The Weekly Planet April 7 2012

Welcome to this week's edition of "The Weekly Planet." This week besides the usual topics I'll be adding education into the mix since that ties in with the global unrest and world wide protests. Education will be a recurring topic, as it should be, since an uneducated populace is an easily controlled populace.

Why Obama Will Not Lose

I can sum up this thought in one word, "alienation." A conservative cannot win by appealing only to old white males. With the right's continued offense against equal rights for women and minorities, they've thrown a match into the gas tank of their candidacy. In the latest Gallup Poll of swing states Obama leads Romney by 9% as a whole, with women supporting Obama over Romney in the same states by 18%. With Santorum throwing culture into politics, especially concerning women, even after he drops out women in general will still be leery of any GOP candidate. Romney with his wife Ann's input, states that women are concerned about the economy. Yet, with the ongoing attack on reproductive rights that appears to be going global, women are at least as concerned about health issues than they are about anything else.

The only voting block that Romney has an edge on Obama is the over 50 white male group. Not enough to help. Close to 70% of latinos voted for the president in 2008, and it appears the percentage will stay about the same. The black vote will heavily swing towards Obama again as well. Van Jones quipped that even if the president came out as gay, he would still get that vote. Ninety-five percent of the black electorate voted for Obama in 2008, we'll see the same for 2012.

Romney will get the evangelical vote as he panders to the right. His statement that Obama wants to establish a secular religion shows the depths of idiocy he is willing accept. I don't think the war onreligion message will do much for his campaign. Besides offending liberal theists, he also throws away atheist voters. There seems to be a dearth of conservative atheists, and for those who exist the conservative's  religious stance will offend them enough that they either will not vote at all, or they will vote for Obama.

I don't think the LGBT community will be head over heels in love with the party of  DOMA as well.Seventy percent voted for Obama in 2008. I think the percentage will be even higher in 2012.

Romney will be helped as the coffers of the RNC grow. With no limit to corporate spending, the super pacs are attacking Obama while the RNC gets to save money for the election. Thank's to the Supreme Court the RNC has already tucked away over eighty million dollars for the candidate's run. 

One more thought on gender voting blocks and how important they are. In 1996, Clinton wasreelected even though he lost the male vote by 1%. During that time period conservatives were going after social safety nets, as they do so again. When you target a group to further an ideology, you lose.

Unless something drastic and unforeseen happens, this current administration will get another four years.

State Politics and Misogyny: The Good News, The Bad News

The bad news outweighs the good news in every GOP controlled state, but at least the fight continues and in some areas appears to be gaining traction. In my home state of MI, the culture war is in full swing. We have fetal personhood, ultrasound and other bills that won't help the state, being legislated. We have a swarm of angry tea party nitwits that have taken over. Democrats have sued their counterparts over a procedure that determines how fast a law can go into effect. Though it's a stalling tactic, the two new laws that are being stalled are attacks on the middle class and unions. Every little bit helps.

Michigan is the home of a new thought that attacks democracy as a whole. To take over a legally elected city council, throw out the mayor, and take over the entire city in the name of democracy, is the exact opposite of what democracy stands for. There is a radio station that has a three mile radius that the Emergency Financial Manager just tried to sell on Ebay. Apparently the city council and mayor were using it to talk to their constituents. The feds stepped in and prevented the sale. Instead a local school bought it, and communications for ousted officials may continue. Another small, but needed win.

It may seem insignificant in a world of crazy, but that's how the crazy starts. They are starting to talk about the takeover of Detroit. Now that would be fun, the push back would throw the state into chaos.

Then there are states like Mississippi, which holds the dubious distinction of being the worst state to live if you're a woman. Besides the stats on the lack of education, poverty and obesity that effect the women of the state, they're brainwashed by the christian cult that dominates their thinking. MS has never sent a woman to congress. Par for a state that is the most religious state in the union.

Looking at the other worst states, the ratings are based on poverty, lack of insurance, lack of reproductive rights and lack of education. Great.

