Kevin Koster commented on Fox's Earhardt Attacks Sen. Warren's Patriotism For Questioning Trump's War Strategy
2017-04-14 16:56:49 -0400
· Flag
This is completely consistent with the Right Wing’s posture. If President Obama had taken this action, we’d be hearing criticism and skepticism, particularly on the timing of the vicious action taken yesterday. Fox News would certainly have noted the suspicious timing of the bombing, since it was intended to take over the news cycle through the Easter weekend and present Trump as some kind of a “tough guy” rather than the inept bully he has proven himself to be.
But since it’s the Pence White House taking this action, that means it’s above reproach, and anyone saying different must be committing treason.
We shouldn’t be surprised at this.
The Year of the Bully continues full speed ahead.
But since it’s the Pence White House taking this action, that means it’s above reproach, and anyone saying different must be committing treason.
We shouldn’t be surprised at this.
The Year of the Bully continues full speed ahead.
Kevin Koster commented on Breaking News: The U.S. Has Illegally Launched 'Dozens Of Missiles' Against Syria
2017-04-07 01:07:08 -0400
· Flag
I think Bannon saw a quick opportunity to hit an easy target, make Trump look tough, and change the news cycle away from the now-constant reports of trouble in the Pence White House. Syria was easy to attack, and they can play up the notion of being “tougher than weak Obama”. And given the situation in Congress, Bannon knew that there wouldn’t be any more than a token complaint about procedure. Lashing out like this makes Trump look like he’s decisive and strong in Bannon’s eyes.
I agree that plenty of other countries will be stepping up to teach these guys what’s what. I expect China will do so economically, and I expect many other countries will simply shun the US until a real head of state gets back to the White House in 2021. The real test, to me, will be if and when these guys actually start building “The Wall” on the southern border – the proper response there, which I think we’ll see, would be for Mexico to cut off relations with us until Trump is out of office.
I agree that plenty of other countries will be stepping up to teach these guys what’s what. I expect China will do so economically, and I expect many other countries will simply shun the US until a real head of state gets back to the White House in 2021. The real test, to me, will be if and when these guys actually start building “The Wall” on the southern border – the proper response there, which I think we’ll see, would be for Mexico to cut off relations with us until Trump is out of office.
Kevin Koster commented on Fox Blames Democrats For Republicans Deploying Nuclear Option Over Gorsuch Nomination
2017-04-06 23:17:38 -0400
· Flag
A few thoughts:
First, this was a horrifying and vicious segment – typical of the Right Wing end zone dance they’ve been doing all day. I’d like to note that Mitch McConnell was actually seen happily doing high fives with Senators and aides on the floor of the Senate in celebration of his maneuver. Which puts the lie to the idea that what he or the Right ever thought this was a “very serious” matter. They didn’t. And McCain is right that someone here thought “Revenge is more important” – and that would be the Right Wing. They don’t get to walk that one back, and they don’t get to just bully other people about it.
Doors is correct that we’ve known all along, from the moment that Trump squeaked through in the swing states, that the GOP theft of the Merrick Garland seat had been sealed. There was no way that the GOP wouldn’t make it a priority to put a Hard Right judge on that seat – as a slap in the face to Garland, to the Dems, and specifically to Barack Obama. They may not have been able to eradicate the ACA yet, but they got this one through.
The Dems had a choice to make here – did they want to roll over on this seat and wait for another Pence nomination to fight, or did they want to stand their ground now and show they had some spine? It’s obvious that they did the only thing they could – they stood up for Garland, and for the fact that the GOP has put a black eye on the Senate, now in two ways. The first black eye came when McConnell and the Right refused to even allow a hearing for Garland, and the second came today when they decided that we no longer need more than a simple majority to get something as important as a Supreme Court seat filled. The result of the second black eye will be pretty much what David is suggesting – when the next Dem president is in office and has a Dem Senate, which I believe will be the case by 2020, the GOP will have no way to obstruct his or her SC nominations. McConnell even slashed the debate period from 30 hours to 8, which means nominations can be fast tracked in a single day.
First, this was a horrifying and vicious segment – typical of the Right Wing end zone dance they’ve been doing all day. I’d like to note that Mitch McConnell was actually seen happily doing high fives with Senators and aides on the floor of the Senate in celebration of his maneuver. Which puts the lie to the idea that what he or the Right ever thought this was a “very serious” matter. They didn’t. And McCain is right that someone here thought “Revenge is more important” – and that would be the Right Wing. They don’t get to walk that one back, and they don’t get to just bully other people about it.
