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Showing posts from November, 2014

A New Racist Slogan, or Not?...

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Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Some believe the representation to be racist. Others do not. Including some African American's. “I really haven’t heard that about (the beer),” said Anna Anderson, the manager of the Union Square location, who is African-American. Many black customers and employees shrugged off the questionable undertones. “It’s a beer,” said Taryn Harris, 40. “I didn’t interpret it that way. People are slaves to whatever they like. They’re a slave to their addictions, be it food or sex. That’s how I interpreted it, as an addiction, not anything else.” What's your take? Full text BELOW THE FOLD . Via: Memeorandum

Black Ferguson Residents Protect White-Owned Business...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth There are, from time to time, heartening stories such as the following. By Kathryn Schroeder - Amid the riots in Ferguson, one white-owned business has not had to close up shop—all thanks to a group of heavily armed black men. Since the announcement that white police officer Darren Wilson would not be indicted in the shooting of black teenager Michael Brown , the streets of Ferguson have been in an uproar of rioting and looting. Businesses in a 2 square mile area outside of Ferguson have had to close and take measures to protect their property. The white-owned Conoco gas station has remained open, though, because a group of male black Ferguson residents are keeping guard. Derrick Johnson, a 6-foot-8 man, held an AR-15 assault rifle as he stood in a pickup truck near the station's convenience store entrance. Three other men joined Johnson, each armed with pistols. The men said they are protecting the store out of respect for the wh

New York Times Irresponsibility...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Main Stream news media acting ignorantly and irresponsibly. Howard Kurtz - The New York Times, whether consciously or not, has just endangered Darren Wilson’s life. With tensions running high in Ferguson over the lack of an indictment for Wilson’s killing of Michael Brown, the paper has published the officer’s approximate address -- the street and town where he lives with his new wife, who also is named. Given the racial animosity unleashed by Brown’s death, given the rioting and the looting and the stores that were set afire, how can a news organization make it easier for some crazy zealot to track down Wilson? But there it is in the paper: “Officer Wilson and [blank] own a home together on [blank] Lane in [blank], Mo., a St. Louis suburb about a half-hour drive from Ferguson.” I mean, why not add a locator map? The piece was a seemingly innocuous scooplet about Wilson, who had dropped out of sight before the grand jury decision

Abdul-Jabbar on Racism...

Text Via: TIME

President Obama Threatens Veto of Emerging Tax Deal...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth President Obama is threatening to veto the tax deal being worked out by Senator Reid and House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp. The White House on Tuesday threatened to veto an emerging deal that would restore several lapsed tax breaks, bringing into the open tensions between President Obama and the top Senate Democrat. Skip “The president would veto the proposed deal because it would provide permanent tax breaks to help well-connected corporations while neglecting working families,” Friedman said, just hours after reports emerged that a $450 billion deal on the tax breaks was close at hand and that negotiators hoped to wrap it up by Tuesday The devil is always in the details but, could someone explain exactly why the interests of corporate America should trump the interests of the middle class or working poor? More BELOW THE FOLD . Via: Memeorandum

Anarchy in Ferguson...

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Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Violence, looting, and rioting commenced last night in Ferguson Missouri following the announcement of the grand jury decision. Reaction to the decision not to prosecute the police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown is as anticipated. Ferguson is know dealing with people who can only be considered anarchists. In response to a decision they did not agree with they are now creating additional victims. Innocent people who having nothing to do with the legal decision are having their businesses and property destroyed. Rule of law means nothing to these individuals. In fits of irrational rage they are destroying property within their own community and creating destruction, not to mention jeopardizing public safety. Unacceptable under any circumstance these actions must be denounced in no uncertain terms and law enforcement must be allowed to restore order and calm. Having said the forgoing , America has a race problem. Inequities of h

Rev. Al Sharpton Sounding Concerned...

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Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Never have cracked for Al Sharpton and will say right up front I likely never will. Having said the above I must say I agree with Sharpton's analysis that Senator Rand Paul's efforts to reach out to the black community could hurt the democrats in 2016 should Paul be the eventual nominee. If Senator Paul is sincere, if he convincingly demonstrates his understanding of the black community's concerns and acts accordingly over the next two years he, and the republican sate could be quite formidable. That would not be a bad thing. Republicans must begin recognizing the nation's changing demographics and the concerns, aspirations, fears, and the realities this change will bring. Responsible fiscal conservatives need to take the reigns of the party (from the hands of the most virulent Tea Party folks) and give American's of all persuasions multiple reasons to vote FOR them rather than against the democrats. The issues faci

The Fingers of God...

