Congress

Discussion on Mark Sanford Congressional Win

Wed, 05/08/2013 - 11:48am

Very interesting here in the comment-sphere. While many are certainly taking the holier-than-thou approach this morning, there are many who see it like our Commenter #3 here. Why? Does this speak further to value change in our society. Interestingly enough, certain surveys showed that some female voters forgave Sanford because the situation with the mistress seemed to be genuine love. As they say, art imitates life, and what other polls are also showing is that female viewers are rooting for the fictional couple on the ABC hit series "Scandal" that depicts POTUS having an affair with a woman he truly loves. As we observe the beginnings of a gender shift in power in the U.S. that seems to be coinciding with re-evaluation of traditional relationships, we see a new attitude. While the national press corp may have been shocked about the win, many of us who observe the cultural scene are not quite in that same situation today. It's about being able to connect the dots to indicate not only what could take place, but mindset behind why it is taking place. Keep reading and watching us!

What's the hot political chatter of the moment? Well, aside from the Benghazi hearings today, it's all about Republican Mark Sanford's win of a South Carolina congressional seat just last night. Though caught up in a previous scandal regarding extra-marital romance and more, Sanford surpised many and appeared like a phoenix from the ashes and claiming victory. It is said that the national press corp is shocked, but the real news in in the public opinion. Let's get a glimpse....

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What Others Are Saying...

...Proving once again, Americans are the stupidest people on the planet...

Source:

www.dailybeast.com

Mark Sanford perfectly represents...South Carolina constituents. He isn't very smart.

Source:

www.washingtonpost.com

South Carolina isn't isolated when it comes to a lack of family values...I know Mark Sanford was wrong, the people apparently forgave him and decided to give him a second chance.

Source:

www.politico.com

Thoughts on Air Traffic Delays & Sequester

Fri, 04/26/2013 - 5:59pm

Not surprisingly the comment-sphere is not siding with either party on this issue and questioning those who are running the show more and more frequently. In an era where flux is the new norm, hi-jacks and hoaxes are part of everyday news; watch for great questioning and concern to arise. Instability seems to rule now, and as the individual is able to share his/her voice in a greater manner thanks to digital platforms, we could be in for an even more bumpy ride than anything the FAA has encountered in the skies!

Money is always a topic around which the comment-sphere can easily gather. So, the House just passed a bill to ease air-travel delays caused by the furlough of air-traffic controllers, resolving an issue that had re-ignited debate over federal spending cuts that took effect earlier this year. The bill passed the House on a 361-41 vote. The Senate legislation would give the Transportation Department, budget flexibility to reduce the number of air-traffic controller furloughs, which had caused this week's flight delays. Under the bill, the FAA would be able to redirect as much as $253 million from other areas of its budget to support staffing and operations. President Barack Obama has yet to sign the bill. While the legislators likely improved their chances for on-time flights when they return to work next month, cuts that are harming care for cancer patients, closing children out of preschool and ending food programs for the elderly seem to remain firmly in place. In passing the bill, many Republicans blamed the Obama administration while Democrats argued that the FAA debacle was another reason to replace the sequester. "We're all in this together or we're not," said Republican Peter Welch. "This picking and choosing where the winners continue to be the haves and the losers tend to be the have-nots -- it's just a spiral down, and it's a sad day in Congress that instead of attacking the real problem that we created, we carve out an exception that's going to benefit members of Congress themselves." Normal staffing returns Sunday. Wanna see what kind of rating constituents gives government via the digital water cooler? Scroll down!

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federal spending cuts

What Others Are Saying...

... and according to CNN after they passed the bill they all went running to the airport for their weekend recess. Working for the people or self serving millionaires?

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http://www.huffingtonpost.com

As a frequently flier I feel qualified telling Congress they are a bunch of saps! The whole point of the sequester is to cause enough pain to force each side to negotiate. This was not a negotiation. It was a capitulation. They circumvent the whole process because they can't do what they were elected to do... Today they re-fund the FAA. Which group gets their money back next week? ...

Source:

http://www.marketwatch.com

Didn't Obeyme say we weren't going to have a sequester?

Source:

www.theroot.com

Talking Back To The Latest On Gun Control

Fri, 04/19/2013 - 7:16pm

From the hundreds of comments we researched, it loooks like, although disappointed in the Senate action, the public wants a deeper look at true resolution of the problem rather than what might be seen as a band aid. They want deeper discussion behind guns and the meaning behind them. This is actually about power. Are politicos paying attention, though. Given the SmartPower era in which we are living, where the individual voice rises collectively to create change, we wouldn't be surprised (based on the comment arena) if we start to see some very interesting digital petitions, digital video and more, to start to move the needle in a different direction on this one. Will those who think they hold the power now be prepared for such action? Doubt it. Deeper values and fears will be exposed and re-examined as we move to confront this area of guns in the U.S.

Four months ago, President Barack Obama promised a grieving nation that he would do everything in his power to change gun laws after 26 students and staff were shot to death at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Could it be that his power and the impassioned pleas of devastated families were no match for the force of gun rights advocates? As we know, the Senate rejected the bill that would have required background checks on most gun purchases, including gun shows, except for a few private sales. Comments are still pouring in regarding the situation. The vote on the gun control bill came to 54 - 46 in favor but did not reach the 60 votes needed. As much as 90 percent of Americans support universal background checks on all gun purchases in the United States and even 74 percent of NRA members support background checks. Obama, angry and defiant over the defeat, is vowing to fight on. And the NRA says it is taking him seriously. “We are prepared for a very long war and a very expensive war,” NRA spokesman Andrew Arulanandam said Thursday. Let's see what the people say.

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What Others Are Saying...

...The reasons it failed are: 1. They're impractical 2. They would never help anything because it's only restricting legal gun owners 3. These laws are infringing on our rights. 4. Criminals don't care about the laws 5. The liberals have a false perception of gun ownership

Source:

http://news.yahoo.com

At first I was for an assault weapon ban and background checks but after thinking about it, I now support being able to buy any type of weapon I want; not because I support the NRA but I see the future need to protect myself ... Those right wing racists are just waiting for a reason to make it open season on black and brown people. I want to be armed when they put on their robes and hoods and fly their confederate flags.

Source:

thegrio.com

Gun control is impossible until some realistic cost efficient functional system that can be demonstrated effective, is invented. The hand wringing pleas are emotional, heart felt and useless towards resolving the issue. Any time society wants to find a solution, all interested parties must work together, not an adversarial program initiated to try forcing some ineffective law, not a solution, on all parties concerned...

Source:

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com

SOTU Highlights Gun Control, 3D Printing, More

Thu, 02/14/2013 - 11:07am

One person's "emptiness" is another person's "right". How can it be? These comments surely reflect the divisiveness from which the country is still chronically suffering. With rapid change in thought and approach, we see new versus old, analog versus digital and more. Issues of wealth and power of its distribution will continue to be key as the gap grows and becomes consolidated. Public voice will seek new ways to make its concerns heard and use digital platforms to do so. Thing is, will politicos be listening as we watch the democratization of expression unfold more and more each day!

In his State of the Union address, President Barack Obama discussed multiple issues that America is currently facing. He focused on the current economic situaion and ended with a plea to change the country's gun control laws. Obama also expressed a desire to increase the minimum wage to $9 per hour and confronted the ongoing energy crisis. Obama once again called to reduce the budget deficit through tax increases and spending cuts. He even included thoughts on 3-D printing and its implications for the future. The speech was met by Republican opposition. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell pointed out that Obama didn't mention the Keystone Pipeline or coal which he said is "proven and reliable." McConnell and House Speaker John Boehner dismissed the idea of increased minimum wage. "When you raise the price of employment... You get less of it." Boehner was quoted stating. So much for bi-partisan cheer. Let's see what the public sphere has to say about it all.

