Bail Out This

The DNC did me a favor. Now that I am no longer a member of the Democratic party, my blinders have fallen off and I see more clearly. Rick Santalli's rant got me thinking. HERE

No, I don't want to pay for my neighbor's 2nd bathroom, summer vacation or flat screen TV. Nor do I want to bail out their mortgage if they overspent their monthly budget on cell phones, clothes from Saks, dining out and getting their nails done. And Peloisi's trip to Italy on the government's dime sickens me.

In the last two years I've lost my job, my health insurance, paid egregious prices for heating oil and gas, seen my antiques business dwindle away to nothing and now I'm dealing with Madoff stealing my husband's pension. But, we are making it. Granted, it's close, but we eat well, don't buy anything we absolutely do not need and, when we do, it's second hand or factory refurbished. I do my own wallpapering, painting, don't have a dishwasher and our food is homemade, even the bread. In short, we struggle, but we are making it. And, I refuse to shop at Wal-Mart.

I worked through the mortgage debacle and saw many people make a lot of money. And, it appears they are keeping it, because neither Realtors, mortgage brokers, underwriters nor banks are being held accountable. Who is? You and me. For something that we didn't fall for nor are a part of.

I'd really like to see what criteria will be used to decide which people will be helped out with their mortgages. I'm all for helping those who help themselves and aren't exploiting the same failed rules that got us here. However, if you feel you need a vacation, an iPod, a landscaper, cellphones and Coach pocketbooks, you shouldn't qualify for a bailout. And I certainly don't want to pay for your extravagant lifestyle.

And, by the way, what is wrong with renting?

Automatic Out of Blog Reply

My 14 year old nephew is spending the week with me. That translates into less computer time for me, more for him.

Be back soon!

If you read two things today go to Alegre's Corner

Via Pacific John at Alegre's Corner, the uncomparable Glenn Greenwald's Obama and liberals: A counter-productive relationship

But Krugman's larger point is correct: Republican groups demand from politicians support for their beliefs. By contrast, as Judis describes, Democratic groups -- including (perhaps especially) liberal activist groups -- now (with some exceptions) lend their allegiance to the party and its leader regardless of how faithful the party leadership is to their beliefs. That disparity means that there is often great popular agitation and political pressure exerted from the Right, but almost none from the Left (I'm using the terms "Left" and "Right" here in their conventional sense: "Right" being the core of the GOP and "Left" being those who most consistently and vigorously opposed Bush's foreign and domestic policies).

Campskunk has a terrific post up entitled: When is an Entitlement Program Not an Entitlement Program? WHEN IT'S YOUR !@*%# MONEY!.

The use of entitlement programs as a pejorative term by Republicans (and, sadly, some Democrats) tries to make you believe that they're all welfare programs created by a runaway nanny state. Obama's proposal to tax income over $100,000 a year is an effort to move Social Security toward such a program; higher-income people would be subsidizing the less well off. The beauty of the Social Security retirement benefit and Medicare benefit, though, is that you're getting your own !@*%# money back that you put into it. Everybody gets taxed on their first (and for most of us here, only) $100k of income. You have to work a certain number of years to qualify, etc. Social Security Disability and Medicaid are another matter, but, given the atrocious track record of our society in compensating people for work-related disabilities or taking care of the disabled, that's probably a good thing.

In fact, hop on over to Alegre's Corner and read the incredible posts by Alegre and the other bloggers who post there. And, if you are in a position, Alegre recently became yet another victim of this rapidly shrinking economy, so if you like what you see, feel free to leave her a token of your appreciation.

Read It and Weep

Via TGW
Screwed Royally

They make a big display of yelling at the CEOs and then the very next day they quietly remove any cap on their compensation. These people are not on our side. This is why so many Americans are so damn frustrated. Everyone in power appears to be bought and paid for. There is a circle of people in DC and NY that keep passing the money around to one another and then come and collect it from us.

