“If you can’t love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else?” - RuPaul - - - - - - - - - - - “if by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people -- their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties -- someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal.” - John F. Kennedy - - - - - - - - - - - - “Imagine finding someone you love more than anything in the world, who you would risk your life for but couldn’t marry. And you couldn’t have that special day the way your friends do – you know, wear the ring on your finger and have it mean the same thing as everybody else. Just put yourself in that person’s shoes. It makes me feel sick to my stomach …. When I shared a picture of my tattoo on my Twitter page and said, ‘ALL LOVE is equal,’ a lot of people mocked me – they said, ‘What happened to you? You used to be a Christian girl!’ And I said, ‘Well, if you were a true Christian, you would have your facts straight. Christianity is about love.’ The debate resulted in a lot of threats and hate mail to people who agreed and disagreed with me. At one point I had to say, ‘Dude, everyone lay off.’ Can’t people have friendly debates about sensitive topics without it turning into unnecessary threats?” - Pop star Miley Cyrus on her marriage equality tattoo - - - - - - - - - - -
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Showing posts with label Ron Paul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ron Paul. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The Venn of Ron Paul and Other Mysteries of Libertarianism Explained

Article courtesy of Mother Jones

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Ron Paul's Drag Race Joins Twitter

You think I'm kidding, I'm not.  You gotta love The Advocate for giving us political satire at it's best!  Dressed in RuPaul's motorcycle garb, Ron Paul is ready for the race of his life.
@RonPaulDragRace, a new satirical Twitter account, pokes fun at current events and brings the seemingly opposing realms of politics and drag queens into one hysterical feed. See some of our favorite tweets, after the jump!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Why Does The Military Love Ron Paul?

Think most military service members are donating to Mitt Romney, New Gingrich, and Rick Santorum?  Think again, they're giving their money to Ron Paul.  And why, you ask?  I imagine service members are tired of fighting endless wars.  Or maybe it has something to do with coming back home to no jobs?  Democrats say cut defense spending, Republicans scream back, "you're a terrorist".  Seriously?
The 2012 presidential race tells a different story: The lion's share of political contributions by servicemembers and defense industry workers is going to anti-war, "soft on Israel," also-ran candidate Ron Paul. In fact, the battle for their dollars isn't even close: Paul has raised at least $282,868 from individual active-duty servicemembers and Pentagon employees—more than four times what the other three Republican presidential candidates have raised, combined. (President Obama has fared slightly better, drawing $123,644 from that group, but still less than half of Paul's total. Full Story Here.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Bailouts By Mitt Romney

“I don’t want to bail out Wall Street banks.” - Mitt Romney, during last night’s Republican primary debate. [Photo: Daily Kos]

Ryan and I watched our 20th Republican debate last night and it was another laugh-fest for both of us. I think we spent more time rolling our eyes than we did watching the damn thing.  And here's what we've learned from watching all these debates...  Rick Santorum is the most evil, Mitt Romney is the most fake, Newt Gingrich is the most embarassing, and Ron Paul, well... what can I say?  He reminds me so much of Ross Perot, He's not crazy, as in mentally ill crazy. He's obviously sane. Sometimes, he's brilliant. Sometimes, he's batshit stupid. No in-between. Net net though, he's a 0. He won't win, he'll get a few people talking about some otherwise ignored issues, but nothing will change.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Voting For Ron Paul? That Would Be Harmful To Humanity and The Earth!

I've seen the prediction video, I've seen hundreds of videos, I've seen documents, I've seen news reports, and I'm still 100% convinced... this man could never lead our country.  It would be an environmental and economic disaster!
For additional reasons on why should NOT waste your vote for Ron Paul, go to Facebook Page: Ron Paul Equals MORE Corporate Power http://on.fb.me/NoRonPaul

And if you haven't read my January 4, 2012 blog on the 10 Reasons Not To Vote For Ron Paul.

