Only 22% of Americans Want To Be Known As Republicans

It's a pretty sad reality, but the Reds are in a downward slope and it seems the only way they can win any elections is by redistricting, and even then, public support is waning.  Trust me, and you can look back on this blog four years from now and tell me I was wrong - I won't take offense.

The Republican party will never win a national election without the people they hate most - Latinos and Gays.  Period.  And aside from that, Asians were the fastest growing racial group in 2012, bet you didn't know that either.  So we can only imagine how much more diverse this country is going to be in 10 years. Hell, 4 years - who am I kidding?

According to USA today, "President Obama starts his second term with a clear upper hand over GOP leaders on issues from guns to immigration that are likely to dominate the year, a USA TODAY/Pew Research Center Poll finds. On the legislation rated most urgent — cutting the budget deficit — even a majority of Republican voters endorse Obama's approach of seeking tax hikes as well as spending cuts."

And here's the real kicker... Only 22% of Americans want to be known as Republicans.  Pretty sad huh?  You can read the article here.

I have friends who are Republicans, but they are more fiscally conservative individuals, and I understand that.  I respect them.  But for those who tell us how we should live, who we can love and who we can marry.  That is none of their f--ing business.

I will be shocked if I ever see a Republican president for the remainder of my life.  They would need to drastically change for that to happen.  And throwing Marco Rubio and Susana Martinez in our faces is not going to make it happen.

Congress vs. Planned Parenthood

WTF Has Obama Done? - Issue No. 022 - Commerce, Trade & Technology

I remember reading, not even a month or two ago about President Obama asking congress for more power to streamline and reorganize the federal government.  He asked to be able to combine several agencies into one that would primarily deal with commerce and trade, including the Small Business Administration.  We'll see what happens, because you know how the REDs are only about making Obama a one-term president - that is their number one goal according to Mitch McConnell.  I ended up finding an article on the President's plan, you can read it here.

But long before he asked congress for help on his new, bold plan, he's been working on his achievements and promises.  We are going to look at three WTFs today, one concerning a broad policy, one in regard to funding and a targeted action - all having to do with technology, commerce and trade. 

WTF-64

Promoted internet freedom as part of U.S. foreign policy.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in early 2010 urged China to investigate cyber intrusions that led Google to threaten to pull out of that country – and challenged Beijing to openly publish its findings.

"Countries that restrict free access to information or violate the basic rights of Internet users risk walling themselves off from the progress of the next century," she said. Clinton said the U.S. and China "have different views on this issue, and we intend to address those differences candidly and consistently" as part of a cooperative relationship. [Read More]

***

In early 2010, Larry Downes over at c/net wrote an article showing how clear the White House was in developing an ambitious new plan to support information technology that previous administrations simply didn't have. The emerging emphasis on IT could lead to very positive developments, particularly for Internet companies and users.

There's no doubt that the plan will make universal broadband access for all Americans a national priority. Universal access will be defined as affordable, high-speed Internet availability throughout the United States and will rely on a combination of fiber, cable, satellite, copper, and high-speed wireless. (I heard no mention of broadband over power lines, a technology that has shown promise but has so far been held back by regulatory inertia.) Set-top box technologies that will make televisions act more like computers are also critical, particularly to lower-income Americans.

The administration believes that an aggressive rollout of higher speeds and full coverage will translate to faster economic recovery and increased competitiveness for U.S. businesses. Although broadband Internet access is currently available in 90 percent of the United States and installed in roughly 73 million homes, as a percentage of population, the U.S. currently ranks eighth in overall broadband penetration. [Read More-1, Read More-2]

WTF-65

Expanded loan programs for small businesses.

"the Small Business Administration's loan and micro-loan programs which provide start-up and long-term financing that small firms cannot receive through normal channels." were President Obama's words and promise during his campaign in 2008.

President Obama gave small business some love when he announced he was expanding programs for the Small Business Administration on March 16, 2009.

"Our recovery in the present and our prosperity in the future depend upon the success of America's small businesses and entrepreneurs," he said.

The Obama administration announced it was increasing the amount it would guarantee to private lenders making loans under Small Business Administration (SBA) programs. Previously, the federal government would guarantee 85 percent for loans at or below $150,000 and up to 75 percent for larger loans. Under the new program, the government will guarantee up to 90 percent of all loans for a limited time.

Obama promised he would expand Small Business Administration loan programs. The SBA does not lend money directly, so these moves have the effect of expanding the program by increasing incentives for private lenders. These efforts are temporary, but Obama specifically said he would be outlining further steps on behalf of small businesses in the weeks and months ahead. For now, the Obameter moves to Promise Kept. [Read More]

WTF-66

Small Business Act.

