Thursday - September 3 2009 - Highlights
By Louise
Quote: I am neither bitter no cynical but I do wish there was less immaturity in political thinking --Franklin D. Roosevelt
Hour One: Instead of a "Team of Rivals" Obama needs to take names and kick ass! Got that?
Hour Two: "Can Libertarians and Liberals hug over healthcare reform?" Thom confronts Libertarian Wayne Allyn Root www.root4anerica.com
Hour Three: Should we give up our rights for the swine flu pandemic?
Plus...."Geeky Science Rocks - did you know men aren't choosy when it comes to one night stands?! Really!"
Comments
#2
Interesting "latest predictions" by NOAA re: sunspot activity:
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2009/29may_noaaprediction.htm
#3
Pigeons
They travel on the london underground a number of studies have been concerned with this. I became aware of it in 1995. One research study tagged a load of pigeons in a London park and tracked them doing the same journey into Central London each morning and back out to the suburb park in the evening.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg14719978.600-passenger-pigeons.html
http://www.iankitching.me.uk/humour/pigeons-tube.html
http://victorian.fortunecity.com/finsbury/254/tubeanimals.html
I have personal experience of this in Amsterdam where in the mornings pigeons would get on trams at Centraal Station and get off at Leidseplein only to stroll straight into the nearest McDonalds. Later in the day they would queue with everyone else at the tram stop, get on only to get off a few stops later at Dam Square where by this time it was full of tourists feeding hundreds of pigeons. Upon visitng that Mcdonalds I witnessed staff repeatedly chasing them out with a broom only for the pigeons to prance around proudly outside waiting for the doors to open before coming back in. The pigeons always had more patience than the staff, and i swear they pumped up their chests whenever they won.
#4
Thom had a guest on his show who has predicted an end time or something in 2012. I cannot predict anything. So, we will have to wait.
We have heard that God works in mysterious ways. Personally, God is not a mystery. The Bible gives us what we need to do. The only mystery that God reveals to me is His patience. He has been slow to punish the USA for her inhumanity to humanity.
We hear how China will dominate the twenty-first century. The USA will let China dominate for a short time period but our nation will never let China dominate for the long term. I cannot remember the author's name but the book's title is "Seeds of Fire." The author claims that we are on a collision course with China for a war in 2015, possibly a nuclear holocaust.
American policies have created world-wide hatred for each other. This is not rocket science. We only have to read Stephan Lendman's article, "The Culture of Violence." Make no mistake we are a violent nation!!!
#5
On occasion, the History Channel does provide useful enlightenment on crucial issues of the day. It recently aired a program that discussed a looming problem that may in fact have more impact on the U.S. economy—and the world at large—than the health care crisis. It is, of course, the world’s dependence on oil for its principle energy source. It was noted that Brazil was one of the few countries that learned a lesson from the oil embargo of the 1970s, preparing itself for a “soft” landing by using its own resources, such as cane sugar, to produce an imported oil substitute.
One should not underestimate the impact of potential double-digit prices at the pump on the economy—let alone a wholesale disappearance of oil altogether. The cost of transporting goods by itself is would have major inflationary effect on the price of goods, not to mention the reluctance of consumers to purchase goods if they have to consider shipping costs. The cost of transportation to travel to and from work, of heating or cooling and electricity will have a prohibitive impact on family budgets (especially if the wage earner can’t even afford the expense of driving to work), and economic activity that depends on the mobility of consumers will be hurt. If people think that paying for carrying a second bag on an airplane is a bother, just wait to see what airlines will charge extra for next when jet fuel prices go through the roof. The military will be forced to cut back on properly training soldiers, and mobility in the field during combat operations will be strained. Worse, the potential for turmoil in the streets will be a real possibility, as an increasing number of have-nots resort to violence and crime to satisfy their immediate survival needs.
