Where’s the Outrage?

We need to do better. P wrote this comment to my blog and it is heartbreaking -

Beaumont,Tx. I have had heath problems for the last 10 years yet I have managed to hardly ever miss work. Because of my health I have only managed to get a little more than minimum wage. My wife and I barely manage on a monthly basis as it is (no insurance). Anyone who has ever had to buy meds with no ins. can surely relate to that. In the two months prior to mandantory evacuation for both Gustav and Ike … I had a heart attack and quad. bypass. We were totally broke and stuck in Paris Tx. when they finally started letting people come back to Beaumont. Thankfully a very nice person wired us some money to get home. Other than that person’s generosity we have received (1) debit card from Texas workforce with a whopping $5 dollars on it.

It is incredibly difficult to understand how some people can be so insensitive. There REALLY ARE people who REALLY need help. And yes I understand that there ARE people who just take advantage of and abuse the things that were meant to help the persons that REALLY need help.

I sure don’t know the answer ….. I guess if I did I would have a great job and maybe wouldn’t be writing this.

I just feel that no matter what I do or have done in life I couldn’t even buy a break if I had the money.

Just please be aware that there are SOME really GOOD people in this world …. and SOME of them REALLY NEED HELP.

Tags: Environment, Poverty by ecthompson
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Now this is a fun show.

 

 The Errington Thompson Show 10-11-08 [47:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Podcasts by ecthompson
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There is too much to talk about. Brain freeze! Joe the Plumber. Another debate. ACORN is the root of all evil, according to John McCain. They will single-handedly bring down our demcracy. The Obama camp has filed a formal request to look into connections among the White House, The RNC and the DOJ. To top that off, I have Markos Moulitsas as my special guest. We talk about his new book Talking on the System, weanie Democrats and much, much more. Enjoy.

 

 The Errington Thompson Show [47:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Tags: Election 2008, Podcasts by ecthompson
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If I’d been around, who would I have supported for President between the years 1788 and 1820?

Without knowing the past, we can’t grasp the present.

In the years 1788-1820, I would have been looking for a strong federal government, an expansion of our new found freedoms to include all people, and just treatment of Native Americans.

As it turned out, by 1820 there was little doubt that America was one nation united, it’s just that this unity often came at the expense of the freedoms and just treatment I would have hoped for.

Elections in these days were not decided by popular vote. Candidates were often nominated by caucuses of sitting members of Congress. This was the so-called King Caucus. Electoral votes were won by votes in state legislatures.  

1788—In the first Presidential election, I’d have backed George Washington of Virginia (above as painted by Gilbert Stuart.) I would have felt the new nation needed a solid start, and that General Washington would be best to provide that foundation. Also, General Washington had no opponent in 1788.

1792—Washington was again the only candidate. Though by this point an opposition was emerging to the ruling Federalists.

1796—While I would have been concerned by the elitist tendencies of Federalist Alexander Hamilton, I would have supported Federalist Party Vice President John Adams of Massachusetts. In part this is because I’m a native New Englander. More meaningfully, Thomas Jefferson’s vision of an agrarian slave holding republic would not have held much appeal. Adams beat Jefferson of Virginia in 1800.

Jefferson’s candidacy can be seen as a beginning of the very successful Democratic-Republican Party.

1800—While I would have been turned off by Adams’ Alien & Sedition Acts, I would have supported President Adams over repeat challenger Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson’s view against standing armies in peacetime and his advocacy of slavery and states rights would have gone against my support of strong central government and a move towards the end of slavery. Jefferson won the election. 

1804—The Federalist party was in disarray in 1804 and there was hardly a contest. I would have softened on Jefferson to a degree because of the Louisiana Purchase. This was an act of an assertive federal government no matter what Jefferson put forth as the official line. The Federalist was Charles Pinckney of South Carolina. Pinckney had a record of work and support for a strong federal government. By 1804 though, he had moved towards a more southern influenced view of these questions. I don’t think I would have backed either candidate.

( Below—The Louisiana Purchase and what America was in 1810.)

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Tags: Other Political Thoughts by Texas Liberal
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• Barack Obama raised $150 million last month. $150 million!!! He brought in 632,000 new donors. Let’s just think about this for a second.
• Joe the Plumber who thrust himself into the spotlight is pissed. He is pissed off at the media for sticking their noses into his “business.” Well, when you throw red meat to lions, you can’t be surprised when they eat it up. Joe was asked about Social Security and instead of saying no comment he said, “Social Security’s a joke. I have parents. I don’t need another set of parents called the government. Let me take my money and invest it how I please. Social Security, I’ve never believed in, don’t like it, hate that it’s forced on me.” When you open your mouth, as if you know what your talking about, expect that the media will do a background check.
• Former Secretary of State Colin Powell has endorsed Barack Obama.

Tags: Domestic Issues, Election 2008 by ecthompson
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Barack Obama in St. Louis on Saturday. Amazing.

Tags: Election 2008 by ecthompson
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