An Open Letter to the Coward Cory Gardner, Part 5

Friday, June 30, 2017

Dear Senator Gardner,

Today's issue comes to you courtesy of your Denver office, where yesterday your representative had the Denver Police Department physically remove protestors from your office. The group was from ADAPT, a disability rights group, and shockingly enough, they don't believe you when your representative claimed,
“The organization currently in the office has spoken to Sen. Gardner several times and are in constant contact with his healthcare policy staff regarding requested reforms to our healthcare system,” Contres said. “Sen. Gardner wants the constituents that are in his office to have quality healthcare. He has concerns that our current system is imploding and won’t be able to provide quality care if nothing is done to fix it.”
Yeah. That's it. You're concerned about quality healthcare and how our current system is imploding. 

Never mind the fact that the system is "imploding" because 45 spitefully decided to withhold promised funds for the ACA. Never mind that the revocation of the Medicaid expansion (in which Colorado participated) will leave tens of thousands of Coloradans without minimal health care. Never mind the 74% increase in out of pocket costs the average American will have to deal with. Your reaction is all about your deep concern for your constituents. It couldn't possibly be about, for example, your proven track record of voting the way your Party tells you to vote and your status as a bought-and-paid-for politician of the rich.  I'm sure that has nothing to do with it AT ALL.

I don't know how you sleep at night with such hypocrisy boiling around in your brain.

Once again, please vote NO on Trumpcare. It's not right for America, and it's not right for Colorado. Grow a backbone and do what is right, not what is expedient.

Signed,

Janiece

Link Me Up, Scotty - We Don't Need Your Business Edition


You know how sometimes firing a customer is just the right thing to do because they're just too damn much trouble? Well, Mika and Joe of Morning Joe have asked 45 to stop being their customer, because it's obvious to them that the President is mentally incapable of watching their show without risking a stroke or an aneurysm. I snorted my way through this opinion piece, while simultaneously becoming more and more sad. How fucked up is our president when what is essentially a morning talk show marginalizes the leader of the free world simply by shaking their heads pitifully and pointing out his juvenile behavior? Pretty fucked up, IMO.
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The Attenborugh and its unmanned submersible "Boaty McBoatface" have returned from their maiden voyage and have oodles of data to share with the scientific community. Our amazing world, and the wonders therein.
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For those of you who keep felines, check out this Homicidal-Cat Detection Software brought to you by The Oatmeal. Don't say I didn't warn you about cats - secretly, they all want to eat your face.
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There's a new island off the coast of North Carolina, littered with whale bones and the ribs of old shipwrecks. Neat!
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Commentary on the First Amendment and 45's inability to act presidential, even for a red hot minute
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Today's sources as rated by Media Bias/Fact Check:
  • The Washington Post: Paper of record. A daily newspaper with a left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • CBS News: A mainstream USA media source.  CBS News has a left-center bias in reporting and is usually well sourced and factual.
  • The Oatmeal: The website of comic artist Matt Inman. 
  •  National Geographic: The official magazine of the National Geographic Society. A pro-science publication with a high degree of factual science reporting. 
  • Outside the Beltway: An online journal of politics and foreign affairs analysis with classically liberal views such as a strong belief in free trade, limited government, and respect for human rights.

An Open Letter to the Coward Cory Gardner, Part 4

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Dear Senator Gardner,

Me again. I know you're getting as sick of hearing from me as I am of writing to you, but as long as you continue to legislate in an immoral, unjust, and puppet-like manner, I'm obligated to continue my daily missives to your office. My hope is that you might grow a backbone, some ethics, or finally realize how very much people dislike and disapprove of the WealthCare Bill you and your fellow Republicans are attempting to foist off on the American public.

Today's objection comes from the Kaiser Family Foundation, one of the least biased sources of health care news in the country. They have no axe to grind, no political supporter to please, no master to answer to. And what they say is that the average increase Americans can expect in their health care premiums is 74%. 

I'm sure you and your richy-rich supporters can afford such an increase - hell, I can afford it - but you know who can't? The majority of your constituents, that's who. People like my mother, who, like most retirees, is on a fixed income. People like me when my children were small and I was living paycheck to paycheck, hoping no emergency came up for which I wasn't prepared. People like my adult son and the 51,600 Coloradans who get their coverage from the individual market and will lose their ability to pay under this execrable Bill.

Do you even care about these people? Or do you only care about your rich supporters and your Republican puppet-masters? Only 12% of Americans approve of this bill. Who, exactly, do you think you work for? This Bill, and your association with it, is earning the ire of almost every demographic group in the country. You're taking a big chance with your support of this piece of trash. Even if you can't be convinced to care about other people, perhaps the threat of losing your seat to someone who gives a crap about Coloradans will do the trick.

Signed,

Janiece

Link Me Up, Scotty - A Futile Argument Edition


GRAIN OF SALT WARNING: The Huffington Post is a media source with a left bias. The piece below is an opinion essay and should be taken as such.

