The NLRB needs our help!

For decades, unions have been fighting to preserve workers' rights, but that fight just got a lot more difficult. Yesterday, two separate events illustrated just how extreme the war on labor has become. First, Republican judges on Third Circuit Court of Appeals struck down President Obama's recess appointments to the National Labor Relations Board.

On the same day, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee held a contentious confirmation hearing on current NLRB board appointments. The hearing served as a blatant reminder that nearly every judge and nominee appointed by President Obama has been blocked by Republicans. So, on a single day, right-wing judges rendered the NLRB impotent, and Senate Republicans may obstruct NLRB confirmations, leaving it powerless to protect workers.

Without these confirmations, the NLRB will be powerless to enforce workers' rights to form a union, stand up to abusive working conditions, and force employers to actually negotiate with unions. The Obama Administration has appealed a similar ruling from the D.C. Circuit Court to the U.S. Supreme Court, but the High Court has shown in multiple cases that it favors businesses over workers.

The only way to fight this is to demand that the Senate confirms these NLRB appointments, so that the agency can again enforce these vital labor laws. We must demand it. Call your Senators today and tell them to confirm all of Obama's NLRB appointments.

Comments

Mark Saulys's picture
Mark Saulys 10 years 1 week ago
#1

Confirmation of an appointee to a department post requires only a simple majority, if I'm not mistaken, or can that be filibustered as well?

Mark Saulys's picture
Mark Saulys 10 years 1 week ago
#2

Republicans have been blocking judicial appointments by Democrats since the Clinton era.

I, nevertheless, believe in judicial review. The legitimate function of judges is to interpret the law among which is the U.S. Constitution. Complaints about judicial review are really complaints about being bound by the constitution. If the constitution was dispensed with Congress would be able to act as it pleased - even to the detriment of our basic, founding principles - and would probably feel emboldened to have control over the judiciary.

If Thomas Jefferson had to do it over again I think he would go without a constitution. He seemed to feel unduly restrained by it saying a new one should be drafted every 20 years. He certainly didn't seem to think it was handed down from Mt. Sinai on stone tablets.

The judiciary does NOT have the right to make laws - what Republicans hypocritically complain about as "legislating from the bench" by "activist judges". There ought to be a better process in place for impeaching, recalling or otherwise disciplining judges who overstep. There is absent an adequate check and balance on the judiciary and that is what makes them like monarchs.

ckrob's picture
ckrob 10 years 1 week ago
#3

Had Verizon told the JD that they would go to court to be ordered (maybe) to release the AP's phone records, the JD might have backed down. But the FCC might have frowned later on one of Verizon's requests to increase profits.

Hephaestus's picture
Hephaestus 10 years 1 week ago
#4

You guys have a real big issue with racial predjudice as it perceived outside your paraniod country

Predjudice about which you condemn the rest of the planet

When are you gonna get this schizm in your midset / culture?

If and when you can get it what will you do?

Might be good to how you got there in the first place

Suggest looking at the struggle around nation founders

Speaking very generally of course

Kend's picture
Kend 10 years 1 week ago
#5

Danne from yesterday of course I think of other people. I think about them every two weeks when I send thousands of my hard earned dollars to the government so they can send it to the 23 year old with 4 children from 4 different fathers because she needs it as she has never worked a day in her life. I think about my grandaughters and how much better of a education they would have if I could give them the money instead. so ya I think about other people all the time.

Here goes the Hartmanns going on about those poor union workers. Working in those terrible conditions. maybe in the 30's but now. Where?

Hephaestus's picture
Hephaestus 10 years 1 week ago
#6

Kend

Sorry!

Go live somewhere where you don't have to give dollars to anyone

But, sadly you won't be able to get a job

Be happy you got money man and are eable to pay for the benefit of what taxes are supposed to provide nations and commuity with

If you don't like what governement and community do with your tax money USE YOUR VOTE

Or, become an activist

Stop moaning!

Vegasman56 10 years 1 week ago
#7

In recent history no president has been blocked, obstructed, or threatened more than Pres. Obama. With all of this upon our shoulders, of the disrespect that the president has been shown says a great deal about our country and the freedoms we say that we have. The framers of this country struggled to create a document that supposed to be perfect, but lacking the substance there of the true meaning that, all man are created equal, in the birth of the Constitution of the United States of America. I wonder how far we have regressed into the past that only a few men were created equal separated by race, birthrights, wealth, and education. The common man and woman cannot get ahead under the Republican fascist light agenda, which must be voted out for true growth for American working family to establish a decent life.

