It seems to me that liberals & unions have their wires crossed.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I was raised in a union family.  My father was an organizer for Local 1145 for several years, then got hired by Service Employee Local 113 (non-professional hospital employees).  (It may now be an SEIU group?)  He became the head of Local 113 and held the position until his death, back in the 80s.  I know unions from the inside.  They have a place.  They can protect workers from rapacious owners and from abusive bosses.  They can and have had a positive role.

But consider Wisconsin and the nation-wide furor over workers' rights.  It's the end of the world!  The bosses will smash the unions and enslave the workers!  Goodbye to 8-hour days and 40-hour weeks, and weekends are a thing of the past!  Horrors!  Horrors!

Here's the disconnect: The bosses the unions scream about are the same governments that liberals say must be in charge of our lives.

Tea Partiers get raked over the coals for not trusting the govenment.  Unions get lauded for not trusting the same governments.

Make up your minds people!  Are governments rapacious and abusive tyrants or are they good and gentle shepherds?  Just pick one.  Once you settle your position we can talk.

This is both funny and sad:  

Former president of MADD arrested for DUI

MARION COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - A woman who was the former president of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter in Gainesville has been arrested for drunk driving.

Debra Oberlin, 48, was arrested around 1:00 a.m. February 18 after police say the car she was driving was swerving on Northwest 39th Street. According to the arrest report she was given two breathalyzer tests and measured .234 and .239. The limit in Florida is .08. [Emphasis added].

Almost three times the legal limit!

Newt Gingrich for President?  Gingrich is going to run for President? 

No, no, a thousand times no!  There are several thousand better candidates.  Let's kill this idea early, eh?  Remember:

 

 

Oh, those Hollywood writers are Sooooo subtle (not)!

Did 'The Good Wife' Cross Line by Naming Sarah Palin-Supporting Character 'McVeigh'?

The CBS drama "The Good Wife" has raised a few eyebrows by naming Gary Cole's character, a ballistics expert, Tea Party member, and Sarah Palin supporter, "Kurt McVeigh," a not so subtle comparison to Timothy McVeigh, the man behind the 1995 Oklahoma City bombings.

Later, we come to the Biggest Lie of Century So Far:

But the show's executive producer/co-creator, Robert King, said the naming of Cole's character was not intended to portray Republicans or Tea Party members in a negative light.

No, no bad intent at all (snort)... move along (chuckle)...nothing to be worRied about here (guffaw).

 

 

Surprise--I'm not attending the first meeting of the Bexar County Tea Party (BCTP).  Is this a "Dis?"  No, it's out of respect, actually, and after some chats with Trish, the organizer.

While the decision on my application for the SATP board is still pending, I had asked for and received a "charter" from the board to represent SATP a the BCTP meeting.  Upon consultation and reflection, Trish and I agreed it would be better to not have me there as an official rep. 

(And here I had asked for and received the charter.  Yes, "mistakes were made," as they say.  In this case--by me!  As Homer says:  D'Oh!)

There are at least a couple of folks known to still hang out with SATP who will attend, but not as official reps.  That's really how it needs to be right now.  They are separate organizations.  Trish formed BCTP because of she sees a need that she believes SATP cannot fulfill.  So, SATP should not interfere with how BCTP gets itself organized.

There's 20 months until the 2012 elections.  We can spare a month or five to let BCTP get stood up and decide their direction.  As long as SATP and BCTP do not fight, we can all win.  Except the socialists, that is....  <grin>

Meanwhile, I will give Trish any advice or support as she asks, as a fellow Tea Party organizer, including doing some introductions to other Tea Party organizers like Waco Tea Party's Toby Marie. Done that a bit already.  We're all in this together for the good of our country.

What this nutbag did is wrong.  She deserves jail or even execution.  There is no excuse for what she did.

For the record: Real American patriots do NOT support this nonsense.

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2011/0223/Arizona-justice-Shawna-Forde-death-sentence-a-rebuke-to-border-vigilante

New term making the rounds:  Fleebagger, for the politicians that flee the state rather than allow a vote.

Uh, we're talking about politicians doing this in defense of blood-sucking parasites, right?  Shouldn't that be spelled "FLEAbagger?"

The unions are screaming in the streets in Wisconsin.  Contribute more to retirement & medical?  Oh, the horror!

Meanwhile, in Illinois, they are cutting all state funding for drug and alcohol treatment and Detroit is being ordered to close half of its schools.

