Several people have things to say that have no place to go. I hope DB will come back and give us more information on that book. Also, Rep. Weiner is on all the talk shows telling us why he is so angry.
Slowpoke is a new daddy. Congratulations Slowpoke Rodriguez on the birth of Little Slowpoke.
Congratulations to you and yours Slowpoke!! There’s nothing like a brand new bundle of joy.
Congrats Slowpoke! Let the sleep deprivation begin 🙂
Wondering if there’s going to be a “blizzard” of babies coming in October-November after the snowfall kept everyone snuggling inside in February 🙂
Rep. Weiner is nothing more that a shameless political grandstander to the highest level. They have the votes to pass this 9/11 bill, they have more than enough votes but they refuse to vote on it. Why not just bring it to a vote and pass it if YOU HAVE THE VOTES? They, and mostly that Weiner who is acting like a dick, are just trying to score cheap political points with 9/11 as a backdrop. Do they have no shame at all? Is nothing sacred anymore, using 9/11 in this fashion is yet another disgusting political trick by the Dems. Sickening…
The blizzard of babies could come as early as September since there was a blizzard in December, 2009. I* think it was the 16th.
Why would only 12 Republicans vote for the bill? There are serious health problems that those who came in after the towers went down will suffer from for the rest of their lives. Over 800 people who were involved in clean up have already died.
The bill was blocked by house Republicans. That is what is shameful. We can spend billions on wars to stop terrorism. We can spend billions more on fancy equipment to detect and halt terrorism. Yet we can’t create a health care bill to care for those first responders. Sickening and shameful. Those Republicans who whined about the ‘process’ should have been out there cleaning up. Maybe they would have more sympathy for those who gave all.
BTW, hello….you have a real knack for pushing people over into the arms of who you perceive to be your enemy. I ordinarily don’t like that kind of drama but in this case, I agree with Rep. Weiner.
You sort of put on quite a display yourself there. I guess it takes a drama queen to know a drama queen.
Whoa, Wolfie. The democratic leadership is the one that set the rules that needed a 2/3 vote instead of the customary majority so that there were no amendments. What in the world were the democrats worried about if not politics? They could beat down each amendment with the majority it owns and then pass the bill with the same majority. Just like health care which was a whole lot less popular.
There is enough blame to go around. I don’t hold the bill sponsor responsible for this.
I wished everyone would really get tired of this daily politics. The majority will put in a bill liking mom and apple pie and what would have happened if the bill also said, in order to get this, you have to give us your firstborn. Well, anyone voting against that bill is labeled as being against mom and apple pie. Until this dung stops, we will not have a civil discussion in the country. More than anything else, that is what is eroding our political system.
By the way, I am not saying that the 9/11 bill had anything objectionable but look at what was added to the stimulus that had nothing to do with stimulus or the money for a hospital that had nothing to do with health insurance reform. But instead of partisans ridiculing the inclusion of these objectionable things, the opponents were called the party of no and against health care and stimulus. And it is the same when the republicans are running the show.
People should be disgusted. This is not a game with our country being the stakes.
I don’t know about all their rules. I don’t have the time or the inclination to figure out all the reindeer games. I just think that those who did the grunt work after 9-11 shouldn’t be held hostage over stupid politics. You either think we take care of them and that it is the right thing to do or you don’t.
I don’t like all the stomping around and screaming but I totally agree with Rep. Weiners words. (I really wish I hadn’t just said Weiner words)
I wish bills had to be pure. Something was said today about all the Democrats being forced to vote either for or against a bill that had the viagra for sex offenders in it. Now common sense just tells you that is stupid. A bill should have only 1 concept in it, not all these add -ons.
Actually, the entire political system makes me ill.
That is one thing that needs cleaning up immediately. Just think if our elected officials could simply vote on a bill on its own merits and nothing else was included. That is where the Tea Party should have started some of the other things I have heard. Just cleaning up the simple stuff that most people would agree with would have united rather than dividing the country.
