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Vox Populi – 5-23-2014

AdLib

May 23, 2014

kesmarn :

pinkpantheroz : Say no more, Kes! I’ll do my best.
kesmarn : Good night, PPO! Keep that goofy PM of yours in line! “Wink-wink, nudge-nudge!”
pinkpantheroz : Well, it looks as if everyone’s heading out for the MD Weekend. Sayonara and have a great time.
kesmarn : Sounds great! Good night and hope to see everyone back on Vox next Friday night! A happy and peaceful Memorial Day to all.
glenn : kes–yes, I’ll be spending some time with my granddaughter and the rest of my little family. My oldest stepdaughter (23) is here from FL and the youngest stepdaughter (22) lives with my daughter and son-in-law right now, so all of the family is together.
kesmarn : MMMmmmmm….now I’m hungry! Never a good thing at midnight! Have a great weekend. And good night and thank you much to all the great Planeteers who contributed to a wonderful conversation tonight!
glenn : kes–A recording device is even better. Perhaps you can ask James O’Keefe for some suggestions. Better yet, see if you can borrow his pimp costume. That ought to liven things up a bit! G’night and have a great weekend. I think I’ll have Sabreen’s cheeseburger over the weekend. After all…I hate to see a good cheeseburger go to waste!
kesmarn : You’re so welcome, glenn. Enjoy the holiday — hopefully with the sweet granddaughter?
glenn : Kes–sounds like a good idea. Thanks for hosting tonight; I enjoyed chatting with you.
kesmarn : And perhaps a hidden recording device? Sneaky me… they said no cell phones, but they didn’t mention stealth digital recorders….
glenn : kes–I hope you get to be a poll worker–if only to keep them honest. Be sure to bring a large notebook for November; you may need it.
kesmarn : Well, kids…whaddya think? Should we wrap up this Memorial Day edition of Vox as the midnight hour approaches here?
glenn : KT–Enjoy your Memorial Day. Vets like you are the reason we have this holiday. Thank you.
kesmarn : G’night,Homie and thanks for making my job so easy!
kesmarn : Not really a lot in this county, glenn. In fact there’s a shortage, so I suspect they will call me again in November.
KillgoreTrout : I’m going to call it a night too. Glad to have a Homie doing the hosting tonight. Great job kes! Happy Memorial Day folks.
glenn : kes–do a lot of people apply to be poll workers, and is that why you hope you are picked?
kesmarn : glenn, for some reason they called and asked me! I have no idea how they got my name/number. But then I agreed to do the 4 hour training session and the rest was history. Not always happy history…
pinkpantheroz : Hey, Beatlex, godd to see you!
glenn : kes–don’t you have to apply to be a poll worker?
Sabreen60 : kes, just about to log off when I saw “cheeseburger” . Ouch! That hurt – no can do. Nighty night.
kesmarn : glenn, I hope I get asked to be a poll worker again. They need some Dems to balance things out!
glenn : G’night Sabreen. Have a great weekend.
kesmarn : Thanks so much, Sabreen! Have a great weekend and at least one cheeseburger on Memorial Day??
KillgoreTrout : Have a great holiday Sabreen.
glenn : kes–keep up the good work. Especially at those polling places.
Sabreen60 : kes, You did a wonderful job hosting. I’m going to say good night, too. I hope everyone enjoys the weekend.
kesmarn : Just making sure all the laws are observed, glenn…
KillgoreTrout : That’s cool glenn. I’m glad you enjoy it. Feel free to post your faves any time.
glenn : kes–and this coming from someone who gave out oxycontin?
kesmarn : Is Murph growing something we should all know about? Is it legal?
glenn : KT–that sounds good. I like the variety we get when everyone picks a fave. I do want you to know that although I don’t post songs, I do check out the WMT every weekend.
Sabreen60 : Murph, I meant when you harvest them.
kesmarn : My pleasure, Murph. Y’all made it very easy and I thank you!
MurphTheSurf3 : Kes…thanks for moderating tonight…well done.
Sabreen60 : Night Murph. Mail me some of those fresh goodies!
KillgoreTrout : Sleep well Murph.
kesmarn : Good night, Murph! Have a great weekend!
glenn : Good night Murph. Happy planting!
KillgoreTrout : glenn, I wrote a post last weekend, but Ad Lib beat me to it, so mine will show tomorrow. It’s member’s choice. Pick your faves of any sort.
MurphTheSurf3 : Well folks I am fading fast…..long days planting….Good night.
kesmarn : “your” not “you’re” Sheesh.
glenn : KT–a little off topic, but are we having patriotic songs for the weekend Music Thread?
kesmarn : G’night, funk. One day you’re life too will be one never-ending weekend.
Sabreen60 : Good night Funk. Take care!
KillgoreTrout : Have a great holiday funk!
glenn : ‘Night funk. Have a good weekend.
funksands : Night!
funksands : Folks I’ve gotta go early tonight. But I’ll be thinking of you over the 3-day weekend. (Or continuous weekend for you retired folk)
glenn : Thanks, KT
Sabreen60 : Funk!
