Planet Politics

I don't think you can overstate the importance of Wisconsin's recall election that will occur in June. This will be a pivotal point for the election year. If he's gone, conservatives should start sweating. If he stays we know that big money now controls the country. Seven wealthy donors have recently bestowed a million dollars on Walker's campaign. What is at least as intriguing as the money, is that the donors for the most part come from out of state. For some reason Nevada, Arkansas, Massachusetts, Illinois and Michigan want to decide the fate of the state. It is interesting as well that Walker is putting money aside for his legal defense if federally prosecuted.

At the GOP convention in Tampa, concealed handguns will be allowed, waters guns not. Apparently shooting to kill is fine, shooting to embarrass; not so much. 

Europe has had a rise in conservative thinking as well. The austerity measures that have been imposed are bringing people onto the streets, and is causing a, "brain drain," for the southern European countries hit hard by those measures. Since austerity has in no way helped the populace, perhaps Europe will make a huge swing to the left. 

In France, President Sarkozy has been swinging hard to the right with anti-immigration and nationalism stands, hoping to grab die hard conservatives. His rival, Francois Hollande, leads in France's opinion polls. Sarkozy is using American conservative tactics, he ignores the big issues of unemployment, the financial crisis and standards of living. No substance to his campaign. 

In Greece, elections will not change the country. Next week there will be a new government, but what that will look like is hard to say. A very divisive election that is sending greeks who are tired of austerity measures to fringe parties. Really? A neo-Nazi party?

In Britain's local elections, the Labour party has made a comeback. They gained 823 seats in the election. Another rebuke to austerity measures in England. This might be a preview to the 2015 national elections.

In Egypt tens of thousands of protestors were greeted with tear gas, water cannons and makeshift rock missiles. The Arab spring ignited many protests around the world, but apparently is not having the desired effect. Islamist hard right leaders have been elected, the currency is failing and the general populace is still being killed. The problem there is the military involvement. 

The world is on fire.

One of our closest neighbors, Mexico, is still talking about the drug wars. In this case, war is definitely the correct term; people are dying. Ex-President Vincente Fox calls the war, "useless," and, "an absolute failure." Reality strikes home. Supplies are stable, violence is escalating and it's all because of the U.S. criminalizing use. 50,000 deaths have occurred during the last 5 1/2 years due to the current president's crackdown. 

Americans know the war on drugs has failed, though the government still seems to think it's accomplishing something. The accomplishments of the war? Jail teenagers and non-violent offenders, increase the number of judges, police, attorneys, prison guards and privatized prisons in this country. I think I've already mentioned what controls this country.

Interesting fact of the day, California spends more money on imprisoning citizens than educating them.

Wicked Women

They're everywhere these days. In the U.S the conservative campaign against equal rights continues. Recently Representative Boehner railed against the thought that there is a, "war," against women being waged while new bills hit the floor introduced by the GOP that seek to cut cervical and breast cancer screenings. Apparently denial is the plan.

Interesting article that looks at battles that are perhaps overlooked when discussing women's rights. Lack of paid parental leave, shackling of pregnant women, abstinence-only education and more. Whatever part of life you examine concerning women, there seems to be coordinated cultural attacks.

Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott rants about Planned Parenthood being a terrorist organization to no avail, planned parenthood funding is resumed.

In the U.S., the battle is slightly more subdued than in other countries. As we've discussed on this site, Mona Eltahawy's article on Islamist misogyny is raising new concerns over the treatment of women in the Middle East. Very interesting reading.

In Mississippi, the only black member of the state's board of health was fired. This in the state that has the worst infant mortality rate. According to stats, black females have close to a 15 percent child mortality rate. The gentlemen who was fired is Dr. Carl Reddix. Dr. Reddix was trained at Harvard and John Hopkins and is well suited for the position. With MS's high infant mortality rate, he should have been an easy selection; the man's an OB/GYN. Apparently he had a very loose relationship with the only facility that provides women's health care, and we know how disgusted conservatives are when it comes to women.