An essay on the divide between liberals and conservatives, and how some arguments are just futile. Or as the author puts it, "I don't know how to explain to you that you should care about other people."
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The one chart that will tell you what you need to know about the Republican WealthCare Bill.  Because as we've said before, this Bill is not about Health Care, it's about tax cuts for the rich. 

WARNING: Autoplay video on link.
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Hey, look! Health insurance premiums will go up an average of 74% under the Republican WealthCare Bill! That's totally doable for the majority of Americans, amirite? 

Please note this number came from the Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-partisan specialty news organization rated as the "least biased."
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A behind the scenes look at how art conservators keep masterpieces looking their best. Science meets art, fascination is the result.
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You all know how very much I love HOAs and the self-righteous busy-bodies whose self-worth is tied to their duties on behalf of most HOA's picayune rules. So I got a chuckle (and some depression) by reading these horrifying stories of HOAs gone mad.
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Because the news is pretty dire these days, please take some time to peruse the entries in the #CuteAnimalTweetOff. Because otters. No, seriously - everyone needs more otters in their life.
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Today's sources as rated by Media Bias/Fact Check:
  • The Huffington Post: An American online news aggregator and blog that has both localized and international editions with a left bias and highly factual reporting. 
  • TIME: A mainstream media source with left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • NBC News: A mainstream media source with left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • Kaiser Family Foundation: A specialty news outlet with the least amount of bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • NPR: A mainstream media source with a left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • Knowable: Crowd sourced pop culture repository.
  • Bored Panda: Crowd sourced pop culture repository.

An Open Letter to the Coward Cory Gardner, Part 3

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Dear Senator Gardner,

I am writing to you today to tell you how very divorced from reality you appear to be when it comes to the social contract, the moral code that should guide us all as members of our society, and your role in leading this country forward instead of into a state of unserious "also-rans."

1. The Social Contract
"Social contract arguments typically posit that individuals have consented, either explicitly or tacitly, to surrender some of their freedoms and submit to the authority of the ruler or magistrate (or to the decision of a majority), in exchange for protection of their remaining rights. The question of the relation between natural and legal rights, therefore, is often an aspect of social contract theory."
Given this description, I think it should be fairly obvious that your constituents have engaged in a social contract with the government, and with their fellow citizens. Please pay close attention to the part where people agree to "the decision of the majority." The MAJORITY of people in this country want to keep the ACA. The MAJORITY of people in this country do not want 22 million people to be thrown off their health plans. The MAJORITY of people in this country don't want to see poor children or seniors being denied basic services based on their ability to pay. The MINORITY, i.e., CIS, white, Republican, so-called "Christian" males with obligations and ties to the rich do want this bill passed. Who do you represent in this instance? What are you obligations under the social contract? Because I think you are confused on this point. Hint: Your obligation is not to your Party or your campaign donators.

2. The Moral Code

Not to put too fine a point on it, but I hear again and again and again how Republicans consider the United States a "Christian country" (we're not), how our "exceptionalism" comes from God (it doesn't), and how we all have this invisible obligation to do it Jesus' way (we don't). But let's assume for a moment that all those things are true, or at least you believe that all those things are true.

Given these value statements, how can you possibly embrace a piece of legislation that condemns people to sickness and death when there's a perfectly acceptable alternative, just to accommodate the desire of the richest Americans to reduce their taxes?  We're talking about people's health, their lives, their ability to make a living and be contributing members of society. By your own actions, you're embracing these negative consequences for those who are the "least among us" in order to help the money changers at the Temple. Where I was raised, this is called "hypocrisy," and "lip service." Either live your values or shut the hell up about them.

3. Your Leadership Role

We live in a representative democracy. The Federalist Papers devote a great many words to what that means in the United States, and the responsibility of those elected officials who serve. Perhaps you're read about it as part of your legal training.

Given your role, and the responsibility that comes with that role, I would never encourage you to vote against your conscience. This is why members of Congress are elected - to examine issues and legislation and then do what they think is the best thing for our nation and for the constituency. My question is of another caliber entirely: How, exactly, do you morally justify creating and then voting for the Republican Health Care Bill? I don't want to hear about the economy, or your Republican masters, or your rich sponsors. I want to know EXACTLY what the moral justification is for forcing 22 million people off of their health insurance so that the rich can increase the divide between them and the rest of of us.

The answer to this question will tell the world everything they need to know about you as a human being and as a politician. Is this why you won't answer it?

Want to know why I think you won't answer? Because according to BallotPedia, you're a "rank and file Republican," i.e., someone who never goes against their party, regardless of the issue at hand. You vote the way your party masters tell you to vote, not out of any moral conviction. And because that's the case, you CAN'T morally justify your support of the Bill. The Bill is immoral and unjustifiable except in a "I can't wait to lick the boots of my Republican/Corporate Masters" kind of way, and no one wants to come right out and say THAT.

