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May 21, 2013
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Kucinich Says Obama Got the Deal He WantedPosted on Aug 4, 2011
(Page 2) Robert Scheer: Yeah. So … I guess I’ll get to … you’ve been around Washington; you’re around politics. How did Social Security come into play? We know that the Social Security fund has been, they’ve borrowed from it to cover the Treasury obligations. How did it get put on the table, and is this some sort of red herring issue? Virginia Reno: Well, it is a real confusion, between the fundamental separate purpose of Social Security and its separate status and separate funding. And historically, throughout most of the 75 years of Social Security, when it needed attention there was appointed an advisory council on Social Security, and its job was to look at Social Security and say, what do we need to make this a good retirement, disability and life-insurance program? Does it cost too much, are the benefits adequate or inadequate, is the coverage right, do we have it right? It was never discussed as part of ‘we have to reduce budget deficits in the rest of the budget.’ Robert Scheer: So this is just a political football right now? Virginia Reno: Well, it’s become a different framing of the issue, and one that confuses many policymakers, and I think the American public is very confused by it. Advertisement Virginia Reno: Well, it is argued that it’s a more accurate measure of the cost of living for consumers on average. But the evidence from the same sources shows it is not more accurate for seniors, or for people with disabilities, because they spend a larger share of their budget on health care. And health care is rising faster in price than most other consumer goods. So in fact, if you had a special consumer price index just for the elderly—and there is one, on an experimental basis—it rises faster than the index that’s used for the cost of living adjustment. Robert Scheer: So what is presented as a neutral, obviously scientific thing to do by some economists, by some politicians, talk show people—oh, no, this is just a more accurate way of measuring the cost of living increase—in fact it’s not. It doesn’t really, it’s not fair … Virginia Reno: It’s not more accurate for the beneficiaries. Robert Scheer: No, and that’s who we’re talking about [laughs] … Virginia Reno: Right. Robert Scheer: … after all, the whole point about cost of living increase is how are prices affecting the people that we’re talking about. So let me ask you, do you feel a sense of frustration that this program, this incredibly successful program, is now being questioned in this unscientific way? Virginia Reno: Well, I think the more important question—it’s good to hear that some people are asking the right questions. And I guess I find a sense of optimism only in the sense of when we ask the American people what they think, the good news for policymakers is that Americans value Social Security and they’re willing to pay for it. That’s true across party lines—Democrats, Republicans and Independents say they don’t mind paying for Social Security because they value what it does for their families and for millions of other people that depend on it. And across age groups, when workers are posed a choice—would you rather pay more than see future benefits cut—they say we’d rather pay more. That’s large majorities in both cases. So the American people are behind the program; they understand it, and it is unfortunate that it’s getting tangled up in the budget-deficit debate when in truth, it should be set aside and evaluated so that it remains in balance as a solid system without getting tangled up in the rest of the budget. Robert Scheer: Right. And for the very reason you mentioned—people know it’s a great program; they know it helps every family; as I’ve said before, it helps the young, because you don’t have to worry so much about your grandparents; it helps their children … Virginia Reno: Absolutely. Robert Scheer: So people know that across the country. The way that they’re attacking Social Security, though—and this unfortunately includes even the White House, includes the Democrats, there’s some Democrats as well as Republicans—is they’re saying they’re saving Social Security by doing these things. And I, for the life of me, don’t understand what needs to be saved at this time, when the Treasury still borrows from the Social Security trust fund rather than the other way around. Virginia Reno: Well, Social Security can’t borrow; it has no legal authority to borrow. So it’s absolutely true that changes will be needed over the long term to keep it in balance for 75 years, but even as you pointed out, the 75 year forecast—it’s 100 percent solvent for the next 25 years, it’s 90 percent solvent for the next 50 years, and it’s 87 percent solvent for 75 years. So it’s a long way there, but some modest changes—if the forecasts don’t change in the next decades—some changes will be needed. Robert Scheer: Well, Virginia Reno, I want to thank you. I wish we could get you on prime time television to make this clear. I mean, I just think it’s one of the most unfair attacks on the most successful program we’ve ever had in this country, and I applaud you for trying to enlighten us on that. So thank you, again, for Truthdig Radio and Pacifica. Virginia Reno: Well, thank you for inviting me. It’s been great talking with you.
