President Obama Caves to Republican Demand, Halts EPA Regulation on Smog Standards

President Barack Obama, "Caver-in-Chief," has lived up to that moniker once again. This time, he halted a controversial proposed regulation to tighten health-based standards for smog, caving to demands of the Republicans and some business leaders. According to media reports, he overruled the Environmental Protection Agency and directed administrator Lisa Jackson to withdraw the proposal, due in part to reducing regulatory burdens and the unsteady economy. He's getting more wishy-washy as the days go by.  Read more.

RNC Chairman Michael Steele Says "Martin Luther King Jr. Would Be 'Disappointed' In Country's Leadership"

RNC Chairman Michael Steele is at it again. He told students at a historically black Philander Smith College, in Arkansas yesterday that Martin Luther King Jr. would be disappointed with President Obama. He said, "Dr. King would be disappointed in the political leadership of this country for failing to address the least of us." Really? I beg to differ. He needs to stop using Dr. King's name to score political points. That's just low and dirty. He faulted both the Democrats and the Republicans for failing to address poverty and said the GOP must take steps to win over black voters. If the GOP thinks sending this clown in to win black voters, they have wasted their precious resources. Add that with the racism being pushed by fringe elements of the Republican Party. That spells doom for the GOP attracting black voters.

Think Progress points out that a student approached the microphone and asked, "In all seriousness, I'm curious what you think that Dr. King would think about your party's current attempts to block universal health care?" "It's a great myth that we're doing all this blocking. I wish we had that kind of control with the numbers, but we don't," Steele responded. "As I've said to the president many times, 'If that's the bill you want, vote it up or down.'"

Michael Steele, if you cared so much about poverty in this country, what do you propose to do to help the millions of people who fall below the poverty line in this country? To take it a step further, why did you have to raise the issue of poverty at a historically black college? Isn't that a little racial too?I have yet to hear him bring this up in other venues. He has been pulling the race card lately and that will only backfire. What Dr. King would be disgusted with is your lack of decorum and effectiveness as the leader of the RNC.

Robert McDonnell, Virginia GOP Candidate in Governor's Race, Under Fire for Anti-Gay, Sexist Graduate Thesis

Another hypocrite has been outed in the GOP. The Virginia's governor's race was on fire yesterday over Republican Robert F. McDonnell's graduate thesis, submitted in 1989 for a master of arts in public policy and juris doctorate in law from Regent University, in which he wrote about working women, homosexuals and fornicators. McDonnell tried to explain his views to anyone who would listen. The news of the thesis was  first reported Sunday in the Washington Post on Sunday, but the sh** hit the fan yesterday. McDonnell's opponent, Democrat R. Creigh Deeds, may have received an early Christmas present. According to the Washington Post, in the thesis, "The Republican Party's Vision for the Family: The Compelling Issue of The Decade," McDonnell described working women as "detrimental" to the traditional family. He criticized a U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing contraception for unmarried couples and decried the "purging" of religion from schools. He advocated character education programs in public schools to teach "traditional Judeo-Christian values," and he criticized federal tax credits for child care expenditures because they encouraged women to enter the workforce. Remember President Obama's science czar Paul Holdren, who once floated the idea of "forced abortions" and "compulsory sterilizations?" The right wing literally scoffed at his comments.

McDonnell has reportedly spoken by telephone to reporters for nearly 90 minutes, saying that his views have changed on many of the issues he explored as a graduate student. He also released a list of women who support his campaign. So, why are the Republicans acting as though no Democrats can change their views on positions held 20 years or more ago? Shouldn't we all be held to the same standard? It gets better. He said that on some issues he agrees with Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D), the state's first Catholic governor, as well as with President Obama. He says he no longer agrees with what he wrote about women in the workforce and that regardless of his personal views, he "would follow the law," as he did as attorney general.

The only thing that may save him and his lead in the polls over Deeds and other Democrats is the state of the economy and the continued fallout from the health care reform plan, which seems to be dying a slow death. His opponents aren't sitting by idly and allowing this "gift" to go unused. The Deeds campaign sent out a fundraising appeal with the thesis as its main focus. According to the Washington Post, the state Democratic Party produced a video, "Bob McDonnell's Secret Blueprint for Virginia," setting a news report about the document to driving, apocalyptic classical music.

I have many conservative views, but this man is an ultra conservative, who is trying to distance himself from his own positions on issues such as gay rights, abortions and even school prayer, so as not to offend moderate voters, who play an integral role in deciding statewide elections. Amazingly, he has disavowed his earlier flawed views on working woman and the traditional family, but has said very little on abortion and gay marriage. Mr. McDonnell, you can't have it both ways, much as your party has done to malign President Barack Obama and others. Some fellow Republicans call this latest dust-up a hatchet job, but if the shoe was on the other foot, would they have reacted differently? I suspect not, so Mr. McDonnell ought to deal with this and move on. He's a wolf in sheep's clothing. Like many in the Republican Party, and yes, let me add, Rep. Charlie Rangel (D.-NY), who should be kicked off the House Ways and Means Committee for being a liar. That's another commentary.

Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) Shouts at Dr. Brian Hill Over his Question About Healthcare Reform

The health care reform debate has brought out the worst in many people, on both sides of the aisle. It has literally set the grass roots on fire and members of congress are in the cross hairs of these attacks. Georgia Congressman David Scott blew up during an appearance at a transportation town hall meeting last week in Douglasville when a health care question came up.

"And my advice and my suggestion is to calm down and take a deep breath," Scott told the crowd as he fielded questions.

But the advice was short lived. "Don't come and take advantage of what these individuals have done!" Rep. Scott admonished a man in the audience in a loud voice. "You want a meeting with me on health care? I'll give it to you!"

Dr. Brian Hill is the one who asked the question. He says he's neither a plant nor a Republican. "I did not go to the meeting to cause any problems," said Dr. Hill. "I went to the meeting to ask a question that was very, very important for my patients. Source: WXIA-TV

This exchange is indicative of the deeply rooted feelings many Americans have on the issue, but I believe these health care protests amount to nothing more than organized chaos and is fomenting extremists on the fringe of the Republican Party. This could have disastrous effects and I hope and pray that a politician will not be injured or even murdered for his or her stance on the issue. We can agree to disagree respectfully. The actions by the right wing amount to a mob mentality and clear misdirection. Both sides, Democrats and Republicans need to scale back their rhetoric. It isn't helping to win public support. Demonizing the other side is counterproductive and dangerous.

Rush Limbaugh Compares President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler: "Adolf Hitler, like Barack Obama, Ruled by Dictate"

For the past several weeks, I decided to ignore the Republican Party's de facto head, Rush Limbaugh's comments, but he has sunk to a new low with his latest rants during his radio show this morning. He compared President Obama to Hitler: "Adolf Hitler, like Barack Obama, ruled by dictate." Limbaugh said he also believes the "Obama health care logo is damn close to a Nazi swastika logo." Now if this vile garbage is being tolerated by leaders of the Republican Party, aren't we left to believe that they agree with his ridiculous comments and they feel the same way too?

Michael Steele, RNC Leader, Says He'll Woo African Americans to the GOP with "Fried Chicken and Potato Salad"

GOP gaffe machine extraordinaire Michael Steele is at it again. This time he says that he will woo blacks to the Republican Party with "fried chicken and potato salad." Steele made those comments as he sat down with a group of bloggers brought together by Republican blog Hoosier Access. Of course, he forgot that we are living in a technologically advanced time and his conversation would be taped. He made the comments about wooing blacks in response to a question for a gay person of color in this clip about the GOP's diversity outreach.

Glenn Beck Slams Senators for Softball Questions to Sonia Sotomayor Today, But She Wasn't Asked Any Questions on Opening Day, What an Idiot!

I am amazed that an idiot like Glenn Beck could be raking in millions of dollars from anyone. He slammed the "softball questions Judge Sonia Sotomayor" was asked today. Er, one problem Glenn, she wasn't asked any questions today, you idiot! He was visibly upset with the proceedings today. To prove his nonsensical point, he played a video montage of Democratic senators praising her in statements and not questions. Hello, the Republicans also gave statements, but they criticized the judge.

Who is his producer? They ought to be fired, along with Glenn Beck for being ignorant. The first day of the hearings is when the senators and nominees make opening statements.

Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) Says Michigan Could Hit 20% Unemployment Thanks to President Barack Obama

Once again, the Rethuglicans are pointing a finger at President Barack Obama for the continued economic nightmare we have been living through. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.) said that his state's unemployment rate could climb as high as 20 percent, thanks to President Obama. He said that Michigan's unemployment, which is the highest in the country at 14.1 percent, could go even higher as General Motors and Chrysler continue to shed jobs after their government-backed bankruptcies.

"Sadly, we've seen estimates, because of the radical restructuring that the auto task force demanded, that this year, Michigan wind up over 20 percent unemployment," McCotter said during an appearance on a conservative news radio program. The Wolverine State hasn't yet exceeded its previous record for unemployment in modern history, when it reached 16.9 percent in November of 1982.

McCotter warned that the effect of such a high jobless number could spread to other states and cities. "That cascading effect throughout the entire economy — and throughout other states — that rely in many ways on the manufacturing base is going to have devastating effects not only to state government, it's going to have devastating effects for local government," McCotter explained. Source: The Hill

Is it me, or has the right wing forgotten that much of this economic quagmire started under their beloved President George W. Bush's eight-year term? Actually, the auto industry didn't just suddenly develop massive financial problems over the past several months. This has been brewing for many years, while the elected leaders of both parties turned a blind-eye to excesses and mismanagement that occurred at both companies. Sorry, don't blame President Obama for trying to fix this mess. Where was Rep. McCotter when the United Auto Workers decided to purchase multi-million dollar lakeside retreat, Black Lakes Club, in Michigan, complete with its own designer golf course? How many workers has the country club helped to get back on their feet after being laid-off? Rather than offer viable solutions, Republicans such as Rep. McCotter are only too happy to point a finger at someone else.

Dick Cheney Says He'll Take Limbaugh over Powell

With all this in fighting and bickering going on within the Republican Party, there has to be an outcome of something new. The party will have to emerge as a newly reformed, reborn party. The name-calling, the finger pointing, all the apologizes have to amount to something.

I think a lot of this is being done so that the party can stay in the media and in the minds of Americans while it rebuilds. If it were not for the arguing and in fighting, nothing is coming from the Republican party at all. Not unless you count the publicity Sarah Palin continues to get from time to time.

The latest in-house fighting amongst the Republican Party is former Vice President Dick Cheney saying he would take Rush Limbugh over Colin Powell any day. Come on Dick. I mean really? Rush is an entertainer. Had it not been for the Republican Michael Steele making a public apology to Rush, Rush would be a loner out there continuing to look for a fish to hook.

Everything he attempted in this last presidential election failed miserably. First within his own party he spoke out diligently against John McCain. When McCain won the nomination, of course he had to jump on the bandwagon and go along with McCain. When Obama became the forerunner of the Democratic Party's nomination, after years and years of bashing Hilary Clinton and the Clinton Administration, Limbugh begins what he calls "operation chaos." I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to figure that one out. But needless to say that didn't work either.

So Rush was on his way to being obsolete until Michael Steele comes along with his apology and now Rush is back on top. Of course we can't forget his continued controversial comments about the current Administration that keeps him in the news. And now the former Vice President has joined in to make Rush seem like a true politician. Well he's not. He is an entertainer. He entertains himself along with the millions of others who listens for entertainment or the ones that actually take him seriously.

Right now, I think the Republican Party is using Limbugh to stay in the news and in the spotlight. Without him, the Republican Party would not even make the news cycle.

RNC Head Michael Steele Apologizes for Calling Rush Limbaugh "an Entertainer" During an Appearance of D.L. Hughley's Show

To the left, to the left.... That's basically what's happening in the Republican Party when conservative nutjob Rush Limbaugh is criticized. An apology always comes. So, Rahm Emanuel was absolutely right when he said that Limbaugh is the head of the GOP. I cannot believe that Michael Steele, who recently made some comments about Limbaugh while on the "D. L. Hughley Breaks the News, " has apologized to the Almighty Rush.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele says he has reached out to Rush Limbaugh to tell him he meant no offense when he referred to the popular conservative radio host as an “entertainer” whose show can be “incendiary.” “My intent was not to go after Rush – I have enormous respect for Rush Limbaugh,” Steele said in a telephone interview. “I was maybe a little bit inarticulate. … There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership.” The dust-up comes at a time when top Democrats are trying to make Limbaugh the face of the Republican Party, in part by using ads funded by labor. Americans United for Change sent a fund-raising e-mail Monday that begins: “The Republican Party has turned into the Rush Limbaugh Party.”

