Fineline 2.0

Read it and weep

2011-02-13T04:41:00.002-05:00

He's right you know.

Read Your Krugman

2011-02-11T10:53:00.001-05:00

Today's GOP is way to the right of Milton Freidman,

Obama's America

2011-02-10T00:25:00.001-05:00

Tax cuts for the very rich and no heat for the poor. Oy!

Headline of the day.

2011-02-10T00:13:00.001-05:00

Note to parents: if your last name is Baals, don't name your kid "Harry."

I thought the Communty Reinvestment Act caused the Financial crisis

2011-02-10T00:07:00.001-05:00

Not Really.

Tempest in a Teapot

2011-02-10T00:05:00.002-05:00

The poor dear.

The Real Ronald Reagan

2011-02-08T19:45:00.000-05:00

Another interesting opinion.

Reality v. Tea Party.

2011-02-08T19:41:00.001-05:00

They want to abolish the Department of Energy. Even though they have no idea what the Department of Energy does.

Headline of the day.

2011-02-08T19:39:00.001-05:00

Man killed by armed rooster.

Surprise!

2011-02-08T19:36:00.000-05:00

Reality v. Conservatives.

Do the right thing!

2011-02-06T12:38:00.002-05:00

It's long overdue.

In Va., Conservatives attempting to block help for persons with Autism.

2011-02-06T12:34:00.003-05:00

Shame on them.

Happy Birthday President Reagan

2011-02-06T12:25:00.002-05:00

Conservatives practically worship him. But if he was a Democratic president with the same policies today, they would be out to destroy him.

The real Ronald Reagan

2011-02-06T12:20:00.003-05:00

Doesn't quite resemble the Ronald Reagan of contemporary conservative mythology.

A Political Rant

2010-10-29T15:43:00.001-04:00

Two years ago, I would have found it hard to believe that, just a fews days before the midterm elections, the Democrats would find themselves in danger of losing both houses of Congress. They had just swept the national elections, and had elected a new, dynamic leader, who appeared (to me) to be the bold, intelligent leader we so desperately needed.

The Republican Party, on the other hand, seemed destined for hard times. They had presided over the worst economic debacle since the great depression and had lied their way into an unpopular and economically disastrous war in Iraq. Fewer jobs were produced during the Bush Administration than in any other administration since the Hoover Administration. The average American Family had found itself poorer at the end of the Bush Administration than they had at the beginning. When Bush had taken office, America was enjoying budget surpluses. By the time, Bush left office, we were facing record budget deficits. According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office, these deficits are largely attributed to three factors: the cost of the Iraqi War, the Bush tax cuts, and the great recession. (The great recession was, in turn, caused by the failure to properly regulate financial institutions, and the failure of the legal and accounting professions, more on this in subsequent posts). While Average Americans were suffering, the Bush Administration and the Federal Reserve bailed out the very same same corrupt financial institutions whose malfeasance had caused the financial crisis in the first place. Those corrupt financial institutions promptly turned around and used some of their bailout money to pay enormous bonuses to the very same individuals who had designed and implemented these schemes .

Sadly, the Democrats have squandered their chance to lead, and as a result we are threatened with Government by rabid Mob. By Rabid Mob, I mean the Tea Party. The tea-baggers, as they have chose to call themselves, are mad, and they are not going to take it anymore. By “it” they seem to mean government spending, bailouts for the unemployed, and people with too much melanin (especially those who live in a big white house in Washington D.C. or know some Spanish). I don't understand. There is plenty to be angry about. But this anger is misplaced. Excessive Government spending and over regulation is not what caused this massive unemployment, nor was it caused by brown people. It was caused by a failure to regulate the financial industry.

And who blocked the efforts to regulate the financial industry?

I Can't Help Myself

2010-10-29T11:43:00.002-04:00

I just have to link to Professor Krugman.

Well, I’m back, with a new version of an old, unsuccessful blog. I figure if Wall Street and the politicians can keep spewing out the same, old nonse

2010-10-29T11:01:00.000-04:00

Well, I’m back, with a new version of an old, unsuccessful blog. I figure if Wall Street and the politicians can keep spewing out the same, old nonsense year-after-year, Why not me?

Anyway, the new Fineline will be quite different from the old. It will cover a wider range of topics. I will also do most of my posting on the weekends, since I am so busy during the week. I encourage my readership, and I mean both of you, to participate, to challenge my assumptions, to educate me and, of course most importantly, to provide frequent praise and adoration.

I'm back with a new, even worse attempt at blogging.

