Mitch McConnell: We Must Rewrite The Constitution Because ‘Elections’ Haven’t ‘Worked’

Another indication that we deserve to demand that Mitch McConnell be tested for mental competency.


Mitch McConnell: We Must Rewrite The Constitution Because ‘Elections’ Haven’t ‘Worked’: pSpeaking on the Senate floor this morning, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) offered what may be the most concise summary of conservative constitutionalism ever spoken — America must rewrite the Constitution to force conservative outcomes because we the people consistently elect lawmakers who disagree with McConnell: The time has come for a balanced budget [...]/p

We Aren't All As Generous As President Obama

Dear Senator McConnell:

I respect President Obama for attempting to help you save face today. Truth is, though, that few of us are silly enough to believe that he agreed with you. We know you were forced to agree with him for once. How does it feel when someone you have treated do poorly always manages to be the bigger man?

Sandy

Your Basket Is Flimsy

Dear Senator McConnell:

Still think it was a good idea to put all of your rotten eggs in that flimsy "see that Obama is a one-term President" basket? For your sake, and the sake of your heartless party, I'm glad you did. For the sake of all the people you've hurt, it still stucks.

Sandy

Thanks For the Birthday Gift, Senator McConnell

Dear Senator McConnell:

In addition to an outpouring of well wishes, thoughtful gifts, my wonderful family delivering food and hugs - I've been giving the great privilege of watching your chickens come home to roost. I can't imagine a better birthday celebration. Thank you for that gift and I hope you are squirming as much as I'm enjoying this.

Senator McConnell's Victory

Dear Senator McConnell:

If you consider being an old, out-of-touch, despicable, hostage-taking, terrorist who cares nothing about his country or the people in it a victory, then you are victorious today. If you think the President's refusal to mention the pipeline project that was your latest tool in your game a victory, then I guess you are victorious today.

Congratulations on being one of the most disgusting people I've had the displeasure of being victimized by.

Sandy

I Love My President. Wish I Could Say the Same About My Senators.

Thus far the only legislator who has railed against the proposed order was Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). McConnell called the proposal an “outrageous and anti-Democratic abuse of executive branch authority,” and went on to say, “Just last year, the Senate rejected a cynical effort to muzzle critics of this administration and its allies in Congress.”

McConnell is working under the assumption that the draft order is an attempt to restrict free speech, but there is nothing in the order remotely resembling free speech violations. The exact wording of the president’s executive order says, “The Federal Government prohibits federal contractors from making certain contributions during the course of negotiation and performance of a contract.” There is no free speech issue and the order applies to union contractors as well as non-union contractors. There is no special dispensation of muzzles or prohibitions on political support; only certain contributions during negotiations and performance. Republicans must hate the idea of corporations like Halliburton or Koch Industries losing the ability to contribute unlimited money to legislators for special treatment in securing government contracts, especially no-bid contracts like the ones Dick Cheney’s company’s received in Iraq and Afghanistan. In lieu of veracity, McConnell accuses President Obama of muzzling critics and suppressing free speech when in fact, the order will bring increased transparency and accountability to the process of awarding contracts. Republicans made it their goal to increase transparency and accountability in government in the lead up to the midterm elections, so McConnell should be thrilled that President Obama is helping them achieve their goal.

With A Stroke Of His Pen Obama Strikes Back At Citizens United

April 21, 2011

By Rmuse

75% Constitutes THE American People

Senator McConnell:

Once again, you either don't understand or you lie. I'm guessing a little of each, which makes you unfit for your position. When the polls show that 75% of the people support something, you don't get to lie and/or pretend that you know better what they think.

The American People DO think it is time to tax the top 2%. Don't tell us what you "think" we want. Listen to what we tell you we want. The time you spent during break was only with your supporters, in private places. Don't pretend that you were out talking to the masses because that is not true.

This quote misrepresents me, a constituent, and 75% of the American people. You owe us an apology and an honest statement, in public.


“Yeah, these bills are designed on purpose not to pass,” McConnell asserted. “I mean, the president is deliberately trying to create an issue here. Look, the American people don’t think, I’m sure, that it’s a good idea. Four out of five of the so-called millionaires are business owners, over 300,000 small businesses in our country that hire people. I don’t think the American people think that raising taxes on business, small business in the middle of this economic situation we find ourselves in is a particularly good idea.”

What do you mean "so-called" millionaires? Are you implying that someone has suggested people who are not millionaires will be taxed as millionaires? What makes you think/say that? And why would you say that these bills are designed on purpose not to pass? That is not true. They were designed to pass and 75% of the people want them to pass. You chose to ignore 75% of the people to pursue your own agenda of obstruction and destruction.

You might think police, firefighter, and teacher layoffs aren't your problem now. I bet they will be your problem when re-election comes around.

Rest of the story and video here.

Sandy

Suggestion For Rand Paul

Dear Senator Paul:

If you can't sit still long enough to do your job, may I suggest that you follow the lead of Rick Perry's son? He quit his job to work his father's campaign. Of course, I will expect your mother to be more honest than Mrs. Perry, and not pretend that this puts you in the same boat as all the people who have lost jobs through no fault of their own.

I appreciate Senator Bennett's comments to you (see video below in case you weren't paying attention) and hope you will take them to heart.

President Obama Has Written Personal Checks to Letter-Writers In Need, Author Says

President Obama Has Written Personal Checks to Letter-Writers In Need, Author Says: In February 2009, ABC News was first to report on the 10 letters from constituents that the president is given each day. Culled from the thousands the White House Correspondence Office receives each day from Americans who have taken the time to sit down and...


Senator McConnell:

This article gives me one more reason to be disgusted with you. We all know that President Obama would be doing all he can to help every American who is in need - if it weren't for your obstructing, filibustering, taking this country hostage for your personal vendetta against President Obama (what is that about, anyway?). Knowing that he carries a heavy heart because of what you are doing makes me very sad. It also clearly shows that President Obama is a man of character and you are not.

Sandy

Last Straw, Senator McConnell

Senator McConnell:

Yesterday, after seeing this video, I was too angry to write.



How can you live with yourself after lying like that? President Obama owned the congress? Are you insane, or just the worst, hypocritical liar on earth? You, Senator McConnell, took this country hostage with your record number of filibusters. Yours is the party that keeps talking about personal responsibility yet I haven't met anyone in your party who actually does that or calls on you to do that. You are all hypocrites.

Today, I'm too angry not to write. You voted against protecting 400,000 jobs for teachers and first responders. You can never again pretend to care about jobs or about this country and the people in it. You have proven, beyond all doubt, that you care about none of those. You are a heartless, selfish, hypocritical liar - at best. We, THE American People deserve better.



Since all polls show that a large majority of THE American People support the American Jobs Act, and you are bound to know by now that your party has lost what little support you had, I have to wonder what you have planned. Surely, you aren't going to roll over so you must think something is going to happen to protect your party. What is it? Think you have suppressed enough votes? Rigged enough voting machines? Ready to call out your militias (I've kept a close eye on the Patriot [sic] and militia pages.) Something else? I don't expect an honest answer, just asking rhetorical questions so other readers will consider the possibilities.

