On his radio show Friday, Rush Limbaugh suggested that Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) would be dead by the time health care reform legislation passes. "Before it's all over, it'll be called the Ted Kennedy memorial health care bill," the talk show host says...

The Democratic campaign arm has also launched a petition, asking Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele to denounce Rush Limbaugh "once and for all"

I'm sorry but this is the second republican or so-called conservative that has been outrageously rude by discussing the possible death of a famous person.  First it was U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning that predicted that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg would be dead from pancreatic cancer within nine months.  Now Rush Limbaugh is predicting that Sen. Ted Kennedy would be dead by the time health care reform was passed.

Where do these two men get off playing God?  Rush is a radio talk host.  He's not a doctor, a CEO, a legislator, a Senator or a President of a nation.

What is it with the Republican Party?  All some of their members seem to think about these days is somebody dying.   Do they fear the death of their own Party so much as to relate that to a human being's fate?

For the past year Rush did nothing but attack black people with his words because of Barack Obama's campaign - and he got away with it.

In a January 22 interview on Fox News' Hannity, Limbaugh said of media coverage of Obama: "We are being told that we have to hope he succeeds, that we have to bend over, grab the ankles, bend over forward, backward, whichever, because his father was black, because this is the first black president." Limbaugh had previously declared in June 2008 that Obama's "only chance of winning" the presidency "is that he's black." During the 2008 presidential campaign, Limbaugh also called Obama "an affirmative action candidate" and asserted during the May 14, 2008, broadcast of his show, "If Barack Obama were Caucasian, they would have taken this guy out on the basis of pure ignorance long ago."

This man has been divorced three times, gotten hooked on illegal drugs, he's a heavy smoker and way overweight.  His latest 'show' at the CPAC meeting, where he is seen jumping up and down saying, "Rush, Rush, Rush..." and waving his arms about reminded me of the 10 second videos of Rev. Wright dancing around preaching.  Why anybody would bother taking Rush's' opinion 'as gospel' is beyond me; but sadly they do.

I don't care how famous you are, television or radio, if you talk like this about another human being (that is currently undergoing health issues) you should be removed from your job.  Some of you will say, "but he's got a huge following"; well sorry, but so did Hitler.

Has anybody else looked at the video clip of Rush Limbaugh bouncing around on stage at the CPAC meeting?  Several talk shows have shown then clip.  It reminded me so much of the 10 second clips of Rev. Wright that Republicans kept showing on their tv shows.  Hannity and Colmes and FOX must have shown it at least a million times it seems.

I'd love to see the Democrats come up with a video with Rev. Wright and Rush standing (bouncing up and down) and ranting together on stage wouldn't you?

It would show people just how stupid it was to take 10 second clips of somebody speaking and making them out to be 'what that whole person is all about'.

Perhaps Republicans would think twice next time in doing that again.  What do you think?

I'm curious.  How many House of Representatives and how many Senators have SOLD stock in the past 2 months?  Have they bought any?  How many of those that sold, are Republicans and how many are Democrats?

I would ask the same of the Pres. Obama's administration, how many of them have sold and/or bought stock this year?

The answer could be very 'telling' to Americans where the economy truly is since these are the people 'in the know' of all the facts.

I've heard recently, several Republicans accusing Pres. Barack Obama of playing the 'fear' card with the economy and now with the health care issue.  Did those same GOP members sell their stocks out of fear of losing money, did they also buy new ones? 

I would also like to ask how many of those Republicans and talk show hosts truly feel that the sky rocketing health care costs aren't part of our economy's problem.

Perhaps those in the business of reporting the 'news' will investigate these questions and get some answers from the Congressmen and the administration.

I would first have them fill out a survey under the pretense that nobody would know how they answered the questions.  Then I would begin asking, one by one, if they've sold and/or bought stock this year.

I think most Americans will be shocked to find out that 'yes' they've sold stock; but that they've also bought stock and bought more property while the shares and market is down.

And if this is the case, then perhaps there has been a bit of 'fear' tactics used to get things passed, otherwise, if all they've done is sell --- they must be really worried too.

Finding out if they bought any new stock or into any new business would also tell us who 'they' think will go 'under' and who won't.  Did anybody buy into AIG, the auto industry or anybody else that recently received a bailout?  If so, how do they explain their reason for doing so?

Now media - go find these things out.

So, Rush wants to have a debate with the President of United States huh?  Too bad he didn't offer to take on President George W Bush in the same manner.

Nope!  Don't think so Rush, sorry.  Not until you put your job on the line with American voters and run for the presidential political office. 

Until your job relies on what you say and do (and not how you 'perform') it just wouldn't be fair.

Now if you want a 'fair' debate, how about you try and take on Ed Schultz from the radio show, The Ed Schultz Show.  He matches your profession, only he's of the opposite view politically.  He's also willing to debate professionals on live television which I've yet to see you do.  Now 'there's' debate, I'm sure, would draw thousands if not millions to watch.

I'm betting that several television stations would jump for the chance of sponsoring such debate.  CNN, MSNBC, CBS, ABC, NBC and even your friends at FOX would sponsor it I'm sure.  Just ask them.

So Rush, whens the big day?  When will you take on somebody other then a uneducated  or inexperienced radio listener?  I'm sure Ed would love to accommodate you.  Let us know so we can go out and buy tickets or set aside time to watch the show.

President Obama, everybody is complaining about those earmarks in your budget sir.  Why not bring all the sponsors of those earmarks in a room and make a deal with them.  They give up the earmark in exchange for consumer gift cards instead.

Take the 7 billion dollars, add some to it, then send every tax reporting citizen a coupon or gift card worth so many dollars on merchandise of a specific sort such as a car, refrigerator, computer, furniture, house improvements or a payment toward a bill (credit card or loan) that they owe.

The tax cut for 95% of Americans was 'ok' but that average of $13 per pay check isn't enough to PLEASE people. 

Just as investing money in infrastructure makes taxpayers happy (they can SEE where the money went), giving gift cards to use at different businesses can also be 'seen' and benefited from.

That investing also helps to keep businesses running.

A rebate alone won't do it.  Americans won't all invest in something that keeps things moving, they'll either save it or pay the utility bill that month.  Forcing us to actually buy something with the discount card, gets the consumer something to keep and keeps the company in business.

Simple.

Breaking!  Karl Rove WILL testify before Congress (Maybe?).

In an agreement reached today between the former Bush Administration and Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-Mich.), Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Karl Rove and former White House Counsel Harriet Miers will testify before the House Judiciary Committee in transcribed depositions under penalty of perjury. The Committee has also reserved the right to have public testimony from Rove and Miers. It was agreed that invocations of official privileges would be significantly limited.

In addition, if the Committee uncovers information necessitating his testimony, the Committee will also have the right to depose William Kelley, a former White House lawyer who played a role in the U.S. Attorney firings.

The Committee will also receive Bush White House documents relevant to this inquiry. Under the agreement, the landmark ruling by Judge John Bates rejecting key Bush White House claims of executive immunity and privilege will be preserved. If the agreement is breached, the Committee can resume the litigation.

So, here we go again, Rove is reportedly going to 'finally' appear before Congress and answer questions.  Whenever he doesn't invoke those so-called 'limited official privileges', that is.

Give me a break.  This is just giving Congress a chance to lecture Karl Rove in public.  They get to call him everything but a white guy and he can't do anything about it but.....write a book about the whole things later.

Whoa wait a minute....

"The Committee has also reserved the right to have public testimony from Rove and Miers."

Do you mean to tell me that Karl Rove will be testifying behind closed doors?  Just like Bush and Cheney did with the 911 Commission?  Oh geez!!!!

The stock market went up triple digits today.  Will President Obama be given credit for doing his job as everybody demanded he do the past week?

I've heard nothing but criticism of Obama for not getting 'serious enough' about the economy and the stock market problems this past week or two.  When the market dropped way below 7000 all the political pundits were busting a gut to blame Obama for his lack of seriousness or that he's trying to do too much and is scaring investors.

Well pundits --- will you now give Obama credit for getting the stock market back up?  Some how I doubt it.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The private sector lost nearly 700,000 jobs in February, according to a report from payroll-processing company Automatic Data Processing released Wednesday, but a separate report showed that employers announced fewer job cuts last month.

But a separate employment report suggested that the worst may be over for the nation's strained job market.

Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. reported that the number of planned job cuts announced in February fell for the first time since December.

 

I think it's time for the media to report the good news as well as the bad.  Yes, people are losing their jobs but there are also people getting jobs.  Why not report those facts too?

