there’s also a major soccer tournament occurring in Brazil now–the Confederations Cup. It’s kind of like a warm-up/test rn for the World Cup. Protests now must make the Brazilian govt very nervous for next summer.

It’s obviously time then for a middle of the road/”let me be clear”/”troubling times”/”I’ve asked Congress to do…”/”God bless America” speech.

He’s pro-choice and he likes gay people, but when 8 years are over, that may not be enough.

And what makes us think Russia is going to roll over and let us do what we want with their key Middle East ally?

Agree with your summary. To me, it sounds like we’re responding to specific actions (or alleged actions) with no grand plan.

Let’s remember in Iraq there was no Plan B.

Go, Spurs, Go!!! I hate the Heat and everything else about Miami, including its millions of residents, none of whom I’ve met (although many of whom appear highly attractive, but I digress). They oppose my Spurs, and they must be EVIL, and everything they do is wrong!!! GO TEAM!

Thanks ACLU. Now will you please stop bugging me with your paid canvassers as I walk down the street? Or at least stop asking me about gay rights (where some progress is happening) and start asking me about spying.

Feinstein’s defense of Clapper was as pathetic as Clapper’s defense of himself. Paid liars, one and all.

thanks SanderO. Those stats need to be repeated again and again. Can you paste in a link?

I agree–tax increases are needed, but I’d do that by raising the cap.

That is, raise the cap at a faster rate, rebate a little of that tax increase in the form of better benefits to those high earners to placate the rich (although we know they’ll never be placated), and solve the problem. It can happen. We’ve got 20 years!!

Just as a small clarification: The law says people with employer provided insurance [premiums] that exceed 9.5 percent of income can get access to exchange subsidies.

Penny wise, pound foolish.

He said “potential prosecution”…getting a warrant and calling him a possible aider/abettor/etc (see New Yorker link for warrant) I’d say is a potential for prosecution.

Speaking of the New Yorker, ya know it’s getting bad for the White House when that Dem stalwart mag starts into you.

It was, as Kevin G pretty much summed up yesterday, a P.R. excercise. He was takign excessive heat on numerous topics, so he needed to diffuse it with his middle of the road banter. He lets his critics know he “understands” their grievances, “asks Congress” and his AG to look into a few things, says he’ll try to let the journalists do their jobs, lets a protestor speak up without immediately removing her, then says God Bless America and leaves the stage.

But asking 535 people (aka Congress) to do address a few issues that do not directly pertain to them or their positions ain’t gonna do $#!+ but that’s the plan. He can say he asked (just like on Gitmo), but if not passed, he’s got cover. Obama continually pawns off his problems on Congress and lets issues languish. LBJ and FDR did not ask Congress to do look into things then come back 3-6 months later for a status update, but then they actually wanted to get some major things DONE!

Nothing unexpected: another heaping scoop of pabulum from the Prez. “I’ve asked Congress to do this, I’ve asked Congress to do that…” Danger, middle path, freedom, isn’t the 1st amendment great that this lady can question me?, God Bless America, c-ya, I’m out!

Transcript of speech with the protestor’s comments included:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/president-obamas-may-23-speech-on-national-security-as-prepared-for-delivery/2013/05/23/02c35e30-c3b8-11e2-9fe2-6ee52d0eb7c1_story.html

We’re likely just seeing the tip of the iceberg here. Disgusting behavior.

It sounds like a bad joke, but I think Janet Reno was the last Attorney General with any balls.

Here’s the actual report from TIGTA, a group within the Treasury Department that audits the IRS and its processes. Yes, even the IRS gets audited :)

I was hoping it was these guys who found and caught this dumb scheme. Unfortunately, it was complaints from members of Congress that led to the audit being done.

“TIGTA initiated this audit based on concerns expressed by members of Congress. The overall objective of this audit was to determine whether allegations were founded that the IRS: 1) targeted specific groups applying for tax‑exempt status, 2) delayed processing of targeted groups’ applications, and 3) requested unnecessary information from targeted groups.”

http://www.treasury.gov/tigta/auditreports/2013reports/201310053fr.html

And given that it’s only in 2015 that (1) the penalties will start being assessed and (2) most of the likely positive financial impacts to insurance companies will only be quantified after 2014, the Dems ought to worry about 2016 as well. The pitchforks could be out in force for a change.

Did I read correctly that the Governor ordered the whole city of Boston to shelter in place? Am I crazy, or is that way over-reacting?

Knox: A half-step above garbage? That’s what will be called “The Silver Plan” when ACA goes into effect.

I’ve gotten the same health plan at my corporation for the past 5 years, so it’s easy to calculate the exact, apples-to-apples increase in premiums. Premiums increasing at 19% on average over this time period.