Friday Stuff

I don't think "despicable" quite describes this, either when it comes to the actual incident or, particularly, concerning the ruling (here - yes, I know a law is probably needed for clarification, but what about a little common sense?)...



...and in somewhat of a related vein, I remember when TV news anchors who had some credibility actually could opine on awful subjects like this with something approximating a force of morality; of course, times being what they are, we have to leave this up to comedians, and Jimmy Kimmel does the job beautifully here…



…and it looks like “Top-Step Shill” outdid himself this time – what an utter fool; his employer told him to knock it off but apparently he was too dumb to listen, so that automatically becomes the fault of “liberals” (here)…



…and it’s almost heartbreaking to watch this and realize what kind of standards we used to have in this country for running for president, and then realize how far we’ve fallen down on that…and yes, this has to do with “Fergus Laing” – NSFW...



…and I didn’t get to this great John Oliver video about lead last week (here), so I’ll do so now; worth it for no other reason than to see “Republic Party” U.S. House Reps Mark Meadows, Tim Walberg and particularly Jason Chaffetz shown up as the thoroughly bought-and-paid-for frauds that they truly are…



…and Former Clinton Labor Secretary Robert Reich tells us about the racial component of the wealth divide in this country, continuing to explain common-sense situations and concepts that are probably understood by too many of us as “the new normal,” and that includes me, though that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t do something about it (here)…



...and Thom Hartmann brings us Economic and Labor News for the week (tying back a bit to the Reich video)...



…and we lost a true blues guitar legend last week with the passing of Lonnie Mack – RIP.

Thursday Stuff

Rachel Maddow talks with historian Michael Beschloss about the line from aviator and anti-Semite Charles Lindbergh to Pat Buchanan to Donald Trump on the “America First” movement (and based on what she says here, I can’t say much about her choice of friends)…



…and I’m sorry (well, actually not); believe me when I tell you that I’m interested in an intelligent discussion on all manner of issues, but as far as I’m concerned, there is never an excuse for flag desecration (though firing people from their jobs over it is more than a bit of an overreaction, unless they work for, say, the National Park Service or a high-profile public sector job, the type Republicans hate)…



…and who thought that this could end up as the ultimate revenge for Citizens United? (funny, actually - NSFW)...



..and RIP Les Waas – here’s a tune in his honor.

Wednesday Stuff

(Kudos to Steve Santarsiero for winning the Dem nomination to run for Mikey the Beloved’s PA-08 seat in the U.S. House…sorry to see Bernie lose, though I wasn’t totally surprised; definitely on board with HRC if she ends up as the nominee for prez…for U.S. Senate, was kind of hoping that Joe Sestak would win, but I’m happy with Katie McGinty also – best to all.)

Turning to other matters, the Chernobyl nuclear “incident” was 30 years ago yesterday, by the way (more here)...



...and I know I said something about this earlier, but kudos to Samantha Bee for this (NSFW - killer of an ending, by the way)...



…and in response to a story like this, I think the best thing I can do is give a plug to the opponent of the utterly odious Roy Blunt (remember this?) in Missouri’s U.S. Senatorial Election (to do more to help Jason Kander, click here or here)…



...and I know he's coming to Wilkes-Barre, PA next month on the 19th, but don't know if and when he's coming back to Philly - I'll let you know if I hear anything.

Tuesday Stuff

I thought this was a good report by RT’s Ed Schultz on how the Germans aren’t getting fooled by the trade deal nonsense being spouted by both Number 44 and Angela Merkel; sorry to hear the closing remarks about “B. Barry Bamz,” but dude, you did this to yourself…



…and Rev. Al reminds us that Prince had more of a commitment to social justice than many of us knew at the time (well, me at least anyway)…



…and I know this is a humorous clip (well, I think so anyway), but this is a serious story, didn’t even know World Penguin Day was a thing, but we observed it yesterday apparently; I have a soft spot for these small flightless birds I’ll admit because they live in the worst climates of the world and survive all manner of threats by working together – I can think of no apt metaphor for what we’re doing to this planet than to note how endangered they are, and as always, we can do something about that…



…and RIP Billy Paul (and please spare me the moral lectures – it’s just a great song).

Monday Stuff

Before I begin, I want to note that an individual has been driving around my location for the last couple of weekends with a green pickup truck and a Gadsden flag flying in the breeze. Yes, I realize that he has the right to express his political opinion, stupid though it may be, but here is a suggestion; instead of burning all of that gas for no good reason, why don’t you do something that is actually constructive such as help out at a food bank or, say, help Catholic Social Services in some capacity (maybe helping moms/women with dependent children who are in need)? You could also help to work on the political campaign for the candidate of your choice.

Basically, there’s are a hell of a lot more constructive things you could do instead of parading your intolerance.

And by the way, primary Election Day is tomorrow in PA, so let’s get out for this guy (here)…



…and this guy (here – and yes, before anyone out there starts, it’s true that the gun bill Steve refers to was not signed into law, but kudos for his effort on this and many other issues)…



…and speaking of elections…ugggh (here) – but remember that this definitely isn’t the time to talk about gun laws, is it, Mr. Green Pickup Truck?...



…and this report from Rachel Maddow probably should have ended at about 13:50 – really don’t care about the stuff having to do with Maine Republican delegates – but it shows Paul LePage, that state’s Republican governor, as the insufferable clown that he truly is yet again; really don’t understand why this guy hasn’t been vilified more thoroughly by our corporate media, though maybe I’m answering my own question on that one (more here)…



Update 5/3/16: Excellent work by the Maine "lege" here...

…and Rev. Al talks about Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill with Vanessa De Luca of Essence Magazine (not the most pressing of issues as far as I’m concerned, but something that is hugely symbolic I’ll admit, as Rev. Al says)…



...and kudos to Joe Walsh for this.