Which one has a Republican governor?  The one in the news.  Civility is for chumps and Tea Partiers.  Can't let reality disturb the narrative.  Down with the Walker-Hitler!

Welcome to the visitors from "Above Top Secret."  One presumes you're here because of this sign:

 Note this is NOT from the current Wisconsin protests.  That was Iowa, almost a year ago and my Source was HotAir. No idea why someone made this mix-up.

To help out the teachers callin in "sick" in Wisconsin, some doctors decided to pass out "note from a doctor," en-mass.  Ann Althouse has film, and Instapundit has much more.  Instapundit also notes that Andrew Breitbart also is safe from his employer's wrath today thanks to his note. 

Then, someone found the doctor's bio and sent it to Instapundit.  They noted it says Patrick A McKenna MD (assuming that's the right guy) "has strong interests in politics..."

What I find funny is just a few words later. He also enjoys "creative writing."

NO KIDDING!

Why so many Google searches recently for Ma tt  Per due (he who is usually not named here)?

The Good:  Being considered for the SATP board again.  Druing the interview last night, we also discussed the Bexaar County Tea Party.  I was well pleased with the board's desire to cooperate with them rather than get into some sort of fight.  I also delivered some good news about how the organizer has acted in an ethical manner, not taking advantage of some un-ethical offers.

The Bad: Toby Marie Walker (Waco Tea Party) pointed out how bad things are getting.  Imagine of the Tea Party was this unethical:

Group targets Speaker Boehner's (small-h) house

When did demonstrating at the private homes of politicians or corporate executives become an acceptable way to voice one's political opinions?

Nearly two dozen activists from DC Vote swarmed House Speaker John Boehner's Capitol Hill residence at 7:30 Thursday morning, chanting "Don't tread of D.C." and "No taxation without representation" to protest congressional "meddling" in the District's local affairs, in particular a House continuing budget resolution that would cut $80 million in federal payments and prohibit the city from using local funds to pay for needle exchange programs and abortions.

"Speaker Boehner is coming to our home telling us how to spend our money," Ilir Zherka, the group's executive director, told his followers. "We decided to come to his house to tell him to leave D.C. alone."

After Capitol Police officers blocked their way by using bikes to erect a makeshift barricade, the protestors remained outside Boehner's home for more than an hour.

This is the same tactic used last month by protestors who don't want Wal-Mart to open a new store in D.C.

This sort of thing tends to rapidly descend into violence.  One wonders if that's their plan all along.

To mis-quote Reagan:  "There they go again!"

The CNN reporter who got  sexually assaulted in Egypt was insufficiently left-wing?  Joking about her is fair game!

Nir Rosen trashes Lara Logan, dismisses her sexual assault

...The two comments gave way to more. Rosen called Logan a "war monger" and expressed doubt that she was actually assaulted.

"Jesus Christ, at a moment when she is going to become a martyr and glorified we should at least remember her role as a major war monger" wrote Rosen.

"Look, she was probably groped like thousands of other women, which is still wrong, but if it was worse than [sic] I'm sorry."

Like every other liberal scumbag nutcase, he'll get a pass for what would cause 32-point headlines and screaming crowds in protest if said by a conservative.

To apply what Kos said about murder victims to scumbags like Rosen:   "They are paid assassins. Fuck 'em."

Walmart is finally coming to some Washington, District of Columbia (DC) neighborhoods.  "Affordable" stuff--goods and foods, located just where they are needed most.  Plus jobs!  Just the thing for a blighted area.

Unless you're delusional, of course.  Or projecting.

Delusion: 

First, would a new Wal-Mart there really stock the same quality of food and products as its stores do in better-off, suburban communities?

"I'll believe it when I see it," Mya Harris, 24, said skeptically. "Sure, you can put the store here, but what are they going to put inside it?"

What will be in it?  The same stuff that's in EVERY Walmart.  That's how Walmart makes money.  They have one of the most efficient purchasing and distribution systems known to man.  It would KILL their profits to try to have unique, even cheaper stuff in just some stores.

Projection:

Second, and I was amazed when this anxiety was aired in fully half the interviews, residents worry that the store would suffer severely or even fail because of petty theft.

"There'll probably be a lot of shoplifting going on. They'll need a lot of security," Terriea Sutton, 35, said.

Brenda Speaks, a Ward 4 ANC commissioner, actually urged blocking construction of the planned store in her ward at Georgia and Missouri avenues NW partly because of that risk. Addressing a small, anti-Wal-Mart rally at City Hall on Monday, Speaks said young people would get criminal records when they couldn't resist the temptation to steal.

