Republicans apparently assume everyone is an idiot

[homersapien 12,350]

Republicans Charge Obama With Court-Packing For Trying To Fill Empty Seats

WASHINGTON -- Republican senators are fuming about President Barack Obama's attempt to fill empty seats on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, charging him with "court-packing" and alleging that his push to confirm nominees is all politics.

But not only is Obama not "court-packing" -- a term describing an attempt to add judges to a court with the goal of shifting the balance, not filling existing vacancies -- but Republicans' efforts to prevent Obama from appointing judges amount to their own attempt to tip the scales in their favor. What's more, some of the GOP senators trying to prevent his nominees from advancing previously voted to fill the court when there was a Republican in the White House.

As it stands, the powerful D.C. Circuit has 11 seats, three of which are vacant. Obama has signaled plans to put forward nominees for all three open slots as soon as this week. But Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and other Republicans are pushing legislation that would eliminate those seats and keep the court where it is: with eight judges, four of whom were appointed by Democrats and four of whom were appointed by Republicans.

Grassley has argued that the court simply doesn't need to have three more judges because it has a lighter workload than other circuit courts -- a stance that Democrats say overlooks the fact that the court is second in stature only to the Supreme Court and takes on particularly complex cases. But Grassley has also suggested that Obama is trying to pack the court.

"I'm concerned about the caseload of this circuit and the efforts to pack it," Grassley complained during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last week, charging the administration -- six times -- with court-packing. Of course, Grassley was quickly corrected by a colleague, who said that court-packing isn't about filling existing vacancies.

Still, Grassley isn't alone in making these charges. During floor remarks last week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) accused Democrats of plotting with the White House "to pack the D.C. Circuit with appointees," and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) worried aloud that Democrats may "decide to play politics and seek -- without any legitimate justification -- to pack the D.C. Circuit with unneeded judges simply in order to advance a partisan agenda."

Even The Wall Street Journal piled on last week, arguing in an editorial that the D.C. Circuit "doesn't need new judges to handle the workload" and filling those vacant seats would be akin to "packing the court for political ends."

But it is perhaps a sign of just how partisan the Senate has become when a president's effort to nominate judges for empty seats is equated with court-packing. Presidents have a constitutional imperative to try to fill judicial vacancies. In fact, one could make the case that Senate Republican efforts to prevent Obama from filling vacant court seats -- thereby keeping those courts from having any more Democrat-appointed judges -- are actual instances of court-packing.

Grassley and McConnell both voted to fill empty slots on the D.C. Circuit under former President George W. Bush. On June 14, 2005, both voted to confirm Judge Thomas Griffith, giving the court 11 active judges at the time. A year later, on May 26, 2006, Grassley and McConnell voted to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the D.C. Circuit. That vote put the court at 10 active judges.

Wrangling over the D.C. Circuit comes at a time when Senate Republicans are using a variety of methods to block Obama's nominees for different posts. Some are declining to put forward recommendations for nominees at the beginning of the process, some are causing delays in floor votes once nominees clear the Senate Judiciary Committee, and some are dragging out the committee process by submitting hundreds of questions for nominees to answer.

"Gina McCarthy, EPA [nominee]: more than 1,100 written questions after her hearing had closed," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) complained last week. "People have gotten hundreds and hundreds ... just to stall."

There was a brief reprieve in the nominations fight last week when the Senate unanimously voted to send Sri Srinivasan to the D.C. Circuit, which filled another vacancy on that court. McConnell initially tried to delay Srinivasan's vote, but at a time when Democrats are signaling they may be ready for a fight over filibuster reform, the GOP leader relented and agreed to hold the vote last week.

Not all conservatives are eager to compare Obama's efforts to fill empty judge slots with court-packing. Byron York, chief political correspondent for the Washington Examiner and Fox News contributor, expressed puzzlement on Twitter at how some could make that leap:

http://www.huffingto..._n_3347961.html

[AURaptor 1,137]

You seeding the forum w/ pro- Obama stuff tells me all I need to know about your true intent.

[shabby 2,098]

You seeding the forum w/ pro- Obama stuff tells me all I need to know about your true intent.

That he supports Obama policies in general?

Republicans will not be able to win this one without further tarnishing their name. The public increasingly sees Republicans as obstructionist (as confirmed by every polling agency that asks the question: Do Republicans attempt to work in a Bi-Partisan Manner). Obama, By nominating 3 judges to the Federal appeals court to fill vacancies that Republicans have blocked for years forces the issue into the public eyes. Really, what defense will Republicans be able to offer for not filling the positions? if they fillibuster ever qualified choice that will be presented, they will again be painted as obstructionists. The positions may not get filled in the end. It will however further tarnish the "Republican Brand".

[AFTiger 282]

You seeding the forum w/ pro- Obama stuff tells me all I need to know about your true intent.

That he supports Obama policies in general?

Republicans will not be able to win this one without further tarnishing their name. The public increasingly sees Republicans as obstructionist (as confirmed by every polling agency that asks the question: Do Republicans attempt to work in a Bi-Partisan Manner). Obama, By nominating 3 judges to the Federal appeals court to fill vacancies that Republicans have blocked for years forces the issue into the public eyes. Really, what defense will Republicans be able to offer for not filling the positions? if they fillibuster ever qualified choice that will be presented, they will again be painted as obstructionists. The positions may not get filled in the end. It will however further tarnish the "Republican Brand".

Only with the Obots.

[Bottomfeeder 244]

All of those folks in DC are idiots as far as I'm concerned.

[Weegle777 78]

All of those folks in DC are idiots as far as I'm concerned.

Exactly. But not according to some here. A politician is a crook, republican or democrat. People in today's voting base would vote for Satan himself if he promised them free healthcare or free anything for that matter. It's all about "what will you give me?" not about what is best for our country. And if you believe that I am wrong in that, then you have your head in the sand.

[TheBlueVue 177]

All of those folks in DC are idiots as far as I'm concerned.

Exactly. But not according to some here. A politician is a crook, republican or democrat. People in today's voting base would vote for Satan himself if he promised them free healthcare or free anything for that matter. It's all about "what will you give me?" not about what is best for our country. And if you believe that I am wrong in that, then you have your head in the sand.

That being the case I have to wonder what exactly Obama has delivered that he promised. If I voted for him, which I did not, I would be pissed. Has he delivered a single promise he made during his 1st or 2nd campaign? Oh I guess its all those ignorant republicans fault when during most of his 1st term he didn't need a single vote from them to pass whatever he wanted.

[Weegle777 78]

All of those folks in DC are idiots as far as I'm concerned.

Exactly. But not according to some here. A politician is a crook, republican or democrat. People in today's voting base would vote for Satan himself if he promised them free healthcare or free anything for that matter. It's all about "what will you give me?" not about what is best for our country. And if you believe that I am wrong in that, then you have your head in the sand.

That being the case I have to wonder what exactly Obama has delivered that he promised. If I voted for him, which I did not, I would be pissed. Has he delivered a single promise he made during his 1st or 2nd campaign? Oh I guess its all those ignorant republicans fault when during most of his 1st term he didn't need a single vote from them to pass whatever he wanted.

No sir you are incorrect. It was all George W. Bush's fault.

[finxster 4]

All of those folks in DC are idiots as far as I'm concerned.

Exactly. But not according to some here. A politician is a crook, republican or democrat. People in today's voting base would vote for Satan himself if he promised them free healthcare or free anything for that matter. It's all about "what will you give me?" not about what is best for our country. And if you believe that I am wrong in that, then you have your head in the sand.

Implying that people could vote for mythical religious figures is a ridiculous statement in itself, but the humorous part is that the rest of your statement is the most ludicrous.

I voted for Obama. I do not expect free healthcare. I do not expect free anything. I expect him to pass bills that help the American people, and veto those that don't. I expect him not to be a war monger like Bush, and not to lie to America and manipulate them into a war. I expect him to listen to Scientists and understand the facts on global issues, not to form an opinion based on a book written by goat hearders 2000 years ago. I expect him to do his best to help the lower and middle class, and not let the rich continue to disenfranchise them. And many more...

[finxster 4]

All of those folks in DC are idiots as far as I'm concerned.

Exactly. But not according to some here. A politician is a crook, republican or democrat. People in today's voting base would vote for Satan himself if he promised them free healthcare or free anything for that matter. It's all about "what will you give me?" not about what is best for our country. And if you believe that I am wrong in that, then you have your head in the sand.

That being the case I have to wonder what exactly Obama has delivered that he promised. If I voted for him, which I did not, I would be pissed. Has he delivered a single promise he made during his 1st or 2nd campaign? Oh I guess its all those ignorant republicans fault when during most of his 1st term he didn't need a single vote from them to pass whatever he wanted.

1. Within his first week, he signed an Executive Order ordering an audit of government contracts, and combating waste and abuse. http://1.usa.gov/dUvbu5

2. Created the post of Chief Performance Officer, whose job it is to make operations more efficient to save the federal government money. http://n.pr/hcgBn1

3. On his first full day, he froze White House salaries. http://on.msnbc.com/ewJUIx

4. He appointed the first Federal Chief Information Officer to oversee federal IT spending. http://www.cio.gov

5. He committed to phasing out unnecessary and outdated weapons systems. To that end, he also signed the Democratic-sponsored Weapons Systems Acquisition Reform Act, which attempted to put a stop to waste, fraud and abuse in the defense procurement and contracting system. http://bit.ly/hOw1t1 http://bit.ly/fz8GAd

6. Through an executive order, he created the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform. http://bit.ly/hwKhKa

Prevented a Bush Depression and Improved the Economy

7. Pushed through and signed the Democratic-sponsored American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, otherwise known as “the stimulus package.” The bill passed, even though only three Republicans voted for it. In a major departure from the previous administration, he launched recovery.gov, a website that allows taxpayers to track spending from the Act. http://1.usa.gov/ibiFSs http://1.usa.gov/e3BJMk

8. The Bush-led Great Recession was costing the economy nearly 800,000 jobs per month by the time President Obama took office. But by the end of his first year, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act created and sustained 2.1 million jobs and stimulated the economyby 3.5%. http://reut.rs/i46CEE

9. Not only did he completed the massive TARP financial and banking rescue plan, he also leaned on the banks and others, and recovered virtually all of the bail-out money. http://1.usa.gov/eA5jVS http://bit.ly/eCNrD6

10. He created the Making Home Affordable home refinancing plan. http://1.usa.gov/goy6zl

11. Oversaw the creation of more jobs in 2010 alone than Bush did in eight years. http://bit.ly/hrrnjY

12. Along with Democrats, and almost no Republicans, implemented an auto industry rescue plan, and saved as many as 1 million jobs. http://bit.ly/ibhpxr Many are of the opinion that he saved the entire auto industry, and even the economy of the entire Midwest. http://bit.ly/gj7mt5 This resulted in GM returning to its place as the top car company in the world. http://lat.ms/zIJuQx Willard Romney, on the other hand, advocated for the entire industry to go belly-up. http://nyti.ms/k0zp

13. Doubled funding for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which is designed to improve manufacturing efficiency. http://bit.ly/eYD4nf

14. Signed the Democratic-sponsored Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act giving the federal government more tools to investigate and prosecute fraud in every corner of the financial system, and create a bipartisan Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission to investigate the financial fraud that led to the economic meltdown. http://abcn.ws/g18Fe7

15. Signed the Democratic-sponsored Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act, which was designed to to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive credit card practices. http://1.usa.gov/gIaNcS

16. Increased infrastructure spending after years of neglect. http://bit.ly/f77aOw

17. Signed the Democratic-sponsored and passed Helping Families Save Their Homes Act, expanding on the Making Home Affordable Program to help millions of Americans avoid preventable foreclosures. The bill also provided $2.2 billion to help combat homelessness, and to stabilize the housing market. http://bit.ly/eEpLFn

18. Through the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009, he and Congressional Democrats provided tax credits to first-time home buyers, which helped the U.S. housing market recovery. http://bit.ly/dZgXXw http://bit.ly/gORYfL

19. Initiated a $15 billion plan designed to encourage increased lending to small businesses.

http://1.usa.gov/eu0u0b

20. Created business.gov, which allows for online collaboration between small businesses and experts re managing a business. (The program has since merged with SBA.gov.) http://www.business.gov

21. Played a lead role in getting the G-20 Summit to commit to a $1.1 trillion deal to combat the global financial crisis. http://nyti.ms/gHlgp5

22. Took steps to improve minority access to capital. http://bit.ly/f9xVE7

23. Signed an Executive Order instructing federal agencies to review all federal regulations and remove any unnecessary and/or burdensome regulations from the books. http://1.usa.gov/Lpo5bd

24. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, saved at least 300,000 education jobs, such as teachers, principals, librarians, and counselors that would have otherwise been lost. http://1.usa.gov/ez30Dc

25. Dismantled the Minerals Management Service, thereby cutting ties between energy companies and the government. http://nyti.ms/bw1MLu

26. Along with Congressional Democrats, provided funding to states and the Department of Homeland Security to save thousands of police and firefighter jobs from being cut during the recession. http://bit.ly/g0IKWR

27. Used recovered TARP money to fund programs at local housing finance agencies in California, Florida, Nevada, Arizona and Michigan. http://on.msnbc.com/i1i8eV

28. Crafted an Executive order establishing the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability to assist in financial education for all Americans. http://bit.ly/eyqsNE

Brought Much-Improved Greater Transparency and Better Government

29. Signed an order banning gifts from lobbyists to anyone in the Executive Branch. http://bit.ly/fsBACN

30. Signed an order banning anyone from working in an agency they had lobbied in previous years, and put strict limits on lobbyists’ access to the White House. http://nyti.ms/gOrznV

31. Held the first-ever first online town hall from the White House, and took questions from the public. http://bit.ly/gVNSgX

32. Became the first to stream every White House event, live. http://1.usa.gov/kAgOP5

33. Established a central portal for Americans to find service opportunities. http://www.serve.gov

34. Provided the first voluntary disclosure of the White House Visitors Log in history. http://1.usa.gov/hQ7ttV

35. Issued an Executive Order on Presidential Records, which restored the 30-day time frame for former presidents to review records, and eliminated the right for the vice president or family members of former presidents to do the reviews. Provides the public with greater access to historic White House documents, and severely curtails the ability to use executive privilege to shield them. http://1.usa.gov/gUetLb

36. Improved aspects of the Freedom of Information Act, and issued new guidelines to make FOIA more open and transparent when processing FOIA requests. http://1.usa.gov/gjrnp2

Wall Street Reforms and Consumer Protection

37. Ordered 65 executives who took bailout money to cut their own pay until they paid back all bailout money. http://huff.to/eAi9Qq

38. Along with Congressional Democrats, pushed through and got passed Dodd-Frank, one of the largest and most comprehensive Wall Street reforms since the Great Depression. http://bit.ly/hWCPg0 http://bit.ly/geHpcD

39. Through Dodd-Frank legislation, created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau http://1.usa.gov/j5onG

40. Through Dodd-Frank, the Executive Branch fashioned rules that reduce the influence of speculators in the oil market. http://bit.ly/MDnA1t

41. Fashioned rules so that banks can no longer use YOUR money to invest in high-risk financial instruments that work against their own customers' interests. http://bit.ly/fnTayj

42. Supported the concept of allowing stockholders to vote on executive compensation. http://bit.ly/fnTayj

43. Endorsed and supported the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2009 that would close offshore tax avoidance loopholes. http://bit.ly/esOdfB http://bit.ly/eG4DPM

44. Negotiated a deal with Swiss banks that now permits the US government to gain access to the records of criminals and tax evaders. http://bit.ly/htfDgw

45. Signed the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act, which closed many of the loopholes that allowed companies to send jobs overseas, and avoid paying US taxes by moving money offshore. http://1.usa.gov/bd1RTq

46. Established a Consumer Protection Financial Bureau designed to protect consumers from financial sector excesses. http://bit.ly/fnTayj

47. Oversaw and then signed a Democratic bill constituting the most sweeping food safety legislation since the Great Depression. http://thedc.com/gxkCtP

48. Through the Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act, extended the False Claims Act to combat fraud by companies and individuals usingmoney from the TARP and Stimulus programs. http://bit.ly/SLTcSa

Enhanced Civil Rights and Anti-Discrimination

49. Along with Congressional Democrats, advocated for and signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which made it a federal crime to assault anyone based on his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. http://bit.ly/gsMSJ7

50. Pushed through, signed and demanded the Pentagon enact a repeal of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy that forced soldiers to lie in order to be eligible to fight for their country, and put our troops at risk by disqualifying many qualified soldiers from helping. http://bit.ly/fdahuH http://bit.ly/mZV4Pz

51. Extended benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees. http://1.usa.gov/g2RLCj

52. Appointed more openly gay officials than anyone in history. http://bit.ly/g1lA7D

53. Appointed first openly transgender Cabinet Official in History. http://bit.ly/58zUp7

54. Changed HUD rules to prohibit gender and sexual orientation-based discrimination in housing bit.ly/9RxEnP

55. Changed his mind and publicly expressed support for the right to enter into a same-sex marriage. http://bit.ly/JsiFKp

56. Issued a Presidential Memorandum reaffirming the rights of gay couples to make medical decisions for each other. http://1.usa.gov/aUueGT

57. Wrote and signed an Executive Order establishing a White House Council on Women and Girls to ensure that all Cabinet and Cabinet-level agencies evaluate the effect of their policies and programs on women and families. http://bit.ly/e1puTk http://1.usa.gov/rFfqMM

58. Signed the Democratic-sponsored Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which restored basic protections against pay discrimination for women and other workers. This was after the GOP blocked the bill in 2007. Only 5 Republican Senators voted for the bill. http://bit.ly/fT3Cxg

59. Expanded funding for the Violence Against Women Act. http://1.usa.gov/dSbI0x

60. Under his guidance, National Labor Relations Board issued final rules that require all employers to prominently post employees' rights where all employees or prospective employees can see it, including websites and intranets, beginning November 2011. http://1.usa.gov/qu2EhQ

61. Advocated that United Nations adopt a policy supporting gay rights worldwide. http://lat.ms/pQe1RS

62. Issued an order requiring hospitals to allow visitation by same-sex couples. reut.rs/llNJek

63. Appointed Kareem Dale as the first ever Special Assistant to the President for Disability Policy. http://1.usa.gov/fi5IY0

64. Helped Democrats in Congress pass and signed the Civil Rights History Act. http://bit.ly/th0JC8

Major Improvements in Foreign Relations, American Status Around the World

65. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any previous president during his first six months in office. http://bit.ly/hZycda

66. As he promised, he gave a speech at a major Islamic forum in Cairo early in his administration. http://nyti.ms/dKvY4g

67. Helped to restore America's reputation around the world as a global leader that does the "right thing" in world affairs, at least according to the rest of the world. http://bit.ly/h743y7 http://bit.ly/ho4TCr

68. Re-established and reinforced our partnership with NATO and other allies on strategic international issues. http://1.usa.gov/e7QuDj

69. Closed a number of secret detention facilities. http://nyti.ms/rpUc9l

70. Improved relations with Middle East countries by appointing special envoys. http://1.usa.gov/tiGAGe

71. Pushed for military to emphasize devlopment of foreign language skills. http://bit.ly/AxUCLV

72. Offered $400 million to the people living in Gaza, called on both Israel and the Palestinians to stop inciting violence. http://bit.ly/9axfWh

73. Refused to give Israel the green light to attack Iran over their possible nuclear program, and thus avoid another war that Republicans wanted. http://bit.ly/xVmSZK

74. Worked with Democratic Congress to make donations to Haiti tax deductible in 2009. http://huff.to/6YkAVY

75. Established a new U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue. http://1.usa.gov/eX28DP

76. Issued Executive Order blocking interference and helping to stabilize Somalia. http://1.usa.gov/hxdf8U

77. Established new, more reasonable policies in our relations with Cuba, such as allowing Cuban-Americans to visit their families and send money to support them. http://n.pr/hY3Kwa http://nyti.ms/emQBde

78. Ordered the closure of the prison at Guantanamo Bay. It was Republicans (and, unfortunately, progressive Democrats) who prevented follow through. http://bit.ly/eW6CVF

79. Ordered a review of our detention and interrogation policy, and prohibited the use of torture, or what Bush called "enhanced interrogation." He ordered interrogators to limit their actions to the Army Field manual. http://bit.ly/g6MTuC

80. Ordered all secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere to be closed. http://bbc.in/h6N9ax

81. Released the Bush torture memos. http://bit.ly/hWJ5z0

82. On his second day in office, he signed a detailed Executive Order that banned torture, reversed all Bush torture policies, and put the United States in compliance with the Geneva Convention. http://1.usa.gov/dL6Zve http://nyti.ms/hzWWys

83. In response to the emerging "Arab Spring," he created a Rapid Response fund, to assist emerging democracies with foreign aid, debt relief, technical assistance and investment packages in order to show that the United States stands with them. http://bit.ly/zfmGv9

84. Ended the F-22 program, saving $4 billion. Though the single-seat, twin-engine, fighter aircraft cost $358 million each, and the military had 187 built, the F-22 never flew a combat mission. http://slate.me/PYzmzT (The "fiscally conservative GOP fought to keep it.)

85. Passed the Iran Sanctions Act, to prevent war, and to encourage Iran to give up their nuclear program. http://1.usa.gov/wLtNjb

86. Ended the Iraq War. http://tgr.ph/ru0tyS

87. Authorized and oversaw a secret mission by SEAL Team Six to rescue two hostages held by Somali pirates. http://bit.ly/y8c9Fz

88. Through United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice, helped negotiate a peaceful split of Sudan into two countries, this allowing for the creation of an independent South Sudan. http://reut.rs/qzE0Tj

A More Realistic Approach to “Defense” and National Security

89. Created a comprehensive new strategy for dealing with the international nuclear threat. http://1.usa.gov/gDX1nE

90. Authorized a $1.4 billion reduction in Star Wars program in 2010.http://1.usa.gov/gLFZl2

91. Restarted nuclear nonproliferation talks and built up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols to where they had been before Bush. http://lat.ms/gkcl3i

92. Signed and pushed through ratification a new SALT Treaty. http://bit.ly/f3JVtw

93. Negotiated and signed a new START Treaty that will lst until at least 2021. http://1.usa.gov/cI1bC4

94. Through the Defense Authorization Act, reversed the Bush Administration and committed to no permanent military bases in Iraq. http://bit.ly/hk73OJ

95. Developed first comprehensive strategy with regard to Afghanistan and Pakistan designed to facilitate the defeat of al Qaeda and the withdrawal of most troops, as well as the rebuilding of Afghanistan. http://wapo.st/ee4Xcs

96. Returned our focus to Afghanistan, stabilized the country, and began the process of withdrawing our troops from the country. http://bit.ly/lNXUna

97. Negotiated a deal with Afghan govenment, to withdraw troops and military support, while assisting in rebuilding and modernizing of the country. http://bit.ly/K362an

98. Took steps to severely weaken al Qaeda and limited their ability to terrorize the world. http://yhoo.it/n5lXs6

99. Negotiated and signed a nuclear nonproliferation treaty with India. http://1.usa.gov/aHp0Cn

100. Took decisive action to use NATO to limit the slaughter of innocents in Libya, so that the Libyan people could topple the despotic Khadaffy government and determine their own fate. http://aje.me/qAh4Sj

101. Got Egyptian President/dictator Mubarak to leave the Egyptian government to the people, to determine their own fate. http://f24.my/efvgNZ

102. In 2011, reoriented American focus from the Middle East to the Asian-Pacific region by simultaneouly engaging China and crafting new alliances with Asian countries uncomfortable with Chinese behavior. http://bit.ly/RGlMDi

103. Restored federal agencies such as FEMA to the point that they have been able to manage a huge number of natural disasters successfully. http://bit.ly/h8Xj7z

104. Authorized Navy SEALS to successfully secure the release of a US captain held by Somali pirates and increased patrols off the Somali coast. http://nyti.ms/efBO7B

105. Has repeatedly beefed up border security http://bit.ly/mMYB4i

106. Ordered and oversaw the Navy SEALS operation that killed Osama bin Laden. http://bit.ly/jChpgw

107. Throughan executive order, established the Homeland Security Partnership Council, which will attempt to enhance the nation’s ability to “address homeland security priorities, from responding to natural disasters to preventing terrorism, by utilizing diverse perspectives, skills, tools, and resources." http://1.usa.gov/VJjLXO

