McCain is an Ass.... man

heh.



Apparently, Palin's ass is sooo fabulous that it's elevated her to "soulmate" status. McCain met Palin on Thursday 8/28 and offered her the VP spot that day (announcing her selection in less than 12 hours, on Friday 8/29.)

Palin is to McCain as Harriet Meirs is to GW Bush

Thanks to my beautiful (!) mother for sending me the below. It took her reminder for me to think it should be posted.

For any who may linger in doubt about Palin's (lack of) fitness to lead, I offer the following (courtesy of MoveOn.org and mom):

Yesterday was John McCain's 72nd birthday. If elected, he'd be the oldest president ever inaugurated. And after months of slamming Barack Obama for "inexperience," here's who John McCain has chosen to be one heartbeat away from the presidency: a right-wing religious conservative with no foreign policy experience, who until recently was mayor of a town of 9,000 people.

Huh?

Who is Sarah Palin? Here's some basic background:

She was elected Alaska's governor a little over a year and a half ago. Her previous office was mayor of Wasilla, a small town outside Anchorage. She has no foreign policy experience.[1]

Palin is strongly anti-choice, opposing abortion even in the case of rape or incest.[2]

She supported right-wing extremist Pat Buchanan for president in 2000. [3]

Palin thinks creationism should be taught in public schools.[4]

She's doesn't think humans are the cause of climate change.[5]

She's solidly in line with John McCain's "Big Oil first" energy policy. She's pushed hard for more oil drilling and says renewables won't be ready for years. She also sued the Bush administration for listing polar bears as an endangered species—she was worried it would interfere with more oil drilling in Alaska.[6]

How closely did John McCain vet this choice? He met Sarah Palin once at a meeting. They spoke a second time, last Sunday, when he called her about being vice-president. Then he offered her the position.[7]

This is information the American people need to see. Please take a moment to forward this email to your friends and family.

We also asked Alaska MoveOn members what the rest of us should know about their governor. The response was striking. Here's a sample:

She is really just a mayor from a small town outside Anchorage who has been a governor for only 1.5 years, and has ZERO national and international experience. I shudder to think that she could be the person taking that 3AM call on the White House hotline, and the one who could potentially be charged with leading the US in the volatile international scene that exists today. —Rose M., Fairbanks, AK

She is VERY, VERY conservative, and far from perfect. She's a hunter and fisherwoman, but votes against the environment again and again. She ran on ethics reform, but is currently under investigation for several charges involving hiring and firing of state officials. She has NO experience beyond Alaska. —Christine B., Denali Park, AK

As an Alaskan and a feminist, I am beyond words at this announcement. Palin is not a feminist, and she is not the reformer she claims to be. —Karen L., Anchorage, AK

Alaskans, collectively, are just as stunned as the rest of the nation. She is doing well running our State, but is totally inexperienced on the national level, and very much unequipped to run the nation, if it came to that. She is as far right as one can get, which has already been communicated on the news. In our office of thirty employees (dems, republicans, and nonpartisans), not one person feels she is ready for the V.P. position.—Sherry C., Anchorage, AK

She's vehemently anti-choice and doesn't care about protecting our natural resources, even though she has worked as a fisherman. McCain chose her to pick up the Hillary voters, but Palin is no Hillary. —Marina L., Juneau, AK

I think she's far too inexperienced to be in this position. I'm all for a woman in the White House, but not one who hasn't done anything to deserve it. There are far many other women who have worked their way up and have much more experience that would have been better choices. This is a patronizing decision on John McCain's part- and insulting to females everywhere that he would assume he'll get our vote by putting "A Woman" in that position.—Jennifer M., Anchorage, AK

So Governor Palin is a staunch anti-choice religious conservative. She's a global warming denier who shares John McCain's commitment to Big Oil. And she's dramatically inexperienced.

In picking Sarah Palin, John McCain has made the religious right very happy. And he's made a very dangerous decision for our country.

In the next few days, many Americans will be wondering what McCain's vice-presidential choice means. Please pass this information along to your friends and family.

Sources:


1. "Sarah Palin," Wikipedia, Accessed August 29, 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Palin

2. "McCain Selects Anti-Choice Sarah Palin as Running Mate," NARAL Pro-Choice America, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17515&id=13661-3245068-yF8IAqx&t=1

3. "Sarah Palin, Buchananite," The Nation, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17736&id=13661-3245068-yF8IAqx&t=2

4. "'Creation science' enters the race," Anchorage Daily News, October 27, 2006
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17737&id=13661-3245068-yF8IAqx&t=3

5. "Palin buys climate denial PR spin—ignores science," Huffington Post, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17517&id=13661-3245068-yF8IAqx&t=4

6. "McCain VP Pick Completes Shift to Bush Energy Policy," Sierra Club, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17518&id=13661-3245068-yF8IAqx&t=5
"Choice of Palin Promises Failed Energy Policies of the Past," League of Conservation Voters, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17519&id=13661-3245068-yF8IAqx&t=6
"Protecting polar bears gets in way of drilling for oil, says governor," The Times of London, May 23, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=17520&id=13661-3245068-yF8IAqx&t=7

7 "McCain met Palin once before yesterday," MSNBC, August 29, 2008
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=21119&id=13661-3245068-yF8IAqx&t=8

What Happens When We Don't Really Care

The following Dateline NBC segments document why its critical for caring, thinking human beings to value (and provide services and supports for) our family, friends and community members with disabilities. To be held utterly accountable for how we treat our fellow man.

I know you. You don't want to see it. You know that you're a good person - right? You think you know already what exists in the world. You don't think you need to see it. You don't need to be reminded, do you? You don't have the time.

Yes, you do.

Part I is 5 minutes:

Part II is 10 minutes:

Part III is 7 minutes:

This is precisely and exactly why I work to make sure my community has affordable and accessible housing for families and adults with developmental and other disabilities. Why I pay attention to politics and politicians. Why I study state and federal budget issues. Why I advocate by any and all means for the service, support, and civil rights of people with developmental and other disabilities.

I know shit like this happens. Even in my home town, I see stuff you'd never believe.

McCain's VP Pick: So Fucking What

Okay. I have been fielding calls all day from family, friends, colleagues, fellow advocates and parents who want to know how I feel about McCain choosing Sarah Palin as VP.

And it says everything – that the reason they're curious is because we both have kids with Downs. So, let me just make sure that everyone understands this.

The fact that our kids both have an extra 21st chromosome does not, in any way, impact my opinion of the harm caused families and people with disabilities during the Bush/Cheney Administration. Unless Ms. Palin can magically change the history of McCain's support of the Bush/Cheney Administration, I don't give a flying fuck if both our kids have Downs.

McCain must take full responsibility for the votes he cast harming affordable and accessible housing; education; heath care; the ADA; IDEA; NCLB; Medicare; privatization of social security; fair tax policy; the American economy; energy policy; the environment; funding for veteran benefits (all the while supporting a war of lies that is resulting in bringing home young men and women with devastating disabilities.)

And no VP choice or diagnosis negates the years of harm John McCain has done. As a matter of fact, I have always been perplexed as to why on earth folks with disabilities would vote Republican. It's like someone volunteering to sharpen the knife that will be used to cut their own throat.

It says something important to me that folks are focusing on a particular diagnosis. Michelle Obama was raised by a man with MS, who died early of the complications of his disability. Barrack Obama spoke eloquently of his mother's struggle with insurance companies as she lay dying of her medical disability, cancer. Senator Joe Biden's wife and daughter died in an automobile accident, the one that injured his sons. And of course, John McCain is a disabled vet (for which he collects $58,000/yr.)

Read More Here: 6/8/08 AmericaBlog

Palin has only been the parent of someone with a disability since April. She probably doesn't even "get" how fortunate she and her son and family are that he will live during the Obama Administration, where our loved ones are valued and their human rights respected. Under Obama and Biden that value will be reflected in enhanced program and services funding and rebuilding the social systems our vulnerable family members will rely on for the rest of their lives.

--Shella

Oh. My. God.

I feel so honored to be alive in this time. To have come through the dark Bush/Cheney years. And to have witnessed history with eyes wide open.

Without further commentary, I know you want to see it all... Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you the future President of the United States, Barrack Obama.

By the way, listen to how Pat Buchanan feels about Obama's acceptance speech:

Thanks Nancy!

I like this one, so I am posting it...

Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders & says, "Oh shit... she's awake!"

Below is my new motto:

"What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?"

Clinton, Biden, Obama, Maddow and Olbermann....

Folks. I need to find the video and post it. Good lord.

But, you will be thrilled by the Olbermann and Maddow interplay, discussion, and passion. Holy shit.

It will be famous. If I check DailyKos right now the live bloggers must be burning up their keypads.

--Shella

Okay as promised, here's Bill Clinton.

And here is Biden with a surprise appearance by Obama.

And, le Pièce de résistance, the incomparable Olbermann and Maddow. Chris Matthews even following along in their wake... Beginning at about 4:37 in the below video, Chris Matthews begins a little verbal ditty with Rachel Maddow that I find thrilling, and honest, and true. It's almost the best part of the whole evening. I urge you to listen and comprehend.

Hilary Clinton: My Stream of Consciousness Notes on her DNC Speech

...What's with the video?

Chelsea is so poised. She sure looks like a nice young woman...

Hilary looks so “Presidential”... workin' the stage like a pro...

