Congress convenes with Dems in power

[pilferk]

I am curious to see the speech tonight and the Dems reaction.

IF his speech contains what all the news outlets are reporting it will,I think we can predict that.  Outrage.  Indignation.  Anger. Disappointment.  But an explanation in tomorrows paper, on tomorrows news casts, and on every news web site on the planet, that there is precious little they can do to force the CIC into a direction more to their liking....short of holding up funding which they won't do because they don't want to put our troops in any more danger than they are, already.

[Drew]

Are the Democrats thru giving "thank you's" to each other yet?


If so, I would really like to see the Democrats stop the Mexican invasion of illegal immigrants into the U.S. and deport those who are in this country illegally. And also crack down on those employers who hire illegals and fine them enormously.

[SLCPUNK]

Breaking CNN: House passes minimum wage raise 315 - 116.

Up to $7.25, over two years.

[SLCPUNK]

Internet Freedom Preservation Act is introduced

By WILLIAM TRIPLETT

WASHINGTON -- Democrats, who all but sank major communications reform legislation in the previous congressional session over the issue of so-called 'Net neutrality, marked the first day of the new Congress by introducing a bill that will mandate 'Net neutrality, which is intended to guarantee the equal accessibility and flow of content over the Internet.

The Internet Freedom Preservation Act, sponsored by Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), "would ensure that broadband service providers do not discriminate against Internet content, applications or services by offering preferential treatment," according to a statement by Dorgan.

Without a federal mandate for 'Net neutrality, Dorgan said, broadband providers could be "gatekeepers capable of deciding which content can get through to consumers, and which content providers could get special deals, faster speeds and better access to the consumer."

The bill "marks another step toward ensuring the fate of the Internet lies in the hands of its users and not the hands of a few gatekeepers," Snowe said in a statement. "The tide has turned in the debate between those who seek to maintain equality and those who would benefit from the creation of a toll road on the Internet superhighway."

Last year, the GOP-controlled Senate tried to move a massive communications reform bill that included changes to national video franchising rules. Democrats tried but failed to attach a 'Net neutrality amendment to the bill while still in committee. While some Republicans supported their effort, Democrats took the lead in threatening a filibuster should the bill come to a floor vote without any provisions for 'Net neutrality. As a result, the bill never made it to the floor.

Legislation requires broadband service providers to operate networks in a nondiscriminatory manner, while leaving them free to protect the security of the network or offer different levels of broadband connection to users.

Consumer groups hailed the bill. "This bill will help ensure that consumers will continue to enjoy the competitive and affordable services that broadband has brought them and that big telecommunications companies cannot use their networks to hinder consumers' access to those services," said Jeannine Kenney, senior policy analyst at Consumers Union, in a statement.

Opponents of 'Net neutrality say a federal mandate is a solution in search of a problem "that doesn't exist," said Peter Davidson, Verizon senior VP for federal government relations.

"Most policymakers will focus on how to increase broadband deployment, and wonder how 'Net regulation advances that goal," Davidson added. "It's ironic that this bill is introduced at the same time the Consumer Electronics Show is filling the news with broadband-enabled innovations. There is a disconnect between consumers' desires for new products and services and the stifling effects of this bill."

Both the Motion Picture Assn. of American and the Recording Industry Assn. of America declined to comment on the bill. Officials at the MPAA have said that member companies are still split over whether 'Net neutrality will be good or bad for business.

Co-sponsors of the bill include Dem Sens. John Kerry (Mass.), Barbara Boxer (Calif.), Tom Harkin (Iowa), Patrick Leahy (Vt.), Hillary Clinton (N.Y.) and Barack Obama (Ill.).

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117957029.html?categoryid=1064&cs=1

[Perfect Criminal]

Are the Democrats thru giving "thank you's" to each other yet?


If so, I would really like to see the Democrats stop the Mexican invasion of illegal immigrants into the U.S. and deport those who are in this country illegally. And also crack down on those employers who hire illegals and fine them enormously.

You got the wrong group in control to see this.  The Dems don't have any interest in stopping the invasion.  They will probably want to increase welfare to them.   

[-Jack-]

Internet Freedom Preservation Act is introduced

By WILLIAM TRIPLETT

WASHINGTON -- Democrats, who all but sank major communications reform legislation in the previous congressional session over the issue of so-called 'Net neutrality, marked the first day of the new Congress by introducing a bill that will mandate 'Net neutrality, which is intended to guarantee the equal accessibility and flow of content over the Internet.

The Internet Freedom Preservation Act, sponsored by Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), "would ensure that broadband service providers do not discriminate against Internet content, applications or services by offering preferential treatment," according to a statement by Dorgan.

Without a federal mandate for 'Net neutrality, Dorgan said, broadband providers could be "gatekeepers capable of deciding which content can get through to consumers, and which content providers could get special deals, faster speeds and better access to the consumer."

