Open Thread – Buttons!
While at the Democratic convention in Sitka I got a little collection of buttons, one from each Democratic candidate for governor. I enjoyed comparing and contrasting the buttons, and I thought it might be fun to take a poll and see which one you all like best. I’ll be comparing and contrasting some other things about the candidates in the coming weeks, but I thought we might as well start with the lowly campaign button and work up from there.
First thing I noticed was the color scheme. Not a drop of red to be found. The Alaskan colors of the blue and yellow on the state flag seemed to prevail for Poe and Berkowitz, and French went with the blue on blue. Here are my thoughts.
Bob Poe – Most eye catching colors. Cathchy slogan. Makes you want to find out more. Who IS Bob Poe? This is both good and bad. The incurious may never realize he’s running for governor. The website is prominently featured. All text horizontal. Slightly larger than the other two.
Hollis French – Blue on blue but with the promise of a yellow sun about to come up over the mountains. Sunbeams are optimistic. Mountains are Alaskan. Definitely know he’s running for governor. No website. Curvy type at the bottom. Name is larger than the others.
Ethan Berkowitz – Blue and gold. Iceberg? Mountain? Not sure what it is, but it’s Alaskan-y. “Energize Alaska” – catchy slogan with a call to action and an exclamation point! Jaunty angle. No website, but says “governor”.
No clear winner for me.
What do you think? Vote for the button, not the candidate!
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I know Bob Poe #1 …would be better as … I know Bob!
I kind of like that it rhymes as it is.
I don’t really like any of the buttons, but I guess it’s hard to get much on a 1 or 2 inch circle.
I like I KNOW BOB POE
Kind of remInds me of I LIKE IKE (Before my time really — but the slogan is historic).
Last first: Berkowitz. I immediately thought “energy independence.” Someone I know of and don’t like used that phrase ad nauseum, in a context I don’t trust.
Second: Poe. “I know Joe Schmoe.” So what? Supposed to be like the “I knew Jack Kennedy” comeback? Snappy, but Bentsen lost.
First: French. Simple, and even I am familiar with the name from reading it on Mudflats, so I imagine Alaskans are already familiar with the name. But the mountain looks a bit like a volcano to me.
Guess you can tell I’m not much of a button fan
as far as message, the Bob Pow one really does need the word “Govenor “or “Elect” on it.. otherwise, if you DON’T know Bob Poe,.. there’s not anything there to get you to pay attention to it… he could be running for a county office, for one who is not informed about him… I voted for “Door #3″
and why do ALL of my comments for the past several days go right to the spam filter ?? SSNNNOOSSSS !!!
I voted for Bob Poe for the simplicity. I only wish his web site name was “bobpoeforgovernor” then you get the Governor aspect into the button.
From a marketing viewpoint, Bob Poe was smart to have his website on his button. I agree that “Governor” should have been on the button as well. However, I can see the good thing is that a person seeing it worn on someone, may ask the question… Who is Bob Poe? Which opens dialogue, while the other two buttons may not stimulate discussion. As a layout person, simple is best; logos can be imbedded in the brain better. Colors of yellow and blue are state colors, so it is Alaskana patriotic. Hollis French’s button is prettier, but wouldn’t grab attention of the mind-stimulating sort as the other two. IMO.
Gotta agree with you, Polly. The absolute best advertising is word of mouth, and as shy as I am, I probably wouldn’t hesitate to ask “Who’s Bob Poe?”. (The word ‘governor’ on the other two pins, tho’, would actually make me hesitant to ask about them, what with politics being one of them-there ‘taboo topics’!)
The enthusiasm of Poe’s individual supporters, talking one-on-one, could go a very long way towards engaging that vast majority of Alaskans that just aren’t into politics.
Hollis’ pin wouldn’t show up all that well on most of my wardrobe. The colors just don’t ‘pop’. He should change the (white? light blue?) text to yellow, it would go a long way towards visibility.
Ethan’s pin is also darkish, and has too much small text (larger text is much easier for older people to read) He did, however, spring for 4 colors so I assume he’s getting the support he need$
Does anybody know what happened to Nellie Moore’s show on KSKA? I’ve been busy and just recently realized that I hadn’t heard her voice for a while. Funny, I didn’t like her show at first because I didn’t think she was aggressive enough. A college pointed out that she was an Alaskan Native and some found her off-putting. Over time I really grew to like her show – she had tenacity and was always polite. Where’s Nellie now?
Err, a colleague pointed out….
Egads, is Sarah Palin dumb!
http://www.newshounds.us/2010/05/18/sarah_palin...
Nothing there, Leota2. Just a not found thing.