Monday, January 30, 2012

WTF Has Obama Done? - Issue No. 002 - Health Care Reform

Yesterday we looked at funding and targeted actions involving Civil Rights issues the President achieved over the last 3 years.  We will be going back to that in the future, but today we will focus on Health Care Reform.


As you are aware, not many republicans are happy with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act / Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, but unbeknownst to many of  you, it has actually helped save hundreds of lives already.  Patients with cancer or other pre-existing conditions are now being seen, when they were never given the opportunity to begin with.  Hell, Ron Paul is telling us we need to find a local church that can offer us healthcare assistance. As if churches could give every American money.  If that was the case we would all be going to church on Sundays.

We will go back to "Obamacare," as Republicans like to call it, at a later time.  For now let's focus on WTF-4...

WTF-4 
Requiring large employers to contribute to a national health plan. - During the campaign, President Barack Obama said that large employers would have to offer their workers health insurance or contribute toward the costs of a national plan. This type of requirement is usually called an employer mandate.

But the final version of the health care law requires a contribution from employers, but it's not a straightforward mandate. Instead, the law states that large employers have to pay fines if any of their workers qualify for public subsidies. [Reference]

WTF-5  
Requiring insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions. - Requiring insurance companies to accept people with pre-existing conditions is one of the cornerstones of the health care reform bill passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010.

The issue is addressed in Section 2704 of the bill, which states very clearly, "A group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage may not impose any pre-existing condition exclusion with respect to such plan."

And Section 2705 spells the prohibition out in even more detail:

"A group health plan and a health insurance issuer offering group or individual health insurance coverage may not establish rules for eligibility (including continued eligibility) of any individual to enroll under the terms of the plan or coverage based on any of the following health status-related factors in relation to the individual or a dependent of the individual: health status; medical condition (including both physical and mental illnesses); claims experience; receipt of health care; medical history; genetic information; evidence of insurability (including conditions arising out of acts of domestic violence); disability; any other health status-related factor determined appropriate by the Secretary." [Reference 1, Reference 2]

WTF-6  
Requiring health plans to disclose how much of the premium goes to patient care. - Under section 2718, health insurance providers are required to report how much they spend on payments for clinical coverage, activities that improve health care quality, and "all other non-claims costs." The provider must also include an explanation of the nature of these costs. The law mandates that the information be available on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

Starting in 2011, companies that provide insurance for the small group and individual market must issue rebates if they do not spend at least 80 percent of the premium revenue on medical care. For the large group market, the threshold is 85 percent. The rebate amount is based on the premium revenue and by how much the provider falls short of the prescribed thresholds.

We wanted to point out this additional proof that President Obama kept his promise. The rating remains unchanged. [Reference]

Please make sure to read Issue No. 002 tomorrow as I continue with  
WTF-7

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

19 Debates - 4 Republicans Left

By this Thursday, there will have been an unprecedented 19 Republican debates with a probable 10 more scheduled before they pick a bozo as their nominee.  I mean, you can call us geeks, but Ryan and I watch these hypocrites debate each other twice a week instead of sitting down watching American Idol.  I pop some popcorn, grab a sour pickle, and pour me some soda before it all starts.  It's comedy at it's best!

Actually it's must-see TV.  This is the first time in American History where so many Americans have tuned in to watch the debates, almost 5-6 million a night.  Hence, the reason they continue having them.  The typography snapshot above, courtesy of "I Love Charts" gives you an idea of what's been brought up during the debates.  As always, I will keep you posted on the current political climate. :-)

Monday, January 9, 2012

A Convicted Prisoner Would Be Better Than Gay Parents

Oh, you gotta love our Republican candidates as they continue on their crusade to overturn everything our current President has done.
Ryan and I watched the debates on Saturday and Sunday, and I'd have to say they were the best ones yet.  I know what you're thinking - we're dorks, but who else would keep you informed of the current political news? LOL.  

In either case, we watch them because it's like comedy hour.  They literally make us laugh.  Rick Perry was applauded for finally stating the three government programs he would cut, and then went off on why we should go back into Iraq.  We should go in there "literally at the speed of light," he said.  I think he meant to say "figuratively".  Jesus Christ, somebody help him please.

These are the kind of people who applauded the death of a man for not having health insurance, booed a gay man who served several tours of duty in Iraq, and who would rather have a man in prison take care of your children instead of Ryan or myself.

According to the LA Times, citing the work of one anti-poverty expert, Santorum said, "He found that even fathers in jail who had abandoned their kids were still better than no father at all to have in their children's lives."

Allowing gays to marry and raise children, Santorum said, amounts to "robbing children of something they need, they deserve, they have a right to. You may rationalize that that isn't true, but in your own life and in your own heart, you know it's true."

David (my previous partner) and I raised two little girls together and to this day, they have been raised by a wonderful Mother who loves them, and Gay Parents (David and his current partner) who have helped nourish them in their teen years.  I was their soccer coach when they were 4-1/2 through 11 years old, and I'd have to say they have grown into two upstanding young ladies. 17 and 16 now, they're honor students, play in concerts, sports, etc. and continue to excel in everything they set their heart and mind to do.  I love them and always will.  I will forever be their "Papa Pete".

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

10 Reasons Not To Vote For Ron Paul

He may have come in third place in Iowa last night, but terrifyingly enough, many liberals or Democrats are listening to this nut.  Granted, he's a Libertarian calling himself a Republican only to win the nomination, addictinginfo.org posted an article that I absolutely fell in love with.

The reason I like the article so much, is because the website provides the links on the resolutions Dr. Paul supports. I'm sure this is just in case you don't believe what he wrote.  Do the research yourself and make your own judgement.

As anyone with a blog, YouTube account, MySpace page, or web site knows Ron Paul supporters are everywhere! The internet is filled with them. The frightening thing that I have witnessed is that many liberal voters are giving some credence to Ron Paul’s campaign and message. He somehow comes across as different or better than the run of the mill conservatives filling the Republican ticket.

I do not support Ron Paul in ANYTHING and I find his Congressional record and policies to be, at times, even scarier than his counterparts. The only thing that I have found to agree with him on is the fact that he does not support the war in Iraq. After extensive research I have compiled a list of 10 reasons NOT to vote for Ron Paul!


1. Ron Paul does not value equal rights for minorities. 
Ron Paul has sponsored legislation that would repeal affirmative action, keep the IRS from investigating private schools who may have used race as a factor in denying entrance, thus losing their tax exempt status, would limit the scope of Brown versus Board of Education, and would deny citizenship for those born in the US if their parents are not citizens. Here are links to these bills: H.R.3863, H.R.5909, H.J.RES.46, and H.J.RES.42.

2. Ron Paul would deny women control of their bodies and reproductive rights. 
Ron Paul makes it very clear that one of his aims is to repeal Roe v. Wade. He has also co sponsored 4 separate bills to “To provide that human life shall be deemed to exist from conception.” This, of course, goes against current medical and scientific information as well as our existing laws and precedents. Please see these links: H.R.2597 and H.R.392

3. Ron Paul would be disastrous for the working class. 
He supports abolishing the Federal minimum wage, has twice introduced legislation to repeal OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Act and would deal devastating blows to Social Security including repealing the act that makes it mandatory for employees of nonprofits, to make “coverage completely optional for both present and future workers”, and would “freeze benefit levels”. He has also twice sponsored legislation seeking to repeal the Davis-Bacon Act and the Copeland Act which among other things provide that contractors for the federal government must provide the prevailing wage and prohibits corporate “kick backs.” Here are the related legislative links: H.R.2030, H.R.4604, H.R.736, and H.R.2720

4. Ron Paul’s tax plan is unfair to lower earners and would greatly benefit those with the highest incomes. 
He has repeatedly submitted amendments to the tax code that would get rid of the estate and gift taxes, tax all earners at 10%, disallow income tax credits to individuals who are not corporations, repeal the elderly tax credit, child care credit, earned income credit, and other common credits for working class citizens. Please see this link for more information: H.R.05484 Summary

5. Ron Paul’s policies would cause irreparable damage to our already strained environment. 
Among other travesties he supports off shore drilling, building more oil refineries, mining on federal lands, no taxes on the production of fuel, and would stop conservation efforts that could be a “Federal obstacle” to building and maintaining refineries. He has also sought to amend the Clean Air Act, repeal the Soil and Water Conservation Act of 1977, and to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to “restrict the jurisdiction of the United States over the discharge of dredged or fill material to discharges into waters”. To see for yourself the possible extent of the damage to the environment that would happen under a Paul administration please follow these links: H.R.2504, H.R.7079, H.R.7245, H.R.2415, H.R.393, H.R.4639, H.R.5293, and H.R.6936

6. A Ron Paul administration would continue to proliferate the negative image of the US among other nations. 
Ron Paul supports withdrawing the US from the UN, when that has not happened he has fought to at least have the US withdrawn from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. He has introduced legislation to keep the US from giving any funds to the UN. He also submitted that the US funds should not be used in any UN peacekeeping mission or any UN program at all. He has sponsored a bill calling for us to “terminate all participation by the United States in the United Nations, and to remove all privileges, exemptions, and immunities of the United Nations.”Ron Paul twice supported stopping the destruction of intercontinental ballistic missile silos in the United States. He also would continue with Bush’s plan of ignoring international laws by maintaining an insistence that the International Criminal Court does not apply to the US, despite President Clinton’s signature on the original treaty. The International Criminal Court is used for, among other things, prosecution of war crimes. Please see the following links: H.R.3891, H.AMDT.191, H.AMDT.190, H.R.3769, H.R.1665, H.CON.RES.23, and H.R.1154

7. Ron Paul discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation and would not provide equal rights and protections to glbt citizens. This is an issue that Paul sort of dances around. He has been praised for stating that the federal government should not regulate who a person marries. This has been construed by some to mean that he is somewhat open to the idea of same sex marriage, he is not. Paul was an original co sponsor of the Marriage Protection Act in the House in 2004. Among other things this discriminatory piece of legislation placed a prohibition on the recognition of a same sex marriage across state borders. He said in 2004 that if he was in the Texas legislature he would not allow judges to come up with “new definitions” of marriage. Paul is a very religious conservative and though he is careful with his words his record shows that he is not a supporter of same sex marriage. In 1980 he introduced a particularly bigoted bill entitled “A bill to strengthen the American family and promote the virtues of family life.” or H.R.7955 A direct quote from the legislation “Prohibits the expenditure of Federal funds to any organization which presents male or female homosexuality as an acceptable alternative life style or which suggest that it can be an acceptable life style.” shows that he is unequivocally opposed to lifestyles other than heterosexual.

8. Ron Paul has an unnatural obsession with guns.
One of Paul’s loudest gripes is that the second amendment of the constitution is being eroded. In fact, he believes that September 11 would not have happened if that wasn’t true. He advocates for there to be no restrictions on personal ownership of semi-automatic weaponry or large capacity ammunition feeding devices, would repeal the Gun-Free School Zones Act (because we all know our schools are just missing more guns), wants guns to be allowed in our National Parks, and repeal the Gun Control Act of 1968. Now, I’m pretty damn certain that when the Constitution was written our founding fathers never intended for people to be walking around the streets with AK47′s and “large capacity ammunition feeding devices.” (That just sounds scary.) Throughout the years our Constitution has been amended and is indeed a living document needing changes to stay relevant in our society. Paul has no problem changing the Constitution when it fits his needs, such as no longer allowing those born in the US to be citizens if their parents are not. On the gun issue though he is no holds barred. I know he’s from Texas but really, common sense tells us that the amendments he is seeking to repeal have their place. In fact, the gun control act was put into place after the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert Kennedy. Please view the following links: H.R.2424, H.R.1897, H.R.1096, H.R.407, H.R.1147, and H.R.3892.

