WE moved on to health care and the Town Hall meetings that have been attended by critics of the President’s plan. Dick had the talking points down – which surprised me – and suggested that the opposition was orchestrated. I told him to take a look at the signs. SEIU and MOVE ON tend do use machine made signs. Individuals not organized tend to make their own signs. I reiterated my latest attempt to contact my congressperson, Richard Neal. Attempt #6 was greeted with an answering machine. I assume he is at the beach.

At some point Dick gave me the now mandatory “I know politics and you don’t speech” and then we were able to move on.

We talked about the blue dog democrats – of which Dick says he is one.

I told the story of Sudanese journalist Lubna Hussein who is on trial for wearing pants in public. I have been particularly impressed by the solidarity other Sudenese women have shown by showing up at the trial, wearing pants.

We talked a bit about the rumor that Greg Craig, White house counsel would be fired as the scapegoat for the president’s foreign policy to date.

There was more, but you will have to listen.

We talked briefly about the healthcare debacle – the latest revelation that Chris Dodd did indeed know he was getting special treatment on his mortgage, an ethical violation which like those of Rangel, Murtha and others will be ignored by the democrat congress.

We had our usual state politics jousting. Dick is in disbelief that Deval Patrick plans to run for re-election given his tanking numbers. I speculated that if it doesn’t work out there will be a place for him in Washington at the president’s knee. I announced the best news of the day Congressman Richard Neal has an opponant. Dr. Jay Fleitman helathcareof North Hampton has announced he is running against Neal. If you listen to the show you know I have an ongoing battle with Congressman Neal whose staff answers not questions on Neal’s positions nor do they answer any constituant mail – well mine at least. Perhaps Fleitman will be more responsive to his constituents.

There is more, but you will have to listen.

We talked about President Sarkozy’s declaration that he wants to ban the Burkha:

“In our country, we cannot accept that women be prisoners behind a screen, cut off from all social life, deprived of all identity … The burqa is not a religious sign, it’s a sign of subservience, a sign of debasement — I want to say it solemnly, it will not be welcome on the territory of the French Republic.”

And compared that with President Obama’s words in Cairo:

“I know there is debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality”

This brought us to an interesting discussion about freedom of religion.

After the break, Dick wanted to bring us up to date on Governor Patrick’s machinations, as well his announcement that despite record low approval ratings he plans to run again. Next, Dick, our resident democrat, rued the fact that no republicans run in Massachusetts. I suggested that might have something to do with the democrats success at demonizing any republican opponent ala Alinsky. As a result, most republicans just don’t think it is worth it.

We talked about the “Man-cession” caused by the majority of lay-offs occurring in male dominated sectors, i.e. construction and manufacturing. I reiterated my belief that it’s tough to be a white man in the USA these days.

We also talked briefly about the Worcester Tea Party last Saturday and the ongoing media love-fest for our current president particularly ABC’s scheduled coverageT today.

The hour went by quickly. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

We also talked about the Government takeover of GM (Govmo), the pushback on Chrysler by the bondholders and other funky economic moves under President Obama.

Next we were on to the Obama’s date night to NY city, which Dick believes is the status quo, and I think is outrageous given the state of the economy.

We talked about the disparity between Dick Cheney and President Obama on the gay marriage issue.  Cheney supports gay marriage as passed by the states – my position, and President Obama supports civil unions but opposes gay marriage.

We also talked about Sonia Sotomayor’s battle to be named to the Supreme Court and the double standard applied to minorities and white men.

We wondered when Nancy Pelosi will address her allegations that the CIA often lies to Congress , and we talked about a Chinese audience laughing at Tim Geithner’s assurances that the US economy is strong and Chinese assets are safe.

Enjoy!

Dick commented that President Obama was “transparent” as he is constantly out there making speeches.  Visibility is not transparency in my book, and I encouraged Dick to watch the President’s left hand when his right hand is moving.

We talked a bit aboutthe abortion issue and how it isn’t an issue in MA, and hasn’t been an issue in MA for a decade at least, but nearly every democrat runs on that issue in order to scare people into voting for them.  My inner libertarian snuck out as I suggested that people could make any decision they want as long as the government doesn’t pay for it.

Now on a roll I proposed that we immediately replace the legislature with non-paid volunteers who work only when needed.  I also proposed that we immediately suspend all government programs except police and fire, and start again.  And I was only half kidding.

We had a good discussion about the information emerging about ACORN and particularly the latest revelation that the NY Times had information about illegal campaign activity between the Obama campaign and ACORN and refused to publish it, lest it be an “election changer.”  Dick wanted to know why I didn’t file a lawsuit.  When I explained that the government had to investigate that violation and specifically the attorney general who President Obama appointed Dick understood my frustration.

There is more, but you will have to listen.

Next we discussed the President’s first 100 days in office.  I asked Dick what he felt were President Obama’s accomplishments.  The answer spoke volumes.  We went on to discuss swine flu, and the incident involving the President’s plane terrorizing Manhatten.    I still have no idea why the plane was dispatched, and the excuses thus far don’t pass the giggle test.  I wondered who actually has to sign off on this sort of event, as I suspect the President was aware of it.

We talked a bit about Barney Frank and wondered why in the first quarter, Fidelity employees have given  Frank ten times as much money has they gave him in the last two decades combines.  We should keep a close eye on that.

Dick managed to add something about Leveritt Saltonstall before we were done, which has become somewhat of a tradition.  He also managed to remind me of his political expertise.  C’est la vie.

Enjoy!

Dick then talks about a proposed fiat by the Massachusetts Speaker of the House who is introducing legislation to prohibit the elected leadership in Massachusetts to serve “in leadership” after indictment. (I kid you not)

That leads us to talk about how pols protect each other, regardless of party, and how we really need to throw the bums out. We end with Dick’s usual rant about Sarah Palin, who I am convinced he has a crush on.