This page is changed on
a regular basis!
We sincerely hope you enjoy reading “Regurgitations.”
(Politics keep such a heady pace, we have a tendency to forget. It is that
forgetfulness that permits miserable representation that so unfavorably reflects upon America.)
You Are Un-American If You . . .
. . aren‘t an informed voter as opposed to being a partisan voter.
Comments of The Day!
“George Bush was not elected by a majority of the voters in the
United States, he was appointed by God.
Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin (Ret.)
(And, thank Gaud Gen. Boykin is retired otherwise we could foresee a period
of total darkness descending upon our national defense posture.)
“We have the best health care system in the world!”
Rep. John Boehner (R), OH and Senator Richard Shelby, (R), AL
And, Harry, Larry, Jerry and Conrad.
Bumper Sticker of The Day!
“Support Mental Health or I’ll Kill You!
Dan Quayle Quote of the Day!
“A lower voter turnout is an indication of fewer people going to the polls.
Gifts from Presidential Administrations
and, a ‘Wannabe!’
Here’s a fairly recent outline of what some of our esteemed occupants of the Oval Office – with the help of their political party - have foisted-onto the American citizens:
Dwight Eisenhower gave us Richard Nixon – heard of “Tricky Dickey?”
Richard Nixon brought us Spiro Agnew – who was indicted for tax evasion!
Ronald Reagan introduced Geo. H. W. Bush – who made Willie Horton possible.
Geo. H. W. Bush unveiled Dan Quayle – complete with his I. Q.
Geo. W. Bush provided us Dick Cheney – w/ five draft deferments & daughter Liz.
John McCain didn’t make it to the Oval Office but he managed to give us, “You betcha” SayRah and Joe the Plumber - who really
isn’t a plumber.
Let us not forget that it was Richard M. Nixon who fulfilled a campaign promise to end the draft. Although Nixon left the Presidency in disgrace, now America is at peril - since we liked what we heard or, we heard what we wanted to hear thereby continue being paradigms for partisan gullibility.
Add to these those many self-proclaimed “Christians” that spew hate – apparently from their bottomless well of self-proclaimed Christianity - you instinctively wonder why in the world we would ignore any of the above listed names instead of diverting our undivided attention to the zipper problems of a professional golfer! (Now, about history’s dark ages!)
This Month’s Moments of Hypocrisy
Let’s consider the United States Senate Armed Services Committee! This committee’s membership costs the taxpayers millions of dollars a year in salaries. It is natural to ask, “Just what am I getting for my money?” Following is a listing of committee membership:
DEMOCRATS REPUBLICANS
Carl Levin, (MI) Chairman John McCain, (AZ) Ranking Member
Robert C. Byrd, (WV)* James M. Inhofe, (OK)
Joseph I. Lieberman, (?-CT) Jeff Sessions, (AL)
Jack Reed , (RI) Lindsey Graham, (SC)
Daniel K. Akaka, (HA) John Thune, (SD)
Bill Nelson, (FL) Roger F. Wicker, (MI)
Ben Nelson, (NE) Geo. S. LeMieux, (FL)
Evan Bayh, (IN) Richard Burr, (NC)**
Jim Webb, (VA ) David Vitter, (LA)***
Claire McCaskill, (MO) Susan M. Collins, (MA)
Mark Udall , (CO) Saxby Chambliss, (GA)
Kay R. Hagan, (NC)
Mark Begich, (AK)
Roland W. Burris, (IL)
*Sen. Robert C . Byrd - a/k/a “King of Pork” - has been on the public dole for 51 years! Before becoming a senator, at one time, Byrd was also known as the Exalted Grand Cyclops of the KKK. (Now there’s a set of lofty qualifications for a seat in American government!)
** Sen. Richard Burr is the ranking member of the Veterans Affairs Committee. He has no record of military service – in fact, we don’t think he even has a Boy Scout merit badge!
***David Vitter was vociferously hell-bent on a mission of impeaching then President Bill Clinton for Clinton’s zipper problems. Guess whose name appeared on a D. C. madam’s list? As a result of his “making” the madam’s list, Vitter made a televised appearance expressing profound contrition! (He qualified for an Academy Award!)
Less than 33% of the above listed names have had any record of military service.
Here’s another example of your tax dollars working for you and your country’s welfare!
Albert Einstein Society Nominees?
The last thing the state of Michigan needs right now, - besides rising unemployment - was House representation in the form of Rep. Bart Stupak (D), MI. To us, Stupak carries an empty six pack! If this Congressman devoted as much time to the welfare of his own constituency as he does to the subject of “abortion,” the cries for congressional term limits would be muffled. In Stupak’s case, the subject of “abortion” – at one time - could be considered blackmail for all America but you must admit, the subject of “abortion” made for great grandstanding upon Stupak’s behalf. Stupak was very wise NOT to run for re-election.
Yet, Stupak is an excellent example of the “Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton syndrome – it’s called, “Shine the light on me!” (Al and Jesse might not be able to tell you from what divinity school they graduated but they tenaciously adhere to the dubious title of “Reverend.”)
Dumb Bunny Award!
Let’s go back a bit and present Rep. Massa (D), NY, the dumb bunny award. It’s not every day that you can tickle another human speechless, serve the taxpayers and get the Congressional Ethics Committee sniffing on your heels – all at the same time! Massa did the right thing when he resigned but didn’t do the right thing by not restraining his proclivity to blather - which resulted in letting the world and his constituents privy to what appears to be an unimpressive mentality.
There is every indication that the Republicans are rejoicing over this one. Yet, let us not forget the Mark Foley (R), FL scandal which brought-down speaker of the house Dennis Hastert (R), IL who – in spite of his many attempts - failed to keep the Foley scandal quiet. Incidentally, it has been reported that Foley fled back to West Palm Beach, Florida where he reputedly works in real estate investment and said to have his own political talk show!
The need is for better parents, not better teachers!
There is a veritable avalanche of brouhaha – on a national basis – over teachers getting fired and/or teachers that seemingly don’t get ‘through’ to their students etc. In a way, we think this is absurd! The school teacher of today has to do much more than teaching which is a direct result of lousy parenting. In fact, today’s parenting can successfully tear down - in minutes – that which took a teacher to instill during an entire school day!
For example: “Where does bullying begin?” Bullies aren’t born, they’re created! Good parents can do wonders in establishing the launching pad for a child’s eventual learning environment which can be a psychological miasma.
There is no denying the fact that everybody knows how to make a child but darned few know the first thing about raising a child. Since there are far more parents than teachers, it is reasonable to assume that parents represent far more votes than teachers. Poor parenting is a major contribution to America’s demise. This is yet another example of ignorance.
And the race is on!
Florida is going to make big news on the national scene- again. Since the state’s current governor Crist is running for the United States Senate, this means that Alex Sink (D) and Bill McCollum (R) will both be campaigning for the office of Florida’s governorship. It appears that this is going to be a knock-down, drag-out race! (The Republican primaries are filling-up fast with gubernatorial candidates.)
Already it has confirmed the fact that when McCollum was in Congress. he voted four times to raise his own pay. It has also been revealed, that McCollum enjoys a $75,000 a year taxpayer subsidized pension. This is the same McCollum that contributed much to deregulation – the latter of which is the major contributor to our current economic woes. And too, who will ever forget that it was McCollum - as a vociferous partisan member of the Congressional Impeachment Committee – who railed-out against the sitting President Clinton and his zipper “problems.” Ironically, it was during these Presidential impeachment proceedings that McCollum had taken many free trips that were subsidized by private interests.
Already a question of ethics arises! If Charlie Rangel (D), NY is criticized for accepting privately subsidized trips then, Mc Collum qualifies for something – if not “Best Of Show!” Or, has the law changed since McCollum’s tenure in Congress? Law or no law, hypocrisy prevails. It’s “hold your nose” time.
We firmly believe that Alex Sink can successfully campaign on the simple premise of common sense mixed-in with hypocrisy-free communications. The voters should be wary of the Washington “insiders” that keeps them - the voters on the “outside” once the votes are tallied.
C-Span Provides Proof of the Pudding!
C-Span covered the Congressional recognition – at long last - of the WWII WASPS – less than 300 are alive today. Approximately 175 of them gathered - with their families - at the nation’s capital to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. (So far, so good.)
