An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Archive for House of Representatives
Looking For Justice
I was extremely disappointed that I was unable to watch the entire hearings today. What I did see was more than eye opening. I expected some dissent from the left, but Cummings? How can he look himself in the mirror? What a horrid person! How do the people in Maryland’s 7th district live with themselves, continuing to vote for such a dishonorable person? The American people want…no…NEED the truth. We DESERVE the truth, and that is something this administration is in short supply.
The three brave souls that stepped forward to testify, Gregory N. Hicks – the deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Libya at the time of the Benghazi terrorist attacks, Mark I. Thompson – a former Marine and now the deputy coordinator for Operations in the agency’s Counterterrorism Bureau, and Eric Nordstrom, a diplomatic security officer who was the regional security officer in Libya, the top security officer in the country in the months leading up to the attacks, deserved better treatment from both this administration, and Congress.
Eric Nordstrom
I have no doubt this was a cover up on the part of the Obama administration. How far up it goes, who can tell at this point, but it DOES matter! There is little doubt in my mind that Hillary Clinton committed perjury during her testimony. The American Thinker shared Steven Hayes’ piece, in condensed form:
a) Hillary Clinton lied under oath to Congress.
b) Barack Obama went to sleep knowing that a U.S. Ambassador and other Americans were under terrorist attack.
c) Barack Obama awoke refreshed the next day to begin fundraising.
d) The entire Executive Branch lied repeatedly to the American people to save Obama’s chances for reelection.
They also have a spread sheet, via Doug Ross, with a very comprehensive timeline.
If I could find an entire video of the testimony, I would add it, in a New York second. What I saw, and heard, this morning was heart breaking. It also angered me, as it should every single American! I pray that the four murdered Americans – Ambassador Chris Stevens, Tyrone Woods, Glen Doherty, Sean Smith – and their families, will eventually get justice!
News From Marsha
I wanted to share the following news articles in relation to health care and the adverse impact Obamcare is having on American families and businesses.
Health
ASSOCIATED PRESS FDA Will Investigate Added Caffeine In Foods. The Food and Drug Administration says it will launch a new investigation into foods with added caffeine and their potential impact on the health of children and adolescents.
REUTERS Healthcare costs to negate state, local budget improvements: outlook. State and local governments can expect ever-widening budget gaps through 2060, as rising healthcare costs for both citizens and public employees surpass recent improvements in their revenue, the Government Accountability Office said on Monday. Closing the gap may require drastic action.
Obamacare
NPR As Health Law Changes Loom, A Shift To Part-Time Workers. Some businesses may already be making personnel changes to save money when that provision of the Affordable Care Act kicks in. One option on the table: shifting full-time workers to part time.
THE HILL Report: Officials cut ObamaCare application form to three pages. The Obama administration will unveil a more simplified application for those seeking insurance under the president’s landmark healthcare reform law, after criticisms the initial forms were too complex.
TIME (Opinion) Obamacare Progress. One of the things that concerned me was the 21-page application form that was required for people to join a health care exchange — which, if you’re unfamiliar with the jargon, is an online health-insurance superstore (think Orbitz or Hotels.com) where individuals will have the collective market power of large corporations like, say, Time Warner.
WASHINGTON TIMES ‘Obamacare’ opponents checking for ‘rate shock’ Opponents of President Obama’s health care law are eagerly scouring the paperwork insurers file with states, looking for early evidence of “rate shock” — rising prices ahead of full implementation of the state “exchanges” that begin next year.
For more information on the work I am doing as part of the effort to repeal Obamacare, you can visit my website.
News From Marsha
(I’m grateful OUR side has classy ladies like Marsha Blackburn and Michelle Bachman, and ashamed this administration couldn’t be bothered to send a representative.)
I’m headed home today from having had the true honor of attending Baroness Margaret Thatcher’s funeral service. I wanted to share with you some of my thoughts from the experience yesterday. Returning back to an America still in shock and grief over the events of the past few days means we look even more to strength, faith, and each other.