Every week I'm going to grab a couple of states that are doing their best to marginalize science and women. I know everyone must be as bewildered by the nonsense as I am. From creationism back in school to misogynist legislation, crazy rules the day.

Occupy, Education and Income Equality

I find all three subjects related to the unrest around the world. I would probably be called a socialist because of my viewpoints on government's role pertaining to the general welfare of the populace. I see a free, or at least affordable, education as being one part of a successful society. The only reason to neglect education is to control a populace.

Part of the Occupy movement directly relates to education. The protests that are taking place on campuses, and elsewhere, are tuition motivated. Higher education is being put beyond the reach of the populace. The easiest way to prevent an informed electorate from developing is to prevent access to higher learning.

As many as 30 demonstrators were pepper sprayed in Santa Monica College while protesting tuition hikes. Pepper spraying may not be as news worthynow as when it first started happening, but I liked that one of the demonstrators that was sprayed is a congressional candidate. Green Party, so no chance, but would have been great to have someone in congress that understands how close to a police state we are becoming. 

The photo on the left is Mr. Steinman learning first hand that freedom of assembly is no longer a reality. 

During the last month protests have been picking up, usually centered on raised tuition and the millionaires' tax.

The protests are still minor in violence compared to western Europe. Austerity measures are the flames lighting a short fuse, this could get worse quickly. In Italy, a man lit himself on fire because he hadn't been paid in months, another did the same over a tax evasion charge; times are definitely tough.

In Greece, Dimitris Christoulas has become a martyr after shooting himself. He claimed that the cuts to his pension were so severe he could not sustain himself. He decided to end his life rather than scavenge for survival. Protests are ongoing.

Even our neighbor to the north is involved. 71 have been arrested there, and it appears that the university was successful in obtaining an injunction against the protestors that stops them from blocking entrances and intimidating staff. 

Should education be affordable, or even free? It would seem that if you wanted an engaged populace that educating them would be a top priority. Every election year we hear about how education is a top priority, and then nothing happens. Our colleges would appear to have great income generated through sports programs, is that all we want is athletes?

Republican That Don't Totally Suck

It appears that you can teach an old republican something new, at least when legislation hits home. Georgia state Representative Ron Stephens, who is a pro-life conservative, would not vote on an anti-abortion bill until it was amended. The bill centers around the no abortion after 20 weeks bill that was being proposed. His daughter's child was diagnosed with trisomy, and she ended up getting an abortion after the 20 week period being proposed.

For a moments worth of sanity, he is now the target of conservatives who think he is a republican in name only. When you think it can't happen again, conservatives set the bar lower again. 

I doubt I would agree with the vast majority of his thoughts, but leave it up to the conservative party to make sure sure that any reasonable thought is draped in disdain. 

Bang the drums, light the torches, grab the pitchforks, this man has to go. 

The republican party no longer exists. It is only an arm of the christian right and no longer is pertinent as a political or social force, except for a minority of literal christians. They are the champions of biblical morals which no longer have any business in our daily lives.

ALEC

If you haven't been following this, it is good news time. Major funders are dropping ALEC. Coca Cola, Pepsi, Kraft foods; all breaking ties with this corrupt conservative group. Voter suppression, stand your ground laws; all part of their job. 

This is where the legislation you hate is spawning.

And yes, our friends to the right fund the insanity.

Freedom

What images does this word conjure. Do you think about camping in a secluded, pristine part of the country? Do you think about loving who you want to love, breathing clean air, drinking pure water, contributing to the betterment of society, supporting education for your children, supporting science and maybe even supporting equal rights for all? Maybe freedom is being able to walk down the street without big brother watching. Possibly, if a woman, being able to drive a car, walk the streets without fear, controlling your reproductive system or wanting equal pay for equal work? Maybe you want to say and think what you wish without fear?

I could go on with that list. Maybe they're not all examples of what all of us might think is being free, but I would think that certain people would agree to certain described examples. Possibly you want to travel unhindered, maybe you would like not to be profiled; I understand.