Doors is correct that we’ve known all along, from the moment that Trump squeaked through in the swing states, that the GOP theft of the Merrick Garland seat had been sealed. There was no way that the GOP wouldn’t make it a priority to put a Hard Right judge on that seat – as a slap in the face to Garland, to the Dems, and specifically to Barack Obama. They may not have been able to eradicate the ACA yet, but they got this one through.
The Dems had a choice to make here – did they want to roll over on this seat and wait for another Pence nomination to fight, or did they want to stand their ground now and show they had some spine? It’s obvious that they did the only thing they could – they stood up for Garland, and for the fact that the GOP has put a black eye on the Senate, now in two ways. The first black eye came when McConnell and the Right refused to even allow a hearing for Garland, and the second came today when they decided that we no longer need more than a simple majority to get something as important as a Supreme Court seat filled. The result of the second black eye will be pretty much what David is suggesting – when the next Dem president is in office and has a Dem Senate, which I believe will be the case by 2020, the GOP will have no way to obstruct his or her SC nominations. McConnell even slashed the debate period from 30 hours to 8, which means nominations can be fast tracked in a single day.
Kevin Koster commented on Watch Martha MacCallum Attack House Intel Member Over Susan Rice – And Then Accuse HIM Of Being ‘Very Partisan’
2017-04-06 22:06:24 -0400
· Flag
MacCallum was following the Line of the Day, obviously. She didn’t want to listen to Swalwell. Her point was to muddy the waters so that viewers wouldn’t be able to figure out which was the real scandal going on.
In a best case scenario for the Right, a bunch of viewers will think the bigger problem is with suspicious Susan Rice, who nobody can trust, can they? That’s the approach being taken by Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity, who both want to play the game of saying that clearly something rotten must have been going on in the state of Obama.
MacCallum’s approach is more sinister – she’s playing the “let’s just hear both sides” approach. That’s reasonable, right? Just let both sides have their say and then we can all look at it and see what we think. Except that this is one of those false arguments where there really isn’t another side. Like the viciousness of the “birther” questions. This is a matter of comparing a very real criminal investigation into potential collusion by the Trump team into foreign attempts to interfere in the last election with a fantasy about the people who conduct that investigation.
I agree that Swalwell should have simply laughed at some of the larger nonsense statements she was making.
In a best case scenario for the Right, a bunch of viewers will think the bigger problem is with suspicious Susan Rice, who nobody can trust, can they? That’s the approach being taken by Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity, who both want to play the game of saying that clearly something rotten must have been going on in the state of Obama.
MacCallum’s approach is more sinister – she’s playing the “let’s just hear both sides” approach. That’s reasonable, right? Just let both sides have their say and then we can all look at it and see what we think. Except that this is one of those false arguments where there really isn’t another side. Like the viciousness of the “birther” questions. This is a matter of comparing a very real criminal investigation into potential collusion by the Trump team into foreign attempts to interfere in the last election with a fantasy about the people who conduct that investigation.
I agree that Swalwell should have simply laughed at some of the larger nonsense statements she was making.
Kevin Koster commented on President P***y Grabber Doesn’t Think O’Reilly ‘Did Anything Wrong’
2017-04-05 17:07:36 -0400
· Flag
This shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone – nor should Fox News’ refusal to acknowledge that they have a problem. I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for O’Reilly to acknowledge it either – he’s too busy running cover for the Pence White House and their attempts to distract everyone from the ongoing investigations.
O’Reilly and Trump’s behavior here is that of the typical bully – they’re practically daring people to call them on their viciousness. And when people do stand up to call them on it, these guys bat it away and act like it doesn’t affect them. They’re never going to concede any ground until it is physically taken from them.
So when the other shoes start to fall, it will be interesting to see how they react.
O’Reilly and Trump’s behavior here is that of the typical bully – they’re practically daring people to call them on their viciousness. And when people do stand up to call them on it, these guys bat it away and act like it doesn’t affect them. They’re never going to concede any ground until it is physically taken from them.
So when the other shoes start to fall, it will be interesting to see how they react.
Kevin Koster commented on Fox Panel Ignores Bannon And Syria News – Because Susan Rice!
