Which high school will get Obama as graduation speaker

Pretty weird since I've seen a couple places (can't remember where) that he's headed out to Kalamazoo for this. Guess we'll wait and see. Update- See, it is Kalamazoo.

(CNN) - Students at one high school will learn Tuesday if the president will be their commencement speaker.

The White House asked Americans to help pick a winning high school from a list of six finalists. The list was cut to three recently, the White House said.

"The race was neck and neck all the way to the end with all six schools within half a point of each other," a White House statement said. "Thank you to the more than 170,00 people who weighed in and rated the six finalist schools."

The top three schools in the White House's annual initiative, the High School Commencement Challenge were:

· Clark Montessori Junior High and High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)
· Kalamazoo Central High School (Kalamazoo, Michigan)
· Denver School of Science and Technology (Denver, Colorado)

President Barack Obama will choose the winner from these schools.

VIDEO: President Obama’s commencement speech at University of Michigan

By GottaLaff

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

IMHO: Killer speech.

VIDEO- Tea Bagger: "Dip them in boiling water, nothing better than a dead liberal"- including Obama

By GottaLaff

Via one of my Twitter pals, EZKool:



The first interviewee is a Beckbot. The next one wants liberals boiled to death.

Nah, Tea Tantrumers aren't psychos at all. Just one big, touchy-feely, grassrootsy, values-lovin', tax-hatin', Beck-grovelin' family:

kpominville — April 17, 2009 — Despite the fact 95% of Americans just received the largest tax cut in American history, a parade of the easily manipulated gathered in St Clair Shores, Michigan on Wednesday because the crybaby pundit Glen Beck told them to.

The first woman was holding a sign that read: "Honk if you support the constitution" so I stopped and asked her exactly what she thought was threatening the constitution."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04...

Imagine if these people got their wish and shoehorned their candidates of choice into the White House and Congress. I wonder how they'd feel once they realized they were being used and discarded like the naive trash that they are.

By the way, when will the media begin to refer to the sickest among the Tea Baggers as terrorists?

H/t: 1kecko

Dems file FEC complaint over alleged GOP laundering scheme

Heh. Problem is that this kind of stuff doesn't resonate with the people all that much, but it can distract the GOPers for a bit.

The Michigan Democratic Party filed an official complaint with the Federal Election Commission on Wednesday, alleging that the Michigan Republican Party and the Republican National Committee struck a deal to get around campaign finance limits and launder roughly half a million dollars in contributions from Michigan residents through the RNC and back to the Michigan GOP.

These allegations first came to light with an article in the Daily Caller last week, which we reported on at the time. The Michigan GOP denies any wrongdoing in the matter, but now the FEC will presumably open an investigation reach its own conclusion.

The Daily Caller cited an unnamed source within the GOP:

“It was a known secret that a deal had been struck on the topic,” a former RNC official confirmed to The Daily Caller.

“I think the benefit to them was them getting guaranteed money,” the source said of the Michigan GOP, “and the benefit to the RNC was getting higher fundraising numbers.”

The article also noted that FEC reports showed that a group of Michigan donors all maxed out their contributions to the RNC in the last days of 2009, donating nearly half a million dollars collectively. The RNC then transferred that money back to the state party in two payments in early 2010.

Bart Stupak will retire

Ugh, at this point it's a good riddance. Via Taegan-

Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI) will announce his re-election plans today at a news conference, the Detroit Free Press reports.

Marc Ambinder says top Democrats briefed last night we're told he'll retire.

"Stupak, the leader of a pro-life faction within his party, had received death threats and was under intense political pressure after he agreed to support the Democratic health care reform legislation, even though pro-life groups insisted that it would allow federal funds to be used for abortion."

Bart Stupak to Retire?

