20 states resist creating pools to help people denied health insurance

By GottaLaff

Big Government will have to keep people alive, because the Party of No won't. I hope voters are paying attention:

As many as 20 states probably will not operate new insurance programs for Americans who have been denied health coverage, forcing the federal government to step in to implement one of the key elements of the healthcare overhaul legislation, according to administration officials. [...]

Led by the Georgia insurance commissioner, however, a succession of mostly Republican state officials has been rejecting the idea of creating state pools, voicing concerns that state governments would end up having to pay some of the costs of operating them over the next 3 1/2 years. [...]

Consumers will be eligible for the new pools if they have preexisting medical conditions and have not had insurance for at least six months.

Don't Republicans have preexisting conditions, or are they reserved for commie Marxist Democrats?

Republicans Poised to Allow Senate Debate on Financial Overhaul Bill

By GottaLaff

All I've gotten so far is a news alert from Fox:

Republicans Poised to Allow Senate Debate on Financial Overhaul Bill

So forcing the Party of No to actually stand up and filibuster in front of the whole wide world worked. Remember this day, Dems.

UPDATE, via another e-mail:

	WASHINGTON (AP) Republicans say they are ready to allow financial overhaul bill to be debated in Senate.

UPDATE:

Sen. Richard Shelby, the top Republican on the Senate Banking committee, said he has assurances that Democrats will adjust his banking regulation bill to address concerns that it perpetuates bailouts. [...]

But McConnell and other Republican critics are now focusing their objections on Dodd's proposal to create a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau within the Federal Reserve.

GOP +1 block financial reform bill for third time

By GottaLaff

Here's all you really need to know:


The Party of No, plus Nelson.

Third Senate Test Vote on Financial Overhaul Bill Fails 56-42

Between meeting in back rooms with the Big Bankers, and showing America who their real BFF are by refusing to allow financial reform, all the Rushpublics are doing is exposing themselves to be the obstructionists they are... all while reminding everyone who pays them to be that way.

Keep those votes coming, Dems.

UPDATE: Claire McCaskill makes a good point. She just said on MSNBC that the GOP pretends they don't want to block the bill, while they block the bill.

Disheartened: Special Comment by my 72-year-old friend

By GottaLaff

My impassioned 72-year-old Twitter pal, who goes by the name 42bkdodgr, would like to share his feelings about the increasingly worrisome (read: scary) and very frustrating events of late. I am more than happy to oblige.

But first, a personal note from 42bkdodgr:

Many of you may wonder why I chose to use the “ 72 year old friend” as the introduction to my Special Comments. I selected the moniker so readers could see that from my age and life experiences I give a different perspective to the issues of today.

Now for his Special Comment:

Disheartened

I sit hear before my computer a very sad, frustrated, discouraged and disheartened person as I write this Special Comment.

I feel this way and it makes me shudder, when I think about the craziness that has been going on in our nation in the last couple of months, such as:

* Texas Board of Education rewriting history books.
* Virginia making April Confederate History Month.
* Passage of Arizona Immigration Law.
* The open carry guns rally in a National park.
* Nebraska setting limits on abortion.
* GOP Congressional candidate proposes installing microchips on illegal immigrants.
* Candidate for Governor in Nevada suggesting that the barter system be used to pay doctors for medical services.

Then we have the Party of NO blocking bills from coming to the Senate floor for debate by using the Cloture Rule on almost everything that is presented by the Democrats. Republicans did it with Healthcare Reform, extension of Unemployment Insurance, and now they are doing it with Financial Reform.

When fighting the Health Care Bill, Republicans said the bill shouldn’t be passed because over 60% of Americans were against the bill. Now they are against the Financial Reform Bill, even though over 60% of Americans want the passage of the bill.

During the healthcare debate, Republicans complained about the lack of transparency, because of the closed door deals made to get the necessary Democratic Committee votes.

Now, the Republicans want all Committee discussions on Financial Reform to be done behind close door and not seen on CSPAN. I guess they are afraid the public will see how weak their arguments are against the passage of the bill.

Time and time again Republicans prove they don’t care about the common man. With health care their masters were the health insurance companies, and now for financial reform they serve at the foot of the banking and brokerage industry.

Republicans are truly “HYPOCRITES”.

I think we will continue to see more odd laws, policies and outrageous statements being adopted by other states and made by politicians; and the Republicans will not stop being the Party of No and Obstructionism.

It is quite possible that the manner in which Congress is currently operating will continue for many years to come, no matter which party controls Congress or the White House.

