Combating Epidemic Ignorance

Today's column by Joe Conason is good. Here's an excerpt:

In the turbulent imagination of the hard-core conservative, American foreign policy should be about telling off the rest of the planet. According to the right-wing mind-set, a manly foreign policy would curtail any effort at seeking influence abroad, cut off assistance to developing countries, forget about improving our global image and, above all, withdraw from the existing international organizations, especially the United Nations, which is nothing more than a gargantuan waste of money and a hive of parasitic bureaucrats. Only if we brusquely and even violently dismiss the obnoxious foreigners who annoy us can we vindicate our political and moral superiority.

Then there is the real world, where we regularly encounter threats like swine flu — and where we must depend on the other people who live in this world to help protect our nation and our families. Certainly that is the outlook of America's new presidency, confirmed with profound urgency after 100 days by the sudden prospect of pandemic disease.

...At moments of actual peril, such as now, it is important to remember that the World Health Organization (WHO) is humanity's bulwark against catastrophe. Many Americans may not even be aware that the WHO, which has succeeded in protecting us, eradicating disease and reducing suffering for more than six decades, is an agency of the United Nations. As the worldwide coordinator for public health officials in every country when a pandemic looms, the agency plays an essential role — analogous to the Centers for Disease Control in the United States — that simply would not be performed otherwise. Without the WHO, this planet would be far sicker, poorer and more dangerous.

Editorial comic roundup

(Click for larger image)

President Obama in Arnold, Missouri

Gov. Beshear announces $5M award to Covington

Governor Steve Beshear issued this press release today:

COVINGTON, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear today announced that the city of Covington has been awarded $5 million from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) to help combat the area’s high percentage of foreclosed and abandoned homes in the wake of the country’s economic crisis.

Joined by Virginia Peck, director of Community Planning and Development Division for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Louisville Field Office, Gov. Beshear said the emergency assistance will allow the city to acquire, rehabilitate and sell foreclosed properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within their communities.

“Many areas across the Commonwealth have suffered from the effects of foreclosures and declining property values, but Covington has been especially hard hit,” said Gov. Beshear. “The city has put together a great plan to help clean up communities, put families back in these abandoned homes and stabilize neighborhoods and I’m pleased to support them.”

Kenton County has the second-highest need in the state behind Jefferson County, based on the number or percentage of foreclosures, subprime mortgages and mortgage defaults and delinquencies.

According to Covington Mayor Denny Bowman, there is no question these funds will have a positive impact not only on the most severely affected communities, but the ripple effect will be felt in all 18 neighborhoods of the city.

“We’ve seen a reduction in the enrollment of our city schools in excess of 1,000 because families are losing their homes, being forced to move in with relatives or go elsewhere. This affects economic growth and job opportunities,” said Mayor Bowman. “These NSP funds will help put these homes back on the market, bring back the residences and students, create opportunities for jobs, boost small locally owned businesses and eliminate blight.”

The mayor said the investment of dollars will also boost the local economy through the purchase of building supplies and create skilled and unskilled jobs to assist with the renovation and new construction.

Kentucky’s NSP total statewide allotment of $37.4 million is funded through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant Program under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The program, administered by the Department for Local Government (DLG), received more than $115 million in applications statewide.

“We know there were many applicants for such a limited pool of money so we are very grateful to Gov. Beshear and DLG for supporting our efforts,” said Mayor Bowman. “And we’ve always maintained a great relationship with HUD so we’re anxious to get our plan underway.”

Once the city purchases and makes any necessary repairs to foreclosed homes, families with a household income not exceeding 120 percent of the area median income may buy, or in some cases rent them, at a reduced rate. The NSP plan seeks to protect potential buyers by requiring that they obtain a mortgage loan from a lender who agrees to comply with sound lending practices. Homebuyers must also receive at least eight hours of housing counseling from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency.

Covington intends to contract with Catholic Charities and Brighton Center to provide training on the process of purchasing a home, available mortgage products and developing and maintaining home budgets. Under the program’s guidelines, a family of four in Kenton County with a combined income of up to $83,050 will be eligible.

Congress has directed that these grant funds be obligated for specific activities within 18 months.

Analysis: Specter leaves a shrinking GOP tent

The Associated Press has a good analysis of Arlen Specter's decision to switch parties. Here's an excerpt:

With Sen. Arlen Specter's switch to the Democrats, the Republican Party is increasingly at risk of being viewed as a mostly Southern and solidly conservative party, an identity that might take years to overcome.

Specter's move, which rocked Congress and the political world Tuesday, is the latest blow to Republicans, especially in the Northeast, once a GOP stronghold. The region's Republicans now have been reduced to a scant presence in the House and a dwindling influence in the Senate.

