Difficult to comment today.

NEVER TO BE in Merkin News
GREEKS ROCK!

http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/09/22/idINIndia-59489720110922

Ann coulter is the prime example of the New American Nazi attitude , fry um.

Don’t let georgia cry broke after that spectacular murder production , the riot police the helos and the caging of the news corp.

Coke , UPS, georgia pacific or any company headquartered in georgia needs a boycott and a note of explanation that you don’t support the New Merican Nazis

So, Troy Davis was sentenced to die for killing someone, but he was actually executed because the SCOTUS decided they had given him enough chances to prove his innocence and he failed to do so? That’s crazy.
That’s one of the reasons I am against capital punishment.
Plus, it’s not proven that CP prevents murder, yet we continue with that program? Again, that’s crazy.

Good grief! LA Times even uncritically repeats that old nonsense about Al Gore audibly sighing. No one noticed any sighing until pundits commented ceaselessly on it the next day. Y’all are right, this piece is an utter waste of pixels!

Got a piece up on a pro-Troy Davis protest in Philly. No one appears inclined to answer the first commenter as the commenter also condemns Mumia Abu-Jamal.

I think I can go the rest of my life without hearing another word from AC.

Looks like we’re in for a bumpy ride when the stock market opens this morning. Dow futures are -220 and there’s renewed talk of a world-wide recession.

the stock market is rigged,they take profits going up,and comming down….they=PTB

Morning everyone, words can not express how I feel today after what happened last night. There is a word for Ann Coulter but it escapes me at the moment. Try to have a good day everyone.

O/T just a bit I posted a new diary yesterday and I think it has some relevance to last night but was not the subject of my post.

from your link bluetex;

in typical fashion, even when the new york times and the new york times is publishing an article the right would call “left wing”, the article is in fact STILL right wing;

Here’s how to read this: 40 percent of taxpayers with incomes between 30K and 40K pay more than 12.9 percent of their income in income and payroll taxes; meanwhile, 25 percent of people with incomes over $1M pay less than 12.6 percent of their income in these taxes. This suggests that there are a lot of very-high-income guys paying a lower tax rate than their secretaries.

And that doesn’t even take into account state and local taxes, which are quite regressive.

Taken as a whole, the US tax system is probably somewhat progressive — but not as much as you might think, especially at the upper end, and very erratically.

notice my bold, first they use right wing statistics, “income and payroll taxes” then they SLIGHTLY mention state and local regressive taxes, conviently leaving out that actual statistic in the weight of those taxes against the labor class

then they make a statement which is a CLEAR lie, “the us tax system is “probably somewhat progressive “, they get away with this lie with the rediculous disclaimer “probably”

the tax code taken as a whole is CLEARLY regressive NOT “probably progressive”

Press secretary Jay Carney issued a statement saying that although Obama “has worked to ensure accuracy and fairness in the criminal justice system,” it was not appropriate for him “to weigh in on specific cases like this one, which is a state prosecution.”

If the deliberate putting to death of another human being is not appropriate for him to “weigh in on” (what a flippant and disrespectful phrase), just what the hell would be?

That is what passes for leadership in this country. The depth of my disrespect and disgust for Carney and Obama would be impossible to plumb.

Correct. All that matters is movement, whether up or down. Problem with down movement is that only the UBER-rich reap the rewards.

A.Men.

I’m just so sad today. Georgia murdered this man. Our SCOTUS helped. He’s dead now. No turning back from that.

Good morning all.

U.S. going out of its way to make itself look as ghoulish as possible.

I think the Greek demos and big puffs of smoke are more about shaking a stick at the rest of Europe rather than at the Greek gov’t, itself, which is flat broke. In a perverse way the Greek pols are probably heartened by the activity.

Morning all.

It’s oddly tough for me to find something to type today that doesn’t wish pure evil on those lawyers and judges in Georgia. And I don’t like to type such things.

There’s a feeling for me that comes from watching someone get screwed and not being able to do anything except watch and gripe. I hate it.

But I have a way of making it go away: I go help somebody. Anybody. Put in a few hours at the food bank or the animal shelter. Grab a trash bag and take a hike through Glen Helen.

I detect a large group of people feeling the way I currently do. Perhaps the above will help you as well.

Boxturtle (Or you can roll one, grab a beer, and watch infomercials on Morning TV)

I wish your comment had a ‘like’ button :)

Mornin’, BT, pups

What can one say?

Surrounded by ignorance and fear we’ve got a long road ahead of us.

I just went to krugman’s piece to correct him, I don’t know how long it takes for approval but if you guys wouldn’t mind going there and reccomending I would like krugman to notice and update is entry, here’s the way the post reads if you can search for it when it gets approced;

paul, I’m surprised with the incomplete nature of this article, it makes a decent point but misses the mark

“Here’s how to read this: 40 percent of taxpayers with incomes between 30K and 40K pay more than 12.9 percent of their income in income and payroll taxes; meanwhile, 25 percent of people with incomes over $1M pay less than 12.6 percent of their income in these taxes. This suggests that there are a lot of very-high-income guys paying a lower tax rate than their secretaries.

And that doesn’t even take into account state and local taxes, which are quite regressive.”

“Taken as a whole, the US tax system is probably somewhat progressive — but not as much as you might think, especially at the upper end, and very erratically.”

to base the entire article on “income and payroll taxes” and only in passing mention state and local regressive taxes, usage fees, gas tax, etc, conviently leaving out that actual statistic in the weight of those taxes against the labor class

FOR INSTANCE

my friend had to take a job in new york making only 500 a week, the tunnel tax is about 5 bucks each way, 10 a day, 50 a week, TEN PERCENT of is salary

the same person making 5000 is paying ONE PERCENT of their salary

add to that gas tax with the same math and most people never even know this about the american tax code structure

in fact, the VERY REASON the “progressive tax system” was invented was BECAUSE of the regressive nature of non income based taxes

now paul, the statement;

“the us tax system is “probably somewhat progressive ” I believe is already researched and incorrect, when regressive taxes are considered I believe the labor class pays about twice the rate of the investment and wealth class

please update your piece with those stats to paint an even clearer picture

the tax code taken as a whole is CLEARLY regressive NOT “probably progressive”

Your response of helping is one we could all employ. Thanks for a little light on a dark, dark morning.

they SHUT ATHENS DOWN
and im loving it

…go help somebody. Anybody. Put in a few hours at the food bank or the animal shelter. Grab a trash bag and take a hike through Glen Helen.

That helps.

Tonight’s GOP debate: same as the last one.

I’m gonna go ahead and pour a bucket of water on the DVR so there’s no possibility that the contraption might accidentally record this pile of audio-visual dogshit.

Morning BT & Pups of Fire.

i do everyday…its called community,neighbors….im involved

I couldn’t agree more. As it just so happens, I was already signed up today to work in the kitchen making and serving lunch at the food bank this morning, and then this afternoon we’re going to have a rally at LA City Hall for Food Donations and awareness of poverty in general.
I felt so lost and distracted yesterday, at least today I can focus on doing something positive.
On edit: I just read my comment and apologize if it sounds selfish. Maybe it is.

Sorry, everyone. I just read my comment and it sounds kind of selfish.
Oops. My edit didn’t appear the first time, so I reiterated.

can ya imagine if Wall St,looked like this?
http://jafrianews.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/greek-protest-at-parliament-feb-2011.jpg

Athens the mother of Democracy

Here’s that quotation I didn’t have time to look yesterday:

“The one place where a man ought to get a square deal is in a courtroom, be he any color of the rainbow, but people have a way of carrying their resentments right into a jury box. As you grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don’t you forget it – whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, that white man is trash.”
–Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird

And, yes, as far as I’m concerned Clarence Thomas is an honorary white man.

BHO too

Thanks, EDP. Thank God for Harper Lee. Powerful message.

A typical wingnut response.

Apologies if the follow treatise on Ann Coulter is too unpalatable this early in the morning. In some twisted way, however, I did find it apropos. We are, after all, speaking about Ann Coulter.

Here and Here.

Hey Ann: Payback’s a bitch, ain’t it?

Not at all selfish. Quite the opposite.

Wrong. I don’t think you could sound selfish if you were deliberately trying to do so. In fact, when I read your comment, I thought, “Demi’s been doing this food bank thing for awhile. Good on her.”

I happened to have just finished reading Mockingbird–I’m using it in my ESL reading class–so Atticus’ wit and wisdom were fresh on my mind at a most suitable moment.

The list of those who’ve chosen the dark side is long indeed.

remember peeps
Depression is anger turned inward…fight for our rights

That kind of day by day involvement makes a difference in so many lives. I think we sometimes overlook the importance of even a smile and kind word.

I forget what you teach. Is it literature? Anyway, as an educator, you are providing a community service. Even if you get a paycheck, I’m pretty sure you’re worth more than what you are getting.

Used to be anthropology, but there’s no work there, so I’ve taken up teaching English as a Second Language.

yes,Echan,has commented the PTB have groomed them early and i agree

You should feel proud that you do that. Actions speaks louder than words. You are an example we should all follow.

My son worked in the kitchen one day a week all summer. T’was good for him and good for them. And, it was nice to see him working side by side with all different kinds of people.
So many lessons to be learned.

it is so easy,stop thinking of self,as one goes through daily tasks…just human and animal awareness…it becomes SECOND nature

Now that’s hands on community service, for sure. Thank you.

See what I mean? I rest my case. ;-) heh…

just follow your inner beautiful voice,you dont need to follow anybody,just sayin

You know that’s true. Shine on, Om….

To Kill a Mockingbird was/is one of the few films that I have loved as much as the book. The score by Elmer Bernstein is breathtakingly beautiful and emotional.

Thanks. Speaking of class, mine starts in a couple of minutes, so I’d better head out. Peace out, y’all!

Haven’t seen it, but I may have to check the library next time I have a couple of free hours.

When I was whining about not being able to find a job, nonquixote suggested I find a place to volunteer.
I’d rather be wining and dining than whining.

That young man is going to make the world a better place, demi.

Please let me know what you think, if you do see it?

Point taken I guess i didn’t explain myself as good as should have. I have a habit of doing that. Still learning to express what I want to say.

:)

one looks inward for inspiration ,of what one really wants to be…maybe its Zen,we can choose to be compassionate,or as Omali sez,smile to people we see,its an AFFIRMATIVE action all by its self….g

If you have a chance, here is the theme to To Kill a Mockingbird

National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty

There should be a chapter or similar group in every state.

now off to feed the critterz….later yall

I think you express yourself very well. Another really fine diary, btw.

bye, sadly, safe and pleasant travels :)

Thank you Demi I appreciate it more than you know.

Da nada. It’s easy to encourage people, especially when they are making a positive concerted effort on their journey.

I am surely trying.

Paul moderates his own comments. You can usually see yours within a few hours unless he’s traveling.

hey girl :)

I have a friend who says Trying is lying. You, my friend, are succeeding.

Off to swim in the great capitalist cesspool.

US KIA Afghanistan: 1,778

US KIA Irak: 4,475

Iraki, Afghan and Pakistani casualties: estimates vary to over 1.5M

US MBS 2011: 32,736 and counting

Losing My Religion

No war but class war

Be good to yourselves, and all other living things

Namaste

Never. Give. Up.

Thank you.

I need to get it into my Netflix queue. I’d read the book again, but I have SO MANY stacked up that I’ll never get through them all.

Excellent and very moving diary. I lost my dad under similar circumstances.

Hi OmAli and everyone. I got here late this morning, having spent time engaging in Facebook dialog about Troy Davis. Gotta scoot to an appointment pretty soon.

