The Snarky Files - Euripides' Views on the Week (April 16)

Republicans and Democrats alike showed up at Tea Parties to protest wasteful government spending.

The Snarky Files. Snarky means several things. I prefer the definition of "sharply critical." Here's my take on some news stories this past week. No real news here, just snark.

Tea'd Off
Thousands of protesters gathered across the US on tax day to protest wasteful government spending, high taxes, President Obama, and whatever else folks are frustrated with about government. The protests drew some media attention (not enough, quite frankly) and a whole boatload of snark from those who opposed the idea. One of the "big" stories of the week was CNN's and MSNBC's insistence on using and reusing the word teabagging as a sexual innuendo to make fun of, in their eyes, a bunch of wacko right wing protesters.

"I've never seen anything like it," [Brent] Bozell, [president of Media Research Center] said. "The oral sex jokes on (CNN) and particularly MSNBC on teabagging ... they had them by the dozens. That's how insulting they were toward people who believe they're being taxed too highly." (FOX News)

It's really no wonder that CNN and MSNBC consistently rank lowest in news media polls. Anyone at all can see the bias and contempt these folks have for anyone who doesn't wholeheartedly agree with them. If the jokes weren't sophomorish enough, politicians also suffer from the insanity of picking on conservatives.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) blasted "tea party" protests yesterday, labeling the activities "despicable" and shameful." (The Hill)

Despicable? Shameful? How dare people voice their opinion against government! Hey conservatives in Illinois! Wake up and figure out what your representative thinks about you.

Cover Up
White House staff asked Georgetown University to cover up the name of Jesus that appeared on a stage where President Obama gave a speech. (CNS News) Apparently Obama, nor his staff wanted the televised speech to have any symbols that would (choose one): a) connect Obama with Christianity; b) connect Obama with any religion whatsoever; or c) upstage the media concept that Obama is the Messiah.

Rights
Texas Governor Rick Perry sponsored a bill (HRC50) that supported states' rights over federal rights under to the 10th Amendment to the US Constitution.

"I believe that our federal government has become oppressive in its size, its intrusion into the lives of our citizens, and its interference with the affairs of our state," Gov. Perry said. "That is why I am here today to express my unwavering support for efforts all across our country to reaffirm the states' rights affirmed by the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. I believe that returning to the letter and spirit of the U.S. Constitution and its essential 10th Amendment will free our state from undue regulations, and ultimately strengthen our Union." (Drudge)

While nothing will really come of this gesture - since the 10th Amendment was basically defenestrated by the Civil War - I appreciate the sentiments. Perhaps if enough states and enough people hold tea parties, the federal government will get the idea and stop abusing its power.

Not likely, but as Frederick Douglass said: “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.”

Stick It to the Rich
Obama's tax plan promises lower taxes for the poor and middle class and higher taxes for the rich. Is this a wise idea in our failing economy?

"Not only are America's wealthiest suffering the largest losses in nearly a century, but the IRS will be seizing what little resources they do have left in record time," [National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson] said. (Reuters)

I know the left-leaning liberals are fairly salivating to stick it to the rich by raising taxes. What happens when the rich run out of money? Raising taxes in a bad economy effects everyone - rich and poor.

Kudos
Congratulations go to the Navy Seals who rescued US Captain Richard Phillips from Somali pirates. Sometimes carrying a gun and knowing how to use it can produce the desired results.

Pizza
President Obama liked a restaurant's pizza so much, he flew the chef 850 miles to the White House to make some. (The Sun) Rank apparently does have its privileges. I wonder if Obama sprang for first class fare? I also wonder if Obama deducted the cost off his taxes as a business expense?