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LIVE Blog: House Dems report increased threats
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[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2010/images/03/25/capitol.police.hcr.gi.art.jpg caption="Capitol police officers stand watch in front of the U.S. Capitol on March 21, 2010 in Washington, DC."]
(CNN) - Democratic congressional leaders Wednesday demanded Republicans join them in condemning a spate of threats and vandalism that has followed Sunday's vote on a sweeping overhaul of the U.S. health care system.
More than 10 Democrats have reported trouble since the weekend vote, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer told reporters. Windows have been smashed at Democratic offices in at least three states, and federal agents were investigating whether a cut gas line at the home of a Virginia congressman's brother was related to the lawmaker's yes vote.
Democracy "is not about violence," Hoyer said at a news conference with South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn, the No. 2 Democrat in the House of Representatives. FULL STORY
Other top stories:
California could legalize pot
It's an historic step forward for pot supporters – California could become the first state to legalize marijuana for non-medicinal purposes. The measure will be on the ballot this fall. Our Dan Simon is in Oakland talking to people on both sides of the issue.
Relaxing 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
Big changes are expected to the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. The Pentagon is set to announce this morning that the military will no longer investigate gays who are outed by third parties or complaints made anonymously. We'll get reaction from soldiers in the field.
Sound off: Join the conversation on today's top stories. What do you think about health care reform threats, relaxing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," or legalizing marijuana? Add your comments to the LIVE blog below and we'll read some of them on the show.
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Since I moved to SW Ohio, there have been incidents that are found to have be performed by the "victim". It seems to be common here.
Take whatever Mr. Dreihaus says with a grain of salt. You can't count on his word. He says he is not a socialist.... but, he IS beholden to them.
I dont know what the Democrats expected.... they already wanted to vote on the 'rule' not the actual bill because they were afraid they would lose their seats in the next election. I DO NOT SUPPORT the death threats, but I do support the threat that, "You congressman yet again have done taxation without representation – this time in the form of healthcare reform." Now you can be voted out.
Calling someone a "scumbag" or a "piece of sh**", no matter how uncouth, is not a threat of violence. I've heard the similar ugly comments from liberal radicals against President Bush and/or Republicans in the past, but those did not seem to command the same amount of media attention.
Since I was kicked out of the Air Force back in 1995 under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy based on 'hear say' information from one single person outside of the military, I feel that the discrimination of gays serving in the military should be completely stopped, now and forever. What a shame- we can't even serve our country without fear of someone's else's stupidity and ignorance, causing us to lose our jobs.
Sarah Palin, Senator McCain and all the top Republican Senators are all getting out of control, seems to me since they cannot win in the argument on the house floor lets get some people to threaten them. The threats and namecalling by the republicans make them look like a bunch of kindergardeners. They pretend they care about unborn babies and then encourage all this violence so sad.
In re nasty VMs and threats. My understanding of the law is that you can say anything as long as you A- do not make a thereat to 'kill" or similar and B- do not say anything racial, you can basically say anything you want. Yes, it's rude and nasty, but I have to admit, I as a Democrat, wrote emails to the GOPs leaders that had a very nasty tone. For some, politics is very passionate. But you really cannot go over the line with "Threats against public officials" as you can get arrested. But you cannot be arrested for being rude and vile as that is not a threat.
I would love for one politician to explain why I can purchase a beer, no better yet how I can drive to a bar and then drive home and yet I'm a criminal if I purchase a gram of pot? I mean I just want to know how they justify this hypocrisy.
It's not surprising that the conservative forces are threatening Democrats and vandalizing their offices, it's always been the same whenever progressives threaten the status quo. One only has to look at the pictures of the Little Rock 9 on their way to LRHS, or the death threats that MLK received, to see how conservatives react to change. We can see it in Republican representatives as well, who choose to pout and obstruct, rather than come to the table and compromise like mature adults. How quickly we forget the last 8 years, which saw Republicans refusing to give any voice to the minority.
Concerning healthcare reform:
I have a 24 year old son that was recently dianosed with a terminal condition. As you can imagine, I am very much in favor of reforming health care insurance. While I am thankful for some of the provisions in this bill I think a simpler and less costly solution to this problem could have been found. Wouldn't it have been simpler to mandate that every employer must provide health insurance for the employees and their families while also mandating that insurance companies cannot drop an individual from the pool unless another insurance company picks that individual up. Then to capture those not working a provision would be made to cover the unemployed under medicare or medicaid programs.
I am worried about the economic future and financial stability of our country. It seems that our federal government is too big and is out of control in its spending and growth.
Don't our representatives take an oath to protect and defend our country and constitution? It seems to me that the best way to protect this great country is to reduce the size of the federal government and begin paying off the national debt.
Concern about how to fund health care will be relieved when the military war expenditures are reduced. We have had no problem sending billions to Iraq for seven years. Recovery of some of those war funds will pay for a lot of wellness in the future.
I know health care is an important issue. I know it is an emotional one. But its not like its a vote to go to war. Where were the threats then. what happened when we found out we were led to believe things that just were not true. Not much. It was to late. Republicans need to move on. If they don't, it won't be the democrats who suffer in Nov. it will be them, and if they are seen as fueling this absurd behavior, attacking members of congress and their families they will pay dearly. This is one thing most Americans will have no trouble agreeing on.
Legalize marijuana for all states ...
use that taxed money ONLY for replenishing the social security fund and pay benefits ONLY to people who have been working and contributing to the fund
Perhaps if the media would stop giving so much attention to the small number of folks in the Tea Party we would stop have these temper tantrums. We are not seeing public outrage or outcry. You are not covering the people who yawned at the passage or the ones who cheered. You're covering the very small minority that, like all children, are acting out for your attention. Remember to a child even negative attention is a good thing. Stop giving them a stage and they will stop acting on it.
i think they should legalize pot in ohio to i work 6 days a week and on my only day off i like to sit at home or at the camp ground where i go camping and sit back and relax and smoke a joint i do not drink alcohol and i have been smoking since the 70"s . Iam in my 50"s and no it is not addicting
This is monumental and all other states need to follow. I doubt it will happen in my conservative state but people shouldn't have to leave America to smoke pot.
The recent incidence of violence against individuals who voted for health care is not an issue of republican or democrat...rather an issue of ignorance! It's frightening to think that these violent individuals cannot think for themselves; rather follow like sheep others who foster hate and intolerance for anyone who opposes their point of view.
Just listen to the tapes...the callers sound as though they are being reading their comments and the similarity in language indicates one writer...the others are merely followers...obviously incapable of creating thoughts of their own.
free the weed and our country. prohibition is a war on our own citizens
Republican – Democrat – whatever – all this brick-throwing, slur-slinging, Tea Party ballyhooing is immature, ignorant, and just unbelievable. I'm embarrassed for those who have participated in such childish high jinks, and for those who have fallen for the propaganda and deception that is dividing our country. The real America is stuck in the middle – and being torn apart at the seams by both the right and left – hanging on by a thread.
Marijuana:
I'm no doctor, but this I do know: Cigarettes are highly toxic to the human body, and to prove what I'm saying just try to EAT a cigarette or any tobacco product, You will be sick shortly,
You can eat marijuana, and just feel good not sick...Simple isn't it...
Tobacco stains the fingers, and therefore lungs also, Pot does not
stain your fingers, so it seems logical it doesn't stain your lungs either.
Regardless of the anger that people may have regarding the healthcare bill, these derrogatory actions & verbal threats should be considered TERRORISTIC, and they should be handled as such!!! When will people grow up, have some class and integrity, and actually handle things like they'd like them to be handled if the shoe were on the other foot?!
Operational effectiveness has nothing to do with this issue. Homosexuals already serve in the military and carry-on normal lives. They are joining to fight for our country and to do that takes individuals that can put their individual problems aside and just serve our country. There are already enough rules and regulations to abide by as it is. The U.S. military has been the premiere fighting force of the world for a very long time and it has been that way because of the way we do business now. Change it and you may change the internal structure that the military has relied on for many years.
There is to much tension over this issue of health care reform all around. This issue is to big for our two party system to make this decide for us, we need to hand this back to us the American people and let us decide it yes or no. I say we have a national election in June and the popular vote wins no Electoral College a real vote for vote battle. Majority wins and see, what the American people really want, then have the House and Senate hash out the details of the bill’s after. At least then will know if we as a country want this at all. So here’s my ballet of these pressing issues.
a. Universal Health care (a government run base health care plan for all Americans)
b. Health insurance reform (are our insurance practices broken and need to be fix) I do see this as a second issue.
c. Legalization and Regulation and Taxation of marijuana for personal use (because we really need to know is this what the people want.
I only suggest this cause I don’t feel any of these elected officials really represent the American people any more they all both sides only seem to represent what their parties want.
Do you people even realize before the health care reform "debate" started that the Dumbocrats made up new rules for the "debate" that prohibited" Republicants from voicing their opinions or doesn't that matter to you? You think that's the way our Congress should work?
Why do Republican politicians i.e. Senators, Sara Palin & Rush Limbaugh etc...get away with inciting violent, hateful rhetoric & actions.... because their rallying their base?
This same language is viewed as terroristic by any African-American, Muslim or religious group. Even for school-aged children & in the workplace using these same threats this would result in a termination, resignation and someone would be investigated, arrested or penalized in some manner.
Palin having a hit-list? Limbaugh's talk about running folks out of town?? C'mon this is code Klan & Nazi talk. These people don't deserve to be in public office – we need to call for their resignation and cancel Palins upcoming reality show.
The legalization of marijuana - give it a rest already. Eighty years ago pot, as well as cocaine and even heroin (opium) were legal to consume in the US. Then along came "Reefer Madness" and suddenly marijuana became the "devil's weed." Although I'm not sure of the history behind the prohibition of "pot," I suspect it had something to do with the liquor and wine industry's profits. As for pot's supposed injurious qualities: it's less harmful than cigarettes; it has a mellowing effect unlike liquor (how many pot smokers get in fights and how many drunks get in fights); colloquially its most harmul effect seems to be weight gain from eating too much junk food to ease the munchies. Get over it, and legalize pot already, we have more serious issues to take up.
Don't ask don't tell it is time to let anyone who wants to join and be a part of our military be given the privilege of serving no matter what their sexual orientation is. Who cares what they prefer as long as they serve the US they deserve the same respect anyone who serves does.
The violent outburst by people against the Democrats should have been expected. Republicans have been throwing around such inciting terms as "Terrorism" "Baby Killer" "Reload" and lets not forget about "Death Panels", and their constituents respond exactly the way they wanted them to, by getting angry. President Obama said last month that the common folk don't understand that sometimes the stuff said by politicians is just politics, here is the proof.
As much as I agree with the democratic point of view, people need to quit referencing Bush's blatent mistake. Everyone knows Iraq was the worst presidential decision since Watergate, but we can't dwell on the past. Exploiting republican flaw does not make Obama right, though right he may be. Instead, let us focus on subjects at hand and keep the debates related. First off, you're more retarded than Palin if you believe Gays shouldn't be allowed to serve openly. Second, pot is great but who cares? Really? That's the least of America's concerns (sorry hippies, but weed isn't the solution to the economy). There's too much to say about abortion but in brief words, visit Cambodia or Ethiopia and then explain to me why safe practice shouldn't be available to the public (if you're not sure what that has to do anything, that's just more proof the uneducated should not be involved with important decisions). And laslty, Brian's 7 30 post says it all. Any questions? Do some research before you say something Palin, uh, I mean retarded.
This type of language did not just begin with the Health Care Reform. This started during the election campaign with the McCain-Palin ticket. My family and I were appalled with the type of viciouness directed at Obama during the campaign, and worried that these type of comments, if he won, would only continue during his presidency. And also worried, that if this continued, we would see some insane person attempt to assassinate him. This type of viciouness has to stop, regardless of political party or opinion. Are the crazies running this nation now? I sincerely hope not. This is not what I was taught by my mother, not what I taught my son, and not what has been taught to my grandchildren.
Marijuana vs Alcohol, When you smoke pot and are under the influence, you are coherent, able to function, talk and be a productive citizen and yet exude passiveness. This is scientificaly proven as opposed to being annebriated on alcohol where humans become beligerent and obnoxious with the demonstration of poor judgement with an increased hostility which is why we arrest drunk drivers and drunken behavior in public. The list of pros and cons can go on and on but how can anyone not see that alcohol is far more damaging to your body and the public's safety but yet harmless marijuana is such a debate? Think about it...
I think the threats just help to highlight the predatory nature of Republicans. I would say that the majority of predatory lenders are Republicans. The best way to protect society would be to imprison the dangerous predators such as those who continually vote against the common good in the interest of greed and profit. I think the words of Alaskan Dingbat is like rabies spreading to the masses and Bainer the Grand Nagus of the Ferengi alliance.
Regarding the Tea Party and the GOP. They are using fear and intimidation to push their political agenda. Isn't that the very definition of terrorism? Why aren't they on the terrorist watch list?
I have been driving from NJ to Texas every other month since last March. In a lot of areas their is limited radio signals and I tune in the local stations. Most broadcast nationally syndicated programs via Fox organization. I have never heard so much hate and calls from radio host and callers to take up arms against the government. Even statements that should be investigated by federal officials. These people are being pumped up by these host like two pit bulls face to face. There is absolutely no serious debate or facts on the issue, just pure hate and propaganda fueled by the hosts own agenda for ratings. This is a Media empire owned by a foreign national, using his empire to influence American politics for capital gain. I find that more discerning than the minority of right wing sociopaths who frequent these stations. I wish you would really research these people a show the American public where all this hostility and misinformation is coming from.
I can take being called Socialist, commie, leftist, etc, but how long will it be before people are shot at for having an Obama bumpersticker.
The Republican Party and the Tea Baggers have to be the most destructive threat to the nation than any other threat in US history. They make the Taliban and terrorists look friendly. Threats of violence from them is about par.. oh yeah I know the minority leader issued his statement but everyone knows he does not mean it and had to do it so violence would not be tracked back to the official party officials and their bull horn, the drug addict rush limbaugh. What this is about is political power. The republicans and the wing nut tea baggers will do anything and say anything to get political power back and get rid of President Obama. Its that simple and that complicated. Its not about limited government, or low taxes. Its about racial bigotry, keeping Americans poor, unhealthy and uneducated, and killing our ability to compete in a global economy. Its about forcing Americans to join their wing nut religions.. thats what the republicans are and thats what the tea bag movement is about. Policy disputes.. I wish it were simply that..so death threats are the next new place to go for the Republican Party, next will the Republican Party police to harrass on the streets.