On Sept. 27, 2010, President Obama signed into law the Small Business Jobs Act, the most significant piece of small business legislation in over a decade. The new law is providing critical resources to help small businesses continue to drive economic recovery and create jobs. The new law extended the successful SBA enhanced loan provisions while offering billions more in lending support, tax cuts, and other opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners. [Read More]

• New Law Puts More Capital in the Hands of Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners

SBA Enhanced Loan Provisions – more than $12 billion in lending support
Higher Loan Limits – increased maximum loan sizes in top loan programs
Alternate Size Standards – more small businesses eligible to get SBA loans
Temporarily Allow for Commercial Real Estate Refinancing
Dealer Floor Plan (DFP) Pilot Program
Small Business “Intermediary” Lending Pilot

• New Law Strengthens Small Businesses’ Ability to Compete for and Win Contracts, Including Implementing Recommendations from the President’s Task Force on Federal Contracting Opportunities for Small Business

Equal Treatment across Federal Contracting Programs
More Opportunities for Small Businesses
Combating Fraud, Waste and Abuse

• New Law Promotes Small Business Exporting, Building on the President’s National Export Initiative

• Law Expands Training and Counseling

• New Law Provides $12 Billion in Tax Relief to Help Small Businesses Invest in their Firms, Create Jobs

• Treasury Department Provisions

I would like to list everything under each category, but there comes a time when even a blog gets too large. LOL. But make sure to click on the "Read More" links to read more on WTF-66.

I promise to come back to this topic in another issue, until then, please feel free to read my previous issues by clicking here.

Make sure to read the next issue
Issue No. 023 -Government Efficiency

WTF Has Obama Done is an ongoing series posted daily or weekly on BLADE 7184 until Election Day, 2012!

Gabby, It Does Get Better - You Will Get Better

On Sunday afternoon, Gabrielle Giffords released a video statement to her constituents, Congress and to America.  I have finally come around to blogging about it today.

To think that a year ago this week, this lovely woman was shot down in front of hundreds of people, along with the killing of innocent bystanders and supporters of her campaign.  And to know she managed to survive a gunshot to the head is a miracle in itself.

Our city of Houston played a major role in her recovery, and continues to play a part in her rehabilitation.  We've watched her recover month after month, releasing pictures in June and attending a joint session of congress in the fall.  But it's this video that will make your heart melt.  In it she says, "I don't remember much from that horrible day, but I will never forget the trust you placed in me to be your voice," Giffords said. "I will return, and we will work together for Arizona and this great country."

Congresswoman Giffords resigned yesterday afternoon.

Watch Republicans Literally Walk Out on Democrats Yesterday - Lovely

Astounding, simply astounding.  And this is how Republicans address your $1,000 dollars being taken out of your paycheck next year.  

So let's see if you got a $1,000 raise this year, you're not going to see it in 2012. You're not!  And if you received a $1,000 Christmas bonus this year, save it. You'll need it next year.  

In other words, if you receive a bi-weekly check, your check will be $40-60 less than what you originally were receiving.  Trust me, you'll feel it.  Actually 160 million Americans will feel it.  Watch as the GOP speaker pro-tem, walks out as Democrats are pushing for a vote on the Payroll Tax-cut before it expires this month.

Yesterday morning, Speaker Pro Tempore Michael Fitzpatrick (R-PA), under orders from Speaker Boehner, refused to allow Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer to speak on the floor and ask for unanimous consent to bring up the Senate bipartisan compromise to extend the payroll tax cut. Whip Hoyer and Congressman Chris Van Hollen are continuing to try to offer the Senate compromise even though Republicans walked off the floor. Once again, Republicans are risking a tax increase on 160 million Americans and the loss unemployment benefits for those who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

Isn't This The Truth? Percentage of Millionaires

So sad, but honestly true!

Who Would You Rather Have? Someone Who Compromises To Get Things Done or Someone Who Sticks To Their Principles?

Was there ever really any question?  Look at the chart below, it's plain and simple folks!  No, I mean really look at it!

Republicans have their heads so far up their asses, that our nation will ultimately fall.  If they don't start compromising on the issues we value most, you can mark my words, we will be a 3rd world country in a matter of time. We may not be around to witness it, but our children and grandchildren will.  

To see the rise of the greatest nation on earth, and see it fall in the span of only 500 years, is not something I'd like to witness.  But if America keeps electing these idiots, then you'll see it, I can almost guarantee it.

If our future is in the hands of the "Calen" generation, then we (gay or straight) may have a chance.

Your Representatives Know How To Party

They can't manage to come together on a solution to repair our country's financial woes, but hey at least they know how to party.  A staffer who is probably wishing they hadn't done the unthinkable, sent out a photo of republican congressman Sam Graves' office last Friday night.  When the country was on the verge of budget collapse, Mr. Graves took it upon himself to have a few drinks, more than likely thinking of ways to stick it to the Democrats.  

Okay, okay, I'm sure all of our representatives were partying it up.

Post Secret Fridays - Issue 051

PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard.

 

-----email-----
smart, beautiful, strong, you're not supposed to stay


-----tweet-----
The comment is implying someone who stays is stupid, ugly and weak. It's victim-blaming. And it's disgusting.

 

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