I knew Rachel would be simply thrilled to pieces at the Satan Sandwich with a side of a steaming pile of poo that Congress passed & that President Obama signed.
Let's get historical for August 3 plus 1 event that I missed yesterday. On Aug. 3, 1958, the nuclear-powered submarine Nautilus became the first vessel to cross the North Pole underwater. A big 'ol giant squid didn't get 'em? Kewl! ;D Happy 71st birthday to Martin Sheen! So, what's your favorite Martin Sheen movie? I never watched West Wing.
Finally, in an event from yesterday that I'm kicking myself over missing (*&^%$#@!), William S. Burroughs died on August 2, 1997. He loved kitties!
On with The Rachel Maddow Show...
"Nice Work If You Can Get It" - Rachel's back in the "city so nice they named it twice"! Even though a whole mess of Americans are struggling mightily, big huge super - rich corporations are doing quite well, thank you! They can keep their solid gold terlets - thank Gawd! Retailers & pharmacies are cutting jobs, too. Corporations making lots of profits just don't seem to create jobs; I'll give y'all time to recover from the shock of that news. Personal spending also dropped in June, and Wall Street didn't like that news. President Obama's going on a "listening tour" on a big 'ol bus; he might not like what some people have to say to him. The GOBP wants to slash programs for we, the people to give corporations even more than what they already have. The Satan Sandwich with a side of steaming pile of poo could end up costing over a million jobs with what President Obama & the Dems gave away in the "compromise." Rachel brought up some of the FDR history in 1937 that Paul Krugman discussed. The deficit was attacked, but economic growth stalled only to be "rescued" by our entry into WWII. The 2009 stimulus saved LOTS of jobs but don't be holding your breath for another one. Jared Bernstein gets debt "deal" duty; he wholeheartedly agreed with Rachel's history lesson. He thinks there's still time for a payroll tax holiday & unemployment insurance extensions; he also wants infrastructure progress that just ain't gonna happen. Mr. Bernstein thinks the reaction on Wall Street is the realization that all this deal $hit ain't gonna do a damn thing for job creation.
"Fight or Flight" - A big chunk of the FAA is still out of business. Do I really need to see Packer celebrations??!! ;D Governor Scotty in WI fired up his staff by talking about Saint Ronnie Reagan firing the air traffic controllers because he's just that kind of guy. Said strike began 30 years ago today. Remember, this FAA $hit is all about union busting. Lots of jobs are gone, and a lot of money has been lost. President Obama & Secretary Ray LaHood are attempting to appeal to the better natures of the GOBP - not bloody likely! Some GOBP Congress critters are already being targeted in 2012 races. So far, the Dems haven't caved but will they go on the offense? Well... *&^%$#@! Rep. Peter DeFazio gets FAA duty. President Obama thinks this $hit can get solved by the end of the week?! His head must still be spinning from the drumming he took from the GOBP in the debt ceiling "compromise."
"First: Base" - The GOBP has been Governor Scotty's BFF since the anti - union busting rallies began in WI. Since Dems just might win in recall elections, the new "Michael Steele" of the GOBP is having a memory lapse. ;D How are Dems at the national level dealing with all this? Again well... *&^%$#@! Melissa Harris Perry is in studio! :D She doesn't think there is a base "problem." Those who voted against the "deal" can go back to their districts & say they fought for them. "Moderates" & "Blue Dogs" can try to cover their sorry a$$es. Yea, the Obama campaign will have to figure out how to get their "base" out to vote in 2012. I gotta be honest; right now, I'm not sure what I'll do, either. It's a toss - up between holding my nose to vote Dem or stay home.
"Autocratic for the People" - North Koreans are par - taying to celebrate the birthday of their fearless leader. Now, there's flooding on top of starvation, but they won't take aid from anyone. Hosni Mubarek's trial began today, so Egypt was all agog. The Syrian military decided to roll the tanks out today; no news organization has been allowed there.
Construction workers in NYC are serenading the neighborhood! :D