2010-10-29T08:17:00.001-04:00

The Democrats and Iraq

2007-05-22T04:12:00.000-04:00

The Democrats have Bush right where they should want him. Unless Congress allocates more funds, Bush won't have the funds to continue military operations in Iraq after July. But the Democrats act like Bush has the upper hand. OY!

Our presence in Iraq does nothing for the Iraqi people: they want us out, ASAP. Our presence in Iraq harms our national security. We would be much safer here at home if we left. The American people want us out too. The American people voted Republicans out of Congress, mainly because they wanted out of Iraq.

But it looks like the Democrats in Congress are going to knuckle under to Bush and let him keep fighting his foolhardy debacle in Iraq. Bush and the Republican frame the issue in terms of supporting the troops and many Democrats run from cover. How is letting the troops die (and keeping them from their jobs and families)in a lost cause supporting the troops? Was it the troops' idea to go to Iraq? Why won't the Democrats take on this illogical argument?

Why? Why are the Democrat's committing political suicide? They were sent to Congress the clean up corruption and get us out of Iraq. The only way they can get us out of Iraq is to cut off funding. Now Congress' approval ratings are falling, especially among Democrats and Independents.

Right now a minority of the Democrats in Congress are bringing their party and much more importantly, their country, down. Its a profile in cowardice.

Gov. O'Malley Comes to HoCo

2007-05-18T10:29:00.000-04:00

Last night I attended the Howard County Democratic Central Committee's Annual Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner. As always the company was great. And for once the food was good. But in an evening of highlights, the highest and lightest highlight was the speech by Governor O'Malley.

I was especially heartened to hear the Guv's straight talk on Maryland's fiscal situation. The Governor correctly noted that his predecessor left him a mess and acknowledged that the Democrats will have to fix it. He noted that we need to cut waste, but also noted that our present fiscal circumstances, an expected 1.4 Billion shortfall, are largely the result of Governor Glendening's 10 percent income tax cut.

So let's do the right thing, roll back the Glendening tax cut for all but the poor and lower middle class and raise the INCOME taxes of the upper middle class and the wealthy.

Oh, and one other thing, Sen. Obama won the straw poll! Sen. Clinton took second, and Sen. Edwards took third.

Maryland's Budget Woes

2007-05-11T17:38:00.000-04:00

Gov. O'Malley is seeking 200 million dollars worth of spending cuts. Why isn't he considering raising taxes, especially on the rich?

When will Americans learn? If you want good roads (or mass transit), schools, firefighters and first responders, police protection, environmental protection and to take care of the poor and disabled, you have to be willing pay for it. We are not spending enough on any of these needs.

This will be a test of the Governor, the Legislature and the voters of Maryland. For or kids' sake, lets hope we all pass this test.

Another Drunk Driving Victim

2007-05-10T20:17:00.000-04:00

I hate this.

First people know better than to drink and drive and yet it still happens, often.

Second, why does it matter that the killer was an illegal immigrant? His lack of a visa did not kill that young man, his inability or unwillingness to use alcohol responsibly did.

Oy!

Al Gore was at UMBC Tonite

2007-05-08T22:03:00.000-04:00

Wow was he ever powerful. Wow is our planet in trouble.

Gore gave an updated and much funnier version of the presentation that appeared in an Inconvenient Truth. It was one of the best presentations I have ever seen. far superior to the movie, which I recommend. Al was in great form too. I suspect he will run for President. His presentation was very political and made for a great campaign speech. Very, very impressive. He would make an excellent President.

And just think, he's the guy the American People chose to be President, which goes to show that we are much smarter and wiser than 5 of the justices who heard that case.

Belated Congratulations! To Columbia's New Political Dynasty

2007-05-08T05:33:00.000-04:00

To my friend Evan Coren who is now Kings Contrivance's representative to the Columbia Council. While I agree with Evan more often than not, I don't always agree with him, especially about some issues concerning Downtown Columbia. But I do know that Evan will work hard to understand all sides of the issues he will be deciding and he will do what he thinks is best for Columbia, rather than what he thinks is best for Evan.

Congratulations are also in order for Evan's Mother, Ann Coren, who won the Election for the Owen Brown Village Board.

Belated sympathies are extended to almost every other local blogger. Since it seems all of them ran for office (with less fortune than Evan).

I'm Fine and I'm back.

2007-05-08T05:28:00.000-04:00

I've been very very busy.

I stopped posting but people kept visiting the site. Thanks! And for those of you who asked about my well being, thanks for your concern.