And, then, you failed to thank President Obama for making wise decisions regarding Lybia. Add childish to the list of disgusting traits I attribute to you.

In case you haven't noticed, this country is awake now. Young people started the most wonderful movement and now they and others of all ages and stations in life are in the streets. We've had more than enough of your games and hostage taking and blackmailing. I am advising everyone to seek legal council and press charges against you and the Republican Party for endangering our lives. You might think you are protected but times - they are a changin'. People are ready to think outside the box, and to refuse to take NO for an answer, in which case, you have nothing left to say.

More disgusted with you than I've ever been,


Sandy

Open letter from Sherrod Brown

Open letter from Sherrod Brown and 10,636 (counting me) others.

Pass This Bill!

(Nothing dear about you*) Senator (in name only) McConnell:

I know I am wasting my time. You have demonstrated that you care nothing about this country or the people in it. You've stated repeatedly that your only goal is to hurt President Obama, regardless of the consequences to this country. You have failed to do your job, failed to listen to the people who have called, written, tweeted, and approached you on Facebook. You have done nothing but ignore and hurt us.

Still, I respect my President and will continue to do as he asks. I am writing today to let you know that I am disappointed and disgusted with your childish, destructive filibuster of the American Jobs Act. Once again, you embarrass all sane, rational, informed people of Kentucky. I ask you (knowing that it means nothing) to reverse your destructive behavior, to stop hurting the country and its citizens, and to stop embarrassing my state.

Sandy



*Calling on everyone to stop dishonest practices

Calling all Occupiers

“They’re on their iPhone made by Apple incorporated, they’re wearing designer jeans their parents bought for them, that’s the kind of stuff I’m annoyed with when they say corporations are evil – corporations are businesses.” Rand Paul

Will everyone who wore designer jeans to an Occupy event, and told Rand Paul our announced publicly  that their parents purchased their jeans please contact me. 

If I don't hear from anyone, I will assume he is talking out his ass, as usual.

Think their parents bought their designer jeans? 

Pass This Bill!

Senator McConnell,

I saw you crack a smile this morning as you tried to sell a line of bull on the Senate floor. Truth is, I know that you know that we all know it was a line of bull. You employed the crazy Turdblossom Politics again, where your party tries to accuse others of doing what you do. It's old, it doesn't work, and it's tiresome.

Since you weren't present to hear President Obama's speech today, I'm bringing it to you.



Please, stop the theatrics Pass President Obama's American Jobs Bill. Put people back to work repairing our bridges. 

Sandy

Cease and Desist, Senator McConnell

Dear Senator McConnell:

I’m back, Senator McConnell. The brain hemorrhage has healed and I have been cleared by the neurologist and cardiologist. Thanks to Medicare but much to the disappointment of your party, I am still alive and ready to address a few statements you made recently.

“The specifics we got yesterday (on the Obama proposal) only reinforce the impression that this was largely a political exercise,” McConnell said.

In case you have forgotten, Senator McConnell, you are a politician. Your job is politics. President Obama is a politician and his job is politics. You have demonstrated, repeatedly, that you do not intend to do your job and that your only intention is to see that President Obama has as hard a time as you can give him in doing his. He, on the other hand, has shown us that he is tireless, that he is respectful, that he cares about this country and this world, and that he refuses to let you keep him from doing everything he possibly can to do the best job for us despite your obstruction and your disgusting practice of taking this country hostage.

“For one, they undermine the president’s claim that it’s a bipartisan proposal -- because much of what he’s proposing has already been rejected on a bipartisan basis.” (More of your drivel.)

This is pure hogwash and you know it. Once again, I remind you that although your supporters may care absolutely nothing about honesty or facts, many of your constituents do care very much about both. I resent your constant misrepresentation of President Obama and of THE American people, and I resent your assumption that you can stand on the floor of the Senate and lie while representing me. That is not okay and I demand that you stop, immediately.

“The president knows raising taxes is the last thing you want to do to spur job creation,” McConnell said. “He’s said so himself. Yet that’s basically all he’s proposing here: temporary stimulus to be paid for later by permanent tax hikes, so that when the dust clears, and the economy is no better off than it was after the first stimulus, folks find themselves with an even bigger tax bill than today.”

The dust has cleared now on the false claims your party made that tax breaks for corporations and the wealthy would create jobs (in this country). Not only has the dust cleared, jobs have cleared out of this country into others, and you have totally redistributed the wealth of this country into the hands of a few people. Do you plan to admit and address this? Why, since your plan did not work, would you be opposed to trying President Obama’s plan? Is there any reason other than you want to see President Obama fail? And, would you please explain exactly why you want President Obama to fail, since his failure would harm this country? We, the citizens of Kentucky, deserve complete, honest answers to these questions, immediately.

The President does NOT know that raising taxes is the last thing we want to do to spur job creation although he probably knows it is the last thing you want to do, regardless of the devastating results your obstructing his plea to allow the Bush tax cuts to expire has had on this country. Again, you misrepresent allowing tax breaks to expire as a “permanent tax hike.” And now you shamefully state in public what you hope some fool will believe President Obama knows? Have you paid attention to anything he has said?

Now that I have watched you shirk your duties, I’ve rethought my criticism of those in your party who made childish statements regarding President Clinton being “our employee” and the White House belonging “to us.” Unlike your party, I do not believe I have any right to demand that you do nothing but work (with no under-the-desk multi-tasking) twenty-four hours of every day that you are in office. I do, however, believe that every citizen in this country (particularly those of us who live in Kentucky) has a right to expect you to listen to your President, know his positions, and speak honestly when talking about him and/or his positions. We have a right to expect you to read bills and comprehend them, and to seek assistance from honest, intelligent people when you are unable to comprehend them. We have a right to demand that you never again misrepresent a bill that your President or anyone in his party puts before you, or to lie when representing We the People. That is the job we pay you to do. If you are not capable, it is your civic and moral responsibility to resign.

Once again, I demand that every word you speak while representing me be honest. I will simply dislike you very much if you state honestly that you choose to be a partisan hack, and admit that you hate President Obama more than you care about this country. If you continue to lie while representing me, I will beef up my search for legal representation to serve you with a cease and desist order.

More sincere than you can possibly imagine,

Sandy

Quotes from Washington Post article, Hoyer, McConnell spar over Obama jobs proposal

By Felicia Sonmez

Letter to Senator McConnell from Betty

Dear Senator McConnell:

I urge you to support President Obama's jobs bill. You need look no further than the Sherman Minton bridge over the Ohio River to understand the serious nature of problems with our infrastructure. This can be multiplied many times over throughout the nation. I have read your floor statement and I do not agree with you that this is being done as a campaign issue. It is an issue that affects people all over the United States who need jobs and essential services. I urge you to put politics aside and work with President Obama to pass the American Jobs Act as soon as possible. Thank you.

Betty XXXXXXXXXXX

Leitchfield, KY

Shame

███─█─█─███─███─███─███──►On Boehner
█───█─█─█─█─█──█──█─█────►On McConnell
███─███─███─█──█──█─███──►On Cantor
──█─█─█─█─█─█──█──█─█────►On the GOP
███─█─█─█─█─█──█──█─███──►On the Tea Party
Leaders of domestic economic terrorism

McConnell plans to block jobs program. Says new spending will take us in the wrong direction

McConnell plans to block jobs program. Says new spending will take us in the wrong direction

Kentucky Miscellany - Public Policy Polling

Kentucky Miscellany - Public Policy Polling

Obama’s Approval Rating Amazingly Still Above 0% — Republicans Demand Investigation

Dear Senator McConnell:

Looks like you are failing at your only goal. I'm glad to see this.

Obama’s Approval Rating Amazingly Still Above 0% — Republicans Demand Investigation

Sincerely,

Sandy

Theatrics, Senator McConnell? You Deserve the Oscar.

Dear Senator McConnell:

Last week, I had what I believe to be a constructive conversation with Terry Carmack, your state director, to ask how those of us who oppose your views are to reach you, as requested by President Obama who is also YOUR President, no matter how much you try to ignore that fact. I had heard from constituents who were frustrated because your Kentucky offices turn them away, your Kentucky and Washington offices respond to letters with form-letter responses that clearly let them know you either did not read their letters or don't care what THE American People have to say and just want to insult them with Bushit rhetoric, and your phone lines were tied up at times.


Without suggesting that you would ever personally meet with us as our Democratic Representatives do, Mr. Carmack did promise to see us in small groups (due to space limitations and fear of large groups by your office staff) and to relay to you our message and how many people we represent with the message. He requested that we behave as "professionals" by making appointments ahead of time and by not approaching with signs and bullhorns. I assured him that I would adhere to these rules (although when carrying a bullhorn and posters, I am only doing so because I've come from a larger event, not because I am stupid enough to use a bullhorn indoors). My impression was that Mr. Carmack was as concerned with seeking a workable relationship as I was, and I appreciated his time and willingness to speak frankly.

In retrospect, I am concerned with a few buzz words/accusations Mr. Carmack used during our conversation. He suggested that the organization I represent uses "theatrics" and seeks media attention. I agreed that we do seek media attention, but explained that I, personally, seek positive media attention only to let like-minded people know that we represent their voice, since the Corporate-owned media does all it can to silence the voices of the majority in this country. Also, because I wanted to be fair and was afraid of projecting misplaced anger toward Rand Paul's "theatrics" onto Senator McConnell, I let that buzz word go without fully expressing my views.

Since then, I reviewed your comments, Senator McConnell, about "spirited" Republican responses (read: violent rhetoric, toting assault rifles to political events, etc.) and would appreciate hearing what you see as the difference between "spirited" and "theatrical" as it pertains to those who are seeking attention. As I see it, when your party seeks attention and gets "spirited", they tend to lie and do their best to assure that those who oppose them will be too afraid to practice their first amendment rights (e.g. You threaten to use second amendment remedies to combat our first amendment rights). My side carries words on cardboard. Big difference to thinking people.

I know it goes without saying, and is a hopeless request but I beg of you, once again: Please, STOP your dishonest, embarrassing, destructive THEATRICS. Examples:






Embarrassed for you and my state,

Sandy

Hillbilly Report:: Senator Mitch McConnell, Elaine Chao, Fox News, Heritage Foundation , U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Hillbilly Report:: Senator Mitch McConnell, Elaine Chao, Fox News, Heritage Foundation , U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Hillbilly Report:: Fancy Farm 2011 Senator Mitch McConnell And Elaine Chao Singing (Not) Our National Anthem Video

Hillbilly Report:: Fancy Farm 2011 Senator Mitch McConnell And Elaine Chao Singing (Not) Our National Anthem Video

Time Wounds All Heels, and, I Hope, Hostage Takers

Dear Senator McConnell:

At least you admit that you are a hostage taker. I appreciate this admission since it is also an admission that you are lying when you say you speak for THE American People. If you were speaking for us (which is impossible since your Louisville office doesn't allow us in and your Lexington office calls the police when THE American people show up to voice their opinions) you would not have to take us hostage to get your way.

"I think some of our members may have thought the default issue was a hostage you might take a chance at shooting. Most of us didn't think that. What we did learn is this -- it's a hostage that's worth ransoming. And it focuses the Congress on something that must be done."

-- Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), quoted by the Washington Post, on the debt ceiling negotiations.

World Reacts To Debt Ceiling Debacle: ‘Irresponsible,’ ‘Worst Kind Of Absurd Theatrics,’ U.S. Politicians A ‘Laughing Stock’

World Reacts To Debt Ceiling Debacle: ‘Irresponsible,’ ‘Worst Kind Of Absurd Theatrics,’ U.S. Politicians A ‘Laughing Stock’: "pOur guest blogger is Ken Sofer, special assistant with the National Security and International Policy team at the Center for American Progress. The rhetoric over raising the debt ceiling has become increasingly harsh as Democratic and Republican congressional leaders trade barbs back and forth. But as the U.S. inches closer to defaulting on its debts [...]/p"

The Sly McConnell Plan For Ending the Republican Created Debt Ceiling Crisis

Dear Senator McConnell:

On second thought, I do understand why you want to bypass Senator Reid and go directly to President Obama. (Note: understanding doesn't mean I condone.) When trying to understand you, it is necessary for me to consider how children think.

When my daughters were fifteen and four, the fifteen-year-old's name not-so-mysteriously appeared on the dining room wall. Since there were only three of us present in the house when this occurred, I knew I did not do it, and I was positive the fifteen-year-old would not have omitted one of the seven letters in her name, I was 99.9% certain the four-year-old was guilty.

You would be the four-year-old in this situation. Unfortunately, President Obama would be the parent who wanted to find some way for you to save face and, consequently, probably not learn enough to never try to pull something like this again. He would allow you to say, "My fifteen-year-old sister did not create this mess," instead of forcing you to admit that you did write on the wall.

I wish President Obama would finally recognize and admit to all of us the sad truth that you do not have our best interest at heart, that you are not his friend or a friend of the people, and that you are impossible to work with. I believe he owes us that honesty.

In my opinion, your plan begs permission to pretend you aren't doing what you are doing, and is as ridiculous as my example of stating that everyone else did not do something instead of admitting that you did. I am asking you to stop the insanity and do what is right for this country. In all ways that truly matter, it would also be what is right for you. Either sign a clean bill as you did when you were a Bush puppet, or let the Bush tax cuts go, because that is the only action that would truly be a fair compromise.

Sandy

Even the Children Are Disappointed In You, Senator McConnell

Dear Senator McConnell:

Who do you think you are? The amount of gall it takes for you to think that you can snub Senator Reid and demand to speak only with the President after you have done nothing but obstruct, lie, and ignore the people who have tried to contact you disgusts me.

I honestly believe you have demonstrated sufficient concern for “The American People” to demand that your mental competency be tested. We deserve to know if you are too sick to perform your duties or if you are simply a traitor. When you care more about a pledge to Grover Norquist or proving that you will sacrifice the will and best interest of the people for your personal vendetta against the President, I believe that makes you a traitor.

“The American People” have been unable to get through the phone lines to your office, although you and I both know that you will only lie and deny that you received calls from people who disagree with you. Same goes for writing, hence this blog. And trying to visit your Louisville office is a huge disappointment since they only allow two people each day to enter.

On Tuesday, after President Obama asked that we contact our representatives, I took my granddaughters with me to do just that. We went to Congressman Yarmuth’s office first, where the office staff welcomed us and allowed us to speak with Congressman Yarmuth via Skype. At ages 8 and 10, those little girls noticed that Congressman Yarmuth did not say everything some of the visitors wanted to hear, but that he kindly explained why and everyone left respecting him and understanding his position.

We then walked over to your office where the guard refused to let us enter. The ten-year-old wrote her first letter to the editor which was not printed but I include it here for you to read:


July 26, 2011

Dear Editor,

I am 10 years old, and just wanted to let you know that today I went with my grandmother and some other concerned citizens to some representatives’ offices* as the president asked. Before that we were holding some signs by a curb in front of Congressman Yarmuth’s office and got a few honks and waves, but the main thing starts after the sign holding. We went into Yarmuth’s office first but he was in Washington, so since we were in a group they Skyped him for us and we got to talk him on Skype. He listened to our questions and was polite and helpful. We talked to him for a while and then he had to go.

So after Yarmuth we went to McConnell. Now this is a very nice article . . . well at least until now. We went in and the first person had a folder pressed up against her chest and the court security officer said no signs allowed or megaphones. We left all of our signs and our one megaphone out in the alcove and went in. We didn’t tell him anything and he said only 2 people could go to the office (and Senator McConnell wasn’t even there!) if you’re in the same group and we never told him we were. We were from a lot of different groups, we told him we were from different groups but there for the same reason – because the President asked us to go. He thought we were crazy after that because he thinks it was the same thing as being in the same group. So we said okay we’ll go 2 at a time and he said no, 2 period. So we let 2 with letters go in, while we waited in the alcove because they wouldn’t even let us go through screening. I’m really disappointed that I haven’t even seen Senator McConnell in my life and I wish he cared enough to let us in his office.

Sincerely,
Fiona

• This Gramma’s heart swelled with pride when she saw the apostrophe after the ‘s’

We returned to your office on Friday, in a large group of people from many groups: KJWJ, MoveOn, Planned Parenthood, a peace group, a healthcare group, and some passers by who decided to join us . . .

My friend Minnie read a letter that she had written to you. I post it here for you to hear for yourself although I have no doubt you will totally ignore her message and continue your lies about “The American People” that you obviously do not know or want to know.

Minnie Gorin speaking at the "Don't Destroy the American Dream" rally

Love at First Sight, Tom Degan

These words about Mitch McConnell on Tom Degan's "The Rant" blog won my heart. So glad I found him and I'm anxious to read more.

"In fact you really have to scrape the bottom of history's barrel in order to find someone as thoroughly corrupt and as mean spirited our boy Mitch (and if you give me a month or two I might be able to come up with a name)."

Check out the full article here. WARNING: Scary picture

Jon Stewart mocks Sen. Mitch McConnell’s take on federal debt ceiling | Raw Replay

Jon Stewart mocks Sen. Mitch McConnell’s take on federal debt ceiling | Raw Replay

McConnell: Stopping Obama’s re-election still ‘single most important’ goal | The Raw Story

McConnell: Stopping Obama’s re-election still ‘single most important’ goal | The Raw Story

Everybody Knows

Dear Senator McConnell:

"Everybody Knows" works well as a title for this beautiful Engelbert Humperdink song.



It does not work to make me believe your lies, nor does it make me think I must be the only person who doesn't agree with you when I hear you use it. Instead, it makes me angry that you assume I can't see through your feeble attempts to fool the public. And your ignorant use of everybody knows is as annoying as your use of, THE American People as if you have the slightest clue what average Americans think or how we live. There is probably not anything that everybody knows so you look like a fool for saying it.

Now that I got that off my chest, I would like to talk about empowering grandma. THIS grandma just spent a week in an intensive care unit and learned how much she depends on Medicare. I would like for you to explain how being "empowered" to choose between a number of profit-making insurance companies that have already proven that they care more about profits than they do about providing services or keeping costs down will empower me in any way.

Please, for once, give details to support your rhetoric. So far, without any bills from the fourteen doctors who treated me, the cost of my hospitalization is about five years of my income. The hospital estimates that Medicare will pay 98% of the total. Please tell me which private sector insurance companies will offer the same for $96.50 a month.

Empowered by Medicare,

Gramma Sandy

Rand Paul should stop using MD (with or without the periods) behind his name

I've been a little remiss in declaring my adoration for Lawrence O'Donnell this past week. It isn't because said adoration faltered a bit, it was only because I was tied up in an intensive care unit where real doctors who choose to treat Medicare patients saved my life, and where I had no access to MSNBC. Thank you, Lawrence, for not letting this weasel slide. His ignorance is an embarrassment to the medical profession and his position a disgrace to my state.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Judge Refuses to Dismiss Charges Against Rand Paul’s Headstomper

Dear Senator Paul:

I have wanted to contact you regarding this incident since it happened but couldn’t contain myself to appropriate words until yesterday, when the microphones were in my face. Microphones scared me before last month when, at a rally for union workers, I realized no one else was going to deliver my exact message. The same thing happened yesterday in Lexington, at Tim Profitt’s hearing, when I wanted to speak to how this incident changed the political scene for all of us and, if justice is not served, will endanger all of us.

First, I am terribly disappointed although not at all surprised that you have said so little about this crime. I know it is difficult to say much when you start with a lie since everything you say after that confirms your dishonesty. However, there are times when swallowing false pride and coming clean makes things better in the end. This could be one of those times for you.

I’m sure it was easy to develop super-star mentality and that you might have felt like Michael Jackson or Barack Obama while in the national spotlight. After reflecting, you probably realize, as many of us do, how ridiculously inappropriate it was for you to entertain the idea that you needed to arrive at political debates with a full entourage, much less your own satire-squelching security team.

To be fair, my background left me totally unprepared for anything like what I witnessed in your campaign. As a child, I spent a great deal of time in Democratic Party clubs. My parents took me to political events and allowed me to work political campaigns with them. I grew up believing political participation was a safe, family activity. The politicians I knew and admired attracted sane people whose ideas of “family values” did not include getting together for target practice or threatening or hurting others. They did include helping others instead of begrudging anyone who had less, practicing instead of preaching. In turn, my children and grandchildren were interested in politics at early ages and I always knew – until you – that it was safe to take them to political events.

My twelve-year-old grandson was present for the first Conway/Paul debate. You might have noticed him – the well-dressed, well-behaved, well-informed, extremely handsome young man in the crowd. (I may be a tiny bit biased.) I was disappointed to see that there were not more young people interested enough to attend but realize now that interest might not have been the problem. Maybe other parents and grandparents knew what I didn’t about your crowd.

The disturbing part is that, had I not been too ill to attend myself, I would have brought my grandson and/or a granddaughter the night that I will continue to remind everyone about until you have made a public statement that eases my fears. I was very disappointed to discover that you knew enough about your dangerous supporters to think it necessary to bring your own security in addition to official police patrol at the event, and that you did not consider alerting the public to this fact. That is the only explanation since Jack Conway could walk his wife and daughter through Democratic events without fear, and since there were no head-stompings, no threats, no assault rifles, and no fear-inducing moments at any Democratic event I attended or any Jack Conway campaign office I visited, even though Rand Paul supporters infiltrated and tried to start trouble at times. Clearly, the violence and vile-intent was on your side.

Since you aligned yourself with the Tea Party/Annie Oakley Brigade faction of the Republican Party, and they openly threatened and intimidated throughout campaign season, I believe you owe Lauren Valle and your constituents an apology for your poor judgment at the time, and an honest statement about your abuse of power. I believe you owe the country and the first amendment an apology as well. Satire is NOT a stompable offense, nor is pointing out a truth or an opinion that a political candidate would rather the public not see or hear.

As a result of what you and yours caused that night, the fight against violence has taken a giant step backwards. Others would speak of this totally in gender specific terms but I prefer not to do so. Violence is not acceptable, ever, regardless of gender. I would be as angry if the victim of your poor decision had been a man. However, I will address the gender-specific disappointments I saw in the aftermath of what you created. Women who supported you, and who previously gave lip service to things like family values and a belief that there is never any excuse for a man to hit a woman, and who knew absolutely nothing about Lauren Valle and had no understanding of Republicorp jumped immediately to the defense of the man who held her down and the man who stomped her neck, and blamed her.

Senator Paul, this speaks very poorly of the critical thinking skills, the intelligence, and the honesty of your supporters. If you truly care about Kentucky and/or the United States, you will surely want to do something to educate these people. I believe a great first step would be to address this in a public apology to Lauren Valle, stating that there was no excuse for anyone to physically harm her and that you were wrong to bring in security on the implication that you feared this young woman. You must, at least, admit that a bad back and protection of you are pathetically unacceptable excuses for stomping a girl after she has been knocked to the ground and was obviously no threat to anyone. And you must explain why you, a physician, offered her no assistance.

I am very pleased that the judge refused to dismiss charges against Tim Profitt. It would be a dangerous precedent to excuse violence in the name of third party protection and fall guy rights in light of the cross hairs, assault rifles, second amendment threats, and intimidation factors employed by your party.

After you’ve addressed these matters, I am also anxious to hear your response to Lawrence O’Donnell.

Sincerely,


Sandy
(Although the media labeled me a MoveOn activist when airing my statements, my association with MoveOn has absolutely no bearing on the opinions stated above nor was I speaking for the organization in my interview.)

Ignorance Is No Excuse . . .

Ignorance is no excuse for Senator Rand Paul to mislead his constituents, nor is it an excuse for constituents to support a lying senator. With his record, there is no rational reason for anyone to believe a word that Rand Paul says. He has lied about so many things that a sane person would double check if he said his name is Rand Paul, and would not repeat a word he says until verifying claims like whether or not he voted on an issue (information that is available to all of us).

He lied about the Aqua Buddha situation, he lied about not knowing the man he hired to stomp a girl half his age and size, the man who is now trying to escape criminal charges because he believes he was justified in taking this action to protect Rand Paul from satire and truth. He lied about his positions when running for office, since they changed depending on the day and who he was speaking with. He lies. He lies easily and without conscience.

The citizens of Kentucky and of this nation do not deserve to have a liar in the Senate. Thank you, Lawrence O'Donnell, for calling him out on his lie this time. Please, continue to do so.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Thank you, Senator McConnell

Dear Senator McConnell:

Thank you for saying, "Many American People," instead of, "THE American People," this time.

I apologize for slacking on the letter writing and will catch up soon. Meanwhile, I will just share this video of you using the new phrase and say that I pretty much agree with everything Rachel Maddow ever says. In this case, IRAQ would not be the word I visualize flashing over your head, but I'm sure more people would see that word than the one I'm thinking.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Hope to finish busting the union busters and convince a few corporations to pay some taxes soon so we can catch up. (Please don't be offended that I have given up on you and joined the Many Americans who are taking matters into our own hands. I'd really like to see this done in my lifetime.)

See ya soon!

Sandy

Here's Something You Can Flush, Senator Paul

Warning to intelligent readers: This link takes you to a FOX page

GOP Senators Introduce National 'Right-to-Work' Bill to Restrict Unions

The language is confusing, but I'm sure it was planned that way. We all have a right to work, want a right to work, so you think people will be fooled when you attach the words "right to work" to your attempts to interrupt the rights that workers wish to have.

Not nice.

For those who feel as though they've been diving in Rand Paul's infamous toilet if they accidentally click on a FOX page, here's the gist of the story.

A group of conservative U.S. senators has introduced a bill to restrict unions from forcing workers to join and pay dues as a condition of employment.

Rand Paul is one of them.

Rand Paul Wants Government Hands Off His Toilet

In one of his most embarrassing moments yet (for those of us who have to admit that he is our Senator), Rand Paul discusses his great distress over toilet problems and says he has been waiting decades to discuss this problem. Apparently, he has to flush ten times and he blames the government. I think he should be more concerned with his diet. I think he probably admitted to the world that he suffers the same problem that afflicted John Wayne and Elvis, and as a physician he should have realized what he was saying.

In the spirit of compromise, however, I'm willing to ask the government to stay out of the senator's toilet as soon as he asks them to stay out of my uterus AND comes clean about the thugs he hired to stomp heads at the debate.

How Mitch McConnell Spent the Last Two Years

Bills Republicans have blocked, or attempted to block, since President Obama took office.

It MIGHT be safe to shop at Barnes & Noble today

I called and asked if they've hired extra security and the manager said they've taken "necessary security precautions." So I confirmed, "Then, you do realize that Rand Paul travels with dangerous head-stompers and you're prepared to protect your customers from him?" He said yes.

No one should trust my word on matters as important as public safety. The number is (502) 327-0410 if anyone else wants to confirm.

Proof That Conservatives Vote Against Their Own Best Interest

Dear Senators McConnell and Paul:

In case you missed Rachel Maddow’s show last night, I bring a clip of the segment that should excite the two of you. The American people have spoken. You will no longer have to guess what we are saying (and, consequently, misspeak for us). The results might surprise you but I will include a dot-point list of things you have been getting wrong that you can carry with you while you clear up the misconceptions people probably have as a result of your misspeaking for us.

* 81% of The American people polled are in favor of taxing millionaires more
* 68% want to let the Bush tax breaks expire
* 74% think we should cut the special breaks to oil/gas companies
* 77% Americans strongly oppose efforts to strip unionized government workers of their rights to collectively bargain

I believe, by Republican standards where you claim a mandate if you barely eek out a stolen or Supreme Court victory, and pretend you are ruling the country when people who were fed up with President Obama’s catering to your blackmailing and obstructing stay home and give you a majority in one of three branches, these are overwhelmingly, overwhelming stats that you can’t possibly ignore.

What will probably surprise you more than these poll results will be the demographics of the people polled. 36% of the participants identified themselves as conservatives and only 24% as liberals. That should make clearing up those misconceptions easier.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Happy to help,

Sandy

Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, Senator McConnell

"If we truly want to get our deficit under control, then we're going to have to cut excessive spending wherever it exists," said President Obama.

That means Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and defense."

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said, "Refusing to agree to even try to live within your means is extreme."

For once, I agree with you and disagree with President Obama. The problem is not excessive spending, it is not enough spending. Greedy people like you, Senator McConnell, and the banks, are sitting on the money. You keep talking about "living within means," yet refuse to explain why you aren't practicing what you preach.

When you fail to spend every cent you make like others must do in order to survive, you are living BELOW your means. That is far more disgusting than what you imply others are doing.

I've asked, several times, if you are living within your means, spending what you make in the United States, hopefully in Kentucky. But you never answer. Why?

Put your money where your mouth is; live up to what you ask of others. Explain what jobs you are creating with your tax breaks, and what you, personally, have given up before you ask others to give up the basics.

Shame on you. And on President Obama if he caves to your disgusting demands again.

What Muammar al-Gaddafi, Charlie Sheen, Scott Walker, and Mitch McConnell Have in Common

Dear Senator McConnell:

As I listen to the latest delusional ramblings of Muammar al-Gaddafi, Charlie Sheen, and Scott Walker, I remember the most recent letter I received from you and realize that the four of you are very much alike. All of you possess erroneous beliefs about yourselves despite evidence to the contrary.

Gaddafi insists that his people love him and will die to protect him, despite the fact that they are protesting in the streets, begging him to leave. Walker, even after being recorded proving that he is a dishonest snake, and while the citizens of his state protest and entertain thoughts of recall, still insists that he has the support of his people. Sheen insists he has cured himself while his face and words do little to support that claim. You, Senator McConnell, send letters like the one I include here, stating things that do not resemble truth or rational thinking. While my heart goes out to each of you, my loyalty must remain with the people who are being hurt by your megalomania.

I don’t understand why the media devotes so much time to the delusional ramblings of the other three without including you. I will alert them to their negligence, with this breakdown to explain my position.

Thank you for contacting me in regard to the United States Senate and our ability to accomplish important business.

Actually, I contacted you about your obstructing the Senate’s ability to accomplish important business. I’m sure ignoring that fact makes th’s job easier since s/he only has to type one letter, but you must realize that it is dishonest for you and frustrating for the many of us who write when you pretend you read the opposite of what we said.

I appreciate you taking the time to send me your perspective on this matter and I am happy to respond.

It is less than comforting to know that you are happy to frustrate me with your dishonesty.

There is no doubt that a majority of Americans are concerned about the direction of our country, and the impact present decisions will have for the future of our children and grandchildren.

There is plenty of doubt that a majority of Americans are concerned. Did you see how many voted in out last election? When is the last time you tried to initiate a conversation with strangers in your district? I can state with absolute certainty that I have done so more recently and more often than you do, and the majority don’t either don’t have a clue or don’t want to be bothered. Of the ones who are willing to discuss the important issues, many have listened to Republican talking points and do not have a clue. That leaves a definite minority of your constituents informed and concerned.

Having to correct the damaging misinformation that you, the Republican Party, and your talk-radio and FOX News [sic] friends spread makes it difficult for those of us who attempt to engage our neighbors in intelligent conversation and thoughtful resolutions, Senator, not to mention the many hours I have to spend explaining to my grandchildren just how your plan would leave them scrapping for an education, working for half the wages we made when I was young while everything will cost them four times as much because you want the money and the power for yourself. It also highlights your poor leadership since it is your job to deliver the truth.

At a time when Americans are buckling down and making tough decisions, I feel that Congress must address the issues that lay before our nation with common sense solutions that will ease the burdens of those suffering.

Speaking of buckling down and making tough decisions, have you decided yet when you will grace us with a list of things that you, personally, have buckled down and given up, and a list of jobs you have created with your tax break? I gave up social activities (that doubled as physical exercise) in order to eat, and the medication that tripled in cost so I can buy birthday presents for my grandchildren. Not sure how you guys decided that those of us depending on Social Security (warning to fans of the 401k: my retirement savings already went into the system, with penalty taxes for daring to become disabled before my time), didn’t need raises when the cost of everything we need (food, gas, rent, medications, health care) increased, but you were wrong. Very wrong.

From the very first days of this Administration, I have pledged to work with the Majority to find solutions to the nation’s many challenges.

How did your heart survive dictating these words?

Remember this? (I know, you’ve tried to back away and pretend you were misunderstood but we aren’t buying what you’re selling, Senator McConnell.)

MCCONNELL: The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.

McConnell added, “Our single biggest political goal is to give our nominee for president the maximum opportunity to be successful. … We need to work smarter than we did [in 1995], and not become the foil off which [President Obama] pivots.” In 1995, then-Speaker Newt Gingrich led a shutdown of the government, which many Republicans now acknowledge was a “serious mistake, tactically and substantively.”

You can’t pretend, Senator, that you have been concerned with the people’s business when we all heard you say that you were focused on political aspirations instead, and your obstructionism proved that our business and our welfare certainly took a back seat to your game of politics.

Since your political goal involves finding common ground with Rand Paul and the Tea Party, it would be in the best interest of all women, particularly those of us who already live with Kentucky’s confusing assault laws, if you would address your thoughts about the head-stomping incident that Senator Paul continues to dodge when he can and lie about when he can’t dodge. How do you feel about politicians who hire thugs to physically abuse people who disagree with them, step aside with their M.D. instead of offering assistance, and lie about their relationship (hired) with the abusers? Who, if not our leaders, should be standing up against such violence?

Moreover, I have repeatedly offered to meet the President in the middle on issues of great importance to the American people.

Obviously, neither you, nor President Obama knows where the middle is. Your idea of center is one step away from falling off the right side and President Obama is not far behind you. Your idea of meeting in the middle is to get everything your way, or no way, and his idea of meeting in the middle is to give you your way before you make things worse. That said, you have thumbed your nose at President Obama, tossed us out with the trash, so this statement is dishonest enough to make my head spin and my stomach turn.

However, it seems that over the past year, this Majority has pursued a policy of governing from the far left.

Wrong. Although others afford you the courtesy of thinking you are ignorant, I believe you know better than this.

Whether it’s in the form of a failed stimulus package, or the passage of massive healthcare overhaul, I cannot support policies that will burden our future generations with an ever-increasing national debt, and continue the unsustainable trend of spending too much, borrowing too much, and taxing too much.

Much better to let the bankers steal from us until we die in the street from lack of health care? I feel your love, Senator.

After President Obama fell for your blackmailing tactics and gave you the personal tax break you want but don’t need, because you threatened to take away tax breaks for those who need every cent to survive and to stop unemployment for many others, your conscience allows you to write this? Unbelievable, even for you.

In case The Economic Report of the President is one of the documents you blew off because you thought was too long to read at the time, I provide this second chance to catch up. And, as one of your constituents, I ask that you spend your time reading bills and reports instead of dragging the secret service around (wasting tax dollars that you pretend to dislike so much) with you to visit schoolchildren who are not old enough to vote.

If you want to speak about trends, could you be so kind as to address the Koch trend, and how you think it helps the people you represent (that would be the people of Kentucky, the majority of whom do not share your wealth)?

As the Republican Leader in the U.S. Senate, I am optimistic that we can still come together in the spirit of bipartisanship as we enter the 112th Congress.

What made you decide to use the word Republican instead of Minority in this sentence? Just curious.

I appreciate your thoughts and you can be certain I will keep them in mind.

No, I cannot be certain that you will keep my thoughts in mind. You demonstrated in your first sentence that you forgot my thoughts before you even started this letter.

Again, I thank you for contacting me.

Again, I thank you for responding. I appreciate knowing that nothing has changed.

Please continue to keep me informed of issues that are important to you.

I will, even if you never, ever, ever in this lifetime actually address a single concern or speak the truth.

If you would like to receive periodic updates about issues such as this, please sign up for my eNewsletter at _____ and become a fan of my page on Facebook, by visiting _____.

Of course, I am not interested in updates “such as this”. I tried to get my information from honest, informed sources. But I do belong to one of your Facebook pages.

This is how a politician who honestly cares about we the people speaks:

Yarmuth video

Sincerely,

Sandy

Happy Valentine's Day, Senator McConnell

$8.8 billion. $125 per person.

Wow! I see what you mean about tightening our belts at home. We sure have our priorities straight, huh?

Superficial bragging rights for those who feel love based on the amount spent on unnecessary, commercialized tokens of love? Yeah, baby! Tax dollars to assure cardiac care for all Americans? We’re shooting (pun intended since this suggestion comes from your side) for unf'ingconstitutional.

Warms my heart, how about yours?

I heard those numbers and thought about the Valentine’s days of my life. As a child, my parents took me to the store and helped me choose a package of cards that I would give to my friends. That was my gift from them – participation, encouragement, enjoyment, and pocket change. And that was plenty for me.

On VD eve, I enjoyed gluing hearts and glitter to a shoebox in which classmates would deliver my Valentines. The most thoughtful part of the process was deciding which of my classmates would receive the twenty or so Valentines I had to give. I carefully reviewed the list. The people who were nice to everyone were first and got the biggest ones. The decisions got tougher later. Raymond spit paper wads in my hair and tripped everyone who walked down the aisle beside his desk so I could scratch his name off the list. Dennis flicked his cartridge pen at me and laughed when he splattered ink on my new dress. Forget him. Melissa was mean to everyone. She was an easy no.

I thought about character, theirs, and consequently my own. Had I treated anyone so poorly that people would scratch my name off their lists? I didn’t think so but it was still exciting to see those cards in my box. That made every Valentine I came home with at the end of the day meaningful. So I thought, at least.

By the time my children were in school, the rules had changed. Each student was to bring a Valentine for every child in the class. They meant nothing because of that, but the kids didn’t seem to notice. And, by then, many parents were buying gifts for their children – boxes of heart candies, beanie babies, Barbie dolls, stuffed animals . . . It became another  competition for parents. The same people who would have filed for divorce if their husbands failed to send the required dozen red roses to work also bragged about what they had spent on their children for VD.

As an adult, I was not interested in Valentine’s Day. I have to admit, though, that I did appreciate the husband who brought me a tin of throat lozenges and a hand-made card the Valentine’s Day I was in bed with pharyngitis.

I cannot produce accurate poll numbers, names, or positive party affiliations. Well, I could produce names but that wouldn’t be nice. I can, with a fair amount of certainty, assure you that the women who ranted, cried, threatened no sex for a year if not divorce if their demands were not met (sound familiar?) on the days leading up to VD, were not liberals. Nor were the ones who did no work on VD because they were so busy watching the florist deliveries to make sure no one received anything more elaborate than what they got.

It would be absurd to deny that there are personality differences between conservatives and liberals, or that these differences don’t show themselves in circumstances and occasions that aren’t normally considered political. I’m glad Valentine’s Day came so soon after your letter referencing ‘living within our means’ so this particular difference would occur me. There will be exceptions on both sides, but my experience has been that a typical liberal feels love for, and loved by, the person who helps others, shares with the world, or makes a difference - not when someone charges a dozen roses and dinner in a crowded chain restaurant. Liberals don’t need assigned days, commercially prescribed ways, crowds of friends saying it’s cool, or anyone’s approval in order to show or feel love. (Actually, we’re used to having conservatives make fun of us for loving others, and trying to imply that when we campaign to help others –including them—we are really trying to get everything for ourselves.)

The next time you try to address living within means, I suggest you start with leading by example. Spend what you have – every cent in America, buying things made in America. Or, do you only mean that for others and not yourself and other hoarders? See, nothing trickles if it’s hoarder (and it especially won’t trickle over here if it’s hoarded in another country). Please, don’t assume (incorrectly again) that you are speaking only to conservatives when you include statements about trying to live within our means. Some of us (probably some conservatives, too, but they must not mind your insults) have successfully survived within our means for years and resent you for not doing the same.

Since you used tightening the belt and living within our means as a comparison to national economy, I would like to explain how I prioritized and managed to do this. Hopefully, it will influence, or guilt-trip control the demands you and your party make now that President Obama caved to your hostage-taking exercise in bullying. I did not spend what most people do on Valentines or holiday gifts for my children and I never spent what I didn’t already have. That left us with plenty to help others. I kept a rotary telephone so long that kids had to ask how to use it and only gave it up then because the phone company forced me to change. I’m still using furniture that belonged to my great-grandparents. I have a fat television and a car that makes people point and laugh, because not replacing what works leaves us able to help others.

I have what I need and like what I have.

When things got tight in my home, I cancelled the monitoring service for the security system, not my daughter’s music lessons or dance classes. And no one in my family would ever have thought to demand a higher allowance for herself knowing that it would mean I could not afford to take her sister to the doctor.

If I were going to go into debt, it would be to start a business, or to keep someone alive.

If you need more (I know you’ve heard from many already) real life examples of people who have and/or do live within their means and still can’t make it in this society where hoarders are sitting on money that could create jobs, please ask.

Hope you receive the heart I want you to have today.

Sandy

Another Overdue, Dishonest Response From Senator McConnell

Thank you for explaining that your party purposely destroyed our economy, for telling me how proud you are of becoming a wealthy man at the expense of the people you voted into frightening, painful situations, and for admitting that you agree with my suspicion that you just might possibly be a sociopath. I couldn’t be more relieved if Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld, and Clarence Thomas requested prosecution for the crimes they have committed, or if John Boehner paled and shouted, “Psych! We didn’t expect you to believe that nonsense about transparency, debate, jobs, and the constitution.”

Doesn’t feel so good to have me put words in your mouth, does it? I know this because I felt rotten enough to scream every cuss word I know (even made up a few new ones) when I opened your letter dated January 24, 2011, (received February 8, 2011, referencing my November, 2010 phone call and letters) only to find that your first line totally misrepresented my message. I apologize to readers who might be disappointed in me for the dishonest first paragraph of this letter, but that apology does not extend to you. Only for you and your allies in the party of deception and obstruction will I take Anne Northup’s All’s fair in love and politics advice and feed you a dose of your own medicine.

As usual, you managed to insult me and misrepresent the truth on so many levels that I cannot express my disappointment or disgust with a blanket, one-line response so I will address each line.

Thank you for contacting me regarding prevention of a massive tax hike on all American taxpayers.  

            How could you possibly have gotten this from what I said in my ll/18/10 phone call phone call or my 11/22/10 letter in which I addressed your position on the tax bill in which I documented the following?   

"It's time Congress got its priorities straight," [Senator McConnell] said. "It's time Congress focused on job creation -- and that means preventing tax hikes. It's time to set aside the political votes and government spending that the administration and Democratic leaders have put above all other priorities for two years."

Tax hikes? Seriously? When the sale ends and prices return to normal, do you also call those price increases? Calling returning to the original tax rates a ‘hike’ is purposefully misleading, which is not polite, honest, or acceptable.

“We are experiencing what can only be described as a jobs crisis, a sustained period of chronic unemployment; and two years of policies that have vastly increased the size and scope of government and added trillions to the debt and have done little to alleviate this problem.”

Same with implying that the jobs crisis is a result of the last two years. If there is a shred of truth in that, it’s because you have obstructed. The full truth is that President Obama inherited this crisis and you have vowed to do everything in your power to prevent his success in correcting it.

Rhetorical question. No sane person could have thought that when I said, “Calling returning to the original tax rates a ‘hike’ is purposefully misleading, which is not polite, honest, or acceptable,” I was actually contacting you regarding the “prevention of a massive tax hike on all American taxpayers.” I will not patronize you by suggesting that you are not intellectually capable of comprehending my message, nor will I insult myself or the person who answered the phone in your office by second-guessing the clarity of my position. 

You choose to misrepresent my words and your dishonesty is not acceptable, Senator McConnell.

Hearing from Kentuckians such as you helps me represent our Commonwealth in the U.S. Senate.

            How, exactly? Please, explain exactly what you are asking me to believe about this process. 

• I call and write with my concerns. 
• You stand in public and deny hearing from people who don’t share your views. 
• Months later, after you have taken the country hostage, disregarded non-partisan proof that what you embraced as your opinion was incorrect, ignored the constituents who disagreed with your position, survived the media and fact-checking organizations that raked you over the coals, you force your will/destruction on the American people.
• Then, when it's already done, you send this condescending denial that you heard a word any dissenter said to you.

And you expect me to believe I have been helpful in this process? Seriously? I am not stupid, Senator McConnell. You know that by now so please stop implying that I am. 

Hearing from Kentuckians “such as me” means absolutely nothing to you, and does nothing for the common good of this country. You do not represent our “commonwealth” in the U.S. Senate. You represent your own wealth and the common interests of the top 2% and your corporate puppeteers.

There is no doubt that our country is in the midst of a deep and painful economic downturn.

            Wrong. There is plenty of doubt. Some people think the whole economic crisis is overstated. Honestly. I’ve heard that from fellow Kentuckians. You might want to hit the streets and talk to some real people because real people think all sorts of things and doubt most anything (especially the ones who watch FOX).

             

My doubt is on the last word of your dramatic sentence – downturn. And I think I know the deep pain you must feel. Despite your diligent effort at obstructing, President Obama still managed, in two short years, to turn us back in the right direction after eight years of George Bush and his rubber-stampers. Truth is, we are on the upturn, no thanks to you. (But, later in this letter you will try to claim his progress as your own.)

Families across Kentucky are tightening their belts and trying to live within their means. 

        This short sentence leaves so many questions unanswered.

• Which families?
• What percentage of the population of Kentucky do they represent?
• Are you implying that Kentuckians were living either above or below their means before?
• Are you counting Kentuckians who lost jobs and had no choice?
• Does this mean that the wealthiest (like you) are also trying suddenly to live within your means and spending your fortunes in Kentucky, on things made in Kentucky, and pouring all of that sales tax and job creation into our commonwealth? If so, please give details. Also, I’m selling handmade voodoo dolls and copies of my novel, Race for Terre Bluff, and I’m ready to take your orders.

But for two years, the Administration and its allies in Congress have argued that the solution to our nation’s economic problems was to hand over trillions in taxpayer dollars to Washington bureaucrats and then have them spend it for us.

            You do realize know that you are a Washington bureaucrat, don’t you? And that you are responsible for deficit spending on the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, both of which started long before the Administration that you hope to hope to cast negatively with this comment was in office?  

 (I get a strange feeling that you are trying to make allies appear to be a negative word now and that just weird. Didn't it feel uncomfortable when I did it to you earlier?)

Americans are rightly frustrated and have called for Congress and the President to take a different approach.

            Of course, frustration is a justifiable emotion. I’ve tried to explain that to your authoritarian followers when they imply that I have no right to my frustration with their ignorance and willingness to accept your dishonesty. I would like to say let’s call it even, since both sides have called on Congress for change but I’m quite positive that more people on my side have called on Congress for change and that is nothing at all like what you are implying here. You might never admit this in public, Senator McConnell, or to me personally, but I know that you know your ideas are in the minority.You wouldn't have to rely on corporate sponsors for your deception otherwise.

As a U.S. Senator for Kentucky, I am proud of my role in the bipartisan agreement that protected Kentucky’s families and small business from a job-killing tax hike at the end of the year.

            I’m sure you must know this is the point at which I started making up new cuss words. I can only believe you have no conscience.

This legislation that I helped craft represents a clear shift in the debate over our nation’s path to economic recovery.

            Bushit!  - tax cuts do not result in economic growth or job creation

I cannot address the remainder of your letter without raising my blood pressure, and it would be redundant since fact-checking services have already shredded your rhetoric. But, I will address it with my fellow Kentuckians who, sadly, are a little behind the rest of the country in their willingness to ditch Mitch immediately. I intend to catch them up by showing how poorly you represent our commonwealth in the U.S. Senate because you your main concern is protecting your personal wealth. 98% of the people should resent your redistribution of their wealth into the pockets of the 2% who finance the lies you tell.

Fingers crossed that the last line won’t get my head stomped,

Sandy