Wicked women are having a little fun in Russia, and may possibly pay the price. Trying to bring awareness of separation of church and state ideals, and railing against Putin, the feminist punk band Pussy Riot gave a fun performance at the Christ the Savior Cathedral. Three members have been arrested, two have young children; all are incarcerated. 

Preference Politics

We've been enjoying Dan Savage's rant against the bible for a few days on this site. The video was posted in the comment section of the USA & WORLD News group, (which I always follow to get ideas for this blog). The bible is at the center of the politics surrounding gay marriage. 

North Carolina will likely pass a ban against gay marriage soon. Considering that Billy Graham supports the bill, we know it's religious bigotry and intolerance. In many states, you can still legally marry your first cousin, but marrying your same sex cousin is not going to happen. I know there are many who will not see the humor in this, but marrying your same sex cousin is less likely to encourage genetic problems than marrying one of the opposite gender.

America can't seem to climb out of the religious sewage that's stinking up the place. Every action by the religious is an act of cowardice. For those interested in how religious bullying effects our citizens, check out the, "It Gets Better," group. My knowledge of the problem is not as well formed as those who are the brunt of the attacks.

Education Enemies

Right wing think tank, "The Heartland Institute," decided to attack the upcoming, "7th International Conference on Climate Change." A billboard campaign featuring terrorists and killers ended quickly. The sick and idiotic message states, "I Still Believe In Global Warming, Do you?" Supposedly this was to counter, "climate alarmists," by playing the same game. They are proud to counter science with falsehoods.

Here's a great quote from the money worshippers:

"The people who still believe in man-made global warming are mostly on the radical fringe of society. This is why the most prominent advocates of global warming aren't scientists. They are murderers, tyrants, and madmen."

People's Protest

The Occupy movement is still in full swing, though you wouldn't know it from the media. Some pundits claims there were a few hundred protestors, while actually there were tens of thousands.

A troubling thought has surfaced. There are accusations that NY police are now sexually assaulting female protestors. If true, we've found a new low in police tactics. 

Our north of the border friends are discussing the student uprising in Quebec, another important facet of the world wide uprising. 

Since the beginning of the OWS protests, over 7,000 arrests have been made. The media, the government and everyone else is doing their best to ignore or downplay the movement. It must scare the powers to be to no end. 

The best coverage seems to be coming from outside the U.S. for some unknown reason. Well, unknown only if you don't think about it.

Polluted Planet

Keely started a discussion on coral reefs that is fascinating and horrifying at the same time. Thousands of pieces of coral are being ripped out of their watery homes and being sold. Climate change effects coral as well.

I do not understand our preoccupation with killing that which our survival depends on. Destroying one part of the ecosystem will destroy the rest. 

I have read several article on coral reefs and their possible extinction as man continues to pollute. I have read an article that states coral reefs will naturally protect themselves from a warming planet. Another recent article seems to disagree. Okay science people, help me out here. 

Final Fixations

Is there ever a reason that seniors should ever be hungry? In the last decade there has been a 78 percent rise of seniors who may go hungry. If we are a christian nation, christians must suck.

One in seven people worldwide thinks the world will end in their lifetime. Apparently millions will be disappointed.

Nugent watch! Old, washed up, has been, misogynist rocker calls liberals brain dead and cusses out news team. Please Ted, take a break. 

Happy Cinco de Mayo, mas tequila!

The Weekly Planet - April 28, 2012

The Planet Politics

The presidential race is about to get started, but not much in the way of fireworks yet. Until Romney picks his running mate, for the most part I'm going to ignore. Last week we looked at old, washed-up, has been Ted Nugent, who Romney actively sought support from. The Secret Service talked to the old windbag, but apparently found Nugent's threats to be hot air. Much to his dismay, the old, washed up, has been, brain dead rocker was cancelled from a Fort Knox concert in June because of his remarks about Obama. 