2017-04-05 14:48:06 -0400
· Flag
The desperation is really starting to show, both at the Pence White House and in Right Wing media as they go all-in for Trump. One really has to wonder what is scaring these people so much that they keep trying to throw up confetti. I’m still trying to figure out why they think it’s news that the National Security Advisor wanted to know about who was talking to foreign spies, particularly when that was potentially affecting one of our elections.
I have no problem with a sober discussion about the ethics of the NSA and surveillance, but it’s frankly surprising to me that the Right Wing is suddenly getting in on the action. Where were they during the W Bush years, when we were dealing with warrantless wiretaps and a whole pile of nastiness that the Right kept stonewalling? Where were they during COINTELPRO?
And it’s bizarre to hear the Right suddenly becoming prurient about people’s names being exposed – they had no such issue about Joe Wilson’s wife being outed a few years ago. Why the change of heart now?
I have no problem with a sober discussion about the ethics of the NSA and surveillance, but it’s frankly surprising to me that the Right Wing is suddenly getting in on the action. Where were they during the W Bush years, when we were dealing with warrantless wiretaps and a whole pile of nastiness that the Right kept stonewalling? Where were they during COINTELPRO?
And it’s bizarre to hear the Right suddenly becoming prurient about people’s names being exposed – they had no such issue about Joe Wilson’s wife being outed a few years ago. Why the change of heart now?
Kevin Koster commented on Bill O'Reilly Has Signed New Contract With Fox News
2017-04-04 16:18:36 -0400
· Flag
My instincts say that O’Reilly will continue to ignore this matter on the air – like any bully, he would see acknowledging this situation as a sign of weakness. And he’d be right on that point. It is a sign of weakness that advertisers are leaving him at the moment.
But remember that advertisers jumped off the Limbaugh train a few years back when he attacked Sandra Fluke, and Limbaugh is still there churning out the hate every day on AM radio. O’Reilly will continue to do the same unless something really catastrophic happens.
Although I will say that his recent broadcasts are showing signs of paranoia on the one hand and wishful thinking on the other. For the former, he keeps desperately trying to fan the flames of the supposed “unmasking scandal” to try to distract everyone from the very real issues of the Trump campaign’s troubling connections to foreign agents. And he keeps trying to push a narrative of Dems being horrible obstructionists to the point that he shouted down two different guests last night when they tried to reason with him. Memorably, when someone pointed out the Merrick Garland issue, he screamed “That’s old news!”
On the wishful thinking front, O’Reilly is trying to tee up the expected confirmation of Neil Gorsuch on Friday as “a big win” for Trump. Not sure where he’s getting that as a “big win”. Gorsuch will get on the court with a large black eye because the GOP succeeded in spitefully refusing to do their job last year and then gaming the system to get away with the trick. So they’ll change the Senate rules, vote on a party line basis, and Gorsuch will be able to steal the seat that should have gone to Garland. That’s not what we call a “win”. That’s what we call a “theft”. History will record it as one of the most shameful moments ever seen in the US Congress. But we can count on O’Reilly to gloat about how great it all is.
But remember that advertisers jumped off the Limbaugh train a few years back when he attacked Sandra Fluke, and Limbaugh is still there churning out the hate every day on AM radio. O’Reilly will continue to do the same unless something really catastrophic happens.
Although I will say that his recent broadcasts are showing signs of paranoia on the one hand and wishful thinking on the other. For the former, he keeps desperately trying to fan the flames of the supposed “unmasking scandal” to try to distract everyone from the very real issues of the Trump campaign’s troubling connections to foreign agents. And he keeps trying to push a narrative of Dems being horrible obstructionists to the point that he shouted down two different guests last night when they tried to reason with him. Memorably, when someone pointed out the Merrick Garland issue, he screamed “That’s old news!”
On the wishful thinking front, O’Reilly is trying to tee up the expected confirmation of Neil Gorsuch on Friday as “a big win” for Trump. Not sure where he’s getting that as a “big win”. Gorsuch will get on the court with a large black eye because the GOP succeeded in spitefully refusing to do their job last year and then gaming the system to get away with the trick. So they’ll change the Senate rules, vote on a party line basis, and Gorsuch will be able to steal the seat that should have gone to Garland. That’s not what we call a “win”. That’s what we call a “theft”. History will record it as one of the most shameful moments ever seen in the US Congress. But we can count on O’Reilly to gloat about how great it all is.
Kevin Koster commented on Fox Host Bolling: Trump Is ‘Doing Great!’
2017-04-03 14:56:53 -0400
· Flag
Bolling tried this bit on The Five on Friday, I think. He pulled out a white board and showed a comparison of economic stats at the end of March for the first months of the Obama and Trump presidencies. Obviously, the numbers right now are much, much higher than they were during the recession President Obama inherited. Bolling got laughed off the set, even by his allies there. Williams immediately pointed out that those numbers actually support how well President Obama handled the economy. And the others could be heard chiding Bolling from off camera until he put the board down.
But Bolling’s approach here was clearly part of the Fox News Line of the Day, since it was repeated by multiple hosts over the weekend – idea being to promote the Pence White House as a “success”. If I didn’t know better, I’d say these guys are getting desperate to find a “win” in this mess somewhere.
But Bolling’s approach here was clearly part of the Fox News Line of the Day, since it was repeated by multiple hosts over the weekend – idea being to promote the Pence White House as a “success”. If I didn’t know better, I’d say these guys are getting desperate to find a “win” in this mess somewhere.
Kevin Koster commented on Fox Guest: Gay Sympathy For Muslim Immigrants Is ‘A Suicide Pact With The Democratic Party’
2017-04-02 16:02:05 -0400
· Flag
I agree that non-Right Wingers do need to appear when they can on Fox News, to try and puncture the propaganda bubble. I just see that Fox News has become increasingly emboldened since last November, and some of the hosts are getting to unpleasant lows in their desperate allegiance to the Pence White House.
I could see trying to go on O’Reilly’s show, although he has actually stated on the air that he no longer wants to interview people he considers “extremists”. For the rest of us, that means anyone who is not in his bubble – and to O’Reilly, a “left winger” looks like Juan Williams. One has to wonder how O’Reilly would handle an interview with Amy Goodman…
With Carlson and Hannity, I don’t really see a point these days. Every guest I’ve seen go on Carlson’s show who’s even remotely to the Left of him is disrespected in a manner that’s viscerally unpleasant to see. It’s hard to watch someone trying to make a point to Carlson, only to be interrupted and insulted multiple times before they can finish one sentence. If I thought Carlson was even listening to what they were saying, it might make a difference. But he’s not. His intention in having these people on is not to engage in any real way – it’s to bully the guest and have fun doing so. I’d rather see a guest in that position simply remove their earpiece and microphone and leave. If Carlson is going to behave like a five year old, clearly modeling himself on Trump, there really isn’t much of a mature conversation you can have with him.
With Hannity, his level of anger and hatred is actually spiking toward Jeanine Pirro levels. Given the fact that we now know about his issues with handguns, I really would not recommend people to appear there. The last thing I would want to see is Hannity losing his temper after having his talking points refuted and then pulling a weapon, as he did with Williams.
After the inevitable collapse of this corrupt group in the White House, it may be possible once again to try to engage with more of these hosts, but I don’t know that much gets accomplished while they’re in full-on bullying mode.
I could see trying to go on O’Reilly’s show, although he has actually stated on the air that he no longer wants to interview people he considers “extremists”. For the rest of us, that means anyone who is not in his bubble – and to O’Reilly, a “left winger” looks like Juan Williams. One has to wonder how O’Reilly would handle an interview with Amy Goodman…
With Carlson and Hannity, I don’t really see a point these days. Every guest I’ve seen go on Carlson’s show who’s even remotely to the Left of him is disrespected in a manner that’s viscerally unpleasant to see. It’s hard to watch someone trying to make a point to Carlson, only to be interrupted and insulted multiple times before they can finish one sentence. If I thought Carlson was even listening to what they were saying, it might make a difference. But he’s not. His intention in having these people on is not to engage in any real way – it’s to bully the guest and have fun doing so. I’d rather see a guest in that position simply remove their earpiece and microphone and leave. If Carlson is going to behave like a five year old, clearly modeling himself on Trump, there really isn’t much of a mature conversation you can have with him.
With Hannity, his level of anger and hatred is actually spiking toward Jeanine Pirro levels. Given the fact that we now know about his issues with handguns, I really would not recommend people to appear there. The last thing I would want to see is Hannity losing his temper after having his talking points refuted and then pulling a weapon, as he did with Williams.
