WH comment re: leaked Thomson memo

December 11, 2009

Gov Quinn/Sen Durbin re: leaked memo

White House “senior administration official” comment re: leaked memo concerning Gitmo detainees going to Thomson Correctional Center via FOX:

This is a draft, predecisional document that lawyers at various agencies were drafting in preparation for a potential future announcement about where to house Gitmo detainees. Drafts of official documents are often prepared for any and all possibilities, regardless of whether a decision has been made about the policy or if the document will be used.

Evidently before barry can make the final decision (announce it) he has to “sign an annual appropriations package, including a $1.1 trillion omnibus measure pending in the Senate, which details how the president will inform Congress about transferring detainees to U.S. soil”.

Leaked memo re: Gitmo detainees going to Thomson

December 12, 2009

WH comment re: leaked memo
Gov Quinn/Sen Durbin re: leaked memo

“Leaked” memo from Eric Holder to Defense Secretary Robert Gates re: purchasing Thomson Correctional Center to house the muslim terrorists. A WH official said a final decision has not been made and the memo is “pre-decisional”. It was “leaked” to test the waters as per usual on a Friday.

Better view posted on docstoc that doesn’t embed here.
Source: Breitbart’s BigGovernment.com.
Thompson memo

Gov Quinn/Sen Durbin re: leaked Thomson memo

December 11, 2oo9

WH comment re: leaked memo

On hearing the memo was leaked re: the Thomson Correctional Center, Gov Pat Quinn and Sen Dick Durbin released the following statement:

Late this afternoon, we learned of a draft internal Obama Administration memo signaling that the Administration has narrowed its focus to the Thomson Correctional Center to serve as a federal prison. We are told that the Administration has not made its final decision, but that such draft memoranda authorizing federal officials to begin the next steps in an acquisition process such as this are routine.

Even though the final decision has not been made, we are encouraged by this development. We will continue working with the White House, the Defense Department and the Justice Department to address important questions regarding security and job creation, and finalize this agreement.

If the acquisition of the Thomson facility moves forward, it will serve as a maximum security correctional facility for the federal Bureau of Prisons and a portion of that facility would be leased to the Defense Department to house a limited number of Guantanamo Bay detainees.

As we have said many times, this move will have an enormous impact on our state – potentially generating up to 3,800 jobs and potentially injecting more than $1 billion into the regional economy. This is an opportunity to dramatically reduce unemployment, create thousands of good-paying jobs and breathe new economic life into this part of downstate Illinois.

Source: Daily Herald

2008 Hate Crimes stats

December 11, 2009

What entails a hate crime?

NOTE: Hate crimes against LGBT far exceeded those against Muslims, which actually decreased from 2007, while crimes against LGBT increased 28%.

2008 Hate Crime Statistics (2007 in parentheses)

• 13,690 law enforcement agencies submitted hate crime data
• 2,145 agencies – 7,783 (7,624) hate crimes
• Single-bias: 7,780 (7,621)
• Offenses; 9,160 (8,999)
• Victims: 9,683 (9,527)
• Offenders.6,921 (6,962)
• Multiple­-bias incidents: 3 (3)
• Involved 8 (7) offenses, 8 (8) victims, and 6 (3) offenders.

Single-bias incidents: 7,780 (7,621)

Percentages – all the way down.

• 51.3 (50.8)  – racially motivated.
• 19.5 (18.4)  – religious
• 16.7 (16.6) - sexual-orientation
• 11.5 (13.2) – ethnicity/national origin
• 1.0 (1) – disability

Offenses by bias: 9,160

Approx 4% population identifies as LGBT and yet there is a disproportionally high percentage of hate crimes.

• 51.4 (50.8) – racial
• 17.7 (16.6) (2006 15.5) – sexual-orientation
• 17.5 (18.4) – religious
• 12.5 (13.2) – ethnicity/national origin
• 0.9 (1)  – disabilities.