..."This is now officially a Republican Party where moderates need not apply," said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.

Kaine Welcomes Specter to Democratic Party

The DNC issued this press release today:

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Welcomes Arlen Specter to Democratic Party with "Open Arms," Praises Senator's Ongoing Support for President's Efforts to Turn Economy Around

Specter Switch, Election of Scott Murphy in Republican Leaning Congressional District in New York, Shows Republican Party Has Lost Touch with the American People, Kaine Says

Washington, D.C. – Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement on Senator Arlen Specter’s decision to join the Democratic Party and work with Senate Democrats to achieve the President’s vision for a strong and growing economy.

“I am pleased to offer Senator Specter my sincere congratulations on his decision to join the Democratic Party and I welcome him with open arms,” said DNC Chairman Kaine. “Over nearly three decades in the United States Senate, Senator Specter has represented the people of Pennsylvania with honor, conviction, and an allegiance to deeply held principles that I know will continue to inform his decisions as a member of the Democratic caucus. Senator Specter courageously supported the President's economic recovery package while most Republicans played politics with our nation's economy. The Senator's willingness to set politics aside and be part of finding solutions to our nation's problems will find a welcome reception in the Democratic Party. Coming on the heels of Democrat Scott Murphy's victory in a Republican leaning congressional district in New York state, Senator Specter's decision is additional proof that the Republican Party is in serious trouble because it has lost touch with the American people and their desire for change which was so on display in November.

“As Senator Specter noted, the Republican Party has drifted far to the right and seems more interested in ideology, conflict and obstruction than in working constructively to address the nation's problems, and no longer appeals to moderates, including Senator Specter. I commend Senator Specter on his decision to work with President Obama and Senate Democrats to help turn our economy around, create jobs and put the country back on the right track. We are thrilled to welcome Senator Specter into the Democratic fold and he can count on our full support."

Biden on '60 Minutes'

Did you miss Vice President Joe Biden's appearance on 60 Minutes last night? Here's the video:

Obama's first 100 days

Editorial comic roundup

(Click for larger image)

President Obama's weekly address

This week the President reiterates a theme that has been a hallmark of his career, namely that "old habits and stale thinking" will simply not help us solve the new and immense problems our country faces. Listing off several specific changes he intends to bring, he describes his guiding principle: "To help build a new foundation for the 21st century, we need to reform our government so that it is more efficient, more transparent, and more creative."

Holding Up the Housing Recovery

Today's New York Times has an excellent editorial on bankruptcy reform (and Republican obstructionism):

We welcomed President Obama’s plan, unveiled in March, to head off foreclosures and keep more Americans in their homes, but we feared that it wouldn’t be enough. We were particularly concerned that without a reform of the bankruptcy code, lenders wouldn’t do enough to voluntarily modify troubled loans.

Seven weeks later, bankruptcy reform legislation is stalled in the Senate because of Republican opposition. Meanwhile, foreclosure filings — including notices of default, auctions and repossessions — rose again in the first three months of this year.

...Republican senators need to understand that a vote against this reform is a vote against economic recovery. As foreclosures add to the glut of unsold homes, house prices will continue to fall. That will lead to more foreclosures — declining equity is a risk factor for default — and more defaults and foreclosures will hamper the banks’ recovery and further constrain credit. And so on.

Governor Beshear's weekly address

Some new YouTube ads

He's No. 1

Today's Herald-Leader editorializes Jim Bunning's latest dubious distinction:

Kentucky's Sen. Jim Bunning was identified by his Democratic colleagues as the Senate's most partisan Republican in a survey by The Hill.

...Maybe Bunning could get by with his hostile brand of partisanship when Congress and the White House were under Republican control. But now that Democrats are in the majority, he can't accomplish anything without reaching across the aisle.

So, by Bunning's own admission, Kentucky is, for all practical purposes, short one U.S. senator.

You can read the entire article in The Hill by clicking here.

AP Poll: After Obama's 100 days, US on right track

Americans like Obama's policies, according to the Associated Press:

In a sign that Barack Obama has inspired hopes for a brighter future in the first 100 days of his presidency, an Associated Press-GfK poll shows that 48 percent of Americans believe the United States is headed in the right direction — compared with 44 percent who disagree.

The "right direction" number is up 8 points since February and a remarkable 31 points since October, the month before Obama's election.

...this is the first time since January 2004 than an AP survey found more "right direction" than "wrong direction" respondents. That fleeting 2004 burst of optimism came shortly after the capture of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

It's too bad that our obstructionist congressman Geoff Davis has opposed Obama on every vote so far this session.

