Missourians! Know This About Your Republican Party Legislature in Jefferson City

I don't think enough Missourians know how many times our Republican Party legislature in Jefferson City has overruled our, the people's will and vote. Herewith are three very recent examples.

So glad our Republican Party legislature in Jefferson City overturned the people's vote to-- 1) Not approve concealed carry 2) Not approve of Right to Work laws and now, the most recent 2) accept Medicaid funding from the Federal Government so the poorest of the state has health care. On each of these issues, the people spoke and the Republican Party legislators in our state capitol overturned it, them, and did the exact opposite. Aren't you glad we have representative government, folks? I know I am.

Quote of the Day -- On Wealth Inequality and Inequity

"Advocates of capitalism are very apt to appeal to the sacred principles of liberty, which are embodied in one maxim: The fortunate must not be restrained in the exercise of tyranny over the unfortunate." --Bertrand Russell

Said so many years ago but still so applicable today. Hear this, Mr. Bezos? Waltons?

Entertainment Overnight -- For Good

What Too Many Americans Don't Know About Working Class America Today

Professor Robert Reich calls it out. Want to support America's working class? Sure you do, unless you're already wealthy. The way to do it? Vote Democratic. Then vote out all Republicans. We must.

We MUST Cut US Military Defense Spending

Seriously, America, Americans, we must, must cut defense spending. It is huge, it is bloated, it is wasteful and it actually ends up weakening the nation.

Contact your members of Congress. Tell them.

Quote of the Day -- Truthful Edition

"More cranks take up fashionable untruths than unfashionable truths."

— Bertrand Russell, "Principles of Social Reconstruction." Mind you, too, he said this in 1916, amazingly enough. True then. Still, sadly, tragically so very true today. So explains Fox.

The Unbelievable Irresponsibility--and Scariness--of Missouri's Senator Josh Hawley

Missouri's Senator Josh Hawley voted today--was, in fact, the only US Senator--who voted AGAINST a bill to curb anti-Asian hate crimes. That's bad enough. He wrote this today, this evening, explaining his vote: "My big problem with Sen Hirono’s bill that Senate voted on today is that it turns the federal government into the speech police - gives government sweeping authority to decide what counts as offensive speech and then monitor it. Raises big free speech questions."

What the absolute hell? This is the man who was all for "free speech questions" when people wanted to attack our nation's Capitol and overturn our nation's election but all of a sudden, when we want to make sure people don't do Asian hate crimes, he's against these "free speech questions." Seriously, he is frightening. The only person, the only Senator who voted against a crimes bill against Asian hate crime at a time when this ugliness is increasing. In a nation of more than 325 million people, how do you not have--and believe in--government? That he is part of the government and at the highest levels of it yet he does not believe in it. Stunning. Frightening. Scary. Seriously.

Good, Fun, Big Local Entertainment News Today From The Pitch

How cool is this? The Pitch KC has a great article out now that none other than Melissa Etheridge is actually going to play the Leavenworth Festival.

Fantastic news.More here: Go, check out the full article at The Pitch: https://www.thepitchkc.com/melissa-etheridge-to-headline-camp-leavenworth-2021/

Righting a Wrong for Washington, DC

Good to great news today. The House of Representatives in Washington passed statehood for Washington,DC today.

Could you imagine living in Washington, DC and paying taxes, everything but YOU HAVE NO REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS? Really? Greater population than Wyoming but zero representatives in Congress. So wrong. Obscene.Let's do this. #DCStatehood #DCStatehoodNow

Breaking: Missouri's Senator Josh Hawley Does the Nearly Unbelievable Yet Again

Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Missouri, once again, our own deeply Right Wing, Republican Party Senator Josh Hawley does the nearly unbelievable yet again. Check this out. It just broke. The Senate just passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, 94-1. The one vote against was Republican Josh Hawley.

This bill "...seeks to help combat the rise in anti-Asian hate related to the coronavirus." And he was against it. Because, yeah. At least he was the only one who voted against it. How do you vote against a piece of legislation against hate crime? And how do you vote against a piece of legislation created to fight racist hate crimes when there is an increase of those crimes lately? How do you even do that?

Earth Day Quote of the Day

This should be reprinted every Earth Day, at least.

In 1854, the "Great White Chief" in Washington made an offer for a large area of Indian land and promised a reservation for the Indian people.The following was Chief Seattle's reply.

How can you buy or sell the sky, the warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us.

If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?

Every part of the earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clearing and humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of my people. The sap which courses through the trees carries the memories of the red man.

The white man's dead forget the country of their birth when they go to walk among the stars. Our dead never forget this beautiful earth, for it is the mother of the red man. We are part of the earth and it is part of us. The perfumed flowers are our sisters, the deer, the horse, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the juices in the meadows, the body heat of the pony, and man - all belong to the same family.

So, when the Great Chief in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land, he asks much of us. The great Chief sends word that he will reserve us a place so that we can live comfortably to ourselves. He will be our father and we will be his children. So we will consider your offer to buy our land.

But it will not be easy. For this land is sacred to us.

This shining water that moves in the streams and rivers is not just water but the blood of our ancestors. If we sell you land, you must remember that it is sacred, and you must teach your children that it is sacred and that each ghostly reflection in the clear water of the lakes tells of events and memories in the life of my people.

The water's murmur is the voice of my father's father.

The rivers are our brothers, they quench our thirst. The rivers carry our canoes, and feed our children. If we sell you our land, you must remember, and teach your children, that the rivers are our brothers, and yours, and you must henceforth give the rivers the kindness you would give any brother.

We know that the white man does not understand our ways. One portion of the land is the same to him as the next, for he is a stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land whatever he needs. The earth is not his brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on.

He leaves his father's grave behind, and he does not care. He kidnaps the earth from his children and he does not care. His father's grave, and his children's birthright, are forgotten. He treats his mother, the earth, and his brother, the sky, as things to bought, plundered, sold like sheep or bright beeds. His appetite will devour the earth and leave behind only a desert.

I do not know. Our ways are different from your ways.

The sight of your cities pains the eyes of the red man. But perhaps it is because the red man is a savage and does not understand.

There is no quiet place in the white man's cities. No place to hear the unfurling of leaves in spring, or the rustle of an insect's wings.

But perhaps it is because I am a savage and do not understand.

The clatter only seems to insult the ears. And what is there to life if a man cannot hear the lonely cry of the whippoorwill or the arguments of the frogs around a pond at night? I am a red man and do not understand.

The Indian prefers the soft sound of the wind darting over the face of a pond, and the smell of the wind itself, cleaned by a midday rain, or scented with pinion pine.

The air is precious to the red man, for all things share the same breath - the beast, the tree, the man, they all share the same breath. The white man does not seem to notice the air he breathes. Like a man dying for many days, he is numb to the stench.

But if we sell you our land, you must remember that the air is precious to us, that the air shares its spirit with all the life it supports. The wind that gave our grandfather his first breath also receives his last sigh.

And if we sell you our land, you must keep it apart and sacred, as a place where even the white man can go to taste the wind that it is sweetened by the meadow's flowers.

So we will consider your offer to buy our land. If we decide to accept. I will make one condition: the white man must treat the beasts of the land as his brothers.

I am a savage and do not understand any other way.

I have seen a thousand rotting buffaloes on the prairie, left by the white man who shot them from a passing train. I am a savage and I do not understand how the smoking iron horse can be more important than the buffalo that we kill only to stay alive.

What is man without beasts? If all the beasts were gone, man would die from great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected.

You must teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of your grandfathers. So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with the lives of our kin.

Teach your children what we have taught our children, that the earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. If men spit upon the ground, they spit upon themselves.

This we know: the earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. This we know.

All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected.

Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life: he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web he does to himself.

Even the white man, whose God walks and talks with him as friend to friend, cannot be exempt from the common destiny. We may be brothers after all.

We shall see.

One thing which we know, which the white man may one day discover - our God is the same God.

You may think you own Him as you wish to own our land; but you cannot. He is the God of man, and His compassion is equal for the red man and the white. This earth is precious to him, and to harm the earth is to heap contempt on its Creator.

The whites too shall pass; perhaps sooner than all the other tribes. Contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in your own waste.

But in your perishing you will shine brightly, fired by the strength of the God who brought you to this land and for some special purpose gave you dominion over this land and over the red man.

That destiny is a mystery to us, for we do not understand when the buffalo are all slaughtered, the wild horses are tamed, the secret corners of the forest heavy with the scent of many men, and the view of the ripe hills blotted by talking wires.

Where is the thicket? Gone.

Where is the eagle? Gone.

The end of living and the beginning of survival.

________________________________________

Happy Earth Day.

God help us all.

Entertainment Overnight -- Birthday Edition

Yes, a posthumous happy birthday today to Tito Puente, born this day, April 20, 1923. It's not enough to hear his music. It's far better, nearly imporant, to see him in action. Thie King of Latin Music, the King of the Timables and more. Thank you for the wonderful music, sir. Hoping you're resting in much peace. And then another posthumous happy birthday to Luther Vandross, born this day, April 20, 1951. And to you, too, sir, we say thank you for all the music and hope you're already long since resting in peace.

Two Historical People Who Could No Way Belong to Today's Republican Party IIIIII

Yes, two huge names from human history who could no way possibly be invited into or included in and belong to the Republican Party and for obvious reasons. First up, Abraham Lincoln.

I mean really. Let's face it. He actually worked to free African-Americans. That does it right there. More, however, his own quotes disqualify him from this political party today: "Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration." Next up, the big man. None other than Jesu Christi.

I mean, come on. The guy who said rich people can't and won't get to heaven? Really? Republicans WORSHIP wealth and actively search it out. It's why they got into office, at least it is for the ones who get in Congress. More quotes attributed to Jesus no Republican today would repeat or even think: Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” With the defense spending they want?? And then th: “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Two Historical Figures Who Could No Way Be Members of Today's Republican Party

Yes, two huge names from human history who could no way possibly be invited into or included in and belong to the Republican Party and for obvious reasons. First up, Abraham Lincoln.

I mean really. Let's face it. He actually worked to free African-Americans. That does it right there. More, however, his own quotes disqualify him from this political party today: "Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration." Next up, the big man. None other than Jesu Christi.

I mean, come on. The guy who said rich people can't and won't get to heaven? Really? Republicans WORSHIP wealth and actively search it out. It's why they got into office, at least it is for the ones who get in Congress. More quotes attributed to Jesus no Republican today would repeat or even think: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” With the defense spending they want?? And then this: “For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” I mean, come on. Members of today's REpublican Party would immediately respond that these are lazy, demanding people who merely need to GET A JOB.

Where We, the US, Are Now

We survived Trump.

President Biden is now on a calm, thoughtful, intelligent, responsible trajectory. The Republican Party is simultaneously tearing itself down and apart. Finally, still better yet, they, the Republicans, don't know and aren't aware of this... I'm hopeful.

If Jesus Were a Member of Today's Republican Party

Herewith, ladies and gentlemen, just that--what Jesus would do and say and believe and teach if he were a member of today's Republican Party. Own it, Republicans. It's you all over. Even before Donald Trump but especially after.

Support the For the People Act

Yes, Mr. and Mrs. America, by all means, support the For the People Act. It's good for Americans and America.

Besides ending gerrymandering of political parties--carving out voting districts that support their political party, it would also expand voting rights, strengthen ethics rules and limit the influence of private donor money in politics. In the House of Representatives, it's HR1. In the Senate, it's S1. Contact your members of Congress now. Thank you. It really is For the People.

Quote of the Day -- On Kindness. And Hope

“I'm so tired of waiting, aren't you, for the world to become good and beautiful and kind?” —Langston Hughes

Republicans' Real "Cancel Culture"

Here it is, folks. In all its ugliness. (Click on picture for larger view, easier reading).

Vote them out. Vote them all out.

Quote of the Day -- Sunday Edition

"My own mind is my own church...

...All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit." --Thomas Paine, "Age of Reason"

On Amazon and Jeff Bezos

You're the CEO of one of America's largest & most successful corporations. You are worth nearly 200 billion dollars. You've made it. By any measurement, you're a success.

Wouldn't you be proud to offer ALL employees FULL BENEFITS? Wouldn't you be happy to support a Union for your employees?

On America's Corporate Taxes

"Don't listen to Republicans in Congress when they say corporate taxes are too high.

The United States collects less corporate taxes as a percentage of economic output than any other industrialized country." --Robert Reich @RBReich Support the Aemrican Jobs Plan. #Taxtherich

Quote of the Day -- On GOP Vote Suppression

"Expand the Supreme Court. Abolish the Electoral College. End the filibuster. The GOP calls these moves radical because they know once we make democracy work, they won't stand a chance." --Robert Reich @RBReich

Question of the Day -- On "Pro-Life"

Professor Robert Reich asks a terrific question today.

"Wouldn't it be nice if pro-lifers focused on ending gun violence? Or suicide prevention? Or abolishing the death penalty? Or stopping police killings? Or fighting poverty? Or combating the opioid epidemic? Or ending wars? You know, things that would actually save lives?" --Robert Reich @RBReich

Republicans Must Stop Attacking Democrats as Though They are Some Enemy

This is a good example of how I hear far too many members of the Republican Party refer to Democrats, fellow Americans. I dno't know if it was when Russia failed as a state but at some time in recent American history, Republicans started perceiving Democrats as, no exaggeration, "the enemy." We're supposed to all be working together for the benefit of all, for the benefit of the nation but they repeatedly pit themselves and their political party squarely against Democrats. It's in their rhetoric repeatedly and for some, constantly. Missouri's own Senator Josh Hawley is especially adept at this. It's more than concerning, it's downright frightening. It tears down the national fabric. It's not one political party against the other. It can't be. We have to all be working together for all. Always. We have to get back to working together. I don't know how we get there, really. By talking, I guess. By flushing this out. But we must. And we need to start now. With the very emotional and attacking and vitriolic Donald Trump gone, we should be able to get this done. Come together, America. Again, we must.

Remember Noblesse Oblige?

Remember noblesse oblige? Remember when people with money, wealth cared, actually cared about and for those with less? Cared for and about the imporverished?

It would be nice, so nice if that would come back. Besides being the right, "Christian" thing to do, if that matters to anyone, it also happens to make the nation stronger.Hey, we can hope. You hear that, Mr. Bezos? Mr. Zuckerberg? Walton family? Etc?

End Perpetual War

On our nation's getting out of Afghanistan--if you as a nation have been there 20 years and not achieved your goals, it's time to get out. End perpetual War. And while we're at it, cut the so bloated, very wasteful defense budget. It will actually and honestly make the nation stronger. As it is, we, the US, are the world's warmonger.

Missourians, I Give You Senator Josh Hawley

And please keep in mind, folks, these videos were created by fellow members of the Republican Party. More. We must, must vote this man out of office, Missourians.

Missouri's Senator Josh Hawley, From Republicans

Ladies and gentlemen, Missouri's own demagoguing Republican Party Senator Joshua, Josh, Hawley. Note that it's from fellow Republicans. Let's vote him out, fellow Missourians. Vote him out. We must. For our state, sure, but for the nation, too, no exaggeration.

Great, Even Important Question About Our Defense Budget

President Biden proposed increasing, yet again, our nation's annual defense budget--but then followed that up by saying we're getting out of Afghanistan. Representative Ro Khanna asks an excellent question today out in social media.

“The Pentagon increases make no sense. If you’re ending the forever war in Afghanistan … then why are we increasing, at the same time, the defense budget?” --Rep. Ro Khanna @RoKhanna