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WillyT
WillyT's Journal
WillyT's Journal
October 10, 2013
By Matthew DeLuca, Staff Writer, NBC News
10/10/13
A Marine carry team transfers the case containing the remains of Marine Lance Cpl. Jeremiah M. Collins Jr. of Milwaukee, Wis., upon arrival at Dover Air Force Base, Del. on Monday.
<snip>
One of the American service members whose family is now being denied death benefits due to the government shutdown took to Facebook in the days before his death to voice his frustrations with Washington, his hopes for the future and his dedication to the military.
“I am waiting for the moment they breach my contract. Just waiting, I am out here in Afghan so I can’t just leave, but I can sit the f—k down and not give two sh—ts, get it together Obama and not to mention Congress,” Lance Cpl. Jeremiah Michael Collins wrote on Facebook on Oct. 3 in a post that seems to be directed at the shutdown. “Jesus! Make up your minds, I will protect the being of my country with my life, but do not go f—king with the men and women that protect your sorry asses.”
Two days later, the 19-year-old Collins died “while supporting combat operations” in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, according to the Department of Defense.
A graduate of Alexander Hamilton High School in Milwaukee, Wis., Collins’ death is under investigation, the department said in a news release.
The Daily Beast first reported on Collins’ Facebook page on Thursday: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/10/10/death-benefit-scandal-is-the-government-shutdown-s-ultimate-insult.html
“Nobody tries anymore,” Collins wrote in a Sept. 18 post. “What happened to effort and dedication?”
A day earlier, the Marine had written about his aspirations for after he left the military life – and made clear he wouldn’t be one of those people sitting around. “So, I am going to be getting my associates in Health Fitness along with certifications to be a personal trainer, and then possible a bachelor’s in education (goal being to be a gym teacher),” Collins wrote, saying he wanted to teach in a high school.
<snip>
More: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/10/20898474-get-it-together-marine-posted-shutdown-frustrations-days-before-death?lite
:( ::::::::::::::::::::: 'Get it together': Marine posted shutdown frustrations days before death
'Get it together': Marine posted shutdown frustrations days before deathBy Matthew DeLuca, Staff Writer, NBC News
10/10/13
A Marine carry team transfers the case containing the remains of Marine Lance Cpl. Jeremiah M. Collins Jr. of Milwaukee, Wis., upon arrival at Dover Air Force Base, Del. on Monday.
<snip>
One of the American service members whose family is now being denied death benefits due to the government shutdown took to Facebook in the days before his death to voice his frustrations with Washington, his hopes for the future and his dedication to the military.
“I am waiting for the moment they breach my contract. Just waiting, I am out here in Afghan so I can’t just leave, but I can sit the f—k down and not give two sh—ts, get it together Obama and not to mention Congress,” Lance Cpl. Jeremiah Michael Collins wrote on Facebook on Oct. 3 in a post that seems to be directed at the shutdown. “Jesus! Make up your minds, I will protect the being of my country with my life, but do not go f—king with the men and women that protect your sorry asses.”
Two days later, the 19-year-old Collins died “while supporting combat operations” in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, according to the Department of Defense.
A graduate of Alexander Hamilton High School in Milwaukee, Wis., Collins’ death is under investigation, the department said in a news release.
The Daily Beast first reported on Collins’ Facebook page on Thursday: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/10/10/death-benefit-scandal-is-the-government-shutdown-s-ultimate-insult.html
“Nobody tries anymore,” Collins wrote in a Sept. 18 post. “What happened to effort and dedication?”
A day earlier, the Marine had written about his aspirations for after he left the military life – and made clear he wouldn’t be one of those people sitting around. “So, I am going to be getting my associates in Health Fitness along with certifications to be a personal trainer, and then possible a bachelor’s in education (goal being to be a gym teacher),” Collins wrote, saying he wanted to teach in a high school.
<snip>
More: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/10/20898474-get-it-together-marine-posted-shutdown-frustrations-days-before-death?lite
October 10, 2013
The Huffington Post | By Mollie Reilly
Posted: 10/09/2013 10:14 am EDT | Updated: 10/09/2013 3:22 pm EDT
<snip>
A poll released Wednesday found Americans' approval of Congress dropping near all-time lows as the government shutdown continues with no solution yet in sight.
The Associated Press-GfK survey found that just 5 percent of the public approves of the job being done by senators and representatives, while 83 percent disapprove. 11 percent said they neither approved nor disapproved.
