The price of gasoline has jumped about $0.33 in the last two weeks. The price of oil is $105.24/barrel. There has been no major disruption in the delivery and transport of oil from well fields to refineries. The suspended supply from Libya is being met by other OPEC nations. The United States gets 51% of its imported oil from North America. Lesser amounts are from the Caribbean, Africa, and the Persian Gulf.
The petroleum industry, the financial industry, and the government all assure us that the gasoline price increase is normal free-market fluctuation; not the result of unbridled speculation and blatant price gouging. The petroleum industry, the financial industry, the government, and the speculators are lying to us, while simultaneously robbing us.
It is undeniably correct to point out that our preference for large automobiles and trucks with large, inefficient engines is partly to blame for the situation. It is also true that the auto industry in this nation tried to avoid building fuel-efficient engines until forced into it by government regulation. Even the number of smaller, more efficient, and co-incidentally more reliable and better designed for passenger safety failed to motivate Detroit to build smaller and more efficient vehicles. As for safety, they have yet to match the designs of European and Asian manufacturers. I’ point this out only because there seems to be some confusion among our elected officials as to how willing American corporations are to make changes for the benefit of consumers, the environment, or the nation without being forced into it by means of regulation.
If it were left to the manufacturers to decide, American autos would still be made lacking safety belts, air bags, and even safety glass. Fleet mileage performance would still be in the average 10 MPG range. If it were left to the corporations to decide, Acid rain would still be falling on the Appalachian chain, there would be no waterways capable of sustaining fish populations, and we’d still be unable to swim in or drink from any of our streams and lakes because of chemical and biological contamination.
The GOP seems to be content to allow deregulation to return us to the days of burning rivers, clear-cut forestry, and mountain top removal ala Peabody. I’m not willing to stand by and let that happen.
Please call your U.S. Representative at his/her local office and in Washington D.C. to inform them that you distrust the GOP and Corporate America to do the right thing, ever. Tell them that for the above reason you want them to keep the EPA, FDA, and NPR fully funded. Tell them that they can begin making cuts by drafting and submitting a bill to stop the automatic raises now provided for House and Senate members. They won’t do it. Plan to call them at least once a week.
My representative boasts that every bit of mail and e-mail sent to his offices is read. Yours probably makes the same boast. Feel free to make their reading material about something you believe in strongly! E-mail them at least weekly. Repeat as necessary!
Have fun, it’s your government that the GOP/teavangelists want to usurp, your social safety net they want to remove. Do not go quietly into that bleak future they plan for our once-middle class. Make certain your voices are heard!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
6 March 2011 Mr. Roe’s comprehensive energy policy and other fairy tales
March 4, 2011 E-mail broadcast by Roe R TN1st:
“No one I know wants to harm the environment, but new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules and regulations are unnecessarily slowing development and having a negative effect on American jobs…“Tax credits have proven effective time and again at producing desired change in business.”
Cassi Creek:
In his e-mail to constituents, Mr. Roe defends the energy industry, claiming that the EPA prevents energy development. Mr. Roe fails to tell us that his idea of a comprehensive energy policy includes his vote to continue $40 billion in subsidies to the oil industry at a time when that industry is logging record profits. His party line vote helped defeat HJ-44, an effort to halt subsidies and other tax breaks to the oil industry being paid by American taxpayers who can barely afford basic necessities.
I have yet to see any energy company change practices that harm our environment unless forced to by legislation or regulation. If Mr. Roe wishes to wave “lost jobs” like a banner, he should consider the jobs lost on our Gulf Coast as a result of an oil industry that lobbied for and got reduced regulation. That’s the ugly side of the GOP’s fairy tale.
Mr. Roe also forgets to announce that he voted to continue funding for the “bridge to nowhere. He’s eager to defund NPR and Planned Parenthood, used by millions of Americans every day but still wants to build a $398 million bridge for 50 Alaskans served by existing ferries. Funding for the "Bridge to Nowhere" has continued as of Mar 2nd, 2011 in the passing of H.R. 662: Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011. No hatchery for Tennessee but bridges for Alaska. Thank you GOP/teahadists.