KillgoreTrout : That’s funny Sabreen.
kesmarn : glenn — I think you just discovered the way to relieve the Koch brothers of some of their millions!! $1000/pill Viagra!
funksands : Its a good ‘un
KillgoreTrout : Geez kes. Interferon is only about 28 grand for the whole treatment.
Sabreen60 : Loved that movie!
funksands : Huckleberry: «link»
glenn : Kes–if only they charged $1000 per pill for the viagra-like pills and birth control was free. Lots of old white men’s heads would be exploding! (Just not the little heads).
Sabreen60 : KT – Restless leg syndrome. I had a trainer who said get off your butt and exercise and you won’t have Restless leg syndrome.
kesmarn : Yes, KT. Total cost of treatment — $100,000 per patient.
KillgoreTrout : A huckleberry is a favored one.
funksands : Tombstone!
kesmarn : I’m glad somebody asked…
KillgoreTrout : THAT should definitely be illegal.
glenn : Sabreen–okay, I admit I’m a dumbass. What is a “huckleberry?”
kesmarn : Have you heard about this treatment for Hep C that they’re charging $1000 PER PILL for?
KillgoreTrout : Good one Homie!
Sabreen60 : kes, Just say “I’m your huckleberry”.
KillgoreTrout : The biggest drug dealers in America are big pharma. They push drugs for conditions they make up.
kesmarn : “At long last, madame! Have you no decency!!”
glenn : kes–so you admit you were a drug dealer?
kesmarn : Well, I did administer oxycontin to people in the past. (But it was all legal…!)
KillgoreTrout : kes, a liberal, commie socialist drug dealer. And atheist lesbian!
funksands : Sabreen, him saying that convinced 500 dumb-asses in KY that its okay to vote for him now.
glenn : Dear Funk–Be happy to help you. Elect a Democrat!
funksands : Kes, be careful. They’ll start accusing you of being Nurse Jackie
kesmarn : “Retired RN Poll Worker — Has History As Drug Dealer”
glenn : KT–yeah, character assassination.
Sabreen60 : KT, The Turtle is denying that KYConnect (I think that’s what it’s called) is not Obamacare. He’s a lying SOB without shame.
funksands : “Dear Glenn: My Congress critter has driven me to writing you. He poops all over the house and is constantly jumping up on company and selling out our nation to the highest bidder. Can you help us? – Sincerely, “Filibustered in Ohio”
KillgoreTrout : Naw kes, they’ll just run a smear campaign against you. It’s the new “assassination. “
kesmarn : I’m sure is would only be a “baptism”… A Palin one.
glenn : funk–
kesmarn : I think that may happen in my case too. If I say too much too soon… Well, if you hear about a “kes” floating in the Maumee river — or sinking with cement shoes on…
KillgoreTrout : Absolutely glenn. The tea baggers have been a horrible influence on the GOP as a whole and the few smart people in the GOP know it.
funksands : Murph, no one likes a squealer…
kesmarn : Yes, Sabreen. This captain was doing that too!
MurphTheSurf3 : Kes…..I worked for the Dems at the polls and had the unfortunate practice of pointing out violations- so I stopped being asked.
Sabreen60 : kes, I can’t remember where this happened, but people were complaining that after they had given the poll worker an ID, they were made to say their name and address and workers made sure they didn’t look at the ID. That should be criminal.
funksands : Glenn you should have your own show: “Glenn: Congress Whisperer”
kesmarn : PPO, I wish we were allowed to have our phones with us at the polls, but we’re not. Although the fundie captain had his out — regardless of the rules. Of course.
funksands : Where’s Ace Reporter Jimmy O’Keefe when you really need him?
glenn : KT–A good congress critter should know when to be liberal and when to be conservative. I am so sick of this “purity” bullshit! Although I haven’t heard a good idea from a repub in years, it doesn’t matter to me whether it’s a liberal or a conservative idea. What matters is–is it good for the country?
KillgoreTrout : Let’s really hope that the Turtle loses.
pinkpantheroz : Good for you, kes. Hope your notes will help any investigation. did anyone take a smartphone video? It’s great when you can say ‘roll the video tape’!
funksands : If the GOP wasn’t batshit crazy, I’d be really worried.
kesmarn : Columbus, the state capital. But Kasich’s in charge there, so I don’t have a lot of hope. The Board has been in turmoil for about 5 years at least.
funksands : Dems historically have picked up a total of 14 seats during a midterm election where they hold the Presidency. Two times: FDR and Clinton. (FDR to Obama). That’s not many
MurphTheSurf3 : Kes…who is doing the investigation?
KillgoreTrout : I agree PPO. I always say that a good president should know when to be liberal and when to be conservative, depending on the issues and situations.
kesmarn : Murph, I took notes and observed. It was my first time working the polls, so I thought I’d best not make waves on day one. This one black guy spoke up about the rule that we were not supposed to talk politics and the guy said: “So? Let ’em fire me.” There’s currently an investigation of the whole county Board now.
glenn : kes–oooh what a depressing experience. And, of course, if you had pointed out that we have separation of church and state in this country, and that the pastor should not have been “preaching” for either side, then you would have been accused of trying to take away his first amendment rights.