Steele told CNN host D.L. Hughley in an interview aired Saturday night: “Rush Limbaugh is an entertainer. Rush Limbaugh — his whole thing is entertainment. He has this incendiary — yes, it's ugly.” Steele, who won a hard-fought chairman's race on Jan. 30, told Politico he telephoned Limbaugh after his show on Monday afternoon and hoped that they would connect soon. “I went back at that tape and I realized words that I said weren’t what I was thinking,” Steele said. "It was one of those things where I thinking I was saying one thing, and it came out differently. What I was trying to say was a lot of people … want to make Rush the scapegoat, the bogeyman, and he’s not." “I’m not going to engage these guys and sit back and provide them the popcorn for a fight between me and Rush Limbaugh,” Steele added. “No such thing is going to happen. … I wasn’t trying to slam him or anything.” On Monday’s show, Limbaugh reacted both to the comment and to the assertion on CBS’s “Face the Nation” by White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel that the radio host is “the voice and the intellectual force and energy behind the Republican Party.” Source: Politico

Well, Michael Steele punked out. As a result of his actions, he is now a very diminished leader of the Republican National Committee. First of all, I took offense when he excused Limbaugh as an entertainer. I am no fan of this guy, but since when is it an automatic disqualifier from political life to be an entertainer? Wasn't Ronald Reagan an actor before he became the governor of California and later served as the President of the USA for eight years? If you can't choose your words carefully and speak with some semblance of knowledge and diplomacy, then Steele is simply not ready to be in such a leadership role. Also, I am still wondering why every Republican that says something contrary to Rush Limbaugh ends up apologizing? What gives? If Limbaugh is the new voice of the GOP, then they are in way more trouble than they care to admit.

RNC Head Michael Steele Apologizes for Calling Rush Limbaugh "an Entertainer" During an Appearance of D.L. Hughley's Show

To the left, to the left.... That's basically what's happening in the Republican Party when conservative nutjob Rush Limbaugh is criticized. An apology always comes. So, Rahm Emanuel was absolutely right when he said that Limbaugh is the head of the GOP. I cannot believe that Michael Steele, who recently made some comments about Limbaugh while on the "D. L. Hughley Breaks the News, " has apologized to the Almighty Rush.

Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele says he has reached out to Rush Limbaugh to tell him he meant no offense when he referred to the popular conservative radio host as an “entertainer” whose show can be “incendiary.” “My intent was not to go after Rush – I have enormous respect for Rush Limbaugh,” Steele said in a telephone interview. “I was maybe a little bit inarticulate. … There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership.” The dust-up comes at a time when top Democrats are trying to make Limbaugh the face of the Republican Party, in part by using ads funded by labor. Americans United for Change sent a fund-raising e-mail Monday that begins: “The Republican Party has turned into the Rush Limbaugh Party.”

Steele told CNN host D.L. Hughley in an interview aired Saturday night: “Rush Limbaugh is an entertainer. Rush Limbaugh — his whole thing is entertainment. He has this incendiary — yes, it's ugly.” Steele, who won a hard-fought chairman's race on Jan. 30, told Politico he telephoned Limbaugh after his show on Monday afternoon and hoped that they would connect soon. “I went back at that tape and I realized words that I said weren’t what I was thinking,” Steele said. "It was one of those things where I thinking I was saying one thing, and it came out differently. What I was trying to say was a lot of people … want to make Rush the scapegoat, the bogeyman, and he’s not." “I’m not going to engage these guys and sit back and provide them the popcorn for a fight between me and Rush Limbaugh,” Steele added. “No such thing is going to happen. … I wasn’t trying to slam him or anything.” On Monday’s show, Limbaugh reacted both to the comment and to the assertion on CBS’s “Face the Nation” by White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel that the radio host is “the voice and the intellectual force and energy behind the Republican Party.” Source: Politico