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What Others Are Saying...

Obscenely erudite. Classic Obama bait and switch. Predictable

Source:

www.nydailynews.com

...Obama made zero effort to reach out to the Republicans, his talk of Presidential overrides of Congressional authority were outright offensive and his dramatic ... This speech was so one-sided and offensive... I think the whole point was to set up future attacks in political election campaigns ... Obama is an "empty suit" he has a talent at campaigning, but no talent for leading. He has some talent for saying things, but none for meaning what he says.

Source:

www.thehill.com

Obama’s got it right on taxes. . . When it comes to wealth not everyone is similarly situated so the argument for progressive tax rates is not a question of fairness but of rightness/wrongness. Is it right to tax individuals based on their income/wealth instead of using a flat rate tax system? Clearly, by this measure, a progressive tax system would be more beneficial to most Americans because it would allow more people to keep what they have earned which, in turn, would result in greater economic freedom for more Americans...

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www.denverpost.com

Obama Announces Gun Control Plan

Thu, 01/17/2013 - 12:30pm

Too much control? Too little control? The comment-sphere shows us how this is part of the real question - just how much imposition is appropriate by government on issues from sugary beverages to owning guns. This is about a shift in societal values, and it's compelling to watch the old skool versus the new skool and the reasons behind each camp. Watch not only for more response from the government on this, but interesting solutions that citizen groups, themselves, offer to shifting norms!

President Obama called upon Congress Wednesday to toughen America’s gun laws. The president announced plans to introduce legislation by next week that includes a ban on new assault weapons, limits on high-capacity magazines, expands background checks for gun purchases and creates tougher gun trafficking laws to crack down on the spread of weapons across the country. Without waiting for Congress, Obama signed nearly two-dozen executive actions designed to increase the enforcement of existing gun laws. Obama did all this while on stage with four young children who he said had written to him asking for stronger gun laws. The N.R.A. response to the speech was that it would work with Congress on efforts to secure schools, fix the mental health system and prosecute criminals but criticized Obama’s proposals by stating, "Only honest, law-abiding gun owners will be affected and our children will remain vulnerable to the inevitability of more tragedy.” The tug-of-war continues on this. Let's see how it's playing out in the comment arena.

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What Others Are Saying...

Even if one life is saved, these measures are worthwhile. Few will think they are sufficient. Others will think they are too much. I think any steps are important. For all Americans, especially the children who lost their lives and those who are forced to live with this fear...

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www.nytimes.com

We haven't taken the 2nd amendment literally for quite some time. We aren't allowed to possess rocket launchers, tanks, or machine guns. While I support the right to bear arms ... it is flawed in not discriminating weaponry or owners. Taken literally, we have no Constitutional right to take guns away from crazy people, ex-convicts, or domestic terrorists... The spirit of the 2nd amendment is that we should be able to defend ourselves... And we don't need an assault rifle to do so.

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www.cbsnews.com

... first we face the fiscal cliff and the President uses it to promote his prejudice against the wealthy. Then he "solves" the problem by raising taxes on 3/4 of the people working in the US. Next, a mentally deranged person goes crazy and the President uses the tragedy to promote his prejudice against gun owners and video games. I was especially fond of his photo ops using children and his reference to the "epidemic" of gun violence even though it has been going down for years...

Source:

www.online.wsj.com

It Doesn't Really Matter Who Wins

Tue, 11/06/2012 - 10:14pm

Now this is interesting. Very telling, and dare we even say an important fact to keep in mind given that it could be a major cause in a further social shift that is already happening. This is significant because it also dovetails with Google co-founder's plea for whomever wins tonight to immediately become an independent. We'll discuss this in depth in tomorrow's podcast, but the important take-away is: this election seems to be important because it might just represent one of the last of its style for so very many reasons. Happy viewing tonite, Kidz.

Election season is finally coming to an end tonight, but will the outcome really make a difference? Some opinion articles across several publications have stated that it won't. According to an editor and columnist from the Deal Book of the NYTimes, whomever wins this time the markets and the country are still going to face an uncertain future. Most businesses and investors will still be shook up over the previous months and hold off on making big moves like expenditures, therefore hiring increases are not likely to ensue. Another commentator from the Atlantic says that nothing extremely radical will change because of the nation's strongly divided congress. Whichever candidate wins, neither of their promises will come to fruition because compromises are unlikely to occur. These examples have been summarized, yes, but the point is still there. Uncertainty will be the forecast for the next couple of years and there's nothing anybody can do about it, even the President. So what does this say about our country if our leaders have no power to change anything? At least voting still gives people hope. Let's see what the nation has to say about this new form of disillusion....

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What Others Are Saying...

...Nothing short of revolution -- a peaceful one, to be sure -- will change things.

Source:

www.theatlantic.com

Real capitalists refer to uncertainty by its proper name: risk....Those who seek to banish risk are fraidy-capitalists.

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www.nytimes.com

Real capitalists refer to uncertainty by its proper name: risk....Those who seek to banish risk are fraidy-capitalists.

Source:

www.city-data.com

Congress Reaches Deal, Avoids Shutdown

Thu, 08/02/2012 - 11:07am

Is it any wonder why Congress' approval rating is as it is? Interesting that with such divide in our country, here is one area almost everyone seems to agree upon. Noted political theorist Dr. Benjamin Barber has noted that democracies only continue with both true and constant dialogue/critical analysis and actual timely movement. Thoughts on the U.S. track record on both those areas?

House of Representatives and Senate leaders John Boehner and Harry Reid announced that they have reached a consensus about a six-month bill to find the federal government. The bill will avoid a possible shutdown three months before the presidential elections. Committee members must now write the legislation, which is to be passed by Congress in September and signed into law by the President. Current funding for federal agencies is due to expire at the end of September. With the new bill, it will continue through March 2013. Now, to the comments!

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government Harry Reid

John Boehner

Senate

House of Representatives

committee

legislation

What Others Are Saying...

Count me as one voter that is sick and tired of the Congress/Senate/President waiting until the last minute to get a budget done. .... Our government officials have been acting like high school students waiting until the night before to do their big report.

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www.reuters.com

It's hard to do anything meaningful when over half of Congress is not interested in doing anything but make you look incompetent. ... The executive branch is the weakest of the three. 95% of the things people blame the President, … they should blame on Congress.

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www.livejournal.com

like the Republicans in Congress are people of easy virtue. When it suits them, to hogtie Obama. … Now that they don't want to look bad before an election. … If it were your neighbor that behaved like that, wouldn't you be wary?

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www.care2.com

Bachmann Claims Clinton Aide Connected to Muslim Brotherhood

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 11:25pm

Distraction from what is really going on or valid? You make the choice, but one thing the comment gallery seems to agree on is that this is a topic for discussion and opinion. We've got a couple of things going on here: race, religion, gender, party - all hot areas for today's sensitive times. The comments show no middle ground about this subject indicating how vast the divide is in our country. Watch for more as the election gets closer.

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann sent a letter to the Inspector General in which she claims Huma Abedin, deputy Chief of Staff to Hillary Clinton, is a spy for the Muslim Brotherhood. More specifically, the accusation is that Abedin is connected to the Muslim Brotherhood and uses her connections to infiltrate the U.S. government. Abedin has worked for Clinton for over 20 years. Arizona Sen. John McCain and Speaker John Boehner criticized Bachmann for “spacious” anti-Muslim attacks. Bachmann’s former presidential campaign manager, Ed Rollins, wrote in an op-ed article that charges mirrored McCarthyism. And the comment-sphere says?

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deputy chief of staff

Clinton Administration

What Others Are Saying...

Keep up the good work Michelle. You have more courage in your pinky than McCain or Boehner could ever hope to have. … Michele Bachmann is doing a great job in spite of the RINO‘s acting like Obama’s lapdogs. … Bachmann just asked a question. The response by both democrats and republicans against her were ridiculous. … John Boehner and John McCain are quite naive when it comes to the Muslim Brotherhood and their plans for instituting Shariah into America bit by bit. … McCain is overtly psychotic while Boehner is an emotional basket case. … Bachmann is simply doing her job, nothing more, nothing less. It’s a job that the majority should be doing up on the Hill but they refuse to

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www.theblaze.com

Somebody has been taking their lithium today. Keep it up John, perhaps you will continue to sound like a normal human being. … And the republican Smoke and Mirrors Dance goes on. … If it wasn't for Congressional privilege, this would open the door wide to a civil rights lawsuit against Bachmann and her four fellow would-be investigators. … Bachmann has long been a stark affront to American values. … Only in the United States can people like Michelle Bachmann be a member of Congress instead of being locked-up in a mental institution. … I can't believe I actually applaud McCain!

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www.rawstory.com

Bachmann probably won't have any influence in Congress any more. Let's ignore her, let her think she is a martyr, and live out the rest of her irrelevant life in the solitude that she denied Abedin. … Does she really think the NSA, CIA, FBI, MI, State Department, etc are not watching potential risks? … Bachmann is a hate monger with a loose grip on her facts.

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www.mediamatters.org

Charlie Rangel Wins Democratic Nomination for Congress

Wed, 06/27/2012 - 9:09pm

(click "View" above for more) Teflon, a question of race or something else altogether. Given that Congress has most recently had a 13% approval rating, have people just decided to give up voting in favor of working in collectives and via movements? Whatever the case, the comments are thumbs down, yet Rangel looks like he's on his way to Disneyworld yet again. Like Bravo says, let's "watch what happens" during this time around.

U.S. Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.), fought off four primary opponents in a district that is now more than half Hispanic. Rangel, 82, is now likely to win a 22nd term, according to USA Today. Between 2007 and 2011, Rangel was the first black chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Rangel overcame bad publicity after ethics violations were an issue when in 2010 he was found to have evaded tax on income from a rental in the Dominican Republic. Comments, however, are still negative.

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What Others Are Saying...

The untouchable. The tax evader. … Once a crook always. Rangel has strengths of his own, though. …Rangel’s four-decade career in Congress has engendered abiding loyalty among many blacks and a large swath of Democratic voters in the area. … And why is America in so much trouble??? … America is over as we knew it. I don’t see the U.S. coming back. Peoples’ eyes are blank. No brightness for the future.

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www.thegatewaypundit.com

Rangel has had decades to attempt to improve the lives of his Harlem constituents, yet their lives have never improved. They vote for him because he is black. This is the issue with most black voters. … Presumably, they do this because they think the black politicians will fight for them, but they don't. … It happens all the time -- regardless of the crime, scandal. Look at Marion Barry! … They reelected the same person who disgraced the office he still holds and who has become an ineffective leader.

Source:

www.thehill.com

How pathetic. He is censored by congress and should be in jail, but yet wins a primary to get his seat back. And we all wonder why this country is in the position it's in. … Amazing that Rangel gets another chance at keeping his seat. He is a typical politician. In other words, a liar and a crook. However, this guy is a known crook. … The bar is lowered yet again!

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Congress

Discussion on Mark Sanford Congressional Win

What Others Are Saying...

Thoughts on Air Traffic Delays & Sequester

What Others Are Saying...

Talking Back To The Latest On Gun Control

What Others Are Saying...

SOTU Highlights Gun Control, 3D Printing, More

What Others Are Saying...

Obama Announces Gun Control Plan

What Others Are Saying...

It Doesn't Really Matter Who Wins

What Others Are Saying...

Congress Reaches Deal, Avoids Shutdown

What Others Are Saying...

Bachmann Claims Clinton Aide Connected to Muslim Brotherhood

What Others Are Saying...

Charlie Rangel Wins Democratic Nomination for Congress

What Others Are Saying...

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