Wonderful article by Scott Calvert in the Baltimore Sun about Maryland gay couples flocking to DC to marry in the wake of Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler's legal opinion that gay marriages would be recognized in his state. Maryland resident Lisa Polyak's simple words sum up most of my feelings:
"I wonder when people are going to get past what is holding them back from saying we deserve simple equality(?)"
(Hat tip to Dr. Snickerdoodle.)
It is going to be a real nail-biter: Congress votes today on Health Care Reform. The Boston Globe reports that abortion remains a contentious component, but it looks like the special gimme to Nebraska is out. I'm still not clear on whether the new tax on so-called "Cadillac plans" will still be there. You will recall that this new tax has really upset labor unions. Anyone out there who knows more clearly about this one-please comment or contact me.
Stay classy guys: The Washington Post has some good coverage of the ugly protest that took place yesterday when teabaggers spit on Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver and called him a nigger. They also called Rep. Barney Frank a faggot, but refrained from spitting.
Special Volcano Porn for Wicker Parker: 450 people have been evacuated from an area 100 miles southeast of Reykjavik, Iceland because a volcano is shooting its wad like a frat boy on a date.
(I'm not sure who took the above picture or which volcano is shown. If you know, or if you are the owner of the copyright, please contact me and I will attribute or remove the picture immediately.
(Update: Photo by Patrick Gansler)
Lovely video of the Iceland volcano -- I bet even the locals cannot pronounce "Eyjafjallajokull" -- and I love the photo you posted of Tungurahua in Ecuador!
ReplyDeleteThe new excise tax on "Cadillac plans" does remain but is reduced considerably in the reconciliation bill so its impact is softened for all people with such plans and not just those in labor unions. To make up for the revenue shortfall vs. what was proposed in the Senate plan, individuals making over $200,000 per year, or couples making over $250,000 per year, will pay a 3.8 percent tax on unearned income, including dividends and interest. Seems like a fair way to do it to me. More here: http://www.webcpa.com/news/Health-Reconciliation-Bill-Adjusts-Taxes-53631-1.html
Congratulations to Jessica and Holly!
Oh, and here's a tweet from a reporter who witnessed what happened when anti-health care reform protestors denigrated Barney Frank:
ReplyDelete"lobby of Longworth *erupted* in laughter at the Frank incident. One shouter. Scores of people cheering him on."
http://twitter.com/brianbeutler/status/10795521237
Frank's response was that it makes him happy to make people like these unhappy. He ain't gonna be intimidated by nobody!