Things I’ve learned during the first few days of the latest government shutdown:
• Canadian/Cuban/Texan Ted Cruz is a bitch. That’s a term that I only use on males and, even then, only on particularly despicable males.
In one of the most shameful acts of self-promotion in Washington in decades—and that’s really saying something—Ted Cruz somehow convinced House Republicans that if they acted to shut down the government, Senate Democrats would cave on the Affordable Care Act. There’s no way that was going to happen and after Cruz’s faux filibuster, he was shown to have no real strategy (or clout) other than to simply have his name mentioned a lot in the media.
Even tax fanatic Grover Norquist, one of the most rigid ideologues of the past 20 years, said of Cruz: “He pushed Republicans out into traffic and then wandered away.”
Please, oh please, oh please, Republicans, please nominate Ted Cruz for president in 2016.
• One of the RWDs (Really White Dolts) on Fox “News” suggested that Cruz could swing the Latino vote. Cruz is Cuban. That means less than zero to people whose families came from Mexico. Mexican-Americans aren’t more likely to vote for someone who is Cuban or Puerto Rican. If anything, they’re less likely to do so. Fox News should do some research on that. Maybe they can ask the dude who sweeps up at the studio.
• Republicans used to have this reputation of being greedy people who care very little about the poor. That has changed. After voting en masse to cut the food stamp program in half (while retaining billions in farm subsidies), they have revealed themselves to care not at all for the poor.
• One-term Arizona congressman Ron Barber can’t seem to get out of his own way. At least three times last week, he voted with Republicans on cynical bills that were nothing more than a public “Screw you!” to President Obama. Barber tried to explain his votes, but all that matters is that he voted with the GOP when that party is not serious about making the country better but is instead willing to throw the entire country back into recession just because it can.
• The Republicans biggest fear about the Affordable Care Act is not that it will fail and, in the process, mess up the federal government. Their biggest fear is that it will work exactly as designed and expose Republicans as the heartless cretins that they are.
• There was much chortling going on when the Affordable Care Act websites went online and were quickly overwhelmed. Tea Party morons took it as a sign of government incompetence when, in fact, it showed that there was far more interest in the program than had been anticipated. It’s like when Yogi Berra, talking about a restaurant, said, “Nobody goes there any more. It’s too crowded.”
• There should be a special place in Pandering-To-The-Camera Hell for Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Texas. Two days after he and other House Republicans cast votes that in effect shut down the government (including the National Park Service), he publicly chastised a Park Service employee for doing her job, which, on that day, meant keeping people out of a national memorial that was closed because of Neugebauer and his buddies.
Really classy, Rep. Neugebauer. Bitch.
• I have yet to find one Republican who can tell me why they are so hellbent on denying health care to their fellow citizens. Is it because the people that the Affordable Care Act will help are poor, or maybe because they look different than you? Or … what? I don’t know how to tell you this, but having poor people die off in large numbers will not fix the problem of poverty.
While I’m at it, I’d like to ask Republicans if they’re embarrassed at all by the fact that the United States of America—the greatest country in the history of mankind—does not provide health care to all of its citizens. We’re the only industrialized country in the world that doesn’t do so. That’s just wrong.
• There is a thing in calculus called an inverse function. Simplistically put, it involves switching x’s and y’s around to find a new, related function. Just imagine if the GOP controlled the White House and the Senate, but the Democrats who held a majority in the House said that they wouldn’t fund the government or raise the debt limit unless Republicans would revisit the Civil Rights Act of 1964. (That act was supported by 80 percent of Republican legislators back then; those stalwart and ethical folks of yesteryear bear almost no resemblance to the clods who call themselves Republicans these days.)
Imagine that House Democrats said that they were going to hold their breath and pee their pants if the president didn’t agree to negotiate and compromise on a law that was duly passed by both chambers, signed into law, and then given the constitutional seal of approval by the Supreme Court. That’s what’s going on with this standoff and it’s insane.
