Republicans stripped $900 million in pandemic preparedness funds from the stimulus bill.

[DrToast]

When House Appropriations Committee chairman David Obey, the Wisconsin Democrat who has long championed investment in pandemic preparation, included roughly $900 million for that purpose in this year's emergency stimulus bill, he was ridiculed by conservative operatives and congressional Republicans.

Obey and other advocates for the spending argued, correctly, that a pandemic hitting in the midst of an economic downturn could turn a recession into something far worse -- with workers ordered to remain in their homes, workplaces shuttered to avoid the spread of disease, transportation systems grinding to a halt and demand for emergency services and public health interventions skyrocketing. Indeed, they suggested, pandemic preparation was essential to any responsible plan for renewing the U.S. economy.

Now, as the World Health Organization says a deadly swine flu outbreak that apparently began in Mexico but has spread to the United States has the potential to develop into a pandemic, Obey's attempt to secure the money seems eerily prescient.

And his partisan attacks on his efforts seem not just creepy, but dangerous.

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/430261?rel=hp_picks

Oh dear.

[Ocracoker16]

1. Way to go Republicans!

[vaberella]

5. You're little avie of SpongeBob looks like it's saying, 'Way to go Republicans!"

:rofl:

[rufus dog]

18. Sponge Bob is a Democrat

Patrick maybe a Republican though.

[Sultana]

48. LOL

:D

[Dollface]

86. Well, Patrick really isn't very bright.

[AlbertCat]

101. But he's a nice guy...er...starfish. Squidward is the shellfish, I mean selfish repug!

[Joey Liberal]

65. Republicans hate SpongeBob nt

[Dollface]

87. They hate him for his squarepants.

[AlbertCat]

100. I know! I can hear him now!

[SpiralHawk]

45. Typical anti-American move by the Republicon Homelanders

They want America to FAIL, the way they have so miserably FAILED.

[Butch350]

93. The beautiful thing is - they started failing snowball!

[Better Believe It]

99. You're right. They called the shots in the Senate, not the Democrats

Three Republicans made sure the stimulus bill was badly weakened. And they were permitted to do that because the Democratic Party Senate leadership didn't want to challenge the Republicans to a Senate filibuster which would have been quickly broken.

The mere threat of a Republican filibuster is enough to send some Democratic Senators to their knees.

[jpak]

2. Doh!

Dumbasses

[Dr.Phool]

36. How much you want to bet, they try to blame it on illegal immigration?

Come on Lou Dobbs and Glenn Beck! Open your idiot mouths!

[SemperEadem]

69. that is precisely where this will be going

you're going to be seeing some of the most amazing human behaviors in the near future, spurred on by the likes of the hate-mongering myth pushers.

[truedelphi]

95. As someone upset by illegal immigration, I am equally (Or more) upset that

This influenza is named the "Mexican swine flu"

More likely an influenza that was developed inside an American Defense laboratory.

This naming of disease for foreign places galls me - we white people decimated the Native Peoples' of this continent with our diseases, yet never have I heard a disease referred to as "American" or "White European" in origin.

[Cherchez la Femme]

84. Sure!

Because there's no 'normal' travel between U.S. & Mexico!
Who'd want to go there? Vacationers? Business people, many who happen to have moved their factories south of the border for ultra cheap labor, no FISA, etc.? Partiers? (sp?) People travelling through Mexico to reach a more Southern or Northern destination??

NAHHHH....

:eyes:

And indeed they probably will use that as a talking point, along with
--especially considering the news in Iowa--
that WE, The People are the ones

the only ones
(them Mexicans et.al. don't count -- did they ever?)

who are being punished by their holy, conservative, vindictive, otherwise distant and disinterested gawd.


Edit: typo

[vaberella]

3. Make this viral. Man...the Repubs are killing themselves. I mean seriously.

Everything is just backfiring against them and the public knows about. In an article this weekend it talks about the reconciliation vote and how O brought up over and over again he tried to be bipartisan and they threw it back in his face so he's dumping their righteous indignation. When this shit comes out and that the Repubs are involved...they will get even worse negative responses.

