Paul Ryan, Public Enemy Number 1

Remember the face of Representative Paul Ryan, pictured at left. His picture should be plastered on post office walls for his egregious $3.5 trillion budget, which passed the House Thursday. Only 10 Republicans crossed party lines to vote against it, making the total 228-191.  Beware, average Americans! This budget contains deep cuts in programs aimed to improve the life of the nation's citizens.





As an example, Ryan's so-called "Path to Prosperity” plan slashes money from Medicare and Medicaid, programs that provide health care to the elderly and poor, leaving Ham on Wry to wonder Prosperity for Whom? His plan includes provisions for Medicare eligibility age to increase over time beginning in 2023 from 65 to 67. In the future, the government would provide assistance for seniors to purchase private health-insurance plans or choose to enroll in current fee-for-service model. Seniors would most likely pay more out-of pocket health-care costs when the spending cuts in the plan kick in.

Ryan's plan also slashes money from food stamps, condenses the tax codes to two levels, 10% and 25% for individuals--including those earning above $1million per year, reduces corporate taxes, and also targets federal employee pensions systems. Ham on Wry can't help but wonder if members of Congress are included in the proposed pension cuts.  

Fortunately, this plan has no chance of passing the Senate; however, voters should be paying close attention to its contents. Ryan has no interest in preserving the intent of the Preamble to the Constitution, which states, "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." The founders charged citizens to establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, and promote the general welfare, among other things, because citizens ARE the government.

Ham on Wry encourages readers to fully inform themselves before the next election, because in this blogger's view, Paul Ryan and most of the House Republicans are enemies of average citizens and seek to place greater financial burdens on the middle class. This election year requires all people of voting age to take their responsibilities seriously and inform themselves about candidates by reading a variety of viewpoints and avoiding TV political ads and forwarded, erroneous e-mails to form opinions. The Republican Party has morphed into something that Ronald Reagan wouldn't recognize. He would never support the Ryan budget because the cuts are applied disproportionately to the nation's most vulnerable citizens. Ryan, along with all the Republicans who voted for the budget, should hang their heads in shame.

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Police Video Raises Doubts About George Zimmerman's Version of Killing Trayvon Martin in Self Defense

Ham on Wry purposely chose the photo of Trayvon Martin's parents at left because the police video of George Zimmerman in handcuffs is grainy and was taken four hours after the shooting. His parents. Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton, are left without a son and the constant agony of looming doubts over what actually happened February 26 when Trayvon was killed.





Every nuance of this case is being examined with great scrutiny by the media and people who are interested in the findings from the investigations being conducted by the Department of Justice and the FBI. All who follow this case are entitled to their opinions about the shooting of Trayvon Martin, but it is incumbent on them to recognize that opinions aren't facts. Eventually, the investigations will end, and the conclusions will be announced. Only then will we have a clearer understanding of what transpired the day Trayvon died after George Zimmerman shot him. Until that time, it is wise to pull back a bit, allow the parents to grieve, and wait. No matter what conclusions one draws from the information played across TV screens, on videos, and through social media, the most important part of this investigation will determine whether George Zimmerman will be arrested as a possible murder suspect. We mustn't lose sight of that and make it a racial issue, if, instead, it was an overzealous, self-appointed defender of the neighborhood who acted beyond any authority or threat to this life.

Many mistakes have been made thus far, so the public must allow authorities time to identify the pieces of the puzzle and present it as a whole. Perhaps then, Trayvon's parents can find some measure of peace and move on.

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Leaked Information Clouds the Central Issues of Trayvon Martin Case

The killing of Trayvon Martin is fast becoming a media circus and has devolved into a case touting competing accusations of bad behavior. Trayvon attended high school in Miami, FL, and was suspended for having a baggie with traces of marijuana and a marijuana pipe in his possession. He had previously been suspended for writing graffiti on school property. Trayvon was visiting his father in Sanford during his suspension when he was killed February 26, 2012. Police reports recently released state that George Zimmerman, who killed Martin, was found with a bloodied nose and a wound on the back of his head. Zimmerman's version of what happened included details about Martin jumping on him and smashing his head to the ground.

