Morality is not determined by the church you attend nor the faith you embrace. It is determined by the quality of your character and the positive impact you have on those you meet along your journey
Monday, February 06, 2012
President Obama, super cool, Ninja chess master.
The GOP throws everything they can think of at the man, but he seems to always be one step ahead of them every time.
I am hopeful that he can turn this latest attack to our advantage (progressives' advantage, i.e.). Yesterday and this morning I am hearing the GOP frame the contraceptive ruling regarding faith-based university and hospitals into a religious freedom issue.
Once a church leaves its church and operates a business, though, I believe the business it operates must be governed by the rules pertaining to all businesses.
Teachers, staff, nurses, aides, janitors, secretaries, etc. may or may not be of the faith of the business and should not be forced to accept the dogma of that church as regards their private health care.
In many small towns and rural areas, a faith-based hospital or school may be the only viable option for jobs for some people. The argument being foisted upon us by GOP strategists is primarily an urban-based one - where people may have more choices for work.
I am so sick of the GOP using religion to divide this country. You know that most of their efforts are not sincere - simply opportunistic attempts to derail assistance to those who need it.
Anonymous@3:21 The religious freedom meme is so much garbage. If the Catholic bishops and the Republicans were really sincere about the contraceptive issue, they would require that all their employees, clients, patients, etc take medical tests to prove they aren't using contraceptives. They are only whining because all insurance companies must provide it without cost.
I heard the other day that 98% of all Catholic women use contraceptives, why doesn't the Church ask them what they want or think. Why can't these idiot repugs use their head and do what is right for The People. BTW I turned it on half way through, but Morning Joe was talking about how Romney Care was requiring the same thing ..........hmmmmmmm????
The commercial itself was reminiscent of Ronald Reagan's "Morning in America" commercials, though with the famous Clint Eastwood tough guy touch. Shown shortly after Madonna's halftime performance, it began with the silhouette of Eastwood, walking in the dark and recognizable only for his gravelly voice. "It's halftime. Both teams are in their locker room discussing what they can do to win this game," he says. "It's halftime in America, too." With scenes of an iconic front porch and a city skyline," he continues, "People are out of work and they are hurting. They are all wondering what they are going to do to make a comeback. And we're all scared because this isn't a game."
With more every day scenes flashing on the screen, Eastwood adds, "The people in Detroit know a little something about this. They almost lost everything. But we all pulled together. Now Motor City is fighting again." With the music punctuating his remarks, Eastwood goes on: "I've seen a lot of tough eras, a lot of downturns in my life. Times when we didn't understand each other. It seems that we've lost our heart at times. The fog of division, discord and blame, made it hard to see what lies ahead." As scenes of protesters give way to black and white photos of kids and firefighters, Eastwood builds, "But after those trials, we all rallied around what was right and acted as one. Because that's what we do. We find a way through tough times. If we can't find a way then we'll make one. All that matters now is what's ahead. How do we come from behind? How do we come together?
At this point, viewers see Eastwood in the light. "And how do we win? Detroit is showing us it can be done,. And what's true about them is true about all of us. This country can't be knocked out with one punch." To conclude, a close-up of Eastwood fills the screen. "We get right back up again and when we do the world is going to hear the roar of our engines. Yeah, its halftime America and our second half is about to begin."
All that was missing was him turning to Mitt Romney and challenging him to "make my day."
...Then Obama tries to clean up mess number one, and they do everything they can to block every step he’s taken. It’s worked pretty well for them politically because the jobless rate has been high, and as long as that was the case, they could say no, choosing whatever weapon was handy and wagging their collective finger at the president.
But what do they do now? What if the economy keeps creating 200,000-plus jobs a month? Economists, a pessimistic lot by training and nature, are now rethinking their pessimism.
Gryphen, President Obama has enjoyed some political success - not without cost or controversy - and he has been much blessed by a feckless party of opposition, but let's not be too hyperbolic by referring to the president as a Ninja chess master.
I've complained frequently about President Obama's reluctance to do what is right. He has failed to investigate the obscene war crimes of the Bush administration. He has failed to aggressively investigate Wall Street in the wake of our recent economic meltdown. He has failed to aggressively push back against the GOP when they launched their most recent homophobic scorched earth campaign.
American citizens can STILL be arrested and detained indefinitely WITHOUT charge, Guantanamo is still open, and we are still languishing in Afghanistan.
Add to that his ham fisted handling of the healthcare debate - my insurance is slated to go up 24% next year - and he looks less like a chess master and more like someone who is winning simply because their opponents are morons.
Then open your goddamn eyes or get an eye exam...or take your whining, firebagger head out of your constipated ass!
It's so convenient to cherry pick so you can lodge your 'personal' complaints against our president, YOUR president, but you never bring forward the positive accomplishments, so you shoot yourself in the foot with your statements. No validity is established when all you do is bitch, and that IS all you do.
You're not much better than the GOP the way they twist and turn their toxic selves to make a point. I'm sure you'll relish Mittens at the helm, so you can be 'right' about how you were 'right' about President Obama. Mistakenly, I gave you more credit than that. Geesh.
Please. Go do your homework. No body cares about your little complaints, we all have issues to deal with in life.
Oh, and by the way, President Obama is not a dictator, so you can take your lame ass complaints to Congress about Gitmo, but do you? No, you post your crap on somebody's blog. What are YOU doing to change this country except bitching???
New Poll Finds The More People Learn About Romney, The More They Dislike Him
By a more than two to one margin, Americans say that the more they learn about Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney, the more they dislike him, per a new Washington Post / ABC poll:
Overall, 55 percent of those who are closely following the campaign say they disapprove of what the GOP candidates have been saying. By better than 2 to 1, Americans say the more they learn about Romney, the less they like him. Even among Republicans, as many offer negative as positive assessments of him on this question. Judgments about former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who denounced Romney on Saturday night in Nevada, are about 3 to 1 negative.
Anon @ 7:08, Fuck you. You failed to address any of my very specific and pointed criticisms. You instantly resort to ad hominem and assiduously avoid the very real issues that I raised. THAT is bullying, sophistry and intellectual laziness.
Why is it that you feel the ONLY opinions expressed toward the president must be full throated songs of praise? Please, provide a detailed exegesis of why that attitude is rational, justifiable, or even remotely tenable.
That you would label indefinite detention, tacit endorsement of Bush's war crimes, Guantanamo, Afghanistan, coziness with rapacious Wall Street bastards, et al. as my "little complaints" paints you the buffoon. These are very much HUGE complaints and they are not restricted to me or even a small group of cranks.
My criticism was on specific policy and yours was simply you slinging your globs of shit as invective. Address the issues like an adult or shut the fuck up. I am sick and tired of people like you trying to bully anybody whose only "crime" is to express an opposing thought.
C'mon Gasman, you can do better than that. A whole lot of bluster isn't very impressive. I've seen you do so much better. Why don't YOU come with a cogent argument, then maybe you won't be ridiculed.
Seems somebody struck a nerve with Mr. Gasman...he's about to explode! Guess he could take a lesson from our COOL, CALM and COLLECTED president and just CHILL because there is no question that Americans will re-elect him...in a LANDSLIDE, so Mr. Gaseous one, your collusion with the unreasonable and dissatisfied will not result in much more than a stinky fart.
LOVE that illustration of President Obama! He really does have it handled, doesn't he?
I LOVE how anytime Gryphen gives positive acknowledgement the naysayers come on the blog and do all they can to tear him down. It just goes to how you how much they can't stand how successful the president has been, even in the face of the Rightwingers and the extreme Leftwingers doing all they can to diminish and bad mouth him. He remains strong, committed, gracious, brilliant, forward thinking, reasonable, kind, funny, talented and honorable and it seems to drive them crazy.
It's a sad state of affairs when someone isn't able to see the good that Obama has done for this country. It just speaks to their skewed and cynically, blinded viewing of his accomplishments.
It makes me wonder if those people are EVER happy or satisfied with anything, and it just bleeds over into their political masturbation.
I feel really sorry for people who can only see the glass as half empty, they must live desperate and disillusioned lives, and for that I send them blessings and hope for them to open their eyes to see the wonderful things that life has to offer. Sadly, they are committed to complaining and finding disappointment where none need exist.
For Gasman - It is difficult to get press coverage for the things Obama does accomplish. Check out how much of the press (TV, books, newspapers) are owned by the conservatives , Murderock in particular. That all changed on GW's watch with regulations removed for monopolies.
I get upset that people do not read, then pursue the true facts. So much we read and hear is not truth based. Scary!
If you have never managed any business, section, department or group of people then get yourself into a position like that and then tell us how you fared with your ideas getting implemented.
I shudder to think of ALL the issues Obama must choose among as they go across his desk.
Remember always, Obama cares about people. Give him credit for choosing those battles where he has a chance. Better to accomplish some things than get stopped on every task he sees needing resolution.
If you have half the energy and intelligence Obama demonstrates then tell us about it. Obama gives his all every day and there is no one with an ounce of brains that can deny that. He is everywhere, full of energy, strategies and responding and communicating.
Just think how much better off we would be if the REpugs would come to work for the money we pay them, instead of constantly working to figure out how to get rid of Obama.
What a sick bunch of uneducated, grifting, mean-spirited sloths those fornicating legislators on the right side of the aisle are, simply trying to keep women pregnant and barefoot so the males can feel superior.
JOBS, JOBS, JOBS should be the focus - not the bedroom, procreation and support of the catholic bishops and church who have "licensed" and promoted sexual molestation of young catholics by moving the predators to new territory when they are being found out at their present assigned parish. T
That catholic money going for fighting birth control pills and abortions should get the catholic church removed from any tax exempt land and buildings. But will it happen? NO, the REpugs are funded by the catholic church and to hell with creating jobs, they want to play with the sexually deviant church hierarchy.
Gee Gasman, I thought you were better versed than your latest screed. I guess I'll have to do your homework for you. You asked for facts, you might want to take a look at this:
RE: The religious right and contraception: I can't even explain how the hypocrisy burns!
My mother, a STAUNCH Catholic, was well-aware that as a NEWLY WED woman, she and my father were NOT in a financial position to have a child.
Yes, there's the "rhythm" method, but naive as she was (and is, sadly), even she must have viewed that as a "next-to-nothing" solution.
So she went to her priest and told him her situation.
He told her, in no uncertain terms, that it is AGAINST the Catholic faith to prevent life via contraception.
As my dad (also raised Catholic but didn't practice during MY life with him) tells the story, my mother came home in Tears, absolutely devastated and not sure what to do.
My dad suggested she go see a different priest.
Well, the other priest gave her the answer she wanted (i.e. it was OK for "her" b/c blah blah blah).
What the fuck ever.
So, that's the Catholic Church for you.
And my mom is still Staunchly Pro-Life; Planned Parenthood was equal to Baby Killers Inc. in my house while growing up.
Never. Ever. Has my mother thought about ANY of the "other" women that Planned Parenthood helps.
Nor, does the name, "PLANNED" Parenthood ever seem to dawn on her.
How come NOBODY who has responded to my post has addressed A SINGLE ISSUE that I raised? Not one fucking response to ANY of the legitimate concerns. That tells me that you cannot.
Only puerile morons consistently ignore specifics and descend into ad hominem from the start.
When I cite a litany of complaints based upon demonstrable historical fact and you come back at me with nothing but insults, I'm not the one that looks like an asshole.
Jesus Christ! I NEVER have said I disagree 100% with the president. Anybody making that case needs to cite a post of mine that indicates that sentiment. However, there are a few infantile little pricks who get bent out of shape if somebody in the crowd isn't shouting full throated praises for the president. That is is the kind of bullshit that the teabaggers traffic in. NOBODY, EVER deserves lockstep unison praise wholly absent of critical thought. If you feel otherwise, please provide us all with your most eloquent exegesis of how unison fealty is better than critical thought.
I'll debate ANYBODY, but I have yet to see any adult response to my original post.
>>I'll debate ANYBODY, but I have yet to see any adult response to my original post.
yeah, like you are acting all adult yourself. geeze, why would anyone want to debate such a defensive, loud mouthed cretin? you scream for equal time, but all you do is parrot GOP talking points. no wonder you're being mocked. you carry on like a stuck pig, and then ask us to 'debate' you? where is there any room for anything when you spit and slander? you aren't being taken seriously, because you aren't acting serious. simple. if you want a big ol' discussion, head on over to reddit, they LOVE to throw the discourse around. and you may even like it, since there's plenty of obama naysayers to be found there. just up your alley I would say. and spare us the sanctimonious wailing about how put upon you are because you dare to raise your dissatisfaction with president Obama. you're just the only one making an ass of yourself, desperately trying to be heard and needing so much to DEBATE your misinformed points. why bother? clearly the community is speaking to you, why don't you try listening?
and just for the record, i don't agree with everything that obama has done, or said, nor would i ever expect to, but i do have the brains that god gave me to recognize that this is normal and it would be pretty irrational for me to get all worked up because he isn't fulfilling my every wish and desire. when you live in a black and white world, you'll always be disappointed. understanding nuance and complicated thinking is what is adult, and you are sorely lacking in your understanding of it. our president, on the other hand, is deeply cogent in both.
>>>When I cite a litany of complaints based upon demonstrable historical fact
facts are always subject to interpretation. yours doesn't fly. that's probably why no one is taking you up on your 'bring it on' machismo challenge. and calling people names is not considered very adult, just sayin'.
Gasman I notice that every time there is a post on President Obama's accomplishment you state the same old thing, NEGATIVITY. Last time you left the blog in a huff. Hopefully you won't go the way of Phil of PA but then it maybe it's already to late for you. I guess the blog commenters aren't smart enough for you to debate. Could be all those big words you use.
I'm not sure why you are so hell bent on dissing President Obama whenever Jesse posts something positive, even a silly little cartoon, but you come out guns ablazin' trying to convince the readers how damn unhappy you are with him and throwing a hissy fit when you are (correctly) called out for it.
You generally contribute funny, smart and well thought out posts on any other subject, but you really do seem to have your nose out of joint about anything related to our president. What is that about?
The examples you offer aren't even accurate in terms of what kind of control or influence President Obama has in a democracy with a drag-your-feet congress at every turn.
What are your SOLUTIONS for these issues? What are you offering in a positive way to move the issues forward that you seem to be upset about? Are you part of a political group? Do you have a blog where you express your views? Do you write articles, give speeches, attend grassroots meetings? Do you canvas or caucus? Do you Facebook or Twitter or participate in any kind of social media that can articulate your upsets? Do you anything but bitch?
Any of us can take that angle on life, but if you really care, why don't you DO something, instead of just prodding people to take their time to debate you?
It makes no sense to me that you are obviously so worked up and upset, but you don't seem to take any steps to address what is so upsetting to you.
Did you participate in President Obama's townhalls? Did you participate in any of the recent questions and answer sessions that are available after each speech or presentation? Have you contacted your reps, your peeps in congress and expressed your opinion and not backed down until you get a definitive answer? Have you written a letter to President Obama, or any of his staff expressing your frustration with his policies?
Your approach turns people off, perhaps you can find a new one, rather than going on the attack.
I feel sure that you have something to contribute that is worthwhile, but lately, when it comes to President Obama, it's the same ol', same ol'...and it's not particularly interesting, or engaging. Just sayin'.
I challenge you to list 5 things that you are satisfied with that President Obama has had a direct hand in bringing about. Until you can do that, with a clear heart, your posts lose the credibility that you so desperately are seeking.
Any of us that read this blog can do that...and we can list 5 things we wish he had done, but then he does have four more years to finish the job. Patience is a virtue. Get some.
STILL not a single post addressing the issues that I raised. Not one. To everyone who likes to hurl ad hominems in place of debate: fuck you very much. Such conduct is indistinguishable from the cousin fucking moron teabaggers. I don'y accept it from them and I sure as hell won't accept it from you.
Anon @ 1:49, as a matter of fact I WILL vote for President Obama. Why does that mean I cannot criticize him? I also happen to think that he's done some things pretty well. I think the stimulus was handled well - albeit too miserly. I think his backing of the auto industry was spot on. Actually, I think his economic policies have been what he has done best.
On several other issues that I named above, I think he could have done better or he plain failed. Saying so doesn't make me disloyal. And merely resorting to puerile insults while avoiding the issues doesn't make you right.
I'm still waiting for an adult comment that addresses the issues I raised. Obama fucked up big time by ignoring the war crimes of Bush. Likewise in totally ignoring his promise to close Guantanamo. Like the Bush era policy of indefinite arrest? President Obama seems to. How come people are so sanguine with a president refusing to obey the law? Y'all were pissed when Bush did it. How is it somehow better if President Obama does it?
If some of you want to do your best teabagger imitation and hurl invective at me while ignoring the substance of my post, you've already lost that argument and have exposed yourselves as petty assholes.
Again, why is axiomatically wrong to criticize the president? Not one person has explained that either.
Poor Gasman. Locked inside an echo chamber of his own making.
I think you must enjoy arguing for arguments sake. You are arguing with yourself. Nobody is willing to listen to you because you are too busy listening to yourself.
There's always one in every crowd said..., And yet, asshole that you are, you hurl shit and avoid the issue. Only toddlers and teabaggers behave that way. Which are you?
I'm still waiting on a SINGLE adult response to the issues that I raised. When you ignore my demonstrably specific issue oriented concerns and resort to ad hominem you reveal yourself to be an imbecile, a coward, and feckless little shit.
Why is criticism of the president automatically invalidated, even when the factual nature of the critique is unassailable?
Poor Gasman. Locked inside an echo chamber of his own making.
I think you must enjoy arguing for arguments sake. You are arguing with yourself. Nobody is willing to listen to you because you are too busy listening to yourself.
