Monday, February 28, 2011

Congressman Laughs About Threat to President Obama



At a recent townhall meeting in Georgia, Republican Congressman Paul Broun was asked "Who is going to shoot President Obama?"

Reports say the question got a big laugh, including laughter from Broun himself. It should be noted that Congressman Broun is the same intellectually bankrupt conservative who skipped the State of the Union Address in favor of live Tweeting about Obama’s “socialism” from his office. No one will ever accuse him of having an ivy-league mind.


So, what did the Congressman say or do? He simply moved on and said “The thing is, I know there’s a lot of frustration with this president. We’re going to have an election next year. Hopefully, we’ll elect somebody that’s going to be a conservative, limited-government president that will take a smaller, who will sign a bill to repeal and replace Obamacare.”

After the resultant uproar, Broun issued a statement, noting “I deeply regret that this incident happened at all.”

It is reported that "the Secret Service has investigated the incident, and concluded that the questioner was an elderly person who regrets making a bad joke. They now consider the case closed."

It's something seriously wrong when people thinks it's funny to talk about someone shooting the President or anyone else for that matter. But, it is truly shameful for a public servant in Congress takes no action to address the situation. Even after the recent shootings in Arizona, some folks still fail to make any effort to stop the madness.
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Monday, February 21, 2011

Presidential Tidbits

Seal of the President of the United StatesImage via Wikipedia



Man, I'm tired, but I have to share some Presidential tidbits I learned today while trying to research data for an article on the Presidents.  At least what I have to tell you is very brief and strictly just sa passing interest.

Here's the information:

l. My husband, 2 of my children and a grandchild share birthdays with a President of the U.S.
   Henry-July 6-George W. Bush (#43)
   Kimberly-November 23-Franklin Pierce (#14)
   Kreighton-October 4-Rutherford B. Hayes
   Jarrard-April 3- Thomas Jefferson (#3)

2. Barack Obama is the 17th cousin of Charles, Prince of Wales.

3. Jimmy Carter is a distant cousin of Berry Gordy Jr.

4. Franklin Pierce is a distant cousin of former first lady Barbara Bush,

5. John Quincy Adams sucessfully defended Amistad before the Supreme Court.
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Tuskegee Airman Receives the Medal of Honor

http://www.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/...Image via Wikipedia



On Sunday, 21 years after his death, Jackson Givens. a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award presented by the U.S. Congress. Most of the Tuskegee Airmen received the medal in 2007 in the Capitol Rotunda, the Washington Post reported at the time. But it took several years of pestering to get the award for Givens, his family said. Jackson Givens served from Feb. 21, 1942, until he was honorably discharged on Sept. 18, 1945.

The segregated World War II unit, formed in 1942, showed that African-Americans could successfully serve outside the mess hall or supply depot and helped pave the way for the racial integration of the military. The outfit distinguished itself in air combat over Europe and the name Tuskegee Airmen has inspired generations.
















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Little Rock Nine Honored

View of the Clinton Presidential Center's main...Image via Wikipedia

Former President Bill Clinton joined the eight living members of the Little Rock Nine on Saturday to dedicate an exhibit in the Clinton Presidential Center commemorating the black students who were pioneers in school integration more than five decades ago.


The U.S. Supreme Court in 1954 outlawed racial segregation in the nation's public schools, but it wasn't until 1957, at Little Rock, that the federal government resolved to enforce the court's directive.

The Little Rock Nine Congressional Gold Medal exhibit features one of the medals awarded to the group by Clinton on behalf of the Congress in 1999. Members of the Little Rock Nine collectively donated the medal to the Clinton Foundation in 2009 to honour their relationship with the former president.


The exhibit also features a video documenting the history of the Little Rock Nine, including a 1957 speech from former President Dwight D. Eisenhower calling for the use of troops to protect black students trying to integrate in Little Rock, along with their high school diplomas and other related memorabilia.


After his election in 2008, President Barack Obama sent each of the nine special invitations to his inauguration as the nation's first black president and credited the students with making opportunities in his life possible.







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Clinton and Bush Chair Civility Institute

"Former Presidents George H. W. Bush and ...Image via Wikipedia

George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton will serve as honorary chairmen of the National Institute for Civil Discourse at the University of Arizona, a new organization sparked by the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz). The new center at the University of Arizona that will focus on civility in political debate, said Brint Milward, who is the director of the university's School of Government and Public Policy and will head up the institute.
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President of the World: The Bill Clinton Phenomenon

Bill ClintonCover of Bill Clinton
I just watched "President of the World: The Bill Clinton Phenomenon", a MSNBC Hardball Documentary with Chris Matthews. I found the program quite interesting and informative as it covered the former president's activities since he left office.Some of the early projects highlighted included Clinton's participation in the Aids Initiative with Nelson Mandela, Tsunami Relief for South East Asia representing America with  George H. W. Bush, his Rwanda Initiatives and the funding, building and dedication of the William J. Clinton Library in Little Rock, AR.

You could see Clinton's rock star status as he moved from country to country, in the USA and around the world. (I could see it was okay to be a rock star as long as your name wasn't Barack Obama.) The program touched on the former president taking advantage of the Clinton Brand under the umbrella of The Clinton Global Initiative.  I heard the moderator say that membership was liimited to CEOs and the cost was $20,000 to join.  (Guess that let me out.) The goal of the attendees is to empower people to improve their own lives. Examples included efforts to ensure technology reaches the poor, environmental project with Phillipe Cousteau, clean water for Tanzania and homes for New Orleans displaced residents.

Assuming the role of global statesman, Clinton accepted a delicate international mission to China to gain the release of two female American journalist. In 2010, along with George W. Bush, he represented the USA for Relief for Haiti after an earthquake devastated the country, leaving 230,000 dead and a million homeless.He brokered the Good Friday Accords to bring peace to Northern Ireland and later assisted efforts for their economic recovery. The presidential campaign of 2008 and the political midterms that followed it in 2010 were also addressed. On a personal basis, the program took a look at Clinton's support of wife Hilliary and his relationship with and support of the current president.

Bill Clinton can be proud of his accomplishments.  His efforts reminded me of President Obama's "We Do Big Things", his vision of the country's future. But, it's hard to do big things when encumbered by myopic folks with personal agendas who think only of lining their pockets as much as they can. But, I digress.  Clinton is a super star who makes a substantial contribution to society.  More power to him and we need more like him in that regard.

Everyone didn't like the documentary, as you'll see in some of the related articles.


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Most Honest and Dishonest Pundits

Common Nonsense: Glenn Beck and the Triumph of...Image by elycefeliz via Flickr
Have you ever wondered which pundits are the most honest or dishonest? I'm sure we have our own inividual opinions and rankings. Take a look at the first related article below just as a starting point to get your juices flowing on the subject. I wonder why it says "Don't Believe Glenn Beck"? The ratings stem from an analysis of PolitiFact.com statement reviews. I'll leave you to your own judgements.

I saw an advertisment for a tee shirt with a full face photo of Sarah Palin.  Taped across her mouth was the statement "Ignorance is Bliss!" Wonder if they are making one for Glenn Beck?

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Check Political Statements For Yourself


When you hear the thirty second political sound byte, designed to create a certain mindset on an issue, take the time to find out if the "quickie" is true or false or somewhere in between. A source that I find reliable is Politifact.com's truth-o-meter.

PolitiFact.com is the 2009 Pulitzer Prize-winning, non-partisan project of the St. Petersberg Times newspaper. Its Truth-O-MeterTM carefully evaluates the statements of political figures, pundits, and organizations and finds them to be TRUE, MOSTLY TRUE, HALF TRUE, BARELY TRUE, FALSE, or PANTS ON FIRE. PANTS ON FIRE = The statement is not accurate and makes a ridiculous claim.


For example, I just wrote a blog post about Michelle Bachman and Sarah Palin's remarks against Michelle Obama's breast feeding initiative. Politifact.com wrote their assessment of the truth or lack of truth of Bachman's and Palin's comments.  First, they explain what was said, where it was said and to whom it was said.  Then, they explore the statement and provide additional data on the issue.  Finally, they take a stand, using the truth-o-meter, as to how true or false the statement is.

Here's the decision on Backman statement:

It’s a catchy sound bite, but like a lot of sound bites, it’s not so accurate. The government will not buy you a breast pump. Rather, it will now allow you to treat money you spend on the pumps as a deductible medical expense.


Bachmann's statement suggests a large government program to purchase and provide the devices when in fact the government is actually treating them as tax-deductible, like countless other things. We rate her statement False.
It's interesting to note that former Alaska GOP Gov. Sarah Palin’s Facebook allegation that the Democrats’ health-care overhaul would include “death panels” to decide whether seniors and disabled people were worthy of care was named “Lie of the Year” by fact-checkers at Politifact.com.



