Showing posts with label Democrats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Democrats. Show all posts

Saturday, January 28, 2012

What the Hell is Going On at City Hall?

Just so you know where we’re coming from:

Ever since a politician decided to tear his African American opponent (in last year’s mayoral race), to shreds in public (and calling her a criminal), we decided to take our focus off national politics, and zero in on a local political scene.  

Please do read our headline … part of which says “we’re progressive, political, controversial, provocative, thought-provoking  ...”   We also “connect the dots” when other folks won’t.

If you’ve been following us for years, you know that Clevelands Secret Club members are predominantly African American.  It now appears that a local politician (and/or his supporters) set his/their sights on finding out just who our members are, and taking close aim at who they think are the members.  It also appears that this politician or politicians (and/or their supporters) took aim, and/or are now taking aim at the African American women who were endorsed by the CC and local Democratic Party, and/or are taking aim at those who stood by his opponent.

The one thing we won’t tolerate is intimidation or being harassed by politicians (elected officials), because (to us) harassment means that the politician, and/or politicians (and/or supporters) doing the harassment, have something to hide, and/or are extremely dangerous and vindictive. 

Especially be leery of any politician who tries to bully people; and politicians who try to intimidate people with threats of lawsuits against them.

Our club has always been critical and leery of politicians, as is most of the worldThese politicians have made the decision to become public servants, and so they’ve opened themselves up (and rightly so) to public scrutiny.  If they don’t like the public scrutiny, then they probably should leave public office.

Outside sources told us, that an African American former councilwoman had two police officers show up at her home to demand that she give them two keys to city hall (?).  Now, correct us if we’re wrong, but we believe that every council member gets one key to city hall(?).  And why was it necessary to have police officers show up at her home, when (we were told) she called ahead of time, and told them she was going to city hall to drop off her key.  This same former councilwoman’s son was beaten before the elections; and then after last year’s elections (she ran for council president) her home was burglarized. 

We don’t know if all these things are just coincidental, or related to the elections, and/or her former position; however, we won't tolerate having her and her family victimized, and we will be paying close attention to all public employees  that may be responsible.  We (their employers) have given them tremendous power over our lives, and all of us should be extremely watchful of what they do

Our suggestion, again, to every resident in any local municipality ... make sure you  have a civilian review board, and report any suspicious activity by politicians and/or police, to federal authorities.  Intimidation is what unscrupulous people use to get what they want, and in  this day and age, there is a plethora of unscrupulous and dangerous people.

Addendum:
Word to the wise.  If after you've criticized a politician, or a member of law enforcement, or some law enforcement agency, ... and police start driving by your house at all times of the day and/or night (and you've never encountered this kind of thing before),  jot down that cars tags and anything else that will help authorities identify who the culprits are.  If you get audited for taxes, or something having to do with a government agency and it happens within a month or two, or three, etc. of the time you've criticized that politician or member of law enforcement or law enforcement agency, you need to contact your lawyer a.s.a.p., your friends, your family, your congress person, the ACLU, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and anyone else you can think of.  Definitely keep your friends close, because they may go after them too, and a pattern of behavior can be documented.  If you feel you're being followed, turn into a side street to see if they continue following you.

If you contacted that offending law enforcement agency about a prior matter unrelated to your critique of them ... they may see that as a vulnerability and they may prey on that vulnerability.
 

Be aware that GPS devices like cell phones and smart cars can pretty much locate you at any time and any place if you are in the same vicinity as devices and cars w GPS installed.  Because there are a host of unscrupulous politicians, etc.,  get some exercise and start walking w/o these devices, etc. around (smile).  Sorry if that sounded a bit paranoid (again, smile)   


Helpful:  Install some good mobile security software on your cell phone 


Also be aware that these unscrupulous people have no problem with bugging your car, your home, etc. ... and may even use these and other spy tactics under the guise of homeland security (which will allow them to use the local police or GPS tracking or bugging your property).   



Don't let them worry you ... just keep a  journal, and note anything that seems suspicious.  You can't remember everything, so write it down, and have back-up copies online just in case your home is burglarized.  [You may think this is funny; however, if it happens to you in the future, you'll thank us.]

Again, the most important thing is to keep good records and don't keep silent.  Put them on the defensive.  It's a shame, and while most public employees are good people, all it takes are a few bad apples to ruin an entire profession (as we've seen in the past and present).

It would be great if the offending politicians/agencies/departments clean house.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

HEAVEN SAVE US FROM A CENTRIST

There are a number of so-called centrist organizations (ex. "No Label") or centrist entities popping up all over the place. These centrists say they are simply people who are sensible, who don't want to yell and scream, who just want to work things out, who are willing to compromise.

Don't confuse "centrist" with "independent".

Right now (in my opinion) we don't need a centrist ... because the one thing you don't need when your house is on fire, is for someone to politely try to work out a solution to put the fire out. Yes, be rational, ... but hell, your house is on fire!! Muster all the people, money and other resources on heaven and earth and put the damn thing out now!

I don't want someone who is watching their family being murdered and raped, say "you can rape and kill him and/or her, but leave what's left of my family alone". I want them to move heaven and earth, and do whatever they can, and find whoever they can, to stop their entire family from being slaughtered and raped.

See centrists (again, my opinion) are status quo people. These are the folks who would leave the poor and disabled to fend for themselves in order to arrive at some kind of "compromise", or because they need certain folks money to campaign and win elections. They never think to stand on street corners, go house to house, and walk from city to city, state to state with a message, ... that in America (with my family) some things are worth fighting for.

Centrists were the ones who politely compromised on health care reform while women who had breast cancer were dying (are dying) because they couldn't (can't) afford treatment.

Some things you simply don't compromise on. For example: It is a woman (not you or me or the state) who decides what to do with her life and her body (and no one should put barriers up or should stand in her way) ... non negotiable. For example: Our children deserve to be (and because they can't do it all by themselves) protected, fed, clothed, sheltered now, to have health care now ... non negotiable.

No one can see far into the future. What we do know is ... that people are unemployed, and people are dying in America because they can't afford food, proper shelter, and affordable and proper health care. What we do know is ... that there is no prosperity for all when there is no Middle Class. What we do know is ... All workers have a right to collectively bargain and be treated fairly; and one of the reasons why, is because that organization/entity cannot survive without them. What we do know is ... trickle down economics doesn't work.

What we do know is .... that the entities, [that caused the collapse of a world's economy, and the destruction of many persons/families livelihoods], and the people who reaped benefits from the collapse of a world's economy, must pay monetary restitution. The world's economy (and the people whose lives they destroyed, and the families that were destroyed) must be made whole. There is no compromise ... it is non negotiable.

There is another word for a centrist ... when the shoe fits ... that word is "coward" ... and/or a person who is not willing to take a strong stand for what is right, ethical, moral (and let's not get into the pro choice/anti choice fight), and good. I've already stated what is non negotiable.

Right now, in this place, at this time, ... I need, we need .... people who are willing to take a strong stand. To fight back against the insanity that is taking place in the "peoples chamber" in Washington and across this nation. I want fighters, not peace keepers, to say, "you will not destroy any more lives, ... that there are some things that are non negotiable and worth fighting for, ... and I will not you hear me, ... will not back down". I want them to take an unshakable stand, place the blame where it should be, ... demand that those responsible for the destruction, the carnage, and those who reaped the benefits from it, to make us whole.


In other words, ... I want a progressive. (1)







Tuesday, March 16, 2010

AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE OPTION IS ... ??

I've been really trying to keep my distance and my mouth shut as we wind-up health insurance reform or whatever the hell it is. The president is really selling it. He even came here … to Strongsville … and oh my God, he even had our (say no, unless it’s single payer) Congressman Dennis Kucinich with him.
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Well, I’m confused … and I need answers. Congress, will you or will you not cover every American? Are you really going to force Americans to pay into a “for profit” health care system? … and, Is there strong competition to keep health insurance companies honest? The first answer should be yes, the second answer should be no, and the third answer should be yes.
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Unfortunately, that’s not what this health insurance legislation is about. As it stands right now, [regarding that last question] even though we need strong competition [to keep health insurance companies honest], … even though a majority of Americans want that competition … want a strong public health insurance option … looks like we’re not going to get it … Or am I mistaken?
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See, these political parties rely on campaign contributions [money] from the financial services industry [and yes, that means the financial services industry helps finance (by running ads for, and giving "lobbying" money to) Democratic candidates, as well as Republican candidates].
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Health insurance companies fall within the financial services industry. So we absolutely, without a doubt, know why Republicans are against health care reform or health insurance reform [Republicans are in the pockets of the health insurance industry]; however, with the Democrats it’s tricky business; they are, after all, the party of the poor, the working class and the middle class.
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If health care is a right and not a privilege [as Democrats believe, and we believe], then every American has a right to quality, affordable, comprehensive health care. Right?
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So how do Democrats appease their benefactors ["for profit" health insurance companies], while berating their bad behavior at the same time? How do Democrats convince average Americans that they are on their side? How do they "have their cake and eat it too"?
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Well, you have to look like you’re beating up on the health insurance industry. Listen to the rhetoric … you get the feeling … hey, these Dems are really giving it to the health insurance companies. Wait, wait … but aren’t the “for profit” costly health insurance companies getting more customers? Yeah, … but a Dem will say, “We’re not allowing them to deny enrollment based on pre-existing conditions. Wait, wait … but with the exception of children, this regulation won’t kick-in for adults until around 2014; and, by the way, … if these health insurance companies do deny, who’s policing them and what exactly are the penalties? Wait, wait, ... and can't the health insurance companies continue to charge older adults and women more in premium? *****
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Let’s listen to Michael Moore being interviewed by Lawrence O’Donnell sitting in for Keith Olbermann (Keith’s father just passed … Keith we love ya and you are in our prayers).

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




LISTEN to Natoma at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/ns/msnbc_tv-countdown_with_keith_olbermann#35884301
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*****PLEASE READ THIS and call, email, write your representative to stop gender based rating, etc (the bill that passed 3/21/2010 does not ... does not address this adequately): For gender-equal health care, enact Medicare for all /By Plain Dealer guest columnist, March 21, 2010, 6:00AM By Sheila Leavitt
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Obama's Final Health Care Rally: Time For Courage

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Pelosi: 'Get The Bill. Go For It.'

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Obama Brings Dennis Kucinich On Air Force One For Health Care Speech


Closing Pro-Reform Ad Has Private Insurers On Corporate Jets, High-Fiving (VIDEO)

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Health Care Summit: Republicans Prepare, Hoping For Political Gain

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Update: March 26, 2010 - Bill Moyers Journal

After Health Insurance Reform, What Now?

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Sicko


Fight Bad Faith Insurance Companies

Thursday, February 25, 2010

KEITH OLBERMANN YOU AND YOUR FATHER ARE IN MY PRAYERS

Keith and his father are in my prayers. You cannot watch the video below without it breaking your heart. My comment to Republicans is to just stop it! Stop lying about health care reform. Just stop it! .... and to Democrats and Republicans who may be "in bed" with health insurance companies and Big Pharma, ... get "out of bed" with them! Just stop it!

Members of Congress and the president:

Stop putting health insurance companies first.








You can view the above video at:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/vp/35572842#35572842



Watch Bipartisan Health care summit live at Sunlight Foundation:

Click HERE

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Members of Congress and the president:

Answer me this question.

Are you going to mandate Americans to buy into a "for profit" system?

Will everyone pay the same premium for basic health insurance?

If the answer is yes/no, then you cannot compare yourself to the Swiss system. Health insurance companies cannot make a profit in the Swiss system; and everyone pays the same premium.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healthcare_in_Switzerland

I'm against anyone buying health insurance in a "for profit" system. That is not true health insurance reform; it is however, backroom dealing and playing politics if required to pay into a "for profit" system.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

THE WHITE HOUSE, THE REPUBLICANS, AND A WHOLE BUNCH OF CORPORATE DEMOCRATS AND BLUE DOGS ARE MAKING ME SICK

Ben Nelson, the mouth-piece for the sex-scandal ridden Catholic Church has decided (after getting what he wanted) to vote for the (currently) seriously compromised Senate healthcare bill (which is a gift to the publicly traded health insurance industry), while nobody knows what Senator Webb will do.
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In the meantime, the tea partiers and the progressives are mad as hell at their own parties; and they are in full fighting mode, trying to decide who they will get to run against the traitors in their party come 2010 and 2012.
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Let's face it, the majority of the Republicans and all but 30 or so Democrats in the Senate are bought and paid for by corporate interests (that includes the Catholic Church).
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The House Democrats want to keep their majority; however, those representatives better get their act together, cause their progressive base is foaming at the mouth.
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Truly both the tea partiers and the progressives are fed up with most politicians who appear to be more concerned about their own welfare.
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One out of 6 Americans live in poverty. The Middle Class is disappearing; 1% of the population control 90% to 95% of the wealth in this country, and that 90-95% group does not include tea partiers or most progressives.
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The tea partiers blame immigrants, moderate Republicans and the government for their misfortune; while progressives see the banks, corporate executives and lobbyists as the true culprits.
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One thing is clear, neither group is happy, and both think it's time to clean both houses of Congress.



Update November 10, 2010
How the Wealthy Organized to Rip Everyone Else off -- And What You Can Do to Stop It | | AlterNet by Maria Armoudian


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Bill Moyers Journal - Matt Taibbi, Robert Kuttner
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Conservatives grab for tea party cash (Gee, I hope the tea partiers don't mind being used by the very people they supposedly hate)
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Monday, February 9, 2009

PRESIDENT OBAMA FIRED-UP AND FINDING HIS BASE

A fired-up Barack Obama ditched his TelePrompter to rally House Democrats and rip Republican opponents of his recovery package Thursday night - at one point openly mocking the GOP for failing to follow through on promises of bipartisanship.
In what was the most pointedly partisan speech of his young presidency, Obama rejected Republican arguments that massive spending in the $819 billion stimulus bill that passed the House should be replaced by a new round of massive tax cuts.
"I welcome this debate, but we are not going to get relief by turning back to the same policies that for the last eight years doubled the national debt and threw our economy into a tailspin," said President Obama - sounding more like Candidate Obama than at any time since he took the oath of office less than a month ago.
Obama, speaking to about 200 House Democrats at their annual retreat at the Kingsmill Resort and Spa, dismissed Republican attacks against the massive spending in the stimulus.

"What do you think a stimulus is?" Obama asked incredulously. "It's spending - that's the whole point! Seriously."(Source: Politico)
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Guys, I am so proud. Finally we've got the President fired-up against the Republican's "let's go back to the way things were and really kill this economy" ridiculous "tax cut problem solving tactics".
Last week [and I repeated it on Sunday], I urged you all to shut off your television and go over to "The BiPolar Ultra Mellow Lounge" or read a book, go to the movies, or if you couldn't tear yourself away from the "nutty tube", watch comedies. Hopefully you did so.
If you did follow my instructions, don't you feel at least 80% better?
Remember people, television (especially cable television -exception: The Rachel Maddow Show) is the last place to get reliable news.* According to media watchdog group "Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting" in consultation with the Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory at Virginia Commonwealth University, a study that was conducted, showed that a majority of journalists, although relatively liberal on social policies, were significantly to the right of the public on economic, labor, health care and foreign policy issues.[1]
Their study continues: “we learn much more about the political orientation of news content by looking at sourcing patterns rather than journalists' personal views. As this survey shows, it is government officials and business representatives to whom journalists "nearly always" turn when covering economic policy. Labor representatives and consumer advocates were at the bottom of the list. This is consistent with earlier research on sources. For example, analysts from the centrist Brookings Institution and conservative think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute are those most quoted in mainstream news accounts; liberal think tanks are often invisible. When it comes to sources, ‘liberal bias’ is nowhere to be found.”
I don't think media has caught on to certain realities ... for 8 years they sought out Republican officials ... yeah, Dick Cheney, Rumsfeld, etc. for information. Horrors! But there's a new majority Party in town [the Party of the people]... and evidently, media hasn't gotten the message.
Don't get me wrong, the Republican's used to have some good ideas. That pretty much went the way of the dinosaur starting when the Southern Dixiecrats and racists ran "kicking and screaming" from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party after the 1965 Voting Rights Act.**
Reagan wasn't too bad, ... but he was a "union busting", "tax cut loving [followed by huge deficits]", "kick the disabled off of Social Security, and "kiss the feet" of Big Business and Large Corporations kind of guy.*** Ugh! We languished in the wilderness four years, before businesses started hiring again. Reagan did me no favors, I and my friends had a job before his entrance. Ten months later, I was unemployed and stayed unemployed [there was a job freeze] until mid or late 1985. Thankfully, I was able to go back to college. Those days, college was affordable [and we had Pell Grants].
Sources:
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Interesting Facts and Comments:
Michael Steele's remarks about Jobs
More of Michael Steele and the Republican Party (and this is hilarious)
Corporate Globalization Fact Sheet
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