Betsy Muse's blog

Thanks to the pool reporter traveling with Vice President Biden we have a more colorful, emotional accounting of the swearing in ceremony of 237 soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who became citizens of the United States on the 4th of July while stationed in Iraq. While most of these men and women were from Mexico and the Phillipines, there were 12 Iraqis who joined our ranks as citizens.

The ceremony was the largest naturalization ceremony held in Iraq and was held in the rotunda of the Aw Faw Palace, one of Saddam's more luxurious palaces. Soldiers looked down from three balconies to view the ceremony. The chandelier that provided the lighting for the service was described as a sight to behold with a giant sparkling centerpiece surrounded by 16 smaller chandeliers dangling from an ornate painted ceiling.

Soldiers dressed in camouflage sat on folding chairs in the center of the room with their weapons stored beneath their chairs. They were encircled by six black columns possibly of marble, granite or onyx.
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Happy Independence Day! I'm typically a sentimental fool on the 4th. I love history and am prone to bore my children to tears with stories about how things used to be.

When I was a little girl I went through a long period of time when my desired grownup profession was not a teacher, lawyer or doctor...I wanted to be a Pioneer. I wanted to live off the land. I thought it would be so rewarding to build my own log cabin, know which plant to use to treat an ailment and where to forage for food in the woods. There would be no easy way to do simple chores.

I guess in a way my dream came true. I have mastered the art of learning and doing things the hard way.

Today, as we celebrate one of the most important days in our nation's history, let's share a little of our own. Do you have any childhood memories or stories of past celebrations you would like to share?

Hinting that she can't take the heat in this "new political environment," Sarah Palin resigns as Governor of Alaska.

The following is the summary of the public option from Senate HELP Committee.

A Strong Public Option

The Community Health Insurance Option

A strong majority of Americans believe that a strong public option is an important component of any health reform bill that keeps costs down, expands coverage, and offers American families a wide variety of affordable options. Backed by the government for the public good, not private profit, the HELP Committee’s public option – called the Community Health Insurance Option – will be a strong, effective national plan that provides Americans with a real alternative to traditional, for-profit insurance.

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I have obtained a copy of the letter that Senators Kennedy and Dodd distributed to their colleagues on the HELP committee. It's public information, so will post the entire letter.

Dear HELP Committee Member:

No issue is more important to our constituents - or to our economy - than health care reform. As President Obama has said - and as even those who disagree about the particulars of reform understand - inaction is not an option. The status quo isn't just unacceptable, it's unsustainable.Read more

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

___________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JULY 2, 2009

Statement by the President on Health Care Reform Bill Released by Senate HELP Committee TodayRead more

Senators Kennedy and Dodd sent a letter to the rest of the HELP (Health, Education, Labor & Pensions) Committee outlining the final plan from the committee. The plan has a smaller price tag than originally reported and will provide coverage for 97% of Americans. It has a healthy public option and is unlikely to garner bipartisan support.

I have a call in to Senator Hagan's office to verify her support for the plan. With all of the hyperbole and nastiness thrown at Kay Hagan the past two weeks, if she comes out in support of the plan I not only expect some here to offer apologies, but I expect us all to embrace the new Kay Hagan Health Care Plan and work like hell to see it through both houses of Congress.

If she fails to support the plan then I provide the next round of rotten tomatoes.

BlueNC will be down for maintenance tonight for a few hours. I'm sorry for the late notice and the inconvenience.

I will take the site down around 10:00 p.m.

Thanks.

Maybe we can get the man seated.

I'm not sure if former state senator Hugh Webster is insane or just bat shit crazy, but whatever it is, it is our fault.

YANCEYVILLE - Hugh Webster was in a fighting mood Monday just before jury selection began in his trial in Caswell County Superior Court on embezzlement and exploiting the trust of an elderly person charges.

"I've got a hell of a lot of money in this dog-and-pony show," he said on his way to the courthouse. "They call me a defendant. I'm a victim."

:::

Webster said the trial will show that the SBI and his aunt have "grossly misrepresented the facts."

He thinks that "leftists, liberals - the people who would try to rob us of our money and freedoms" are behind the charges.

Hey, Hugh. I'm sorry for whatever it is I did. You know, I have to admit I admire that whole personal responsibility thing you have going on there, Hugh. Good on ya.