Kend's picture
Kend 10 years 1 week ago
#8

Ya dllh your right. I am a lucky guy and I should quit whining. Maybe I'll turn into a liberal and let someone else worry about paying the bills. I do get involved and use my vote.

Where I you go where you don't have to give your dollars to anyone?

It is a lot harder signing the front of a check then the back of it though.

historywriter's picture
historywriter 10 years 1 week ago
#9

Who is "you"? And what are you talking about? ??? I didn't see anyhing about racism here. Or did you wander over from another website.

bobcox's picture
bobcox 10 years 1 week ago
#10

Wobblies iof the World--UNITE!

historywriter's picture
historywriter 10 years 1 week ago
#11

Who is this woman? You should name names and give facts. (Now this is racism because it's code for "the colored.")

"Welfare queens may actually look more like giant corporations.

"The government spent about $59 billion to pay for traditional social welfare programs like food stamps and housing assistance in 2006, while Uncle Sam doled out $92 billion in assistance to corporations during the same year."

From another site: "Call them subsidies, or tax breaks, or credits, the question is not about semantics, it's about evaluating whether one of the most profitable industries in the world needs a government benefit. But if you look at this issue worldwide, the problem is much greater than the drama surrounding America's $4 billion payout."

"The International Energy Agency estimates that in 2010, governments worldwide spent $409 billion subsidizing fossil fuels. In 2009, that number was $300 billion."

"The New York Times spent 10 months investigating business incentives awarded by hundreds of cities, counties and states. Since there is no nationwide accounting of these incentives, The Times put together a database and found that local governments give up:

  • $80.4 billion in incentives each year
  • 1,874 No. of programs"

Where are your numbers?

bobcox's picture
bobcox 10 years 1 week ago
#12

With regard to patenting genetic changes, with this Supreme Court and the present majority in the House of Reppresentatives Congress cannot send directives, per the Constitution, to control the Sukpreme Court. Further, we are now one step away from eliminating the prohibition against slavery. Just Patent the human being and the Corporations own him as if he was a slave!

DAnneMarc's picture
DAnneMarc 10 years 1 week ago
#13
Quote Kend:Danne from yesterday of course I think of other people. I think about them every two weeks when I send thousands of my hard earned dollars to the government so they can send it to the 23 year old with 4 children from 4 different fathers because she needs it as she has never worked a day in her life. I think about my grandaughters and how much better of a education they would have if I could give them the money instead. so ya I think about other people all the time.

Oh, my friend, don't blame your granddaughter's lack of education on some poor victim of society like a welfare mother. If your granddaughters lack education, blame yourself, your schools, or your granddaughters. The poor welfare women of which you speak are far more victimized than anyone in your family and you know that. She is stuck in her rut like a rat in a trap--without escape.

It shocks me to the core that someone of your means obviously shares no responsibility in the health matters of his fellow man, or woman. Out of friendship only, I will leave it at that for now. Obviously you need some time to reconsider your response. Remember,my friend, it is better to think without speaking than to speak without thinking. Just because your granddaughters managed to get through puberty without any major encompasses doesn't mean that society as a whole doesn't encounter such problems. How shall we better society as a whole is the question; not, how do we better your personal situation.

I know you can answer this question better. I will give you time! May God bless and guide your daughters to a rewarding future!

historywriter's picture
historywriter 10 years 1 week ago
#14

You could go to some countries where there are no taxes. Here they are (most of them):

United Arab Emirates

Kuwait

Qatar

Bahrain

Bermuda

They are either oil rich or live on money from tourism and are tax havens for the wealthy who don't want to, and often don't, pay taxes because of these havens and other tax evasions.

But there is a catch in these countries -- for example, like paying 5% of income to government for social security-like programs for their citizens.

There is no government--hence no taxes--in countries Somalia which is more of a lawless land with no hope of a better future. Somalia is run by pirates and warlords and has virtually no economy other than a black market and drug based economy. Recently the country has become noticed for it constant pirate attacks on passing international vessels. This is one way the Somalis exploit the absence of government in their nation.

There are even worse places. They have governments of a sort but you wouldn't want to live there.

Read more: http://www.cracked.com/funny-1053-worst-countries/#ixzz2TbLAqTjA

historywriter's picture
historywriter 10 years 1 week ago
#15

You could go to some countries where there are no taxes. Here they are (most of them):

United Arab Emirates

Kuwait

Qatar

Bahrain

Bermuda

They are either oil rich or live on money from tourism and are tax havens for the wealthy who don't want to, and often don't, pay taxes because of these havens and other tax evasions.

