Random thoughts from flyover country

Wednesday, August 26

Ted's Dead

My personal feeling on the subject is, "Good." Maybe now the Kopechne family will have some little peace.

However, not everyone is as unforgiving or maybe they just don't care that the Democratic Party took to it's heart someone who should have been charged with multiple crimes in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne. For example, I just got this from the President:

Elm Creek -- Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me. In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy. I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom. His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives. For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family. Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still. Sincerely, President Barack Obama


Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.


Sorry, Mister President, but Teddy was the loser son of a Nazi-sympathizing rum-runner who was thrust into an imaginary leadership role by the untimely deaths of his smarter, better brothers. He helped the Congress abrogate our treaty responsibilities to South Vietnam. He conspired against his political enemies and our national leaders with the KGB for political gain. He was never an inspiration, example, or a defender for me and mine.

I also don't think we have to worry about Mary Jo Kopechne running into ol' Ted inside the Pearly Gates. Somehow, I don't think Saint Peter will open those Gates for him. Kennedy money won't mean much up there.

ECS

Monday, August 17

Tom Coburn doesn't hide from his constituents

Tom Coburn's town hall in Muskogee, OK, had to be moved from an auditorium to a lobby where Senator Coburn climbed to a landing overlooking the room to be seen and heard by the crowd. He thoroughly debunked the Obamacare plan and the idea that the Canadian plan was better than what we had.

This is quite a change from what the media calls "mobs" who ask the hard questions of Democrats who run and hide in union offices or don't show up at all.

Senator Coburn is a practicing doctor.

ECS

Sunday, August 9

Another WW II veteran's last muster

Jenny Jones Rinn passed muster on August 3, 2009. She served in the Army Nurse Corps in WW2, leaving the service as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1953. She will be laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 0930 on August 10, 2009.

That is all.

ECS

Wednesday, August 5

"Healthcare Reform" Czar wants us to report "disinformation" about "healthcare reform"

I just sent my email to flag@whitehouse.gov:

I found this on the Internet, and I feel that the serious disinformation about “healtcare reform” in this letter needs to be addressed.

There’s been a lot of media coverage about organized mobs intimidating lawmakers, disrupting town halls, and silencing real discussion about the need for real health insurance reform.

The truth is, it’s a sham. These “grassroots protests” are being organized and largely paid for by Washington special interests and insurance companies who are desperate to block reform. They’re trying to use lies and fear to break the President and his agenda for change.


The “grassroots protests” in which I’ve participated were organized by local people who did it on their own dime and were not funded by anyone.

Health insurance reform is about our lives, our jobs, and our families — we can’t let distortions and intimidation get in the way. We need to expose these outrageous tactics, and we’re counting on you to help. Can you read these “5 facts about the anti-reform mobs,” then pass them along to your friends and family.

5 facts about the anti-reform mobs


First off, “mobs” would be carrying torches, rails, tar and feathers. So far, none of the actions of concerned citizens have reached that point.

1. These disruptions are being funded and organized by out-of-district special-interest groups and insurance companies who fear that health insurance reform could help Americans, but hurt their bottom line. A group run by the same folks who made the “Swiftboat” ads against John Kerry is compiling a list of congressional events in August to disrupt. An insurance company coalition has stationed employees in 30 states to track where local lawmakers hold town-hall meetings.


Since when is asking the hard questions about how “healthcare reform” will be funded and why the President, his staff, and the Congress won’t be put under the same system “disrupt[ive]?”

2. People are scared because they are being fed frightening lies. These crowds are being riled up by anti-reform lies being spread by industry front groups that invent smears to tarnish the President’s plan and scare voters. But as the President has repeatedly said, health insurance reform will create more health care choices for the American people, not reduce them. If you like your insurance or your doctor, you can keep them, and there is no “government takeover” in any part of any plan supported by the President or Congress.


Ri-i-i-ight. Did you notice the change from “healthcare reform” to “health insurance reform?” If you don’t like the result of your polling on the subject you reformulate the question.

3. Their actions are getting more extreme. Texas protesters brought signs displaying a tombstone for Rep. Lloyd Doggett and using the “SS” symbol to compare President Obama’s policies to Nazism. Maryland Rep. Frank Kratovil was hanged in effigy outside his district office. Rep. Tim Bishop of New York had to be escorted to his car by police after an angry few disrupted his town hall meeting — and more examples like this come in every day. And they have gone beyond just trying to derail the President’s health insurance reform plans, they are trying to “break” the President himself and ruin his Presidency.


You can’t blame the failure of President Obama’s Presidency on us. He’s done it in concert with Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, and Harry Reid, not to mention Rahm Emmanuel.

4. Their goal is to disrupt and shut down legitimate conversation. Protesters have routinely shouted down representatives trying to engage in constructive dialogue with voters, and done everything they can to intimidate and silence regular people who just want more information. One attack group has even published a manual instructing protesters to “stand up and shout” and try to “rattle” lawmakers to prevent them from talking peacefully with their constituents.


The President himself told people to talk to their families, friends, and neighbors, and to “get in their faces.” Supporters of the President do this sort of thing all the time to people who disagree with the President. “Sauce for the goose.”

5. Republican leadership is irresponsibly cheering on the thuggish crowds. Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner issued a statement applauding and promoting a video of the disruptions and looking forward to “a long, hot August for Democrats in Congress.”


“[T]huggish crowds?” I haven’t seen any ACORN members at Tea Party protests or “healthcare reform” (or is it “health insurance reform?”) protests.

It’s time to expose this charade, before it gets more dangerous. Please send these facts to everyone you know. You can also post them on your website, blog, or Facebook page.

Now, more than ever, we need to stand strong together and defend the truth.

Thanks,

Jen

Jen O’Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee


I think this lady should probably be investigated because she is spreading lots of disinformation about this subject.

ECS

http://theturkeyfootbrand.blogspot.com/

“If the truth hurts, it should.” - Dad