I so much look forward to seeing my friends at Swim!

Remember to smile, it will make it better for you and everyone you meet. We can all use that today.

I think you like the film.

I’m going to have to follow you guys out in a minute. We are going to be away, leaving tomorrow a.m. and not back until Sunday evening, so let me wish you all a safe and happy weekend.

Keep track of all the fun stuff and tell me when I get back :) The not so fun stuff has a way of finding one, all by itself without any help. Caught up with all of us this morning.

Safe travels and safe home,

ohmmmm

Hard on days like this. I have to really control the anger that constantly boils beneath the surface.

I appreciate it very much. It was hard to write.

Go bury your face in Sita’s fur and give her a good squeeze. Can’t help but make you feel better (and her, too) :)

Take care.

Heh, they’ve all been clingy this morning. They read my moods extremely well.

Enjoy your time away with your honey. And, you be safe too.

I know! teebee is such a wasteland, but Netflix is a treasure trove of classics. I love to get their Masterpiece Mystery serieses (is that a word??) from years back.

I looked at wiki for an overview of capitaal punishment in the US. It’s shocking stuff.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment_in_the_United_States

Look at the map in that link, scroll down a bit. There are only a dozen states with no death penalty on the books. A problem remains with the proliferation of states which still have it — and most maintain a “death row” for show even in states where the likelihood of an execution is nill nowadays. Often the penalty has merely been blocked but retained on the books.

I think those states, which could change on their own but won’t, serve to insulate the death factories where executions proceed apace. There don’t seem to be campaigns at the state level to simply eliminate the option entirely either legislatively or in the state Constitution. A trend to do so might begin to squeeze the courts a bit more, send a message, even if Congress won’t intervene on a nationwide ban.

Thank you!

Thanks for the song. I was listening to REM and Leonard Cohen yesterday (too).
There is also Peace under the surface too.
Feed the good tree. Starve the bad tree.

Left you a comment at the diary. Really hits home. DW has asked us all to think about venturing out into the Lake like you have. It would be hard, I think, but you are encouraging all of us. Thanks, popeye.

We do have a wonderful group here in the morning. (That’s not to say there aren’t great people here at other times, of course.)

That is so true. I hope that readers aren’t put off by the closeness of the group. Please join us. The circle knows no limits.

Your welcome I appreciate it.

That’s right. This group is dynamic – ever changing. You jumped in and we all love you.
Anyone can jump in. Just do it!

That was one of the most visually compelling videos I have ever seen.

thanx molly, he just approved, I believe my comment is second, here’s the link, hope I get tons of reccomendations so he updates his stats

http://community.nytimes.com/comments/krugman.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/21/millionaires-the-middle-class-and-taxes-actual-numbers/?permid=127#comment127

I love you all back X2!

Yes, just do it!

I saw a bumper sticker that said, “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven”.

I thought, “Firepups aren’t perfect, just forgiving”.

ok, enuff mushy stuff.

see ya in a few days XOXOXOXO

Time for a break from my lurking. Time for a run. I think my puppy will like that.

Thank you for your welcoming invitation. This has been a stressful evening and morning, but I think Mr. Davis met his fate in an exemplary fashion. I was reading about the death of Socrates, and he, too, refused a final meal, having only kind words for those who were tasked to take his life. I hope that is of comfort to Mr. Davis’s family. Here is what the prison officer had to say to Socrates:

“Socrates, he said, at any rate I shall not have to find fault with you, as I do with others, for getting angry with me and cursing when I tell them to drink the poison – carrying out government orders. I have come to know during this time that you are the noblest and the gentlest and the bravest of all the men that have ever come here, and now especially I am sure that you are not angry with me, but with them, because you know who are responsible…”

I am sorry for your loss if never hurts to hear that.

Me too.

Popyeye99, Hey, if you check back….please tell me the name of your diary….for some reason I could not locate it. Thanks

It is called Celebrate life