After the inevitable collapse of this corrupt group in the White House, it may be possible once again to try to engage with more of these hosts, but I don’t know that much gets accomplished while they’re in full-on bullying mode.
Kevin Koster commented on Bill O’Reilly Uses Rep. Nunes’ Stunt To Help Trump Deflect From Russia Ties
2017-03-23 22:33:22 -0400
· Flag
Nunes is clearly on the side of Nunes. He’s also thinking that he can earn brownie points from the Pence White House by making nonsensical displays like his panic attack yesterday. (And which he’s now already walked back the details, if you’ve been paying attention.) He’s another Darrell Issa in the making, with an equal lack of ethics or credibility.
Kevin Koster commented on Oops! Fox’s Efforts To Intimidate A Trumpcare-Opposing Republican Backfires Big Time!
2017-03-23 22:30:03 -0400
· Flag
David, they’re absolutely going to take that step. There really isn’t any other option for them left at this point. The Dems aren’t going to fall for the Lucy football pull of thinking that the GOP won’t just do the same thing later on. Better for them to stand on principle and force the Right to their word. Best case scenario – the only other SC vacancy Pence fills is Clarence Thomas in another few months. If the GOP continues dancing on their own grave, the midterms will return the Dems to the majority and this nonsense will be finished.
Kevin Koster commented on Fox Fave Sheriff David Clarke Threatens Mayor Of Milwaukee
2017-03-24 14:58:05 -0400
· Flag
Debi, there absolutely is a threat by Clarke here. He’s trying to act like a schoolyard bully, and he’s going to stop it. Or he can be removed from his office for cause. But he doesn’t get to have it both ways.
Without bias, this was a childish display by Clarke, and he’s becoming known for his childish displays. If he wants to be an effective Sheriff for Milwaukee, it might serve him better to act like an adult. It also might serve the people of Milwaukee better. I would also recommend that he publicly answer for the four people who died at the Milwaukee County Jail in 2016, including Terril Thomas, whose family has filed a major civil lawsuit for wrongful death against Clarke.
Without bias, this was a childish display by Clarke, and he’s becoming known for his childish displays. If he wants to be an effective Sheriff for Milwaukee, it might serve him better to act like an adult. It also might serve the people of Milwaukee better. I would also recommend that he publicly answer for the four people who died at the Milwaukee County Jail in 2016, including Terril Thomas, whose family has filed a major civil lawsuit for wrongful death against Clarke.
Kevin Koster commented on Fox’s John Roberts: ‘Connect Some Of The Dots Here’ Between Devin Nunes And The White House
2017-03-22 23:48:51 -0400
· Flag
Scratch that. It’s just become clear why these guys are running so scared right now.
If you take a look at the headlines at actual news outlets like CNN rather than Fox News, you’ll see that there are real links starting to emerge about multiple Trump campaign members and Russian Intelligence. Not just rumor – actual intelligence that fills in the blanks of what James Comey was discussing this week. Someone inside the Pence White House is justifiably concerned that this will all blow up in Trump’s face, so they decided to float this story using Nunes as a front.
Should be interesting to see how badly this will backfire over the next couple of days…
If you take a look at the headlines at actual news outlets like CNN rather than Fox News, you’ll see that there are real links starting to emerge about multiple Trump campaign members and Russian Intelligence. Not just rumor – actual intelligence that fills in the blanks of what James Comey was discussing this week. Someone inside the Pence White House is justifiably concerned that this will all blow up in Trump’s face, so they decided to float this story using Nunes as a front.
Should be interesting to see how badly this will backfire over the next couple of days…
Kevin Koster commented on Fox Helps Validate Donald Trump’s Sick Lies About Immigrant Rape
2017-03-22 23:07:26 -0400
· Flag
The Pence White House’s attempts to bully and intimidate people in my state, California, are not having the effect I think Fox News was hoping to see. Rather than cowing to bullies, the people and officials have made clear that they will not try to throw immigrants under the bus just because Trump keeps scapegoating them. If Trump wants to threaten to withhold funding here or there, he should have Pence go ahead and do it. We’re frankly bored with the empty threats and puffery. Of course, if he actually tries to cut off funding for law enforcement in Los Angeles, we have the option to cut off funds going from the state of California back to the federal government – and we provide more money to the USA than they provide to us. So he can try this game, but I don’t think the Pence White House will enjoy the result so much. We’ll still be funded for what we need here, and Trump will be forced to do without – at least until we can get past the 2020 election and put someone with credibility back in national office.
I’m frankly also wondering how Mexico will respond once Trump makes a show of starting to build the racist wall he’s been insisting he would make Mexico pay to build. In my opinion, it would make the most sense for Mexico to cut off diplomatic relations with this country the moment Trump makes a big event of “breaking ground”. Yes, they’ll lose some financial aid – but they’re going to lose that anyway under Mike Pence. Better for them to take the bull by the horns and give an appropriate response. Building what Trump has threatened is nothing more or less than a giant middle finger to the people of Mexico. They really need to respond in kind – if only to demonstrate that bullies like this never win and never should.
I’m frankly also wondering how Mexico will respond once Trump makes a show of starting to build the racist wall he’s been insisting he would make Mexico pay to build. In my opinion, it would make the most sense for Mexico to cut off diplomatic relations with this country the moment Trump makes a big event of “breaking ground”. Yes, they’ll lose some financial aid – but they’re going to lose that anyway under Mike Pence. Better for them to take the bull by the horns and give an appropriate response. Building what Trump has threatened is nothing more or less than a giant middle finger to the people of Mexico. They really need to respond in kind – if only to demonstrate that bullies like this never win and never should.
Kevin Koster commented on Not A Single Person Of Color On Screen With Trump At Rally
2017-03-15 22:24:12 -0400
· Flag
Ellen, they don’t care and he doesn’t care. In their opinion, they neither need nor want the votes of anyone who doesn’t look like them. They’re hoping (I believe in vain) that everyone but the angry white voters will be too disillusioned to show up for the midterms or 2020. I tend to doubt their hopes on that front.
Kevin Koster commented on Shepard Smith Blasts Kellyanne Conway: ‘Fox News Can Now Confirm’ 'Microwaves Do Not Turn Into Cameras’
2017-03-14 10:31:29 -0400
· Flag
I honestly believe that Smith is having real issues with the Pence White House and its spokespeople. He really needs to watch what he’s saying and watch what he’s doing or he may find himself getting phased out of Fox News in short order. What he’s saying is in direct conflict with the stated intentions of his bosses and pretty much everyone else in that building.
Kevin Koster commented on Is Trumpcare Losing Fox News?
2017-03-14 13:56:19 -0400
· Flag
O’Reilly attempted to spin the CBO report last night as showing that people would “choose” not to have coverage. That’s not what the report shows. The report clearly shows that the lower income people who were able to find coverage under the ACA will be losing that coverage. In a bizarre turn, even O’Reilly admitted that the likely result of the passing of HAHA will be that lower income patients will once again resort to the Emergency Rooms, provided they can get there.
And the harder line Right Wingers are now openly stating that health coverage is not something anyone should count on if they don’t have their own money saved up to cover it. I appreciate that people like Ted Cruz and Mike Lee are at least being honest about what the Pence White House is doing.
In a way, they’re getting a double plus out of this. On the one hand, they get to rip away the primary accomplishment of President Obama and retroactively declare his tenure as a failure. And at the same time, they get to punish anyone and everyone who believed Obama or the Dems could accomplish anything good for the country. And they get to smack the paws of what few GOP members even partly tried to work with Obama or the Dems. If these guys get their way, it’s truly a victory for the Scut Farkuses of the world and a shining example for bullies everywhere.
And the harder line Right Wingers are now openly stating that health coverage is not something anyone should count on if they don’t have their own money saved up to cover it. I appreciate that people like Ted Cruz and Mike Lee are at least being honest about what the Pence White House is doing.
In a way, they’re getting a double plus out of this. On the one hand, they get to rip away the primary accomplishment of President Obama and retroactively declare his tenure as a failure. And at the same time, they get to punish anyone and everyone who believed Obama or the Dems could accomplish anything good for the country. And they get to smack the paws of what few GOP members even partly tried to work with Obama or the Dems. If these guys get their way, it’s truly a victory for the Scut Farkuses of the world and a shining example for bullies everywhere.
Kevin Koster commented on HHS Secretary Tom Price Inadvertently Reveals Trumpcare Is Not The ‘Patient-Centered’ Care He Pretends
2017-03-13 11:26:37 -0400
· Flag
Eyes, I’ll say it again. They DON’T CARE. This is not about health coverage. It’s about punishing Barack Obama and all those who had the temerity to support him. It’s a bullying move – they are punching people in the nose and telling them to like it.
Hewitt’s position, while spit-take funny, is also consistent with what we’re hearing from Right Wingers across the country – that Medicaid is a waste of money and that somehow states and charities will make up the difference after the funds are slashed. Experience shows us that in fact what happens is that the funds get slashed and nobody fills in that gap. Just ask all the people who wound up homeless after Reagan’s people slashed the funding that would have helped them in the early 80s. And then blamed those same people for being homeless with lines like “They made their bed” when they passed them on the street.
Hewitt’s position, while spit-take funny, is also consistent with what we’re hearing from Right Wingers across the country – that Medicaid is a waste of money and that somehow states and charities will make up the difference after the funds are slashed. Experience shows us that in fact what happens is that the funds get slashed and nobody fills in that gap. Just ask all the people who wound up homeless after Reagan’s people slashed the funding that would have helped them in the early 80s. And then blamed those same people for being homeless with lines like “They made their bed” when they passed them on the street.
Kevin Koster commented on Bill O’Reilly Falsely Claims Trump-Russia Story Is Dying ‘Big Time’
2017-03-10 13:56:21 -0500
· Flag
The “Russia Story is Going Away” idea is obviously a Fox News Line of the Day – it’s been embraced by multiple Fox News pundits and personalities throughout this week. The repeated mantra is that the Russia story somehow has no proof or evidence (which is a flat out lie), and that the REAL story is about all the leaking going on from the Pence White House.
The clear intent is to convince the Fox News viewers that a whole bunch of former Obama staffers are somehow undermining the Pence White House in a coordinated effort. The reality that the leaks are likely coming from non-partisan career White House staffers and alarmed GOP staffers is one that the Right Wing does not dare acknowledge.
That being said, O’Reilly is correct that investigations will likely go nowhere, given that Mike Pence has control over what happens at the White House and great influence over what the majorities in each house of Congress do. So we’re not going to be seeing a full court press on anything about all the Russian stuff. But the leaks will continue and the information will continue to drip out over the next couple of years.
Ironic that Fox News is suddenly concerned about leaks when they openly embraced them during the Obama Administration and the Clinton campaign.
The clear intent is to convince the Fox News viewers that a whole bunch of former Obama staffers are somehow undermining the Pence White House in a coordinated effort. The reality that the leaks are likely coming from non-partisan career White House staffers and alarmed GOP staffers is one that the Right Wing does not dare acknowledge.
That being said, O’Reilly is correct that investigations will likely go nowhere, given that Mike Pence has control over what happens at the White House and great influence over what the majorities in each house of Congress do. So we’re not going to be seeing a full court press on anything about all the Russian stuff. But the leaks will continue and the information will continue to drip out over the next couple of years.
Ironic that Fox News is suddenly concerned about leaks when they openly embraced them during the Obama Administration and the Clinton campaign.
Kevin Koster commented on Bill O’Reilly Not Looking Out For Your Health Insurance Coverage Unless You’re Rich And/Or An Insurance Company
2017-03-09 11:52:28 -0500
· Flag
David, I hear you, and I’m sure there is a way to address the issue of health insurance being tied to employment. In fact, I know there is a simple solution. They have it in Canada and multiple countries around the world. It’s called Single Payer and it stops the whole notion of having private insurance companies mark up all the costs. We’ll eventually get there, but it won’t be until we go through more years of the quagmires like this one.
In the meantime, I think it important to call these guys out on their fairly direct attack on both working people in this country and on lower income people in this country. The current bill is designed and intended to slap both of those groups as hard as the Right can get away with today – all while telling everyone how wonderful and fairly this bill treats them. In reality, the attack on Medicaid and the viciousness about the employer-covered plans is nothing more than revenge against the rest of the country for voting for things that the Right did not want to discuss.
In the meantime, I think it important to call these guys out on their fairly direct attack on both working people in this country and on lower income people in this country. The current bill is designed and intended to slap both of those groups as hard as the Right can get away with today – all while telling everyone how wonderful and fairly this bill treats them. In reality, the attack on Medicaid and the viciousness about the employer-covered plans is nothing more than revenge against the rest of the country for voting for things that the Right did not want to discuss.