Wisconsin GOP Committee Votes for Right to Secede

Dixieland up north? Image from ThinkProgress

Attention, you faux patriots: you cannot love America and favor secession. You can't be patriotic, and want to separate from the country. One thing cancels out the other. Morons.

Thank you for your attention.

[Excerpt]

Wisconsin Republican Committee Votes To Uphold ‘Wisconsin’s Right… To Secede’
 
Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Republican Party’s Resolutions Committee voted to endorse a proposal expressing the party’s support for “legislation that upholds Wisconsin’s right, under extreme circumstances, to secede.” A stronger version of this resolution passed one of the state GOP’s eight regional caucuses in March. That version provided that “we strongly insist our state representatives work to uphold Wisconsin’s 10th Amendment rights, and our right to secede, passing legislation affirming this to the U.S. Federal Government. . .”

Read more at: Think Progress

For Those Who Still Want to Secede: GlennBeckistan!

Or if you're a Herman Cain fan, GlennBeki-Beki-Stan-Stan!. This is from the wonderfully talented Kenny Pick, often heard on The Stephanie Miller Show.

Daily Show: "Whine Country" Conservatives, Post-election

More on the butt-hurt conservatives, from the amazing Jon Stewart.

America the Stupid: Several States Petitioning for Secession

I puzzled over putting this story under "America the Stupid." But, I don't have a "Sore Losers" banner. Maybe I should make one, because it would seem that the butt-hurt (another potential banner) in Right Wing World has caused several states to politely request secession. Well, not the states. Rather, people from those states claiming to speak for those states. It's all a waste of time, for several reasons, a) it's stupid, b) the people signing these things very likely don't have standing, c) some seem to be from other states, and d) most of the states that voted for Mitt Romney get more government assistance than the Obama states. Beyond all that, it's just not going to happen. The logistics would be a nightmare.

Goodbye Texas, hello Puerto Rico? Fair trade?

But it shows you something about these so-called patriots. They lose an election, and they want to dissolve the union. Who are the "America haters" again? And how ironic that right now Puerto Rico is hoping to become a state. Tell you what: Puerto Rico can come in, Texas has to leave. We'll build that fence on the north side of the state, and we don't even have to add a star to the flag!

[Excerpt]

Secession petitions filed on White House Web site
From states across the country, Americans have filed petitions on the White House Web site seeking to secede from the union and form new state governments. While most of the petitions come from states that supported Mitt Romney in last week’s election, a few swing states and even the deep blue Northeast are represented. . .

Read more at: Washington Post

In Case You Missed It: Romney Loves America

The mind wobbles. . .

"I believe in an America where millions of Americans believe in an America that’s the America millions of Americans believe in. That’s the America I love."

 Source: TownHall

Photo of the Day: Sarah Palin, Media Whore

This little act of semi-vandalism perhaps perfectly encapsulates what Sarah Palin is up to with her family vacation/bus tour. She's apparently not running for president, or if she is, she's tryin' to break the mold, you betcha. But that bus with the tacky wrap-job, with the over-the-top patriotic imagery and slogans, the big Palin autograph. . .it all points to what she's been all along: a media whore. It's really as simple as that.


Source (and much more, at): Rump Roast


Thanks to Stupid Monkey Planet for the tip.


UPDATED:  To add--before the inevitable charge of misogyny--that I also called Donald Trump a "media whore."

Death Threats for Not Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance?

Ummm. . .I hate to break it to you über-patriots out there, but the Pledge of Allegiance was created as an advertising slogan to sell American flags.  Idiots.

[Excerpt]

Woman Receives Death Threats Days After Beck Targets Her On His Show





The League of Women Voters has filed complaints with police in Evanston, IL and the FBI saying that one of their officials has been targeted by death threats relating to a candidatess debate she moderated last week. Kathy Tate-Bradish was a volunteer moderator at the October 21 debate in the state’s 8th District and sparked conservative outrage when she expressed what was perceived as “lukewarm” support for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. . .
 
Read more at: Think Progress

Are Sean Hannity's "Freedom Concerts" a Scam?

Image from FreedomConcerts

One of the most popular radio stations in Las Vegas is "Newsradio 840 KXNT," whose motto is "Voices You Know, News You Trust." The dishonesty starts in the name: it isn't news radio, it's talk radio. And the motto: since when do conservatives trust CBS News (the syndicated news for the station). So with that, you know what you're in for. And once Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Mark Levin have their way with you, you'll either be disgusted, terrified or enraged. If health care reform is passed this weekend, I really wonder what they'll be on about once the air is let out of that balloon.

Annually, KXNT sponsors Hannity's Freedom Concert series, usually with a tragically lame lineup of conservative favorites, including Hannity, Levin and usually Charlie Daniels. Last year, it was here during gay pride week, which I found particularly amusing. The concert allegedly gives its proceeds to injured military veterans, and the children of slain soldiers. That sounds noble, but given the people behind it (including Oliver North), I've always been suspicious. Could those suspicions be well founded? Possibly.

[Excerpt]

Sean Hannity’s Freedom CONcert Scam: Almost None of Charity’s $ Went to Injured Troops, Kids of Fallen Troops; G5s for Vannity?


For the last several years, Sean Hannity and the Freedom Alliance “charity” have conducted “Freedom Concerts” across America. They’ve told you that they are raising money to pay for the college tuition of the children of fallen soldiers and to pay severely wounded war vets. And on Friday Night, Hannity will be honored with an award for this “Outstanding Community Service by a Radio Talk Show Host” at Talkers Magazine’s convention.

But it’s all a huge scam. . .

Read more at: Debbie Schlussel

"In God We Trust" and "Under God" Declared Constitutional

Image from ResistNet

I've said before that I'm not much for religion. At times in my life, I've been actively anti-religion, but mostly I just want nothing to do with it. But we as Americans are surrounded by religion, like it or not. We supposedly have a separation of church and state in this country, but in many ways the separation is gossamer thin.

Take for instance, the "under God" part of Pledge of Allegiance or the motto "In God We Trust." Both are very clearly religious in nature, though it could perhaps be argued that they don't specify a particular religion. Fine, fine. But for an atheist, agnostic (or a hybrid like me), they read like "In Leprechauns We Trust" or "one nation under Superman." They are--again, to me--silly, childish and meaningless.

Just the same, most non-believers don't make too big a fuss out of it. We know we're right, but we also know the fight would win us little, and be far more trouble than it's worth. Let the people who adore those phrases have them, and I'll continue to ignore them. But I've never for a minute conceded that their continued support by government is fair or Constitutional. They flat-out simply, on their face are not.

I always figured if some atheist with a wild hair decided to make a federal case of this, the court would have to twist themselves into a pretzel, or just make some shit up in order to keep the Pledge and the motto. I was right. Yes, it seems that sentences involving the word "God" are not religious at all, but "patriotic!" Who knew?

But you know what? I'm absolutely certain that conservative Republicans will see it my way, and that they'll never take the word of a bunch of "activist judges." If I'm wrong, Batman strike me dead.

[Excerpt]

Court: 'Under God' is constitutional

The federal court that touched off a furor in 2002 by declaring the words "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance to be an unconstitutional endorsement of religion took another look at the issue Thursday and said the phrase invokes patriotism, not religious faith. . .

Read more at: SF Gate

The Young Turks: Glenn Beck Talks Secession

How is it that the very same type of person who impugned all liberals' patriotism for the last eight years, are now promoting the ultimate un-American act? Oh yeah and Glenn Beck is nucking futs.

Quote of the Day: On Patriotism, Obama, Secession & Tea Bagging

Photo from Crooks and Liars

"Isn’t threatening to dissolve the union over the stimulus package a little less American than failure to wear a flag pin?"

--Gail Collins, NY Times Op-Ed Columnist

Read her entire (excellent) article on the "tea parties" at: New York Times

Rush Limbaugh Hopes Barack Obama Fails?

Photo from source, Think Progress

In my last few posts, I wrote about the feeling of joy that President Bush is gone, and that President Obama is now in the White House. I wrote about the lack of mean-spiritedness I feel toward Bush, though I still want him and his administration to be held accountable for their actions, where appropriate.

And, I've indulged in a little bit of knife-twisting probably, even if I didn't really set out to do it. But one thing I've never done, is to hope for George W. Bush's failure. He did that all on his own, so all I was wishing for was that he wouldn't screw anything else up. That he wouldn't invade yet another country, that he wouldn't cause more people to die. But I never rooted for the existing wars to fail. I never hoped that the economy would collapse so that Democrats would win. I never actively rooted against my country.

But Rush Limbaugh--that supposed defender of all that is America--wants our new President to fail. Before Barack Obama has even slept one night in the White House. That's just sick.

[Excerpt]

Limbaugh: ‘I Hope Obama Fails’

". . .So I’m thinking of replying to the guy, “Okay, I’ll send you a response, but I don’t need 400 words, I need four: I hope he fails.” (interruption) What are you laughing at? See, here’s the point. Everybody thinks it’s outrageous to say. Look, even my staff, “Oh, you can’t do that.” Why not? Why is it any different, what’s new, what is unfair about my saying I hope liberalism fails? Liberalism is our problem. Liberalism is what’s gotten us dangerously close to the precipice here. Why do I want more of it? I don’t care what the Drive-By story is. I would be honored if the Drive-By Media headlined me all day long: “Limbaugh: I Hope Obama Fails.” Somebody’s gotta say it. . ."

Read more at: Think Progress

OK, there you go, Rush. I don't know if I qualify as a "drive by" (a stupid phrase for the mainstream media), but I'm more than willing to point out your lack of patriotism. And I don't think it is liberalism that has failed America. At least not right now, not for a while now. Get used to it. Conservatism, or at least the brand practiced for the last generation, has failed America.

John McCain Disrespects the American Flag?

Horrors! The John McCain-Sarah Palin campaign allows flag desecration?

Don't worry, I'm only mildly annoyed. I don't get all up-in-arms about flag stuff, which is all mainly tradition and ceremony. But as a former Boy Scout (and a gay, agnostic one at that!), I know enough about how to treat the flag not to do this to it. How would the wing-nuts be reacting if this video was from the Barack Obama campaign?



Source: AmericaBlog

What Parts of America are Un-American?

Photo from source, Huffington Post

Republicans, most recently Sarah Palin, like to sling insults at Democrats, characterizing their difference in political views as "un-American." They'll even go so far as to label entire sections of the country that way. Think about it. Slams against Massachusetts as "Taxachusetts." Barely veiled comments about "San Francisco Values." States on both coasts are constantly derided for not being "heartland" enough. Euphamisms like "Joe Sixpack" and hybrid real/media creations like "Joe the Plumber" are hailed as real Americans. Even Palin herself is heralded as a small town, hockey mom. . .so much more American than a latte-sipping limosine liberal.

But how more un-American could you be than to call groups of citizens, and entire regions of America un-American? There is an incredible divide in this country between right and left, but the difference is, liberals want conservatives out of power; conservatives want liberals out of the country. How pro-American can you be if you think that 50% of the country are somehow traitors? Congratulations, Mr. Rove. You may not have secured a "permanent Republican majority," but you have managed to put us at each others' throats.

[Excerpt]

Biden Blasts Palin's "Pro-America" Comments: "I'm Tired Of Implications About Patriotism"

Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden mocked rival Sarah Palin's comment in North Carolina that she loves visiting "pro-America" parts of the country, arguing that the entire nation is patriotic.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I have never been to a state that hasn't sent its sons and daughters to serve its country," Biden said Friday in New Mexico as the crowd booed Palin's reported comments. "It doesn't matter where you live, we all love this country. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

Jonah Goldberg, Patriotism and Nationalism

I've written in the past about author (and frequent FOX "News" guest) Jonah Goldberg, and his strained notions of patriotism. And during this Presidential campaign, the topic has arisen many, many times. But with Goldberg, FOX "News," and often times among the general public, patriotism is being confused with nationalism.

When Sean Hannity blathers on (for the umpteenth time) about Michelle Obama calling America "a mean country," or not being proud of her country, he's implying that saying such things is not patriotic. As though America is never mean. As though one must be constantly proud of America to love it.

Hannity is not the only one of course, but he is a consistant espouser of nationalism dressed up as patriotism. And it's time people recognized the difference. This article does a good job of explaining it, if you are unsure yourself.

[Excerpt]

The Far-Right's Patriotism Problem

. . .For a people to be controlled, they must first be robbed of honest discourse and open debate. Distorting language and stripping it of real and honest meaning is the first tool and the best mechanism for transforming a democracy into an authoritarian state. An informed populace is a dangerous populace. . .

Read more at: Huffington Post

John McCain Says He Didn't Love America!

Photo from Huffington Post

You know, when Barack Obama said we were entering the "silly season," he really wasn't kidding. Months ago, Michelle Obama said in a speech that during this campaign she was "really proud" of America for the first time. Her mistake was saying "first time," but nobody believes she meant that prior to this year she hated America.

It's faux outrage. A short grouping of words to latch onto like they were engraved into stone with maximum malice. Nonetheless, to this day right-wingers like Sean Hannity paraphrase it daily. It's more than silly, it's disingenuous and stupid. It plays in Peoria though, and that is what really stinks.

But did you know that John McCain once made a very similar statement? And his issue wasn't "pride" it was "love." He didn't use to love America! Can you believe the evilness in this man's heart? Heh. Of course I'm being sarcastic. I don't believe that McCain once hated America. But this remark should be repeated right back every single time the Michelle Obama quote is thrown out.

[Excerpt]

McCain says he didn't love America before the age of 31

Yes, John McCain has repeatedly stated that he didn't love our country until he was captured as a POW during Vietnam. Here's what McCain said in March on FOX:

"I didn't really love America until I was deprived of her company."

Then there's McCain in 1999:

"It wasn't until I was deprived of her company that I fell in love with America."

Read more at: AmericaBlog

Nationalism vs. Patriotism

I didn't post a specific Memorial Day post yesterday. Mostly, that is because of the few veterans I know personally, none have died in battle. I do not diminish the veterans who have died in service, I just have no personal reference. So, remembering them is a very symbolic and disconnected feeling that I can't express with any degree of honesty.

I also fall into the same camp as Barack Obama as it applied to the ludicrous flag lapel pin controversy. I find knee-jerk patriotism kinda phony. The flag-waving on FOX "News" typifies this sort of attitude to me. Sean Hannity's constant haranguing of Michelle and Barack Obama's comments would be a good example. This isn't patriotism it is nationalism. The two ain't the same.

What's the difference? Watch this video to find out. Sure, "Dan" is a bit bombastic, and the bad contrast of the video makes it look like he's wearing lipstick. . .but his commentary is solid.

The Young Turks: San Francisco Values!

Cue the scary music! San Francisco Values! You'd think that San Francisco, California was in a different country. Let Michelle Obama say something that conservatives view as "anti-American," and conservatives like Sean Hannity will assail her as though she is one of the seven horsemen of the Apocalypse. But San Francisco or Massachusetts is considered fair game for negative commentary. Excuse me? Aren't both places in the United States? How do they get away with this crap?

Citizenship Test: Do You Deserve to be a Citizen?

Image from source, AOL News

People sometimes question why anyone still uses AOL. Long plagued--even in its heyday--with derision as "training wheels for the Internet," the service just doesn't get any love. I guess for me, it has to do with familiarity. Just like how I started with CorelDRAW v. 2 wayyy back in 1990 or so, and still prefer it (by a long shot) to Adobe Illustrator, I took up AOL after the demise of Prodigy, and have been with them ever since. I like the interface--though the buggy software sometimes drives me to the edge of dropping them forever.

Still, one of the delights of the service is that almost every day there is an item in the splash page that begs to be clicked. Whomever is responsible for their highlighted 5 or so items does a great job. Today, the thing I couldn't resist clicking on was a citizenship test. I've often wondered how many natural born citizens could pass the test if forced to do so. And I'm happy to say, I scored 100% on the test with very little deliberation on any of the questions. How would you do?

Greenlee Gazette Challenge: Click the link, take the test, and report back here in the comments section! Which ones did you miss? Should people who fail be booted from the country? Do knee-jerk flag lapel-pin-wearing "patriots" do better or worse than commie liberals? Discuss!

[Excerpt]

LA Welcomes Record 18,000 New Citizens

Record crowds of immigrants - more than 18,000 in all - took citizenship oaths here Thursday, a showing credited to rising fees, a heated debate over illegal immigration and one of the brand-new Americans raising their hands. . .

Read more and take the test at: AOL News

USA! USA! We're #2! Hey, Wait a Minute. . .

Photo from source, Newsweek

I'm a liberal blogger and a Democrat, and if there's anything we've learned over the last 7+ years, we are by definition America Haters. We're part of the blame America first crowd. Hogwash. I'm as patriotic as the next guy, I just have a beef with the overt, faux-patriotism displayed by the current crowd of Neo-Cons and their sycophants. I despise their mindless flag waving and sloganeering while the country goes down the crapper.

And I believe it is precisely these people, from George W. Bush on down to his lock-steppy supporters who have brought our nation to a place where it is seen as, well, Number 2. Pun intended.

[Excerpt]

The Rise of the Rest

Americans are glum at the moment. No, I mean really glum. In April, a new poll revealed that 81 percent of the American people believe that the country is on the "wrong track." In the 25 years that pollsters have asked this question, last month's response was by far the most negative. Other polls, asking similar questions, found levels of gloom that were even more alarming, often at 30- and 40-year highs. There are reasons to be pessimistic—a financial panic and looming recession, a seemingly endless war in Iraq, and the ongoing threat of terrorism. . .

Read more at: Newsweek