than a witch doctor?

The Tea baggers, birthers and tenthers are being edged on by conservative talk radio (Beck, Limbaugh and Hannity)to demonstrate and regurgitate ill-informed ideas. Unfortunately, Republican leaders are not leading, which lends credence to the misinformation and outright hatred being spouted on talk radio.

I worry more and more about the safety of President Barrack Obama. We currently have an atmosphere in this country that could result in some "patriot" attempting to "save" the USA from a fascist, communist, socialist, nazi liberal president.

Government Takes Over Student Loans

Another power grab by the Federal Government. The House passed a bill which eliminates all lending from the bank-based Family Federal Education Loan Program. The banking industry claims this will result in the loss of banking jobs. Maybe so. But there are cost savings in the bill which could effect us locally.

Increasing Pell grants so more students can afford college

Increasing Perkins loans so more low income students can afford college

Greatly increasing funds to support community colleges

Money to repair and renovate schools and colleges

More money for early childhood education

Republicans say this is job-killing legislation. I don't see it. Increasing the number of students attending college means more faculty and support positions are created. Increasing money to repair and renovate schools and colleges means more construction jobs. Increasing grant funds to college students means a better trained work force.

Health Care Bill and the Party of NO

Let's take a look at the "Baucus" Health Care Bill coming out of the Senate finance committee. There was no compromise with the Republicans....right? Wrong. Here are some of the things in the bill that are Republican ideas:

Purchasing health insurance across state lines to increase competition

Creation of high-risk pools for people with pre-existing medical conditions

Prevention and wellness incentives

No public option

Verification of citizenship

No public funds for abortion

High deductible policies

No death panels

How many Republicans voted for the Bill? Zero. Republicans claim they want health care reform, but I just don't know what they mean by the type of health care reform they want.

A Czar Here a Tsar There

Hox Genes or Just a Meal?

Snake with a single limb found in China. What would be really cool is if this was due to a developmental HOX gene being accidently turned on. But the leg is just too perfect looking. It's more likely that the snake ate a lizard and the lizard limb punched through the stomach and abdominal wall. Notice it looks like snake had a recent meal. Second, the limb is pointing forward as if the snake ate a lizard head first.

Or, it could just be a really cool photoshopped snake picture.

Dylan Ratigan Goes All Anti-Capitalism

Ratigan on the Huffington Post in an article called "Americans Have Been Taken Hostage" is exactly right. Here is what he says:

A system that corrupts the most basic principles of competition and fair play, principles upon which this country was built.

It is a system that so far has forced the taxpayer to provide the banks with the use of $14 trillion from the Federal Reserve, much of the $7 trillion outstanding at the US Treasury and $2.3 trillion at the FDIC.

A system partially built by the very people who currently advise our President, run our Treasury Department and are charged with its reform.

And most stunningly -- it is a system that no one in our government has yet made any effort to fundamentally change.

So what to hell is he talking about? As near as I can tell he's talking about capitalism - especially the financial industry.

This morning, on "Talk of the Town" my friend "Gary from Bloomingdale" was bemoaning how corrupt US politicians have become. How does a politician become corrupt? Money. Money in your pocket and money to get re-elected. Who gives politicians money? Lobbyists from large corporations.

So what do we do about it? Well, Ratigan suggests we need some change. That implies, at least to me, some serious regulation of our financial industry. How many Republicans (and maybe even Democrats) will go for government regulation of the financial industry. Remember - government = bad. Moreover, the tenth amendment says nothing about financial industry regulation.

Next, should the financial industry (and other corporations) be allowed to fund political campaigns? The US Supreme Court just heard a case which will answer this question. Ruling on this case will likely overturn the McCain/Feingold campaign finance laws as well as other laws that have been on the books for one hundred years.

So what is the likelihood that will see changes in "the system" that Ratigan suggests we need. If the debate on health care reform is any indication, I'm guessing the chances for significant change are very unlikely

We're #37!!!