Of course, you'll find truths and falsehoods on both the right and the left, but what's important is knowing the facts. you'll be able to separate the big time liars from those who occassionally stretch the truth. Then, you can judge accordingly.

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Saturday, February 19, 2011

Bachman and Palin Bash Michelle Obama-Again

This is amazing. Babies breast feed almost imm...Image via Wikipedia
You'd think that three mothers with public influence could support a campaign to encourage mothers to breast feed their babies. Not so in today's political climate.

The First Lady is encouraging women to breast feed their children and the IRS is now allowing mothers to write off the cost of breast pumps and other equipment. Mrs. Obama encouraged women to take advantage of the tax break. Could you believe that this is the source of political debate?

First, here's my personal disclaimer.  I had four babies and I breast feed everyone of them. I know the benefits and support the effort. (No tax breaks for me back then.) Now let's see what Batman and Robin had to say.

While appearing on the Laura Ingraham show Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., said I’ve given birth to five babies, and I breast-fed every single one,” Bachmann said. “To think that government has to go out and buy my breast pump for my babies? You wanna talk about the nanny state?” 

Sarah Palin took a dig at Michelle Obama's breast-feeding initiative during an appearance at a Long Island country club. The New York Daily News is reporting that Palin cracked, "It's no wonder Michelle Obama is telling everybody you need to breast-feed your babies ... the price of milk is so high!"

This is the same woman who as Governor of Alaska dedicate a month to support a breast feeding initiative.  How quickly we forget.

I think Nsenga Burton of "The Root" Blog sums up my thoughts:

"Two women with 10 children between them, and they're really going after the first lady about breast-feeding? Unfortunately, their commitment to setting women back at least 100 years continues. Luckily, the mom-in-chief is helping women move forward."



First, nasty comments on Mrs. Obama war on childhood obesity; now on her breast feeding initiative. It's called Bachman and Palin psycho-blabber! Can you believe these two women want to be President of the United States?



 
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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

President Obama Releases 2012 Budget


President Obama released his 2012 budget proposal this week, setting off a flurry of diverse opinions, as well as dire predictions and veiled threats from Republicans. While everyone agrees that cuts must be made, unfortunately, there is little agreement as to where cuts would be most effective.

Democrats say President Obama's budget achieved something very difficult right now - balance. It freezes and cuts spending, but continues to support and invest in what minority leader Nancy Pelosi called our national priorities.

Representative NANCY PELOSI (Democrat, California): It'll create jobs through investing in innovation, education, and building America an infrastructure. So it's about long-term stability for our economy.


Representative JOHN BOEHNER (Republican, Ohio; Speaker of the House): The president wants to freeze domestic discretionary spending at existing levels. This is after all of the money that's been spent over the last two years. Locking in that level of spending is way too much.

The fight is on.  We'll all wait to see if Republicans and Democrats can come together to agree on something they can all live with.


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Haley Barbour's Second Race-Related Stumble

"At his press conference today, Governor ...Image via Wikipedia


Once again, Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour finds himself the focus of national media attention for another race-related stumble.

Several months ago, Barbour was quoted in a Weekly Standard profile saying the civil rights era in Mississippi was not "that bad". When I thought about the murders of civil rights activists James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner, I could not understand how anyone could make a statement like that, particularly someone who aspires to be as presidential candidate in the 2012 race.

Now, Barbour is in the news again for refusing to denounce plans to honor Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forest, an early leader and former Grand Wizard of the Klu Klux Klan.

Why would you care what Haley Barbour thinks or does?  Imagine if he were your next president.

Andy Kroll, Mother Jones Online reports the following:

None of the Republican Party's potential 2012 presidential candidates can match the fat Rolodex and fundraising prowess of Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour . A former Republican National Committee chairman, Barbour enjoys deep ties in the party infrastructure. A former lobbyist who started his own DC firm, Barbour Griffith & Rogers (now BGR Group), Barbour can call up his K Street buddies to raise cash for his campaign war chest. And a former chairman of the Republican Governors Association, Barbour has friends in statehouses from Arizona to Maine who can marshal national support.
If events and people catch you sleeping at the wheel, imagine what could happen. Barbour has the money, contacts and means to become a viable candidate for president in 2012. His race-related statements may well endear him to like minded citizens longing for "the good old days". Stay alert.




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Bristol Palin Ready to Enter Politics



Have you heard the news?

Bristol Palin, 20, is already plotting her future career in -- you guessed it -- politics! In an interview with E! News, Bristol admits that she'll "probably" run for office sometime "further down the road."


