Monday October 12th 2009
By Louise
Hour One: "Sick of rush hour?! How about user fee highways?" Thom challenges Randal O'Toole of the Cato Institute www.cato.org
Hour Two: Has Afghanistan become "Obama's War?" Thom speaks with Frontline correspondent Martin Smith about his investigative report www.pbs.org/frontline
Hour Three: How has private equity destroyed the American dream?
plus...Labor News with Doug Cunningham www.laborradio.org
Comments
#2
The GOP anf the Taliban!!!
http://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Republicans-and-the-Ta-by-Mary-Shaw...
#3
Here is a case for Amercan Socialism.
http://www.opednews.com/articles/The-Problem-With-Capitalis-by-Bob-Burne...
#4
A thousand Wailing Walls will be erected. Americans will wail for more than one generation.
http://www.opednews.com/articles/Why-the-Coming-Great-Depre-by-David-Gle...
#5
I hope that you have taken the time to read about the coming depression. I have news for you. The depression is upon us.
#6
Afghanistan is Obama's war and you need to remember that he is a war criminal.
#7
Obama will soon become known as the war president.
http://original.antiwar.com/engelhardt/2009/10/11/apocalypse-then-afghan...
#8
Andrew Bacevich is one of my favorite writers.
http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2009/1...
#9
Personally, Obama is a failed president.
#10
I have to admit that my first response when someone told me of the announcement that Barack Obama had won the Nobel Peace Prize was that it was some kind of trick to ascertain what kind of response that would be. I mean, for what? Upon reflection, however, one can ascertain that in comparison to Bush/Cheney, Obama cut a veritable angelic figure. Obama has made suitable gestures in giving diplomacy a try before war (something decidedly distasteful to the Bush/Cheney), and if not him it would have been someone no has ever heard of and with less influence on world affairs. On right came suggestions that Obama’s award was for “best actor,” and no doubt this has been tough for the right to swallow in small morsels, let alone whole. After all, what have they “won” lately but contempt throughout the civilized world?
I don’t think there is any doubt about Obama’s sincerity in wanting to get on with people, make friends, do the right thing. He is clearly shy about antagonizing people, even those who hate him. Obama seeks compromise, but the right only understands the definition of that word that implies discredit to our standing in the world, and impairment of our domestic economy. In any case Republicans and the right wouldn’t know peace if it spit them full in the face. All they know are slogans like ‘law of the jungle,” “survival of fittest,” “kill or be killed.” This is the kind of “diplomatic” language that John Bolton understands, so his having the impudence to weigh in on the subject at all has its predictably acrid aroma.
It has been said that Obama’s modest and perplexed initial response to receiving the prize may be indicative of the view that it is a hindrance to his freedom of action; he now may feel undue pressure to prove his worthiness, such as finding an exit strategy out of Afghanistan sooner than he’d wish, or having to treat a recalcitrant Iran with kid gloves. He can, of course, avoid being a “hindrance” to peace himself in Afghanistan by simply putting on the table a peace plan for the Taliban to mull over, one that calls for them to lay down their arms and accept some new formula for governance based on a constitution like that of Iraq. In that way, the Taliban and the assorted anti-American warlords will likely eagerly expose themselves as the obstacles of peace.
#11
Gerald,
It is Monday morning. The Minnesota Twins got eliminated last night by a team that spends four times more on two pitchers than the Twins do on the entire team. My front lawn is completely trashed after installing a geo-thermal system. The landscaper is dragging his feet about restoring my yard because he is confident that we "have plenty of good weather ahead", and...it is snowing for the second time in four days with more forecast for this week. Reading your rants about Nazis, war criminals, war presidents, failed presidents, coming depressions, wailing walls, GOP Talibans ect. was just what I needed. Thanks.
One word for you to contemplate seriously: Prozac
#12
NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.
Happy Columbus Day! For those who think we should also consider declaring "Leif Day" (in honor of precolumbian Viking explorer Leif Ericsson), a second site of Viking settlement in Canada has been discovered:
"Second Viking Site Found in Canada"
http://ancient-tides.blogspot.com/2009/06/second-viking-site-found-in-ca...
#13
we need to fund the arts for the sake of our children's future. we need to create more school and after school programs based on the arts.the arts brings out creativity. the art of dance and music can bring out unity. we can teach the greatness of other cultures through the arts. through the arts we can learn the interconnection of all life. when we see a painting it bring out emotion, does not matter what country the painter is from. we can develop a strong foundation for peace through the arts. lets keep our youth off the streets and give them the arts.
#14
Thom,
While rail can be incredibly fuel efficient ONCE IT IS MOVING, the amount of energy needed to get the train moving in the first place can negate any benefit as rail as an efficient means of transport.