...Bill looks like he's getting teary eyed...!?!

The crowd is really going crazy. God, the applause is going on forever.

Okay! Here she goes...

"...Proud supporter of Barrack Obama”

(Michelle Obama doesn't look convinced... weird facial expression... )

“The time is now to unite as a single party with a single purpose. We cannot suffer more failed leadership; Republicans squandered Amerian good will and resources, betrayed people..."

(Damn... she looks and sounds so Presidential!)

(So... what's the point of your speech again Hilary? Self promotion? Or support for Barrack? Okay Hilary – get back on track some day soon....)

"...Health care, college education, fair wages, restore fiscal sanity to Washington – not private plunder, end the war, care for veterans, join with allies to help solve world's problems... these are reasons I support Barrack Obama for President. There are no limits to what is possible in America."

(Bill Clinton laughing and smiling at Hilary saying...) “We did it before with President Clinton and the Democrats ...and we can do it again with President Obama.”

"88 years ago today the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote." Rousing.

"Nothing less than the fate of our nation and the future of our children hangs in the balance in the outcome of this election."

Home run, Hilary. Good ending. Keith Olbermann says “Grand Slam, out of the park, and across the street...” (Rachel Maddow, you're awesome-ness is astounding, so fucking smart)

WITNESSING HISTORY: Michelle Obama

So. When I began this blog, I had the gut feeling that this time in history was like no other.

Basically I wanted there to be some kind of record that some Americans were capable of seeing reality. That some of us were not fooled. That some thought clearly despite the bombardment of propaganda, spin, lies, media bias, and HELL that was the Bush II Administration.

I thought that in some later generation, when the archaic first-generation "blogs" are being analyzed by sociological anthropologists, this blog and my personal expression might be recognized as a part of some larger human movement.

So tonight is the first night of the Democratic National Convention. It occurred to me that again... this is an incredible time in history. Who would have thought that the day would arrive (and I am sitting here watching it live) when Americans might not care the concentration of cellular melanin of the Democratic Candidate for President of the United States of America?

I was watching Senator Ted Kennedy. Everyone on earth knows he has a brain tumor - now inoperable. He will never again be the figurehead-survivor of the Kennedy legacy's most celebrated generation. My God. This is likely it. And he spoke from his heart and soul. About the basic human right to health care. "It's a right, not a privilege."

When Michelle Obama spoke, I thought... "this woman will most likely be our next first lady." This is history.

This, is history.

--Shella

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P.S. All the spin about a "disunited" democratic party is bullshit. Bullshit and lies. Manufactured conflict for the purpose of faking "concern" to undermine progress. Don't believe it folks, break free.

Dare I Hope?

They're ruined the world. Dare I hope that my values might finally be reflected in my government? That honesty and integrity be restored after this long and painful drought? That this country might again, one day be my America?

Here's my American Prayer...

McCain: Grassroots Video

This says it all.

(Hat tip to DailyKos)

RESPECT: The New R-Word

Thank you to the Arc of Northern Virginia for sponsoring this great PSA:

Ben Stiller: Why do you hate people with disabilities?

You knew exactly what you were doing. You have such disdain and disregard for people with intellectual disabilities (and their families, friends) that you took the considered risk to ridicule vulnerable people in your film "Tropic Thunder".

"Didn't mean to hurt anyone". You lying liar.

The truth is....

YOU THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY. Risky, but funny. So funny in fact that you chose to prominently highlight your cruelty and discrimination in the film edited to appeal to the most people and to best represent your skill and humor in your big-screen directoral debut.

Fuck you Ben Stiller. Liar. I will never, ever rent or see any film that you have anything to do with.

May perfection and the light of the heavens always shine brightly on your kids and their health.

John Edwards: Egads...

I swear. Guys just CANNOT keep their dicks in their pants. John, do you realize that your credibility and political life are now O-V-E-R? And for what?

And by the way, I don't care if you're having sex (not really). I realize that alone doesn't make you a bad person. And truthfully, I cannot tell you how many times over the last 8 years I have wished that someone (anyone) would give Bush a blow job so we could impeach him.

What I can't fathom, John, is that you knowingly LIED to the American People... especially after we (and the world) have been so heinously betrayed with the lies of Bush and his administration. You persisted in your bid for the presidency knowing a skeleton existed that could errupt to the possible ruination of the democratic party and possibly the presidency.

Unforgiveable. I really pity your wife and kids, to have to suffer the consequences of your action. Thank GOD you did not win the nomination - just think of how fucked America would be now had you won the democratic nomination.

One of the (many) things I don't understand is why John McCain's own affair during his previous marriage (and by the way when she was ill) isn't more fodder for comparison by the traditional media.

--Shella