Quote of the Day

"After years of being a lonely voice of Republican sanity on immigration, [Sen. Lindsey] Graham has decided to embrace the supreme symbol of nativism -- changing the Fourteenth Amendment to restrict American citizenship. He has either taken leave of his senses or of his principles. Neither is unknown in Washington. Politicians sometimes come here to drop their deepest convictions. It’s called self-serving cynicism.

...Graham and Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) were once examples of conscience on the issue of immigration. McCain, in a tough Senate primary, has backed off his convictions. Graham has now abandoned them." 

~ Michael Gerson

Must Reads

Michael Winship: The Right Manipulates Muslims – and Boy Scouts

Media Matters: Conservative Media Oblivious to Major Increase in Border Enforcement

Digby: Confederate Rump Strategy

driftglass: Tough Break for Handjob

Armadillo Joe recommends...

Capt. Fogg: Muslims Hate Dogs

Anthony Bourdain: The Original (Goodbye Splendor)

Chez Pazienza: Laugh'a While You Can, Monkeyboy

Ian Welsh: Netroots Schizo

Justin Elliott: FBI Releases 400-page Howard Zinn File

David Sirota: The Deception of Real-World "Inception"

Jon Walker: Conservatives Promote Feasting on a Dairy Cow

Taegen Goddard's Political Dictionary: Snollygoster

And an oldie but a goodie...

Steve Gilliard: About Yesterday

President Obama's Weekly Address - July 31, 2010

Good News on Autos, Obstruction on Small Business

Why Does The GOP Hate Small Business?

For all the bluster about protecting small business owners, you'd think that voting in favor a bill that would give them tax breaks and make available extended loan programs would be a no-brainer, right? You'd think...

Senate Republicans on Thursday rejected a bill to aid small businesses with expanded loan programs and tax breaks, in a procedural blockade that underscored how fiercely determined the party’s leaders are to deny Democrats any further legislative accomplishments ahead of November’s midterm elections.

Ah, yes. It's an election year.

Why Does The GOP Hate America's Heroes? - UPDATED

Remember back in the day, long, long ago when no one voted against anything 9/11 related lest they be called a traitor to their country? Ah, simpler times.

A bill that would have provided up to $7.4 billion in aid to people sickened by World Trade Center dust fell short in the House on Thursday...

The bill would have provided free health care and compensation payments to 9/11 rescue and recovery workers who fell ill after working in the trade center ruins.

It failed to win the needed two-thirds majority, 255-159. The vote was largely along party lines, with 12 Republicans joining Democrats supporting the measure.

Proof positive that the Republican Party will vote against anything perceived as a Democratic or Obama Administration legislative accomplishment. Voting against taking care of those who risked their lives during 9/11 and are suffering illness in the aftermath.

Well Anthony Weiner is sick and tired of it and gave the Republicans a well-deserved tongue lashing.



Why does the Republican Party hate America's heroes?


UPDATE (9:07pm): To put Weiner's outburst into perspective, here he is on Hardball putting his remarks into context.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

And leave it to Chuck Todd to ask if he's sorry for the "anger" and trying to suggest that it was the Democrats who are using "procedural tricks" in not allowing Republicans to add amendments to this bill. If there was ever a bill that should be a stand alone bill with a straight up or down vote, wouldn't this be it, Chuck, you fucking tool?

There Are At Least Two Million Morons...

...in these United States of America.

"Two million! Wow! That's more than some cable news shows. Thank you all and let's keep the momentum!"

Two million followers... about the same amount of votes she'd get if she were to run in 2012.

Let me remind my readers that at any point in time, day or night, if there is a comment on Sarah Palin's Facebook page that is perceived as negative, it is deleted by her Facebook Gestapo within seconds. Literally seconds. I challenge anyone to read through the comments (if you dare) and find a comment that doesn't PRAISE all things Palin.

Sherrod To Sue Breitbart

It's about time something like this happens, else scum like Breitbart will continue to smear for smear's sake without repercussion.

"...Shirley Sherrod said Thursday she will pursue a lawsuit against conservative blogger Andrew Breitbart.

Breitbart posted an edited video clip of Sherrod appearing to say she discriminated against a white farmer looking for assistance. The clip showed her addressing a chapter of the NAACP.

'I will definitely do it,' she said when asked whether she was considering legal action. Sherrod made her remarks during an appearance at the National Association of Black Journalists convention in San Diego, California.

Breitbart 'had to know that he was targeting me,' Sherrod said. 'At this point, he hasn't apologized. I don't want it at this point, and he'll definitely hear from me.'

And as sure as there are stars in the sky, the right immediately shoots back and makes it about the evil Sherrod (but she wasn't the subject of the smear, right?)

Brent Bozell, head of the conservative Media Research Center, said Thursday Sherrod was the one who needed to apologize.

"Andrew Breitbart is going to be fine. He's done nothing wrong," Bozell said.

