I think the Republicans need to start explaining their plan and letting people know where their numbers come from and why the numbers are important. If they want to bring spending back to 2008 levels (pre-"stimulus"), then explain why that's important and what that does long term. They need to come up with agreed upon numbers and just continue to parrot the numbers and the plan.
Eventually, they'll end up like Chuck Schumer - and I admit that's an unfortunate side effect. I think he wakes from sleep in the morning and the instant his head leaves the pillow he shouts, "They want a shutdown!"
What is the Republican version of this? It needs to be simple enough that it can be explained on TV in 2 minutes without graphs so that even Chris Matthews can understand. I don't think he'll get a thrill up his leg, though.
If a report from the local elementary school stated that the moon was made of green cheese and unicorn tears and Buzz Aldrin said it was not, the State Dept would no doubt also say that both were, "independent and credible."
Why isn't the WH Press Secretary being asked about this every day?
I think this is a two-part problem - you've accurately identified the first part; somehow this has to register on the radar. When it does, though,and people realize how serious it is there doesn't seem to be anything which can be done. What can I do about this issue? I can't go and join the protests, can't give money and don't really see where I can make a meaningful contribution.
I would love to see all of the dictators in that slice of the world run out of town on a rail, but I think it's going to take brave people doing what has been done in Tunisia and begun in Egypt.
The one area that still puzzles me, though, is why no one has come up with a way for the protestors to circumvent government restrictions and shut downs of social media like Twitter and Facebook. I'm not sure it's technologically possible, but this seems like a tangible way to make a contribution.
I lived in Catania, Sicily for the past 2 years and recently moved to Naples. My friends down in Sicily said it was quite the show - small amount of ash spread on the streets and cars, but nothing horrible. As long as Etna is doiing something to relieve the pressure everyone breathes easy. With the way Naples has built up around Vesuvius, though, a significant eruption would cause major problems here.
Re: Why Can't Boys Like the Color Pink?
It's both alarming and off-putting that he has polish on and that it is pink. Why must we continue to try and feminize boys?