The numbers appear to be the worst for Congress in the AP-GfK poll since the August 2011 budget showdown, during which the government teetered on the brink of a shutdown. During that impasse, 87 percent of respondents said they disapproved of Congress.
<snip>
Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/09/congress-approval-rating_n_4069899.html
AP: Congress Approval Rating Drops To Dismal 5 Percent In Poll - HuffPo
Congress Approval Rating Drops To Dismal 5 Percent In PollThe Huffington Post | By Mollie Reilly
Posted: 10/09/2013 10:14 am EDT | Updated: 10/09/2013 3:22 pm EDT
<snip>
A poll released Wednesday found Americans' approval of Congress dropping near all-time lows as the government shutdown continues with no solution yet in sight.
The Associated Press-GfK survey found that just 5 percent of the public approves of the job being done by senators and representatives, while 83 percent disapprove. 11 percent said they neither approved nor disapproved.
The numbers appear to be the worst for Congress in the AP-GfK poll since the August 2011 budget showdown, during which the government teetered on the brink of a shutdown. During that impasse, 87 percent of respondents said they disapproved of Congress.
<snip>
Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/09/congress-approval-rating_n_4069899.html
October 10, 2013
I Have To Wonder What Osama Bin Laden Would Think Of The American Taliban...
(Read Republican Party)...
After all... Al Qaeda could only DREAM of the destruction of the United States... that the Republicans are currently threatening.
October 9, 2013
The Huffington Post | By Michael McAuliff
Posted: 10/09/2013 7:48 am EDT | Updated: 10/09/2013 9:44 am EDT
<snip>
WASHINGTON -- A labor-affiliated group is targeting a new series of ads against Republicans in swing districts over the shutdown of the federal government.
The spots by Democratic-aligned Americans United for Change will hit 10 members: Tom Latham (R-Iowa), Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.), Dan Benishek (R-Mich.), Lou Barletta (R-Pa.), Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), Sean Duffy (R-Wis.), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), Andy Barr (R-Ky.) and Rodney Davis (R-Ill.).
Several of the targeted members of Congress are among the two dozen who were identified in a poll done for the activist MoveOn.org as being at risk because of the shutdown.
The ads are set to run through next week, and are a sign that Democrats are not only willing to use electoral politics as a tool to get the government reopened -- without meeting GOP demands to hobble Obamacare -- but also believe Republicans actually are in trouble.
Here is a sample ad:
<snip>
Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/09/government-shutdown-ads_n_4069178.html?1381322355
Government Shutdown Ads Target Republicans In Swing Districts - HuffPo
Government Shutdown Ads Target Republicans In Swing DistrictsThe Huffington Post | By Michael McAuliff
Posted: 10/09/2013 7:48 am EDT | Updated: 10/09/2013 9:44 am EDT
<snip>
WASHINGTON -- A labor-affiliated group is targeting a new series of ads against Republicans in swing districts over the shutdown of the federal government.
The spots by Democratic-aligned Americans United for Change will hit 10 members: Tom Latham (R-Iowa), Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.), Dan Benishek (R-Mich.), Lou Barletta (R-Pa.), Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), Sean Duffy (R-Wis.), Bill Johnson (R-Ohio), Andy Barr (R-Ky.) and Rodney Davis (R-Ill.).
Several of the targeted members of Congress are among the two dozen who were identified in a poll done for the activist MoveOn.org as being at risk because of the shutdown.
The ads are set to run through next week, and are a sign that Democrats are not only willing to use electoral politics as a tool to get the government reopened -- without meeting GOP demands to hobble Obamacare -- but also believe Republicans actually are in trouble.
Here is a sample ad:
<snip>
Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/09/government-shutdown-ads_n_4069178.html?1381322355
October 9, 2013
The Huffington Post | By Ashley Alman
Posted: 10/08/2013 10:46 pm EDT
<snip>
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) has the answer to the fiscal impasse -- and it's simply "for the president to come to the table," he wrote in a Tuesday Wall Street Journal opinion piece,
Ryan, chairman of the House Budget Committee, accused President Barack Obama of giving Congress "the silent treatment." He said Obama and leaders of both parties have negotiated on budget issues before, and it would be in everyone's best interest to do it again.
...
...
...
