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Saturday, July 24, 2010

Democrats Abandon Comprehensive Energy Bill

And this bill had already been watered down, severely limiting its effectiveness. This is bad not only for our country but also for the world.

Can we somehow disband this Senate and start over? There are now many pieces of legislation passed by the House and stalled in the Senate. This, after a year-long spectacle of dithering, posturing, and negotiating over health care reform. I think that we could pick 100 people off the street and have them work better for our national interest, rather than the self interests that now prevail.

In our republic's early days, many thought that the intelligent elite should run the country. We now have those who consider themselves elite and work on preserving their positions rather than what's good for the country.

While I consider President Obama a special person and continue to support him, he has let us down in some respects. Where are the inspiring speeches and words that might have led to public support for strong action? He did get us a stimulous legislation and health care and financial reform, but in each case less than needed because he didn't provide the specific demands, the political clout, the leadership and inspiration called for in these times.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Democrats Abandon Comprehensive Energy Bill

Giving up without a fight? If we can't pass legislation limiting carbon (and encouraging renewable energy resources) after overwhelming evidence of climate change and the Gulf of Mexico disaster, when can we?

President Obama should fight for a strong, effective bill, within the government and with a public campaign. Then, the Senate Democrats should force the issue, letting the Republicans mount an actual filibuster, if they dare.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Fox News Strikes Again

Remember that Fox News touted a partially faked video that got governments to denounce and renounce ACORN? Fox False News has now helped to cause an unjustified firing of an USDA employee, Shirley Sherrod.

The video clip at the center of the controversy received widespread attention when it aired Monday night on Fox News, but it was first reported that morning in a story by Brietbart on BigGovernment.com. Taken completely out of contest, the video seemed to show that Sherrod, an African- American, had discriminated against a white farmer, withholding some benefits.

Without hearing Sherrod's side of the story and without viewing the full video, which showed her to be without bias, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack called for her immediate resignation. His precipitous action was reportedly backed up by the White House.

This injustice may be reversed, but what does it show about Obama's administration.? Afraid of Fox News and Glenn Beck? Is the White House really cool and cerebral? Where is Rahm EmanueL? Isn't he running this administration?