My Morning Cup

Monday, August 17, 2015

Republican Candidate: Mike Huckabee

Mike Huckabee is an American author and commentator who served from 1996 to 2007 as the 44th Governor of Arkansas. He is married with three children and is an ordained Southern Baptist minister. He is currently a candidate for the 2016 Presidential Election.

On the Issues:

Abortion:

Staunch Conservative

If GOP capitulates on life, they lose voters like me. (Oct 2014)
In AR, instituted "Choose Life" license plates. (Nov 2008)
I am actively PRO-LIFE not just quietly pro-life. (Nov 2008)
Unborn Child Amendment: all legally possible to protect life. (Nov 2008)
Culture of life encompasses more3 than just abortion issue. (Nov 2008)
Pro-stem cell research but not embryonic stem cells. (Nov 2008)
No state-by-state decisions on moral issues like abortion. (Nov 2008)
Life question reflects nation’s nature & equality of humans. (Feb 2008)
Will lead fight for constitutional ban on abortion. (Feb 2008)
I’m pro-life, but have no opinion on Justice O’Connor. (Jan 2008)
No states rights for moral issues like abortion. (Nov 2007)
No tax funding for organizations that promote abortion. (Sep 2007)
Led Arkansas to human life amendment in state constitution. (Sep 2007)
Consensus impossible: pro-choice world fundamentally differs. (Jun 2007)
Hate abortion but allow it is like hate slavery but allow it. (May 2007)
Certainly good day for America when Roe v. Wade is repealed. (May 2007)
Embryonic stem cell research creates life to end a life. (May 2007)
Pro-life includes improving life after birth. (Jan 2007)
Outlaw all abortions; err on the side of life. (Jan 2007)
Pro-life and pro-death penalty, & sees them as far different. (Jan 2007)
Even Americans who are pro-choice are pro-life. (Jan 2007)
Eliminate public funding for abortion organizations. (Nov 2002)
Supports woman’s right-to-know legislation. (Jan 2001)
Pro-life, but respects choice as mandated law. (Jan 2001)
50M abortions a year worldwide is bug business. (Jun 1998)
Abortions are legal but they're NOT safe. (Jun 1998)
By deciding abortion is OK, we're our own god. (Sep 1997)

On the Economy:

2007 economy ok for the rich; but working class struggled. (Nov 2008)
Infrastructure projects: start immediately, for stimulus. (Feb 2008)
We’re worse off than in 2000, due to Congress’ over-spending. (Jan 2008)
Rebates of $150 billion help China; widening I-95 helps US. (Jan 2008)
I steered AR from $200M deficit to an $850M surplus. (Jan 2008)
Recessions “trickle-up”--working class hit first & hardest. (Jan 2008)
Infrastructure investment causes long-term economic stimulus. (Jan 2008)
Stimulus plan is $150B from China, to spend on Chinese goods. (Jan 2008)
Fuel prices & subprime mortgages possibly cause recession. (Jan 2008)
Do things differently so people need not sacrifice. (Dec 2007)
To reduce spending, get rid of IRS & revamp DHS. (Nov 2007)
Rein in out-of-control spending and balance the budget. (Sep 2007)
Created state surplus in AR; cut spending to do same for US. (Sep 2007)
Economic prosperity is accompanied by moral bankruptcy. (Jun 1998)
Use cost-benefit analyses on all programs. (Sep 1997)
Bankruptcy reform: limit Chapter 7; protect states' role. (Feb 2001)
Uphold commitments to states before other spending. (Sep 2001)
Protect local milk supplies with Southern Dairy Compact. (Sep 2001)

On Social Security:

Will try to fix Social Security with FairTax. (Jan 2008)
Personalization of retirement funds, not privatization. (Oct 2007)
Personal retirement accounts allow investing in one’s future. (Sep 2007)
Replace payroll tax & fund Social Security with FairTax. (Sep 2007)
No Congressional pensions; give them same deal as citizens. (Nov 1992)
Maintain long-term solvency of Social Security and Medicare. (Aug 2001)
Maintain federal funding of Social Services Block Grants. (Sep 1999)

On Civil Rights:

Same-sex marriage leads to criminalization of Christianity. (Apr 2015)
Courts cannot unilaterally allow same-sex marriage. (Apr 2015)
Free speech should include Christian worldview. (Jan 2015)
If GOP abdicates on gay marriage, they lose guys like me. (Oct 2014)
Supreme Court can't allow gay marriage all by itself. (Oct 2014)
Women should control libido rather than rely on Uncle Sugar. (Jan 2014)
Homosexuality is a sin the same as heterosexual lust. (Dec 2013)
Pays attention to black vote; got 48% as governor. (Nov 2008)
I witnessed firsthand the shameful evil of racism. (Sep 2008)
It’s arrogant for GOP to ignore Hispanics or any group. (Dec 2007)
Racial profiling based on speaking with accent is unAmerican. (Dec 2007)
Got 48% of black vote in AR; embarrassed at national GOP. (Sep 2007)
Address gay behavior if problematic, not gay attitudes. (Jun 2007)
Gay tolerance reflects lack of fixed societal standards. (Jun 2007)
Respect gay couples but no gay adoptions. (Jan 2007)
USA has gone from Barney Fife to Barney Frank. (Jan 2007)
Signed legislation outlawing same-sex marriage in Arkansas. (Dec 2006)
No civil unions; only one-man-one-woman marriage. (Nov 2002)
No affirmative action for state contracts nor colleges. (Nov 2002)
If Titanic sank now, feminism would cost more women's lives. (Jun 1998)
Women's liberation resulted in women's impoverishment. (Jun 1998)
No-fault divorce increases feminization of poverty. (Jun 1998)
Until recently, no one suggested homosexuality was equal. (Sep 1997)
Treat AIDS as plague to be isolated, not civil rights issue. (Nov 1992)
More federal funding of IDEA for disabled education. (Mar 2000)
Support principles embodied in the Equal Rights Amendment. (Feb 2001)

On Gun Control:

Second Amendment is about freedom, not about hunting. (Aug 2007)
Owns firearms; enjoys hunting; supports 2nd amendment. (Jan 2007)
Supports self-defense and ‘castle doctrine’. (Jan 2006)
Allow concealed carry. (Nov 2002)
Restrictive gun laws don't stop culture of violence. (Jun 1998)

On Drugs:

Drug courts reduce both cost & recidivism. (Apr 2015)
1999: doubled Methamphetamine sentences. (Dec 2007)
More drug courts & rehab, instead of incarceration. (Sep 2007)
Drug education fails; drug punishment works. (Jun 2007)
Supports drug courts for non-violent drug offendors. (Jan 2007)
Stricter penalties for drug-related crimes. (Nov 2002)
Treatment for drug use instead of incarceration. (Jan 2001)
Informational videos don't work and never will. (Sep 1997)
Curb supply by eradication; change attitudes to curb demand. (Nov 1992)
More federal funding for all aspects of Drug War. (Aug 2000)

On Education:

I'm against Common Core; it differs from its original intent. (Jan 2015)
Common Core morphed into a frankenstandard that I oppose. (Jan 2015)
Establish merit pay and abolish tenure. (Feb 2011)
In AR, instituted charter schools & abstinence education. (Nov 2008)
Develop both sides of students' brains: music AND math. (Nov 2008)
Courted home-schoolers in Iowa caucus. (Nov 2008)
Differentiates microevolution from macroevolution. (Nov 2008)
Ivy League founded by spiritual people for Christian purpose. (Nov 2008)
Increased school taxes, by court order, and schools improved. (Dec 2007)
Education is a state issue, not a federal issue. (Dec 2007)
Focus on what’s good for students, not good for school. (Dec 2007)
Weapons of Mass Instruction: more science AND more arts. (Dec 2007)
Impeach judges for barring legislature prayers to Jesus. (Sep 2007)
Equal funds for abstinence as contraceptive-based education. (Sep 2007)
Tax-credited programs for Christian schooling. (Sep 2007)
I’m running for president, not writing science curriculum. (Jun 2007)
Ending school prayer was one step in society’s moral decay. (Jun 2007)
Does not believe in evolution. (May 2007)
Incorporate character education into school curriculum. (Jan 2007)
Authorize & advance more charter schools. (Jan 2007)
Replace entire school board for failing schools. (Jan 2007)
Support displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools. (Nov 2002)
SmartStart focuses on high standards and accountability. (Oct 2000)
Decline in school quality due to NEA union. (Jun 1998)
NEA opposes school prayer despite teachers' conservatism. (Jun 1998)
Emphasis on socialization is abominably subversive. (Jun 1998)
Don't ignore building character in our classrooms. (Sep 1997)
Arkansas Ed Reform
FactCheck: AR improved test scores, but still below-average. (Dec 2007)
SmartStart: early character-based education. (Jun 2007)
Sends his kids to public school; says other officials should. (Jan 2007)
Reformed AR education with Smart Start & Next Step. (Jan 2007)
Supported creation of Arkansas charter schools. (Dec 2006)
Raise teacher salaries; hire more teachers. (Nov 2002)
First priority: Raise teacher salaries. (Jan 2001)

On Energy and Oil:

Oil has not just shaped our foreign policy; it's deformed it. (Nov 2008)
Comprehensive plan for energy independence within ten years. (Jan 2008)
Biofuel mandates are not necessary. (Dec 2007)
Energy independence: let Saudis keep their oil & their sand. (Nov 2007)
Ethanol & biofuels are part of future energy. (Oct 2007)
Kyoto was a mistake, but “Earth in the Balance” is not. (Jan 2007)
Shouldn’t limit oil production while increasing consumption. (Jan 2007)
Explore ways to harness nuclear power. (Jan 2007)
Promote alternative fuel technology. (Nov 2002)
Voluntary partnerships reduce greenhouse gases economically. (Aug 2000)
Kyoto Treaty must include reductions by all countries. (Aug 2000)
More funding to develop domestic energy supplies. (Sep 2001)
Use federal funds for nuclear cleanup, with state input. (Sep 2001)
Share offshore oil development revenue with states.

On The Environment:

Ethanol mandate is a matter of national security. (Mar 2015)
Hunters are some of our most dedicated environmentalists. (Nov 2008)
2006: Smoke-free workplace across all of Arkansas. (Nov 2008)
Stewardship of the air and land and soil is very important. (Feb 2008)
Follow Boy Scout rule: leave earth better than we found it. (May 2007)
Supported conserving Buffalo River in north AR against dams. (Jan 2007)
Conservatives believe in conservation. (Jan 2007)
The earth is the Lord’s; we are merely its caretakers. (Jan 2007)
More state autonomy on brownfields & Superfund cleanups. (Aug 2001)
Support State Revolving Loan Fund for flexible Clean Water. (Aug 2001)
Supports national drought policy, focusing on readiness. (Sep 2001)
Maintain water flow in Mississippi & Missouri Rivers. (Feb 2001)

On Families and Children:

Don't allow kids to listen to toxic music like Beyonce. (Jan 2015)
Christian society discourages out-of-wedlock pregnancies. (Jan 2012)
In AR, issued Family Protection Policy Directive. (Nov 2008)
Supports traditional marriage and covenant marriage. (Nov 2008)
Strong government relies on strong families. (Feb 2008)
Understand the totality of the American family. (Jan 2008)
Marriage relationship between one man, one woman, for life. (Sep 2007)
High divorce rate fails at presenting role model. (Sep 2007)
Supports convenant marriage; adopted it in Arkansas. (Sep 2007)
Teach kids immovable standards of right & wrong. (Jun 2007)
Supports “covenant marriage”. (Jan 2001)
Purpose of marriage is loving relationship, not happiness. (Oct 2000)
Sensuality-saturated society trades love for lust. (Oct 2000)
Porn industries make billions; but damage America morally. (Jun 1998)
Yes, we legislate morality; including "victimless" crimes. (Jun 1998)
Sexual "revolution" causes illegitimacy & family dysfunction. (Jun 1998)
Government can't replace family as building block of society. (Jun 1998)
Family breakdown is symptom; disease is lack of character. (Jun 1998)
Encourage fathers' participation in child-raising. (Sep 2001)
Federal funds & state involvement in fatherhood initiatives. (Aug 2001)\

On Foreign Policy:

Governors have world views; I've been all over the Mideast. (Mar 2015)
Globalists & corporatists are making US more like China. (Mar 2015)
Keep the Cuban embargo; lifting it rewards Cuba. (Mar 2015)
Islamic terrorism is the country's most pressing issue. (Jan 2015)
Urged ending Cuban embargo as governor; now supports embargo. (Feb 2008)
Impeach judges who yield on our sovereignty. (Feb 2008)
Concerned about Putin’s human rights violations & oppression. (Jan 2008)
Law of the Sea Treaty surrenders our sovereignty. (Jan 2008)
Change tone of Bush’s arrogant bunker mentality. (Jan 2008)
Get as many views as possible regarding foreign policy. (Dec 2007)
Protect US sovereignty, but earn respect abroad. (Dec 2007)
Hugo Chavez was not elected as dictator; no friend of US. (Dec 2007)
Demand accountability from Pakistan for our $10B. (Nov 2007)
Earned right to act on actionable intelligence in Pakistan. (Nov 2007)
Israel should not give up West Bank or Golan Heights. (Nov 2007)
Not yet ready for two-state solution for Israel & Palestine. (Nov 2007)
It’s not OK in Pakistan; bin Laden is hiding there. (Oct 2007)
Law of the Sea Treaty gives away our sovereignty. (Oct 2007)
Genocide in Darfur matched by infanticide of the unborn. (Sep 2007)
We answer to our Constitution, not to international law. (Sep 2007)
Don’t pressure Israel to give up land for promise of peace. (Sep 2007)
Monitor the eradication of legal slavery in Sudan. (Sep 2007)
Avoid ratifying Law of the Sea Treaty. (Sep 2007)
Not the job of the US to export our form of government. (Aug 2007)
Support Israel as strategic ally, but respect Palestine. (Jan 2007)
As governor, visited 41 countries & met with heads of state. (Jan 2006)

On Free Trade:

Trans Pacific Partnership isn't fair trade or free trade. (Mar 2015)
Free AND fair trade: globalize, but help those whom it harms. (Nov 2008)
Diplomacy hasn't worked; impose sanctions on China. (Nov 2008)
Supports NAFTA & CAFTA, if partners “hafta” abide by rules. (Jan 2008)
Fair trade includes lead-free products & playing by rules. (Jan 2008)
A free country must feed, fuel, & fight for itself. (Dec 2007)
We need fair trade because we’re losing jobs. (Oct 2007)
This country can never yield its sovereignty for any reason. (Sep 2007)
Trade sanctions on Saudi Arabia for persecuting Christians. (Sep 2007)
China trade contingent on human rights & product safety. (Sep 2007)
No NAFTA Superhighway from Canada to Mexico. (Sep 2007)
Marketplace pushes innovation to top & prices to bottom. (Jan 2007)
Farm subsidies ok because Europe & Asia do same. (Jan 2007)
Enforce trade law against subsidized Canadian lumber imports. (Sep 2001)

On Government Reform:

Shelves of law books means absence of moral behavior. (Nov 2008)
Red tape increases more than taxes--but costs just as much. (Nov 2008)
Self-government by Golden Rule is ideal best. (Nov 2008)
Roach Motel: DC supposedly place to serve, not to be served. (Nov 2008)
Elections by E-Bay? Media focuses on money over ideas. (Nov 2008)
Raise donor limit to largest self-donation, even if $5M. (Nov 2008)
Fundamental difference with McCain on campaign finance. (Feb 2008)
States should be laboratories of good government. (Jan 2008)
Transparency on spending will prune back Congress’ earmarks. (Jan 2008)
Focus on uniting the country. (Dec 2007)
Allow DC residents to vote on getting Representatives. (Sep 2007)
Require photo ID for voting, to avoid fraud. (Sep 2007)
Ok if church identifies candidates who favor its principles. (Sep 2007)
Attacking others’ integrity reflects people’s own immorality. (Jun 2007)
Govern by “Regnat Populus,” AR’s motto “The People Rule”. (Jun 2007)
Honor the Tenth Amendment & strengthen the states. (May 2007)
Supports term limits for state legislators. (Nov 2002)
Limit campaign contributions, but no public funding. (Nov 2002)
Not more government, but more efficient government. (Jan 2001)
Disclose political gifts, but don’t prohibit them. (Oct 2000)
Negative campaigning works with some voters but not with God. (Oct 2000)
Decide based on next generation, not next election. (Oct 2000)
As governor, recognize God's moral authority. (Sep 1997)
Pastors & politicians both need communication & volunteers. (Sep 1997)
Term limits counter election skewed laws toward incumbents. (Nov 1992)
Change House terms to 4 years, to avoid constant campaigning. (Nov 1992)
Won’t vote for pay raise for myself as member of Congress. (Nov 1992)
Reforms must respect state's rights to select electors. (Aug 2001)

On Healthcare:

Vaccines don't cause autism; I get vaccinated myself. (Feb 2015)
TEFRA model: subsidize extraordinary medical expenses. (Dec 2013)
Healthcare reform requires cultural change over a generation. (Nov 2008)
Quit treating snakebites and start killing some snakes. (Nov 2008)
First-dollar coverage for all expenses defies common sense. (Nov 2008)
Proposed 50-governor 7-principle Medicaid reform. (Nov 2008)
Ok to ban smoking from workplaces, but not to ban smoking. (Feb 2008)
Called for isolating AIDS carriers in 1992, not quarantine. (Dec 2007)
1/3 self-insured; 1/3 don’t want it; 1/3 can’t afford it. (Dec 2007)
Crisis from waiting until people are catastrophically ill. (Dec 2007)
FactCheck: 2/3 of uninsured can’t afford insurace, not 1/3. (Dec 2007)
We don’t have a healthcare system; it’s a healthcare maze. (Oct 2007)
Individually-controlled insurance, not government SCHIP. (Oct 2007)
Portable medical records that YOU own, not your doctor. (Sep 2007)
System is upside down; focuses on intervention after illness. (Sep 2007)
Oppose mandated health insurance and universal coverage. (Sep 2007)
Insurance reward for avoiding tobacco, alcohol, obesity. (Sep 2007)
Co-led effort against child obesity with Bill Clinton. (Sep 2007)
Give Americans Congress’ healthcare, or give Congress ours. (Aug 2007)
Dems want government in charge; GOP want consumers in charge. (Jun 2007)
ARKids: Prevention less expensive than sick children. (Jun 2007)
Focus on health & prevention, not just disease treatment. (Jan 2007)
STOP the culture of chronic disease via self-discipline. (Jan 2007)
The road to obesity is paved with procrastination. (May 2006)
To stop procrastinating: Set date; stick to it; and start!. (May 2006)
Nothing tastes as good as it feels to be healthy. (May 2006)
We don’t have a health-care system but a disease-care system. (Jan 2006)
Guaranteed medical care not government’s responsibility. (Nov 2002)
ARKids First program: record decreases in uninsured. (Jan 2001)
Designed ARKids for preventive healthcare for kids. (Oct 2000)
Supports consumer-driven “medical IRA” with tax-free money. (Nov 1992)
No additional AIDS spending; cancer & vascular victims first. (Nov 1992)
Ban smoking in all public places. (Nov 1992)
Isolate carriers of this plague of AIDS. (Nov 1992)
No federal pre-emption of employee health plan regulation. (Oct 2001)
Protect state tobacco settlement funds from federal seizure. (Apr 1999)

On Homeland Security:

Islamo-fascists hate us & want to destroy our way of life. (Nov 2008)
Fight terror with CIA and small quick strikes. (Nov 2008)
No draft, but mandatory one-year civilian service by age 26. (Nov 2008)
Use everything at president’s disposal to keep US safe. (Feb 2008)
Support moderate modern evil over Al-Qaeda’s medieval evil. (Jan 2008)
Fight terrorism by increasing spending on armed forces & CIA. (Jan 2008)
Torture is unproductive, and should not be US policy. (Dec 2007)
Kick rear ends if documents destroyed to protect rear ends. (Dec 2007)
Opposes waterboarding; close Guantanamo as a bad symbol. (Dec 2007)
Raise enlistment rates with Veterans’ Bill of Rights. (Sep 2007)
No student visas to citizens of terrorist states. (Sep 2007)
Guantanamo prisoners are treated very well. (Jun 2007)
Better to make mistakes at Guantanamo to protect Americans. (Jun 2007)
Islamic jihadists celebrate death; we have culture of life. (May 2007)
Guard & Reserve did their duty; it’s beginning to wear. (Jan 2007)
Strength is more effective deterrent to war than weakness. (Jan 2007)
Keeping Guantanamo prisoners more important than location. (Jan 2006)
Islamic terror is about worldwide caliphate, not US attacks. (Jan 2006)
Deal with terrorism as a joint federal-state responsibility. (Feb 2001)
Include states in anti-terrorism planning. (Sep 2001)

On Immigration:

Let illegal immigrant kids in college despite parents' crime. (Jan 2015)
We're a better country if we allow scholarships for illegals. (Aug 2009)
Illegal immigrants must go home and start over. (Jan 2008)
Build a border fence within 18 months of taking office. (Jan 2008)
Build a border fence using American labor & materials. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: Yes, supported scholarships for AR illegal aliens. (Dec 2007)
Pathway to citizenship must start at back of line, out of US. (Dec 2007)
Send illegals home so all in US can hold their heads high. (Dec 2007)
Make legal immigration quick, or outsource it if we can’t. (Dec 2007)
FactCheck: AR college bill accepted illegals after 3 years. (Nov 2007)
Punish people who break the law; but not their children. (Nov 2007)
Focus on demand: penalize employers of illegal immigrants. (Sep 2007)
Some anti-immigration advocates are based on racism. (Sep 2007)
People are angry at government for failing to track illegals. (Sep 2007)
Problems with McCain-Kennedy: credibility; secrecy; spending. (Jun 2007)
Allow in professionals as legal immigrants, but seal border. (Jun 2007)
Change rule barring immigrants from running for president. (May 2007)
Path to citizenship if illegals admit guilt & pay fine. (Jan 2007)
Deport the illegal immigrants who don’t do it the right way. (Jan 2006)
Seal the borders in a responsible way. (Jan 2006)
Share costs of legal immigration between states & federal. (Feb 2001)
Federal government should deal with criminal repatriation. (Feb 2001)
Import farm workers from Mexico. (Sep 2001)

On Jobs:

3 million jobs left since 2001, but not due to trade. (Nov 2008)
Continue farm subsidies for low prices & competitiveness. (Nov 2008)
No class warfare: talk to both rich & poor. (Jan 2008)
Excessive taxes, red tape, and litigation cause job losses. (Dec 2007)
Unions more prominent to fight high CEO salaries. (Oct 2007)
Blacks still face racism & unequal opportunity in job market. (Sep 2007)
No “sexual orientation” in Employment Non-Discrimination Act. (Sep 2007)
Supports farm subsidies & fully-funded crop insurance. (Sep 2007)
More R&D & tax incentives for small farmers. (Sep 2001)
Repeal the federal unemployment "temporary surtax". (Feb 2001)

On War and Peace:

Arm the Kurds to fight ISIS, plus U.S. bombing. (Mar 2015)
US boots on the ground to fight ISIS ok, if others join too. (Mar 2015)
Apply Powell Doctrine to Iraq: overwhelming force. (Nov 2008)
Islamofascism must disappear from the face of the earth. (Feb 2008)
Leave Iraq with victory and honor, however long it takes. (Jan 2008)
We are making progress in Iraq, Afghanistan, & war on terror. (Jan 2008)
Saddam might have had WMD and got them to Syria before 2003. (Jan 2008)
Don’t second-guess Iraq; pullout would be bigger mistake. (Jan 2008)
Failing to find the WMDs doesn’t mean they weren’t there. (Jan 2008)
Never questioned the surge; never supported timed withdrawal. (Jan 2008)
FactCheck: Correct that Romney did support timed withdrawal. (Jan 2008)
Iraq War: we invaded an imaginary country based on poor info. (Jan 2008)
Know your enemy: jihadists would destroy civilization. (Jan 2008)
Supports Powell Doctrine of overwhelming force. (Jan 2008)
Re-establish diplomatic ties to Iran, so we can move forward. (Jan 2008)
Go after al Qaeda’s safe havens in Pakistan. (Jan 2008)
Stay in Iraq because we’re winning; we lose if we walk away. (Dec 2007)
Train & arm Kurds to prevent cross-border PKK incursions. (Oct 2007)
Attack Iran’s nukes even if Congress says no. (Oct 2007)
Many don’t comprehend the threat: they want our obliteration. (Sep 2007)
We bought Iraq because we broke it; responsibility to honor. (Sep 2007)
We made Saudis rich; pressure them to help win with honor. (Aug 2007)
Iraqi government disappointing, but we can’t up & pull out. (Jun 2007)
Insist that Iraq’s neighbors assist military & financially. (Jun 2007)
We needed 300,000 troops to win Iraq; must finish the job. (May 2007)
Don’t judge Iraq war while we’re in the middle of the war. (May 2007)
Iraq war has made us overlook domestic agenda. (Jan 2007)
Opposing Bush’s troop surge is a dangerous position. (Jan 2007)
Make sure we finish the job in Iraq and finish it right. (Jan 2007)
Strength is more effective deterrent to war than weakness. (Jan 2007)
We should go to war with the army that we need. (Jan 2006)

Mike Huck

Next up: Rick Santorum

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Finally reached "Bag Lady Status"...

Over coffee and chat the other morning, "Idgy" sent me this

LMAO!

The dreaded "Fashion Squirrel"

After I sent her these shots.

LOL! Yes. "Pirate"

Yes...found the perfect boots to go with the recently purchased bag for Fall...and had ordered them online that very morning.

Her words (laughing)
"Loretta has ruin't you..."

And the entire business goes with my brown distressed leather bomber jacket and cream/taupe and brown infinity scarves.

"Yes, dear. It's hopeless."

Not to fear...pulled on a faded pair of jeans and a tee-shirt and sneakers to tidy the plants and borders today. And what a perfect pre-Fall Indiana Day! High 70's and sunny. Basked for an hour...played in the plants and then settled in with the book du jour, a stem of wine, and a cheese plate.

Doing a re-read of Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth before I start its sequel (World Without End). And who even KNEW there was one?

A busy week, this.
James and Nicole and Aiden visiting Monday and Friday. A Lunch Brunch with Nancy (Nicole's Mom) and a bit of shopping on Thursday. Yes...The Mother-In-
Laws...lol! Must scare the hell out of The Kids. And Loretta, Sue and Dawn, Sharon and I, out to Terre Haute for brunch and mall-ratting Wednesday. Came home with Mango Melon Body Spray for that final burst of late-Summer scent. The Fall scents are already in though, and I will certainly be ready for them by next month. Tomorrow, Chris and I are headed to Avon and to see Pam while we are out.
No wonder, today, I am basically hiding out in the peace and quiet with the Tucker-cat...

"bork...bork...bork"

Chef Chris (and Kyle) starting on their own Honey Mead Adventure.

Complete with all the technology. It is a neat contraption and I might try it on a smaller scale with the next batch of wine I make. And Tina experimenting with making Cheese now.

And James and Nicole who were over the moon last night on their date-night ...with tickets to see Social Distortion together at the old (now re-named) Murat. An amazing venue. Very up close and personal.

And Nicole...you are a bad influence on me. After seeing your new chest piece...we must go for my vine and roses piece. I love the idea of the vines just beneath the V of my shirt with a tendril or leaf just barely visible from the edge of the v-neck. Also going to do the leg up the side to the hip matching. Just vines and leaves and roses/buds. Maybe a spray on the opposite shoulder. :)

The Munchkins are back to school now! Brenden has officially joined the Kindergarten Set :)

And Lennon who has now secured his first post-college position.

"I have orientation this weekend, Mom"

He is excited!
Scared, and excited.
Been there-done that.
He will do fine!

Speaking of excitement!

Bernie Sanders has been doing very well in Portland, Los Angeles, New Hampshire and (today) Iowa. He seems to be drawing from all across the board. Young and Old. All Races. Women and Men. Republicans, Democrats and Independents. Barring a major blunder (think Dean's War Whoop) or a surfacing skeleton from his closet (it was, after all, the 60's and 70's)...I am beginning to believe that Bernie may well be the next POTUS.

A dream team (for me) would be if he chose Elizabeth Warren as his running mate.

Still way too early to tell...but I have a really good feeling about this!

More anon...

Monday, August 10, 2015

Democratic Candidate: Bernie Sanders

Bernard "Bernie" Sanders is the Independent junior United States Senator from Vermont and a grassroots candidate for the Democratic Party's nomination for President in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.Bernie is married and has been an environmental and civil rights activist for 50 years.

On the Issues:

Progressive

Abortion:

Voted NO on restricting UN funding for population control policies. (Mar 2009)
Voted NO on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
Voted NO on prohibiting minors crossing state lines for abortion. (Mar 2008)
Voted NO on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions. (Oct 2007)
Voted YES on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
Voted YES on allowing human embryonic stem cell research. (May 2005)
Voted NO on restricting interstate transport of minors to get abortions. (Apr 2005)
Voted NO on making it a crime to harm a fetus during another crime. (Feb 2004)
Voted NO on banning partial-birth abortion except to save mother’s life. (Oct 2003)
Voted YES on forbidding human cloning for reproduction & medical research. (Feb 2003)
Voted NO on funding for health providers who don't provide abortion info. (Sep 2002)
Voted NO on banning Family Planning funding in US aid abroad. (May 2001)
Voted NO on banning partial-birth abortions. (Apr 2000)
Voted NO on barring transporting minors to get an abortion. (Jun 1999)
Rated 100% by NARAL, indicating a pro-choice voting record. (Dec 2003)
Emergency contraception for rape victims at all hospitals. (Sep 2006)
Rated 0% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-choice stance. (Dec 2006)
Provide emergency contraception at military facilities. (Apr 2007)
Require pharmacies to fulfill contraceptive prescriptions. (Jul 2011)
Ban anti-abortion limitations on abortion services. (Nov 2013)
Protect the reproductive rights of women. (Jan 1993)
Ensure access to and funding for contraception. (Feb 2007)
Focus on preventing pregnancy, plus emergency contraception. (Jan 2009)

On the Economy:

Break up large banks; add fees for high-risk investments. (Apr 2015)
Comprehensive 12-step agenda for moving America forward. (Jan 2015)
Voted YES on $192B additional anti-recession stimulus spending. (Jul 2009)
Voted YES on modifying bankruptcy rules to avoid mortgage foreclosures. (May 2009)
Voted YES on additional $825 billion for economic recovery package. (Feb 2009)
Voted YES on $60B stimulus package for jobs, infrastructure, & energy. (Sep 2008)
Voted NO on paying down federal debt by rating programs' effectiveness. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on restricting bankruptcy rules. (Jan 2004)
More enforcement of mortgage fraud and TARP fraud. (May 2009)
Ban abusive credit practices & enhance consumer disclosure. (Feb 2009)

On Social Security:

Strengthen the social safety net, instead of weakening it. (Mar 2015)
We must strengthen the social safety net, not weaken it. (Jan 2015)
Despite GOP rhetoric, Social Security is NOT going bankrupt. (Sep 2006)
Voted NO on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on raising 401(k) limits & making pension plans more portable. (May 2001)
Voted NO on reducing tax payments on Social Security benefits. (Jul 2000)
Voted YES on strengthening the Social Security Lockbox. (May 1999)
Changing Social Security disproportionately affects women. (May 2001)
Reject proposals for private saving accounts. (May 2002)
Rated 100% by the ARA, indicating a pro-senior voting record. (Dec 2003)
Reject privatization; don't raise the retirement age. (Aug 2010)
Sponsored keeping CPI for benefits instead of lower "Chained CPI". (Apr 2013)
Rated 100% by ARA, indicating a pro-Trust Fund stance. (Jan 2013)

On Civil Rights:

Equal pay for equal work by women. (Mar 2015)
Bush’s tracking citizens’ phone call patterns is illegal. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. (Feb 2013)
Voted NO on Constitutionally defining marriage as one-man-one-woman. (Jul 2006)
Voted NO on making the PATRIOT Act permanent. (Dec 2005)
Voted NO on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage. (Sep 2004)
Voted NO on protecting the Pledge of Allegiance. (Sep 2004)
Voted NO on constitutional amendment prohibiting flag desecration. (Jun 2003)
Voted NO on banning gay adoptions in DC. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on ending preferential treatment by race in college admissions. (May 1998)
Constitutional Amendment for equal rights by gender. (Mar 2001)
Rated 93% by the ACLU, indicating a pro-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
Rated 100% by the HRC, indicating a pro-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
Rated 97% by the NAACP, indicating a pro-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
Recognize Juneteenth as historical end of slavery. (Jun 2008)
ENDA: prohibit employment discrimination for gays. (Jun 2009)
Prohibit sexual-identity discrimination at schools. (Mar 2011)
Endorsed as "preferred" by The Feminist Majority indicating pro-women's rights. (Aug 2012)
Enforce against wage discrimination based on gender. (Jan 2013)
Enforce against anti-gay discrimination in public schools. (Jun 2013)
Re-introduce the Equal Rights Amendment. (Mar 2007)

On Gun Control:

Mixed approach to gun control vs. gun rights. (Apr 2015)
Voted YES on banning high-capacity magazines of over 10 bullets. (Apr 2013)
Voted YES on allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains. (Apr 2009)
Voted YES on prohibiting foreign & UN aid that restricts US gun ownership. (Sep 2007)
Voted YES on prohibiting product misuse lawsuits on gun manufacturers. (Oct 2005)
Voted YES on prohibiting suing gunmakers & sellers for gun misuse. (Apr 2003)
Voted NO on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1. (Jun 1999)
Rated F by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun control voting record. (Dec 2003)

On Drugs:

Voted NO on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism. (Sep 2001)
Voted NO on subjecting federal employees to random drug tests. (Sep 1998)
Legalize medical marijuana. (Jul 2001)
Exclude industrial hemp from definition of marijuana. (Aug 2012)
Exempt industrial hemp from marijuana laws. (Mar 2013)

On Education:

$18B to fund two years free tuition at state colleges. (Apr 2015)
College loan repayment is regressive; refinance & forgive. (Apr 2015)
Quality affordable education, from child care to higher ed. (Mar 2015)
Make college affordable for everyone. (Jan 2015)
Voted YES on additional $10.2B for federal education & HHS projects. (Oct 2007)
Voted YES on allowing Courts to decide on "God" in Pledge of Allegiance. (Jul 2006)
Voted YES on $84 million in grants for Black and Hispanic colleges. (Mar 2006)
Voted NO on allowing school prayer during the War on Terror. (Nov 2001)
Voted YES on requiring states to test students. (May 2001)
Voted NO on allowing vouchers in DC schools. (Aug 1998)
Voted NO on vouchers for private & parochial schools. (Nov 1997)
Voted NO on giving federal aid only to schools allowing voluntary prayer. (Mar 1994)
Reduce class size to 18 children in grades 1 to 3. (Mar 2001)
Rated 83% by the NEA, indicating pro-public education votes. (Dec 2003)
$25B to renovate or repair elementary schools. (Sep 2011)
Sponsored extending subsidized federal student loan rates until 2015. (Apr 2013)
Make employee educational assistance tax-deductible. (Jan 1993)
Don't count combat pay against free school lunch. (Mar 2009)

On Energy and Oil:

Charge companies for carbon emissions; then fund renewables. (Apr 2015)
Transform to sustainable system & away from fossil fuels. (Mar 2015)
Weatherize millions of homes and buildings. (Jan 2015)
Voted NO on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. (Apr 2011)
Voted NO on protecting middle-income taxpayers from a national energy tax. (Apr 2009)
Voted NO on requiring full Senate debate and vote on cap-and-trade. (Apr 2009)
Voted YES on tax incentives for energy production and conservation. (Jun 2008)
Voted YES on addressing CO2 emissions without considering India & China. (May 2008)
Voted YES on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on making oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
Voted YES on keeping moratorium on drilling for oil offshore. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on scheduling permitting for new oil refinieries. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on authorizing construction of new oil refineries. (Oct 2005)
Voted NO on passage of the Bush Administration national energy policy. (Jun 2004)
Voted NO on implementing Bush-Cheney national energy policy. (Nov 2003)
Voted YES on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)
Voted YES on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001)
Voted YES on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol. (Jun 2000)
Regulate wholesale electricity & gas prices. (Mar 2001)
Preserve Alaska's ANWR instead of drilling it. (Feb 2001)
Establish greenhouse gas tradeable allowances. (Feb 2005)
Rated 100% by the CAF, indicating support for energy independence. (Dec 2006)
Sign on to UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. (Jan 2007)
Designate sensitive ANWR area as protected wilderness. (Nov 2007)
Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025. (Jan 2007)
Let states define stricter-than-federal emission standards. (Jan 2008)

On The Environment:

Cut subsidies of wealthy farmers; increase grazing fees. (Jun 1997)
Voted YES on protecting ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems. (May 2013)
Voted YES on $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers program. (Aug 2009)
Voted NO on prohibiting eminent domain for use as parks or grazing land. (Dec 2007)
Voted YES on increasing AMTRAK funding by adding $214M to $900M. (Jun 2006)
Voted YES on barring website promoting Yucca Mountain nuclear waste dump. (May 2006)
Voted NO on deauthorizing "critical habitat" for endangered species. (Sep 2005)
Voted NO on speeding up approval of forest thinning projects. (Nov 2003)
Prohibits commercial logging on Federal public lands. (Apr 2001)
Rated 90% by the LCV, indicating pro-environment votes. (Dec 2003)
Promote conservation of rare felids & canids. (Mar 2007)
Make tax deduction permanent for conservation easements. (Mar 2009)
Regulate all dog breeders down to kennels of 50 dogs. (Feb 2011)
Prohibit invasive research on great apes. (Apr 2011)
Prohibits breeding or possessing Big Cat species. (Sep 2012)
Rated 100% by HSLF, indicating a pro-animal welfare voting record. (Jan 2012)
Require labeling genetically engineered food. (Apr 2013)
Strengthen prohibitions against animal fighting. (Jan 2007)

On Families and Children:

Voted NO on establishing nationwide AMBER alert system for missing kids. (Apr 2003)
Voted NO on reducing Marriage Tax by $399B over 10 years. (Mar 2001)
Member of the Missing & Exploited Children's Caucus. (Jan 2001)
Rated 7% by the Christian Coalition: an anti-Family-Value voting record. (Dec 2003)
Ban high lead levels in children's toys. (Nov 2005)
More funding & services for victims of domestic violence. (Jan 2013)

On Foreign Policy:

Focus on domestic needs instead of international conflict. (Apr 2015)
Voted NO on cooperating with India as a nuclear power. (Oct 2008)
Voted YES on deterring foreign arms transfers to China. (Jul 2005)
Voted NO on reforming the UN by restricting US funding. (Jun 2005)
Voted YES on keeping Cuba travel ban until political prisoners released. (Jul 2001)
Voted NO on withholding $244M in UN Back Payments until US seat restored. (May 2001)
Voted YES on $156M to IMF for 3rd-world debt reduction. (Jul 2000)
Voted NO on Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China. (May 2000)
Voted YES on $15.2 billion for foreign operations. (Nov 1999)
Allow Americans to travel to Cuba. (May 2000)
Member of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus. (Jan 2001)
Multi-year commitment to Africa for food & medicine. (Apr 2001)
Urge China to respect religious freedom. (Mar 2001)
Impose sanctions and an import ban on Burma. (Oct 2007)
Remove African National Congress from terrorist list. (May 2008)
Implement Darfur Peace Agreement with UN peacekeeping force. (Feb 2008)
Seeds of Peace: promote coexistence in regions of conflict. (Apr 2008)
Rated +2 by AAI, indicating pro-Arab pro-Palestine voting record. (May 2012)
Condemn violence by Chinese government in Tibet. (Apr 2008)
Allow travel between the United States and Cuba. (Feb 2009)

On Free Trade:

End disastrous NAFTA, CAFTA, and PNTR with China. (Mar 2015)
Stop TPP, the Trans-Pacific Partnership. (Jan 2015)
Voted NO on promoting free trade with Peru. (Dec 2007)
Voted NO on implementing CAFTA, Central America Free Trade. (Jul 2005)
Voted NO on implementing US-Australia Free Trade Agreement. (Jul 2004)
Voted NO on implementing US-Singapore free trade agreement. (Jul 2003)
Voted NO on implementing free trade agreement with Chile. (Jul 2003)
Voted YES on withdrawing from the WTO. (Jun 2000)
Voted NO on 'Fast Track' authority for trade agreements. (Sep 1998)
Rated 33% by CATO, indicating a mixed record on trade issues. (Dec 2002)
Extend trade restrictions on Burma to promote democracy. (Jun 2007)
Review free trade agreements biennially for rights violation. (Jun 2009)
Impose tariffs against countries which manipulate currency. (Feb 2011)
No MFN for China; condition trade on human rights. (Nov 1999)

On Government Reforms:

Constitutional amendment to reverse Citizen United ruling. (Apr 2015)
Citizens United opens up the road to oligarchy. (Sep 2014)
Underclass see the political deck stacked; and don't vote. (Mar 2014)
Introduced Federal Reserve Transparency Act with Ron Paul. (Sep 2010)
Voted YES on Congressional pay raise. (Jul 2009)
Voted YES on providing a US House seat for the District of Columbia. (Feb 2009)
Voted YES on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
Voted NO on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007)
Voted NO on requiring photo ID for voting in federal elections. (Sep 2006)
Voted NO on restricting independent grassroots political committees. (Apr 2006)
Voted NO on prohibiting lawsuits about obesity against food providers. (Oct 2005)
Voted NO on limiting attorney's fees in class action lawsuits. (Feb 2005)
Voted YES on campaign finance reform banning soft-money contributions. (Feb 2002)
Voted NO on banning soft money donations to national political parties. (Jul 2001)
Voted YES on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)
Proportional IRV voting for Electoral College. (Mar 2001)
Criminalize false or deceptive info about elections. (Nov 2005)
Require full disclosure of independent campaign expenditures. (Jul 2012)
Matching fund for small donors, with debate requirements. (Apr 2013)

On Healthcare:

Voted for ObamaCare; but prefers single-payer system. (Apr 2015)
Move toward a single-payer system. (Mar 2015)
Voted NO on the Ryan Budget: Medicare choice, tax & spending cuts. (May 2011)
Voted YES on regulating tobacco as a drug. (Jun 2009)
Voted YES on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program. (Jan 2009)
Voted YES on overriding veto on expansion of Medicare. (Jul 2008)
Voted NO on means-testing to determine Medicare Part D premium. (Mar 2008)
Voted NO on allowing tribal Indians to opt out of federal healthcare. (Feb 2008)
Voted YES on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility. (Nov 2007)
Voted YES on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Apr 2007)
Voted NO on denying non-emergency treatment for lack of Medicare co-pay. (Feb 2006)
Voted NO on limiting medical malpractice lawsuits to $250,000 damages. (May 2004)
Voted NO on limited prescription drug benefit for Medicare recipients. (Nov 2003)
Voted YES on allowing reimportation of prescription drugs. (Jul 2003)
Voted NO on small business associations for buying health insurance. (Jun 2003)
Voted NO on capping damages & setting time limits in medical lawsuits. (Mar 2003)
Voted NO on allowing suing HMOs, but under federal rules & limited award. (Aug 2001)
Voted NO on subsidizing private insurance for Medicare Rx drug coverage. (Jun 2000)
Voted NO on banning physician-assisted suicide. (Oct 1999)
Voted NO on establishing tax-exempt Medical Savings Accounts. (Oct 1999)
MEDS Plan: Cover senior Rx under Medicare. (Jan 2001)
Rated 100% by APHA, indicating a pro-public health record. (Dec 2003)
Improve services for people with autism & their families. (Apr 2007)
Establish a national childhood cancer database. (Mar 2007)
Increase funding for occupational & physical therapy. (Apr 2011)
Preserve access to Medicaid & SCHIP during economic downturn. (Apr 2008)
Provide for treatment of autism under TRICARE. (Jun 2009)
Sponsored bill expanding the National Health Service Corps. (Mar 2009)
Collect data on birth defects and present to the public. (Apr 1998)
Make health care a right, not a privilege. (Nov 1999)

On Homeland Security:

Cut defense by $18B to pay for 55% of all college tuition. (Apr 2015)
Don't let released terrorists get back onto the battlefield. (Jun 2014)
V.A. doesn't have resources to accommodate 2 million vets. (May 2014)
F-35 fighter planes OK at Burlington Airport. (Oct 2012)
End nuclear weapons and B-2 bomber production. (Jun 1997)
Voted NO on extending the PATRIOT Act's roving wiretaps. (Feb 2011)
Voted NO on cutting $221M in benefits to Filipinos who served in WWII US Army. (Apr 2008)
Voted YES on requiring FISA court warrant to monitor US-to-foreign calls. (Feb 2008)
Voted NO on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
Voted YES on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
Voted YES on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on allowing electronic surveillance without a warrant. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on continuing intelligence gathering without civil oversight. (Apr 2006)
Voted NO on federalizing rules for driver licenses to hinder terrorists. (Feb 2005)
Voted NO on continuing military recruitment on college campuses. (Feb 2005)
Voted YES on supporting new position of Director of National Intelligence. (Dec 2004)
Voted NO on adopting the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. (Oct 2004)
Voted NO on emergency $78B for war in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Apr 2003)
Voted YES on permitting commercial airline pilots to carry guns. (Jul 2002)
Voted NO on $266 billion Defense Appropriations bill. (Jul 1999)
Voted NO on deploying SDI. (Mar 1999)
End the use of anti-personnel mines. (Mar 2001)
Rated 100% by SANE, indicating a pro-peace voting record. (Dec 2003)
Extend reserve retirement pay parity back to 9/11. (Dec 2007)
Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell, and reinstate discharged gays. (Mar 2010)
Non-proliferation includes disposing of nuclear materials. (Aug 2014)
Address abuses of electronic monitoring in the workplace. (Apr 1993)
Restore habeas corpus for detainees in the War on Terror. (Jun 2007)

On Immigration:

Offer path to citizenship; waive deportation for DREAMers. (Apr 2015)
Voted YES on continuing federal funds for declared "sanctuary cities". (Mar 2008)
Voted NO on comprehensive immigration reform. (Jun 2007)
Voted NO on declaring English as the official language of the US government. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on eliminating the "Y" nonimmigrant guestworker program. (May 2007)
Voted NO on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
Voted YES on preventing tipping off Mexicans about Minuteman Project. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on reporting illegal aliens who receive hospital treatment. (May 2004)
Voted NO on more immigrant visas for skilled workers. (Sep 1998)
Rated 0% by FAIR, indicating a voting record loosening immigration. (Dec 2003)
Rated 8% by USBC, indicating an open-border stance. (Dec 2006)

On Jobs:

Raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour. (Mar 2015)
Corporate opposition makes union organizing difficult. (Mar 2015)
Create worker-owned cooperatives & grow unions. (Jan 2015)
Voted YES on extending unemployment benefits from 39 weeks to 59 weeks. (Nov 2008)
Voted YES on overriding presidential veto of Farm Bill. (Jun 2008)
Voted NO on terminating legal challenges to English-only job rules. (Mar 2008)
Voted YES on limiting farm subsidies to people earning under $750,000. (Dec 2007)
Voted YES on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
Voted NO on end offshore tax havens and promote small business. (Oct 2004)
Voted NO on $167B over 10 years for farm price supports. (Oct 2001)
Voted NO on zero-funding OSHA's Ergonomics Rules instead of $4.5B. (Mar 2001)
Member of the Congressional Rural Caucus. (Jan 2001)
Require full disclosure of outsourced employees. (Feb 2001)
Rated 100% by the AFL-CIO, indicating a pro-union voting record. (Dec 2003)
Allow an Air Traffic Controller's Union. (Jan 2006)
Form unions by card-check instead of secret ballot. (Mar 2009)
Raise the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour by 2016. (Jan 2014)
Extend unemployment compensation during recession. (Jan 2008)
Ban discriminatory compensation; allow 2 years to sue. (Jan 2009)
Stronger enforcement against gender-based pay discrimination. (Jan 2009)

On War and Peace:

Get Saudis & regional powers involved with fighting ISIS. (Oct 2014)
Arm the Peshmerga against ISIS, as international effort. (Oct 2014)
Voted YES on redeploying non-essential US troops out of Iraq in 9 months. (Dec 2007)
Voted NO on designating Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terrorists. (Sep 2007)
Voted YES on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008. (Mar 2007)
Voted NO on declaring Iraq part of War on Terror with no exit date. (Jun 2006)
Voted NO on approving removal of Saddam & valiant service of US troops. (Mar 2004)
Voted NO on authorizing military force in Iraq. (Oct 2002)
Voted YES on disallowing the invasion of Kosovo. (May 1999)
Condemns anti-Muslim bigotry in name of anti-terrorism. (Oct 2001)
Require Congress' approval before military action in Iran. (Oct 2007)

Next up: Mike Huckabee

Sunday, August 9, 2015

Virtual France: Giverny...Gardens..and a bit of (Patio) Gardening and Painting

It is easy to see why Monet loved his water gardens. Spent part of this week discovering them (and his home in Giverny) virtually. Will be continuing through next week. What an outstanding place!

There are times you an almost imagine the artist painting away in those colorful flowers!

And, through Youtube...part of a 1915 piece of footage showing him doing exactly that.

https://youtu.be/BJE4QUNgaeg

and another taken Oct. 2007 of the entire tour of his grounds and home.

https://youtu.be/0MQE1-NhIKM

Prompting me to do some patio gardening and tidying of my own, in my little corner of the world, on the sunny days!

(...my evil, but fairly lazy, overlord...)

And thumbing through a book given to me by "Idgy" on Monet...my very favourite of all the Impressionists. He started and named the movement.

Which dove-tailed nicely with working on a painting on my own.

To get the morning reflection on the pond..it is simple...you just flip the sky. Who knew?

Add the shadows of the cypress and various trees. And flip the canvas again.

Glaze with yellow for the morning light and shadow out the areas you are going to want lily pads.

Just beginning to add lily pads, so I decided to build up texture on them with gels and finish the water lilies outside on my easel. Also to add some overspray to suggest light morning mist.

(detail)

And finished and displayed. Tah Dah!

So there you have it...and Monsieur Claude is probably rolling in his grave...lol!

After finishing, I must say though, I now understand the allure of water lilies and reflection on a pond's surface and lighting. I was immediately interested (and will) do a study with early evening sunset reflections and the closing flowers...and would like to try another one, as well, in a light rain on the surface of the pond and the broken reflections. Since digging and planting my own pond is expensive, time consuming, and obviously would violate my apartment lease I will be studying the reflections on a nearby pond for both approaches and then working off that, and adding the lilies later. Oh...and now I completely understand the carp just beneath the surface, for I have seen him!

Maybe next week!
Off to get canvas.

More anon...

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Sky Blues...Lemon Yellows, and Marlboro Reds...Today's Car Show!

Spent a Sunny Saturday Morning at the 2015 Putnam Country "Riley's Children Hospital Fundraiser" Car Show. Over 120 entries and everything from this

to this!

And this guy...who I just want to send a message saying

"Dude...I am NOT stalking you. It is just that you end up at EVERY car show I ever go to. Wait...Are you stalking me??????????????"

Tommy...my neighbor, buddy, and car guy- even entered "Red" in the stock division.

And she was absolutely glowing!

Red and Yellow seemed to be the dominate colours for the day.

And blue, of course.

What would a car show be without "The Defender"?

And a couple of miscellaneous entries that I found interesting, as well.

Sending this shot to Lennon. The car of his dreams not being a car at all...but one of THESE! He will love it!

Along with the usual "contenders"

They were selling rib-eye sandwiches, drinks and other food items in the Exhibition Hall with all profits from the entries/food going for the Children's Hospital! A Good Time and a Good Cause.

My Kaylee-Bug who was a Riley's Baby
when she was born.

Taking a Politics Free Weekend!