Senator Robert Byrd loved history, so on this day when this nation begins to officially mourn his passing, let's immediately dive into "this day in history" because there are LOTS of great items to talk about.
The Battle of Gettysburg began on this date in 1863 - 3 days of the most horrific bloody fighting ever seen in this country. If you ever get the chance to go there, you must; it is a humbling powerful experience.
On this date in 1966, the Medicare federal insurance program went into effect. And, by golly, our nation has managed to survive that vast left - wing conspiracy; miracles DO happen! ;D
On this date in 1980, "O Canada" was proclaimed the national anthem of Canada. I think THIS SONG should at least be considered!
Here are a few SCOTUS "this day in history items." On this date in 1987, President Ronald Reagan nominated federal appeals court judge Robert H. Bork to the Supreme Court. Bork was later rejected by the Senate - thank Gawd! On this date in 1991, President George H.W. Bush nominated federal appeals court judge Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court - following Thurgood Marshall as the 2nd African - American SCOTUS "justice" {insert retching noise here}. And, on this date in 2005, Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female Supreme Court justice, announced her retirement.
Finally, an item that'll make the whole lot of us feel old - myself included. Deborah Harry is eligible for both Social Security & Medicare because she is 65 today!
GET OFF MY LAWN! ;D
Let's Countdown - 73 days since the explosion & sinking of the Deepwater Horizon off - shore oil facility in the Gulf of Mexico.
#5 "BP Oil Leak: Day 73" AKA "Engulfed" AKA "Holding BP Accountable" AKA "Health Crisis in Gulf" - The Deepwater Horizon clusterspark in the Gulf of Mexico is now officially THE WORST oil disaster there EVER. And, the well is still just gush – gush – gushing away. The EPA has finally released the conclusion of their study of the dispersants BP/BS is using; it’s just as oogy as anything else. BP/BS will keep using the stuff while the EPA keeps studying. FOR SPARKS’ SAKE, WHY?! Can’t the EPA order them to use something else? Bob Dudley, the new Tony Hayward on the scene, still insists the toxic level of the dispersant being used is no worse than dish soap; dare him to wash dishes with the stuff, then, without rubber gloves!
Senator Jim DeMint had blocked legislation giving subpoena power to the oil spill commission; today, the blockage is gone. He claimed he was acting on behalf of other GOBP Senators. The BP/BS internal safety watchdog position has been slowly phased out over a period of time. Here’s Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. He’s helping with lawsuits against BP/BS with class action suits & RICO – esque charges. Nearly half the judges in the Gulf area have financial vested interest in the oil industry. How the spark is anyone suing going to get a fair hearing? A judge who ditched his Exxon stock at the last minute got to put the kibosh on the moratorium! BP/BS claimed they could handle the aftermath of a disaster like Deepwater Horizon when they knew very well they couldn’t. Ya’ know, everyone still keeps talking about the environmental impact of what happened. I do not discount the horrible outcomes that we are seeing. But, 11 OIL WORKERS DIED! WHERE IS THE JUSTICE FOR THEIR FAMILIES?! Are there any lawyers on THIS case?
Apparently, a lot of foreign oil ships with skimmer operations are begging to come help, but BP/BS is just saying no. Media are still being barred from clean - up sites & health care facilities and/or questions. Mac McClelland, from Mother Jones, was barred access to a clinic. Local doctors or health care workers are not being used. Funding for mental health initiatives is being sought. Local cops can also be hired by private companies to be their security, they can still wear their uniforms & drive their vehicles, and they can pull you over.
#4 "Immigration Reform" AKA "Bordering on Insanity" AKA "A Crossing to Bear" - TurdBlossom criticized President Obama’s speech; he’s got TurdBlossom memory of how many times President Obama HAS talked about immigration reform & how often he’s tried to work with the GOBP on this issue. Just a handful of them are holding out, but GOBPers in border states are blaming President Obama for the lack of reform. TurdBlossom is also accusing President Obama of not wanting to pass immigration reform to get Hispanics all hot & bothered & angry about an issue ahead of elections. CLASSY! The "Show Me Your Papers" state Governor has a new web ad about immigration.
Crime is actually down along the border where the "lovely" Governor made her ad. Alycia Menendez is talking about President Obama’s immigration speech. A leading GOBP Hispanic organizer was happy with President Obama’s speech today. I didn’t get a chance to hear it. What were some of the details? How are challenge efforts going for SB 1070? This time in a month, the sucker will be law!
** Did y’all get the "exploding terlet" reference? I’ll have to try to dig up that clip! There were religious games in China? OK, now I have firsthand knowledge about how those long robes get in the way. How the spark are you supposed to play ping – pong in one of those mothers?! A guy and a horse had a race; the horse won by a bunch! **
#3 "Everlasting GOPStoppers" - Rep. Steve King is back to wanting a full repeal of HCR. After a meager response in the House, "conservative think tanks" turned up the pressure on the Congress critters not yet playing ball. Now, we’ve got more action!
The American people asked Congress and President Obama not to pass the massive healthcare overhaul, and they were ignored. Three months later, they remain opposed to it, worried about the consequences it if having for job creation, the national debt, and the cost and quality of their healthcare.
Huh...I don’t recall asking Congress & President Obama that question. Did one of y’all ask Congress or President Obama that question? And, why did I just get a feeling of déjà vu all over again? HCR is actually gaining public support in plenty of reputable polls. Small Price to Pay Goldilocks didn’t take too kindly what President Obama had to say about him in WI yesterday. Here’s Arianna Huffington – the GOBPer who turned librul after she found out her husband was gay. And, Small Price to Pay Goldilocks was talking that President Obama is being childish & immature? How ‘bout THIS GUY?!
Rep. Wally Herger of "proud right – wing terrorist" fame has introduced his own HCR repeal action.
"Tea Time" Extended benefits for the unemployed will resume. When WV names their new Senator, s(he) will more than likely join Senators Collins & Snowe to bust the tarantino. Barry Wong wants to shut off power to undocumented workers by making power companies verify their customers are "legal."
WPITW – Kathleen Parker can’t decide if President Obama is too wimpy or the next Hitler. St. Sarah from Wasilla chatted with bowlers in Sin City; she claimed Dad was a bowler with specific memories of it from when she was 3 months old. Again...
Matt Drudge had a fit when VP Biden used the term "blitzkrieg" & said he compared the GOBP to Nazis.
#1 "Stealing the Dream" AKA "I Have a Scheme" - Lonesome Rhodes still doesn’t have his permit, but construction work in the area won’t begin until October. Here’s Rev. Al Sharpton. I bet he knew MLK & worked with MLK, and Lonesome Rhodes sure as $hit ain’t no MLK! And, that’s a heck of a tie on the Reverend! ;D He doesn’t want people to go to Lonesome’s shameful shtick, should it happen, to protest.