But sources claim Bristol's foray into politics is going to happen a lot sooner than she lets on. "Bristol has a new sense of confidence since she did 'Dancing with the Stars,'" the source said. "She has seen her mother (Sarah Palin's) success and believes Washington should have more regular people like her in office making decisions for the country, rather than the elite that currently run DC."

The abstinence speaker and soon-to-be author "doesn't have a strong political resume," but the source claims "that's what will make her a great congresswoman or even president!" Who knows? Maybe Bristol will be vying for the White House in 2012 instead of Mama Grizzly!

When asked just what would drive this young mother to enter the cutthroat world of politics, Bristol's answer was similar to one her own mom has given in the past. "If I saw something that needed to be changed, then I would step up to the plate and do something about it," she said.

Bristol better prepare for a lot more criticism to come her way if she wants to work in government. The Hollywood bullies' cracks at her are nothing compared to the punches Washington, DC, is sure to throw her way. And while we might not know much yet about her ability to cut excess spending or pass a bill, we do know the girl's certainly got a mean foxtrot.


Source: Popeater



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Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Allen West CPAC Keynote Speaker

Allen West (politician)Image via Wikipedia

Does the presence of a black man speaking to the Conservative Political Action Committee (CPAC) mean the group isn't racist?

Freshman Congressman Allen West was the keynote speaker at CPAC and he said in reference to the conservative movement that they have survived  ”hostile attacks from the liberal left, such as being called racist. Perhaps they should see who is standing up here as your keynote speaker.”

According to a tweet from the congressman himself on Wednesday morning, he's "humbled" by the invitation.

"I've been asked today to have the honor of giving the closing keynote address at CPAC Saturday," wrote West. "I'm humbled."
Last week, ABC News reported that Sarah Palin was asked to be the event's keynote speaker, but that she declined to accept the invitation.

In a statement issued from his office, the Congressman said :
At a time when Republicans have recently regained the leadership in the United States House of Representatives, it is crucial that we not forget the principles of conservatism – effective and efficient constitutional government, free market/free enterprise solutions, less taxation and regulatory burden, and peace through strength and traditional American values. I look forward to reaffirming these fundamental pillars of American exceptionalism at CPAC.”

I don't get it, but I guess some folks will trade anything for a seat at the table, even the Republican table. It would be different if they would do some good for the political process, but I suspect they'll simply do as they are told and be "humbled".   
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Al Greene Back on the Ballot


Last fall Al Greene ran for a senate seat against the unbeatable Jim DeMint. Now three months after that predictable loss, he's back on the ballot after paying his entry fee to run for a state senate seat.  Greene not out much shaking hands or giving speeches and he also missed a debate with all the candidates last month. His only comment to reporters is "no comment".

Isn't America wonderful? Take a look at the requirements for higher office on the state and federal level. All you need to be a candidate is the cost of the application fee.
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Shirley Sherrod Sues Andrew Breibart

Shirley Sherrod, a Georgia USDA employee, whos...Image via Wikipedia

Seven months ago, Shirley Sherrod made headlines when it was alledged that she committed improper acts against a farmer, many years ago.  Andrew Breibert released a trumped up video on  his website biggovernment. com which caused the flurry and resulted in Sherrod losing her job as USDA's director of rural development in Georgia.

Breitbart was served on Saturday at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), according to the New York Times: "In the suit, which was filed in Washington on Friday, Ms. Sherrod says the video has damaged her reputation and prevented her from continuing her work."


It's been seven months.  Breitbart didn't apologize nor did he in any way acknowledge the harm his irresponsible actions did to Mrs. Sherrod, professionally and personally. Now the two will meet and Shirely Sherrod will have her day in court.

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Andrew Breibert Insults Michelle Obama

This cartoon appeared on Andrew Breitbart’s site over the weekend. Is the First Lady fair game or does this depiction cross the line.

Source: Politics of an Ebony Mom

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Friday, February 11, 2011

O'Reilly "Interviews" President Obama

Sgt. 1st Class Vivienne Pacquette, supply serg...Image via Wikipedia
This may be old news, but I can't help but comment. First let me say I didn't watch Bill O'Reilly's interview with the President.  I find it hard to watch Fox and their inaccurate, toxic offerings. It was hard enough to watch the big game once the Chicago Bears were out of the race, so why compound the pain by tuning in to a show that would greatly disturb me.

I did see video of the show and watched it again on MSNBC's The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell,  I watched as O'Reilly interrupted the President at least 48 times. Even I could not believe what I saw with my own eyes.  I know Fox News has no respect of our President, but I was still amazed. I can not believe that any former president would be subjected to such treatment.

President Obama conducted himself with restraint and dignity and more than once retreated behind that million dollar smile.  I can only imagine what he was saying to himself.  All I could think about O'Reilly was "What an ass"!  When it was all over, Obama was still President of the United States and O'Reilly was still a poor imitation of a professional.

I agree with Ophrah's comments on MSNBC's Morning Joe,  "Even if you don't agree with his policies, there should be some level of respect."
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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

He's Coming Back-Keith Olbermann


Yesterday, Keith Olbermann confirmed his pending return to television this spring as host of a new primetime news and commentary show on Current TV, a network co-founded by former Vice President Al Gore. The former MSNBC "Countdown" host has reportedly been given an equity stake in Current and will be listed as their "Chief News Officer."

Jean Bentley, TV Squad reporter, said in her article that "Olbermann's fans may have trouble finding his new show on the dial. Current TV is available in 60 million homes, versus MSNBC's 85 million. Plus, while MSNBC is a basic cable channel, Current TV is generally only available to digital cable subscribers. Still, if Current TV can attract some of Olbermann's former 'Countdown' viewers (about 1 million a night), it can only boost their own meager audience (about 23,000 a night)".

Related articles:
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State Refuse Money for Unemployment Benefits

The emblem of the American Recovery and Reinve...Image via Wikipedia
So far Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming have left approximately $876 million in federal jobless benefits on the table. These states are walking away from a total of almost $1 billion in federal jobless benefits despite record levels of long-term unemployment. The stimulus law extends unemployment benefits to Americans who have been without work for six months or more. Taking advantage of the federal money would give an estimated 236,000 jobless Americans an extra 13-20 weeks of benefits. In addition to helping the jobless, the federal funds offer a much-needed economic stimulus for states.

Many of the states have said that they're reluctant to pass the necessary legislation, because the program essentially doesn't cover extended benefits for state and local government workers. The effect of that omission, state political leaders say, is to force their already cash-strapped governments to cover those costs.









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Saturday, February 5, 2011

Unemployment Falls to 9%

Unemployment fell sharply for a second straight month in January, according to a government report released Friday that offers reason for optimism about the labor market even as the prospects for American workers remain uncertain.

Once you get that news, everybody has an opinion as to what that means.  But, like it or not, that's two months beginning a downward trend.  That's the right direction!  Read the related articles for the babble on what the number means.

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Birthers Plan Against Obama's Reelection

Great Seal of the State of ArizonaImage via Wikipedia
David Corn writes in Mother Jones:
"The birthers have a plan to end Barack Obama's presidency—and in Arizona, they're making progress."


Last week, Arizona state Rep. Judy Burges, a Republican, introduced a bill that would bar presidential candidates who do not prove they were born in the United States from appearing on the ballot in the Grand Canyon state. And state Rep. Chad Campbell, the top Democrat in the GOP-controlled Arizona House of Representatives, tells Mother Jones that the bill is likely to pass. It was introduced with 25 co-sponsors in the House and 16 co-sponsors in the state Senate; the measure needs 31 votes in the House and 16 in the Senate for approval. "Will it matter?" asks Campbell. "We've started a tradition here of passing legislation that is political grandstanding or that sets up litigation."

More craziness from the right wing? Keep your eyes open as this Birthier movement strategy unfolds.
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Arizonia Senate Bill Proposes Secession

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 20:  Volunteers unfurl a ...Image by Getty Images via @daylife
The Arizona Senate appears to be following in the footsteps of the Idaho and Texas legislatures which are considering bills that would nullify federal laws they believe overstep states' rights. Three Arizona senators and three members of the Arizona House of Representatives introduced a bill in the Senate Monday that would create a 14-member joint legislative committee to determine if the state should follow a federal law it believes is unconstitutional.


According to Senate Bill 1433, the committee would meet, review and make a recommendation by a simple majority vote whether to nullify "in its entirety a specific federal law or regulation that is outside the scope of the powers delegated by the people to the federal government in the United States Constitution." It would have 30 days from the time it received the federal legislation to make its recommendation.

The committee may also "review all existing federal statutes, mandates and executive orders for the purpose of determining their constitutionality" and recommend nullification.

