Holt Video - I'm With Rush

Just before the holiday weekend I received and email from the Rush Holt for Senate campaign that contained a link to the video below.

 In the video Holt's background as a scientist/teacher and his progressive stands and voting record in Congress are highlighted by a number of people both young and old that rattle off a list of issues that are near and dear to them.

The video also takes a passive aggressive, subtle swipe at one of Holt's U.S. Senate challengers, front runner Cory Booker. The swipe happens when a young African-American supporter states, " I like Cory Booker but for Senate, I'm with Rush".

Overall I like the video, it's effective, concise and charmingly quirky, playing off the "Big Bang Theory" geekiness of Holt's background and supporters.  



Rush is a teacher, scientist and a true progressive. No one will fight harder for progressive policies in the US Senate.

Rush has taken on the Republicans in Congress - voting against the war in Iraq, to repeal the PATRIOT Act, against warrantless surveillance of Americans, and against Republican cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

In the Senate, Rush will be a leader on progressive issues, like increasing education funding, expanding background checks to ALL gun sales and building a smart national energy grid.

The Hardship Is Only Beginning To Be Felt

The following is from Congressman Rush Holt's newsletter:

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed – over my objections – the so-called Ryan budget, a grim and pessimistic vision for America’s future authored by U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan.

If the plan of the budget resolution were made real in appropriations legislation, it would, according to estimates by the Economic Policy Institute, cost 2 million jobs next year. It would eliminate the mandatory Pell Grant program, a cut of $98 billion, and let interest rates double on student loans. It would cut key transportation investments by more than 20 percent. It would slash Medicaid support by $810 billion, and it would end the Medicare guarantee on which seniors depend.

If that sounds familiar, it should. This Ryan budget is a barely warmed over version of last year’s Ryan budget, which was so thoroughly debated during last year’s election – and so soundly rejected by voters.

It is important to remember that a House budget is only a roadmap and does not have the force of law. However, budget sequestration, which already is in effect, and the Appropriations Legislation passed today are binding. The resulting hardship is only beginning to be felt.

A Shameful Anniversary

As we now recognize that it has been 10 years since American troops were sent into Iraq, it is worth remembering that the Iraq war was a shameful example of the victory of ideology over evidence. Indeed, some leaders were so tied to their ideology that they deluded themselves and the public at the cost of more than 100,000 American and Iraqi lives.

People often ask me whether my decision to vote against the Iraq war was a difficult one. In advance of that vote, I worked hard and thought hard to examine the evidence about whether military action would improve America’s security. But ultimately, it was an easy vote once it became clear that there was no justification to go to war.

On a Collision Course

Earlier this week, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology – spurred to action by the February meteor in Chelyabinsk, Russia that injured more than 1,500 people – held a hearing to examine methods of detecting asteroids and comets that might impact the Earth.

The Chelyabinsk meteor was, to be sure, an exceedingly unusual event; an impact of this magnitude occurs only once a century or so. Even more rarely, far larger rocks fall from the sky: Every 100 million years or so, the Earth is hit by a meteor large enough to cause mass extinctions, like the one at the end of the age of dinosaurs.

As I wrote in a Washington Post op-ed with my colleague Donna Edwards, while the threats posed by meteors are miniscule on a day-to-day basis, surely any existential threat to the human race must be taken seriously. In particular, we should provide NASA with the support necessary to meet a 2005 Congressional mandate that it detect 90 percent of all near-Earth asteroids larger than about 500 feet in diameter. Congress also should take seriously a possibility that has been raised by senior military officials: that a meteor impact might be misinterpreted as a nuclear strike, leading to dangerous overreactions from nuclear-armed states.

Recently I discussed these concerns with the journalist Chuck Todd. A video of our conversation is available online.

Sincerely,

Rush Holt
Member of Congress

Ian's Letter: "Dear Mr. President"

Here is a video that you just can't stop watching - "When President Obama ended the war in Iraq, Ian's dad came home for good. Ian wrote a letter to the President to thank him".

It's amazing and pulls at the heartstrings.




Dear Mr. President,

My name is Ian.

I live in Las Vegas, Nevada and I am ten years old. I really hope that I can meet you someday because I would like to shake your hand and thank you for bringing my dad home from Iraq.

My dad served two tours in Iraq. His time away was really hard for me.
This is a note that my dad sent me: "My dearest Ian, son, I miss you so much..."

I had trouble sleeping sometimes because I was so worried about him.

He gave me his dog tags before he left and I kept them with me all the time so that I can feel close to him.

Because you ended the Iraq war I have my dad back safe.

Now I get to spend birthdays and holidays with my dad. And we can do all the things I have missed out on while he was away.

I look up to you both and I want to be just like you.

Thank you, Ian

President Obama's Weekly Address 9/1/12: Honoring Our Nation’s Service Members and Military Families

President Obama marks the second anniversary of the end of major combat in Iraq, by thanking our servicemen and women for the outstanding work they did.

Happy New Year to One and All

As 2011 comes to a close, I know that it hasn't been a good year to many out there, but as we enter 2012 things are beginning to look up; The stock market is up, unemployment is on the way down, the housing and real estate markets have started to turn in the positive direction and the long war in Iraq has come to an end. It seems that we are on the right track for a great new year (that is of course if the world doesn't on before the 2012 is over).

For all of those that have touched my life this year and in years past; family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances and readers of this blog, I want you to know that I am extremely fortunate to have been touched by each of you.

Remember, it's the people that we know and love that make a difference in the fabric of our lives, not the material itself.

Have a happy, safe and prosperous New Year everyone!

President Obama's Weekly Address 12/24/11 : The President and First Lady Thank our Troops for their Service as we Celebrate the Holiday Season

WASHINGTON— In this week’s address, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama came together to wish the American people a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, and thanked our troops, military families, and veterans for their service and sacrifice. President Obama and Michelle Obama encouraged everyone to visit JoiningForces.gov to find ways to give back to our brave men and women in uniform and their families during the holiday season as we work together in the spirit of service.

President Obama's Weekly Address 12/17/11 : Honoring Those Who Served in Iraq

WASHINGTON— In this week’s address, President Obama expressed the gratitude of the entire nation to the brave men and women who have served in the war in Iraq, and welcomed our troops home as we mark the official end to the war. This historic achievement would not be possible without the skill and dedication of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. They prove every day that when we come together, there is nothing we cannot do. Now it’s time to follow their example, put aside partisanship, and rebuild our economy so that every American who wants to work can find a job, and everyone has the opportunity to make it if they try.

President Obama's Weekly Address 11/12/11: Honoring our Veterans for their Service and Sacrifice

WASHINGTON—In this week’s address, President Obama spoke from the USS Carl Vinson in San Diego during Veterans Day, and he called on all Americans to rededicate themselves to serving our brave men and women in uniform as well as they have served us. Today, there are more than 850,000 veterans unemployed, which is why the President issued a challenge to private companies to hire or train more than 100,000 post-9/11 veterans or their spouses by 2013, and he was pleased to see the Senate pass proposals in his American Jobs Act on Thursday to give businesses tax credits for hiring veterans. President Obama told veterans that just as they have fought for us, he will continue to fight for jobs and opportunities for them, and that the United States will always honor their service and sacrifice.

President Obama's Weekly Adrress 10/22/11: Bringing Home Our Troops

WASHINGTON—In this week’s address, President Obama said that the death of Moammar Qadhafi in Libya and the announcement that troops from Iraq will return home by the end of the year are strong reminders that the United States has renewed its leadership in the world. The role of our brave pilots and crews has given the Libyan people a chance to seek a democratic future for their children, and after a decade of war in Iraq, the United States is moving forward and focusing on strengthening the economy and security at home. This is why the President is calling on Congress to pass the American Jobs Act to rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, give working families a tax break, and put teachers back in our classrooms and cops on the beat. We must bring the same sense of urgency to revitalizing our economy that our troops took to their fight, which is why President Obama is urging Republicans and Democrats to work together to pass the American Jobs Act now to put the American people back to work.

October 2011; Stop the Machine! Create a New World!

This may be a little far-left for some people but I support the basic premise of what October 2011 is trying to do; End the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, support human rights, commitment to a healthly, green environment and ensuring that the middle class and poor do not become the victims of corporate greed. So I feel it's worth informing people about October2011 and their cause.

Unfortunately, I can't take the pledge because I wont be going to Washington DC anytime soon, let alone in October, but that doesn't mean others that support these causes couldn't sign the pledge and lend a hand in a nonviolent protest rally on October 6,2011.

I'll be there in spirit.

A Call to Action - Oct. 6, 2011 and onward

October 2011 is the 10th anniversary of the invasion of Afghanistan and the beginning of the 2012 federal austerity budget. It is time to light the spark that sets off a true democratic, nonviolent transition to a world in which people are freed to create just and sustainable solutions.

We call on people of conscience and courage—all who seek peace, economic justice, human rights and a healthy environment—to join together in Washington, D.C., beginning on Oct. 6, 2011, in nonviolent resistance similar to the Arab Spring and the Midwest awakening.

A concert, rally and protest will kick off a powerful and sustained nonviolent resistance to the corporate criminals that dominate our government.

Forty-seven years ago, Mario Savio, an activist student at Berkeley, said, "There's a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious—makes you so sick at heart—that you can't take part. You can't even passively take part. And you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you've got to make it stop. And you've got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you're free, the machine will be prevented from working at all."

Those words have an even greater urgency today. We face ongoing wars and massive socio-economic and environmental destruction perpetrated by a corporate empire which is oppressing, occupying and exploiting the world. We are on a fast track to making the planet unlivable while the middle class and poor people of our country are undergoing the most wrenching and profound economic crisis in 80 years.

"Stop the Machine! • Create a New World!" is a clarion call for all who are deeply concerned with injustice, militarism and environmental destruction to join in ending concentrated corporate power and taking direct control of a real participatory democracy. We will encourage a culture of resistance—using music, art, theater and direct nonviolent action—to take control of our country and our lives. It is about courageously resisting and stopping the corporate state from destroying not only our inherent rights and freedoms, but also our children’s chance to live, breathe clean air, drink pure water, grow edible natural food and live in peace.

As Mother Jones said, "Someday the workers will take possession of your city hall, and when we do, no child will be sacrificed on the altar of profit!"

We are the ones who can create a new and just world. Our issues are connected. We are connected. Join us in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 6, 2011, to Stop the Machine.

***************************************************************************************

Take the pledge and sign up to attend here. Let America know you are coming to make history and a new world!

"I pledge that if any U.S. troops, contractors, or mercenaries remain in Afghanistan on Thursday, October 6, 2011, as that criminal occupation goes into its 11th year, I will commit to being in Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., with others on that day with the intention of making it our Tahrir Square, Cairo, our Madison, Wisconsin, where we will NONVIOLENTLY resist the corporate machine to demand that our resources are invested in human needs and environmental protection instead of war and exploitation. We can do this together. We will be the beginning ."

Remembering The Faces of the Fallen This Memorial Day

Faces of the Fallen is a collection of information about each U.S. service member who died in Iraq and Afghanistan during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

This information is updated at least twice monthly from military releases, news service reports and local newspaper stories. The photographs come from news services, local newspapers and family members and published online @ Washingtonpost.com

Friday Morning Funnies: The Sense of Smell

I know that this is obnoxious but it is sooo very funny!

Iraq War vet Tyler has had enough and finally deals with all of the other rude party guests.

Sense of Smell w/ Bryan Cranston from Bryan Cranston

President Obama's Weekly Address 8/28/10: The End of Combat Operations in Iraq

With the end of combat operations in Iraq days ahead, the President salutes our troops for their service and pledges to fulfill America’s commitment to them as veterans. 90,000 troops have left Iraq since the President came into office, and by the end of next year even the troops taking part in the non-combat mission will be home. The administration is upholding the sacred trust with our veterans by building a 21st century VA, making it easier for veterans with PTSD to receive the benefits they need, funding and implementing a Post-9/11 GI Bill, and devoting new resources to job training and placement to help those veterans looking for work in a tough economy.

A Milestone Achievement: Ending Combat in Iraq

Promises made, promises kept...A true milestone in the War in Iraq. President Obama addresses veterans and tells them that the end of the combat mission in Iraq is over and our troops will be home by the end of the month.


President Obama speaks to the national convention of Disabled American Veterans in Atlanta, GA about the upcoming end of combat operations in Iraq and his Administration's pledge to honor our nation's commitments and responsibilities to veterans.

In Rahway; "Broken Hearts" For the Fallen

In Rahway, artist Jim McKeon is remembering fallen soldiers from the Iraq War with an unique war memorial to honor those killed and to mend "Broken Hearts"

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Memorial Day 2009; Remembering the "Faces Of The Fallen"

This Memorial Day as people gather to celebrate the beginning of the summer, lets not forget the 4,962 service men and women who have given their lives to protect our freedoms, while fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It is import that we remember the "Faces of the Fallen". Those men and women, brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our Country. 

To see and remember the latest heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice  in the service of our country, to protect and uphold each of our rights and freedoms, click>>> Here

Have a Happy and Safe Memorial Day !

Obama Wants To Halve Budget Deficit By End Of First Term

In an article posted on Yahoo News,  President Obama will be working to cut the federal budget deficit in halve by the end of his first term.

How does he plan to do this? Mostly by scaling back Iraq war spending, raising taxes on the wealthiest and streamlining government, an administration official.

According to the article: 

 "Obama hopes to achieve his deficit-reduction goal by generating savings as he follows through on three core campaign promises over the next four years.

He has pledged to wind down the Iraq war by withdrawing most combat troops within 16 months of taking office. He also has said he would let the temporary Bush tax cuts expire in 2011 for people making more than $250,000 a year, effectively raising taxes on those people. And, he has vowed to scale back spending and improve government efficiency by eliminating programs that don't work."

To me, it seems like a lofty goal given the current economic climate. He may be relying to much on the hope that the economic climate will change sooner rather than later, which would tend to follow Obama's  personnal outlook of being an optimist. The President tends to see a glass half full rather than half empty.

I certainly hope that he is right and I wish him well because if the budget deficit is not brought under control soon the Nation will be looking at annual budget deficits of over a trillion dollars annually for many years to come.

Excerpts from Governor Corzine's Press Conference in Iraq

Excerpts and images from Governor Corzine's satellite press conference in Iraq.

Where Do We Go from Here?

Sen. Bernie Sanders  from Vermont has an interesting essay posted on the Hill's Congress blog today. It outlines some of the failures of the past eight years and what will be waiting for Barack Obama when he takes office on January 20th. 

Sanders also lists a few initiatives that he will be working on in the Senate come the new year, it's good stuff:

The next few months will be a pivotal period in the history of the United States and for much of the world. The Bush Administration, perhaps the most reactionary and incompetent that our country has ever seen, is leaving office after eight disastrous years. President Barack Obama and an increased Democratic majority take power amidst the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.

The decisions that are made early on will send an important signal as to whether Obama’s campaign of “hope” and “change” will be seriously pursued and realized, or whether the power of the Big Money interests will persist — regardless of which president is in office or which party has the majority. Will a new president and a new and more Democratic Congress finally respond to the needs of the middle class and working families of our country, or will Wall Street, insurance and drug companies, the military-industrial-complex, the oil and coal companies, big media, and the other powerful special interests continue to hold sway?

Here are just a few of the issues that President Obama, the Congress and all Americans must confront:

The middle class is continuing its steep decline with unemployment soaring, and millions of people in danger of losing their homes, savings, and health insurance. The dream of a college education is fading away for many working families as college costs go up while incomes go down. This year, as a result of the economic downturn, the bailout of Wall Street, ongoing tax breaks for the very rich and the war in Iraq, our nation will have a record-breaking deficit and a huge $10.4 trillion national debt. The United States continues to have the highest rate of childhood poverty of any major country, and the most unequal distribution of wealth and income.

As a result of Wall Street greed, recklessness, and dishonesty, our entire financial system is in danger of collapsing. The taxpayers of this country have seen trillions of their dollars placed at risk in the largest bailout in world history.

Our incredibly inefficient health care system is disintegrating. Despite spending far more per capita than any other country, 47 million Americans have no health insurance. Even more are underinsured. And we pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs.

Finish reading Berinie Sanders's blog posting >>>Here

Raw Video: Troops in Iraq Celebrate Christmas

It's nice to see that even in Iraq, the Christmas spirit is still alive and well.

British soldiers in Iraq prepared for Christmas on Monday by decorating their base in the southern city of Basra. Britain has around 4,500 troops in Iraq, most of them based at an airport camp on the outskirts of Basra. (Dec. 23)

Here's a wish for a very Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year for all of the troops now stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. My your missions be accomplished and our return home to your families and country be imminent.  God Bless you all.