The alternative: There actually are hybrid-electric diesel traines being built today that get the train moving using electric power, then run using fuel once it is already moving.
#15
The Ideology of Colonist's continues this day. The Financial Colonist's of today and their securitization of Mortgages and Life insurance Policies is a continuation of the first Goldsmiths/bankers from the late 16-early 20 centuries who fraudulently used gold form depositors to securitize paper loans. Yes the u.s. dollar is nothing more than securitized commercial and consumer loans. In fact any paper currency is a promise to bring a future return of equal or more value( interest ). So anyone who look down on wall streets latest shananigans they need to examine the money in their wallets.
#16
In fact the F.D.I.C is a gauranteed bailout for securitized commercial/consumer loans know as the U.S. Dollar/ federal reserve note.
#17
Report: US considers phone companies ‘arm of government
The US government doesn't have to reveal information about phone companies that may have spied illegally on Americans because those phone companies are an "arm of the government," the US Justice Department argued in a recent court case.
http://rawstory.com/2009/10/phone-companies-arm-government/
#18
In fact While i'm on this topic, Thom, I thing you need to think more deeply about why the money supply must necessarily go up with productivity/effeciency
. YOu said this before your interview with Robert Fisk. Here's why the money supply need not ever increase. THink of this: If productivity goes up, and in general we can make things and provide services in a cheaper and more effecient manner, thus driving down prices, how does it help anyone, especially the common man, to dilute the money supply to keep prices from falling? Wouldn't a lower price for most goods and services add purchasing power to everyone?
#19
The Republican National Platform of taxes cuts for every farging thing more than resembles Abraham Maslow’s statement: "When the only tool you have is a hammer, every problem begins to resemble a nail."
#20
By the way, i'm likening the finacial elite to colonists because I know that they use fractional reserve banking to slowly steal and plunder, meanwhile selling us this crap about how they keep a even price level and watch the "value" of the dollar.
#21
This is not particular to American youth. “Jewish” villages in Poland mostly have no Jewish folk and the folk living in and working in them dress like pre-WWII Jews and run their shops . . .
#22
FYI: The FIDC has been broke for the last two months. So many banks have failed . . .
#23
When Society becomes productive the baking elite, using the inherently inflationary- fractional reserve system, use their powers and are the first to benefit from the new money creation. They are always on the cutting edge before the dilution of the money supply filters down the aquaduct to the commoner, thus raising prices for them. For example if a wide range of products drop is pricefor $4 to $2, but the money supply get increased cause the price to inflate back to $4, from that $2 spread. It ain't the consumer, it is the people who are most creditworthy or who have connections to the money creation cartel.
#24
I meant to write: who benefits from the $2 spread. it aint the consumer.
#25
Fractional reserve banking( which is the only model of banking used) is inherently insolvent, and thus cannot be insured. Basically the FDIC promises to always print money, that is all it can do. it cannot protect the purchasing power of the dollar, and will lead to hyperinflation sooner of later.
#26
About why those young white people at the tribal gathering dressed in Native American clothes:
- The same people who spat on Native Americans are not the same as those who dressed in buckskin.
- Many white Americans respect the native ways: the Boy Scouts, summer camps like Camp Keewaydin, and others. Not to the point of redressing past wrongs, unfortunately.
#27
I don’t know why Thom bothers with these Cato Institute and libertarian types, because they have no interest in anything but self. Just like this cancerous wart the state of Washington has called Tim Eyman. Eyman is putting forward next year yet another variation of his anti-tax, anti-government initiatives, although the failure of his last few initiations indicates the people are tiring of his destructive shtick, perhaps recognizing that for him, this all just a game, not real life. The fact that Eyman pays himself from donations given to fund his efforts indicates that these annual initiatives are increasing less about public policy, but a quick way for him to make a buck off gullible people.
Something else that Thom discussed today reminds me of something that occurred in American Lit college class I was sitting in years ago. One of the students, a very pale, very blond female, stated out of the blue that she was not a racist, but should would never marry a black man. Noting the silence in the room in response to her remark, she reiterated that she wasn’t a racist. All other things being equal, she would not do it, but she wasn’t a racist. This was a southern school, so this was just something that was assumed; I believe most people in the room thought that it was better to keep such things to themselves, since some people might put a different interpretation on it.
Skin color does matter. Since whiteness is allegedly the “standard” for beauty (at least to white people), people are judged on their degree of it. Racial prejudice is visceral, instinctive; it doesn’t require any thought—people just are. That is why many minorities bristle when people try to put racism and homophobia on the same level. Homosexuality is a behavior, which can be concealed from sight in the privacy of one’s home without any adverse effect to the life or career of the person involved. I’m sure I have encountered many people who are gay and wouldn’t have known it from Adam. I think that homophobia is less about people who are gay, but people are afraid people might think they are. One recalls the Jenny Jones talk show where a man who was to supposed to meet his secret admirer—who he was led to believe was a woman, but turned out to be a man—and the subsequent tragic result. Yes, there is the inconvenience of having to be concerned about what people think, but this isn’t the same as having a physical “defect” that you can’t hide, one that doesn’t permit you the ability to control how people react to it.