Found it by just using the first part of the URL…… interesting and she DEFINITELY is DUMB!! LOL
http://www.newshounds.us/2010/05/18/sarah_palin_thinks_democratic_senator_arlen_specter_was_running_against_republican_house_candidate_tim_burns.php#more
And WHAT is she wearing, her nightgown???
I foundit also just by searching the url and isn’t this a sort of neener neener moment concerning palin
Okay, link still is not working for me for some reason . . .
Go to Newshounds. Article is: Sarah Palin Thinks Democratic Senator Arlen Specter Was Running Against Republican House Candidate Tim Burns.
Let me just say this: you never take a person’s pulse using your thumb, because your thumb has a detectable pulse of its own. That’s why you use your first two fingers. This is basic first aid instruction. Good grief, she even screws up metaphors.
Well, that would explain why she doesn’t have a clue what the rest of the world thinks – she’s just assuming we all think like she does.
Yes, she’s been getting false readings all along because she doesn’t know what she’s doing. In the case of Tim Burns, she must have thought that to take the pulse of that race, she needed her thumb jammed up her nose.
Once again the universe tells Palin to sit down and shut up by letting her metaphors reveal what we all know is true – she is a moron.
Well, then of course she *does* have her thumb on the pulse of politics in this country!
Freaking moron.
um, it’s “moran” Aussiegal
Well, there goes that idea that she read the 10 page immigration bill. She has a difficult time understanding the opposing views of elections. But wait a minute. I don’t think she remembers if she is a conservative or whatever she is. Kind of like ice cream I guess. She will have a different flavor of the month to make money. Twit.
yep…dumber than a box of rocks…it would be to her advantage to read…something once in a while..
Just read the article, man, she is so stupid.
Keep UP, Sarah, come on!
How freaking hard is this? I know there are several states and several districts involved but a simple 2 column list would do the trick. What a fracking twit.
“You know Sean, it’s just the people with their pulse on their thumbs for America because we’re just a freedom fishin’ lovin’ nation, you betcha! Yes I think Rand Paul will come out ahead against Obama because Kentucky is a Christian nation and you know, I mean, how’s that hopey changey thing workin’ for ya? I mean, you know, Obama, you know, he’s just out there not doin’ his job in Kentucky and Paul with his Rand slide, you know, Ron and I just went huntin’ the other day and we shot this moose and Piper was so excited to finally have someone walk her home from school. Let us pray.”
Hannity should be embarrassed for her – like all sane human beings but Hannity is far from sane so there you have it.
hehehe ok….had a Craig Ferguson moment and made MYSELF laugh.
*giggles*
Good grief, Palin is an idiot.
OMG aussie!!! i do believe you are havin’ a ‘BUBBLES Moment” wherein you fall over laughing at your own witty self.
hahahaha I know…..I re-read it and had a chuckle to myself. hahahha
Stop it! Tea up the nose from laughing at that one . . . .
GAH! sorry, mate, my bad.
hahahaha sigh…..palin is SOOO dumb!
no, your (you’re) good! Leota2 should know better by now than to read Mudflats comments while imbibing!
Good morning! That shining thing is in the sky for the second day in a row! We had nine straight days of clouds and rain. Ick on that mess.
Today is outside painting and weeding. I need the sun.
I have an Ike button. I have tons of political buttons from my family. Daddy had hundreds of them, and they came to me when he died. I even have an Archie Bunker one that I wore proudly – ish back in the day.
I like the Bob Poe button.
I think I have an Ike button. I know there is a Wilke button in there somewhere as well. My Grandad didn’t like him and someone gave him one as a joke. They also painted Wilke for President on the curb opposite his house so he’d have to see it every day.
My grandfather had a fun political button that he kept in his office, pinned to a teddybear: “I’m behind Weeks.” I’m guessing it was a Massachusetts political race.
When you read the story on Palin at the newshound website, there are also some petitions that some might want to sign. One is telling Sarah to stop lying and another is to stop logging in the Tongass.
Finally a beautiful and warm day here in Kentucky after much rain and dampness. Flowers have benefited from the rain, but so have the weeds! Nashville is recovery nicely from the damaging flood waters, but now a sinkhole opened up on I-24. I have appointments in Nashville on both Thursday and Friday so will have plenty of detouring to take to get to my destination….and I DO NOT LIKE Nashville traffic!
It wasn’t the traffic that bothered me in Nashville – it was the multitude of freeways and the lack of warning when you needed to exit onto one of them. One sign and if you missed it, you were screwed. By the time we left however, I was starting to get the hang of it.
Great piece: Palin is no Susan B. Anthony:
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2010/05/sarah_palin_is_no_susan_b_anthony.html?hpid=talkbox1
If the NYT did a spread on liars it would have a full page spread on Sarah Palin. How come she never has to answer for all her lies?