Did I leave out that I don’t give a rat’s ass who started it or who made the rule. It just seems totally common sense to me. I also don’t care what party people belong to, or at least I didn’t used to care.
From http://www.pwcgov.org:
For Release
July 29, 2010
The last item on the abbreviated agenda is another instance of a big chunk of Rural Crescent endangerment.
Do we need any more schools, cars on the road or housing developments? A zoning change probably will allow from 250 to 500 new homes to go in to the development which will be known as Avendale. A local sports team is being bribed to come out and cheer on the BOCS in exchange for a proffer of 4 practice fields. Shame shame shame.
Well, if you don’t give a rat’s behind, then you have bought into the game. So now, you dislike republicans even more which is why the democratic leadership did this in the first place. You should be saying, “put it to a normal vote and see who is against it or not.”
Not sure anyone is against giving the first responders health care. There may be issues over funding for it which would be taken care of in the amendment process that was precluded by the way the vote was set up.
Interesting news today from Judge Henry Hudson–
RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia’s lawsuit challenging the Obama administration’s health care reform law cleared its first legal hurdle Monday as a federal judge ruled the law raises a host of complex constitutional issues.
U.S. District Judge Henry Hudson’s decision stemmed from Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s claims that Congress exceeded its authority under the Constitution’s Commerce Clause by requiring citizens to buy health insurance or pay a penalty.
Hudson’s ruling denied the Justice Department’s attempt to have the lawsuit dismissed, saying further hearings must take place before he can weigh the merits of the case. An Oct. 18 hearing had previously been set in the case.
Full article- http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100802/ap_on_bi_ge/us_health_care_overhaul_virginia
Hmm. I understand that 106 Democrats voted agains the bill – so why the outrage at Republicans? Weiner is an New York City jackass, trying to make a name for himself. He’s Shummer squared. The bill would essentially extend the ability of first responders to file claims until 2031 and increase the liability another $7+ billion. What is the total now?
Which I guess raises a couple of questions regarding whether we are talking real – official responders or anybody adversely affected – most of who are covered by insurance. What is the government’s responsibility here. Shit happens – no liability here. We could easily have a natural disaster, an earthquake in California – is the Government responsible for long term care? – maybe to get on their own feet but long term — wow. A new entitlement for every disaster and not economically but in terms of health care beyond anything we have done before? Troubling precedent. Troubling politics.
@PWC Taxpayer
Actually, PT, 4 democrats voted against the bill and 7 abstained.
It also covered certain 9/11 survivors as well as first responders. The bill is over 200 pages again so not sure all this is in it.
“You sort of put on quite a display yourself there. I guess it takes a drama queen to know a drama queen.” – are you saying your the pot and I’m the kettle?
I heard Rep. Weener on Hannity’s radio show the other day, it was quite obvious that Rep. Weener is only grandstanding this issue for cheap political points in the name of 9/11 first responders. Which I find completely disgusting (looks like others may feel the same way here as well).
I suppose desperate times call for desperate measures for Democrats these days. The ship is sinking fast so they have to resort to this type crap to try to plug the leak. I have no respect for him or his buddy Alan Grayson, they are two peas in a pod.
First Person: SB 1070 spells trouble for Sedona, Arizona
1 hr 24 mins ago
By Tommy Acosta, Associated Content
SEDONA, Ariz. — Arizona’s anti-illegal immigration bill — whether it ever fully goes into effect — has already changed me, my town and our local economy.
As the editor of the Sedona Times newspaper, I’ve seen first hand the impact SB 1070 has had on the lives of many residents who rely on the services of undocumented workers and input from the Latino community.
Sedona Mayor Rob Adams told me on Friday that the eroding economy is hurting business in Sedona and that SB 1070, in whatever form, will negatively impact the local economy.
“There is no question we are seeing a decline in revenue due to the economy,” he said. “Sales tax revenues in Sedona declined in 2009 by 10 percent. The city is projecting a 17 percent decline in revenue for fiscal year 2010-2011.