[Jackpine Radical]

104. Make it VIRAL?

Isn't it already viral?

[onetwo]

108. LOL, not enough appreciation for this post :)

[Zenlitened]

4. Republicans cannot be trusted to govern. It's just that simple.

Republicans don't have what it takes to govern even when times are GOOD. When times are tough... they'd be the ruin of us all if they had their way.

[Arugula Latte]

25. They're the ones saying "government is bad" and then setting out to prove it by f@#$ing it up.

[moose65]

107. Truth is, I don't think they even WANT to govern!

The entire purpose of the Republican Party seems to be to dismantle any and all forms of government. They are not interested in running the country; they want to run it into the ground while they enrich themselves and their friends. And really, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy: if they were efficient at running the government it would negate their entire ideology that government is "bad." That is the bottom line for me: they hate government and claim it can't do anything right, so why in the world would we elect them to be in charge?

[KathieG]

6. Rut Roh!

[saigon68]

7. "Hey BROWNIE--You're doing a Hell of a Job", The CHIMP

Nice work by a Bunch of Ass-Wipes

[vaberella]

8. Guys..we need to make this VIRAL so that the media could be talking about it tomorrow.

Here's a link FrenchieCat provided of all the media info.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8366976

[onestepforward]

34. Excellent link! Thanks FrenchieCat!

[Pirate Smile]

9. Yeah, just like that ridiculous volcano monitoring, who needs it!

And haven't they been smart to slow walk Sebelius too. Who needs a HHS Secretary? Nothing will happen.

[vaberella]

13. Do you think this might push her admission? n/t

[AlbertCat]

102. Don't forget fruit flies! Imagine paying for them???

[Metta]

10. Happy karma, Thugs. Too bad it isn't quicker.

Don't pack the heavy clothes.

[HughMoran]

11. Can the Republicans do anything right?

Holy mackerel - if you handed a Repub a $1000 bill it would probably burst instantly into flames.

[vaberella]

12. Sure they can...if it means hurting the American people either directly or indirectly.

They're on top of that.

[Pacifist Patriot]

106. That's a rhetorical question, isn't it?

[Cali_Democrat]

14. The Dems should hammer them over this

nt

[vaberella]

28. Not even Dems. The Media could take this and run with it to oblivion.

Everyone should be talking about this. It needs to be made VIRAL.

[stubtoe]

59. If hits had been done by Democrats, the media WOULD have run with it,

believe me.

[Cha]

15. Why don't the republicons just

sit this one out and Prez Obama and the real Dems will handle it.

All they do is fuck it up.

[opihimoimoi]

16. Another sign of Myopic GOPism....they cannot be trusted for shit...

[Joe the Liberal]

17. $900 million in pandemic preparedness just doesn't help the rich in anyway........

didn't ya know? So of course this had to be taken out of the stimulus bill. We had to make room for useless tax cuts.

If Republicans had things their way America would be a third world country by now. They would be the death of us all if they we're a majority, thankfully there are more sane people than insane. Repukes are nothing but a bunch of fucking idiots.

[bushmeister0]

19. But, but, if we had control of our own money, instead of the socialcrats

taxing it all away, we could all afford to build our own hospitals and hire our own doctors to protect us. At least, Obama hasn't taken all our guns away, yet! We can still protect ourselves from the pandemic by shooting anyone who even appears to be sick. (sarcasm)

[AlbertCat]

103. by shooting anyone who even appears to be sick.

Don't forget prayer!

And Quarantining poor people.


Praise God!



(in an unrelated note...boy I've been posting a lot today. I'm getting dizzy looking at these Mandelbrot Set zoom ins. I need to find a new gif!)

[quiet.american]

20. Not surprised. More of the same old short-sighted, mean-spirited GOP stupidity. nt

[scentopine]

21. Rick "Jefferson Davis" Perry Just Asked Fed for Flu Money

Coincidentally, Rick "I Don't Need Your Money" Perry has also been making people sick lately. Just another Texas illness linked to swine.


http://thinkprogress.org/2009/04/26/tx-perry-swine-flu/

[vaberella]

31. More news that needs to be made viral. n/t

[MadLabrador]

22. comic

[Undercurrent]

23. Sheesh!

Just when I think the Repubs have run out of stupid, they come up with more.

