screaminmeme's Blog

screaminmeme recommended How Many of You Use Macs? by Josh Marshall

2009-09-25T03:36:28Z

screaminmeme Commented on Steele Injects Race Into Obama's Request That Paterson Not Run by Ben Frumin

2009-09-20T19:19:16Z

We're all familiar with the old adage, "Throw enough on the wall and some of it might stick." Seems that the GOPs have taken it to heart. But, every time you think they've gotten to the bottom of the barrel, they dredge up another handful of slime.

screaminmeme Commented on None Dare Call it Racism by screaminmeme

2009-09-17T21:17:30Z

Thanks for your comments. As to whether these folks are organized, I can only say that I just started reading Morris Dees' "A Lawyer's Journey" and, I have to say, it seems clear that one can never underestimate this bunch. Fueled by ignorance, hatred, bigotry and paranoia, their agenda is frightening, even if one assumes they lack competence. However, many of these groups are often led by people with impressive military training and credentials and, in some cases, some who are still on active duty. Accordingly, I suggest that we take these "fringe characters" lightly at our peril. (For anyone interested, visit the Southern Poverty Law Center's site at: http://www.splcenter.org)

screaminmeme Commented on Sebelius: Tort Reform Can Get Done Faster Outside Of Health Care Bill by Rachel Slajda

2009-09-17T16:58:54Z

Please define "tort reform". Then, please show ONE example of how "reforms" have (a) saved taxpayers or policy holders money, (b) brought down health care providers' insurance rates, (c) uncovered fraud that an otherwise impartial jury has not, (d) improved health care delivery or service, or (e) done anything to lower the rate of death caused by preventable error (estimated at between 90,000 and 195,000 annually in the U.S., depending on which study one looks at). Anyone? I didn't think so.

screaminmeme recommended None Dare Call it Racism by screaminmeme

2009-09-16T17:17:34Z

screaminmeme Commented on Carter: Animosity Toward Obama Is Based In Racism by Rachel Slajda

2009-09-16T15:24:58Z

The tone and volume of what passes for political or social discourse these days (and, largely, at least since the early days of the Clinton presidency) suggests plain, old-fashioned intolerance, reactionary and self-centered priorities, and bigotry in all its forms, not merely racial. The scandal is not that it is out there, but the extent to which those with their own personal agendas abet and encourage its proliferation without blunt and aggressive challenge from American conservatives (that is to say, those with an abiding devotion to democratic principles). With Mr. Obama's election, however, the facade of false civility and respectful debate is finally stripped away, exposing these parasites for what they really are: 21st Century, home-grown Brown Shirts. One heard a great deal of bleating and chest pounding about "American values and traditions" during last weekend's million mad-man march. What strikes me as noteworthy -- but, into which I, perhaps, read too much -- is the subtle turn of the phrase. That is to say: "American" has replaced "democratic" as the lead-in to "values and traditions". It may be hyper-sensitive parsing, but I suggest that the angry mob and its cheerleader enablers have dropped all pretense of adherence to, or promotion of, democratic values and traditions. Their conduct and speech betray what is becoming increasingly apparent: these are decidedly not people who are interested in preserving, let alone promoting democracy in any form. As a result, for the first time since the late sixties it is possible to imagine that the Union may, indeed, be at risk.

screaminmeme Commented on Newt Gingrich Accidentally Names Porn Exec 'Entrepreneur Of The Year' by Rachel Slajda

2009-09-12T15:27:38Z

I can't WAIT for Monday's "The Daily Show"!

screaminmeme Commented on FreedomWorks Head Dick Armey Sympathizes With Heckler Rep. Wilson by Rachel Slajda

2009-09-11T03:26:11Z

To call this guy a moron is an insult to morons.

screaminmeme Commented on Landrieu: Under "Very Few, If Any" Circumstances Would I Support A Public Option by Brian Beutler

2009-08-27T16:18:44Z

How about this, Mary: Instead of whistling past the graveyard, try actually LEADING.

screaminmeme Commented on Poll: Baucus Popular in Montana on Health Care...with Republicans by Brian Beutler

2009-08-22T21:27:23Z

Just wrote to the senator. Feel free to crib whatever in it suits your fancy (or, gag, if you are so inclined). My feeling is that you never win arguments with folks you want to turn-around by screaming at them, insulting them or threatening them. (Unless you're a tea-bagger and your target is a wuss, that is.) Here's the e-mail:

Dear Senator:

We do not live in your wonderful state . . . yet. Indeed, my wife and I are considering retiring to Montana. When we do, we hope more than anything that we, our children, and our soon-to-arrive first grandchild will have what Americans have never had before: a broad range of health insurance options, at affordable prices, and available to all Americans regardless of one's economic circumstances.

Please, Senator, when the time comes, put your considerable skills, influence and standing behind President Obama's call for meaningful reform, including the so-called "public option".

