This page is changed on
or about the 19th day of each month.
We hope you will acquire the habit of reading “Regurgitations” - formerly “Commentary” - on a regular basis.
(America’s political scene moves with such speed,
we have a tendency to forget who sold us that stale loaf of bread!)
You are un-American if you . . .
. . . cast your vote based on party affiliation as opposed to a candidate’s qualifications.
Bumper Sticker of the Month!
“Global Warming is a Scam!”
Quote in Our Time
“Guns save lives!”
THE Glenn Beck
Comments of The Month?
The Republican Party is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of the insurance industry.
Rep. Anthony Weiner (D) NY
They would have us believe that Islam is just as good as Christianity. Christianity was founded by the virgin-born son of God, Jesus Christ. Islam
was founded by Muhammad, a demon-possessed pedophile who had 12 wives, the last of which was a nine-year-old girl.”
Jerry Vines
(Southern Baptist Convention)
What a list!
Fairly recently a TV show listed what they – the TV show - considered poor representation of the people. The list was headed by Sen. Richard Shelby (R), AL – for holding-up the gears of government in return for some pork – salt optional – for his home state. Sen. Mary Landrieu (D), LA; Sen. Ben Nelson (D), NE; Rep Michelle Bachmann (R), MN; Sen. Joe Lieberman (I), CT; Rep. John Boehner (R), OH; Rep. Eric Cantor (R) VA and, Sen. Harry Reid (D), NV – followed in that order.
Oh, but we think there’s more. What about Sen. Max Baucus, (D) MT, who reportedly received more than $3-mil in campaign contributions from the health care industry which no explains why Max so successfully stalled health reform. (Have you noticed that Max never misses a photo op?) Or, Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D), AR who is said to have received over $2-mil in campaign contributions from the health care industry. (Blanche’s political career is predicted to end soon. It is said that Walmart made a big contribution to Blanche’s re-election campaign – Walmart is not unionized! And isn’t it fact that Walmart heirs comprise 40% of America’s top billionaires? Hmmmmm!) And how could we forget Sen. Kent Conrad, (D) ND who is said to have GARNERED more than $1.3-mil from the health care industry. Also, Sen. Bill Nelson (D), FL ostensibly received more than $1.2-mil from the health care industry. Although Delaware is a small state, they say that Sen. Thomas Carper (D), DE still managed to get a stipend of only $800-M + from those destitute health care folks! And, we won’t leave-out Sen. Olympia Snowe (R), Maine, who whined with the flair of a sailing Frisbee, “What’s the rush?” when referring to health care reform! (This is a subject that was bandied-about beginning in the era of the Teddy Roosevelt Administration 101 years ago, yet Olympia thinks that’s a “rush” – or she doesn’t know history which says little for Maine’s senatorial representation.) And, nobody is ever going to forget Sen. Chuck Grassley, (R), IA – who will forever be associated with the now famous “pull the plug on granny” statement! What about “the pride” of Oklahoma, Sen. Jas. “Global Warming Is a Hoax” Inhofe?
The truly sad thing is, it goes on and on with Republican obstructionism tipping the scales of hypocrisy. Too many Republicans have voiced out-right lies without as much as a blink of an eye. Example: “The American people don’t want health care reform!” Republican representation has repulsed attempt after attempt to effect bi-partisan representation then – out of the glare of TV cameras - state that they. . . “ have never been consulted.” Too many in the Republican Party have established their first priority as being one of “getting Obama!” One thing for sure, it stands to reason that the health care industry is getting far more attention than the people! Is it any wonder that incumbents from both the Republican and Democratic parties should be seriously scrutinized?
The upshot of this all is simply, who hasn’t been taught to know the difference between right and wrong? Yet, some members of the Republican Party have long had the unsavory reputation for conducting specious political campaigns. Many Republicans quote the Bible with the verve of a spit-ball in a geometry class but, rarely – if ever – do you hear anybody acting-out the Ten Commandments without monetary inspiration?
Moments of Hypocrisy!
Or,
Zipper zipper whose got the zipper?
It seems that two things have a tendency to go hand in hand! It is the glories of God and the glories of the zipper!
Bear with us if you will since this little story is really convoluted. We all know about Senator John Ensign (R), (NV) and Governor Mark Sanford (R), South Carolina and their ties to the Evangelical Christian group known as The Fellowship – a/k/a/ The Fornicating Fellowship - that extols the glories of Jesus on Washington’s now infamous “C” Street. (This is the same bunch that had close ties to the Ugandan Government and its legislative attempts to actually execute anybody found guilty of homosexuality.)
Another one made the hallowed list of “cheaters” – as many of you are already aware, is Chip Pickering - one time Congressman from Mississippi. (Now, here’s where the whole thing really gets involved!) Chip had been having an affair - on the side - with Elizabeth Creekmore Byrd. On several occasions, Chip kept a diary so detailed, he even outlined love trysts with “Liz” at the infamous “nearer my God to thee” house, operated by The Fellowship, on that previously mentioned and infamous “C” Street.
As to be expected, this all blew-up in Chip’s face. Haley Barbour (R) Gov. of Mississippi – one time Republican National Committee Chairman, lobbyist extraordinaire with no record of service to his country - sure knows how to make a buck telling the public how the country should be run, In fact, Haley was in the Mississippi governor’s mansion during much of Chip’s Mississippi sexual pyrotechnics. Once the proverbial cat was out of the pillow case, Chip resigned his Congressional seat and became a lobbyist for the Washington firm of Capitol Resources LLC – and become an active member of that firm’s Washington/Mississippi “team.” Incidentally, Chip now lobbies for Cellular South - a firm founded by Elizabeth Creekmore’s daddy - the Elizabeth that was Chip’s secret love. To add spice to this pudding, Haley Barbour has a nephew that is a partner in Capitol Resources, LLC. Who needs a Rubik’s cube when they have this gem of a story that makes an English maze pale by comparison!
Ironically – or is it hypocritically - Chip and a coterie of Republican Congressional Representatives had approached - then President Dubya Bush – urging Bush to declare the year 2008 as the “National Year of The Bible.” Do you suppose Chip had a Bible under the mattress “when that roll was called-up yonder?”
The Fellowship bunch – as mentioned – has hosted a goodly number of sexual sinners in their “C” Street ‘upper rooms.’ The name, “Senator Coburn (R), OK,” keeps cropping-up as a pseudo guidance counselor for those U. S. Congressmen that have performed feats in the arena of sexual “naughties.” Reliable reports have it that Sen. Jim Coburn is a doctor. We doubt that his degree is in “counseling” nor “psychiatry” But, Jim appears to be “head zoo keeper” of the zipper.
Incidentally, Chip wanted to keep things hushed for the benefit of his five boys. Great thinking, Chip! Yet, that which should scare the living daylights out of everybody is the fact that this preceding political maze is a mere speck when compared to the hypocrisy that goes on behind the scenes in Washington. It is doubtful that we are talking about any Viagra moments!
Albert Einstein Society Nominees
Although we have listed some real political unmentionables in the wedding’s punch bowl, the fact still remains that an overwhelming number of Congressional members have placed party first and citizen welfare – as seems to be the case - gets relegated to a Congressional rumble seats. Granted, there are Democrats involved but the overwhelming contribution to obstructionism is the “No” party – the current Republican Party which has no similarity whatsoever to the GOP of yesteryear. Remember, it was the Republican Party that brought us Tom “The Hammer” DeLay and “Newtwit Gingrich!” As for the “Hammer,” the man may be headed for jail! (It is nigh impossible to do any fancy dancing in the cramped quarters of a jail cell.)
Any political party should consist of those that sincerely strive to govern with wisdom and since our nation has become the cohesive geographic behemoth that it is, political office has become a stopping-off point en route to where the big bucks are – lobbying! Too many “representatives of the people” in today’s Republican Party are just that. Many say that former Sen. Mel Martiniz (R), FL is a “glowing” testimonial. (And, in several languages yet!)
A plethora of Republicans have openly spread false information and outright lying. If they could find anything to criticize the Democrats, they will do it without compunction. That’s why President Obama isn’t any good – “he wants to govern!” As we said before, Obama could walk over water yet, some Republicans would criticize the feat because he – Obama - got the soles of his feet wet. (Just ask Rep. John Boehner of Ohio!) During the catastrophic Bush years, too many in the Republican Party merely yawned and literally sat on their hands. Now the Republican Party is screaming to the high heavens on the subject of federal spending and vociferously deploring the debt that will be left “our children!” Where were these Republican stalwarts when the really big bucks were being spent with the wild abandon of a drunken sailor on shore leave? Sadly, we must face the reality that a lot of money has to be spent to get us out of that mess!
It is easy to remember – not too long ago - that Democratic members of Congress wishing to conduct any congressional meetings, were relegated to the bowels of the Capitol building by a Republican controlled Congress.
Yet, don’t take our word for it. Take a gander at what a majority of the Republican Party has done to the Senate filibuster rules. When the Democrats were in the minority, there were 54 filibusters. When the Republicans became the minority party, there were more than double that number – 112 filibusters. Here is a perfect example of a one-time good thing being abused! This is another good example of the American citizen being charged for grease that never gets slathered onto the wheels of government. The taxpayer is not getting his/her money’s worth. (Talking of filibusters, J. Strom Thurmond personally filibustered 24 hours and 18 minutes against the Civil Rights Act. This is the same guy that had to be carried into the Senate chambers on a chair during the last three years of his life. This was the same guy who, on his 100th birthday – then sitting President G. W. Bush showed-up at Thurmond’s birthday party to personally extend birthday wishes.)
Government has eroded so badly, you can take a map of the United States and play pin the tail on the horse’s rump and your chances are more than good in hitting a state overflowing with inept public office-holding horses. (The State of Texas – as but one example - has a lot of horses!)
Was Obama in the lion’s den?
We wanted to write about THE BIG MEETING sooner but we ran out of space. We wanted to talk about the last January appearance of President Obama at the Republican “retreat” which was held in a Baltimore. (That hostelry will never be the same again.) The fact that this meeting was televised, permitted the American citizen to be even more a part of our government albeit – to many - it was confirmation of one’s worst suspicions.
Rep. Mike Pence (R), IN – not noted for a stellar mentality - presided over the meeting. John Boehner (R), Ohio and E. Cantor (R). VA sat on the “retreat” meeting stage but appeared to be mute. (Many viewers felt spared!) The meeting itself, provided an incredible series of contrasts. Let’s take the “brains” department for starters. We were not disappointed since many Republicans in the House of Representatives blathered-forth with the gusto of a sideshow barker extolling the charms of the bearded lady. Fortunately, Obama’s level-head prevailed. Representative Pence – from Columbus, Indiana - set the pace and it was apparent - early-on - all “inquisitors” would begin their questions with lengthy expostulations along party dogma lines. Then, before getting blue in the face, the inquisitor actually spewed-out the question itself! The Grand Champion ribbon for the longest and most verbose prelude to an inane question goes to Jeb Henserling (R), TX. (Texas seems to have a bunch of ribbons!) Many Congressional Representatives that had taken a great stance against Obama’s stimulus package, actually had been photographed – complete with that “look what I did for you” expression on their faces – holding faux jumbo stimulus checks with home district contractors. It is documented that at least 111 Republican stimulus dissenters – those that actually voted against the stimulus package - either made a written request for stimulus funds and/or wanted their pictures taken personally delivering checks representing stimulus funds. Another paragon of hypocrisy, stood before the Republican “Retreat” group and asked some meandering narrative-style question as to the status of our home land security. This was the very same Congressman that had authored a bill to put to an end, full-body airport screening. (So much for Home Land Security.)
Yet, it was none other than Tom Price (R), GA, who turned-out to be the day’s paragon of partisan politics. After the requisite politic-laden verbal ambling, the question Price asked, was factually very misleading. This meant, the TV viewer was treated to the current-day caliber of humanity currently walking through the halls of Congress. President Obama corrected Price on his facts – a valid correction that Price never acknowledged. This is but one of too many examples of “party first” politics and “hang” the truth! (When you hang the truth you hang the citizens.)
To us, the meeting was a meeting of contradictions. President Obama seemed to prevail –mentally and physically. And it is hoped that the American people will wise-up before the next election rolls into view.
Although many Republican “leaders” hotly deny they are the party of “NO,” the viewing of this specific political revival-meeting unequivocally told the viewer that the word “no” is very much a part of the Republican Party lexicon. (At least this has been our impression!)
We do know that Obama has literally bent-over backwards seeking bi-partisan support for the welfare of Americans. As a result of this Republican revival meeting, we have concluded that Obama’s one fault is a big fault is - he’s too nice!
The Bone of Contention with T. Boone!
T. Boone Pickens has served as a voice of “authority” on more than one occasion via national TV. T. Boone. In fact, T. Boone has made billions by being “authoritative.” T. Boone lauds the joys of electric, wind power and natural gas. What do you want to bet that T. Boone owns thousands of acres where the winds are usually blowing, the sun is usually shining and he also owns a lot of undeveloped natural gas wells and zillions of gallons of water?
We take T. Boone Pickens with that time honored “grain of salt.” Wasn’t this the same T Boone Pickens that cut a multi-million check to cover the production costs of that infamous “Swift Boat Veterans for Truth ” ad and its successful attempt to discredit John Kerry during his Presidential bid by convincingly not telling the truth? Based on T. Boone’s multi-million dollar checks written for political hatchet-jobs, we have deep-seated reservations on the validity of what T. Boone might have to say. This is the same guy that supported Geo. W. Bush for President. He also supported Rudy Guiliani for President. (It was Rudy who gave us Bernard Keric, NYC’s disgraced police commissioner - who is now contemplating the joys of prison.) In one election year, T. Boone is said to have contributed more than $5-mil to “conservative” political races. (That’s a lot of money.)
Incidentally, since the man has so openly enjoyed our capitalistic system, in what branch of the military did T. Boone belong in order to preserve the free-enterprise system? It is long overdue to start inquiring as to the branch of service a person - that publicly pontificates – has been a member in the service of his/her country. Without the veteran, many Americans would never know what a dollar bill looks-like. Yet, T. Boone Pickens – plus too many others - can sure accurately describe the design of $100 bills!
This all puts us into a Catch 22 syndrome. It is ok to screw-over the average American citizen to garner a billion dollars and disregard the welfare of a fellow human-being since such regard would be considered by many as “socialism.”
Then and Now!
THEN: Remember Wilbur Mills, - (D) Congressman from, AR and longest reigning Chairman of the powerful Congressional Ways and Means Committee? And, remember Wilbur’s alleged mistress, - the bomb shell from Argentina - Fanne Foxe? It seems that Wilbur really liked his ‘sauce’ and Fanne didn’t discourage Wilbur from imbibing. Reliable reports have it that both Wilbur and Fanne were hauled-over by the D. C. police for erratic driving! Once the car hit the curb, Fanne is said to have taken a splash in D. C.’s Tidal Basin in an effort to evade the arresting police officers. At the time, Fanne had the dubious distinction of making TIME Magazine’s Top 10 Mistresses.
NOW: Soon after the big splash, Wilbur resigned from the Ways and Means Committee and lived out his final days back in Arkansas. Wilbur met his “great beyond” in 1992. Fanne Foxe became such a celebrity – as a result of her alleged butterfly stroke in the Tidal Basin – she raised her personal strip tease fee from $3,500 a week to $15,000 a week on the area’s night club circuit. Shortly thereafter, Fanne returned to Argentina. (It seems that Argentina is eternally a big draw. So is the Tidal Basin in D. C. (We heard that the area night club circuit didn’t renew Fanne’s contract.)
Hate, Hate, Hate!
Recently, we received an impressive mailing outlining the accomplishments and goals of the SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER, P. O. Box 548, Montgomery, AL 3177-9621. This mailer did much to solidify our thinking on the subject of “hate.”
The Center’s mailing outlined some terribly disturbing facts not the least being: known hate groups now stand at 926 – a 50% increase since 2000. Quoting from the aforementioned mailer, “the opposition to President Obama’s election from extremists and the economic collapse is likely to continue to fuel their – when referring to these groups - growth and violence.” That’s not a very happy thought.
These facts caused us to re-examine the “tea bag” movement – since we have come to believe it is unequivocally a hate movement! In fact, it is said that the “tea bag” movement is today’s counterpart to yesterday’s Ku Klux Klan - sans the white bed sheets and the eye-holes. This realization should be of no surprise since it is reported that one of the head organizers of the tea bag movement is none other than former Congressman, Dick “Smarmy” Armey (R ) Texas. (There appears to be an unfortunate affinity between the “Tea Baggers” and the current complexion of the Republican Party.)
When any gathering of people consists of attendees bearing arms, holding hate signs and shouting inane, empty and threatening slogans, you have a bona fide hate organization.
We made a contribution to the SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER since they are – in essence - pursuing the preservation of democracy through legal means!
Dumb BunnyAward!
Haley Barbour of Mississippi has to be the paradigm for “the southern blathering politician !” Haley clearly stated that “Toyota is an American company.” (Sure, and Martha Stewart hates kitchens!)
It was disclosed that Toyota is going to build a big plant in Mississippi for the sole purpose of producing Toyota’s much touted Prius. Haley said – to the effect - that he wondered what General Motors would do if Japan recalled eight million GM cars!
That’s a stimulating question! With the current import/export restrictions between the U. S. and Japan, we will never know. It would sure be a good way to find-out what General Motors would do if they were able to recall 8-mil Chevrolets sold to the Japanese. In a big way, this could be a dream come true!
True to his character, Haley fulminated on the alleged “lousy” treatment afforded Mr. Toyoda CEO of Toyota by a U. S. Congressional investigation committee! We saw the Congressional hearing – but in no way did we see Mr. Toyoda receiving “lousy” treatment. But then, we aren’t having a big Prius assembly plant built in our back yard either! Next door Sen. Shelby has several foreign car assembly plants in Alabama - Sen. McConnel’s state of Kentucky hosts the largest Toyota assembly plant outside Japan. In fact, it is reported that Mitch likes to tool around in his own personal Toyota and ostensibly received million dollar-plus contribution to his eponymous charity! We always wondered who paid for Mitch’s Toyota? If that was a gift for Mitch, then there are BIG problems. If Mitch opted to purchase the car himself, we have even BIGGER problems. God bless America!
Let’s not overlook Sen. Corker of Tennessee who also hosts foreign automotive assembly.
Health Care as a Politial Ruse!
For a lack of better descriptive phraseology, we had a health care reform summit at Blair House ! Everybody stayed in character including Senator John McCain - complete with his trade-mark vacuous stare! In fact, McCain’s performance reaffirmed to the world what a President he would have been – ably assisted by the mental gymnast - McCain picked for the office of Vice President for the United States – SayRah! It is not unreasonable to conjecture that Joe The Plumber would be tapped by McCain to serve as Secretary of State!
The Republican contingent’s big bone of contention seemed to be the SIZE of the proposed health care reform bill – again! Not one congressman has uttered so much as a whisper as to the size of the drug bill – that was said to have been passed in the middle of the night – some years ago in a Republican controlled Congress. (This same bill reputedly was authored by the pharmaceutical industry itself.)
Here we go again! The Democrats and the Republicans vie for power which means there has been no discernable motivation for what’s best for America.
. . . about those credit cards!
At long last we have gotten credit card reform. But, you haven’t seen the last of consumer complaints against major bank cards. In fact, that which has really taken us aback are those financial institutions that charge you a fee for not using their credit card! Imagine, what would happen to our world economy if everybody could charge you for not doing business with them! (Such activity would sure keep your local BBB busy.)
Our current economy dictates that we prudently spend what little money we have. Now, you can get penalized for being prudent. We predict a lot of credit card cancellations.
The RARE Bird!
We think that Rep. John Fleming, (R), LA is indeed “a rare bird!” Rep. Fleming has proposed an amendment that would require all Congressmen to take the same healthcare plan that they make available for the American citizens. Rep. Fleming has a web site that permits you to sign his petition reflecting the foregoing. Accessing this petition is simple. Merely go to:
http://fleming.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=55.
We did! And, we feel a lot better for having done it!
They Say, We Say
TS: Can you cite any prime contributor to our current economic dilemma?
Warren. . . Traverse City
WS: If you mean Administration/Political, yes! We have touched on this subject before and it is called “de-regulation.” De-regulation started with the much vaunted Ronnie in the White House. It didn’t stop there. Even President Clinton added a few “sticks to the fire” and our highly esteemed Dubya Bush is said to have carried buckets of gasoline for this one. And too, it has been reported that the omnipresent ex-Senator Phil Graham was stirring the pot – year after year - during this sad state of affairs. We have an economic mess on our hands which took several decades to create yet, too many mentally deficient voters expect that problem to be corrected in a year!
TS: I detect that you think there are a lot of Americans that
aren’t too bright! Is this true?
Marlene . . . Hibbing
WS: Don’t take our word for it. Here’s confirmation of our “inferences.” A poll was taken and to the question, - in so many words – “would you vote for a local sports hero running for President of the United States?” Forty-two percent of the respondents said, “You have to be kidding.” Then, the other shoe was dropped. 19% percent of the respondents said “yes.”
TS: It is an accepted fact that there are many contradictions in our current
day society. Does any particular ‘one’ stick-out in your mind?
Marie . . . Tucson
WS: We’ll give Washington a “break” on this one. Wall Street put the letter “H” in the word “hubris.” The CEO of Goldman Sachs said that “I am doing God’s work.” His work must have been spectacular since his God bestowed a $100,000,000.00 (that’s one hundred million dollars) bonus upon the man for his good work. (See what being one of God’s better drones will get you?) Let’s face it, a hundred million dollars will buy a lot of Little Debbie Snack Cakes!
TS: Does any one political inequity bother you?
Nancy . . . Charlevoix
WS: We don’t know whether this is an inequity or plain stupid. It occurred during the fairly recent State of The Union Address delivered by President Obama. In plain view of the TV cameras, Senators Mitch McConnell (R), KY – also referred to as “the pompous one” and Cronyn (R), TX – also referred to by some as “the dumb one”- openly giggled and conversed during this State Of The Union Address. (This was only bested by the one time – years ago - Tom DeLay sat on a front row of the House chambers chewing a cud of gum during a State of The Union address.)
TS: Wasn’t the John Edwards incident a real downer?
Milton . . . Schenectady
WS: Yes and no! Long ago we thought that Edwards’ much publicized $400 hair cuts were a poor reflection as to his well-coiffed set of values.
TS: This doesn’t relate to politics so I doubt that you will print this question. Just on a dare, what do you think about the Dr. Conrad Murray/Michael Jackson fiasco?
Loretta . . . Fairbanks
WS: We will print your cogent question! It is reported that Jackson paid Dr. Murray $100,000.00 a month. That involves a lot of tongue depressors! And too, we heard that Michael’s house rental was another $100,000.00 a month. These explain the gold plated casket. Now all the Jackson grave site needs is, an eternal flame!
TS: Do you have any comments as would relate to the terrorist
trial originally set for New York City
Bill. . . Hibbing
WS: Of course we do! The terrorists won this one! The “perceived threat” of “Al Qaeda” compelled America to move the trial. When hasn’t New York City been a target? Yet, it made a great talking point for any political party that was in opposition to the New York site. You can bet your last dollar that big dollars + + were involved.
Next Regurgitations!
Then & Now: He’s back! Where has Dan Quayle been? What is
Geo. H. Bush’s “gift” - to the American people - doing?
*What a U. S. General had to say about God and Geo. W. Bush!
*Gifts to the American People by U. S. Presidents!
(unforgettable gifts to historically be remembered by)
Introduction of Dan’s “gems!”
by . . . Dan Quayle
April’s Moments of Hypocrisy
A close look at the Senate membership on the
United States Armed Services Committee
And,
*More, More, More
Previous Blogs
01-15-10
02-18-10
03-21-10
(Should you have any comments relating to the foregoing commentary, you can contact me at efrick@edfrickauthor.com Compliments are ecstatically welcomed!) |