But these thoughts are probably more ingrained into the progressive mind.

When looking at the conservative mind, you must remember that none of these thoughts define their freedom. Freedom for a conservative never includes freedom for everyone. It is a very selfish and destructive freedom that they promote.

As an example, a recent conversation in my local pub with a conservative friend on freedom:

I tell him of a story that I think is amusing, not a conflict. While in FL, family members that came to visit were surprised no one recycles in the area we are staying. I don't know if it is a state wide initiative, but in the panhandle they burn everything to generate power. I have no clue as to the safeness, or danger of the operation; wasn't the point I was making. My story was centered around how my sister-in-law was saving plastic bags to bring back to Michigan to recycle and how I was amused with her wanting me to take some home with me. Instead of the amusement I thought the story would generate, his interpretation of the story was centered on freedom. He liked the burning instead of the recycling; that's freedom!

Now the discussion is freedom. The holy rallying cry of the conservative movement. I've heard the same from every conservative that I've talked to where that subject has been brought up.

According to my friends, burning, polluting, destroying the environment is all about freedom. No big deal there's mercury in the fish you eat, it's a good thing. It's the free market at work. Blowing the tops off mountains and poisoning the water and air in the surrounding areas, no problem. Oil spills in the gulf? The free market will clean that up. Carrying guns is freedom no matter how many are killed. Fossil fuels are awesome. Who wants some pussy electric car? Factory farming is great, we can feed the masses cheaply. Blowing cigarette smoke in my face; hey, they have the right to do what they want.

There's no moral to this story, in fact it is only a story of incomprehension. Mine, theirs; yours?

There's only one thought that you need to remember, if you are a progressive, and you are talking freedom with a conservative, they have a totally different definition of that word. There definition is simple; one can do whatever they want regardless of the harm it may cause. It is a very simple thought, they disregard any consequences that may happen because of their exercise of freedom.

The average conservative must be unable to see the future that their freedom would create. It is either a cognitive disability, or the influence of religion; or more than likely, both.

The Chosen

Sitting at the pearly gates
waiting for god to decide my fate
I tried hard to live a good life
took care of family especially my wife
no killing or stealing or raping
a man with morals who believes in ultimate meaning
I should sit high on his list
a devoted and humble Baptist

Apparently I made one mistake
guess this whole thing was just a sweepstake
how was I supposed to pick and choose?
though supposedly I had enough clues
the religion that god mandated
the one that was top rated
a silly mess of tangled noodles
must have been picked for the giggles

An atheist thought I had tried to ignore
was the one I was supposed to adore
the one god chose to populate heaven
I guess he likes scientists instead of brethren
even the almighty would like a discussion
something more than a bleak confession
the infinitely old little bugger
chose the followers of the flying spaghetti monster

Dream

Audio: A Dream

A dream it would seem 

Even though awake 

I notice a theme 

reason we forsake 

the world a pipedream 

so many partake 

a dream 

Fantasy an outbreak 

thoughts are mainstream 

we admire the fake 

discouraged to blaspheme 

can’t silence the mistake 

a dream 

Even after daybreak 

beings supreme 

put lives at stake 

reason deemed 

ready for the wake 

a dream 

That comes with heartache 

makes me scream 

not for heaven’s sake 

but at the silliness stream 

storytellers make 

A dream it would seem

Welcome to the first edition of "The Weekly Planet." The Planet's content will be primarily a summary of weekly politics that have caught our attention. The format will be simple to begin with. We will concentrate on four areas that will be standard from week to week, inserting other subjects that grab our attention as we go.

There are several common threads to the subjects. One is the lack of civil discourse in politics; apparently rhetoric is more important than facts. Another thread is how the globe is linked, and how their problems are our problems.

This is where the discussion starts, enjoy.