Treated Soldiers and Veterans with Respect

108. Along with Congressional Democrats, not only reauthorized families of fallen soldiers to be able to visit when the body arrives at Dover AFB, but also provided funding for it. Ended the media blackout on coverage of the return of fallen soldiers. http://nyti.ms/glqN66 http://bbc.in/gWSSkA

109. Funded Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) with an extra $1.4 billion to improve veterans’ services. http://1.usa.gov/huhqfo

110. Provided active combat troops with better body armor. http://bit.ly/hzSv2h

111. Created Joint Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record program for military personnel, in order to improve the quality of their medical care. http://1.usa.gov/f4yaxW

112. Put an end to the Bush-era stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan beyond their enlistment date. (personal note: my son will be in harm’s way for six fewer months with Obama as president, so you know I love this one.) http://nyti.ms/e2YQ7Q

113. Along with Congressional Democrats, supported and signed Veterans Health Care Budget Reform and Transparency Act, which made more money available to enable better medical care for veterans. http://1.usa.gov/fN4ur1

114. Along with Congressional Democrats, ushered through largest spending increase in 30 years for Department of Veterans Affairs, with money to go to improved medical facilities, and to assist states in acquiring or constructing state nursing homes and extended care facilities. http://1.usa.gov/gY8O3x

115. Created the Green Vet Initiative, which provided special funding to the Labor Department to provide veterans with training in green jobs. http://bit.ly/epwUQY

116. Initiated and signed a recruitment and employment plan to get more veterans into government jobs. http://bit.ly/b48coi

117. Oversaw a $4.6 billion expansion of the Veterans Administration budget to pay for more mental health professionals. http://bit.ly/gjzTxX

118. Signed the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act, which ensures that spouses of military personnel who are forced to move because their spouse is posted for military duty will be able to avoid state taxes in their temporary residence. http://bit.ly/1Gh0NX

119. Issued an Executive Order to improve access to mental health care for veterans, military personnel and their families. http://1.usa.gov/TP7PVZ

Refocused the Federal Government on Education

120. Repeatedly increased funding for student financial aid, and at the same time cut the banks completely out of the process. http://bit.ly/gYWd30 http://bit.ly/e9c7Dr http://bit.ly/eEzTNq

121. Reformed student loan program, to make it possible for students to refinance at a lower rate. http://nyti.ms/dMvHOt

122. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act , invested heavily in elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. http://1.usa.gov/gGRIAr

123. Created the Race to the Top program, which encouraged states to come up with effective school reforms and rewards the best of them. http://bit.ly/NHtZ7L

124. Oversaw major expansion of broadband availability in K-12 schools nationwide http://bit.ly/fNDcj3 ,

125. Oversaw major expansion in school construction. http://bit.ly/fYwNrV

126. Also through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, he put $5 billion into early education, including Head Start. http://1.usa.gov/tzT2Rr

127. Signed the Democratic-sponsored Post-9/11 GI Bill, also known as GI Bill 2.0 http://bit.ly/hPhG7J

128. Oversaw expansion of the Pell Grants program, to expand opportunity for low income students to go to college. http://bit.ly/hI6tXz

129. Along with Democratic Congress, passed and signed Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which provided an extra $12.2 billion in funds. http://1.usa.gov/dQvtUe

130. Took major new steps to protec students from ineffective for-profit colleges through "gainful employment" measures, whereby schools have to demonstrate that its students actually find work to get federal aid. http://1.usa.gov/jkzQe2

131. With First Lady Michelle Obama, passed the Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act, which will improve nutrition in schools and make children healthier. http://1.usa.gov/GAXkSk

Took an Adult View on Science, Technology and Health Care

132. Created a Presidential Memorandum to restore scientific integrity in government decision-making. http://1.usa.gov/g2SDuw

133. Opened up process for fast-tracking patent approval for green energy projects. http://bit.ly/j0KV2U

134. Eliminated Bush-era restrictions on embryonic stem cell research, and provided increased federal support for biomedical and stem cell research. http://bit.ly/h36SSO http://ti.me/edezge

135. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, committed more federal funding, about $18 billion, to support non-defense science and research labs. http://nyti.ms/fTs9t7

136. Signed Democratic-sponsored Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Act, the first comprehensive attempt to improve the lives of Americans living with paralysis. http://bit.ly/fOi2rb

137. Expanded the Nurse-Family Partnership program, which provides home visits by trained registered nurses to low-income expectant mothers and their families, to cover more first-time mothers. http://bit.ly/jRRRJc

138. Obama EPA reveresed research ethics standards which allowed humands to be used as "guinea pigs" in tests of the effects of chemicals, to comply with numerous codes of medical ethics. http://bit.ly/bKgqdS

139. Conducted a cyberspace policy review. http://1.usa.gov/gmbdvC

140. Provided financial support for private sector space programs. http://bit.ly/fn8ucr

141. Oversaw enhanced earth mapping, to provide valuable data for agricultural, educational, scientific, and government use. http://bit.ly/dNTRyP

142. Along with Democrats in Congress, ushered through and signed a bill authorizing FDA to regulate tobacco. http://on.msnbc.com/fiKViB As a result, the FDA has Ordered Tobacco Companies to Disclose Cigarette Ingredients and banned sale of cigarettes falsely labeled as “light.”

143. Through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, provided $500 million for Health Professions Training Programs. http://bit.ly/ecQSgA

144. Increased funding for community-based prevention programs. http://bit.ly/frMPG3

145. Oversaw a 50% decrease in cost of prescription drugs for seniors. http://bit.ly/e5b1iq http://1.usa.gov/fVNkt9

146. Eliminated the Bush-era practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug companies on price. http://bit.ly/fOkG5b

147. Two weeks after taking office, signed Democratic-sponsored Children’s Health Insurance Reauthorization Act, which increased the number of children covered by health insurance by 4 million. http://bit.ly/fDEzGv

148. Urged Congress to investigate Anthem Blue Cross for raising premiums 39% without explanation. Democratic Rep. Waxman responded by launching a probe, and Anthem Blue Cross put increase on hold for two months. http://yhoo.it/e8Tj9C

149. Ushered through and signed Affordable Care Act, which expanded health insurance coverage to at least 30 million more people, ended many common insurance company practices that are often detrimental to those with coverage. He also established healthcare.gov, so that taxpayers could keep up with developments. http://www.healthcare.gov/

150. Through ACA, allowed children to be covered under their parents’ policy until they turned 26. http://nyti.ms/fNB26V

151. Through the ACA, provided tax breaks to allow 3.5 million small business to provide health insurance to their employees, and 29 million people will receive tax breaks to help them afford health insurance. http://nyti.ms/fNB26V

152. Through the ACA, expanded Medicaid to those making up to 133% of the federal poverty level. http://nyti.ms/ekMWpo

153. Through the ACA, health insurance companies now have to disclose how much of your premium actually goes to pay for patient care. http://nyti.ms/fNB26V

154. Provisions in theACA have already resulted in Medicare costs actually declining slightly this fiscal year, for the first time in many years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The increase in 2011 was 4%, which is very low compared to the average 12% annual inflation rate during previous 40 years. http://1.usa.gov/oMxpTh

155. Through the ACA, expanded space exploration and discovery options to more players http://bit.ly/PNTS7e

156. Through the Connect America Fund, pushed through and received FCC approval for a move of $8 billion in subsidies away from telephone landlines to assist lower-income rural families in accessing broadband. http://lat.ms/vhRUEs

Strengthened the Middle Class and Families, and Fought Poverty

157. Worked to provide affordable, high-quality child care to working families. http://bit.ly/fNfidS

158. Cracked down on companies that were previously denying sick pay, vacation and health insurance, and Social Security and Medicare tax payments through abuse of the employee classification of independent contractor. http://nyti.ms/fOGLcj

159. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act , cut taxes for 95% of America's working families. http://bit.ly/eSEI4F

160. Tax rates for average working families are the lowest since 1950. http://bit.ly/f74pD8

161. Extended and fully funded the patch for the Alternative Minimum Tax for 10 years. http://bit.ly/eFeSdP

162. Extended discounted COBRA health coverage for the unemployed from 9 months to 15 months, and he’s extended unemployment benefits several times. http://aol.it/evtVxD http://nyti.ms/emrqKJ http://bit.ly/hOtIpg http://bit.ly/fTT7kz

163. Provided a $20 billion increase for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps). http://nyti.ms/gfLqyM

164. Signed an Executive Order that established the White House Office of Urban Affairs. http://wapo.st/eWECA8

Concrete Steps to Improve The Environment and Address Our Energy Needs

165. Fast-tracked regulations to allow states to enact fuel efficiency standards that exceeded federal standards. http://nyti.ms/e8e94x

166. Fast-tracked increased fuel economy standards for vehicles beginning with the 2011 model year. It was the first time such standards had been increased in a decade. http://politi.co/hiaPKM

167. Oversaw establishment of an Energy Partnership for the Americas, to create more markets for American-made biofuels and green energy technologies. http://bit.ly/lZp73y

168. Obama EPA reversed a Bush-era decision to allow the largest mountaintop removal project in US history. http://bit.ly/lP3yEL

169. Ordered the Department of Energy to implement more aggressive efficiency standards for common household appliances. http://1.usa.gov/g3MTbu

170. Ordered energy plants to prepare to produce at least 15% of all energy through renewable resources like wind and solar, by 2021. http://reut.rs/fV155p (As you can see, Republicans are trying hard to kill it.)

171. Oversaw the creation of an initiative that converts old factories and manufacturing centers into new clean technology centers. http://bit.ly/mjnq2R

172. Bypassed Republican opposition in Congress and ordered EPA to begin regulating and measuring carbon emissions. http://bit.ly/froaP5

173. Obama EPA ruled that CO2 is a pollutant. http://bit.ly/iQTSNN

174. Oversaw doubling federal spending on clean energy research. http://bit.ly/iN0sCE

175. Pushed through a tax credit to help people buy plug-in hybrid cars. http://bit.ly/j8UP5Y

176. Created a program to develop renewable energy projects on the waters of our Outer Continental Shelf that will produce electricity from wind, wave, and ocean currents. http://1.usa.gov/fgfRWq

177. Reengaged in the climate change and greenhouse gas emissions agreements talks, and proposed one himself. He also addressed the U.N. Climate Change Conference, officially reversing the Bush era stance that climate change was a “hoax.” http://bit.ly/dX6Vj3 http://bit.ly/fE2PxK http://nyti.ms/hfeqvv

178. Fully supported the initial phase of the creation of a legally-binding treaty to reduce mercury emissions worldwide. http://bit.ly/eJ6QOO

179. Required states to provide incentives to utilities to reduce their energy consumption. http://bit.ly/lBhk7P

180. Following the neglect of Bush’s eight year reign, he reengaged in a number of treaties and agreements designed to protect the Antarctic. http://bit.ly/fzQUFO

181. Created tax write-offs for purchases of hybrid automobiles, and later he and Democrats morphed that program into one that includes electric cars. http://bit.ly/glCukV

182. Mandated that federal government fleet purchases be for fuel-efficient American vehicles, and encouraged that federal agencies support experimental, fuel-efficient vehicles. http://bit.ly/h5KZqy http://1.usa.gov/fLWq5c http://1.usa.gov/hmUSbk

183. Got BP to cough up $20 billion to establish Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, to reduce the need for taxpayer funds to be used for compensation and clean up. http://wapo.st/ds2BxT (Note: it took 20 years to get $1.3 billion for the Exxon Valdez spill. )

184. Oversaw and pushed through amendment to the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 authorizing advances from Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. http://1.usa.gov/yTRYVo

185. Actively tried to amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to eliminate the liability limits for those companies responsible for large oil spills. http://nyti.ms/bxjDi3

186. Initiated Criminal and Civil inquiries into the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. http://nyti.ms/bVuB7a

187. Through his EPA, he asserted federal legal supremacy, and barred Texas from authorizing new refinery permits on its own. http://bit.ly/ww8eMd

188. Strengthened the Endangered Species Act. http://bit.ly/hscjsH

189. Obama EPA improved boiler safety standards to improve air quality, and save 6500 lives per year. http://bit.ly/jYH7nt

190. Through the EPA, attemped to take steps to severely limit the use of antibiotics in livestock feed, to increase their efficacy in humans. http://bit.ly/fBuWd2

191. Through new EPA regulations, he created a pretext for closing the dirtiest power plants in the country, by limiting emissions of mercury and other toxic gasses. http://bit.ly/rQCIgA

192. Increased funding for National Parks and Forests by 10% http://bit.ly/fbJPjY

193. Announced greatly improved commercial fuel efficiency standards. http://1.usa.gov/oQiC1K

194. Announced a huge increase in average fuel economy standards from 27.5mpg in 2010 to 35.5mpg starting in 2016 and 54.5 starting in 2025 http://1.usa.gov/qtghsW

195. Issued an Executive Order to facilitate investments in industrial energy efficiency that will help create jobs, while strengthening US manufacturing. Increased efficiency could save businesses $100 billion over the next decade. http://1.usa.gov/WsIgbx

196. Through an executive order, set up the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council, which will to oversee Gulf Coast restoration efforts in the wake of the 2010 BP oil splll. The money to fund the restoration efforts comes from fines against BP. http://1.usa.gov/Rxjb29

But That's Not All...

197. Expanded trade agreements to include stricter labor and environmental agreements such as NAFTA. http://bit.ly/etznpY

198. Oversaw funding of the design of a new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History, which is scheduled to open on the National Mall in 2015. He protected the funding during the recent budget negotiations. http://on.fb.me/fD0EVO http://bit.ly/ff5Luv

199. Oversaw and passed increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. http://bit.ly/dFb8qF

200. Nominated Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. Sotomayor is the first Hispanic Justice in the court’s history, and the women represent only the third and fourth women to serve on the court, out of a total of 112 justices. http://huff.to/eOChg6 http://bit.ly/i02wgP

201. Appointed the most diverse Cabinet in history, including more women than any other incoming president. http://bit.ly/dX6vNB

202. Eliminated federal funding for abstinence-only education, and rescinded the global gag rule. http://bit.ly/eCFAI1 http://bit.ly/f92drF

203. Loosened the rules and allowed the 14 states that legalized medical marijuana to regulate themselves without federal interference. http://huff.to/eQfa7j

204. Signed national service legislation, increasing funding for national service groups, including triple the size of the Americorps program. http://bit.ly/idgQH5

205. Signed an Executive Order that will speed up deployment of a more comprehensive broadband infrastructure. http://1.usa.gov/M7rVpe

206. Signed an Executive Order creating jobs immediately by instructing them to reduce the time needed for review and permitting of infrastructure projects. http://1.usa.gov/GHxaYt

207. Signed a bill that provided $4.3 billion in additional assistance to 9/11 first reponders. http://bit.ly/o7cWYS

208. Signed an Executive Order pledging support for efforts to end the global problem of violence against women and girls. http://1.usa.gov/MHTRVU

209. Signed the Claims Resolution Act, which provided $4.6 billion in funding for a legal settlement with black and Native American farmers who had been cheated out of government loans and natural resource royalties in the past. http://1.usa.gov/dGppUa

210. To help those communities devastated by Hurricane Samdy, issued an executive order setting up the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Task Force, and asked Congress to approve $60 billion in supplemental assistance to aid in storm recovery. http://1.usa.gov/134L7hl

211. Produced 23 Executive actions designed to make it easier for law enforcement to identify those who shouldn't have guns, thus helping them enforce the law. http://on.wsj.com/SX9xaZ

[Weegle777 78]

All of those folks in DC are idiots as far as I'm concerned.

Exactly. But not according to some here. A politician is a crook, republican or democrat. People in today's voting base would vote for Satan himself if he promised them free healthcare or free anything for that matter. It's all about "what will you give me?" not about what is best for our country. And if you believe that I am wrong in that, then you have your head in the sand.

Implying that people could vote for mythical religious figures is a ridiculous statement in itself, but the humorous part is that the rest of your statement is the most ludicrous.

I voted for Obama. I do not expect free healthcare. I do not expect free anything. I expect him to pass bills that help the American people, and veto those that don't. I expect him not to be a war monger like Bush, and not to lie to America and manipulate them into a war. I expect him to listen to Scientists and understand the facts on global issues, not to form an opinion based on a book written by goat hearders 2000 years ago. I expect him to do his best to help the lower and middle class, and not let the rich continue to disenfranchise them. And many more...

Ooooooo. Hostile.

[finxster 4]

All of those folks in DC are idiots as far as I'm concerned.

Exactly. But not according to some here. A politician is a crook, republican or democrat. People in today's voting base would vote for Satan himself if he promised them free healthcare or free anything for that matter. It's all about "what will you give me?" not about what is best for our country. And if you believe that I am wrong in that, then you have your head in the sand.

Implying that people could vote for mythical religious figures is a ridiculous statement in itself, but the humorous part is that the rest of your statement is the most ludicrous.

I voted for Obama. I do not expect free healthcare. I do not expect free anything. I expect him to pass bills that help the American people, and veto those that don't. I expect him not to be a war monger like Bush, and not to lie to America and manipulate them into a war. I expect him to listen to Scientists and understand the facts on global issues, not to form an opinion based on a book written by goat hearders 2000 years ago. I expect him to do his best to help the lower and middle class, and not let the rich continue to disenfranchise them. And many more...

Ooooooo. Hostile.

No hostility. Truth. Not hyperbole like everything I read from you and many others on here.

[jj3jordan 2,172]

All of those folks in DC are idiots as far as I'm concerned.

Exactly. But not according to some here. A politician is a crook, republican or democrat. People in today's voting base would vote for Satan himself if he promised them free healthcare or free anything for that matter. It's all about "what will you give me?" not about what is best for our country. And if you believe that I am wrong in that, then you have your head in the sand.

Implying that people could vote for mythical religious figures is a ridiculous statement in itself, but the humorous part is that the rest of your statement is the most ludicrous.

I voted for Obama. I do not expect free healthcare. I do not expect free anything. I expect him to pass bills that help the American people, and veto those that don't. I expect him not to be a war monger like Bush, and not to lie to America and manipulate them into a war. I expect him to listen to Scientists and understand the facts on global issues, not to form an opinion based on a book written by goat hearders 2000 years ago. I expect him to do his best to help the lower and middle class, and not let the rich continue to disenfranchise them. And many more...

Your expectations must be crushed.

[jj3jordan 2,172]

Republicans Charge Obama With Court-Packing For Trying To Fill Empty Seats

WASHINGTON -- Republican senators are fuming about President Barack Obama's attempt to fill empty seats on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, charging him with "court-packing" and alleging that his push to confirm nominees is all politics.

But not only is Obama not "court-packing" -- a term describing an attempt to add judges to a court with the goal of shifting the balance, not filling existing vacancies -- but Republicans' efforts to prevent Obama from appointing judges amount to their own attempt to tip the scales in their favor. What's more, some of the GOP senators trying to prevent his nominees from advancing previously voted to fill the court when there was a Republican in the White House.

As it stands, the powerful D.C. Circuit has 11 seats, three of which are vacant. Obama has signaled plans to put forward nominees for all three open slots as soon as this week. But Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and other Republicans are pushing legislation that would eliminate those seats and keep the court where it is: with eight judges, four of whom were appointed by Democrats and four of whom were appointed by Republicans.

Grassley has argued that the court simply doesn't need to have three more judges because it has a lighter workload than other circuit courts -- a stance that Democrats say overlooks the fact that the court is second in stature only to the Supreme Court and takes on particularly complex cases. But Grassley has also suggested that Obama is trying to pack the court.

"I'm concerned about the caseload of this circuit and the efforts to pack it," Grassley complained during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing last week, charging the administration -- six times -- with court-packing. Of course, Grassley was quickly corrected by a colleague, who said that court-packing isn't about filling existing vacancies.

Still, Grassley isn't alone in making these charges. During floor remarks last week, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) accused Democrats of plotting with the White House "to pack the D.C. Circuit with appointees," and Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) worried aloud that Democrats may "decide to play politics and seek -- without any legitimate justification -- to pack the D.C. Circuit with unneeded judges simply in order to advance a partisan agenda."

Even The Wall Street Journal piled on last week, arguing in an editorial that the D.C. Circuit "doesn't need new judges to handle the workload" and filling those vacant seats would be akin to "packing the court for political ends."

But it is perhaps a sign of just how partisan the Senate has become when a president's effort to nominate judges for empty seats is equated with court-packing. Presidents have a constitutional imperative to try to fill judicial vacancies. In fact, one could make the case that Senate Republican efforts to prevent Obama from filling vacant court seats -- thereby keeping those courts from having any more Democrat-appointed judges -- are actual instances of court-packing.

Grassley and McConnell both voted to fill empty slots on the D.C. Circuit under former President George W. Bush. On June 14, 2005, both voted to confirm Judge Thomas Griffith, giving the court 11 active judges at the time. A year later, on May 26, 2006, Grassley and McConnell voted to confirm Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the D.C. Circuit. That vote put the court at 10 active judges.

Wrangling over the D.C. Circuit comes at a time when Senate Republicans are using a variety of methods to block Obama's nominees for different posts. Some are declining to put forward recommendations for nominees at the beginning of the process, some are causing delays in floor votes once nominees clear the Senate Judiciary Committee, and some are dragging out the committee process by submitting hundreds of questions for nominees to answer.

"Gina McCarthy, EPA [nominee]: more than 1,100 written questions after her hearing had closed," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) complained last week. "People have gotten hundreds and hundreds ... just to stall."

There was a brief reprieve in the nominations fight last week when the Senate unanimously voted to send Sri Srinivasan to the D.C. Circuit, which filled another vacancy on that court. McConnell initially tried to delay Srinivasan's vote, but at a time when Democrats are signaling they may be ready for a fight over filibuster reform, the GOP leader relented and agreed to hold the vote last week.

Not all conservatives are eager to compare Obama's efforts to fill empty judge slots with court-packing. Byron York, chief political correspondent for the Washington Examiner and Fox News contributor, expressed puzzlement on Twitter at how some could make that leap:

http://www.huffingto..._n_3347961.html

Got your attention. The shoe must fit.

[homersapien 12,350]

You seeding the forum w/ pro- Obama stuff tells me all I need to know about your true intent.

Damn. Now I have to kill you.

Where do you live?

My "true" intent? :-\

[autigeremt 7,260]

All of those folks in DC are idiots as far as I'm concerned.

Bingo!!!!!!!!

[Grumps 3,706]

All of those folks in DC are idiots as far as I'm concerned.

Exactly. But not according to some here. A politician is a crook, republican or democrat. People in today's voting base would vote for Satan himself if he promised them free healthcare or free anything for that matter. It's all about "what will you give me?" not about what is best for our country. And if you believe that I am wrong in that, then you have your head in the sand.

Implying that people could vote for mythical religious figures is a ridiculous statement in itself, but the humorous part is that the rest of your statement is the most ludicrous.

I voted for Obama. I do not expect free healthcare. I do not expect free anything. I expect him to pass bills that help the American people, and veto those that don't. I expect him not to be a war monger like Bush, and not to lie to America and manipulate them into a war. I expect him to listen to Scientists and understand the facts on global issues, not to form an opinion based on a book written by goat hearders 2000 years ago. I expect him to do his best to help the lower and middle class, and not let the rich continue to disenfranchise them. And many more...

THIS IS CLASSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Remind us how much money that Obamacare is saving the nation!!!!!!!!!! TOO FUNNY!

[AURaptor 1,137]

You seeding the forum w/ pro- Obama stuff tells me all I need to know about your true intent.

Damn. Now I have to kill you.

Where do you live?

My "true" intent? :-\

1060 W. Addison St.

Chicago, IL 60613

[homersapien 12,350]

You seeding the forum w/ pro- Obama stuff tells me all I need to know about your true intent.

Damn. Now I have to kill you.

Where do you live?

My "true" intent? :-\

1060 W. Addison St.

Chicago, IL 60613

Really? Well, if you are a Cubbie, I may have to give you a pass.

But, as much as I love Chicago (and I do) I am on a limited budget, so I'd like to confirm you really do know my "true intent" before buying a ticket to come up.