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Mid-Day Open Thread

By TChris, Section Blog Related
Posted on Wed May 20, 2009 at 02:57:54 PM EST
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Update (TL): Thanks, TChris for all your posting today. I just got back from a very long and painful session at the dentist and am not quite up to blogging yet. BTD is still at his conference but I think he returns tomorrow.

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    More good news (5.00 / 3) (#20)
    by lentinel on Wed May 20, 2009 at 04:34:28 PM EST
    In the Times:
    "US Says Only 30 Afghan Civilians Died in Bombing"  

    ONLY!

    KABUL (AP) -- Video evidence recorded by fighter jets and the account of the ground commander suggest no more than 30 civilians were killed in a two-day battle in western Afghanistan this month, the U.S. military said Wednesday, a stark contrast with Afghan claims that 140 civilians died.

    Wow.
    That's great news.
    Except for the "30" and their loved ones.

    Oh, by the way - there was another bombing in Iraq.
    The Times describes this as having shattered the "lull" in violence.
    Actually it shattered the lull between this bombing and the last shattered lull.

    Obama Press Buries Iraq Bombing (5.00 / 4) (#37)
    by kidneystones on Wed May 20, 2009 at 06:20:29 PM EST
    Straight Down the Memory Hole. The Wapo has, right now, no mention at all of the Iraq bombing which killed 34 civilians. The bombing is on the BBC front page. But we can see how Olberman and Matthews, Maddow, and all the tiny, angry bloggers who were screaming 'out of Iraq now' have all found other priorities like: 'let's blame the GOP for everything'. Now, I happen to believe the GOP is mostly responsible for most of the madness. The problem is: I want the madness to end. Obama was elected to solve problems, many of them seemingly intractable. But that's the job he applied for.

    This is exactly like 64, when the media simply refused to serve up unpleasant news that might upset the delicate sensibilities of the complacent.

    The surge worked. Obama opposed the surge. Like it or not, the US is going to be stuck in Iraq, almost alone for a long time. That's why, we're reminded again, why invading was such a bad idea.

    I'm counting on some of the Obama supporters, maybe Matt Yglesias, to run down to the recruiting office so they can fight one of Obama's wars.

    Parent

    Huffpo 'It's all good' (5.00 / 2) (#42)
    by kidneystones on Wed May 20, 2009 at 06:29:44 PM EST
    Zip at Huffpo. Talk about your politics of expediency. Atrios, reliably, serves up fact. TPM has a big photo of Michael Steels and when we check the fine print at the right: at least 41 killed in Iraq bombing. What a joke.

    Parent
    To Be Fair: No bombing in Drudge world, nor (5.00 / 2) (#44)
    by kidneystones on Wed May 20, 2009 at 06:36:39 PM EST
    in the Daily Telegraph, and a quick skim of the Corner reveals Iraq no longer matters very much there, either, at least if bombings are the subject.

    Parent
    I never believe the AP (none / 0) (#40)
    by dutchfox on Wed May 20, 2009 at 06:26:40 PM EST
    They are just propaganda organ for the government.
    But then, I never expected the US to come clean on this; either an outright denial or a whitewash after an 'investigation.'

    Parent
    Sun god bless ya lentinel... (none / 0) (#58)
    by kdog on Thu May 21, 2009 at 08:32:56 AM EST
    you are one of the few still paying attention...it is enough to make you root for utter national bankruptcy...its the only way we will ever stop occupying and killing.

    Parent
    Bush started all this (5.00 / 1) (#46)
    by joze46 on Wed May 20, 2009 at 07:18:17 PM EST
    Again, rant hate radio, ABC,  at night broadcasting is whaling away twisted lies and pitiful descriptions of the Obama Democratic agenda.

    Please I consider myself an Independent that could embrace anyone who I think will do the job. Obama is likely that person. There is no Republican who can match him. Yes, a little over one hundred days and still every thing wrong is Obama's fault. The economy, the war, or shutting down Gitmo, banks too big to fail is interfered by the government, yet Bush started all this bail out stuff, wrecked the war and the economy. America if we do not do this, bail out the banks, America will fail according to Bush. What crap...

