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Here’s today’s mid-day snacks:
* Gov. Bob McDonnell now hedging on immediate signature of VA ultrasound bill. His old buddies at Regents University must be livid.
* Another poll, this one from Marist, shows Romney and Santorum very close in Michigan. But Mitt has big lead among those who have already voted via absentee ballot.
* Sudden Obama announcement that he favors lower corporate tax rates in exchange for loophole closing presumably an effort to preempt big Romney tax plan rollout.
* Obama campaign also announces 35—that’s right, 35—co-chairs. If you can’t find some point of identity with one or more of these folks, then you are not a targeted voter.
* Byron York reports 70% of Americans believe in the existence of Satan, which is what Santorum’s friends and some ignorant pundits would have us believe all the controversy is about.
And on the nonpolitical front:
* If you aren’t into Ash Wednesday, it’s also National Margarita Day!
I’ll be back shortly, with a grey smear on my forehead.
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schtick on February 22, 2012 1:20 PM:
I'm not so sure about Satan, but I believe in evil and the tealiban represents it very well.
Memekiller on February 22, 2012 1:21 PM:
Female human husbandry now regulated by IL Ag Committee.
http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/maybe-we-should-enlist-peta-womens.html
Suddenly, it all makes sense: http://flic.kr/p/bxzSrv
Sgt. Gym Bunny on February 22, 2012 1:34 PM:
About this Satan business... Do they mean they believe it literally or metaphorically??? I can appreciate the metaphorical belief (but not really, I thought us higher-ups in the food chain had "free will"). But literally... ehhh... I will confess I have a guilty pleasure of watching those ghost story documentaries (A Haunting, My Ghost Story, etc.), but every time they get into "possessions", I think "Suuuuuuure..." But maybe I'm just an infidel...
Red Telephone on February 22, 2012 1:46 PM:
Superstition - Personally, I like Satan better than God. God, the way Christian's push "Him" hates fags, wants to throw you in hell for doing even the littlest thing wrong (we're all born sinners right?) makes you go through ridiculous rituals for salvation and generally wants you to feel like shit about yourself. On the other hand, Satan just wants you to enjoy yourself. Talk about a gracious host. All this rubbish about heaven and the "members only" attitude of the pious. Sure 70% of Americans believe in Satan - whatever. Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny are real too!
Deanarms on February 22, 2012 1:50 PM:
Ed - you're a liberal. According to Ayatollah Rick, you've forfeited the right to go to church.
G.Kerby on February 22, 2012 1:58 PM:
Damn, this ex-communicated Catholic forgot all about Ash Wednesday, but fortunately did remember Paczki day yesterday !
Barbara on February 22, 2012 2:00 PM:
What is the chance that McDonnell is starting to understand that being attached to these insane and extreme and cruel measures might get in the way of his political aspirations? He was elected in 2009 and the governor of Virginia is prohibited from serving for successive terms (but can run for a non-consecutive second term).
Kathryn on February 22, 2012 2:05 PM:
For anyone interested, I have six phone numbers of GOP figures prominent in this debacle.
Gov. McDonnell. 804-786-2211
Del. Marshall. 804-698-1013
Del. Cline. 804-698-1024
Byron 804-698-1022
Sen. Vogel 804-698-7527 (female senator who introduced the transvaginal bill in senate)
Gilbert. 804-698-1015
Virginians join me in giving them hell.
Jeff In Ohio on February 22, 2012 2:07 PM:
"I’ll be back shortly, with a grey smear on my forehead."
You ought not be drinking at the auto garage during lunch break.
JEA on February 22, 2012 2:24 PM:
If anyone thinks there is a chance of McDonnell vetoing that bill, there's a bridge I'd like to sell you...
Jasperinboston on February 22, 2012 2:46 PM:
*****If anyone thinks there is a chance of McDonnell vetoing that bill, there's a bridge I'd like to sell you*****
Why would he announce a delay if he's not having second thoughts? I think it's entirely plausible he's been told being tied to this bill could sink his running mate hopes. There are plenty of mainstream conservatives Romney could potentially tap who aren't associated with the crazier, anti-woman aspects of what Sullivan refers to as Christianism. My guess is he'll ask the legislature to modify the bill's language, and then hope it dies a quiet death -- or is at least delayed until after the convention. This guy is absolutely jonesing to be Romney's running mate.
Barbara on February 22, 2012 3:06 PM:
There is no chance he will veto. The issue is whether it will be tabled for further study or amended in some way.
Joe Friday on February 22, 2012 3:23 PM:
"Sudden Obama announcement that he favors lower corporate tax rates in exchange for loophole closing presumably an effort to preempt big Romney tax plan rollout."
Why does the White House keep playing on the RightWing's ball field ?
Once again, 94% of U.S. corporations pay less than 5% in taxes, and about two-thirds pay ZERO taxes.
What the hell difference does the tax rate matter ? 35% of ZERO is still ZERO. Lowering the corporate federal income tax rate gets us NOTHING.
MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS OF CORPORATIONS PAY NO TAXES
Rick B on February 22, 2012 3:34 PM:
I, too, believe in Satan. I also believe in the Trinity.
The three - Santorum, Gingrich, and Romney - are together the one true Satan.
j on February 22, 2012 3:39 PM:
McDonnell so wants to be the VP candidate, so he is too chicken to sign his rape of women bill, he cannot run away from his college thesis, it was on Rachel Maddow show last night.
Rick B on February 22, 2012 3:46 PM:
@Jasperinboston
He's not having second thoughts. He's looking for an excuse to sign the bill without taking responsibility. He's a social conservative. They are never wrong, they just have to find a way to do what they demand woithout paying the price.
@Joe Friday
By closing the loopholes that allow favored corporations to duck taxes, Obama will increase overall tax revenue. He'll also limit the effectiveness of the cproprate political talking point that they "pay more taxes than foreign corporations" by putting the actual tax demand on a more fair basis in international terms.
The trick is to eliminate the tax breaks that the lobbyists have carefully purchased from Congress.
This is an end run around the right wing's ball field.
exlibra on February 22, 2012 3:59 PM:
My guess is he'll ask the legislature to modify the bill's language, [...] Jasper in Boston, @2:46PM
And that's exactly what he's trying to do now. Read the statement at TPM (I got it in my mailbox too, but it's to long to quote in full):
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entries/mcdonnell-no-woman-in-virginia-will-have-to
Joe Friday on February 22, 2012 5:53 PM:
Rick B,
"By closing the loopholes that allow favored corporations to duck taxes, Obama will increase overall tax revenue."
Nope.
That scam is how we ended up where we are today.
Whenever you hear "lower the rate and close the loopholes" or "lower the rate and broaden the base", it always means more tax cuts for the Rich & Corporate and higher taxes on the Middle-class and Working Poor.
"He'll also limit the effectiveness of the cproprate political talking point that they 'pay more taxes than foreign corporations' by putting the actual tax demand on a more fair basis in international terms."
He could eliminate the "talking point" by telling the truth, that Corporate America doesn't pay any taxes now, as they were shifted to the Middle-class and Working Poor.
"This is an end run around the right wing's ball field."
Nope.
It plays right into their hands.
Doug on February 22, 2012 7:52 PM:
Joe Friday, we ended up where we are today because too many voters have no direct experience with the type of economic conditions Republican policies lead to. After all, the Great Depression ended in 1942 (per Federal government statistics). Nor do enough voters even stop to think they might learn something from history, even something as useful as what NOT to do. You know, things like dispensing with marginal rates or cutting estate taxes.
It's just my opinion, but I think the Great Recession has affected enough people adversly to kindle a spirit of resentment at the mere thought of corporations freeloading on the backs of American taxpayers. The average taxpayer may have seen his tax bills decline, but if so it's only because his income has. But, adding frosting to the cake, to find out that corporations are resisting a tax cut BECAUSE it eliminates some deductions, but ENSURES corporations pay taxes? I wouldn't want to try and sell THAT to the voters.
I also sincerely doubt that the President will forgo mentioning the current EFFECTIVE tax rates paid by corporations when he's queried about why he thinks his proposal has any merit.
I could be wrong...
Madeleine Begun Kane on February 23, 2012 4:41 AM:
Limerick Ode To National Margarita Day
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Margarita Day’s coming. Olé!
Send agave tequila my way.
Don’t need worms or a mix
For a spirited fix.
Add some lime, triple sec. Make my day!
Limerick Ode To National Margarita Day
Joe Friday on February 23, 2012 11:47 AM:
Doug,
"we ended up where we are today because too many voters have no direct experience with the type of economic conditions Republican policies lead to."
Quite.
But my specific reference was to the fact that we already tried lowering the federal corporate income tax and "closing loopholes", with promises it would spur economic growth, create jobs, and bring in more tax revenue.
All of the opposite occurred.
"After all, the Great Depression ended in 1942 (per Federal government statistics)."
Actually, according to the FDIC, "The Great Depression, a worldwide economic downturn, hits the U.S. in 1929 and lasts until about 1939", and they would certainly know.
http://www.fdic.gov/about/learn/learning/when/1930s.html
"It's just my opinion, but I think the Great Recession has affected enough people adversly to kindle a spirit of resentment at the mere thought of corporations freeloading on the backs of American taxpayers."
Thanks to 'we are the 99%'.