Recently by eljefebob

Over the years I've had dozens of on-line and in-person discussions about how eliminationist rhetoric has moved from the fringes of the extreme right into mainstream conservative politics.  One of those who leads the way with this incendiary language is, of course, Rush LImbaugh, the de facto chairman of the GOP and primary spokesman.  Part of eliminationism is demeaning and disparaging everyone who not only disagrees with the speaker, but who is fundamentally different...religion, political...

It was one of those rare moments in live television...Glenn Beck, well known for extreme hyperbole and corny dramatics, was bested by one of his own guests.  Eric Massa, the now resigned member of Congress from New York, appeared tonight at Beck's invitation; Beck saw Massa as an opportunity to expose the Democrat's and President Obama's "corruption" that Massa had claimed forced him out of office.  Beck didn't quite get what he bargained for, however. ...

Funny or Die came out with a new video this week for Main Street Brigade supporting the proposed Consumer Finance Protection Agency that old Washington pillars on both sides of the aisle don't want.  The CFPA would regulate credit card and mortgage companies in an effort to curb abuses by big banks and finance companies.  All of the crew from Saturday Night Live volunteered to help get the word out.  Have a look (it's the...

Updated for a friend's request:  Gracie and I attended the Robert Burns Dinner last night in Houston.  It is the 5th largest event of its kind in the world, and great time of tippling single malts, celebrating the Haggis and baudy poetry in honor of the Bard.The world famous St. Thomas Pipe Band performed for the kilted crowd.  Here's a little sample I shot with my iPhone: Ellisland, near Dumfries, 18th May, 1789 Fair the...

President Obama, in essentially a solo performance, took on the entire Republican leadership yesterday for almost 7 hours.  I was able to watch much of it, and coverage of the times that I missed.  What struck me was his depth of knowledge, not only of the pending health care reform bills, but also the insurance and health care delivery industries.  After over a year of posturing, obfuscation, distortion, and obstruction by the Republicans, it was...

Paul Hipp has created a youTube sensation singing the truth about health care...the United States has the highest cost per capita and ranks 37th among the developed nations in health care.  Presented to you without further comment:...

Anyone who is paying the slightest bit of attention is acutely aware that the wheels of government have ground to a halt.  The Republicans, who have gone all-in against every American in an attempt to cause President Obama to fail, have targeted the November elections for the near-term win.  There number one goal, of course, is to make Obama a one-term president, and this is the first step.  As a tactic in this strategy, they...

In an entertaining exchange this weekend, Lee Fang of Think Progress ambushed ambush reporter Griff Jenkins at CPAC in Washington.  You'll recall that Griff has made quite a name for himself ambushing O'Reilly and Fox Noise enemies in their front yards and parking lots peppering them with questions and then selectively editing the result to fit their narrative.  Here's the exchange:Griff certainly doesn't like having done to him exactly what he does to others on...

At CPAC yesterday, editor of lie-filled Human Events, Jeb Babbin, injected a little "humor" while introducing Grover Norquist, one of the chief architects of the "starve the beast" strategy adopted by the Bush II administration and espoused by most rock rib conservatives.  He thought it would be funny to crack a joke about domestic terrorist and murderer, Joe Stack, drawing parallels with Norquist's hate of the IRS.  It's a real knee slapper.  Here ya' go...

Guest-blogged by Gracie Cavnar.  Original piece appeared on the Houston Chronicle opinion page today, February 21, 2010:First lady Michelle Obama recently announced her sweeping national initiative to combat childhood obesity. For the first time since this epidemic emerged, a comprehensive federal effort will coordinate with nonprofit organizations and the private sector to address the broad spectrum of contributing factors to obesity that together threaten generations of Americans with chronic disease and early death. It's not...