Anyhow, I emailed this to all the TV news outlets, and a couple of newspapers. Yes, this definitely needs to be spread far and wide.

[bushmeister0]

24. Karl Rove decries Obama's "trickle down economics."

From an Op-Ed in the WSJ, Feb. 5:

"As a presidential candidate, Barack Obama attacked 'trickle down economics' as 'bankrupt' and an 'old, discredited' philosophy that 'didn't work.' He was wrong. Even worse, though, is that he and congressional Democrats are embracing a Democratic version of trickle-down economics that won't work . . . There's . . . $4 billion for health programs like obesity control and smoking cessation, $2 billion for the National Institutes of Health, $462 million for the Centers for Disease Control, and $900 million for pandemic flu preparations. . .

Republicans are right, both substantively and politically, to oppose this monstrosity and smart to offer a bold alternative. The GOP's road back is about to be partly paved by Mr. Obama's embrace of Democratic trickle-down economics. It's terrible policy -- but for Republicans, it provides an opportunity for sharp contrasts that can reset the debate on more favorable terms for the GOP"

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123379742941850311.html

Yeah, that's worked out well. As the Nation article proves, the G-NO!-P has provided a very sharp contrast that will go a long way towards resetting the debate on more favorable terms . . . for the Democrats. BTW, that "road back" Rove is thinking Obama is paving for the G-NO!P is a shovel ready project.

[BattyDem]

26. How many times can one group of people be wrong?

Vision ... anticipation ... preparedness ... they don't have a freakin' clue! :rofl:

[vaberella]

30. Obviously the best word would be "endlessly". n/t

[Demeter]

98. It's Probably Genetic

and related to IQ.

[MadMaddie]

27. Well this needs to be publicized...

More obstructionist behavior putting American lives at risk.

[vaberella]

29. Yup. Check out post # 8.

I posted a link to a topic with the media's information. Rick Sanchez, on CNN would be a great person to send it to too; also Nora O'Donnell and Shuster on MSNBC.

[pansypoo53219]

32. once again

i am fucking proud of dave obey.

he is good government to his toes.

[FrenchieCat]

33. More info!

BEFORE MEDDLING BY GOP....

House-passed stimulus bill includes pandemic funding
Lisa Schnirring and Robert Roos * Staff Writers

Jan 29, 2009 (CIDRAP News) – Yesterday the US House of Representatives passed an $819 billion economic stimulus bill that included funding for pandemic influenza and bioterrorism countermeasures, and now the Senate will debate its version of the measure, which also includes spending on some of the same items.

President Barack Obama and several Democratic legislators have hailed the public health spending provisions as a way to create jobs and boost the productivity of the American workforce. However, some lawmakers oppose spending provisions, particularly those aimed at government departments.

The House bill includes $900 million for biomedical advanced research and development, pandemic flu, and cyber security to help the nation better prevent or respond to a natural or man-made biological threat, according to a Jan 15 statement from Trust for America's Health (TFAH), a nonprofit health advocacy group in Washington, DC.

The House plan also includes $3 billion for disease prevention, including funding for state and local health departments and immunization programs, and $20 billion for health information technology.

Jeff Levi, PhD, executive director of TFAH, said in the statement, "This is an unprecedented one-time investment in public health." In 2008, a TFAH expert panel reported that the country faces annual $20 billion shortfalls in critical public health program funding across state, local, and federal levels.
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/panflu/news/jan2909stimulus-jw.html

AFTER MEDDLING FROM GOP!

Stimulus bill headed for passage minus pandemic funds
Robert Roos News Editor

Feb 13, 2009 (CIDRAP News) – With money for pandemic influenza preparedness stripped from a huge economic stimulus bill that appears headed for final congressional approval, public health advocates say they have to look to the regular budgeting process for the next chance to get some pandemic funding.