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Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth As he’s made abundantly clear by now, famed neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson believes God will talk to him about running for president in 2016 . As we draw closer to primary season, it appears as though those vague whispers have turned into physical contact. In a sit-down interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network’s David Brody, Carson suggested God has been gently touching him with his heavenly fingers. Okie Dokie then. We'll be watching those debates, Should prove to be entertaining at the very least. Find full article BELOW THE FOLD . Via: Memeorandum

A Reasonable Explanation on Obama's Immigration Plan...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth From Slate a reasoned and accurate explanation with respect to President Obama's temporary immigration plan. A fitting rebuttal to the screeching Tea Baggers that have tied themselves in knots over something that is far from new . The idea that the immigration plan just announced by President Obama is a lawless power grab is absurd. As the Justice Department legal analysis that was just released amply demonstrates, much of the advance criticism of the president’s action has been uninformed and unwarranted. The opinion is well-reasoned and at times even conservative. The president is not acting unilaterally, but pursuant to his statutory authority. Wide discretion over deportation priorities has long been conferred on the executive branch by Congress, and it is being exercised in this case consistent with policies such as family unification that have been endorsed by Congress. Even though the action is breathtaking in scope, there is not

Ted Cruz Spreading the Bull...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Senator Ted Cruz, the man without an original though in his tea bag head, let alone a solution to our immigration problem of many years, reached back in time and quoted Cicero in his most recent Obama bashing frenzy. Undoubtedly crafted to further whip up Tea Party ire over the president daring to do what other presidents have done before him. He took to the floor of the Senate and delivered a speech that included one of Cicero’s most famous addresses, subbing in Obama's name. “When, President Obama, do you mean to cease abusing our patience? How long is that madness of yours still to mock us? When is there to be an end to that unbridled audacity of yours, swaggering about as it does now?” he said, using the beginning of Cicero’s First Oration Against Catiline. By substituting Obama's name for Catiline's, Cruz compared the president to a figure who sought to violently overthrow the Roman republic. Of course there is more as t

Reasons Why...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Reason one why I'm not a Tea Bagger. Reason two why I'm not a Tea Bagger. There are of course many more examples of why but time is, after all, limited and I'm sure you get the picture.

According To One Senator Democrats Are "Blunderheads"...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Look no further than the following statements and it is easy to understand in part what is wrong with our broken politics and present government. Political rhetoric has always been cantankerous and at times extremely heated. But until recently elected representatives of the people (from both parties) have held the interest of the people of this nation as a priority. It now seems the only thing of importance these days is wining elections because it enables the victorious party to push through the agenda(s) of special interest groups that have bought them and expect results from their expenditures. "Frankly, I intend to win with our candidate for the presidency in 2016, and we will give them a taste of their own medicine, ..." "And we're going to win. We're going to win. These next two years are extremely important. Maybe the most important two years in our history." "We should not return to the old rule

Immigration Reform By Executive Order Part 2...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Republican congressional leadership vows to fight President Obama " tooth and nail if he uses executive order to move immigration reform forward. Of course all the while pointing out congressional action to reform immigration law is the proper constitutional process. Which of course makes all the sense in the world. So, republican congressional leadership, why haven't you acted responsibly and pased comprehensive immigration reform? I think we all know the answer to that one. The Washington Post - Congressional Republicans have split into competing factions over how to respond to President Obama’s expected moves to overhaul the nation’s immigration system, which are likely to include protecting millions from being deported. The first, favored by the GOP leadership, would have Republicans denounce what House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) has called “executive amnesty” and use the party’s new grip on Congress to contest chan

Immigration Reform By Executive Order?...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth President Obama has indicated his readiness to force immigration reform via presidential executive order. Certainly not the best route as congressional passage of an immigration reform bill is in the best interest of the republic. However, President Obama's willingness to use an executive order in the face of congressional inaction is understandable. Senate Majority Leader Reid has advised the presidemt to hold off untill passage of a must pass spending bill in December. Reid believes Obama acting now to sign an executive order may risk a government shutdown because it will pis* off republicans in congress and they will retaliate by holding up passage of the spending bill thus causing a shutdown of the government. Washington (CNN) -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has a surprising message for President Barack Obama: Not so fast on using that executive power to change immigration laws. To be sure -- Reid said he supports any presiden

Obama Predicted to Cave to Iranian Demands on Nuclear Program...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth From GOP USA , with the help of an Israeli Middle East expert the following report. A Middle East expert is confident the Obama administration will cave to Iranian demands and allow the rogue state to keep its nuclear program. Last week The Associated Press confirmed the existence of a "dear Ayatollah" letter written by President Obama to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, urging cooperation in the fight against ISIS and tying cooperation on that front to a deal over Iran's nuclear program. The U.S., Iran, and other negotiators are facing a November 24 deadline for such a deal – a deal about which some Capitol Hill lawmakers have expressed doubts. David Rubin, a former mayor of the Israeli city of Shiloh, spoke with OneNewsNow about the confirmed behind-the-scenes negotiations. Rubin says the Iranians appear confident that Obama is a weak president and will do whatever it takes to make a deal with Tehran. "They&

Marriage Equality or Not?...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth In the pursuit of presenting opposing views . The “gay marriage” fairytale hurts children. Here’s what marriage is. Marriage is the God-ordained, lifelong, covenantal union between man and wife, designed to provide men, women and children optimal stability and overall well-being. Marriage is that biologically, spiritually and morally centered institution calculated to ensure responsible procreation and perpetuate the human race. Marriage, real marriage, represents the fundamental cornerstone of any healthy society (any society that hopes to survive, at least). Skip On Thursday, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Ohio agreed. It rightly upheld natural marriage laws in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. This is huge. It has kneecapped the left’s propagandist “gay-marriage-is-inevitable” myth. It’s created a conflict between federal circuits, which means, almost certainly, that the U.S. Supreme Court will, once again, weigh in on extr

Negative Politics... Producing No Results... Equals a Nation Adrift

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth By MAGGIE HABERMAN 11/9/14 11:39 PM EST Time was, a politician with approval numbers well below 50 percent was in deep trouble come Election Day. But in politics, 40 has become the new 50. Last’s week election saw a slew of unpopular politicians get elected or reelected despite approval ratings in the mid- or even low-40s. It’s in part a product of voter disgust with both parties and a race-to-the-bottom political climate, in which both sides nuke their rival early and often and public opinion of Congress and institutions is extremely low. SKIP While there have been politicians in the past who have been reelected with weak approval ratings, the spate of tight races with people with a net negative favorable ratings was unusual this cycle. Instead of punishing the candidate who goes negative first, voters have become inured to the idea that both of them will. And approval ratings are no longer a reliable indicator of electability. In

GWB, No Regrets...

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Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Former President George W Bush told Bob Schieffer Sunday morning that he had no regrets over the decision to invade Iraq. Bush was on to discuss his new book praising his father (and to honor Face The Nation’ss sixtieth anniversary). 43 insisted he did not invade Iraq to finish what his father started, and said he was surprised when Saddam Hussein called his bluff over the invasion, but didn’t regret the decision to go in. “I think it was the right decision,” Bush said. “My regret is that a violent group of people has risen up again. This is al Qaeda plus. I put in the book that they need to be defeated. And I hope they are. I hope the strategy works.” Golly gee, does anyone think the president would freely admit his blunder? Video via MEDIAITE.

Inexplicable Evil...

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by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Evil exist in this world. Evil that is so profoundly inexplicable it leaves us numb, incapable of understanding it's twisted, perverted, and tortured existence. Evil that only a devil could perpetuate. Evil that no human being should ever be subjected to. Certainly not an innocent defenseless three year old child. May the bastards that did this burn in hell. Canada Journal - Scott McMillan Tortured to Death by Mother & Her Boyfriend, Jillian Tait, 31, and her boyfriend Gary Fellenbaum, 23, face murder charges in the death of her son, 3-Year-Old Scotty McMillan. Mr Fellenbaum is alleged to have repeatedly struck Scotty McMillan with a whip while hanging him upside down by his feet, as well as taping him to a chair and beating him with objects including a frying pan. The couple live in a mobile home in Chester County, Pennsylvania, which they share with Mr Fellenbaum’s estranged wife. The country’s district

America's Gasbag Extraordinaire...

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Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Rational Nation USA is pleased to bring you America's biggest gasbag for your comedic enjoyment. RUSH : What I want to do here is cut to the chase. The result yesterday is exactly what I said it would be. The Republican Party now has one of the most important and unquestionable mandates a political party has ever had at its junction with American history, especially a political party which did not run on a national agenda. The Republican Party purposely stood mute nationally. Now, if you go into the races, the House and Senate raises all over the country, you will find that many Republican candidates ran specifically against Obamacare, and that is an important note to make and an important thing for you to remember. Individual Republican candidates won, and they won big. They won in a wave landslide running against Obamacare. The national Republican brand or image didn't say a word, which makes the mandate that they have all the mo

U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit Upholds Gay Marriage Bans...