John McCain was right when he said Republicans fought the health-care fight, did their best, and lost. They also lost the 2012 election over it. The tide of history is moving on, but Republicans want to stand on the shoreline, palms held outward, and keep shouting at the ocean to stop!
This article appears in Oct 10-16, 2013.
“Tom reflects on the government shutdown. Spoiler: He’s not a Ted Cruz fan”
Who in their right mind would be a Ted Cruz fan?
If Republicans really thought ACA would be a train wreck, they’d be all behind it!
This is an outstanding column that highlights many of the anger focus points of a majority of U.S. citizens (voters) about the government shut down and looming default on national debt.
Arizona’s Democrat Representative Ron Barber (bitch) should be recalled for his vote to shut down the government, which is a betrayal of Gabby Giffords and the voters and campaign contributors who helped elect him. Remember that Gabby flew to Washington DC to vote FOR the Affordable Care Act early during her recovery from being shot. A major reason Barber won was his history as Gabby’s employee. I hope Gabby withdraws her political endorsement of Barber during the next election.
Thanks for a great read, Mr. Danehy.
Like every good liberal, Tom loves seeing the country go bankrupt. He loves seeing millions of people unemployed permanently. He hates the idea that people should be responsible for themselves. Government is always the best solution to any problem. What a wonderful place this would be if only the we could quit harping on freedom and let government do everything.
I WISH TO GOD TED COULD RUN FOR PRESIDENT, HE WOULD STRAITEN OUR THIS GOD FORSAKEN COUNTRY OBAOMANATION HAS TRASHED AND AS FOR TOM, TOM WHO?
“…who can tell me why they are so hellbent on denying health care to their fellow citizens” Not that I agree with them in this specific instance, but the reason is a general philosophy that you should take care of yourself. You should pay for goods and services that you receive out of your own pocket, not from government handout. You don’t get free car care. No free house care either. For extra credit, explain why this particular kind of care is different and why it should be free.
Trotsky said it best. “You are bankrupts. Your role is played out. Go where you belong from now on – into the dustbin of history.” Republicans are finished. Even with gerrymandered districts, the surviving reelected few will be a national joke for voters to laugh at. It’s the same problem the libertarian party has. Run on the platform that you will not fulfill the duties you were elected to perform, thus shutting down that part of the government. Results: nobody votes for you.
Good read, Tom. But for the record, the problems with the ACA website go beyond an unanticipated flood of those seeking insurance. Yogi was right and so was a comedienne the other night who described the “oops” being like 800 Flowers not anticipating so many calls on Valentines Day. But like I said, there are other problems with the site; we registered, were assigned a User Name and Pin, and immediately informed we were not recognized – an ID error. A “chat” with an ACA website expert informed us this was a continuing problem with the system. His advice – keep on trying.
BTW sent an email to Ron Barber a couple of days ago kvetching about the site and his recent brain farts – no reply.
Hey DaneHick … better yet, let’s change that to DaneBitch … how do you defend the fact that your liberal government voted in favor of exempting members of Congress from the ACA?
Ohhhhh, that’s right, you cannot defend that, can you?
So these Democrats/Demogods believe that what’s good for the country is not necessarily good enough for them.
And why don’t you ask citizens of a country like Canada where “socialized medicine” exists and everyone has access to health care? They would tell you it is dreadful; People can wait up to 18 months just for a diagnosis of life threatening illnesses.
As usual, you are clueless. Be thankful I am not running your two-bit rag … I would not employ you to deliver the paper, let alone write for it.
Since the Koch Bros and another big fund withdrew support from the Tea Party, What a switch the Republicans have made in the past 24 hours. We all knew big money was driving the Republicans to default and close down our govt. But the push back by Wall St., big corporate executives and the banks finally got through to the Republicans. Republicans usually support these groups and was working against them. The Republicans are a lost party and will be defeat in 2014. And the nation cannot afford to elect any more Tea Party candidates to DC. They have no agenda except destruction of the USA
The Democrats are in the middle about voting for the individual crisis bills the Republicans are trying to pass. They are doing the correct thing in voting Yea. At least the Republicans in the next election cannot hold it against them.
