Why pay attention to the SOTU?

Most people pay a little attention to the State of the Union Address. They can be boring and filled with lots of rhetoric and horn tooting. However, the SOTU given on 1/20/15 is worthy of attention because it lays out the battle lines for American politics for the next few years leading up to the 2016 presidential election.

Of particular interest should be the GOP/Tea Party response. Their response, and the public reaction, will determine if we continue down the path of oligarchy (rule by the few and wealthy), or whether we reclaim the republic where we are a government for the people. Do we continue to help the wealthy or do we step up for the workers? Do we help the elderly or shunt them off to poverty in oblivion? Do we care about families or only those with the 'right' last names? Do we let loose the Cracken  of an unfettered Wall Street or rein in the abuses of unregulated money changers? Do we protect the environment and try to have a better world for our children/grandchildren or seek to make money with disregard for the consequence? Do we let consumers make intelligent/informed choices concerning the food they eat and the products they buy, or just ignore dangers of manipulated and tainted products? Are we all partners in the economy, politics, and culture, or, as in Animal Farm, are some more equal than others?

These are just some of the pressing questions and lines that have been drawn by the SOTU. We really need to pay attention or quick bitchin'. We create our reality, please do so wisely.

The Climate Monster Under The Bed

While the monster under the bed has been exposed with the help of the Climate Change Marches, will anything really change? The rhetoric is wonderful. As the President said, "No nation -- including ours -- is immune to climate change." But despite all of the speeches and talk of the need for action, it appears that very little will be accomplished.

Sure, executive orders can accomplish a few thins and enforcing rules and regulations could also help, but given that U.S. emissions actually rose this past year and global CO2 emissions set another record, the efficacy of these tools are clearly questionable.

Yes, in recent surveys Americans were found to be more aware of and concerned with climate change, but will people vote for the environment in the upcoming mid-term election? Polls would indicate no. And any real talk of new rules and laws are still putting action years out. Nations aren't even meeting on the topic until December in Lima and then do nothing until Paris in 2015. And even then, given past experience, any real action may not occur for many years after.

The monster in no longer under the bed. It is running rampant throughout the world. With so much money being spent on the effects of climate change, war, and the control of disease, what will be left to spend on ameliorating climate change impact. We cannot stop climate change. What we can do is prepare people and the world for a pollution free and energy sustainable future.

Follow the money to know why little will be done.

Who Benefits From the Chaos in Washington?

"Who benefits" has become my favorite question. Who benefits from the government shutdown? Who would benefit from not raising the debt ceiling? Who benefits from not compromising? Who benefits from the farce we call Congress?

We know that the right/Tea Party has gambled that they could blame the funding crisis on Obama. We also know that more moderate Republicans went for the ride until they began to see the ship sink and public opinion turn against them. We know that the Democrats and the President have caved all to often and that they felt that if they didn't stand up, for once, that they would hurt their 2014 chances. But, is there a group that transcends this pettiness and gains no matter what happens?

While some vocal business interests have complained about this Beltway fiasco, one can't help but wonder why the monied interests are largely publicly silent. Yes, their henchmen, Tea Party, are quite vocal, but why would they support what could become economic chaos? Who benefits from such chaos? Who benefited from the 2008 Recession and is still making record profits? Who always comes out ahead when their are perceived economic problems? What is their real agenda? Who actually profits from negative conditions such as war, famine, disease, and economic collapse?

The decisions in Washington are not made by the politicians. Strings are being pulled and the puppeteer laughs all the way to the ....

MR. PRESIDENT ... WHY?

Obama's EU Trade Deal Would Include New Political Powers For Corporations » Zach Carter | April 03, 2013 at 07:29 AM WASHINGTON --
The Obama administration is pursuing a free trade agreement with the European Union that would grant corporations new political power to challenge an array of regulations both at home and abroad, according to an administration official involved in the negotiations. While the plan is still in its early stages, the effort alarms consumer and environmental advocates who worry it will lead to a rollback of important rules and put multinational companies on the same political plain as sovereign ...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/03/eu-trade-deal_n_2994410.html

I'm all into conspiracies, have been for a long time. To me, many of the theories aren't theories at all-they're the truth. In political circles, there has been much talk about the Illuminati and the New World Order. There has been much myth and erroneous information. The focus should instead be on Bilderberg, Skull and Bones, Bohemian Grove and a few others-basically, the elite of Wall Street and powerful politicians.

In the 2012 election there appeared to be a clear choice between the elite and the 'man of the people.' However, actions are louder than words and it appears that the elite won anyway. Having been in politics and government, I know that those with power have never really been those we elect. The power behind the throne has always been the dollar and those who control it. The degree of control has varied to a greater or lesser degree, but it's always there, lurking, ready to seize opportunities. Well, at this point, it looks like we were fooled. No matter where you turn, it seems that President Obama has been swallowed by special interests, becoming a pawn for the wealthy. From oil leases, GMO's and now more power to the multinationals, the rhetoric has fallen into the monied abyss.

It is said, 'better the enemy you know.' Guess, at this point, so far, we've all been duped.

HOW CAN THIS BE?

How is it possible that climate change did not become a major topic in the presidential debate? 

With droughts and floods threatening the world's food supply; the death of the oceans from acidification; the; the 6th great extinction in progress due largely to human destruction of the environment; hundreds of birds falling from the skies and fish washing up on our shores; lakes turning toxic and into death chambers for fish and animals; diseases resulting from air pollution that add to temperature rise; the shifting of the Jet Stream and Pacific Westerlies; the polar meltdown; just to name a few, how can this not be the topic of the day?

Over the next few years, if we last that long, climate change will be the defining topic regarding national security. It will require massive investments to aid climate refugees; massive expenditures to save or even relocate major cities; could result in wars over things like water and agricultural lands; will and has required massive public resources to help those who have suffered from droughts, floods, and sever weather.

THIS IS A MAJOR POLITICAL FAIL.

Our politicians have failed to help save humanity from the current extinction trends. We are out of time and will reap what we have sown. The best we can hope for, as recommended in several major studies, is to plan for coping with effects. But, if our leaders won't talk about the issue, perhaps they have thrown the sheep to the wolves. Why are they silent? Do they know something that we don't? Are they afraid of mass panic?

THE NOT AS GOOD AS WE THOUGHT BUT COULD BE MUCH WORSE ELECTION

Hopefully, all eligible voters will soon be heading to the polls to choose a U.S. president and to vote for those seeking congressional seats. Here's my take. When Obama was elected there was a sense of almost Camelot euphoria. Big changes were supposed to come in every aspect of society. Many of these changes never really materialized. In fact, numerous key issues regarding the environment and climate change didn't even get discussed. Perhaps this is what Obama meant when he said that you can't change the system from within. In other words, there are too many interests with too much power to create any real change once you get in the system. This is a form of forced co-option. No matter who sits in the oval office, they do not have the power most think they have. Money still reigns supreme in American politics. The inner system eats you up and uses you for their purposes, allowing only scant free reign to accomplish your own agenda. No matter the president, these forces are ever present.

Granted, the President faced an antagonistic House. At every turn, efforts at change were blocked or amended  in such a way as to render reform meaningless. If there is ever to be true change, it must come not from with the political system, but from without. In other words, the people must require that change occur. They must use their votes, their consumer dollars and information to expose the dangers and peacefully force a change. In other words, we are responsible for what our government does or doesn't do. If the President used the office to expose the way the system really works to rally the people, things might be different. Although, that path can be dangerous-shades of JFK.

However, while power, until we wake up, will remain in the hands of monied interests regardless of who is elected, there is still a choice. That choice rests in the fundamental philosophies of the candidates.  These choices include:

• Under Obama, there will be a hesitancy to pull the trigger or drop the bomb. Not so much so under Romney.
• Obama at least is making an attempt to have some form of universal health care. Romney will sell your health to the lowest bidder.
• Obama understands the importance of education and public schools. Romney would segregate the rich back into private charter schools like the good old days of the 18th and 19th centuries.
• There might be some discussion of alternative energy and climate change with Obama. With Romney oil and coal producers will get free rein to continue to ravage and rape the planet.
• The middle class has a fighting chance under Obama. Romney will sacrifice the middle class to aid the rich.
• Obama has a genuine concern, although not through actions, for the poor. Romney has no use for the poor. 
• More truth from Obama; less truth from Romney.
• More consistency from Obama; Romney, whichever the money blows.
• Obama has heart and soul; Romney has soul but little heart.
• Obama has a greater intellect than Romney and thinks things out more than Romney.
• Obama has empathy and sympathy. For Romney, sympathy can be found under 'S' in the dictionary.
• Both have ties to the wealthy and neither seem able or willing to stand up to big money. However, Romney is deeper into the club.

Something to consider is that most issues are now global. Climate change, economies, terrorists, environmental collapse, etc. will not be solved by either Obama or Romney. So many tipping points have been reached and we, the planet, is in big trouble. We will soon be looking at much "gnashing of teeth." When it all begins to crash, I guess I just trust Obama to help put it together than I ever would Romney who would probably try to restore the monarchy.

ARE THEY REALLY THAT F$%^*@& STUPID?

AS VEGAS — President Barack Obama is announcing the sale of oil and gas drilling leases for nearly 38 million acres in the Gulf Coast and promoting the completion of a highway corridor for vehicles that run on liquefied natural gas, a response to critics who say his policies have stifled domestic energy production.-HP

Have we all ready forgotten that BP almost single handedly destroyed the Gulf of Mexico? Have we all ready forgotten the damage that oil spill is still causing? Have we forgotten the images of dead fish, turtles and oil soaked birds? What of the lost jobs and the destruction of the Gulf economy?

So sure, let's just mess it up even more so oil companies can make more money. This is not about energy independence! We are exporting oil!!!

My God we are killing the planet. We have the technology to get off oil.  To encourage more drilling is just feeding the false notion that we don't have problems. This is insanity.

WE DON'T NEED SHOVEL READY JOBS THAT KILL

Everyone is probably now aware that President Obama has denied a permiy for Keystone ZL pipeline. The reason may not have been out of concern for the environment and, for that moment, that isn't important. The point is, it has been stopped, at least for now.

Oil lobbyists and their GOP cronies have cried foul, even though this whole thing was a set up to embarrass Obama, and claim that the President has denied the U.S. 'shovel ready' jobs and energy independence. But let me ask this: "Would you accept a shovel ready job if it meant destroying the environment and possibly killing your grandchildren?  Would you accept work if it meant the destruction of the planet?"

People, we need to get off the petro. These types of projects are but quick fixes as far as energy is concerned and keeps us headed down the path of environmental collapse.  We need to stop bleeding the planet dry in the name of profit and jobs, especially since that is not our only option. Every time we drill a new well, poison the land with fracking operations, there is this false sense that we are solving our energy needs. This is just not true. We must stop drilling and fracking and put resources into clean, renewable energy. This would create an untold number of changes as we convert to a whole new system of power and energy.

We don't need jobs that kill, we need jobs that will help save the planet form humanity!

TED KENNEDY AND OBAMA

What follows is a mailing form President Obama regarding Senator Ted Kennedy. I certainly did not always agree with his politics but no one can dispute his tireless efforts to fight for his beliefs and his endless pursuit of public service. It was John that got me to go into government service and politics in the earlier part of my career. Ted's passing is an end of an era. Camelot, for now, remains a dream and a distant memory.


Philip --

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.

For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.

His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me.

In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.

I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.

For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama