Celebrities And Politics
-
OscarGuy
- Site Admin
- Posts: 13668
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 12:22 am
- Location: Springfield, MO
- Contact:
Right. Because modern people would get dropped off naked in an inhospitable environment. People don't HAVE to do that to keep warm up there these days. It's an excuse. Not that I love everything PETA does, but I respect their desire to prevent cruelty and the senseless killing of animals.
Wesley Lovell
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." - Benjamin Franklin
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." - Benjamin Franklin
-
Sonic Youth
- Tenured Laureate
- Posts: 8008
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 8:35 pm
- Location: USA
Rock band defends Bristol from PETA
By: Karin Tanabe
Politico.com
It was only a matter of time before People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals got angry over Bristol Palin’s floor-length mink ensemble in Alaskan band Static Cycle’s recent music video for “Inside This World of Mine.”
But the band is having none of it. In the video, Bristol plays Mother Nature of the last frontier. Do goddesses wear polyester? Band frontman Jared Navarre doesn’t think so.
“This country was founded by living off the land," Navarre said in a statement on Business Wire. “And that tradition continues here in Alaska, where many still hunt for food and clothing, fish, clear trees for lumber for houses and drill oil to run the economy. We chose a fur coat for Bristol as a natural way to help portray her role as ‘Mother Nature’ — nothing synthetic. A nylon jumpsuit obviously would not have represented Alaska or the role. Bristol is of Alaska Native heritage, and it's culturally insensitive for PETA to come to Alaska and tell us what to wear."
Navarre also delivered a challenge to PETA, asking members of the animal rights group to come up to Alaska in their birthday suits and see what measures they would take to stay warm: “For those who complain about using animals for food or to stay warm, I would like to challenge their convictions by dropping them off stark naked in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness and see what they do to survive!”
© 2010 Capitol News Company, LLC
By: Karin Tanabe
Politico.com
It was only a matter of time before People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals got angry over Bristol Palin’s floor-length mink ensemble in Alaskan band Static Cycle’s recent music video for “Inside This World of Mine.”
But the band is having none of it. In the video, Bristol plays Mother Nature of the last frontier. Do goddesses wear polyester? Band frontman Jared Navarre doesn’t think so.
“This country was founded by living off the land," Navarre said in a statement on Business Wire. “And that tradition continues here in Alaska, where many still hunt for food and clothing, fish, clear trees for lumber for houses and drill oil to run the economy. We chose a fur coat for Bristol as a natural way to help portray her role as ‘Mother Nature’ — nothing synthetic. A nylon jumpsuit obviously would not have represented Alaska or the role. Bristol is of Alaska Native heritage, and it's culturally insensitive for PETA to come to Alaska and tell us what to wear."
Navarre also delivered a challenge to PETA, asking members of the animal rights group to come up to Alaska in their birthday suits and see what measures they would take to stay warm: “For those who complain about using animals for food or to stay warm, I would like to challenge their convictions by dropping them off stark naked in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness and see what they do to survive!”
© 2010 Capitol News Company, LLC
"What the hell?"
Win Butler
Win Butler
-
Sonic Youth
- Tenured Laureate
- Posts: 8008
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 8:35 pm
- Location: USA
Ex-Rocker Hall Vies to Be `Still the One' for U.S. House Seat in New York
By Peter S. Green - Oct 26, 2010
Bloomberg.com
Rock musician-turned-politician John Hall, elected in the 2006 wave of victories that gave Democrats control of the U.S. House, spent the last four years working to consolidate his hold on a district anchored in New York’s Hudson Valley.
He has focused on veterans’ issues, health care and the small businesses that drive the economy in a district spread over five counties. He visits senior centers and entrepreneurs, marches in holiday parades, and kayaks down the Hudson River with constituents. He helped push the Small Business Jobs Act through Congress, which funneled new loan money to banks.
After defeating six-term Republican Sue Kelly to first win his seat with 51 percent of the vote, Hall sailed to re-election in 2008 with 59 percent. This year, the former guitarist and songwriter for Orleans, known for the 1976 hit “Still the One,” is among scores of Democrats nationwide fighting to hold their seats as polls show the party may lose its House majority in the Nov. 2 elections.
In more typical political times “most freshmen do get re- elected, and sophomores are even more likely, because they overcome the first wave of opposition,” said Robert Erikson, a political scientist at New York’s Columbia University. “But this will be offset by the partisan tide” this year that may give Republicans the net gain of 39 seats they need for House control.
Vulnerable Democrats
In New York, the upstate seat that Democrat Eric Massa resigned from in March is rated a likely Republican pickup by analysts. As many as seven other Democrats among the 26 in New York’s House delegation are viewed as vulnerable to defeat.
Hall, 62, is being challenged by Republican Nan Hayworth, 50, an ophthalmologist and advertising executive whose backers include Tea Party activists promoting reduced government.
A survey released Oct. 19 by Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, judged the race “a virtual tie,” the pollsters said in a statement, with Hall at 49 percent and Hayworth at 48 percent. The poll’s margin of error is plus-or- minus 3.9 percentage points.
The candidates had roughly the same amount of cash on hand for the campaign’s final weeks, with Hall reporting $268,037 as of Oct. 13 and Hayworth $265,590, according to the Federal Election Commission. Hayworth had spent $1.5 million, loaned her campaign $500,000, and taken more than $220,000 from political action committees and campaign committees, the FEC figures show. Hall had spent almost $1.9 million, taken no loans, and accepted $560,000 from campaign committees and PACs.
Dueling Videos
The campaign has been marked by dueling on-line videos. Four young Hayworth supporters remixed Orleans’ 1975 hit “Dance With Me,” changing the lyrics to: “Vote With Me; Let’s Get John Hall to Leave D.C.”
Hall, who organized the 1979 “No Nukes” concerts that brought together Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne and Graham Nash, got old friends to remix “Still the One” as “He’s Still the One We Need in Washington.”
Hall is stressing his work for the district rather than broader national issues. At a senior-citizens home last month in Poughkeepsie, he told his listeners he helped bring a solar panel factory to the Hudson Valley and corralled federal dollars to build sewage plants, keep open hospitals and post offices, and start job-training programs.
“My opponent has pledged not to ask for earmarks,” Hall said in an interview, referring to federal funding that lawmakers seek for home-district projects. “That means our tax dollars will go to pay for projects in Texas and Alaska.”
Pelosi Link
Hayworth scorns Hall as a tax-and-spend Democrat who marches in lockstep with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and ignores the plight of the region’s small businesses. She cites his vote for the health-care overhaul Congress passed in March, saying it will weigh down businesses with extra costs.
“He’s voted 98 percent of the time for an agenda put forward by Nancy Pelosi in ways that would damage our economy,” Hayworth told an audience of physicians at the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in Goshen last month. The doctors applauded when she pledged to dismantle the health-care measure.
“This election’s about the economy in the state of New York,” Hayworth said in an interview. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have “been eclipsed by the economy, and people feel they haven’t been heard.”
Premium Increase
Seth Arluck, a lumberyard owner in New Hampton who’s been campaigning for Hayworth, said Hall hasn’t done enough for small business. He showed a reporter a notice from his insurer raising his business-related health-care premiums by 25.7 percent. He blames the health-care overhaul.
“It’s not a beef with John Hall, but this economy is being torn to shreds by the people in power,” said Arluck.
Donna McLean, owner of Anew Spa, a beauty and massage salon in New Windsor, is the type of voter Hall is counting on to win a third term.
“I’m a registered Republican and I adore John Hall,” largely because of his push for the small-business aid bill that became law Sept. 27. It made $30 billion in unspent funds from the bank-rescue plan, the Troubled Asset Relief Program, available to small businesses through local lenders. McLean wants a $30,000 loan to buy a skin-care machine.
“He got that into law, and now I can go to Walden Savings and get the loan,” she said.
By Peter S. Green - Oct 26, 2010
Bloomberg.com
Rock musician-turned-politician John Hall, elected in the 2006 wave of victories that gave Democrats control of the U.S. House, spent the last four years working to consolidate his hold on a district anchored in New York’s Hudson Valley.
He has focused on veterans’ issues, health care and the small businesses that drive the economy in a district spread over five counties. He visits senior centers and entrepreneurs, marches in holiday parades, and kayaks down the Hudson River with constituents. He helped push the Small Business Jobs Act through Congress, which funneled new loan money to banks.
After defeating six-term Republican Sue Kelly to first win his seat with 51 percent of the vote, Hall sailed to re-election in 2008 with 59 percent. This year, the former guitarist and songwriter for Orleans, known for the 1976 hit “Still the One,” is among scores of Democrats nationwide fighting to hold their seats as polls show the party may lose its House majority in the Nov. 2 elections.
In more typical political times “most freshmen do get re- elected, and sophomores are even more likely, because they overcome the first wave of opposition,” said Robert Erikson, a political scientist at New York’s Columbia University. “But this will be offset by the partisan tide” this year that may give Republicans the net gain of 39 seats they need for House control.
Vulnerable Democrats
In New York, the upstate seat that Democrat Eric Massa resigned from in March is rated a likely Republican pickup by analysts. As many as seven other Democrats among the 26 in New York’s House delegation are viewed as vulnerable to defeat.
Hall, 62, is being challenged by Republican Nan Hayworth, 50, an ophthalmologist and advertising executive whose backers include Tea Party activists promoting reduced government.
A survey released Oct. 19 by Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey, judged the race “a virtual tie,” the pollsters said in a statement, with Hall at 49 percent and Hayworth at 48 percent. The poll’s margin of error is plus-or- minus 3.9 percentage points.
The candidates had roughly the same amount of cash on hand for the campaign’s final weeks, with Hall reporting $268,037 as of Oct. 13 and Hayworth $265,590, according to the Federal Election Commission. Hayworth had spent $1.5 million, loaned her campaign $500,000, and taken more than $220,000 from political action committees and campaign committees, the FEC figures show. Hall had spent almost $1.9 million, taken no loans, and accepted $560,000 from campaign committees and PACs.
Dueling Videos
The campaign has been marked by dueling on-line videos. Four young Hayworth supporters remixed Orleans’ 1975 hit “Dance With Me,” changing the lyrics to: “Vote With Me; Let’s Get John Hall to Leave D.C.”
Hall, who organized the 1979 “No Nukes” concerts that brought together Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne and Graham Nash, got old friends to remix “Still the One” as “He’s Still the One We Need in Washington.”
Hall is stressing his work for the district rather than broader national issues. At a senior-citizens home last month in Poughkeepsie, he told his listeners he helped bring a solar panel factory to the Hudson Valley and corralled federal dollars to build sewage plants, keep open hospitals and post offices, and start job-training programs.
“My opponent has pledged not to ask for earmarks,” Hall said in an interview, referring to federal funding that lawmakers seek for home-district projects. “That means our tax dollars will go to pay for projects in Texas and Alaska.”
Pelosi Link
Hayworth scorns Hall as a tax-and-spend Democrat who marches in lockstep with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California and ignores the plight of the region’s small businesses. She cites his vote for the health-care overhaul Congress passed in March, saying it will weigh down businesses with extra costs.