KillgoreTrout : Gee kes, another RW religico that somehow missed a bit of Christ’s teachings?
pinkpantheroz : KT, you’re right. I think that POTUS will do what is right for America and ignore any labelling anyone puts on him. that, no doubt will piss off the far Left and far Right, but the job needs to be done and he’ll do his best to get it sright.
funksands : Sabreen: *ding*
funksands : Glenn, for sure.
Sabreen60 : KT, I like to believe that most liberals are pragmatic. I think when you get to either extreme you become batshitcrazy, IMO
MurphTheSurf3 : Kes….how did you deal with all that.
kesmarn : Yep.
funksands : Hoo Boy
kesmarn : Well… for starters, the polling place was a RW fundie church. And the poll captain was the pastor! He spent much of the day bragging about things like having been part of Limbaugh’s “Occupy Hillary” subversion. When one of the Diebold machines wouldn’t work, he said: “It must be a Democrat. They don’t like to work.” Etc., etc.
Sabreen60 : I think in those states that have tried to implement draconian voter ID laws will see a higher rate of people voting in November. I know 2012 was a Presidential election, but people were pissed that Repubs were trying to take away their voting rights.
KillgoreTrout : Sabreen, in some ways yes, but he is also pretty centrist at times and even a bit conservative. The good thing about PBO is he knows when to be which.
funksands : Sabreen, you and I will disagree on that (though I rarely disagree with you). PBO is comparatively left of the GOP, but his not a liberal. His policy is more closely aligned with Nixon than FDR. He’s not a scumbag like Nixon of course.
glenn : funk–we still have to GOTV. That is imperative. There is some good news here in GA, though. Although her gop opponent is not identified yet because we have to have a run-off election this summer, Michelle Nunn, the Dem candidate for Senate, polls either neck and neck or ahead of either of the gop candidates in the runoff. And, this is in a red state and for a republican seat in the Senate. Of course, there’s no telling what can happen in an election campaign, especially here in GA, where the tp will pull out all the stops, I look at those early polls as good news.
pinkpantheroz : Kes, in what way was it an eye opener?
MurphTheSurf3 : kes….say more about your polling experience
kesmarn : I worked the Ohio primary as a poll official three weeks ago. Boy, was that an eye-opener!
KillgoreTrout : Oh, you got one of those too? Sorry to hear that.
Sabreen60 : A slight disagreement – I know of no other President who was more liberal than PBO. He’s not a firebagger or “Democracy Now” type, but he’s certainly a liberal, IMHO.
funksands : Murph, those local elections are much much much easier to defend against. You increase turnout by 10% in some of those elections and we’ll win. Easier to do in a county race where you can see every voter face to face.
pinkpantheroz : hanging in, KT. Just concerned with our own homegrown Dubya here in Canberra
KillgoreTrout : Que pasa PPO? I’m doing well and hope you are likewise.
pinkpantheroz : right, KT, but I still worry about the gerrymander.
MurphTheSurf3 : Funk…I agree with your strategy but the funding has crept into all of those races too….look at what happened in NC…a state shifting blue was bought back in three elections by a GOP billionaire who is now the state budget director.
funksands : If “we” want to change our messaging, start prefacing everything with “liberals and moderates” rather than just “liberals” or “progressives” . They’re with us, we need to recognize that.
KillgoreTrout : Exactly funk! The “big tent,” is getting smaller each year.
pinkpantheroz : funk, from your mouth….
pinkpantheroz : Back again! Hey, KT howzit going?
funksands : Liberals and Moderates are voting for Dems. The only people left to the GOP are the hard-core righties of which there are less every day.
kesmarn : I like those numbers, funk.
funksands : Here’s why I have some hope:23% of America self-describes as “liberal” 34% of America self-describes as “moderate” 38% of America self-describes as “conservative” President Obama (no liberal but example still instructive) won 51% of popular vote in last election What this means is that if every liberal that voted voted for Obama in 2012, then 76% of moderates also voted for him.
glenn : Sabreen–hey I’m back. IF, and I hope it’s a big IF the repubs take the Senate, there is one bit of hope. I think that they will “step on their cranks” big time with the legislation they will pass. You know they will pass more voter id laws, more gun laws, more anti-abortion laws, and possibly they will gut programs that people like and/or need in order to “reduce the deficit”. People will then be ready for Dems to come back and actually govern for the people and it will be a Dem sweep in 2016.
KillgoreTrout : I think the only real area that the dems have to worry about is the economy. Dems are ahead in most all other areas.
funksands : Murph, nothing is going to get changed from the top down. Pinning our hopes on Congress and the Presidency is fools gold. True change is only going to come from the bottom-up. Little by little we develop a deep bench that takes over every county commissioner, school board, precinct captaincy. But that means we need to be really organized and we just aren’t yet. That’s how the right wing loons did it. Took them 25-30 years. In the meantime we hang on by our nails in the federal elections and stop trying to triangulate with the GOP. Obama has done a pretty good job of that. I think he gets that this is trench warfare.
kesmarn : I hear you, Murph — they do have deep pockets. But I think there are inexpensive ways to fight back too.