#28
There are more people in slavery than at any time in the history of the world. The estimates are that there are 27 million people living in slavery today.
I recent heard that there are around 40,000 people working as slaves cultivating soy in Brazil today.
#29
SADNESS: Arsonists Against Topless Coffee
http://reason.com/blog/2009/06/04/arsonists-against-topless-coff
#30
The caller's mom was close with the terminology. The correct term would actually be aboriginal.
#31
Thanks for your efforts, Thom.
I've been listening to you since 2006? 2005? Anyway, I think you're spot on on how "divide and conquer" not only destroys tribalism but it also is hard for that culture to take root again. Think about it, the tales or knowledge that surround, assist and enable Original Native Americans are probably shared to this day from parent to child. The Europeans who have been conquered several generations ago have trouble taking that tribalism back. The White Culture have not been able to pass that knowledge, even today. I wonder if that's what Glenn Beck meant for "White Culture," to be devoid of faith or direction that an aboriginal citizen would have.
For 15(?) years, as a descendant of European immigrants, I've felt culturally detached, spiritually detached. I don't know what my parents have not done on that has been done by an aboriginal parent/child to pass on spirituality and awareness of nature. But I feel it, I try to think of my family's history and I get nothing. I guess I should thank Capitalism for that. On Columbus Day, no less.
Thank you again, Thom. Excellent work. I will hope that you will always continue to look on your intuition to guide you, since this really is Viagra for the brain. And not just on the radio show, but in your life. :)
Happily looking forward to tomorrow with Optimism!
-Carl, who doesn't know brevity. Sorry.
#32
I have never known a man who sleeps with a man like a woman. I know guys "sleep with" guys for a myriad of reasons including love, lust and comfort . . . But never for procreation. The prohibition expressed by the recessivist rapturians does not flow that other way. A man can also “sleep with” women for the same bunch of reasons but procreation is remains in the mix. Frankly, any other interpretation means folk can’t read.
#33
By voting against the Franken Admendment, 30 Republican Senators voted in favor of gang rape, last week. I am confused . . . Is gang rape a family value?
Actually that’s not fair . . . This observation regarding 30 Republican Senators voting in favor of gang rape is a bit little understated . . . 30 Republican Senators voted in favor letting corporations squelch any and all investigations of gang rape during any operations taken in our country’s behalf and demanded that the corporations be promptly paid with American tax dollars.
#34
DDay
My rants are only in America and for America.
Thom had an interesting show. At first I thought that we should not celebrate Columbus Day. But, Columbus Day is truly an American Day. Most fascist-Nazi Americans are cannibals. We pillage human resources and natural resources around the world. Cannibals devour their prey. We are a nation of blood-sucking vampires. Please look closely at the lips of Americans and you will see on the side of their lips drips of blood easing from their mouth.
A fat baby cannot have health insurance because the baby has a pre-existing condition. I love it because my prediction of a fascist-Nazi America being an Islamic majority by 2080 and now it may be 2070 is following the path to an Islamic takeover of fascist-Nazi America. Why am I always so right in my predictions???
Here is another prediction. The Muslims in fascist-Nazi America will be in control of our nuclear weapons because they will control our country in ruling positions. With these nuclear weapons they will destroy any country that does not convert to Islam. By 2100 the entire planet, Earth, will Muslim.
I love it when my predictions are right on target.
#35
Distributive Justice!
http://www.opednews.com/articles/1/Distributive-Justice-Bara-by-Professo...
#36
Please read carefully the article on Distributive Justice!!!
#37
i feel that there is a basice law that governs man, that is the law of cause and effect. some religions have touch on it. you reap what you sowe. the native americans respect for nature. in nichiren buddhism talks of the mystic law of cause and effect. i feel it a positive life when you think of what causes you are making in daily life. i feel the most powerful thing to do is to work to better others life with the life condition of compassion
#38
Gerald Socha
I can’t speak for DDay but what I took from his comment was that you seem to be overly worked up to the point of irrationality. The first 9 posts on the Monday blog are from you and 6 of those 9 contain links to articles. Most people aren’t going to take the time to read 6 articles recommended by one person in one day, especially when that person makes alarmist comments, which sometimes contradict each other. I recall you saying that Obama has joined that fascist party one day and then appealing to Obama to do the right thing a day or two later.