I don’t understand the simplest thing….Why do so many Republicans/Teaparty types go into government political positions of power, then hype the negative aspects of government, rant about smaller government, all while they enjoy taxpayer funded benefits, health care, pensions, for NOT doing their jobs. It’s OK for them to collect their salaries and benefits while they closed down the government, deeming significant employees as non-essential. Yes there is government waste and excess, but perhaps their time would be better spent rectifying those transgressions of excess and corruption rather than a broad and heartless shutdown. On the Kimmel show the other night when most people were asked if the were in favor of the Affordable Care Act they responded in a great majority “YES”. When asked if they were in favor of Obama-Care the same people responded “NO”. Just plain ignorant….sad.
Follow Up: Chat Transcript
07:36:27 am]: Thanks for contacting Health Insurance Marketplace Live Chat. Please wait while we connect you to someone who can help.
[07:36:32 am]: Please be patient while we’re helping other people.
[07:38:03 am]: Please be patient while we’re helping other people.
[07:39:41 am]: Please be patient while we’re helping other people.
[07:40:15 am]: Please be patient while we’re helping other people.
[07:40:21 am]: Welcome! You’re now connected to Health Insurance Marketplace Live Chat.
Thanks for contacting us. My name is Elisha. To protect your privacy, please don’t provide any personal information, like Social Security Number, or any other sensitive medical or personal information.
[07:40:25 am]: Richard
Please be patient while I feed my dogs
[07:42:09 am]: Richard
Hi Elisha. I signed up my wife on the site and registered a user name and password, replied to an email link and now cannot access the system three days later. Can you help with this?
[07:43:44 am]: Elisha
They did like a master reset to the system, so we apologize for this but what you can do is contact the call center and they can reset your password for you so you can be able to access online.
[07:45:07 am]: Richard
By the Call Center are you suggesting I try to get through on a phone line? Is there a number to call?
[07:45:42 am]: Elisha
Yes and i can get that for you if you can give me a moment please.
[07:46:10 am]: Elisha
We are available to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach us toll free at 1-800-318-2596. Hearing impaired callers using TTY technology can reach us at 1-855-889-4325. In addition to English and Spanish, we can provide assistance in a number of languages through an interpretation service. We are closed on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.
[07:46:32 am]: Elisha
Do you have any other questions that I can help you with?
[07:47:03 am]: Richard
So you really cannot help?
[07:48:01 am]: Elisha
I can answer general questions but can not view any account due to security reasons.
[07:48:21 am]: Richard
Thank you Elisha
[07:48:27 am]: Elisha
Thank you for contacting Health Insurance Marketplace Live Chat. We are here to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
So I called the 800 number and spoke with a young man who did try to help by either unlocking the account or resetting the password. He told me his system – for accessing the main system – was also down. His advice try again next week.
This isn’t about unanticipated volume flooding the system, this is about incompetence and not being ready for prime time. 10 days in and the administration has egg on its face rolling out the ACA marketplace, Obama’s most likely signature legislative accomplishment.
Because “they did like a master reset to the system.”
Tom, I think that the incompetent and cowardly speaker of the house, John “the weeper” Boehner, deserves a special mention for rolling over when the the handful of Republican loonies blow into his ear. That is real leadership.
I find almost all of the comments humorous including Tom’s assertions. I, too, am no fan of Cruz, but there is plenty of blame to go around for this debacle in Washington. No one is without blame or shame. I agree the ACA should be allowed to either succeed or fail on it’s own merit, or lack thereof. But when one side repeatedly state they will not negotiate as Obama and Reid have done, nothing will get done. The Republicans are trying to reign in the federal government’s spending frenzy and the Democrats and media are not listening. I became an Independent because I saw neither party had anything more than their self interest at heart. We, the voters are just votes and not important in the grand scheme. Maybe the best way to take back our government is to vote out every incumbent for the next four election cycles and clean Washington and Phoenix up.
Providing effective health care should be the same as providing police and fire protection. Injury and disease are the same as flames, thieves and murderers. When U.S. citizens are damaged by fire and crime, our police and fire departments respond. We pay taxes for police and fire protection, as we should to protect our health.
Health care for profit is a travesty. For profit health care is impossible to make effective for all citizens, because sick people are driven away to enhance profits of the health insurance corporations.
If police departments operated on a for profit basis, effective protection for all citizens would be impossible. Law enforcement agencies would refuse to help victims of crimes, unless they could pay for the cost of investigation, prosecution and incarceration. Only the rich would be able to pay the cops.
An example of a for profit fire department versus a public fire department exists in the Tucson metro area. Rural Metro provides fire protection on a subscription, for profit basis to homeowners who live in county areas. Within the city limits, the public Tucson Fire Department puts out fires. Evidence shows that Rural Metro responds to alarms with minimal equipment, while Tucson Fire shows up with effective response levels. Tucson Fire saves more lives and property per response, than Rural Metro does, because Rural Metro wants to make money and limits costs.
A public health care system should be the method we use to protect people from illness and injury in the United States, not the present for profit scheme we suffer from.
The current donnybrook in Washington DC that focuses on cancelling the Affordable Health Care Law is badly mistaken and short sighted. While that law is a far cry from a public system, it is a first step in providing effective health care for all. Our fellow citizens who are sick or injured should receive medical care without financial trauma, just like victims of crimes and fire are helped by all of us, collectively, so that when we experience the ravages of crime, fire and/or illness, our fellow citizens help us pay for the protection.
Ted Cruz’s posturing and pontificating have but one purpose – to advance himself as the most powerful player for the Republican party’s next presidential candidate. He has no moral compass or integrity, just overweening ambition.
Well it has been a long time since Tom has thrown a liberal whiney rant, I almost thought he would stop his juvenile name calling pissing, but no, he has restored my faith in him. As for “does not provide health care to all of its citizens.”, what country do you live in Tom, all someone has to do to get health care is walk into any emergency room, plop thei fanny down and get treated, never intending to pay is some cases. No they don’t get the Mayo clinic but they do get care. Even if they are here illegally. So who is denied care? I love these short sighted “take care of the takers” liberals who will be wondering what happened to their world in 15 years.
Tom, Calling a politician a “bitch” for his politics IDs you and diminishes you. As to the ACA, Obama lied about its cost, application and participation. The ACA was passed through Congress with bribes, trickery and misuse of the process. The non-tax became a tax in the twisted decision of Justice Roberts and the law has been illegally modified a dozen times without Congressional participation through Executive fiat. Worse than all that, Congress and many business interests are now exempt from the mandate. Discuss issues instead of calling names.
Could someone explain to me that if Obummer Care is so great why did Teamsters Union president Jimmy Hoffa come out blasting it. Said it would destroy the 40 hour work week and kill his member’s health care benefits. Hmmmm? Dane Bitch Fan. I like that as much as my own ” Pulitzer Tommy”. Civility, my A%*.
In all other developed countries, health care is considered a basic human right, not a privilege. What’s wrong with you people? Too many selfish bitches?
I was listening to an individual from TX tonight and that he knows Ted Cruz very well. He said that Cruz hate a central government, does not want any taxes on the people or businesses. He will fight to destroy all entitlements and all the departments and agency of the government. He said that Cruz thinks the people should fend and care for themselves and not rely on any help. He said that is the mission of the entire Tea Party, but they don’t tell anyone. He said that Cruz will NOT support any party. He has one mission.
Believe in the Easter Bunny too, Sam ?
For the record, the Affordable Care Act’s online access is not run by the government. It was outsourced to a private vendor. Just sayin’
Point of history, Tom Danehy inherited the “Jeff Smith Curmudgeon Seat” at the Weekly. (Tom would be the first to say, “I’m not worthy,” and anyone with even a bit of smart-ass in them greatly miss Jeff Smith). So, the style of the Danehy’s column are understandable – he’s there for a reason, we all read him.
If you want calm, balanced, well-developed opinion read the New York Times.
Let me get this straight. We are going to be gifted with a health care plan we are forced to purchase and fined if we don’t, which will cover more than ten million more people, withut adding a single new doctor, but provides for 16,000 new IRS agents, who have recently demonstrated their objective and professional integrity; written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn’t understand it, passed by Congress that didn’t read it, and signed by a President who smokes, for which we’ll be taxed for four years before any benefits take effect, by a government which has bankrupted Social Security and Medicare and the Post Office and financed by a country that is broke, and a President who wants to make 15,000,000 illegal aliens legal U.S. Citizens.
You are all sheep being taken to slaughter.
Ted Cruz threw the first sandwich in this food fight then ran out of the room. Now that it has turned nasty he’s run off to raise his image at the right wing “Values” conference. This is nothing more than the beginning of the Iowa caucuses for him.
CW, the explanation is that you need to read more…
“HOFFA CALLS ON CRUZ, RIGHT-WING EXTREMISTS TO STOP ACA MISREPRESENTATIONS”
http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-call…
Nice Trotsky quotation – too bad it is better pointed at the fate of this nation – and quite ironic since it is our socialist/communist/Marxist element which is destroying us.
Tom – I know you’re a smart guy – all I need to do is ask you – but I would request 2 things even though I am well aware that having, and expressing, an opinion does not require knowledge of the subject.
1) do a little math (study it first if necessary) – our current policies which spend, tax, and print more money are not sustainable and unforgivably saddle our children with our debt and ultimately sentence them to a life at 3rd world standards.
2) read George Washington’s farewell address and think about his prediction that political parties will lead to despotism if not reined in by an educated populace – and that their devoted masses are the greatest enemy to ‘our liberties’.
Great article Tom! Cruz, Boehner (spell-check recommends ‘Boner’) and other willing GOP are still allowing their reputations to play in traffic. This GOP game of chicken with our country’s basic functions courts treason. If republicans want ACA defeated they should find the votes. For what reason should GOP ‘leaders’, Fox Moguls and Koch Bros. not be apprehended and tried for inciting, promoting, and bankrolling the unforgivable, unethical, and unnecessary crippling of our government?
Two weeks in and the ACA website remains DOA. The administration was well aware of problems and chose to roll the dice. And these problems with code, subcontractors, politics are well documented. So much for Obamacare, the president’s signature legislative achievement. And these are self-inflicted wounds by the administration.
And Tom, pointing out the Republicans are beneath contempt is like shooting a duck in a barrel. Really? That’s like pointing out the Democrats in Tucson are corrupt, venal and incompetent. Viva Rio Nuevo (I forgot we’re not supposed to bring that up).
But we independents are a problem, right Tom? We just can’t make up our minds which party is less dangerous. Gads. You’ve got to be brain dead to believe the garbage spewing from both parties.
Attic Girl, it’s called backpeddling.
CW, here in the real world, outside of your right-wing bubble – it’s called setting the record straight.
A do not care the least what every tom, dick and harry thinks. If obamanation a non-citizen can run for president, Cruz should.
Tom,
The House originates spending bills. It’s in Article V, I believe, of the U.S. constitution. They offered the president a bill that funded the entire government except for the ACA. The president said no. They sent up other bills. The president said no. He would not even talk to the House. Therefore, THE PRESIDENT SHUT DOWN THE GOVERNMENT. I’m not suggesting that you apply your vulgar epithet to the president, but I think it may be appropriate to call him “El Presidente” from now on.
Right Jonathan, because the President is obligated to say yes when given bills that defund a legally passed act under threat of shutting the whole thing down. The tea partiers have wanted the shut down to happen – ’cause guvmint ‘bad’.
Cruz touched me