George Zimmerman has made 42 calls to 911 in his eight years as a Neighborhood Watch volunteer. When he called 911 to report Trayvon Martin as a suspicious person, the dispatcher inquired if he was following the suspect. When Zimmerman answered in the affirmative, the dispatcher replies, "We don't need you to do that." Zimmerman was carrying a gun, which violates the training of formal Neighborhood Watch groups, although his group was not registered. Volunteers are trained to observe and report but not pursue. Details have also emerged that Zimmerman assaulted a police officer in 2005 and was arrested in a domestic violence case in 2007.

What do all these accusations mean in relation to the shooting of Trayvon Martin?  Absolutely nothing. No matter what either of them had done in the past, Trayvon's killing still needs to be investigated on its own merit and should have begun on February 26th, when it occurred. Martin isn't alive to tell his side of the story, and witnesses have given varied accounts of what happened. This isn't unusual.  If you've ever heard witnesses describe a car accident, no two tell exactly the same story.

All of the hype and speculation does not aid the investigation. Zimmerman is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law if he's arrested.  We must allow the Department of Justice and the FBI to gather evidence and finish their investigation.  When that occurs, we will have more fact-based information on which to determine what really happened.

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Afghan Victims' Families Paid $50,000 for Each One Who Died

The United States Military provided the relatives of 17 people killed in a shooting rampage by a US soldier in southern Afghanistan compensation for their losses Sunday at a private ceremony in the Kandahar provincial governor's office. The relatives received approximately $50,000-some reports state that the amount is closer to $46,000-for each person who died and $11,000 per injured person. No explanation was offered as to why the number climbed to 17 from the original number given of 16 dead.


These payments far exceed the usual payments made to civilians whose relatives are killed in military operations there, but the United States. hopes it will help to mend the damage the shootings caused. In Afghanistan, demands for speedy justice exist, and under Islamic law, diya, the offer of blood money common in the Afghan culture, can mitigate against revenge on the perpetrators of violence. Often a death sentence will be commuted to imprisonment if relatives agree to accept payment.

U.S. investigators now believe that Army Staff Sergeant Robert Bates left the base twice to commit the murders. After his first attack, they theorize that he returned to base and later sneaked out to kill again. Friday, he was formally charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder in connection with a nighttime raid on two remote Afghan villages. In all, nine children and eight adults were murdered during the pre-dawn hours on March 11.

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Obama Comments on Trayvon Martin's Killing

Haraz Ghanbari/AP photo

President Obama responded to a reporter's question about the Trayvon Martin case Friday, saying, "Obviously, this is a tragedy. I can only imagine what these parents are going through. And when I think about this boy, I think about my own kids. And I think every parent in America should be able to understand why it is absolutely imperative that we investigate every aspect of this, and that everybody pulls together -- federal, state and local -- to figure out exactly how this tragedy happened.”

His final comments touched this blogger more than any words previously spoken. He aimed the message at Trayvon's parents and stated, "If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon. And I think they are right to expect that all of us as Americans are going to take this with the seriousness it deserves, and that we're going to get to the bottom of exactly what happened.” With those words, he captured the feelings of parents everywhere who worry every time a teenager leaves of their sight.

Florida Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Biondi have finally appointed Angela Corey as a special prosecutor, after the sitting prosecutor Norman Wolfinger recused himself. It took almost four weeks and the glare of the national spotlight for them to act. Ham on Wry invites readers to draw their own conclusions about why the prolonged delay in taking action occurred.

Although George Zimmerman, the man who shot and killed Trayvon, claimed that the 17-year-old attacked him so he killed him in self defense, this case should have raised immediate concern because Trayvon was carrying only a can of soda, some Skittles, and a cell phone, which was knocked out of his hands at the time of the incident. Was Zimmerman attacked with a pop can or did Trayvon throw Skittles at him? Common sense and reason dictate that the killing should have been investigated. The police department in Sanford has some explaining to do, but, now that the news has spread around the country, perhaps justice will be served.

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Sanford Sheriff Steps Down Temporarily to Ease Tension

AFP photo

Sanford City Manager Norton Bonaparte, Jr. announced that police Chief Bill Lee, Jr. will temporarily step down amid the growing furor over his failure to arrest George Zimmerman in the killing of Trayvon Martin. He added that he hoped this action would restore order and expedite the legal process in the case.

Chief Lee told reporters, "It is apparent that my involvement in this matter is overshadowing the process. Therefore, I have come to the decision that I must temporarily remove myself from the position."

Chief Lee also said that he couldn't arrest Zimmerman because the Stand Your Ground Law prevented him from doing so, since no evidence existed Trayvon Martin wasn't killed in self defense. Ham on Wry doesn't buy that. In watching this story unfold on various media forms, I heard Zimmerman call in to report suspicious activity, and when the person speaking to him asked, "Are you following him?" Zimmerman responded in the affirmative. The person at the other end said, "We don't need you to do that." Perhaps I'm missing something, but when a person in authority tells a Neighborhood Watch volunteer not to follow someone and he does, shouldn't that be reason enough to at least investigate the case thoroughly?

If Stand the Ground precludes such an investigation when someone unarmed is killed, then the law should be struck from the books. Americans don't live in the Wild West, and the statistics about guns used in crimes are alarming. Most often, the person with the gun is not using it defensively, and, instead, has the intent of harming someone with no means of defense. Perhaps for the sake of calm, police should place Zimmerman in protective custody, until the Department of Justice and the FBI have completed their investigation.

Ham on Wry will not proclaim this a racially motivated shooting, unless the facts support it. However, this blogger feels that it was a stupid, senseless act of violence. Nothing in evidence leads to the conclusion that Trayvon Martin threatened George Zimmerman in any way. In fact, the cell phone recording of his call with his girlfriend indicates exactly the opposite. Ham on Wry can say the the Feds will examine all evidence thoroughly.

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Justice Department Investigating Trayvon Martin's Shooting

George Zimmerman, a self-appointed watchman in a Sanford, Florida community, shot and killed Trayvon Martin February 26th.  That's a fact. The circumstances surrounding the incident aren't quite so clear.  Zimmerman claims he shot the 17-year-old in self defense and local police did not arrest him or investigate the crime, citing Florida's Stand Your Ground Law. Ham on Wry would attempt to explain the law; however, it makes no logical sense to me, so, readers can research it online. Essentially, the law permits the use of deadly force in self-defense, and, as a result, justifiable homicide cases have risen 335%, since it was passed in 2005.

Ham on Wry will not discuss the law in-depth because that truly isn't the issue here. The issue concerns what Sanford police consider self-defense. Trayvon Martin was unarmed and attempting to reason with his pursuer when he was shot. An attorney for Martin's family held a news conference Tuesday and offered cellphone records that he claims prove Martin was talking with his girlfriend at the time he was confronted in the gated community where he was killed. Zimmerman said that he feared for his life in confronting Martin and fired on him to protect himself.

I say, "What?" Zimmerman was taller and far heavier than Martin, and I find it difficult to fathom how he could have feared for his life from an unarmed teenager causing no problems. He could have also wounded Martin rather than killing him. Finally, after a three-week delay, the Justice Department has stepped in to investigate the case. The FBI has also been summoned to probe the facts surrounding Martin's death, and state attorney Norm Wolfinger of Seminole County, where Sanford is located, announced Tuesday that he will take the case before a grand jury next month.

It's about time! Despite the Stand Your Ground Law, Sanford police should have investigated immediately after receiving notification that a teen had been killed when no crime had occurred prior to his death. I understand that the neighborhood had experienced crimes which might have caused Zimmerman to be suspicious, but he killed a person without determining whether the kid had any kind of weapon. That begs the questions about why Florida passed Stand Your Ground, but I'll leave that for a possible future post.

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Shooter Kills Four at Jewish School in Toulouse, France

Erik Cabanis/Getty Images

Violence rocked the Ozar Hatorah Jewish School in Toulouse, France, when a lone gunman arrived on an expensive motorcycle, dismounted, and callously killed four people Monday morning. The shooter walked into the school’s courtyard and murdered a rabbi and his two sons, three and six. The school director's 8-year-old daughter was also killed. Before escaping on his motorcycle, the assassin shot another student, who was taken to the hospital in critical condition, . 






French President Nicolas Sarkozy, pictured above at the microphone, said that the same gun used in this crime was used to kill four soldiers last week in the same area. A witness reported seeing the gunman using a second weapon in today's killing spree. Sarkozy labeled the shootings "a national tragedy", and vowed,  "Everything will be done to find out who is responsible and to make him pay for his crimes. Hatred mustn't win.” 

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Mitt Romney Wrong on Gas Pricing

Getty Image

Mitt Romney, seen at left in his infamous "mom jeans" called for President Obama to fire Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson Saturday, because he stated that they had been chosen to raise gas prices and will no longer serve their collective purpose, since President Obama now wants lower gas prices. Poppycock, Mr. Romney!



When was the last time Mr. Romney purchased his own gas to give him a frame of reference? Romney might have done well at Bain Capital, but,  he has apparently forgotten how gas prices are determined, or perhaps he never understood the process because he made so much money that gas prices didn't appear on his economic radar screen. 


The largest percentage of gas cost is set by crude-oil suppliers, the oil-producing nations, of which OPEC is the largest. They determine the cost of a barrel of oil which eventually determines gas prices at the pump in part. Add to that the cost of refining oil, transporting it, taxes (local, state, and federal), and increases added by gas stations, and it provides a means to calculate how much a gallon of gas will cost. Have you heard of the Straits of Hormuz, Mr. I'm just an average guy and I'm wearing jeans to prove it? The only difference between Romney and most others who buy gas lies in the fact that most Americans don't have offshore accounts and don't have someone buying gas for them. Mitt Romney bears little resemblance to an average guy. One would think that someone raised in Michigan would understand all about the price of  gas, but, if he did, he wouldn't blame Obama and his cabinet members for the increase. 


The only gas he understands is that which emanates from his mouth while he boasts of his magnificent accomplishments. What Have You Done for Me Lately? comes to mind. He hasn't discussed his term as Governor of Massachusetts much on the campaign trail. I'll leave it to readers to determine why.

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The Case Against Staff Sgt. Robert Bales--Should the Army Have Deployed Him Again?

The U.S. Army has named Staff Sergeant Robert Bales as the lone suspect in the murder of 16 Afghans last Sunday. The 38-year-old father of two was flown to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, Friday, where his is being held in solitary confinement until charges are brought.


Bales' first deployment to Iraq occurred in November 2003, where he spent a year on duty. His unit returned  to Iraq in June2006, and he spent another 15 months on duty there. During that time, he was stationed in three different areas of Iraq., At this last station in Baqubad, his unit suffered major casualties. His final tour of duty in Iraq began in September 2009 and lasted for a year in an area of heavy insurgency.  During one of his deployments, Bales lost part of his foot in battle. Bales went to Afghanistan in December 2011with the 3rd Stryker Brigade, based out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, south of Tacoma, Washington.

Information about his background revealed that he had a few skirmishes with the law and had some anger issues, but does that explain his heinous act? I don't think so. He acted alone in killing innocent Afghans as they slept, but the Army bears some responsibility in this situation. Bales had two years between his second and third tours of duty, but his fourth and final deployment occurred 15 months after the third, and he purportedly asked the Army not to send him there. The United States military must seriously examine the wisdom of sending soldiers into battle so many times without intense scrutiny of their mental state. We can''t afford to face the backlash for what has been happening in Afghanistan of late.

The world has seen images of soldier urinating on dead bodies, Afghan citizens killed by mistake in drone attacks, and now this. We must exit that country as fast as possible and allow the people who live there to determine their fate. No amount of training will turn the tide this time. Return our troops and civilians in harm's way to the United States before another tragedy unfolds.

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Karzai Wants NATO Troops Out of Afghan Villages

Scott Olson, Getty Images

President Hamid Karzai demanded that NATO Troops confine themselves to major bases by next year, thus removing them from the rural villages of Afghanistan in his discussions with Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. Karzai also called for Afghan troops to take responsibility for the country's security in 2013, a year ahead of the planned exit strategy, saying, "Afghan security forces have the ability to keep the security in rural areas and in villages on their own."

Anger against the United States mounted in Afghanistan after the U.S. flew the soldier suspected in killing 16 Afghan civilians to Kuwait Wednesday night instead of keeping him in the country. Karzai listened to Afghan lawmakers express their outrage about the situation and decided to accelerate the withdrawal of NATO troops in response.

Defense officials admitted that Mr. Karzai’s declaration sharply contrasts with American goals of training the Afghan security forces and conducting counterinsurgency operations  Adding to the bad news, the Taliban announced that it was suspending talks with the United States.

This news does not bode well for the likelihood of success for the exit strategy currently in place. As frequent readers know, Ham on Wry believes that U.S. military forces should leave the country as fast as possible. Many members of our armed forces have served several tours of duty in either Iraq or Afghanistan or both, a fact that contributes to high levels of stress, battle fatigue, and a host of psychological problems.

Ham on Wry completely understands that the purpose of staying until 2014 is an attempt to ensure the Taliban will not regain control of the country. If the people of Afghanistan don't want Taliban rule, they must find a way to stop it from occurring and establish the kind of government they do want. No amount of force can make that happen unless Afghan citizens support the outcome. It's time to rethink our strategy, despite President Obama's and Prime Minister Cameron's combined statement Wednesday. Enough troops have lost their lives or suffered traumatic injuries already.

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Rick Santorum-Seriously?

AP Photo

Ham on Wry purposely placed Santorum's picture on the left, because he is certainly not "right" for our country. Even though he won in Mississippi and Alabama, I have faith that common sense will eventually eliminate him as a candidate for President of the United States. The photo shows him holding a piece of shale as he spoke at the Gulf Coast Energy Summit Monday, where he claimed that Global Warming is a liberal myth.




He explained his view by stating,"The dangers of carbon dioxide? Tell that to a plant, how dangerous carbon dioxide is." Now there's an intellectual view of a complex problem. Santorum has obviously missed the alarming footage of large pieces of glaciers breaking off, polar bears standing on small pieces of ice wondering where to go, and the migration of penguins who no longer have breeding grounds. He probably hasn't followed the concerns of many small island nations who fear they will slip underwater entirely as the water level rises from the melting glaciers. Perhaps his concern about birth control dominates his time to the extent that he has little time left for studying global issues carefully.

A liberal myth? Hardly. The vast majority of the world's scientists believe global warming is real and has tragic consequences if appropriate actions aren't taken to mediate the effects already noted. One can easily find vast amounts of evidence to support the claim that we must reduce fluorocarbons. In fact. 189 UN members have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol, but the United States has not. Santorum is out of touch with global issues, I can't imagine him in a G8 conference, sitting next to Angela Merkel, my litmus test for candidates running for President.

The United States can not afford to consider someone who is so insular and short-sighted as Santorum has revealed himself to be. He seems like a nice guy, but we live in complex times and must have a leader who can align with our allies and not pander to an ultra-conservative view that places our country in jeopardy. Voters who choose a candidate on social issues rather than on an entire platform make a huge mistake, causing great risk to America. As citizens of the United States, we abide by a constitution that places responsibility on an informed citizenry to elect those who govern us. That means reading information from all sides before voting and ignoring forwarded political messages that have single-minded agendas. That would eliminate Santorum for consideration as the Republican nominee.

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U.S. Soldier Reportedly Kills 16 Afghans

Afghan views covered bodies of victims, Photo I Sameen/EPA

Tragedy struck in the area near Kandahar, Afghanistan Sunday when an American soldier purportedly left his base and killed 16 people, 9 of whom were children.  The shootings occurred in the villages of Alkozai and Najeeban. The suspected killer has been arrested, and Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta has launched a full-scale investigation. Upon hearing the news, President Obama called Hamid Karzai and expressed his condolences. Karzai called the killings "unforgivable."


For those readers who want more details about the incident, ample numbers of news stories abound on the internet. Ham on Wry embarks now on commentary about the American presence in Afghanistan. I have no idea what motivated the soldier to kill innocent Afghans, but I do know that no reason can excuse the act.  Clearly, the time has come for an immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops and civilians from Afghanistan.

This beleaguered nation has been fraught with war for so many years that its citizens don't know who to call "friend." I understand that many government officials feel this isn't the time to leave Afghanistan because of the political implications for that region. They're wrong. This most recent episode isn't just an "error" that can be dismissed and eventually forgotten with an apology. Americans in that country might as well have a bulls-eye painted on their bodies because all of them will now be targeted, soldier or not.

Senator McCain will probably not agree, but those who don't think we should place any more Americans in harm's way will understand my call for withdrawal. This country must carefully evaluate its involvement with military actions other than those provoked by a direct attack on our country. McCain spouts rhetoric about taking the lead in Syria. I say now is the time for reasoned judgment and not bombastic talk of more fighting overseas. It isn't worth the cost in lives lost on either side.

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Super Tuesday Results

Ethan Miller/Getty Images, Brian Snyder/Reuters, Joe Raedle/Getty Images,Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Tuesday's race for delegates produced the following results. Mitt Romney won Alaska, Idaho, Massachusetts, Ohio, Virginia and Vermont; Rick Santorum took Tennessee, Oklahoma and North Dakota; and.Newt Gingrich has Georgia, the state with the most delegates, in his column. Ron Paul trailed behind in all 10 states.

With a total of 1,144 delegates. Romney leads with 361 delegates. Santorum in second place trails Romney with a total of 112 delegates; Gingrich has garnered 80 and Ron Paul 24. Just under half the delegates still remain in the race for the Republican nomination, and Ron Paul has little chance of a victory.

Ham on Wry wrote an earlier post about Ron Paul and believes he is the only one of the four that has stated his position clearly without wavering.  He might gain traction by running as an independent because it's clear that none of the Republican hopefuls have overwhelming support. This blog predicts that Paul will drop out of the race by tomorrow.

None of the nominees seem to grasp the importance that global issues should take on the political stage, instead opting for attacks on one another and spending time on social issues that have no place on their platforms. What a disappointing lot!  If this is the best the Republicans have to offer, it clearly illustrates a party divided and in disarray. All the better for President Obama.

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John McCain Calls for US to Bomb Syria

Senator John McCain urged the United States Monday to lead air strikes on President Bashar al-Assad's military forces, assailing President Obama as having too passive a response to the atrocities there. Ham on Wry would like to see the Syrian's plight ended, too, but not by bombing the region. The United States doesn't need to put one more American military person in harm's way in the Middle East without provocation against us. Our country can't possibly quell all of the atrocities that exist in the world today.

Why hasn't Senator McCain called for the United States to use military strikes in Sudan and other war-torn regions of Africa? We have watched for years as innocent people in that area starve to death and are mercilessly attacked by ruling forces. The United States has long championed freedom for persecuted populations. It's time for other nations to spearhead action.

We need leaders who consider all ramifications of military options, something that President Obama's. predecessor George W. Bsuh did not do when he ordered the attack on Iraq. The times has come to recognize that if the countries that border Syria don't help, getting rid of al-Assad's regime doesn't provide a solution to the overarching questions of what happens after that.

With the nuclear threat looming in Iran and so many unstable governments in the Middle East, the United States must use caution in where it sends our armed forces. You're wrong on this one, Senator McCain.

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Rush Limbaugh's Apology Fails the Sincerity Test

Ham on Wry is publishing the text of Rush Limbaugh's apology so readers can judge for themselves whether it has a ring of truth and will follow with comments below.


"For over 20 years, I have illustrated the absurd with absurdity, three hours a day, five days a week. In this instance, I chose the wrong words in my analogy of the situation. I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke.
I think it is absolutely absurd that during these very serious political times, we are discussing personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress. I personally do not agree that American citizens should pay for these social activities. What happened to personal responsibility and accountability? Where do we draw the line? If this is accepted as the norm, what will follow? Will we be debating if taxpayers should pay for new sneakers for all students that are interested in running to keep fit?