Respectfully,

screaminmeme Commented on Man Carrying An Assault Rifle And Pistol Outside Obama Event by Rachel Slajda

2009-08-17T21:26:02Z

I think you meant that what is unsaid is: "I have one, but it's so-o-o TEENY!" (Or, as Garret Morris once said in an SNL skit -- playing Idi Amin threatening Henry Kissinger, played by John Belushi -- "Listen here, you 'Hung-like-a-hamster' . . . !")

screaminmeme Commented on Septuagenarian Twitter Flame War: Grassley Warns Specter He Never Said "Death Boards" by Brian Beutler

2009-08-16T11:53:14Z

One might accuse Grassley of being shameless, but that pre-supposes that the man is capable of shame to begin with. Regardless, he and his cohorts are vile slugs, and no less culpable that one who yells "fire" in a crowded theatre.

screaminmeme Commented on Hurt My Reputation]]> by Justin Elliott

2009-08-10T18:24:59Z

"Hurt" his reputation? Say WHAT???? Gonzo had only two principal attributes going into his jobs in the Bush administration: he was W's Latino of choice; and he was a Bush lapdog. Not to worry, 'Berto, your reputation is intact. Absolutely nothing you did as AG diminished those qualities in the least.

screaminmeme Commented on Senior Military Officials on Bergdahl: 'He's Not A Deserter' by Rachel Slajda

2009-07-24T17:44:03Z

I concur, except on one point: the debacles in the Middle East are the result of cockroaches, and plenty of [ __ ] enablers. [Take your pick to fill-in the blank: cowardly; short-sighted; ignorant; moronic; "other".]

screaminmeme Commented on Senator-Doctors Spin The Health Care Debate by Brian Beutler

2009-07-20T14:03:56Z

Hey, get of Dr. Coburn's back, already. As an ob-gyn AND an ordained minister, he was just advising Douglas Hampton on the scriptural bases for and against male pap tests.

screaminmeme Commented on Poll: Majority Of Voters Say Sarah Palin Is Not Fit To Be President by Eric Kleefeld

2009-07-10T16:17:39Z

And we are surprised by these poll results because . . . ?

screaminmeme Commented on Cornyn Promises Continued Support For Coleman by Eric Kleefeld

2009-06-25T19:44:15Z

I could not agree more with your last point. Kleefeld deserves a rebuke for the use of a condescending, gratuitous slap.

screaminmeme Commented on Limbaugh On The Sanford Affair: It's Obama's Fault! by Eric Kleefeld

2009-06-25T19:38:45Z

Is Rush Limbaugh still on probation? If so, and if a condition of probation was periodic, random tox screening, this might well be a good time to show up on his doorstep. "Uh, Mr. Limbaugh? If you'd kindly drop tou and aim for this here cup, we'll be on our way."

screaminmeme Commented on Does S.C. Paper Have The Goods On Sanford? by Zachary Roth

2009-06-24T19:54:32Z

If the GOP were listed on an exchange it would be heading into Junk Bond territory. No, strike that -- it is there already. Time to bail on this dog.

screaminmeme Commented on Cornyn Promises Continued Support For Coleman by Eric Kleefeld

2009-06-24T19:32:26Z

What is the source of the GOP's spending on this fight? If it is coming in any part from contributions to the GOP from ordinary citizens (i.e., persons who have every right to assume that their contributions will be directed to supporting the GOP in future elections and/or with day-to-day operating expenses), it raises two (at least) questions: first, how does that square with campaign finance rules, regulations and laws; and, second, how does that square with the GOP's fight, not so long ago, to bar unions from spending contributions from rank-and-file members on partisan political causes (usually, but not always) supported by Democratic candidates or the Democratic Party? Regardless of how the answer to the former comes out, the answer to the latter is: "It doesn't but, hey -- we are talking, after all, about 'strict constructionist' purported 'conservatives' here, right?"

screaminmeme Commented on Iran, the Neocons, and the Bomb by William Hartung

2009-06-17T19:43:04Z

Okay, Mr. Hannity. You can take off your mask now.

screaminmeme Commented on Right-Wingers To Boycott GM? by Eric Kleefeld

2009-06-08T22:14:06Z

For years, the Right's success in persuading Americans to vote against their own economic interests has been the stuff of political legend. Why, then, is anyone surprised at its latest gambit?

"Really, folks, it's not that I don't want you -- [pick one:] (a) going to school with my kids; (b) joining my club; (c) marrying my daughter. I have an abiding love and respect for 'you people'. It's the principle, you see? I just don't want the government telling me what to do or not do."

Right . . .

screaminmeme Commented on Inhofe Attacks Obama's "Un-American" Speech -- "I Just Don't Know Whose Side He's On" by Eric Kleefeld

2009-06-05T23:56:24Z

"I just don't know whose side he's on," Inhofe added.

The same can be said of you, jackass!

screaminmeme Commented on Sorkin: I Apologize For 'Flip,' 'Unscripted' Comments by Brian Beutler

2009-06-03T21:52:23Z

Oh, we get it: Sorkin was just being provocative or, put another way, was simply playing "devil's advocate". Well, then, that's different . . . Putz!

screaminmeme Commented on New Polls Show Sotomayor Starting Off Confirmation Process In Good Shape by Eric Kleefeld

2009-05-31T20:11:16Z

The latest sign that the nation has slid further into the muck of banality is evidenced by polls -- not for what they purport to show, but because they are taken at all on this subject and at this time.

Think about it: before a single hearing is held, and without the benefit (for most) of reading a single written opinion authored by the nominee, we have national polling organizations trolling for opinions from the population, the vast majority of whom are either uninformed or completely ignorant on the issues presented. Indeed, the only people whose opinions are not only worth noting, but for which they ought to get applause, are the 20-26 percent who have no opinion when asked how they feel about the nomination. The rest break down along predictable lines of politics, ideology, or both.

To conclude other than we are a nation of reactionaries ignores reality.

screaminmeme Commented on John Yoo Warns Against "Results-Oriented" Sotomayor by Eric Kleefeld

2009-05-27T19:28:34Z

Thankee. Seemed an appropriate av for my handle . . . hope Tripp et al. don't mind. On topic: Is it even possible that Mr. Yoo does not fathom the perverse irony of his comments? There is no way in hell that his comments don't make their way into "Countdown"'s "WTF Moment", The Daily Show, or both. You simply cannot make this stuff up!