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Comments Posted By MurphTheSurf3

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The Whys And Wherefores Of Suing The President

Conviction in the Senate requires 2/3 vote….no way that can happen so it is stunt.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 1, 2014 @ 6:19 am

I can find no source, no precedent that demonstrates that the House can sue the President.

Further, a number of sources I have read argue that the legislative branch has no power to sue anyone.

What Congress is empowered to do per the Constitution:

– to legislate
– to investigate
– to oversee
– to resolve
– to declare ware
– to impeach

Further, Constitutional scholars in general say that the branches cannot sue each other at all. This is thick going and a bit old but still often cited: http://scholarship.law.wm.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1941&context=wmlr

It’s basic position is that the federal government is generally understood to be a single corporate person and cannot sue itself. The only workable exceptions have been in matters involving inter-agency conflict over the application of legislation and in these cases the courts have sent the matter back to reconciliation.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 1, 2014 @ 6:17 am

Nice overview…the politics, the law, issues of governance all doing some crazy tango.

Here are the big points that stand out for me:

Boehner has one goal- keep his speakership. He does whatever he has to do to accomplish this. So, believing that impeachment, which the Tea Party dearly wants, would do to him what it did to Newt Gingrich- ruin him…he has come up with this little bauble, a lawsuit, to focus their attention.

The lawsuit gambit will also give the appearance of a House doing something- stopping a tyrannical president- to counter the current impression of a Congress of no good, do nothings.

Now—- as to suit…standing is an issue but there is another….Can the House act without the Senate…Bills are not passed into law/resolution/action by just one House. Both must concur AND the President must sign the approved action. OH boy….how the hell is that going to work?

It is not. The Constitution has ONE remedy for those who do as the House says that Obama is doing…..impeachment….and that is NOT something Boehner wants his name attached too.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On June 30, 2014 @ 7:19 pm

The Court Ruling that Could Kill ACA

KT- I reposted a comment that you left for Diane Merriam that accidentally got left for me to her.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 11, 2014 @ 6:21 am

I reposted your reply to Sue IN California to her that you accidentally left for me. Keeping track of the step-in boxes here can be be a bit daunting.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 11, 2014 @ 6:19 am

This got left for me but it is for you:

Diane Merriam says:
07/10/2014 at 9:39 PM

In order …. You state “You stated that it is better to turn social services functions over to private donors because it is better to have a person who funds something all the time than to have a government who can pull the plug anytime they want.”

I do think that private charity is better than forced charity via the government, but I’ve never given a reason like that. Where do you find that I said that?

You say you have studied the Religious Right and the Kochs for 6 years. What does that have to do with anything? I’m an agnostic, and even then only to the point that, in formal logic, absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. Until Reed started hitting on the Kochs I hadn’t really thought about them, politically, in decades. So what does that have to do with me or anything I’ve said?

You say left leaning think tanks have put out plenty of info on both of these subjects. Have you ever done any research for yourself? Have you ever read the Cato articles they’re referring to, whichever ones they may be? I’m here. I regularly read on Salon and HuffPo, The Washington Post and the New York Times. I watch videos from MSNBC (I don’t have a TV). Before I go rampaging off making claims about someone I do some research to see if what I’ve read is actually correct.

California’s budget? I really wish it were true. I was born in San Diego and I’ve also lived in Sacramento and Tahoe. I love California except for one thing … the governments in California. I lived across the street from Brown when he was first Governor. Sac housing was very mixed. I was in a $60 a month studio apartment, he was in a penthouse apartment. Anyway, I was coming out one day and saw a news crew across the street. I figured something momentous was happening so I went over and asked one of the cameramen what was going on. He said, and I quote: “We’re just doing a piece on the Governor’s day. We’re just waiting for him to come down to go to work… If he comes down… If he goes to work.” then shrugged and gave a chuckle. I understand he’s grown up some since then, but it would be really hard for me to change my impression of him.

Anyway, budget. Rather than go into a long response in an already long response, here’s a link: http://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasdelbeccaro/2013/07/08/jerry-brown-stands-atop-californias-collapsing-house-of-cards/

You say I am for a cause and then support it’s opposite. Where? What cause? I support the reputation of the Cato Institute. Do you consider that a cause? I support many of the causes that the Kochs donate to, but not all of them. You say I’m lying. What, specifically, have I said that you consider a lie? All I’m hearing is generalities.