The three paragraphs above were submitted to the Johnson City Press as a letter to the editor. I’ve much more to say about this poor excuse for a representative but the newspaper limits writers to 250 words. I can think of 250 adjectives, each more contemptuous than its predecessor that would apply to any description of Rep. Roe.
It seems to me that his e-mail broadcasts are designed to be sent to people who believe what he says without ever bothering to verify the facts of the matter. All it took was a comparison of the latest release to the Congressional voting record to fish out these two bits of information that show him clearly following the teavangelist party line while feeding a series of lies to the folks at home.
His voting patterns demonstrate that he is just another party hack following the party line and hoping to be rewarded with a committee chair. He needs to be returned to private life at the earliest opportunity.
Tonight we will dine on ham and eggs, in Tennessee, not Carolina.
“No one I know wants to harm the environment, but new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules and regulations are unnecessarily slowing development and having a negative effect on American jobs…“Tax credits have proven effective time and again at producing desired change in business.”
Cassi Creek:
In his e-mail to constituents, Mr. Roe defends the energy industry, claiming that the EPA prevents energy development. Mr. Roe fails to tell us that his idea of a comprehensive energy policy includes his vote to continue $40 billion in subsidies to the oil industry at a time when that industry is logging record profits. His party line vote helped defeat HJ-44, an effort to halt subsidies and other tax breaks to the oil industry being paid by American taxpayers who can barely afford basic necessities.
I have yet to see any energy company change practices that harm our environment unless forced to by legislation or regulation. If Mr. Roe wishes to wave “lost jobs” like a banner, he should consider the jobs lost on our Gulf Coast as a result of an oil industry that lobbied for and got reduced regulation. That’s the ugly side of the GOP’s fairy tale.
Mr. Roe also forgets to announce that he voted to continue funding for the “bridge to nowhere. He’s eager to defund NPR and Planned Parenthood, used by millions of Americans every day but still wants to build a $398 million bridge for 50 Alaskans served by existing ferries. Funding for the "Bridge to Nowhere" has continued as of Mar 2nd, 2011 in the passing of H.R. 662: Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2011. No hatchery for Tennessee but bridges for Alaska. Thank you GOP/teahadists.
The three paragraphs above were submitted to the Johnson City Press as a letter to the editor. I’ve much more to say about this poor excuse for a representative but the newspaper limits writers to 250 words. I can think of 250 adjectives, each more contemptuous than its predecessor that would apply to any description of Rep. Roe.
It seems to me that his e-mail broadcasts are designed to be sent to people who believe what he says without ever bothering to verify the facts of the matter. All it took was a comparison of the latest release to the Congressional voting record to fish out these two bits of information that show him clearly following the teavangelist party line while feeding a series of lies to the folks at home.
His voting patterns demonstrate that he is just another party hack following the party line and hoping to be rewarded with a committee chair. He needs to be returned to private life at the earliest opportunity.
Tonight we will dine on ham and eggs, in Tennessee, not Carolina.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
5 March 2011 Looks like we’re in for nasty weather!
We spent last week watching the water rise in the creek and then outside the creek. Yesterday was the first day since the last overflow when the flow was seasonally appropriate.
Imagine our joy when yesterday’s (and today’s and tomorrow’s) high wind watch was augmented by a NWS proclamation of a flood watch. The last 24 hours have been the windiest I have documented. The base rate has remained no lower than 5 mph with an average of 10 MPH. The highest sustained winds were 18 MPH with the highest gusts reaching 25 MPH.