Building a clean energy economy

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu and Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis wrote an op-ed piece that ran in several US newspapers today. Here's an excerpt:

For decades, while Americans have worked to make a difference in their communities, some politicians in both parties have failed to adequately address the energy crisis, which imperils our economy, our security and our planet. Now, we have a unique and critical opportunity to attack the energy crisis head on and create a comprehensive energy policy that will bolster our economy, end our dependence on foreign oil and reduce the threat of deadly pollution that could devastate our climate.

During his first months in office, President Obama has taken important first steps toward those goals through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which includes billions of dollars for cities and states across the country - to strengthen our clean energy industries, reduce our energy use, and create good jobs that can't be outsourced.

...This investment in our work force will not only jumpstart our economy today but will lay the foundation for America's long-term competitiveness. With the eventual depletion of the world's oil reserves and growing disruption of our climate, we know that the development of clean, renewable sources of energy is the growth industry of the 21st century. The question is who will lead the world in making the fuel-efficient vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels and other technologies of tomorrow.

Groob takes state Dem post

Congratulations to Kenton County's own Kathy Groob:

Kenton County Democrat Kathy Groob, who narrowly lost a state Senate race in November, has been appointed to a leadership post with the Kentucky Democratic Party.

Charlie Moore, who took over as state party chairman for the Democrats earlier this year, has tapped Groob as a Special Deputy in the 24-county Fourth Congressional District. Groob is one of six deputies - one for each of Kentucky's congressional districts - Moore has appointed.

...Groob said she is charged with traveling the district and encouraging party officials to organize, recruit new members and hold political events.

Meet the New GOP

The Party of Hypocrites

A great new ad from the DNC:

Tea parties on the comics page

(Click for larger image)

KY's jobless rate hits 9.8 percent

The Herald-Leader has the story:

Kentucky's unemployment rate soared in March, reaching a 25-year high of 9.8 percent and well outpacing the nation's as a whole.

Driven by job losses in the manufacturing and construction industry, the rate increased from 9.3 percent in February and skyrocketed from 5.9 percent in March 2008, the state Office of Employment and Training said Friday.

The manufacturing sector lost 2,700 jobs in March, the 10th straight month of job losses. The sector has shed 36,900 jobs since last March.

And what's the Republican response?

President Obama's weekly address

Governor Beshear's weekly address

Mitch: Among worst Senate environmental records

Be sure to check out the editorial page of today's Herald-Leader:

McConnell is cited [by the Republicans for Environmental Protection] for having one of the worst environmental records among Senate Republicans in 2008.

McConnell's score of 29 out of 100 put him in a tie for worst with three of his colleagues.

McConnell was singled out for his efforts to expand drilling on public lands and subsidize liquid coal, as well as for blocking legislation to curb global warming and turning the climate debate into "a partisan circus."

New ad from the DSCC

Great stuff!

KDP's Summer Internship Program

The Kentucky Democratic Party has issued this call to college Democrats:

Attention all college students! Starting in June, the Kentucky Democratic Party is offering a Summer Internship Program. There will be several positions open in the areas of field, fundraising, research, technology and communications. Our goal is to place each intern according to their strengths and interests.

...Our summer program is a valuable opportunity for college students to learn more about the internal workings of a political party. Please note that these are unpaid positions, but we are exploring the possibility of course credit.

Click the link above to learn how to apply.

Glenn Beck's Obama Derangement Syndrome

'Do we have to watch Fox?'

Bad news for the 'Tea Party' fringe

You may have heard about these right-wing anti-tax "Tea Party" groups being hyped on Fox News. Well, the latest Gallup poll shows that they're out of step with mainstream America:

A new Gallup Poll finds 48% of Americans saying the amount of federal income taxes they pay is "about right," with 46% saying "too high" -- one of the most positive assessments Gallup has measured since 1956. Typically, a majority of Americans say their taxes are too high, and relatively few say their taxes are too low.

...Since 1956, there has been only one other time when a higher percentage of Americans said their taxes were about right -- in 2003, when 50% did so after two rounds of tax cuts under the Bush administration.

...The poll also finds 61% of Americans saying they regard the income taxes they have to pay this year as fair.

Problem? What Problem?

A great new ad from the DNC:

Tea Parties Forever

Paul Krugman is great today:

One way to get a good sense of the current state of the G.O.P., and also to see how little has really changed, is to look at the “tea parties” that have been held in a number of places already, and will be held across the country on Wednesday. These parties — antitaxation demonstrations that are supposed to evoke the memory of the Boston Tea Party and the American Revolution — have been the subject of considerable mockery, and rightly so.