 

In my home town alone, there were three articles in the local paper today talking about new businesses creating new jobs in the area.

 

I googled the Internet and found the following articles about jobs being created.  This is just a random, one day, less than a half hour search.  Just imagine what the media could find if they WANTED TO:

JOBS BEING CREATED:

 

 

The Northern Kentucky Tri-County Economic Development Corp., or Tri-ED, helped create 3,918 jobs due to its efforts in 2008, according to a new study released Tuesday.

The economic impact analysis prepared by Northern Kentucky University's Center for Economic Analysis and Development noted that expansions and new businesses are expected to create 1,829 primary jobs and 1,566 indirect jobs for a total impact of more than $572 million in business sales in Northern Kentucky.

That will result in total Greater Cincinnati regional job creation of 3,918 jobs and nearly $719 million in business sales, according to the analysis.

 

International Business Machines Corp.'s chief executive, Samuel Palmisano, advised the Obama transition team last month that $30 billion in government investments in expanding broadband access, computerizing health-care records and improving the electrical grid could create more than 900,000 U.S. jobs.

 

Sun Printing has opened a $6 million printing facility in West Columbia that's expected to add up to 50 jobs by year's end.

 

 

VALDOSTA --  Project Butter will create 250 new jobs.

Despite difficult economic conditions, companies continue to expand and create new jobs in Lowndes County, as was discussed during the Valdosta-Lowndes County Industrial Authority regular meeting Tuesday.

 

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 30, 2008) - Governor Mitch Daniels joined executives from technology distributor and service provider Defender Direct today to announce the company's plans to expand its Indiana operations, including creation of more than 1,100 new jobs.

Last year, Gov. Charlie Crist announced his Accelerate Florida program to advance investment in infrastructure projects that will create jobs and encourage economic growth. The wisdom of the governor's initiative is evidenced by the strong return on investment generated by infrastructure projects. For example, for every dollar invested in transportation projects, $5.60 in economic benefit is gained. That is a smart investment.

 

Waitrose is to create more than 2,500 jobs this year in the biggest expansion in its history.

The supermarket chain will confirm today that it has agreed to buy 13 stores from the Co-operative Group, for an undisclosed sum, after the latter's takeover of Somerfield. It plans to boost staff numbers at the stores significantly.

In addition, Waitrose will announce that it plans to open at least nine new stores this year, including sites at Bristol, Altrincham, Colchester, Winchester and Weston-super-Mare.

East Yorks: Hopes are high that about 1,000 new jobs could be created after plans for two huge distribution warehouses on the edge of Goole were given the go-ahead.

 

Newark -- Governor Jack Markell unveiled a list of road, transit and pedestrian projects Monday that will be the state's priorities to receive funding under a federal economic stimulus package.

The projects, totaling $200 million, were selected for their ability to meet federal requirements that the work begin within three to six months, the number of jobs the work will generate and the projects' economic development potential.

"These projects will create hundreds of jobs and will help our economy - and our neighbors -- get moving again," Markell said during a news conference at the I-95 Toll Plaza, which is targeted to receive $48 million to add high-speed EZ-Pass lanes. "These projects are will improve our transportation system, put Delawareans to work and make Delaware more attractive for economic development in the future."

Based on economic analysis, the projects are expected to create 1,200 jobs.

 

I have a suggestion to Governor Charlie Crist of Florida.  Go after Rush Limbaugh but do it politely.

Governor, you stood up to your Party along with a few other Republican Governors and mayors and supported the Recovery and Reinvestment plan brought forward by President Barack Obama.  You told them that the stimulus bill was needed by the States, that it was a good plan.

You supported Americans and your own constituents over your political party.  Those comments sir, are a mark of an Independent thinking person.  You seem to want what's best for the nation.  You showed your bipartisanship by doing this.

Now sir, you have another chance to step forward and show more of your independence.

Rush Limbaugh has got a grip on the Republican Party and he's not letting go.  It was rather funny hearing him make fun of Michael Steele yesterday, accusing Steele of trying to be a "media star", that is.  Of all people making that claim - Rush?  Rush Limbaugh needs to be put in his place sir.

This man is a radio talk show host.  He does nothing but 'talk' and 'bicker with others'.  He has no responsibilities.  He doesn't have to make sure his State or Country's economy is safe.  He doesn't have to make  a budget that satisfies over 500 representatives and Senators.  He doesn't have to make sure the children in his state are healthy and wise.  He has nothing to do but sit on his behind and 'complain'.

Is his opinion valued by millions - yes; but only because he says the things that many are too afraid to say.  He faces no constituency or loss of job if he offends somebody.  Heck, he can even take illegal drugs and get away with it - why?  Because he's a STAR.  He's an actor with a bright mind.

But that it is it Governor Crist.  While you should respect his opinion and want them, that doesn't make him a leader of anything.  And until the man is willing to face what you, Obama and other statesmen face each and every day -- it is HE that needs to remember what he was HIRED TO DO --- Be a radio talk show host.

Governor, if you want to further your chances down the road (and I'm a democrat/leaning independent), I highly recommend that you be the one to put Rush Limbaugh in HIS place - once and for all.

Will I ever vote for you for President some day?  Not unless I see a bit more independent thinking sir.

Bush's Administration Had 2920 Days.  President Barack Obama's been in office 43 days as of today.  The number of attacks made against Obama's administration by the Republican Party and their conservative counterparts have already surpassed the complaints they had against their own guy during his whole 8 years in office.  To top that off, Obama's already hearing complaints from his own Party.  Democrats don't hesitate to 'stand up' and be counted when they see a wrong.  Republicans on the other hand - apoligize for speaking.

Now, all we hear is Bush's policies were bad and so are Obama's.  Where were these people during 2001-2008?  Not one word about how they disagreed with Bush's spending habits.  Not one word about earmarks (except those of Democrat's earmarks during the recent campaign).

Today we hear that the stock market's problems are all Obama's fault.  You would think that the Bush administrations 8 full years were wiped off the face of the earth.  Phoof! Their Gone!

One problem however -- if it weren't for Bush's administration's 8 years of control --- and 8 years of Republicans with (apparently) zipped up mouths.....we wouldn't be in the mess we're in today.

I kind of agree with Arianna Huffington of HuffingtonPost.com that the center of the media and the Democrat's attention surrounding Rush Limbaugh is allowing the public to 'forget' about who started this mess in our economy and with the war in Iraq.

She suggested on The Rachel Maddow's show last night that we 'get over' the Rush story and start concentrating back onto the Bush's legacy again.  Karl Rove is once again trying to revise history by making the story all about Obama's deficit (ignoring the fact that he inherited it).

She may be right. 

Oh sure, jump on any new story about Rush and GOP members; but otherwise just report it and let the public decide -- don't dwell on it so much.

Let's remind folks just WHO got us into this mess instead.

This report implies these actions or memos were never 'acted' on. Could someone tell me how we 'know' that to be true?

In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, the Justice Department secretly gave the green light for the U.S. military to attack apartment buildings and office complexes inside the United States, deploy high-tech surveillance against U.S. citizens and potentially suspend First Amendment freedom-of-the-press rights in order to combat the terror threat, according to a memo released Monday.

Many of the actions discussed in the Oct. 23, 2001, memo to then White House counsel Alberto Gonzales and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's chief lawyer, William Haynes, were never actually taken.

I keep hearing that President Bush's administration never acted on these recently released memos, yet his justice team felt the need to disassociated themselves from the memos just 5 days before Bush left office;  Why? 

Will we ever know if these actions were used against Americans?  How many Americans are currently being held in prisons that nobody knows about?  Was the media censored?

Isn't conspiring to do these illegal things, just as criminal as conspiring to attack our nation (conspiracy to commit a robbery or murder or terrorist attack).  Those caught doing so are sent to jail. 

Why aren't the Bush administration being sent to jail and punished?

Talk about scaring people; you people in the media are trying your best to throw us into something worse than what we're in.  All because you want a SCOOP?  Come on people - get a grip.

There are good things to report out there too.  Consumer spending was up more than expected.  There are companies starting up across America - why not cover them?  Why not try lifting American's spirits instead of scaring them into their closets?

If we go into a depression I personally will blame the media's thirst for scoops and "Breaking News".

It's a know fact that half of the problem with our economy is psychological.  If you THINK you may lose money by spending -- you won't spend.

I sincerely pray there are some in the media that actually 'Get This' and they will begin to immediately start reporting the GOOD STORIES --- because there really are some out there.