MurphTheSurf3 : Sab..and your worries are my worries
kesmarn : Likewise. There are so many more reliable, credible sources out there. There’s some great stuff on the YouTube channel called “Vice News.”
Sabreen60 : Murph, I’m worried about the money, but I’m also worried about Dems not voting, Diebold machines, voter suppression and redistricting.
MurphTheSurf3 : Kes…..commerci als are creeping into all of cable, and they are all over the internet, and they are found embedded in so called news reports and paid tweeters and bloggers….this is a very well resourced propaganda campaign
KillgoreTrout : I dropped my cable over 2 years ago, and haven’t missed it once.
kesmarn : Sabreen — exactly. People are wising up to the cable corporate agenda.
kesmarn : Seriously, KT. I know more and more people every day who are dropping cable. They know that there’s almost no real news on there anymore.
KillgoreTrout : I know the te party is declining in popularity. I saw a figure of less than 20% still supporting tp candidates. That’s got to be a good thing.
Sabreen60 : kes, FOX viewers. MSNBC numbers are in the toilet – I wonder why. {snark}
MurphTheSurf3 : Sab….I return to a reality…people are dumb and getting dumbers, and the RW lie machine is rolling in dough.
KillgoreTrout : Good question kes.
MurphTheSurf3 : Funk….so what is to be done?
kesmarn : Question, though: if all that Koch $$$ is to buy commercial air time — who watches TV any more?
Sabreen60 : Murph, please don’t say that. It will be a complete nightmare if the Repubs take the Senate. We have got to GOTV!
funksands : Murph, we can’t compete. There isn’t enough money to compete. What’s worse is that the Koch Bros and their ilk only need to spend 1-2% of their net worth per year to completely capsize elections. It isn’t expensive and it brings a huge return on investment.
kesmarn : I was in sarcasm mode, Sabreen, but forgot to put the { } brackets in. I can’t stand McCain.
KillgoreTrout : kes, they have improved greatly in the last 20 years. There are good guys and not so good guys working for the VA. I’d say more good than not so good. Many, many of them are vets themselves.
MurphTheSurf3 : KT- in 2012 we had a presidential election, the GOP had not taken control of TP, and the slow erosion of Dems in local, and state elections continued..now I think they are positioned to take the Senate.
funksands : I have several clients who are on Tricare and love it. Every once in a while they get stymied by some bereaucratic red tape, but otherwise its good.
Sabreen60 : kes, I never thought he was a hero. He crashed planes. He got captured. What did he do that was so heroic?
kesmarn : Much to Karl Rove’s dismay and our delight!
KillgoreTrout : Murph, one thing to keep in mind is that all the repubs money didn’t do them much good in 2012.
kesmarn : That’s good to hear, KT. I know a Viet Nam vet who goes to the Ann Arbor, MI VA hospital. A bit slow, he says, but they do a lot with very poor funding.
MurphTheSurf3 : Ad Lib is not here to calm me down….but in conversations about funding with campaign operatives, I am more and more certain that democrats have no way of matching the money machine that IS the plutocracy who fund the GOP and media lie machine…..I don’t see how we compete.
Sabreen60 : Yep, I remember that Funk. That’s what they do – put a poison pill on a legit bill knowing it won’t pass. Scumbags!
kesmarn : McCain, that is.
kesmarn : What a “hero” he is.
KillgoreTrout : kes, I have to say, that I have never had a serious problem with the VA. I’ve been treated by them since the late 80s. They are in large part, responsible for saving my life. Long story.
funksands : Last VA bill was scuttled by McCain who introduced legislation to put new sanctions on Iran in the Veteran’s education and medical funding bill.
kesmarn : Hope it’s a clear night, glenn!
glenn : BRB–going out to see if I can see the meteor shower yet.
kesmarn : We were just talking about the VA situation, Homie. What’s been your experience overall with the VA, if you don’t mind my asking?
glenn : funk–Could be that the White House is “resigned”. Now is the time for PBO to MAKE Congress turn down all of this stuff. It will show the difference between Dems and repubs, and hopefully give Dems something to run on, too.
KillgoreTrout : Sounds nice Homie. Haven’t seen temps above 70 since last year!
KillgoreTrout : What’s up Murph?
KillgoreTrout : Hey Sabreen and funk!
kesmarn : Now’s the time to come back, KT! Beautiful spring after that legendary winter.
MurphTheSurf3 : Greeting KT
KillgoreTrout : Hey glenn!
funksands : Hey KT!
Sabreen60 : Hiya KT!
funksands : Glenn: Word. White House seems a bit resigned these days.
KillgoreTrout : Pretty good kes. I’ll be coming back to Ohio for awhile. Got some business to attend to.
glenn : Hey KT!
glenn : funk–then PBO should be standing up and repeating that every day. And where the money is, and how he intends to use the money to help the vets. If he can get the Obamacare website fixed, then we can get a system in place to fix the problems the VA is experiencing. Experiencing because of the wars of gwb and the big dick.