Racial bias offenses: 4,704 (3,870)

• 72.6 – anti-black
• 17.3 – anti-white
• 5.5 groups of individuals/more than one race
• 3.4 – anti-Asian/Pacific Islander
• 1.3 anti-American Indian/Alaskan Native

Sexual-orientation bias: 1,617 (1,265) + 28%

• 58.6 – anti-male homosexual
• 25.7 - anti-homosexual
• 12.0 – anti-female homosexual
• 2.0 - anti-heterosexual
• 1.7 – anti-bisexual
• [They don't keep track of transgender]

Religious bias: 1,606 (1,400)

• 65.7 - anti-Jewish
• 13.2 – anti-other religion
• 7.7 – anti-Islamic. 105 (115) vs 1,617 sexual orientation
  
• 4.7 -  anti-Catholic
• 4.2 – anti-multiple religions, group.
• 3.7 – anti-Protestant.
• 0.9  – anti-Atheism/Agnosticism/etc.

Ethnicity/national origin bias: 1,148 (1,007) offenses

• 64.0 – anti-Hispanic
• 36.0 – anti-other ethnicity/national origin

Disability bias: 85 (79)

• 57 offenses – anti-mental disability
• 28 offenses – anti-physical disability

By offense types: 9,168 offenses

• 32.4 – destruction/damage/vandalism.
• 29.5 – intimidation.
• 19.4 – simple assault.
• 11.2  – aggravated assault.
• 7.5  – additional crimes against persons, property, society.

Offenses by crime category: 9,168 offenses

• 60.4 – crimes against persons.
• 39.4 – crimes against property.

Crimes against persons: 5,542 (5,408)

• 48.8 (47.4)  – intimidation.
• 32.1 (31.1) – simple assault.
• 18.5 (20.6) – aggravated assault.
• 0.3  - 7 (9) murders and 11 forcible rapes.

This number has to be much higher, since rape is the crime that is under-reported, especially rape of homosexuals.

Crimes against property: 3,608 (3,579)

• 82.3 (81.4) – acts of destruction/damage/vandalism.
• 17.7 (18.6) – against property
• Robbery, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, arson, other.

Crimes against society: 18 (19)

Victim type:

• 50.9 – against individuals.
• 12.9 – businesses or financial institutions.
• 8.9 – government.
• 6.6 -  religious organizations.
• 20.6 – other, multiple, or unknown victim types.

AVAAZ: building Noah’s Ark on National Mall

December 11, 2009

AVAAZ is building an ark – yes as in Noah’s ark – on the National Mall. It’s supposed to represent the end result of ignoring global warming: another great flood. They are also planning a candlelight vigil tomorrow (12) at 4pm.

Why didn’t they spend their time caulking?

European President: “global governance”

December 11, 2009

I trust the translation is correct. The new president of Europe is talking global governance. Not sure how China or the Arab world is going to be in on that. And then there’s Russia.

November 19, 2009
Brussels, Belgium
European Council Headquarters
First press conference by Herman Van Rompuy, the new president of the European Union Council.

BBC via spytat3k

We’re living through exceptionally difficult times. The financial crisis and its dramatic impact on employment and budgets, the climate crisis, which threatens our very survival – a period anxiety, uncertainty and lack of confidence. Yet these problems can be overcome by a joint effort in and between our countries.

2009 is the first year of global governance with the establishment of the G-20 in the middle of the financial crisis. The Climate Conference in Copenhagen is another step towards the global management of our planet.

Public skating rink to open next to Wrigley

December 9, 2009

This is a great idea. The parking lot next to Wrigley is being transformed into a skating rink. They realized how much interest there was after last year’s New Year’s Day Winter Classic NHL game (vs Detroit). In the days following the game it was open to the public for skating. The original idea of the Winter Classic brought about by genius John McDonough.

• Neighborhood is behind it.
• Run by the Park District, Westec (runs the other city rinks)
• Cost $300K
• Split between Park Districk, Westec and private donors
• Private donors: Cubs, Blackhawks, McDonalds and other local businesses
• Open Dec. 15 to Feb. 28
• “The Rink at Wrigley”
• Admission: $10 per adult and $6 per child.
• Skate rentals additional fee (not yet determined)

Source: Chicago Breaking News

Tiger Woods – indefinite leave from golf

December 11, 2009

TIGER WOODS STATEMENT:

I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children. I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I’ve done, but I want to do my best to try.

I would like to ask everyone, including my fans, the good people at my foundation, business partners, the PGA Tour, and my fellow competitors, for their understanding. What’s most important now is that my family has the time, privacy, and safe haven we will need for personal healing.

After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.

Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period.