And then there is the international problem it poses. China and India’s burgeoning thirst for oil is already ratcheting-up tensions and conflicts; China is right now busy undermining U.S. interests in Africa—particularly in the Congo—by making promises of economic and infrastructure aid in exchange for access to its natural resources. It is not beyond the imagination that if push comes to shove, a major military conflagration will occur in order to maintain access to oil located in the hot spots of the world—a major reason why the acquisition of nuclear weapons in the Middle East is such a concern.
The question then is—what are we waiting for? Yes, Obama has “green energy” next on the agenda, but given the way the health care debate has transpired, why should we be any more confident that an energy policy that prepares the country for a “soft” landing will be “doable?” Furthermore, most Americans seem to think that we will be “alright” because of all this coal the country has, or we could just start building more nuclear power plants. Nuclear power will do nothing for transportation, and extracting oil from coal is still in the prohibitive cost phase. Perhaps what the country truly needs is a massive, space-age-type program in order to develop a fuel (say, like, umm, dilithium crystals?) to run vehicles. For the short-term, maybe everyone should be required to buy a Volt, but Americans are simply too short-sighted to do the intelligent thing, and this time it may truly be too late to avert complete chaos.
#6
Believing that all politics are local and change begins at home. My wife and I used the cash for clunkers program to unload our gas wasting Blazer for a Prius, which is getting well over 50 mpg thus far and are in the process of installing a geo-thermal heating and cooling system. It's too bad that the stimulus package didn't have more in the way of infrastructure money for mass transit. We would leave that Prius at the park & ride lot if there was a train or light rail available. Anyone who has spent time in Europe knows how wonderful it is to travel there.
#7
Thom,
There were some terrific programs on NOVA (PBS) this week. (I really wish there was a "NOVA channel" that aired science stories every day!) Your webpage ad for "Restabs" reminded me of one story in particular about why we sleep. (For one thing, it appears to edit our daily experiences and "send" them to a different part of the brain to become memory and learning, part of which you've discussed before.) This program goes deepter into the research.
Here's the latest:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sciencenow/archive/date-20090901.html
#8
Thom,
Regarding my last post, I guess that WASN'T the latest info. on the subject --- I decided to watch the program again and info. came up saying that it first aired in July, 2007. Oh well... That does seem to be an interesting website, tho, with archives.
#9
http://georgewashington2.blogspot.com/
"Democracy Is Dead... Politicians [In] The White House, Senate And Congress [Are] Mere Puppets, Pawns For The ... Oligopoly"
Guess who made the following statement:
We refuse to believe in this new Orwellian America. We prefer the world of
magic, myth and illusion.
Democracy is dead. Oh, the illusion will be kept alive in our history books,
in the rhetoric of politicians, in the manipulated minds of America's 95 million
Main Street investors. The propaganda machine works. Like a child's fairy tale,
democracy has been deeply imbedded in our brains for decades; we prefer
believing old, familiar stories. They comfort us, even when no longer true. The
real democracy, what so many fought and died for since 1776, is dead.
Lobbyists now run America, own America, rule America. Forget the 537
politicians you thought we elected to the White House, Senate and Congress to
run America for us. No, they're mere puppets, pawns for the "Happy Conspiracy,"
an oligopoly, plutocracy, cabal, monopoly all-in-one -- a private club of
America's richest few on Wall Street, in Washington and in Corporate America.
Voters and elections are irrelevant. Lobbyists decide what's in the best
interests of this elite club...
Most voters are destined to live in denial, trapped in mind-numbing illusions replaying over and over as they sit passively, dazed ... they aimlessly drift, unaware of how lobbyists rule America, how lobbyists help the "Happy Conspiracy" rob them blind. ..
Stop kidding yourself. Wake up, you're in denial, in fantasy world, dreaming of a new "American Democracy." Wrong, you no longer live in a democracy. Lobbyists run Washington.
Do you think an anarchist or a hippie or a Venezuelan citizen or a radical alternative blog wrote it?
Nope.
It was an American investment advisor, who writes a regular column on one of the most popular financial news sites (owned by Dow Jones), MarketWatch columnist Paul Farrell.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/16-credos-for-our-new-lobbyist-nation-2...
