It Hasn't Ended Yet: Gutless Dems And Talking Heads!!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/opinion/31rich.html?_r=1 If you think the election of Barack Obama ended the neo-con manipulation of the media and the cowering of certain Democratic politicians you are DEAD WRONG!!! Read this article!!!!

The President And I Got It Right: Health Care This Year Or Never!!!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090528/ap_on_go_pr_wh/us_obama_health_care;_ylt=Atx3YbpBQ9Fpho3hvlribdes0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTJsNDU3aXV2BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkwNTI4L3VzX29iYW1hX2hlYWx0aF9jYXJlBGNwb3MDMgRwb3MDNwRzZWMDeW5fdG9wX3N0b3J5BHNsawNvYmFtYXNheXNoZWE- Its real simple.....we need health care reform now!!!!!

Limbaugh: Shut The Hell Up!!!!

Boss Limbaugh continues his anti-American diatribe ratcheting up the rhetoric by calling Judge Sonia Sotomayor a reverse racist and that Obama is the biggest reverse racist going!!! In same breathe, he repeats proudly that he hopes Obama fails. This during a time of war!!!! Boss Limbaugh is the biggest domestic terrorist in the USA.

Limbaugh's ridiculous schtick is extremely scary because Republicans believe this fat drug abuser. Of course, the rest of the right wing wackos are spewing all kinds of things about Judge Sotomayor. The problem is that its so ridiculous you can't believe what you are hearing. Tom Tancredo and company are calling her a racist. Rove says she's not really smart which insinuates that she only succeeded in school because of her race. Buchannan calls her a racist and is concern for white males. Are you kidding me!!!!!!!!!

Cheney's Republican Party

http://www.truthout.org/052309Z?n The Republican Party is in the wilderness and it all began with Richard Nixon. The excesses of big business, imperial presidency and espousing fear and prejudice has led the GOP to the isolation of the political wilderness. And guess who is a common thread throughout?? Dick Cheney.

Cheney, McNulty, NFMMC, And More....

After being on the road most of the week, just some things in my head as I'm watching the Red Wings pushing the Black Hawks to the brink....

- Maybe someone needs to tell Dick Cheney he is no longer in power. His ridiculous performance this week in a speech after President Obama's speech was really a joke and disrespectful. It must be tough to see a President who can think and speak at the same time as opposed to the man-puppet he teamed up with to get us in the mess that we are in. Cheney's defense of torture, Gitmo and the Iraq War is disturbing but illustrates what a dangerous individual he is. The more he talks, the bigger hole he digs. But maybe he's trying to taint the jury pool for when he's charged with war crimes.

- The Andrea McNulty situation represents what's wrong with the political parties here in Niagara County. You can't tell me that the Republican Party didn't know what McNulty was doing. But hey, we are overwhelmingly in control that we can do what we want. It's called arrogance and that's what exudes from the Niagara County Republicans. Ms.McNulty was playing a cute game and she got caught. Then we have the Democratic Party. You use your litle boy to rat out a Republican leaning Democratic legislator??? Kind of disgusting. So now that they've outed McNulty now what's going to happen??? Do they have a candidate??? Can that candidate win??? My thought is probably not. Maybe the Niagara County Democrats ought to try to get good candidates and maybe raise some money as opposed to using a little boy to stake out an opponent. With the state of both parties, you wonder why we are in the state that we are in.

- The NFMMC story was mentioned in the NF Reporter this week. The critical question is: what did Joe " Gotti" Ruffalo know about the fraud scheme that was being pulled by the hospital's hired collection agency??? The other question is: where is Assemblywoman Del Monte, Senator Thompson and Senator Maziarz in all this??? These are state Medicaid dollars that was being stolen on top of the fact that this facility receives casino money. Why aren't our State representatives asking questions??? There needs to be a thorough investigation of NFMMC. And while were at it, every Board member of the hospital should be made to resign!!!! If they don't I wouldn't give them another dime of casino money. Maziarz has said that the City of NF couldn't run a lemonade stand, well Don Ruffalo couldn't run one either, yet they get unquestioned casino money.

- The NF Water Board should be ashamed of themselves. Callously telling homeowners in the 56th Street area that they are out of luck for the water damage to their homes as a result of a broken water line is a joke!!! I smell arrogance again. I hope these people take them in front of a judge. It's totally disgusting.....

- It's good to see Ted Kennedy back in action and pushing for national health care. I am so tired of the stalling and stammering on the part of the health insurance companies and their lackies on Capitol Hill. The President can certainly use The Liberal Lion's help to push this through. As I've said before, if it doesn't happen this year it will be a while before we get a shot again.

- And finally, do you remember how after the Iraq War started how anyone who criticized Bush was considered unpatriotic because we were at war??? Hmmn....we are at war in Iraq and Afghanistan yet the Chicken Hawk neo-cons can't stop criticzing President Obama and leading the way is Mr."7 deferments of the Vietnam War" Cheney leading the way. Hypocrites everyone. As Ed Schultz said today, the neo-cons want to see the economy tank and the nation be attacked so they can blame it on the President. These are so-called patriots??? PPLLLLEEAASEEEE!!!!!

Oh my its overtime....here's hoping the Hawks pull this out!!!

Notre Dame: The Pope Has It Right!!!

Monday I read on the MSNBC website a report from the Vatican pertaining to the Pope's reaction to Notre Dame's invitation to President Obama to speak at its commencement and Pope Benedict was on the money. Please remember that when Benedict was selected Pope it was believed to be a victory for conservative Catholics. However, the arch-conservative American bishops who blasted Notre Dame had to be unhappy with the Pope's response. Basically, the Pope indicated that it was more important to focus on the common ground with the President: to work toward limiting the number of abortions and making it easier for people to adopt. The Pope, as the President, understands that the differences between Pro-Life and Pr0-Choice are irreconcilable. However, its important to find the common ground: to limit the number of abortions. What this acknowledges is that being Pro-Choice does not make you Pro-Abortion.

The Pope's position indicates that the arch-conservative Catholic bishops have become political shills for the neo-con Rovian element of the Republican Party. They need to wake up and follow the lead of the Pope. It's funny also how you didn't read much about this or hear about it in the mainstream media. Geez, I wonder why??? I'm sure many of Catholics are not aware of the Pope's comments. I wonder if I will hear about it at Church this Sunday.

Conservatives Playing The Media Again!!!!!

This morning set me off big time and reminds me that despite the victory in November, the mainstream media is still influenced by the neo-cons in this country.

First, the focus and attention that is being placed on Nancy Pelosi's knowledge of waterboarding and torture. Let's be serious here. You have to be a strong partisan to believe that Nancy Pelosi would have any influence over the Bush Administration. What would the mainstream media have done if Pelosi came out in 2002, 2004, 2006 or 2007 and said that the Bush Administration should not torture??? She would have been called a terrorist sympathizer and weak. Am I stunned that she said that the CIA lied to her?? This coming from an Administration that lied us into war and in fact cheated to get the White House in the first place in 2000.

The point that is being conveniently missed by the media is that who gave the order to torture??? And what were they trying to find out??? The answer is that the Bush Administration, going as high up to Bush and Cheney, authorized torture in order to get justification for starting a war with Iraq by connecting Saddam to 9/11. We know that there was no connection. WHY ISN'T THE MEDIA FOCUSING ON THIS!!!!! Instead they are focusing on Pelosi.

Second Item: This morning an Associated Press article about President Obama's address at Notre Dame. With the article is a picture where they identify a student who had a symbol on her cap which symbolizes the pro-life movement. But who is not identified nor even mentioned is that in the same picture, 4 or 5 students over from the one identified, was a student who had the Obama campaign symbol on their cap. The media played up the opposition to Obama's visit but did not at all talk about or focus on supporers of the President. Typical capitulation of the mainstream media.

Long live MSNBC... Long Live Ed Schultz....Long Live Bill Press....Long Live Randi Rhodes...Long Live Stephanie Miller..... Us lefties must be vigliant!!!!!!

Some Thoughts On A Rainy Saturday

As I'm sitting here watching my grass grow crazily I was wondering:

-Why didn't Senator Maziarz when he was in the majority and his buddy Pataki was Governor ask the NYPA to move its offices to Niagara County???? You would have to be pretty foolish to think that this is going to happen now.

-Why would a County Legislator think she was going to get away with living outside of her district??? The whole Andrea McNulty situation is really unbelievable. I'm not sure who is telling the truth but she was at the Pendleton house (owned by her husband) in the morning in her bathrobe. Ms. McNulty represents a district in the City of North Tonawanda.

-Why would the Grand Obstructionist Party continue to let Dick Cheney run amok??? This guy represents everything that is wrong with politics. He's almost out of a comic strip: a dastardly meglomaniac who thirsts for power. Where's the Justice League when you need them??

-Why no one is asking questions about the management at NF Memorial Medical Center??? First, they can't make pension payments for their employees and now they have a contractor who has bilked the taxpayers of this county for over $700,000. When asked, spokesman Pat Bradley says the hospital was not aware of what was going on. Right, and I have some land to sell you in the Florida swamps!!

-Why is everyone surprised that the Obama Administration is focusing troops to Afghanistan?? Candidate Obama made it clear that is what needed to happen. My only concern is where are other countries in all of this???

-Why is so much time being devoted to arguing over the removal of the Parkway?? Are you kidding me?? It's kind of like fiddling while Rome burns!!!!

- And finally, whatever happened to rallying around a new President?

Cheer, Cheer For Old Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame should be commended for standing up to the arch-conservative, one-dimensional bishops who are raising an uproar of the University's invitation to President Obama to speak at this year's graduation commencement. There are a number of things that bother me with the position of the bishops.

First, the bishops position on making abortion the litmus test for all things Catholic is ridiculous!!! The President is not a Catholic and to impose this litmus test on him makes no sense.

Second, the bishops are attempting to make the Catholic Church a one-dimensional religion. Being a Catholic, I know that the Church has taken a stand against the death penalty, against pre-emptive wars and has taught the importance of concern for the poor. Which leads me to point #3:

Where was the bishops outrage when Notre Dame had George Bush speak at the commencement??? I guess the bishops thought that the fact that Bush started a pre-emptive, unjust (Pope John Paul II's words not mine) war was ok because he was against abortion. Not to mention as Governor of Texas he presided over the most death penalty executions in the country. The other point to be made here, ND alumni did protest Bush's presence at that commencement but you heard nothing about it.

Fourth, these bishops are trying to manouver the Catholic Church as an arm of the neo-conservative Republican Party.

What a joke!!! President Obama's policy positions are more in line with Christian principles than any other President. I thought it was truly enlightening when he announced a task force had been formed comprised of pro-life and pro-choice advocates to develop strategies to avoid the need for abortions. You see the bishops don't get it: pro-choice does not mean you are pro-abortion, it means you believe people should have the right to choose. The President is right on: we should be examining ways to reduce the number of abortions.

The other thing that the bishops refuse to acknowledge is that the majority of American Catholics are pro-choice and are in favor of birth control. This stupid rigid litmus test on abortion will continue to drive people away from the Church.

I'm glad that Notre Dame will have President Obama address their graduates. A Church that preaches love one another, can't see the social significance of having the first African-American president speak at its commencement. What a shame!!!

Cheney The Best Thing To Happen To The Democrats

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/11/AR2009051102670.html?wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter&wpisrc=newsletter Cheney is really gone bananas!!! Keep talking Dick, and in 2010 us lefties will pick up more seats!!!!

NF Reporter Right On Fournier!!!!

This afternoon I read the NF Reporter article online pertaining to the Councilman Fournier debacle. Mike Hudson gets it: A city government with racial issues now has a City Councilman shouting racial slurs and getting into an altercation with City police officers. Hudson touches on something I stated last week: Fournier says he doesn't remember using racial slurs. So either he is a liar or Fournier was "bombed out of his gourd." Either way, Fournier needs to step down.

Hudson's article points out that both Bob Anderson and Charles Walker have suggested to Fournier that he should resign. However, this has been done privately while Mayor Dyster has been quiet. As I stated last week, our City leadership needs to make a statement that this type of behavior is unacceptable for an elected official and that unless Fournier is totally exonerated he must resign. Yet, we hear nothing from 745 Main Street.

The Mayor and City Council need to make a statement that this type of behavior cannot be tolerated. Fournier may be a nice guy but being a City Councilman requires responsible leadership for all of the residents of this city. Instead of acting as a responsible City Father, Fournier has acted like an immature City Teenager. Own up Steve and resign!!!!! And if he fails to do the honorable thing, then the Mayor and City Council must push the issue. Failure to do so means they condone Fournier's behavior and maybe explains why racial issues continue to plague city government.

Two Factors Trying To Kill Health Care Reform

President Obama boldly has place health care reform on the table stating that he wants something done by the end of this year. In the November election, Americans who decisively elected Obama wanted health care reform. Most surveys indicate that this is necessary. Yet, two factors are working hard to kill health care reform.

Number One: The Grand Obstructionist Party- As Ed Schultz said on his show the other day, the GOP is gravely concerned that if President Obama gets action on health care reform Democrats will rule for years like what happened after 1934. Damn what's in the best interest of the American people it's all about taking back control. They should be ashamed of themselves!!! They refuse to deal with the problem and will not come up with anything credible except espousing the tired old mantra: Americans will lose control of their own health care, we won't have any say in how we will be treated, etc., etc,. Let's stop the propaganda!!!

Number Two: Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill) said that members of the Senate are bought and paid for by the insurance companies and one of them is Senator Max Baucus (D-Montana). Baucus chairs a committee dealing with health care reform and banned advocates of single payer health insurance from speaking. Are you kidding me!!!!!! This guy is a disgrace... This is actually more of a problem than item number one becaus eif Democrats stuck together we could get this done.

I honestly believe that the President is going to have to expend plenty of political capital on "bought and paid for Democrats." The President has said, "this is our time" and he is right. If we don't get health care reform done this year I'm afraid we are doomed. I think the public needs to get after these people and remind them that they represent us not the Insurance companies. If anyone can pull this off President Obama can. Not only can he do it,
he must do it.

NF Memorial, PABA and More Fournier

Just when you think it can't worse, we hear news about NF Memorial and the Pine Avenue Business Association. First, let's take a look at the hospital. Memorial failed to make pension payments since 2006 owing the pension fund $6 million. Fortunately, the pension fund agreed to keep current pensioners whole and cap current employees at a set pension figure based on past employees pensions. And by the way, no cost of living increase. There was one article in each newspaper and nothing in the Niagara Falls Reporter or on the local news stations. Why??? This is a hospital which receives money from the casino revenues yet there is no accountability and the employees have to suffer as a result of the mismanagement of the facility. Why isn't Francine DelMonte and George Maziarz, who cut the hospital in on the revenue, demanding answers???? The city of Niagara Falls has forgiven water bills for the hospital. Why isn't the Mayor demanding answers?? Certainly, the money being given to the hospital could be used to fix infrastructure in the city.

This hospital is grossly mismanaged by an overpaid CEO who is equivalent to the Teflon Don. He continues to screw up yet he gets away with it. As Gotti did, maybe Ruffalo is paying off someone. More than likely, he has cut deals with Board members who aimlessly go along. Memorial Medical Center has turned into a huge sinkhole yet no one has the guts to get to the bottom of it!!!

Speaking of useless Boards, the situation at the Pine Avenue Business Assoication is a disgrace!!! If we believe Jerry"mob boss wannabe" Genova all the problems lie with a secretary being soft hearted and allowing people not to pay on their health insurance premiums. Are you kidding me!!!! This secretary didn't tell the Executive Director who didn't tell the Board???? For the past 9 years, the Pine Avenue Business Association has turned into a shell of what it used to be. What a shame!! It needs to be disbanded and put to bed. Rather unfortunate because I always enjoyed the Italian Festival. Hopefully, law enforcement will do a complete investigation.