The House of Representatives had included $900 million in pandemic preparedness funds in its version of the massive stimulus package, but it appeared that all but $50 million was removed by the conference committee that ironed out differences between the House and Senate versions, said Richard Hamburg, government relations director for the nonpartisan, nonprofit group Trust for America's Health (TFAH).

The House passed the $787 billion compromise bill this afternoon by a vote of 246-183, with no Republican support, the New York Times reported. The story said the Senate was expected to approve the measure this evening.

The $50 million left in the bill, listed as a Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, is for improving information technology security at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Hamburg said. The sums removed included $420 million for pandemic flu and $430 million for biomedical advanced research and development, he reported.

Now it's back to the regular budget process for those seeking pandemic and other public health preparedness funds, leaders of public health groups say.

"Hopefully in the president's budget for 2010 there will again be funding and decisions about funding for preparedness," said Robert (Bobby) Pestronk, executive director of the National Association of County and City Health Officials. The Obama administration is expected to propose its 2010 budget soon.

Nothing left in pipeline
Hamburg said there is no more pandemic preparedness money in the pipeline for state and local public health. "The $600 million that was made available in December 2005, in the fiscal year 2006 emergency supplemental bill, the last of those dollars went out the door this past August," he said.

In addition to the cutoff of pandemic flu funding, public health agencies have seen their "all hazards" preparedness funding drop about 25% since 2005, Hamburg said.
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/panflu/news/feb1309funding.html

[Cherchez la Femme]

85. Wait wait wait...

the pukes STRIPPED it from the bill and then gave it NO SUPPORT?!


If that's true, WHY THE HELL DID DEMOCRATS EVEN LISTEN TO THEIR 'INPUT'?!


Yeah, sorry -- but I mean to yell that.
It's mind boggling.


Edit: I am SO SICK of those Democratic wusses. Time for them to GO!

[SpartanDem]

35. They are making this too easy

they giving away political points. We better be doing some hitting over this tomorrow.

[DrToast]

61. If the GOP ever says it's stupid to believe in dragons

I'm buying dragon insurance the next day.

[Enthusiast]

73. You don't expect this to

be reported on the MSM, do you? If anything Faux News and CNN will suggest that it was the Democratic wasteful stimulus that prevented preparedness for such a pandemic.

[Hubert Flottz]

37. Gawd protects the GOPers...

Gawd belongs to the GOP, so they ain't skeerd! Besides that, if it's swine flu they probably started it!

[Thothmes]

38. Of course, Democratic members of both houses (the majority)

let them do it and apparently did little to protect the funds.

[Kdillard]

39. I thought the reality was while we had enough to pass the stimulus

through the House the real problem was in the Senate. If we didn't have those 3 Republicans sign on for it the whole thing would have died not to mention it had to get through the reconciliation process. The Republican claim that they had no input in the stimulus bill is a bald faced lie. Also the screching that they did along with the media about everything in the stimulus using it as a tool to hit Deocrats and the President did not help matters. Bottom line Dems wanted something to pass and Republicans were obstructionists trying to poison everything in the bill as pork and wasteful. We have weak kneed Harry in the Senate, a very thin majority there with dinos, Republicans blocking Al Franken, not to mention a media who will not print the truth but will go with every Republican lie

[vaberella]

50. Yup. n/t

[redqueen]

54. Thanks for stopping the spinning that goes on here. (nt)

[Cherchez la Femme]

88. Spinning?

Is not the subject of this post in regard to the removal of pandemic funds, not the entire stimulus bill?
As for the stimulus bill in toto, if the Dem's had any sense they'd NOT put forward any stimulus bill and tell We, The People WHY.

Spinners eh? So, why do you like to slander your fellow DU'ers? By you ignoring the subject and posting those, er, bon mots one can conjecture that you're much more concerned about the stimulus bill, and I can't help but wonder why...
il est bizarre que.

[lynne]

41. Shhhhhhhhh . . . Quiet!

Don't break the mood with facts and reality!!!