The Founding Fathers would not recognize modern America.
#10
I received an email from Kevin Zeese of Voters for Peace. He wnated me to sign a petition that will be sent to President Obama to end the Afghanistan war. Here is my response to the email.
Kevin from Voters for Peace, thank you for this very important email on ending the war! Personally, Obama only wants to be a one term president. The Grand Experiment of Obama as president has already failed me. THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY REMAIN THE SAME! Obama does not have it. As a one term president here is what I would do – shoot for the moon with some cajones! Get out of the wars!!! Join the International Criminal Court!!! Hand Congress a one page my health care reform plan! Include the sentences such as the sentences that were introduced to include the Child Disabilities Act to receive Medicare. HEALTH CARE IS A MORAL ISSUE. ALL AMERICANS WILL BE ADDED TO THE MEDICARE PLAN. IF IT MEANS MORE TAXES AND THE ROLL BACK OF THE BUSH II AND REAGAN TAX CUTS SO BE IT!!! As a one term president I want to leave showing my cajones. Sincerely, Gerald Socha
P.S. Kevin, this is my message to President Obama!
#11
Why is the right so afraid of a little socialism?
I'm not so sure that they are really so afraid. They have spent a lot of time and effort to make all isms scary or silly to the public, with the exception of capitalism. Think about it...environmentalism equals tree-huggers. Pacifism equals bleeding hearts. Liberalism, Socialism, Communism are conflated and confused to make them seem to be the same thing to far too many. The right doesn't want to discuss health care reform so they change the subject to socialism. They have already plowed and prepared that ground with poison. Progressives have either been too lazy or too afraid to defend the concepts and principals upon which we should be able to rely; like the concept of the commons. We allowed the right to redefine the commonwealth as socialism and then conflate that with all the other isms. They rely upon ignorance and fear because that is what they promote, and it so often works on the downtrodden populace.
I believe that the answer to this is education of the public and a spirited defense of our values will eventually defeat those who seek to mislead. Thom is a champion in this battle. His example is our model and he is our teacher.
#12
Thom - about vaccines (which IIRC you pondered earlier this week) - see "Marine hurt by vaccine denied injury benefits" http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/zoom/html/2009796156.html also http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=132647500078&ref=nf
#13
The first hours' topic just came up. I can hardly wait to hear Thom's take. it sounds like he will be singing my tune. Making nice and bi-partisan are laudable endeavors when dealing with people of good conscience. There has been NO EVIDENCE of good conscience from our opponents. It is time to take off the gloves and pull up our boots. Remember Barry AuH2O's best quote? "Moderation in the defense of Liberty is no virtue. " Kick ass? I'm in!
#14
Want a comparison Thom? Think about Chamberlain dealing with Mr. Hitler.
#15
No appeasement President Obama!
#16
Thom, Where can we get that full speech given by Roosevelt?
#17
We had a town hall last night in eureka with Mike Thompson. It was apparent that people in humboldt are listening to Thom. I have never been so proud to live here.
#18
Thom, you are such a hypocrite. Your radio program is filled with ads from the very same health-industrial complex you rail against on your show. (Not to mention the various snake oils you freely shill.)
So you'll take their money and run their ads, how are you any different than the politicians and their lobbyists?
And why do you chop up your show into short little segments? It's to maximize the ad revenue. It's despicable Thom.
You could offer longer format programming--something virtually absent in any broadcast medium--instead of maximizing your ads.
The irony, Thom, is that I would gladly pay for something like Democracy Now, an invaluable, commercial-free resource..
#19
Wondering if Thom has seen this video. IMHO, it is brilliant:
Tommy Douglas, voted GREATEST CANADIAN OF ALL TIME, pioneered their National Health Care. His grandson, actor Kiefer Sutherland, introduces this animation of Douglas' political parable Mouseland. The moral: mice shouldn't elect cats to govern (and eat!) them, not even bipartisan cats.