When you are surrounded by trees that reach 100 feet in height or more, the winds become a matter of real concern. We’ve had one power outage due to falling branches breaking our drop line already this year. I’ve written before about the sound generated by the wind coming down the valley from the ridge crest. Yesterday and today, there is a nearly continuous lower frequency rumble and roar with intermittent whining as the wind blows around wires, cables, and parts of the house. As the daylight fades, the keening nature of the sound becomes more noticeable. The roar is somewhat complemented by the sounds from the three wind chimes we have hanging on or near the house.
Last weeks’ 1.81 inches of rain left our ground and that up valley saturated. This means that the force of the wind on standing trees will be more likely to uproot some of them that have become weakened by age or disease, or made unstable by being undercut by the creek. We saw some major stream changes last week during the high water period.
Today’s prediction is for a potential 2-3 inches f rainfall with a flood watch beginning today and extending into tomorrow evening. The saturated condition of the valley’s walls along with the steep narrow nature of the valley at this point will lead to a rapid run-off and a short lag time between rainfall and the run-off entering the creek.
The best possible scenario is for the heaviest rainfall to occur tomorrow morning so that we have daylight to observe the effects. The worst case is wind and rain in the dark. There will be no moon light tonight to aid viewing. Tonight is the new moon. We’re on our own out here in the valley. There may be a “bad moon risin’” but we won’t see it rise tonight.
Last night we dined on a variation of Pho – Hue variety. Tonight we will have rotisserie chicken – jerk seasoned.
Imagine our joy when yesterday’s (and today’s and tomorrow’s) high wind watch was augmented by a NWS proclamation of a flood watch. The last 24 hours have been the windiest I have documented. The base rate has remained no lower than 5 mph with an average of 10 MPH. The highest sustained winds were 18 MPH with the highest gusts reaching 25 MPH.
When you are surrounded by trees that reach 100 feet in height or more, the winds become a matter of real concern. We’ve had one power outage due to falling branches breaking our drop line already this year. I’ve written before about the sound generated by the wind coming down the valley from the ridge crest. Yesterday and today, there is a nearly continuous lower frequency rumble and roar with intermittent whining as the wind blows around wires, cables, and parts of the house. As the daylight fades, the keening nature of the sound becomes more noticeable. The roar is somewhat complemented by the sounds from the three wind chimes we have hanging on or near the house.
Last weeks’ 1.81 inches of rain left our ground and that up valley saturated. This means that the force of the wind on standing trees will be more likely to uproot some of them that have become weakened by age or disease, or made unstable by being undercut by the creek. We saw some major stream changes last week during the high water period.
Today’s prediction is for a potential 2-3 inches f rainfall with a flood watch beginning today and extending into tomorrow evening. The saturated condition of the valley’s walls along with the steep narrow nature of the valley at this point will lead to a rapid run-off and a short lag time between rainfall and the run-off entering the creek.
The best possible scenario is for the heaviest rainfall to occur tomorrow morning so that we have daylight to observe the effects. The worst case is wind and rain in the dark. There will be no moon light tonight to aid viewing. Tonight is the new moon. We’re on our own out here in the valley. There may be a “bad moon risin’” but we won’t see it rise tonight.
Last night we dined on a variation of Pho – Hue variety. Tonight we will have rotisserie chicken – jerk seasoned.
Friday, March 4, 2011
4 March 2011 Listen to the river sing sweet songs…
The world is a slightly darker place today. My brother-in-law, Ernie Pierce of Kansas City MO died last night at 2130. He succumbed to long-standing COPD after a stormy final series of hospitalizations. At the end, he slipped peacefully from us, surrounded by his wife, daughter, and son.
Ernie and I used to trade recipes. He enjoyed cooking as much as I do. We used to look for unusual spices and bottles of hot sauce that actually had flavor and substance to send to each other.
He was a member of the Onondaga tribe of New York. He and my sister were a great couple. We’re all going to miss him.