“I have received numerous emails from people saying they are canceling their visit to Arizona and Sedona because of that bill. There is no question conventions have been canceled. People aren’t coming like they used to. We know we are being impacted. We just don’t know to what extent.”
Since April, when SB 1070 passed, I’ve had trouble getting residents of the Sedona Latino community to go on the record. The day before the bill passed, I covered a meeting attended by the community, Mayor Adams and the city’s interim police chief, Jim Dryscall. Latino attendees expressed fear and refused to be photographed for the story. The mayor had to vouch for me so I could attend.
Dryscall said the bill would create distrust of the police and divide the community.
“It will create confusion for you, confusion for the police and confusion for all the communities in Arizona,” Dryscall said. “This bill, politically, will create big problems for all of us. The last thing we want to do is create controversy or problems for everyone.”
Dryscall said when crimes are committed in the Latino community, residents will fear coming forward or sharing information with police.
Then there are the divisions in the community over the bill.
At a May 12 Sedona City Council meeting, members of the Latino community showed up in force to back a city council initiative to have Sedona go on record against SB 1070.
Even though the Latino community passionately pleaded for the council to oppose the SB 1070, it made no difference. The initiative wasn’t adopted. Too many members of the community defended the bill as necessary to curb crime and enforce laws.
As Sedona resident David Lehman sees it, SB 1070 is all about the preservation of America.
“This has to stop,” Lehman said. “We need to secure our borders before we are overrun to the point we are no longer America. Federal law is clear. We need to save America.”
Save America? At what expense? The negative effects on tourism — our lifeblood in Sedona — are already bad enough. How much worse is SB 1070 going to make it should the bill be fully enforced via the courts?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/20100802/pl_ynews/ynews_pl3310;_ylt=AmJ9xSu0bOcsRjy8DCohFROs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNqY2VpMTdlBGFzc2V0A3luZXdzLzIwMTAwODAyL3luZXdzX3BsMzMxMARjY29kZQNtb3N0cG9wdWxhcgRjcG9zAzkEcG9zAzYEcHQDaG9tZV9jb2tlBHNlYwN5bl9oZWFkbGluZV9saXN0BHNsawNmaXJzdHBlcnNvbnM-
SB 1070 is having terrible economic effects for Arizona.
Part of the AZ law I think we should adopt… making it illegal to pick up day labors. If I’m not mistaken it’s one of the only parts of the SB 1070 which wasn’t struck down and I think it’s a great idea. We could use this in VA, especially on rt.1 where I live.
I don’t recall saying I disliked Republicans–only some of them. What I dislike is those who are against everything and always have some excuse for it. Its a blockade and obstructionism.
After a Republican administration gave away billions of dollars to survivors of 9/11 victims, the very least we can do is take care of the ailments those who came in to clean it up. I didn’t mind compensating survivors–I seriously objected to the families of the fat cats getting millions and the families of the parking attendants getting 100k. The discrepancies in amounts was obscene and elitist.
As for rat’s asses, I really don’t care which party made what rule. I don’t think it is relevant. I am glad Rep. Weiner blew a gasket. Regardless of who did what, last I read, the bill didn’t pass. I guess the 9/11 first responders and clean up crew are just on their own.
Insurance? You have to have a job to have that.
@hello
I do think it was interesting that another sponsor of the bill, Congressman King, predicted its demise before the vote as a result of the arcane parliamentary maneuver by the House leadership.
Anyone getting the feeling that we have been in an election cycle since 2006? Anybody else tired of it?
@Moon-howler
Just a clarification, I didn’t mention insurance.
I think PT did though.
Usually you are good to identify who you are responding to when responding to many people. This one seems to have slipped through. 🙂
@Rez
Yes, very sick of this constant, never ending election cycle on both sides. I suppose that is why congress on has an 11% approval rating these days.
“when crimes are committed in the Latino community, residents will fear coming forward or sharing information with police. ”
This is the part that I don’t understand. How will sharing information about crime affect illegal aliens unless that alien is committing the crime? Nothing in the law says anything about checking the backgrounds of witnesses. I think that statement about fearing coming forward is an excuse. And if you’re willing to live under threat of crime, rather than report it to the police, go back home, if you’re an illegal alien. If you’re not, you’re just an idiot.
I consider “Little Slowpoke” to be a deragatory reference to the spawn of Slowpoke. In the future I would respectfully ask that you refer to his fine offspring as “Acceleration Challenged, II”.
They were talking about that in the birthing center. Apparently, they already know that late October is going to be a very busy time.
“when crimes are committed in the Latino community, residents will fear coming forward or sharing information with police. ”
That’s not a good reason not to enforce US law. Or to want our police to turn a blind eye. It’s analogous to saying we shouldn’t prosecute rapists because they will be afraid to give us any info they know about murderers.
Thanks to everyone for your well-wishes. Baby is home, and everybody is doing fantastic. The boy started breastfeeding from the first night, and for those of you who know, that’s a pretty big deal. Things go a LOT easier with an easy feeder! We compared the baby’s hospital picture to our three-year-old’s pic……..carbon copy.
“We compared the baby’s hospital picture to our three-year-old’s pic……..carbon copy.”
My bad, make that “Acceleration Challenged 2.0”.
Congratulations, SR.
I know there hasn’t been much press coverage, but did anyone hear that Chelsea Clinton got married this weekend?
Seriously, she was a radiant bride in a gorgeous dress. From all indications, she has been a poised, exemplary presidential kid, given the trials and tribulations of her very public family life.
@Emma
Agreed, Emma.
Been awhile since I’ve last posted. So very busy of late.
Saw this and thought it was interesting. http://www.vaag.com/OPINIONS/2010opns/10-047-Marshall.pdf
Someone else stole my thunder by posting Cuccinelli’s win today.
@Marin–welcome back. I am not sure getting your day in court is a huge win.
I am not sure I see any of it as a win. If VA should win in the end, then no one has to have health care. I guess people will still walk on their bill just like they do now. Furthermore, who will pay for the massive health care?
By now, everyone probably knows that the man who killed the nun and seriously injured 2 others in the collision on Bristow Road was undocumented. He was an habitual offender and was awaiting a deportation trial. He had been convicted of drunk driving in the fall of 2008.
I am not sure who dropped the ball but it sounds like ICE since PWC had notified them.
I suppose the moral of the story is, you can have all the resolutions and laws on the books you want and unless there is a deportation hearing and a deportation, it doesn’t matter what a locality or state does. Only a federal judge can deport.
Emma, I agree. She really is a poised, dignified woman. I wish her much happiness.
I hesitate to even mention this but I guess I will. Apparently Roger Ebert reviewed 9500 Liberty, took it at face value as if it were a real documentary, and liked it. His review buys into all the things the documentary wants to pretend, that aren’t true. Ebert really makes a fool of himself here, god bless him.
http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100707/REVIEWS/100709985/1001/reviews
Quotes :
The documentary “9500 Liberty” tells the fascinating story of how that happened, and possibly foretells what lies ahead for Arizona. In Virginia, the law was eventually overturned by a combination of middle-class whites, Republican office holders, the police chief, Latinos and economic reality.
A blogger named Greg Letiecq began to write about his unhappiness with hearing Spanish spoken in public places.
The most rewarding element of this deeply involved documentary involves the board meetings. Local citizens stand up to speak their minds, and we hear a great many of them. Some board meetings lasted until well past midnight. They were in the great tradition of New England town meetings.
Park and Byler began as objective documentarians who found this story being pressed upon them.
good lord the man got all his info from a movie and to say he’s got the story wrong is a vast understatement.
Meanwhile, nobody has brought up the illegal immigrant who killed some nuns in Bristow yesterday? because ICE let him out even though we’d arrested him repeatedly?
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/aug/2/illegal-immigrant-killed-nun-released-by-feds/?clear_cache_true
oh sorry, Moon mentioned it.
As to Chelsea Clinton. As a contrarian I have to say something nasty about her. So here goes. I heard second-hand that in her college years the girl was a major slut, and Secret Service had to tag along while she went from bed to bed each weekend. I can’t prove it but there you go. Good luck to her.
(that info comes straight from a friend who knows someone who lived in her dorm. I think. We’d need to get Ken Starr on the case to make it official.).
Oh, please. And what do you call the boys who allegedly bedded her? Dudes? Studs? Lucky?
Liberal, conservative or apolitica–or even just a child of–a gal can’t get a break, can she?
@Rick Bentley
I bet Corey Stewart is having a field day with the responsible driver for the accident being an illegal alien. My heart goes out to the one nun died and the other two that are seriously injured.
Someone should follow Corey home after he leaves the bar one night. Then call the police and report a DUI. I would love to see him lose his license and have to ride the bus or the train.
Rick, were you as pure as the driven snow until you got married? If not, what would you be called? Man-whore?
Your misogyny is startling.
@Moon-howler
By now, everyone probably knows that the man who killed the nun and seriously injured 2 others in the collision on Bristow Road was undocumented.
He is an illegal alien and shouldn’t be here in the first place. Another innocent person is dead because of the Feds willful refusal to enforce immigration laws.
I’m telling you, Moon, I don’t know what has gone haywire with this whole justice system. In Loudoun we just had a guy sentenced to four years in the pen. A Salvadoran in this country illegally for 12 years. Charged with DWI in Fairfax County in 2000, 2001, and 2005. Loudoun deputies caught up with him, drunk and driving once again, in Sterling Park in October 2009. In an attempt to escape he smashed into police vehicles and nearly ran over some of the deputies. Now, A WHOLE DECADE AFTER HE WAS FIRST BROUGHT UP ON DWI CHARGES IN FAIRFAX, he finally gets sentenced to the pen, with a deportation detainer probably to follow. Ten years or more he is out there menacing the lives of ourselves and our families on the roads. Makes me sick to the stomach. Don’t we have enough DWI idiots of our own without adding imports to the mix?
Oh, and Rep. Wiener? Well, I think the name says it all.
Rep. Wiener’s speech hurt the -D party (as a whole) but spoke to the core progressives. When a party that holds the majority of both houses and the Executive has trouble passing what could be called ‘popular’ legislation it really reflects how ineffective they’re with governance.
DWI isn’t really treated seriously in the Commonwealth. And since more people do bench trials than jurty trials they don’t get slammed with the huge sentences that a jury of peers would hand down for a DWI conviction.
@Rick Bentley
Rick, Elena and I saw Ebert’s review several weeks ago and decided not to post it because it was riddled with inaccuracies. One or two you can fix, or comment on. This had so many it wasn’t worth our trouble. We felt he hadn’t even seen the film.
@Emma
Thank you, Emma. That needed to be said.
You are right, she wasn’t a slut all by herself, now was she. I actually don’t believe it.
She is a public figure, of sorts, and any old AH can come along and start a rumor. It was probably someone she wouldn’t even consider dating.
Standing ovation for Emma!!!!!
I especially liked the “man-whore” part. Go Emma Go.
Thank you, I feel better now.
There is a lot of blame to go around here. The Benedictine Sisters do a lot of service for immigrants, and now the sisters are all in mourning thanks to one “immigrant” who should never have been here in the first place. Obama’s stated refusal to enforce immigration laws and support the right of sovereign states to mitigate the economic and social impacts of illegal immigration will deservedly bite him in the ass come re-election time. The increased border patrol presence is pre-election smoke and mirrors designed to deceive us into thinking something is actually being done–this by the very same administration who has said time and again that it is nearly impossible to secure the border. If ICE had done their job, those three nuns would be peacefully enjoying their retreat right now.
We have some of the most lenient judges in the Commonwealth, especially when it comes to DUI.
I would love to see a mass resistance to DUI checkpoints. What if all of us simply refused to show ID when asked? How about holding all of us to the same standard (or lack thereof). Heaven forbid that anyone should demand an ID from anyone–it would be like living in a police state!