[vaberella]

49. So you wanted the O admin to be like the Bush Admin?

So he could run rough shod over everything and say screw you Repubs?! Post the obstructionist vote on the stimulus package now he can do that. But before you must have known, as well as I do, he does something like that and he looks like he's not into change but just doing more of what Bush did in the past...which was to deny any changes and have everything partisan.

I wonder how cool that really would have been. But then Dems here would have been like O is a great guy?! How great would he be when in actuality he'd be following the guidelines of the old Admin in regards to legislation. But now as I said he doesn't have to listen to them, this is before the pandemic flu, because they said no anyway.

[Optical.Catalyst]

40. One more data point of Republicans putting political power above the interests of their constituents

The days are numbered for the Republican Party. The right of center voters are going to form a new party to replace these right wing, religious fundamentalists that have driven their party into the ground. It is our obligation to hasten the demise of the Republicans.

How many more examples of dangerous Republican "participating" in congress do we need to see? We must side line the Republicans and lock them out of the legislative process. This is not just to solidify Democratic power in Congress, this is to insure the survival of the United States.

We need to utterly crush the Republicans and prevent a repeat of this type of partisan meddling that could ruin us all.

[mwb970]

43. It sounds strange, but I would *welcome* a proper Conservative Party.

The republikans have degenerated into an absurd flying circus; I don't see how you can even call it a "party" any more. It's more like a group of crazy people huddled together on the extreme far right throwing feces at everyone.

This leaves actual conservatism (Eisenhower style, not neo; Goldwater, not cheney) completely unrepresented in the government. We have one political party plus that group of crazy people way over there. This is not a good situation for America, for various reasons that I'm sure you already know.

The best outcome, from my POV, would be the demise of the current emetic republikan "party" and the emergence of the Conservative Party. Down with the republikans would go Bachmann, Blackburn, Limbaugh, Hannity, and all the other feces-flingers. Up with the Conservatives would come (remember, this is my fantasy of an ideal case) sincere, serious people prepared to disown the crazies and move forward with a genuine conservative agenda, for once.

I am envisioning a conservative agenda based on responsibility and accountability as well as on not invading countries for no reason, not nation-building, not torturing, not conducting illegal wiretaps, not outing secret agents out of spite, not spending like drunken sailors, not ignoring the true needs of the nation, not being the "party of No" - in other words, an agenda that totally repudiates the extremist wackos and puts forward honest, respectable ideas for serious debate.

Impossible, right? Or not?

[Optical.Catalyst]

110. The proper functioning of our Government requires a healthy two-party system

Right now, we have a one party system. The Republicans have declared themselves to be impotent in the legislative process and have taken the position of delaying, misdirecting, and obstructing Congress until the next election. Without the spark of new ideas brought about through objective debate, there can be no effective compromise. At this point I believe the Republicans have been mortally wounded by eight years of rule by the idiot son, and will never recover. Replacement by a new party is the only solution. In the mean time, we suffer.

I know more than a few conservatives. They will never be Democrats, but they are embarrassed to call themselves Republicans. To them the Libertarians are not the solution and Ron Paul is considered a joke. These folks are hungry for a new party and would join in a heart beat.

[mwb970]

111. I saw an item just this morning on this subject.

(Sorry, can't remember where; I read a lot of stuff in the morning!)

The premise was that any third party for republikan refugees would have to be a centrist party rather than a Conservative one since the right-wing extremists would not tolerate the formation of a Conservative party. (They apparently think they are conservatives!)

All this speculation is starting to make my head hurt. I agree with your comments about the need for a two-party system. With a formerly-strong party left for dead after being shot in the face by dick cheney, I'm not sure how we get back to there from here.

[Optical.Catalyst]

113. With the news about Specter, the new centrist party may be here sooner than anyone expected

It will be easy to crush the Republicans now, but our time to rule is probably limited. We have to act on the most important things first, like ending the war in Iraq.

The new right of center party may actually take some of our more center leaning Democrats too, which will restrict our present unlimited power.

In politics, gains made can quickly disappear.