fsul Howie Stier: This is Howie Stier, reporter for Truthdig.com. Faced with diminishing productions and fewer roles in Hollywood, one visionary actor decided to create his own role: part Fitzcarraldo, Werner Herzog’s crackpot visionary who was bent on building an opera house in the middle of the Peruvian rainforest, and part Mr. Keating, the role Robin Williams played in “Dead Poets Society,” the teacher who exhorted his students to make their lives extraordinary. Our guest today has produced the first Shakespeare production in Iraq—and arguably, in doing so, has done more for American cultural diplomacy than the U.S. State Department programs have. We have in the studio today Peter Friedrich of L.A.’s Circle X Theatre, and now head of the drama and film department and senior lecturer in fine arts at the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani. Thanks for being here, Peter. Peter Friedrich: Thanks, Howie. Howie Stier: You decided to give up L.A. and acting and the life of an actor, and access to all the bars and restaurants, to go to Iraq. Peter Friedrich: [laughs] Yeah, you know, I was looking at different things; my friends know for a while I was doing a little career roulette. In the years after 9/11 I was on the eligibility list for the fire department; I was, I guess one acting role I was hanging on to is trying to be a member of Blue Man Group, and went to New York a few times for that, but never quite could close it out. And then I started reading about this new university in Iraq; there was an article in The New York Times. And a couple months later, off I went. Howie Stier: Now, you went to the university after pitching the academics there with the notion of teaching drama. You’ve spent your whole life studying drama, teaching drama; you were teaching drama at City College of Los Angeles. Peter Friedrich: I was teaching English at City College of Los Angeles. Howie Stier: But your background is in the theater… Peter Friedrich: Yes, it is. Howie Stier: You’re a Shakespearean? Peter Friedrich: Yeah, I went to American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. I’ve done classical and contemporary plays, here in L.A. mostly, with Circle X Theatre Company. Howie Stier: So what was the reaction when you proposed this idea of teaching? Peter Friedrich: There was a lot of interest. The pitch went great. They wanted to start right away. Howie Stier: Now, you go to Iraq, and then what happens? Peter Friedrich: They had no memory of what I was talking about. Howie Stier: They needed an English teacher. Peter Friedrich: I’m pretty sure they did. Howie Stier: So how did you develop interest, then, in the theater, and how did it go forward? Peter Friedrich: Well, I guess at first it was just about hanging on and, you know, doing the job that was really needed as opposed to my own sort of Dead-Poets-Society-in-Iraq dream about what I’d be doing there. And then eventually, you know, you start bonding with the students; you start becoming a family; and then, actually, the part about cultivating interest—that’s not hard at all. But getting something physically on its feet once it’s really crunch time, to get in front of everyone on stage—that’s, that was unbelievably hard. Howie Stier: Now, who are your students at the University of Iraq? Peter Friedrich: Students come from all over the country; they’re all Iraqis. They come from the north, the south; there’s rich and poor; it’s a very, very diverse student body. Howie Stier: But many of them are very affluent … Peter Friedrich: I would not say—I would say the majority are not; there are certainly some who are. If you were at the university with me tomorrow, I don’t know … I guess in a class of 20 you’d probably think three or four were really wealthy, 10 were really poor and the rest were in the middle. Howie Stier:OK. But these are the future leaders of Iraq, and … Peter Friedrich: I certainly think so, yeah. Howie Stier:… and it’s a very selective college. Peter Friedrich: Yes. Howie Stier: You told me earlier, their idea of American theater is “Titanic.” They like “Titanic.” Peter Friedrich: Yes. [laughs] Anything with acting or drama or even love, yeah—you know, “Titanic” … the theme to “Titanic” is playing in every taxi around town. New and Improved CommentsIf you have trouble leaving a comment, review this help page. Still having problems? Let us know. If you find yourself moderated, take a moment to review our comment policy. |
By betty jo ford, August 9, 2011 at 7:01 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
I hope that Dennis tracks the coming coup and facilitates America’s response.We all know that it starts with the Koch brothers giving monies to Grover,who in turn bribes Congress.It is my allegation that the brother of Grover,David L. Norquist,through his Partnership at Kearney and Company,a privately held accounting firm, with offices all over the world,is advising Grover of everything that Kearney learns through it’s federal contracts.There is probably no fed department that Kearney is not into.David Norquist is Uncle Sam’s bookkeeper.The third Norquist brother ,Alan, owns a company called Veriphyr.It has put in a proposal to Darpa to gaurd America’s cyber network.Three Norquist Brothers,The Koch Brothers,an Arabic wife,a history of Arab terrorists being given acess to the Bush White House are all reasons to track the coming coup.
Report thisBy Ralph Kramden, August 8, 2011 at 5:12 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
A nation that does not elect those such as Ralph Nader or David Kucinich is a nation on a death wish. I did enjoy Peter Sheer’s parting shot at his father after Robert started trying to backtrack about how Kucinich was not their favorite congressman but only one amongst a few; I lovedhow he closed by saying “our favorite congressman.”