But there is a catch in these countries -- for example, like paying 5% of income to government for social security-like programs for their citizens.

There is no government--hence no taxes--in countries Somalia which is more of a lawless land with no hope of a better future. Somalia is run by pirates and warlords and has virtually no economy other than a black market and drug based economy. Recently the country has become noticed for it constant pirate attacks on passing international vessels. This is one way the Somalis exploit the absence of government in their nation.

There are even worse places. They have governments of a sort but you wouldn't want to live there.

Read more: http://www.cracked.com/funny-1053-worst-countries/#ixzz2TbLAqTjABut maybe you are not entirely literate since I can't understand your first sentence.

ptg0's picture
ptg0 10 years 1 week ago
#16

I guess decades of union corruption has finally taken its toll. Next, government corruption will take its toll. This government already has to live with the fact that it is the largest terrorist organization on earth according to its own definition or "terrorist".

Whats next?

ptg0's picture
ptg0 10 years 1 week ago
#17

I really do not see any real difference between the two parties. They claim to have philosophical differences but the reality of the situation is, they are one and the same. Based on that, the only solution is to eliminate everyone currently ionvolved in government.

Kend's picture
Kend 10 years 1 week ago
#18

History, it is interesting you brought up, as you said "coloured". I didn't me that at all I live in western Canada there isnt a problem here With race.

akunard's picture
akunard 10 years 1 week ago
#19

Ried/Pelosi blocked every Bush appointment for his last 3 years!

ptg0's picture
ptg0 10 years 1 week ago
#20

Any judge that claims allegeince to either party should be removed and all prior desicions disgarded. Any judge that takes money for ANY purpose should be executed. The bar association should be investigated and if found to be patrionizing either political party, should be disbarred and all members participating should lose their lisence and be prohibited from practicing law.

The bar association is a cover for the corrupt judicial system. The United States has one of the most corrupt judicial systems in the world. The President is a great example. An expert in Constitutional Law that obviously has never read it. No wonder our educational system is percieved as being 3rd rate.

PhilipHenderson's picture
PhilipHenderson 10 years 1 week ago
#21

Republicans in Congress hate America. They do not like American citizens. They vote against the best interests of the people at every opportunity. They are not even trying to hide their allegiance to the sugar daddy's who pay for their campaigns. This refusal to approve the appointees to the NLRB is an insult to every working American. They are staking their position as being with corporations and against the working people. They do not want workers to have a fair opportunity to have their case heard. They are unhappy with President Obama's appointees not because they are unqualiflied, but because they are qualified. The Republicans are a disgrace. They behave as though they are a domestic terrorist organization whose sole purpose is to damage the United States economy and security. I heard someone refer to the Republicans as a version of al-Quaeda in America.

SHFabian's picture
SHFabian 10 years 1 week ago
#22

I think the right wing knows that labor of this generation won't/can't fight back. They can do whatever they want because no one wll stop them. This isn't the first time we've been in this stuation, where the richest few had a dangerous degree of power over politics and policies. In the past, the poor and middle class, workers and the unemployed, united to push back, to the beneft of all. Today, workers look at the jobless with contempt, and the middle class threw the poor off the cliff. We were deeply divided, presumably conquered. We blew it.

SHFabian's picture
SHFabian 10 years 1 week ago
#23

We have to assume responsiblity for this mess. We still have the politics chosen by America's middle class, and the mddle class workers of this generaton have done much to take us backwards. Compare how this generatuon "fights back" wth how prevous generatons fought back. Today, we gather the proper people (middle class or better off), purchase a protest permit, stay within the designated protest zone (making it easy to ignore them), politely obeying all the rules (no protest signs, no beverages, no loudspeakers, keep the noise down, be good girls and boys...), comply with the curfew -- and we call it, "Rising up, fighting back!"

SHFabian's picture
SHFabian 10 years 1 week ago
#24

Yes, you must be speaking very generally. What does racial prejudice have to do with this issue? The greatest prejudice of this generaton of Americans is against the poor, regardless of race (the majority of our poor are white and female). Americans of all races determine human worth on the basis of economic status. This is so deeply ingrained in this generation that even liberals avoid mentioning the poor and the realties of deep US poverty today. By international standards, per the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights, people have a fundamental right to food, shelter and medical care, even if they're unemployed/unemployable. America dsagrees.

