MSNBC’s election night lineup draws criticism (Yahoo News)

Thu Nov 4, 2:37 pm ET
MSNBC’s election night lineup draws criticism
By Michael Calderone

Matthews' interview with Minnesota GOP Rep. Michele Bachmann was the MSNBC moment that has drawn the most attention and criticism. Matthews used the interview mainly to focus on comments Bachmann made more than two years ago about investigating "un-American attitudes" in Congress. Eventually he became so exasperated with her that he wondered aloud if the lawmaker had been "hypnotized."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_upshot/20101104/el_yblog_upshot/matthews-msnbcs-election-night-line-up-sparks-criticism
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MY comment on this article
Posted on Yahoo Friday, November 05, 2010 10:22am

Chris Matthews is an accomplished reporter and he asked her the same question at least three times. Each time she rattled off the same imbecilic canned speech that sounded like a pre-recorded message, she never even attempted to answer his question. She DID sound and look like a zombie, with her "Stepford-Wife" manner. It would NOT surprise me if she WAS hypnotized!

michelle bachmann, like most of the Tea Party idiots mistakenly thinks that voters don't care what she says, and they are nearly always incapable of answering a spontaneous question, because they are largely misinformed about most issues that interest voters. Instead, they want to address their own agendas.

ALL the female republican/tea party "Candidates" (and I use that term loosely!) are like trained seals, using the same rhetoric and demeaning terms like "man up", etc., as if it were from a training manual, which it probably is. bachmann, christine o'donnell, sarah palin, sharron angle (even rand paul) and others collectively could not compare to Hillary Clinton in intelligence and dignity. They use crude words, (as sarah palin saying "bastard" on national TV like some cheap hooker, and all the tea party people carrying signs that portray Nazis, etc.) and then they wonder why they get no respect.

These women are too stupid to realize that they are being trotted out by the "Old Guard" White Power republican men as their TOKEN "women candidates". This is a calculated move by the republican leaders to make their party appear to be somewhat progressive, but nothing could be further from the truth.

The White Power republican men "script" and coach these women puppets and the women are stupid enough to believe those men respect them and want to help them, when the men in charge really still have the same 1940's mentality and want all women to be kept ignorant, uneducated, and in supporting roles ("barefoot & pregnant") Fortunately, most women are intelligent enough to discern this ploy.

bachmann, like angle, palin, o'donnell and others are so narcissistic, starved for attention and desiring to be in the limelight that they are blind to the truth and will say whatever they are told to say by people like mitch mcconnell and john boehner, who themselves are somewhat repetitive and unoriginal in their own speech and manner. They, too sound like canned speech from sixty years ago. The republicans and tea party people are truly sickening to intelligent voters who want REAL candidates to address their REAL issues.

This is why the 1972 term "women and other minorities" was coined, because those Old Guard" White Power republican "men" think they are somehow superior to all women and all women AND men of other races. We have finally managed to outnumber those dinosaur White Power republican men, which is why Barack Obama was elected President.

"Women and other minorities" do NOT share the same ideals and desires that the "Old Guard" (White Power republican men) THINK we do. They are permanently on their way out of power, whether they like it or not. NEVER again will women and all people of other races defer to those "Old Guard" White Power republican "men"!

"White" Women and women AND men of other races want diversity, equality, education, jobs, NO war, we do NOT want all the things the dinosaur White Power republican men want, and we will prevail.

michelle bachmann and her ilk are likely to have been forgotten in ten years or less, and President Barack Obama will go down in history as one of the Best Presidents ever.

Chris Matthews is a superb interviewer, and he was RIGHT, michelle bachmann DID seem to be hypnotized and/or indoctrinated, just as a religious cult member like the "Moonies". He was justified in asking her if she was hypnotized, because that is what she projected!

MY Letter to President Obama November 4, 2010

Dear President Obama,

Two years ago today we, the MAJORITY of voters in this country elected YOU, because we believe in you, we respect your campaign promises to CHANGE from the republican way of running the government.

WE ARE ANGRY about the lost Democratic seats in Tuesday's election.Yes, Mr. President, we voters would LIKE bipartisanship, but it is HIGHLY apparent, at least to the voters, that the republicans have absolutely NO wish to cooperate with YOU.

PLEASE STOP trying to pander to them, the republicans stand for and fight for WHITE POWER, and they will NEVER, EVER Co-operate with YOU.

The republicans have absolutely NO wish to DO anything that will benefit the majority of voters in this country, which is the job they and YOU were elected to do.

THIS IS WHY THE VOTERS ARE VERY ANGRY ON BOTH SIDES. NOTHING is being done, the representatives are being paid, but working people HAVE NOTHING.
No jobs, NO Money, NO bailouts, and for some, NO HOMES.

We are sick and tired of elected officials who forget their constituents the moment they are elected, and who think they can just do whatever they please, with NO thought to the voters and the NEEDS of the voters!!!!! We are sick and tired of the political GAMES!

DEAR President Obama, We LOVE YOU. We continue to support you.

BUT WE, the working class voters elected YOU to FIGHT for our rights, to FIGHT AGAINST the Corporate Mentality of the republicans.

We NEED YOU TO: tell the republicans that WE are NOT giving EVEN a percentage of an inch to the republicans for any reason, NOT NOW AND NOT EVER!

PLEASE, President Obama, No More "Mr. Nice Guy" to the republicans.

STAND UP FOR THOSE WHO ELECTED YOU AND LET THE REPUBLICANS KNOW THAT WE WILL NOT STAND FOR THEIR ARROGANT MANIPULATIONS.

We voted for YOU in order to get away from the republican manner of doing business.WE VOTED FOR YOU FOR CHANGE, BUT YOU ARE NOT FIGHTING FOR CHANGE.

We love you, we support you, but you MUST FIGHT THE REPUBLICAN CORPORATE AGENDA!!!!

Fight them and their ideas in the SAME way THEY have been fighting YOU!
THEY are "At War" with YOU. YOU MUST FIGHT BACK!!!

PLEASE, I BEG YOU! President Obama, IF you want those of us who voted for you (and who have continued to support you) to be there for your re-election bid,
you had better BEGIN to GET TOUGH! GIVE NO QUARTER TO THE REPUBLICANS!

Pfc Bill Tolliver Vietnam Hero

One of my fellow schoolmates, Pfc Billy Tolliver was a 1962 graduate of Oolitic High School, Oolitic, Indiana.

I thought he had lost his life in Vietnam. In 2002 when I went to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., I was disappointed to find that his name was not there.

His name also does not appear on our County List of Vietnam Veterans who were killed in action during the Vietnam Conflict. I had written to his sister in Ohio to find out why, and his family didn't know why either.

His family told me that Billy Tolliver was NOT drafted, he had volunteered for service.  The Army sent him to Thailand, on a mission to set up protective camps bordering Vietnam.

He actually died in Thailand, July 2, 1965.
He was 21 years, 5 months & 7 days old.

Although Bill's engineering company was considered as support for the Vietnam war, since he was technically not "IN Vietnam" at the time of his death, the Army will not allow his name to be added to the Vietnam Memorial Wall, nor does it appear on the Vietnam War Memorial or the Vietnam War Memorial Internet Page for his home county, Lawrence County, Indiana.

I believe that Bill was The First Soldier from Lawrence County, Indiana to die in "the Vietnam war", and I would hope we can honor him with that distinction, even though he was technically just over the Vietnam border when he was killed.

I hope to enlist your help in changing the rule that the U.S. Army claims prevents this man's name from being added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and hopefully to our local Lawrence County List of Vietnam Veterans who were killed while on Active Duty during the Vietnam conflict.

It is my assumption that when Bill lost his life, Vietnam had probably not yet been classified as a "Current Conflict" and had not yet escalated, so maybe his death was not included in a formal "Body Count", and he just "fell through the cracks"? Doubtless, Bill is probably not the only one who fell through this "crack".