Sabreen60 : AdLib!!
kesmarn : Hey, Homie! How’s everything on the Cape?
kesmarn : AdLib, it wasn’t even really good pizza… just kinda hot and cheesy and full of great toppings, with a tender, crispy crust…
KillgoreTrout : Que pasa, Planet folk!
Sabreen60 : Absolutely Funk! The Repubs vote again and again against the Vets. They have no souls. They are carrying out their agenda. Say NO to everything PBO wants.
kesmarn : But what about Lockheed Martin’s profits, funk? And Halliburton’s?
AdLib : Kes – That’s okay…I didn’t come for the pizza…yeah…w ho cares about pizza? Not me…when it’s all gone and all…
glenn : funk–oops I misunderstood. I get it now–“mildly irritated” is a good mood.
funksands : Glenn, there is plenty of money to take care of our veterans. The lack of funding to the department is a political decision, not an economic one.
kesmarn : That was awful, wasn’t it Sabreen? And Allen West had to resign from the military or face court martial because he was responsible for the abuse of Iraqi detainees. A fine one to talk!!
Sabreen60 : The media refuses to even mention the Repubs filibuster of the Vet bills. Useless!
funksands : Glenn I’m in a good mood.
glenn : funk–only mildly irritated?
funksands : “You don’t go to war with the VA you want, you go to war with the VA you have”. – Donald Rumsfeld
glenn : funk–That’s exactly why we need to put our money where our mouths are. Fix the damn thing. If we’re going to have a deficit, then I would much rather be in debt because my tax dollars went to help veterans get decent health care, then I would be in debt because we are fighting wars.
Sabreen60 : I heard that the intellect, Allen West, said Rep. Tammy Duckworth was not loyal to America. He’s such a turd. I mean really disgusting.
funksands : We created a generation of broken soldiers and gave them to 50’s to be taken care of.
MurphTheSurf3 : Funk- in 2006, the OMB and the GAO joined with the CBO in a joint report warning that the VA was not being resourced to handle the wartime footing the nation was in. Ignored by the Bush admin.
kesmarn : Right, funk. One analyst said that one reason case loads have increased so much is that under Obama, when people said they had PTSD they were actually taken seriously. Instead of having to prove their case for 17 years before they got help.
funksands : Glenn I’m mildy irritated.
glenn : Hi Ad!
glenn : Hey funk–how are you?
funksands : Night Ad! Enjoy the drum circle!
funksands : VA Caseloads up 250% over last 10 years, funding up 30%. Not a good mix for an agency that is using 40 year old technology and is understaffed. No excuse, but its an excuse
kesmarn : Hey, welcome back AdLib! Sorry we ate all the pizza…
AdLib : Hey, I’m out tonight so this is a quick hit and run but cheers to everyone here tonight and big props to Kes for guest hosting tonight!
kesmarn : glenn, indeed! If PBO can get the VA situation straightened up it will go down in history.
MurphTheSurf3 : funk- Cruz, once again standing up for the really gigantic guys who are in danger of being oppressed by those who are not billionaires. How noble.
Sabreen60 : Funk, I can’t cheat. If I cheat on the weekends that 2 lbs on. Then I eat right during the week and that’s 2 lbs off. It’s a threadmill. When I get to where I want to be then I’ll cheat
kesmarn : Halleluiah and pass the hypocrisy, funk! Of course he wasn’t talking about any $$$ going to the poor. Just making sure they can’t get heroin or oxycontin…
funksands : Kes, he must have seen the light! Nothing like triangulatin’ for the Lord!
glenn : kes–thanks. If I ever lose my mind and decide to run for any office, I’ll look you up to be my campaign manager. Seriously, though, if I, a lowly, retired third-grade teacher, can come up with a plan like that, why can’t the politicians come up with something similar? I’d really like to see PBO tackle this issue head on and come up with some ideas to fix this problem permanently. As Jon Stewart said the other night, and Murph just pointed out, this problem has been going on forever! If PBO would get behind a realistic plan to straighten out this mess, he could really cement his legacy. Healthcare for civilians and vets!
funksands : Sabreen…..god that’s awful. In a similar boat myself. Tonight is cheat night. Pizza and beer. (Beer isn’t even that good)
Sabreen60 : Funk, Well I’m on the wagon. No unnecessary calories. So no Tequila – none in the house. For that matter, nothing good to eat in the house. It’s not fair!
funksands : Hi Glenn!
kesmarn : Oh funk, Johnny has got religion and got it big time, now that he’s in campaign mode. Preaching about how “the Lord calls us to care for the poor.” Who is this guy and what closet has he been tied up in for the last few years?
funksands : Murph: Our Friend and re-used grease salesman Ted Cruz: «link»
funksands : Hi Kes, how are things in Kasich Kuntry?
MurphTheSurf3 : Funk…say more
funksands : Hey Sabreen! What’s on tap tonight?
funksands : Murph, no need to work on it. The Senate Dems have a vote scheduled as we speak. 41 co-sponsors!! How exciting
kesmarn : glenn, I’d vote for you any day. That sound like a more serious plan to clean up the VA mess than I’ve heard in a long time!