"I wonder if Ms. Sherrod, who is such a champion of transparency, will publicly disclose who is putting her up to this. And I also hope this champion of honesty will stop lying about Fox News," which has been accused of pushing the story before full details emerged, he said.

Judge Blocks Parts of AZ Immigration Law

“Preserving the status quo through a preliminary injunction is less harmful than allowing state laws that are likely pre-empted by federal law to be enforced,” [Judge Susan Bolton of Federal District Court] said.

“There is a substantial likelihood that officers will wrongfully arrest legal resident aliens,” she wrote. “By enforcing this statute, Arizona would impose a ‘distinct, unusual and extraordinary’ burden on legal resident aliens that only the federal government has the authority to impose.”

Exactly. And it's already happened in Phoenix, even before the law existed.

Obama Daily

POSTED BY JHW22

The Obama team has been active in communicating, they just choose to communicate in less traditional ways. That was key to their win in November 2008 and is something they continue to prioritize in their communication strategy today. They are active on WhiteHouse.gov, Facebook and Twitter -- posting speeches and statements by a variety of advisers and staff on a variety of topics. They hold online Q & A's and live-stream conferences and press events.

They are sharing information. Are you getting it?

Today I received an email with their newest form of outreach, The White House Daily Snapshot, an email update that provides daily schedules for Obama and Biden as well as top stories from The White House Blog.

So if you want to stay on top of what's happening, here's one more tool provided by the Obama administration.

Here is what today's update looks like:

Photo of the Day



A guest follows the remarks of speakers with the assistance of a sign language interpreter, during an event commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on the South Lawn of the White House, July 26, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)

View More White House Photos

Today’s Schedule

Starting this week, the President and Vice President's daily public schedules will be published on WhiteHouse.gov. Check out the schedule here. You can subscribe to the schedule via RSS feed or add it to your calendar using iCal.
All times are Eastern Daylight Time.
9:30 AM: The President receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
10:00 AM: The President receives the Economic Daily Briefing
11:00 AM: The President meets with bipartisan members of Congress
12:00 PM: The President delivers a statement to the press
1:30 PM: The Vice President delivers remarks at Grand Canyon National Park
1:30 PM: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Robert Gibbs
2:00 PM: Clean Energy Economy Forum - Energy Security
3:05 PM: The President congratulates the Warner Robins Softball World Series Champions
4:00 PM: The President meets with Secretary of the Treasury Geithner
4:30 PM: The President meets with Secretary of Defense Gates
7:00 PM: The President attends a DNC Fundraising Dinner
Indicates events that will be live streamed on WhiteHouse.gov/live. 

In Case You Missed It

Here are some of the top stories from the White House blog.

President Obama on Citizens United: "Imagine the Power This Will Give Special Interests Over Politicians" (includes video)

President Obama and Vice President Biden’s Daily Public Schedules Now Online
Reaching Out to Rural America: Meeting with Students at the Delaware State Fair

Special Needs

POSTED BY JHW22

When Sarah Palin ran for VP, she said that she would be an advocate -- a friend -- to families who have children with special needs. Because her son has Down Syndrome, she understands the families' need for research, education, emotional and financial support. She understands that families with a special needs child have special needs of their own. And she has kept her promise by making a few speeches and a few donations. Granted, I thought she'd keep that promise by doing far more. But shame on me for setting my expectations just a little higher.

Yesterday was the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act -- the law that ensures people with special needs have full access to jobs, transportation, entertainment and safety. Nancy Pelosi celebrated the day by posting this on her Facebook page:

For all celebrating the 20th anniversary of the historic Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) civil rights legislation today, I wanted to share this moment from the House floor. This afternoon, Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI), who is quadriplegic, became the first Member of Congress in a wheelchair to preside over the House. The Speaker’s rostrum on the House Floor was recently made wheelchair-accessible through a series of lifts.

What an amazing moment. What a great way to show the strength that Americans gain from a law created to make life less difficult so that they can achieve their desires. What a way to celebrate special needs by showing how the ADA levels the playing field. Impressive and moving.

So how did the advocate -- friend -- of families with special needs honor the monumental day? Well, Sarah Palin posted on Facebook, also, too. Here's what she posted:

Journey into the Media’s Heart of Darkness

How ironic that on a day when we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The Daily Caller released 15 pages of JournoListers’ email exchanges about a dark and demented conspiracy regarding my son, Trig.

It’s tough to fittingly describe these numerous members of the mainstream media who actively engaged in the debate about this conspiracy back when I was first introduced as John McCain’s running mate, and it’s impossible to legitimize any “prominent” media publication that continues to traffic in this bizarre narrative today. It wasn’t just a few fringe characters in that JournoList discussion. It included writers for major newspapers, magazines, and online news publications. Those participating in this immature exchange in attempts to plant seeds of doubt and falsely accuse even included a famous historian.

This JournoList exchange exposes the warped nature of today’s media, thus explaining why many of us are forced, in fairness to the public, to utilize other mediums to communicate until the mainstream media wakes up and begins respecting the public’s intelligence and desire for truth in reporting. There is a sickness and darkness in today’s liberal media. With revelations like the JournoList exchanges, may the light keep shining to expose the problem.