Report thisBy SteveL, August 7, 2011 at 8:49 pm Link to this comment
“Pentagon with more money than it wants”
Even if $500 billion were cut, how many countries would we still be outspending on the military?
Report thisBy Night-Gaunt, August 7, 2011 at 12:20 pm Link to this comment
You do that and as your protest is ignored the more extreme Reich wingers will get in. You see they like fewer votes, less turnout and ridiculous actions like yours. Why do you think they keep pushing the myth of “voter fraud” to use it as a means to cutting off real Democrats from getting to vote? Your ignorance is breath taking. And your self destructive foolishness. Rethink now.
Report thisBy Martin, August 6, 2011 at 5:26 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Comes the next election - any election - and probably at least several after that, I intend to write in my own name for any and all offices listed on the ballot.
Yes, it’s a ‘throwaway’ vote, but - if EVERYONE did it - it’d send a loud and clear message that might get the message across that we’re totally fed up….
Report thisBy Penn, August 6, 2011 at 9:28 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Last long paragraph in Kucinich interview:
“And this is the time for us to sound the toxin again and create for this country…”
Editors, the word is “tocsin,” not “toxin.” The magnificent Rep. Kucinich is using it correctly.
That said, thank you for the interview and the transcription, which was very good.
Report thisBy Rixar13, August 6, 2011 at 9:01 am Link to this comment
“Virginia Reno: Absolutely. Absolutely, and people without children or grandchildren, or with children or grandchildren who didnt take care of them, would be in dire straits.”
Report thisThank you Virginia Reno…..
By EmileZ, August 6, 2011 at 2:08 am Link to this comment
RE: Kucinich
Dear Robert Scheer,
I love you man, but I am puzzled as to why you continue to selectively interpret Reagan’s legacy, intent, whathaveyou.
Reagan stopped enforcing anti-trust laws. Reagan broke the back of the labor movement. The man was vitually on the wrong side of everything all of political life. His speeches were really f**king creepy, etc.
Report thisBy DaveZx3, August 6, 2011 at 12:17 am Link to this comment
By ETNIKS, August 5 at 6:19 pm
“Kucinich said it very well, but nobody seemed to pick it up and expand on it. THIS IS IT!! The government must create its own currency, interest-free and close down the FED.”
——————————————————————-
ETNIKS has made a number of extremely good points. His assertions are backed up by literally hundreds if not thousands of books, among the best being:
“End The Fed”, Ron Paul;
“The True Story Of The Bilderbeg Group”, Daniel Estulin;
“The Creature From Jekyll Island”, G. Edward Griffin;
“The Secrets of the Federal Reserve”, Eustace Mullins;
“Secrets of the Temple: How the Federal Reserve Runs the Country”, William Greider.
According to most of the above sources, the primary owners of the Federal Reserve Bank are:
1. Rothschild’s of London and Berlin
2. Lazard Brothers of Paris
3. Israel Moses Seaf of Italy
4. Kuhn, Loeb & Co. of Germany and New York
5. Warburg & Company of Hamburg, Germany
6. Lehman Brothers of New York
7. Goldman, Sachs of New York
8. Rockefeller Brothers of New York
But who can confirm the above. The Fed goes unaudited, so where their money flows is a secret. They don’t pay any income tax, and they are not publicly traded. We take their word for it that they operate on our behalf, but how can you actually tell?
“Clearly the private ownership of the U.S. Dollar is by far The Greatest Crime of the Century. The owners of this bank (Fed) have been responsible for instigating all the major wars and depressions in the last 100 years. They own the bank, they own the dollar and they own all the major media channels, the military industrial complex and most politicians, judges and cops.” “The privately held Federal Reserve Bank has not once been audited and never pays any income tax on their astonishing income.”
——Liberty For Life Association
“It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning”.
——Henry Ford
“If the American people ever allow the banks to control the issuance of their currency.. the banks and corporations that will grow up around them will deprive the people of all property, until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.”
——Thomas Jefferson
I am just pasting a couple of the better quotes from the following website:
http://www.libertyforlife.com/banking/federal_reserve_bank.html
There are a lot of good points for pondering in there.
Report thisBy ETNIKS, August 5, 2011 at 6:19 pm Link to this comment
BRAVO!!! finally someone mentioned the US government has the capacity to create its OWN MONEY!!!
and it had to be the BEST Congressman in this country.
From the Right to the very Left NOBODY is talking about the MOST important issue in this crisis, namely:
The Fractional Reserve Banking System.
AS LONG AS MONEY IS CREATED AS DEBT BY PRIVATE BANKS, we will NEVER get out of debt.
It has to be understood that within this fraudulent banking system, THE MORE WE PAY BACK OUR DEBTS, THE LESS MONEY IN CIRCULATION, and the less money in circulation, the more we strangle the economy!!!
Dollars today look the same as when they were backed by gold, but they are NOT the same. “Dollars” today ONLY exist as long as the original loan that created them is not paid. Once the loan is paid these dollars DISAPPEAR!!! and in order to grow the money supply to expand the economy to create jobs, we have to BORROW MORE!!! It’s a vicious circle thanks to the Fractional Reserve Banking System.
It’s like a drug that requires you to consume it to feel well. As soon as you stop (banks stop lending and currency flow contracts), you’re gasping for air and end up using more of what is destroying you. More debt. More drugs.
Kucinich said it very well, but nobody seemed to pick it up and expand on it. THIS IS IT!! The government has to create its own currency, interest-free and close down the FED.
There are many other problems, but unless we STOP CREATING MONEY as loans, no other solution will work.
THE MORE AUSTERITY IS APPLIED, THE LESS CURRENCY IN CIRCULATION TO GROW THE ECONOMY.
Lincoln did it during the war of secession, he created the GREENBACK to pay for the war at NO interest to the government, and he intended to keep doing it but he was assassinated.
Dollars today behave more like IOU’s masquerading as money. Once they are paid back to the bank, they stop their existence. These particular “dollars” are gone and “new” ones have to be lent out into existence.
Links to support this view:
Debunking Money - 1 Myth and Machiavelli 1 of 5
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iBSBVew-3Y
RENAISSANCE 2.0 Damon Vrabel
http://csper.org/renaissance-20.html
ONE GOOD CUT campaign
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-LjL2yyVZo
THE MONEY MASTERS 1
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6076118677860424204#
MONEY AS DEBT
Report thishttp://vimeo.com/3843038
By Basoflakes, August 5, 2011 at 4:09 pm Link to this comment
I like listening to Kucinich, but I don’t see a solution from him. Amy Goodman of Democracy Now had an article about the reluctance of the present congress and Administration to talk about the $5 Trillion spent on the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts in these latest budget/debt ceiling talks. That fell on deaf ears on Capital Hill.
Me, I would go back to Vietnam. Not since WW2 has the US been attacked by a country that required our current Dept of Defence budget. Although we had a committment in Korea and Kuwait, all other conflicts since the end of WW2 resulted in innocent civilians and soldiers on all sides dying for absolutely nothing. Yes, the trillions that were spent should be discussed and the Defence budget should resultingly be cut in half at least, but the talks should always be ‘Who is benefitting from these conflicts’ so we can arrest the culprits to stop this insanity.
From the beginning, Obama proved to be a Republican and did nothing to show any courage from escalating Afghanistan fighting to a completely unprogressive health care bill, and now this latest debt ceiling bailout. Nader predicts a contender for the 2012 Democratic nomination and that should be interesting. However, this congress and Adminstration, as so many before them, has proven that the two party system is really the problem of America.
Report thisBy juan, August 5, 2011 at 3:35 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Okay, we’re all seeing Obama pretty clearly now. Are
Report thisy’all ready to consider that Al Gore wouldn’t have been
much different than George Bush? I remember Scheer
vilifying Ralph Nader for running in 2000. Still does
as far as I know.
By THE SNED, August 5, 2011 at 1:31 pm Link to this comment
Local Hero…..please expand on your statement…like a few facts.
He has yet to attack a country that did nothing to us (Iraq….Vietnam….Afghanistan)
Now unless you and I grew up in two different worlds, you are either a tea party patsy or the kind of hero that drives around with a flag flying out the driver’s side window, having never served this country a day. (Not taking away an ounce from the real heroes who have served and fly the flag)
One sentence attacks spread little more than hate. So take a deep breath and tell us what you know that we don’t know.
Report thisBy M Henri Day, August 5, 2011 at 12:02 pm Link to this comment
Good questions from the Scheers, good answers from Mr Kucinich. Alas, from my vantage point here in Northern Europe, it seems extremely unlikely that what has been said in this interview will have the slightest effect on the political situation in the United States. People in that country - and we others in the rest of the world who are so strongly affected by the policies chosen by those who run its government - are in for a very rough ride, indeed….
Report thisBy Lafontaine, August 5, 2011 at 9:24 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Okay there’s all kinds of accusations being slung around against DK here and it seems to me that most of them are either bogus or grossly distorted. Read the comment by FRTothus to get what I think is a truer perspective. DK has always put the people before his own interests and he has proven that over and over again. If we had thrown our support behind him at the very start of the 08 campaign we might have had a really good chance to have a very different outcome in our situation today.
Report thisBy LocalHero, August 4, 2011 at 11:41 pm Link to this comment
Obama is the biggest Neo-con, warmonger to ever sit in the oval office. He makes Reagan look left of Stalin.
Report thisBy Not One More!, August 4, 2011 at 10:41 pm Link to this comment
To Throw Off Such Government
“We hold these truths to be self evident, That all men are created equal, That they are endowed by their creator, With certain unalienable rights to. Life, Liberty , and the Pursuit of Happiness, That to secure these rights, Governments are formed , But whenever any form of government, Becomes destructive, It is the Right of the People, It is their Duty, To throw off such government”
~ From the Declaration of Independence
Report thisBy Not One More!, August 4, 2011 at 10:21 pm Link to this comment
Obama got the deal he wanted, and the people got the shaft, again.
On this issue Kucinch is absolutely correct.
However, I lost a lot of respect for Kucinich as a representative of the progressive movement during the 2004 election when he dropped out the week before the democratic convention, when he promptly fell into place with the democratic party. He let a lot of people down, and I don’t think he ever fully apologized for that letdown of supporters of the progressive movement.
And then the reversal on the health bill. Strike two.
Mr. Kucinich, if upholding progressive positions is secondary to being reelected or being a democratic party member in good standing, then you are not what the progressive movement needs. Good intentions must turn into action. There is no retreat.
And if you are just acting as the democratic party gatekeeper, well then, who else is left? Being a nice guy is not enough.
Of course this is easy for me to say. I realize that it is very difficult, when trying to uphold progressive policies, to always be on the opposing side, the minority, and be attacked for standing up for principles of peace and justice. But that is what is going to be needed. Kucinich has not stepped up to bat. When it would have counted, he sat back down on the sidelines with all the other democrats.
The first step for Kucinich to be considered a serious progressive is to drop out of the democratic party. Even if he doesn’t get elected.
Vote third party, stop supporting corporate parties.
Report thisBy Awi, August 4, 2011 at 9:19 pm Link to this comment
The “o” is in fact doing exactly what he wants to do and to achieve. He is a University of Chicago corporatist, head to toe. The people that can’t get this through their heads are the Democratic clubbies. If you have not moved past “o” yet, you are one of them.
Report thisBy Night-Gaunt, August 4, 2011 at 8:10 pm Link to this comment
Kucinich duped as much as most were in 2008 and being a dutiful Democrat, but Joell aren’t you jumping the gun here? He hasn’t endorsed Obama and it isn’t 2012 so your whole idea is ridiculous. I don’t see him doing so this time.
Report thisBy FRTothus, August 4, 2011 at 7:17 pm Link to this comment
Kucinich fought the economic hit-men out to defraud
Report thishis city, his constituency, and won. He fought the
financial blackmailers and he beat them all. He has
the right vision, is aware of the fraud of the FED,
and is competently aware of the real issues, the ones
the press and the ruling class will not discuss.
Look for real heroes all you want, you won’t find
any. Look for saviors, they are only in children
stories or Obama campaign ads. Look for a politician
that isn’t compromised in some way, or dirty in
others, and you won’t find one among the majority of
both parties. But SOME flawed human being, SOME
politician, not some Prince Charming, IS going to
fill that office, of that there can be no doubt.
Which flawed character shall we allow? Obama of the
forked-tongue? The one who gives away the store, or
maybe a real care-taker, who agrees with the core
human values that is the only legitimate purpose of
ANY government of, by, and for the people. Kucinich
may only be speaking the language of populism, may
turn out to serve the corporate overlords once
elected, exactly as Obama has done, but Kucinich
actually has a track record of FIGHTING, and WINNING
against the corporate attack dogs, references the New
Deal and Social Justice, makes all the right noises.
Sure, Kucinich had to hold his nose and vote for a
bill he was against, like everyone else playing the
dirty game of politics, because his district, the
people he represents, the citizens of his district,
were being played as pawns in a game of chicken, a
vote against would result in funds due the district
being denied, held for ransom, just like the debt
“deal”, the blackmail (or greenmail) is common in
legislation. Vote no, you win the battle, but lose
the war, having much-needed funds denied. Navigating
through the corporate-state requires making such
horrible, and in an imperfect world, regrettable
choices. Someone is going to make them. In the real
world, you take what you can get, do the best you can
for the people (in Kucinich’s case), not the
corporations (as with most others) you are elected to
represent, and try to do them the most good and as
little harm along the way as you can manage. In this
regard, Kucinich has shown himself to be a giant. He
works for his constituency, those who elected him.
The man is no Saint, granted, but why are we looking
for saints in the first place? Kucinich is a very
capable, and in many respects, an extraordinarily
honorable man, who displays a bravery and conviction
that is far too rare among his fellows. It is
precisely this integrity that so threatens the power
structure, puts such fear into the corporate lackeys,
makes them so insecure, that they will fall all over
themselves to tell us how un-electable he is, how
lacking he is in what it takes, make up whatever
excuse works to distract from the vision of the
purpose of government that he adheres to, the one
that has the support of the overwhelming majority of
Americans, that he has espoused his entire adult
life. Kucinich is one of the few out there for whom
the US Constitution and Bill of Rights are not
radical documents. Kucinich WILL take on the
corporate take-over of our county, the theft of the
commons, to the best of his ability, and faithfully
execute the Law of the Land, a feat for which the
current incumbent has proven entirely unwilling and
incapable. Perhaps even a return to legitimacy and
sovereignty. Whatever he might be after election,
Kucinich’s track record shows every indication that
he consistently walks his talk, and has the right
frame of reference. In terms of character, few can
come close. He is the real deal. He fights for
regular people. He has backbone. The same certainly
cannot be said of the current excuse in the White
House.
By grokker, August 4, 2011 at 6:11 pm Link to this comment
@tropicgirl Obama appointed opponents of Social Security to the Deficit Reduction Commission. Chumps like Republican Senator Alan Simpson and ex-Clinton Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles, so you could see where he was planning to go all along. The same with all the ex Bush and Clinton Wall Street toadies he brought in to his Administration. He is a Wall Street Democrat—
Report thiswhat used to be known as a Republican.
By Michael Cavlan RN, August 4, 2011 at 4:45 pm Link to this comment
So then. We need to ask why our heroes, Dennis Kucinich and Bernie Sanders are not running against Obama?
Unless of course MK77 is correct.
Of course MK77 is correct. Dennis Kucinich proved himself with the corporate healthcare bill.
Understand people. Kucinich and Sanders are ALLOWED to be there. The corporate owners want you think that we have a representative democracy.
We don’t. They are simply the window dressing.
See you all October 6th
Report thisBy al, August 4, 2011 at 3:51 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Kucinich should sit down and STFU. The highlight of his legislative career has been to rename a post office. He and Ron Paul are the most ineffective members of the House.
Report thisBy anaman51, August 4, 2011 at 3:09 pm Link to this comment
I sincerely hope Kucinich is wrong about his assessment of this issue, because if he’s not, then that would pretty much make Obama a two-legged carp.
Report thisBy david451, August 4, 2011 at 2:12 pm Link to this comment
Obama was always going to deliver for the monied interests that put him in the
White House—the same interests that he is now trolling for his re-election
funds.
From 2008 on, he has been consistent in both his statements and his actions
that he intended to tackle the social contract with Americans. The Simpson “cat
food” commission was an early flag; the G20 Summit Declaration of last year
(lead by the US and Canada) said “The advanced economies have committed to
fiscal plans that will at least halve deficits by 2013.”; and recently he met with
conservative luminaries to assure them of these very actions.
As Matt Taibbi recently said in his blog, Obama delivered exactly what was
expected of him. And he did it with a misdirection, a manufactured crisis.
Rahm Emanuel has said: “you never want a serious crisis to go to waste…its an
opportunity to do things that you think you could not do before.” In this case,
Obama used a fake crisis over the debt ceiling to push through austerity
measures that no Republican could have realistically imagined.
For more, please go to: http://cororateconstraint.blogspot.com .
Report thisBy mackTN, August 4, 2011 at 1:05 pm Link to this comment
Why is anyone surprised at Obama’s behavior? Look at the people he’s
surrounded himself with, the people he appointed to his economic council, the
people he hasn’t. Do you see any progressives on his staff? Do you even see a lot
of diversity, like black people except for his valet, Valerie Jarrett and Holder?
Obama’s slogan for 2012—Vote for me. It could be worse.
Report thisBy MK77, August 4, 2011 at 1:01 pm Link to this comment
“Rape counselors are not on the side of the rapists!”
Their ROLE is that of rape counselor, making a show of pity and concern for those raped by legislation like the Healthcare Bill which THEY voted for.