The bill "marks another step toward ensuring the fate of the Internet lies in the hands of its users and not the hands of a few gatekeepers," Snowe said in a statement. "The tide has turned in the debate between those who seek to maintain equality and those who would benefit from the creation of a toll road on the Internet superhighway."

Last year, the GOP-controlled Senate tried to move a massive communications reform bill that included changes to national video franchising rules. Democrats tried but failed to attach a 'Net neutrality amendment to the bill while still in committee. While some Republicans supported their effort, Democrats took the lead in threatening a filibuster should the bill come to a floor vote without any provisions for 'Net neutrality. As a result, the bill never made it to the floor.

Legislation requires broadband service providers to operate networks in a nondiscriminatory manner, while leaving them free to protect the security of the network or offer different levels of broadband connection to users.

Consumer groups hailed the bill. "This bill will help ensure that consumers will continue to enjoy the competitive and affordable services that broadband has brought them and that big telecommunications companies cannot use their networks to hinder consumers' access to those services," said Jeannine Kenney, senior policy analyst at Consumers Union, in a statement.

Opponents of 'Net neutrality say a federal mandate is a solution in search of a problem "that doesn't exist," said Peter Davidson, Verizon senior VP for federal government relations.

"Most policymakers will focus on how to increase broadband deployment, and wonder how 'Net regulation advances that goal," Davidson added. "It's ironic that this bill is introduced at the same time the Consumer Electronics Show is filling the news with broadband-enabled innovations. There is a disconnect between consumers' desires for new products and services and the stifling effects of this bill."

Both the Motion Picture Assn. of American and the Recording Industry Assn. of America declined to comment on the bill. Officials at the MPAA have said that member companies are still split over whether 'Net neutrality will be good or bad for business.

Co-sponsors of the bill include Dem Sens. John Kerry (Mass.), Barbara Boxer (Calif.), Tom Harkin (Iowa), Patrick Leahy (Vt.), Hillary Clinton (N.Y.) and Barack Obama (Ill.).

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117957029.html?categoryid=1064&cs=1

Net neutrality is a great idea.

I don't need the internet turning into the mobile phone industry.

"ONLY TIME WARNER CABLE ALLOWS YOU TO BROWSE ON MYSPACE!" ect.

Cause thats what their trying to stop right?

The internet should always be a free place man...

[The Dog]

Breaking CNN: House passes minimum wage raise 315 - 116.

Up to $7.25, over two years.

Its about time...

But THANK GOD the rich people got all those tax breaks b/c they REALLY needed them you know 

[The Dog]

Are the Democrats thru giving "thank you's" to each other yet?


If so, I would really like to see the Democrats stop the Mexican invasion of illegal immigrants into the U.S. and deport those who are in this country illegally. And also crack down on those employers who hire illegals and fine them enormously.

You got the wrong group in control to see this.? The Dems don't have any interest in stopping the invasion.? They will probably want to increase welfare to them.? ?

yeah, having control of congress for a few days - i mean, how come they haven't addressed this yet?? Too busy with the minimum wage and corrupt congress, and 9-11 commission implementations and this thing in Iraq or something....

 The last congress had 6 years and a repub in the white house and they did TONS to battle illegal immigration....oh...wait.

they didn't do much of anything did they?

[SLCPUNK]

yeah, having control of congress for a few days - i mean, how come they haven't addressed this yet?? Too busy with the minimum wage and corrupt congress, and 9-11 commission implementations and this thing in Iraq or something....

 The last congress had 6 years and a repub in the white house and they did TONS to battle illegal immigration....oh...wait.

they didn't do much of anything did they?

You are acting like flag burning and Shiavo media attention wasn't getting anything done. Give them some credit.

[Bill 213]

Whoa guys wait.....don't forget the giant chain link fence they were going to put all the way across the Mexican/American border......that would have been incredible and would have stopped a trillion people going across it.........oh wait, I'm being naive again!

[The Dog]

yeah, having control of congress for a few days - i mean, how come they haven't addressed this yet?? Too busy with the minimum wage and corrupt congress, and 9-11 commission implementations and this thing in Iraq or something....

 The last congress had 6 years and a repub in the white house and they did TONS to battle illegal immigration....oh...wait.

they didn't do much of anything did they?

You are acting like flag burning and Shiavo media attention wasn't getting anything done. Give them some credit.

You're right, I fogot how important Shiavo was.

pop quiz folks...

which of these events made Bush fly back to DC while on vacation?

 a) warned a month before 9/11 that Osama was determined to attack America.
 b) terror alert raised to red after the discovery of a plot to bomb ten American airliners.
 c) to sign a law to "save" Terry Schiavo?

[SLCPUNK]

pop quiz folks...

which of these events made Bush fly back to DC while on vacation?

 a) warned a month before 9/11 that Osama was determined to attack America.
 b) terror alert raised to red after the discovery of a plot to bomb ten American airliners.
 c) to sign a law to "save" Terry Schiavo?

hehe, I can tell you which ones he did not.

[Prometheus]

was it option C?

[The Dog]

was it option C?

DING DING DING DING DING!!!!

you win 2 more years of a lame duck president! Congratulations! 

[Prometheus]

oh god please dont bring that freacking threads back to life on that.... i was ready to fly in a shoot her myself... just to shut people up

[Perfect Criminal]

Breaking CNN: House passes minimum wage raise 315 - 116.

Up to $7.25, over two years.

Its about time...

But THANK GOD the rich people got all those tax breaks b/c they REALLY needed them you know?

The rich people are the ones driving the economy.  People making minimum wage are not growing our economy.  When you give tax breaks to the rich, it stimulates the economy in a huge way.  I never understand when people get mad at tax breaks for the rich.  Hell they pay a huge percentage of the overall income tax in the country already.  I forget the number, but it's a huge percentage.  The rich deserve tax breaks just as much or more so than the poor.  It's because of them that our economy thrives.

[Perfect Criminal]

Are the Democrats thru giving "thank you's" to each other yet?


If so, I would really like to see the Democrats stop the Mexican invasion of illegal immigrants into the U.S. and deport those who are in this country illegally. And also crack down on those employers who hire illegals and fine them enormously.

You got the wrong group in control to see this.? The Dems don't have any interest in stopping the invasion.? They will probably want to increase welfare to them.? ?

yeah, having control of congress for a few days - i mean, how come they haven't addressed this yet?? Too busy with the minimum wage and corrupt congress, and 9-11 commission implementations and this thing in Iraq or something....

 The last congress had 6 years and a repub in the white house and they did TONS to battle illegal immigration....oh...wait.

they didn't do much of anything did they?

Like this congress will find out, it's hard to implement a plan when the other side opposes it.  If the republicans (and democrats for that matter), had no opposition, they could and would implement change on the border.  But neither side sees eye to eye so it doesn't get done.  The liberals won't get anything done on the mexican invasion either. 

[SLCPUNK]

The liberals won't get anything done on the mexican invasion either. 

Is that what your eight ball says?

[Drew]

We won't be able to count on this jerk for helping with illegal immigrants! 

Massachusetts governor says police won't arrest illegal immigrants




By GLEN JOHNSON, Associated Press Writer Thu Jan 11, 3:03 PM ET


BOSTON - Newly elected Gov. Deval Patrick said Thursday he is rescinding a month-old policy imposed by his predecessor that allowed state troopers to arrest illegal immigrants.

The Democrat said he is replacing it with a program to deport convicted criminals serving time in state prisons.

Patrick said the shift would free troopers to focus on gun, gang and drug crimes, while removing illegal immigrants after they complete their sentences.

"I think that strikes the right balance between our responsibility to assure public safety and our responsibility to respond to the concerns about illegal immigration," he said.

Former Gov. Mitt Romney, who is considering a bid for the Republican presidential nomination, announced just before leaving office that the state would allow state troopers to enforce federal immigration laws.

No one had been arrested under the program, the result of an agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, since the troopers had not completed their training.

Under the new initiative, a dozen Correction Department employees will review the status of convicts and consider them for deportation.

Public Safety Secretary Kevin Burke said the State Police worried that their expanded duties would take time away from their central law enforcement duties and compromise troopers' ability to gather intelligence and solve crimes in immigrant communities.

Burke estimated there are 700 illegal immigrants in state custody.

Patrick said if prisoners are determined to be illegal immigrants, "they're out of here" after they complete their sentence.

ICE has signed similar agreements with correction officials in California, Florida and Arizona.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070111/ap_on_re_us/massachusetts_immigration

[The Dog]

Breaking CNN: House passes minimum wage raise 315 - 116.

Up to $7.25, over two years.

Its about time...

But THANK GOD the rich people got all those tax breaks b/c they REALLY needed them you know?

The rich people are the ones driving the economy.? People making minimum wage are not growing our economy.? When you give tax breaks to the rich, it stimulates the economy in a huge way.? I never understand when people get mad at tax breaks for the rich.? Hell they pay a huge percentage of the overall income tax in the country already.? I forget the number, but it's a huge percentage.? The rich deserve tax breaks just as much or more so than the poor.? It's because of them that our economy thrives.

oh please, they keep the cash for themselves.  have you read about the insane bonuses these CEOs are getting?  either they are getting paid or the stock holders are.  Trickle down economics is bullshit and you know it Flagg.

and who is talking about tax breaks for the poor?  Its the middle class who gets fucked in the ass.