I dislike spending time on the old screwup, but there are at least a couple of reasons for doing so. Recently he pleaded guilty to the charge that he transported an illegally killed black bear. This from an episode of his "Spirit of the Wild," show. Basically, he, like apparently all conservatives, live above the law. It's a recurring theme, they know better than you how you should behave, while never actually walking the talk. Also, when you look at his anti-Obama rhetoric, you must realize that he is not alone when it comes to expressing his distaste for our president.

Since the start of his 2008 campaign Obama has been the blunt of conversation that is based on hate. Whether because of someone's conservative views, or straight out racist views, the highest office in the land has been denigrated by these jackals. The death threats against the president are 400 percent higher since the inauguration. The tone of political and religious discourse only contributes to the problem. In 2009 you had this fine upstanding pastor telling it like it is. Steven Anderson, a baptist pastor, made these remarks:

"What goes around comes around. You love violence. You hate that which is right. You love to harm others. You love to hurt or kill the unborn or the innocent or the righteous. He is saying, God is going to bring that upon your own head, because whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Now, turn back to Psalm 58 and let me ask you this question. Why should Barack Obama melt like a snail? Why should Barack Obama die like the untimely birth of a woman? Why should his children be fatherless and his wife a widow, as we read in this passage?

Well, I will tell you why. Because, since Barack Obama thinks it is OK to use a salty solution, right, to abort the unborn, because that's how abortions are done, my friend, using salt -- and I would like to see Barack Obama melt like a snail tonight."

I could fill up a dozen blogs with examples of how the right treats the president. Whether it's the Fox news pundits lies, the immoral evangelicals and their constant whining, or politicians telling him simply, "you lie!" There is not an ounce of respect from these neanderthals. 

If you are a liberal, it is hard to respond to the nonsense, and even possible danger, that the right promotes. We know that science, logic and critical thinking are not appreciated or even understood by mainstream conservatives these days. I think we have to find a method of communication that is easily understood by all, and that method has finally come to light in a doone discussion; mockery. Whether it's mocking creationists as Andrew Sullivan promotes, or mocking the education buffoons like Colbert did, this is the most fun a liberal can have these days. It's a fine line we have to walk; keep it separate from disdain, which is too serious, and lighten the conversation up with laughter.

I think even an old, washed up, has been, brain dead, pig screwing, writer of misogynist bad rock, demented fleabag like Ted Nugent, would really hate to be the brunt of everyone's jokes. 

Go for it.

Editor's Note: My apologies for bringing numbnuts back for a second week. For all his fans - like his NRA bitches will ever find their way to this site - all I can say is, "get a life."

The Planet Hates Women

Not "The Weekly Planet," but the planet in general. Why is all the violence allowed to stand? If you have not been involved in the, "Why Do They Hate Us," discussion posted by Adriana, you need to go there now. It concentrates on Middle Eastern craziness, but this is happening to some degree worldwide. Every week I'm going to bring up this subject until I understand it fully. This is not only religious in nature, by its nature it must also include a struggle for power and dominance; yet I do not understand why that needs to be. 

Today Planned Parenthood Advocates are protesting nation wide. You will have to google your state to see where, but it is happening now. There are two going on in Michigan today, I'm hoping to make it to the Lansing one to stand with them. For liberals, get your rears out the door and find one. I am of the mind that this is one of the most important subjects in this year's election. Find them, join them and have a discussion. Think of your mother, your sisters, your daughters, your wives and go fight. Especially us ugly white guys; there's nothing more unsettling to a conservative than white males taking the other side. Smile wide for the cameras, talk to anyone who will listen.

Even if it is impossible for you to do so today, you can take a stand almost weekly. Everywhere there's a Planned Parenthood facility, there's a few dumbasses protesting. Go mess with them, it'll feel good. We've let this nonsense continue, year after year, and it will never stop unless we get out there. I don't call for activism often, I'm happy to go out and make my position known without needing company, but when will you decide that you've had enough? 

Don't you know anyone that has had to take the, "walk of shame," to get help? I do and it's bullshit. Excuse my aggravation please, but this just riles me up. I start talking about this and all I want to do is grab one of those religious protestors that are to be found with their stupid posters and shove said poster up their ass. Hey buddy, I have a place for that cross.

God, I hate your people.

Education

I can't seem to get my mind off gender inequality today. In Tunisia, universities and women are under attack. Salafist militias are demanding prayer rooms be opened and are mandating that full veils be worn even during exams. When I talk about power and dominance, I am also talking education. If you look at where global conflicts occur today, you are looking at the same places where education is under attack. Keeping them illiterate makes life easy.

In the U.S., where student debt has exceeded a trillion dollars, legislation to help is being stalled by our unfriendly conservatives in office by linking it to women's health. Orange, blowhard, crybaby Boehner denies there's a war on woman while at the same time linking the student loan crisis with women's health. Boehner thinks that the, "Prevention and Public Health Fund," is a slush fund. You know, things like, "cancer screening, child immunizations and programs designed to help people quit smoking and eat right," hinders our freedom to be idiots. We should, "cut funds for cervical cancer screening, breast cancer screening," and all the rest of the stuff that women don't need. 

So even though this should be about education, it's really about those damn women. I wish conservatives would just man up and tell us the truth.

Okay, education Neal.

Paul Ryan's budget plan would cut funding for higher education for ten million disadvantaged youths and adults, thank you sir. Though some conservatives are starting to distance themselves from his budget plan, Ryan is a possible running mate for Romney. His plan would destroy the Pell Grants program by reducing funding over the next few years to where the program would be ineffective. 

Take a look here at what this man wishes to accomplish. It is your basic conservative strategy, rape the children and poor and give it all to the rich. 

Homeschooling advocates are traumatized by Obama's request that all high school students stay in school until they have graduated or turn eighteen. Oh, the humanity! Taking away their educational freedoms! Parents, not the government, should be in control of how long their child should remain in school according to home schooling advocates. And if these parents are all knuckle dragging theists, they will get their kids out before they learn enough to think for themselves.

Conservatives are the only ones who can distort a fine word like freedom to stand for stupid.

Republicans That Don't Totally Suck

Well, for me, they all suck today. I guess that the conservative senators who joined democrats in passing a version of the Violence Against Women Act would be deserving of some credit if it wasn't for the fact that it will never get through the House.

I have tried to include this part of The Planet to praise conservatives for doing something actually good for the country; not much luck with that. I see no future for moderates of either party, both are under attack. 

For any conservatives reading, I'll throw you a bone. The fine Senator from Alaska, Lisa Murkowski, has made it clear that she supports contraceptive rights and is pro-choice. Unfortunately she only says that to her constituents. When it comes time for a vote, she bends under conservative pressure and doesn't vote for her beliefs. 

When it is time to look for a republican leader who doesn't totally suck, it seems to be easiest to start with women who are not southerners; I wonder why that is.

The south, especially on the conservative side, seems to be the home of all that is wrong in politics today. The north isn't doing much better. I miss the times when you could count on northern conservatives to be more rational than their southern counterparts; that difference appears to be, if not gone, quickly dwindling. 

Final Thought

Robert Jordan, who initially tried to get a job with the local police force in the mid 90's, has been in and out of court over not being considered for the job. The problem Jordan had? Too smart.

Apparently the police in Connecticut only seek candidates with an average IQ, citing that a highly intelligent person would become, "bored," with the job.

I'm not sure about anyone else, and I do have respect for the officers that I have undesirably come into contact with, but don't we want intelligence behind that gun? I think this is possibly the first case of discrimination I have heard centering on high intelligent levels.

It will be a fun day in court when some enterprising young lawyer defends his client on the premise that the officer wasn't smart enough to understand the situation and came to a wrong conclusion.