“He’s voted 98 percent of the time for an agenda put forward by Nancy Pelosi in ways that would damage our economy,” Hayworth told an audience of physicians at the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in Goshen last month. The doctors applauded when she pledged to dismantle the health-care measure.
“This election’s about the economy in the state of New York,” Hayworth said in an interview. The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have “been eclipsed by the economy, and people feel they haven’t been heard.”
Premium Increase
Seth Arluck, a lumberyard owner in New Hampton who’s been campaigning for Hayworth, said Hall hasn’t done enough for small business. He showed a reporter a notice from his insurer raising his business-related health-care premiums by 25.7 percent. He blames the health-care overhaul.
“It’s not a beef with John Hall, but this economy is being torn to shreds by the people in power,” said Arluck.
Donna McLean, owner of Anew Spa, a beauty and massage salon in New Windsor, is the type of voter Hall is counting on to win a third term.
“I’m a registered Republican and I adore John Hall,” largely because of his push for the small-business aid bill that became law Sept. 27. It made $30 billion in unspent funds from the bank-rescue plan, the Troubled Asset Relief Program, available to small businesses through local lenders. McLean wants a $30,000 loan to buy a skin-care machine.
“He got that into law, and now I can go to Walden Savings and get the loan,” she said.
"What the hell?"
Win Butler
Win Butler
-
Sonic Youth
- Tenured Laureate
- Posts: 8008
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 8:35 pm
- Location: USA
Palin finds unlikely admirer in John Mellencamp
By JOHN CARUCCI, Associated Press Writer
Former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has found an admirer in John Mellencamp.
The legendary rocker says that while he doesn't support her positions, he is impressed by the mark she's made on the country since the 2008 election.
Mellencamp says people get the wrong idea about her intellect "just because she says things and winks."
He says she "knows exactly what's she doing" and "she wouldn't be where she is today if she didn't."
Mellencamp gives Palin credit for handling the rough world of politics. He says "she's pushing the right buttons" and "you can't be stupid and do that."
The 59-year-old rocker is no stranger to the political arena. He supported Barack Obama's campaign in 2008 and asked Palin's running mate, John McCain, to stop using his songs at rallies.
Edited By Sonic Youth on 1287757242
By JOHN CARUCCI, Associated Press Writer
Former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has found an admirer in John Mellencamp.
The legendary rocker says that while he doesn't support her positions, he is impressed by the mark she's made on the country since the 2008 election.
Mellencamp says people get the wrong idea about her intellect "just because she says things and winks."
He says she "knows exactly what's she doing" and "she wouldn't be where she is today if she didn't."
Mellencamp gives Palin credit for handling the rough world of politics. He says "she's pushing the right buttons" and "you can't be stupid and do that."
The 59-year-old rocker is no stranger to the political arena. He supported Barack Obama's campaign in 2008 and asked Palin's running mate, John McCain, to stop using his songs at rallies.
Edited By Sonic Youth on 1287757242
"What the hell?"
Win Butler
Win Butler
-
Sonic Youth
- Tenured Laureate
- Posts: 8008
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 8:35 pm
- Location: USA
Interview: Moe Tucker of the Velvet Underground Sets the Record Straight
By Mike Appelstein
Riverfront Times
In April 2009, WALB-TV aired a story about a Tea Party rally in nearby Tifton, Georgia. About two-and-a-half minutes into the feature, one "Maureen Tucker, Tea Party Supporter" was quoted as saying, "I'm furious about the way we're being led toward socialism. I'm furious about the incredible waste of money, when things that we really need and are important get dropped, because there's no money left."
Eighteen months later, the news story somehow ended up posted on YouTube, and the blogosphere started buzzing. Could this actually be Moe Tucker, former drummer for the Velvet Underground, one of the most influential and iconic rock bands of all time? All signs pointed to yes. It certainly looked like Tucker, and it was well known that she'd moved to southern Georgia with her family decades earlier. The Huffington Post confirmed the story by reaching Tucker at home; she wouldn't discuss the matter or her political views any further.
For a few days - practically dog years in Internet time - the reaction was swift and furious. Liberals declared themselves depressed and shocked that one of their idols was caught on tape speaking out against a Democratic administration. Some conservatives, meanwhile, congratulated her on her courage and welcomed her to their presumptive fold next to noted right-wing rockers Johnny Ramone and Alice Cooper.
We were curious to know more from Tucker herself, so we tracked her down and asked for an interview. She agreed to answer some questions via email.
Mike Appelstein: In the now-infamous videotape, you indicated that you're furious about the way we're being led toward socialism and "incredible waste of money" being spent. Could you elaborate a bit on these sentiments?
Moe Tucker: No country can provide all things for all citizens. There comes a point where it just isn't possible, and it's proven to be a failure everywhere it's been tried. I am not oblivious to the plight of the poor, but I don't see any reason/sense to the idea that everyone has to have everything, especially when the economy is so bad. I see that philosophy as merely a ploy to control.
My family was damn poor when I was growing up on Long Island. There were no food stamps, no Medicaid, no welfare. If you were poor, you were poor. You didn't have a TV, you didn't have five pairs of shoes, you didn't have Levi's, you didn't have a phone; you ate Spam, hot dogs and spaghetti. We all survived! I am not against food stamps, welfare or Medicaid, if only they would oversee these programs properly!
I am also against the government taking over the student loan program, car companies, bailouts and the White House taking control of the census (what the hell is that all about?); [about] any First Lady telling (I know, I know, "suggesting to") us what to eat, the mayor of New York City declaring "no salt" (screw you, pal!), the mayor/city commissioners of Anytown, U.S.A. declaring you can't fly a flag, can't say the Pledge of Allegiance and can't sing the National Anthem. I'm against a President dismissing any and all who dare to disagree; the water being turned off in (central) California, at [an] area where they've turned off the water because they want to save a one-inch fish -- turning that huge area of farming land into another dustbowl -- the insipid start of food supply control methinks! The government deciding what kind of lightbulbs we can use (all you "think green" people, three objections to this b.s.: 1) Those bulbs give off the light of a candle; 2) They're very expensive; 3) They have mercury in them - how the hell are we supposed to dispose of them?).
I am against the government now thinking about bailing out unions. The unions made the contracts which include insane pensions; the U.S. government didn't. I'm against the government closing down offshore drilling in the Gulf with one hand and with the other giving (lending?) Brazil money to help them do way deeper offshore drilling -- rather curious. I'm against a government that will not defend our borders; and on and on and on.
As a lead-in to the next part of your question: Today it was announced that there would be no cost of living increase for Social Security recipients because "there's no inflation." I'd love to know what makes them think that! Where the hell do they shop? Prices have been rising for over a year. Inflation is a natural happening, I know. But why is it that suddenly food prices don't go up two or three or five cents, but instead they're going up 40, 50, 60 cents at a clip? No inflation my ass!
My anger stems from the unbelievable (criminal!) waste of money on pork and earmarks. It drives me nuts to see that X millions are being allocated to build a turtle tunnel, a donkey museum, a salamander crossing, etc, etc, etc. Billions spent every friggin' year on totally unnecessary crap so that these Congressbums can tell their constituents that they "brought home the bacon" and get re-elected. I'm sorry, but I don't want to pay for any Congress SOB's vote buying, and sure as hell not in these very very worrisome times!
What specifically about the current administration do you disagree with?
I disagree with spending / borrowing / printing -- damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! I disagree with the "we won" attitude, which is the cowardly way of saying fuck you! I disagree with an administration that for twenty months blames Bush. If the President and his minions are so damn smart, why didn't they know the severity of the situation? The president has actually said (and I saw it on video) that they didn't know!
What would you like to see change?
The current administration!
How did you get involved with the local Tea Party movement?
I'm not "involved" with the local movement. I went to the first Tea Party in June or July of 2009 because it was within striking distance and I wanted to be counted.
Are you still involved in Tea Party activities?
I do my own protesting via email and postcards. Anyone who thinks I'm crazy about Sarah Palin, Bush, etc. has made quite the presumption. I have voted Democrat all my life, until I started listening to what Obama was promising and started wondering how the hell will this utopian dream land be paid for? For those who actually believe that their taxes won't go up in order to pay for all this insanity: good luck!
What are some misconceptions that people have about Tea Parties (and their attendants) in general?
That they're all racists, they're all religious nuts, they're all uninformed, they're all stupid, they want no taxes at all and no regulations whatsoever. Those "arguments" are presented by the Dems in order to keep their base of uninformed voters on their side. In my opinion, as soon as you start name-calling, your opinion is immediately deemed invalid!
Have you always had conservative views?
To be honest, I never paid attention to what the hell was going on. My always voting Democrat was the result of that. My philosophy was and is all politicians are liars, bums and cheats. I make decisions on an issue by issue basis. I'm far more of an independent than a conservative or liberal. I don't agree with all of either side, and I think anyone who claims to is either a fool or a damn liar.
Did your experience working at Wal-Mart influence you?
I don't think so. I did some protesting there, too!
When you consented to an interview with that television reporter, did you envision that your words would be spread online a year and a half later?
No. I'm amazed at this.
What are your feelings about the online reactions? Many people seem upset or outraged.
I'm stunned that so many people who call themselves liberal yet are completely intolerant. I thought liberals loved everyone: the poor, the immigrant, the gays, the handicapped, the minorities, dogs, cats, all eye colors, all hair colors! Peace, love, bull! Curious they have no tolerance whatsoever for anyone who doesn't think exactly as they do. You disagree and you're immediately called a fool, a Nazi, a racist. That's pretty f'd up!! I would never judge someone based on their political views. Their honesty, integrity, kindness to others, generosity? Yes. Politics? No!
And yet there is also a minority that agrees with you.
There are a lot more than you think who agree with me.
Have you heard from Lou [Reed] or John [Cale] about it? Other artistic/musical friends?
No, haven't heard from anyone, but anyone who knows me knows that I'm not a fool, a racist, a Nazi. Anyone who knows me knows I'm afraid of flying, afraid of bugs, but not afraid to say what I think.
In your experience, are there other closet conservatives in the music/art world? (Without naming names, of course.)
I don't consider myself a "closet" anything! That TV reporter was the first who ever asked me what my political views might be. I'm sure there are plenty of conservatives in the music/art world since I don't believe there's any group, club, organization or profession in which all members think exactly the same.
Moving away from politics: Are you still involved in music? Have you continued recording or songwriting these past few years?
No time for it anymore. I take care of my eight-year-old grandson and it's a full-time job. He wears me out, keeps me laughing, and I love him to pieces!
By Mike Appelstein
Riverfront Times
In April 2009, WALB-TV aired a story about a Tea Party rally in nearby Tifton, Georgia. About two-and-a-half minutes into the feature, one "Maureen Tucker, Tea Party Supporter" was quoted as saying, "I'm furious about the way we're being led toward socialism. I'm furious about the incredible waste of money, when things that we really need and are important get dropped, because there's no money left."
Eighteen months later, the news story somehow ended up posted on YouTube, and the blogosphere started buzzing. Could this actually be Moe Tucker, former drummer for the Velvet Underground, one of the most influential and iconic rock bands of all time? All signs pointed to yes. It certainly looked like Tucker, and it was well known that she'd moved to southern Georgia with her family decades earlier. The Huffington Post confirmed the story by reaching Tucker at home; she wouldn't discuss the matter or her political views any further.
For a few days - practically dog years in Internet time - the reaction was swift and furious. Liberals declared themselves depressed and shocked that one of their idols was caught on tape speaking out against a Democratic administration. Some conservatives, meanwhile, congratulated her on her courage and welcomed her to their presumptive fold next to noted right-wing rockers Johnny Ramone and Alice Cooper.
We were curious to know more from Tucker herself, so we tracked her down and asked for an interview. She agreed to answer some questions via email.
Mike Appelstein: In the now-infamous videotape, you indicated that you're furious about the way we're being led toward socialism and "incredible waste of money" being spent. Could you elaborate a bit on these sentiments?
Moe Tucker: No country can provide all things for all citizens. There comes a point where it just isn't possible, and it's proven to be a failure everywhere it's been tried. I am not oblivious to the plight of the poor, but I don't see any reason/sense to the idea that everyone has to have everything, especially when the economy is so bad. I see that philosophy as merely a ploy to control.
My family was damn poor when I was growing up on Long Island. There were no food stamps, no Medicaid, no welfare. If you were poor, you were poor. You didn't have a TV, you didn't have five pairs of shoes, you didn't have Levi's, you didn't have a phone; you ate Spam, hot dogs and spaghetti. We all survived! I am not against food stamps, welfare or Medicaid, if only they would oversee these programs properly!
I am also against the government taking over the student loan program, car companies, bailouts and the White House taking control of the census (what the hell is that all about?); [about] any First Lady telling (I know, I know, "suggesting to") us what to eat, the mayor of New York City declaring "no salt" (screw you, pal!), the mayor/city commissioners of Anytown, U.S.A. declaring you can't fly a flag, can't say the Pledge of Allegiance and can't sing the National Anthem. I'm against a President dismissing any and all who dare to disagree; the water being turned off in (central) California, at [an] area where they've turned off the water because they want to save a one-inch fish -- turning that huge area of farming land into another dustbowl -- the insipid start of food supply control methinks! The government deciding what kind of lightbulbs we can use (all you "think green" people, three objections to this b.s.: 1) Those bulbs give off the light of a candle; 2) They're very expensive; 3) They have mercury in them - how the hell are we supposed to dispose of them?).
I am against the government now thinking about bailing out unions. The unions made the contracts which include insane pensions; the U.S. government didn't. I'm against the government closing down offshore drilling in the Gulf with one hand and with the other giving (lending?) Brazil money to help them do way deeper offshore drilling -- rather curious. I'm against a government that will not defend our borders; and on and on and on.
As a lead-in to the next part of your question: Today it was announced that there would be no cost of living increase for Social Security recipients because "there's no inflation." I'd love to know what makes them think that! Where the hell do they shop? Prices have been rising for over a year. Inflation is a natural happening, I know. But why is it that suddenly food prices don't go up two or three or five cents, but instead they're going up 40, 50, 60 cents at a clip? No inflation my ass!
My anger stems from the unbelievable (criminal!) waste of money on pork and earmarks. It drives me nuts to see that X millions are being allocated to build a turtle tunnel, a donkey museum, a salamander crossing, etc, etc, etc. Billions spent every friggin' year on totally unnecessary crap so that these Congressbums can tell their constituents that they "brought home the bacon" and get re-elected. I'm sorry, but I don't want to pay for any Congress SOB's vote buying, and sure as hell not in these very very worrisome times!
What specifically about the current administration do you disagree with?
I disagree with spending / borrowing / printing -- damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead! I disagree with the "we won" attitude, which is the cowardly way of saying fuck you! I disagree with an administration that for twenty months blames Bush. If the President and his minions are so damn smart, why didn't they know the severity of the situation? The president has actually said (and I saw it on video) that they didn't know!
What would you like to see change?
The current administration!
How did you get involved with the local Tea Party movement?
I'm not "involved" with the local movement. I went to the first Tea Party in June or July of 2009 because it was within striking distance and I wanted to be counted.
Are you still involved in Tea Party activities?
I do my own protesting via email and postcards. Anyone who thinks I'm crazy about Sarah Palin, Bush, etc. has made quite the presumption. I have voted Democrat all my life, until I started listening to what Obama was promising and started wondering how the hell will this utopian dream land be paid for? For those who actually believe that their taxes won't go up in order to pay for all this insanity: good luck!
What are some misconceptions that people have about Tea Parties (and their attendants) in general?
That they're all racists, they're all religious nuts, they're all uninformed, they're all stupid, they want no taxes at all and no regulations whatsoever. Those "arguments" are presented by the Dems in order to keep their base of uninformed voters on their side. In my opinion, as soon as you start name-calling, your opinion is immediately deemed invalid!
Have you always had conservative views?
To be honest, I never paid attention to what the hell was going on. My always voting Democrat was the result of that. My philosophy was and is all politicians are liars, bums and cheats. I make decisions on an issue by issue basis. I'm far more of an independent than a conservative or liberal. I don't agree with all of either side, and I think anyone who claims to is either a fool or a damn liar.
Did your experience working at Wal-Mart influence you?
I don't think so. I did some protesting there, too!
When you consented to an interview with that television reporter, did you envision that your words would be spread online a year and a half later?