#20
I'm sure Thom can defend himself without my help, although he might be busy doing his show right now. jeffs, your argument raises some good points that a good hat might cover. You say Thom is a hypocrite because he takes money from Pharma and then rails against them. That would be inconsistent if Thom worked for Pharma. He doesn't. The fact that he is willing to challenge the same people who he derives profit from is in fact an act of courage consistent with Thom's message.Thom doesn't work for lobbyists nor has he taken an oath of office. He works in commercial radio; that is the difference. I too would welcome longer segments because I enjoy all I can get of his perspective. You seem conflicted. You don't like Thom so you want more? The irony is in your thinking jeff because no one is stopping you from paying for anything you want. Ads pay for airtime on commercial radio. You don.t go to the bakery to bitch about hamburger.
#21
Nice try DDay.
I am not conflicted. I like what Thom has to say. It is what Thom DOES that I am calling hypocritical.
He's not required to take their money.
Thom, like all broadcasters, is using the PUBLIC airwaves to make a profit. In return for that use, he is supposed to provide a public service in exchange.
Breaking up the show in to little segments has only one purpose: maximizing ad revenue. Period. You don't want it. I don't want it. Nobody does. The fact that everything MUST be broken up into short sound bites has nothing to do with the public good and everything to do with profits.
Sorry to bring the truth.
#22
Thom,
If I remember correctly, your Libertarian guest said he was against taking away corporate personhood because it would limit free speech.
As it stands Corporate owners and officers get to financially support, bribe or "talk" to their officials twice; once as a corporation, and once again as a person. Thus, they are given twice the amount of "free speech" as the rest of the general population.
#23
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world can have peace" Jimi Hendrix
#24
Holistic community suggest Vit D3 for swine flu, and many other ailments like breast cancer. Maybe u should hear from that community as well as the sure to profit vaccine makers.
#25
Why swine flu vaccines just don't add up: Doing the (fuzzy) math
http://www.naturalnews.com/026955_swine_flu_vaccines_flu_vaccines.html
#26
Why swine flu vaccines just don't add up: Doing the (fuzzy) math
http://www.naturalnews.com/026955_swine_flu_vaccines_flu_vaccines.html
#27
http://www.naturalnews.com/026955_swine_flu_vaccines_flu_vaccines.html
Why swine flu vaccines just don't add up: Doing the (fuzzy) math
#28
JeffS, I was hoping someone else would chime in. I don't want to hog all the fun. You say you are not conflicted, but you should remember the famous warning about being conflicted: Just because you are paranoid...doesn't mean everyone isn't out to get you!
I'll try to explain the fallacy of your complaint another way. Thom is not required to take their money, you say. True enough, but what does that prove? Thom has sold advertising space, not his microphone or his conscience. You also seem to assign the responsibilities of a radio station owner, ( holder of a F.C.C.broadcasting license), to a show owner and personality. Do you really contend that Thom performs no public service?
Finally, I really would rather not be in the position to defend the over commercialization which has been advancing for decades in all aspects of our society. So I won't. I'll give you this point and even join you in lamenting the shortening of content everywhere. Your taking a rhetorical swing at Thom for this seems a little like kicking the neighbor's cat because you found some dog poop on your sandals.
Never be sorry about bringing truth...just make sure it really is and consider the context. A town I once lived in had two high schools; one public and one parochial. The only newspaper was owned by a family that favored the parochial school. The public school, which we will call Gore and the parochial school which we will call Bush, had a dual track meet. Gore won the meet. The paper's headline read: "Bush takes 2nd in Track Meet!" True? ... yes but mis-leading, inaccurate, and wrong-headed.
The place to attack is the Congress. We own the airwaves! they, (Congress), writes the rules and regulations. I'd be willing to join that cause. Not bashing one of those who is a voice of reason.