I have 2 comments 1. no gays should not be able to be in army and if they are they should be in a unit away from straight guys whom really don't want to be watched in the shower or feel uncomfortable getting dressed.
2. legalizing marijuana, .I feel it should be legalized . I feel it will be better for the fact it don't rot your organs and guts like pills you take for pain I am in sever pain in his back and disk in my neck and was on some really strong stuff but it caused me to get chest pain as if I was having a heart attack ,and stomac pain from meds . it affected my liver and pills do permenet damage were pot has less of these affects.it don't mean if you don't like it you have to do it, but don't punish people that can benifit from it .
Having lived in The Netherlands for four years I have a different perspective on both healthcare and legalizing marijuana. Healthcare for all is needed, and the revenue raised by legalizing marijuana would go a long, long was toward paying for healthcare reform and easing the national debt.
Pot could not be consumed in public, only in cafes where it was purchased or in your home...not in public. The cafes sold pot, tea, and sodas, not liquor.
The US could use many Dutch models to tweak our society. From the marijuana issue, to healthcare, to even flood management (Hello, Katrina!), the Dutch look at long term social benefits. Not just the next election!
Instead of the CNN anchors asking whether the rhetoric in Washington is responsible for the outrage at Democrats, they should be asking why Democrats ignored their constituents. Follow that up with why Democrats ignored the Constitution and fundamental American values like freedom of choice. As it is, they are coming off as taking the side of the Democrats by facilitating the political game of trying to shift the blame to Republicans rather than actually getting to the facts of why Americans are so upset.
I am so ashamed of the republican party they have no argument that will hold water so they try all these crazy tricks to not pass a health care reform bill that they themselves admit is needed. The democrats have tried again and again to include them and the republicans say they were not included??? People are finally realizing that they are not trying to help the people just the insurance companies that support them. Shame on them.
Marijuana
Nobody is discussing the fact that marijuana smoke has mostly the same poisons that tobacco smoke does. All that nice tax money for California will be useless when a couple generations of lung cancer patients sue the state for condoning this habit without these warnings.
How much of the threats to the Dems do the tea partiers think we will take? I guess they think we don't get mad too? Reload? Really? Ok.
Legalize Marijuana?? I lost my husband, and my 40 year old daughter to lung cancer. One SMOKES marijuana – right? Sure, make it legal, and tax it – and when those "consumers" develop lung cancer, make sure they get good health care. Makes no sense.
Love your extremely informative format!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Marylyn j.O'Brien
Don't Ask Don't Tell - give it a rest already. Repeal this discriminatory law. The only thing is does is force otherwise outstanding service members to hide who they really are. I don't know many heterosexuals who run around openly proclaiming their sexual preference. We all just assume everyone is just like us!! But, you don't really know whether that person sitting next to you on the plane, train, or in the next cubicle is gay, straight or transgender. I doubt if after the repeal of DADT GLBT people will start wearing a sign. So, guess what, most people still won't know, who your coworker, shipmate or fellow soldier prefers as a sexual partner. Repeal the law. It's silly, doesn't accomplish anything except bar outstanding people from serving in the armed forces and hurting operational effectiveness. Let's give all US citizens to serve openly and with honor and move on to more serious issues. By the way, I retired from the Coast Guard after 28 years of service.
Pot legalization:
Fact: Prescription drugs have killed millions of Americans over the years, Millions!!! Alcohol has killed millions more!!!
Fact: Pot does not.
It's high time we quit listening to the gov't and some law enforcement and demand our right to consume marijuana, and not just the poison pills and alcohol that are sold on every street corner in this country.
Even though there are no differences in the way gay and straight servicemembers do their job many servicemembers would find it damaging to morale and that it would take the focus away from certain aspects of military life and that it would allow complacency due to everyone worrying about what is next in the policy changes. The rewards for servicemembers are also ot based on sexual-orientation because it is unknown what orientation a member is, so to say that there are differences in the promotion or treatment of homosexual members is irrelevant.
we smoke tobacco and its not only addictive, you get a buzz. we take prescription drugs for a buzz and get into a car, we drink get drunk and drive......the list is endless.....lets just add marijuana because frankly I think there are more lines on the page.
The Key to 4 more years........You have to please 4 groups of people in this country. Black, White , Asian and Latino. After pass Health Care he's going to get The Poor vote. ( Latino and Black ).