No. I'm amazed at this.
What are your feelings about the online reactions? Many people seem upset or outraged.
I'm stunned that so many people who call themselves liberal yet are completely intolerant. I thought liberals loved everyone: the poor, the immigrant, the gays, the handicapped, the minorities, dogs, cats, all eye colors, all hair colors! Peace, love, bull! Curious they have no tolerance whatsoever for anyone who doesn't think exactly as they do. You disagree and you're immediately called a fool, a Nazi, a racist. That's pretty f'd up!! I would never judge someone based on their political views. Their honesty, integrity, kindness to others, generosity? Yes. Politics? No!
And yet there is also a minority that agrees with you.
There are a lot more than you think who agree with me.
Have you heard from Lou [Reed] or John [Cale] about it? Other artistic/musical friends?
No, haven't heard from anyone, but anyone who knows me knows that I'm not a fool, a racist, a Nazi. Anyone who knows me knows I'm afraid of flying, afraid of bugs, but not afraid to say what I think.
In your experience, are there other closet conservatives in the music/art world? (Without naming names, of course.)
I don't consider myself a "closet" anything! That TV reporter was the first who ever asked me what my political views might be. I'm sure there are plenty of conservatives in the music/art world since I don't believe there's any group, club, organization or profession in which all members think exactly the same.
Moving away from politics: Are you still involved in music? Have you continued recording or songwriting these past few years?
No time for it anymore. I take care of my eight-year-old grandson and it's a full-time job. He wears me out, keeps me laughing, and I love him to pieces!
"What the hell?"
Win Butler
Win Butler
-
Sonic Youth
- Tenured Laureate
- Posts: 8008
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 8:35 pm
- Location: USA
No Joke: Toilet shortage for Comedy Central rally
October 20, 2010
WTOP.com
WASHINGTON -- The calls of nature may be particularly loud at an upcoming D.C. event if attendees don't have a place to "go."
Comedy Central organizers are having a hard time finding port-o-potties for their rallies to take place in a week and a half, after the Marine Corps Marathon planners snatched up about 800 of them for the same weekend.
The organizers of Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity and Stephen Colbert's March to Keep Fear Alive, both to take place Saturday, Oct. 30, have asked the marathon staff to share the portable toilets with their 65,000 expected to attendees.
But the Marines aren't budging -- they plan to lock the toilets until the morning of their race the day after, they tell the New York Times.
The National Park Service requires portable toilets for events expected to exceed capacity of "comfort facilities" on NPS property, according to a department document. They recommend one toilet for every 300 people.
An NPS spokesperson tells WTOP that comedy Central should be able to get more port-o-potties in the greater D.C. area.
WTOP's Adam Tuss contributed to this story.
Edited By Sonic Youth on 1287603076
October 20, 2010
WTOP.com
WASHINGTON -- The calls of nature may be particularly loud at an upcoming D.C. event if attendees don't have a place to "go."
Comedy Central organizers are having a hard time finding port-o-potties for their rallies to take place in a week and a half, after the Marine Corps Marathon planners snatched up about 800 of them for the same weekend.
The organizers of Jon Stewart's Rally to Restore Sanity and Stephen Colbert's March to Keep Fear Alive, both to take place Saturday, Oct. 30, have asked the marathon staff to share the portable toilets with their 65,000 expected to attendees.
But the Marines aren't budging -- they plan to lock the toilets until the morning of their race the day after, they tell the New York Times.
The National Park Service requires portable toilets for events expected to exceed capacity of "comfort facilities" on NPS property, according to a department document. They recommend one toilet for every 300 people.
An NPS spokesperson tells WTOP that comedy Central should be able to get more port-o-potties in the greater D.C. area.
WTOP's Adam Tuss contributed to this story.
Edited By Sonic Youth on 1287603076
"What the hell?"
Win Butler
Win Butler
-
Sonic Youth
- Tenured Laureate
- Posts: 8008
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 8:35 pm
- Location: USA
White House Dispatch: Obama to do "Daily Show" on eve of election
By: CNN Senior White House Correspondent Ed Henry
(CNN) – In the final week leading up to the midterm election, President Obama will appear on the "Daily Show" for the first time since taking office as host Jon Stewart takes his popular show on the road to Washington.
White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer said Obama will tape his appearance on Wednesday Oct. 27, just three days before Stewart's "Rally to Restore Sanity" on the National Mall.
The appearance follows several recent Obama campaign rallies at high-profile college campuses, including Ohio State University and the University of Wisconsin.
The announcement comes as Obama's schedule for the final week leading up to the election comes into sharper focus. After a four-day campaign swing that begins this Wednesday in Oregon and ends Saturday in Minnesota - with stops in Washington state, California, and Nevada in between - the President will hold a fundraiser next Monday in Rhode Island for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Then Obama will technically stay off the trail for the first four days of the final week of the campaign season, tending to business at the White House from Tuesday Oct. 26 through Friday Oct. 29.
But the President will end with what aides are promising will be an aggressive final push the last weekend before the election, though they are not revealing which states he will visit until they've had more time to sift through data showing where he can be most effective.
"We will have a significant presence that final weekend," vowed Pfeiffer.
By: CNN Senior White House Correspondent Ed Henry
(CNN) – In the final week leading up to the midterm election, President Obama will appear on the "Daily Show" for the first time since taking office as host Jon Stewart takes his popular show on the road to Washington.
White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer said Obama will tape his appearance on Wednesday Oct. 27, just three days before Stewart's "Rally to Restore Sanity" on the National Mall.