Why Obama Will Not Lose

The GOP primary continues to bore. Week after week of primaries or debates that have nothing to do with the state of the union. Mitt has been frying his brain trying to support every position that conservatives find important, even if the week before he said the exact opposite. The latest version of the Mitt mind that everyone has probably heard of by now is the Etch-a-Sketch comparison. Hold it upside down, give it a shake, time for a different position.

But that is not his biggest problem. In the first place, the evangelical base does not really support him. States that have 37% of the population, or more, that are self admitted evangelicals, have selected Santorum over and over. For the middle class, which Mitt thinks is earning $19,000 a year, his Wall Street roots will also be a problem for him. Then there's thedogs, they don't trust him at all. If Mitt wins the primary, which apparently he will, he has another large problem; the president. Mitt has shown himself to be a fool and a prevaricator, and he will not be able to hold his own in a debate. The fun of that will be counting how many times he changes his position.

Santorum is almost out of the picture, but if he were to win the nomination he would have similar problems. Yes, he is the evangelical darling, thinking that god should be acknowledged in every situation. His interpretation of the constitution is noteworthy for those who understand the problems with embracing one religion as a pervasive part of government. His description of getting sickened by President Kennedy's 1960's speech only shows an astounding lack of comprehension. I have older friends and family that consider themselves conservatives now, but voted for Kennedy. That will bring back memories for catholics; fond memories of a day long past and will sour them on Santorum. Then there's that disturbing first paragraph in Wiki.

Like Romney, that still isn't his biggest problem. His supporters are evangelicals. Moderate conservatives and independents will not vote for him. They may stay home and not vote at all. Added to that are women voters who will more than likely shun his caveman morals. He has not a chance.

The lack of enthusiasm will be a key ingredient as well. The only enthusiasm being generated is by the right wing media machines like Fox. They will work the hate angle and generate something akin to enthusiasm, but not really the same as what the left has. If you have a positive message, and a negative message, the positive usually wins out and generates real enthusiasm. Remembering what a great campaigner Obama has been, I think when he really hits the trail the fight will be over. The right's media blitz will be formidable, but it will not generate an emotion that can be sustained.

The start of this election season for me will be on the fifth of June. That is when Wisconsin will hold it's recall election on Governor Scott Walker. With the upcoming resignation of Senator Pam Galloway, the GOP will lose senate control in Wisconsin as well. This is where the push starts. A victory over the anti-worker Walker will be a big win for the middle class. Walker has been making the rounds on Fox, where they avoid questions about any of the investigations surrounding him. He's doing his best to pretend that he's not worried about the results of the recall, and maybe he's not; that investigation going on is probably at the forefront of his thoughts. 

I think this is where the tide will turn. The ideologies that conservatives have embraced not only here, but globally, will come into the light. 

Misogyny and Politics

I have to start with a simple statement here. Being male may blind us to the pervasiveness of misogyny in America today. I cannot speak for anyone but myself, but I have had enough. When I say pervasive, I do mean everywhere. Personal observations of these attacks bewilder. It seems the most innocent discussions are permeated with such immature comments made about women that I can barely read anything where a woman is the topic. As an example, I was on a search for a recipe for my in-laws. I have a hard time finding it, but I remembered the lady's name and googled her. I found an article that stated she had been removed from the network's list of chefs. What got me though, was the comments underneath. The first one was, "she's hot, but she'd look better with my dick in her mouth." I'm not going through everything I see while surfing, I know there's a lot of comments flooding the web with anti-women themes. I guess the thought that interests me most is who raised these people. In my house, respect for women was a given. I can't imagine how someone with a mother, sister or daughter could put any woman in such a negative light. Attacking gender seems to be a losing proposition. Another reason Obama will win.

It is apparent that when pundits like Rush attack women, in this case Sandra Fluke, it backfires. Though some havesided with Rush saying that it is free speech and just ignore him, I would disagree. If you are a public figure, a celebrity, you expect some flack heading your way. If you are a private citizen and are attacked, then we have a problem. Rush wasn't baiting some celebrity he disagrees with, and that's where he made his mistake.