It wouldn’t matter. She’s a sociopathic liar. Remember when the reporter kept asking her if the ethics board found she’d abused her power (they did and wrote it in a statement) in the Walt Monegan firing? She looked right into the camera and repeatedly said NO THEY DIDN’T. Rachel Maddow did a whole segment on it. It was hysterical.
Yesterday, I read a post at Daily Kos where an NPR station in Minnesota is FINALLY going to fact check the stuff that Michelle Bachmann says. FINALLY! (Sorry for the shouting, but what took you so long?) They will use interns because real reporters do not have time to fact check. Isn’t that part of the original job description? So far, they have only check 9 statements.
I don’t think that people have enough time to do all the fact checking on Sarah Palin. At another blog, some one was trying to figure out where Sarah and Todd went for their honeymoon, moose hunting or Hawaii? They printed the two paragraphs from “Going Rouge” where Sarah described her quickie marriage (they eloped). There was no mention of a honeymoon. She did say that she shared an apartment with Heather in Anchorage, and Todd moved in. Todd lost 150 pounds as a baggage handler, and also shoveled snow for an office building in Anchorage.
Of course these little statements don’t make any sense. Todd lost 150 pounds! He must have been as big as a moose when they got married in order for him to lose that amount of weight. Someone produced a photo from that time, and Todd was the same size that he is now. Sarah & Todd married at the end of August, and there was hardly any snow to speak of in October. Some snow job. These fact are not important, but they do point to someone who needs to exaggerate the story without thinking. As a lawyer says, “False in one, false in all.”
Oh, I thought it meant Todd misplaced 150 pounds of luggage.
Good morning !
Gorgeous day in Western New York. The new apartment has a good number of very big windows so on the sunny mornings it is filled with light by 8am. Very cheery. The move was hellish but now that it’s (almost ) entirely done I can say that it was well worth the craziness and stress. The new place is already feeling like home. The only downside is that the people upstairs are so loud at times that I almost think it’s an ongoing comedic performance piece. I’m waiting for the day that they add cymbals and kazoos to their stomping up and down the stairs. And vacuuming 4-5 times a day ? Really ??
Trying to catch up on all of the threads and links. I was hoping to come back to find out Palin had finally been set adrift. Sadly … no.
Morning!
I love big windows because I love the sunshine spilling into the room throughout the day. Enjoy!
oh wow!! big windows and sunny,cheerful light. lucky lady.
as for the upstairs neighbors…hmmm…i suggest you go find the nearest Hell’s Angel house and for a small renumeration you and he can pay a little visit upstairs to discuss consideration for one’s downstairs neighbor…or if that don’t work. invite dear George and the neighbors over for a small but elegant dinner and mention over dessert that Dear George is moving in. even money they will move out by the first of the next month……LOL…..seriously. i wish you peace and joy and all the best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7o7BrlbaDs is something beautiful with which to start your day. It’s a virtual choir (everyone recorded their parts on their computers, which were assembled by the composer/conductor). Glad I watched it!
Health and peace.
That was beautiful! Thanks for the link.
Berkowitz’s button makes him sound like he only has 1 issue on his mind. And right now with the Gulf, energy production may not be too appealing of an issue if it involves more drilling.
I guess we had better prepare for thunderstorms and tornados on Saturday. We are going to be blessed with the Quiters presence, lucky us! I wonder what the penalty is for shoe throwing these days.
Seriously, she is causing problems between the two GOP candidates by coming here at the wrong time. It lokks like she will be backing the “pink elephant” instead of the tea bagger. Wow,what great choices the Repubs have these days. Hmmmm, who to choose, a pink elephant or a tea bag!
I vote for the buttons that says “Anybody’s Better Than Sean Palin!”
And look what that got Alaska last time
Mo votes Poe. Because it begs a question -
Imagine yourself wearing Poe’s button. Acquaintance comes up, reads it, wonders, “Who is Bob Poe?” Instant political conversation starter.
Please note that, despite Sarah’s best efforts and the huge Teabagger rally in Nevada, Harry Reid WON!!! So much for the purported smackdown of the incumbents.
how great is that!!!
Apparently i am wrong. I must have looked at an old article. Primary isn’t until June. Crap.
Yay I hadn’t read that yet
RNC Communications Director goes on Maddow to spin the primaries!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26315908/#37224633
Great interview and it’s interesting to me how the RNC was almost desperate to paint the Dems as being a DIVIDED party and the President as throwing losing Dem candidates under the bus. It looked a lot like damage control.
I think the Dem base is rallying together to show the party elite that they have got to deliver on progressive issues. If that is division then I think it’s the good kind. They also mentioned that Rand Paul polled better against the Dem candidates but I wonder how much of it is due to name recognition from his father and how much of it was due to the Tea Party “celebrity” effect and how much was due to real voter backing?
I think for the Repubs to line up behind ultra conservative Tea Party candidates will be a big mistake. Plus Palin is the face of the Tea Party – can anyone really argue convincing that Palin can win over Independents and Progressives??
There is nothing like living with FOX news watchers. We recently moved in with my in laws for a temporary stay. My son asked what school he would be going to for 1st grade next year because he goes to a kindercenter this year. Next thing I know my father in law says he wishes he could send my son to a private school because of Obama. And last time I checked it is up to the parents where we send our child to school. I think it is time someone stops watching FOX and listening to Limbaugh! I didn’t say anything because he will never change his views about anything. I should have said I wished I would have went to a private school because of Reagan and Bush, But that probably wouldn’t have gone over too well. The only saving grace is my husband thinks Limbaugh, O Reilly, and the others aren’t worth listening or watching too.
That is so insane.
It’s the same thing as Fox News viewers aka Tea Partiers thinking that Obama wanted to ban fishing.
WTF??!
If parents can’t teach their kids values that will stick with them, then …
you finish the sentence because I am not scared about how any of you finish the sentence.
Poor Blue Eyes… i bet you can’t wait to move out of there… just to be a tiny bit devilish you might mention casually. mind you, that Prince Alwaleed bin Talal al Saud of Saudi Arabia co-owns Fox with Murdock. he is the nephew of king Abdullah…… that ought to make their viewership of Foxy News even more enjoyable……make sure you tell them with a smile and with a gentle voice say it just shows how proud you are of them to be able to overlook that fact….just make sure you got the keys to your new address clutched firmly in your hands….(smiling evilly and rubbing hands together) heh heh.
I think that Hollis and Ethan’s buttons are awful. They really should have consulted a professional and if a professional, after much brain storming and consultation came up with those designs,he or she should be fired.
After everyone gets to know Bob Poe his button can be changed-up with a another slogan or several along with a logo.
When I heard Palin screech that the president should “do his job” I was livid. Not only is the hypocrisy of that statement thick, but she steps up to the line of sedition and spits on it. Here is a wonderful counterpoint by Robert P. Watson, Ph.D., Coordinator of American Studies at Lynn University:
“I am always being asked to grade Obama’s presidency. In place of
offering him a grade, I put together a list of his accomplishments thus
far. I think you would agree that it is very impressive. His first six
months have been even more active than FDRs or LBJs the two standards
for such assessments. Yet, there is little media attention given to much
of what he has done. Of late, the media is focusing almost exclusively
on Obama’s critics, without holding them responsible for the uncivil,
unconstructive tone of their disagreements or without holding the
previous administration responsible for getting us in such a deep hole.
The misinformation and venom that now passes for political reporting and
civic debate is beyond description.
As such, there is a need to set the record straight. What most impresses
me is the fact that Obama has accomplished so much not from a
heavy-handed or top-down approach but from a style that has
institutionalized efforts to reach across the aisle, encourage vigorous
debate, and utilize town halls and panels of experts in the
policy-making process. Beyond the accomplishments, the process is good
for democracy and our democratic processes have been battered and
bruised in recent years.
Let me know if I missed anything in the list (surely I did).
________________________________
1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make
recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut
wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when
the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to
Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to
respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier’s family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of
Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency
as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist’s access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure
in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in
Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons
systems, which weren’t even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards
above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants)
after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan
24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the
new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having
trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are
being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no torture policy and is
in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up
the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse
gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any
president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized
the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast
37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel
inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for
the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more
children
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service
program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return
home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon
dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and
other natural disasters
46. Closed offshore tax safe havens
47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain
access to records of tax evaders and criminals
48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations
who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to
bring jobs back
49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in
place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry’s
predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their
energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating
with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now
realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military
spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other
military hospitals
57. Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had
been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks
and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20
years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes
new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology
and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the
federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their
loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media
access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite
scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres.
Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Webb to
secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on
slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court
77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care
for veterans
78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan
81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes
aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government
practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with
renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices
and private living quarters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own
pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87 Attempting to reform the nation’s healthcare system which is the most
expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health
insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reform
Oh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office”
Thank you Dr. Watson! More importantly, thank you President Obama. Oh, and Sarah, did you see #85?
Sarah wouldn’t know the first about doing her job, she only knows when to quit. Preferably before the ink dries on the check.
Now that’s an impressive list. thanks Trini.
Ditto.
I know why Watson couldn’t grade President Obama – because there is no grade! A+++++++++++++++ …. Just a handful of his accomplishments is deserving of an A plus.
has not dragged his feet on immigration reform, despite what repukes say (lots on his plate lest they forget who put them there)…met with Mexico president today. Obama has done more positive things for us in his first year and a half, then palin has done for anyone (including her own children) her entire miserable life! as my friend LD says, she needs to STFU!
Wow! It’s impressive when it’s all listed out like that. Is there some way to get that list out there to the Faux news watchers? And to the rest of the country as well. We do tend to just focus on the negative and forget the positive.
What a list! I can’t find exactly where on here that AKM posted a list of accomplishments. However, I had saved a copy in my draft file and frequently send it along to *friends* who send me anti-Obama spam. So here is the list that appeared on here before……I didn’t compare but I’m sure you pretty much got all of them!
With all the issues swirling around health care and Afghanistan and a host of other issues that frustrate us, let’s take a moment to think back on the first 10 months of the Obama administration, and recall the major legislation that has been passed.
January 29: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
February 4: Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act
February 11: DTV Delay Act
February 17: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
March 30: Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009
April 21: Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act
May 20: Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act
May 20: Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009
May 22: Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act of 2009
June 22: Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act
August 6: Cash For Clunkers Extension Act
October 22: Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act
October 28: Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act
October 30: Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act
November 6: Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009
And let us not forget the nomination and approval of Judge Sonya Sotomayor to the Supreme Court, and the fact that he does not say nookular.
AND let’s not forget that the administration before this one was busy doing things like vetoing stem cell research, authorizing The Patriot Act, and No Child Left Behind, torpedoing our economy, lying us in to a war, and a whole lot of other stuff we’d rather forget about. Perspective and reflection are good things.
Trini & GreatGranny…thanks! Printed out & saved…for any future “discussions”.
In my son’s social studies class last week one of the students had to list Obama’s acomplishments. He said Obama really hasn’t had any accomplishments. The whole class started yelling, including the teacher! This is high school we are talking about. He is my son’s friend but I secretly hope he got an F.
Awesome. Thanks!
for those who wanted the link, here it is:
http://www.aba-ws.org/PresidentObama.pdf
There is another Bob Poe button, with pretty blue colors and design – I vote for that one! And, I know Bob Poe.
Here is a great video of a bus driver’s birthday in Denmark. It’s in Danish but I don’t think it matters. It’s always lovely to be appreciated!
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2010/05/a-bus-drivers-red-letter-day.html
damn that made me cry. imagine so many people getting together to do something so special. that’s what this world needs now.
I know, wasn’t it lovely? The look on the bus driver’s face when he was presented with flowers and a gift and a “mob” for his birthday was awesome.
Isn’t it so much better to just treat each other with respect and appreciation?
“It’s your birthday today! We’re happy you were born! Here’s a song just for you!”
Wow. Now that makes me cry. The beauty of humanity is real if we decide to embrace it. The possibility????
A most beautiful display of spontaneous altruism…I thoroughly enjoyed this!
Wow…that was beautiful and heartwarming. Thanks for sharing and bringing a little tear of happiness to my eye!
beautiful!!! wiping tears
not to get political, but wouldn’t it be great if the U.S. was a bit less populated or a teeny bit smaller (less politicians, less palin’s and palin wanna-be’s), so we can all get together, treating each other with respect, with a common, healthy goal. I can dream…for my grandchildren.
What people expect from our government
http://www.csmonitor.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/images/cartoon-images/2010/05/cartoon100519/7920719-1-eng-US/cartoon100519_full_600.jpg
I’m not crazy about any of them. Any hopes the Dems will get behind ONE candidate so we can actually win the race? So far we have been handing every election to the wingnuts on the right because we have too many Dems running.
regarding button choice…I’m not fond of that shade of yellow, so I went with the all blue.
I agree. Yellow and blue is a tough combination to get just right.
The yellow on the button is a bit lighter but the combination still reminds me of the hideous new license plates we are transitioning to in NY (our state colors are also blue and yellow). They’re the same colors as the plates they had when I was a kid (blue and an orange-y yellow) and they’re just as ugly now as I remember them being 40 years ago! They clash with just about every car color and I will defnitely miss the nice blue and white ones we have now.
The Hollis French button needs a little punch, but I suppose I like that one the best.
First, I want to know where Trini got that great list of Obama’s accomplishments, is there a website I can pull it from?