Imagine that.  A politician (has to be a Democrat in this case, since it's DC, but that doesn't matter) wooried about people being tempted to steal.  Hah!  You want thieves?  I'll show you some thieves!  Just lookie here.

Yeah, as the young boy put it back in 1928, please "Say it ain't so" . . .

Rebel frosh play by D.C. rules

In the battle between Washington and the tea party, Washington is winning among the Senate's Republican freshmen.

Many have hired lobbyists and other D.C. insiders to run their offices. Ten of the 13 GOP freshmen have shunned any formal affiliation to the tea party. And most are quick to follow marching orders from Republican leadership. They rarely speak on the Senate floor, they haven't been introducing much legislation. And they've been quietly loyal on roll call votes.

When called on by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky - an establishment Republican if there ever was one - freshmen have jumped at the opportunity to travel overseas, appear with GOP leaders at news conferences and give the official response to President Barack Obama's weekly radio address.

Geeze -- could you guys at least use some KY jelly and maybe a rubber next time?

 

Noticed on this Hot Air posting that our Commander in Thief Chief has proposed trimming the deficit by "$1.1 Trillion over the next decade."

You're now expected to go "WOW!  Hurrah for The One!"

He really does think you're a dipshit.  He thinks you'll read the word "deficit"and think "debt."  He thinks you won't notice that decade is ten years.

$1.1 Trillion / 10 years == $110 Billion a year reduction in the amount we pile on to the debt each year.

Color me so VERY NOT IMPRESSED!

The Bexar County Tea Party is moving in the right direction!  I am well pleased with this code of conduct:

Kind of reminds me of something...

Short answer: No!

Jon Kaplan asked me to do a post on State Senator Jeff Wentworth's bill calling for an Article 5 Constitutional Convention.  Being strict Constitutionalists (AKA, Tea Partiers), we'll start with Article 5 of the US Constitution:

The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case, shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as Part of this Constitution, when ratified by the Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof, as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the Senate. (Emphasis added)

 So, what's to fear?  Nothing proposed by a convention takes effect until 75% of the Several States agree.  Not a problem!  Just look at that Sea of Red:

You want a balanced budget amendment?  This may be the only way to get it.  Afraid of a "Everyone has a right to affordable housing" amendment?  Ain't happening.

Senator Wentworth will be at the 20 Feb SATP meeting.  Come talk to him!

Had a long talk today with the lady organizing the Bexar County Tea Party. We got along well, and we agree on the important policy points.  She is not an enemy of SATP.

Right now, it's appears to be just her show, but I expect them to have a fast growth spurt at first. No idea how big the organization will grow. It'll depend on how it gets organized and who gets into leadership positions. 

I advised her to be very careful about whom she allows to be a leader (look what happened to us with He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named).  I also suggested she get advice from some specific experienced Tea Party leaders from around Texas.

Bottom line is that she's not an enemy and is willing to try to make sure we don't step on each others toes. We should be able to liaison with her new organization. I'll probably serve in that--it seems a natural role for me.

(Updated:  It's the Bexar COUNTY Tea Party!)

Jon Kaplan appears to have sent on a fun idea, by sending John Yoggerst my way.  He writes:

I am selling a bumper sticker via my website www.banbarack.com and would like to have a link from your site. I think it is time to retire Barack come November 2012 and elect someone with management experience and some accounting skills. I am planning to start a PAC with a portion of the gross revenue, once the sales begin. We just opened this website Monday. 

Heh.  So simple, but it gets the point across.  If you like it, they're $4.95 plus $1.95 shipping, for a total of $6.90.

They're organizing a Bexar Tea Party, to cover the whole county.  Have made initial; contact with one of the organizers.  Want to make sure we coordinate and cooperate, not compete and fight!

No, I'm not talking about the $100Bspending cut the Republican "Leadership" has finally been convinced to do (as they pledged in late October!)  No, it's all the other figures around it:

 So, are you suitably impressed?  I'm not.  It's just a start--But it IS a start.

(With a Hat Tip to The Mighty Van Helsing for the idea.)

Just after I wrote the previous post, I see this at HotAir:

"Revolt" over: House GOP leadership agrees to caucus's demands to cut spending by $100 billion

But you should also note this gem therein:

Consider this a correction of my earlier post, where I said the GOP had initially proposed only $58 billion in cuts. If you're wondering what the extra $26 billion means in practical terms, let's bust out the calculator and do some math. Assuming CBO's projected deficit this year of $1.5 trillion, i.e. $1,500 billion, we're slipping $4.1 billion deeper into the budgetary hole every single day. Note well: That's not federal spending per day, that's what's being added to the deficit per day. Cutting an extra $26 billion will thus erase a little less than ... one week of new liabilities. That's what the big "revolt" is over. 

Hmmm...$100M/$4.1B/day means they'll cut just over 24 days worth of deficit.  Moving in the right direction, but too damn slow!

Nothing like an update to a very revealing graphic (found at GatewayPundit):

Certainly puts all those "Bush's War is what did it" lies to rest, eh?  Obama just kept rolling on!

"Sure," you say. "But we sure put an end to that in November!  Yeah, our noble House Leaders, now featuring those wearing the "Big-R" brand will fix that!"  Well, maybe not so much, as Hugh Hewitt points out:

The House Republicans ran on the Pledge to America.  It is specific on p. 6 and on p. 21.  From p. 21:

Act Immediately to Reduce Spending

There is no reason to wait to reduce wasteful and unnecessary spending. Congress should move immediately to cancel unspent “stimulus” funds, and block any attempts to extend the timeline for spending “stimulus” funds. Throwing more money at a stimulus plan that is not working only wastes taxpayer money and puts us further in debt.

Cut Government Spending to Pre-Stimulus, Pre-Bailout Levels

With common-sense exceptions for seniors, veterans, and our troops, we will roll back government spending to prestimulus, pre-bailout levels, saving us at least $100 billion in the first year alone and putting us on a path to begin paying down the debt, balancing the budget, and ending the spending spree in Washington that threatens our children’s future.

These promises are impossible to square with the House Budget Committee's announcement yesterday of a mere $32 billion in proposed cuts for the rest of the year.

 Of course, the brave Sir Cost-Cutters bravely proposed a few more cuts, when they saw the reaction to that defection:

Faced with a revolt on the right, House Republicans scrambled Wednesday to adjust their budget strategy and come up with tens of billions of dollars in additional savings - including a possible across-the-board cut - to appease tea party supporters. 

The day began with the once-proud House Appropriations Committee previewing what it saw as an unprecedented package of more than $40 billion in reductions from current domestic and foreign aid funding. But even as the numbers were released, conservatives at a morning caucus demanded twice the reductions. And by late in the day, the committee's cardinals were closeted away in the Capitol, fending off talk of across-the-board cuts but also admitting they will most likely need days more to come up with an alternative.

Hey, here's an idea, you Jackasses in Elephant suits:  CUT THE $100B you promised!

Can't figure out what to cut?  Say you want more time?  NO!  You've bloody well HAD ENOUGH TIME!  The November election was when?  Last November!  You had all of December and all of January. 

Do you think we'd not notice that YOU WERE JUST LYING TO US?  Cut thespending NOW!

The 2011 Federal Budget forecasts spending of $3.83T with receipts of just $2.57T and a deficit of $1.267T (per Wikipedia).  We'll borrow  over 33% of what we spend!  We just cannot keep doing that.  The bill are coming due soon.

As Ben Stein's father put it:  "If something cannot go on forever, it will stop."

Either we stop it now (with some pain), or others will stop it for us (with a LOT of pain).

If a leftie calls for lynching a black judge, is that still racist?

Evidently not!

"Newspaper of Record" my ass.  "Newspaper of Record Hypocrisy" is more like it!

$1.5 Trillion deficit, but...

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid called House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s plan to slash $74 billion from the federal budget “unworkable” and “more draconian than we originally anticipated,”

"Draconian?" Really?  That's less than 5% of just this year's deficit.  These people should be ashamed of themselves.  But they have no shame--just a lust for ever-more power.

Hey, I can see November 2012 from my house!

$32 Billion in Budget Cuts Proposed

Really?  I mean, come on, please.  Tell me another one.  That's all you got?  You really do think we're all that stupid, huh?

Current deficit:  $1.5 Trillion.  Re-write that as $1,500 Billion.  A $32 Billion cut?  That's just over 2%.

I AM NOT IMPRESSED!

 

Van Helsing, over at Moonbattery, is still on his tear.  Wowser!

I just loved how he handled this little gem.  Yep, Sihk's keep their knives, no threat to kid's lives.  but Christians and Jews?  No weapons for youse!