Well, Michael Steele punked out. As a result of his actions, he is now a very diminished leader of the Republican National Committee. First of all, I took offense when he excused Limbaugh as an entertainer. I am no fan of this guy, but since when is it an automatic disqualifier from political life to be an entertainer? Wasn't Ronald Reagan an actor before he became the governor of California and later served as the President of the USA for eight years? If you can't choose your words carefully and speak with some semblance of knowledge and diplomacy, then Steele is simply not ready to be in such a leadership role. Also, I am still wondering why every Republican that says something contrary to Rush Limbaugh ends up apologizing? What gives? If Limbaugh is the new voice of the GOP, then they are in way more trouble than they care to admit.

La. Gov. Bobby Jindal's Rebuttal to President Obama's Homerun Speech was Choppy and Simply a Disgrace, First Auto Made in Germany, Not the USA

I must admit, when I first heard about Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, I felt that was a refreshing change and a new face. Well, he opened his mouth the rebut President Obama's speech and he has removed all doubt. If this was the best the GOP could do, then they are in worst shape than I had realized. Bobby Jindal was a hot mess and his speech bordered on incoherent. I loved when he wrangled over the issue of Hurricane Katrina. He was like a deer caught between headlights. A MSNBC host muttered "Oh God" as Jindal walked out. Hah. He should have waited until after the speech to mutter those words. Watch him implode. Judge for yourself.



As for the issue of who invented the first automobile, President Obama incorrectly said the United States. I believe the honors go to Germany, home of Karl Friedrich Benz, who invented the first true, four-wheel, gasoline powered, internal combustion-engine in 1885 or maybe Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler, who accomplished the same feat. The United States of America, by way of Henry Ford, invented mass production of automobiles. So, while he wasn't totally correct, he wasn't totally wrong either.



According to Wikipedia, Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach founded Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (Daimler Motor Company, DMG) in Cannstatt in 1890 and under the brand name, Daimler, sold their first automobile in 1892, which was a horse-drawn stagecoach built by another manufacturer, that they retrofitted with an engine of their design.

La. Gov. Bobby Jindal's Rebuttal to President Obama's Homerun Speech was Choppy and Simply a Disgrace, First Auto Made in Germany, Not the USA

I must admit, when I first heard about Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, I felt that was a refreshing change and a new face. Well, he opened his mouth the rebut President Obama's speech and he has removed all doubt. If this was the best the GOP could do, then they are in worst shape than I had realized. Bobby Jindal was a hot mess and his speech bordered on incoherent. I loved when he wrangled over the issue of Hurricane Katrina. He was like a deer caught between headlights. A MSNBC host muttered "Oh God" as Jindal walked out. Hah. He should have waited until after the speech to mutter those words. Watch him implode. Judge for yourself.



As for the issue of who invented the first automobile, President Obama incorrectly said the United States. I believe the honors go to Germany, home of Karl Friedrich Benz, who invented the first true, four-wheel, gasoline powered, internal combustion-engine in 1885 or maybe Gottlieb Wilhelm Daimler, who accomplished the same feat. The United States of America, by way of Henry Ford, invented mass production of automobiles. So, while he wasn't totally correct, he wasn't totally wrong either.



According to Wikipedia, Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach founded Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (Daimler Motor Company, DMG) in Cannstatt in 1890 and under the brand name, Daimler, sold their first automobile in 1892, which was a horse-drawn stagecoach built by another manufacturer, that they retrofitted with an engine of their design.

GOP Chief Michael Steele Promises PR Blitz in 'Hip-Hop Settings' and for 'One-Armed Midgets'

Photo: Smialowski/Getty Images, Michael Steele

I knew it was a matter of time before new GOP party chief Michael Steele put his foot in his mouth. He is now promising an "off the hook" public relations blitz into "urban-suburban hip-hop settings" in hopes of wooing Latinos and African-Americans. Right. I am sure he will succeed in that ridiculous endeavor.

Steele is searching for Americans of all ethnic backgrounds to join his Grand Old Party, and I do mean "old." "We need to uptick our image with everyone, including one-armed midgets," he joked. Right. He will succeed when donkeys fly and it will be a cold day in Hell.