There is so much to blog about: we are living interesting and scary times.

The Democratic Presidential Candidates Discuss Universal Healthcare

2007-03-25T08:58:00.000-04:00

CNN's take.

The Post's take.

It disturbs me to see the discussion center about Universal Healthcare center around taxes.

Yes, we might have to raise taxes to enact Universal Healthcare. But every major industrialized nation but us has UHC. And they pay much, much less for healthcare than we do and have better results. In Europe and Asia, they pay about a fourth to a third of what we pay for healthcare and get better results. So while we might end up paying higher taxes, we won't have to pay health insurance premiums anymore.

Our Sad State of Affairs

2007-03-25T08:36:00.000-04:00

Right now the United States Government is torturing people, spying on its citizens, and detaining people indefinitely without pressing charges or allowing representation by an attorney. Right now the President of the United States is contending that Congress has no oversite powers over the Executive branch. Recently, evidence has been revealed that indicating that the president's top aides, and maybe the president himself, plotted to press phony criminal charges against the opposition party.

Does this sound like an advanced, modern democracy to you?

Kudos to the House Democrats

2007-03-25T08:34:00.000-04:00

The bill they passed forces Bush to either accept time limits for his debacle in Iraq or cut off funding.

Smart Move Democrats!

Watergate 2.0

2007-03-25T08:21:00.000-04:00

The right-wing has successfully succeeded in diverting the media from the real issue raised by the firing of 8 U.S. Attorneys. Much of the discussion has centered around Bush's right to fire these U.S. Attorneys or on the ensuing cover-up (which is newsworthy in and of itself). It is clear that Bush had the right to fire them. Its also clear and newsworthy that the Attorney General and other high ranking Justice Department officials have been caught lying to Congress about this matter.

But the real issue concerns the reasons these U.S. Attorney's were fired in the first place: because they either refused to file trumped up charges against Democratic Congressional or, in the case of Carole Lam, were about to investigate the relationship between Duke Cunningham's bribers and the Vice President of the United States.

We can't lose sight of these facts, they are the real key to this scandal.

Are We Going to Get a State-Wide Smoking Ban?

2007-03-19T19:03:00.000-04:00

The issue goes to the full Senate.

Governor O'Malley Makes a Gutsy Call

2007-03-19T19:01:00.000-04:00

A good one too.

Thats the kind of decisive and wise leadership Maryland needs.

The Dots are Connecting

2007-03-19T18:41:00.000-04:00

Fired San Diego U.S. attorney Carol Lam notified the Justice Department that she intended to execute search warrants on a high-ranking CIA official as part of a corruption probe the day before a Justice Department official sent an e-mail that said Lam needed to be fired, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein said Sunday.

The whole article is here.

Read Up On the Subprime Scandal

2007-03-19T18:38:00.000-04:00

Its very bad news for the economy and the average American.

Get ready for the right-wing noise machine to blame it on too much regulation, when just the opposite is true.

Sen. Clinton Shows Some Leadership

2007-03-18T11:50:00.000-04:00

The mortgage market is going to be the savings and loan crisis of the 2000s. Its time that our political leaders take note, and action.

I'm glad to see Sen. Clinton is on top of this issue.

Bush is at 31% Approval in Newsweek Poll

2007-03-18T11:46:00.000-04:00

What's the deal with those 31%?

An Ominous Development

2007-03-18T11:39:00.000-04:00

Terrorists using chlorine gas bombs in Iraq.

Of course the use of chlorine gas was outlawed by the Geneva Conventions. Too bad the Bush Administration has abandoned the Geneva Conventions.

The Showdown

2007-03-17T11:20:00.000-04:00

It has become clear that the Bush Administration pressured U.S. Attorneys to file bogus charges against Democratic Candidates in an attempt to influence last year's Congressional Elections. The Bush Administration then purged those U.S. Attorney's who would not go along with this illegal endeavor or who were pursuing investigations or prosecutions of leading Republicans. (58% of Americans believe that the firings were politically motivated). If that was not bad enough, its clear that our Attorney General lied to Congress about this matter. Its also quite clear that the Administration has been lying to Congress and the American People about this matter.

The Democrats are demanding answers. The answers will clearly embarrass Bush and maybe even implicate him in a crime.

Will the Whitehouse comply with the document requests? Will they disobey a subpoena?

If so what then?

As I have been saying for a while, we are in Watergate territory here.

We are going to start seeing more and more of this.

2007-03-17T11:17:00.000-04:00

Anti-War Demonstrations.