MurphTheSurf3 : Sab..for the GOP leaders and their masters ignorance is indeed bliss
Sabreen60 : Hiya Funk!
Sabreen60 : Absolutely right Murph. And PBO punched the Right in the face when he gave Shinseki the job.
glenn : All–I think we should take some of the money out of the Pentagon’s budget that is going to develop new weapons and transfer it to the VA. Hire some tech savvy vets and/or the best tech people you can find to come up with a system that works. In the meantime, hire some vets or families of vets to help catch up with the paperwork. Once again, it will cost money, but I think it’s time for repubs to put their money where their mouths are and put up or shut up about how much they “honor” our vets.
MurphTheSurf3 : Funk, how are you working to repeal the First?
MurphTheSurf3 : Glenn- the VA mess today is just a larger version of the VA mess yesterday and the day before yesterday. It is a hopelessly antiquated structure. Why are we not sending vets to civilian hospitals using the Federal Worker Insurance model- because the VA is a huge government sinkhole.
kesmarn : Hey, funk! Pass the amendments, please!
kesmarn : Exactly, glenn. And Murph, I agree, Shinseki has been the whipping boy once before and the GOP is happy to have reruns on that one.
Sabreen60 : Murph, So there is truth in the old adage “ignorance is bliss”.
funksands : Good evening Planeteers. Another day of advocating for the repeal of the 1st Amendment!!! Soon ALL the Amendments will be OURS!
glenn : kes and sabreen–I think there is enough “blame” to go around on all sides in this VA mess. IMO, though, we should quit trying to assign blame, or call for someone’s firing. What we should be doing is coming up with ideas to fix the problem. Make repubs come out and say they’re willing to run up the deficit to fight wars, but not willing to pay for the veterans to get decent health care. Yes, it’s going to cost us, but if you think our vets are worth it; then you should be willing to pay for it.
MurphTheSurf3 : Shinseki was driven out by the GOP for calling out the Bush administration for its projection that the war in Iraq would be fast and easy and now they get to do it again.
kesmarn : Although — for all the millions that they threw at the 2012 elections — they didn’t get much of a return on their investment, Murph.
Sabreen60 : glenn, Even Boehner told the truth for once in his life. He said on national TV that there is really no distinction between Teabaggers and “Republicans” and he’s right. The Tea Party has dragged the entire Party to the extreme Right. So it appears the Tea Party has won. There may not be a lot of Republicans calling themselves Tea Partiers, but they have adopted the policies.
MurphTheSurf3 : ALL- The two biggest reasons why the GOP is likely to do well in November are: most people are uniformed and happy being; and the right wing liars are far better financed than we are
kesmarn : I was disappointed to hear Grimes calling for Shinseki’s resignation. Doesn’t anyone recall that the GOP blocked a spending bill just this past February that would have funded veteran’s health care?
glenn : Murph–I know you’re interested in GA politics. Michelle Nunn also seems to be running from Obamacare, too. Or at least running from the question of whether or not she would have voted for it. Which, IMO, is a stupid question to be asking. The most she says is that she knows it needs fixing, and she would work to do so. I sure hope that means single payer, but I doubt it.
pinkpantheroz : BRB
kesmarn : Get out the vote really is crucial, PPO. Especially this year.
pinkpantheroz : Yes, Kes, good point. So it is imperative to get out the vote as much as possible.
kesmarn : Interesting question, Sabreen. My hope is that she’ll swing left after she’s in. But who can be sure?
glenn : PPO–There are no real, moderate repubs left. The party has gone so far to the right, that even if the so-called “tea party” candidates have lost, the repubs are still touting their agenda.
kesmarn : Hey, PPO! Good to see you. And yes, I think that if Dems have to run against allegedly “moderate” Repubs, it will be a bit more challenging. But what can they say in their campaigns to prove that they really are moderates after they’ve spend the last few years pandering to the TP?
Sabreen60 : Hiya PPO!
glenn : Hey PPO–how is it going?
Sabreen60 : kes, Unfortunately Grimes is running away from Obamacare as fast as she can. I understand McTurtle called her out. I don’t know when Dems – even Blue Dogs – will learn to stop running from Dem policies. It’s not now a winning strategy, even in Red states. She also called for Shinseki’s resignation before all the facts are in. She NEVER mentions PBO. I just wonder if she wins, what kind of Dem is she going to be? Can she be counted on?