It’s all a game, and unfortunately too few of us are on to it.
Report thisBy Gmonst, August 4, 2011 at 12:39 pm Link to this comment
Thats a load of hogwash MK77. Even on this debt ceiling vote Sanders and Kucinich voted against it, and Boehner and Cantor voted for it. To suggest that Sanders and Kucinich are just part of the problem really misses the mark. We need to support those who speak the truth not shoot them down.
Rape counselors are not on the side of the rapists!
Report thisBy MK77, August 4, 2011 at 11:54 am Link to this comment
Kucinich and Sanders are just as useful to the corporate system as anyone else in Congress.
It’s just that their role is a little different.
They serve as rape counselors, consoling working stiffs and other unfortunates when necessary.
When it really matters, however, they vote the same way as Boehner, Cantor, Hoyer, and the others. They’ll cry and grieve after the voting is over and the bill becomes law. Their colleagues, on the other hand, make no show of caring about “the little people” and are thus more honest.
Report thisBy grumpynyker, August 4, 2011 at 11:41 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Oh please. You fake progressives KNEW Barry Soetero was a Reagan loving, Republican WHILE he was “running” for President. I’m writing in NONE OF THE ABOVE if the plutocrats allow another bullshit election come November.
Report thisBy Amerikagulag, August 4, 2011 at 11:09 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Certain people are put in certain places, to say certain things, to give the appearance of opposition, when, in fact, no opposition exists at all.
As with John Conyers, Henry Waxman, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and a plethora of others, there no longer exists an opposition to anything the Crime Syndicate of Washington DC intends to do to the American People.
Dissolve the Federal Reserve and this ‘debt’ would magically disappear. That’s What Lincoln, Garfield and Kennedy, both John and Robert wanted to do. Look what it got them.
It’s all a shell game. Wake up America.
Report thisBy lasmog, August 4, 2011 at 10:53 am Link to this comment
This is a tough crowd. I would happily vote for Kucinich as a primary challenger to Obama.
Report thisBy Gmonst, August 4, 2011 at 10:15 am Link to this comment
I am a big Kucinich fan. I don’t agree with his healthcare vote, but I recall him being one of the only politicians to stand up and try to get the public option into the bill. I also understand that he felt if the bill did not pass it would be a long long time before we could do anything on healthcare, and the bill was at least a small move in the right direction. I don’t know if I agree with that conclusion, but I am not going to dismiss him just because of that. Based on the current state of the house, I am not going to outright dismiss his judgement even if I felt differently at the time. He has been one of the biggest fighters for the public good. He takes being ridiculed and marginalized but keeps on fighting and speaking the truth. For that he has my respect and support.
Report thisBy George, August 4, 2011 at 9:57 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
So just how much, and why, are we to value the opinion of Mr Kucinich?
The Brand: Dennis Kucinich the Vegan opposition to the awful conservative movement.
Anyone here heard about the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act? A piece of legislation that has been used to imprison non-violent opponents of corporate animal cruelty including the “shac7”. http://www.shac7.com/
Dennis Kucinich was present with five other congressmen when that legislation was passed under a suspension of the rules. Kucinich alone could have stopped it with a no vote; instead he made a little speech to protect his brand and allowed the legislation to become law. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Enterprise_Terrorism_Act
I’m no fan of Obama and will not vote for him again, but the opinion of Mr Kucinich carries little weight with me. He is just another self-serving politician willing to sell out his putative constituency at any time.
Report thisBy entropy2, August 4, 2011 at 9:29 am Link to this comment
@madisolation - couldn’t have said it better myself… *but* (imo) don’t hold your breath waiting for DK to “man up.”
Report thisBy MK77, August 4, 2011 at 9:27 am Link to this comment
Molly,
I listened to the interview before commenting.
One of the big problems with the American electoral system is that there are no consequences for casting bad votes.
Sanders and Kucinich voted to increase the powers of corrupt insurance corporations—the truly bad actors in the healthcare system—and yet they are still held in very high esteem, their reputation as left-wing mavericks completely unsullied.
Their stock should have been downgraded after that single awful vote.