THAT is exactly right on and I couldn't agree more.
Still not one of my snotty detractors has either the courage or the knowledge to engage in direct debate.
I clearly state my opinions, buttress them with citations, and am willing to take hits for those opinions.
My detractors? They are willing to hurl shit.
I have praised the president, but not on every issue. For that unpardonable sin I am subjected to the imprecations of the uninformed. I would genuinely like to have someone explain to me how that represents anything other than a cult of personality and intellectual sloth. The issues I raised are real, significant, and not going away. Sticking your head up your ass and ignoring them is not much of a solution.
It is axiomatic that when directly confronted with facts, if someone responds only with invective and venom it is because they have no other response.
So, toddlers, why is blind unthinking fealty to President Obama to be accorded a priori superiority to thoughtful, reasoned opposition?
Gasman, you're the only one hurling insults. You're being ignored because you are insulting and REFUSE to read and address the links that were posted for your perusal.
Throwing around big words and calling people names just doesn't cut it with this crowd.
Anon @ 10:23, Nope, I have yet to encounter a single one of my detractors that can or will address the issues that I raised. EVERY single person hurling insults in my direction has assiduously avoided any mention of my critique of the president.
I ask but two simple questions:
1. Of those who so vehemently disagree with me regarding my assessment of President Obama's performance in office, why can none of you attack my message and not the messenger? To date, nobody has.
2. Why should President Obama be immune from any and all criticism? Why does he get a pass?
I am genuinely puzzled by some people's apparent blind hero worship of President Obama. He as done several things well, some spectacularly so. But it is foolish to claim that he has done all things well or even that he has not left important things undone.
The irrational servile fawning toward President Obama that some here insist on forcing upon others is the stuff of the teabaggers. The president is NOT Jesus Christ. Quit acting like he is.
I'm still waiting for an adult response to either question. That nobody has responded accordingly is evidence that nobody can.
Therefore, my critique of the president stands unchallenged except by snotty invective. My points prevail if by nothing else, by default. If you think you can bully me into mindlessly marching lockstep with your forced chorus of servile praise, you are greatly mistaken.
Well Gasman, you've done a really good job of shooting yourself in the foot now haven't you?
All this blather and bother trying to goad people into responding to you has left a mark. You are now being viewed as a very negative person who is taking out his life frustrations and failures on our President.
What happened to you? Why did you get so unhappy and toxic?
You seemed to be a pretty smart guy, but you now are appearing to be so extreme that the community is shunning you.
It's so odd how dark and firebaggy you've sounded lately under the premise of being 'patriotic'.
But the readers here have seen through that in a heartbeat and have let you know it.
And yet you continue, calling people names, insulting us and generally acting like a full bore dick.
What happened? Did you have some horrible life incident that you cannot handle that makes you want to lash out and condemn anything in your path, including our President?
And the more that people try to calm you down, you just get more ballistic and irrational. Is this what you do when people don't agree with you in life? Beat them up with 5 dollar words and nasty names? I feel sorry for the people around you if they have to tolerate that kind of bile.
You say people aren't being 'adult', and yet your behavior reminds me of my sullen teenager, or my pissed off tantrum throwing toddler.
Perhaps you need to take a step back, take a REALLY deep breath and consider the damage you've done to yourself on this blog, and the apologize to Jesse, and his readers for your out of control behavior, for I think if you don't, you'll continue to be ignored. Just sayin'.
Obama will have four more years to continue his amazing success, and you can be 'right' about whatever you want to be, it won't amount to much because your tiny, little whine doesn't register much on the scale of life and all of us who wholeheartedly support Obama, whether we are in total agreement of what he had done or hasn't done, will be working hard to make SURE that he will remain in the White House.
So, enjoy your vote for Romney or whoever YOU think can do a better job than Mr. Obama. It's a free country so people like you can bitch and complain and never acknowledge the good things that have happened with Barack at the helm.
Very well stated. But a waste of your time. Gasman will come back with even more 5 dollar words along with the same sense of self righteousness. You can't penetrate such an ego.
I am hopeful that he can turn this latest attack to our advantage (progressives' advantage, i.e.). Yesterday and this morning I am hearing the GOP frame the contraceptive ruling regarding faith-based university and hospitals into a religious freedom issue.
ReplyDeleteOnce a church leaves its church and operates a business, though, I believe the business it operates must be governed by the rules pertaining to all businesses.
Teachers, staff, nurses, aides, janitors, secretaries, etc. may or may not be of the faith of the business and should not be forced to accept the dogma of that church as regards their private health care.
In many small towns and rural areas, a faith-based hospital or school may be the only viable option for jobs for some people. The argument being foisted upon us by GOP strategists is primarily an urban-based one - where people may have more choices for work.
I am so sick of the GOP using religion to divide this country. You know that most of their efforts are not sincere - simply opportunistic attempts to derail assistance to those who need it.
Anonymous@3:21
ReplyDeleteThe religious freedom meme is so much garbage. If the Catholic bishops and the Republicans were really sincere about the contraceptive issue, they would require that all their employees, clients, patients, etc take medical tests to prove they aren't using contraceptives. They are only whining because all insurance companies must provide it without cost.
I heard the other day that 98% of all Catholic women use contraceptives, why doesn't the Church ask them what they want or think. Why can't these idiot repugs use their head and do what is right for The People. BTW I turned it on half way through, but Morning Joe was talking about how Romney Care was requiring the same thing ..........hmmmmmmm????
ReplyDeleteClint Eastwood Makes Obama's Day (and could even have clinched his re-election:
ReplyDeletehttp://decoded.nationaljournal.com/2012/02/clint-eastwood-makes-obamas-da.php
The commercial itself was reminiscent of Ronald Reagan's "Morning in America" commercials, though with the famous Clint Eastwood tough guy touch. Shown shortly after Madonna's halftime performance, it began with the silhouette of Eastwood, walking in the dark and recognizable only for his gravelly voice. "It's halftime. Both teams are in their locker room discussing what they can do to win this game," he says. "It's halftime in America, too." With scenes of an iconic front porch and a city skyline," he continues, "People are out of work and they are hurting. They are all wondering what they are going to do to make a comeback. And we're all scared because this isn't a game."
With more every day scenes flashing on the screen, Eastwood adds, "The people in Detroit know a little something about this. They almost lost everything. But we all pulled together. Now Motor City is fighting again." With the music punctuating his remarks, Eastwood goes on: "I've seen a lot of tough eras, a lot of downturns in my life. Times when we didn't understand each other. It seems that we've lost our heart at times. The fog of division, discord and blame, made it hard to see what lies ahead." As scenes of protesters give way to black and white photos of kids and firefighters, Eastwood builds, "But after those trials, we all rallied around what was right and acted as one. Because that's what we do. We find a way through tough times. If we can't find a way then we'll make one. All that matters now is what's ahead. How do we come from behind? How do we come together?
At this point, viewers see Eastwood in the light. "And how do we win? Detroit is showing us it can be done,. And what's true about them is true about all of us. This country can't be knocked out with one punch." To conclude, a close-up of Eastwood fills the screen. "We get right back up again and when we do the world is going to hear the roar of our engines. Yeah, its halftime America and our second half is about to begin."
All that was missing was him turning to Mitt Romney and challenging him to "make my day."
Michael Tomasky on the GOP’s Economic Sabotage
ReplyDelete...Then Obama tries to clean up mess number one, and they do everything they can to block every step he’s taken. It’s worked pretty well for them politically because the jobless rate has been high, and as long as that was the case, they could say no, choosing whatever weapon was handy and wagging their collective finger at the president.
But what do they do now? What if the economy keeps creating 200,000-plus jobs a month? Economists, a pessimistic lot by training and nature, are now rethinking their pessimism.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/02/06/michael-tomasky-on-the-gop-s-economic-sabotage.html
Gryphen,
ReplyDeletePresident Obama has enjoyed some political success - not without cost or controversy - and he has been much blessed by a feckless party of opposition, but let's not be too hyperbolic by referring to the president as a Ninja chess master.
I've complained frequently about President Obama's reluctance to do what is right. He has failed to investigate the obscene war crimes of the Bush administration. He has failed to aggressively investigate Wall Street in the wake of our recent economic meltdown. He has failed to aggressively push back against the GOP when they launched their most recent homophobic scorched earth campaign.
American citizens can STILL be arrested and detained indefinitely WITHOUT charge, Guantanamo is still open, and we are still languishing in Afghanistan.
Add to that his ham fisted handling of the healthcare debate - my insurance is slated to go up 24% next year - and he looks less like a chess master and more like someone who is winning simply because their opponents are morons.
I've yet to see evidence of much mastery.
>>I've yet to see evidence of much mastery.
ReplyDeleteThen open your goddamn eyes or get an eye exam...or take your whining, firebagger head out of your constipated ass!
It's so convenient to cherry pick so you can lodge your 'personal' complaints against our president, YOUR president, but you never bring forward the positive accomplishments, so you shoot yourself in the foot with your statements. No validity is established when all you do is bitch, and that IS all you do.
You're not much better than the GOP the way they twist and turn their toxic selves to make a point. I'm sure you'll relish Mittens at the helm, so you can be 'right' about how you were 'right' about President Obama. Mistakenly, I gave you more credit than that. Geesh.
Please. Go do your homework. No body cares about your little complaints, we all have issues to deal with in life.
Oh, and by the way, President Obama is not a dictator, so you can take your lame ass complaints to Congress about Gitmo, but do you? No, you post your crap on somebody's blog. What are YOU doing to change this country except bitching???
Here is his Superbowl interview if you missed it:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6C9wZnudiAY&feature=player_embedded
President Obama on Today:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player
_embedded&v=1Tv9pvDi06U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSZPX6dBRgw&feature=player_embedded
New Poll Finds The More People Learn About Romney, The More They Dislike Him
ReplyDeleteBy a more than two to one margin, Americans say that the more they learn about Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney, the more they dislike him, per a new Washington Post / ABC poll:
Overall, 55 percent of those who are closely following the campaign say they disapprove of what the GOP candidates have been saying. By better than 2 to 1, Americans say the more they learn about Romney, the less they like him. Even among Republicans, as many offer negative as positive assessments of him on this question. Judgments about former House speaker Newt Gingrich, who denounced Romney on Saturday night in Nevada, are about 3 to 1 negative.
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/new-poll-finds-more-people-learn-about-romney
And you can be SURE that HE actually wrote it, not some lameass ghostwriter...talkin' to you RAM!
ReplyDeletePerfecting Our Union
The president of the United States reflects on what Abraham Lincoln means to him, and to America.
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1969/12/perfecting-our-union/8832/
Anon @ 7:08,
ReplyDeleteFuck you. You failed to address any of my very specific and pointed criticisms. You instantly resort to ad hominem and assiduously avoid the very real issues that I raised. THAT is bullying, sophistry and intellectual laziness.
Why is it that you feel the ONLY opinions expressed toward the president must be full throated songs of praise? Please, provide a detailed exegesis of why that attitude is rational, justifiable, or even remotely tenable.
That you would label indefinite detention, tacit endorsement of Bush's war crimes, Guantanamo, Afghanistan, coziness with rapacious Wall Street bastards, et al. as my "little complaints" paints you the buffoon. These are very much HUGE complaints and they are not restricted to me or even a small group of cranks.
My criticism was on specific policy and yours was simply you slinging your globs of shit as invective. Address the issues like an adult or shut the fuck up. I am sick and tired of people like you trying to bully anybody whose only "crime" is to express an opposing thought.
. I am sick and tired of people like you trying to bully anybody whose only "crime" is to express an opposing thought.
ReplyDeleteTouchy, touchy, touchy...you sure don't like getting called out on your firebaggery, do ya? LOL! Guess that poster really got YOUR panties in a wad!
AND YOU did not answer the poster's question...what ARE you doing for this country other than complaining?
C'mon Gasman, you can do better than that. A whole lot of bluster isn't very impressive. I've seen you do so much better. Why don't YOU come with a cogent argument, then maybe you won't be ridiculed.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Somebody's all riled up this morning, eh Gasman?
ReplyDeleteGasman is a little gaseous today.
ReplyDeleteSeems somebody struck a nerve with Mr. Gasman...he's about to explode! Guess he could take a lesson from our COOL, CALM and COLLECTED president and just CHILL because there is no question that Americans will re-elect him...in a LANDSLIDE, so Mr. Gaseous one, your collusion with the unreasonable and dissatisfied will not result in much more than a stinky fart.
ReplyDeleteLOVE that illustration of President Obama! He really does have it handled, doesn't he?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE how anytime Gryphen gives positive acknowledgement the naysayers come on the blog and do all they can to tear him down. It just goes to how you how much they can't stand how successful the president has been, even in the face of the Rightwingers and the extreme Leftwingers doing all they can to diminish and bad mouth him. He remains strong, committed, gracious, brilliant, forward thinking, reasonable, kind, funny, talented and honorable and it seems to drive them crazy.
It's a sad state of affairs when someone isn't able to see the good that Obama has done for this country. It just speaks to their skewed and cynically, blinded viewing of his accomplishments.
It makes me wonder if those people are EVER happy or satisfied with anything, and it just bleeds over into their political masturbation.
I feel really sorry for people who can only see the glass as half empty, they must live desperate and disillusioned lives, and for that I send them blessings and hope for them to open their eyes to see the wonderful things that life has to offer. Sadly, they are committed to complaining and finding disappointment where none need exist.
It's all in the viewing, now isn't it?
Obama 2012 in a Landslide!
For Gasman - It is difficult to get press coverage for the things Obama does accomplish. Check out how much of the press (TV, books, newspapers) are owned by the conservatives , Murderock in particular. That all changed on GW's watch with regulations removed for monopolies.
ReplyDeleteI get upset that people do not read, then pursue the true facts. So much we read and hear is not truth based. Scary!
If you have never managed any business, section, department or group of people then get yourself into a position like that and then tell us how you fared with your ideas getting implemented.
I shudder to think of ALL the issues Obama must choose among as they go across his desk.
Remember always, Obama cares about people. Give him credit for choosing those battles where he has a chance. Better to accomplish some things than get stopped on every task he sees needing resolution.
If you have half the energy and intelligence Obama demonstrates then tell us about it. Obama gives his all every day and there is no one with an ounce of brains that can deny that. He is everywhere, full of energy, strategies and responding and communicating.
Just think how much better off we would be if the REpugs would come to work for the money we pay them, instead of constantly working to figure out how to get rid of Obama.
What a sick bunch of uneducated, grifting, mean-spirited sloths those fornicating legislators on the right side of the aisle are, simply trying to keep women pregnant and barefoot so the males can feel superior.
JOBS, JOBS, JOBS should be the focus - not the bedroom, procreation and support of the catholic bishops and church who have "licensed" and promoted sexual molestation of young catholics by moving the predators to new territory when they are being found out at their present assigned parish. T
That catholic money going for fighting birth control pills and abortions should get the catholic church removed from any tax exempt land and buildings. But will it happen? NO, the REpugs are funded by the catholic church and to hell with creating jobs, they want to play with the sexually deviant church hierarchy.
Gee Gasman, I thought you were better versed than your latest screed. I guess I'll have to do your homework for you. You asked for facts, you might want to take a look at this:
ReplyDeletehttp://pleasecutthecrap.typepad.com/main/what-has-obama-done-since-january-20-2009.html
http://obamaachievements.org/
You're welcome. Now you can go off in your little corner and LEARN SOMETHING instead of haranguing us.
Anon 11:06 AM,
ReplyDeleteBravo!!
Fartman 6:39 FUCK YOU!
ReplyDeleteRE: The religious right and contraception: I can't even explain how the hypocrisy burns!
ReplyDeleteMy mother, a STAUNCH Catholic, was well-aware that as a NEWLY WED woman, she and my father were NOT in a financial position to have a child.
Yes, there's the "rhythm" method, but naive as she was (and is, sadly), even she must have viewed that as a "next-to-nothing" solution.
So she went to her priest and told him her situation.
He told her, in no uncertain terms, that it is AGAINST the Catholic faith to prevent life via contraception.
As my dad (also raised Catholic but didn't practice during MY life with him) tells the story, my mother came home in Tears, absolutely devastated and not sure what to do.
My dad suggested she go see a different priest.
Well, the other priest gave her the answer she wanted (i.e. it was OK for "her" b/c blah blah blah).
What the fuck ever.
So, that's the Catholic Church for you.
And my mom is still Staunchly Pro-Life; Planned Parenthood was equal to Baby Killers Inc. in my house while growing up.
Never. Ever. Has my mother thought about ANY of the "other" women that Planned Parenthood helps.
Nor, does the name, "PLANNED" Parenthood ever seem to dawn on her.
It is exactly what she did - Plan for Parenthood.
*sigh*
How come NOBODY who has responded to my post has addressed A SINGLE ISSUE that I raised? Not one fucking response to ANY of the legitimate concerns. That tells me that you cannot.
ReplyDeleteOnly puerile morons consistently ignore specifics and descend into ad hominem from the start.
When I cite a litany of complaints based upon demonstrable historical fact and you come back at me with nothing but insults, I'm not the one that looks like an asshole.
Jesus Christ! I NEVER have said I disagree 100% with the president. Anybody making that case needs to cite a post of mine that indicates that sentiment. However, there are a few infantile little pricks who get bent out of shape if somebody in the crowd isn't shouting full throated praises for the president. That is is the kind of bullshit that the teabaggers traffic in. NOBODY, EVER deserves lockstep unison praise wholly absent of critical thought. If you feel otherwise, please provide us all with your most eloquent exegesis of how unison fealty is better than critical thought.
I'll debate ANYBODY, but I have yet to see any adult response to my original post.
I'm still waiting.
Koch brothers driving anti-Obama hate machine
ReplyDeletehttp://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/sns-201202021530--tms--bpresstt--m-a20120202feb02,0,6530159.column
>>I'll debate ANYBODY, but I have yet to see any adult response to my original post.
ReplyDeleteyeah, like you are acting all adult yourself. geeze, why would anyone want to debate such a defensive, loud mouthed cretin? you scream for equal time, but all you do is parrot GOP talking points. no wonder you're being mocked. you carry on like a stuck pig, and then ask us to 'debate' you? where is there any room for anything when you spit and slander? you aren't being taken seriously, because you aren't acting serious. simple. if you want a big ol' discussion, head on over to reddit, they LOVE to throw the discourse around. and you may even like it, since there's plenty of obama naysayers to be found there. just up your alley I would say. and spare us the sanctimonious wailing about how put upon you are because you dare to raise your dissatisfaction with president Obama. you're just the only one making an ass of yourself, desperately trying to be heard and needing so much to DEBATE your misinformed points. why bother? clearly the community is speaking to you, why don't you try listening?
and just for the record, i don't agree with everything that obama has done, or said, nor would i ever expect to, but i do have the brains that god gave me to recognize that this is normal and it would be pretty irrational for me to get all worked up because he isn't fulfilling my every wish and desire. when you live in a black and white world, you'll always be disappointed. understanding nuance and complicated thinking is what is adult, and you are sorely lacking in your understanding of it. our president, on the other hand, is deeply cogent in both.
>>>When I cite a litany of complaints based upon demonstrable historical fact
ReplyDeletefacts are always subject to interpretation. yours doesn't fly. that's probably why no one is taking you up on your 'bring it on' machismo challenge. and calling people names is not considered very adult, just sayin'.
Bottom line Gasman. Are you voting to re-elect President Obama?
ReplyDeleteIf you are...awesome.
If you aren't...STFU.
Simple as that. You don't get to waste any more of our time.
Gasman I notice that every time there is a post on President Obama's accomplishment you state the same old thing, NEGATIVITY. Last time you left the blog in a huff. Hopefully you won't go the way of Phil of PA but then it maybe it's already to late for you. I guess the blog commenters aren't smart enough for you to debate. Could be all those big words you use.
ReplyDeleteGasman,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure why you are so hell bent on dissing President Obama whenever Jesse posts something positive, even a silly little cartoon, but you come out guns ablazin' trying to convince the readers how damn unhappy you are with him and throwing a hissy fit when you are (correctly) called out for it.
You generally contribute funny, smart and well thought out posts on any other subject, but you really do seem to have your nose out of joint about anything related to our president. What is that about?
The examples you offer aren't even accurate in terms of what kind of control or influence President Obama has in a democracy with a drag-your-feet congress at every turn.
What are your SOLUTIONS for these issues? What are you offering in a positive way to move the issues forward that you seem to be upset about? Are you part of a political group? Do you have a blog where you express your views? Do you write articles, give speeches, attend grassroots meetings? Do you canvas or caucus? Do you Facebook or Twitter or participate in any kind of social media that can articulate your upsets? Do you anything but bitch?
Any of us can take that angle on life, but if you really care, why don't you DO something, instead of just prodding people to take their time to debate you?
It makes no sense to me that you are obviously so worked up and upset, but you don't seem to take any steps to address what is so upsetting to you.
Did you participate in President Obama's townhalls? Did you participate in any of the recent questions and answer sessions that are available after each speech or presentation? Have you contacted your reps, your peeps in congress and expressed your opinion and not backed down until you get a definitive answer? Have you written a letter to President Obama, or any of his staff expressing your frustration with his policies?
Your approach turns people off, perhaps you can find a new one, rather than going on the attack.
I feel sure that you have something to contribute that is worthwhile, but lately, when it comes to President Obama, it's the same ol', same ol'...and it's not particularly interesting, or engaging. Just sayin'.
I challenge you to list 5 things that you are satisfied with that President Obama has had a direct hand in bringing about. Until you can do that, with a clear heart, your posts lose the credibility that you so desperately are seeking.
Any of us that read this blog can do that...and we can list 5 things we wish he had done, but then he does have four more years to finish the job. Patience is a virtue. Get some.
4 more for 44! in a LANDSLIDE
STILL not a single post addressing the issues that I raised. Not one. To everyone who likes to hurl ad hominems in place of debate: fuck you very much. Such conduct is indistinguishable from the cousin fucking moron teabaggers. I don'y accept it from them and I sure as hell won't accept it from you.
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 1:49, as a matter of fact I WILL vote for President Obama. Why does that mean I cannot criticize him? I also happen to think that he's done some things pretty well. I think the stimulus was handled well - albeit too miserly. I think his backing of the auto industry was spot on. Actually, I think his economic policies have been what he has done best.
On several other issues that I named above, I think he could have done better or he plain failed. Saying so doesn't make me disloyal. And merely resorting to puerile insults while avoiding the issues doesn't make you right.
I'm still waiting for an adult comment that addresses the issues I raised. Obama fucked up big time by ignoring the war crimes of Bush. Likewise in totally ignoring his promise to close Guantanamo. Like the Bush era policy of indefinite arrest? President Obama seems to. How come people are so sanguine with a president refusing to obey the law? Y'all were pissed when Bush did it. How is it somehow better if President Obama does it?
If some of you want to do your best teabagger imitation and hurl invective at me while ignoring the substance of my post, you've already lost that argument and have exposed yourselves as petty assholes.
Again, why is axiomatically wrong to criticize the president? Not one person has explained that either.
Poor Gasman. Locked inside an echo chamber of his own making.
ReplyDeleteI think you must enjoy arguing for arguments sake. You are arguing with yourself. Nobody is willing to listen to you because you are too busy listening to yourself.
There's always one in every crowd said...,
ReplyDeleteAnd yet, asshole that you are, you hurl shit and avoid the issue. Only toddlers and teabaggers behave that way. Which are you?
I'm still waiting on a SINGLE adult response to the issues that I raised. When you ignore my demonstrably specific issue oriented concerns and resort to ad hominem you reveal yourself to be an imbecile, a coward, and feckless little shit.
Why is criticism of the president automatically invalidated, even when the factual nature of the critique is unassailable?
Anybody?
Gasman,
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your echo chamber.
>>There's always one in every crowd said...
ReplyDeletePoor Gasman. Locked inside an echo chamber of his own making.
I think you must enjoy arguing for arguments sake. You are arguing with yourself. Nobody is willing to listen to you because you are too busy listening to yourself.
THAT is exactly right on and I couldn't agree more.
This is for you Gasman:
http://frank-schaeffer.blogspot.com/2012/02/president-obama-will-be-vindicated.html
Still not one of my snotty detractors has either the courage or the knowledge to engage in direct debate.
ReplyDeleteI clearly state my opinions, buttress them with citations, and am willing to take hits for those opinions.
My detractors? They are willing to hurl shit.
I have praised the president, but not on every issue. For that unpardonable sin I am subjected to the imprecations of the uninformed. I would genuinely like to have someone explain to me how that represents anything other than a cult of personality and intellectual sloth. The issues I raised are real, significant, and not going away. Sticking your head up your ass and ignoring them is not much of a solution.
It is axiomatic that when directly confronted with facts, if someone responds only with invective and venom it is because they have no other response.
So, toddlers, why is blind unthinking fealty to President Obama to be accorded a priori superiority to thoughtful, reasoned opposition?
Here's a hint Gasman, when you go all ballistic and bonkers, nobody wants to play with you.
ReplyDeleteChill, dude.
Life is short, go have some fun.
Gasman, you're the only one hurling insults. You're being ignored because you are insulting and REFUSE to read and address the links that were posted for your perusal.
ReplyDeleteThrowing around big words and calling people names just doesn't cut it with this crowd.
This is the wrong blog for you.
Anon @ 10:23,
ReplyDeleteNope, I have yet to encounter a single one of my detractors that can or will address the issues that I raised. EVERY single person hurling insults in my direction has assiduously avoided any mention of my critique of the president.
I ask but two simple questions:
1. Of those who so vehemently disagree with me regarding my assessment of President Obama's performance in office, why can none of you attack my message and not the messenger? To date, nobody has.
2. Why should President Obama be immune from any and all criticism? Why does he get a pass?
I am genuinely puzzled by some people's apparent blind hero worship of President Obama. He as done several things well, some spectacularly so. But it is foolish to claim that he has done all things well or even that he has not left important things undone.
The irrational servile fawning toward President Obama that some here insist on forcing upon others is the stuff of the teabaggers. The president is NOT Jesus Christ. Quit acting like he is.
I'm still waiting for an adult response to either question. That nobody has responded accordingly is evidence that nobody can.
Therefore, my critique of the president stands unchallenged except by snotty invective. My points prevail if by nothing else, by default. If you think you can bully me into mindlessly marching lockstep with your forced chorus of servile praise, you are greatly mistaken.
No one is interested in bullying you Gasman.
ReplyDeleteYou are arguing with YOURSELF.
That's a sign of mental instability.
Anon @ 3:17,
ReplyDeleteI'm not arguing with anybody because not a single poster has addressed the subjects I raised. Why?
I am amazed at the pettiness and immaturity of a handful of posters who attack the messenger and ignore the message.
I am STILL waiting on ANYBODY to answer the two previously posed questions:
1. Where is the flaw in my logic regarding those specifically identified deficiencies in President Obama's record.
2. Why is criticism of the president reflexively met with hostile insults without regard to the merit of the criticism?
So far, I've been the only one to cite specifics and buttress my argument with facts. Not one critic of mine has yet done so.
So, bullying critics of the president into silence or feigned enthusiasm is patriotic, admirable, or even acceptable? Please explain.
Please explain.
ReplyDelete8:09PM
Gasman. No thanks, enjoy arguing with yourself.
Well Gasman, you've done a really good job of shooting yourself in the foot now haven't you?
ReplyDeleteAll this blather and bother trying to goad people into responding to you has left a mark. You are now being viewed as a very negative person who is taking out his life frustrations and failures on our President.
What happened to you? Why did you get so unhappy and toxic?
You seemed to be a pretty smart guy, but you now are appearing to be so extreme that the community is shunning you.
It's so odd how dark and firebaggy you've sounded lately under the premise of being 'patriotic'.
But the readers here have seen through that in a heartbeat and have let you know it.
And yet you continue, calling people names, insulting us and generally acting like a full bore dick.
What happened? Did you have some horrible life incident that you cannot handle that makes you want to lash out and condemn anything in your path, including our President?
And the more that people try to calm you down, you just get more ballistic and irrational. Is this what you do when people don't agree with you in life? Beat them up with 5 dollar words and nasty names? I feel sorry for the people around you if they have to tolerate that kind of bile.
You say people aren't being 'adult', and yet your behavior reminds me of my sullen teenager, or my pissed off tantrum throwing toddler.
Perhaps you need to take a step back, take a REALLY deep breath and consider the damage you've done to yourself on this blog, and the apologize to Jesse, and his readers for your out of control behavior, for I think if you don't, you'll continue to be ignored. Just sayin'.
Obama will have four more years to continue his amazing success, and you can be 'right' about whatever you want to be, it won't amount to much because your tiny, little whine doesn't register much on the scale of life and all of us who wholeheartedly support Obama, whether we are in total agreement of what he had done or hasn't done, will be working hard to make SURE that he will remain in the White House.
So, enjoy your vote for Romney or whoever YOU think can do a better job than Mr. Obama. It's a free country so people like you can bitch and complain and never acknowledge the good things that have happened with Barack at the helm.
9:28AM
ReplyDeleteVery well stated. But a waste of your time. Gasman will come back with even more 5 dollar words along with the same sense of self righteousness. You can't penetrate such an ego.
Nice try though.