Steve Fournier just doesn't get it. As more comes out the more it is apparent that this guy is not fit to be in elective office. Threatening police officers and not remembering what he was saying. C'mon Steve do you think we are all lame!!!! If you don't remember usig racial slurs and threatening police officers then you are either a liar or you were stone cold drunk!!!! Either way you are a disgrace to the City of Niagara Falls!!! I had to laugh when Fournier said he has plenty of black friends.....typical bigot talk. I heard the Council chairman say that the matter needs to play out in the courts. But you know what that's a bunch of crap!!!! What should have been said that there will be a thorough investigation and that this type of behavior cannot be tolerated. Again I like to remind the Mayor and City Council, your DPW is being accused of racism and now you have a Councilman using racial slurs!!!!!! Don't you get it!!!! I pray that there is no cover-up here and that justice is served. And Chairman Robbins, its not about whether legally Fournier can continue to serve, its more about the perception and the message that this sends to the world that a City Councilman can attack a police officer, use racial slurs, threaten police officers and be stone cold drunk in public. Maybe there is no felony, but its a lack of responsibility and a violation of the public trust. If Fournier is smart, he will resign. If that doesn't happen, the Mayor and/or the Council needs to apply pressure on Fournier to get out. Failure to do so will impact not only Fournier but all of them!!!

The Grand Obstructionist Party: Out Of Touch

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/02/opinion/02herbert.html?_r=1 I couldn't have said it better!!!!!

Fournier Must Resign!!!!!

I hardly ever write about local politics, but yesterday's report pertaining to an incident that took place on Third Street involving City Councilman Steve Fournier compelled me to comment. According to the Buffalo News article, Mr. Fournier around 3 am arrived at Bragg's, a bar on Third Street (notorious for typical after hours stupidity), where a scuffle developed and Fournier became involved. Police were called and Fournier reportedly got into with the officers and choked one of them. In addition, Fournier, Mr. City official, used racial slurs before being arrested. Once at the station, he demanded an audience with the Mayor and the Police Chief.

What a disgrace!!!! First of all, what the hell are you doing Mr. Well-Respected businessman on Third Street at 3 am in the morning??? Second, why did you verbally and physically assault city police officers Mr. Youth Hocley Coach at 3 am in the morning??? And finally, why were you using racial slurs at 3 am in the morning Mr. City Councilman????

What a great example you are to the kids you coach. What great leadership you show to a city government that has had a 7 year history of racial discord amongst its Public Works employees. YOU MUST RESIGN!!!!! While the Mayor and the City Council cannot force you to resign, they must pressure you to do the honorable thing and step down.

Residents of Niagara Falls elected you Mr. Fournier because you were a young businessman who would be a change in government. But you have become more of the same, an arrogant public official who doesn't have the smarts to realize the enormous responsibility that we have entrusted you with. For the good of the City, RESIGN MR. FOURNIER and be an example to those kids you coach by owning up and taking responsibility for your actions.

Western NY or Western Kentucky???

Today as I was driving home I was thinking about the state of local radio here in Western NY especially as it relates to political commentary. As I thought about it you have Tom Bauerle and Sandy Beach who are 2 Hannity/Limbaugh wannabes. I stopped listening to them many years ago. They are flat out ridiculous!!!! The you have Scott Leffler. What is he all about??? I don't think he knows either. He's so self promoting its terrible.

Of course there is Tom Darro but he is so out of it politically I think that its all WJJL can really handle. Unfortunately, the only progressive voice has been silenced. John Restaino's show ended today and its really a shame. Enlightening political discussion was great. But now its gone. John had a great temperment and was right on the issues. So it hit me, there is no lefty local talkers!!!!!! I must be in Western Kentucky. Here's hoping John lands another gig on a local radio station. Some how I think WJJL wanted him out. John was pretty gracious about JJL but something doesn't add up because I know many people who listened to the show every day. Why would he leave so abruptly??? This is why us lefties need to be on guard!!!!!! Good luck John and I hope to hear you somewhere soon!!!!