MMmmNACHOS's picture
MMmmNACHOS 10 years 1 week ago
#25

Oh DANNEMARC, thank you, thank you, thank you...I sincerley admire your intellagence and passive aggression. Your patience towards social ignorance and commitment to acts of loving kindness towards yourself and others IS a true testiment of W.W.J.D...Something we should all strive to be better at. I can't recall a single post on here where you have flown off the handle with hostle aggression, be it Kend, Global, Ken Ware, or even me, for being selfish, ignorant, or just down right dumb.
Your right though, as you mentioned in a previous post; Kend is mostly a "cat toy" to bat around and have fun with. I really can't take him serious...I mean the guy can barely string two ledgable sentences together, and when he does it's just so fucking thoughtless...But hey who am I to judge ;) I can barely spell!

Anyway, I was getting ready to comment on Kends thoughtless and selfrighteous comments against those on wellfare, and his grand daughters lack of education...Then I read what you wrote, and though it lacks the "left hook" that I would have delivered, I stopped and thought...perfect!

Again thank you.

namasté

MMmmNACHOS's picture
MMmmNACHOS 10 years 1 week ago
#26

An excerpt from an interview with Howard Zinn about how society has become obedient towards corporate greed and government corruption; you will appreciate this SHFABIAN, and DANNEMARC.

"You are saying our problem is civil disobedience, but that is not our problem...Our problem is 'civil obedience'.
Our problem is the number of people all over the world who have "obeyed" the dictates of the leaders of their government and have gone to war, and millions have been killed because of this "obedience".
Our problem is that the people are "obedient" all over the world, in the face of poverty and starvation and stupidity and war and cruelty.
Our problem is that people are "obedient" while the jails are full of petty theives, and all the while the "grand" theives are running the country.
That's what our problem is."

I find it interesting how this countries settlers and forefathers stood up to oppression and tyranny...For them Independence and Liberty was their main motivation.
Todays Americans (1900 to present) are all about profit and security, "by an any means necessary" including loss of Liberty and Independence.

The pot is a bubble'in and the frogs are cooked.

MMmmNACHOS's picture
MMmmNACHOS 10 years 1 week ago
#27

HUH!?!?
Are you on the sauce again KEND???

Vegasman56 10 years 1 week ago
#28

I’m referring to racism that is shown against President of the United States of America, Pres. Obama. Yes, it is true that you consider the less fortunate can also be considered as racism. Thom was referring to the fact that anything that Pres. Obama that he brings up is shot down, even if that same subject was first brought up by the Republicans. Sen. Mitch McConnell main goal was to make this president a one term president, by sacrificing the common American and his or her family. I’m referring to the racism that is in Congress, and don’t you believe that it’s not there, because it is.

DAnneMarc's picture
DAnneMarc 10 years 1 week ago
#29

MMmmNACHOS ~ Thanks for the compliment; but, truth be known I have flown off the handle on this blog before. Sometimes I lose it, sometimes I don't. I'm only human. Kend is a special case--a cat toy, if you will. He's used to taking punches. He requires a more subtle approach--not that it's going to do any good. However, if it makes him think, it's good enough.

namaste

DAnneMarc's picture
DAnneMarc 10 years 1 week ago
#30
Quote Kend:History, it is interesting you brought up, as you said "coloured". I didn't me that at all I live in western Canada there isnt a problem here With race.

Thanks for clarifying that Kend. It's nice to know you only discriminate by class and not by race. Regardless, it changes nothing. The color of these people skin is really quite irrelevant.

You still implied that you would prefer 4 innocent children and their mother to starve in the street so that your granddaughters could afford the best education money can buy.

Please correct me if I'm wrong--and I certainly hope I am. That is what you said, right?

Kend's picture
Kend 10 years 1 week ago
#31

DAnne I don't want anyone to starve in the street I would prefer that every one one would be responsible enough to only have children if they could care for them. I understand that isn't going to happen, so we all chip in and take care of them. I have no problem at all with that. i don't like it and I think we are starting to encourage it. That scares me.

no body has to worry about my granddaughters and soon to be grandson they are going to get the best education money can buy because their grandparents worked their asses off so they would have the money to pay for it.

I believe we have the right to be unequal, if you work hard you should have more than those who don't. . Don't you?