They stood a dozen deep. Young and old, they lined the streets behind the flag-draped barricades. The rain began to fall almost as if the sky itself mourned the loss of a leader. Inside the cathedral, the music began as guests arrived and were seated. From around the world they came to pay tribute to the former Prime Minister of Great Britain, Baroness Margaret Thatcher. They were slow to seat themselves as they shared their common reverence for two of them now departed: Lady Thatcher and President Reagan. It was my distinct honor to be among them and offer my respects to a woman who became a transformational world leader.
She grew up as the grocer’s daughter and lost two races before her constituency chose her to represent them in the House of Commons. Her rise to Prime Minister was not without it’s hardships, but it was done with great grace. In fact, grace might be the watchword of her life’s journey. She led, she fought, she nurtured, and she inspired all with that stern womanly grace now synonymous with The Iron Lady.
Baroness Thatcher is for me one of those great conservative leaders. She, along with President Reagan, believed and acted on the principle that one who agreed with 80% of your fight was your ally, not your enemy. She held true to her conservative principles in the face of overwhelming public opinion. Her determination in freedom and freedom’s cause truly changed the world. She was a noble leader for noble causes.
As heads of state began to arrive, I wondered what Lady Thatcher would have thought of it all. The service was reverent and beautifully delivered, as she would have wanted. Perhaps the most poignant moment came as Queen Elizabeth II walked up the steps and to her seat without assistance. It was one strong woman saluting another. It was dignity personified. As the final blessing was pronounced, the sun broke through the clouds, brightening the glass windows, and bathing the cathedral in light. It was a homegoing for a daughter of faith. As I head back home, I know I’ll keep her legacy close as we continue the conservative fight she championed.
Here’s an interview with Sky News given after the funeral service. It was an incredible honor to attend on behalf of the United States House of Representatives.
Twitter Me This, Ratman…
Congressman claims he deleted Cyndi Lauper tweets to trick media
Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen of Tennessee claimed Friday that he sent tweets to pop singer Cyndi Lauper, including one calling her “hot,” and deleted them in order to draw the attention of a website that monitors politicians’ deleted tweets. The website would then publicize the tweets to Lauper, Cohen claimed, fooling the media and drawing more attention to a White House concert at which Lauper performed.
Got that?
Ummm… ok…if you say so.
The Tennessee Democrat earlier this week sent two tweets to Lauper, who was performing at the Memphis Soul event at the White House Tuesday night.
“@cyndilauper great night,couldn’t believe how hot u were.see you again next Tuesday.try a little tenderness,” read one.
“Cyndi,Wow what a night!See you next Tuesday and Try a little tenderness again!Wow!What a special night.Thanks Steve,” read the other.
Well, we know of at least one person who got an invite to the big shindig. Wonder how many with an “R” behind their names were invited? Hmmm…. Tuesday night? Is this an indication of a ‘hot date’, or are the Obama’s throwing another lavish party, at our expense, again? Well, honestly, I don’t care if Cohen has the hots for Lauper or not.
< —- Cohen Lauper —-> 
Yep…whatever trips yer trigger!
Cohen deleted those tweets, but not before they were picked up by the Sunlight Foundation’s Politwoops website and broadcast by media outlets, many of which noted the “hot” reference.
Cohen has gotten in trouble on Twitter before. In February, Politwoops disclosed that Cohen had deleted tweets expressing love to a young woman whom the lawmaker admitted was a daughter he recently learned he had fathered.
On Friday, Cohen quickly called a press conference in his office to say the Lauper tweets were just a ruse and a form of payback to those who reported on the tweets to his daughter.
To be perfectly honest, I thought Cohen was gay. Not to say that a homosexual can’t have children, cuz I know of a few who have had them…well, not them personally, since they are male (what a viral video THAT would be…heh), but fathered children. Oh, you know what I mean. It doesn’t matter one whit if he is, or isn’t, he’s still a Democrat>liberal>progressive>socialist>commie. His orientation is irrelevant. I do, however, find it highly amusing that one of his heroes is John F. Kennedy, an extremely conservative Democrat…back when there were such things.
On Friday, Cohen quickly called a press conference in his office to say the Lauper tweets were just a ruse and a form of payback to those who reported on the tweets to his daughter.
