Uppity Wisconsin

This photo is not from today's meeting, but it speaks volumes about Gen. Stanley McChrystal's attitude toward the President. Camouflage fatigues are hardly the uniform of the day in the Oval Office. They seem more like a clear sign of disrespect or one-upmanship.

Sooner or later, that catches up with you.

The Washington Post highlights Timothy Geithner’s past efforts to monitor the selling of “financial instruments known as credit derivatives”.

But the prevailing regulatory culture prevented much in the way of real reform. Say Robert O'Harrow Jr. and Jeff Gerth:

“Geithner defended his tenure as New York Fed president in an interview last week. He said he had been "deeply concerned about risk in the system" and worked assiduously behind the scenes to cajole banking institutions to do more to identify weaknesses and protect the financial system. But he also took some responsibility for falling short.”

Update II: House passes Obama stimulus bill 244-188.

President-elect Obama and Congress should charge forward, think big, and run roughshod over Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky).

McConnell is the main obstacle now between enacting a progressive public policy in multiple spheres, promising obstruction and more of Bushism.

Now is not the time for the prevent defense.

That’s a football metaphor for a defensive posture intended to protect a lead that usually allows opponents to rack up yardage and score points, often resulting in losing a game. [My boyfriend tells me football has changed somewhat, but this metaphor still works].

Update III: History of the Filibuster and Cloture - Great for those who seem believe that we just cannot survive without this relic from the 1850s. 
 
Update II: Thank you William Greider: Stop Senator No, Senate Dems should disable the rule that gives Mitch McConnell a virtual veto over anything he wants to kill. Advocating the filibuster defies reason.

Update: Bush is acting now, good for him.

The take-away from last night is: Kill the filibuster.

At this moment when a depression is facing the American people on the heels of two historic elections and Democrats' huge majorities in the House and Senate, are we going to let the antiquated filibuster halt needed legislation next session?

Southern Republican senators [Bush seems to be a non-actor] would throw the country into a depression to lower the wages of workers and break unions.

Here's what a mandate looks like from the global community, courtesy The Newseum.

Too bad they don't go back to the front pages of newspapers November 2, 2004, but I did find this. Most state "Kerry Concedes," or show the electoral map results. What a contrast.

I'm sure others have beat me to this, but I just remembered all the hullabaloo about how the 2004 presidential election was a proven mandate for Bush to lead this country. Remember this?