Regulations and Jobs

 

 

(fb/FreeDumbNation via Living Blue in South Carolina)

That's An Order!

(from Jim Morin Cartoons & Animations Fan Page/Facebook)

I'm waiting to hear some of these stats from the cable news media, countering some of the Teapublicans' talk about our "imperial" president and "Obama thinks he's a king, not a president."

This President and his gracious restraint in the face of insults, disrespect and downright hatred over the past five years have my utmost respect.  I might even send him a new pen. Carry on, Sir.

"My Ignorance...Your Knowledge"

(Image from I Heart Climate Science via Daily Kos/FB)

Note from Lucy:  Hoping for a concrete plan to combat climate change in tonight's State of the Union message.  With the recent Senate filibuster rule change, there might be hope for getting a decent bill through; that's where it failed last time.  With the more reasonable filibuster rule in place, there remains "only" one impediment to progress on this front: Republican billionaires—especially the oil barons—whose well-compensated lobbyists crowd the halls of Congress.  As winter storm Leon brings ice and snow to the South Carolina Lowcountry today, and temps (country wide) for January have been the coldest in this century, let's hope significant action will be taken—and soon. 

Wanted: More Activists!

I've been shamefully delinquent about posting recently.  I'll be back, probably not daily, but more regularly, at least.   Don't give up on me, dear Lefties.

 

Some miscellaneous observations, beginning with the Maryland mall shooting today:  Three people were killed.  Press briefing at 4.  Cable news is saying the shootings didn't appear to be random; someone's commenting that it's sad we're growing so accustomed to news of shooting sprees in public spaces that we are somewhat comforted when more people aren't killed or that shootings aren't random.  Yep, these incidents are far too familiar, and I guess we take comfort wherever we can find it.  (I used the word "incident" as I'm thinking these happenings are not incidental.)  My friend Elizabeth has followed gun violence, accidental and intended, ever since Sandy Hook; she often posts links to articles about the shootings on Facebook.  It has been jaw-dropping to see all the posts— about "responsible gun owners" who have shot a child or someone who came to the door asking for help; in some instances, the gun-toters accidentally shoot themselves!

 

Yesterday there were shootings at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC as the ink dries on a brand new law allowing South Carolinians to take guns into bars and restaurants.   Booze and firearms—always a great idea, right?  O.M.G.  Friends and I agree there's no way we'd consider gun ownership.  We'll also be thinking twice before going out to dinner at some of our favorite restaurants.  It makes me sick that the NRA—and some of their constituents— are responsible for terrorizing us Americans.  There are far too many gun bullies out there, and they're far less concerned about their second amendment rights than about in-your-face control.   They're probably affecting more of us than any foreign terrorists. (Thanks to Elizabeth for giving me food for thought on the "control" motivation.)

 

Elizabeth is one of my heroes, visiting local restaurants and talking to owners about the new law.   I'm happy to report that already several owners have agreed to post signs letting their customers know firearms aren't welcome in their establishments.  Elizabeth isn't looking for praise, and she's  definitely not looking for something to occupy her time.  She's a busy educator who pours her best self into her work.  And yet she makes time to do all she can for gun sense.

 

Check with Moms Demand Action—South Carolina (Facebook) about the signs if you're in South Carolina and willing to be a part of making gun sense.  And wherever you are, be sure to join Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.  The voices of those who care about firearm safety can be as powerful as the NRA.   We only need to join and support Moms Demand Action, an organization that's making a positive difference already.

 

Well, my first random thought turned into a full post.   It feels good to be here with you again.   But now I want to learn more about yesterday's shootings at S. C. State.   Hoping against hope no one was killed.  

 

 

Note to Republicans

I'd like to see this sign presented any time a "pro life" bill is introduced or your Fox-watching sibling pontificates at the family gathering.  (posted by Occupy Democrats/Facebook)

If Al Qaeda Had Done It . . .

Today on MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell Reports I heard part of some stunning commentary and learned that the water plant in West Virginia was about a mile and a half away from the chemical site.  Nobody had a clue what all was in this chemical cocktail nor what the effect could be on humans.  The CDC did not even have any data as to long-term impact of these chemicals on human beings.  Yep, there are REASONS for regulations, America.  The "bad ole gov'ment" is not really so bad when it's doing its job and protecting life and property.  Holy hell.  So hard to accept this. 

 

 

 (via The Other 98%/Facebook)

 

 We can't afford to send a Republican to the White House in 2016— and, for Godssake we need to work to keep the Democrats in the majority in  U. S. Senate.  No matter how futile it seems, we also need to work for some liberal House candidates (donate, volunteer, write letters to the editor).   AND we need more liberals/progressives in the State Legislatures, too.  Things are already bad enough, as evidenced by West Virginia's experience—where people, even today, are being affected when they use the local water to bathe.  Toxic chemicals, firearms,  food and water safety, and environmental protection:  These are some of the critical areas that need to be carefully regulated.  Not—as Republicans are wont to do—by allowing the foxes to write regulations governing the hen house.  No.  Allowing industries to regulate themselves— and merely pay fines they can well afford after wreaking havoc with the environment, etc.— as they wink at one another and repeat the offense whenever they choose will NOT DO.  We must have more representatives  willing to take on the mega-wealthy polluters (like the Koch brothers) and their paid lobbyists.  We must.

Sad to See 'Em Go

Could be the death of a dear younger friend and a two-week tug-of-war with the flu that have me reflecting on loss today.  (By the way, I've missed communing with you, dear Lefties, but  haven't been up to posting.) 

 

I've been marinating in the sad news that Congressman George Miller (D-CA) will be retiring.  A hard-working liberal Democrat, Mr. Miller has served for 40 years; he's one of two remaining members in the "Congressional Class of '75," elected in 1974 for the first time, just after Watergate.  Thankfully, it looks like Congressman Henry Waxman won't be leaving just yet.  George Miller has been a strong advocate for the environment, public education and affordable health care.   I heard him say he's determined to see the minimum wage raised before his departure.   If you don't know his record, believe me:  You will miss him.

 

Carolyn McCarthy's (D-NY) exit leaves me with a heavy heart, too.  In 1993 her husband was killed and her son severely injured by a mass shooter on a Long Island commuter train; the tragedy motivated her to run for Congress.  She's very forthcoming, seems more comfortable than most about speaking her mind.  Her advocacy, especially for gun safety, will be greatly missed.

 

I'm also sorry to see Mike McIntyre (D-NC) go.  God knows North Carolina needs his representation in D.C. The odds aren't great for electing another Democrat in that district—but who knows?  Maybe the passionate Moral Mondays crowd will unite with Democrats to pull off a miracle.

 

While I've celebrated a couple of retirement announcements (Michelle Bachmann's, R-Minnesota, for example), I'm focused mostly on the decisions of some of our wiser Senators and a few strong House members to end their Congressional careers.   I was heart-broken when Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) announced he wouldn't be seeking another term.  No way to replace him.  Just no way.

 

Then there's Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, a straight-talking, nose-to-the-grindstone, get-it-done Democrat.   Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) and  Jay Rockefeller (D-West Virginia).— Sad.  Sad to lose them.   Max Baucus (D-Montana) won't be coming back either.  He has disappointed me at times, hasn't been as liberal as I've wished, but still . . . .  I checked with a cousin of mine in Whitefish, Montana earlier this morning.  She said there have been Democrats in the U.S. Senate ever since she and her family moved to Montana;  they'll do all they can to keep up that tradition.  

 

Here's Rollcall's list of members who plan to retire:

 

House:

    •    Spencer Bachus, R-Ala., 66, 11 terms
    •    Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., 57, 4 terms
    •    John Campbell, R-Calif., 58, 5 terms
    •    Howard Coble, R-N.C., 82, 15 terms
    •    Jim Gerlach, R-Pa., 58, 6 terms
    •    Tim Griffin, R-Ark., 45, 2 terms
    •    Tom Latham, R-Iowa, 65, 10 terms
    •    Jim Matheson, D-Utah, 53, 7 terms
    •    Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., 70, 9 terms
    •    Mike McIntyre, D-N.C., 57, 9 terms
    •    George Miller, D-Calif., 68, 20 terms
    •    Jon Runyan, R-N.J., 40, 2 terms
    •    Frank R. Wolf, R-Va., 74, 17 terms

Senate:
   
    •    Max Baucus, D-Mont., 71, 6 terms
    •    Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., 70, 2 terms
    •    Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, 74, 5 terms
    •    Mike Johanns, R-Neb., 62, 1 term
    •    Tim Johnson, D-S.D., 67, 3 terms
    •    Carl Levin, D-Mich., 79, 6 terms
    •    Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., 76, 5 terms

 

Stuart Rothenberg over at Rollcall offers his take on the open House seats on his Rothenblog:  http://blogs.rollcall.com/rothenblog/rothenbergs-dangerous-dozen-open-house-seats/

A New Day

...best thing that's happened lately in DC!      (Image:  Democratic Party)

Climate Change and Clean Tech

Please, o, please stop using the term "global warming" and switch to the more accurate "global climate change."  Besides, the  "warming" term is confusing to some, especially Teapublicans.