#29
Here's an even more interesting brain buster for you: If each vaccine shot generates $25 in revenue for drug companies, and the U.S. government orders the production of 160 million vaccines, how much money is Big Pharma making off the pandemic? That answer is roughly $4 billion in net revenues.
http://www.naturalnews.com/026955_swine_flu_vaccines_flu_vaccines.html
#30
http://www.naturalnews.com/026955_swine_flu_vaccines_flu_vaccines.html
Here's an even more interesting brain buster for you: If each vaccine shot generates $25 in revenue for drug companies, and the U.S. government orders the production of 160 million vaccines, how much money is Big Pharma making off the pandemic? That answer is roughly $4 billion in net revenues.
#31
THX Thom, looking forward to that newsletter today in which hopefully you provide citation to scientists see themselves as 6% Republican and over 30% independent.
#32
Here is my contribution today, at our Ted Kennedy/ Health Care ins Reform event-
Conservative media came, but did not televise our interview and reported only 50 people showed, when well over 100 with candles showed.
http://foodfascist.blogspot.com/2009/09/senator-teddy-kennedy-acclaimed-...
James Taylor,Channel 13 Sacramento came by to film and speak with us. Does the other side really want to with hold you from seeing a Doctor? Preposterous! James asks this excellent question of The Food Fascist, "What will it take to get the other side to come over -" to which I responded what I learned from mentor Thom Hartmann as I once poised this same question to him - "Just wait until it happens to them - and I don't want it to happen to them....but just wait until it happens to them." Note- the news media editors did not allow this onto televsion.
#33
TheFood Fascist challenges The President to make the Al Gore PowerPoint of Health Care:
Most people as we know from Cracking the Code are visual! SHOW them something!
http://foodfascist.blogspot.com/2009/09/issues-with-health-care-insuranc...
#34
For natural flu med- Vit D3 is great as well as: Probiotics to help fight viral invaders (the live bacteria you find in good yogurts like "Stonyfield" You can also buy them over the counter, look for 3-5 strains in the BILLIONS, Enzymes (specifically Protease 100,00-200,000 HTU,Serratiopeptidase 20-30,000 SPU, and some Mucolase, Catalase, and Nattokinase thrown in- taken 3X day), Boiron makes a good flu product that WORKS (Oscillococcinum), Source naturals makes an Herbal defense product that is awesome called "Wellness Formula". Stock up!
The only time I received the flu shot, I got the flu 4 days later and it was a doozy!
For info on vaccines read "What your Doctor May Not Have Told You About Childhood Vaccinations" by Stephanie Cave, MD and "Changing The Course of Autism" by Bryan Jepson, MD. The second explores possible connections between vaccines and other environmental toxins to disease symptoms such as Autism, ADHD/ADD, Alzheimer's, MS, and SIDS, etc.
I watched my son "develop" autism after his MMR, so yeah I'm one of those wackos who does not have any faith in the medical establishment and its connection to pharma. NO Flu Vaccines for us, thank you very much.
#35
DDay,
I think your running into a new tactic I'm trying to spread awareness about. I call them "Decepticons."
The object here is;
1. Create the appearance of a divided party, with pointless infighting.
2. Plant Arguments that appear a 'Liberal' is supporting the Right, and discrediting the Left.
3. Obfuscate the Argument & Premise of the Left.
Their everywhere, and you can flush em out with a few well formed questions.
=^>
Brenhin
#36
Food, A sad and all too common occurrence now days. Corporate Media sucks. Who was it who warned about getting into a fight with someone who buys ink by the barrel? Franklin? One has to figure ways around slanted news. They are real tough to attack head on. I could tell you horror stories, but will spare you another sad tale.
#37
Brenhin,
Thanks. maybe... I wasn't feeding the troll so much has toying with the mouse. I'm not so sure that JeffS wasn't just a little verklempt or perhaps over-wrought.
In case I'm full of it or naive ,(both distinct possibilities!), what are those "well formed questions"? to flush them out? I am always interested in new and effective strategies or techniques. By the way... Did you have to use the word flush?
I gotta go now... Bye...I'll check back later.