    Now Bush is quiet, but anything Obama does is wrong. Because of Obama being wrong is the only stand they could make is really a foolish stand to take. For me this is all a pile of none sense. Interview after interview across the channels is displaying the Republicans for what they are a vindictive group of corporate business people who as Obama has said "Business betrayed the people" and they are still doing it. We have now what I would call an in your face betrayal with the new Culture of the Republican Party I call "FAILED COGNITION".

    Perhaps we should study some of the French social scientist like Jean Jacques Piaget. It may give merit to something solid to debate instead of just wondering around European culture to suggest something is wrong with America because the Democrats want to take a successful slice out of the past. It seems like forever one hears about Ronald Reagan, but that's all that happen we just hear rhetoric .

    For me home study on the Internet has been perpetual since given the opportunity that the Clinton-Gore Administration placed the Internet with in our means. And give thanks and recommendations for the open study courses offered by such Universities as MIT. They offer some courses free. But, if there is anyone out there with a connection to Obama, perhaps Harvard, please try to get this government to open up the public purse and offer some of our tax money to get more highly respected Universities on line with free Video's. They could teach us how to start a banking business and get back to the mom and pop banks. That would be free market in action. This is great stuff. This is college level material our young people need. Here I am approaching sixty two to be able to view this college material and feel good with myself and sharpen my skills especially in mathematics. This is hope and opportunity.

    Also with this blog I feel within  the curve and understand the perimeters. I am very great full to the effort and input about legal issues happening around the country that get a chance to be posted. I get so upset many times when much of what is covered by many here on this blog is totally ignored by Mainstream Media. Its infuriating sometimes but at least I know some one out there cares.

    God Bless, and happy Memorial Day
    A Vietnam veteran

    Local NYC news: FBI arrested 4 men on terrorism (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by jawbone on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:12:23 PM EST
    charges. 4 American citizens, appeared to be men of color, recent converts to Islam (described by the FBI as "radical Islam).

    Another sting setup, it appears from very first news. FBI informants/operatives told the men they were getting explosives and they were going to park them at two synagogues today. There were no explosives.

    They were also told they were getting stinger missiles and would use them at a NY Nat'l Guard base to take down a military plane. (Training? I've heard stingers are not that easy to learn how to use, but, hey.)

    When asked if the men had the knowledge to know whether they had explosives or not, an FBI spokeman (?) said that the men did not.

    Interesting: Didn't know about explosive, so how did they set up a bomb? With help from the informants?

    I may be very wrong, but this sounds like these guys were lead on, mislead, and now will be a feather in some prosecutor's hat.

     

    The FBI... (5.00 / 1) (#60)
    by kdog on Thu May 21, 2009 at 08:39:44 AM EST
    hitting the streets to radicalize the mariginalized again...how nice.

    We are always left to wonder if the perps would have done anything if the undercover wasn't pressing them, egging them on for a year...I call it entrapment, and if it ain't its right on the line.

    Parent

    NYTimes first reporting-- (none / 0) (#53)
    by jawbone on Wed May 20, 2009 at 10:17:24 PM EST
    Here's the NYTimes first cut at the story from City Room blog.

    FBI's been working on this since last June. Details at link.

    Parent

    I predicted yesterday (none / 0) (#1)
    by andgarden on Wed May 20, 2009 at 03:00:57 PM EST
    that the guns in national parks amendment would be yanked in conference from the credit card bill. Instead, the Speaker allowed it to come up for a vote in the whole House. In the process, she split and embarrassed her caucus.

    As I predicted yesterday, a majority of the majority in the House opposed the measure.

    Where's the embarrassment? (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by Steve M on Wed May 20, 2009 at 03:41:14 PM EST
    I don't have any problem letting people go on record, whether for or against.  The party obviously doesn't have a litmus test on this issue.

    Parent
    We are in the majority (5.00 / 1) (#11)
    by andgarden on Wed May 20, 2009 at 04:02:08 PM EST
    A move like this shows that there is no value to being in a big tent, even if you're in the MAJORITY in that tent.