Oh — and your link … Your proof is a hyped up description of a single 37 year old article?

If that’s the best you can do and if you can’t come up with any specifics for the other accusations you’re throwing at me, then don’t waste my time.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 11, 2014 @ 6:17 am

This got posted to me but it is for you.

KillgoreTrout says:
07/10/2014 at 10:03 PM

Miriam, maybe you missed my comment where I asked you to state YOUR libertarian principles.

If so, would you mind doing so soon? I’m mean your personal libertarian principles and not necessarily the party’s as a whole.

I asked in earnest.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 11, 2014 @ 6:13 am

This is the system that the Austria, Switzerland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark use…a hybrid public/private system. No objection but it will put the fed in far greater charge of rates, standards, and availability than is current even under ACA- which would be a good thing, I think.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 10, 2014 @ 11:37 am

Sue- you are good….very good!

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 8, 2014 @ 9:58 pm

Frankly, as soon as someone decides to make their case use Hitler and Stalin…I am tempted to read no further….I did stop reading twice and finally came back to read all of it.

We know that Ralph Nader get a lot of money from donors who were on the right (it was still possible to track this down in 2000), in key states…I wonder why? Remind me, who won the Presidency in 2000 and how did he win it.

NOW, having said that. I am a Progressive in a vry red state. I often vote for fringe Progressives from third parties and for resolutions that come from those groups. Why? My vote for Dems is as lost as it for any third party.

In elections where things are close that is not so. In 2010, the Democrats and their independent/progressive allies nearly tossed away the election of 2008- in a census year, the loss of so many state legislatures led to the gerrymandering and voter restriction nightmare we are now stuck with; the loss of the House made sure that Obama would get virtually nothing through to the Senate.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 7, 2014 @ 7:16 pm

I agree that single payer is the way to go. Cut out the insurance middle man. A lot more dems support this…in fact I know of no GOP who do but I know a number of Dems who do.

Thanks for the clarification.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 7, 2014 @ 6:13 pm

That may be what it comes down to or at least disorder in the streets linked to mass demonstrations.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 6, 2014 @ 9:00 pm

I think that the conservative Big Money people have created the engine to drive the slow motion coup now taking place at the national and state level. They set up the priorities and fund the efforts to see them addressed and then put into place.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 6, 2014 @ 8:59 pm

Here is the key for me-

we really have only two choices…..R or D….sorry that is the way the system is structured, tilted, warped, or set up….whatever….only one party holds points of view that I share on key issue and only one party has people I still trust…so I vote for anyone who has a chance of strengthening those positions and those people.

Protest votes just get the wrong people elected.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 6, 2014 @ 8:57 pm

I think I will stand with my response and see what comes of it.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 6, 2014 @ 8:51 pm

I doubt that they lose a moment of sleep over this. As we discussed at Vox….they stand without challenge since impeachment (not to mention trial and conviction) is so unlikely to happen tat it might as well not even be mentioned. The other justices have no power over each other. The court is so insulated from the public that direct effect is minimal and indirect effect easily ignored. The institution is fundamentally flawed.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 6, 2014 @ 8:50 pm

Can you directly connect your two comment to my post. I want to respond accurately.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 6, 2014 @ 8:46 pm

The 2018 Congressional Republican Orientation Handbook

The sad thing is that while tongue in cheek, if one strips away the satire here the real thing is not far from the core narrative you lay out here.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 1, 2014 @ 5:44 am

Favorite lines:

FOR THE GOP, TOKEN OFFICE HOLDING BY EASILY MANIPULATED WOMEN AND PROP WIVES.
As for the ladies of the GOP, we appreciate the support you have shown for your man. A frilly dress, a winsome smile, and unfailing loyalty are all that are needed for you to adorn the arm of your husband, Mr. Congressman!

KNOWLEDGE IS THE ENEMY OF ZEALOTRY:
“Freshmen are advised to avoid seeking committee assignments that would suggest knowledge, experience or qualification in the subjects of the committee. Such an approach will only yield scorn and derision from your more experienced partners, and will open you to suspicion of having a legislative agenda.”