TIGER WOODS FOUNDATION:

Since my Dad and I created the Foundation, this work has been extremely important to me. I started the organization because I sincerely believe in giving back. There are millions of young people who have truly changed their lives through the Foundation’s programs, and millions more still counting on us for help. I am committed to them and to the Foundation’s excellent work, and I know my staff will continue these efforts during my absence.

PGA Tour commissioner TIM FINCHEM:

His priorities are where they need to be, and we will continue to respect and honor his family’s request for privacy. We look forward to Tiger’s return to the PGA Tour when he determines the time is right for him.

JACK NICKLAUS:

Our public is pretty forgiving at times. Time usually heals all wounds. I think the hardest thing is obviously his family. That’s a private matter for him and his family. He’s a great athlete. He’ll figure it out.

NJ: Senate delays vote on same-sex marriage

December 11, 2009

States allowing civil unions/same-sex-marriage/domestic partner

After 7 hours of emotional debate Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced same-sex marriage legislation by a vote of 7-6 (video). It was then passed to the floor of the senate for a vote. Today, the senate vote was postponed, leaving it in the hands of the Assembly. The earliest a bill could be considered in committee is January 4 – but the lame duck session officially ends January 11. Barring some type of legislative miracle, same-sex legislation is done for the next four years. In-coming governor Chris Christie has vowed to veto any legislation that makes it to his desk.

Norway sky spiral explained: Russian missile

December 10, 2009

The spiral light (video) mystery explained. Russia shot off a missile in honor of barry’s arrival in Norway and the missile failed. What is it with these men and their phallic symbols? North Korea had to set off a few missiles to draw attention to themselves and now Russia. This missile failure was well-documented and actually interesting to watch.

CNN:

The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed the Russian Navy launched a Bulava ballistic missile on the same day, but has declined to make any connection with the lights seen over Norway.

It confirmed the missile was fired from the “Dmitry Donskoi” nuclear submarine, but would not comment on the submarine’s location at the time of launch.

In a written statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said the missile failed in the third stage of its trajectory.

Unstable work of the engine of the [missile's] third stage was detected by the monitoring systems. The causes of the technical error are being established by a state commission.

VA: 90 y/o Medal of Honor winner keeps his flag flying

December 10, 2009

Sometimes you wonder the sanity of people. At the very least it shows how little young people think of veterans.

Sussex Square homeowners’ association in suburban Richmond, Va threatened 90 y/o Medal of Honor winner Retired Army Col. Van T Barfoot with legal action if he didn’t remove the 21-foot flagpole in his front yard.

Why?

Because it is not “aesthetically appropriate.”

They do allow short flags on porches, which is not to Col Barfoot’s liking.

First of all, it’s not dignified, and it shows you got it in the half mast position. You can walk around here and I’ll bet you the American flag is hanging out in the rain, nobody ever checks it.

Well, the good colonel rallied the troops: Senators Mark Warner and Jim Webb, the WH and the blogosphere and he got the last laugh. No one will be messing with his flag or flagpole.

The Germans learned their lesson 65 years ago when Col Barfoot took out three of their tanks with his bazooka for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor.  He has been awarded 20 medals, including the Silver Star, The Legion of Merit and three Purple Hearts and served in Korea and Vietnam before retiring from the Army in 1974.

COL BARFOOT: All of my life, from childhood to now, I have been able to fly the flag. In the time I have left, I plan to continue to fly the American flag without interference.

I raise an American flag each morning and in the evening, and when I’m flying the flag it means so much to me and all Americans.

I sleep well at night, and in the morning, when I raise our flag, I know it will be a good day for America.

Thank you for your service Col Barfoot.

Sources: CBN, Richmond Times-Dispatch

The View: Adam Lambert “My dreidel spins the other way”

December 9, 2009

Performs “Whataya Want From Me”

Adam Lambert chats with the women of The View. He defends his AMA performance. Sherri Sheperd was upset with the simulated oral sex bit – said his performance was a “bait and switch”.  Joy thought the backlash was somewhat homophobic. Elisabeth makes sure Lambert mentions he’s involved with children’s charity – public school art programs – that raised $250K over the summer.

ELISABETH: You’re a nice guy.

JOY: You’re not exactly a nice Jewish boy. Let’s face it, Adam.

ADAM: I’m a little different. I’m a little different. My dreidel spins the other way.

eonline

Dec 6 – mention his upcoming appearance on The View.

The View: Adam Lambert “Whataya Want From Me”

December 10, 2009

Lambert posts/videos/interviews

Cool set. They taped it just to make sure he behaved himself. Here’s his interview.

“Whataya Want From Me”

Quinnipiac Poll: 52% disapprove of healthcare proposal

December 9, 2009

Rasmussen (12/15)
NBC/WSJ (12/11-14)

Updated

Quinnipiac Poll
December 1 – 6
2,313
MoE +/- 2

Approval rating lowest yet; more men, military families and independents disapprove than approve; overall disapproval of POTUS’ handling of the economy and healthcare; disapprove of the healthcare proposal; Dems with only 3 point approval lead over Reps in Congress.

Deserve the Nobel Peace Prize?
Yes 26
No 66

POTUS
Overall
Approve 46 (48)
Disapproval 44 (42)

Women — men
Approve 51 — 42
Disapprove 38 — 50

Military families
Approve 41
Disapprove 49

Independents (Nov 19)
Approve 37 (43)
Disapprove 51 (46)

Dems — Reps
Approve 80 — 17
Disapprove 11 — 75

Satisfied with how things are going?
Yes: 29 – No: 71
Very satisfied 3
Somewhat satisfied 26
Somewhat dissatisfied 32
Very dissatisfied 39

Handling of the economy
Approve 41
Disapprove 54

Dems (Nov 19)
Approve 71 (77)
Disapprove 24 (18)

Trust to handle healthcare
POTUS 44
GOP in Congress 37

GOP in Congress
Approve 30
Disapprove 58

Dems in Congress
Approve 33
Disapprove 56

POTUS Handling of healthcare (Nov 13)
Approve 38 (41)
Disapprove 56 (53)

Healthcare reform proposal
Approve 38
Disapprove 52

Public option (Nov 19)
Yes 56 (57)
No 38 (35)

Will healthcare reform raise the cost of healthcare?
Yes 63
No 30

Willing to pay more to make sure everyone is covered?
Yes 47
No 46

Will covering everyone decrease the quality of their own care?
Yes 48
No 46

Is universal coverage worth lower quality of care?
Yes 21
No 71

POTUS comments after Nobel Peace Prize signing ceremony

December 10, 2009

Remarks after Nobel Peace Prize signing ceremony

Q    What did you write, Mr. President?

THE PRESIDENT: I wrote, “Thank you.”  No, what I did write actually is worth mentioning.  In addition to being honored to receive it, I think it’s important to congratulate the Nobel Committee for the work that it’s done over the course of history to highlight the cause of peace, but also to give voice to the voiceless and the oppressed around the world.

When you look at the wall — Michelle and I were commenting on the fact that when Dr. King won his price it had a galvanizing effect around the world, but also lifted his stature in the United States in a way that allowed him to be more effective.  And that’s a legacy of the Nobel Committee that we’re very grateful for.

POTUS: US “force for good in the world…for decades now” (video)

December 10, 2009

POTUS remarks upon arriving in Oslo, Norway.

It appears in barry’s mind the US has only been a force for good in the world “for decades”. Perhaps only as long as he has been alive.

Q: Giving the peace prize to you has been described as premature – how can you use the prize to make some of your good intentions materialize and then counter that criticism?

POTUS: It was a great surprise to me. I have no doubt that there are others who may be more deserving. My task here is to continue on the path that I believe is not only important for American, but important for lasting peace and security in the world. That means pursuing a world free of nuclear weapons, over time, and strengthening our mechanisms to avoid nuclear proliferation. That means addressing climate change in an effective way. It means stabilizing countries like Afghanistan and mobilizing an international effort to deal with terrorism that is consistent with our values and our ideals. It means addressing issues of, we understand the connection between economic justice and peace.

So on a whole host of initiative that I’ve put forward this year -  some of which are beginning to bear fruit – the goal is not to win a popularity contest or to get an award – even one as esteemed as the Nobel Peace Prize – the goal has been to advance America’s interests, to strengthen our economy at home and to make ourselves a continuing force for good in the world, something that we’ve been for decades now.

If I’m successful in those tasks, then, hopefully, some of the criticism will subside, but that’s really not my concern.

POTUS acceptance speech Nobel Peace Prize (video/text)

December 10, 2009

POTUS acceptance ceremony. They only allow 3 minutes of video.

Full transcript of acceptance speech follows

Norway sky: Unexplained bright spiraling light

December 10, 2009

Mystery solved

Totally wild happening in the sky over Norway. For two minutes the sky was lit with a clockwise rotating spiral of white light with a long blue tail. Scientists have ruled it out as a variation of the Northern Lights but have not said definitively what it was. High on the list was a misfired Russian missile – which Russia denies. The fuel would leave the blue trail and the misfired head could explain the spinning.

Photos: Daily Mail

How long before they call it the Star of Barry?

Maybe it was aliens showing their amusement at barry getting the Nobel Peace Prize a little over a week after he orders 30K more troops n Afghanistan.

Russia Today

Adam Lambert to perform on SYTYCD finale

December 10, 2009

SYTYCD “Whataya Want From Me” (video)
Lambert posts/videos/interviews

Adam Lambert will perform “Whataya Want From Me” live on the So You Think You Can Dance finale Wednesday, December 16. Also performing: three-time Grammy nominee Leona Lewis and dance team The Groovaloos. Curiously, American Idol winner Kris Allen, who performed tonight, was not given the prime gig.

Ms Boyle’s second week = 527,000 sold

December 10, 2009

Susan Boyle posts/videos/interviews

Seems the second week’s a charm for Susan Boyle as well. Last week it was 701K records sold – the highest week total in 2009 – and this week it’s 527K for a two-week total of 1,228,000. Not bad for someone who no one in the world had heard of 9 months ago.

Adam Lambert who had a good first week = 198K (#3) but his second week sales dropped 74% to 51K knocking him out of the top 10.

This week’s Billboard top 10 albums:

1. Susan Boyle, I Dreamed A Dream (527K)
2. Andrea Bocelli, My Christmas (428K – up 97% – 4th week at #2 – 5 week total = 1.12M)
3. Taylor Swift, Fearless (127K)

Susan Boyle playlist (with video links)

Susan Boyle totals
1st week = 701K
2nd week = 527K
3rd week = 582K

al qaeda manual tells the savages to complain of mistreatment

December 9, 2009

Googleman plays God

December 9, 2009

Googleman (and patron saint of barrybots) Eric Schmidt talked with CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo during her big Google special last night. Rather defensive, he said if you don’t want anyone to know anything don’t do it.

ERIC SCHMIDT:

If you have something you don’t want anyone to know, maybe you shouldn’t be doing it in the first place. But if you really need that kind of privacy, the reality is that search engines include Google, do retain this information “for some time” and it’s important, for example, we are all subject in the United States to the Patriot Act, it is possible for that information to be made available to the authorities.

Problem being – it’s not the individual. If an individual chooses to post naked pix of themselves – fine. If their perverted neighbor takes naked pix of them through a peephole while they are in their private shower – no matter what they are doing in there – it’s another story.

And why didn’t he have the integrity to announce Google is now tracking ALL USERS of Google when he announced his other new developments? [see how to circumvent it] Instead he did it under the radar 3 days previous.

Sure would like to expose a few of googleman’s secrets…

GAWKER:

The generous explanation for Schmidt’s statement is that he’s revolutionized his thinking since 2005, when he blacklisted CNET for publishing info about him gleaned from Google searches, including salary, neighborhood, hobbies and political donations. In that case, the married CEO must not mind all the coverage of his various reputed girlfriends; it’s odd he doesn’t clarify what’s going on with the widely-rumored extramarital dalliances, though.

And do you recall barry’s campaign promise (lie) that there would be no Patriot Act with him as president?

Crashers to be subpoenaed

December 9, 2009

Not a great surprise. The House Homeland Security Committee voted 26-3 to subpoena the crashers — to appear January 20, 2010. The crashers have already stated through their lawyer that they will plead the Fifth.

NY Times: vote husband 26 to 3, wife 27-2. Rep Mike Rogers, (R-AL), switched votes.

Also no great surprise – attempts to subpoena Desiree Rogers failed.

More proof of lack of transparency and pro-obama bias.