I'm of mixed feelings on this. I'd be glad to see the Forced Birther gone, but we need as many Dem seats, faux or real, that we can get. Via Taegan-

First Read: "With just a few days to go before the end of this recess, House Democrats are cautiously optimistic that they could get through it without a single retirement announcement. That said, there is still a concern that some important incumbents in districts that they are uniquely suited could call it quits. At the top of the concern list this week: Michigan Democrat Bart Stupak. The Democrat best known this year as the Democrat who delivered the winning margin of votes for the president's health-care reform bill is said to be simply exhausted. The criticism he received -- first from the left, and then from the right -- has worn him and his family out. And if he had to make the decision now, he'd probably NOT run. As of this writing, a bunch of senior Democrats (many of the same ones who twisted his arm on the health care vote) are trying to talk him into running. The filing deadline in Michigan is still a month away, but veterans of that state's politics are skeptical anyone other than Stupak can hold that district in this political climate."

Meanwhile, the Detroit Free Press notes Tea Party activists are targeting Stupak for defeat during a series of rallies in Michigan this week.

Chevy Volt hits assembly line with Obama Administration pledge to buy first 100

Putting your money where Detroit's mouth is.

Wednesday proved a day of firsts for the Chevy Volt: General Motors assembled the first Volt at its Detroit-Hamtramck plant, and the Obama administration pledged to buy the first 100.

(snip)

The news comes one day after rival Nissan announced its own upcoming electric, the Leaf, will cost around $25,000 after a federal tax credit. GM CEO Ed Whitacre in January suggested the Volt will sell for a profit "in the low 30s."

But regardless of the price tag, it appears General Motors' largest investor will help the company move product: The Detroit Free Press reports the Obama administration has pledged to "purchase the first 100 plug-in electric vehicles to roll of American assembly lines" this year. That means the Volt.

The administration also announced it will purchase more than 5,000 hybrid vehicles to replace aging units in its own fleet.

AUDIO: “I hope you die a slow death at a very young age." My bad.

By GottaLaff

Via mlive.com:

Another day, another mindless cretin, another death call, another apology.

Note to half-wits: "I saw a commercial and just couldn't help myself" just doesn't cut it:

Bob Bepristis told the Citizen Patriot he was upset over the health care bill and wanted to make his concerns known.

He said that he didn’t know who his representative in Congress was, and so decided to call [Rep. Mark] Schauer after seeing a TV political advertisement that listed Schauer’s name and phone number. [...]

“I screwed up,” Bepristis said. “It was rude and I was wrong.”

Yes you were, and yes you were.

But even more wrong were the people who put an ad out that revealed Schauer's personal information.

How many invasions of privacy does it take to screw a Democrat?

The Capitol police were notified. Bust. Ed.

“I didn’t mean to say what I said as a threat,” Bepristis told the Citizen Patriot.

Of course not, dear. Wishing people were dead aloud on their home phones would never be looked at that way. Please don't worry your pretty little head about it.

Bepristis apologized to the representative, by the by.

“They were very gracious,” he said.

Good, take lessons.

No More Negotiating with Stupak

Hope you have plans for next year Bart, 'cause you ain't coming back. Via Taegan-

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was asked by ABC News about Rep. Bart Stupak's (D-MI) suggestion that there could be another bill to address abortion funding but she closed the door.

Said Pelosi: "This bill is about health care and not about abortion. There will be no further changes in the bill."

Key Anti-Abortion Dem: Passing Senate Bill Would Be “Pro Life”

Greg always finds the good stuff.

Rep Dale Kildee of Michigan, a key pro-life Dem who was thought to be part of the Stupak bloc, released a statement today confirming that he will vote for the Senate bill.

But what’s really got Democrats psyched today is the language he used — his strong endorsement, in religious terms, of the Senate bill, which Dems think will prove persuasive to what remains of the Stupak bloc:

For those who know me, I have always respected and cherished the sanctity of human life. I spent 6 years studying to be a priest and was willing to devote my life to God. I came to Congress two years after the Hyde Amendment became law and I have spent the last 34 years casting votes to protect the lives of the unborn. I have stood up to many in my party to defend the right to life and have made no apologies for doing so. I now find myself disagreeing with some of the people and groups I have spent a lifetime working with. I have listened carefully to both sides, sought counsel from my priest, advice from family, friends and constituents and I have read the Senate abortion language more than a dozen times.

I am convinced that the Senate language maintains the Hyde Amendment, which states that no federal money can be used for abortion. The Senate bill includes a “conscience clause” and allows states to ban plans that include abortion. I also disagree with the argument that the Senate bill would lead to abortions being performed at community health centers. Under existing law (42 C.F.R. § 50.301), community health centers are prohibited from performing abortions.

We must not lose sight of what is at stake here — the lives of 31 million American children, adults, and seniors — who don’t have health insurance. There is nothing more pro-life than protecting the lives of 31 million Americans. Voting for this bill in no way diminishes my pro-life voting record or undermines my beliefs. I am a staunch pro-life member of Congress — both for the born and the unborn.”

VIDEOS- Rachel Maddow and Michael Moore, with a pinch of Connie Saltonstall love

By GottaLaff

Michael Moore is a fan of Connie Saltonstall's (as you can see at about 3:23), as am I. (Disclaimer: I've been contacted by her campaign and am officially part of it now.)

Connie is challenging Bart Stupak. 'Nuff said.

Take it away, Michael and Rachel:

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

UPDATE: Another excellent segment, another pinch of Saltonstall love... (at about 12:05)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Connie Saltonstall Challenges Bart Stupak In Michigan House Primary

By GottaLaff

Paddy referenced this in her daily links post. It's time to give Charlevoix County Commissioner Connie Saltonstall a lot more attention. Stupak needs to be replaced by, you know, an actual Democrat:

On Monday, Saltonstall, a former teacher who lost a state representative race in 2008, announced her intentions to challenge Stupak, who has represented Michigan's First Congressional District since 1993.

Saltonstall on Stupak's anti-abortion views:

He "has a right to his personal, religious views, but to deprive his constituents of needed health care reform because of those views is reprehensible"

We need C Street Stupak out. His insistence on anti-choice language in the bill has blocked health care reform. Let's do everything we can to support his opponent.

Connie Saltonstall:

Campaign Office
11362 Boyne City Rd
Charlevoix MI, 49720

Phone: (231) 547-2138

H/t: Ellen

John Dingell, longest-serving lawmaker in Congress, will seek reelection

By GottaLaff

FYI:

Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) said he intends to seek reelection this fall, when he'll be 84 years old.

Down side:

The Michigan Democrat ascended to a perch atop the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he did much to shepherd away exceptionally stringent emissions standards for his home state auto industry.

Up side:

The Michigan liberal has long been an advocate of healthcare reform, as well, leading House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) to play a special role in the House debate of health reform legislation over the past year.

The Michigan Militia is back, better (?) than ever

I moved back to this area in '88, and other than having to readjust to the stupid white stuff that fell from the sky, I also had to steel myself against stories about hunting and shooting, stuff that in Miami you only heard about on the news, not as a pleasant topic of conversation. Then in the early 90's I'd hear about guys going "up north" for long weekends. Quite a bit. Now remember, I worked in an auto junkyard exclusively with a certain type of man, so I probably saw it a bit clearer than some people. They spoke pretty openly about it, the cammo, the supplies buried in bunkers and the guns. Always about the guns. And they're recruiting again.

Only one potential new member shows up at the meeting. Jeff is in his early thirties, he has a wife and a new baby. He's deeply distrustful of the government and he believes something is to about happen, probably the collapse of the American economy.

"Well, I feel like I can't rely on our elected officials, I can't rely on our military who works for our government, so bottom line is we have to have somebody to rely on," he says.

Christians claim Matthew Shepard hate crimes law "criminalizes the Bible"

By GottaLaff

:sdrawkcab denmad os era elpoep esehT

A Christian group in Michigan has filed a lawsuit alleging that a package of hate crimes laws named after murder victim Matthew Shepard is an affront to their religious freedom.

Conversely, Shepard's murder was an affront to his, you know, life.