All this makes me disheartened because, when I take into consideration all of the above plus the hatred in this country, I feel the wheels are coming off in America.

Many thanks again for another thorough, relevant piece, 42bkdodgr. You often say what many of us are thinking and feeling, and we thank you for your unique perspective.

Reid Schedules Another Vote on Financial Reform

By GottaLaff

The definition of insanity...

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has scheduled a cloture vote on financial regulatory reform for 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, but there is no indication that the outcome will be any different than what occurred on Monday.

Oh, but I kid the Majority Leader. The Party of No will re-expose their obstructionist ways as financial reform, for the time being, continues on a treadmill to nowhere.

Perhaps visual aids would help. Reid should present a big photo poster of the GOP holding hands with bankers in a heart-shaped frame.

Predictability, Inc.: Sen. Collins pledges to block Democratic Wall Street bill

By GottaLaff

Why should today be any different? The Party of No is, if nothing else, consistent. And they're also nothing else. Nothing at all. Zero:

Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced after meeting with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner Monday that she will vote to filibuster a Democratic Wall Street reform bill.

Attagirl, you show those Dems. Whenever they start calling you "moderate" or "reasonable", you get out there and show 'em who's boss.

"I don't think we can address these concerns in three days but I see no reason why we could not negotiate a bill in the next three or four weeks."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) worked to keep his party unified against the bill, which Democrats are pushing to pass.

All 41 Senate Republicans signed a letter to Reid urging him to reopen bipartisan negotiations on the legislation.

And by bipartisan, they mean do it their way. Period.

The Grating Obstructionist Party.

BBC poll-itics: World warming to U.S. under Obama

By GottaLaff

No, that doesn't say global warming up there in the title, read it again. The world is warming up to the United States under President Obama's watch. Imagine.

Now that's the kind of global warming we like:

For the first time since the annual poll began in 2005, America's influence in the world is now seen as more positive than negative.

2005. ... ... 2005. Now who was in charge then? I remember! BushCo! Is it me, or did they negatively affect everything they got within inches of?

No, it's not me.

Of course, the Party of No will see this as another component of big scary commie pinko liberal French abortionist fascist Jew Marxist Obama's "Old Europe" evil socialist agenda. How unAmerican of him to get the rest of the world to like us again.

And work with us again.

And cooperate with us again.

And communicate with us again.

And support us again.

What a traitor.

NononononoPalinJindalNonononono

By GottaLaff

Newton Leroy Gingrich decided that the GOP should be the "party of yes." What a novel idea! Why, it's positively Spoonful of Sugary! One might surmise that Republican voters would lap that right up, it's so sunshiny and positive!

One might even go so far as to imagine party leaders would embrace such a pleasant about-face from all that nastiness and No-itude.

Think about it. Those poor Rushpublics! It must be an awful burden, all that dragging around, looking all frowny, staining their vocal chords screaming "You lie!", "Baby killer!", "Reload!", and "Hell no!" at the top of their lungs.

"Yes" is such a happy word. "Yes" brings to mind all good things. "Yes" is as feel-goody as it gets. Who could refuse an opportunity to associate with such a life-affirming word? A word filled with promise and opportunity? A word that would be good for America!?

Ba-Ba-Ba-Bobby Jindal:

“Let’s be clear: A bad idea is a bad idea, and shame on us for being afraid to say so,” Jindal said. He added that, when it comes to bad ideas, “We shouldn’t just be the 'party of no,' we should be the 'party of "hell no." ' ”

NaySay McThumbsDown:

“There is no shame in being the 'party of no' if the other side proposes something that violates our Constitution and conscience,” she said.

Dawn Johnsen withdraws from consideration for Justice post

By GottaLaff

I am livid. There are no words for the frustration I feel right now:

President Obama's nominee to head the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel has withdrawn her bid for confirmation after she languished for more than a year without a Senate vote.

Several Republicans objected to Dawn E. Johnsen over her criticism of the Bush administration's terrorist interrogation policies.

My previous posts about the relentless efforts to block "the woman who could nail Bush" can be found here.

And that is why she was blocked, because she could shine light on the atrocities that defined BushCo. And now she has finally withdrawn.

They won. The United States lost. Hugely.

Merry Blockmas. Again.

Newt: Republicans "becoming the Party of Yes"

By GottaLaff

I'm watching a clip of Shrilly McMakeAFortune right now, draped in strand after tasteless strand of pearls, proudly bellowing her pride over the Rushpublics being labeled the Party of H-E-Double Hockey Sticks.

I'm not sure why Shrilly sometimes feels it necessary to spell that word out after she shouted "hell" at the top of her screechy lungs only days before at a McCain rally.

Apparently, Newtie disagrees with her enthusiastic support of using Not Child Friendly words to describe his party:

According to a statement, Newt Gingrich will give a speech tonight before the Southern Republican Leadership Conference titled, "Becoming the Party of Yes."

Said Gingrich: "To win in 2010 and 2012, it's not enough to say no to the radical agenda of Obama, Pelosi, and Reid. Tonight's speech will explain why real leadership requires Republicans to offer a compelling vision of safety, prosperity, and freedom that stands in vivid contrast to Obama's secular, socialist, machine now running Washington."

What, this doesn't work for the GOP any more?




Happily, calling us socialists is still at the top of the List-O'-Talking Points. What a relief! I'd miss that the way Newton Leroy misses being 1995 Person of the Year.

So remember and never forget: The Party of Hell No, that fine bunch of obstructionists, will hereby be known as the Party of ...


Okay, no they won't, but Newton Leroy thinks he can make it happen.

Home sales UP: Americans took advantage of a tax credit for home buyers

By GottaLaff

First we had the Amazing Bikini Graph, and now this new report. What will the Rushpublics have left to lie about?

The wobbly housing market is showing a rare sign of strength: pending home sales were up significantly in February, a report released Monday said, suggesting that Americans took advantage of a tax credit for home buyers.

Sales rose 8.2 percent in February, the National Association of Realtors said. Analysts had expected sales to stay flat.

Economists said Monday’s data suggested buyers were re-entering the market as the April 30 deadline approached for a government tax credit of up to $8,000. The tax credit drove up sales rapidly in the fall, when it was originally set to expire, but it has been slow to propel the market this spring.

Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the association, said Monday’s report “may signal the early stages of a second surge of home sales.”

Too bad George Bush still isn't in charge. Things would obviously be so much better.

Dear Rushpublic Party of No, Please do continue those obstructionist tactics in light of this news. It's working so well for you.

Love, Laffy

VIDEO- Jon Kyl: GOP Willing To Filibuster Obama’s Yet-To-Be-Named SCOTUS Nominee

By GottaLaff

As I posted yesterday, Justice Stevens is saying that he will make a decision soon about retiring.

Today on Fox News Sunday, Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) already held open the possibility that the person President Obama nominates may face a filibuster

Well that didn't take long. Kyl went from cooperation to hypocrisy in only 4 posts:

As Wallace noted, in 2005 — when Republicans were in the majority — Kyl had a very different opinion of the filibuster.

Oh, and it's all the Dems' fault for filibustering Miguel Estrada. You may remember how they threw his name around a whole lot during now-Judge Sotomayor's confirmation hearings.

I wonder how he feels about being used so much.

So. This should be another fun process, don'tcha think?

Summers: 5 steps to more jobs... unless GOP blocks

By GottaLaff

Lawrence Summers, Director of the White House National Economic Council, was on CNN’s State of the Union today. He explained how we inherited a terrible situation, have "a long way to go", and reminded Candy Crowley that the president has had to get around the roadblocks the Rushpublics have consistently put up.

He went on to say the "trend has turned", despite what we got stuck with. He laid out what the Obama administration has planned:

In order to try to bring the unemployment rate down, Summers said the administration is taking five steps: (1) continuing to implement the approximately $800 billion stimulus package passed soon after President Obama took office, (2) implementing new measures including tax credits intended to encourage businesses to hire the unemployed, (3) additional support to protect workers in state and local government like teachers and firemen, (4) providing incentives for small businesses to expand, and (5) providing incentives to create “the new energy economy” that includes a focus on energy efficiency and renewable sources of energy.

He said number four was "critical".

He also said Congress needs to act on these provisions so that we can build a foundation for the future.

However (Yes, the H Word is back):

Asked why the administration did not seem to be pointing to any new proposals intended to battle unemployment, Summers suggested that some of the White House’s economic agenda was being held hostage by Republicans in Congress.

Gee, ya think?

Sidebar: Candy Crowley started the segment by emphasizing Obama's dip in the polls over the last year, failing to put it into proper context. As my Twitter pal Degringolade said, "Worst. Easter Candy. Ever."

Kyl Says Republicans Ready to Cooperate on Financial Reform

By GottaLaff

Wait, what? Why, I had my eyes opened today! It turns out the GOP actually does know the word "cooperate". Who tutored them while we weren't looking? All that surreptitious home schooling may have actually paid off:

Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) on Sunday said Republicans are eager to cooperate with Democrats on financial regulatory reform legislation, the next major item on the Senate agenda.