He read from the following statement:
“Two months ago, my family was personally hurt and victimized by sensationalized, fact-less speculation masquerading as journalism. I hope this serves to bring attention to the need for journalistic integrity as well as encouraging everyone to watch the spectacular and hot performances of Memphis music.”
Well, he’s not married…. never has been, so what family was he referring to in this statement? I doubt if his brothers care one way or the other. 
His daughter perhaps? Well, she’s a big girl, I’m sure she can deal with it, especially since Daddy is a ‘public figure’. His explanation doesn’t quite cut it, but, if true, then, he is extremely childish and petty.
News From Marsha
I wanted to keep you updated on the budget situation in Washington. Today the House passed the Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Resolution by a vote of 221-207. My colleagues and I approved the budget to help get America back on a path to economic prosperity.
The House budget does several great things I want you to know about: it simplifies the tax code, it opens up the Keystone pipeline, repeals Obamacare, strengthens Medicare, and works to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse from federal spending. Most importantly, the House budget does something that hasn’t been done in years- it balances the federal budget.
We have an obligation to manage the people’s money in a responsible way. After all, it is your money and we’ve got to be accountable as we get deficit spending under control. This budget will do that in an appropriate way and in a way that honors the commitments and promises we’ve made.
I wanted to share with you a video of my floor remarks as well as the press release we sent out today. As always, please let me know your thoughts on today’s budget.
I downloaded the budget, and if I live, will actually read it. Shocking, I know. 
News From Marsha
When I am out visiting with my constituents around Tennessee the number one concern people talk to me about is the amount of fiscal waste in the federal government. It is clear to people that Washington does not have a revenue problem; it has a spending problem. We’ve all heard the saying ‘money doesn’t grow on trees,’ but if you listen to some of the bureaucrats in Washington you’d think it does. You and I know better though.
That’s why I wanted to share with you a 2011 GAO Report identifying federal programs, agencies, offices, and initiatives which have duplicate functions, and are areas where we could begin to eliminate some waste. Read the report and share it with your friends and neighbors. Wasteful spending is out of control and it has to stop.
If you want to share your ideas for how we can cut more waste in Washington, please visit my website and take the Wasteful Government Spending Survey.
News From Marsha
On July 6, 2010, Admiral Mullen said the greatest threat to our national security is our nation’s debt. I couldn’t agree more. Which is why every year I’ve been in Congress, I’ve taken my across-the-board cuts to the Floor. I’ve worked to cut from the budget so we would never get to this point.
As it stands now, Sequestration will go into effect March 1, 2013. I wanted to take a minute and let you know how we got here. When the Budget Control Act of 2011 was passed and President Obama signed it into law, a 12 member Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction was formed and charged with finding $1.2 trillion to reduce from the deficit over the next 10 years. Unfortunately, this 12-member committee failed to reach an agreement and the automatic $500 billion in cuts to defense spending and $700 billion to non-defense were triggered.
At the end of 2011, I co-sponsored HR 3662 , the Down Payment to Protect National Security Act. Through attrition and by extending three years of the pay freeze for federal employees, this legislation would have delivered $234 billion in savings and would have paid for the first year of sequestration. Yes, our debt crisis is a national security problem, but we can’t address national security problems by hollowing out our armed forces. You solve the problem by shrinking the bureaucracy.
On May 10, 2012, my colleagues and I passed the Sequester Replacement Act which would replace the sequester with responsible spending cuts and reforms. We did the same with the passage of the Spending Reduction Act of 2012, once again offering a solution to replace the President’s sequester. Sadly, the Senate Democrats did nothing and offered no plan to replace the President’s sequester.
That’s how we got here. I want to let you know what we’re going to do from here. I’ve said all along that we needed to get rid of the duplicative and wasteful programs that occupy large parts of our debt. Entitlements are the real drivers of our debt and need to be addressed if we are ever to get our fiscal house in order.
From the $1.2 million spent teaching people the “World of Warcraft” video game to the $1.7 billion spent in 2010 to maintain 77,700 underused or unused buildings, there is waste to cut and my colleagues and I are on a mission to restore some sanity to the budget. But we need your help. We can’t cut what we don’t know. I invite you to head to my website (Blackburn.house.gov) and take the Wasteful Government Spending survey. I’ll take your responses and we’ll work from them and work to reduce wasteful spending.