Repeal don't ask don't tell and that may look up the gay vote. Bring a comprehensive immigration reform bill to congress and the GOP can't just say No or the will lose the Latino vote. Now if they can get the unemployment rate down to 5 % and the keep the economy growing it's a done deal. The GOP had to paint this bill as a government takeover to get the Crazy behind trying to stop the bill. The had 8 years to change it the system and the only bill they came up with was Newt Gingrich health care proposal. GOP looks like Health Care going to be your Waterloo
Our country has been more divided and polarized than ever since the 2000 election. The debacle in Florida contributed greatly to the distrust that has grown among Democrats. Since that time and after a war entered into under spurious circumstances and false pretenses the distrust has mushroomed exponentially. Similarly, the Republicans have vilified the left, (which is a respectable term, stemming from the French Revolutionary era), using the catchword, "liberal" in attempts to debase even conservative and moderate Democrats. The talk show pundits use this term to inflame passions and instill hatred in their listeners by implying that this word and idea constitutes totalitarianism of the ilk of communists and Hitler's Reich. It is very sad because it has led to THIS: Vandalism, threats and lawbreaking! I have no doubt that there is something FAR more insidious and evil at the bottom of the psyches of these miscreants. There must be something more rotten than a mere political disappointment at the base of this. I would go so far as to say that something akin to a Klan mentality is at work here.
Yo Frank .. my "friend" ... if you had the reasoning power of an onion you'd know what it means.
All these "truths" being posted in here are not based on FACTS but rather on people's thoughts and opinions.
I didn`t see anyone sending death threats to the GOP when they forced this country into a war we didn`t want.
The founding fathers founded this nation as a constitutional republic,not a democracy.Ben Franklin called democracy"mob rule" "three wolves and a sheep voting on whats for dinner".In a democracy the rights of the minority get trumped and abused by the majority.This is not so in a republic.Neither party when in power respects or obeys the constitution.It is the supreme law of the land.And the rules that everyone is supposed to abide by.When public servants who have collectivist statist ideals defile the very document that they swore an oath to support and defend against all ememies foreign and domestic.Reguardless of D or R appearing in front of their names both parties are guilty of violating their oaths.And I would even go as far as say treason.When the rule of law no longer applies can you reasonably expect "We the People" to stay civil.If the constitution essentially falls by the wayside,then it's safe to say all bets are off.
The President needs to work on JOBs and quit trying to sell healthcare. Our economy is in a mess and millions of people are without jobs and he's been working on healthcare for 15 MONTHS.
Nobody has ever beaten their wife, shot someone, robbed a package store, killed thousands on the highway, had their liver fail, or spent their lives in a beer joint while smoking cannibus. About the worst thing you'll see smoker do is knock over a snack food truck. He'll be easy to catch because he'll still be there when the cops arrive. Get a grip America.
California will lead the way to freedom for the incredible cannabis plant. Here in Montana industrial hemp and medical cannabis are already legal although there is only one person growing industrial hemp while thousands have registered for medical marijuana. That's because it is far easier to get permission to grow medical cannabis than it is to grow industrial hemp.
Tell me again how being able to grow my own food, clothing, building materials, fuel, medicine and recreation is bad for me?
Oh that's right, that's not bad for me that bad for corporations!
I am a 74 yr old grandmother .Any intelligent well informed human being understands how wrong the "don'tell Don't as policy. Mother Nature decides who will be gay. It is a small part of what a gay person does with their life!!!
It is HIGH time to realize and recognize the benefits that legalizing marijuana will bring to our hurting country. Not only will it bring much needed revenue but much needed peace as well. Afterall, marijuana is a seed bearing plant from our Creator to recieve with gratefulness.
Once again we must thank the Republicans for inciting certain people to act violently, especially Boehner and Palin. Boehner's statement was heaped in partisanship with his statement that "Democrats just don't get it." If he is truly appalled with the violence, he should have made a bi-partisan statement. An then there's Palin and her crosshairs. Just shows her "redneck" mentality at more incitement towards violence. Perhaps the "crosshairs" should be re-directed towards...
As a college senior majoring in political science and graduate student to be, I am personally pleased to see California take interest in this issue. However, even though I agree, I am interested to know what the implications will be for those currently serving prison terms, awaiting trial, under investigation, or worse, serving life terms due to the third strike law. Many of the states prisoners are serving sentences for marijuana convictions.
Legalize it and see a new crop of Einsteins, Mozzarts, Graham Bells,, Bethovens ....that stuff bring out the genius in the human mind.
Its tough enough getting cigarettes and alcohol away from kids today. Legalize Pot and things will get MUCH rougher.
I am driving and seeing many drivers smoking pot so I guess if they legalize it the government can collect more taxes which we need so badly and our jails will be less full of people who have been arrested for having it. Win win situation.
Legalizing pot. I dont understand why its taken so long. For many its such relief from pain without taking powerful drugs like vicodin or percocet and becoming addicted. Is it the drug companies that had stood in the way?
More in tax revenue more pain relief.
For so many who dont wnat to break the laws of this wonderful country...we just suffer. We dont want to be addicts and dont want to be criminals.
I hope that this will pass be incentive for other stated to follow.