Surely there were other soldiers who lost their lives during that time period, just as the war was beginning to escalate, but due to a mere geographical boundary, they are not honored as casualties of the Vietnam War. This seems like such a gross disservice to these brave men, who willingly went when called to serve their country. Those soldiers had no choice in where they were sent. Why should someone NOT be honored when they die in the service of their country, while engaged "in support" of a particular war, merely due to a technicality?

I asked this question of the U.S. Army Past Conflict Repatriations Branch. They contacted Bill's family and said they were "Sorry, but that is just the rule". Rules can be changed. I would like to know what is needed to get such an unfair and ridiculous rule changed.

Billy's Mother is still living, she is eighty-eight years old, and I would like to see this rule changed as soon as possible, so that she can finally feel that justice was served for the sacrifice of her son. Bill's sister, brothers, other family members, classmates and friends would also like to see this happen.

There are doubtless others whose loved one fell through the same crack as Bill, and because they were not technically within the geographical boundaries of Vietnam, their sacrifice has also been diminished. Doubtless their families and friends would like to see this "rule" changed as well.

Billy Tolliver sacrificed his life in the distinguished service of his country. Should he, and others who died under such circumstances not be honored for doing so, regardless of where they died? If they were considered as "support for the Vietnam war", then why are they not given the respect and acknowledgment for dying in that war?

Here is the relevant information about Bill's service and death:
Pfc William E Tolliver
Pfc 738 Engr Co
Birth: Jan. 24, 1944
Death: Jul. 2, 1965
Burial: Beech Grove Cemetery, Bedford, Lawrence County Indiana, USA

There is a Memorial Page for him 
PFC William Earl Tolliver, 1944-1965 Memorial Page

‎Wednesday, ‎January ‎07, ‎ 2015  
UPDATE:  
Sadly, Billy's Mother, Ruth died Jan. 2, 2011 and his Brother Darrell died Jan. 17, 2012. I had hoped we could get the proper recognition for Billy while they were still alive and disappointed that I was not able to do so, especially on behalf of his dear Mother.  Billy's Brothers Jerry and Chuck and his Sister Karen are still living and I would still love to get something done to afford Billy the recognition he deserves for sacrificing his own life for the sake of his country.

Why NOT to Celebrate Columbus Day

Christopher Columbus was a navigator and explorer, sponsored by the government of Spain. He is said to have "discovered the New World." However, as indigenous residents on this continent were already established here at the time, there was NO "discovery" involved, and Mr. Columbus was merely a visitor to "The Americas", which includes what is now called the United States.

When we say "Columbus discovered America (the USA)", that is like saying Governor Schwarzenegger "discovered" California, when he merely WENT there to a place that was already populated.

After Mr. Columbus allegedly "discovered" the "New World." in 1492, this country was exploited, and the indigenous peoples have been the victims of Cultural Genocide in many respects ever since. Ninety-five percent of the indigenous people who were Native to this country prior to Columbus coming here were slaughtered.

The European settlers who came to this country after 1492 have tried to obliterate the indigenous religion, language, culture and people in many ways.

Our indigenous people have been relegated to "reservations" on the poorest lands in our nation, forced to live in squalor and poverty, while our government withholds payment that was promised to them for the riches that have been plundered, and for the theft of what is rightfully the property of these indigenous people. High death rates resulted from forced marches to relocate the Indians.

All these despicable acts by people who claim to be "Christians" have been anything but Christlike in their disrespect, hatred, neglect and abuse of all tribes of the red race. Untold atrocities have been committed against these people in the name of "progress".

This alleged "progress" has led to the pollution of our land, air and water, the rape and exploitation of our natural resources, the slaughter of animals, including to the extinction of an estimated forty million buffalo, and the disrespect, terrible cruelty and hundreds of broken treaties for indigenous peoples in this country.

Christopher Columbus should NOT be "honored" for his "discovery" of a country that was already known to indigenous people, who are now suffering daily from the cumulative effects of the damage that has been done to them, simply because they were found living here.

Christopher Columbus should NOT be "honored" for his part in ruining this country. We need to stop perpetuating this false idea.

The "Discovery" of this country was made by the indigenous people whom the Great Spirit placed on this land. It is rightfully theirs. They cared for the earth, and everything on it, respected the environment, and realized that the land belongs to no one, but that the Great Spirit gave the land for the use of all people. They did not let greed direct them. They tried to be good neighbors and share the resources, but the greedy "white" men were not willing to share, and instead stole from them.

If Christopher Columbus could see this country today, would HE think he had done an honorable thing by coming here.
Would HE think he deserved honor?

HOW I BECAME "MsRock4Ever"

Ms. is an English expression used with the last name or full name of a woman.

As with Mrs. and Miss, Ms. is a contraction of the expression "Mistress", which is the feminine of "Mister" or "Master". However, unlike Miss and Mrs., it does not presume the addressee's marital status.

Ms. originated in the United States and was popularized in the 1970s. The Emily Post Institute states that Ms. is the default form of address for business correspondence with a woman.(Rather than call a single woman Mrs. or a married woman Miss). It is a "Title of Honor", and is meant to show respect, just as "Mr." does for a man. I hope that clears up your confusion.

I'm writing a book about our local Limestone Industry and am also a huge fan of Classic Rock music, as well as have an interest in gemstones, crystals, and the "Stone People" Medicine that is part of Native American culture.

Hence, the Rock part of my screen name encompasses all of those aspects of my interests.

An Open Letter to the Republicans concerning the Stimulus Package

President Obama was able to defeat McCain was because American voters were tired of an administration that ran the country counter to the desires of the majority of voters. This is why Barack Obama was elected to the office of President and also why many incumbent Republicans lost their office.

The past administration failed to address the needs of most voters, while they squandered TRILLIONS on a war they started on a lie, resulting in over 4237 American deaths SO FAR. During those same eight years, they were aiding and abetting Wall St. and the banking industry to get by with everything but murder, and now, when American voters are losing their jobs, their homes, their health care, and their youth in a senseless war, they asked us to "bail out" Wall St.

After the conduct of the past administration over the past eight years, I have heard numerous Republicans this week who want to blame President Obama for creating a Stimulus bill and keep whining about his "reckless spending", that is a very pathetic tactic. Apparently they have amnesia?

REPUBLICANS, YOU ARE PUTTING THEIR OWN JOBS ON THE LINE.

If you keep opposing the President,whom was elected by THE MAJORITY of voters, you will all be in danger of being voted out of office next election.
Wake Up, Republicans.

Throughout the 2008 election, opponents of Barack Obama kept whining about his perceived lack of experience. In October 1960, Richard Nixon referred to John F. Kennedy, saying "We can't afford to have the White House as a training ground for
an inexperienced man who is rash and impulsive."

Then Senator Kennedy replied: "This administration has failed to recognize that in these changing times, with a revolution of rising expectations sweeping the globe, the United States has lost its image as a new, strong, vital revolutionary society". This most recent election was in many ways a re-run of that one.

The reason President Kennedy was able to defeat Nixon was because American voters were tired of an administration that ran the country counter to the desires of the majority of voters.

The reason President Obama was able to defeat McCain was because American voters are tired of an administration that ran the country counter to the desires of the majority of voters.

Since they couldn't beat Barack Obama in the election, are his opponents trying to beat him by refusing to cooperate with the will of the President, and thus, the voters?

Don't the Republicans understand that the majority of American voters do NOT want the same things they do?

WE VOTERS WANT NEW POLICIES, THE OLD TIRED ONES OF THE PAST DO NOT WORK.

President Obama is limited in what he can do, but he is a symbol of the voters in this country. When lawmakers act against the President, they are acting against the voters.

On November 4, the majority of voters sent a message that politics, like the world, MUST change. We live in a Global Society today, and the politics of yesteryear are outdated and no longer effective, because they do not address the needs of most voters.

We live in a diverse society, and we all want our voices heard. We have now reached the point where the former minority of women and non-white men voters has reversed positions with the former majority of older white men.