The Woman Is An Idiot!
Just when ya think no more stupidity can fall out of Shelia Jackson Lee’s mouth…there she goes! Proving to the world just how ill informed she truly is. Of course, those people who continue to vote for her are what has been pegged as low information voters. Perhaps it’s time someone educated them, so we’d no longer have to hear her racist screed? Wouldn’t that be nice?
A little history for Mzzzzzzzzzzzzz Lee. Lincoln was a Republican. Slave owners were Democrats. Many Democrats left Congress and went with their home states after they seceded. Every black elected to any body, federal, state, or local, level, were all Republicans. No, Mzzzzzzzz Lee. You are NOT a freed slave. You are still living on your massa’s plantation!
“Why I Voted No”
From Marsha Blackburn:
From my first day in office, I’ve promised you that you might not agree with every vote I take, but you’ll know why I did it. Last night, I voted “No” on HR 8. The so-called deal to avert the fiscal cliff did nothing but impose devastating tax increases without including any meaningful spending reductions. To vote for this bill would have been a vote to make a bad situation much worse.
The problem in Washington is not that we tax too little, it’s that we spend too much. This bill increases our debt by nearly $4 trillion over the next decade. I recently supported the Spending Reduction Act that passed the House before the Holidays. Unfortunately, like most House-passed legislation this year, the Spending Reduction Act never saw the light of the Senate.
For the future of our children and grandchildren, we have to exercise fiscal restraint. I know it’s what my constituents expect from me. It’s time to draw a line in the sand. We can’t afford to keep spending money we don’t have on programs the American people don’t want. We also must make serious reforms to entitlements, stabilize the trust funds, and work to restrict regulatory authority. I could not vote for legislation that refused to focus on these critical issues.
Here are two videos from interviews I did this morning where I discussed my vote against the bill: America’s Newsroom and CNN Starting Point. Please watch and pass along to your friends, family, and neighbors.
Time To Rise Up
Every morning, I wake up, thank God for another day on His creation, and pray the last four years have just been a bad dream, realize the nightmare isn’t over, wondering if it ever will be, and drag myself out of bed. Having to face the horror that has become the U.S.A. is, sometimes, just more than I care to deal with on a regular basis.
What can we do? What can I do? Do we just blindly accept that the spawn of Satan has taken over control of our lives, or do we fight back? If we fight back, how? We had an election stolen, and no one will do a damn thing. The fraud was so massive that the integrity of all future elections will be in question, yet…..crickets.
Then, we have the so called Republicans that we put our trust in, in the House. Apparently, that trust was misplaced. Here is a snippet of from a piece by Erick Erickson:
Not quite two weeks removed from Thanksgiving, it is worth giving thanks to John Boehner, Eric Cantor, and Kevin McCarthy. I really am thankful for them.
Yesterday the three of them purged fiscal conservatives from committees as punishment for being authentically fiscal conservatives. Mick Mulvaney of South Carolina was put on the Financial Services Committee to show fiscal conservatism had nothing to do with removing Congressmen Justin Amash and David Schweikert, but that just causes me to question Mick Mulvaney’s conservative bona fides now.
Congressmen Schweikert, Amash, and Congressman Tim Huelskamp now removed from the Budget Committee, have been punished for daring to defy John Boehner during the debt ceiling fight, etc. They pointed out what would happen with John Boehner’s deal. They were the Cassandras of the fiscal cliff, predicting we’d be exactly where we are and they voted against getting us here.
They have now been punished.
When Boehner was first chosen to be Speaker, I thought “maybe we finally have a pit bull on our side”, but learned quite quickly, what we got was a chihuahua. Oh, I’m sure he’s a nice guy, and all that, but we don’t need nice guys in leadership positions when we are fighting for our very survival.
Pointing their fingers as fiscal conservatives now punished, casting them out as scape goats, will do nothing to woo the media or the White House, but we should be thankful. We should absolutely be thankful for these three men.
