Sunday, October 26, 2014

The United States of America has gone into a very dark place politically and as a result the country is a disaster. There are political extremists with religious agendas that assault the rights of women and remove compassion from the country. I don't like America in the social place it is now. It is dark and controlling and has a blood lust. 

If there are significant majorities they will attempt to end all entitlement programs. That simply can't stand. The Democrats aren't talking about Medicare and SSI enough. It is a real problem should the republicans come into enough power to railroad the nation in a direction that will ultimately lead to homelessness, unhealthy people again and children without the promise of the future their parents hope for them.

Bush and his right wing Republicans brought this shadow over the country. Young men like Jaylen know no different. He has not experienced an America of hope and promise, but, that of death, disaster and war.

I remember when Bush won the 2004 election, a segment of the USA was devastated at the promise of more war and more of the Republican agenda. We went to work and the Democrats took 2006. But, the day the election was decided I remember this dread that fell over me. The country had been at war for three years and I knew the war would never end under a Republican. I remember thinking about the youngest generation of our country and how their growing up years would be marred by war and consistent threat of uncertainty and death which was an uncertainty on their safety. I worried they would be affected by all that. I still worry.

The "Occupy" movement was the best thing that happened to our young adults. They have a feeling of belonging to each other in a unique way. That is important, because, the future is not set. They can change their circumstances and balance their fears with real life solutions in a majority that will make it so. "Occupy" put hope back in my heart and it gave me a different vision of the future. They are going to be okay and better than okay, they are going to be strong and determined. I look forward to their leadership and the displacement of those that would treat the populous of the USA as consumers and not human beings.

Local economies folks.

November 13, 2014
By Barry Ritholtz
It seems that welfare queens (click here) are back in the news these days. The old stereotype was an inner-city unwed mother -- that’s dog-whistle-speak for black -- having multiple babies to get ever bigger welfare checks (throw in a new Cadillac and the myth is complete). Regardless, welfare reform of the 1990s ended that narrative.
No, the new welfare queens are even bigger, richer and less deserving of taxpayer support. The two biggest welfare queens in America today are Wal-Mart and McDonald's....
No wonder they are losing profits. No one backs their treatment of their employees. Pretending to be Chipotle still isn't actually being Chipotle.
During an investor call with Wall Street analysts in January, Chipotle co-CEO Monty Moran said average wages are at $9 an hour, and that a move to $10 would have an effect, "but not too significant." That wage range already is higher than $7.25, the current, hourly federal minimum wage.
Monty Moran
May 21, 2014
By Heesun We
....Particularly for younger consumers, (click here) including millennials, purchasing decisions are about more than cheap prices. Shoppers are buying based on a company's values, which can include domestic manufacturing, environmentalism and ethically sourced raw materials, ranging from cocoa to cotton fibers....
The Millennials were completely left out of the wealth quotient in the USA. They did everything right, they were even perfect in many ways, yet they weren't good enough to reach for the gold ring. They were assigned to the service worker jobs they had in college and weren't going anywhere.
They have high standards for their quality of life and they aren't going to be left out of quality of life or all that the USA promises. They shop wisely and choose their future paths. They are great people.  They have moral standards, not necessarily church doctrine, although Francis comes really close. The church is getting there.

The Democrats have to emphasize the judicial appointments. The GOP has for decades.

It's like this. 2010 was the focus of Republicans for governors because of the census and gerrymandering. They want a Senate majority now because it may last for six years and in the meantime Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio will win election in 2016. That is the GOP. They are backed by corruption and plan their assault by the decade and generation, not simply year by year or every 2 years.

John Oliver has the best idea yet. Absolute genius. I want to put one together, but, it isn't easy finding the time. I have to schedule it so I don't disappointment myself.

Ukraine wants peace, it has always wanted peace and still today that is reflected in it's elections. Congratulations.

A local resident places her ballot into a mobile ballot box during a parliamentary election, at her home in Horodyshche near Chernihiv, October 26, 2014.

October 26, 2014
By Richard Balmforth

(Reuters) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko (click here) hailed a sweeping victory for pro-Europe parties in an election on Sunday, saying the vote showed people backed his plan to end a separatist conflict, his pro-Western course and democratic reforms.
Poroshenko's bloc took 23 percent of the votes cast for a field of 29 competing parties, just ahead of the party of his ally, Prime Minister Arseny Yatseniuk, according to an exit poll issued after voting stations closed in the ex-Soviet republic.
Addressing Ukrainians two hours after polling ended, he thanked voters for backing a "democratic, reformist, pro-Ukrainian and pro-European majority".

"The majority of voters were in favor of the political forces that support the president's peace plan and seek a political solution to the situation in the Donbass," Poroshenko said, referring to the region of the industrialized east where government forces have been fighting separatist rebels....


My, my this is a surprise now isn't it? NOT !

...In an email (click here) to The Washington Times, Jeb Bush’s spokeswoman Kristy Campbell said flatly that her boss does not favor raising taxes, despite the testimony recounted in the story that ran in Politico last week.
“As Florida’s chief executive, Gov. Bush cut taxes by more than $19 billion dollars for families and businesses. At the same time, budget reserves in the state rose from $1.3 billion in 1998 to $9.8 billion in 2006,” Ms. Campbell said. “His record on cutting taxes and exercising strong fiscal discipline speaks for itself.”
Sure. And I suppose choosing a Vice Presidential candidate is going to be tough, too. So, where does Jebby stand on war? Imperialism at any cost or on a budget?

The Detroit Free Press has made a fool of themselves.

This is the most pathetic editorial I have ever read endorsing a candidate.

October 26, 2014
By Detroit Free Press Editorial Board

...Snyder, the Republican incumbent, promised a pragmatic approach to the state's problems and delivered — except when he was caving to radical elements of the GOP-led Legislature or going back on his word about transparency.

Schauer says he'll shape state government according to the progressive values the Free Press Editorial Board believes are embedded in Michigan's DNA — expansion of civil rights, protections for workers, environmental stewardship, plus investment in schools, roads and the social safety net.

But only one candidate could bring his agenda into practical, achievable focus. And so by the narrowest of margins, with keen reservations, the Free Press endorses RICK SNYDER for a second, four-year term as Michigan's governor....

Mark Schauer can do better without the endorsement. 

...Sometimes these choices are easy. This wasn't one of those times.

Indeed, when we analyzed the challenges Michigan will face in the next four years, as we do here today in six parts, Schauer pulls his weight, often carrying a slight or distinct advantage.

But we're convinced (by whom - a coin flip, an astronomer reading the signs, what? ) that Snyder, despite a sometimes troubling record, is the better choice....

And yet, Snyder's first term has been problematic in other ways. The governor balanced the budget at the expense of cities and school districts. His disdain for politics is inappropriate in the state's chief politician; his deficiencies as a deal-maker have sometimes resulted in terrible consequences for Michiganders.

Snyder's record should have opened the door for a strong Democratic challenger

Schauer was not that candidate.

Schauer's vision is more progressive and forward-looking than Snyder's. But he can't say how he would pay for the things he wants to do, nor has he demonstrated the kind of leadership that would suggest he could bring the legislative majority along with him....

Mark Schauer is better for Michigan and they know it, but, throw financial hardship into the game and they become pragmatic and worried. He believes in Michigan and it's ability to spring back from hardship of which most was not it's making. But, if Mark Schauer is sincere about being governor he needs to publish his first budget as governor to the public. The financial problems experienced in Michigan have been profound. Those financial problems have resulted in people moving away and even for the first time in their family at a distance so seeing each other on Christmas is less probable. 

March Schauer is capable as a legislator to bring good programs and insight to the Michigan. He also has federal experience to bring help. He simply has to put a pencil to paper to demonstrate how Michigan can continue to be Michigan and how it will not only survive but flourish with new leadership.

The Detroit Free Press's endorsement is misplaced. They want a leader that provides a return of the dreams the citizens had before. They want Michigan back to it's rightful place. Mark Schauer has to build that dream with real facts and figures that will return the promise to all Michiganers again. It wasn't their fault the dream took a tumble, they should not have to be disillusioned or disappointed by electing a governor they basically were sorry they elected in the first place.

It continues (click here) to look more and more like the action in Michigan will be in the Governor's race. Rick Snyder is at 43% to 42% for Mark Schauer with third party candidates combining for 6%. Snyder continues to be unpopular with only 43% of voters approving of him to 51% who disapprove. Schauer's name recognition has increased from 51% to 68% over the last couple months but there hasn't been much change in the close divide on his favorability- 35% of voters see him positively, 33% in a negative light.

Go, Mark, Go !

It's not over until it is over.

By Nate Silver
...The informal model updates (click here) we published going as far back as March also had Republicans as 55 or 60 percent favorites.
To an extent, this stability reflects the noise-reducing features of the FiveThirtyEight model. Our program examines the polls for signs of statistical bias, and weighs them more heavily when they have larger sample sizes, better methodologies and better track records — which can reduce the impact of outliers. The FiveThirtyEight model is also fairly conservative in estimating the uncertainty associated with each race and the disposition of the Senate overall. At times in the past, the polls in most swing states have been biased in the same direction (either toward Democrats or Republicans).
But this degree of stability is unusual. In pretty much every election we’ve covered, the polls have more clearly broken toward one or another party by this point....
...This year has been different. While there’s been movement in individual states, it hasn’t been in a consistent direction....
The difference in the 'odds' of winning is the interest of the voters. In South Dakota particularly, the citizens there along with Native Americans have been successful in organizing and taking their information to the people. For that reason there is more of an interest in what the policy will be for all the lousy oil pipelines the petroleum industry wants to build. The industry keeps changing up on them. First it is the XL through the aquifer, then it is the XL through a corner of the aquifer as if that makes any difference to the contamination of water and now they want to rename the XL into segments of pipeline to inch their way across the Midwest. I think they have something like four separately named pipelines now.
But, what is new about this pipeline is the fact Eminent Domaine will be provided to Canada. Like, huh? Since when does a major right of way go to a foreign country regardless of being allies?
That said is the reality of the California experience, it's drought and the current contamination of it's aquifers. Of course it is the petroleum industry that contaminated it. So, more and more the concerned citizens of South Dakota are worried about their aquifer. If the trend in California keeps up the USA will be buying water through pipelines.

The reality of an unfinished vaccine abandoned ten years ago is unsettling.

I find this article inflammatory in it's accusations, but....

...to get to the point, if this article is accurate and the vaccine was not completed, produced and given to physicians in West Africa for their patients because of profits, that is criminal.

I hope the vaccine goes forward as quickly as possible and I am sure the FDA will place it on fast track along without medical and transfusion remedies to Ebola. 

It is a known fact vaccines in general are not widely produced and there is an Orphaned Drug Act. But, the FDA (click here) maintains an active interest in all rare diseases and their perhaps orphaned status. Given Ebola is a virus that can kill in a matter of a week when it's first symptoms arise, the vaccine should never be abandoned.

October 24, 2014
By Jonathan Benson

...Nearly a decade ago, (click here) researchers from Canada and the U.S. collaborated on the development of a vaccine for Ebola, which they tested on monkeys. Based on these tests, the vaccine was found to be 100 percent effective, and the results were published in the well respected journal Nature Medicine.

It was assumed at the time that the vaccine would be released commercially to stop the disease's spread in places like West Africa -- but it wasn't. The reason is that there was no profit to be made in releasing the vaccine at that time. Instead, Big Pharma decided to shelve the project until a later date when demand for the vaccine was higher, and more money could be made.

"Its development stalled in part because Ebola is rare and until now outbreaks had infected only a few hundred people at a time," explains The Boston Globe. "Most drug companies have resisted spending the enormous sums needed to develop products useful mostly to countries with little ability to pay."...


I knew this would be happening. Probably a lawsuit based in unlawful jailing.

Kaci Hickox, 33, blasted Gov. Chris Christie on Sunday after being quarantine Friday following her return from Sierra Leone.

October 26, 2014

...Hickox, (click here) who returned from working with Ebola victims in Sierra Leone, has retained civil rights attorney Norman Siegel to sue for her freedom in New Jersey federal court later this week....

The professional organizations really need to chime in here. The CDC has made it's decision and written policy and has worked diligently to protect Americans from Ebola. If nothing else the professional organizations need to at least adopt the policy of the CDC.

This should not be a political issue, it needs to be the most correct method of protection with the least restrictions on anyone's personal lives simply to encourage compliance with the policy. Symptoms are clear; fatigue with or without a fever and/or simply a fever. No two people are the same and I would not expect all people to have exactly the same initial symptoms. Dr. Spencer was the first patient to report fatigue for 48 hours before the fever. So, getting on top of this virus is getting more perfected and earlier.


What I am concerned about is the political partisanship that can occur and currently Ms. Hickox's boyfriend is calling her detention fear mongering. I don't think that is it. I think Dr. Spencer experiencing fatigue and then as reported in the media a 103 F temperature was very alarming. It was alarming to me. But, the fever was false information. It was 100.3 F which falls in line with the know sequela. So, we are still in consistent territory and not experiencing a different virus.

I sincerely believe the governors counted their last census and moved quickly to prevent any chance of passing along the virus. I don't believe it was fear mongering so much as alarm at the information coming from many sources.

There needs to be unity in any policy statement by professional organizations. Unfortunately, the CDC is standing alone and without a Surgeon General. So, if the AMA and Nursing organizations would decide their own policies and I would hope they would be in line with the CDC, but, the authorship should be real. There is nothing saying the AMA accepts the CDC policy and guidelines as the best path at the moment. 

I think mandatory quarantine is excessive, especially when one is quarantining professionals.

I understand the concern and when I heard over the news there was a nurse with a fever naturally I thought there had to be more measures taken to insure the public. However, the reporting of the initial fever of Dr. Craig Spencer by the media was completely wrong. He didn't call with a fever of 103 F it was 100.3 F. That is a huge difference. 

And quoting the media the nurse detained in New Jersey had the first blood specimen for Ebola come back negative for the virus. 

Samantha Power is visiting the effected countries of West Africa and I am sure she'll have some recommendations when she returns. In realizing the fever of Dr. Spencer was within the expected initial stage of Ebola regardless of the fatigue, he was not contagious until the morning he reported the fever. Fatigue is part of the syndrome of Ebola. If I may recommend moving the timeline back to the initial fatigue which will be followed about 48 hours later by a mild fever; it might give caregivers a leg up on treatment. Even reporting at the first sign of fatigue would be best. With professionals that just conducted a mission of compassion to West Africa followed by a long flight home might be fatigued naturally. So, to dismiss fatigue as the initial signs of Ebola is easy, but, perhaps that is not prudent.

With the quarantine of professionals after arriving home they probably won't lie or break the law. I am assuming the quarantines by these governors have penalties if not followed. Because if there is no penalties they will be circumventing NY, NJ and Illinois. That is exactly what the President didn't want to happen. But, professionals won't risk their license if there are court penalties and a criminal record.

I am sure Doctors without Borders and any of the faith based organization have ethical standards. I would think those ethics would include remaining out of work and in self-monitored and/or report monitoring for the 21 days after returning to the USA. It gets tricky with the professionals now returning home because it is my guess they weren't planning on any type of quarantine, not even self directed. I am sure they want to return to their families and careers and financial return to their home. Any of the organizations with members leaving to go to West Africa should be including information about monitoring and self-quarantine when returning home. Depending on whether they have a family or not will mean planning for a different type of return and stocking the pantry shelves before departing.

I would encourage all the nursing and physician organizations to review the information about Ebola and develop their own protocols in returning to work after a trip to West Africa. Professional organizations can only make recommendations, but, I would think medical directors and nursing leadership would have a policy in place for their employees if they participate as heroes to the people of West Africa.

New York, New Jersey, and Illinois have ordered the quarantine of anyone returning to the US who has been in contact with Ebola patients in West Africa. Medical experts warn this could discourage health care workers from going there to help.

October 25, 2014
By Brad Knickerbocker

...On Saturday, Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) (click here) ordered  twice daily monitoring for anyone returning from places the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designates as affected by Ebola. Gov. Scott said if the state health department determines any of those monitored are at a high risk of contracting the disease, the state will take further action to protect those individuals and the rest of Florida with a mandatory quarantine....
STOPTHESHOOTINGS.ORG (CLICK HERE)

This map is self-explanatory. The markers east of the Mississippi are so dense I can't tell from the map what state did or did not have any shootings.

There are a few west of the Mississippi; Idaho, New Mexico, North and South Dakota and Hawaii. But, other than that every other state has had a school shooting. Yes, even Alaska.
This is the gun that shot six young people and killed two of them in Washington State. It is a .40 calipher Beretta. 

Berettas (click here) just like this one are used in military combat. 


They are approved by and used by NATO and yes it is a semi-automatic.

The bullet below is a hollow point .40 caliper bullet. On the left side of the picture is the hollow point after it was fired and hits an object. If this is the type of munitions used by Jaylen this is what went through the heads of at least five of those young people, including himself. 


I am completely embarrassed by the US media. No one is discussing it on any of the Sunday shows. Shame on you all.

There was a school shooting this week in case they didn't notice. A school shooting that has completely shocked the entire community and has one of the most successful Native American Indian tribes quaking.

The survivors are still fighting for their lives, but, at least there are survivors. I think all of them are brain injuries. That is a tough one, but, since President Obama provided funding for the investigation in to the brain to find out what we didn't know, but, need to know the young folks will have a fighting chance at life. President Obama provided that funding because there have been so many returning from over a decade of war with maiming injuries he could look the other way. Quality of life. President Obama believes in quality of life.

This is a turning of the tide incident. The USA is so awash with guns many people fear their homes will be invaded by others that will kill them. The fear of home invasion is feeding itself now. People are seeking to understand their guns without really understanding what the country is going through in dealing with massive amounts of weapons within our borders. They know they believe guns are the answer to their worries, but, they don't stop to realize how unregulated guns are to the point of saturation. 

Saturation means there are guns for everyone, even those that will conduct home invasion. The crisis with drug cartels in Mexico is due to the fact the USA is saturated with guns. The guns in Mexico come from the USA. Saturation of guns in the USA means shipments to those that conduct uprising and violence. Yes, the current tragedy in Syria and Iraq occurred because of USA small arms as well as military equipment and munitions. The USA, when it comes to armaments, has become a global menace. 

Paula Hatch Satiacum and her son Brandon Hatch are overcome with emotion during an interview after several of their relatives were involved in a shooting at Marysville-Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington. "I feel very distraught, like it's a nightmare," says Ms. Satiacum.

October 26, 2014
By Brad Knickerbocker
...“While poverty, (click here) joblessness and other social ills have helped push Native American youth suicide rates to more than double the national average, the Tulalips are among the country’s most financially successful, sophisticated and best-run tribes,” the Seattle Times reports. “The tribes’ casino and retail developments help drive Snohomish County’s economy, and its government has won awards from Harvard University.”
Friends and family say Jaylen Fryberg took part in tribal ceremonies, including drumming. A slim youth, he wore his black hair long and pulled back.
The tribes are officially described as “successors in interest to the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish and other allied tribes and bands signatory to the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott.”...
It's Sunday Night

"Politics" by Korn (click here for official website - latest album Paradigm Shift)


Everyone's corrupt
You should just shut up
Lay down, back off
The demon you disrupted

Don't want to talk about politics
Don't preach or talk about politics
Don't make me talk about politics
Don't give a shit about politics

You want to sleep with him to get to who you need to know
Think that's the way to go don't you?
It's in religion, sex, and everything we do and say
I look the other way won't you?

Everybody's race
Lying to your face
Kick's you in the gut
Slayed you here all messed up

Don't want to talk about politics
Don't preach or talk about politics
Don't make me talk about politics
Don't give a shit about politics

You want to sleep with him to get to who you need to know
Think that's the way to go don't you?
It's in religion, sex, and everything we do and say
I look the other way won't you?

Tiny splinters are in your soul (and they remain there)
Darkest life in the deepest hole (you sit and pray there)
All the deals from the things you've done (you wouldn't ever work for)
What you thought was so much fun (you have to pay for)

Don't want to talk about politics
Don't preach or talk about politics
Don't make me talk about politics
Don't give a shit about politics

You want to sleep with him to get to who you need to know
Think that's the way to go don't you?
It's in religion, sex, and everything we do and say
I look the other way won't you?

Don't want to talk about politics
Don't preach or talk about politics
Don't make me talk about politics
Don't give a shit about politics

Don't want to talk about politics
Don't preach or talk about politics
Don't make me talk about politics
Don't give a shit about politics