Ever met a Republican not Owned by the Insurance Industry?

Kudos to Congressmember Anthony Weiner for telling it like it us about the Republican toadies of the Insurance companies. This five minute video points out their obstructionism in the healthcare bill. Thank you, Anthony Weiner for telling it like it is and standing up for the American middle class/working folk.

No-chicken Healing Soup

No-chicken Soup
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

With a flu bug taking grip, despite flu shot, Val from Atlanta answered my request for vegetarian chicken soup: "Take a basic veggie stock and add cayenne pepper, basil, ginger root, lemon peel, sauteed garlic (or roasted), let it steep until all things are 'married.' Top with organic apple cider vinegar.Drink a cup of this warm broth every two hours." Had to settle for ginger powder [my ginger root looking like a voodoo head], and a little cilantro called to me. But it has truly helped. So will time.

GRITtv: Lisa Graves: Put Corporations in Their Place

Take two minutes to understand better the impact of the five conservatives on the Supreme Court with their Citizens United v. FEC decision.

Lisa Graves of SourceWatch explains the dangers of the Supreme Court's recent Citizens United decision.
GRITtv with Laura Flanders brings participatory democracy onto your computer screen and into your living room, bridging the gap between audience and advocates. Watch any show, at any time: http://grittv.org

Contact your Congress members on this. Thanks.

MSNBC's Rachel Maddow - Dr. Howard Dean: the filibuster, and Democrat's weakness

Hey, Dems -- FireDogLake.com posted this Rachel Maddow clip where she and Dr. Howard Dean agree that Democrats need to move past the obstructionist Republicans and get something done. -- just under 8 minutes and it makes so much sense. Can Democrats be sensible, please?!!!

February Blizzard

February Blizzard
Originally uploaded by Kate Anne

First there was a snowy commute into Manhattan and then home again to snowy Sunnyside Gardens. Pretty to look at. Much to be shoveled. There are some other photos from the day on Flickr.

FreeSpeechforPeople.org Launch Video

The Constitution reads We the People NOT We the Corporations -- please speak out for a Constitutional amendment to end corporate personhood before corporations end democracy in the United States of America.

Papantonio: The Supreme Court's Five Circus Midgets

IMPORTANT: If NBC stands to make oodles of $$$ why should they speak out against this terrible threat to our democracy. Obama and McCain agree with Pap and me -- 4 minutes of truth: Please watch this on the devastating effect of Citizens United vs FEC then speak out while you can.

Murray Hill Incorporated is Running for Congress

"Murray Hill Inc. plans on filing to run in the Republican primary in Maryland’s 8th Congressional District. Campaign Manager William Klein promises an aggressive, historic campaign that “puts people second” or even third." A quick 1-1/4 minute WOW -- Both Thom Hartmann and Nicole Sandler featured this on their shows. Murray Hill Incorporated communicates their values well -- through well done mockery of Citizens United v. FEC. (1709 views as I post this but it deserves to go viral.)

RIP Howard Zinn -- 1922-2010

My friend Thomas Gallagher said it well, with a brief statement and a quote from Howard:

Thomas Gallagher: I will miss your voice Howard. We will all have to speak up that much more to break the silence...

"The challenge remains. On the other side are formidable forces: money, political power, the major media. On our side are the people of the world and a power greater than money or weapons: the truth. Truth has a power of its own. Art has a power of its own. That age-old lesson – that everything we do matters – is the meaning of the people’s struggle here in the United States and everywhere. A poem can inspire a movement. A pamphlet can spark a revolution. Civil disobedience can arouse people and provoke us to think, when we organize with one another, when we get involved, when we stand up and speak out together, we can create a power no government can suppress. We live in a beautiful country. But people who have no respect for human life, freedom, or justice have taken it over. It is now up to all of us to take it back." - Howard Zinn

I count myself blessed to have heard Howard in person. I pledge to join Thomas and our friends in speaking up more.

Open Message To President Barack Hoover Obama

The following message was left at the WhiteHouse.gov contact page for President Barack H. Obama -- and I am sad to say that the H is for Hoover, as in Barack Hoover Obama:

Have you become a Hoover Republican? The budget freeze is an absolute mistake which will make the registered Republicans and the Blue Dogs very happy and will do awful things to your legacy. I am supposed to be your base and you have totally deserted the issues I care about: true peace, economic justice, restoration of our democracy (cancelling the unpatriotic PATRIOT Act, ending torture, getting rid of Bush league government lawyers), and last but not least: REAL healthcare for all -- single payer (or at least a public option).

Enough. When are you going to give us the Change we can BELIEVE in -- and NOT this awful Bill-Clinton-like middle-ground mess? They call you a socialist anyway, give them (and me) THAT vision. Some socialistic problems that help everyone, not just the wealthy elite. THEN, I will thank you.

I've asked for a response. Let's see if I get one.