    Parent
    I don't understand (none / 0) (#17)
    by Steve M on Wed May 20, 2009 at 04:16:36 PM EST
    Is a big tent, in your view, supposed to mean that people who disagree with the party orthodoxy on an issue are welcome to join - provided they understand that they will never ever get their way?  I think Michael Steele was justly ridiculed for articulating that very theory the other day.

    It seems obvious to me that gun control advocates will do far better with this Congress than they would with a Republican-controlled Congress.  That doesn't equate to a promise that pro-gun legislation will NEVER EVER pass, but there's going to be a lot less of it.

    The value of the big tent is that people who agree with the Republican position on guns will nevertheless help the Democratic Party achieve its goals on issues other than guns.  The value of the big tent is not that we somehow get to neutralize a majority pro-gun position by suckering some of them into joining our party that never allows pro-gun laws to pass!

    Parent

    You ask (none / 0) (#19)
    by andgarden on Wed May 20, 2009 at 04:29:35 PM EST
    Is a big tent, in your view, supposed to mean that people who disagree with the party orthodoxy on an issue are welcome to join - provided they understand that they will never ever get their way?
    My answer: yes.

    It seems obvious to me that gun control advocates will do far better with this Congress than they would with a Republican-controlled Congress.  That doesn't equate to a promise that pro-gun legislation will NEVER EVER pass, but there's going to be a lot less of it.
    This is apparently some of the most sweeping relaxation of gun laws ever. If I were a gun control advocate, I would certainly stop supporting the DCCC, for example, after this.

    The value of the big tent is not that we somehow get to neutralize a majority pro-gun position by suckering some of them into joining our party that never allows pro-gun laws to pass!
    But of course it is. The alternative is to build coalitions out of lots of little parties. That doesn't work in America. Some of the most important interest groups in the Democratic party would walk if this weren't generally true. It would be stupid not to.


    Parent
    Gun control should be the only issue. (none / 0) (#4)
    by Joe Steel on Wed May 20, 2009 at 03:32:14 PM EST
    that the guns in national parks amendment would be yanked in conference from the credit card bill. Instead, the Speaker allowed it to come up for a vote in the whole House. In the process, she split and embarrassed her caucus.

    Gun control supporters should become single-issue voters.  Let the Democrats see if they can retain their majority without us.

    Parent

    I am neither a single-issue voter (none / 0) (#12)
    by andgarden on Wed May 20, 2009 at 04:03:24 PM EST
    nor an anti-gun activist of any particular stripe. However, I think this amendment makes very bad law, and I'm shocked that even though most members of the Democratic caucus apparently agree with me, nothing was done to stop it.

    Parent
    Why is it bad law? (none / 0) (#47)
    by Wile ECoyote on Wed May 20, 2009 at 07:28:05 PM EST


    Parent
    Is hunting allowed in National Parks? (none / 0) (#22)
    by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 04:51:46 PM EST


    Parent
    There are some parks with areas (none / 0) (#25)
    by Bemused on Wed May 20, 2009 at 05:03:56 PM EST
     designated for hunting. I remember reading a couple of months ago the NPS announced a ban on lead ammo in all parks where hunting is allowed.

    Parent
    Thanks. It makes no sense to allow guns in (none / 0) (#28)
    by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 05:08:55 PM EST
    National Parks other than to hunt, imo.

    Parent
    Well, (none / 0) (#29)
    by Bemused on Wed May 20, 2009 at 05:11:52 PM EST
      I can see where backcountry hikers traveling in areas with grizzlies or moutain lions might have a legitimate case for carrying a gun for protection. I always carry pepper spray when I go to bear country but I know people who think they need a gun.

    Parent
    :) That visual is great (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by Inspector Gadget on Wed May 20, 2009 at 05:29:50 PM EST
    I'm seeing a bear standing on his/her hind legs while the wind is blowing the pepper spray into the forest well before it reaches the bear's face.

    You'd have to be mighty close to the bear to be able to get any benefit from pepper spray while under attack. And, my guess is that if you managed to get his/her eyes stinging at all you'd be in for a round of belts from a very, very angry, powerful and large animal with extremely dangerous claws.

    Parent

    bears, much like a lot of animals (none / 0) (#43)
    by of1000Kings on Wed May 20, 2009 at 06:32:33 PM EST
    are extremely sensitive to pepper spray...messes 'em all up (starting with their sense of smell)

    Parent
    You still have to get close enough (none / 0) (#50)
    by Inspector Gadget on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:23:41 PM EST
    to the bear's face to hit him with the spray...otherwise, the wind will blow it away.

    Parent
    Nope, you don't need the pepper spray or a gun (none / 0) (#51)
    by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:44:03 PM EST
    unless the bear is that close.

    Like I said, most Americans can't read animals, even their own pets. There is plenty you can do to avoid getting up close and personal with a bear etc. That's why I hope they've warned the critters about the new gun law. I have absolutely no faith this is going to work out well, especially for the animals.

    Parent

    It's more an issue (none / 0) (#55)
    by Bemused on Thu May 21, 2009 at 06:52:11 AM EST
    of the bear getting that close to you. As NY says, the first goal is to prevent that. Rule number one is always make noise when hiking in areas bears are present. Most problems are from startled bears. If bears hear you coming they usually move away. Whenever you are in an area with limited visibility speak loudly or wear bells on your pack so any animals are aware of your presence at a considerable distance.

      Never approach a wild animal you have spotted.

    Parent

    I had actually thought of that, but it's not often (none / 0) (#32)
    by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 05:25:19 PM EST
    you hear of problems where a gun could have helped. I see problems involving stupidity rising with more guns in the parks. Anyone hiking in those areas should be experienced or at least have someone experienced with them. Before we ever went off backpacking, we learned first aid, about the animals etc. Then did short to longer hikes before we went off for couple weeks.

    And because the general public understands animals so well, I hope someone warns the park critters!!

    Parent

    link on ammo ban (none / 0) (#27)
    by Bemused on Wed May 20, 2009 at 05:05:53 PM EST
    Fly Rod and Reel

    Parent
    I wonder how NRA members feel about lead (none / 0) (#30)
    by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 05:14:01 PM EST
    in their children's drinking water, or heck, toys for that matter!  :)

    Wouldn't it be easier to just stop the manufacturing of lead bullets etc?

    Parent

    I agree totally with the lead ban (none / 0) (#31)
    by Bemused on Wed May 20, 2009 at 05:17:26 PM EST
      I mostly fly fish and don't hunt, so it's not really an issue for me but there are safer metals for sinkers and bullets and the trade-off in cost/performance is a small price to pay.

    Parent
    Yeah, I don't have a problem with hunting or (none / 0) (#34)
    by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 05:30:32 PM EST
    fishing (well most hunting and fishing!), but I do have issues with lead and the environment.  Seems to me there are enough other options when it comes to hunting and fishing.

    Boy, I'm going to need to get up to speed for when I move back to CA. I'll be living up in the mountains.

    Parent

    I think (none / 0) (#36)
    by TChris on Wed May 20, 2009 at 06:01:17 PM EST
    you're not allowed to shoot at animals while your snowmobile is in motion.

    Parent
    This thread has totally taken (none / 0) (#38)
    by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 06:20:48 PM EST
    some of my fantasy joy about moving to the mountains away. My favorite part of the fantasy is my peaceful morning walks in the woods with my dog . . . and to think, I used to believe the bears would be my biggest problem, well that and the dog playbowing to all the little critters along the way.  ;)

    I had planned on avoiding hunting areas etc, but now . . .

    Parent

    Dear Senator Cornyn (none / 0) (#2)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 20, 2009 at 03:12:41 PM EST
    We the undersigned believe that the National Republican Senatorial Committee should be committed to serving ALL the members of the Republican Party.

    Additionally, the NRSC should be focused on defeating Democrats, not Republicans. Towards that end, we believe it was completely inappropriate for the NRSC to endorse a candidate in the Florida primary race.

    Therefore, we request that both you and the NRSC alter your position on the Florida Senate race, maintain neutrality, and promise to spend no money directly or indirectly in that race.

    Sincerely yours,

    John Hawkins
    Right Wing News

    Erick Erickson
    Redstate

    Ed Morrissey
    Hot Air

    Jon Henke
    The Next Right

    Eric Odom
    American Liberty Alliance

    Pamela Geller
    Atlas Shrugs

    R.S. McCain
    The Other McCain, Right Wing News, Not One Red Cent

    Dan Riehl
    Riehl World View

    Jeff Goldstein
    Protein Wisdom

    Kevin Aylward
    Wizbang!

    Lorie Byrd
    Wizbang!

    David Blount
    Moonbattery, Right Wing News

    Melissa Clouthier
    Melissa Clouthier, The Other McCain, Right Wing News

    Jeff Vreeland
    Tech Republican, President of VM Technologies and IT Chairman for the YRNF

    Matt Lewis
    Politics Daily

    Ned Ryun
    The Madison Project

    Justin Hart

    John Caldwell

    Joshua Trevino
    Co-founder of Redstate, founder of Treviño Strategies and Media.

    Chip Hanlon
    Red County

    Robert Loewen
    President of the Lincoln Club of Orange County

    Richard Wagner
    Chairman of the Lincoln Club of Orange County

    and, um, Captain Howdy of the looney left

    More drama in NH (none / 0) (#3)
    by CST on Wed May 20, 2009 at 03:26:28 PM EST
    Apparently the house of reps just voted down a bill to allow gay marriage but provide legal protections for religious groups.  John Lynch - Do the right thing!!!!!! He will be getting seriously p*ssed off phone calls if he doesn't.

    JP Morgan Chase... (none / 0) (#5)
    by kdog on Wed May 20, 2009 at 03:33:11 PM EST
    or whatever that outfit calls itself this week sucks...my employer just switched their account to Chase from Citi...and Chase jacked me for 6 bucks to cash my check, not even the crooks at Citi pulled a craven stunt like that...boss is getting an earful if and when he ever gets his arse off the golf course...I'm getting my six bucks back from somewhere!

    I spent part of the weekend (none / 0) (#6)
    by ruffian on Wed May 20, 2009 at 03:37:03 PM EST
    helping 'explain' bank fees to my 18yr old nephew who is shopping around to open his first account on his own. I think he decided to demand to be paid in cash and will stash it in his mattress.

    Parent
    A young man... (none / 0) (#9)
    by kdog on Wed May 20, 2009 at 03:46:53 PM EST
    after me own heart:)

    It's not always easy being bank account-less and credit card-less...but its a lot easier on the soul, and has its advantages...no fees for leeches...till today at least.  

    I've never heard of a bank charging a fee to cash a check drawn from their own bank...a new low.  After I get my 6 dollar a week raise minimum I'm going to the check-cashing guy...at least he/she is a small business that ain't on the dole...I'll be damned if Chase gets me from both ends.

    Parent

    You didn't find any small community (none / 0) (#10)
    by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 03:48:32 PM EST
    banks that would work? Mine just charges a 1.50 monthly maintenance fee and I get charged if I use another banks ATM, which doesn't need to happen very often for me as my bank is close by. If it wasn't for smaller community banks, I'd prob be demanding payment in case and using my mattress.

    Parent
    I use my local bank (none / 0) (#13)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 20, 2009 at 04:03:41 PM EST
    and I will never use a mega bank again.  they have been so good to me.  free checking.  no service charge.  when I call they know my first name.  it causes some problems  because I dont live near it but its worth it.  I do all my banking online anyway and I have direct deposit so most of the time I dont even notice my bank is 700 miles away.

    Parent
    They know me at my bank also (none / 0) (#18)
    by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 04:18:42 PM EST
    I don't need to show ID and never have any problems like I did when I was with the mega banks. I work for myself, so can't do direct deposit right now, but they never hold any checks over 2 days, they are open long hours so I can always get there to deposit etc. On Sat they are open until 3PM.

    I won't use a mega bank again either. It's absolutely crazy how much better the smaller banks are.

    Parent

    It sounds like a corporate card (none / 0) (#15)
    by Cream City on Wed May 20, 2009 at 04:08:00 PM EST
    which I also had to get, no choice about it, the only way to do travel expenditures.  I hate the credit card company, but it's whichever one bribes the employer sufficiently to pick it.

