Social Security for the "Deal-Maker"

OK Mr. President, I have an offer. I'm not even sure my Democratic brethren will agree to this plan, but what the heck. Let's do your privatized/personal accounts. Let's do it. But, let's do it without cutting any benefits and without causing a huge deficit.

Let's put taxes back to where they were in 2000 for the next three years. But, keep spending JUST WHERE IT IS. No new spending except for 3% inflation per year. Take every extra penny and put it into a true "lock-box" for Social Security. This will save the solvency of Social Security, while at the same time allowing folks to invest a part of their Social Security.

I'm sure there are problems with this plan, but you know what? It doesn't matter. Republicans would never agree to a plan that didn't cut benefits. Republicans would never agree to a plan that didn't run the government into a deficit.

Because their goal is an end to all Government programs save Homeland Security and Defense.

Never Forget That.

My opinion? Well, since you asked Mr. Begala, I think... 

Standing in the Pews, The Laity Speak on the Failings of Radical Religion

I need your help. Recent events have culminated in my decision to jump off a cliff. I have no parachute, I have no training, but jump I must. Four events have occurred, which lead me to believe that we, the Democratic Party, could benefit from an idea that has percolated into my head. Trying to remove this idea has been as futile as scrubbing up red wine on a white carpet. Only makes it spread wider and deeper.

My idea is to have you, the Democratic faithful, describe in a series of essays how the radical religious ideas of the right have lead to a failure of faith. From time spent here, I know that there are many among you who are religious, and I know that you have issues with various religious organizations. What I am asking is not easy and what I am proposing is just hard enough to make me crazy. I am asking the willing to spend some serious time dissecting your beliefs, your favorite religious texts, and the words of those who oppose you; then, I ask you to describe why their fanaticism has failed their religion. In each of these "essays" I would ask you to share your personal experiences as they relate to the specific topics you are addressing.

As an example, in Christianity, it is clear that Jesus means for us to care for the poor. That is his prime mission in teaching, yet the radical right care nothing for the poor, as is found in their writings and in their actions.

What will be done with these essays? I can only say that I will work without fail, without ego, without fear, to make sure that these essays appear to the public before the 2006 election. These essays need to stand next to religious vitriol that is funded by the CorporaCons. We must fight lies with truth, deceit with clarity, and hate with love. We must show that our faith, the faith of all progressives, even those that do not partake of specific religions, we must show that our faith is based on compassion, equality, opportunity, and caring.

So, please, email me if you have any interest in joining with me in this task (chucklesthedem@hotmail.com). And, also, please send this email to any and all friends and acquaintances who might be interested in participating.

Thank you.

Democratic Agenda

We are always accused of having no agenda. Well, that is true in some part. We need to create an agenda and couch our votes in terms of that agenda.


asthmastuff.com

1. The Health of our Children Will be Considered First.




My Dad (with shirt) in Vietnam.

2. We Will Protect This Country.



www.americanrevolution.com

3. We Will Uphold the Constitution of the United States of America Against all Threats, Internal and External.

knobboy: Et Tu, Gilbert ?

There is a great write-up over on knobboy about Reps. eating their own. Who else would eat them? They probably would taste good with fava beans, thlip-thlip-thliiiiiiiiiiip

knobboy: Et Tu, Gilbert ?

Pork Barrel Projects are UnAmerican

CAGW press conference

How can Republicans support these programs, Democrats I understand, but Republicans? This is America, which made its place through survival of the most fit. Republicans are responsible for supporting this profit at all costs policy, while Democrats are responsible for keeping these barons from killing too many workers in the process.

Pork makes no sense.

Pork projects do not go through the funding process. As a scientist, I cannot understand this. We have to apply and reapply for funding until we are found to be among the most competitive. Only competitive, well-presented, well-thought out projects survive the funding process. Pork projects can be poorly planned, poorly executed, and without merit. Their only strong suit being that they have the ear of an influential politician.

Some highlights from the Citizens Against Government Waste:
-13,997 pork barrel projects, an increase of 31 percent.
-$27.3 billion in pork barrel funding, an increase of 19% since last year.
- $212 billion in pork since 1991
-206% increase in Homeland Security Pork
-Alaska lead the nation with $985 per capita or 30-times the national average.

Robin Hayes, Bought and Paid For

I am saddened to discover that Rep. Robin Hayes of the NC 8th Congressional District is a member of Tom DeLay's bought and paid for gang. According to information collected by the DNC, Robin Hayes has collected over $42K from Ken DeLay's fund-raising machine.

Given the allegations that the money is tainted, it would behoove Rep. Hayes to give BACK that money until it is shown to be clean. Better to be safe than to be sorry when it comes to morals and your immortal soul, eh Rep. Hayes?

Of course, it doesn't stop there. What makes this worse is that given all the allegations and investigations into shady deals, our Rep. Hayes has decided to help protect Ken DeLay by contributing to his legal defense fund! Did that money come from his salary? Because I sure don't like to think that my tax dollars are paying for Ken DeLay's defense fund.

Shame on Robin Hayes, shame on Ken DeLay, shame on all these Republicans with low moral standards.

A Forward From Lynda

Have you ever heard the sound of a mother screaming for her son?
The torrential rains of a mother's weeping will never be done
They call him a hero, you should be glad that he's one, but
Have you ever heard the sound of a mother screaming for her son?

Have you ever heard the sound of a father holding back his cries?
He must be brave because his boy died for another man's lies
The only grief he allows himself are long, deep sighs
Have you ever heard the sound of a father holding back his cries?

Have you ever heard the sound of taps played at your brother's grave?
They say that he died so that the flag will continue to wave
But I believe he died because they had oil to save
Have you ever heard the sound of taps played at your brother's grave?

Have you ever heard the sound of a nation being rocked to sleep?
The leaders want to keep you numb so the pain won't be so deep
But if we the people let them continue another mother will weep
Have you ever heard the sound of a nation being rocked to sleep?