good folks Archives - Where Is The Outrage?

West, Texas

I find it funny that Texas government officials are falling all over themselves to let the residents of West, Texas know that they are large and in charge. I know that many in Texas and around the country believe with all of their hearts that the government is useless. The scariest thing is that old Ronald Reagan line, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.”

Well, now, the good folks of West need help. They need someone to check the air quality and make sure that it is safe. Who’s going to do that? They need low-interest long- and short-term loans so that they can rebuild. Who’s going to do that? The town will need grants to rebuild infrastructure. This is where the government needs to step up and do their jobs.

Now, I don’t know what caused the explosion in West, Texas. I do know that for the most part plants do not spontaneously combust. Ammonium nitrate is the compound that was made at the West plant. This product is made by a simple chemical reaction. The chemical reaction gives off an enormous amount of heat.

Texas should be very aware of the dangers of ammonium nitrate. A vessel carrying tons of the material exploded in the Texas City harbor in 1947. 581 people died. This disaster resulted in one of the first class action lawsuits.

What will you do when health reform doesn't pass?

I just received the following e-mail from MoveOn.org.

It’s no longer clear whether Congress will pass a comprehensive health care reform bill this year.

The White House and Congress will decide within days whether or not to go forward with reform-and before they do, it’s critical they know the impact that decision will have in terms of participation in the next election.

So we’re polling MoveOn members: If Democrats do not pass comprehensive health care reform this year, will you donate to Democratic candidates in the 2010 elections? Just click the appropriate link below to let us know:

Definitely won’t donate

Probably won’t donate

Probably will donate

Definitely will donate

After reading this, I’m not sure if I understand the question. If you are liberal, and support the Democratic Party, what choice do you have? Seriously? If you believe an effective government, diplomacy first and using military might second, a better public educational system, healthcare reform, civil rights, equal rights for everyone, where you going to turn? In our current political system, if the Democratic Party is let you down and you believe in progressive ideas, you can’t sit at home. If you do that, Republicans and conservatives get elected. (Ask the good folks of Massachusetts.) Staying at home and pouting is not an option.

We might need to change the Democratic Party. We might need to get more involved instead of less. This is what you do when you don’t like the choices you have. Currently, in the game of politics, there are two sides. This is the way the game has been set up. There are liberals. There are conservatives. There are Democrats. There are Republicans. Independents are nice for Vermont, but don’t seem to work below New York. There are some folks who say we need to change the game. My question is how? Both Republicans and Democrats have enormous influence in every state house and in Washington. How are you going to create a new system right under the noses of Republicans and Democrats when they stand to lose from this new system? Therefore, pick a side. Then, work to change that side so it is more to your liking.

I do not like the direction healthcare reform is going. To be honest, I haven’t liked the direction since May or June. I think that starting over is foolish. Starting over is a victory for health insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies. Starting over is a victory for conservatives who have tried to gum up the works and slow this process down since the beginning. So, in this political environment, I would look at what key items do have broad agreement amongst all Democrats and Independents. Whatever that is, pass that! Do it now! After the midterm elections, we can come back and tackle one or two items, but comprehensive reform is going to have to be done in a piecemeal fashion. Currently, there is no other way. That’s how I see it. How do you see it?