The Center for American Progress (CAP), part of the ever-expanding empire of liberal billionaire George Soros, is just three blocks from the White House, but it may be impossible to find an organization closer in ideology to the new administration. Working in unison with the Obama camp, CAP was the driving force behind key policies of Barack's campaign, including his plans for universal health care, energy, troop withdrawal, global warming, and the economy. Now, as Obama prepares to take over the executive reins, the Center's influence appears to be taking shape in the next President's inner circle.
In a city where "personnel is policy," CAP staffers are already starting to populate key posts in the Democrat's administration. John Podesta, who presides as founder of CAP's $27 million operating budget, is one of three people leading the President's transition team. Along with Podesta, Tom Daschle, Obama's choice to head the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), served as CAP's Distinguished Senior Fellow. Several others named to HHS are also CAP alums.
Their advice to Obama is largely contained in CAP's book, Change for America: A Progressive Blueprint for the 44th President, released just a week after the election. Though the organization has been counted on for its recommendations on domestic issues, the group's social agenda is devastatingly pro-abortion. On CAP's website, visitors will find two extra, online chapters from the Change book, which advocate, among other things, the radical Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), taxpayer-funded abortion, "comprehensive" sex education, a repeal of the Hyde Amendment, and a repeal of the abortion ban on military bases. CAP's political arm also spoke against the state marriage amendments and actively worked for the defeat of the state life initiatives on November 4.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
My Top 10 Favorite Sitcoms
OK, it's time for a less serious post. And what better topic than shows that have made me laugh over the years? These shows have provided levity and enjoyment when I needed it the most. TV may have a lot of pitfalls but it can also be used to bring a smile to your face.
1) Seinfeld - There is no other sitcom in history with more memorable lines and characters - both regular and non recurring
2) M*A*S*H* - OK, not a true sitcom...more of a dramedy. The writing on this show was well ahead of its time and the characters endure on a deeper level than most. This show had something to teach us.
3) Cheers - The show felt just like the bar. You always felt at home when it was on. Great cast and great consistency over time.
4) The Office - This one will likely climb up the list a bit if it can stick around longer. The mockumentary format is original to US television. It's been fun to see a mostly unknown cast use this vehicle to launch their respective careers.
5) Family Ties - It will always have a special place in my heart as Alex P Keaton was the perfect role model for a young Republican such as myself. I grew up with this show and that brings back good memories.
6) Friends - This show came along during the end of my college years which was perfect timing given the young characters that were taking on the world. I watched it through my 20s. Kinda fell off at the end but they definitely captured some magic for awhile.
7) Newsradio - Phil Hartman was a genius and I miss him. This is also the most normal Andy Dick probably has ever been and his talent was on display. Great cast and great chemistry. Very underrated.
8) King of Queens - Jerry Stiller goes from one great show to another. Kevin James and Leah Remini (yummy) play off each other wonderfully. Still watch the reruns almost every day.
9) Scrubs - Another show that has held up well over the years. Now that NBC let them go it looks like ABC picked them up. That's a sign that there is still some life left.
10) Will & Grace - Great fast-paced writing. Always funny. A cast that really cared about each other.
Honorable mention: Wings, Growing Pains, Night Court, Fresh Prince, Saved by the Bell, Arrested Development, Cosby Show, Mad About You
1) Seinfeld - There is no other sitcom in history with more memorable lines and characters - both regular and non recurring
2) M*A*S*H* - OK, not a true sitcom...more of a dramedy. The writing on this show was well ahead of its time and the characters endure on a deeper level than most. This show had something to teach us.
3) Cheers - The show felt just like the bar. You always felt at home when it was on. Great cast and great consistency over time.
4) The Office - This one will likely climb up the list a bit if it can stick around longer. The mockumentary format is original to US television. It's been fun to see a mostly unknown cast use this vehicle to launch their respective careers.
5) Family Ties - It will always have a special place in my heart as Alex P Keaton was the perfect role model for a young Republican such as myself. I grew up with this show and that brings back good memories.
6) Friends - This show came along during the end of my college years which was perfect timing given the young characters that were taking on the world. I watched it through my 20s. Kinda fell off at the end but they definitely captured some magic for awhile.
7) Newsradio - Phil Hartman was a genius and I miss him. This is also the most normal Andy Dick probably has ever been and his talent was on display. Great cast and great chemistry. Very underrated.
8) King of Queens - Jerry Stiller goes from one great show to another. Kevin James and Leah Remini (yummy) play off each other wonderfully. Still watch the reruns almost every day.
9) Scrubs - Another show that has held up well over the years. Now that NBC let them go it looks like ABC picked them up. That's a sign that there is still some life left.
10) Will & Grace - Great fast-paced writing. Always funny. A cast that really cared about each other.
Honorable mention: Wings, Growing Pains, Night Court, Fresh Prince, Saved by the Bell, Arrested Development, Cosby Show, Mad About You
Monday, December 1, 2008
Breaking News
Our benchmark index, the Russell 2000, was down 10.7% today. Yes, today.
Overall, this was the 7th worst day in the history of the market.
Hope everyone enjoyed their "mental break" over the holidays. Because it sure doesn't last long in this environment.
History in the making...and not in a good way.
Nothing really surprises me anymore.
How long till Christmas again?
Overall, this was the 7th worst day in the history of the market.
Hope everyone enjoyed their "mental break" over the holidays. Because it sure doesn't last long in this environment.
History in the making...and not in a good way.
Nothing really surprises me anymore.
How long till Christmas again?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)