And that's why you're The Coward Cory Gardner. You wouldn't take a stand you weren't ordered to take if your life depended on it. And you won't now even though other people's lives depend on it.

Way to lead, Senator. Our forefathers must be so proud.

An Open Letter to the Coward Cory Gardner, Part 2

Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Dear Senator Gardner,

I am writing today to ask you to once again reconsider your support of the Republican Health Care Bill. 

News from the CBO reveals that 22 million MORE Americans would lose health insurance under this plan. How can you possibly support legislation that essentially condemns people to die from treatable and preventable diseases? How can you possibly think such legislation is moral, or in the best interest of your constituents? What values are driving your decision making process? It sure isn't compassion, concern, or empathy. Is it greed? Cowardice? Something even worse? 

Your current position is untenable, as you're essentially proclaiming that it's perfectly okay for 22 million Americans to be at risk of sickness and death as long as your gilded cage buddies get a tax break. Such values disgust me, and if you choose to vote for this bill, then you are disgusting, as well.


Signed, 

Janiece

Link Me Up, Scotty - Twenty-Eighth Amendment Edition


Food for Thought: Wouldn't it be swell if we ratified a twenty-eighth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States guaranteeing health care as a basic right? It would finally shut down the "Fuck you, I've got mine" Republicans currently ramrodding their Libertarian Dystopia version of a Heath Care Bill through the Senate.
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Why the Republican's Health Care Bill isn't really about Health Care at all but about cutting taxes for the rich. Who is surprised by this immoral turn of events? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
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"Missouri’s Senate is considering legislation that would allow employers and landlords to discriminate against women who use birth control or have had abortions. The bill, which has the support of the state’s governor, Eric Greitens, was approved by the Missouri House Tuesday." Because nothing says "We're worthy heirs to the enlightenment" like slut-shaming, misogyny, gross invasions of privacy, and laws that strengthen the patriarchy. Well done, Missouri, well done, indeed.
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And speaking of misogyny, here are the vital statistics on the 13 white, male Senators who wrote the Senate Health Care Bill in secret and without hearings. It's like gerrymandering for the Senate!

Now's the time to start letting your Senators know if you think this Bill isn't the right way for the United States to go.
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"Researchers have shown for years that men tend to be more confident about their intelligence and judgments than women, believing that solutions they’ve generated are better than they actually are. This hubris could be tied to testosterone levels, and new research by Gideon Nave, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania, along with Amos Nadler at Western University in Ontario, reveals that high testosterone can make it harder to see the flaws in one’s reasoning." I find this discovery shocking and unprecedented, said no professional woman ever.
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From the "No one is the villain in their own story" files: My favorite Christian Pastor takes on the idea that not everyone can be right in their perceptions of themselves.
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So the excrescence that is 45's "travel ban" finally passed partial Constitutional muster with SCOTUS. And so it begins.
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GRAIN OF SALT WARNING: Medium is classified as having mixed factual reporting because some of their contributors are not journalists. 

If you're not following Amy Suskind's list of crap that 45's administration is doing to normalize their authoritarian ambitions, you should be.
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SCOTUS has ruled that Arkansas must list same-sex parents' names on birth certificates. In defense of their initial refusal to do so, the State argued "The state's system "is designed to ensure — with very narrow exceptions — that an original birth certificate reflects a child's biological parentage," the state said in papers filed with the Supreme Court."

Uh-huh. I'm sure it has nothing whatsoever to do with the idea that the Gayz are icky.
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GRAIN OF SALT WARNING: Alternet is considered a left-bias source with mixed factual reporting. The piece linked below is a personal analysis, i.e., opinion, and should be taken as such.

Some interesting observations from a man who grew up in Christian, white America, and considers most of their troubles to be self-inflicted wounds.
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Today's sources as rated by Media Bias/Fact Check:
  • The Washington Post: Paper of Record. Mainstream media source with a left center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • Newsweek: Mainstream media source with a left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • Kaiser Health News: Specialty media source with the least bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • New York Times: Paper of Record. Mainstream media source with a left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • Stuff That Needs to be Said: The personal blog of Pastor John Pavlovitz.
  • Medium: On-line media source with a left-center bias and a mixed degree of factual reporting. 
  • NBC News: Mainstream media source with a left-center bias a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • AlterNet: On-line media source with a left bias and a mixed degree of factual reporting.

An Open Letter to the Coward Cory Gardner, Part 1

Monday, June 26, 2017
Dear Senator Gardner,

I am writing today to ask once again for you to reconsider your support for the Republican Health Care Bill. Even though you were on the super-secret drafting committee, I would like to point out some vital statistics that make the Bill (and you) suspect.