You may want to try, if you’re able, to calm down and be more focused. I think that might help your credibility.
As for your joy that your prediction that the U.S. will have a Muslim majority by 2080 has been proven right, I don’t know where you got the idea that’s it’s been proven right. Thom’s comment that Islam is fastest growing religion in the world doesn’t support your prediction. The United States only has about 4% of the world’s population but Islam isn’t the fastest grown religion in this country. The fastest growing religion in this country (by percentage of growth) is Wicca and only around 0.5% of Americans currently follow Islam. Recent studies have shown that the fastest growing religious affiliation in the U.S. is “unafilliated”. In other words, more people are leaving organized religion than are joining any other religion in this country.
Try visiting http://www.religioustolerance.org/chr_prac2.htm and you can Google the phrase “fastest growing religion in America” for a wealth of articles on the topic.
Fantasy is often more exciting than fact.
#39
I was offended today when I heard Hartman equate the ethnic and racial background of Barack Obama as a positive viz the homophobia of the Muslim world in relation to Obama's speech to the Human Rights Campaign. To suggest that the Muslim world would hear his speech and maybe change their minds about killing homosexuals because Obama's middle name is Hussein is absolute hogwash! First, such nonsense imbues Obama, a mixed race Black identified Christian, with magic and, second, it ignores the ongoing discrimination against gay men and lesbians here at home where the President has done nothing whatsoever to halt the continued dismissal of gay men and lesbians from our military.
I do not for a second believe that Barack Hussein Obama must -- by virtue of his race and ethnicty -- end discrimination against gay men and lesbians here in the United States. But when Candidate Obama promises to end discrimination -- over and over and over -- and then punts once in office you can believe millions of us are truly pissed off and will sit out his bid for reelection.
HRC does not represent the majority of gay men and lesbians in this country. HRC is an inside the beltway lobby. Period. If anyone wants to donate money to an entity that actually does something to end discrimination here I suggest you send it to Lambda Legal Defense, not HRC.
#40
B Roll
When I post a comment, it is for me to share information. If articles are not focused consistently on a theme, it is because I try to present varying viewpoints. The readers can decide what they will accept or not accept. I also try to shake the readers from their comfort zone. Most people become upset when their comfort zone is shaken.
Religioustolerance.org offers some interesting statistics. If people are leaving organized religions, it is because money is America's god. You do not have to agree with me but I post comments to rid myself of issues that are within me. I find posting comments can be good therapy. You can believe it or not.
When I worked, I had to be politically correct or my job would be compromised. As a retired person I find that shaking people from their comfort zone is a satisfying experience.
#41
I find that the study of demography or trends in population growth and shifts to be very satisfying whether it upsets me or not. A person cannot live with his or her head buried in the sand.
#42
Hey Thom..Please stop missing the point about the Flu vaccines. You are not being "immunized", like you said.. It is not an immunization..That is false advertisement. You are taking a vaccination that has not been proven to be safe...Or even effective. Thank you
#43
Also please don't act like you know how much mercury is in the vaccines, you said there's less than in a tuna sandwich. You also said the debate about effectiveness is around the margins. Eating a sandwich does not get it into the brain. There are many other things we dont even know about, like Squaline and other toxins. Gary Null is not on the margins, he is probaly the world's leading expert on the matter..Please look at his 90 page report at garynull.com. It is the most thorough report ever done. Thank you
Thom's Blog Is On the Move
By webmaster
Hello All
Thom's blog in this space and moving to a new home.
Please follow us across to hartmannreport.com - this will be the only place going forward to read Thom's blog posts and articles.
Images of Thom
Thom & Louise at a "private audience" with His Holiness Pope John Paul II at his summer palace, Castle Gandolfo, Italy
From Unequal Protection, 2nd Edition:
"Beneath the success and rise of American enterprise is an untold history that is antithetical to every value Americans hold dear. This is a seminal work, a godsend really, a clear message to every citizen about the need to reform our country, laws, and companies."
From The Thom Hartmann Reader:
"Through compelling personal stories, Hartmann presents a dramatic and deeply disturbing picture of humans as a profoundly troubled species. Hope lies in his inspiring vision of our enormous unrealized potential and his description of the path to its realization."
From The Thom Hartmann Reader:
"Thom Hartmann is a creative thinker and committed small-d democrat. He has dealt with a wide range of topics throughout his life, and this book provides an excellent cross section. The Thom Hartmann Reader will make people both angry and motivated to act."
The rush hour and fee highways was a topic on the Alex Jones' show about two years ago before I knew of Thom on Progressive Radio. As the noose around our neck tightens and our freedoms and rights are lost, our travel around the US will require you and me to pay user fees for access to our highways. The Nazification of the US is about complete.