But everything that critics mock about these parties has long been standard practice within the Republican Party.

Thus, President Obama is being called a “socialist” who seeks to destroy capitalism. Why? Because he wants to raise the tax rate on the highest-income Americans back to, um, about 10 percentage points less than it was for most of the Reagan administration. Bizarre.

Delusions moving to center

This recent column from Gene Lyons discusses how nutty some of the right-wingers have become. Definitely worth a read.

The worldwide financial crisis coinciding with the election of an African American president with an odd name appears to have driven a noisy minority clear around the bend. The kinds of delusional themes once featured in semi-underground videos like "The Clinton Chronicles" peddled by necromancers like the late Rev. Jerry Falwell have gone "mainstream."

President Bill Clinton was merely portrayed as a rapist, drug smuggler and murderer - comparatively private vices. Paranoid fears about U.N. "black helicopters" and the surrender of American sovereignty to "one-world" government of the kind that motivated Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh were limited to crackpot militias on the fringes of society.

Not anymore. No less an eminence than former Clinton political adviser Dick Morris made it official on FOX News recently. He opined: "Those crazies in Montana who say, 'We're going to kill ATF agents because the U.N.'s going to take over'? Well, they're beginning to have a case."

Geoff Davis: Hypocrite

Today's Enquirer points out the hypocrisy of Geoff Davis:

...Davis - a Northern Kentucky Republican who has criticized government spending - requested $99.1 million for 60 different projects - sewer lines, roads, even replacing a hospital roof in Nicholas County.

Those requests come after Davis, in a March 31 column, accused Democrats of "taking Congress on a spending spree with the taxpayer credit card."

Davis's local projects include $1.5 million to repair the area around the airport's Concourse B, and $2.8 million to repair I-471 between I-275 and the Ohio River so that it can be used as an alternate route when work begins on the Brent Spence Bridge.

The Daily Show: Baracknophobia

Jon Stewart was on fire last night. Check it out!

Tell the Party of No - Yes We Can

A great new ad from Americans United for Change:

We betrayed the rule of law for 'fool's gold'

Today's column by Leonard Pitts Jr is great. Here's an excerpt:

According to a March 29 report in The Washington Post, U.S. officials were convinced they had themselves a real, live al Qaeda leader in [Abu] Zubayda, who was captured in Pakistan in 2002. Under pressure from the Bush White House to get something out of him, they resorted to waterboarding and other coercive measures.

Out came a flood of names and plots and details. Security was tightened, millions were spent chasing it all down, and all of it was for nothing. Every investigation launched as a result of Abu Zubayda's revelations fizzled. It turned out that, far from being an al Qaeda leader, he was a mid-level associate. The Post says most of the information he gave that proved in any way useful came during ordinary interrogation. The things he said while being tortured by the nation that does not torture were apparently just to make the pain stop.

The Post report is but the latest in a litany of revelations all suggesting the same thing: that in the wake of Sept. 11, a frightened nation betrayed one of its core principles -- the rule of law -- for the fool's gold of security.

President Obama's weekly address

Death of a Cliché

Be sure to check out today's column from Mark Shields:

Alan Ginsburg, a historian friend of mine, pointed out that it's been some time now since we have heard one of the most previously oft-repeated Republican applause lines — the candidate's or officeholder's solemn pledge "to run government like a business."

The reasons are obvious why this cliche has disappeared. The villains in American politics have in a single generation gone from "welfare queens in designer jeans" to "corporate welfare kings in chauffered limos," from the public spotlight on "the deserving poor" to public outrage against "the undeserving rich."

...The inconsistencies of the business world and its partisan apologists have been monumental. When profits were sky-high, corporate chiefs and the office-seekers whom they underwrote relentlessly extolled the genius of private enterprise and the untold damage any government regulation could do to it. But when profits go so far south that all the ink is red, business sings a much different tune. "Public-private partnerships " (aka bail-outs) are not only inspired, they are imperative.

Obama and the cry of ‘socialism’

Today's column by Froma Harrop is a must-read:

MANY CONSERVATIVES think they’ve found a winner in tarring President Obama and his allies as “socialists.” Earnest attempts to explain why “it isn’t so” are futile, as is asking people what the heck they mean when they say raising taxes is “socialism.”

In a heroic effort to force a definition into the exchange, Princeton economist Alan Blinder reasons: “Socialism means public ownership and control of business, right? So which industries does the president propose to nationalize?”

None that anyone has noticed. Obama’s economic team won’t even nationalize the broken banks. But that doesn’t matter. The S-word can signify anything conservatives want it to.

Stephen Colbert parodies Glenn Beck

Hilarious stuff from The Colbert Report: