2 – Here is a list of radio stations in Iowa that broadcast hate speech. Find out if there is one in your community or if you are in the broadcast area. Call your local station or organize a protest outside the station.
8 – Do you have a loved one who is addicted to right wing media? Don’t argue with them because they will only dig in deeper. Try this instead. Interrupt their exposure to it in whatever creative ways you can, as much as you can, and find ways to expose the person to other kinds of input and activities.
And now for something a little different. These two have gained a following from a young age doing the best Beatles covers we’ve ever heard. Now they are writing their own original music. Enjoy this live ode to Christmas from The Cavern Club in Liverpool. And then scroll down to hear their gorgeous cover of While My Guitar Gently Weeps.
I have always liked this guy. Now I like him a lot more. From his facebook entry:
More money than many Americans make in their entire lifetime. That’s what Congressional Republicans are voting to give me as a tax break.
That’s right: If Republicans in Congress get their way, (they did) I just saved a couple million dollars on the change in the inheritance tax alone. What about you?
Our government already spends more than it takes in, and this tax giveaway will make it worse. But that plays right into Congressional Republicans’ strategy to shrink the government: First, they cut taxes by $1.5 trillion (mostly benefiting the rich). Then, to balance the budget, they’ll claim that the only solution is to gut programs (such as Social Security and Medicare) designed to protect America’s poor and working class.
I once asked my Swiss friend Olle, “How can you Swiss people be so docile about paying such high taxes?” Without missing a beat, he replied, “Well, what’s it worth to live in a country where there’s no hunger, no homelessness, and where everyone — regardless of the wealth of their parents — has access to quality healthcare and education?”
I believe a national budget is a moral document. It declares who we are as a nation. Decency requires compassion and help for our poor. Stability requires a healthy middle class. The Republican economic agenda both hurts the poor and further weakens our middle class — all to give wealthy people a windfall of cash they don’t need.
While Republicans might argue that I’m proving their point — that charity from the wealthy will come to the rescue — I believe that such services should be paid for not by the odd millionaire who doesn’t have a taste for golf clubs and yachts, but collectively, through progressive taxation. While lowering my marginal tax rate from 39.6% to 37% will have no impact on my privileged standard of living, it will ultimately have a huge impact on millions of struggling people.
As a proud American and a student of Europe, I care deeply about the cost to the fabric of our society that this windfall for the wealthy will bring. If you believe you’re being represented by a Republican Congressperson who votes for this plan, you are mistaken. It costs them a lot of money to convince you to vote for them, and this tax bill is their way of paying off their major donors. And if I lived in your district, I’d raise bloody hell.
(By the way, our Christmas fundraiser for Bread for the World was a huge success this year, raising more money than ever. Thank you to the 2,376 who contributed, collectively raising $311,700. With my $250,000 match, together we raised $561,700 to empower Bread in its work — to speak up for those who don’t have private lobbyists driving our government to re-write laws in their favor.)
Sorry but the old quizmaster has been a bit grumpy lately. Some folks are fiddling badly with that “government by the people” thing and he don’t like it one bit.
One bit of business to take care of then on with a quiz about winter holidays:
Following a display of butt kissing the likes of which haven’t been seen since the days all powerful kings and which has no place in any democracy, the quizmaster shall henceforth refer to our current president mockingly as “Dear Leader” a title which it seems he would prefer.
With that out of the way, let’s have some fun. Some of these questions I may have asked in the past. My memory ain’t what it used to be either.
1) What year was Christmas first celebrated on Dec. 25?
2) With the date of Christmas set on Dec. 25, the Catholic Church then set the Feast of the Annunciation (announcing Mary was with child) for what date?
3) What political cartoonist is most responsible for our contemporary depiction of Santa Claus?
4) Let’s not forget some of the songs of the season. “White Christmas” was introduced in what Bing Crosby movie?
5) The month of December has and has had many holidays, most dealing with the movement of the sun. What holiday (or what date) does the sun set earliest for the year?
6) The 12 day holiday celebrating the return of the sun in pagan Scandinavia was known as what?
7) What now defunct department store chain created “Rudolph the Reindeer”?
8) A recent entry into Christmas lore is what sneaky little spy for Santa Claus that watches children by day and reports their activities to the big guy at night?
9) Santa Claus first appeared in a commercial for what company?
10) In what year was Charles Dickens “Christmas Carol” published?
11) Ancient Rome celebrated a 12 day feast celebrating the return of the sun that was known as what?
12) “Silver Bells” paints a picture of a bustling downtown scene. The song made it debut in what 1951 movie?
13) The Christmas tree made its first appearance in the White House during whose presidency? (Hint: pre-Civil War)
14) Frosty the Snowman has a nose made from what?
15) “We Need A Little Christmas” sang the title character in what Broadway play that was later a movie?
16) O. Henry relayed a delightful tale of the Christmas giving of a young and nearly penniless couple in what story?
17) What was the name of the downtown department store featured in “A Christmas Story”?
18) “He died seven years ago this very night.” Who was Scrooge speaking of when he stated that in “Christmas Carol”?
19) What Norse (or Germanic) god is thought to be the model for many of the tales of Santa Claus?