1. There were no women or people of color on the committee. You excluded over 50% of the population from being represented in the authorship of a Bill that will affect ALL OF US.
2. 10 of your 13 authors are ranked among the most conservative members of the Senate. Again, way to exclude representation of the majority of the country.
3. All of you have 100% rating from the National Right to Life Committee. Apparently diversity of thought is not permitted when crafting new legislation.
4. 25% of Coloradans are on Medicare. You're intentionally advocating to compromise the health of 25% of your constituents, after the State accepted the Medicaid expansion.
5. From 2013 to 2016, the uninsured rate for Colorado fell 7.7%. That comes out to 426,622 people who received health care under the ACA, who will probably be screwed under your Bill. You're not really looking out for your constituents.
6. Democrats and Independents, a full 48% of the Senate, were excluded from participating in the creation of your Bill, and denied the opportunity to participate in hearings. So your exclusion of everyone who's "not like you" also includes your own colleagues.

I do not understand the Republican Party or you specifically. You claim to be the party of "family values" and "Christianity," but you've shown damn little indication that you care about families, or about Jesus' teachings. You know, heal the sick, feed the hungry. That sort of thing.

The MAJORITY OF AMERICANS like the ACA and what it's done for our country's health care system. And yet, here you and the rest of the Republicans are, making false claims about its cost to the average citizen. For example, 45 keeps talking about how premiums for Alaskans have increased by 207% since the advent of the ACA based on a report from the Department of Health and Human Services. What he failed to include was the fact that the tax subsidies mean that Alaskans using the exchange are, on average, paying far less than they did before the ACA was enacted. By a lot. By 73%, in fact, thus once again igniting a conflagration in 45's trousers.

It's almost as though you and the rest of your cadre are really interested in going back to the good old days when a minority of rich, white, cis men made all the decisions for the majority with no input or consideration from the majority. This is not okay, as this sort of behavior heralds a desire for an authoritarian regime. I will remind you that supporting such a plan is in direct violation of your Oath of Office.

Signed,

Janiece

Why I'm a Liberal


I've been giving a lot of thought lately to the "why" of my politics. It's not enough to simply state "I'm a liberal" or "I'm a conservative." Since I live in a representative democracy, I have an obligation to understand thoroughly why I believe what I do, and which of my values drives my decision making process.

One of the reasons I believe this to be true is that politics are a very emotional business. People vote for who they like, or who's like them, or who shares their faith tradition. None of these reasons are good enough when the stakes are so high. There has to be some guiding principles that can help me make my decisions about candidates and issues with a rubric that isn't based on emotional response. And while I have always tried to be a very informed voter, and have attempted to reduce the amount of emotional influence I subject myself to, I have never actually analyzed my thoughts and values with the critical eye I apply to other issues.

And the answers I came up with? I believe in the categorical imperative, and I'm an adult.

For those not familiar with Immanuel Kant, the categorical imperative is defined as "act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law."

It's a lot more complicated than that, of course, but this definition will do for the purposes of this discussion.

When making my decisions about politics, I ask myself, "Is this the best option for everyone, or just for me? If everyone votes the way I do, what would happen to the world, the country, my state?" The answer to that question has led me to vote for tax increases, universal health care in Colorado (which will cost me far more than my current corporate coverage), and eliminating the requirement for Party registration in Primary Caucuses.

Different people will answer that question in different ways, of course, but for me, that's the guiding principle. And sometimes, the answer to that question is "neither choice is good for anyone," and that's when being an adult comes in.

One of the keystones of being an emotionally mature adult is understanding - really understanding - the concept that when you make a choice, you are also choosing the consequences of that choice. This has all sorts of ramifications in personal, public, and professional life, but the maxim is still the same.

So if I choose to support the Republican Health Care Bill, for example, I am also choosing the consequences if that Bill becomes law. Millions of people losing health coverage. Reducing health care for the poorest children. Approving of increasing seniors' premiums to an unmanageable rate. Do I want these consequences? I do not. The categorical imperative tells me that even though my own costs went up with the ACA, and my health care coverage didn't change, the country would be a far worse place if my support of this Bill was something everyone shared. So I oppose it.

The same applies when I vote for a candidate. If I had chosen to vote for 45, I would bear the responsibility of the consequences of that decision. Having my country's leader be a laughingstock on the world stage. The U.S. being considered no longer consequential in foreign affairs because our President acts like a narcissistic toddler. My country being categorized into the same bucket that contains Syria. All of those things are now true, indisputably so, and had I voted for 45, I would bear the burden of that consequence. Personally.

Because here's the thing about being an adult. Adults take responsibility for their choices, whether the outcome is good or bad. I chose action X, I am responsible for consequence Y. That responsibility doesn't evaporate because I have buyer's remorse, or I claim I "didn't know." With very few exceptions, I can reasonably be expected to understand the consequences of my choices.