Say It Ain't So

Good golly, Miss Molly, this cannot be true! The WSJ is reporting that Obama's news conference pre-screened the reporters chosen to ask questions. That is ridiculous!! This is the President who promised us an open government. It must be a lie! That's what George W. did - pre-screened attendees at events and refused to call on Helen at press conferences.

I bet it's those damn PUMA's stirring up trouble. Howard would never have stacked the cards in Obama's favor if he was going to be a 3rd term of Dubya, would he? Obama is so experienced and smart, he wouldn't have to avoid questions from reporters. Why, he is actually learning to speak without a teleprompter and I bet he'll get better and better at it as time goes on. It's awful hard to read those words off of the Starbuck's napkins Favreau writes them on.

Damn it, WSJ, stop publishing real news and let's talk about Michelle's Vogue cover. Speaking of Michelle, I wonder when she will start receiving a paycheck for all of her public appearances. She's a brilliant lawyer, don't you know, and a great asset to the White House. Geesh. And if he did pre-screen reporters, he must have had a pretty good reason. It's not like he has anything to hide, right?

Obama's press list

Shhh - Just Watch and Listen

Via Lambert

Here

Obama The Jerk

Via Feminist Law Professors, posted at April Winchell's. Barack Obama is tired of your motherfucking shit!

If you’ve ever read President Obama’s Dreams From My Father, good for you. I couldn’t get past the foreword.

I wish I had. Because today I discovered that there’s a fairly juicy little subplot in the book, involving one of Obama’s high school friends.

Ray, a fellow classmate of Obama’s, was also bi-racial, and also trying to define himself. But what set him apart was his colorful manner of self-expression. Ray cursed like a motherfucker.

This would all be snickerworthy enough, but it turns out that Obama actually read the audiobook version of Dreams From My Father.

And that means he read Ray’s quotes.

And that means you’re about to hear the President of United States using language that would finish Cheney off once and for all.

PMSBuddy.com or How to Ward Off the Bitch

For men who flee to hunting cabins deep in the woods around a woman's "time of the month", a handy dandy tool to help you plan your getaway.

PMS Buddy PMSBuddy started nine months ago and is now tracking the menstrual cycles of more than 100,000 women worldwide, including 4000 in Australia and 1000 in New Zealand via the site and a Facebook application.

I thought this might be snark, but the site is here.
Welcome to PMSBuddy.com!

PMSBuddy.com is a free service created with a single goal in mind: to keep you aware of when your wife, girlfriend, mother, sister, daughter, or any other women in your life are closing in on "that time of the month" - when things can get intense for what may seem to be no reason at all.

For women, this is a great way to give people in your life a heads-up of when you might be feeling a bit irritable without having an awkward conversation.

What's more, we will not only keep you informed, but will give you some free advice on what to do about it. With PMSBuddy.com, there is no reason to ever be blindsided by PMS again.

PMSBuddy.com - Saving relationships, one month at a time!

Gillibrand, Yet Again

I know that criticizing Gillibrand is not a popular PUMA or feminist position. I am taking a different path than my feminist political sisters, but I am not sold on Kristen Gillibrand as yet. However, I am a NY'er and I'll have to vote for her or against her. I hope she convinces me to vote for her. In the meantime, there's this:

The Best Candidate Or The Cleanest Record?

As I have said before, I am willing to give Gillibrand a shot. There are a few issues she will have to work out (i.e. gun control versus gun rights and immigration) but I think she will clarify her positions on those issues.

That said, the lengthy questionnaire makes me wonder if we were looking for the best candidate or the most well-behaved candidate. The questionnaire contains inquiries into the candidate's past, including questions about any crimes they may have committed and if they had paid their taxes on time. This questionnaire seemed to be a method for the Governor's office to eliminate candidates if they had the slightest flaw.

The questionnaire lacks anything of substance. There are zero questions about issues. There are zero questions about Gillibrand's plans for New York and a few things she would like to see happen in New York State.

Here

My Mama's Biscotti - Click to enlarge

I'm hunkering down, trying to stay one step above the low rung on the ladder and baking some comfort biscotti. For those folks who are as economically challenged as I, Price Chopper has Anise at $5.15, whereas my local co-op has it for $1.95. Go figure.

Hillary Supporters Stay Connected

Ann Lewis and Sarah Nolan, both long-time Clinton aides, have launched NoLimits.org, an organization intended to keep her supporters connected to one another and working on the policy issues that matter to them. Lewis says, "We want a way to stay in touch. We want to stay in touch with what's going on."

The new organization is building off the remnants of Clinton's presidential campaign, utilizing her email and donor lists to pull together like-minded individuals who want to stay involved in domestic policy issues Clinton once championed. Clinton herself, however, is not involved, as federal law prohibits her from engaging in much non-State-related political behavior (like fundraising and running a political action committee).

Change Congress - Pledge Not to Donate

Change Congress is Calling a Donor Strike - Here
Special interests pump millions of dollars into elections, giving them more influence over our political system than the rest of us. Can you be part of the solution?

Pledge NOT to donate to any federal candidate unless they support legislation making congressional elections citizen-funded, not special-interest funded.

Interview with Madeleine Albright

Madeleine Albright On Obama's Foreign Policy Outlook, His Inaugural Message To Muslims And Clinton's Global Image

I have to confess - If I would allowed to have dinner and conversation with anyone in the world, Albright makes my Top Ten. Maybe it's those great pins she always wears... It's all here

NJ: How do you think the selection of Clinton as secretary of State influences the global perception of the U.S.?

Albright: First of all, I think she herself is a known quantity abroad. When I was secretary and she was first lady, it was very evident that she had quite a large and resounding international role. She was identified with human rights and women's rights and generally showing a very positive side of America. I think she is so well-known abroad, and having somebody that is that well-known is very important. The other part is something that I think is essential, and that is that it is showing what democratic elections are like in the U.S. -- you argue and you run against each other, but you are capable of developing a partnership.

Carolyn Maloney: Restore Reproductive Rights Agenda at Women's eNews. Due to their copyright policy, you must click to read.

A Song for Song!

Double Jointed Kitty

Showing off on a cold winter's night.

Gillibrand

John Mercurio of The Hill says it's Gillibrand. That's a huge disappointment for women, Gov. Paterson. And as a true upstater, those of us that live West of Albany don't consider her an upstate choice at all. Once again, experience has been left at the wayside. Although she wasn't my choice, I wish Gillibrand well and hope she turns out to be a strong advocate of women and women's rights.

Nannies and Taxes

Funny. Problems with a housekeeper and income taxes derailed Caroline's quest for Hillary's senate seat.

However, it's not much of an issue for Tim Geithner. Double standard anyone? Not that I believed Caroline was qualified to be Senator. But I sure don't believe a tax evader should be Secretary of the Treasury.

We've learned that Race trumps Misogyny. Now, we've learned that Experience trumps Honesty. Wonder what other lessons we will learn from Obama, et al?

And, according to Robert Harding, Gov. Paterson will announce Hillary's replacement tomorrow at noon, although he picked the person last weekend. I don't think it will be Andrew Cuomo, as it is expected he will run against Paterson in the Democratic primary for Gov. Should be interesting. I am pulling for Maloney. I did campaign for Gillibrand in her first campaign, but she leans too far to the right.

New York Abortion Bill

Scare tactics seek to undermine proposed state law
Corinne A. Carey Full Story Here

Most New Yorkers don’t realize that our state’s laws do not affirmatively protect this fundamental right; we rely on Roe for that protection. In fact, New York law still treats abortion as a crime and does not safeguard women who need abortions to protect their health in the last trimester of pregnancy.

Recent Supreme Court decisions weakened Roe’s protections of reproductive freedom. Although we now have a pro-choice president, the balance of the Supreme Court is unlikely to change soon. And states around the country have passed laws directly challenging Roe. If even one of these laws is brought to court, we are all at risk.

The Reproductive Health Act (RHA) would modernize New York’s laws and protect our rights. It regulates family planning as a public health issue rather than a crime, and ensures that if continuing a pregnancy jeopardizes a woman’s health, she has safe, legal options.

This month, flyers replete with misinformation and scare tactics were distributed to parishes throughout the Catholic Diocese of Buffalo. Though they’re entitled to their opinion, abortion opponents should not distort the facts to promote their agenda. It’s time to correct the record.

Tag, You're It!

I've been tagged by my next door neighbor, Heidi Li. We've been neighbors since the old Taylor Marsh days, when we all knew Hillary was hands down the best choice for President. We still believe it.

So, I must now come up with 6 personal scraps of information that no one else knows about me and tag six more bloggers. I welcome the diversion in these days of All Obama, All the Time television. Thanks, neighbor!

1. I am the oldest of 4 sisters and have suffered unbearably for being the first born. I've had to blaze the trail for my younger sisters so they would be allowed go to pajama parties at Jack the Ripper's house, ride the school bus to "away" basketball games without being kidnapped and camp outdoors in tents without wild animals attacking them. My parents literally held me in a vice (well, maybe not literally) and wouldn't allow me to have any fun. As time went on, they eased up on my sisters, who quickly learned that being the rebel of the family only gets you grounded and overachieving in school doesn't mean they will cut you any slack. My sisters have grown up to be happy women, seemingly without a care in the world (sometimes I wonder if they actually vote), while I continue to gnash my teeth, vehemently stand up for what I believe is right and agonize over the plight of the downtrodden. While I won't compromise my principles for anyone or anything, my sisters are enjoying lattes, mall shopping and watching reality shows. I love them dearly and sometimes wish I could be a little more like them.

2. I prefer to shop at the Salvation Army or local Thrift Stores. I love antiques and buy and sell them to feed my addiction for the old, well worn, beautiful patina and the unique provenance each piece brings. I love all things old, including the new found silver streaks in my dark hair, (which I refuse to color), vintage clothing, Bakelite bangles and just about anything with a history.

3. I have two daughters who are as different as night and day and I love them both to pieces. My oldest is a talented musician, works in the Manhattan garment district, has an off the chart IQ, and knows how to enjoy life. She is beautiful, gracious, charming and loves to travel. My youngest lives in the country, surrounded by horses, dogs, cats, gardens and 3 children (who, of course, are the grandest grandchildren anyone could have). She is most comfortable in blue jeans and boots, has a hot temper, an old soul and don't ever, ever cross her.

4. I love creating things. I am a china painter, wood whittler, oil painter, pencil sketcher, love to hand sew pillows out of vintage fabric and am now dabbling in mosaics and re-teaching myself to knit. I have been a bartender, a waitress, was once Clerk/Treasurer of our Village, worked for an amazing ob/gyn surgeon, and presently work in a law firm. I've run for elected office twice, have been appointed to numerous boards and I'm now enjoying a slacker's life.

5. I have a summer place in the Southern Adirondacks that is truly a haven. The sounds of loons, the smell of the pines, a beautiful lake with a sandy beach, a swinging hammock, old canoe, woodpeckers, a flower garden, a pebbled path to my back yard - it is my sanctuary and I am truly blessed to be able to enjoy it every summer.

6. Just when I thought life in the USA couldn't get any worse, it did. This campaign season has been awful. I remember the last eight years and the countdown to Bush finally leaving office. I'm saddened to say that I don't feel one ounce better about Obama. I feel like a woman without a country. I've changed my political affiliation to independent and am watching all of my old democratic friends reveling in their belief that Obama will wave a wand and make everything right. I don't know whether to envy them or pity them, but I feel left out and hopping mad. Not only did the best candidate we will have in our lifetime get cheated out of the election, but I've come to realize that women's rights have suffered a horrible setback. Misogyny is alive and flourishing in America and, quite frankly, I don't think a hell of a lot of people give a damn.

I tag the following six blogs:
Song!; Green Consciousness; Soopermouse; Delilah Boyd; Anna Belle at Peacocks and Lilies; and Another Kind of Feminist You're it!