In my monologue, I posited that it is not our business whatsoever to know what is going on in anyone's bedroom nor do I think it is a topic that should reach a Presidential level. My choice of words was not the best, and in the attempt to be humorous, I created a national stir. I sincerely apologize to Ms. Fluke for the insulting word choices."


Again, I must take issue with a man who would consider calling Sandra Fluke a slut and a prostitute an attempt at humor. In fact, he originally used the name Susan Fluke, which shows how little effort he put into research. He also decries the fact that she discussed "personal sexual recreational activities before members of Congress." WRONG! Her testimony had nothing to do with her sex life, and he has the unmitigated gall to ask, "What happened to personal responsibility?" Why don't you answer that, Rush? What happened to responsibility to your second wife? Seems you met your third wife on the internet long before your second marriage ended. Rush Limbaugh has no interest in fact. His only intent is to hurl insults at people and make money from his rants.

The backlash against his diatribe has cost him three sponsors so far. Frankly, I hope all remaining sponsors pull their ads. He has every right to speak his mind, but he crossed a line Wednesday. If he's going to cite something as fact, he should at least check the record to make certain he's accurate. He obviously cares about taking responsibility for the drivel that he regurgitates. Women of America, join me in telling Rush Limbaugh we're not buying what he's selling.

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Rush Limbaugh-No Friend to Women

What a fitting pose above for someone who disrespects women and plays to the basest of his audience's instincts! Why this vitriol-spewing misogynist has an audience mystifies me. Wednesday, he referred to Sandra Fluke, a third-year Georgetown University student, as a slut because she advocated for the inclusion of birth control pills in health care insurance plans. His choice of vile language reveals a man whose sole intent is to rile his viewers.

Well, Mr. Limbaugh, what do you call a man who buys Viagra or any other erectile dysfunction drug using taxpayer money? Do you also think that he should be derided as you did Sandra Fluke.To imply that she should post a pornographic video because she gets paid for sex is more that a stretch. It's an absolute assault on women who take family planning seriously. So, I ask again, what name do you apply to a man who gets paid, according to your distorted logic, to perform sexually with taxpayer money.

And, by the way, did you use taxpayer money to purchase pain prescription drugs legally, while, at the same time you were buying other pain medications on the black market? What a total waste of taxpayer money that was!

Limbaugh is the worst example of a talk show host that exists today. The best way to show him our displeasure is to stop buying products from companies that sponsor his show. Probably most of the people reading this don't listen to him, but, if you do, stop. He doesn't deal in facts. He tries to fan the fires of hatred and is an enemy of reasoned judgement. He is truly despicable and a woman's worst enemy. If you doubt that, research the facts on his first three failed marriages. He is now married to his fourth wife. Limbaugh doesn't fit the profile of a positive role model.in any way. His mouth grows bigger with each rant and will soon consume his face.

Shut up, Rush and stop bashing women just because they don't agree with your perverse philosophy of life!

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Blunt Amendment Fails in the Senate

J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Hooray and hallelujah! Sanity has prevailed in the Senate by a vote of 51 to 48. All 50 Democratic senators voted against the bill, joined by a lone Republican, Olympia Snow, who has announced that she will not seek another term in office because of the bitter, partisan politics that dominate Congress presently. Good for you, Senator Snow! We'll miss the only moderate Republican voice.

Women, we now know who stands with us, and who is trying to dictate laws that narrow women's choices. The Senate Republicans should hang their collective heads in shame. Women will remember this affront.

As the bill's sponsor, Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri deserves a special kind of scorn and a tongue lashing from his female constituents. As for Ham on Wry, Blunt deserves no additional space in this post. If it were left to me, he would be voted out so he wouldn't have a chance heap his narrow-mindedness on us again.

Ham on Wry has much more to write on this topic, but for now, let's all rejoice in the fact that women will have an option to use birth control offered by their health care plans. Notice I used the word option. No one can force a woman to use birth control. It's a choice every woman must make for herself, based on her beliefs. Fortunately, the Democrats understand that principle and don't want to take away the choice because some people object.

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