Report thisBy blogdog, August 4, 2011 at 8:33 am Link to this comment
Dennis knows the score, i.e. the deception that is the Obomber Regime (meet the
Report thisnew boss, same as the old boss); and he knows how far he can go and still survive
politically and physically - e.g. Wellstone, anthrax, the Kennedys, MLK, et al
By madisolation, August 4, 2011 at 8:08 am Link to this comment
When Kucinich apologizes for his vote on the Mandated Corporate Insurance Bill, maybe then I’ll take him seriously and listen to what he has to say. Until then, his words are only words, because when the chips are down, he’s proven he’ll cave. It was a punch in the gut when Kucinich voted turned out to be nothing more than another cowardly politician. All those phony speeches he gave about caring for the working men and women went by the wayside. I remember thinking: “That’s it then. There’s no liberal voice in Congress left.” As far as I’m concerned, he has to redeem himself if he wants to stay relevant. He has to express his views on everything going on in Congress and not worry about what the other members of his party think. And it all begins with an apology. Come on, Kucinich. Be a man. Let’s see if you can stand up for the people.
Report thisBy weindeb, August 4, 2011 at 7:55 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
No doubt, despite some minor concessions, the health-care insurance industry
Report thismust be gleeful beyond description, as no doubt the pharmaceuticals were when
under Bush we got Medicare part D without a single negotiation for better prices.
Plus ça change, etc.
By tropicgirl, August 4, 2011 at 7:42 am Link to this comment
Of course Obama got the deal he wanted. He is a fake.
And if you think he didn’t take the second major step in destroying SS and Medicare, (the first being the health insurance bill), LOOK again…
One of the things that will be “triggered” is a huge cut in entitlements. Entitlements paid for by American taxpayers and stolen from to the tune of $( Trillion, over the years.
Obama is out to destroy entitlements, labor unions, good medicine, peace, freedom and intelligence, and everything else good. It takes very little research to find these things out about him. For example, just “Google” “Obama Union Buster”.
I agree with the comments on Kucinich. I don’t really think it is possible for him to repair the damage he did with his votes with Obama, especially health care.
What Kucinich did, which is much more serious than even the vote, is what all “heroes” do, when they crash and burn… they demoralize others.
The compromise of the true liberals to the fake progressives and left-wing crooks, is extremely heartbreaking to watch, and it is the reason there is NO more anti-war movement. Any anti-war action will now come from the right, if it even can. Pretty sad.
But I’ll listen to anyone willing to speak the truth or do the right thing, even if it is for the moment. And with Kucinich, it will be just a moment in time.
Report thisBy MollyJ, August 4, 2011 at 6:32 am Link to this comment
MK77, I was disappointed in Kucinich’s vote for the health care bill, too. I took a big chunk of my respect for the guy. But listen to this article. He’s laying some great things out here.
He actually gives a cogent overview of how a lot of pieces fit together here and this is well worth listening to. But really, though he is a voice in Washington, he himself is pretty marginalized. And he is an important person BUT not more important than we, the people. We are swiftly getting the government we deserve.
Report thisBy prisnersdilema, August 4, 2011 at 6:15 am Link to this comment
Giving up hope can be a difficult thing to do…..Like Heroin, hope can make you want to
believe in things that are unreal, because reality can seem much too painful to bear…
The many ministers of hope, keep you mainlining, the delusions, that turn you into a
neurotic mess, unable to deal with the world as it is. Those delusions have become a
cult of ideas, a cult of unfulfilled wishes always about to come true, if only you will keep
believing.
What will you do to get your fix? Even after you’ve paid those politicians, with the lives
of your children in Iraq, and Afghanistan, the home you used to own, your social
security, your Medicare, you still line up to buy. There a whole in your arm where all the
money goes…....
Hope for happiness, hope for happiness, hope for happiness and it won’t come at all.
Report thisBy Dr Bones, August 4, 2011 at 6:03 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
Mr. O is doing more damage than Bush could ever dream of to social services. America has turned into a big club economy. The knuckle dragger with the biggest club to beat people over the head, wins.
It is not surprising that Mr. War is Peace would extend Bush tax cuts for billionaires and millionaires and then put his boot on the necks of the poor, the homeless, the unemployed, the sick, and the elderly to balance his multi-trillion dollar welfare for the rich and untaxed global corporations.
Worst President ever.
Report thisBy MK77, August 4, 2011 at 5:40 am Link to this comment
Truthdig’s “favorite Congressman” voted for a bill that would force every American to buy private health insurance. (That bill is now law and goes into effect in 2014.)
Only in America could such a man be considered left wing.
Report thisBy FRTothus, August 4, 2011 at 5:07 am Link to this comment
Kucinich for President. It’s time to put an adult in
Report thisthe White House.
By joell, August 4, 2011 at 4:51 am Link to this comment
2011 Kucinich criticizes Obama on budget deal and a few weeks ago on the war in Libya.
2102….Kucinich ENDORSES and CAMPAIGNS for Obama.
Consequently, Kucinich is as much a part of the problem as Obama and the Republicans.
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