    I did make a fuss when my employer wanted all sorts of records about it -- the card number and more --  on paper, and sent through many channels, which would mean many hands on it in process and in files.  I pointed out that my employer, my state, was asking me to do exactly what another agency of my employer, my state AG's office, advises all in our state not to do.  So I refused.  I was warned that I would not be able to get a card and thus not be able to do travel for my job, plus lots of other heavy-handed nonsense sent to me in memos and emails.

    So I blew it wide open by sharing the concern and those memos and emails on email, and widely, with lots of other employees.  The nonsense stopped . . . but we're still stuck with the card from the company that I would not pick.  I use it as little as possible.

    Parent

    That's the thing... (none / 0) (#21)
    by kdog on Wed May 20, 2009 at 04:40:17 PM EST
    I don't want or have a bank account, my employer uses Chase for payroll...I've been cashing payroll checks at the banks of my various employers my whole adult life and never been charged a fee...till today.  

    Parent
    Credit Union (none / 0) (#24)
    by Dadler on Wed May 20, 2009 at 05:00:52 PM EST
    They may not be perfect, but for many things a good credit union is a much less stressful relationship than with a bank.

    Parent
    I must revisit the issue... (none / 0) (#41)
    by kdog on Wed May 20, 2009 at 06:29:24 PM EST
    of getting paid in cash with my boss..then I can live the dream of never stepping foot in a bank ever again...paradise:)

    Parent
    I don't think I've ever been charged either (none / 0) (#26)
    by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 05:04:05 PM EST
    I used to cash the checks at the bank they were drawn on if my (old) banks were going to hold the check so I could deposit cash.

    I do the bare minimum as far as banking goes. Cash or debit card. I don't even write checks as my bill paying is all electronic.

    Chase once "lost" 3 of my accounts and I was told they had no evidence I ever banked there. That got ugly quick on my end, lol!~ Another time they wouldn't cash a cashier's check. Said they needed to hold it overnight. That wasn't pretty either :) Yes, me and mega banks are not a good mix

    Parent

    And to think the mega-banks finally got... (none / 0) (#39)
    by kdog on Wed May 20, 2009 at 06:25:02 PM EST
    their just desserts after years of screwing people...going belly-up...only we wouldn't let it happen.  Are we hopeless or what?

    Parent
    It wouldn't have been so bad if we had (none / 0) (#45)
    by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 06:56:25 PM EST
    helped the people also, but . . . .

    I seriously despise those mega banks. One of my accounts Chase "lost" was my biz account for my gallery/shop and the others were my biz account for my regular art biz and my personal account. One wrong number wiped out all 3 and I had to jump through hoops to get them back. Nasty experience.

    Parent

    Losing accounts... (none / 0) (#59)
    by kdog on Thu May 21, 2009 at 08:36:54 AM EST
    thats crazy stray...thats probably my biggest fear about going cashless, direct deposit, bank accounts, etc...when the bank f*cks up, how do you fight them if they insist they're right?  Or how do you eat while you jump through the hoops?

    You're basically at their mercy...servitude ain't my bag.

    Parent

    Have they asked you for a thumbprint yet? (none / 0) (#54)
    by Spamlet on Thu May 21, 2009 at 01:06:51 AM EST
    That blew my mind ten years ago, when I took a check to be cashed at the bank on which it had been drawn. I refused, and just ran it through an account of my own at another bank. But I couldn't believe it. I do now, though.

    Parent
    Yes they did... (5.00 / 1) (#57)
    by kdog on Thu May 21, 2009 at 08:19:24 AM EST
    but thats nothing a smudge can't fix...just drag your finger and the print is pretty much useless.

    Besides...the man got that from me years ago, the new line is DNA.

    Parent

    Doctors Warn: Avoid Genetically Modified Food (none / 0) (#8)
    by SOS on Wed May 20, 2009 at 03:45:35 PM EST
    http://permaculture.org.au/2009/05/20/doctors-warn-avoid-genetically-modified-food/

    fun site (none / 0) (#14)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 20, 2009 at 04:06:50 PM EST
    whitehousemuseum.org

    this page has lots of great old pictures

    whitehousemuseum.org/Floor3

    Almost the entire US Senate (none / 0) (#16)
    by KeysDan on Wed May 20, 2009 at 04:10:49 PM EST
    adopted one of those good ideas of the Republicans (90 to 6). Funding prohibited to transfer, release or incarcerate detainees at Guantanamo Bay to or within the US. No $80 million from that $91,3 billion defense supplemental. Whitehouse voted for it (the Democratic senator from RI, that is), along with Durbin, Harkin, Leahy, Levin, and Reed( not the one with the "i", of course). Roland Burris voted with the majority, but indicated to the Chicago Sun Times that he thought that the federal prison at Marion, Il could safely hold these detainees. Apparently, the senator's legislative assistants referred to as Rolaids  did not explain the bill to him so well.

    the Shadow has spoken (none / 0) (#23)
    by Capt Howdy on Wed May 20, 2009 at 04:57:24 PM EST
    Why Pelosi Must Go

    Dick (Shadow) Morris that is

    New Hampshire House balks on marriage equality (none / 0) (#35)
    by dutchfox on Wed May 20, 2009 at 05:59:48 PM EST
    Bay News

    The New Hampshire Senate passed it, the governor was standing by to sign it, and many expected that approval of a final marriage equality bill in the House on May 20 would be swift and routine.

    But in a surprise turnabout, the New Hampshire House voted narrowly to defeat the measure, 186 to 188.

    When the House Speaker announced the vote in the House, the chamber erupted with sounds of both distress and applause. Supporters and opponents then launched immediate efforts to both save and kill the measure for this legislative session.
    Exhausting day (none / 0) (#48)
    by Militarytracy on Wed May 20, 2009 at 07:56:14 PM EST
    God I hate Tricare.  Some local girl that our daughter went to high school with and who did not like her, out of the blue this a.m. walked up to her and punched her in the face for "coming back to her town".  She broke my daughter's nose, actually fractured the nasal bone.  The local emergency room sent us to one physician here this morning who scheduled a surgery for tomorrow morning to reset the nasal bone and fix the cartilage damage before anything calcifies and chisels have to come out.  The physician even received an authorization for the surgery, but then the case managers at Lyster Military Clinic on Fort Rucker yanked it at 4:30 this afternoon after we spent the afternoon doing her pre-op.  She's on pain killers up the kazoo right now and can't even take care of her daughter but the doctor that they gave her the authorization for isn't a regular doctor in the Tricare prime system.  She has a new appointment with a different physician tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.  They promised me she would not be charged for the whole work up done this morning and afternoon by the other physician though.........and now we start all over again.  She can't breath, has black eyes, loaded on pain killers, and we get to suffer on for days longer because as we were told by the patient advocate this afternoon, if they go with the first doc, Humana (who underwrites our Tricare in the South) is going to eff them royally and they won't be able to get reimbursement from Humana at all on this whole deal!  Yeah, the system we have is terrific..........don't change a f*cking thing.  This is how I get to make decisions between myself and my doctor and I keep the government from killing me against my will by having to stand in line and put off needed treatment!!!!!!!

    Wow, just wow. (none / 0) (#49)
    by nycstray on Wed May 20, 2009 at 09:06:45 PM EST
    I hope your daughter gets the treatment she needs very soon. That's awful.

    Was the girl arrested? I'm a bit stunned someone would walk up clock someone in the face that hard. It's prob a good thing I'm not a parent . . .

    Take care.

    Parent

    Another aspect of the crazy situation (none / 0) (#56)
    by Militarytracy on Thu May 21, 2009 at 08:01:26 AM EST
    is addressing the assault.  The girl seems to have a history of using a lot of violence and she is also a young mother......who did this in front of her child.  We are told that if we continue with this she will likely end up with jail time for this offense.  Enterprise AL is a strange place though.  The police came to the emergency room, created the report and then we had to pick it up later (the information about the girl who hit my daughter is astonishing on that report as it has her home address and her social security number so WTF is going on there, what if someone who was assaulted had a revenge problem!), but we take it to the Magistrate on Friday before 3:00 and they will issue a warrant then.  It's all very weird to me.

    Parent
    Mid-Day Open Thread | 60 comments (60 topical)

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