9. Ron Paul would butcher our already sad educational system. 
The fact is that Ron Paul wants to privatize everything and that includes education. Where we run into problems is that it has been shown (think our current health care system) that this doesn’t work so well in practice. Ron Paul has introduced legislation that would keep the Federal Government “from planning, developing, implementing, or administering any national teacher test or method of certification and from withholding funds from States or local educational agencies that fail to adopt a specific method of teacher certification.” In a separate piece of legislation he seeks to “prohibit the payment of Federal Education assistance in States which require the licensing or certification of private schools or private school teachers.” So basically the federal government can’t regulate teaching credentials and if states opt to require them for private schools they get no aid. That sounds like a marvelous idea teachers with no certification teaching in private schools that are allowed to discriminate on the basis of race. He is certainly moving forward with these proposals!Remember his “bill to strengthen the American family and promote the virtues of family life.” or H.R.7955? Guess what? He basically advocates for segregation in schools once again. It “Forbids any court of the United States from requiring the attendance at a particular school of any student because of race, color, creed, or sex.” Without thinking about this statement it doesn’t sound bad at all. But remember, when desegregating schools that this is done by having children go to different schools, often after a court decision as in Brown Vs. Board of Education. If this were a bill that passed, schools would no longer be compelled to comply and the schools would go back to segregation based on their locations. Ron Paul is really starting to look like a pretty bigoted guy don’t you think?

10. Ron Paul is opposed to the separation of church and state. 
This reason is probably behind every other thing that I disagree with in regards to Paul’s positions. Ron Paul is among those who believes that there is a war on religion, he stated “Through perverse court decisions and years of cultural indoctrination, the elitist, secular Left has managed to convince many in our nation that religion must be driven from public view.” (( Koyaanisqatsi Blog: Wrong Paul Why I Do Not Want Ron Paul to be My President )) Though he talks a good talk, at times, Ron Paul can’t get away from his far right, conservative views. He would support “alternative views” to evolution taught in public schools (i.e. Intelligent Design.) We’ve already taken a look at his “bill to strengthen the American family and promote the virtues of family life.” or H.R.7955Besides hating the gays he takes a very religious stance on many other things. He is attempting to force his beliefs on the rest of America, exactly what he would do as president.
So there you have it, my 10 reasons not to vote for Ron Paul. Please take the time to thoroughly review the records of the people running for office so you know where they really stand. Ron Paul has good rhetoric and he opposes the war but he’s not a good man in the human rights sense of the phrase. He is pretty much like every other Republican but more insidious. Here is a video that you should watch after reading this article. Really listen to what he says and how he says it. Watch out for the sneaky ones and RESEARCH! ((Orcinus: Ron Paul’s Record in Congress ))

Now that being said, please, if you’re a Ron Paul lover take a minute to re-read these 10 reasons NOT to vote for Ronnie Paul and ask yourself if you would still support him.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Pumpkin Republicans

Oh c'mon, you've got to have a little fun now and then. Just a little political humor since we're done with Halloween.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

I have organized my blogs with 3 days worth of postings, so if you wish to continue reading the days before that, and so forth and so forth, you can click the "Older Posts" button /\ /\ /\ right /\ up there.

There are 3 other ways you can find interesting topics to read as well.

*Clicking on any of the links under my "Favorite Categories" section on the left hand side of your screen

*Using the Google Search bar under the scrolling text.

*By choosing a date from the drop down list on the right hand side of your screen.


Hope you enjoy my daily posts, and hope to hear from you soon.

- Blade 7184 aka Peter