ThinkFast: May 7, 2009
ThinkFast: May 7, 2009
The White House will announce a plan to cut 121 government programs amounting to a savings of $17 billion from the federal budget. Budget analysts predicted the cuts will be a tough sell. “Even if you got all of those things, it would be saving pennies, not dollars. And you’re not going to begin to get all of them,” said Brookings Institution economist Isabel Sawhill.
After Maine became the fifth state to legalize marriage equality yesterday, RNC chairman Michael Steele released this statement: “I believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman and strongly disagree with Maine’s decision to legalize gay marriage.” His comments put him at odds with Maine’s two Republican senators, who believe the issue should be left up to the states.
Following a series of gay rights victories in the states, President Obama “is under pressure to engage on a variety of gay issues that are coming to the fore amid a dizzying pace of social, political, legal and legislative change.” On Monday, some gay rights leaders met with top White House officials, “to plot legislative strategy on the hate crimes bill as well as ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’”
“Democratic centrists are pressing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to set aside” climate change legislation in order to focus on health care reform, which they think is “a more achievable goal.” But people close to Pelosi told The Hill that “she is charging forward on cap-and-trade legislation, despite the potential defections of Democrats.”
A new poll from Hays Research in Anchorage, Alaska says Gov. Sarah Palin (R) now has 54 percent positive rating in her state. That’s down from 86 percent a year ago and 59.8 percent on March 24.
“[T]he big bailouts for the banks may be over,” as the results from the government’s stress tests “so far seem to suggest that the 19 institutions that underwent these exams will need less than $100 billion in additional equity to cope with a deep recession, far less than some investors had feared.”
Though Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) has suggested limiting the tax break for employee health benefits — which tend to skew to people with the highest incomes — Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) said there was “no way” he would agree with such a move. But as the New York Times notes, Rangel “did not suggest any specific way to finance coverage for more than 45 million people now uninsured.”
Speaking to Marines in Afghanistan yesterday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that there are “no plans to deploy U.S. ground troops to Pakistan.” As Gates put it, the troops don’t have to “worry about going to Pakistan.”
In an interview with the Washington Times, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Daniel Inouye (D-HI) “vowed to restore funding President Obama requested to close the Guantanamo Bay prison camp.” “It’s going to be in the bill,” Inouye said, adding, “Something like this should be resolved in the conference.”
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) sent a letter this week to Attorney General Eric Holder to “name a special prosecutor or an independent commission to investigate torture.” Schakowsky wrote, “There is mounting evidence that the Bush Administration systematically implemented, from the top down, detainee interrogation policies that constitute torture or otherwise violate the law.”
And finally: Yesterday, “America’s Next Top Model” judge and photographer Nigel Barker interviewed Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) for a “documentary he’s filming with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.” Before the interview, Lowey reportedly asked the crew “not to film her tennis shoes, which she feared weren’t especially fashion-forward. But Barker disagreed, telling Lowey that ‘they look like Prada.’” Barker later told Roll Call that the all-black shoes were “all the rage in Europe,” and she could “bring the look to Congress.”
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Finally, we are starting to achieve equality for the gay community. It is long over due. We are a diverse society, and everyone deserves a seat at the table.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:03 amAs approval ratings for Palin plunge, her daughter Bristol is the ‘new face’ of abstinence.
Let me get this straight. Bristol had a child out of wedlock, which makes her supremely qualified to educate our youth on the benefits of abstinence.
Am I missing something here? Is up down in Alaska?
May 7th, 2009 at 9:07 amZimzone, she’s a republican…
May 7th, 2009 at 9:10 amLet’s also add that New Hampshire is getting close to its own legalization of gay marriage, which will probably force Rhode Island to comply soon.
Can’t wait for Fox News to call New England “Rainbowland” in one of their chyrons.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:11 amHow appropriate that Mr. Holder recently gave a speech in which he decried our national cowardice.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:13 amIf they do away with DADT and open it up, will all the people that were kicked out of the military be able to join back up? I hope that they get the chance.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:16 amA new poll from Hays Research in Anchorage, Alaska says Gov. Sarah Palin (R) now has 54 percent positive rating in her state. That’s down from 86 percent a year ago and 59.8 percent on March 24.
Heh. Guess she should have stayed outta the lime light yes?
May 7th, 2009 at 9:21 amRep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) sent a letter this week to Attorney General Eric Holder to “name a special prosecutor or an independent commission to investigate torture.”
The more I see of this legislator, the more I like her.
Now is not the time to drop the ball on a torture investigation.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:22 amBushies have ‘quietly’ been behind the scene, trying to influence the direction and output on their torture schemes. They know full well that this is the issue that could damage their legacy and even their freedom.
They managed to spin & distort information for 8 years. Actions have consequences.
We need a special prosecutor with the Obama administration’s full support.
Zimzone Says: Let me get this straight. Bristol had a child out of wedlock, which makes her supremely qualified to educate our youth on the benefits of abstinence.
I can see why she might be an effective messenger. She’s been there and done it, and well, it sucks to be 17 with a baby – which she can talk about. BUT – they aren’t presenting her as a harrowed teenage mother. She is, instead, coiffed, rested and without a screaming child on her hip. Show the REAL Bristol Palin, with her real child, and that might have a real impact.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:25 amSo who will be the next group that right wingers blame for their problems now that women, blacks, hispanics, and gays have been removed from the fear catalog?
May 7th, 2009 at 9:27 amAfter Maine became the fifth state to legalize marriage equality yesterday, RNC chairman Michael Steele released this statement:
“Lalalalalalalalalalalalala I can’t hear you”
Witnesses report that he did in fact have his fingers in his ears as he said it.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:30 amRNC chairman Michael Steele released this statement: “I believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman and strongly disagree with Maine’s decision to legalize gay marriage.”
Who gives a sh!t what you think? The Constitution over-rides your worthless opinion. Besides, how can you discriminate against others knowing how wrong it is and how much it sucks?
I’ll be proud to live in an America where ALL people are equal, as it should be.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:30 am“A new poll from Hays Research in Anchorage, Alaska says Gov. Sarah Palin (R) now has 54 percent positive rating in her state. That’s down from 86 percent a year ago and 59.8 percent on March 24.”
See, Alaskans know dufus when they see it.
Now, just make sure you don’t step in it…
May 7th, 2009 at 9:33 amSteelyMike, the GNOP footinmouthpiece that just keeps on givin…GO MIKEY!
May 7th, 2009 at 9:35 amTim Geithner told Charlie Rose the government would backstops banks adding capital from private sources. Despite direct questionning, Tim wouldn’t detail those backstops.
He also said regulatory reform would take up to three years. The interview was full of good signs for private equity underwriters (PEU’s)
May 7th, 2009 at 9:35 amOT (read: rant)
I can’t believe there are newspeople who are covering Obama’s “burger run” as news.
Yeah, yeah. It’s cool to see the President ordering food in public. That was probably legitimate grounds for the comedy shows to make fun of it, but when Hannity attempts comedy by branding Obama too “elite” for regular mustard?
What is he going to do next, attack Michelle Obama for her ignorance of the non-Muppet population on Sesame Street?
May 7th, 2009 at 9:37 amSay Charlie Rangel sticks to his guns. The Senate taxes health insurance benefits. House doesn’t. It’s what happens in conference that counts. If Blue Dogs carry sway, health insurance benefits will be taxed.
Then the great dump can happen, fueling the next round of executive incentive compensation.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:38 amFollowing a series of gay rights victories in the states, President Obama “is under pressure to engage on a variety of gay issues…
on rachel maddow, last night, it was announced that the military guy who came out on her show was kicked out of the service because of that…
for shame.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:38 amRantingTommy Says:
So who will be the next group that right wingers blame for their problems now that women, blacks, hispanics, and gays have been removed from the fear catalog?