20) Christmas has quite a bit of lore on battlefields also. What surprise attack took place on Christmas of 1776 during our Revolution?
Fibber McGee and Molly from 1949, titled “Christmas Decorations” – 30 minutes, but fun.
Answers:
1) 336 AD or CE
2) March 25th or 9 months previous to Christmas.
3) Thomas Nast
4) Holiday Inn (1942)
5) on St. Nicholas day December 6th.
6) Yule – also spelled Juul
7) Montgomery Ward
8) Elf on the shelf
9) Coca-Cola
10) 1843
11) Saturnalia
12) “Lemon Drop Kid” starring Bob Hope
13) Franklin Pierce
14) a button
15) “Auntie Mame”
16) “The Gift Of The Magi”
17) Higbee’s Department Store
18) his late partner Jacob Marley
19) Odin. Odin had an 8 legged horse named Sleipner that could fly.
20) Washington’s attack crossing the Delaware to attack the Hessians at Trenton.
THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but “to BIND us in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER” and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.
“The Crisis” was published 241 years ago today. At that time the citizens were once also fighting a government that was totally out of touch with them. At that time the government was aligned for the benefit of the aristocracy. Does any of this sound familiar?
The tax scam passed last week is right in line with the kinds of tax scams that were key in colonists revolting against the crown in 1776.
We have a new oligarchy in the US now that is running a government of the wealthy, by the wealthy and for the wealthy. Your future is being handed to the corporations.
Fortunately we do not have to take up arms. But that does not mean sitting in front of the television set. Instead of taking up arms, this spring summer and fall we are asking you to get involved in the campaigns that will turn our country back to a government of the People, by the People and for the People.
Campaigns need money and volunteers. The elite in this country will shower their politicians with money with which they can buy workers. Democrats don’t have those luxuries.
If you have never been involved in a campaign you will find it to be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. And your investment in dollars for our future will be some of the best money you will ever spend. Together we can turn this around.
Let me remind you what one of the top architects of our current oligarchs said when he was challenged earlier this year. This statement inspires me every day. From Mitch McConnell speaking about Elizabeth Warren:
“She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.” We must persist also until this government is returned to the people.
Well we have all heard the rumors. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia warned about it once again Wednesday on the floor of the US Senate. Rep. Jackie Speier of California warned us about it over the weekend. The “IT” I am speaking of is the potential firing of special counsel Robert Mueller under the cover of the Christmas holidays when congress is adjourned.
I don’t know what congress will do if this happens, but many of the folks I know are planning to take to the streets in peaceful protests.
Moveon.org has been planning for such a happening since our erratic president often acts on whims. So they have set up this website to organize rapid response protests in case Mueller is fired.
It truly sucks to have a holiday ruined by a president with a junior high mentality, but that is today’s reality. Rather a ruined holiday than a ruined country.
For your votes for a bill that will end the ACA and drive up insurance rates to unaffordable levels for many.
Shame for your votes that will rob from the poor and middle class and give massive amounts to the very wealthiest.
Shame for your votes that will gut the Medicaid system and lead to the death of millions of America’s most vulnerable citizens.
Shame for your votes that will lead to the calls for major cutbacks in Social Security, even though Social Security is supported by an independent tax and is fully funded for some 20 years to come. The old switcheroo.
Shame for your votes that will lead to cutbacks in Medicare that so many Iowans depend on. You know that very few over 65 could ever afford private insurance, yet this will be your next proposal. Shame, Shame, Shame.
Shame on you for your votes that give special breaks to people like Bob Corker for his vote. We used to call those bribes. And especial shame for giving tax breaks to Trump who has turned being president into one huge money making scheme!
Shame on you for voting for a bill that was never debated or amended. Nor was it EVEN READ by any Republican before they voted on it. Unbiased outside groups called it one of (if not THE) worst bill in American history. Shame on you
7 minutes:
Shame on you for letting CHIP expire and DOING NOTHING — NOTHING. Kids will suffer, some will die, but your precious billionaires will get tax cuts.
Hope your dreams are haunted by what you have done this Christmas. I know I wouldn’t be able to sleep if I had done what you did.
Christmas is the time for giving. Our humanity is enhanced as we give gifts to those we love, and to strangers. We must, however, be aware of gifts being given in our name which enhance no one’s humanity.
President Trump recently signed the $700 billion legislation for the Pentagon, the legislation that had been forwarded to him enthusiastically by both houses of Congress. This gift to the Pentagon comes ultimately, of course, from US citizens. This gift amounts to about $2,121 per man, woman, and child. This gift enables another ongoing gift—bombs and missiles and bullets raining on starving Yemeni children. These gifts, made in the U.S. and delivered by the U.S. and our allies, the Saudi coalition, are an abomination, inhumane anytime, even more tragically at Christmas.
Governor Kim Keynolds: (515) 281-5211 U.S. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121 Iowa Members of Congress - Rep. Randy Feenstra (R) - Rep. Ashley Hinson (R) - Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) - Rep. Zach Nunn (R) Iowa US Senators - Senator Joni Ernst (R) - Senator Charles Grassley (R)
Christmas Gifts