DAnneMarc's picture
DAnneMarc 10 years 1 week ago
#32

Gun Control Advocates ~ Check out what just happened today in Damascus, VA. Elderly handicapped man in car sends 60 people to the hospital when he runs into a crowd in a parade.

http://news.yahoo.com/60-injured-car-drives-va-parade-212302227.html

No guns involved. Most likely it was a terrible. terrible accident. Very fortunate! Imagine the carnage if it was a severely mentally disturbed individual who intended to kill as many people as he could. You see, a gun isn't the only way to kill a lot of innocent people.

Stop the person, not the device they use. Do we ban cars now?

(Sorry for getting off topic)

DAnneMarc's picture
DAnneMarc 10 years 1 week ago
#33
Quote Kend:I believe we have the right to be unequal, if you work hard you should have more than those who don't. . Don't you?

Absolutely Kend. That should be your right. However, first you overlook the fact that a single mother with four kids already has a 24 hour job; and, does work very hard. Obviously, someone raised your children for you--perhaps your wife, or a nanny? Shame! You may not realize just how hard it can be. Personally, I wouldn't trade my job for that single mothers life for any amount of money.

Secondly, if you truly believe we have a right to be unequal than you should also believe that we have a right to equal opportunity--otherwise being better than someone else isn't really that much of a challenge now is it? I have seen where people who call themselves "Conservatives" tend to embrace a certain opportunity destroying philosophy. They call themselves "Right to Lifers;" but, what they really should call themselves is "Your Parents Worse Nightmare." They have seen fit to strip our educational system of any ability to teach students responsible sex habits and planned parenthood. They have banned the teaching of birth control techniques, or distribution of contraceptives. They continuously persecute any responsible organization like Planned Parenthood for administering contraceptives and abortions. They have successfully denied young girls access to any resources they could use to avoid falling into the single mother welfare trap.

Now who do you blame? A young girl who doesn't even understand how her own body works yet; or these wealthy, well educated, "Conservatives" who know exactly what the consequences of their actions will be. Then, like the true hypocrites that they are they turn around and blame the victims.

How is this young girl going to find a job like yours, Kend? Who is going to hire her? Who is going to train her? Who is going to take care of her kids when she goes to work? She can't feed her kids with even two minimum wage jobs; and, if she tries to work the Government cuts her benefits. She is stuck in a hole with no place to go thanks to the blessings of the "Conservative Agenda."

Quote Kend:DAnne I don't want anyone to starve in the street I would prefer that every one one would be responsible enough to only have children if they could care for them. I understand that isn't going to happen, so we all chip in and take care of them. I have no problem at all with that. i don't like it and I think we are starting to encourage it. That scares me.

Glad to hear that Kend! I've never been so happy to be wrong before!

You're right about that Kend, we do encourage this behavior and it scares me too. My suggestion: Have a talk with your "Conservative" friends and tell them we need to all support teaching our children in school about responsible sexual behavior, contraceptive techniques, and planned parenthood. Make contraceptives easier for young men and women to get than Pepsi and cheese burgers. Demand that our Government sponsors these programs and provides free access to contraceptives and abortions to all low income students. This is a scary problem and it's only going to get worse until it is nipped in the bud. As one very wise high school teacher of mine once said when asked how he felt about abortion, "You can pay now, or you can pay later!" This problem is our responsibility. Let us handle it wisely.

DAnneMarc's picture
DAnneMarc 10 years 1 week ago
#34

Kend ~ cont~ If you think I take this 'welfare mom' topic seriously, you are right! I don't know about the future of your granddaughters, but I do know that the future of my niece has been destroyed by the 'right to life' agenda. It happened to her in her Senior year in High School after earning a Scholarship. She was planning to become a Doctor. Then she got pregnant and insisted on having the baby. Her career ended before it got started. I certainly pray you won't experience that disappointment with your granddaughters. It's heartbreaking.

MMmmNACHOS's picture
MMmmNACHOS 10 years 1 week ago
#35

Two issues, Kend, that I want to comment on.

First; "The best education the money can buy"???Money doesn't equate to the best of something. Your notion that it does defines a cultural mind set that knows the "price" of everything, but the "value" of nothing. A true education comes from experiencing life, and a certain amount of "unbias" History. Some of the most brilliant minds came from poverty; their connection with people, their communities, Life and their roots and not money, is where their education came from. To put it more simple; When a person "buys" an education, all they get is a piece of paper with some fancy writing; Hence the saying "Education is wasted on youth." However, when a person takes the time to watch, listen, observe, share, get their hands dirty, be a part of...they "earn" an education...one that is priceless.