[pleah]

42. K&R Why does this not surprise me?

The rethugs always want to crap on everyone. I hope this is the last nail in their coffin.

[Canuckistanian]

44. GOP: Volcanoes and Flu Pandemics - why plan for something silly like that?

It'll never happen.

Excuse us while we get our industrial strength rose-colored glasses.

[berni_mccoy]

46. This is a double-edged sword... If we get through the swine flu effectively, they'll say

they were right. If we don't, they'll blame it on Obama.

[vaberella]

51. No they can't. Because the Gov of Texas the (seccessionist wannabe) called for Gov assistance.

So they're basically screwed.

[berni_mccoy]

60. Oh my! I didn't hear that! LOL.

[Cherchez la Femme]

89. No!

He wanted FEDERAL ASSISTANCE?!

Say it ain't so! :D

In Jaysus-Land I thought they could pray the flu away, just as they pray teh gay away :eyes:

[NorthCarolina]

47. The MSM hasn't picked up on this. Maybe the GOP had foreknowledge

of a potential pandemic and wanted to make sure Obama didn't have funding in place to deal with it?

[kpominville]

52. A Republican in goverment is like

an atheist as a priest.

People who do not believe in government are not capable of governing.

[eppur_se_muova]

97. Nicely put. I'll have to remember that one. nt

[MasonJar]

53. This GOPer "initiative" (so-called by me because their only initiatives

are invariably detrimental to the USA and contrary to common sense)should be highlighted right up there with Jindal's defamation of funding for volcano monitoring. Their timing as always is impeccable (impeccably bad, that is.)

[tomm2thumbs]

55. K&R (Kicked & Republican-butt)

[alcibiades_mystery]

56. Swine Flu Preparedness is PORK

:wow:

[vaberella]

71. Of course...much like universal health care. They want to kill the American people.

I've come to terms with this. Repubs hate us.

[Vanje]

57. Heck of a job , Brownie!!!! nt

[Peacetrain]

63. Just what I was thinking... even out of power, they mess it up..

[sasquuatch55]

58. Screwed by the Rethugs yet again!

nt

[onehandle]

62. And this isn't in the current headlines with the "panic" itself, why? nt

[vaberella]

72. We have to make this VIRAL...go to post # 8. n/t

[kestrel91316]

64. We need to rename this swine flu "Republican flu".

[Joey Liberal]

66. Why does the GOP hate America? nt

[kestrel91316]

67. I have changed my mind. I do not blame Republicans for this.

Deep in the article is THIS little tidbit:

"Senate Democratic leaders bowed to Collins in the process of crafting their chamber's version of the stimulus. In doing so, they eliminated more than 80 percent of the modest amount of money that had been allocated for pandemic preparedness -- and all of the money that would have helped emergency services."

Democrats hold the majority, right? Harry Reid bears ultimate responsibility. Once again, HE CAVED to Republican demand. No doubt keeping his powder dry.

[leftstreet]

96. Swine Flu can be treated with Dry Powder!

Democrats caved?! I'm shocked, I tell ya!

[GreenTea]

68. Fucking republicans - Every republican you know needs to have this shoved in their faces - Taxes

they all worry about more than anything else in life, now will cutting necessary programs won't save them if this develops into a pandemic. Fucking slimy corporate republicans.

[madrchsod]

70. REPUBLICANS WANT US TO DIE !!!!

[feslen]

74. re: took the words right out of my keyboard

and why should they care? as long as they get money?

[defendandprotect]

75. Mixed blessing . . . ?

As I understand this program it provides for "unrestricted arrest of citizens" . . .
and ofrced vaccintions . . ???

[vaberella]

78. What? That's not what I heard.

It was money funding for more medication to be made and supplied in case of these kinds of situations.

[defendandprotect]

79. The "pandemic" provides for such actions under Homeland Security . . .

as I recall --

And, indeed, Homeland is pretty spooky in itself!

I think I just saw something on this --

Brass Check had something on it -- but I was aware of the vaccine problems with
the original '76 swine ful -- I think I put it on my journal.

Basically, Pres. Ford responded with vaccination program - 40 million vaccinated --
30 died -- 500 developed a serious nerve disease and at that point the program was halted.

But here, NY Times confirms that Gulf War Syndrom was caused by vaccination of
troops -- I presume there were additional reasons like Depleted Uranium which couldn't
possibly be a help to anyone's health. Evidently, the ingredient responsible was or is
in all vaccines . . . ?????

Go to the link - it's clearer, but if you don't have time, here's a recap --

All the things discussed in the video were laid down during the pharmaceutical industry-friendly Bush administration.

They're all still in place and Obama has shown no signs of dismantling or looking at the legal structures that make is possible for the US to:

1. Declare a pandemic
2. Use this declaration as grounds for arrest and imprisonment without charge, without representation and for an undetermined amount of time
3. Compel vaccination
4. Remove any liability from the drug companies involved if their products kill and maim

Study the timeline and see how an administration that could not get anything of value accomplished was a model of efficiency and speed in creating the infrastructures to make this happen.

Note that in a previous video, local law enforcement are already being commanded by FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security to submit plans and run practice drills for vaccinating the entire US population in 48 hours or less.

Fortunately, this is a logistic impossibility if people are informed and don't cooperate.

Unfortunately, few are informed and a combination of draconian laws, garbage science, and a corrupt/incompetent media are working together to make "voluntary" acceptance a real possibility.


PS: Btw, KBR -- subsidiary of Halliburton - got a contract for almost $400 million to building
"concentration camps" all over the US - in every state.

I'm certainly not suggesting that Obama would use these methods --
HOWEVER, the original FEMA -- and now the add-on, Homeland Security -- do circumvent our
Constitution -- extra Constitutional -- if we let this stand.

This was all begun in the Nixon years to begin to evade Constitution --
and continued thru Bush years.

Ollie North was working on a program to overturn the Constitution!

[Fleshdancer]

76. YES! MSNBC is about to cover this!!!

Norah (can't remember her last name) just brought this up as a teaser before the commercial break. :D

[vaberella]

77. I knew Nora O'Donnell would talk about it. I could always depend on her. n/t

[WinkyDink]

80. But will FOX report this? Enquiring minds.....

[defendandprotect]

81. Again . . . this certainly takes the spotlight off of Torture, Cheney, etal --- !!!

[Cherchez la Femme]

82. 'cause everybody knows

that Republicans won't contract swine flu,

or at least very few...certainly not in the numbers that Democrats will contract the disease! Yup yup yup!

:sarcasm:


This reminds me, during the scarcity of flu inoculations early in the King George years, of Cheney's excuse --which nobody questioned-- that those flu shots were 'expensive to make'.

Sure! Let Gramma, Grampa, mom, dad, sissy & brother die of an imminently preventable disease-- at least a big, rich corporation didn't actually LOSE money!
:puke:







Edit: Typo

[Amonester]

83. chainy gave it all to his pals on the helliburton board

they can pay cash if they catch anything
but they must be very well insured
:puke:

[Cherchez la Femme]

90. Sad, isn't it?

The US of A isn't SUPPOSED to have classes.

Now? Feh.

If I ever end up before a judge I'm going to tell her/him that they should just let me go... let's look FORWARD, not back! It's not that I could ever perpetrate war crimes, torture anyone or invade a sovereign nation based on lies so anything less than those should be excused; all things being equal. (Yeah, I know that's been said & said & said -- but it stills galls me)

A precedent has been set, one of the planks of our justice system. Or are the rich & powerful more equal than we 'common' people?

[Mermaid7]

92. Republicans can't contract swine flu...

because it's transmitted human to human.

[Skwmom]

91. A tax break or protection against a pandemic?

Hmmmm... I sure know which one I'd vote for.

[Wetzelbill]

94. par for the course

[mrs_p]

105. typical

[SpiralHawk]

109. Republicon = FAIL

pathetic

[davidpdx]

112. WOW, that didn't turn out to be important didn't it?

:sarcasm: