The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

Podcast: "I Feel Snitty" Episode 43: The Pen Is Mightier Than the Needs of Families Trying to Slow a Pandemic. Premiere Date: 4/27/20 Length: 5:26 (802 words) Link: https://ifeelsnitty.podbean.com/e/the-pen-is-mightier-than-the-needs-of-families-trying-to-slow-a-pandemic/ Transcript: Welcome to I Feel Snitty, episode 43, entitled, “The Pen Is Mightier Than the Needs of Families Trying to Slow a Pandemic.” I’m your host, Craig Rozniecki. About a month ago, Congress passed a $2.2 trillion bill to try and help Americans stay afloat economically during the coronavirus lockdown. While most people I know personally were able to get their checks from the bill directly deposited into their bank accounts, others received personal checks. This all sounds well and good until you reach the fact that many who were to receive paper checks in the mail saw their payments delayed due to… Wait for it… Donald Trump’s insistence that his signature be placed on the checks. This is...

The latest episode of my podcast ( I Feel Snitty ), entitled, "The Pen Is Mightier Than the Needs of Families Trying to Slow a Pandemic.," is now available. Here's a brief description of it: Have to wait longer than expected for your coronavirus-bill-paper-check? That's likely because Donald Trump insisted on placing his signature on it. In this episode, I dissect why his insistence was, as a Debbie-Downer Valley Girl might say, "Like so not good." In addition, I sarcastically (real sarcasm, Donald...) run through some other hypothetical scenarios where I could see The Donald taking credit for another's accomplishment and then essentially wrecking said accomplishment. The episode can be heard in its entirety at this link: https://ifeelsnitty.podbean.com/e/the-pen-is-mightier-than-the-needs-of-families-trying-to-slow-a-pandemic/

Republican Utah Governor Gary Herbert recently signed a bill declaring that pornography is creating a public health crisis. Republican State Senator Todd Weiler, the sponsor of the measure, then appeared on the conservative Family Research Council's program, Washington Watch , when he said this: "I said to McDonald's, 'You're a family restaurant and you market to children, why would you want to be a purveyor of pornography?' You know, the librarians will put their hands over their hearts and talk about the First Amendment and yet if these libraries and these McDonald's were giving cigarettes to our children, we'd all be up in arms, we'd be picketing them. But somehow it's okay if they deliver pornography to them. That's what I think is often lost in the First Amendment discussion, because someone may have the First Amendment right, according to the U.S. Supreme Court, to view pornography, but what about my First Amendment right to not view...

Republican Alabama lawmaker Steve Hurst has recently proposed a bill which would require certain sex offenders to pay for their own (surgical) castration before being released from prison. Hurst elaborated on the matter, saying, "I've often wondered what that child went through, physically and mentally, and what kind of shape he's in now. They (sex offenders) have marked these children for life. They will never get over it. And if they've marked children for life, they need to be marked for life." Founder of a sexual disorders clinic at John Hopkins University, Dr. Frederick Berlin, came out against the measure, saying, "There are many sex offenders who aren't driven by intense sexual urges. Some of these folks have other mental health issues, so it could just lull us into a false sense of security." He added: "Just to do it as a one-glove-fits-all is very unlikely to be helpful. I do think there is a role for medicines that lower sexual d...

Apparently Ohio Governor John Kasich (yes, the so-called moderate GOP candidate of the bunch) is set to sign a bill which would strip funds from Planned Parenthood. I've already written the governor about my disappointment with regard to the announcement and why he should veto the bill. To do the same, go to the following link and either write or call the governor: http://www.governor.ohio.gov/contact/contactthegovernor.aspx In case you're curious, here's what I wrote Governor Kasich: "While I don't fully align myself with any party, I am a progressive, so I tend to lean toward the Democratic side on election day. However, in saying that and having paid close attention  this primary season (watching every debate), I do have to say I've been impressed with your campaign, appreciate you having a tendency to rise above the negative talk which commonly floods the airwaves, and have largely appeared to place partisan politics to the side in favor of getting th...

Former Daily Show host Jon Stewart returned to the show last night to urge Congress to permanently extend the Zadroga Act for 9/11 first responders. In addition to this, he called upon his fans to get involved by contacting Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan via social media by using the hashtag #WorstResponders. Here's where you can contact the two: Mitch McConnell - https://twitter.com/SenateMajLdr Paul Ryan - https://twitter.com/SpeakerRyan Let's all get involved and get Congress to extend this bill! McConnell, Ryan, and others have repeatedly said, "We'll never forget 9/11 and the heroes who sacrificed their own health in order to save others at ground zero." Well, let's pressure them to back up those very words! http://www.firefighternation.com/videos/jon-stewart-shames-congress-worst-responders

I've spoken to many common sense gun owners, even NRA members, whom agree that some gun laws are necessary, such as mandated background checks (with that, closing the gun-show and Internet-sales loopholes) and not allowing guns in bars. Some even agree that assault weapons and high-capacity magazines should be outlawed. When Ohio passed a law in 2011 allowing guns in bars, several pro-gun business owners I know thought the idea was so outrageous, they posted signs at the front of their establishments to show that no guns were allowed. Well, if these very individuals thought that law was outrageous, that was nothing compared to the recent legislative proposal made by state Representative Ron Hood of Ashville, Ohio. Currently, it's state law for aspiring gun purchasers to complete an eight-hour training course regarding gun usage and safety before getting their concealed handgun license at the sheriff's office. Well, if this new bill gets enacted, no training will be necess...

Like Indiana Governor Mike Pence for recently signing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), the owners of Memories Pizza in Walkerton, Indiana is receiving their fair share of criticism as well due to their comments about not serving pizzas for same-sex couples' weddings. As one of the owners, Crystal O'Connor, told ABC 57, "We are a Christian establishment ... [and] definitely agree with the bill." Humorously enough, Ms. O'Connor also added this gem: "We're not discriminating against anyone. That's just our belief and anyone has the right to believe in anything. [Also, I don't think the bill is] targeting gays. I don't think it's discrimination. It's supposed to help people that have a religious belief." Allow me to go to the trustworthy dictionary for a moment here. The term "discrimination" is defined as the "treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor or against, a person or...

It truly saddens me that red states are continuing to try and de-emphasize the importance of quality education. Instead of increasing taxes on the top 2% of earners, they feel it'd be better to strip funding from schools. Instead of lowering college tuition and interest rates in exchange for raising those before-mentioned taxes, let's continue to leave college-bound students (and their families) in large amounts of debt for several years. Not only that, but as Oklahoma lawmakers have recently suggested through the passing of a bill which would basically do away with AP U.S. history, instead of teaching students all that happened throughout history, both the good and the bad, let's just focus on teaching them what we want them to learn - you know, the good. As Republican State Representative Dan Fisher said, "In essence, we have a new emphasis on what is bad about America... (The new framework) trades an emphasis on America's founding principles of Constitutional ...

Apparently not all male Republican politicians received the memo that they should never speak about the following topic: Rape. Instead of just voting on a Utah measure which would specify what constituted as "consent" and "rape," Representative Brian Greene of Pleasant Grove decided to make his concerns about the bill known, when he said this: "If an individual has sex with their wife while she is unconscious ... a prosecutor could then charge that spouse with rape, theoretically. That makes sense in a first date scenario, but to me, not where people have a history of years of sexual activity." Yes, he actually said that... He later attempted to elaborate on his comment, perhaps hoping it would limit the inevitable backlash he was going to receive, but just dug himself in a deeper hole by saying this: "I'm not at all trying to justify sexual activity with an unconscious person. It's abhorrent to me. [But I question whether sex with an ...

Being a member of the Tea Party and likely attempting to make a presidential run, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul appears to be fully ready to pull a Mitt Romney and become the latest flip-flop king. In April, Paul said that "we are not changing any [abortion] laws until the country is persuaded otherwise." He also recently told a crowd in Iowa that, "I think almost nobody in here wants to ban birth control." Yet when he was interviewed by the American Liberty Association this past week, his words on that matter struck quite a different tone, as he said the following: "I've introduced legislation called the Life at Conception Act, to define when life begins: at conception. I've also probably co-sponsored 20-some-odd pro-life bills. I have a 100 percent voting record for pro-life. But I also have taken the time to go to the March for Life. When I was there, I was the only senator who showed up for the March for Life. ... So I do think it's importa...

Republican Idaho Representative Lynn Luker, with the support of his conservative Christian allies, is attempting to make it illegal for licensed professionals to lose their license for refusing to serve or employ anyone whom they feel violates their religious beliefs. Such professionals would include all of the following: Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, police officers, firefighters, real estate agents, insurance providers, attorneys, and social workers. Representative Luker and his "Christian" allies mainly want this proposal to be passed due to the ever-increasing rights of the LGBT community. One of these "Christian" allies is the Cornerstone Family Council, who said the government shouldn't "block people from 'living out their faith'." Another such ally is Focus on the Family. Julie Lynde - executive director of the group - said this with regard to the proposal: "The free expression of religious freedom is no longer understood for wh...

In July of 2012, James Holmes killed 12 people and injured 70 others when he opened fire in a Colorado movie theater for a premiere of the film Dark Knight Rises . Holmes had brought with him the following - all of which he purchased off the Internet: Ballistic gear, firearms, and high-capacity magazine clips (100-round clips) - all which totaled over $15,000. Colorado has since passed a law banning high-capacity clips, and yesterday, a discussion took place among two State Senators with regard to whether or not the new law should be repealed. The conversation between Senators Irene Aguilar (Democrat) and Bernie Herpin (Republican) went like this: Aguilar: "My understanding is that James Holmes bought his 100-round capacity magazine legally. So in fact, this law would have stopped James Holmes from purchasing a 100-round magazine. I was wondering if you agree with me." Herpin: "Perhaps, James Holmes would not have been able to purchase a 100-round magazine. As it tur...

Remember how not long ago the Republican Party contended that President Obama's healthcare law was destroying our freedom? That probably happened earlier today as a matter of fact. Oh, it just happened again. ...and again. ...and again. This could go on for a while, I'm thinking... Well, wouldn't you know it? The same House Republicans whom elected to shut down the federal government and cost this country $24 billion because the Senate and president wouldn't go along with their idea to defund or delay Obamacare have decided to try and pass a bill which would require a person to pay a fee of $5,000 if he or she wanted to file an official protest against a proposed drilling project. House Republican logic Trying to improve our healthcare system through a mandate and more competition - a threat to our freedom Forcing a person to pay a $5,000 fee in order to protest drilling - perfectly acceptable Fortunately, President Obama said that if the Federal Lands Jobs an...

Apparently, I've had Rick Santorum and the far-right pro-life movement wrong all along. As Texas legislators are inching closer to passing some of the most extreme anti-abortion laws in the country, former Republican presidential candidate and the anti-sex virgin with seven kids - Rick Santorum - said the following: "This is an important moment for everyone to recognize where the abortion debate really is in America. The face of the pro-life movement [is] people out there every day embracing women, whether they decide to have an abortion or not. They love them. ... It is the movement of love. That's what this movement is about." Don't you see, ladies? Rick and those like him aren't out there trying to strip you of your rights out of disrespect or hate. They're simply doing it out of love. Situation: Republicans vote against a bill which would provide women with equal pay Santorum's response: "We did this for women's health and well-b...

Want to know why all abortions need to be banned after 20 weeks? Just ask Texas Representative Michael Burgess and he could tell you. During yesterday's debate regarding the pending House bill, Burgess said the following: "Watch a sonogram of a 15-week baby, and they have movements that are purposeful. They stroke their face. If they're a male baby, they may have their hand between their legs. If they feel pleasure, why is it so hard to believe that they could feel pain?" Yes, while Representative Burgess doesn't outright say he feels fetuses masturbate, that is definitely what he implied. Sadly enough, this man is a former OB/GYN. When reading Mr. Burgess' quote, I'm reminded of a remark made by former President George W. Bush, when he said, "Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB/GYN's aren't able to practice their love with women all across the country." For Mr. Burgess, that quote would read, "T...

Current Texas Governor and the man voted most likely to take a stapler to a gun draw - Rick Perry - signed the "Merry Christmas Bill" this past Thursday, and said the following words about it: "Religious freedom does not mean freedom from religion. People of faith too often feel they can't express their faith publicly. And if they dare display it, they find themselves under attack from individuals and organizations that have nothing to do with them or their communities for that matter." Freedom of religion doesn't mean freedom from religion? So, everyone is free to practice the religion of their choosing, except for those whom don't believe in any religion? How does that work exactly? Christian: "I believe in Jesus!" Perry: "Right on! Me too, brother!" Buddhist: "I believe in Buddha!" Perry: "Alright, well, you're free to believe that too." Muslim: "I believe in Allah!" Perry: ::pauses...

First there was Todd Akin. Then there was Richard Mourdock. Now we have Arizona Representative Trent Franks taking it upon himself to discuss the matter of rape. Franks proposed a measure which would ban abortions after 20 weeks during pregnancies. This measure is currently being considered by the House Judiciary Committee. In response, Democrats have proposed an amendment to the bill which would make exceptions for rape and incest. Here's what Mr. Franks had to say about this proposed amendment: "Before, when my friends on the left side of the aisle here tried to make rape and incest the subject - because, you know, the incidence of rape resulting in pregnancy are very low. But when you make that exception, there's usually a requirement to report the rape within 48 hours. And in this case that's impossible because this is in the sixth month of gestation. And that's what completely negates and vitiates the purpose for such an amendment." Right, becau...

Rarely does a day go by where the Republican Party doesn't showcase they're living in la-la land. Nothing may illustrate this point more than a bill introduced by South Carolina Representative Jeff Duncan last week, which would all but do away with the U.S. Census Bureau. More specifically, this bill would only allow the U.S. Census Bureau to conduct surveys for a decennial population count. All other surveys would be barred. Of course, this bill hardly has any chance of passing both the House and the Senate, let alone getting signed by President Obama. To even propose such a bill, though, is a big bowl of Looney Tunes with two sides of nuts. Former director of the U.S. Census and current professor of public affairs at Columbia University - Ken Prewitt - said the following about the proposed bill - "They simply wouldn't exist. We won't have an employment rate. I don't know how the market reacts if there is suddenly no unemployment rate at the start of the ...

The Florida Senate recently passed the "Timely Justice Act," which attempts to speed up the execution process on Death Row inmates, even at the risk of bypassing DNA results that could showcase the inmate's innocence. Republican Governor Rick Scott is expected to sign the bill into law. Arthenia Joyner, a Democratic Tampa attorney who voted against this bill, said, "Is swift justice fair justice? We have seen cases where, years later, convicted people were exonerated." Senator Maria Sachs, another Democratic attorney, echoed Ms. Joyner's sentiments, saying, "I don't see the reason for swiftness, especially with DNA evidence that can exonerate." What was Republican Senator Rob Bradley's response to such statements? I'll allow him to tell you himself. Bradley countered these before-mentioned arguments by saying, "This is not about guilt or innocence, it's about timely justice." That has to be one of the dumbest state...