But then, political speeches had to precede the recognition ceremonies. A major portion of that program was devoted to a seemingly endless parade of politicians extolling the glories of America’s greatness!
This was well deserved recognition of great Americans – the WASPS. Unfortunately, - yet not surprisingly - not one of those flag-waving politicians could boast any similar record of service for the benefit of “America’s greatness.”
Death Panels!
They existed! Death panels consisted of those obstructionist members of Congress and members of the health insurance industry. Forty-five thousand (45,000) people died each year because they didn’t have access to health insurance. That means that more than 123 people died daily! Now there’s a real death panel! SayRah may not understand it – which is understandable. SayRah’s lack of comprehension doesn’t begin to compare to Sen. Grassley’s “. . . pull the plug on granny” aside but, death panels of gigantic proportions existed right here in America. We should NEVER forget this fact. (Incidentally, Grassley now has the credibility of a chimpanzee in a ballerina skirt dancing center stage in the Nutcracker Suite.)
If the lives lost to lack of health care were casualties on the battle fields of the Middle East, you would hear public outcry so loud, a hog calling-contest would pale in comparison. We have all witnessed one political party throwing everything but the family dog into the path of the Health Care Reform Express which had nearly a hundred years to pick-up steam as a result of partisan bickering! This is further evidence of politicians wanting to decimate the working class. One fact is obvious - more so now than ever – the working class comprises the very basis of America’s economy since it is the working class that constitutes consumerism.
Then and Now!
THEN: So many of America’s vice presidents have been memorable men. How could we ever forget Dan Quayle! Here was the 44th Vice President of the United States at the age of 41. Dan Quayle is right up there with other “greats” including Spiro Agnew - who – as we reported - was found guilty of income tax invasion and, Five Deferment Dick Cheney – who many swear should become familiar with a prison’s exercise yard. In fact, while in office, Dan Quayle vocalized so many unforgettable quotes, we will publish one of Dan’s ‘gems’ each month.
NOW: Contrary to what many people might avow, Dan Quayle can really write and has “authored” three books. He is now chairman of an investment company. We could find no record of any military service but then, why serve in your country’s military when there is money to be made?
We said it!
Ben Stein - actually said that the Toyota recall was not dissimilar to Global Warming – it was all in the people’s heads. It was back in September, 2008 that we – with tongue in cheek - nominated Stein for membership in our Albert Einstein Society. Ben comes with great qualifications. One lofty area of his skills was evidenced when Stein served as a speechwriter for Richard M. Nixon. Ben still does TV commercials! (It is said that Stein was- at one time - in the field of education! Now there’s something for you to mentally masticate!)
The State of Kentucky – It was in last month’s Regurgitations (Commentary) that we remarked about our perceived ineptness of Kentucky’s two senators, i. e., Jim Bunning and Mitch McConnel. They have – time and again - proved our observations to be valid. What’s even worse, these clowns will get retirement pay for having “served” their country.
It was on the Internet!
A lot more - than the proverbial “cat being out of the bag” - is evidenced in a nearly full length nude photograph of Senator Scott Brown (R), MA. This nude photo is moving about on the Internet. They say Brown was born in 1959. The camera’s historical “click” is said to have occurred when the good senator was 22 years of age. Is this the 21st Century’s answer to Michelangelo? Chances are more than good that you will be able to draw your own conclusions – conclusions not necessarily based on political beliefs! One thing that is visually certain - Brown’s brains aren’t confined to his head!
You won’t believe it!
One of the best enlightenments for the American voter – and jot this down – is the Web site MAPLight.org – which is delightfully non-partisan. In a great way, the existence of this Web site prompts the viewer to question the recent decision by our Supreme Court in its attempts to openly perpetuate big money with politics.
MAPLight.org tells you who represents what in every state. It also tells you who gives how much to a related politician’s election bid! MAPLight.org, it also can tell you how a member of the House or Senate voted on a bill by bill basis! It goes on and on. Being an American precedes membership in a given political party therefore, MAPLight.org is most meaningful. We think you will agree that MAPLight.org, is the paradigm of “transparency.”
