Happening Now!

Mem Mcd

Well as far as I am concerned these organizers on the FAR LEFT can kiss my A** because they have become just like the idiots who will vote in Palin and even worse because of their "do things our way attitudes" will manage to help get Palin elected! Grow Up!-Mem

Hundreds of liberal activists pledge to oppose Obama in 2012 | Raw Story

www.rawstory.com

WASHINGTON – Hundreds of liberal organizers and anti-war activists have signed a petition pledging to oppose President Barack Obama's renomination in 2012 unless he reverses course in Afghanistan and pushes for significant cuts to military spending.

Franken: 'If Republicans Take Over Congress, They'll Implement A Truly Dangerous Agenda'

Las Vegas -- Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) last night told progressive activists and bloggers that they have a responsibility to stay engaged during the crucial midterm elections -- lest they allow Republicans to not just roll back the Obama administration's real gains, but enact an agenda he called "dangerous." Franken then acknowledged that it's a tough election year but, especially in Sen. Harry Reid's home state, Reid (D-NV) shouldn't be underestimated. Franken credited conservatives for being motivated to reverse the gains progressives have made over the past five years, pointing out that corporations have pledged $200 million during this election cycle and "one oilman, one guy, gave Karl Rove $1 million for attack ads." He warned participants that, in addition to all of that, the Citizens United decision -- the very mention of which earned boos from the crowd -- means that "corporations now spend unlimited amounts of money... can now spend unlimited sums of money directly attacking candidates who try to stand up to them." He pointed out that the Senate would be different without its current leadership and many of its progressive darlings -- and that the House would be different with Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) as speaker, a mention that also earned boos from the crowd. Franken acknowledged the frustration and disappointment of the crowd with the pace of change in the Senate, pointing out that he supported the public option, immigration reform and public financing of elections, too. Read More...
(Video)

I am not as nice as Alan Grayson! I hope that God DOES NOT have mercy on the GOP's MISERABLE Souls!~Mem

by Susan Gardner

Even after filibuster is broken, Senate Republicans delay unemployment bill

Yesterday the Senate finally voted after months of a stalemate to restore unemployment benefits. But as Steve Benen points out, months of stalemates aren't enough for the modern obstructionist Republicans. They've got to twist the knife just a little longer:

Under inexplicable Senate rules, after a filibuster is broken, the minority trying to block passage can delay a final, up-or-down vote for 30 hours. Democrats hoped Republicans would agree to waive this pointless delay, and allow the Senate to vote on jobless aid. Republicans, who know the bill is going to pass anyway, refused without explanation.

Of course! No explanation because there isn't one beyond getting in the way of granting relief to hard-up Americans. Needless to say, Harry Reid wasn't happy.

Now, I hope the American people understand how callous this is. People are desperate, can't make house payments, car payments, can't pay for kids' food. And they are having us wait for 30 hours after cloture's been invoked. We only need a simple majority to pass this bill now, but they're making us wait. I just can't articulate in strong enough feelings how unfair this is to 2.5 million people.... Every hour that is delayed is more misery for 2.5 million people.

And neither this morning was the White House, which issued the following spot-on statement:

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary
___________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2010

Statement by the Press Secretary on Continued Delay on Unemployment Insurance Extension

A day after the Senate moved forward to pass the unemployment insurance extension to help millions of Americans fighting to get back on their feet and find work, the partisan minority in the Senate is yet again obstructing passage of this bill. After blocking this aid three separate times over the past weeks, Republicans have once again refused to reach an agreement and allow this bill to come to the floor for a vote quickly so these benefits can be restored. Republican obstruction has already cost 2.5 million Americans essential aid they need to pay their rent, put food on the table, and take care of their kids. By the end of this week, roughly 350,000 more Americans could be added to that number. The livelihoods of nearly 3 million Americans shouldn’t hinge on partisan game playing in Washington. This latest move gives the partisan minority thirty more hours to stall in the Senate, but that means thirty more hours of suffering for these hardworking families trying to get by.

No other business can be handled by the Senate either while this show is going on, according to Benen. But like it or not, a deadline will hit at 9 PM EDT and the vote will be forced upon their shallow, indifferent heads.

Where we stand

President Barack Obama

Mon, Dec 21, 2009 at 4:45 PM

Memory --

Early this morning, the Senate made history and health reform cleared its most important hurdle yet -- garnering the 60 votes needed to move toward a final vote in that chamber later this week.

This marks the first time in our nation's history that comprehensive health reform has come to this point. And it appears that the American people will soon realize the genuine reform that offers security to those who have health insurance and affordable options to those who do not.

I'm grateful to Senator Harry Reid and every senator who's been working around the clock to make this happen. And I'm grateful to you, and every member of the Organizing for America community, for all the work you have done to make this progress possible.

After a nearly century-long struggle, we are now on the cusp of making health insurance reform a reality in the United States of America.

As with any legislation, compromise is part of the process. But I'm pleased that recently added provisions have made this landmark bill even stronger. Between the time when the bill passes and the time when the insurance exchanges get up and running, insurance companies that try to jack up their rates do so at their own peril. Those who hike their prices may be barred from selling plans on the exchanges.

And while insurance companies will be prevented from denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing conditions once the exchanges are open, in the meantime there will be a high-risk pool where people with pre-existing conditions can purchase affordable coverage.

A recent amendment has made these protections even stronger. Insurance companies will now be prohibited from denying coverage to children immediately after this bill passes. There's also explicit language in this bill that will protect a patient's choice of doctor. And small businesses will get additional assistance as well.

These protections are in addition to the ones we've been talking about for some time. No longer will insurance companies be able to drop your coverage if you become sick and no longer will you have to pay unlimited amounts out of your own pocket for treatments that you need.

Under this bill families will save on their premiums; businesses that would see their costs rise if we don't act will save money now and in the future. This bill will strengthen Medicare and extend the life of the program. Because it's paid for and gets rid of waste and inefficiency in our health care system, this will be the largest deficit reduction plan in over a decade.

Finally, this reform will extend coverage to more than 30 million Americans who don't have it.

These are not small changes. These are big changes. They're fundamental reforms. They will save money. They will save lives.

And your passion, your work, your organizing helped make all of this possible. Now it's time to finish the job.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama