"Un" Healthy Debate
There's been a disturbing trend around the country at recent town halls focused on health care reform. A good and robust debate should occur on changes to a system that will impact every American. But what has been happening is NOT a good thing.
Unruly mobs egged on by right-wing radicals on the radio have turned what should be a civilized forum into a shouting match where security for those attending has been threatened. As an American, you have a right to speak your mind, you don't have the right to create a situation that puts everyone around you in danger.
Even worse are the people who are trying to compare President Obama to Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. Words can not describe how disgusting this is. To compare Obama to Hitler is repulsive and demonstrates unbelievable ignorance on the part of those doing it. To the responsible voices who are opposed to health care reform, it's time for you to stand up and tell them to shut up. To remain silent suggests you approve of tactics that have no place in this discussion.
Viva Sotomayor!
Congratulations to the newest associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. By all accounts, Sonia Sotomayor is well qualified and an excellent choice. Nine Republicans voted for her, but not Arizona's two senators Jon Kyl's no vote is not a surprise since he has decided to represent the Republican Party in the Senate instead of the people of Arizona.
John McCain's vote was a disappointment. In a statement on the Senate floor August 3rd, McCain stated "There is no doubt that Judge Sotomayor has the professional background and qualifications that one hopes for in a Supreme Court nominee."
So even though McCain admitted Sotomayor is qualified to be a Supreme Court justice, he decided that's not good enough. This from the same guy who tried to convince us that Sarah Palin had the experience and qualifications to become president should something happen to him. Enough said.
Bill Clinton--Nobody Does It Better
Former President Bill Clinton once again demonstrated his remarkable political skills during his quick trip to North Korea that resulted in the freeing of two American journalists. There are very few people who could have pulled off what he accomplished. More than eight years after leaving the White House, his presence on the global stage remains enormous.
At the welcome home ceremony, Clinton didn't say a word. He didn't have to. His presence said it all. While he has not spoken publicly about the details of the trip, he did tell the New York Times:
"My job was to do one thing, which I was profoundly honored to do, as an American, and as a father: I wanted those young women to be able to come home. Anything I say beyond that could inadvertently affect the decisions and moods either here or in North Korea, or the attitudes of our allies, and I have no business doing that. I'm not a policy maker anymore."
Bill Clinton--nobody does it better.
Paging Donald Trump!
"The Donald" needs to make a quick visit to Arizona's state capitol and say to the people running the legislature "You're fired!" Even though that won't happen, hopefully Arizona voters will say it in November 2010, especially to those in the majority. If you've been following the crisis at the capitol, you should realize by now that something needs to change. The ongoing circus under the Copper Dome is an embarrassment for Arizona and reveals an amazing lack of leadership. It's a situation that can't continue. Remember this when you head to the polls next year.
Fromme Freedom
It's been announced that Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme is set to be released from a federal prison this month. Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, has been behind bars after attempting to assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975.
Just a random thought on this. Why? Certain crimes call for a life sentence with no chance of parole. It seems like attempting to kill a President of the United States should be one of them.
Counting Down To Jay's Return
During at appearance at the TV critics press tour this week in Hollywood, someone mentioned he seemed more confident than he has in the past. When asked what had changed, Leno replied "I'm rich now."