(The Jon Stewart Fan Page/FB)

AND related to efforts to lessen the scary effects of climate change, there's this on a "Sixty Minutes" piece that begs the question:  Did CBS recently hire Fox producers or what?  Check it out over at Media Matters.  http://mediamatters.org/blog/2014/01/06/whats-the-matter-with-60-minutes-cleantech-edit/197434

Define "Liberal"

(The Left Compass/FB)

More on living liberal in the days ahead.

Socialism At Work

(from Occupy Democrats/Facebook)

Think city halls were inundated by Teapublican calls demanding less "government intervention"  during and in the aftermath of the winter storm?  LOL.

 

Seriously, I feel for all of you who've been dealing with the brutal winter weather.   Being a lifelong Southerner, it's winter to me when the thermometer dips below 70!  If it makes you feel any better, I did have to cover plants last night; expected low was 27. 

Bill Clinton's Right on the Mark

Amen, President Clinton, you're right.  And both issues deserve our attention and support.  Holidays are over now—time to get back to work!

(The Knowledge Movement FB page)

Start Spreadng the News . . .

Not really up to writing today, sounding like I have the old-fashioned croup.  I cough like some jungle animal I haven't identified yet.  Still, I want to give a quick shoutout to New York mayor-elect Bill De Blasio.  By the time I'm done here, the new mayor will have been sworn in by former president Bill Clinton.  

 

What I want to say is that De Blasio's election gave me some hope—in terms of seeing a change in the horrifying income inequality in this country.  New York is the high-profile metropolis that not only this country, but the whole world, watches. I believe this new mayor will give the issue the attention it deserves.   De Blasio 's campaign was largely focused on the wide disparity between the have's and have not's.  (The main reason I suppoted John Edwards in the presidential primaries in 2007 was his concern about the "two Americas."  I've been told by people who know him well that he was always committed to healing the income equality divide.  His position was never political schtick. )

 

Mayor Bloomberg did some good things, to be sure. He also wholeheartedly supported and defended the "stop and frisk" policy which essentially amounted to racial profiling.  And  let's not forget, as he begins his term, that De Blasio doesn't have the personal fortune Bloomberg has.  Apparently Bloomberg spent $650 million of his own money on bettering the City he has led.  While commendable, that's chump change in light of his considerable holdings.  So, we will keep that in mind as we celebrate a change of administrations.

 

 I don't share my Beloved's concerns about De Blasio causing the city to become more racially/ culturally divided.  In fact, I think there's hope for narrowing, and even healing, that sad divide between the "two New Yorks." I believe the discontinuation of "stop and frisk" as it has been implemented is a good first step in that direction.

 

The whole family pays a price when a member dedicates him or herself to public service.  It looks like this family is solidly "in this" together.   I think the Mayor has a  good grasp on how it all works and knows some of sacrifices that will be necessary.  To the family, I'd say this will be harder than you can imagine at times, but I believe you're up to it. All the best to the new Mayor and all the De Blasios.

Fearless Non-Resistance

Yesterday I wrote a poem.  Today I'll be busy with the collards and black-eyed peas and watching the University of South Carolina Gamecocks (hopefully) win some post-season game in Orlando.  But first I was ruminating on one of my favorite poets, Rumi.  He and I share the same birthday, different century.  (Rumi - ruminating.  I wonder . . .)  Here are some of his words of wisdom; they seem to fit the theme of "change" that accompanies the beginning of every new year. 

“Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?”   ~   Rumi

          

Doesn't everybody resist change at one time or another—or nearly always?  I want to get better at simply surrendering to change.  That is, change that isn't clearly "bad" for me, but might scare me a little.  Or a lot.  I want to try letting life live through me.  Allow it to flow without blocking the life force with fears and excuses born from the fear.  Time to step up,  be braver.  To simply allow without trying to control.  Time to rethink running away.  To inhale change and exhale the crippling staleness of "I always have..." or, or, or.  You know the words you use.  I know the words I use to talk myself out of adventures.  Out of risk taking.  In the days ahead when I hear myself cranking up the excuses, I'll pay attention and invite the excuses to remove themselves from my mind.

 

How DO I know that the side I'm used to will be better than the one to come?  Only way to find out is to allow.  Give up resistance to change.  Maybe I'll do that.  Are you with me?

                                                            * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Wishing you fearless non-resistance to whatever change the "new" year brings, along with gratitude for enriching my life with your presence here.  LL