The Daily KOS sums up the proposed legislation:
"No doubt Pearce (President of AZ Senate) would argue that he's not really proposing secession, but nullification is at best secession by another name. The U.S. Constitution makes federal law the supreme law of the land. As long as the law is constitutional, it applies to everybody, like it or not. So when a state says it doesn't have to follow federal law, it isn't just rejecting federal law, it's also rejecting the U.S. Constitution. That's secession, plain and simple. It's what the civil war was all about. Apparently Peace believes the wrong side won."
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Friday, February 4, 2011

Palin Trademark Application Refused

This is an alternate crop of an image already ...Image via Wikipedia
Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's bid to trademark her name and that of her daughter, Bristol, ran into trouble at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office because the application forms were unsigned, government records show.

Applications to trademark the names Sarah Palin and Bristol Palin, both for "motivational speaking services," were filed on November 5 by the Palins' longtime family attorney, Thomas Van Flein, but were quickly slapped down by a trademark examiner.

"Registration is refused because the applied-for mark, SARAH PALIN, consists of a name identifying a particular living individual whose consent to register the mark is not of record," the patent agency said in an office action.

The applications will be fixed, and the trademarks are likely to be granted, said attorney John Tiemessen, now handling the trademark process for Palin.

"We're working on it," Tiemessen told Reuters.

Palin, the Republican nominee for vice president in 2008, has become one of the most recognizable names in U.S. politics and a darling of the conservative Tea Party movement that helped sweep Republicans to a majority in the House of Representatives during the 2010 elections.
Her daughter, Bristol, became a fan sensation as a contestant on the popular ABC show "Dancing with the Stars." An unwed, single mom as a teenager, Bristol has also increasingly made a name for herself giving talks about teen pregnancy and abstinence from sex.

Both women also have staked out careers on the lecture circuit, as their trademark applications attest.



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Does Money Matter in Politics?

New York Mayor, Michael R. Bloomberg.Image via Wikipedia
Theoretically, any American meeting the basic qualifications can become president, senator, governor, or congressman regardless of his wealth or lack thereof. If you take a look at the richest politicians, it looks like having money doesn't hurt and the old money is even better.

Michael Bloomberg leads the list of the richest politicians in American. He is currently Mayor of New York City and the 8th richest man in the country with assets of $18 billion.

H. Ross Perot, TX businessman and 1992 presidential candidate takes the number two spot with a net worth of $3.5 billion.

Third on the list is Ronald Lauder, son of the founders of the Estee Lauder companies, net worth $3 billion..  Lauder lost his bid for Mayor, NYC to Rudy Giuliani  in 1989.

Tom Golisano ranks fourth with assets of $1.3 billion.  He founded Paychex, the second largest payroll processor in the U. S. He ran unsuccessfully for New York Governor in '94, '98 and 2002.

Arnold Schwarzeneggar, Governor of California since 2003 is number five on the list with a net worth of $800 million.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Presiden Obama Signs the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010

WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 29:  First Lady Michelle ...Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Tired of negative stories about President and Mrs. Obama in the media? Well here’s the type of story that gets little to no press, but shows the President and First Lady's commitment to American children.

On December 13, 2010, the First Couple appeared side by side at Washington, D.C.'s Harriet Tubman Elementary School, where the President signed into law the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. The historic piece of legislation, continually championed by Mrs. Obama, authorizes funding to create some of the biggest changes in school nutrition in decades. Among other provisions, the law:

• Gives USDA the authority to set nutrition standards for all foods regularly sold in schools, including the lunch line and vending machines.

• Increases the number of low-income children enrolled in school meal programs by approximately 115,000 students

• Helps communities establish local farm to school networks, create school gardens, and ensures the use or more local foods.

• Expands USDA authority to support meals served to at-risk children in afterschool programs.

• Requires schools to make information readily available to parents about the nutritional quality of meals.

• Provides training and technical assistance for school food service providers.


Oh, and contrary to what you may have heard, the law does not outlaw school bake sales! The bill puts $4.5 billion in new funding for these programs over 10 years.

"The most important job of any President is to ensure the well-being of our nation's children," said Mrs. Obama at today's bill signing. "Because we know that the success of our nation tomorrow depends on the choices we make for our kids today."

Source: Essence Blog-Cynthia Gordy-December 13, 2010

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KFC Ad in China: "Obama" Selling Chicken


This KFC commercial currently running in China has an Obama lookalike selling chicken? Really. The first black president depicted selling chicken. Is this funny or racist? Tell me what you think.

Update: KFC China Public Relations apologized for the ad and issued the following statement:
“The ad was created in Hong Kong for the Hong Kong market only. It was meant to be a spoof and no disrespect was intended. It is no longer airing and will not be re-aired.”




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