It’s always darkest before the dawn. My hope, therefore, is that today, marking the anniversary of our nation’s attempt to show respect for our brothers and sisters, sons and daughters with special needs, will also mark the beginning of a new, more respectful discourse among members of our media who at least aspire to be fair and objective.

- Sarah Palin

Yeah, that's it. She has 1.9 million fans on her Facebook page and THAT is how she chose to advocate and be friends with families. THAT. That is one more example of her "Pawns and Shields" platform. Forget the fact that the reporters she took aim at CHOSE not to even touch the rumors that she wasn't Trig's birth mom. Forget that the reporters CHOSE not to write about her terrible judgment to fly while in labor. Forget that she just brought all that back into the open and yet, no one (except Andrew Sullivan) will even touch it. She is using private, undisclosed gossip that led to absolutely no personal attacks on her, to illustrate her respect for an anniversary that should make her son's life better.

Some think we should ignore Palin. If the media would just stop paying attention to her, she'd go away and we'd all be better off. But I say that as long as she has access to Twitter and Facebook and Fox News, she will make herself heard. And she will use every opportunity to further distort reality and frighten her fans into going along with whatever crap she shovels. She isn't going anywhere -- in fact she is marching boldly into a political future and she is taking hearts and minds with her.

In her speech linked above, Palin said:

"When I learned that Trig would have special needs, honestly, I had to prepare my heart."

Sometimes I wonder, has she prepared her heart -- or just strengthened her platform. And I wonder if we will let that slide for fear of her accusations that we attack her children when we attack her. Or will we say "Enough!" and hold her to her own words and actions and change those hearts and minds she captured with lies?

Tancredo is a Complete Wingnut

Credit where credit is due, Megyn Kelly knows he's a loon as well.

The Definition of Lynching

lynch   [linch]

–verb (used with object)

to put to death, esp. by hanging, by mob action and without legal authority.

It would seem that The American Spectator's Jeffrey Lord should invest in a dictionary. In a stupendously moronic editorial, Lord accuses Shirley Sherrod of lying about a relative, Bobby Hall, being lynched in the 40's because he wasn't specifically hanged. He was arrested, taken to the courthouse and as he was taken out of the car still in handcuffs...

"...three petitioners began beating him with their fists and with a solid-bar blackjack about eight inches long and weighing two pounds...

...after Hall, still handcuffed, had been knocked to the ground, they continued to beat him from fifteen to thirty minutes until he was unconscious. Hall was then dragged feet first through the courthouse yard into the jail and thrown upon the floor, dying. An ambulance was called, and Hall was removed to a hospital, where he died within the hour and without regaining consciousness."

Since there was no noose, no tree and no hanging, according to Jeffrey Lord, this was not a lynching.

Is this what passes for intelligent editorials at The American Spectator? For Mr. Lord to believe the word "lynching" is not limited specifically to "hanging from a tree" without even looking it up, and therefore accuse Shirley Sherrod of lying because of it, is the very reason conservatives are painted in broad brush strokes as unfeeling, uncaring, racist boobs.

Really, Mr. Lord? Arguing semantics on the definition of "lynching"? I'm expecting a retraction or better yet, another article formally apologizing for your idiocy, but I won't hold my breath.

(H/T Bob Cesca)

Quote of the Day

"What does it say about America now, and where it is heading, that a racial provocateur, wielding a deceptively edited video, could not only smear an innocent woman but make every national institution that touched the story look bad? The White House, the N.A.A.C.P. and the news media were all soiled by this episode. Meanwhile, the majority of Americans, who believe in fundamental fairness for all, grapple with the poisonous residue left behind by the many powerful people of all stripes who served as accessories to a high-tech lynching."

~ Frank Rich

White House of Cards

POSTED BY JHW22

"Talk show hosts and conservative commentators built entire careers making bogus claims of racism while dismissing legitimate discussions of racial injustice and inequality as mere political correctness or reverse racism."

~ President Obama in his famous speech on race.

Democrats can't play the race card because the right-wing holds the entire deck.

Rachel Maddow and Jonathan Alter had a great discussion about how the White House should handle the right-wing smears and I like what Rachel said but I agree with Jonathan Alter. Rachel said that the Obama campaign stopped the madness with a website. She used birthers as an example. Yet, the birthers still exist. Bills are introduced and passed because of birthers and the chaos they create. Birthers are running for office. So, no, Rachel, a website didn't put that to rest. And neither have you or Keith Olbermann or anyone else who takes on the right on a consistent basis. No one has found the solution. So frankly, getting mad at Obama for not having found it yet is a little passive.

I have yet to hear a good way to fight the smears for good without actually increasing them. The President of the United States has a lot of battles to choose from. Picking battles is a necessity. Should HE be the one picking this one or should we? We hate the crap. We need to fight it. I just haven't figured out how!