Steele told the Washington Times that he aimed to revive the party by breaking out of the South and Southwest and to "reach beyond our comfort" zone to expand in Democratic strongholds like the Northeast and Midwest.

"We missed the mark in the past, which is why we are in the crapper now," he said. "We had the White House, the Senate and the House and were not building a farm team over the last years. He said he's planning a massive advertising outreach online, on TV and on the radio that will "surprise everyone."

"We need messengers to really capture that region - young, Hispanic, black, a cross section ," he explained. "We want to convey that the modern-day GOP looks like the conservative party that stands on principles. But we want to apply them to urban-suburban hip-hop settings." Source: NY Daily News

This is really too funny. His intentions are good, but brother man, this is the same party whose Senators and congress people overwhelmingly did not support the Stimulus bill in any shape or form. This bill is targeted at helping middle class people in this country. The very same people Michael Steele wants to support the GOP. Didn't some conservative nutjobs call President Barack Obama out for his so-called association with some members of the Hip-Hop crowd? How quickly they forget. I must end on this note. It is safe to say that most Republicans scoff at the idea of hanging out with the "Hip-Hop" crowd, so I take Mr. Steele's comments with a grain of salt. This will go now where. He's in the wrong line of work. He ought to be an actor because that's all he is doing -- acting.

GOP Chief Michael Steele Promises PR Blitz in 'Hip-Hop Settings' and for 'One-Armed Midgets'

Photo: Smialowski/Getty Images, Michael Steele

I knew it was a matter of time before new GOP party chief Michael Steele put his foot in his mouth. He is now promising an "off the hook" public relations blitz into "urban-suburban hip-hop settings" in hopes of wooing Latinos and African-Americans. Right. I am sure he will succeed in that ridiculous endeavor.

Steele is searching for Americans of all ethnic backgrounds to join his Grand Old Party, and I do mean "old." "We need to uptick our image with everyone, including one-armed midgets," he joked. Right. He will succeed when donkeys fly and it will be a cold day in Hell.

Steele told the Washington Times that he aimed to revive the party by breaking out of the South and Southwest and to "reach beyond our comfort" zone to expand in Democratic strongholds like the Northeast and Midwest.

"We missed the mark in the past, which is why we are in the crapper now," he said. "We had the White House, the Senate and the House and were not building a farm team over the last years. He said he's planning a massive advertising outreach online, on TV and on the radio that will "surprise everyone."

"We need messengers to really capture that region - young, Hispanic, black, a cross section ," he explained. "We want to convey that the modern-day GOP looks like the conservative party that stands on principles. But we want to apply them to urban-suburban hip-hop settings." Source: NY Daily News

This is really too funny. His intentions are good, but brother man, this is the same party whose Senators and congress people overwhelmingly did not support the Stimulus bill in any shape or form. This bill is targeted at helping middle class people in this country. The very same people Michael Steele wants to support the GOP. Didn't some conservative nutjobs call President Barack Obama out for his so-called association with some members of the Hip-Hop crowd? How quickly they forget. I must end on this note. It is safe to say that most Republicans scoff at the idea of hanging out with the "Hip-Hop" crowd, so I take Mr. Steele's comments with a grain of salt. This will go now where. He's in the wrong line of work. He ought to be an actor because that's all he is doing -- acting.

Another Smackdown between President Obama and GOP Looms, the U.S. Census to Move to the White House

Another smack-down between President Barack Obama and the weakened GOP is brewing. A GOP delegation from Utah is calling on the president's decisions to move the U.S. census into the White House as a purely partisan move and potentially dangerous to congressional redistricting around the country. Funny, the GOP is still living in la-la land. They have forgotten that they are not the majority and that there is a new president in town. Gone are the days when they influenced every aspect of redistricting to their benefit.

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, told FOX News on Monday that he finds it hard to believe the Obama administration felt the need to place re-evaluation of the inner workings of the census so high on his to-do list, just three weeks into his presidency. "This is nothing more than a political land grab," Chaffetz said. Really Rep. Chaffetz? President Obama is looking out for the working class, something President Bush and the GOP still has no concept of.