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Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth USA TODAY - The same-sex marriage movement lost its first major case in a federal appeals court Thursday after a lengthy string of victories, creating a split among the nation's circuit courts that virtually guarantees Supreme Court review. The 2-1 ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit reversed district court rulings that had struck down gay marriage bans in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Read more on the socon agenda at work BELOW THE FOLD .

More on the Influence of Money on U.S. Elections...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth The following eye opening article needs no lead in. If and when our republic fails it will be the influence of money and the special interets that control it who will bear the greatest responsibility. by Russ Choma on November 5, 2014 - Republicans made the most of their fundraising advantage and routed Democrats in Tuesday’s midterms, but they seized the majority in the Senate and built their lead in the House even as fewer donors participated in the process and more of the dollars came from secret sources. Democrats weren’t swamped when it came to the money game, but the GOP clearly had the upper hand. Even where Democrats had raised more in pivotal Senate races, though, they still were mostly beaten. Several key differences between the two sides emerged on the fundraising front, with Democrats increasing their reliance on small donors since 2010 while Republicans turned sharply to big dollar donors. The real story of the election’s c

A Response to Republican/Conservative Euphoria Over the 2014 Midterm Election...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth The following article needs no lead in. All emphasis is mine. By   FRANK LUNTZ   NOV. 5, 2014 - ON election night 1994, as Republicans recaptured the House for the first time in 40 years, I stood in the audience and watched my client Newt Gingrich, who would soon become speaker of the House, declare the beginning of the “Republican revolution.” I knew immediately that the smartest man I had ever worked for was making the worst rhetorical blunder of his career. Nobody voted Republican to start a revolution. They did so because they were fed up with a Democratic president overreaching on health care and a government seemingly incapable of doing even the smallest thing effectively. We all know what happened when Mr. Gingrich tried to turn his rhetoric into action. Sound familiar? No one is quite saying “revolution” this week, but Republicans across the country, in their glee over Tuesday’s elections, are coming dangerously close to making t

Money That Buys Elections...

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by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Money talks. It buys air time, effective ads, the best marketing firms, politicians, and ultimately influence. The kind of influence you and I can only dream of. Powerful special interests with bundles of money to spend on their interets do so with the hope and expectations of influencing elections. With the help of the SCOTUS and Citizens United funneling huge sums of special interest monies have become easier. Unfortunately corporations and billionaires are not thinking about the public interest or you and I. They are thinking about their interests and their interests exclusively. There is really no problem with this per se as each of us are bound by a need to consider, think about, and then act in our own rational self interests. But unlike those spending mega millions to influence elections we have almost no power over politicians or election outcomes, other than our vote and perhaps a few measly dollars we might se

Post Election Media Analysis...

Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth A run down of interesting post election articles. Voters demanded change from Washington on Tuesday, and Republicans say it’s now up to President Barack Obama to deliver it. But don’t count on that happening. The White House that emerges after the midterm elections won’t look, act or sound drastically different than the one battered for months by Republicans and abandoned by Democrats desperate to hang onto power. The president will seek some common ground with Republicans, but there are limits to how far Obama wants to go — and Senate Democrats will let him go. MORE WASHINGTON — Two things were clear long before the votes were counted on Tuesday night: President Obama would face a Congress with more Republicans for his final two years in office, and the results would be seen as a repudiation of his leadership. But that was not the way Mr. Obama saw it. The electoral map was stacked against him, he argued, making Democrats underdogs

Election Night Thoughts...

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by: Les Carpenter Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Election night is always fun. Especially "historic" elections. Some have billed the 2014 midterm as historic. Takes me back to 2010, another historic midterm. Looking back I guess we all know how that one has turned out. I understand the GOP s poised to "take back" the Senate . Many think that would be a good thing. Maybe, maybe not. It depends on the perspective you've aquired over the years. Divided government has a certain quaint attraction. At least for me anyway. No longer does divided government imply compromise after heated debate. You know, the kind of compromise and undertanding that ultimately works for the people and by extention the nation. Nope, we have reached a higher level in political evolution. It is called leadership by obfuscation and obstruction. Like I said, I like the idea of divided government. As It Is Supposed To Work prior to the present day Tea Party phenomenon. V

The Bank Account...

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Rational Nation USA Purveyor of Truth Chain letters are something that occasionally get read and almost never get passed on. Speaking for myself that is. But every so often one comes along that because of the simple truth and wisdom are deserving of spreading as far and wide as possible. A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready. As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. I love it, he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. Mr. Jones, you h