Apparently, they also learned the words "poll numbers", "consequences", "elections", and "fail".

They have yet, however, to fully comprehend the meaning of the words "hypocrite" and "disingenuous".

Robert Gibbs: No more recess appointments

By GottaLaff

Why not? Dawn Johnsen hasn't been held up long enough?

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Friday that President Barack Obama will not make any more recess appointments while Congress is out of town for Easter break. [...]

The announcement means that the president will avoid making more appointments such as the ones that angered Republicans last weekend.

Gosharootie, the last thing anyone in the White House would ever want to do is anger the Rushpublics. They've been so compliant and sweet-natured up until now. Wouldn't want to rile 'em up and start something.

Now that Prez O is treating them with so much respect by not acting too aggressively and not making the government work more efficiently, betchabygollywow that the GOP will fall right into line and stop all that silly blocking.

Those fun loving rightie scamps and their antics.

Doctor who tells Obama supporters to go elsewhere scores low with patients

By GottaLaff


Earlier, I posted about a urologist who encourages Obama supporters to take a hike:

Sign at the office door of Dr. Jack Cassell, a Mount Dora urologist.

(Photo by Deirdre Lewis / April 1, 2010)

But wait! There's more! Take a look-see at what his patients think of him (click on image to enlarge):


Dr. No gets 3 thumbs down... not unlike his political party.

Gee, could it have anything to do with his attitude?


H/t: cbn2, Cody

Doctor tells Obama supporters: Go elsewhere for health care

By GottaLaff

Sign at the office door of Dr. Jack Cassell, a Mount Dora urologist.

(Photo by Deirdre Lewis / April 1, 2010)

Good lord! Talk about all wee-wee'd up!

A doctor who considers the national health-care overhaul to be bad medicine for the country posted a sign on his office door telling patients who voted for President Barack Obama to seek care "elsewhere."

"I'm not turning anybody away — that would be unethical," Dr. Jack Cassell, 56, a Mount Dora urologist and a registered Republican opposed to the health plan, told the Orlando Sentinel on Thursday. "But if they read the sign and turn the other way, so be it."

Gee, that's not at all passive aggressive.

"I posted a sign telling Obama supporters to screw off, and if they're gonna go and take it all literally and stuff, well, hey, so be it."

Cassell may be walking a thin line between his right to free speech and his professional obligation, said William Allen, professor of bioethics, law and medical professionalism at the University of Florida's College of Medicine.

Allen said doctors cannot refuse patients on the basis of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation or disability, but political preference is not one of the legally protected categories specified in civil-rights law. By insisting he does not quiz his patients about their politics and has not turned away patients based on their vote, the doctor is "trying to hold onto the nub of his ethical obligation," Allen said.

Party of No, meet Doctor No.

So is this one of those Conscience Clause things? I only treat those who I agree with? Nice.

The Hypocritic Oath is alive and well in Florida.

Two words, Dr. Jack: Piss off.

Dep't. of Oy! Boehner urges hold on obscure post

By GottaLaff

This is getting plain stupid:

Partisan acrimony reached one of the most obscure outposts of the federal government on Thursday, when House GOP leadership voiced its opposition to a Democratic nominee to the Election Assistance Commission.

What could he possibly be objecting to?

Oh that's right: It's something President Obama wants.

VIDEO- Tea Partiers in Searchlight, Nevada: Obama Flag with Bullet Hole in it

By GottaLaff

What's that LieFace McHellNo? Time to incite again? That is so 2008 ago....

Palin urged people to make clear their opposition on health care reform, though without violence. "We're not going to sit down and shut up."

Say what, again, Mappy McCrossHairs? Was it you or your ghost writer who came up with this:

"The crossfire is intense, so penetrate through enemy territory by bombing through the press, and use your strong weapons -- your Big Guns -- to drive to the hole. Shoot with accuracy; aim high and remember it takes blood, sweat and tears to win," Palin wrote. In the headline of her update, she mockingly predicted that the message would be "subject to new politically correct language police censorship." [...]

"When we talk about fighting for our country, let's clear the air right now about what it is that we're talking about. We're not inciting violence. Don't get sucked into the lame-stream media lies," she said.

Well, when you put it that way...

How could we have been so wrong?

I'm sure the bullet holes next to Obama's head are just there to provide an extra special artsy touch. It's creativity o'clock. Do you know where your firearms are?



H/t: EricGrant, Gr8RDH

Cartoon of the Day

Click to enlarge, via.