If its a Good Idea

2007-03-17T11:14:00.000-04:00

You can bet the Whitehouse will oppose it.

Isn't it ironic. The Whitehouse claims to be protecting the Constitution.

Another Bush Administration Lie Exposed

2007-03-17T11:10:00.000-04:00

Valarie Plame was a covert operative.

And the Bush Administration was willing to sacrifice a national security assert in order to retaliate against a whistleblower.

They risked our national security in an attempt to cover up their lies that got us into the debacle in Iraq.

What other President has screwed up as bad as this one?

The Return of Senator Macaca?

2007-03-16T15:56:00.000-04:00

Good news for Democrats.

Please Feel Free to Send

2007-03-16T11:01:00.000-04:00

Me any announcements that you would like to have posted on fineline. I won't post any announcements for fund raisers or for any organizations that I have a beef with (the NRA or GOP need not apply).

Just send your announcement to slfine@gmail.com.

This Would Not Have Happened With A Republican Congress

2007-03-14T18:38:00.000-04:00

An Open Government bill passes the House.

Watergate PArt Deux

2007-03-14T18:31:00.000-04:00

Well it looks like the President is digging his heels in. He claims he stands behind Gonzalez.

Meanwhile the Dragnet tightens.

Exhibit 1. Former Republican Senator implicates Rove.

Turn to Josh Marshall for the latest. His blog broke this story wide open.

Maryland's Deficit

2007-03-14T18:30:00.000-04:00

I know one way to help solve it.

In 2003 Bush Fired a Prosecutor Who Began an Investigation of Jack Abramoff

2007-03-14T18:27:00.000-04:00

Remember?

Another Failure of Right-Wing Economics

2007-03-14T18:18:00.000-04:00

Leaving financial markets to self-regulate does not work.

Exhibit 20,000.

It Only Took Three Years

2007-03-14T18:16:00.000-04:00

And a Democratic Congress to enact the 9/11 Commission's recommendations.

Western Howard County Democratic Club

2007-03-14T18:14:00.000-04:00

The West HoCo Dem. Club meeting is Tuesday, March 20th p.m. at the Howard County Conservancy, 10520 Old Frederick Rd., Woodstock, Md. 21163.

The guest speaker is John Wills, two term Secretary of State in the Glendenning administration. He will talk about working for Democratic principals in an area that is predominately Republican.

For more information call Clyde or Romayne at 301.854.6507 or email at robici@comcast.net.

The Columbia Democratic Club

2007-03-12T20:34:00.000-04:00

As previously announced, the March Columbia Democratic Club membership meeting will be held this coming Wednesday, March 14, at Jeffers Hill Neighborhood Center, 6030 Tamar Drive in Columbia. A half-hour informal social gathering with refreshments will begin at 7:00 PM., followed by a brief membership business meeting, which will include reports on the CDC PAC and 2007 budget, the CDC legislative agenda, the May CDC elections, and other CDC activities. The social gathering is intended to provide an opportunity for members and guests to greet each other, and to provide announcements of interest.

Beginning at 8:00 p.m., the CDC March Program will include guest speakers Wylene Burch, Rhonda Jones, and Herman Charity. A little background on each speaker is provided below. Since the CDC February meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather, the important theme for the February program, which was in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement in Howard County, carries over to this month. Please come and learn about the Howard County Civil Rights Movement. I am sure the presentations will be of interest and provide greater awareness of what many had to endure during those trying times, which in some respects regrettably continue.

Wylene Burch, founder and curator of the Howard County Center of African-American Culture. The Center, which is located on Vantage Point Road in Columbia, is an educational resource that promotes greater awareness of African American history in Howard County. The collection consists of artifacts, murals, recordings of spirituals-jazz-rap, a library of over 2,000 books on the Black experience, an African American stamp collection, and memorabilia depicting images of African Americans over the last 200 years.
Rhonda Jones is a representative of the Howard County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) For nearly 60 years, this branch has been in the forefront of civil rights activities.
Herman Charity was first black Howard County Police Officer retiring in 1998 after 30 years of service at the rank of Lieutenant. Was executive assistant to former Howard County Administrator Jim Robey.

Tell them fineline sent you.

Has Anyone Else Noticed?

2007-03-12T20:28:00.000-04:00

That the two Republicans who are the front runners for the Presidential nomination are not far right wingers? All the wingers trail?

What does that tell us?

Maybe the electorate isn't as conservative as it once was?

Another Actor Who Wants to Play President?