As the sun rises this morning we can look at John Boehner, Eric Cantor, and Kevin McCarthy and know the opposition is not just across the aisle, but in charge of our own side in the House of Representatives. All the time and energy I would otherwise have to spend to convince conservatives that these gentlemen would be a problem for the GOP has been spared. They’ve proven it themselves.
Now, we no longer have to fight against the evil of Obama and his minions, we have to do battle with evil of the Republican Party as well? I’m not sure I have the energy anymore. I pretty much left the Party quite a while ago, but since there has been no viable alternative, had no choice but to support anyone, and anything that would rid us of Marxist that currently resides in the house that George built. To continue to support a party that no longer reflects the values of an extremely large number of people, would be ludicrous.
We have two choices in this matter. We rid the party of the wishy washy, feckless fence sitters, the go along to get along, or we create an alternative. There is a third alternative…. we fight to regain control of our country, literally, to rid ourselves of the treasonous bast*ards, remove the threat of tyranny, once and for all. I’m old, in poor health, and will likely be killed off by ObamaCare at some point in the future. It will be up to the younger folks to decide what our country will be, what course to take…liberty or tyranny. I had hoped that the recent election would have resolved the issue, but sadly, the ignorance is apparent, and there were too many who are willing to give up their freedom, to be chained in slavery to the federal government. I, for one, do not want to live in a country that would choose tyranny over liberty and slavery over freedom.
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace– but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God!
I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
~ Patrick Henry ~
March 23, 1775
Word From Marsha
I’m rather fond of my Congresscritter, Marsha Blackburn. 
I think she does the best she can with what she has to work with…*chibber*…the likes of Nancy Pelosi. I don’t think I’d be able to deal with that creature on a regular basis. Here is her latest message to her constituents…like ME!
I’ve heard from many of you these past few days as you’ve shared your concerns on the Fiscal Cliff. I wanted to take a moment and let you know where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going.
It’s important to remember we did not get here overnight. In fact, this train has been a long time coming. Since I first took office in 2003, my colleagues and I have worked to make serious cuts into the budget. Every year, I went to the Floor and offered 1, 2, and 5 percent across-the-board cuts. In 2005, we passed the Deficit Reduction Act to reduce the annual growth of mandatory spending. Just last year, we presented the President and his party’s leaders in the Senate an opportunity to cut $61 billion as a first step to resolving our spending crisis.
It is a spending crisis. Washington has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. No amount of revenue will address the spending addiction of Washington’s bureaucrats. The problems we face will be solved not by raising taxes, but by drastically reducing spending.
Listed here are 4 of the many bills House Republicans have passed this year to help avoid the Fiscal Cliff:
• Sequester Reconciliation Act of 2012, H.R. 5652. The legislation would provide mandatory spending reductions in order to replace automatic cuts to discretionary spending (primarily from defense accounts) in 2013 under the Budget Control Act and to reduce the deficit. The savings generated from these reforms to mandatory programs would first be used to offset the approximately $78 billion cost of replacing the automatic across-the-board discretionary spending cuts that are scheduled to occur on January 2, 2013, under what is known as sequestration. The amount of $78 billion reflects the remainder of the FY 2013 discretionary sequester after accounting for lowering the FY 2013 discretionary cap from $1.047 to $1.028 as provided for in the House-approved Budget Resolution. The additional savings achieved through reconciliation beyond the $78 billion (over $180 billion in the next ten years) would further reduce the deficit.
• National Security and Jobs Protection Act, H.R. 6365. H.R. 6365 would repeal the across-the-board defense and non-defense discretionary spending cuts scheduled to occur on January 2, 2013, upon the enactment of H.R. 5652, the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012, or any legislation that offsets the automatic sequester with equal or greater spending reductions over the next five years. The bill in and of itself would not repeal the sequester. However, it would ensure that if any legislation to replace the sequester with alternative spending reductions were enacted, the sequester would be shut off. In the event that the sequestration is replaced, the bill would lower the discretionary spending cap for FY 2013 from $1.047 trillion to $1.028 trillion.
• Pathway to Job Creation through a Simpler, Fairer Tax Code Act of 2012, H.R. 6169. H.R. 6169 would provide an expedited pathway to pro-growth tax reform in 2013. H.R. 6169, the Pathway to Job Creation through a Simpler, Fairer Tax Code Act of 2012, would require the House and Senate to consider tax reform legislation according to an expedited timeline.
• Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act of 2012, H.R. 8. H.R. 8 would provide a one year extension of all current individual tax rates, as well as the 15 percent top rate on capital gains and dividends. The proposal would also extend for one year the estate tax rates at their current levels, the $1,000 child tax credit, marriage penalty relief and certain educational tax credits. The bill would also provide higher small business expensing limits for one year and would repeal the personal exemption phase-out and the “Pease” limitations in 2013. Finally, the bill would provide a two-year AMT patch which would be adjusted for inflation. Coupled with H.R. 6169, H.R. 8 will ensure that individual tax rates will not increase while comprehensive, pro-growth tax reform is crafter under expedited procedures in 2013.
As we move forward, I wanted to remind you of the promise I made to you not to raise taxes. Our problem is not that Washington taxes too little, it’s that we spend too much. I am opposed to raising tax rates. Instead, Congress needs to focus on solutions such as cleaning up the tax code, closing loopholes, addressing meaningful entitlement reform, and making real spending cuts. If we don’t change course, we’re headed toward a bleak fiscal and economic future.
As you can tell, it’s not the Republicans that are blocking anything. They put forth bill after bill with the same results. The Democrats (socialists), both in the Senate and the White House, don’t want to solve the problem. They want to spend, spend, spend…and tax, tax, tax so they can spend, spend, spend. So, when we fall off that ‘fiscal cliff’, no matter what is put forth, remember just who it is that prevent anything from getting accomplished.
One thing though…it’s the House that controls the purse strings. The House can refuse to fund the Democrats stupidity. I’d suggest they take that purse, and put a lock on it, until they Dims learn how to balance a checkbook. Stop funding the alphabets that are pushing crippling regulations.
Duck and Cover
I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who remembers the alarms going off back when: one alarm to get under our desks, one alarm to get into the hallways, line up against the walls, and “duck and cover”. 1st through 6th graders, lined up against the walls, heads to butts, with their hand over their heads. Looked kind of like a ‘conga line’ of leap frog.
We were living in Virginia at the time, the Hampton Roads area. Do you have any idea how many military bases and facilities are in that area? Not to mention a HUGE shipyard! We finally figured out, the Russians wouldn’t hit D.C. They would hit US, pretty much crippling the military might of the east coast. Tell me that isn’t something that would scare the bejabbers out of any kid!
We had a Democrat president then too, but the difference between the him and the current occupant of the White House is daylight and dark! Not only was he a leader, he was actually a strong leader. (He also believed in cutting taxes and the economy grew!) No, he wasn’t perfect either…with all the flaws of a human being, but he also didn’t bow to the Russians!
We are now saddled with a man/child who is enjoying the perks of the job, but won’t actually DO the job. It’s not that complicated actually. You protect the people of the United States, not by bowing to her enemies, but by demanding the respect, and fear of tyrannical regimes! In a time when our greatest threat comes from a political cult, passing itself off as a “peaceful religion”, our supposed POTUS is playing footsie with them, and putting our nation in grave danger!
If countries like Iran are allowed to produce nuclear weapons, it won’t be Israel they hit first. It will be the U.S.A. Since we are basically the only country who has sworn to protect her, what better way to deny them protection than crippling her protector. Not that I believe Obama would honor that promise, but I’ve no doubt that the Iranians will hit us….just in case.
Unfortunately, the so called “Commander in Chief” doesn’t think like an true American, and has learned nothing from history. He is ignoring God’s commands, there by dooming the United States.
Nuclear War Averted, 50 Years Ago This Week
The Foundry
Fifty years ago, the world came to the brink of nuclear war.
On October 14, 1962, U.S. policymakers learned that the Soviet Union was building missile bases in Cuba, which would have allowed Moscow to attack anywhere in the continental United States within minutes. An international crisis followed, and while the crisis did not end in a nuclear exchange, it is important that U.S. policymakers never forget lessons the crisis taught us.
The most important one is that it is very difficult to manage allies once they are nuclear-armed.