Secondly, I voted for Ethan Berkowitz’ button, although I was at the Convention in Sitka and I thought Hollis French did the best job of presenting himself and what he could do for Alaska – however, we do need to focus on energy, particularly renewable or wind/water energy and get rid of oil energy in Alaska….it has made us rich, but also ‘sick’ in the way all addicts are sick in their dependence on one source of relief – whether its through alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, abuse, or oil. Ethan Berkowitz had a good message about that…..so I’m now a ‘floater’ waiting to see which of those two comes out with the strongest and best message for all Alaska. Bob Poe might be a slow starter, but he needs to get both oars in the water and start rowing if he hopes to come out ahead in the primary.
Mudpuppies and hushpuppies, PLEASE take action at this link. Otherwise, new drilling in Alaska will start in three short weeks! Thank you, and as always, health and peace.
http://action.wilderness.org/campaign/arctic_oil_01
Again, thanks for signing on.
Rather a toss up vote for me
Like the simplicity of Bob Poe button –
with web addy for more info – great conversation starter
also like the design on the Hollis French – sun rising over the Mountain Peaks
(could be more visible ) a fresh start/new day in AK with a new Gov
Berkowitz – not so much
Watched the Hannity Link – maybe FAUX should fax her crib notes or script so they are sure she is actually on the same page. I mean after all, everyone else has to submit questions so she can look up the answers…. That woman is an idiot!
Don’t know if everyone has seen this but me…all I can say is that it is hilarious if you don’t think about how true it is…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp7Ew0KE_h4&feature=player_embedded
Did anyone see this yet? “Sarah Palin is no Susan B. Anthony” From the “On Faith” section of WaPo.
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2010/05/sarah_palin_is_no_susan_b_anthony.html
Thank you for this link! Susan B Anthony sounds like my kind of woman: reasoned, passionate, intelligent and not afraid of people who are different from her.
The fact that idiots like Palin have hijacked her legacy just goes to show how easily they twist the truth to their own purposes.
“I dislike those who know so well what God wants them to do,” Susan B. Anthony said, “because I notice it always coincides with their own desires.”
Wow, she nailed Palin with that one.
This should be tattooed on Palin’s forehead. Perfect.
Yes!
Am glad that someone has written who is familure with the life of Susan B Anthony. When I saw the former half term govs speech I wondered if it was true SBA was “pro-life”. Considering she fought for womens rights, it was logical reproductive rights would be included. Doing some research was placed on my “to do” list.
Quite some time ago I managed to nab a book called “The Language Police” on how school districts require changes in school textbooks. Pictures must be 1 white, 1 black and one “other” (Indian / Asian / Middle Eastern) Gender neutral activities, both male & female mow the lawn & wash dishes. Woman has a briefcase & male is taking care of the baby.
How stories are re-written to be politically correct rather than truth based (in History books!!!) Which to me means “propaganda history” How Tom Sawyer is no longer required reading – and oftentimes not even in the school library. It was quite eye-opening. Am glad I was in school during the 60′s & early 70′s where we were taught to fact-check, analyze and form an opinion based on facts.
If you want info on the Language Police – here is write up link on Amazon
@ http://www.amazon.com/Language-Police-Pressure-Restrict-Students/dp/1400030641/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274296968&sr=1-1
i don’t like any of them…if Bob Poe wants the governorship he needs to contact Flyinyoureye and have him design his logo and button…. the others should the he!! out of that race and contend for the senate seat for crying out loud. don’t these people ever learn? this how the same old republican asshats keep retaining their seats. Jeebus!!!!
So why, exactly, are they not doing this to clean up oil messes? Sounds quite brilliant to me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5SxX2EntEo
this IS brilliant! leave it to a simple, logical thought to get the job done…helps our economy too! does the White House know about this? I hope they figure it out soon before they start dumping junk garbage into our seas like golf balls & old tires!
for what it’s worth…I attached the youtube to a petition I signed…just trying to spread it around.
Wonder why we don’t hear about them trying this.it looks like it will work as will hair.
Hollis French does have a website though. It’s http://www.frenchforgovernor.com/
All candidates have websites and all candidates encourage that you ask questions through their websites/contact info.
I did. Enlightening and helpful.
Just heard that the “tar balls” found on the FL Keys are not from Deep Horizon….
Hmmmm — a different spill? Previously unreported ??
We lived in Florida for a time and there was always tar washing up on the shore. Not huge amounts but you always had to watch where you were walking and boy is it a pain to remove.
i don’t believe it either. i do believe we are being lied to by BP and by our very own government.
I prefer “Bob Poe is my Dawg”
Oh and for Hollis French, a button everyone will want to wear:
I’m Hollis French
KISS ME
Or I’m Holis
French KISS ME
(sorry I couldn’t help it)
that was my point… that if read out loud, the point gets across. Just a bit more subtly.
I thought it might have been, I just made it more obvious in case someone like Sarah was visiting the blog!
LMAO!!
non THAT’S what i’m talking about!!
Palingates has a story up, with documents, regarding Sarah’s speech in Eugene, Oregon. Although Sarah’s contract with the Washington Speakers’ Bureau prohibits releasing how much she is paid, Oregon’s finance laws require expenditures to be reported and they have an excellent on-line search engine.
Turns out that $35,000 was all that was paid to the WSB, which means she made slightly less than that after the Bureau took their commission. I wonder how some of the other suckers feel who paid her more than that for the same old non-speech.
Love those Oregon laws!!
Wish Alaska would do some of the same on all sorts of disclosure. Then also clean up the loop holes!!
I was just having trouble posting this there, so I’ll post it here!
(expand viewing box if you can to make this easier to read).
*************
3/12 Eugene Hilton $5000 probably deposit on facilities
4/5 ” $626.55 who knows – restaurant and bar bill? Gotta check out the facilities, after all!
4/15 ” $41,152 payment in full, or nearly full, for facilities for event
4/22 Hilton $3278.75 bet that’s SP and whoever’s lodging charges
4/29 ” $730.16 bet that’s what SP and entourage racked up on ppv movies, room service and minibar
4/29 ” $267.42 ooops, that’s the rest we at the Hilton forgot to bill the Palin entourage for internet, phone calls and parking
Adding in the fees to the WSB, the group spent at least $86,054 on the event. How much did they raise?
The faculty and students of CSU Stan have every right to know how much any speaker is making and where any of the money for a fundraiser is coming from and going to. There should be no secrets.
* ** * ** * ** * ** * ** ** * * *** ** * ** *
GreatGranny2C deftly identifies the reason the Bureau requires the info be kept secret – just so as not to cheese other clients off by finding out they paid more than what they really needed to. I don’t blame them for wanting to try to get top dollar if they can, but I also know their contract secrecy stipulation was never meant to try to supercede federal or state laws regarding financial disclosures. That’s where CSU Stan erred.
It’s very simple everybody: If you are in a public capacity of any kind and someone asks you to sign a confidentiality contract, you simply insert the words ‘except as required by law’ (if they are not already there) and voila! Problem solved!
I read the story also, and enjoyed the follow on about CSU email that said Sarah’s gig was NOT for raising $ for scholarships !! THAT one needs to be highlighted to the general media !
The more hatred, the more scorn, the more contempt she dishes out, the more guilty she is. Mock and scorn as public policy also disguise a Party bereft of ideas. All they can do is make fun of other ideas. They have none of their own to offer. It’s not just their “leaders”, but the Right has Fox, Rush, and now the radicalized Christian church to assist them in their journey toward irrelevance brought about by scandalous derision of our nation’s leaders while we are at war and fighting our way out of a deep recession.
But how long can they sustain this policy of mock and scorn? At some point, people begin to see past Oz to the little man in the booth. And when this happens, they flee their own mortifying willingness to be duped and don’t look back.
Wizard of Oz: [speaking in a booming voice into microphone] I am the great and powerful…
[then, realizing that it is useless to continue his masquerade, moves away from microphone, speaks in a normal voice]
Wizard of Oz: … Wizard of Oz.
Behold, behind the curtain of scorn lay nothing but a small-minded, desperate Party, using illusion and distraction to maintain what power they have left.
Worth reading the rest: http://www.politicususa.com/en/mock-and-scorn-as-public-policy
Paula there are a lot of people who buy her act. And all you have to do is read her most recent post. If some of the remarks don’t tick you off from just the most basic of human empathy- I don’t know what will. She may not want to be wicked but her silence in correcting her followers comments is so sad on many levels. I am so insulted by McCain putting that woman in the spotlight that I almost wish he would lose. But his opponent is more frightening.
Other news…from NRDC
Great news for Alaskan wildlife and our campaign to save Bristol Bay: Zales is the latest jeweler that has pledged not to buy gold from the proposed Pebble Mine that threatens the Bristol Bay watershed.
When companies do the right thing for our environment, they deserve our thanks.
Please send a message to Zales applauding its decision to boycott gold from the disastrous Pebble Mine. With this announcement, Zales — America’s second largest jeweler — joins Tiffany’s and more than a dozen leading jewelers who have signed the pledge and placed Bristol Bay’s priceless wilderness above corporate profits.
http://www.nrdconline.org/site/R?i=plu1F9OnViGCHAzMSi0fcw..
That is great news.
Thank you for putting this link up. I signed, and have forwarded the message to others.
Just saw Don Young on C-span hearing for Gulf spill. Says the environment is fine now from the Exxon spill,the herring never came back and there is some oil under rocks but hey, according to him “No Biggee!”
Drill, Baby, Drill fine with him, just need equipment close by to clean up the next disaster.
Time for Young to hit the road. His time is over. Thanks Don, don’t let the door hit you…”
Yon Dung isn’t alone –
http://www.ktuu.com/global/story.asp?s=12497912
Oh no! He was the only one I thought you had in your corner. It’s all about the money. It’s as if Alaskans are bribed with that check every year and that is all it takes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUYCBfmIcHM&feature=related
Lengthy interview with Norman Dodd but extremely interesting and a must-see to understand how we lowly peons may be being manipulated for very unethical reasons. This is a long video, but worth listening to and thoroughly absorbing.
Norman Dodd (June 29, 1899 – January 1987) born in New Jersey, was a banker/bank manager, worked as a financial advisor and served as chief investigator in 1953 for U.S. Congressman B. Carroll Reece Special Committee on Tax Exempt Foundations (commonly referred to as the Reece Committee).[1] He was primarily known for his controversial investigation into tax-exempt foundations. Norman Dodd was interviewed by the Journalist G. Edward Griffin just before he died and a interview documentary was produced as a result which has gained a very wide audience in later years.
His claims about his investigative work have become the cornerstone of theories implicating the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Ford Foundation, and the Rockefeller Foundation, among others. It was stated by him that these or other foundations were involved in the intentional instigation of the United States into World War I and attempting to mould world history through the explicit control of education in the United States. His allegations stem from reviewing the minutes of the Carnegie Institute and their explicitly stated plans listed therein.
I vote Ethan!
test………hm-m-m…….guess I’m on a list of sorts……have tried for two days to post…..no bad words or links……
pffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffft!
For simplicity’ sake, I like Bob’s button the best. Insert a smaller sized “Governor” under the slogan and it would be near perfect. I do agree with some here that it is likely to spark conversation and/or questions, as is. Also, too.
Hollis’ button is definitely #2, and Ethan’s #3 is a bit busy and less distinct. Simplicity is always best for the act of remembering, so the less obfuscation, the better.
And a good evening to all from the land of the politically strange and utterly absurd legislation, Arizona.
To me, none of them are really, well, visceral or inspiring. The Poe button is OK on a marketing level, but it is an introductory message and not really suited to advanced stages of a campaign.
And why isn’t there a vibrant discussion of who’s going to run for US Senate this year? What’s with that? I would think Hollis French could do well in that race.
Really, a campaign button could make or break a candidate? I’m a little surprised at the commentary going on here regarding the humble campaign button. The button should be but an afterthought, a way to get your name out there so that a thinking populace will take the time necessary to find out what you, the candidate stands for.
I’d hate to think that any of us are voting based on a campaign button.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/ns/msnbc_tv-countdown_with_keith_olbermann/#37244141 is a 9 minute interview with Robert Redford, who is a board member of the National Resources Defense Council, for anyone who missed it. Krill baby krill.
I was at the Convention in Sitka and listened to the 3 Gov candidates. I want the best one to win, but that is hard to tell from buttons. Berkowitz’s button made me think that he is going to excite the voters and people of alaska about improving life up here. I didn’t make the energy connection- Does anyone know if that is what he means by his button statement? His speech, although very thoughtful, did not seem very energizing and I thought at the time that if he was going to energize people he’d better get a better speech together. I thought the best speaker was French. I am undecided because they all had good things to say. Probably any of them are intelligent and qualified enough to do a great job. Hopefully they will be good to their pledge not to tear each other down in the primary.
We Texans are giving Palin’s friend Rick Perry a hard time. Ha!
http://www.burntorangereport.com/ –
From Wayne Slater of the Dallas Morning News: “Labor to Rick Perry: Won’t You Be Our Neighbor?”
“The Texas AFL-CIO says one way to save taxpayer money is for Gov. Rick Perry to leave his $1.8 million hilltop rental house and move into less lavish quarters. So today they offered the Republican governor the use of a mobile home for $1 a year. The green-and-white mobile home was parked on cinder blocks in the parking lot of the labor building in Austin, next door to the Governor’s Mansion, which is being renovated after a fire.
Labor president Becky Moeller says Texas faces an $18 billion shortfall. so some budget-cutting is in order. “We think it is a continuing mistake for Texans to spend an additional $600,000 – and counting – in mansion rent when the state could easily have bought the governor a very comfortable temporary home,” Moeller told reporters.
I’ll have much more on this tomorrow morning, including some video. For now, enjoy the photo:”
PS The picture is wonderful.
BERKOWITZ-BENSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FRENCH-BENSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
POE-BENSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alaska Democrats are going to win in 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!