No comment or tweet from Rep King re: subpoena- last tweet:

Christmas Party @ WH last night, friendly meeting with Pres & First Lady. Despite speculation I’m not being considered for ND coaching job.

NJ: Senate Judiciary Committee advances bill in support of same-sex marriage

December 9, 2009

States allowing civil unions/same-sex-marriage/domestic partner

(12-11) NJ Senate postpones vote

New Jersey’s Senate Judiciary Committee voted 7-6 (video) in support of a same-sex marriage bill: Marriage Equality Act (S1967/A2978), after a heated 7 hour debate Monday night (7th). Sen Baroni added an amendment stipulating that clergy members are not required to marry same-sex couples if it conflicts with their religious beliefs

No: All Republicans, except Sen Baroni
Yes: All Democrats, except committee chair Paul Sarlo and vice chair John Girgenti

Legislation now heads to the Senate to be voted on December 11. If it passes, then it would go the Assembly.

Gov Corzine said he would sign it, but governor-elect Chris Christie has already said he opposes the legislation.

As is, same-sex civil unions have been legal in NJ since 2007.

JULIAN BOND, Chairman, NAACP:

Like race, our sexuality isn’t a preference. It’s immutable, unchangeable and the Constitution protects us all from discrimination.

Black people, of all people, should not oppose equality, and that is what gay marriage represents. It does not matter the rationale: religious, cultural, pseudo-scientific – no people of good will should oppose marriage equality. And they should not think that civil unions are a substitute. At best, civil unions are separate but equal, and we all know, separate is never equal.

14th District Coalition for Traditional Marriage and the People’s Voice

We know from prison populations and history that some homosexuality is a learned behavior and thus a choice. Since the vast majority of people in NJ do not want the definition of marriage changed, those who have chosen this lifestyle should find another name for it.

Source: NJ.com – see videos of debate and reading of the vote.

Crashers, if subpoenaed, won’t talk

December 8, 2009

Subpoena to be issued

As a follow up to last week’s hearing, the House Committee on Homeland Security will decide tomorrow whether the crashers will be issued a subpoena. Rep King (R-NY) is also going to push to subpoena DESIREE ROGERS. Though I can’t imagine he is going to get anywhere – look at the barrymedia’s radio silence.

The Committee sent a letter to the crashers’ new lawyer, STEPHEN BEST, of Dewey & LeBoeuf (replaced Paul W Gardner) and he responded that his clients intend to plead the Fifth if called to testify.

As far as I know, no decision has been made as to whether  criminal charges will be sought. There certainly wasn’t any determination at the conclusion of the hearing last week.

[NOTE: I couldn't find a full copy of the Committee's or the lawyer's letter or the declaration the crashers signed. All I could find was partial quotes, which I put together.]

Source: CNN

STEVEN BEST:

The Salahis must contend not only with vilification by the press, but also with a treacherous legal environment that threatens criminal exposure.

They have provided documentation, including telephone records and copies of e-mails with a White House official, to the investigating agents.

[And there is] a public record demonstrating that certain members of the committee and their staffs have drawn premature conclusions.

Evidently Chairman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) referenced them as “Bonnie & Clyde” and Rep Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) preferred “the perpetrators.”

DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton was a little more musical and referred to them as “practiced con-artists who bamboozled the Secret Service and perhaps others as they conned their way past all required gate keepers. … Clearly they were outlaws before they crashed the White House.”

STEVEN BEST:

It is circumstances such as these for which the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution was designed to provide safe harbor.

Each of his clients signed declarations (dated Dec. 7):

I am aware of statements made by certain members on the Committee on Homeland Security in which premature conclusions concerning my criminal liability have been made. … The current circumstances warrant invocation of my Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.

I hereby respectfully invoke my constitutional right given the legally hazardous environment before me.

H1N1 could be mildest pandemic ever

December 8, 2009

Updated H1N1 posts/symptoms/vaccine

Finally the truth about H1N1:

With the second wave of H1N1 infections having crested in the United States, leading epidemiologists are predicting that the pandemic could end up ranking as the mildest since modern medicine began documenting influenza outbreaks.

It’s only December and they’re predicting that.

MARC LIPSITCH, epidemiology professor at the Harvard School of Public Health (journal PLoS Medicine.

I think it is very likely to be the mildest pandemic on record.