On the good side, my mother’s suspected thyroid cancer turned out to be only a recurrence of her NHL. She was scheduled for surgery and having her pre-op work-up when the pathologist decided that he was looking at NHL rather than an anaplastic thyroid cancer. Tremendous relief from that quarter.
Shabbat Shalom.
Ernie and I used to trade recipes. He enjoyed cooking as much as I do. We used to look for unusual spices and bottles of hot sauce that actually had flavor and substance to send to each other.
He was a member of the Onondaga tribe of New York. He and my sister were a great couple. We’re all going to miss him.
On the good side, my mother’s suspected thyroid cancer turned out to be only a recurrence of her NHL. She was scheduled for surgery and having her pre-op work-up when the pathologist decided that he was looking at NHL rather than an anaplastic thyroid cancer. Tremendous relief from that quarter.
Shabbat Shalom.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
3 March 2011 Why Congress should be veterans
Troops need equipment? Let 'em drink beer.
By Dana Milbank
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 3, 2011
According to the annual Gallup poll of confidence in American institutions, the military ranks first, earning high marks from 76 percent of Americans, and Congress ranks dead last, at 11 percent.
To understand that 7 to 1 disparity, look no further than Wednesday's hearing of the House defense appropriations subcommittee. Defense Secretary Bob Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mike Mullen proved themselves again to be serious men, speaking frankly about the crises we face. The lawmakers did not.
In his opening statement, Gates fervently appealed for funds requested by Gen. David Petraeus for equipment to protect troops in Afghanistan. The money has been held up because it would come from a project benefiting a major contributor to the committee chairman, Bill Young (R-Fla.).
"Mr. Chairman, our troops need this force-protection equipment, and they need it now," Gates pleaded. "Every day that goes by without this equipment, the lives of our troops are at greater risk." He urged action "today" on the funds, admonishing: "We should not put American lives at risk to protect specific programs or contractors."
The lawmakers, however, had other priorities. The first question to Gates and Mullen proffered by Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.), a senior panel member, related to his contention that 18-year-old soldiers "cannot have a beer at the NCO club or whatever." To remedy this injustice, Kingston said, he introduced legislation so that underage soldiers can drink beer on their posts. He asked the Pentagon to report to him on "how that could be a good idea."
Cassi Creek: I’m not in favor of continuing the ongoing war in Afghanistan, for providing any additional training or equipment to Iraqis, or for stumbling into the developing civil and revolutionary wars springing up in North Africa and on the Arabian Peninsula. We can’t afford the expense of maintaining occupation forces, police forces, training forces, and combat forces on the ground in these wars. Our aviation resources, land-based and carrier-based are aging and we have no real carrier-based replacement in the pipeline. The concept of a “joint-strike-fighter” sounds good to budget committees but invariably results in an airframe that does several things poorly and nothing well. Our navy is being downsized while simultaneously being required to handle steadily increasing tasks in more of the world.
Our troops are spread too thinly to actually defend our shores. We hire mercenaries, lie to ourselves by calling them “private contractors,” and further gut the treasury while enriching the many war profiteers such as Halliburton and Xe (formerly Blackwater). Then we send our troops outside the wire under-equipped.
For Gates and Mullen to carry such an urgent request to a Congressional committee indicates the seriousness of the need. For them to be met with such petty demands displays all too well the uniformed and unconcerned status of our elected leaders.
Beer in NCO clubs in a combat zone is not an essential. In many instances, it is harmful regardless of the age of the soldier drinking it. Drunken fighters with access to automatic weapons are not a good idea, Congressman Kingston. If you had any common sense, you would know that without being told.
Men and women who have served in uniform are not necessarily any smarter, any “better,” any more politically aware than the average citizen who has not served. That is not to say that all veterans will keep the welfare and other needs of our troops in mind when tasked with such decisions. Our local Congressman invariably “honors the troops” by voting the straight GOP/teavangelist line, in essence using our troops to wage a holy and commercial war. There are too many like him to give a pass to all veterans. But many of those who have served will hopefully be less likely to vote to send our troops to war unprepared, under-equipped; or to send them out to die for corporate financial contributors. For me, that is sufficient reason to consider veterans carefully and perhaps preferentially when voting to elect national leaders.
