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Title: Political Earthquake Rocks Massachusetts
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Published: Jan 21, 2010
Author: Stephen Lendman
Post Date: 2010-01-21 05:50:43 by Stephen Lendman
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Views: 329
Comments: 28
Political Earthquake Rocks Massachusetts - by Stephen Lendman For the moment, millions of Haitians don't matter. For Washington and the West, they never did and don't now. It's pretense, a topic a forthcoming article will explore. Today, however, the Massachusetts political earthquake takes precedence, and headlines explain it. From the Boston Globe: "Big win for Brown....Voter anger caught fire in final days." How can it be, asks the Globe, that "an obscure state senator with an unremarkable record" (became) a household name across the country by the end of the abbreviated campaign." From the Financial Times: "Democrats suffer blow in Massachusetts vote (sustaining) a humiliating defeat....in one of (America's) most liberal states." From the New York Times: "GOP Senate Victory Stuns Democrats....Independents Voice Unease....Democrat Defeat Imperils Health Care Overall." From the Washington Post: "Brown upsets Coakley in Massachusetts race...Election dramatically alters the trajectory of Obama's agenda....Democrats ponder health reform....Voters turn anger on Democrats." From the AP: "In epic Upset, GOP's Brown Wins Mass. Senate Race (riding) a wave of voter anger to win the US Senate seat held by the late Edward M. Kennedy for nearly half a century....marring the end of (Obama's) first year in office" in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans three to one, and has as many independents as both parties combined. They likely made the difference. From the Wall Street Journal: "Republican Victory Upends Senate....Independent Voters Abandon Democrats....Americans Weary of Government Intervention," and an op ed headlining "Blame the Left for Massachusetts," typical Journal blather blaming Democrat defeat not on "the messenger, but the message - and the sooner progressive Democrats face up to that fact, the better." According to the Journal, the message is leftist, never mind that throughout Obama's first year, he's been solidly pro-Wall Street, pro-Big Pharma, pro-the insurance lobby, pro-war profiteers, and pro- business overall, Republican credentials in all but name. Brown's victory margin was 52% - 47%, and given the state's poor weather and fact that it was a special election, turnout was remarkably strong - the highest in any Massachusetts non-presidential general election in 20 years. The defeat stuns Democrats given the stakes for Obama's agenda, now that his Senate supermajority is lost. Consider also that in the 2008 election, he carried the state by 26 points, and it's solidly Democrat. The party holds large majorities in both houses. The governor is a Democrat, and for the most part, Republicans are unloved in a state far less liberal than commonly believed. Not this time, so at issue is why. At one point Democrat Martha Coakley (state Attorney General) held a 31 point lead, yet managed to lose it in weeks, an astonishing reversal any time, let alone one this short. According to the Boston Globe, angry voters "sent Washington a ringing message....Enough." Perhaps so, yet unexplained is their overnight change of heart and the fact that Massachusetts elects so few Republicans. Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr. was its last senator, a seat he lost to John Kennedy in 1952, and the one brother Ted held from 1962 until his 2009 death. Worse still is candidate Scott Brown, a man MSNBC's Keith Olbermann calls "an irresponsible, homophobic, racist, reactionary, ex-nude model, teabagging supporter of violence against women." Perhaps so based on his voting record, overwhelmingly hard-right, including public support for waterboarding, other enhanced interrogation methods, and no constitutional rights for "enemy combatants." According to Project Vote Smart and On the Issues.org, his positions are strongly pro-business, pro- war, and anti: civil and gay rights, affirmative action, state provided health care, other social services including welfare, abortion, progressive immigration reform, labor, stem cell research, and women's rights - an unlikely choice to succeed Ted Kennedy. Brown's also for tax cuts for the rich, or in his own words: "I am a free enterprise advocate who believes that lower taxes can encourage economic growth." In other words, for business, not the most needy. He also opposes taxing big banks, and since January 12 has been against Red Cross aid to help Haitians post-quake. He provided no healthcare for his campaign staffers and opposes government involvement in delivering it. On his web site he says: "I believe that all Americans deserve health care coverage, but I am opposed to the health care legislation that is under consideration in Congress and will vote against it. It will raise taxes, increase government spending and lower the quality of care, especially for elders on Medicare. I support strengthening the existing private market system with policies that will drive down costs and make it easier for people to purchase affordable insurance." Of course, leaving healthcare in private hands is the problem, not the solution. Neither is Obamacare - legislation that will ration it, raise costs, enrich insurers, drug companies and large hospital chains, and take a giant step toward destroying Medicare, a position Republicans and Democrats endorse. Brown also supports the right to keep and bear arms, tough crime fighting measures, the death penalty, marriage between men and women only, and Israel, stating: "Israel has made enormous sacrifices in an attempt to secure peace....I support a two-state solution that reaffirms Israel's right to exist....Israel lives every day under the threat of terror yet shares with America a dedication to democratic ideals, a respect for faith, and a commitment to peace in the region." In fact, Israel from birth chose violence, not peace; confrontation, not diplomacy; and strength through militarism, intimidation, and naked aggression. Its agenda is repugnant, indefensible, destructive and malignant. It ruthlessly occupies the West Bank, strangles Gaza under siege, expropriates Palestinian land, practices torture as state policy, and denies its own Arab citizens rights afforded only to Jews. It menaces its neighbors and humanity with a Zionist ideology advocating oppression, dispossession, Jewish exceptionalism, and racism, yet presidents, the entire Senate, and most House members pledge support, Democrats and Republicans. Brown also "support(s) the bi-partisan Iran sanctions bill and believe(s) that until Ahmadinejad gives up his nuclear ambitions he should be isolated from the rest of the world. With its reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons, Iran represents the biggest threat to Israel....A personal meeting with Ahmadinejad, as suggested by my opponent, would embolden him and be used as a propaganda tool to strengthen his position." Brown ignores the real threat - from Israeli and American belligerency and the enormous global consequences. Voters Across America Are Rightfully Angered After one year in office with a Democrat-controlled Congress, voters express disillusion, frustration, and anger over promises made, then broken, and a realization that once again they were betrayed. Ignoring people needs during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, the Obama administration supports business, militarism, and homeland repression. He backs open-ended banker bailouts, aggressive wars, repressing dissent, privatized healthcare, free, not fair trade, a war on Islam and Latino immigrants, torture, illegal surveillance, military commissions, preventive detention for dozens of detainees facing no charges, and extraordinary renditions to offshore hellholes, most of them secret. He opposes labor, civil, and human rights, free expression, dissent, public education, social services when they're most needed, job creation, help for the unemployed (over 20% of the workforce with all categories included), whistleblower protection, detainee habeas rights, prosecuting Bush administration war criminals, and help for millions of Haitians facing starvation, disease, debilitating injuries, and death post-quake. He's provided continuity, not change, a bogus democracy under a repressive police state apparatus, militarism, and permanent wars at the expense of vital homeland needs. His record is betrayal and failure. Perhaps that's the Massachusetts message - not just opposition to Obamacare as state polls show, but a rejection of the entire Democrat agenda and a demand for real change, promised but not delivered. Stephen Lendman is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on Globalization. He lives in Chicago and can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. Also visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to the Lendman News Hour on RepublicBroadcasting.org Monday - Friday at 10AM US Central time for cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on world and national issues. All programs are archived for easy listening. http://republicbroadcasting.org/Lendman
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#1. To: Stephen Lendman (#0)
(Edited)
Like Lendman implies, the most likely real reason Scott Brown won was his much stronger pro-Israel stance than Coakley's, thus garnering Jewish financial and voting support. That and President Obama's foot-dragging on Israel's Iran and other concerns prompted the Israeli "lobby" to send America a stern message about who's in charge of the country (and its voting machines?). http://israelmatzav.blogspot.com...cott-brown-on-israel.html Click the "here" link for an elaboration.
It worked fine in private hands until the last couple of decades. What changed over the last couple of decades? You'll probably find that some government program or entitlement is the root cause.
"Israel has made enormous sacrifices in an attempt to secure peace....I support a two-state solution that reaffirms Israel's right to exist....Israel lives every day under the threat of terror yet shares with America a dedication to democratic ideals, a respect for faith, and a commitment to peace in the region." Brown also "support(s) the bi-partisan Iran sanctions bill and believe(s) that until Ahmadinejad gives up his nuclear ambitions he should be isolated from the rest of the world. With its reckless pursuit of nuclear weapons, Iran represents the biggest threat to Israel....A personal meeting with Ahmadinejad, as suggested by my opponent, would embolden him and be used as a propaganda tool to strengthen his position." Brown ignores the real threat - from Israeli and American belligerency and the enormous global consequences. You still stickin' to the idea there was no vote fraud?
"GOP Senate Victory Stuns Democrats....Independents Voice Unease....Democrat Defeat Imperils Health Care Overall." Once again the Times cannot tell the truth. Brown was elected by democrat voters. They outnumber republicans in the state by 3 to 1 margin. Surely angry independent voters went for Brown, but it was the huge anger vote of the dems that elected him.
Surely angry independent voters went for Brown, but it was the huge anger vote of the dems that elected him. Yes, with one small correction, Cyni. It was the white Ds who voted for Brown. Blacks still vote for blacks at a 99.9% ratio, which is fine for the WGs among us. Just don't you dare as a white choose a white for the same reasons they do. Question: when will the howls of racism begin to emanate from the left side of the coin?
Regardless of what the voters wanted, Scott Brown was Tel Aviv's bought & paid for selection. It'd be a crying shame if just for once, we had a politician that was pro-America. Once again, we end up with a jew/zio.
Yes Sir, indeed If you have noticed in my previous posts on this subject I said...TAXPAYERS voted not "voters". That leaves out most of the "others". heheheheh Jethro, we cannot subscribe this election to NWO and other nefarious groups. For once in many years, to me this does appear to be a genuine TAXPAYER vote, with party being of no interest. If Brown had won with a narrow margin, doubt would have crept in, but with a huge margin, we have to accept it for what it really is,TAXPAYERS voting. You and I are TAXPAYER voters as an example, and there are many of them like us out there.
Most likely you are correct. However that did not elect Brown. We must give the Mass voters at least a little semblance of intelligence. How better to send a message to ALL politicians, that you are enraged with government???? An indicator, Barney Faggots district barely went for Coakley. No one bought and paid for that. They are nearly ALL democrats and independents that love queers.
I have a very good friend in MA, and he kept me up to date with the growing sentiment for Brown. I didn't pay any attention to him, thinking there was no way the System would allow anything to interfere w/ObamaCare. Well, he had it right, and I was wrong. Now, I don't know anything about Brown, and I expect nothing from him except a NO vote on government health care. If that vote can tie the program up in a knot, Brown will have served his purpose and can be tossed out in '12 if he (undoubtedly) turns into a useless oaf.
Really makes you wonder whether Kennedy was actually being elected every time.
"The only thing better than a Federal Reserve audit would be a Federal Reserve autopsy." ~ unknown
Agreed. I dont care if Brown is Dracula in drag, HE IS SERVING A PURPOSE, it is derailing the steam engine of Peeloosely and Reid. At the very least it slows down their agenda, plus, ALL OF THE CRIMINALS NOW IN OFFICE HAVE TO SWEAT OUT THE FALL ELECTION. They may like socialism but they love their seat in power.
Very good wonder. I have been giving it some thot, cant answer the question, but I do give the voters credit for making a statement. all one has to do is read what comes out of Washington and those in charge seem to be backing away from their agenda. So I would say the election was a good thing, whether Brown turns out to be good or bad will take time.
Agreed. It has set back their agenda a bit. Not that I expect them to give up. It is quite possible that they didn't rig this election because they really didn't expect it to turn against them.
"The only thing better than a Federal Reserve audit would be a Federal Reserve autopsy." ~ unknown
They have hit a pothole in the road. They however are using more caution to AVOID ANY MORE POTHOLES DUG BY ANGRY taxpayers.
Obama is so bad he has forced me to adjust my political strategy. I reserve the right to obstruct socialism where I can. Specter has to go here in PA, and whoever has the best chance of booting his sorry ass out into the street has to be supported. After he goes, we'll put Casey's kid in our sights.
It's too early to make that determination. I wouldn't hold your breath if I we're you.
That was my last Federal vote, I voted with great delight to salvo that SOB Santorum.
I don't read lendman. He's a lefty loving twerp...
You still stickin' to the idea there was no vote fraud? (Esso) no, after reading this, no...apparently, too, it was the MA neocons that turned out? unless people voted for him solely on his promise to vote against Ocare.
what lobby was coakley working for, do you suppose ?
This is also a death-blow to "Camelot" and the Kennedy-legacy. Mary Jo Kopechne has finally obtained some small measure of retribution.
_________________________________________________________________________ IMO the vote in Mass was a vote against the party in power. There were angry voters for sure, but also disgusted voters who got 10 phone calls from each side and decided to vote against something. Also 6 years is an eyeblink in Mass, and there's a decent chance Brown will be replaced.
Money problems do not come from a lack of money, but from living an excessive, unrealistic lifestyle
He's going to have to be far more politically adroit then I think he is to survive 2012. Things were different when an Edward Brooke was a liberal Republican from the bay state. As far as most of today's Repubs go, he is a RINO on arrival, with full intention of lighting his butt up if he tries to breathe life into the concept of a more centrist sort of Republican. One thing about Republicans that is just as true of Democrats; both parties are talented at snatching defeat if victory threatens to come their way.
that wouldn't be a traditional repubican, then, would it be dumb ass Traitor ? How the fuck did you ever convince anyone you were supporting the EXTREME RIGHT WING CONSERVATIVE CONSTITUTIONIST repubican, Dr. Ron Paul ?
Brown is a politician, therefore he's despicable. As I've said previously, if he can toss sand in the gears of socialized medicine, he'll have served his purpose and can then go away. It's time to begin using them like disposable lighters; use them a few times then discard them.
i know. i know.
yes, that appears to be the case, but it seems that it's the national healthcare plan that's got them the most angry.
well, just take one look at the Massofchewspit fascist hellthcare fiasco. it caused loyal neocommies to vote for a full fledged neocon, apparently.
#2. To: Stephen Lendman (#0)
Of course, leaving healthcare in private hands is the problem, not the solution.
The only real restraint on gummints is people who say "live free or die" ... and mean it. - Enderby
#3. To: christine (#0)
Brown also supports the right to keep and bear arms, tough crime fighting measures, the death penalty, marriage between men and women only, and Israel, stating:
Mike Flaherty: Yeah, it's been there a long time. I wish I knew which corner.
My Man Godfrey (1936)
#4. To: Esso (#3)
From the New York Times:
#5. To: Cynicom (#4)
Brown was elected by democrat voters. They outnumber republicans in the state by 3 to 1 margin.
#6. To: Cynicom (#4)
Mike Flaherty: Yeah, it's been there a long time. I wish I knew which corner.
My Man Godfrey (1936)
#7. To: Jethro Tull (#5)
It was the white Ds who voted for Brown. Blacks still vote for blacks at a 99.9% ratio
#8. To: Esso (#6)
Regardless of what the voters wanted, Scott Brown was Tel Aviv's bought & paid for selection.
#9. To: Cynicom (#7)
#10. To: Stephen Lendman, Original_Intent, Lod, Esso, TwentyTwelve, rotara (#0)
#11. To: Jethro Tull (#9)
If that vote can tie the program up in a knot, Brown will have served his purpose and can be tossed out in '12 if he (undoubtedly) turns into a useless oaf.
#12. To: farmfriend (#10)
Really makes you wonder whether Kennedy was actually being elected every time.
#13. To: Cynicom (#12)
(Edited)
So I would say the election was a good thing, whether Brown turns out to be good or bad will take time.
#14. To: farmfriend (#13)
Not that I expect them to give up.
#15. To: Cynicom (#11)
#16. To: Jethro Tull (#9)
Well, he had it right, and I was wrong.
I expect nothing from him except a NO vote on government health care.
Mike Flaherty: Yeah, it's been there a long time. I wish I knew which corner.
My Man Godfrey (1936)
#17. To: Jethro Tull (#15)
After he goes, we'll put Casey's kid in our sights.
#18. To: farmfriend, stephen lendman (#10)
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel Adams 
#19. To: Esso, Taterewicz (#3)
the most likely real reason Scott Brown won was his much stronger pro-Israel stance than Coakley's, thus garnering Jewish financial and voting support. That and President Obama's foot-dragging on Israel's Iran and other concerns prompted the Israeli "lobby" to send America a stern message about who's in charge of the country (and its voting machines?). (Tatarewicz)
#20. To: christine (#19)
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel Adams
#21. To: Stephen Lendman (#0)
"This man is Jesus,” shouted one man, spilling his Guinness as Barack Obama began his inaugural address. “When will he come to Kenya to save us?”
-Schweizerische Schuetzenzeitung (Swiss Shooting Federation) April, 1941
#22. To: christine (#19)
#23. To: Jethro Tull (#9)
#24. To: ferret mike (#23)
a more centrist sort of Republican
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel Adams
#25. To: Ferret Mike (#23)
#26. To: Rotara (#20)
#27. To: purpleman (#22)
IMO the vote in Mass was a vote against the party in power.
#28. To: christine (#27)
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel Adams
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