Maybe the word 'union' is a little too reminiscent of the "War of Northern Aggression," but southerners antipathy to workers organizing has infected much of those states. Political campaigns and demonization by the right has been crucial in redefining what exactly is good for southern workers.
Spencer Bachus, the career politician who was charged with insider trading and who actually SAID: "Washington and regulators are there to serve the banks", and he said it AFTER the banks collapsed the world economy.
It's time to Dump Bachus.
Get rid of a career politician and Vote for Penny Bailey for 6th District House of Representatives. She's a political novice but obviously has leadership skills, having attained the rank of Colonel in the Air Force. And if you can afford it, donate a few bucks to her campaign. She is vastly overmatched by Bachus.
Well, okay there was that right-wing flare up over "Freedom fries". But lately I keep hearing Republicans talking about how Barry is trying to turn the U.S. into a "European country". WTF? I don't think anybody in Europe has had to declare bankruptcy because of hospital & doctor bills. Nor do people in Europe suffer, or die, because they know they can't afford to go to the hospital. Gun deaths? Much lower in Europe. Fuel economy? Much higher. Fighting never-ending wars? Not Europe. Northern Europeans are 10% more likely to graduate from high school than Americans and lead America in math and science. Europeans have a generally lower rate of adolescent STDs. Divorce rates are lower in Europe. Culture? The Louvre, the Berlin Philharmonic, Shakespeare, and let's not forget the Beatles.
The French navy saved our ass during the Revolution. European allies (with some arm-twising) became meaningful members in Shrub's "coalition of the willing".
We sure as hell though Europe was worth saving in WWII.
So why the do the Republicans seem to have a wild hair about "Europe"?
From Public Citizen:
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Rep. Spencer Bachus (R-Ala.), the Wall Street crony who leads the House committee in charge of banking policy, has launched a campaign to derail the Volcker Rule, one of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform law’s most significant protections designed to keep Wall Street’s recklessness from damaging the broader economy.
Bachus has said that he believes “Washington and the regulators are there to serve the banks,” and his new campaign shows it.
Echoing the Volcker Rule’s critics on Wall Street, Bachus has called the rule “burdensome,” and is soliciting comments for an “alternative” that is easier on the Big Banks.
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The Alabama Educational Television Commission (AETC) met to vote on replacements for Executive Director Allan Pizzato (fired, and now suing the AETC) and for COO Charles Grantham (who's turned in a letter of resignation).
Interesting, too, that ATEC Chairman Ferris Stephens sees no problem with political appointments to AETC. It's "majority rule", dontchaknow.
Read about it here
And if you haven't read it, this letter from Wendy Reed to Governor Bentley is a must-read.
When I think about the difference between liberals and conservatives (the current breed of "conservatives"), I think of empathy and compassion.
It seems to me that conservatives have less empathy and compassion.
Today I've come to believe my granddaughter is going to be a Liberal.
At 9 years of age, she and a friend have started a dog-walking business. She told me they have earned, and saved in a jar, $64.32.
They're going to donate the entire amount (and all future earnings) to an animal shelter.
I'm proud of her.
Are you as tired as I am of voting for "least worst", election after election?
It's the result of our corrupt two-party system which is run by party hacks, financed by corporate interests, and operates using the buddy system.
I've long believed that we need viable third parties -- it offers more choices and promotes real debate, not just soundbites.
I've decided to back Jill Stein for President. She's running on the Green Party ticket. Read her biography -- it's impressive. And read the Green Party platform -- if you're a liberal, it should appeal to you. I didn't know this until recently: The Green Party accepts no corporate money.
When you mention voting for a third party candidate, you often hear people say, "Nader cost Gore the election in 2000". That's a myth: It's false, but the political hacks love to use it to scare people into voting for their candidate. Moreover, think of this: Shouldn't you vote FOR the candidate who represents your interests, rather than voting for "least worst"?
The only way to break the stranglehold the two major parties have on this country is to let them know you're not happy with them, and voting for a third-party candidate will do just that.
Don't waste your vote by voting for "least worst" this fall, vote for the best candidate. I happen to believe that candidate is Jill Stein.
Oh, and BTW, we're trying to reinvigorate the Alabama Green Party, and we can sure use some help getting signatures on petitions to allow Jill Stein on the Alabama ballot this fall. Please visit AlabamaGreens.org