Displaying 0 To 0 Of 0 Comments Ted Cruz Claims That Arithmetic is a Hoax Thanks for the kind words and the sympathy, AdLib. It did get a bit stuffy in that closet — so much hot air. The one thing they all have in common is that if the facts are inconvenient, they just make up new ones. That might be fun in the Pixar creative studios, but it doesn’t seem to work nearly as well for running a country. I just hope we don’t get the chance to find out. » Posted By kesmarn On May 15, 2014 @ 9:06 am Many thanks, Kalima! I’m glad you got a chuckle from it. They really do think that way, though — unfortunately, no? 😯 » Posted By kesmarn On May 14, 2014 @ 5:58 pm What a coincidence, AdLib! I was lucky enough to get an interview with GOP Christian “Historian,” David Barton. He does for history what Cruz does for math. kes: Hello, Mr. Barton. DB: Please. Call me Dr. Barton. kes: Really? I didn’t know you had a PhD. DB: I don’t. But I am “an expert in historical and constitutional issues.” It says so right here in my press release. kes: I…see… Well, what are your credentials then if I may ask, sir? DB: I have a bachelor’s degree in “Christian Education” — from Oral Roberts University. kes: Right. Yes. And what is your teaching experience? DB: For your information, Nancy Drew, I was principal of Aleda Christian School. kes: Indeed. And who founded that school? DB: My parents. kes: *cough* *cough* (spit take) kes: So…as a self-appointed historian, what is the main theme of your body of work? DB: It’s that the founders never intended this country to operate on the notion of separation of church and state. kes: WHAT? That principle is clear in the Constitution! — which is second only to the Old Testament is your two-book library here. DB: That’s your opinion. Isn’t my opinion is as valid as yours? kes: At least my degree was in History! DB: So what? God is on my side. kes: Well, if your history is so impressive, what awards have you won? DB: I’ll have you know that my 2012 book “The Jefferson Lies” won the History News Network’s “Least Credible Book in Print” award. kes: I don’t doubt it. And what university position do you hold? DB: I’m far too erudite to waste my time at your librul decadent universities. My job title is: Member of the Board of the “National Council on Biblical Curriculum in Public Schools.” kes: But that’s just the point. There shouldn’t BE a biblical curriculum in public schools. DB: So say you and Satan. The founders said otherwise. They planned this country to be a Christian nation. But only one version of “Christian,” you understand. They didn’t want any Catholics or other off-brands. That’s why they left England. Too much tolerance there. kes: {bangs her head on the desk three times… coincidentally hitting the phone to dial out the numbers 9-1-1.} » Posted By kesmarn On May 14, 2014 @ 5:36 pm Republicans Commit to Using New Language: Benghazian 😆 😆 FOX News — Fair and Balanced “It would have been a great point if it had been true.” » Posted By kesmarn On May 8, 2014 @ 4:36 pm This new language is catching on faster than Rush Limbaugh running after his housekeeper’s drug supply, AdLib. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BnJlw1kCYAAt254.jpg » Posted By kesmarn On May 8, 2014 @ 4:27 pm Homeless Veterans, America’s Secret Disgrace Nirek, thank you so much for taking a look at this really tragic situation. There was an amazing PBS Frontline documentary that aired recently which took a look as some of the inappropriate ways that prisons are being used in the U.S. And one of those uses is as housing for troubled military veterans. One veteran in particular was profiled and his story was heart-wrenching. He had served in Viet Nam and was haunted by guilt over several incidents of violence that he’d been involved in. When he was discharged, he self-medicated with drugs and alcohol and went into a downward spiral — ending up with repeated cycles of incarceration. Prison was hardly the place where this (actually very intelligent and sensitive man) was going to get what he needed, but not much else was available. The producers followed him on his release and subsequent involvement with a supportive group of fellow vets who helped get him back on track. It’s a fairly long documentary, but so much worth the time to watch. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/locked-up-in-america/#prison-state Thanks again, Nirek, for all your valuable contributions to the Planet! » Posted By kesmarn On May 2, 2014 @ 11:39 am Donald Sterling and Cliven Bundy Start Racist “League of Their Own” Nirek, I realized yesterday that I’ve been a little hard on the “old white guy” sector of the population myself and I think I owe you and the Planet an apology! I should have clarified that it’s the racist and/or sexist folks who produce the eye-rolling reaction. (And “white gal” Sarah Palin qualifies in that department.) Not the good guys! » Posted By kesmarn On April 30, 2014 @ 7:24 pm Too funny, AdLib! Well done! Can I nominate a potential cheerleading squad? Phyllis Schlaffly Michelle Bachmann Sarah Palin Jan Brewer Sharon Angell Megyn Kelly Elizabeth Hasselbeck Yes, it’s true. A few of them are a bit — shall we say — long in the tooth, but when you consider that it’s pretty likely that Bundy and Sperling (and probably all of the fans of this new league) have the severe cataracts that go along with being “color blind” older white guys, I don’t think they’ll notice those wrinkles and varicose veins on the “girls.” If they are bothered by them, they can just pull those pointy hoods down a little bit so that their eyes don’t line up with the eye hole openings any more. » Posted By kesmarn On April 28, 2014 @ 4:27 pm An Era of Repression – The Legacy of The Roberts Supreme Court And calling them out on their lies is a full-time job, Sue. Your background as a fraud investigator prepared you well for the job, because they are frauds who are endlessly engaged in fraud. 😉 » Posted By kesmarn On April 23, 2014 @ 6:52 pm AdLib, this is truly one of your best analyses — ever. Profound, logical and highly readable. The Planet’s Sue provided me with a link to an article co-authored by a Princeton political scientist, called “Testing Theories of American Politics:Elites, Interest Groups and Average Citizens.” It’s been mentioned in the media recently. One paragraph from the abstract really stood out: Multivariate analysis indicates that economic elites and organized groups representing business The bottom line being, of course — as Kalima said — “Money talks.” One question, if you don’t mind (to you and to the Planet in general): Are you optimistic that this situation can still be remedied? Or is it too late? On the issue of affirmative action, I was mentioning earlier on Morning Blog that this decision was being discussed by a 3 person panel on PBS News this evening. There was a white guy (who was anti-affirmative action), Gwen Ifill, and an African-American guy who was defending the value of affirmative action programs. I can’t remember the white guy’s name, but he made the most incredible statement to the effect that “decisions on things like college admissions should not be made on the basis of something as superficial as skin color.” My jaw dropped. Gwen and her colleague did an amazing job of concealing the wince that that statement had produced. But they did eventually take an opportunity to say that skin color is anything but trivial in America today. Understated, but effective. When I consider the racism, the cruelty (in denying people access to health care), the hypocrisy and the greed that five members of this Court have supported and defended, there are days when I feel pulled in the direction of real pessimism. But then I remember that giving up is really not an option. Because that’s just what they want us to do. » Posted By kesmarn On April 23, 2014 @ 6:21 pm Vladimir Putin Readies Troops to Invade Reality Doesn’t she though, Kalima? When you think of the way she and Dubya have fawned all over Pooty-poot (as Dubya used to refer to him), it’s a reminder that winning the approval of people like them is a sure indicator that someone has gone completely off the rails. They are the litmus test for loonies. » Posted By kesmarn On April 21, 2014 @ 8:03 pm AdLib, the picture of Putin is — well, beyond words. “Perfect” just doesn’t quite do it. I could only think of his soul mate across the Bering Straits: [img]https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQicw5cgM7aK2O78qCqG-d09PZGMjkowm6Nm_uEmltoiz8D-VJjWg[/img] The perfect couple. Mom always used to say: “Show me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you what you are.” So here are a few words from Pooty-poots BFFs: Lindsay Graham: “Every time the president goes on national television and threatens Putin or anyone like Putin, everyone’s eyes roll, including mine.” Donald Trump: “He’s [the President’s] not a respected man and the thing that I have the most concern about is that he’s being so lambasted for not being respected and for being a joke that he’ll do something really stupid to show that he’s all man.” Sarah Palin: “People are looking at Putin as one who wrestles bears and drills for oil. They look at our president as one who wears mom jeans and equivocates and bloviates.” Now — with people of this caliber vouching for Putin’s sanity (and hence the Prez’s incompetence), how could anyone doubt it? » Posted By kesmarn On April 21, 2014 @ 7:25 pm Hahaha! Kalima, I really think the Trololol song should be the unofficial Planetary theme song. It’s been with us for quite a few years now, through thick and thin. And when crazy characters like Dubya or Putin have stressed us out, it’s always been good for a laugh. I still can’t watch it all the way through without cracking up! 😆 » Posted By kesmarn On April 21, 2014 @ 6:17 pm BREAKING: Republicans Sued By Bizarro Superman For Plagiarism Very useless, Bizarro. Very. Good lad! 😯 » Posted By kesmarn On April 10, 2014 @ 4:38 pm Me like the way you (not) think! Me never thought of racist issue. But then, me never think much, period, so nothing new there. Ooooh! Squirrel on BOX News! Wearing stiletto heels too! » Posted By kesmarn On April 10, 2014 @ 4:35 pm I agree, KT! They really should. Nursing assistants too! » Posted By kesmarn On April 10, 2014 @ 4:30 pm Unbelievable, isn’t it, Kalima? Ryan actually felt that the proper conclusion to draw from the fact that uninsured people don’t go to see the doctor, while people on Medicaid do, was that Medicaid was making them ill. That truly is Bizarro World. And even little children in the U.S. know that day care workers (usually female) make much less than electricians (usually male). Neither job requires a college degree. And one would think that society would see the real value of either career. How can the GOP not view that as a gender-related pay inequity? But then that’s asking a reasonable question about unreasonable people, isn’t it? 🙁 » Posted By kesmarn On April 9, 2014 @ 6:08 pm Goodbye! Me just watch BOX Bizarro News (“Fairly Unbalanced.” “We Report Lies. You Decide That You Believe Them.”) They report story of Appalling Ryan’s words. He say Medicaid make people sicker. Proof? He say: “People on Medicaid see doctor much more often than people who have no health insurance at all.” Conclusion: Take away Medicaid. People get healthy! Could be people on Medicaid go to see doctor more because they no longer fear bankruptcy if they get care? NOOOO! (Me mean “Yes!’) That am Socialist. BOX News tell me Medicaid must make people sick, so me believe! BOX not lie. Me learning to think from watching BOX. New idea: We give money to rich people, they trickle on us? What you think? Oh. In case you think me make up Appalling Ryan words, here they am: http://www.salon.com/2014/03/05/paul_ryans_every_distortion_fact_checking_his_anti_poverty_plan/ On pay for lady persons. BOX say lady persons feel “patronized” by Socialist President noting that they make less money than men persons. Me talk to lady person on earth Planet name of “kes” about this. She say: “Please patronize me.” That am all. » Posted By kesmarn On April 9, 2014 @ 4:44 pm What Issues Are You Passionate About? Imagine– New England to NYC with ever sitting in a car! That sounds so wonderful. As you may have heard, my state (Ohio) was awarded a large federal grant for high-speed rail during the time of the stimulus. But we had a Republican governor who didn’t want to see this President get credit for anything like that. So he turned it down. Just think of the jobs (not to mention the convenience) that were lost due to that decision! I’m so hoping we can change this governor in 2014. It’s too late for that grant, but maybe we can get into line for another if the opportunity ever comes up again. » Posted By kesmarn On April 9, 2014 @ 1:09 pm Thanks so much, Nirek. That’s very helpful information! » Posted By kesmarn On April 8, 2014 @ 7:10 am Nirek — father and son — when you put in your solar array, was it relatively easy to find the materials and technology to get it installed? Were you able to get the panels locally or did you have to send away for them? Are there any “kits” out there for those of us who are technically challenged? And last but not least — did you get any negative feedback from the utility company or others about it? Lots of questions, I know — but I’d love to see what can be done by individual households in my area. Small steps. » Posted By kesmarn On April 7, 2014 @ 8:24 pm Good to see you here, NirekJunior! I’ve heard that rail is possibly the most efficient way to move cargo and people that we have. I really love rail travel. If this plan takes off, I’d be so happy to use it to be able to get to Chicago or New York without all the hassles of air travel. It’s incredibly relaxing to be able to watch the scenery go by without having to worry about the expense (and sometimes the stress, in bad weather) of driving. It’s really a win-win. » Posted By kesmarn On April 7, 2014 @ 8:17 pm Nirek, thanks so much for raising these important issues. The American people and the President have been so preoccupied with struggling back from the 2008 financial crash, with trying to hang on to their homes and jobs, with weather-related disasters, entangling foreign wars, mass shootings and keeping up with events in Ukraine, Syria and elsewhere — that focusing on the environment isn’t always easy. I did see a ray of hope today, though (link below) about a big government investment in hybrid electric trains. This is such a hopeful story, and I hope it’s a sign of things to come. It’s also an example of what the country can do with money when it has a President at the helm who is not quick to jump into prolonged wars in countries that have not attacked us! http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2014/04/07/3422342/hybrid-diesel-electric-trains/ » Posted By kesmarn On April 7, 2014 @ 4:55 pm True Story Of A Vietnam Veteran Nirek, I was away from home much of the time from Friday until today, so this is the first chance I’ve had to comment on this really fascinating character study. I have to wonder if you ever felt uncomfortable working with Tom? I think I would have been mulling over the possibility of Tom’s love of killing (combined with