The appearance follows several recent Obama campaign rallies at high-profile college campuses, including Ohio State University and the University of Wisconsin.
The announcement comes as Obama's schedule for the final week leading up to the election comes into sharper focus. After a four-day campaign swing that begins this Wednesday in Oregon and ends Saturday in Minnesota - with stops in Washington state, California, and Nevada in between - the President will hold a fundraiser next Monday in Rhode Island for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Then Obama will technically stay off the trail for the first four days of the final week of the campaign season, tending to business at the White House from Tuesday Oct. 26 through Friday Oct. 29.
But the President will end with what aides are promising will be an aggressive final push the last weekend before the election, though they are not revealing which states he will visit until they've had more time to sift through data showing where he can be most effective.
"We will have a significant presence that final weekend," vowed Pfeiffer.
"What the hell?"
Win Butler
Win Butler
-
Sonic Youth
- Tenured Laureate
- Posts: 8008
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 8:35 pm
- Location: USA
The View: Whoopi & Joy Behar Walk Off Stage During O'Reilly Interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp891YJw_VY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp891YJw_VY
I really enjoyed this comment on that blog, written by someone named "gadfly":
Thank you for your keen elite celebrity insights into economics and public policy, Mr. Sajak.
Far too often we hear the uninformed opinions of limousine liberals who have no firsthand knowledge of the needs of working families but profess to care very deeply about their struggles, yet we so rarely hear the uninformed opinions of limousine conservatives who have no firsthand knowledge of the needs of working families but feel deeply that they should be stripped of their suffrage to protect his own seven-figure income.
Indeed, one might even take his modest proposal a step further and insist that every American who serves in the military, or pays taxes, or receives benefits has a conflict of interest in regard to public policy, and therefore must not be allowed to vote. Instead, a small cabal of innovative capitalists in a mountain redoubt shall make decisions for us.
For truly, the great minds who have brought us such valuable innovations as the television game show are the light of our world, and they must be allowed to guide us without being dragged down by lazy, shiftless looters and moochers.
-
Big Magilla
- Site Admin
- Posts: 19378
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 3:22 pm
- Location: Jersey Shore
From Talking Points Memo:
Pat Sajak: Should Public Employees Always Be Allowed To Vote?
October 13, 2010
Have you read Wheel Of Fortune host Pat Sajak's blog post for National Review Online today? Because if you have, you might be saying: "I'd like to buy a W, T, and an F please, Pat."
That's because Sajak asks that question that's been on no one's mind: "Should state workers be able to vote in state elections on matters that would benefit them directly?"
In what appears to be his first post, Sajak pointed out today that no one in his family, or even his "kids' teachers or the guys who rotate my tires" is allowed to appear on his show, because there is at least the appearance of a conflict of interest. "In nearly all private and public endeavors," he continues, "there are occasions in which it's only fair and correct that a person or group be barred from participating because that party could directly and unevenly benefit from decisions made and policies adopted."
So, he asks, what about those state employees who have a greater stake in a vote's outcome than the rest of us?
"I'm not suggesting that public employees should be denied the right to vote, but that there are certain cases in which their stake in the matter may be too great," Sajak writes.
====================
Public Employees and Elections: A Conflict of Interest?
October 13, 2010 1:03 P.M. By Pat Sajak
None of my family and friends is allowed to appear on Wheel of Fortune. Same goes for my kids’ teachers or the guys who rotate my tires. If there’s not a real conflict of interest, there is, at least, the appearance of one. On another level, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan has recused herself from nearly half the cases this session due to her time as solicitor general. In nearly all private and public endeavors, there are occasions in which it’s only fair and correct that a person or group be barred from participating because that party could directly and unevenly benefit from decisions made and policies adopted. So should state workers be able to vote in state elections on matters that would benefit them directly? The same question goes for federal workers in federal elections.
I’m not suggesting that public employees should be denied the right to vote, but that there are certain cases in which their stake in the matter may be too great. Of course we all have a stake in one way or another in most elections, and many of us tend to vote in favor of our own interests. However, if, for example, a ballot initiative appears that might cap the benefits of a certain group of state workers, should those workers be able to vote on the matter? Plainly, their interests as direct recipients of the benefits are far greater than the interests of others whose taxes support such benefits. I realize this opens a Pandora’s box in terms of figuring out what constitutes a true conflict of interest, but, after all, isn’t opening those boxes Ricochet’s raison d’être?
Pat Sajak: Should Public Employees Always Be Allowed To Vote?
October 13, 2010
Have you read Wheel Of Fortune host Pat Sajak's blog post for National Review Online today? Because if you have, you might be saying: "I'd like to buy a W, T, and an F please, Pat."
That's because Sajak asks that question that's been on no one's mind: "Should state workers be able to vote in state elections on matters that would benefit them directly?"
In what appears to be his first post, Sajak pointed out today that no one in his family, or even his "kids' teachers or the guys who rotate my tires" is allowed to appear on his show, because there is at least the appearance of a conflict of interest. "In nearly all private and public endeavors," he continues, "there are occasions in which it's only fair and correct that a person or group be barred from participating because that party could directly and unevenly benefit from decisions made and policies adopted."
So, he asks, what about those state employees who have a greater stake in a vote's outcome than the rest of us?
"I'm not suggesting that public employees should be denied the right to vote, but that there are certain cases in which their stake in the matter may be too great," Sajak writes.
====================
Public Employees and Elections: A Conflict of Interest?