Filed by the Thomas More Law Center -- which bills itself as the religious answer to the American Civil Liberties Union -- the complaint claims that protecting gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people "is an effort to eradicate religious beliefs opposing the homosexual agenda from the marketplace of ideas by demonizing, vilifying, and criminalizing such beliefs as a matter of federal law and policy."

Thomas More chief counsel Richard Thompson:

"Of the 1.38 million violent crimes reported in the U.S. by the FBI in 2008, only 243 were considered as motivated by the victim’s sexual orientation," he wrote on the group's Web site. "The sole purpose of this law is to criminalize the Bible and use the threat of federal prosecutions and long jail sentences to silence Christians from expressing their Biblically-based religious belief that homosexual conduct is a sin."

So... silencing a life because of sexual orientation is okay. Laws making that illegal aren't. .sdrawkcaB

However, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act clearly stipulates that it does not apply to constitutionally protected speech.

See, what the actual act stipulates doesn't matter. Legalities don't matter. Justice doesn't matter. Bigotry, hatred, homophobia, and "belief" trumps law, decency, and ethics.

It's the naciremA yaw.

Video- Congressman Hoekstra Using Christmas Bomb Plot In Fundraising

What a scumbag. Vid via CSpanJunkie.

Stupak (D-MI) coordinating with GOP leadership to scuttle abortion compromise

Only good thing about this is that Nancy isn't a push over like Harry. Go to the link to read the whole convoluted backstabbing story. Quite a good job from Ben btw.

An aide to Rep. Bart Stupak (D. Mich.) coordinated opposition to the Senate health bill’s abortion compromise this morning with the Republican Senate leadership according to a chain of frantic emails obtained this morning by POLITICO.

Stupak, in an interview with POLITICO, called the Senate’s bill’s abortion position "unacceptable" – but disavowed his staffer’s collaboration with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. (ed. note: bullshit)

(snip)

Stupak is the leader of a group of pro-life Democrats who say they’ll oppose the sweeping legislation if it uses government money to pay for abortion, while McConnell is firmly committed to killing the legislation. The fact that their offices have made common cause against the Senates health care compromise will likely further infuriate Stupak’s Democratic colleagues in the House, and demonstrates his willingness to stop any bill that doesn’t pass his test.

“Guys - when will we see your letters of opposition to the managers amendment?? We need them ASAP!” wrote Erika Smith, the Stupak aide, at 9:23 this morning, less than an hour after the amendment had become available.

The email’s recipients included key staffers for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, National Right to Life, the Family Research Council, as well as Autumn Fredericks Christensen, aide to top pro-life Republican Joe Pitts, and Lanier Swann, a McConnell aide.

Video- MSNBC Interviews Clueless Sarah Palin Supporters At Book Signing

Man oh man.

Mid Day Distraction

A little Zen for your day.

Blue Cross hits Michigan customers with 22% rate hike

By GottaLaff

Public option anyone?

In the past few days, 114,000 Michigan households have received bad-news letters from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, socking individual health insurance subscribers with premium increases averaging 22%, effective Oct. 1. [...]

But the chief culprits in the saga of Michigan's skyrocketing cost of individual health insurance are our hapless state legislators in Lansing, who refuse to address the havoc wreaked by rising unemployment and corporate cutbacks in health care benefits.

In just the past two years, the number of under-65 individual subscribers has grown by 59,000, or 96%, at Blue Cross, the nonprofit "insurer of last resort" in Michigan. Private for-profit insurers tend to cherry-pick younger, healthier consumers, driving older and less-healthy people to Blue Cross if they have no employer-provided group coverage.

State law requires Blue Cross to offer insurance to anyone, but it also demands that the company not lose money on its insurance products. Therein lies the rub: Blue Cross lost $133 million last year on individual subscribers. [...]

But Attorney General Mike Cox warned that a Blue Cross-backed bill would weaken regulatory oversight, and legislators decided the matter was too complex to resolve in a hurry. [...]

Well, it's now September and virtually nothing has happened except that Blue Cross asked for a 56% rate hike to cover mounting losses, which Cox and other adversaries wrestled down to 22% in negotiations.

What a bargain, huh?