So I voted for Hillary, because when I looked at the categorical imperative and the consequences of my decision, I analyzed the possible outcomes and I found that the consequences of this choice would be far less damaging to our country (and the world) than the alternative. Would she have been perfect? Of course not. Would I then have been personally responsible for whatever negative consequences resulted from her Presidency? You bet I would.

No one is perfect, and there's no such thing as a perfect decision in politics. All choices involve some level of compromise. But this system allows me to analyze my own choices in a way that I hope allows for the least amount of damage to the fewest people. When you add in a core value that dictates that people have an obligation to help one another, especially the least among us, that puts me squarely in the liberal camp. Not the Democrat's camp. The liberal camp.

Because to do otherwise would be to compromise the core of who I am. And I won't do that. Least of all for expediency's sake.

Link Me Up, Scotty - "Don't Bluff" Edition

Sunday, June 25, 2017

David Frum - who is not exactly a bastion of liberal thought - examines how 45 has damaged his credibility to the extent that other counties have no reason whatsoever to take him - or the United States - seriously. Great job, Chump.
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A Canadian Special Forces sniper has hit a target that was 2.2 miles away. Technology meets extreme marksmanship.
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A truly epic rant about the hypocrisy of the Red South.
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From Random Michelle, check out Mighty Girl Eqbal Dauqan, a Yemeni professor of biochemistry at the University Kebangsaan Malaysia. She's had more than her share of troubles, and kept on keeping on through it all. True grit.
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From the ZOMGWTFBBQ you're so stupid and so is your employer files: CenturyLink, a telecommunications provider headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana, used to have a Chief Diversity Officer named Odell Riley. Mr. Riley is homophobic douche whose LinkedIn profile states his major interests include:
-Growing and developing people (as long as you're not LGBTQ)
-Building high performing team by leveraging a variety of diverse individual experiences to build a strong effective culture (as long as you're not LGBTQ)
Odell Riley, the homophobic douche, is still employed at CenturyLink, and still has his title of "VP of Human Resources" on his Linked In profile from 2010-2012. One wonders how stupid this motherfucker has to be to allow this type of "opinion" to be filmed and published to the Internet when he clearly has corporate ambitions beyond being a homophobic douche. And one also has to wonder just how incredibly tone-deaf and stupid CenturyLink's senior leadership has to be for them not to have paid this guy off to make him go away. Inquiring minds want to know.
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The definitive list of 45's lies since taking the oath of office. This is going to be somebody's full time job for the duration of this administration.
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A U.S. led coalition kills nearly 500 civilians in one month in Syria in record high. Charming. Every day I wake up, living in the United States becomes more and more like living in a banana republic. This is not why I served.
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And in case you live under a rock, the once estimable Bill Cosby plans to spend some time teaching other men how to avoid sexual assault charges as they make their way through the world behaving badly. You can't make this shit up.
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My platonic semi-celebrity girlfriend Sally Yates has a few words to say about criminal justice reform and Confederate Apologist Jeff Sessions. This woman is a national treasure, I swear.
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Today's sources:
  • The Atlantic: Mainstream media source with a left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • NPR: Mainstream media source with a left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • The Stranger: Online repository for LGBT news and opinion.
  • The Oregonian: Local mainstream media source with a right-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • New York Times: Mainstream media source with a left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • The Telegraph: UK based mainstream media source with a right-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • The Washington Post: Mainstream media source with a left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 

Link Me Up, Scotty - Make Them Hear You Edition

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

How 45 has become the unreliable narrator of his Presidency, and what that means.
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Guess who doesn't have a clue about what is included in the Republican's health care bill? The Republicans that are drafting it, that's who. GRAIN OF SALT WARNING: Vox is a left biased news source, but the questions and responses are direct quotes, which leaves us free to draw our own conclusions.
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Turns out 45 has hundreds of millions of dollars in financial liability. The new financial disclosure also outlines where his money is coming from in a general sense, and the fact that 45's promises to "donate" money to the US Treasury that was earned from foreign governments is basically lip service. Can you say "emoluments clause?" I knew you could.
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The GOP is still crafting their Health Care Bill in secret and behind closed doors. I have daily missives going to my Republican Senator on this issue, with calls for transparency and PUBLIC hearings. I'm not holding my breath, however - the Coward Cory Gardner has never disobeyed his Party Masters, and as my divorce attorney used to say, "The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior."
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"Two-and-a-half miles below the ocean near Australia, there is crushing pressure, total darkness and a collection of some of the strangest creatures on the planet — if you're willing to go find them." And scientists are, with the help of a grant. All of time and space, and the wonders and horrors therein.
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Another fine example of how 45's Presidency is the Presidency of bigotry, apathy, and ignorance. This administration is so lacking in basic human kindness and compassion, every day they remain in the once-proud White House is another day where I'm further embarrassed to be a voting member of a Republic that would make such a miscreant our President.
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Check out this performance of Three Mo' Tenors recorded in 2001 at (of all places) Troy High School in Troy, OH. A wide variety of music sung by three STUNNING tenor voices who are obviously having a great time.
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I loved this story of former NFL player Ryan O'Calloghan's journey to self-acceptance and purpose. Too many young people don't get the support they need, when they need it, and I'm happier than I can say that our culture is slowly making strides to accept people in the LGBT community.
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My favorite Christian Pastor with observations on Carrie Fisher's unrelenting battle with mental illness and substance abuse. Addicts are weak my ass. Carrie Fisher is one of the bravest human beings I've ever heard of, and her passing only re-emphasizes for me how much grit it took for her to live as long as she did. An amazing woman.
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And speaking of awesome music, the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington chose to respond to the protesters at the Knoxville Pride event with song. You know, like you do. I love this response so very much. It clearly emphasizes the hate and vitriol of the so-called Christians while the chorus sings about love and courage. Way to go, gents!




Today's Sources:
  • NPR: Mainstream Media source with left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • Vox: Internet Media source with left bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • NBC News: Broadcast Media source with left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • New York Times: Mainstream Media source with left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • The YourTube Channel of Jazz Music Vault 
  • Outsports: An online source for LGBT athletes.  
  • Things That Need to be Said: The personal blog of Pastor John Pavlovitz
  • The YouTube Channel of the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington.

Link Me Up, Scotty - We Heart Uncle Joe Edition

Monday, June 19, 2017

Terry Gross interviewed Vice President Joe Biden, and the resulting recording is insightful, interesting, and moving. I do loves me some Uncle Joe.
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Nikos Giannopoulos, Rhode Island's Teacher of the Year, is FABULOUS, and I love him.
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It looks as though a number of sailors have been killed in the collision of the USS FITZGERALD and a Japanese container ship. I have many feelings about this news, but foremost is the always present knowledge that the profession of arms is dangerous, in more ways than one. This could have just as easily been me, or my son, or any of hundreds of sailors I've known over the years. Fair winds and following seas, my shipmates.
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Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman takes a look at Congressional Republican's handling of the Health Care Bill and determines that the Party basically consists of Vampires and Zombies.
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People suck so much, I can't even.
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My favorite Christian Pastor takes on those who would conflate disagreement and resistance to our current administration to a failure of patriotism. I will put up my service and dedication to our nation and its people against anyone's, thank you very much. I haven't served as much, sacrificed as much as some, but it's a safe bet that I've served and sacrificed more than most, and the fact of my liberalism doesn't mean conservatives get to question my patriotism or my dedication to the well-being of the Republic.
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Smart Man and all-around good egg David with his latest observations on the State of the Union. I especially like #16, although I myself frame the observation in this way: When someone says they're tired of being "politically correct," what they really mean is that they're tired of having to treat others with respect or face the social consequences.
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ExtraNewsFeed give us...18 reasons 45 is a better President than President Obama.
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Star Trek: Discovery has announced its premiere dates. BEGIN GEEKERY.
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Oh, look - our allies aren't taking 45 seriously, and are now going so far as to publicly mock him. While I can't really blame them - after all, 45 has to be one of the most unserious political figures in history - this does not bode well for our position on the world stage.
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Today's Sources:
  • NPR: A mainstream media source with a left-center bias and highly factual reporting. 
  • The Washington Post: A mainstream media source with a left-center bias and highly factual reporting. 
  • The New York Times: A mainstream media source with a left-center bias a highly factual reporting. 
  • Stuff That Needs to be Said: The personal blog of Pastor John Pavlovitz. 
  • 4 Quarters, 10 Dimes: The personal blog of professional historian David. 
  • ExtraNewsFeed: Satire and humor. Their tagline: "The same political rants you see on Facebook, but they’re well written."
  • StarTrek.com: All things Star Trek
  • Vox: On-line media source with a left bias and highly factual reporting. 

Link Me Up, Scotty - Short Form Edition

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Libby Bakalar of One Hot Mess takes on Disney's Beauty and the Beast with the help of her 6 year old son, with hilarious results.
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Oh, look! Evidence that the Russians tried to hack into election data in ways that would directly affect the outcomes of elections. This is my shocked face.
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Because I know you need more Trump/MAGA jokes in your life.
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What the hell is wrong with people? No, seriously - what? I dislike 45 and the morally bankrupt Republican Party as much as the next tax-and-spend liberal, but shooting them down like rabid dogs is wrong on every level. We still have some investment in the rule of law around here, regardless of 45's efforts, and such events only hurt the liberal cause. And then there was a workplace shooting in San Francisco. I don't understand people at all. 
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An interesting look at how when it comes to living in harmony with our fellow creatures, humans are looking at the problem in the wrong way. In other words, hive collapse isn't the problem, it's the symptom. 
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June 12th was the 40th anniversary of the verdict in the case that struck down miscegenation laws nation-wide. Like most people in this country, they just wanted people to leave them alone.
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Sources: 
  • One Hot Mess: The personal blog of Libby Bakalar.
  • Bloomberg: Mainstream Media source with a left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • The Nib: A web comic.
  • The Washington Post: Mainstream Media source with a left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 
  • NPR: Mainstream Media source with a left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting. 

The Unforgivable Sin

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

I'm a big believer in forgiveness. It's good for me, as it allows me to move along smartly with my life without allowing those I perceive to have wronged me taking up permanent residence in my head. Sometimes it takes me a long time to forgive someone who has done me particularly grievous harm, but eventually I'll come around, forgive the person in question, and move on with my life. Typically the person in question is no longer welcome in my life after that, but hey, I'm okay with that.

But there is one thing that falls under "unforgivable sin" in my forgiveness rubric. And that thing is causing grievous harm to those I care deeply about.

I don't know why I'm willing to forgive those who do me harm, but not those who do harm to people I love, although I'm sure there's some deep psychological reason for it. Maybe it's because I know I have the skills and the practice to be able to manage such things, and I'm not sure if my loved ones do, as well. Maybe it's because when something like this happens, I want to fix it, and relieve the pain of the person I love, but I can't. So I'm not only railing against the perpetrator for causing harm to the person I love, but also for making me feel powerless. Maybe it's because Karma just doesn't work fast enough for my tastes, and really I'm just a vengeful bitch.

But one thing's for sure. There are two people on this list, and I wouldn't spit on them if they were on fire. Sometimes I feel bad about that, and think I need to work harder at being kinder and more forgiving. And sometimes I'm just grateful the list isn't longer.

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NOTE: I'm not going to write about the example that precipitated this blog post, as it's not my story to tell. But believe you me, if there was ever someone who fell into "unforgivable" category, it's the individual who caused this pain.

Reasons I Think MRAs Hate Wonder Woman - A Noncomprehensive List

Friday, June 9, 2017

Now that I've actually seen the Wonder Woman movie - which was fucking awesome, by the way - I think I'm informed enough to speculate on why Men's Rights Advocates (MRAs) hate this movie with the fire of a thousand burning suns. Here we go:

1. MRAs have a problem with Copernicus. It is their belief that the entire universe revolves around them, or at least it should, and they truly can't understand why this movie doesn't. To make matters worse, when they try to make it about them, the ladiez (and a great number of men) are rolling their eyes, laughing in their faces, and merrily flooding the box office with ticket sales to this fabulous movie.

2. The Wonder Woman character refuses to apologize for being a woman. Her attitude is more like, "Why does anyone care that I'm a woman?" Historically, strong female characters had to justify their strength to their male compatriots, ensuring they don't bruise the tender egos of the menfolk. Wonder Woman doesn't do that, and doesn't understand why she should. Fuckin' A, Diana of Themyscira.

3. The Wonder Woman character was not written as "broken." She's an amazing warrior because she came of age in a warrior culture, and worked hard to become amazing. There's no hidden motivation regarding a man, her desire to get revenge, her overwhelming desire to have a child of her womb, or whatever. She's just a badass. And we all know that being a fully whole badass is a state solely reserved for the menfolk.

4. Gal Gadot is not be trifled with. She was an Israeli Defense Force Combat Instructor. In preparation for this role she took swordsmanship, Kung Fu kickboxing, capoeira, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu training. She did all her own stunts for the Fast and the Furious franchise. She did the reshoots for Wonder Woman while five months pregnant with her second child. She's been happily married for almost nine years. She and her husband are richy, rich, rich. AND she was 2004's Miss Israel. So she's smart, stable, accomplished, gifted, strong, rich, beautiful, and she doesn't give a good goddamn when MRAs think about her or her movie. Intimidating much, Ms. Gadot? YES YOU ARE, SISTER, AND GOOD FOR YOU.

5. Wonder Woman is a morally and physically superior being. This should not be a surprise, after all - she's a demigod, for fuck's sake. But apparently only male demigods (like Thor, for example) are allowed to be superior to men. Not uppity Amazons with a penchant for love and justice.

6. Many MRAs believe this movie was made solely to make the DC Universe politically correct. Apparently that domestic opening weekend haul of over $103M - exceeding Dr. Strange, Iron Man, and Thor - is just a coincidence. Because really, what studios are REALLY interested in is being politically correct and inclusive, not making money. Amirite, ladiez?

7. Wonder Woman is getting great reviews, both from the masses (93% on Rotten Tomatoes) and from professional movie critics. That there is a hard pill to swallow, I imagine, after all the vitriol expended on its irrelevance and accusations of kowtowing to the femi-nazis.

SUCK IT, MRAs. Wonder Woman is the feminist icon of our time, and she is AMAZING. 

Why I Cried During Wonder Woman

Thursday, June 8, 2017

We saw Wonder Woman last night at our local theater. I've been looking forward to seeing this movie since it was announced, as I was fan of the Lynda Carter era Wonder Woman and the only reason I ever watched The Justice League was to see Wonder Woman. And Aquaman. But that's another story.

And I cried.

Like many women who have watched this movie, it touched me in several fundamental ways, and this Super Hero movie became much more to me than a fun entertainment.

I cried because Diana is a badass. But she's a matter-of-fact badass. She worked hard to attain the skills and strength that are her birthright, but really - it's not that big of a deal. It's just part of who she is, and I loved the fact that her will was forged in the cultural fire of her people, not in some tragic event (usually involving either a man or her uterus or both) that left her broken or on fire for vengeance or some shit. She came of age in a warrior society, and she's a warrior. That's it, nothing to see here, move along. When was the last time I saw a female character in a movie that was strong, tough, undamaged, totally passing the Bechdel test - without apologizing for who she is, or for smashing patriarchal norms? Never, that's when. And the inclusion of this character in the modern zeitgeist makes my heart soar.

I cried because Diana does what is right, not what is easy or expedient. Like Steve Rogers, she's the moral center of her Super Hero universe, and she gave up everything she knew and loved in order to do the right thing. Watching her run head-long into No Man's Land made me weep with pride and longing.

I cried because Diana is an advocate for capital "J" Justice. You do what you need to do, but don't make the mistake of assuming she will follow any moral compass but her own. She's the master of self-determination, something we all wish for ourselves and our children.

I cried because our Moe-Moe was a fan of Wonder Woman, as well as having many other geek interests. Prior to her death, she was so looking forward to this movie, hoping that the studio's portrayal would be a well-rounded one, including the core of who Diana is, without failing the Bechdel test (as so many movies do). I know she would have been delighted with the end result. It breaks my heart that she was robbed of this experience - and so many others - by her mental illness.

I cried because this is the movie I've been waiting for my entire life. It provided, in its daring and complete vision, an example of what female characters should look like, but don't. Diana was a fully formed character, with nuance, complexity, emotional vulnerability, strengths, weaknesses, substance. Her life, desires and values didn't revolve around a man, or a tragedy, but around her duty. And in the end, she chose love. Not the love of a man, but the love for the very best of humanity, while acknowledging that the very worst is always there, as well. The brave choice, the tough choice, the generous choice. A true Super Hero.


Link Me Up, Scotty - Dumber than a Box of Rocks Edition

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

Cthulhu's children, 45 is so stupid. He's now compromising his own SCOTUS case regarding his ridiculous "travel ban" by failing to STFU about it and follow the Justice Department attorneys' advice. What is wrong with him?
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Local peeps: Douglas County Library's Summer Reading Program for kids and adults is now in full swing. And, of course, so is mine.
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GRAIN OF SALT WARNING: Yahoo News' factual accuracy is sometimes suspect, and I have been unable to find this news reported anywhere else.

Apparently four law firms who are considered some of the best in the United States have turned down retainers from the President to defend him in the on-going Congressional and Justice Department investigations surrounding improprieties during the 2016 election. The reasons? 45 doesn't pay his bills, he won't listen to experts in their fields, and the firms themselves are concerned about their reputations if they're associated with the President of the United States. That is some fucked up shit, right there.
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From the "an embarrassment to us all" files: London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan, is calling on the British government to cancel 45's state visit (after throwing 45 some shade for his stupid Twitter rant) basically because our President is a Grade A Tool.
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And....no one wants to work for 45. Including the spouse of one of his closest advisors. Completely understandable - what if some that gets on you and you can't get it off?
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You know that $110B deal 45 supposedly made with Saudi Arabia for arms? Yeah, totally not a "deal." And totally started during the Obama administration. What a troll.
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Orly has collaborated with Muslim Girl to create Halal certified nail polishes for Muslim women. Speaking as an Atheist, I have to say that this is what inclusion looks like. Accommodating these women's faith tradition in your product line is not only the right thing to do, it just makes good business sense.
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Let's end on an inspirational note, shall we? Meet Mandy Harvey, a contestant on America's Got Talent who touched my heart with her story and her amazing talent.


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Today's sources:
  • Outside the Beltway: An online journal of politics and foreign affairs analysis written by a highly educated and ridiculously qualified staff. 
  • Douglas County Library: The public library special district of Douglas County, Colorado. 
  • Yahoo News: A mainstream media news source with a left-center bias and a mixed degree of factual reporting. 
  • The Guardian: A mainstream media news source with a left-center bias and a high degree of factual reporting.
  • The Washington Post: A mainstream media news source with a left center bias and a high degree of factual reporting.
  • The Brookings Institute: A research group with a left-center bias and a very high degree of factual reporting. 
  • Glamour: A fashion and beauty magazine with a high degree of factual reporting.