#38
@JeffS
I think you need to understand the basics of the radio business first and foremost. It apears that you do not have a clear understanding of how the radio game is played. Radio is advertising supported. These ads are sold at the national level and the affiliate level. The number of ad slots is not determined or controlled by the talent. It is controlled by the production company and the radio syndicate.
Making such broad assumptions and accusations is a bit naive. You are making a huge leap of logic from a very small amount of knowledge. Does this sound remotely familiar to the level of hysteria being concocted by a particular political party or lobby?
#39
The candlelight vigil in Portland last night was very moving. I was glad to be sitting in the back because it tore me up. I was again glad for Thom's mantra, "Despair is not an option." Door belling is.
#40
I am sorry to inform my haters of a few facts:
1) I am not a novice to how the radio business works. I have worked in the media and advertising industry for 15+ years. I know exactly how it works.
I am not criticizing Thom for making money, I'm criticizing him for taking the MAX. I'm calling Thom out off of his high horse on this one. It's pure and simple greed. It's okay if Thom is greedy. Lots of people are. I'm just calling St. Thom on it.
2) I am not some right-winger just here to mess with Thom. I am in fact a very dedicated progressive, which is why I am busting Thom's balls from the LEFT on this issue.
#41
Wait a minute everyone. If Jeff is correct in where Thom is getting money, Jeff is spot on. We are fighting hard for both campaign and finance reform and Thom should not be taking money from the "health industrial complex." (That's a great term."
But how is Thom doing this. What ads are you referring to? I haven't noticed those ads.
But Thom, if you are, I think you should gain different advertising. That would be very hypocritical. And I would boycott your show just as I will not vote for Wyden now. But are you really doing this?
#42
Sorry I wrote too quickly. I meant we are fighting for healthcare reform and campaign financing reform.
#43
I don't think Jeff is accurate about where Thom is getting money from advertising. The advertising I hear on Thom's show and see on his website that relates to healthcare seems to be for natural remedies or wrinkle creams. If you are making your claims, Jeff, because one of the wrinkle creams was created by a doctor, that's ridiculous.
Show us the money JeffS-- as they say--- and then we'll decide if we need to ask Thom to cancel a few ads for the sake of our integrity. I think you are blowing smoke up.... And you could ask him, before you start accusing him.
#44
A pillow to prevent snoring, a combination of herbs to help you sleep or reduce the size of your prostate, or a wrinkle cream with retinol A and all that other stuff is not, IMHO, part of the health industrial complex. (I love the term, though)
Thom is an herbalist for goodness sakes.
#45
For the record JeffS, I don't hate you. I may not completely agree with all you say but respect your willingness to challenge dogma as you perceive it. I don't think Loretta is the type to hate either. I'm sorry if I had a little fun at your expense. It just seemed like you separating the gnat poop from the fly poop.
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Please follow us across to hartmannreport.com - this will be the only place going forward to read Thom's blog posts and articles.
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From Cracking the Code:
"Thom Hartmann ought to be bronzed. His new book sets off from the same high plane as the last and offers explicit tools and how-to advice that will allow you to see, hear, and feel propaganda when it's directed at you and use the same techniques to refute it. His book would make a deaf-mute a better communicator. I want him on my reading table every day, and if you try one of his books, so will you."
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Men not choosy about one night stands?
Yep it's true we don't objectify them the way they do us. Because we're less shallow, and we're equal opportunity lovers we'll treat ugly girls just as nicely as the lookers. Women on the other hand won't look twice at the less buff of us. It's all about looks with them. On a night out the ugly guy hasn't got a hope of scoring, but the ugly woman still gets to have fun.
Which gender really objectifies the other? Well we require flesh and blood to get our kicks but women seem quite happy to use battery powered objects.
It's about time this male bashing stopped. Men and women are very different creatures. We accept you for the way you are but you always try to change us. Just accept that we are all products of evolution and as men we faced different pressures than women during our long journey from the grasslands to the caves, to civilisation.
Let the flaming commence.