Well, there’s still Asians, Pacific Islanders, and if all else fails, Native Americans and other aboriginal humans across the planet. /snark.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:40 amWhat is going on with states like Oklahoma who are declaring sovereignty from the United States.
Wasn’t all of this resolved 100 years ago?
Is this patriotism?
Patriotism is apparently only in their interpretation of same.
It’s the old my way or the highway attitude – IOKIYAR
May 7th, 2009 at 9:41 amkaty Says:
on rachel maddow, last night, it was announced that the military guy who came out on her show was kicked out of the service because of that…
for shame.
The guy will be on the show tonight. I hope he rips that policy a new one.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:41 amGov. Sarah Palin (R) now has 54 percent positive rating in her state. That’s down from 86 percent a year ago and 59.8 percent on March 24.
Because of the artificial inflation of oil last year, Palin was able to send every Alaskan a check for something like $3,100. Now that oil prices are 1/3 where they were, that check is going to be much smaller this year, and Palin’s number will drop again.
Using Bristol to push the abstinence agenda while she holds a baby that she claims is the greatest thing to ever happen in her life is ridiculous! She was paid over $300k for the first baby pictures of Track. How many teen girls are going to see her appear on show after show and say “yeah, I don’t want that to be me!”
Hypocrits.
PEACE
May 7th, 2009 at 9:42 amRantingTommy Says: So who will be the next group that right wingers blame for their problems now that women, blacks, hispanics, and gays have been removed from the fear catalog?
Those of us who don’t love Jesus. They already are. Nevermind that the demographic least likely to end up in prison, or support torture, is Atheists… Apparently, everything is our fault now.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:43 amLt. Dan Choi returns Thursday
Lt. Dan Choi, a founding member of the “Knights Out” organization, returns to The Rachel Maddow Show to talk about his dismissal from the National Guard – a result of publicly declaring his homosexuality.
Watch Dan Choi’s previous appearance on the show
May 7th, 2009 at 9:43 amhttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/
From Americablog:
Republicans and Southerners, Least Patriotic of Americans
http://www.americablog.com/2009/05/republicans-and-southerners-most.html
May 7th, 2009 at 9:46 amMarie Says:
What is going on with states like Oklahoma who are declaring sovereignty from the United States.
Wasn’t all of this resolved 100 years ago?
If the states that claim they want to secede were to do so, the nation’s economy would improve dramatically. With the exception of Texas, they are all welfare states, taking far more than they contribute.
And it’s no coincidence that all happen to be Red States and big drains on FEMA.
Let ‘em go, wall ‘em off! The Democratic majorities in both houses of congress will be huge!
PEACE
May 7th, 2009 at 9:46 amMarie Says: What is going on with states like Oklahoma who are declaring sovereignty from the United States.
Our state Congress in Georgia passed a bill, with only 1 ‘no’ vote against it, allowing Georgia the right to secede from the union if it wanted.
I really have to move…
May 7th, 2009 at 9:47 ama priest gets busted with his girlfriend on a beach in Miami:
(via Wonkette)
http://www.miamiherald.com/486/story/1036018.html
You can tell he’s not a republican because 1- it’s an adult woman and 2-he’s on record saying tht priests should be allowed to marry. If he was a reupublican he’d be on record condeming sex…and it would be an alterboy…
May 7th, 2009 at 9:51 amWHOA!@! Wha happened to the Bachmann bash thread that was directly above the FinkThast this morning?
May 7th, 2009 at 9:53 amun, we need all the good teachers we can get here in Washington state, c’mon up, the weather’s…er, well, yes, it is raining today, but tomorrow may be nicer?!!
May 7th, 2009 at 9:54 amIt’s not that simple, spencers mom. Once the South became the Confederate States of America again, we’d be forced to prop them up with massive amounts of foreign aid in order to keep them from collapsing into a failed state.
Kinda like Pakistan.
May 7th, 2009 at 9:59 amFor all those red states that want to secede. How that work out for you nuts the last time? Maybe this time will just let you go, it seems you weren’t worth the effort the last time.
May 7th, 2009 at 10:01 amRUCeriousMaggot! Says: un, we need all the good teachers we can get here in Washington state, c’mon up, the weather’s…er, well, yes, it is raining today, but tomorrow may be nicer?!!
Thanks – you’re too kind. I’d love to live in Washington. As soon as I finish with my education, I’m planning on it!
May 7th, 2009 at 10:07 amRather than flat out asking Steele questions such as “how do you feel about gay marriage” it needs to be prefaced with “where do you stand on state’s rights” and then see how he cha-cha’s out of that corner.
May 7th, 2009 at 10:19 amDisaster capitalism ushers in the next round of employee benefit dumping.
Wells Fargo freezes pension plan
Wells Fargo & Co. is freezing its cash-balance pension plan for all employees in a move to cut costs, a bank spokeswoman confirmed this week.
Employers have been increasingly scaling back traditional pension plans, and in some cases 401(k) plans, to cut costs.
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/business/story/708470.html
Wells Fargo did keep their 401(k) match, unlike many firms.
May 7th, 2009 at 10:25 amMSNBC is NOT listening to our complaints.
May 7th, 2009 at 10:35 amDavid Gregory has been given a weekly one-hour program on MSNBC.
They think he appeals to younger viewers, but the show is going to be aired Wednesdays at 11AM – not exactly prime time for 40 year olds!
They don’t seem to get that he is a tool for the GOP – they must feel that Schultz, Olbermann and Maddow are sufficient liberal balance for the likes of FOX, CNN, CNBC, ABC, CBS, NBC, and their own Scarborough, Buchanan, et al.
Dumb musing:
If gay marriage destroys the institution of marriage, then all the hetero marriages will then become what gay marriage is/was before it was recognized.
In short, the fear over gay marriage is that it will make heteros the same as gays are now ?
May 7th, 2009 at 11:24 amThe White House will announce a plan to cut 121 government programs amounting to a savings of $17 billion from the federal budget. Budget analysts predicted the cuts will be a tough sell. “Even if you got all of those things, it would be saving pennies, not dollars.
***************************************
This will not of course include the military budget .U.S. military spending – Dept. of Defense plus nuclear weapons (in $billions) – is equal to the military spending of the next 15 countries combined.
http://www.warresisters.org/pages/piechart.htm
May 7th, 2009 at 12:02 pmHeads up posters.I just read it’s National take it off the table day,Palosis anniversery for that little stunt…May 7, 2006…My how time flies in the world of polatics..Happy posting….Blessings
May 7th, 2009 at 12:44 pmNational Infrastructure Bank is on the way to continue Bush public-private partnerships for America’s infrastructure, transportation, water, etc.
http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE5457CP20090507?sp=true
May 7th, 2009 at 1:40 pmWho is she shacking up with to get a rating that high? And who are the idiots that have the 54%?
May 7th, 2009 at 3:25 pmI really don’t think this is going to be enough to make a difference in government spending.
“It’s as if this were the Sahara desert and he came along and took a few pieces of sand off the desert. It literally will have virtually no impact on the deficit and debt as we move forward…” -Sen. Judd Gregg
Obama did pledge to cut deficits in half to $533 billion by the end of his term- which is bigger than anything Bush ever forecasted. (Fox News)
This video i found today basically shows what different news sources are saying about the budget cuts. Definitely worth a look:
http://www.newsy.com/videos/budget_cuts_a_drop_in_the_bucket/
May 7th, 2009 at 4:03 pm.
May 7th, 2009 at 7:00 pmThe Obama budget eliminates oil subsidies, and invests in green energy. Watch Red State heads explode.
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Congress and the White House continue their hemming and hawing on investigation Bush era torture. Good King Obama wants to continue the unitary executive. A complicit Congress wants to CYA.
Intelligence Report: Pelosi Briefed on Use of Interrogation Tactics in Sept. ’02
http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenote/2009/05/intelligence-re.html
May 7th, 2009 at 7:56 pm