We got lucky. But if we didn’t have a plan in place and we had 60,000 or 70,000 deaths, people would have been justifiably outraged.

H1N1 virus:
Estimated possible deaths: 6K – 45K
No more than 60K
Probable 10K – 15K

Deaths average seasonal flu:
9K directly from the virus
36K from secondary complications because older population usually most affected

H1N1 more deaths in children and young adults than seasonal flu
Majority had pre-existing medical conditions – including pregnancy

Initial estimate 30% population – so far approx 15%
H1N1 virus lethality lower than previous pandemics

Could be third spike late winter/early spring
Want folks to get vaccinated now that it’s available – 80M doses

Healthcare: Ed Schultz vs Jonjon Alter

December 8, 2009

This is pure entertainment. Haven’t seen jonjon in a long while. He’s positively glowing with desire to help barry. Did he predict barry would pass healthcare?

He also thinks refusing to pass healthcare has to do with discrimination. And Ed wants a public option.

Harry Reid compares a couple month healthcare fight to slavery

December 8, 2009

Healthcare is not a civil right. And to compare a fight over a healthcare bill to what slaves endured for generations is I can’t find the words. They need to stop race-baiting. No matter what the issue or who is not in favor of barry’s plans it always comes down to race.

How is barry this “post racial” candidate?

Heard him give any more speeches after his political expedient one in Philly?

HARRY REID:

I’m not afraid to say this. But instead of being on the right side of history all Republicans can come up with is: ‘Slow down, stop everything, let’s start over’.

You think you’ve heard these same excuses before? You’re right. In this country belated recognized the wrongs of slavery. There were those who dug in their heels and said, ‘Slow down, it’s too early. Let’s wait. Things aren’t bad enough’ .

He also went on to compare  it to women’s suffrage, which took 50 years of fight – not a couple of months.

When women wanted to vote, opponents said: ‘Slow down, there will be a better day to do that — the day isn’t quite right.’

Harry Reid: “They want this to be President Obama’s Waterloo”

December 8, 2009

What’s up with Harry Reid?

He looks so much older. And he’s slurring his speech and having trouble coming up with his words/thoughts. Has he had a stroke? Or does he imbibe?

barry’s talking his own legacy again – the true reason they are trying to push it through.

Not since Social Security have we had such an issue in this country. And in words that only Barack Obama could utter, 10-20-30-40 years from now people are going to look back at what this Congress did and each time they see a child being able to go to the doctor when they’re sick or hurt. Seeing someone that just because they lose job they don’t lose their insurance, someone who gets diabetes doesn’t mean a life time of not being able to get insurance.

That’s what this legislation is all about.

Forty years from they’ll for sure be thinking about what this Congress did – run up a gazillion dollar deficit.

Then he rattles off a list of hours spent and what the committees did trying to prove their “transparency”. Perhaps he might wan to look at barry’s history of “transparency” and why the word means absolutely nothing. Like most of his other words.

REID: We have not had legislation like that’s been so transparent in recent history.

For them to talk about non-transparency…they are in a different universe, talking about this bill being for illegal immigrants, this bill running up the deficit – which is absolutely false, this bill running up premiums – absolutely false.

The Republicans are being destructive.

They want this, as one Senator said, to be President Obama’s Waterloo, and it isn’t going to be.

They don’t seem to grasp the level of anger out there and the real potential for violence — that has nothing to do with barry’s race – no matter how they like to use it. On Hardball, Joe Petro, a former Secret Service agent, debunked the tale that threats are up 400%. He said the threats are about the same as other presidents at this stage in their presidency.

HARDBALL NOV 30th

CHRIS MATTHEWS:

Is there a sense that there is a heightened or a lessened security effort on behalf of this president, given that what we‘re told is like a 400 percent increase in the number of threats against him?

JOE PETRO:

That’s an exaggeration. My information is the threats are about—about average for a president at this stage in his—in his term.  It may have spiked early on, but I think it‘s leveled out. So, Mr. Kessler was wrong about that.

Yes, this president has some unique, you know, threat risk.  That‘s obvious.  But the Secret Service is well aware of that.  And I—and what  I have been told from—from friends who are still there, they take this – this risk very serious, and—and they‘re—this is the—the primary responsibility of the Secret Service.

Michelle: barry’s mom was “very young and very single when she had him”

December 8, 2009