MurphTheSurf3 : PPO- the fact is that the so-called moderates are Tea Party Believers
glenn : kes–And, I’d like to see Grimes quit running away from Obamacare, and remind the people of KY that if they love Kynect, they love Obamacare.
pinkpantheroz : Hi, everybody from Down Under! catching up on the discussions, and it looks like the Tea Party took a bath at the Primaries. But if real, moderate Repubs get in, isn’t that bad for Dems? (I need help now and again with the US system).
glenn : kes–KY may have grown to hate the turtle, but now that the primary is over, all the good little tpers will rally around him because he is “their” candidate. Grimes seems to still be running neck and neck with him; I hadn’t seen any polls that say she is ahead. That ought to be an interesting race.
kesmarn : Wait till the other shoe drops and they finally figure it out. Gomer: “Well… gollllleeeee!”
glenn : Sabreen–I know–I love that “Kynect” label. I remember when we discussed this a while ago when they had a Kynect booth at the state fair and a man signed up for Kynect, and said he was so glad he hadn’t signed up for Obamacare. Idiots!
kesmarn : I did hear tonight, though, that KY really has grown to HATE Mitch McTurtle. Seems Allison Grimes may have a real chance there.
kesmarn : And…we’d have to ask Joe: “Have you ever heard a racist admit that he was one?”
Sabreen60 : glenn, They hate PBO. It doesn’t matter if has or has not done anything that is unconstitutional . KY hates him so much that 400,000 signed up for “Obamacare” but you better not call it Obamacare. They don’t know that’s what they have. Of course, KY is bringing up the rears in education, so I guess the people just don’t have a clue.
MurphTheSurf3 : Glenn- Joe has really good filters.
glenn : Murph–but, but, but….even Joe Scarborough says that he’s never heard anyone opposed to Obamacare because the president is black!
kesmarn : Good question, Sabreen. Even politicians who are running on the repeal of Obamacare — how do they think that’s going to be a winner for them? “Vote for me and I’ll take you back to the days when your policy was cancelled if you had a hangnail.”
MurphTheSurf3 : Glenn- “Being black in the WH and not part of the domestic staff” enough said.
glenn : oops again “an” r or a Democrat.
glenn : Murph–I guess the operative word is “believe”. Once again, I’m still trying to figure out what President Obama has done that is unconstitutional –or even different than what any other President has done, whether that president was and r or a Democrat.
Sabreen60 : Someone posted a picture on Twitter of several people praying on their knees in front of the White House. They were praying for the repeal of Obamacare. What kind of Christians would pray for people not to have health care?
MurphTheSurf3 : Beatlex, are you here?
MurphTheSurf3 : Glenn, if you believe that the federal government is counter-constitu tional it makes all the sense in the world.
glenn : oops–the “words”
glenn : Murph–I know what you’re saying. I just can’t understand how the word “patriot” and “hero” became associated with trying to overturn the federal government. Talk about “double speak”!
Sabreen60 : glenn, It’s a shame. We have a useless media. Moral Mondays have been happening for months.
kesmarn : And they don’t mean. Pretty. And bad. Either.
kesmarn : Ah…Sabreen. You’d be surprised. I have RW family members who think I’m a pretty BAD woman!
Sabreen60 : Reading about typos – I must make a gazillion. “kill us” – geez.
kesmarn : I hadn’t heard about the GA Moral Mondays, glenn. (No surprise there, huh?) That is so encouraging! I hope they keep it up.
Sabreen60 : kes, That which does not kills us, makes us stronger Oh, ok, I’ll be nice – as if anyone could be anything but nice to you!
MurphTheSurf3 : Glenn. Moral Mondays are a threat to the NC Power Grab by the Right Wing GOP bankrolled by the plutocracy. The Idiot Rancher and his gun toting posse are patriots because they are a threat to the Obama led Fed.
glenn : kes–could be that not many people have heard of them. However, I am absolutely stunned that a group of people here in GA began to have Moral Mondays before the legislature ended its session this year. I am hopeful that they will begin again in the fall when the legislature reconvenes. It gives me hope that we can turn GA blue, or at least “purple”.
kesmarn : Yes, Sabreen — I was saying that this is my first time. So be kind!
kesmarn : While Bundy is a household word. A dirty word. But still…
Sabreen60 : Hi kes, I see you are the host! I’m doing fine, thank you. I’m still trying to catch up on all the comments. I see TPers have gotten some ink
kesmarn : I would bet most of the population knows nothing at all about the Moral Monday demonstrations.
kesmarn : Isn’t that unbelievable, glenn? And have you noticed the extreme different in the amount of media coverage each group gets/got?
MurphTheSurf3 : Hello Sabreen
glenn : Hey Sabreen how are you?
glenn : Murph and kes–perhaps one or both of you can explain to me why the idiot rancher in NV is a “hero” because he refuses to follow the law; yet the people involved in Moral Mondays in NC have to have laws passed to prevent them from demonstrating. Argghhh!
kesmarn : Hey, Sabreen! How are you on the beginning of the holiday weekend?
Sabreen60 : Hello good people!
kesmarn : Many thanks for the kind words, glenn. Sometimes I get “fumble-fingers ” when I try to type too fast. (Why did I never take typing in high school?0
kesmarn : We were just talking about some of the dirty trick the TeaPeople are resorting to these days.
glenn : kes–you’re doing a fine job.
glenn : Murph–I’m doing well.
kesmarn : Doing well. But I am a rookie at this hosting business, so your patience may be required!
MurphTheSurf3 : I am ok. You all?
kesmarn : Hey, Murph! How are you this evening?
glenn : Hey Murph–how goes it?