I am 50 and have medical conditions that pot would help Vs the $1,200 Rx I have to take each month. My state doesn't allow medical marijuana but I would move to Cali sooner if they legalized and taxed it. It's less dangerous than Alcohol or cigarettes and it would cut into the cartels profits and eliminate the black market that puts people like me at risk every time we make a purchase.
Legalizing weed could result in large scale production in California – It would reduce the price as supplies would increase and perhaps create a disincentive for the thousands of island ppl spending time in your jails for smuggling.
DON'T ASK, DON'T TELL? It's time to change this archaic policy. If a man or woman is willing to fight and die for their country, they should be given the respect they so richly deserve, regardless of sexual preference.
Legalize pot? Absolutely. Nationwide the tax will raise billions of dollars and will SAVE billions of dollars on law enforcement and incarceration. Plus the smokers will quit being ponies in horse manure and be motivated and contributing Americans, even more than if they got a little tax cut.
Nothing but pluses for The American People.
OK, this new Blackberry "EDGE" is the wrong tool to blog. I miss my big old one, this just makes me spell every word wrong...
Every time I hear a republican denounce the attacks and threats on democrats, they end their statement with some form of this statement..."BUT the American people are angry"
First of all, not ALL American people are angry and there should be no "BUTS" to this terrorism. This is America not Iran.
The only problem with California allowing pot smoking, is that with all the Draconian smoking laws, there won't be any place to light up legally.
Good Morning
Now the hippocrits get nervous!!!! When the peoples reps dont listen and back people into corners losing their homes watching their jobs move to mexico and our fat cat politicians sitting on their rich duffs, what do you expect??? Back Americans into corners and we fight. For years it has been take take take by people who don,t have to live under the changes they make. Look back in our history and tell me acting out against whats happening to our country is un american.
There is a book entitled West Virginia Curiosities currently available for sale on the work room at my school. I was flipping through it the other day and saw a page on the number one cash crop in the state of West Virginia: marijuana. It brings in a total of more than $600 million dollars a year! I have never tried marijuana, and never will, but as a poorly paid teacher in a rural school, I wonder why in the world we haven't legallized it and used that income to improve our schools, our roads, etc. Every state is cash-strapped right now, and the taxes and income generated from legal marijuana would be a HUGE help. If every state brings in that much income, think of how quickly the national debt could be paid off, if Washington would legalize and tax that stuff!
It’s time for republicans to stop the bickering and find common ground on the issues in this country. Like the great democracy we are, we should be able to disagree in the best of manners.
Dwight Pearson.
Atlanta, Ga.
I think that the Republican Party should be placed on the terrorist group watch list. They use mind control to incite violence, anger, and resistance to the U.S. government. Isn't that why hundreds of Americans are dying over in Iraq and Afghanistan?
these people just don't get it. the chinese mandate you have one child, or you must pay a fine.
just the thought of an american citizen being mandated to do something or pay a fine, is against everything this country has stood for. individual freedom. i am 57 years old, this bill would give me free coverage with a much better deductible than i have now, because of my low income.
but i had tears in my eyes when i saw the votes put this bill over 215 yes.
this law to me, changed this country. we are no longer a free people.
cameras everywhere, must wear seatbelts, no smoking, taking fat indexes of children when they get school immunizations, no salt in cooking? etc...............
they just don't get the principle on what this country was founded on. and they wonder why people are going to get violent? they must repeal this law or our country is finished.
phil
wisconsin
That's right Lee Black Americans aren't violent and never rioted over a police action or anything.
Another person that knows nothing or refuses to speak the truth,
I find it unsettling that most likely the same Americans who rallied behind Bush in the "War on Terror" have now become the very thing they've been so outspoken against. when certain citizens cannot let the democratic process abide without threatening the lives of representatives who have not voted their way, it is tragic and appalling. have we turned into the mirror, only to find we are the new face of terrorism?
As an officer in the United States Army I am excited to hear that Secretary Gates and The President are both pushing to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. I have worked with, and lead, both striaght and gay soldiers and find there is no difference in quality. Every American has the right to defend their country and I would be proud to serve next to any American that was willing to lay their life down for our country, no matter if they are gay or straight.
Why would any one want to be associated with juveniles who break windows, make death threats, call names and etc. like the Republicans. They sure are not good models for our young people. I do not want those people running my government!
Maybe in November the Republicans will see the distaste in these actions!
What do the Democrats expect? They blatantly ignored their constituents and instead voted how the Party told them to vote. Sadly, they obviously have left their constituents feeling the need to find someway to get their attention. All elected officials need to remember that they are not elected to blindly follow whatever their political party tells them; they are elected to represent their constiuents. The fact that in this case the underlying issue was a huge socialist initiative unilaterally passed by the Democrats just makes people that much angrier
Don't Ask Don't Tell is discrimination that is detrimental to our armed forces. It eliminates excellence based on beliefs that have nothing to do with a soldiers ability to serve costing the country millions. Other countries that have inclusive armed services testify to improvements noted since inclusion.
I want to know why when a republican gos on tv they are allowed to lie and never get called on the lie. thats why people hate the media. I would not continue to have a conversation with someone who is lying to me.
The "don't ask, don't tell" policy in the military is not a flawed system. Therefore, why should it be changed? Servicemembers like myself are supportive of keeping things the way they are and allowing those homosexual members to serve just as long as they keep their relationships a part of their personal life and that they do not let it interfere with their military duty. It seems that serving openly would bring to the surface many new problems with hazing or insubordination from all members and would also bring about many more policy changes to a system that already runs smoothly.
I just e-mailed my senator{Carl Levin} about legalizing marajuana. If it can be used medically how danderous can it be? I've been smoking for over forty years on and off.I bacame a nurse,worked for 25 yrs. and was a productive person in in my life. I raised 2 healthy girls,and now they're productive people in society. Niether of them smoke even though both their parents did. I really do believe by legalizing it ,it would stop alot of illegal activity. The war on drugs is a lost cause,and getting worse. Look at Mexico right now,and it's slowly moving into California,that's probably why they want it legalized now. Let the government make the money on it instead of the crimminals.The cost of arresting,prosecuteing,and then having to take care of them while they're in prison,is a waste of tax dollars.I could go on and on about the benefits of legalization but I'm sure you've heard them all before.I'd like to hear one good reason for not legalizing it.
In regards for the state of California legalizing recreational marijuana well why not? First I do not promote, or endorse any drug use, but what you put into your body should be your own personal choice as long as you are an adult, responsible, and it won't hurt others. Though I support legalizing pot, I think legalizing harder drugs is a bad idea. Medically I never heard of someone overdosing from using pot. Moderation is the key to anything. The benefits of hemp are endless as well as we all know it is legal to medically use marijuana in currently 13 states for health reasons. I don't hear of chaos in those States from pot users, and the surrounding community. Hemp itself can be used to make a numerous amount of products such as paper and clothing. Effects from the use of the drug are rarely violent, and for the most part calming and peaceful. Also the drug is most safer than many legal drugs including I believe tobacco & alcohol. Crime would also go down, and there would be less criminals on the streets for the police to arrest and inmates in prison for possessing marijuana. Any skeptics should just look at the statistics from the Netherlands where marijuana is legal in cafes, and you would see the success that country has had to their community. Of course there are side effects with any drug legal or illegal, but I still think the positive benefits of legalizing marijuana outweigh the negative side effects and for that matter the drug itself. As well lawmakers need to set rules for possession and use if they legalize marijuana. Thanks for reading.
Jaimey Perham
Bridgeport, CT
USA
I was just watching the show and caught the segment called "Talk of the Train". I was interested when the host stated that they were going to talk to everyday ordinary people of the street but when they introduced the 8 average americans they were all white males averaging 40+. I would love to see the views of a group of people ranging in race, sex, age, and social status. Everytime I see interviews and opinions it is either an cnn contributor, congressman, or higher class american. It seems as though CNN thinks that us lower class "average" americans are not smart enough to have an opinion ?
Melon, you are lost my friend: "FACTS are the enemy of TRUTH!
What kind of nonsense is that? Wow...
These right wingnuts issueing the treats are treasonus and pose a threat greater than the Taliban and Al-Qaeda combined. They should be tracked down and thrown in jail. The worst of the bunch are the Right Wing Evangelicals, who had the gall to put the following on a Wichita Church: "We have a Muslim President, this is a sin against the Lord". We are not now nor have ever been a Christian Nation. Most of the founding Fatherser were Diests, believing in a powerful God, but not acknowledging Jesus. We have RELIGOUS freedom and the right to no religion at all. That is the Constitution. The true American citizen should know this, but saddly,a lot don't. Hunt down the people that are making these threats and jail them for life.
We're holding the wrong people responsible for our toxic atmosphere. Lunatic fringe characters like Limbaugh and Beck will always be out there. But they never had the kind of reach that they do today because American companies were more particular about who their advertising messages were associated with. That's no longer the case as evidenced by how many main stream US companies can be seen hawking their wares through commercials between the hate spewed rantings of these misfits. Greedy American corporations are the reason why things have gotten so bad. They've made it virtually impossible for any moderate Republicans to speak out and work in a bipartisan way through their lobbying manipulations. Instead of being concerned about big government we should be really concerned about an agenda designed to paralyze our government by unelected people whose sole purpose is to make money by exploiting us. A weakened government makes it pretty easy for them to succeed.
Regarding the threats and violence arising from passage of the health care bill - the wonder is that it hasn't happened earlier and worse. No one wants to see this happening, but is this worse than the economic violence that has been foisted on large segments of the population by the wholesale selling out of the Administration, Congress, and the Supreme Court to special interests? How exactly is the populace supposed to react to this pervasive arrogance on the part of our leaders, and the continual fueling of the fire by the media? Please, no more talk about whether it is the Republicans or the Democrats that are to blame for creating an incomprehensible process and unsustainable results. It is the combination, without exception, of Administration, Congress, and Supreme Court that bears responsibility for this disastrous mess we are in, and for whatever response they receive.
The absoloute ignorance and intolerance of any other view but their own is a pronouncement by current day Republicans and Tea Party activists that they want a totalitarian form of right-wing government rather than true democracy. The preaching of hate, GOP Congressmen encouraging the rhetoric is the saddest part of America.
When the representative government no longer regards the will of the people then they should expect more than nasty phone calls. civil protests and urging phone calls to our senators and congressman didnt sway them prior to the vote so it stands to reason that there must be a broader agenda (who said "control the people"? ) History shows that other governments have been toppled for offenses of the same magnitude. In my forefathers America the people control the people not the politicians.
Gay people in the military DONT need special rules. Discriminating Gays from the military is against the constitutuion. Remember " All men are created EQUAL." Why should Gay people not be ablt to dened the country they live in Equally?
Am very suprise republicans want to punish americans for nothing.What are all these threats for?.They want GOOD for themselves and not the rest.I am african and the whole world is watching what is going on.If this is what THE SO-CALLED DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA is all about then Africa has no problem.America should stop preaching about DEMOCRACY and let africans do things their owm way.
WE ARE WATCHING U AMERICA.
Todays changes in Don't Ask-Don't Tell are too little and too late but at least we are heading towards a time when ALL Americans will be equal.
During my service with the 82d Airborne Division and the
101st Airborne Division I was proud to know many other Gay and Lesbian soldiers and Officers.
Soldiers protecting the freedom for other Americans, a freedom that they themselves do not enjoy.
Israel has one of the toughest fighting forces in the world and they have had gays serving for over a quarter of a century.
What kind of people (not all of them) are republican supporters? This is a reminder of the level of ignorance that was exhibited during the election. I will bet that a large number of the protesters would benefit from the new law. In the recent elections here in Texas almost every Republican Ad included the words "fought Obama" It has become some kind of rallying cry. To hell with supporting the people just fight Obama. Is there such a thing as a Stepford Republican? All in concert now "The American people don't want it. It' a bunch of backroom and closed door deals. It's a government takeover of health care." Then you pull the little string in their back and they say it all over again. They whine and cry do they wet too?
People are so fearful of change. However, we have so many issues that need to be fixed and we need our politician and citizens to grow up. We need to accept everyone reguardless of their values and beliefs. IF you are brave enough to serve this country then I could care less who you prefer to sleep with. Just as I believe that if your blood can save mine or my childrens lives I could care less if your a gay man. It's just play silly and childish to care about this. Your sexual status has no effect on how you will serve the country.
As for healthcare. I'm a republicain and my party is just plan making me sick. They have completely lost touch with the people and gone on this holy rampage that is used just to scare people. I'm not stupid and you can't scare me with the word Socialism. I have yet to hear a valid arguement from them as to why healthcare bill shouldn't be passed. I'm sick of the republician party thinking the people are stupid.
As for Marijuana who cares if people smoke it. I rather someone do that then drink. They tend to be less violent.
We all know that this isn't about HCR. This is about an African American being the leader of the free country. When President Obama was elected everyone thought that he was going to bridge the gap between race realtions in this country. Sadly it didn't happen. Race relations is worse. I've never seen anything like this. All of the hatered is out now. And it's all directed at the Presiden.t When Bus was in office, the Republicans got into "lockstep" behind him and gave him everything that he wanted. No one shouted "babykiller" when our babies was being sent to fight a war, where we never should've been
After watching the congressman say they American way is not to make threats or use violance to settle issues. It made me think of how the law makers do business. Maybe we should follow the law makers examples of the American way is arm twisting, payoffs, backroom deals, accepting kickbacks and bribes. Come election time I feel several of you law makers will be out of a job.
What I find interesting is the Democrats, authorities, and media automatically assume the threats are related to the Republican Party as though only Republican voters are the only people upset about this bill. I do not feel, nor do I believe the Republicans should do anything. I am a Democrat, and I believe the way this was done was wrong. No one should have the right to tell people they have to do anything. We the people are a freethinking people (thus far), and we are responsible for our own actions. The Republicans are not forcing or causing people to take these actions; therefore, I do not believe they should do anything.
People who have not experienced the wrath of the I.R.S. are in for a huge surprise because the I.R.S. penalties and fines will cause more harm than good. The I.R.S. can confiscate bank accounts, and property for the smallest amount owed. Give it time, society will see what the true consequences of this bill will be if the I.R.S. is in control.
Right on Brian, history repeats it'self, just some don't learn from it. I am honestly very concerned at this point not to have the same end, Isn't anything we can do to show support?