Thoughts on the Benghazi Inquisition

I have to give props to Hillary for Thursday's congressional "hearing". I don't think any of the Presidential hopefuls on either side could have withstood such an abusive marathon interrogation, and turn it into a positive like Hillary. The contrast in style between accusers and the accused was startling. The Republicans were "over the top" mean spirited, abusive, and partisan. Hillary answered every question with a steely rational intelligence. The Republicans did everything possible to prove that this WAS a partisan political hatchet job. I love my Bernie, but I have a renewed respect for Hillary and its becoming apparent that she is best prepared for the office of President of the United States.

Update on the GOP "Debate"

credit CNN

After watching all three hours of this debate, I have to give credit to those candidates that tried to stay above the fray despite CNN's baiting to turn this into a cock-fight. Shamelessly, CNN structured the questions to pit one candidate against the other. There were a few candidates that saw this as their best opportunity to get their message across to potential voters. Fiorina, Christie and Rubio tried really hard to re-direct the "debate" to express their policies and values. I commend them for their efforts.

In those rare moments where policy and values punched through the inevitable mud-wrestling, we heard the typical conservative line;

• Chest thumping calls for sending our military back into the Middle East (boots on the ground).
• De-funding Planned Parenthood, an important resource for women's health including contraception, breast and cervical cancer screenings and safe pregnancy terminations.
• Opposing reasonable legislation to reduce gun violence including universal background checks and a ban on the most deadly and violent guns and high capacity magazines.
• Undermining an agreement, in conjunction with our allies, to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
• Denying millions of Americans health insurance by repealing the Affordable Care Act. 

Every one of those candidates, to some degree hold these positions (except Rand Paul for not advocating boots on the ground)

Congratulations to those candidates that were able to rise above the mud-slinging. I appreciate hearing your point of view. Now I know with even greater clarity that none of you are fit be President of the USA.

Fight night at the GOP

(credit: NY Daily News)

C’mon CNN. I’ve never heard so many stupid metaphors, particularly boxing ones, for a Presidential debate. On CNN, Round 2. First is the undercard for those polling at less than 2% (aka the Kiddie Table). For the Main Event, who will throw the first punch at Donald Trump, known as the great counter-puncher? blah, blah, blah.

And the irresponsible media is just baiting these candidates. I am hearing over and over again that it is not so important to talk policy as it is to get in that one-liner. What people will remember is the big “Zinger”. (followed by clips of Reagan, “I’m paying for this microphone”; Bentson/Quayle “You’re no John Kennedy”; Mondale’s "where’s the beef”). 

It’s easy to blame the media, but the truth is Republicans brought this on themselves. The media is just egging them on. It’s good for the ratings. But let’s not ignore the fact that the "Trump Effect" is just a reflection of the bigots and haters that have taken over Conservatism and the Grand Old Party.

Listen, I’m not expecting an intellectual policy discussion from this band of morally deficient carnival hucksters. But, it’s disgusting that this is being marketed more like Wrestlemania than a serious debate intended to help Americans make an informed decision.

The President's Amazing Eulogy

The media seemed to focus solely on the two minutes of the President breaking into song. The real message is in the other 35 minutes of this extraordinary speech. While I may not subscribe to the religious overtones that frame this eulogy, the message of racism, gun violence and how we need to come together in the face of such tragedies is inspiring. Take the time to listen to this eulogy in its entirety. It is time well spent. 

Despite all the haters, the deniers, the bigots and obstructionists that make up conservative America; despite all those that wish to destroy this presidency even if it puts our Nation at risk, President Obama will truly go down in history as a great moral leader for our country.

Nothing will change

Nothing will change. We all know it. Racism is pervasive, even institutionalized. Conservatives will marginalize or deny the role of racism in our society. Republican presidential candidates will fall over each other to gain these red-necked racists votes. America's sick lust for guns and violence will continue. Politicians will cower to the NRA and it's supporters and shun legislation to control gun sales. Nothing will change. We all know it. I'm ashamed of my own country.