MurphTheSurf3 : Hello Kes and Glenn
glenn : kes–if you’re looking for something to do, that volunteer work might be just the thing for you. For me, it’s a way to stay connected with kids as well as a way to meet people. And, of course, to get out of the house!
kesmarn : And I’ve read that people can get 10 year prison terms for doing that kind of unauthorized photography. I’d love to see that happen.
kesmarn : YES! That was my thought too. “Okay. You got the video. What are you going to do with it?” Do they ever think two minutes ahead?
glenn : kes–I read about the tp operative. He was caught with three others in this lower-than-scum scheme. One article I read about it asks: “Who thought this was a good idea?” And, “What did you hope to accomplish with this?” Too funny!
kesmarn : Wow…those kids — and those teachers! — are so lucky to have you there. Your compassion and your years of experience. What a gift. I just saw an ad looking for people to do respite care for families who are trying to care for elderly folks at home. Two hour stints of volunteer work. I’ve been thinking about that. The nursing background might come in handy.
glenn : kes-no, I can honestly say I don’t have dreams about being at work. It might be because I volunteer three days a week at my granddaughter’s school, so I’m in essence, still “working”. I just don’t have to do all the paperwork and other bs I used to have to do. When I retired, I was teaching 3rd grade, but I have taught 1st, 2nd, and 4th also.
kesmarn : That is “brilliant” as the Brits say! Truly — they seem to be shooting themselves in the foot more and more often, don’t they? Just this evening I heard that some Tea Party operative was caught sneaking into the nursing home room of the spouse of an “enemy” candidate and getting video of her without her consent! (She has dementia.) Can it get lower than that?
glenn : kes–I love our Prez, and he’s absolutely right. Is it just me or are the repubs getting crazier? I just have to laugh at them sometimes. One of the “funniest” signs this political season is from a rep here in GA, who had a sign that says, “Repeal Obamacare. Save America.” The good part? He lost! The even better part? He had to give up his seat in the House of Representatives to run for Senate, and he lost! So, now he’s out of the House, too! Love it!
kesmarn : What grade(s) did you teach?
kesmarn : Retirement is so wonderful, isn’t it? Although — I still have dreams about being at work. Do you?
glenn : kes–I know what you mean about not being a morning person. I used to be; mainly because I had to get up around 5-5:30 every morning so I could be coherent before I had to face all my rug rats at 7:00. But since I’ve retired, my alarm clock is set for 8:30. Most days I do get up before then; but not because I have to. It’s so nice having that “freedom”.
kesmarn : Oh goody! Let’s start with Issa who really blew it, no? To quote the Prez: “When people want to display their ignorance, sometimes all you have to do is stand back and let them talk.”
glenn : True–so many targets. Issa “stepped on his crank” (as my husband used to say) with his new “revelation” about the White House talking about the video. Little teddycruz saying that Democrats are going to repeal the first amendment. All republicans who are such whiny ass babies! Which one first? And, of course, there is the VA scandal, which, of course, republicans take no responsibility for, either.
kesmarn : I hear you! I can hardly keep up with the Fave’s math. She made the honor roll this semester so I think I’ll be going to the honors breakfast with her. 8 AM!! And I am not a morning person!
glenn : I am. She has only had one “B” all year. Here’s hoping she enjoys and works as hard at school next year. I’m going to have to practice my Math skills over the summer or I won’t be able to help her with her homework any more.
kesmarn : Oh… where do we start? So many targets. So little time. What are your thoughts?
kesmarn : glenn! That’s fantastic! You must be so proud.
glenn : So, kes, what’s new with you? Which republicans are we going to skewer tonight?
glenn : Yes, she did, including the President’s Award for Excellence in Academics.
kesmarn : Sounds as though she might have won a few of those awards too?
glenn : Kes–Ain’t that the truth?
kesmarn : They grow up all too fast, don’t they?
glenn : Kes-I’m well. Attended my granddaughter’s 5th grade awards ceremony this morning, and shed a tear or two. Can’t believe she’s going to middle school in the fall!
kesmarn : glenn! Doing well this mild evening. And how about yourself?
glenn : Hi Kes! The sound of Eric Cantor being booed is music to my ears. How are you?
kesmarn : Just say “howdy” or “The sound of Eric Cantor being booed is music to my ears.” when you come in.
kesmarn : And right off the bat I type “hear” instead of “here” just to prove how much I learned from Dubya in the brief 8 years we enjoyed him…
kesmarn : Meanwhile, I’m not sure who that “lovely and wise” person AdLib is referring to might be, but I’m hear to play guest host — for the first time. So please be gentle!
kesmarn : Thank so much for the kind words, CL,but you will be missed. Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and we’ll see you back here in two weeks!
choicelady : I can’t be on either, but HI kes! You will be fab as host, and I’m sorry to miss you! I won’t be here next week but the week after, so I’ll catch you then. Be well!
AdLib : Vox Populi, our live chat about the week’s events begins tonight at 7 pm PST. Guest hosting tonight will be the lovely, wise and witty Kesmarn so you don’t want to miss tonight’s Vox! It’s the best Friday night chat on The Planet!