Argue With My Dad

Since the hot and humid weekend is behind us,  it is time once again for AWMD’s Monday Musings.  There are plenty of news items to choose from after the weekend.  There are so many possible issues to discuss, it is hard to choose just a few.  I don’t know if anyone else will be interested in the ones that I have chosen, but if so I hope you enjoy it. If any of my “Musings” interest you, let me know what you think.  Hell, even if they don’t interest you, let me know!  I am interested in your opinion too….as long as you agree with me!

I haven’t forgotten the felons that worked for the Bush Administration, so I don’t need the portrait of Donald Rumsfield to be hung at the Defense Department at the cost of almost $50,000!  http://thinkprogress.org/2010/06/28/rumsfeld-portrait/ & http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/20/AR2008102003627.html   I realize that other Secretary’s of Defense have had their portrait hung there, but how many of them were as wrong as Donald Rumsfield?  I also realize that Rummy paid for the picture himself, but do we need another picture of that idiot hanging up for perpetuity?  He already has one at DOD from the first time he acted as Secretary of Defense.  I say we tell Rummy to take his portrait and go home!

On a local note, it was refreshing to hear that former City of Chicago cop, Joe Burge was found guilty in his perjury and obstruction of justice trial earlier today.  This is the individual who lied about torturing prisoners to get confessions out of them.  http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/06/burge-jurors-back-for-a-3rd-day.html  The facts and truth didn’t matter to him.  He has finally hit the end of the road.  I hope he is sentenced to a life sentence, if that is possible.  Congratulations to U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald and his attorneys who succeeded in convicting this piece of crap.  You can read a good book that was written a little while ago about torture and I believe that Burge’s activities  are discussed in it.  The name of the book is “The Belfast Diary” by John Conroy.   When Burge is in jail, the city will be a better place.

We mentioned in an earlier posting that the Federal judge who threw out the Obama administration’s oil drilling moratorium had numerous oil company and drilling company stocks when he made his decision.  It turns out he even owned BP stock until hours before the decision was announced. http://emptywheel.firedoglake.com/2010/06/28/judicial-ethics-in-the-gulf-judge-feldmans-conflicts-and-doj-malpractice/  I read this story and I immediately thought of the crap that the Republicans have been spewing about Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan.  They are worried about her letting politics get in the way of her decisions!  I guess the Republican Senators just don’t like to read to actually find out what “their” judges are doing before they lie about Kagan!

I want to let the entire AWMD nation know that I will be going on vacation tomorrow morning and I will not return until the weekend.  “mom” and I will be having fun following Horace Greeley’s advice, ” Go West young man!”  OK, I know I am no longer a young man, but I am still going West!  I will return refreshed and ready to take on the Republican lie machine!  Happy 4th of July to everyone!!

What do you think about my latest musings?  It is now time for you to let us know what you think!  Don’t be shy.  Get busy and give us your opinion!  Take the first step and write down what you think.  It won’t hurt!  I promise!

Just a quick shout out to our favorite conservative on his Birthday.  How does it feel to be so old???  Happy Birthday from the Argue With My Dad “nation”!

Happy Presidents Day to all of our AWMD readers. Is it Monday already?  If so, it is time once again for AWMD’s Monday Musings.  There are plenty of news items to choose from after the weekend, but I only have one issue to discuss.  It is not a news item or a political issue, and it is kind of personal, but I think it helps me to write about it.  I don’t know if anyone else will be interested, but if so I hope you enjoy it. If my “Musing” interests you, let me know what you think.  Hell, even if it doesn’t interest you, let me know!  I am interested in your opinion too!(Most of the time.)

The only Musing on my list isn’t a news item or even a political one.  I have been in a funk over the weekend since my siblings and I just moved my Mother into an assisted care Senior residence near two of my sisters in Lisle, Illinois.  Although this move will allow her more independence since she has been living with my sister for the last few months because the doctors say she should not live on her own anymore, it had to be hard for her.  She has COPD and asthma and emphysema issues and she is on oxygen 24 hours a day now.  She has been in and out of the hospital a few times this winter already and it was time for her to get on with the next chapter of her life.  I didn’t think I would be impacted emotionally by the move, but seeing many of my Mother’s possessions and things in a moving truck was a very tough sight for me.  It was also hard for me to see her giving some of her “treasures” away to family members in an attempt to clean up her house.  Throughout my life, my Mother and our home in Skokie was one of my constants.  My mother was the first owner of the then new house when she bought it in June of 1959.  She has owned it ever since and it holds so many memories that I cannot even begin to touch on them. 

It was her castle and the testament to her hardwork and dedication to all five of her children.  She bought the house with the proceeds from selling her two-flat in Skokie that she was able to purchase with the proceeds from my Father’s GI insurance.  She worked so hard during her life to keep that home for us and to provide a place of stability for all of us.  Being the youngest of 5 children, I was the last one to leave the house when I got married in 1974.  My Mother kept the home up and we were able to celebrate our 50th consecutive Christmas in the house this past December.  Unfortunately, it may have been the last Christmas we will ever spend in that house as a family now that my Mother is in her assisted living apartment.  I am sure that it will probably be sold sometime during the year, if the real estate market opens up a bit. In one sense, I hate to see anyone else living in Her house, but the more I think of it, it will be great to see another family living and growing there. Even though it has to be updated a bit, the bones of the house are solid.  It’s value to another family will live on.  Just as I and my siblings fledged from that nest;  I think my Mother will be proud and pleased to see another family make Her home their own piece of the American dream.  Her children and her grandchildren will always have the memories of growing up there and of enjoying many,many good times there.   Life goes on and my Mother has a new adventure to look forward to.  And I am sure that I will have more adventures to look forward to.  I just hope that I can handle them as well as she is handling hers.   Congratulations Mom on your new home!

Although I am finishing this posting a little late on this Friday, once again, it is time, once again, for another edition of the AWMD Friday Free For All.   This is the only time of the week when our arguewithmydad.com readers can control the topic(s) for discussion.  All you have to do is get someone else to respond to your suggested topic and then the floor is yours.  Don’t be shy and don’t hesitate.  Get busy and be sure to let us know your views and arguments so everyone can read and react to them.  Right here on arguewithmydad.com.  I will make some suggestions for possible topics, but they are only suggestions.  Today is Friday so only you can be the decider.   But you need to tell us what you want to discuss.  So, what the heck is on your mind today? With all that is going on, how can you not speak your mind?  Let’s hear from you!

The first suggested topic that I have concerns the monumental Supreme Court decision in the case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission that was announced by the Supreme Court earlier this week. In that case the Supreme Court overturned long term court precedent in finding that Corporations should be allowed to spend unlimited funds to support or help defeat local, state or Federal candidates. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/21/AR2010012101724.html  The Washington Post put it this way:  “Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and his conservative colleagues delivered a seismic jolt Thursday. They overturned two of the court’s past decisions — including one made as recently as six years ago — to upend federal legislation that says corporations may not use their profits to support or oppose candidates and to declare unconstitutional a large portion of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance reform act passed in 2002. “  Here is a link to the full decision: http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/09pdf/08-205.pdf  (I will warn you that the full decision is over 170 pages.) Citizens United argued and the Court agreed that coporations ability to speak their minds and press their views has been “chilled” by the lower court decisions and the McCain-Feingold law.  That is an amazing statement when those same corporations have spent hundreds of millions in recent election cycles and as I mentioned in the Monday Musings thread, the Chamber of Commerce spent over $120 million to lobby and argue the corporate positions in 2009.  Most of those funds were used to try to defeat Health Care reform legislation. I can just imagine how much of shareholders money the corporations will spend to defeat legislation and candidates who are trying to raise taxes on corporations or trying to regulate those same corporations. This McClatchey Newspaper article tells us  just what decisions were overturned by the Citizens United decision: “ The decision strikes down part of a 2002 campaign finance law, which banned direct corporate spending on “electioneering communications” within 60 days of a general election and 30 days of a primary. The decision also reverses a 1990 Supreme Court decision that had upheld a broader ban on corporate campaign spending.”  http://www.truthout.org/whos-activist-now-the-roberts-court56292   I want to know if corporations are to now be considered as “persons’ under the Constitution, shouldn’t they pay the same tax rate as persons like myself?  What do you think?

My final suggestion for a a Friday Free For All topic is whether the filibuster rule is being misused by the Republicans and should it be eliminated or changed?  Recently, Vice President Biden went on the record by stating : “As long as I have served, … I’ve never seen, as my uncle once said, the constitution stood on its head as they’ve done. This is the first time every single solitary decision has required 60 senators,” Biden said. “No democracy has survived needing a supermajority.”http://thinkprogress.org/2010/01/19/biden-filibuster/   According to a study by UCLA professor Barbara Sinclair,in her book, Congress Revisited, the filibuster was used only 8% of the time in the 1960’s and the Republicans used it 70% of the time in the recent 110th Congress. http://www.usnews.com/blogs/robert-schlesinger/2009/11/25/the-staggering-rise-of-the-filibuster.html  I like the idea suggested by the author of the above noted USNews article, Robert Schlesinger: “Before trying to change the rules (and either trying to abolish the filibuster or lowering the threshold to, say, 55 votes), Democrats should go to the mattresses and make filibusters real again. You could say that contemporary filibusters are all talk, or are no talk at all. Filibusters today are actually just the threat of filibusters. No one actually gets up and holds the senate floor for marathon sessions. Democrats should force the GOP to start literally talking bills to death. See how that works both in terms of public perception and legislative gumption.” What he is saying is that the Dems should grow a set and force the Republicans to actually filibuster on the floor of the Senate like filibusters used to be done.  The C-Span cameras would be rolling and everyone could see how obstructionist the Republican Party has actually become.  This country was not built on the requirement of a super majorityfor all votes. It was built on a majority rules basis, with rights for the minority.  The Republican Party has stood that principle on its ear.  Do you think that either party should be able to force 60 votes on every single vote?  Speak up and let’s hear what you thinking!

I have made my suggestions, and they are  just that, suggestions.  Let’s hear what You want to talk about.  I will be anxiously waiting to see what You want to talk about.  It is time to get busy and let everyone know what you are thinking about.  Let’s hear from all of You!  Don’t be shy and do not delay in telling us what you think.   It won’t hurt to let us know what You think. 

With just about an hour to go before Midnight here in Illinois, I thought I would wish a Happy New Year to all of the Argue With My Dad readers and posters.  I am looking forward to a great and peaceful 2010.  Thanks for spending some of your valuable time with us.  See you next year!

I want to wish everyone in the AWMD nation a Happy and safe Christmas.  During this time of peace, we must remember that many of our best and brightest are still in harms way around the world.  May they be safe and home soon.  Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!

After a relatively mild Northern Illinois weekend, it is time once again for AWMD’s Monday Musings.  There are plenty of news items to choose from today, but we will try to hit the most interesting ones. If any of my “Musings” interest you, let us know what you think.

The first item that caught my eye was the comments by RNC Chairman Michael Steele about Obama’s meeting with the bank executives earlier today.  Obama was meeting with the Bank executives to attempt to cajol them into increasing their lending to small businesses. Of course, Chairman Steele thinks that the best way to get Banks to start lending again is to reduce the unemployment tax! http://thinkprogress.org/2009/12/14/steeles-tunemployment-benefits/  Does this guy really understand what is going on here?  The good news is with him leading the Republicants, the Dems can’t lose.

The big news today was the announcement that 22 Million missing emails from the Bush Administration have been found and accounted for.  The emails were recovered after lawsuits were filed by CREW, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington and the National Security Archive in 2007.  http://rawstory.com/2009/12/22-million-missing-bushera-emails-set-2014-release/  If you remember, George Bush and his fellow felons told us that because of a snafu, there were many missing emails.  Of course, we first found out about the missing emails when Special Prosecutor, Patrick Fitzgerald reported them missing during his investigation into the illegal outing of Valerie Plame.  The emails are being processed and by law won’t be released to the public until 2014 at the earliest.  It will be an interesting day when those emails are released because there will be many crimes uncovered at that time.  Maybe earlier if an investigation on the torture by the Bush regime is undertaken.  One can only hope.

My final Muse concerns our old friend, Joe Lieberman.  It seems that the lying SOB is up to his old tricks.  Just a week ago Lieberman expressed his support for the Medicare buy-in compromise and now he is saying that he is against it and may back a Republican filibuster. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/12/14/politics/main5977243.shtml  I just have one thing to say about Lieberman.  Senator Reid and President Obama need to take him aside and put this deal to him: Play ball with us and you can keep your committee chairmanship.  If you don’t play ball with us and the reform bill gets defeated, you will lose your chairmanship and the entire Democratic party will be working for his opponent in the next election.  Plus, all lobbyists for the insurance industry, including his wife, will be legislated out of any access to any Congressman or Senator or their respective staffs.  Lieberman can understand this kind of quid pro quo.  He has been sticking it to the Dems for several years now.  President Obama and Majority Leader Reid, get it done and get it done right.  No excuses will be accepted.  If it takes reconciliation to do it, do it.  The whole world is watching!

After another busy week here in super cold and snowy Northern Illinois,  it is time, once again, for another edition of the AWMD Friday Free For All.   This is the only time of the week when our arguewithmydad.com readers can control the topic(s) for discussion.  All you have to do is get someone else to respond to your suggested topic and then the floor is yours.  Don’t be shy and don’t hesitate.  Get busy and be sure to let us know your views and arguments so everyone can read and react to them.  Right here on arguewithmydad.com.  I will make one  suggested topic, but it is only a suggestion.  Today is Friday so only you can be the decider.   But you need to tell us what you want to discuss.  So, what the heck is on your mind today? With all that is going on, how can you not speak your mind?

My first suggested topic is the story that I saw earlier today about a “loophole” in the Senate version of the Health Care Reform Bill. The House version mandates that Insurance companies will not be allowed to put financial limits on health care coverage.  MSNBC reported today that the Senate version would allow insurance companies to put limits on coverage as long as they are not unreasonable. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34382653/ns/health-health_care/  Now, I realize that the bill is still being debated, but if the insurance companies are allowed to limit coverage, I can personally guarantee that it won’t be “reasonable”.  I would also guarantee that any Federal agency empowered to keep an eye on the insurance companies will be made up of former insurance industry officials.  What is your take on this issue?  Should the health care reform include a requirement that the insurance companies cannot limit the coverage?

My next suggested topic is the Bloomberg.com story that the brainiacs at Goldman Sachs will not be issuing bonuses to their top 30 employees, but instead will award deferred compensation vehicles. “The awards will consist of so-called shares-at-risk that start vesting next year and can’t be sold for five years, the New York-based firm said yesterday.” http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=ahkGBrrRCH38&pos=3  The firm is making these deferred bonuses due to the extreme pressure and negative publicity surrounding the $16 Billion that they had originally proposed for bonuses.  Since $16 Billion is almost too high of a number for my brain to comprehend, I am glad that Goldman has had a change of heart. What do you think of the outrageous bonuses that Wall Street has paid in the past to executives of failing companies?

My final suggested topic involves the latest example of the Republicans nonsensical attempts to derail Health Care reform and every other legislative proposal from the Democratic Congress.  If you recall, the Republicans originally complained that the health care reform bill was just too big and had too many words.  http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2009/12/10/bill-length/  It appears that since that tactic did not work for them, the Republicants are now suggesting that the health care reform bill is not long enough!  “But today, Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) opened the 11th day of Senate debate by arguing that the Senate bill was not long enough:  ‘And we talk about 2,074 pages, which seem like a lot, and it would be for a normal bill that you could debate in a limited period of time, which is what we’re being asked to do. But 2,074 pages isn’t nearly enough to cover health care for America. So why is it only 2,074 pages?’ ” http://wonkroom.thinkprogress.org/2009/12/10/bill-length/  It is hard to keep up with the Republicans in Congress.  When their obstructionist policies are not working they put their collective brain power together and decide to argue the very opposite of what their original argument was!  It is amazing that these mental giants controlled Congress and the White House for 8 years! 

I have made my suggestions, and they are  just that,  suggestions.  Let’s hear what You want to talk about.  I will be anxiously waiting to see what You want to talk about.  It is time to get busy and let everyone know what you are thinking about.  Let’s hear from all of You!  Don’t be shy and do not delay.  It won’t hurt to let us know what You think.

I almost forgot that today marks the 29th anniversary of the brutal murder of former Beatle icon, John Lennon, by Mark David Chapman. http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/lennon_john/artist.jhtml#biographyEnd  Can it really be that long ago?  I can remember my wife and I having to sit down after we heard the news that Lennon had been shot and killed. The news tool our breath away and we were in shock why someone who always stood for peace could be the victim of such a senseless murder.  When he died a part of our youth died with him.  The Beatles were a huge part of our pre-teen and teenager years and on that fateful day, an insane murderer shattered the life of John Lennon and the memories and lives of millions of his fans.  I think I will play Imagine one more time in his honor.  John, you are missed.

When I think of Veterans one word comes to mind.  Love.  Love of country, love of your comrades in arms and love of your family.  Our Veterans gave of themselves to insure that you and I have the freedom to discuss political issues every week.  Our Veterans sacrificed in order that we have the ability to be whatever we want to  be.  Our Veterans even made the ultimate sacrifice of their lives on our behalf.  Is there a greater way to show your love than to give your life for your loved ones?  When we honor the Veterans on this Veterans Day, we give homage to not only the Veterans of World War II and the Koren Conflict, but to all of the men and women who have served on our behalf in every armed conflict up through the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  Some of our Veterans are too old to walk on their own.  Some are still suffering from wounds they incurred during their service.  Some of our Veterans are just reaching their 21st birthdays.  They all have one thing in common.  Love of their country.

All of these warriors have earned our respect and our gratitude.  They have not always served in conflicts or wars that were universally popular in our country, but they never failed to answer the call of their country.    We owe them everything and we can never waver in taking care of them and providing the best for them.  If we cannot honor that part of the bargain, how can we expect them to honor the hard part?  Without hesitation, we are proud of them all.