As for Rep Kingston GA(R), I’m willing to let him defend the entire state of Georgia with all the beer he can drink and/or carry. I prefer my fellow soldiers sober whatever their ages.
By Dana Milbank
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, March 3, 2011
According to the annual Gallup poll of confidence in American institutions, the military ranks first, earning high marks from 76 percent of Americans, and Congress ranks dead last, at 11 percent.
To understand that 7 to 1 disparity, look no further than Wednesday's hearing of the House defense appropriations subcommittee. Defense Secretary Bob Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Mike Mullen proved themselves again to be serious men, speaking frankly about the crises we face. The lawmakers did not.
In his opening statement, Gates fervently appealed for funds requested by Gen. David Petraeus for equipment to protect troops in Afghanistan. The money has been held up because it would come from a project benefiting a major contributor to the committee chairman, Bill Young (R-Fla.).
"Mr. Chairman, our troops need this force-protection equipment, and they need it now," Gates pleaded. "Every day that goes by without this equipment, the lives of our troops are at greater risk." He urged action "today" on the funds, admonishing: "We should not put American lives at risk to protect specific programs or contractors."
The lawmakers, however, had other priorities. The first question to Gates and Mullen proffered by Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Ga.), a senior panel member, related to his contention that 18-year-old soldiers "cannot have a beer at the NCO club or whatever." To remedy this injustice, Kingston said, he introduced legislation so that underage soldiers can drink beer on their posts. He asked the Pentagon to report to him on "how that could be a good idea."
Cassi Creek: I’m not in favor of continuing the ongoing war in Afghanistan, for providing any additional training or equipment to Iraqis, or for stumbling into the developing civil and revolutionary wars springing up in North Africa and on the Arabian Peninsula. We can’t afford the expense of maintaining occupation forces, police forces, training forces, and combat forces on the ground in these wars. Our aviation resources, land-based and carrier-based are aging and we have no real carrier-based replacement in the pipeline. The concept of a “joint-strike-fighter” sounds good to budget committees but invariably results in an airframe that does several things poorly and nothing well. Our navy is being downsized while simultaneously being required to handle steadily increasing tasks in more of the world.
Our troops are spread too thinly to actually defend our shores. We hire mercenaries, lie to ourselves by calling them “private contractors,” and further gut the treasury while enriching the many war profiteers such as Halliburton and Xe (formerly Blackwater). Then we send our troops outside the wire under-equipped.
For Gates and Mullen to carry such an urgent request to a Congressional committee indicates the seriousness of the need. For them to be met with such petty demands displays all too well the uniformed and unconcerned status of our elected leaders.
Beer in NCO clubs in a combat zone is not an essential. In many instances, it is harmful regardless of the age of the soldier drinking it. Drunken fighters with access to automatic weapons are not a good idea, Congressman Kingston. If you had any common sense, you would know that without being told.
Men and women who have served in uniform are not necessarily any smarter, any “better,” any more politically aware than the average citizen who has not served. That is not to say that all veterans will keep the welfare and other needs of our troops in mind when tasked with such decisions. Our local Congressman invariably “honors the troops” by voting the straight GOP/teavangelist line, in essence using our troops to wage a holy and commercial war. There are too many like him to give a pass to all veterans. But many of those who have served will hopefully be less likely to vote to send our troops to war unprepared, under-equipped; or to send them out to die for corporate financial contributors. For me, that is sufficient reason to consider veterans carefully and perhaps preferentially when voting to elect national leaders.
As for Rep Kingston GA(R), I’m willing to let him defend the entire state of Georgia with all the beer he can drink and/or carry. I prefer my fellow soldiers sober whatever their ages.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
2 March 2011 recommended reading
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/opinion/02stemple.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha212
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/opinion/02friedman.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha212
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/01/AR2011030104080.html?nav=hcmoduletmv
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/
Nearly wound up teaching the Volcanology course today. Probably could have done so but was able to dump it on an actual student who did a nice job of it and earned points with the Professor.
Had the chance to meet Gloria for lunch in Jonesborough today. A very nice break in a rather uneasy week.
Read the above links at your own peril.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/02/opinion/02friedman.html?_r=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha212
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/01/AR2011030104080.html?nav=hcmoduletmv
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/plum-line/
Nearly wound up teaching the Volcanology course today. Probably could have done so but was able to dump it on an actual student who did a nice job of it and earned points with the Professor.
Had the chance to meet Gloria for lunch in Jonesborough today. A very nice break in a rather uneasy week.
Read the above links at your own peril.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
1 March 2011 Me, and a select group of Democrats…
I received a mass mailing survey today. It appears to be from the Democratic National Committee, from the desk of Governor Tim Kane, the DNC Chairman. It assumes familiarity in the salutation and includes me “among a select group of Democrats from around the nation who are receiving this official 2011 Presidential Survey.”
The author assumes me to be a “loyal Democrat and a supporter of President Obama.” The survey is spaced out on three pages and includes the inevitable appeal for money to “fund our efforts to fight the Republicans in Congress and to begin preparations for the 2012 presidential election.”
I’m not in class the afternoon so I will take the time to check the various boxes that they will use to compile their survey results. There’s a small space for comments. I believe I will take advantage of that space and let the DNC get a glimpse of my thoughts and my world.
Dear Tim,
How wonderful to know that I am suddenly numbered among Democrats. Since I have never joined the party, someone must have provided me with some sort of gift or complementary membership. Since I am described as “select”, I’d like to know both the criteria for my selection and what benefits selection affords me.
Here’s the flaw in your invitation to contribute. I am not now nor have I ever been a card-carrying Democrat.
I register to vote and consider myself an “Independent.” I have no “loyalty” to any political party but a tremendous amount of loyalty to the United States. That loyalty also prohibits even the slightest chance that I might register as a Republican. I have no tolerance for theocrats, teavangelists, teahadists, or the GOP in general.
I would like to, and try to vote for the person best qualified for the office in question. However, I almost always am left having to vote for the candidate that is the least objectionable. Being the Democratic Party candidate does not guarantee that one is the least objectionable. So I choose not to endorse any party.
You ask my opinion of the Republican Party. I have nothing but contempt for the Republican Party. They deal in lies, hatred, bigotry, corruption, and fully intend to sell the nation’s citizens our in order to further enrich their financial backers.
You should have asked my opinion of the semi-literate, xenophobic, anti-government mobs that are collectively called “tea party activists.” Just to be thorough, I find them less acceptable than the GOP.
Which bring us to your party. Frankly, Tim, the Democrats have been a colossal disappointment. Possessing a majority and a mandate, they allowed the GOP to block legislative action that our citizens needed desperately. They failed to support health care reform as a single payer or as a national policy for citizens. They failed to eliminate the Medicare prescription plan donut hole, failed to block extensions of the Bush tax reforms for the rich, caved in on numerous social safety net programs, and allowed the GOP to block any meaningful legislation during the first two years of Obama’s term in office. The words spineless, weak, ineffective, and worthless come to mind. I’m sure you know where to apply which word.
I support Obama as President because I honor the office. It appears to me that he is far more concerned with convincing the GOP to “like” him than in doing his job, as he should. It would be a good thing if he were somehow made aware that his job is not “to be liked.” I don’t vote based upon “likeability.”
Now, Tim, about that contribution you asked for. We live on a fixed income. The minimum $25.00 you want me to send to the DNC doesn’t even fill the gas tank these days. Of course, it might have bought more gasoline if the Democrats had been serious about financial reform. I guess that the big financial houses still need to be accommodated so that no trader, analyst, or investor goes without his 9-figure bonus this year. Don’t worry about those of us living on social security and hoping that Medicare premiums won’t be raised. We’ll just learn to eat less and expire sooner. (Oh, wait! That’s the GOP plan for the former middle class!)
I’d like to help you, Tim. Get back to me when the Democrats are willing to present a cohesive group of legislators who care more for their constituents than for their re-election campaigns. Get back to me when the Democrats are willing to act like FDR, JFK, and Harry Truman. Until then, I remain “Independent.”
The author assumes me to be a “loyal Democrat and a supporter of President Obama.” The survey is spaced out on three pages and includes the inevitable appeal for money to “fund our efforts to fight the Republicans in Congress and to begin preparations for the 2012 presidential election.”
I’m not in class the afternoon so I will take the time to check the various boxes that they will use to compile their survey results. There’s a small space for comments. I believe I will take advantage of that space and let the DNC get a glimpse of my thoughts and my world.
Dear Tim,
How wonderful to know that I am suddenly numbered among Democrats. Since I have never joined the party, someone must have provided me with some sort of gift or complementary membership. Since I am described as “select”, I’d like to know both the criteria for my selection and what benefits selection affords me.
Here’s the flaw in your invitation to contribute. I am not now nor have I ever been a card-carrying Democrat.
I register to vote and consider myself an “Independent.” I have no “loyalty” to any political party but a tremendous amount of loyalty to the United States. That loyalty also prohibits even the slightest chance that I might register as a Republican. I have no tolerance for theocrats, teavangelists, teahadists, or the GOP in general.
I would like to, and try to vote for the person best qualified for the office in question. However, I almost always am left having to vote for the candidate that is the least objectionable. Being the Democratic Party candidate does not guarantee that one is the least objectionable. So I choose not to endorse any party.
You ask my opinion of the Republican Party. I have nothing but contempt for the Republican Party. They deal in lies, hatred, bigotry, corruption, and fully intend to sell the nation’s citizens our in order to further enrich their financial backers.
You should have asked my opinion of the semi-literate, xenophobic, anti-government mobs that are collectively called “tea party activists.” Just to be thorough, I find them less acceptable than the GOP.
Which bring us to your party. Frankly, Tim, the Democrats have been a colossal disappointment. Possessing a majority and a mandate, they allowed the GOP to block legislative action that our citizens needed desperately. They failed to support health care reform as a single payer or as a national policy for citizens. They failed to eliminate the Medicare prescription plan donut hole, failed to block extensions of the Bush tax reforms for the rich, caved in on numerous social safety net programs, and allowed the GOP to block any meaningful legislation during the first two years of Obama’s term in office. The words spineless, weak, ineffective, and worthless come to mind. I’m sure you know where to apply which word.
I support Obama as President because I honor the office. It appears to me that he is far more concerned with convincing the GOP to “like” him than in doing his job, as he should. It would be a good thing if he were somehow made aware that his job is not “to be liked.” I don’t vote based upon “likeability.”
Now, Tim, about that contribution you asked for. We live on a fixed income. The minimum $25.00 you want me to send to the DNC doesn’t even fill the gas tank these days. Of course, it might have bought more gasoline if the Democrats had been serious about financial reform. I guess that the big financial houses still need to be accommodated so that no trader, analyst, or investor goes without his 9-figure bonus this year. Don’t worry about those of us living on social security and hoping that Medicare premiums won’t be raised. We’ll just learn to eat less and expire sooner. (Oh, wait! That’s the GOP plan for the former middle class!)
I’d like to help you, Tim. Get back to me when the Democrats are willing to present a cohesive group of legislators who care more for their constituents than for their re-election campaigns. Get back to me when the Democrats are willing to act like FDR, JFK, and Harry Truman. Until then, I remain “Independent.”
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