Michael Steele has reportedly apologizing to Rush Limbaugh for his comments about him last night on CNN.  Now we hear after the White House secretary Robert Gibbs mentions this fact that Rush Limbaugh is a BOOGEYMAN!

Answering Press Secretary's comments from the White House today,

Antonia Ferrier, a spokeswoman for House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), said Gibbs was trying to create a distraction by responding to Limbaugh.

"What we are seeing is a desperate attempt by Democrats to distract attention away from a multi-trillion dollar spending spree taking place in Washington," Ferrier said. "Creating a boogeyman to change the subject does nothing to alter the fact that there are 9,000 earmarks in the omnibus spending bill, that the economic stimulus bill contained no Republican input or that their budget would increase taxes on all Americans."

So now Rush Limbaugh is a BOOGEYMAN?  Perhaps we'll be hearing Antonia Ferrier or John Boehner apologizing to Rush now?

Hillary Rodham Clinton expressed doubt Monday that Iran would respond to the Obama administration's diplomatic initiatives toward Tehran on nuclear and other issues, a senior State Department official said.

Clinton made the statement in a private meeting with the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who had expressed to Clinton a concern among Persian Gulf nations that Obama might make a deal with Iran without full consultation with U.S. allies. The official who described the exchange spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the meeting was private.

I guess Hillary, like Bill, will need to learn to keep her mouth zipped when working with other nations.  She may have just blown any chances Obama had with Iran.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Consumer spending rose more than expected in January, after declining for six consecutive months, according to government figures released Monday.

The Commerce Department report showed spending by individuals rose 0.6% last month, after dropping 1% in December. Economists surveyed by Briefing.com had forecast an increase of 0.4%.

The report also showed that personal income rose 0.4% in January, following a decline of 0.2% in the previous month. Economists had forecast another 0.2% decline.

It's especially good news to hear that consumers are spending so soon after the Christmas holidays.  Usually folks are a bit short on money in January.  I sincerely hope this figure will continue to rise.

If comments like these are called loving your country and patriotic -- We're totally doomed. 

For my part, I'm praying Americans will shun this type of cheer leading and instead help the current administration to make their vision work. 

No matter how you 'get there', every politician claims to want the same thing in the end.  They all want a booming economy, a safe and secure nation, peace on earth, energy independence and a environmentally safe earth.

For those reasons alone, we should 'all' want our leadership to succeed.

Rush Limbaugh:

Today at CPAC, Rush Limbaugh was supposed to deliver a 20-minute speech. It ended up lasting for 1 1/2 hours, before a right-wing audience that greeted him like a hero. Rush again defended his controversial comments that he hopes President Obama fails, saying they were "common sense."

***************************************

Rick Santorum:

In an interview with ThinkProgress today, radio host Mark Levin and former Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) added their voices to the chorus of conservatives hoping for Obama's failure:

TP: What do you think about what Rush said about, I mean, do you hope, should we hope that President Obama fails?

LEVIN: Yes.

TP: Yes?

SANTORUM: If...absolutely we hope that his policies fail.

"I believe his policies will fail, I don't know, but I hope they fail," added Santorum.

***************************************

Michelle Malkin:

Today on C-SPAN Washington Journal, a caller asked right-wing blogger Michelle Malkin if she agrees with Rush Limbaugh's statement that he hopes President Obama fails. Malkin explained why she does:

MALKIN: When the President proposes things like trillion dollar budgets that have earmarks that he claims do not exist, yes, I hope that fails. When he proposes the same kind of wealth re-distributionist policies that had appalled me under the Bush administration, yes, I hope they fail.

************************************************

Ann Coulter:

"Barack's really been kind of coasting on his record, since his first big accomplishment of being born half-black. ... He wouldn't be running for president if he weren't half-black."

"His strongest selling point is that he is one of the least dangerous people I know named Hussein."

***************************************************
Joseph Farah of WorldNetDaily:
That's why I do not hesitate today in calling on godly Americans to pray that Barack Hussein Obama fails in his efforts to change our country

******************************************************
Selwyn Duke of RenewAmerica
I actually agree with Limbaugh wholeheartedly. I also want Obama (PBUH) to fail -- abjectly, miserably, completely -- and visibly. I may even pray for it.