Nuclear-armed allies are one thing; nuclear-armed enemies are another. As Iran builds its nuclear capability, the lessons of the Cuban Missile Crisis resonate in a fresh way.
Today, The Heritage Foundation looks back at that crisis of 50 years ago with a blog series on its lessons for missile defense, presidential leadership, crisis management, and avoiding escalation.
In this morning’s first installment, Heritage experts Michaela Bendikova and Baker Spring remind us that “Fidel Castro and Che Guevara encouraged the Soviets to use ballistic missiles stationed in Cuba to attack the U.S.”
An Understatement!
GOP Rep. Gowdy: Pelosi Is “Mind-Numbingly Stupid”
“It’s really beneath the office of a member of Congress to say something that outrageous and the fact that she was once the Speaker is mind numbing. I honestly, and I have her a lot in my 16 years as a prosecutor, I couldn’t believe the words coming out of her mouth. But keep in mind, Greta, this is the same woman who said she could have arrested Karl Rove any day she wanted. So I don’t know what was wrong with her yesterday or today or whenever she said that, but I would schedule an appointment with my doctor if she thinks that we are doing this to suppress votes this fall. That is mind-numbingly stupid,” he said.
This is something most of us out here in the real world have known for a LONG time! The woman is a walking, talking (unfortunately) example of STOOOPID! Those who keep voting her back in that position are pretty damn stupid as well. They’d have to be, wouldn’t they, because no one with an ounce of sense could think she’s the best to represent the interests of ANY American citizen!
Nope…don’t think so either!Psst!
Uh….Mr Boehner, sir? Can I give ya a couple of words?
Uniform Monday Holiday Act
Today is NOT Memorial Day. I know that comes as a shock to some young’uns, but it’s a fact! Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, is actually on May 30.
This Act was passed by Congress in 1968. I remember my dad was livid. Not only did it change the dates we ‘remember’ those who fought and died for our freedoms, but it also changed birthdays of presidents, the day we celebrate the supposed ‘discovery’ of America (it wasn’t actually ‘discovered’ by Columbus at all, since he never actually set foot on these shores), and the day meant to honor all veterans. Thankfully, in 1978, Veteran’s Day was returned to its rightful place, on November 11. The day Martin Luther King, Jr is honored also became a ‘Monday Holiday’ when it was established in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan.
This is something that has always bugged me to no end. For reasons, known only to themselves, but I have my suspicions, the 90th Congress passed H.R. 15951. The votes were pretty evenly split between R’s (88) and D’s (125) for and against (40-40). 54% for, 20% against, and 25% present. (I will never understand this habit of voting ‘present’. Either you are FOR something, or you are against it. If your constituents say NO, then that is how you vote. If they say yes, then you vote yes/yea/aye! Knock of this wishy washy crap, and do your freakin’ job!)
I suspect this was Congress’ way of letting the folks know they were in charge, and what we honored, on the days we honored, meant nothing, as opposed to federal workers getting a 3 day weekend. I’ve noticed a change since they made those ‘Monday Holidays’. If you’re old enough, I’ve no doubt you’ve noticed them too.
No longer do we actually HONOR those whose ‘days’ we celebrate. Nope. As a whole, they are an excuse for having big sales, gather with buddies for cookouts, and get generally chitfaced. What those days actually represent has gone by the wayside for a very large number of citizens. Oh, they make a HUGE deal out of Cinco de Mayo, even though it means very little in the country of its origin, but other than just a showing of support, we have pretty much forgotten the purpose of these days.
I would like to suggest that we return these important dates of our history back to their original spots on the calendar.
Washington’s birthday – February 22
Memorial Day – May 30
Columbus Day – October 12
Martin Luther King, Jr Day – January 15
When I was a sprout, we also celebrated Lincoln’s birthday, February 12. The intent was, supposedly not to combine both his an Washington’s birthday, but it became ‘President’s Day’ anyway, and so titled, apparently includes all presidents, even those who should be vilified (like Wilson, FDR, and a few others I won’t go into), not honored.
These were special days in my education, so long ago. Do they still teach what each day means, or is it just a day that teachers get out of work, with pay, the real dates, and the reason for them, been lost forever?
