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RNC Chairman Michael Steele addressed C-PAC yesterday, offering his audience the curious new talking points that many conservatives are using to explain the economic legacy of the man they staunchly supported over the past eight years, George W. Bush. Via CNN:
"Tonight, we tell America that Republican values, conservative values, are right for America," he said, admitting that the party has made some mistakes. "Tonight, we tell America: we know the past, we know we did wrong. My bad. But we go forward in appreciation of the values that brought us to this point."
To much applause, Steele attacked the Obama administration's recently-passed stimulus package, calling it "nothing short of frightening." He said conservatives must use the political moment to re-assert their belief in a set of basic principles: limited government, freedom, opportunity and the ability of the free market to "create, innovate and prosper." Minnesota Representative Michele Bachmann, who was moderating the session at which Steele delivered his remarks, was ecstatic at what she heard, exclaiming "Michael Steele! You be da man!" Apparently she is taking the GOP's whole Hip-hop makeover thing to heart. H/T to David Knowles at Political Machine
In the first hour, I was joined by Rick Moran of RightWing Nuthouse, talking about the CIPAC Convention in Washington DC. Also, President Obama announces his multi-TRILLION-dollar budget. And, the Facebook phenomenon.
In the second hour, I was joined by Father Jonathan Morris, Fox News Vatican analyst, for Church Chat, talking about the observance of Lent. Also, a visit with Mary Keane, of KFAQ's Keane Ideas, heard LIVE Saturday mornings at 11:00 AM, talking about how the stimulus plan will help homebuyers.
In the third hour, I was joined by Fox's John Gibson, talking about some changes for his show and for KFAQ listeners. Also, a visit with Oklahoma Senator Tom Adelson, talking about the autism bill.
Online Links From Today's Show
Rick Moran's Blog
Father Jonathan's Blog
In the first hour, I talked about the dangers of helium. Also, an American Idol Update. And, the state is debating whether to force insurance companies to cover autism.
In the second hour, we were joined by US-NAVY Lt. Gregory Flores, LIVE from Baghdad, with this week's installment of Iraq - The Real Story. This week, the results of the elections. Also, a visit with Barbara Payne, talking about the New National Tea Party event going on in Tulsa tomorrow.
In the third hour, more about the autism debate. Should Oklahoma force insurance companies to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism?
Online Links From Today's Show
Multi-National Force Iraq Website
The New American Tea Party Website
if you're a member of Facebook, do an event search for Tea Party Tulsa for more information.
Democrats want ED impact statement
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Oklahoma Senate Democrats said they are amazed that some insurance companies pay for treating erectile dysfunction, while denying coverage for autism.
All 22 Democrats in the 48-member Senate signed a letter on Wednesday asking for a cost savings analysis in the event lawmakers barred insurance companies from covering ED if they refuse to cover the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.
The letter was sent to Bill W. Crain, administrator of the Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board.
"It is our understanding that insurance companies will pay for you to buy Viagra but they won't cover treatment for autism," said Sen. Charles Laster of Shawnee, Democratic minority leader.
"We just think it is bad policy that insurance companies get away with covering such nonessential things as treatment for ED and yet they are being protected for having to provide treatment for autism," he added.
He said he was sure many would argue that ED treatment is not nonessential "but from a public policy standpoint, I think it is pretty minor when compared with the thousands of kids out there with autism."
"It's just a discussion of priorities. Is health coverage for ED more important than coverage for autism?" added Sen. Tom Adelson, D-Tulsa, former state secretary of health. Read the rest HERE
During an interview on CBS' "Early Show" on Wednesday, Vice President Joe Biden told viewers to check out a website but admitted he was embarrassed because he couldn't remember the site's "number."
Biden wanted people to check out the government-run website tracking stimulus spending but didn’t have the “website number.”
Moments later he gave the name of the website, Recovery.gov after he was reminded of the proper address.
THE VIDEO
Story
64% SAY THEY'VE BEEN HURT BY RECESSION
A new survey found that: one in three Americans have sustained a job loss or pay cut within their own household, and three-quarters of the public say it's happened, if not at home, then to a close friend or family member.
The ABC News/Washington Post poll also shows nearly half of Americans, 46 percent, are worried that someone in their household will lose their job in the next few months. Even more, 52 percent, are concerned about a cut in pay or work hours.
Given those fears, 67 percent say they're cutting back on their spending, with 31 percent cutting back "sharply". Nearly half are concerned about being able to make their rent or mortgage payments, up 9 points since December. And fewer than half are confident in their resources for retirement; nearly one in four, not confident at all.
Story
Louisana Gov. Bobby Jindal delivered the Republican response to President Obama's address, last night.
He took on the massive stimulus package and big government -- and pledged that his party would regain the nation's trust.
Gov. Jindal said, "In the end, it comes down to an honest and fundamental disagreement about the proper role of government".
"We oppose the national Democratic view that says the way to strengthen our country is to increase dependence on government. We believe the way to strengthen our country is to restrain spending in Washington, to empower individuals and small businesses to grow our economy and create jobs."
He added, "In recent years, these distinctions in philosophy became less clear -- our party got away from its principles. Tonight, on behalf of our leaders in Congress and my fellow Republican governors, I say this: Our party is determined to regain your trust".
Story
President Obama spoke about the economic challenges in his first address to a joint session of Congress.
He said the economy will recover and the nation will rebuild, and overall, struck a more optimistic tone than in recent speeches.
IN SHORT:
~~"We will rebuild, we will recover".
~~Obama's budget priorities are energy, health care and education
~~Obama says budget will pay for more soldiers and Marines
President Obama said the solutions to current problems already exist in laboratories, universities and factories across the country, and that "those qualities that have made America the greatest force of progress and prosperity in human history we still possess in ample measure."
"What is required now is for this country to pull together, confront boldly the challenges we face, and take responsibility for our future once more".
"It is time for America to lead again."
Source 1
Source 2 with VIDEO LINKS
IF YOU CARE TO NITPICK OBAMA'S SPEECH....
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