His real problem though is that he attacked a lady who speaks well and has maintained a calm and dignity that Rush can't match.

Civil discourse is not in the right's playbook, so they are confused when it happens. Poor Rush picked on the wrong person this time. 

There are a few hints of good news on gender issues. Idaho has rejected their ultrasound bill. Conservatives crossed over and this bill appears to be dead. New Hampshire conservatives votedagainst a bill with harsh criminal penalties for doctors performing abortions. Tennessee is going back to the drawing board after their bill wanting to list online the names of doctors who perform abortions was rejected by the only physician in the General Assembly, Rep. Joey Hensley, a conservative who is anti-abortion has stated he won't support the measure. Arizona's, "tell your employer why you're on the pill," bill was withdrawn after passing the house. In Utah a billed was vetoed by conservative Governor Gary Herbert that would ban public schools from teaching about contraceptives.

These may come back in a different form, but it would appear that conservatives are getting worried about being reelected if they endorse these attacks on women's health. Of course there are many other states going head first into this gathering storm, hopefully that will smash any chances of re-election for those supporting political misogyny. Alabama appears to be at the center of the storm right now. Their claims that eggs, embryos and fetuses are have separate legal rights have led to the jailing of 60 women.

My favorite push back from my favorite gender comes in the form of social networking. Governors of states that have been endorsing pro-life positions by attacking funding and doctors have been getting bombed with sarcasm. In Kansas, Governor Sam Brownback's page was seeing some action. One woman asking the question, "I am 44 years old and have two teen-age children. My partner and I both feel we are too old to have more children. However I am still fertile. What do you think we should do?" Plain awesomeness.

A nice screenshot from Governor Perry's page on FB: 

How can one not like this? The culture wars are becoming a losing proposition for conservatives.

A few more comments from several politician's pages; this is not an isolated incidence. 

Hi Governor, I have heard you are the man to come to with female problems, since you are makin’ all the medical decisions in your state. I have the worst cramps. I lay down a lot with a heating pad, but that seems to just make it worse. I also, like Linda up there, have some kind of discharge… she does not mention if hers smells, sometimes mine does, what does that mean?? Could you please tell me what to do, I am just a stupid woman who needs government to tell her what to do with her body.

Governor McDonnell ~ I wrote the other day asking for advice about my excessive discharge, and I haven’t heard back from you yet. I’m sure you’re quite busy, what with all the vaginas in this state. Anyway, it still persists and now there is some itching. Can you recommend a salve or ointment?

Hey Rick! I used to go to Planned Parenthood to get my yearly breast exams. Upon hearing from you that they’re sinners, I’ve resolved to change my ways! So when is your next available appointment? Or is this something that should be handled by my local politician?

I would like your opinion since I can’t make medical decisions myself being a woman and all. Since you know so much about my healthcare, I was wondering if you could tell me how to handle my period since it is very heavy 4 days out of every month. What is the best product so I can have a productive day during these times or do you think I should just stay at home and call in sick or better yet quite my job since I can’t make my own decisions maybe I shouldn’t be working. What is your medical position on this issue?

I just called your office, and they wouldn’t let me schedule a pap smear. I’m confused, aren’t you taking care of all this now?

Back to New Hampshire, they decided to not reverse the law allowing gay marriages. And when it comes to culture wars, this is the time for another one; the war on class.

Will The American Spring become a Global Spring?

As the weather changes so does the Occupy movement. Once again looking to create a physical presence, this movement is far from over. The beginning fray for this year started where the movement began; New York City. On March 17th, about 500 protestors tried to reoccupy Zuccotti Park. It was a short lived occupation as police ousted the protestors and made arrests. It appears that the violence associated with the protests will continue. It is hard to know the truth of where the violence originates, the police say it's the protestors, the protestors are saying it's the police.

