I donated $50 earlier today to this effort. However, when I read these words (below) in Jane’s fundraising request, I almost deleted her email because I really, really hate it when Obama is given credit for actions/beliefs that run counter to what he actually does.

President Obama and John Kiriakou share the belief that torture — and waterboarding in particular — runs counter to American ideals and values.

NO KEYSTONE? Big Oil will just Take the Train

In no way, am I suggesting that this analysis is one with which I agree, but it is illustrative as to how the PTB does have its Plan B — and they do believe that rail is an alternative to Keystone

Further reading on the “advantages” of rail in hauling crude to market

I wouldn’t place a bet either way on whether Obama approves or rejects KXL. The PTB always have a Plan B on the shelf, ready to go.

Warren Buffett’s Burlington Northern Santa Fe is among U.S. and Canadian railroads that stand to benefit if Obama reject’s TransCanada’s Keystone XL oil pipeline permit.

With very little expansion, RRs can handle all new oil produced in western Canada through 2030, according to an analysis of the Keystone proposal by the U.S. State Department.

As we know, environmental groups have campaigned to stop KXL because leaks could threaten drinking water and processing Alberta crude produces more greenhouse gas emissions than conventional oil.

Railroads present environmental issues, too. Moving crude on trains produces more global warming gases than a pipeline, according to the State Department.

If the cross-border KXL section is rejected, Bill McKibben and many others will claim victory — however, whether KXL is rejected or not, tar sands will be a part of the noxious mix to further degrade the planet.

choo-choo….

The poll found that 62 percent of Americans favor banning high-capacity ammunition clips and 51 percent back a ban on so-called “assault rifles,”…

Huh?

A slight majority of Americans do not want assault weapons banned in the aftermath of Newtown according to a USA Today/Gallup poll out Wednesday.

Specifically on an assault weapons ban, 51 percent of respondents were against the measure, while 44 percent said they support it…

There once was a lass named Jane,
Who kept us from going insane,
Thanks for the ‘Lake!
You keep us “awake,”
A toast with the finest champagne!

As Glen Ford at Black Agenda Report noted, O is the “more effective evil.”

David, others have already covered just about every reason I never missed your informative articles.

I wish you the very best and look forward to whatever comes next for you — I hope it includes continued reporting and analysis! You always provide clarity in a mixed up world.

Thanks for everything!

Beware when politicians spout words like “deal with that separately…” or “strengthen…”

Obama may claim SS is off the table, but if past experience is our guide, he’s saying one thing, but will do another.

Jay Carney said, when he said the president preferred to deal with Social Security at a later time, this is what he meant:

“Social Security is not currently a driver of the deficit,” Carney said. “That’s an economic fact….The president supports engaging with Congress on a separate track to strengthen Social Security for the long term.”

It’ll be Democrats who allow cutting SS. Take it to the bank.

The Evolution of Social Security’s Taxable Maximum

I get a 404 PAGE NOT FOUND…

Teddy, what a coincidence that you should write this diary. Yesterday I was in the little town of LaConner, WA. While there I chatted with a shopkeeper about “Tuesday” and its results. We talked about a number of issues, but using just this one…

The shopkeeper, about 40-YO I’d guess, identified himself as gay and said the country needed to heal itself, somehow. He said he cannot understand why Obama is given so much credit on LGBT issues since the position Obama articulated on marriage equality (for example) accepts the legitimacy of states like North Carolina subjecting the rights of gays and lesbians to a popular vote.

He said, if one pays close attention they’d realize that Obama’s is not a truly “healing” position; said Obama never goes all-out for anything, always leaves room for equivocation; that he does little to bring the country together, said Obama can’t do anything without leaving room for “more evolution” instead of clearly taking a strong moral position.

The shopkeeper said we have to heal ourselves and stop relying on politicians because they prosper when we’re divided.

(In a contest of clowns, go for the funniest one)

Even in serious matters, you make me laugh! Thnx.

It’s just plain fuckin’ stooopid. If this is what it takes to try to get votes, no wonder we’re fucked in the drive-thru.

Oy!

My first car was a Ford Falcon (boring!) — but that’s what my dad bought for me when I was in college so I didn’t complain. It came with the warning, “don’t loan your car to anyone!” Well, I loaned it to my roommate and she totaled it. Oops!

After that I didn’t own a car for years, lived in San Francisco and New York where I didn’t need one. Then a variety of cars during the child-rearing years — Volvos, Jeep Cherokee (when we lived in Alaska), Honda Accords.

Now have a Prius, supplemented by my bike (and my feet).

BTW, Teddy, I just returned to Bellingham from lovely PDX today, where we visited our kids. Have you ever been to the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Gardens? Even though the rhodies are not in bloom, what a FANTASTIC park!

Teddy, this is a great piece — even though this (below) isn’t the take-home message, you really made me laugh!

This is really quite an amazing political makeover for a fellow who used to call himself a “Ronald Reagan, Jeb Bush Republican.” Charlie must have quite a large wardrobe, and a talented team, sharing that closet of his.

Good writing.