2007-03-12T20:25:00.000-04:00

Fred Thompson is considering running for President.

I remember the last time the American People made the mistake of hiring an Actor to play President. That didn't work out too well.

Is this a sequel or a remake?

Andrea Mitchell: Most Americans Are In Favor of Pardoning Scooter Libby

2007-03-12T20:14:00.000-04:00

Reality: Only 18% of Americans favor pardoning Scooter Libby.

There goes the Mainsteam Media with their obvious liberal bias again.

Giuliani Widens Lead over McCain

2007-03-12T20:04:00.000-04:00

According to one poll at least.

Are the Republicans going to nominate a candidate who had to abort his last campaign (For N.Y. Senate) under a cloud of scandal? Remember who ended up winning that race?

Just one of the skeletons in the Mayor's closet: Bernie Kerik.

GonzalezGate

2007-03-12T19:58:00.000-04:00

This could get very interesting. Sen. Schumer wants Karl Rove to testify about his role in the firings.

It looks like Rove was involved. I think getting him under oath to testify is a good idea.

This might just be the scandal that brings Bush down.

Nice.

Sad News

2007-03-08T21:35:00.000-05:00

There is a very sad story in the Sun.

As the article shows and as lots of people will tell you, Dr. Leffler was a very good man. Usually, these sad stories in the newspapers are about strangers. This one wasn't. Dr. Leffler was my son's Dr. Thats true of a lot of children in HoCo (and many adults in HoCo are his former patients).

We moved from pediatrician to pediatrician before we could find a Dr. who was truly able and willing to care for my severely autistic son. Dr. Leffler's practice was the one practice were we felt that our son was truly welcome. My son frequently presented Dr. Leffler, his partners and his staff with difficult challenges. Yet Dr. Leffler always went the extra mile for my son. The last time I spoke with Dr. Leffler, he made it clear that my son was welcome to stay on as his patient into adulthood for a long as we wished. That comment was very comforting to me. I (and my family) have always been very grateful for Dr. Leffler's patience and understanding.

I am sorry I never told him that.

Right Now

2007-03-08T21:25:00.000-05:00

Most Polls have Senator Clinton winning the Democratic Nomination and Rudy G. winning the Republican nomination. Although I think Rudy would have the best chance of winning among the Republicans, I think he would have a rough time against the Senator. First, I think Rudy G's nomination would help the Republicans among independents, but his liberal social stances and his past personal life will hurt turnout among Christian Conservatives. Moreover, in New York, Senator Clinton is way more popular than Rudy G. this is import for a number of reasons. First, its shows that when voters get to really know both candidates, they will choose the Senator. Second, it means Rudy G. will lose one of his advantages, being a favorite sun in the second biggest state. and Third, New York is a very blue state.

But the bottom line is that its still pretty early and each front runner still faces major challenges ahead, just to get their respective nominations.

And did I mention that Sen. Chuck Hagel is going to throw his hat in the ring?

Behave

2007-03-08T21:19:00.000-05:00

Or the HoCo police might taser you.

Bi-Partisan Outrage

2007-03-08T21:12:00.000-05:00

Both Democrats and some Republicans are outraged by the effort to pressure Federal prosecutors to bring trumped up charges against Democratic Candidates.

You know a scandal has legs when both parties are outraged.

So far the outrage is directed at Attorney General Gonzalez. But there are some indications that the Whitehouse was involved.

They Must Have Been Reading Fineline

2007-03-08T21:10:00.000-05:00

The House Dems have a plan to get us out of Iraq.

If Bush was Involved...

2007-03-07T12:36:00.000-05:00

In the firings of U.S. Attorneys who refused to prosecute Democrats for purely political purposes on trumped up charges, then we are in Watergate Territory.

For those of you who are too young to remember, Nixon resigned because Congress (both Democrats and Republicans) were going to impeach him for a) obstructing an investigation into a burglary of the Democratic National HQ, and b) using federal law enforcement to harass his (perceived) personal and political enemies (like Joe Namath).

If he's involved, its clearly an impeachable matter. So check out this paragrpah from the Posts report:

In remarks after the hearings, McKay said that officials in the White House counsel's office, including then-counsel Harriet E. Miers, asked him to explain why he had "mishandled" the governor's race during an interview for a federal judgeship in September 2006. McKay was informed after his dismissal that he also was not a finalist for the federal bench

.
(emphasis supplied). If the "Bestest Whitehouse Counsel Ever" was involved, there is a good chance that the "Bestest President Ever" was too.

Ann Coulter is a Sleezy, Nasty, Vile Scumbag! And Rush Limbaugh is Jealous !

2007-03-06T20:18:00.000-05:00

There's a (disappointingly small) backlash against Eva Coulter, but relative silence on Rush's latest bigoted remark.

Rush is an evil and pitiful excuse for a human being. Media matters has Exhibit No. 200,000:

On the March 2 broadcast of his nationally syndicated radio show, host Rush Limbaugh stated that "since [Sen. Barack] Obama [D-IL] has -- on his mother's side -- forebears of his mother had slaves, could we not say that if Obama wins the Democratic nomination and then wins the presidency, he will own [Rev.] Al Sharpton?
Where is the outrage?

The HRC has declared war on septic Annie.

Let the Betting Begin

2007-03-06T20:00:00.000-05:00

How many days until the Pardon?

And why is Scooter the only one who got prosecuted?

Is this the end of the story?

Here's what the Democratic Front runners had to say.

Another Major Republican Scandal

2007-03-06T19:53:00.000-05:00

It seems those (Republican) U.S. Attorneys who got fired, got fired because they wouldn't prosecute Democrats on trumped up charges.

This is worse than Watergate. Only then we had a real press core.

Josh Marshall has been all over this story and doing a great job.

And the House Democrats deserve credit too, for holding these hearings. Then again, they are only doing their job under the Constitution. Its been a while since Congress actually conducted some oversight

I'm Losing Confidence in the House Democratic Leadership

2007-03-06T19:48:00.000-05:00

What have they done, since the first 100 hours? They are just playing into the Republican narrative of them: cowardly and without ideas. They have to confront Bush on Iraq: both for the Nation's sake and for the future of the Democratic Party.

Its clear the American people want out of Iraq. Is the Democratic Leadership listening?

How come only the "crazy" liberals get it?

Don't Miss The CDC's Program on the Civil Rights Movement in Howard County

2007-03-06T19:44:00.000-05:00

The February Columbia Democratic Club meeting program on the Civil Rights Movement in Howard County, which was not held due to inclement weather, will be carried over to the CDC Wednesday, March 14 meeting. The March 14 meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m., and will commence with a member/guest social and short business meeting, followed by the program, which will end by 9:00 p.m. More details to be announced soon. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us at Jeffers Hill Neighborhood Center, for this interesting and insightful program to learn more about the civil rights movement in Howard County.

It might be even more romantic than it would have been on Valentines Day.

Its guaranteed to be warmer.

Check this Out

2007-03-03T08:51:00.000-05:00

Walter Reed's Commander has an accountability moment.

Kudo's to SecDef. Gates!

Bush's Popularity is at a Historic Low

2007-03-03T08:46:00.000-05:00

29% approve. What are they smoking?

Ehrlich Administration Corruption Revealed

2007-03-02T09:23:00.000-05:00

I was going to write about this. But then Hayduke beat me to it. Arrrh!

Unlike Hayduke, I am of the opinion that this is a smoking gun. This is the way its usually done. The Democrats do it too sometimes. In recent times, the Republicans haven't even tried to hide it. And the Republicans have been smart enough to make sure a lot of the loot ends up in their party's coffers.

So What?

2007-03-02T09:14:00.000-05:00

Why is this important enough to get on the front page of the Sun? Why does it matter?

Why not an in depth article on Sen. Obama's plans for Iraq, or healthcare, or global warming, or campaign finance reform or whether he might be the real father of Anna Nicole Smith's little girl?

What does the fact that one of his ancestors owned slaves tell us about Sen. Obama? The same thing is true for countless Americans, both black and white.

The Time Is Now for Universal Healthcare

2007-03-02T02:40:00.000-05:00

Americans want Universal healthcare and Americans are willing to pay higher taxes for it.

Americans spend three to four times per citizen as much as Europeans do for health care and yet are far less healthy. Our medical procedures have worse outcomes and Many Americans go without healthcare. Meanwhile, American businesses (and American taxpayers) are left with huge healthcare bills. That hurts their global competitiveness. The huge number of Americans without regular healthcare poses a public safety threat: think about how it might play out in a fast moving epidemic. Doctors make less money because of the present situation.

No one really gains from this sorry state of affairs but the insurance and pharmaceutical industrys.

Even though Universal Healthcare has broad public support among the American people and is hurting us economically and shortening our lives, it does not seem to be a priority in Washington. There is little or no chance that we will get Universal Healthcare soon.

We are all prisoners of these narrow special interests.

Its like Iraq. The American people want out of Iraq too. But the powers that be in Washington are not listening to the American People.

Whose county is it?

KujanBlog Hits the Nail on the Head

2007-02-28T21:02:00.000-05:00

Universal Healthcare would save money AND LIVES.

Tasers for HoCo's Police? Not So Fast.

2007-02-28T20:27:00.000-05:00

The Sun reports that two County Council members have expressed some reasonable concerns about allowing HoCo's police force to acquire and deploy tasers.

A local blog Life 2.1 covers this issue in detail and makes some excellent points.

Maryland Round Up

2007-02-28T20:21:00.000-05:00

Some (Republican of course) legislators are actually against banning robocalls.

While the Gov. comes out in favor of the smoking ban. Thats all well and good Gov. But where do you stand on the all important issue of car testicles?

Senate President Miller is talking Slots again.

Bad Leadership, Stupid Politics

2007-02-28T20:18:00.000-05:00

Speaker Pelosi appoints William Jefferson to important committee. Republicans' prayers are answered.

WTF?

Bush is Losing the War on Al Queda

2007-02-28T20:14:00.000-05:00

Why hasn't he been impeached?

Cover Up Begins at Walter Reed

2007-02-28T20:12:00.000-05:00

Shameful!

Not Surprising

2007-02-28T20:07:00.000-05:00

Fired U.S. Attorney alleged that he was pressured to prosecute Democrats.

By Republican members of Congress!

Regulation Isn't Always a Bad Thing

2007-02-27T20:47:00.000-05:00

The Republicans keep cutting funding for food safety. Guess what's happening?

Interesting

2007-02-27T20:45:00.000-05:00

A new presidential poll from Zogby.

Rudy seems to be the Republican frontrunner. He would be the hardest to beat for the Dems.

Clinton is the Dem. frontrunner. But Clinton loses to Rudy. Obama is the only Dem. Who beats Rudy.

Meanwhile, Obama outdraws the big dog in Ohio.

The American People Want Out Of Iraq

2007-02-27T20:37:00.000-05:00

Is anybody in Washington listening?

Why are so many Congressional Democrats so hesitant to move on this issue?

Does any one out there in finelineland have any insight into this matter?

Its About Time

2007-02-27T20:35:00.000-05:00

It seems too good to be true, the U.S. is going to give diplomacy a chance.

Lets pray for success.

Maryland Round Up

2007-02-27T20:26:00.000-05:00

It looks like the Clean Car Bill will become law as it has passed the Senate and the House and has Gov. O'Malley's support. This is a major environmental victory!

And that is not all of the good news: it looks like the Ehrlich Administration scheme to sell the WTC to a big contributor for a below market price is dead.

It looks like we might have to act like grown-ups and raise taxes. Its good to see that our legislators are facing up to reality, instead of cutting important programs and services.

Global Economic Jitters

2007-02-27T17:42:00.000-05:00

Hit home.

Is a recession in the cards? It depends on who you talk too.

U.S. Poverty Hits Record Highs

2007-02-25T12:08:00.000-05:00

In the wealthiest nation in our planet's history, this happens.

Does anybody in Washington, Annapolis or Ellicott City care?

Where are all those so called liberals?

While Bush Wastes Lives and Money in Iraq

2007-02-25T12:02:00.000-05:00

Al Queda is making a comeback.

Meanwhile, the Bush Administration doesn't seem too interested in stopping Al Queda or finding Bil Laden.

And Hilary Clinton claims liberal Democrats are soft on terrorism.

Shame on You House Democrats

2007-02-25T11:56:00.000-05:00

They vote to cut funding for children's healthcare, while leaving tax cuts for super rich in place.

Simply despicable.

Al Gore

2007-02-25T11:44:00.000-05:00

INTERNATIONAL ROCKSTAR

How long before he stops wearing underwear, shaves his head bald, and checks into rehab?

Actually, wouldn't it be great if our idea of a celebrity was someone like Al Gore instead of the usual: Michael Jackson, O.J., Britney, Paris and anyone from American Idol?

Senator Clinton, Please Come to your Senses

2007-02-24T04:58:00.000-05:00

Poll after poll indicate that the American People want out of Iraq by an overwhelming margin. Clearly, that was the message sent by the American people in November's elections. Moreover, it's clear that our presence in Iraq furthers neither our interests nor those of the Iraqi people. Iraq is the issue that kills the Republican Party.

So why is Sen. Clinton attacking those Democrats who favor withdrawal from Iraq with Republican talking points?

Right now, and things most likely will change, there are three major contenders for the Democratic nomination: Obama, Clinton and Edwards.

One had the wisdom and foresight to oppose the war from day one, one has the sense and courage to admit his initial support of the war was a mistake and one not only hasn't admitted she made a mistake, but is questioning the judgment of the other two candidates on this issue.

To make things worse, she is using the Rovian tactic of suggesting that those who were against the war or who favor rapid disengagement or even just oppose escalation are soft on terrorism. Even though its clear that attacking Iraq and staying in Iraq weakens our ability to fight terrorism and has in fact been a bonanza for Al Queda.

Is that the kind of leadership our country needs?

Does the fact that Senator Clinton supported one of our nation's worst blunders and has apparently not yet learned from her mistake, reflect positively on her ability to make wise decisions if she were elected to the Presidency of the United States?

Does the Democratic Party want to abandon the issue that won it the last election?

I Prefer

2007-02-23T17:57:00.000-05:00

The Senators' approach.

Although both plans are better than the Bush Administration's.

It was Exiciting to See

2007-02-23T16:43:00.000-05:00

that Country Executive Ulman has created an Environmental Commission for the County. I'm hoping that the Environmental Commission will take a good look at the environmental effects of excessive limits on density in downtown Columbia. Basically, well planned high density development can leave a much smaller environmental footprint than sprawl.

I also hope they will look into the environmental harm caused by the neglect of Baltimore City's school system. Basically, if we could fix the schools there, it would draw more development back into the city and away from sprawl. It would also ease some of the housing shortage that might well result from BRAC.

Howard County Happenings

2007-02-23T16:28:00.000-05:00

There's a lot of ground to cover here today. First, County Executive Ulman has given his first State of The County address. Of course, its starts out correctly stating that the state of the County is strong. But they alway say that. Wouldn't it have been refreshing if Bush had been honest and said the state of the Country is [blanked]? Here's the link to the Sun's coverage. For those of you who prefer their news unfiltered here is the video of the speech as it appears on Hayduke's site. We have a new County Solicitor nominee. Will she end up handling litigation arising from the use of tasers? Seems to me that, if used wisely, tasers would present a useful alternative to the use of deadly force. Of course, if they are over used . . . but isn't that true of guns too?

And the Columbia Skyscraper continues to make news. County Executive Ulman's looking for a consensus solution. I wish him well, but I'm not gonna bet on a consensus solution.

The Answer to John Edward's Prayers

2007-02-23T11:03:00.000-05:00

And maybe the Republicans as well.

The British are Going, The British are Going ...

2007-02-23T10:56:00.000-05:00

The damage that this President has done to this county by invading Iraq is enormous. Andrew Sullivan, of all people, discusses just one aspect of the harm that Bush has done.

If this is True. . .

2007-02-23T10:54:00.000-05:00

Where do I even begin.

With the Bush Administration, it is conceivably true. And that says everything.

We Need to Get Out Iraq

2007-02-23T10:52:00.000-05:00

The Democrats are going to try to force the issue.

Senator Clinton Further Alienates Me

2007-02-21T18:30:00.000-05:00

I want to like and support her, really I do. But she's making it difficult with statements like this:

"To underscore a point, some people may be running who tell you we don't face a real threat from terrorism. I'm not one of them."

-- Sen. Hillary Clinton, quoted by ABC News, suggesting one of her rivals is soft on terrorism.

(From the Political Wire).

Meanwhile, Sen. Obama charms Hollywood. And he gets Tom Daschle's endorsement.

County Executive Ulman Hits Another Home Run

2007-02-21T18:28:00.000-05:00

Appoints Joshua Feldmark as chair of Environmental Commission!

Governor Martin O'Malley Gained A lot of My Respect Today

2007-02-21T18:22:00.000-05:00

He threw all of his political capital in the ring against capital punishment. He didn't just make a speech indicating he is against capital punishment, he actually went to the State legislature and testified against the death penalty!

Bold moves.

The Governor's oped opposing capital punishment appears in the Post.

Thats the way to do it Governor!

Maryland Round Up

2007-02-20T20:58:00.000-05:00

Our State legislature is hard at work, the Senate passed an early voting bill as had the House of Delegates,now the bill goes to conference an then to the Gov. Score one for progress.

The House approved a bill that would set tough emissions standards for cars sold in Maryland.

Nice!

Governor O'Malley plans to throw his support behind an effort to repeal the death penalty.