The U.S. census is conducted every 10 years by the Commerce Department. Its results determine the decennial redrawing of congressional districts. As a matter of impact, the census has tremendous political significance. Political parties are always eager to have a hand in redrawing districts so that they can maximize their own party's clout while minimizing the opposition, often through gerrymandering. The census also determines the composition of the Electoral College, which chooses the president. If one party were to control the census, it could arguably try to perpetuate its hold on political power.

"I've always remembered what Joseph Stalin said: 'Those who cast the votes decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything.' The same principle applies to the census. Since one or the other party will always be in power at the time of the census, it is vital that the out-of-power party at least be able to observe the process to make sure it isn't being stacked in favor of the party in power. This will be difficult for the GOP since I suspect Democrats will control both houses of Congress for the entire Obama first term," Larry Sabato, the director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia said. Source: Fox News

So, we have the framework of another catfight with the vastly diminished Republican Party. Excuse me, but since the economy is in the tank, I scarcely think the Americans are worried about the U.S. census moving to the White House.

To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.

Another Smackdown between President Obama and GOP Looms, the U.S. Census to Move to the White House

Another smack-down between President Barack Obama and the weakened GOP is brewing. A GOP delegation from Utah is calling on the president's decisions to move the U.S. census into the White House as a purely partisan move and potentially dangerous to congressional redistricting around the country. Funny, the GOP is still living in la-la land. They have forgotten that they are not the majority and that there is a new president in town. Gone are the days when they influenced every aspect of redistricting to their benefit.

Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, told FOX News on Monday that he finds it hard to believe the Obama administration felt the need to place re-evaluation of the inner workings of the census so high on his to-do list, just three weeks into his presidency. "This is nothing more than a political land grab," Chaffetz said. Really Rep. Chaffetz? President Obama is looking out for the working class, something President Bush and the GOP still has no concept of.

The U.S. census is conducted every 10 years by the Commerce Department. Its results determine the decennial redrawing of congressional districts. As a matter of impact, the census has tremendous political significance. Political parties are always eager to have a hand in redrawing districts so that they can maximize their own party's clout while minimizing the opposition, often through gerrymandering. The census also determines the composition of the Electoral College, which chooses the president. If one party were to control the census, it could arguably try to perpetuate its hold on political power.

"I've always remembered what Joseph Stalin said: 'Those who cast the votes decide nothing. Those who count the votes decide everything.' The same principle applies to the census. Since one or the other party will always be in power at the time of the census, it is vital that the out-of-power party at least be able to observe the process to make sure it isn't being stacked in favor of the party in power. This will be difficult for the GOP since I suspect Democrats will control both houses of Congress for the entire Obama first term," Larry Sabato, the director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia said. Source: Fox News

So, we have the framework of another catfight with the vastly diminished Republican Party. Excuse me, but since the economy is in the tank, I scarcely think the Americans are worried about the U.S. census moving to the White House.

To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.

General Colin Powell Unleashes on the GOP, Rush Limbaugh

Retired General Colin Powell has unleashed on the GOP and Rush Limbaugh. I can't say I blame him, but I have to wonder about his timing. He is usually correct in his analysis and I have to applaud him for going after the Republicans once again. Gen. Powell said that the GOP must stop "shouting at the world" and start listening to minority groups if it is to win elections in the 21st century. Ouch.

In an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria for Sunday's "GPS" program, President Bush's former secretary of state said his party's attempt "to use polarization for political advantage" backfired last month."I think the party has to take a hard look at itself," Powell said in the interview, which was taped Wednesday. "There is nothing wrong with being conservative. There is nothing wrong with having socially conservative views — I don't object to that. But if the party wants to have a future in this country, it has to face some realities. In another 20 years, the majority in this country will be the minority."

Powell, who crossed party lines and endorsed President-elect Barack Obama just weeks before the election, said the GOP must see what is in the "hearts and minds" of African-American, Hispanic and Asian voters "and not just try to influence them by… the principles and dogma." "I think the party has to stop shouting at the world and at the country,"Powell said.