October 13, 2010 1:03 P.M. By Pat Sajak
None of my family and friends is allowed to appear on Wheel of Fortune. Same goes for my kids’ teachers or the guys who rotate my tires. If there’s not a real conflict of interest, there is, at least, the appearance of one. On another level, Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan has recused herself from nearly half the cases this session due to her time as solicitor general. In nearly all private and public endeavors, there are occasions in which it’s only fair and correct that a person or group be barred from participating because that party could directly and unevenly benefit from decisions made and policies adopted. So should state workers be able to vote in state elections on matters that would benefit them directly? The same question goes for federal workers in federal elections.
I’m not suggesting that public employees should be denied the right to vote, but that there are certain cases in which their stake in the matter may be too great. Of course we all have a stake in one way or another in most elections, and many of us tend to vote in favor of our own interests. However, if, for example, a ballot initiative appears that might cap the benefits of a certain group of state workers, should those workers be able to vote on the matter? Plainly, their interests as direct recipients of the benefits are far greater than the interests of others whose taxes support such benefits. I realize this opens a Pandora’s box in terms of figuring out what constitutes a true conflict of interest, but, after all, isn’t opening those boxes Ricochet’s raison d’être?
"Y'know, that's one of the things I like about Mitt Romney. He's been consistent since he changed his mind." -- Christine O'Donnell
From Variety:
Roundup & Recap: More Hollywood Support for Jerry Brown
By: Ted Johnson
Published: Tue, September 28, 2010
A big Hollywood fund-raiser for Jerry Brown is planned for Oct. 14, but the money is rolling in well before that. According to state campaign finance records, recent donors include Rhea Perlman and Danny Devito, Barbra Streisand ($5,000), Ari Emanuel ($20,900), Bob Daly ($25,000), Norman Lear ($10,000), Tom Ford ($25,000), Rob Reiner ($1,800), Stacey Snider ($10,000) and Max Mutchnick ($12,500). Whitman has picked up support from nightclub magnate Sam Nazarian ($1,000) and former AOL CEO Bob Pittman ($10,000).
Stumping for Angle: Sharron Angle is raising money in Los Angeles on Friday for her Senate bid in Nevada, and Dennis Miller will headline a fund-raiser for her on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Wednesday Itinerary: Jack Black, Ben McKenzie, Malcolm Jamal Warner and Taylor Dane will be at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for "Education, Creativity and California's Future," a forum on the plight of arts education in the state's public schools. Also scheduled to be there are Larry Aceves and Tom Torlakson, two candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction. The event is presented by the California Alliance for Arts Education and the Los Angeles Music Center.
Roundup & Recap: More Hollywood Support for Jerry Brown
By: Ted Johnson
Published: Tue, September 28, 2010
A big Hollywood fund-raiser for Jerry Brown is planned for Oct. 14, but the money is rolling in well before that. According to state campaign finance records, recent donors include Rhea Perlman and Danny Devito, Barbra Streisand ($5,000), Ari Emanuel ($20,900), Bob Daly ($25,000), Norman Lear ($10,000), Tom Ford ($25,000), Rob Reiner ($1,800), Stacey Snider ($10,000) and Max Mutchnick ($12,500). Whitman has picked up support from nightclub magnate Sam Nazarian ($1,000) and former AOL CEO Bob Pittman ($10,000).
Stumping for Angle: Sharron Angle is raising money in Los Angeles on Friday for her Senate bid in Nevada, and Dennis Miller will headline a fund-raiser for her on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Wednesday Itinerary: Jack Black, Ben McKenzie, Malcolm Jamal Warner and Taylor Dane will be at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for "Education, Creativity and California's Future," a forum on the plight of arts education in the state's public schools. Also scheduled to be there are Larry Aceves and Tom Torlakson, two candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction. The event is presented by the California Alliance for Arts Education and the Los Angeles Music Center.
"Y'know, that's one of the things I like about Mitt Romney. He's been consistent since he changed his mind." -- Christine O'Donnell
-
Sonic Youth
- Tenured Laureate
- Posts: 8008
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 8:35 pm
- Location: USA
-
Sonic Youth
- Tenured Laureate
- Posts: 8008
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 8:35 pm
- Location: USA
Live from NY . . . it's Paterson!
By JENNIFER FERMINO
New York Post
Gov. Paterson is spending tonight in the one place less laughable than Albany -- the set of "Saturday Night Live."
Paterson -- who has complained that the show poked fun at his blindness -- will make an appearance on the show's 36th season premiere, a source told The Post.
It's unclear whether he'll come face to face with his small-screen impersonator, Fred Armisen, whose send-up of Paterson consists of little more than bumping into things, squinting and making off-color comments.
"I'm a blind man who loves cocaine who was suddenly appointed governor of New York. My life is an actual plot from a Richard Pryor movie," Armisen has said in one skit as Paterson.
Paterson took issue with the show's recurring jokes on his blindness, saying it implied "disabled people are incapable of having jobs with serious responsibilities."
By JENNIFER FERMINO
New York Post
Gov. Paterson is spending tonight in the one place less laughable than Albany -- the set of "Saturday Night Live."
Paterson -- who has complained that the show poked fun at his blindness -- will make an appearance on the show's 36th season premiere, a source told The Post.
It's unclear whether he'll come face to face with his small-screen impersonator, Fred Armisen, whose send-up of Paterson consists of little more than bumping into things, squinting and making off-color comments.
"I'm a blind man who loves cocaine who was suddenly appointed governor of New York. My life is an actual plot from a Richard Pryor movie," Armisen has said in one skit as Paterson.
Paterson took issue with the show's recurring jokes on his blindness, saying it implied "disabled people are incapable of having jobs with serious responsibilities."
"What the hell?"
Win Butler
Win Butler