Posted by Len on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 8:31 pm CT in Lifestyle,Politics
The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Bill, which House Republican Leader John Boehner objected to because one’s sexual orientation, unlike one’s religion, is easily changed, has passed the Senate and is one its way to President Obama’s desk for his signature…
WASHINGTON — The Senate voted Thursday to extend new federal protections to people who are victims of violent crime because of their sex or sexual orientation, bringing the measure close to reality after years of fierce debate.
The 68-to-29 vote sends the legislation to President Obama, who has said he supports it.
The measure, attached to an essential military-spending bill, broadens the definition of federal hate crimes to include those committed because of a victim’s gender or gender identity, or sexual orientation. It gives victims the same federal safeguards already afforded to people who are victims of violent crimes because of their race, color, religion or national origin.
As you are no doubt aware, Sarah Palin’s “book” is scheduled for release on November 17th. For those who may be looking to spend your hard-earned money on a real gift this holiday season, you should know that alternatives are available:
Click on the image(s) to place your order(s). Happy Holidays!
(This is not a paid advertisement. The owner of this blog receives no compensation from the sales of either book linked to in this post. None. Whatsoever.) (Though it should probably be noted that he is willing to negotiate.)
NEW YORK — The Obama administration plans to order companies that have received exceptionally large amounts of bailout money from the government to slash compensation for their highest-paid executives by about half on average, according to people familiar with the long-awaited decision.
The cuts will affect 25 of the most highly paid executives at each of five major financial companies and two automakers, according to the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the plan has not been made public. Cash salaries will be cut by about 90 percent compared with last year, they said.
The administration will also curtail many corporate perks, including the use of corporate jets for personal travel, chauffeured drivers and country club fee reimbursement, people familiar with the matter have said. Individual perks worth more than $25,000 have received particular scrutiny.
The compensation of these people should not even be an issue. They should be looking for new jobs.
Many on the right are screaming that these pay cuts are wrong because these highly paid executives will now seek “greener fields,” leaving these companies without their leadership. That’s actually laughable. If there were any greener fields available to these idiots, they would already be grazing in them.
P.S. Does this mean I have to trade my Bentley in for a Mercedes?
Posted by Len on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 8:02 pm CT in Politics,Republicans
Sarah Palin’s book has not even been released yet and already it’s hit the bargain basement…
Sure hope you didn’t pay full price!
(At this price, I may even be tempted to buy a copy or two. They’ll make great gag gifts during the holidays. Plus, it will be fun to watch our Republican friends brag about how Sarah is on the best selling list.)
Update (via feefifoto in comments): Walmart has the book for $8.99. (FYI: Same price at Target.)
How low will it go? Please let us know if you see it for less. Thanks.
Posted by Len on Monday, October 19th, 2009 at 7:34 pm CT in Lifestyle,Politics
I am sure that by now you have heard about Keith Bardwell, the Louisiana justice of the peace who refused to perform a marriage ceremony for an interracial (black/white) couple. He was interviewed on CBS’ Early Show this morning. He still does not believe he broke any law…
Fifty years ago, this man would likely have been heralded as a hero in most of this country. I have to wonder if, fifty years from now, we will feel the same about someone who refuses to marry a gay or lesbian couple.
P.S. I was somewhat taken aback to learn that the governor of Louisiana is not aware that justices of the peace in his state are elected, not licensed. I can almost forgive the national media for not being aware of or researching that fact, but the governor of the state? It seems that at least he would be a bit more knowledgeable about how government functions in his state.
UPDATE: The couple Mr. Bardwell refused to marry is now suing him, claiming “mental anguish and emotional distress.” They want money. (They may have just hit the jackpot on this one.)
WASHINGTON – The unprecedented number of death threats against President Obama, a rise in racist hate groups, and a new wave of anti-government fervor threaten to overwhelm the US Secret Service, according to government officials and reports, raising new questions about the 144-year-old agency’s overall mission.
The Secret Service is tracking a far broader range of possible threats to the nation’s leaders, the officials said, even as it also investigates financial crimes such as counterfeiting as part of its original mandate.
The new demands are leading some officials, both inside and outside the agency, to raise the possibility of the service curtailing or dropping its role in fighting financial crime to focus more on protecting leaders and their families from assassination attempts and thwarting terrorist plots aimed at high-profile events.
Three days after the world watched a giant balloon fly through the air and a tearful family express fears that their 6-year-old boy could be inside, authorities announced what millions already suspected: The whole thing was staged.
It was carried out by a couple who met “in acting school in Hollywood” and “put on a very good show for us,” Sheriff Jim Alderden of Larimer County said Sunday. Authorities know there was “a conspiracy” between Richard and Mayumi Heene, he said…
Charges have not been filed, but authorities expect to recommend felony charges including conspiracy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and attempting to influence a public servant, Alderden said. They also plan to recommend a charge of filing a false police report, which is a misdemeanor.
Millions already suspected? I think CNN is being just a tad bit generous there. Perhaps they are just trying to save face for themselves considering the hours of airtime they (and all the other news networks) devoted to “The Heene Show.”
I read one estimate that this whole fiasco cost the taxpayers upwards of $2 million, what with all the law enforcement, jets, helicopters, closing of the Denver airport, etc. The Heenes should at least be liable for paying for their little stunt.
P.S. This also reinforces my contention that people should be required to pass an IQ test before they are allowed to have children.
Posted by Len on Saturday, October 17th, 2009 at 10:19 am CT in Politics
From the White House weblog:
In his weekly address, President Barack Obama praised the progress that has been made on health insurance reform, and spoke out against those who defend the status quo in order to score political points and protect their profits. With reform the closest it has ever been to becoming law, the insurance companies are rolling out deceptive ads, paying for misleading studies, and flooding Capitol Hill with lobbyists. Now, Washington needs to serve the American people, not the special interests.
“It’s smoke and mirrors. It’s bogus. And it’s all too familiar. Every time we get close to passing reform, the insurance companies produce these phony studies as a prescription and say, “Take one of these, and call us in a decade.” Well, not this time. The fact is, the insurance industry is making this last-ditch effort to stop reform even as costs continue to rise and our health care dollars continue to be poured into their profits, bonuses, and administrative costs that do nothing to make us healthy – that often actually go toward figuring out how to avoid covering people. And they’re earning these profits and bonuses while enjoying a privileged exception from our anti-trust laws, a matter that Congress is rightfully reviewing.”
Watch the video of the President’s address below or read the full text, as prepared for delivery, after the break.
Click below to listen to the audio only:
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Posted by Len on Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 5:00 pm CT in Humor,Politics
Just a little something we do around here at this time every week. Click on the thumbnails to make them bigger or to start a slide show. Enjoy, and remember, your mileage may vary.
As always, our thanks go to the talented and observant cartoonists who, each week, help us smile through the pain.