In an attempt to heal the wounds of the past eight years, President Obama very graciously extended the hand of Bi-Partisanship to the Republicans. By disregarding that opportunity and unanimously voting against the Stimulus Package, Republicans made it quite apparent that they're more interested in asserting their egos and/or their illusion of their "party power" than in addressing the needs of their constituents.

Whatever reason for their madness, Republicans who plan to run for office in the future should consider how their present intent to hinder progress will affect their chance for re-election.

Their refusal to accept the will of the voters and the kindness of our President makes them appear to have the judgment of toddlers, whining because they did not get their way.

We want our representatives to stop their juvenile bickering and just do the job for which they were elected. We work hard and we expect our representatives to do the same.

After half or more of bush's white collar criminal cabinet was indicted for their crimes, now the Republicans want to blame President Obama for the Tom Daschle fiasco.

We are in the midst of a colossal economic crisis. We want cooperation and we want our problems addressed NOW.

Please stop wasting our time and behaving like rebellious stepchildren in a blended family. If you are still unwilling to cooperate with President Obama, the voters, and the Democrats, then please just go off somewhere to lick your wounds and get out of our way so we can make some progress FOR A CHANGE.

2009 Stimulus Package--Wake Up, Republicans!

Thursday, February 05, 2009

Wake Up, Republicans!

Throughout the 2008 election, opponents of Barack Obama kept whining about his perceived lack of experience.

In October 1960, Richard Nixon referred to John F. Kennedy, saying "We can't afford to have the White House as a training ground for an inexperienced man who is rash and impulsive." Senator Kennedy replied: "This administration has failed to recognize that in these changing times, with a revolution of rising expectations sweeping the globe, the United States has lost its image as a new, strong, vital revolutionary society". This most recent election was in many ways a re-run of that one.

The reason President Kennedy was able to defeat Nixon was because American voters were tired of an administration that ran the country counter to the desires of the majority of voters.

The reason President Obama was able to defeat McCain was because American voters are tired of an administration that ran the country counter to the desires of the majority of voters.

The past administration failed to address the needs of most voters. This is why Barack Obama was elected to the office of President of the United States. This is why many incumbent Republicans lost their office.

Since they couldn't beat Barack Obama in the election, are his opponents trying to beat him by refusing to cooperate with the will of the President, and thus, the voters? Don't they understand that voters don't want the same things they do? We want NEW procedures, the old ones do NOT work!

President Obama is limited in what he can do, but he is a symbol of the voters in this country. When lawmakers act against the President, they are acting against the voters. On November 4, the majority of voters sent a message that politics, like the world, must change. We live in a Global Society today, and the politics of yesteryear are outdated and no longer effective, because they do not address the needs of most voters.

We live in a diverse society, and we all want our voices heard. We have now reached the point where the former minority of women and non-white men voters has reversed positions with the former majority of older white men.

In an attempt to heal the wounds of the past eight years, President Obama very graciously extended the hand of Bi-Partisanship to the Republicans.

By disregarding that opportunity and unanimously voting against the Stimulus Package, Republicans made it quite apparent that they're more interested in asserting their
egos than in addressing the needs of their constituents.

Whatever reason for their madness, Republicans who plan to run for office in the future should consider how their present intent to hinder progress will affect their chance for re-election. Their refusal to accept the will of the voters and the kindness of our President makes them appear to have the judgment of toddlers, whining because they did not get their way.

We want our representatives to stop their juvenile bickering and just do the job for which they were elected! We work hard and we expect our representatives to do the same.

After half or more of bush's white collar criminal cabinet was indicted for their crimes, now the Republicans want to blame President Obama for the Tom Daschle fiasco.

We are in the midst of a colossal economic crisis. We want cooperation and we want our problems addressed NOW!

Please stop wasting our time and behaving like rebellious stepchildren in a blended family.

If you are still unwilling to cooperate with President Obama, the voters, and the Democrats, then please just go off somewhere to lick your wounds and get out of our way so we can make some progress FOR A CHANGE!

The Iraq War Will Cost Us $3 Trillion, and Much More;Wall St. COST total is $8.5 trillion!
Thank YOU, Republicans!