stress) randomly re-occuring at any odd moment, on little or no provocation, and myself being the victim, had I been in your shoes! It’s so hard to know what makes people like Tom. But I’ve known a few myself who were somewhat like him — maybe not quite to such an extreme degree, though. I worked with a nurse who was the same way about guns, hunting and hunting season. He lived for hunting. He used bows and arrows as well as guns. He seemed to particularly love watching the animals die. I know it sounds odd, but even just re-telling the stories (and he did that over and over) seemed to excite him. I suspect that he didn’t even use the meat from the deer he killed. For him, it wasn’t about feeding himself or anyone else. It was the killing that he loved. He had never served in the military. I thought that nursing was an odd choice of a profession for him. His mother had also been a nurse, and I had known her (although not very well) as a person who wasn’t particularly compassionate. He didn’t seem to have any feelings for his patients either. He was technically fairly adept, but nursing seemed to be just a job for him — a way to pay for his hunting trips and equipment. It’s so strange that the same qualities that get a person classified as a sociopath — love of killing, lack of empathy, etc. — in civilian life, are considered to be almost desirable personality traits in a time of war. Behavior that puts a person behind bars in one situation may — paradoxically — win him a medal in another. And some of the scrapes Tom got into were almost comical — if they hadn’t been so pathetic. He seemed never to tire of putting himself and everyone around him at risk in order to kill animals — not to mention breaking the law. And he never learned from experience! I can see why you hate war so much, Nirek. How does a country ask a whole group of young men to be “temporary killers” and then revert to “normal” immediately upon return home? That would affect any human being’s state of mind. War truly is madness. I have to admire any person who has been through such a traumatizing experience and gone on to have a fulfilling family life and career. That takes a tremendous amount of strength, humility and courage. You and your Dad are really to be commended. Thanks once again for sharing stories of what the Viet Nam experience was really like — not a sanitized or Hollywood version. Your articles are the most authentic pieces of writing I’ve ever read on the topic of the Viet Nam war! » Posted By kesmarn On April 13, 2014 @ 7:48 pm Dr. Adlib Diagnoses Your Cable News As Having Alzheimer’s Disease Welcome to the Planet, Unca Adverse! Hope to hear more from you! » Posted By kesmarn On April 28, 2014 @ 8:10 am Wow…Kalima, thanks for a wonderful article that really gives a very personal portrait of two remarkable women. So courageous and so compassionate! » Posted By kesmarn On April 4, 2014 @ 5:21 pm Wonderful job, AdLib! Anja Niedringhaus and Kathy Gannon. They were both shot today in Afghanistan. Kathy survived. Anja was not so fortunate. Real people doing real jobs. Dying young because their job is incredibly dangerous. Something that the FOX babes and the CNN recyclers/regurgitators of “news” will never have to worry about. Shuttling back and forth in 6″ heels on polished floors between the overlit, tacky set and the green room is the biggest risk they take. Their longevity is virtually guaranteed. Which does indeed give them plenty of time to develop a very stubborn case of Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately for the rest of us. » Posted By kesmarn On April 4, 2014 @ 3:48 pm Under New Texas Law, Pregnant Women To Be Highly Regulated AdLib, I’m going to pay close attention to Texas and any sort of proposed legislation over the next few days, because you know that you have a track record of your parodies becoming reality all too often! Don’t give them any ideas! I was buying this one just like everyone else. You are good! It’s so close to the kind of stuff that they actually do spew. You could have taken it just a wee step further, though. They could require all pregnant women to eat beef and carry guns as well. Literal pistol-packin’ mommas — with plenty of good Texas cattle hormones coursing through their veins! Yee-hah. » Posted By kesmarn On April 1, 2014 @ 6:59 pm Nirek, for some reason the videos are not showing up on my computer. It could well be a problem on my end of the system. I’ll try to figure it out because I’d really be interested in seeing them. » Posted By kesmarn On April 16, 2014 @ 6:06 pm Absolutely, Aquarius! Same here! » Posted By kesmarn On April 10, 2014 @ 4:22 pmComments Posted By kesmarn
interests have substantial independent impacts on U.S. government policy, while average citizens
and mass-based interest groups have little or no independent influence. The results provide
substantial support for theories of Economic Elite Domination and for theories of Biased
Pluralism, but not for theories of Majoritarian Electoral Democracy or Majoritarian Pluralism.
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