We Need More Bill Maher

Too bad we can't pass a law requiring the public to watch Bill Maher a couple of hours a day. Bill's take on weak Dems, craven Rethugs and loopy teabaggers shows why he's one of the most incisive, witty and intelligent commentators out there. He has a line in here about the latest phony, flag-waving Rethug distraction -- American "exceptionalism" -- being "their room full of balls at Chuck E. Cheese." BWAHAHAHAHA!

Let's (Not) Make A Deal

As the New York Times reports, the White House and Congressional Rethugs are close to a deal on the Bushit era tax cuts that would extend tax cuts for the very wealthy for several years, in exchange for some extention of unemployment benefits. As described by the Times article:

"Rather than extending the tax rates only on income described by Democrats as middle class — up to $250,000 a year for couples and $200,000 for individuals — the deal would also keep the rates for higher earners, probably for two years. In return, Republicans said they would probably agree to extend jobless aid for the long-term unemployed." [emphasis added]

The word "probably" adds a lovely irony to the scenario. Americans by a wide margin favor extension of the tax cuts for the middle class, but not for the very wealthy. So, the Dems had the wind at their back on this issue in terms of public opinion (like the public option in health insurance), and are proceeding to screw it up. . .again. And the Rethugs are still playing coy over extension of unemployment benefits.

We'll be waiting for the Rethugs to cynically but successfully campaign in 2012 against the growing deficit, one to which they're willing add $700 billion over the next 10 years. Marvelous!

Sunday Morning With Frank Rich

This morning, Frank Rich discusses Obama held hostage by the terrorists (Rethugs). Sadly, Obama doesn't seem to want the progressive S.W.A.T. team to rescue him.

Grayson on Tax Cuts for the Millionaires

We're going to miss Alan Grayson in Congress. Hopefully, he'll be back in 2012.

Cartoon of the Week

Sadly for the country, he's probably not finished bending.

Quote of the Week

"[Republicans in Congress] are not concerned about the people in the tea party. They're worried about people who can't decide which home to go to [for the holidays]." -- Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), today.

(Photo: Speaker-elect John "Orange Boner" Boehner (Chicken crap-OH), at the country club.)

Are You Ready to Rumble?

In 1958, radio stations banned this cult classic by Link Wray because, well, it sounded badass -- oh, and it was titled "Rumble," referring of course to gang street fighting. Wray, who lived in Maryland for much of his early career, is widely credited with inventing the "power chord" you hear throughout "Rumble," which formed the basis of much of rock music from The Kinks, The Who and Led Zeppelin to 80's punk rock. This Hackwhacker is also the proud owner of a 45 of "Rumble," quite scratched, making it all the more...badass.

Colbert Gold

Who but Steven Colbert can deliver the most devastating satires of right-wing bigots? This time, he focuses on wild-eyed Rethug crazy Rep. Steve "The Stare" King, who adopts the mantle of the persecuted white man at the drop of a white hood.

Catch the great poke in the gut at 3:15 into this segment, where Colbert refers to hate radio buffoon Rush Limpballs as "Chief Sweats Like a Hog." Pure gold.

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Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election March to Keep Fear Alive

From One Who Knows

House Rethug Minority Leader John "Orange Boner" Boehner attacked the House Dems' plan to have a straight up-or-down vote on the extension of tax cuts only for the middle class as "chicken crap." Orange Boner, who became infamous for passing out checks from a grateful tobacco industry to fellow Rethugs on the House floor in the '90s, knows where his campaign contributions come from, and he'll support the $700 billion gift to the wealthiest 2% any time, any place. Just don't ask him to be honest about it.

He also knows "chicken crap," having spread it profusely for his entire Congressional career.

(photo: Feeling the Koch brothers' pain)

Happy Hannukah

We're remiss in neglecting to wish everyone a Happy Hannukah, which started at sundown on December 1. It came a little early this year and caught us off guard -- that's our story and we're sticking to it!

On What Could Have Been

Barring unforeseen backbone stiffening by Dems (our offer of spinal implants still stands), it's becoming increasing clear that the "compromise" on tax cuts being engineered is a two- or three-year extension of all the Bush-era tax cuts. It didn't have to be that way, of course, had Obama and the Democrats played their cards smarter and tougher.

Also, the deficit commission's report is now out, and again it seems Obama and the Democrats are preparing to cede ground to the Rethugs without a whimper. Here are two takes on why better outcomes for Democrats and the nation could have -- but aren't -- going to happen, from Ezra Klein and E.J. Dionne.

(Image: The new Democratic Party symbol?)

The Dick, Fugitive from Justice

This put a grin on our faces this morning: the Government of Nigeria has charged former (Vice) President "The Dick" Cheney with bribery, stemming from his position as CEO of Halliburton from 1995 to 2000. The charges involve the payment of a $180 million bribe by Halliburton to secure a multi-billion dollar liquid natural gas contract with Nigeria during that period.

The Nigerians say that they will issue an arrest warrant to be served by Interpol (good luck getting past The Dick's Secret Service guards). Sadly, it will almost certainly come to nothing. Hopefully, however, we'll learn more details of The Dick's role in the bribery case before the Grim Reaper harvests him.

McNasty's "Finest Hour"

Washington Monthly's Steve Benen has a useful summary of Arizona Rethug Sen. John McNasty's ever-changing positions on "don't ask, don't tell":

"The anti-gay senator started by saying we can't repeal 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' until the Secretary of Defense says it's a good idea. When the Pentagon chief did just that, McCain shifted gears and said repeal should wait for the go-ahead from the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff. When the chairman did just that, McCain said he'd take his cues from Colin Powell. When Powell endorsed repeal, McCain said he'd honor the opinions of servicemen and women. And now that service members are on board with repeal, McCain told NBC News yesterday, 'I'm paying attention to the commandant of the Marine Corps.'

It's bordering on amusing."

What's next for McNasty? "I'm waiting to hear what Gen. Eisenhower says" or maybe "I'll go along with whatever God tells me."

Country First!

Kumbaya

Less than a day after meeting with President Obama, the entire Senate Rethug contingent has signed a letter vowing to filibuster any Democratic legislation unless Bush tax cut extensions for the wealthy are voted first. At midnight last night, unemployment benefits lapsed for two million Americans, thanks to Rethuglican obstruction. The new START treaty, which has been supported by former Dem and Rethug Secretaries of State, is being held up by Rethug refusal to give Obama a "victory" of any kind -- even if it adversely impacts national security.

Sadly, if you think their obstruction is intolerable now, wait until the next Congress is seated in January.

Mid-Week Song

A hit song from John Mayer, featuring Taylor Swift. Enjoy.