Ryan wrote that his ideas were reasonable to solve the impasse:
While Ryan touted his recommendations as "bipartisan" and aligned with Obama's ideas, he failed to address the elephant in the room:
Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/08/paul-ryan-debt-ceiling_n_4067501.html
Watch Your Wallet... 'Paul Ryan Proposes Solution To Debt Ceiling 'Stalemate' In WSJ Op-Ed'
Paul Ryan Proposes Solution To Debt Ceiling 'Stalemate' In WSJ Op-EdThe Huffington Post | By Ashley Alman
Posted: 10/08/2013 10:46 pm EDT
<snip>
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) has the answer to the fiscal impasse -- and it's simply "for the president to come to the table," he wrote in a Tuesday Wall Street Journal opinion piece,
Ryan, chairman of the House Budget Committee, accused President Barack Obama of giving Congress "the silent treatment." He said Obama and leaders of both parties have negotiated on budget issues before, and it would be in everyone's best interest to do it again.
...
...
...
Ryan wrote that his ideas were reasonable to solve the impasse:
This isn't a grand bargain. For that, we need a complete rethinking of government's approach to helping the most vulnerable, and a complete rethinking of government's approach to health care. But right now, we need to find common ground. We need to open the federal government. We need to pay our bills today -- and make sure we can pay our bills tomorrow. So let's negotiate an agreement to make modest reforms to entitlement programs and the tax code.
While Ryan touted his recommendations as "bipartisan" and aligned with Obama's ideas, he failed to address the elephant in the room:
Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/08/paul-ryan-debt-ceiling_n_4067501.html
October 9, 2013
From: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023809001
But... but.. but... We CANNOT Accede To The Ryan Budget (Heard Here In 2011/2012)...
From: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023809001
October 8, 2013
The Huffington Post | By Caroline Fairchild
Posted: 10/08/2013 1:28 pm EDT | Updated: 10/08/2013 2:05 pm EDT
<snip>
The partial government shutdown has Americans nearly as freaked out about the economy as the event that triggered the 2008 financial crisis, according to a new survey by Gallup.
U.S. economic confidence last week suffered its biggest one-week drop since Lehman Brothers collapsed on September 15, 2008, Gallup reported. The polling firm's Economic Confidence Index tumbled 12 points as Americans became more worried about congressional dysfunction, which could cause a catastrophic debt default by the U.S. government. Confidence fell by 15 points the week Lehman collapsed.
If lawmakers do not increase the country's borrowing limit by October 17, the government won’t have enough money to pay its bills and will be at risk of defaulting on some of its debt. Although it is difficult to predict what will happen if Congress does not come to an agreement by then, several experts have warned that a U.S. default would ignite an economic crisis much larger than the global disaster that followed the end of Lehman.
In the five months after Lehman filed for bankruptcy with $517 billion in debt, the U.S. stock market lost nearly half its value, Bloomberg New notes -- although the Lehman collapse was not the sole reason for that decline. Unemployment also hit a thirty-year high of 10 percent, as a recession that began before Lehman's collapse worsened sharply during the crisis. Five years later, the entire world has yet to fully recover. Joblessness is still a worldwide epidemic, and many families are too distrustful of the economy to take chances with their money.
The size of Lehman's debt had very little to do with the 2008 crisis, and the size of U.S. debt will probably have no influence on the financial turmoil that would follow a potential U.S. default. Still, Bloomberg recently pointed out the eye-popping statistic that the firm's debt at the time of its bankruptcy was 23 times less than the $12 trillion the government currently owes.
<snip>
More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/08/shutdown-economic-confidence-gallup_n_4064390.html
Shutdown Causes Biggest Drop In Economic Confidence Since Lehman - HuffPo
Shutdown Causes Biggest Drop In Economic Confidence Since LehmanThe Huffington Post | By Caroline Fairchild
Posted: 10/08/2013 1:28 pm EDT | Updated: 10/08/2013 2:05 pm EDT
<snip>
The partial government shutdown has Americans nearly as freaked out about the economy as the event that triggered the 2008 financial crisis, according to a new survey by Gallup.
U.S. economic confidence last week suffered its biggest one-week drop since Lehman Brothers collapsed on September 15, 2008, Gallup reported. The polling firm's Economic Confidence Index tumbled 12 points as Americans became more worried about congressional dysfunction, which could cause a catastrophic debt default by the U.S. government. Confidence fell by 15 points the week Lehman collapsed.
If lawmakers do not increase the country's borrowing limit by October 17, the government won’t have enough money to pay its bills and will be at risk of defaulting on some of its debt. Although it is difficult to predict what will happen if Congress does not come to an agreement by then, several experts have warned that a U.S. default would ignite an economic crisis much larger than the global disaster that followed the end of Lehman.
In the five months after Lehman filed for bankruptcy with $517 billion in debt, the U.S. stock market lost nearly half its value, Bloomberg New notes -- although the Lehman collapse was not the sole reason for that decline. Unemployment also hit a thirty-year high of 10 percent, as a recession that began before Lehman's collapse worsened sharply during the crisis. Five years later, the entire world has yet to fully recover. Joblessness is still a worldwide epidemic, and many families are too distrustful of the economy to take chances with their money.
The size of Lehman's debt had very little to do with the 2008 crisis, and the size of U.S. debt will probably have no influence on the financial turmoil that would follow a potential U.S. default. Still, Bloomberg recently pointed out the eye-popping statistic that the firm's debt at the time of its bankruptcy was 23 times less than the $12 trillion the government currently owes.
<snip>
More: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/08/shutdown-economic-confidence-gallup_n_4064390.html
October 8, 2013
By Michael Linden and Harry Stein - CFAP
September 30, 2013
<snip>
The Senate-passed measure to keep the government operating represents an enormous compromise by progressives to avoid a damaging government shutdown. The Democrat-controlled Senate agreed to temporary funding levels that are far closer to the Republican-controlled House budget plan than they are to the Senate’s own budget for fiscal year 2014. Moreover, this concession is only the latest of many such compromises over the past several years.
The Democrat-controlled Senate passed a continuing resolution, or CR—a temporary funding measure meant to keep the government operating—that would set the relevant funding levels at an annualized total of $986 billion. That’s about $70 billion less than what the Senate endorsed as part of its comprehensive budget plan back in April. But that actually understates the extent of the compromise.
<snip>
More: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/budget/news/2013/09/30/76026/the-senate-continuing-resolution-is-already-a-compromise/
In Case You Missed This... The Senate Continuing Resolution Is Already a Compromise - CFAP
The Senate Continuing Resolution Is Already a CompromiseBy Michael Linden and Harry Stein - CFAP
September 30, 2013
<snip>
The Senate-passed measure to keep the government operating represents an enormous compromise by progressives to avoid a damaging government shutdown. The Democrat-controlled Senate agreed to temporary funding levels that are far closer to the Republican-controlled House budget plan than they are to the Senate’s own budget for fiscal year 2014. Moreover, this concession is only the latest of many such compromises over the past several years.
The Democrat-controlled Senate passed a continuing resolution, or CR—a temporary funding measure meant to keep the government operating—that would set the relevant funding levels at an annualized total of $986 billion. That’s about $70 billion less than what the Senate endorsed as part of its comprehensive budget plan back in April. But that actually understates the extent of the compromise.
<snip>
More: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/budget/news/2013/09/30/76026/the-senate-continuing-resolution-is-already-a-compromise/
October 8, 2013
By Dylan Matthews - WaPo
Published: October 2 at 9:30 am
Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/10/02/the-shutdown-is-ridiculous-the-fight-just-below-the-surface-is-not/
***************************************************************
Wall Street Deregulation Bills Likely To Attract Bipartisan Support After Shutdown Negotiations
Zach Carter- HuffPo
Posted: 09/30/2013 4:07 pm EDT | Updated: 10/01/2013 1:24 am EDT
Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/30/wall-street-deregulation_n_4018363.html
***************************************************************
5 Reasons Why a Grand Bargain Would Be a Grand Betrayal
Ben Veghte - HuffPo
Posted: 10/07/2013 7:18 pm
Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-veghte/grand-bargain_b_4060292.html
Do You Ever Feel Like We're Just Pawns, In Some Asshole's Passion Play ???
‘We’ve already essentially adopted that Ryan budget’By Dylan Matthews - WaPo
Published: October 2 at 9:30 am
Link: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/10/02/the-shutdown-is-ridiculous-the-fight-just-below-the-surface-is-not/
***************************************************************
Wall Street Deregulation Bills Likely To Attract Bipartisan Support After Shutdown Negotiations
Zach Carter- HuffPo
Posted: 09/30/2013 4:07 pm EDT | Updated: 10/01/2013 1:24 am EDT
Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/30/wall-street-deregulation_n_4018363.html
***************************************************************
5 Reasons Why a Grand Bargain Would Be a Grand Betrayal
Ben Veghte - HuffPo
Posted: 10/07/2013 7:18 pm
Link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-veghte/grand-bargain_b_4060292.html
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