"I think that the party has to take a hard look at itself, and I've talked to a number of leaders in recent weeks and they understand that." Powell, who says he still considers himself a Republican, said his party should also stop listening to conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. "Can we continue to listen to Rush Limbaugh?" Powell asked. "Is this really the kind of party that we want to be when these kinds of spokespersons seem to appeal to our lesser instincts rather than our better instincts?" Source: CNN Political Ticker

I have always felt that Rush Limbaugh feels that he is the moral compass of the right wing. In reality, that's furthest from the truth. Limbaugh is quick to berate Barack Obama and the Democrats on just about everything, but what has he proposed to do instead? I wish he would run for elected office and really be the voice of the right wing that he feels he is. Rush Limbaugh spews hot air and nothing else. He, along with Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly, have been put on a pedestal and seem to think they speak of the majority of Republicans.

General Powell is absolutely correct in his statements and if the GOP is to rebuild itself and be taken seriously by African Americans, Latinos and Asians, then they need to lose these self-righteous goons. I have crossed party lines, much like Mr. Powell, and have voted for a Republican who, but I cannot bring myself to support a party that literally ignores blacks and Latinos. The reality is that the face of America is changing. Whites, who are a majority in the Republican Party, will be a minority in this country in a few years. So, if they do not change their mindset and be more inclusive, they will be in for a rude awakening. The GOP will be the loser in this scenario. They will have no one to blame but themselves. John McCain ran one of the worst campaigns I have ever seen, but the blame does not lie solely with him. There was a serious breakdown in the GOP and they will be faced with the same problem again in the next election. Unless, of course, Barack Obama fails miserably, which I have serious doubts about. I don't think he could sink lower than President Bush and his administration.

General Colin Powell Unleashes on the GOP, Rush Limbaugh

Retired General Colin Powell has unleashed on the GOP and Rush Limbaugh. I can't say I blame him, but I have to wonder about his timing. He is usually correct in his analysis and I have to applaud him for going after the Republicans once again. Gen. Powell said that the GOP must stop "shouting at the world" and start listening to minority groups if it is to win elections in the 21st century. Ouch.

In an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria for Sunday's "GPS" program, President Bush's former secretary of state said his party's attempt "to use polarization for political advantage" backfired last month."I think the party has to take a hard look at itself," Powell said in the interview, which was taped Wednesday. "There is nothing wrong with being conservative. There is nothing wrong with having socially conservative views — I don't object to that. But if the party wants to have a future in this country, it has to face some realities. In another 20 years, the majority in this country will be the minority."

Powell, who crossed party lines and endorsed President-elect Barack Obama just weeks before the election, said the GOP must see what is in the "hearts and minds" of African-American, Hispanic and Asian voters "and not just try to influence them by… the principles and dogma." "I think the party has to stop shouting at the world and at the country,"Powell said.

"I think that the party has to take a hard look at itself, and I've talked to a number of leaders in recent weeks and they understand that." Powell, who says he still considers himself a Republican, said his party should also stop listening to conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh. "Can we continue to listen to Rush Limbaugh?" Powell asked. "Is this really the kind of party that we want to be when these kinds of spokespersons seem to appeal to our lesser instincts rather than our better instincts?" Source: CNN Political Ticker

I have always felt that Rush Limbaugh feels that he is the moral compass of the right wing. In reality, that's furthest from the truth. Limbaugh is quick to berate Barack Obama and the Democrats on just about everything, but what has he proposed to do instead? I wish he would run for elected office and really be the voice of the right wing that he feels he is. Rush Limbaugh spews hot air and nothing else. He, along with Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly, have been put on a pedestal and seem to think they speak of the majority of Republicans.

General Powell is absolutely correct in his statements and if the GOP is to rebuild itself and be taken seriously by African Americans, Latinos and Asians, then they need to lose these self-righteous goons. I have crossed party lines, much like Mr. Powell, and have voted for a Republican who, but I cannot bring myself to support a party that literally ignores blacks and Latinos. The reality is that the face of America is changing. Whites, who are a majority in the Republican Party, will be a minority in this country in a few years. So, if they do not change their mindset and be more inclusive, they will be in for a rude awakening. The GOP will be the loser in this scenario. They will have no one to blame but themselves. John McCain ran one of the worst campaigns I have ever seen, but the blame does not lie solely with him. There was a serious breakdown in the GOP and they will be faced with the same problem again in the next election. Unless, of course, Barack Obama fails miserably, which I have serious doubts about. I don't think he could sink lower than President Bush and his administration.