A good example - insurance companies, brokers & agents contributed $10,668.352.00 to all representatives and senators ostensibly representing the United States. Senator John McCain received .155565% of those contributions which equals $1,660.549.00. That’s merely one example out of hundreds of company/lobbyists contributors.
They Say, We Say
TS: Do you have any opinions on the ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy of our military?
Jack . . . Marion
WS: The Bible Thumpers can really give you an opinion on this one! Personally, we think the policy is stupid and should be done away with. Religious zealots will cherry-pick the Bible by quoting specific passages exhorting death to homosexuals. What these zealots conveniently overlook is, the Biblical exhortations to the effect that a woman that’s not a virgin on her wedding night, should be put to death. (The method to be used in the killing was not specified. If that dictate were enforced today, there would be a decided decrease in America’s population.)
TS: Don’t you think the Supreme Court’s Chief Justice John Roberts was
correct in stating that President Obama’s criticism of the Court’s recent vote on
the issue of political campaign contributions, should not have been made
during his State of the Union Address?
Franklin . . . Indianapolis
WS: No, Absolutely not! This is one – of many- thing that is terribly wrong with this country. The State of the Union Address should be for the benefit of the people not for the benefit of the attending – loudly squeaking - high-priced gears in our government! The Supreme Court’s decision was partisan beyond words and this – at least to us – is scary! To make this scenario even more absurd, check-out what President appointed Roberts to the post of Chief Justice!
TS: You have to admit, we are headed for socialism!
Sarah . . . Eugene
WS: No we don’t! Last year – 2009 - more new millionaires were registered than any previous year. Add to this that we are currently hovering around 10% unemployment, what – in your mind – constitutes socialism other than political motivation?
TS: Don’t you think the Rep. Massa sexual scandal is terrible?
Elaine – Sherman Oaks
WS: Please check the preceding ‘editorializing” on the subject. Any sex scandal involving political officer holders is sad. Even worse is the glaring failure of most Americans to establish priorities. We are transfixed with such news items as Tiger Woods and his magic wand when we should be focusing our attention on such socially controversial matters as health care, wars, unemployment, personal regard for others – it goes on and on.
TS: It appears as if you take a dim view of the Republican Party. Am I correct?
Marion . . . Eugene
WS: Not really but you must admit, the current Republican Party has done a better job of cornering the hypocrisy market! The sad fact remains that the Republican Party has done less to serve the people than the Democrat’s. We are also concerned over the Republican’s constant use of ‘dirty tricks’ for power. What might be good for ‘the people’ is rarely taken into consideration. We think we have touched on this many times before.
TS: Can you think of any one politician that has an inflated opinion of him/herself?
Noreen . . . Newark
WS: That’s a tough question. One of the best examples would be the two gals, SayRah Palen and Congresswoman Bachmann both asking $10,000 a pop for a photo of themselves with a constituent. Not even President Obama makes that kind of money – on or off camera!
TS: Pat Buchanan comes-off as a genuine authority on the political scene.
What are his qualifications?
Clyde . . . Olympia
WS: He was a speechwriter for Richard Nixon!
TS: What did you think of Congresman John Boenhner’s performance
following the recent vote on the health reform bill?
Carl . . . Milpitas
WS: Representative John Boehner - a/k/a Golf Course Charlie – reconfirmed our comments in – at that time REGURGITATIONS was called “COMMENTARY” – which stated to the effect that Boehner confirms our desperate need for congressional term limits in addition to the deplorable fact that party welfare vastly precedes the welfare of the people.
Next Commentary!
Then & Now: At one time she provided good material for late night comics.
But, whatever happened to Katherine Harris? Remember Katherine Harris’
role in Geo. W. Bush’s election in Florida?
Billionaires, billionaires, who’s got the billionaires?
Get another dose of Dan Quayle’s wisdom!
THE Greatest Show!
The Republican Party in a bad light?
Is this socialism?
Previous Blogs thru
01-15-10
02-18-10
03-21-10
04-20-10
(Should you have any comments relating to the foregoing commentary, you can contact me at efrick@edfrickauthor.com Compliments are ecstatically welcomed!) |