A large group of protestors joined the Million Hoodie March for Trayvon Martin at Union Square where Occupy protestors are maintaining a presence. The message that seems to be at the forefront of the movement is income inequality. It is a message that will continue to resonate with a large part of the populace, whether they agree with Occupy tactics or not. Occupy Oakland announced a major civil disobedience day on the 22nd of March in support of the Union Square protestors. Not much really happened except for 30 protestors building a new camp. They managed to keep the location secret so they wouldn't have a police presence.

Though there is not a lot happening just yet, I will keep coming back to this subject on a weekly basis.London Occupiers have joined the New York movement, and I think the probability of a Global Occupy movement is very high. All across the globe protests will be popping up this year because of a decided turn to the right in global politics and income inequality.

As western Europe suffers from the economic downturn, numerous protests are developing. Portugal, where unemployment has passed the 14 percent mark, is the poorest of the European countries. Portuguese strikers halted trains and paralyzed most public transport on Thursday.

Greece has been at the forefront in the news, many of the protests have been very violent. They are definitely not happy with the ruling class. Minimum wage has almost dropped in half and the middle class is taking the brunt of the financial downswing. Apparently you don't screw with that populace, they will fight.

This month in Spain hundreds of thousands of peopledemonstrated against the governments attacks on labor rights and the welfare state. Another large demonstration is planned for the 29th of this month. Hundreds of thousands have hit the streets in Italy as part of, "the Pitchforks Movement." Ireland has, for the most part, accepted the measures and is praised by the IMF for its austerity measures. Doesn't seem to impress the average irish person, since homes have lost 60 percent of their value and public services have been slashed. Goodbye to pay and pensions. About a thousand Irish a week areleaving the country.

The economy is a world wide problem. Instead of spending money to ease the unemployment and general needs of the populace, they are tightening the belt. It is the same argument we are having here. I intend to keep watching the global protests as the year goes on. This is an important time that has significant events for all citizens of the world. Most of the protests occurring are based on the fact that it will be the poor and middle class who will end up being the ones effected with less income and security, while the rich get a free ride. We know this story.

The Middle East is still in a state of unrest, hell, the world is in a state of unrest. It is all connected. The rich are supporting themselves on the backs of the poor and middle class. 

Republicans That Don't Totally Suck

I mentioned here and there that I have many conservative friends. It's the area I live in, not much I can do about it but become a hermit. This is for them. I grew up in a blue collar neighborhood and some conservative values did ring true most of the time. For those who are puzzled by the mentality, let me share a couple of thoughts with you that I think conservatism is based on. One is unwavering loyalty. The next is a very warped sense of what freedom means.

Conservatives still watch Rush, even if they have daughters themselves they do not put the mud slinging in context because they are loyal; they never think their daughters would be attacked like that. If their families were attacked, the loyalty button is pushed and they will fight back, but as long as it is someone else, especially someone who has been painted as the enemy, they are content. When it comes to freedom, they think they should be allowed to do whatever they want, no matter how it may harm others. They think we should be free to pollute, we should be free to eat the least healthy meals we can find, we should be free to do harmful things. Basically it's the "don't tell me what to do thought." It is annoying, but I understand their thoughts to a certain degree. I just don't think those thoughts make any sense in the long term, and in the short term it's appears to be only about self-gratification.

This week's Republican who doesn't totally suck is Senator Olympia Snowe. Senator Snowe will be retiring when her term ends. “There’s no longer political reward for consensus building,” says Snowe, 65, one of the last of a dying breed of middle-of-the-road Republicans who worked with Democrats.

My appreciation of her work revolves around the "Snowe Amendment," in regards to air traffic controller privatization.

The amendment, while not effecting me personally did effect many people I worked with. Like many others have experienced, my federal job was privatized. Many of my peers were left short of the time needed to collect a pension during retirement. This amendment allowed those who needed up to two years of time to continue employment by the FAA while working with the contractor to establish a pension. The amendment was of course perverted by the conservative ranks when it finally passed so those effected were not able to get their full pensions, but at least they were able to acquire a reduced pension. It was a life saver for many.

Thanks Senator.