Daily Archives: 03/13/2010

(Community Matters) Robert Shrum in The Week.

With unemployment down from peak levels and job losses ebbing, with housing prices stabilized and other indicators pointing up, the Standard & Poor’s stock index has soared nearly 70 percent since its March 2009 lows—and nearly 40 percent since Obama took office with an economy teetering on the brink of depression. This remarkable rise anticipates as many as hundreds of thousands of jobs, which forecasters are now predicting not for next year but for this month.

Reconciliation, the recondite budget procedure that has become as familiar in this debate as it was frequent under Reagan, Clinton, and both Bushes, probably would be impossible without the “wasted” months last summer during which the awkward and earnest Democratic Sen. Max Baucus negotiated with his Republican opposite, the fallow Sen. Charles Grassley. Now Senate Democrats seem all but united in their resolve to use reconciliation. Louisiana’s Mary Landrieu, who’s unequivocal “this bill is going to pass” should stiffen the spines of fellow moderates.

full article here

Hat Tip: David Gail

(Community Matters) “Whose side are you on? The banks or the American People?” Will Texas’ senators continue to stand for obstructing the president’s success at all costs to taxpayers? We thought Rush Limbaugh was crazy when early on he said he wanted Obama to fail. Turns out he really was articulating the Republican party’s strategy … Kay, John, whose side are you on? big banks or taxpayers?

(Community Matters) They’re performing Steven’s American Fiesta at Milwaukee’s Renaissance Theaterworks April 23 – May 23 – we’re seeing it May 8.  This will be interesting.  Steven’s never watched anyone else perform one of his shows.

An obsessive collector deals with his Oklahoma parents’ opposition to his same-sex marriage, as he travels across America to find the “perfect piece” of vintage Fiestaware. His comical journey reveals a fresh, hopeful look at our country’s cultural/political divide and the many ways we can find common ground. Milwaukee’s own John McGivern will tickle your funny-bone and touch your heart as he plays over 20 different characters in this tour de-force role.

Toxic Assets has been going great – two shows performed, one to go.  Tonight’s an especially super evening since includes FuseBox Festival’s top supporters – financial & artistic – as well as many family & friends. Good gosh, who’s been to see the show already includes – Andrea Ariel, Amanda Chiampi, Joyce Christian & Rudy Green, Scott Collier & Kala Philo, Linda Fields, Jo & Jon Ivester, Janet, Mark, Ben, Lena & Nico, Jen Spencer, Georgia Thomsen & Erich, Lee Walker & Jen Vickers, Elyse Yates, Amy, Kirk, Ellie & Alex Rudy, Cari Anderson & Tish Smith, Allan Baker, Suzanne & David Booth, Emily Bryant, Palo Chalupka & Amy Bryant, Dan Gillotte, Joene Grissom, Richard Hargrave & Gary Cooper, Ed & Karen Hartwell, Mark Halozbach & Dana Friisen-Hansen, Jo Krause, Lora Livingston, Mary Lou Adams, Everett McKinley, Margaret Shaw, Steve Moore, Amy Grace Tharp & Doug Ulman, Barbara Wohlgemuth, Carrie Stapelton, Margo Marshall & Lauren, Martin Zimmerman & Kelly Howe . . . good gosh & I know lots more, just not remembering everybody.