Have you ever volunteered for something that helped those who are less fortunate and/or in dire straights?
I do understand your point about people taking "personal responsability" for their situation...I too get a little peeved when a person refuses to take responsability and help themselves...Rather they expect someone else to do it for them. But I don't let it jade my outlook on my fellow brothers and sisters...My commitiment to loving acts of kindness.
You see Kend...ALLLLL of us (you, me, and "those people" are all the same...Life is suffering...That is the First Noble Truth. It is because of this truth in life that all of us who breath in an out should be commited to the practice of kindness, forgiving, humility...always. To do so means one is compassionate of his fellow man who also suffers life.
Which leads me to commenting on you ideology that "[You] believe we all have a 'right' to be unequal"
"Unequal" is one thing...some people are more athletic, some people are taller, some people are better looking, some people are smarter, some people are financley privledge, some people are just plan ol lucky...But when you allow "unequal" to turn into Inequality and Injustice towards those less fortunate...and take the attitude that their "life" is less valuable; that their demise is their own doing and therefore their lives are disposable, then you are creating classism and enflicting pain on those who are already in social/economic dire straights.

Personally I don't care if you have more "things", or more "money"...My best friend of 18 years is a self made multi millionare...If you meet him you would never guess that this guy is worth 9 figures. I have known this guy since before he made his money and can truthfully say he is the same humble, and gracious person from 18 yrs ago...He still wears shorts and t shirts and flip flops practically everyday, plays drums in a thrash metal band, takes his familey camping several times a year, Still loves helping friends, family and his community...And he always has time to hang out and crack open a cold beer or two or three. When I was doing my time in prison...Every month he would send me underground punk and metal zines, and a letter with some funny pictures of people I knew that would ask about me. He did this not just because we were friends, but because growing up he had family and some friends that went off to prison...He understood...He was compassionate...He cared.
Though we are unequal in that he has more money and more "things"...
As an employer...Let me put it to you like this; I want to work for his company! He has 12 employees; 9 full time and 3 part time. His part time employees make $12/hr plus 2% on quarterly bonuses. All full time positions start at $18/hour plus; highest wage is 22/hr before going to salary, 5% quarterly bonuses, full medical, and 2 weeks paid vacation, and earned sick/personal days.

Global's picture
Global 10 years 1 week ago
#36

Wow DAnne you are one cold individual. So fliped and cold hearted about abortion. I think that is exactly the point that Kend was making about our society and the young girl with four babies with different fathers. Since Roe v Wade, we've given birth to a new materialistic culture of narcissism where reverence for life itself is gone. Having that baby was just too inconvenient. Life has become a commodity and people use each other as cavalierly as they destroy innocent young life.

As our reverence for life has diminished, so has our reverence for the institutions that surround and support it. Roe v Wade contributed to the collapse of marriage and the dramatic increase in out-of-wedlock births. The idea that children were part of a sacred institution called marriage started disappearing. The sense of honor, the sense of shame disappears in this culture of self.

Soon, as our resources diminish to care for our growing aging population, we will start dealing with our elderly as we do our unborn.

But if everything is meaningless, who cares?

DAnneMarc's picture
DAnneMarc 10 years 1 week ago
#37

Global ~ I'm not cold, I'm practical. That stupid argument about when life begins was started by the Evangelical movement to disempower women. The truth about when life begins as stated in the Bible says that:

Quote The Book of Genesis, chapter 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

By their very own source of truth they are betrayed. Don't lecture me about the sanctity of life. That which does not breath is not alive. What about the dignity of life? What about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? What about freedom, equal opportunity, and personal responsibility?

No, I do not support the right to a free, publicly funded abortion or contraceptives in order to advance a selfish objective. What is selfish about planning to bring children into a world where they are cared for, loved, and nourished? Roe vs Wade had nothing to do with increases in out-of-wedlock births; in fact, it did everything to prevent them. Your logic is flawed and your faith is misplaced.

Having unprotected sex is the most irresponsible thing anyone who is not ready to become a parent can do. We, as a responsible society, must address this problem for our children because they are too ignorant to do it for themselves. Abortion is a horrible way to end an unwanted pregnancy; however, it is better than allowing the future of two lives to be destroyed.

Unwanted pregnancies are preventable burdens for a society that is already living far beyond it's means. It brings unnecessary suffering to all involved--first and foremost the unwanted children. Abortion should never be anything other than a last resort. The only way to insure that is through responsible education, pregnancy prevention , and planned parenthood taught in all of our high schools. Anything less is a recipe for disaster.

MMmmNACHOS's picture
MMmmNACHOS 10 years 1 week ago
#38

Well looky what we have here...Mr Potato Head.

Listen GLOBAL, I'll make this quick. I support a persons right to human euthanasia (mercy), as well as a woman's right to govern her own body...In this case, the protected right to choose to have an abortion within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Both are sound, saine, rational, responsable, and an act of compassion. True...difficult, not something to just do willie-nilllie on a rainy Sunday...No sir! To choose Not to have an abortion is a personal choice too.

You arguement that Roe v Wade destroyed marrage and blah blah blah...B-B-B-Bullshit!!! First of all the practice of "marrage" has nothing to do with ethics and morals. Secondly to place a "court ruleing" as the main reason for the "decline" of western civilization is completely ignorant, not to mention pretty arrogant on your part...What about sending our young men and women off to unnecessary wars, Bombing/killing millions of innocent children, women and men...Chalking it up to "collateral damage" all for the sake of greedy corporate profit. And lets not leave out how we treat our elderly, poor, and sick, by turning them away and marking them as a costly burdon...pariah; And if you want to talk about entitlement issues...We have fourty years of a entire generation that "grew up" on the American Dream being sold as an "thing" to buy on credit. You don't think our obedience to any of those actions and behaivours has an adverse impact on societies moral compass and ethical values...Especially our youths!?!? The Supreme Courts ruling on Roe v Wade is NOT the "cause" of Americas moral decline...For that answer all one must do is look in the mirror...There you will find; greed, pride, vanity, lust, wrath, sloth, envy, gluttony, and man's struggle to deny his own bigoted ways. C'mon guy!!!What direction does your moral compass point!?!?Oh now I remember...selfrighteous!!!

ciao

jamesannon's picture
jamesannon 10 years 1 week ago
#39

HUH! Lyncching used to be legal not it is not. We have lost respect for life?

jamesannon's picture
jamesannon 10 years 1 week ago
#40

Article in the New Scientific American about the affects of oppression on the oppressed. Read it!

Global's picture
Global 10 years 1 week ago
#41

Come on Nachos, show some respect. That is no way to talk to someone who is going to be paying for your healthcare next year. We are all in this to help you out and make it easier for you to sleep at night. A simple thank you will suffice. Peace and love brother.

DAnneMarc's picture
DAnneMarc 10 years 1 week ago
#42

Global ~ Thanks for the generous hand-out, brother. May God Bless you!

DAnneMarc's picture
DAnneMarc 10 years 1 week ago
#43
Quote jamesannon:HUH! Lyncching used to be legal not it is not. We have lost respect for life?

What? Oh, I see. A question mark at the end. You are being facetious. Good point, my friend!

DAnneMarc's picture
DAnneMarc 10 years 1 week ago
#44
Quote jamesannon:Article in the New Scientific American about the affects of oppression on the oppressed. Read it!

Could you provide a link or the name of the article and who wrote it please.

DAnneMarc's picture
DAnneMarc 10 years 1 week ago
#45

Reverence of Life ~ I hear this term thrown around like it actually has any real meaning to the people who use it. The same people who attack contraceptives and abortion love to use this term to protect everything from the sperm to the fetus; yet, when the child is born it becomes an entitled entity to be despised.

The same people who stand behind this "Reverence of Life" empty talking point support launching Tomahawk Cruise Missiles into innocent villages to protect our countries "National Interests." "Kill them all and let God sort them out." Now isn't that a wonderful example of "Reverence of Life?" As far as I can see, what these hypocrites really mean when they say "Reverence of Life" is reverence of material possessions and controlling woman's reproductive functions and the ability to create life. There is no "Reverence of Life" for any of the millions of innocent war casualties inflicted by this nation or for any of the unwanted out-of-wedlock children that are currently suffering as a consequence of the agenda of the "Reverence of Life" crowd.

It is exactly this type of unbridled hypocrisy that is ruining the very essence of the true definition of "Reverence of Life." This "Conservative," "Fundamentalist,"and "Evangelical" group behind this popular talking point is directly responsible for all the depravity and irresponsibility in this country that threatens the real "Reverence of Life." Like the true hypocrites that they are, they then turn around, find the weakest victim of their pillage, and blame them for all the problems they have caused. Disgusting! The only thing these "people" really revere is money!

ken ware's picture
ken ware 10 years 1 week ago
#46

After reading the comments by DAM and others, I now realize why I have stayed away from Hartmann's blog. It is difficult to be civil when the comments are nothing more than attacks on each other and not about the blog being discussed. It would be difficult for me to not verbally attack DAM and Kend after reading their comments. So for today I will just read with a smile on my face. Have a good day; I am headed for the beach with my daughter and my "about" to be born grandson. Keep up the attacks, it is amusing. It is good to know you do not need my antagonism to go at it! K.W. P.S. The Labor Unions were the last chance American workers had at having a halfway decent standard of living and a way to afford to take care of a family and their medical needs. The workers were never corrupt, just a few of the administrators on the top. Like all organizations, the Unions had a few bad seeds, but it was mostly, just people working hard to make a buck and support a family in the middleclass, an economical class that is rapidly fading from the American picture thanks to the CONservatives in Washington and the wealthy who will never have enough money in their minds. It is a myth that union haters have spread among their ranks that you cannot fire a union worker and they make more than they are worth. And, for anyone to state that the Unions were so corrupt they brought about their own down fall, reveals a person who knows very little about Unions and the good they have (had) brought to the America worker! Republicans and GREED brought about the down fall of the American Unions. It started with Reagan and the controllers he fired and he brought in the Air Force controllers while they trained new non- union air traffic controllers to replace the people that were fired by the union hating President Reagan. When I was younger and a Union worker, there are white-collar unions, I worked hard because I received a decent wage, (nothing to brag about) and the "boss" demanded hard work for a living wage. Time to smell some sea air before I get started on this damn blog and end up angry at some of the idiots who comment here. I guess I fall into that category for making a personal comment as well! I realize the NLRB has nothing to do with the Unions, I just wanted to add my two cents into the conversation about labor and the Republicans! Old habits are hard to break.

Kend is not heartless when it comes to single mothers and their children (and his taxes), he has a mechanical pump that has replaced his human(ity) heart! Damn, there I go again....

MMmmNACHOS's picture
MMmmNACHOS 10 years 1 week ago
#47

Oh kisses and hugs...you BIG round rock. ;)

Now will you respond directly to my post? You do realize that I am not trying to be bombastic...Yes?

...and I do appreciate you. xoxo

DAnneMarc's picture
DAnneMarc 10 years 1 week ago
#48
Quote Ken Ware: It started with Reagan and the controllers he fired and he brought in the Air Force controllers while they trained new non- union air traffic controllers to replace the people that were fired by the union hating President Reagan.

Good one Ken! Don't forget the "hypocrite union hating President Reagan." You should mention that he himself was once the President of the Screen Actor's Union. If it takes one to know one, President Reagan must have hated himself. Ha! He wouldn't be alone.

Global's picture
Global 10 years 1 week ago
#49

Nachos, no time tonight to comment on your post other than to say a lot of what you say I agree with. I will ignore your personal insults and name calling as just frustration and youthful enthusiasm. You and I are not that different except in the philosophy of how do we evolve as a society to a better place. You like Thom Hartmann believe it is through the collective and big government where I believe in the individual and the freedom to make within the rule of law. You and I both realize that our American culture is decaying to the point off apathy and I must say that I think the liberal agenda is contributing to our demise. Good night.

Hephaestus's picture
Hephaestus 10 years 1 week ago
#50

Kend

Sorry!

Go live somewhere where you don't have to give dollars to anyone

But, sadly you won't be able to get a job

Be happy you got money man and are eable to pay for the benefit of what taxes are supposed to provide nations and commuity with

If you don't like what governement and community do with your tax money USE YOUR VOTE

Or, become an activist

Stop moaning!

Thom's Blog Is On the Move

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.

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."
Peter Coyote, actor and author of Sleeping Where I Fall
From The Thom Hartmann Reader:
"Thom Hartmann is a literary descendent of Ben Franklin and Tom Paine. His unflinching observations and deep passion inspire us to explore contemporary culture, politics, and economics; challenge us to face the facts of the societies we are creating; and empower us to demand a better world for our children and grandchildren."
John Perkins, author of the New York Times bestselling book Confessions of an Economic Hit Man
From Screwed:
"Thom Hartmann’s book explains in simple language and with concrete research the details of the Neo-con’s war against the American middle class. It proves what many have intuited and serves to remind us that without a healthy, employed, and vital middle class, America is no more than the richest Third World country on the planet."
Peter Coyote, Actor and author of Sleeping Where I Fall