“While on fact-finding missions, members are advised that actual finding of facts may entail adverse risks. Any data collection, analyses, or findings as a result of your mission should be carefully monitored and adjusted to fit your preconceived notions, as expressed during your heartfelt departure press briefing. As a reminder of our national policy, you will find a refrigerator magnet in your information packet – “Fact Free and Loving It!” ”

OBSTRUCTION AND DENIAL AS A WAY OF LIE
“Our party platform makes clear that absolutely no legislation with any chance of passage should be introduced, debated, or called for a vote.”

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On July 1, 2014 @ 5:43 am

The Price Of Everything

Ok this is brilliant.

The analysis takes me to another plane of interaction with your post.

Suggestion….take the post already done and repost it with a new beginning (say it was a puzzler) and then your analysis.

Expand on why manufactured products remain affordable but services do not. Expand on your perspective of political donations as investments.

Run at it one more time and expand the field.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On June 30, 2014 @ 8:41 pm

This is really interesting…I mean it really is…but what does it mean.

Things cost more today. Ok. Granted.

BUT, in 1965, per the U.S. Census a family of 4’s median income was $6,900 a year. (http://www2.census.gov/prod2/popscan/p60-049.pdf)

In 2012 median household income was $51,371 a year. (http://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/acsbr12-02.pdf)

That economy car in 1965 cost you 38 percent of your income. In 2012 it was 31 percent.

So…what did you want us to gather from your comparisons….like I said, a lot of work here…a ton of work….and really interesting but I am looking for the thesis you were setting out to prove.

Help?

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On June 30, 2014 @ 7:32 pm

The Weekend Music Thread-Creatures Great and Small

GOING TO THE ZOO TOMORROW
by Peter, Paul and Mary

Daddy's takin' us to the zoo tomorrow
Zoo tomorrow, zoo tomorrow
Daddy's takin' us to the zoo tomorrow
And we can stay all day

We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo
How about you, you, you?
You can come too, too, too
We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo

See the elephant with the long trunk swingin'
A great big ears and a long trunk swingin'
Snuffin' up peanuts with the long trunk swingin'
And we can stay all day

We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo
How about you, you, you?
You can come too, too, too
We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo

See all the monkeys, they're scritch-scritch scratchin'
Jumpin' around and scritch-scritch scratchin'
Hangin' by the long-tail
And we can stay all day

We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo
How about you, you, you?
You can come too, too, too
We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo

There's a big black bear, he's a huff-puff-a-puffin'
His coat's too heavy, he's a huff-puff-a-puffin'
Don't get too near the huff-puff-a-puffin'
Or you won't stay all day

We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo
How about you, you, you?
You can come too, too, too
We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo

Well, the seals in the pool all honk-honk-honkin'
They're catchin' the fish and honk-honk-honkin'
The little tiny seals all honk-honk-honkin'
And we can stay all day

We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo
How about you, you, you?
You can come too, too, too
We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo

Well, we stayed all day and I'm gettin' sleepy
Sittin' in the car gettin' sleep, sleep, sleepy
Home already and I'm sleep, sleep, sleepy
'Cause we have stayed all day

We've been to the zoo, zoo, zoo
So have you, you, you
And you came too, too, too
We've been to the zoo, zoo, zoo

Mommy's takin' us to the zoo tomorrow
Zoo tomorrow, zoo tomorrow
Mommy's takin' us to the zoo tomorrow
And we can stay all day

We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo
How about you, you, you?
You can come too, too, too
We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo

We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo
How about you, you, you?
You can come too, too, too
We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On June 28, 2014 @ 8:02 pm

Where’s the Headline on Human Extinction?

Do you also hold to the theory that FDR conspired with Japan in the attack of Pearl Harbor? That do is out there….

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On June 30, 2014 @ 8:28 am

words have meaning.

Proxy:
1 the agency, function, or office of a deputy who acts as a substitute for another
2 authority or power to act for another
b a document giving such authority; specifically : a power of attorney authorizing a specified person to vote corporate stock
3 a person authorized to act for another

You are going to have provide substantial evidence that AQ was deputized to act for the U.S. and EU by the U.S. and EU.

Because AQ doctrine and action fits into the neocon priorities does not meen AQ is a proxy for the neocons.

And yes, I am serious.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On June 30, 2014 @ 8:27 am

First I am glad that you found The Planet. There is an openness here that is very inviting.

Now to respond…..

I too have done quite a bit of traveling and lived overseas where I was told that I did not think or talk like most “yanks” folks there knew. I did not have the “America: the glorious city built upon the hilltop” approach of many which is mostly because I am a historian. I know the reality.

Your take on the Chinese buying spree is an accurate one as well. Let me add this to it: their own currency is starting to suffer as China’s growth sputters and the real cost of a propped up economy begin become clear. SO, it is also their own cash that they have dump.

I find your claim about AQ as a proxy for the U.S. and the EU curious. Anything to substantiate that. I can’t think of anything. In fact, quite the opposite. I do know that in Libya, Syria, and Iraq the Christian (and Jewish!) minorities have been driven, in large part, from the countries….Islam, in its radical phases, is every bit as intolerant as Christianity and Judaism ever were.

I regard the Iraq War as a blatant act of naked aggression by the neocon cabal that controlled the White House…done for Gold, God and Glory- the motivation for all modern imperialism.

“Germany and others want to redeem all their gold that the ‘Fed’ is storing for them, but when they said to send it back, the private Federal Reserve wouldn’t even let them see it.” Again, looking for corroboration here. I can’t imagine the EU putting up with that.

There is a lot of conspiracy theory stuff in your comments- not that there are not real conspiracies- but one has to provide the proof for others to take them seriously. My own conjectures on the Iraq War were scoffed at years back and are now widely accepted….the key was to offer the narrative, the data that provided backup to the hypotheses.

I watch Al Jazeera America, BBC, and read the international press to widen my view.

Fantastic Quote…..“We’ll know our disinformation program is complete when everything the American public believes is false.” And that comes directly from the mouth of the CIA director, Bill Casey, in 1981…..Source please…I want to use it.

Here is a key paragraph…..

“Now, finally comes my environmental connection to all this. These figures are from foreign press sources that I haven’t fact checked, but these are things that are in the press in Central and South America, Europe (East and West) and two African countries I’ve been in lately.”Remember that a LOT of the world’s press is directly controlled by government and a LOT MORE is owned by their own versions of Murdoch and News Corp….be careful…liars come wrapped in the flags of every nation.

“Have you or anyone else heard the figure of 11,000 U.S. service personel that have died so far from the Depleted(not) Uranium weapons, and the probablility is that is just the tip of the iceberg, not even taking into account the 8% of the worlds landmass that is now contaminated with it.” VERY CONTROVERSIAL IDEA THAT I HAVE READ IN SEVERAL SOURCES….BUT I DID NOT FIND THEIR RESEARCH CONVINCING. Still there is a lot of smoke and I am looking for the fire. Perhaps you have it spotted.

Lastly, all you say could be true but the onus of proof is on the person who makes statements that run contrary to the commonly accepted so-called “truth.”

My suggestion….take one of the several intriguing ideas here and really track it down. Get to the bottom of the charges and then craft a complete narrative/article including your sources. Post it NOT as a comment but as a full fledged article.

If you need help negotiating the publishing tool many here are willing to help.

Divergent opinion supported by convincing narrative is often eye-opening.

Thanks for all your work on this.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On June 30, 2014 @ 6:38 am

I read this and will need to come back to it….too much to handle in a single run at it. I will return.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On June 29, 2014 @ 9:40 pm

I have many thoughts on this and will get back to you later on tonight….so glad to make your acquaintance.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On June 28, 2014 @ 1:13 pm

And thus creation got all f’d up?

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On June 27, 2014 @ 6:18 pm

Oh- I vote for Adam…..blaming the wife and the family pet….

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On June 27, 2014 @ 6:18 pm

I will be certain to bring up the point that Mass is doing it- Missourans are so impressed by Mass. initiatives…..on second thought…on the down-low.

But seriously, at a meeting last year of those involved with this effort, one of the locals noted that almost everything we were recycling reminded him how much we waste and that this has led him to figure out how to recycle on his farm- how to recycle internally.

» Posted By MurphTheSurf3 On June 27, 2014 @ 6:16 pm