John DeProspo

“My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Us?” Couple Asks As They Head To Prison

October 17, 2015 By John DeProspo 3 Comments

Many innocent lives have been lost throughout the ages as a result of religious beliefs. An Oregon couple is now headed to prison for the death of their newborn because their faith does not allow them to believe in doctors.

An Oregon State Supreme Court Judge has ruled “faith healing” is no substitute for medical care. The couple, Dale and Shannon Hickman, who had been found guilty of manslaughter in the death of their newborn son in 2011, will now be held in separate state penitentiaries until at least January 2018.

Dale and Shannon Hickman, as members of the Oregon-based Followers of Christ Church, believe in “faith healing” and not in traditional medical care. When their premature son was born at home, weighing just 3 pounds, 7 ounces, they chose not to go to the hospital but to pray over the dying baby and “anointed” his head with oil.

If the Hickmans had phoned 911 as soon as their son was born, one state doctor estimated that he “would have had a 99 percent chance of survival.”

The most troubling aspect of this story is not the much-hyped clash between religious beliefs and the law. No, it is between deeply held religious beliefs and common sense.

As of February 2015, 39 states and the District of Columbia have “laws providing that parents or caretakers who fail to provide medical assistance to a child because of their religious beliefs are not criminally liable for harm to the child.” In addition, federal law does not require parents to provide medical treatments to children that are against their religious beliefs.

The fact is, Oregon only completely removed its own religious exemptions for such cases in 2011 as a direct response to infant deaths among the Followers of Christ. The legislation passed unanimously.

But striking down this exemption came too late for many children born into the small fundamentalist sect. Reports have claimed that as many as 78 children and 10 women have died among the “faith healing” believers … all deaths during childbirth.

Dale and Shannon Hickman will have plenty of time to think about why their god forsook them and their infant son at their hour of need.

It is truly incredible to think that in 2015, in 39 states, the Hickmans would have been allowed to walk free!

Image courtesy of holohololand at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A Simple Answer To Gun Violence, Bring In The Trial Lawyers

October 16, 2015 By John DeProspo 6 Comments

In an important, but underreported, legal decision, a Milwaukee jury recently awarded more than $5 million to two police officers who were severely wounded with a pistol that a local gun shop sold to a straw buyer in 2009.

The case has been closely watched by all parties with a stake in the gun debate – gun control advocates, the firearms industry and legal scholars – because the suit was a rare test for a jury to decide the responsibility of gun sellers for the criminal use of their products.

This was only the second time in the last ten years that a civil lawsuit alleging negligence against a gun shop reached a jury. Significantly, it is the first time a jury sided with the injured party (the other gun case was in Alaska but the jury found for the gun shop.) Most cases against gun makers and sellers never get to see the light of day as they are dismissed (thrown out of court) due to both state and federal laws prohibiting such suits.

Victims and municipalities have tried suing the gun industry for years but, in more than 30 states, specific laws have been passed barring most lawsuits against gun makers and sellers for the way their products are used by buyers.

In 2005, Congress passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which basically shields the gun industry from liability. But the law provides a limited exception: Victims wounded with a weapon can pursue civil damages if the seller of a firearm knew, or should have known, that the transaction was illegal, or that it would very likely pose a danger.

The plaintiffs’ lawyers were able to prove their lawsuit fell under the federal exception, thus avoiding the defendant’s motion to dismiss.

Specifically, the lawyers were able to show the gun shop in question failed to pick up on the many red flags that should have aroused suspicion on the day of the gun purchase. The jury determined that it was obvious the ostensible purchaser was fronting for an 18-year-old (too young to legally purchase the gun himself) who accompanied him to the store. One month after the sham purchase, the 18-year-old shot the two officers leaving them with serious injuries.

Just as with lawsuits against the tobacco industry and drug companies, leave it to the trial lawyers to do what legislators refuse to do… protect the general public from dangerous products. It is only when makers and sellers of deadly products fear the threat of big jury awards that they, through sheer self interest, voluntarily change their ways.

Whether this case “opens the floodgates” for other gun injury lawsuits remains to be seen. An appeal is sure to follow. But if one knows trial lawyers, the smell of large fees is too intoxicating not to start hammering away with a more suits. Now that the dam has sprung a leak, watch out!

To View / Post Comments

Biggest Loser in Democratic Debate – Joe Biden

October 15, 2015 By John DeProspo 2 Comments

Of the four men sharing the stage with Hillary Clinton at last night’s debate, many pundits are labeling Lincoln Chafee the biggest loser. When asked about a vote he had taken against Wall Street regulation while in the Senate, the Republican-turned-independent-turned-Democrat gave the incredible answer, “I had just arrived in the Senate,” basically admitting he didn’t know what he was voting on!

But an even bigger loser than Chafee was the man not on the debate stage: Joe Biden.

The rationale for a Joe Biden candidacy has always been to step into the fray to save the Party if Hillary were to stumble. In last night’s first Democratic presidential debate, not only did Hillary maintain her balance, she was at the top of her game. The former First Lady–Senator–Secretary of State was confident, relaxed, and unflappable as she took over the room. She was almost universally declared the debate winner.

If Biden had participated in last night’s debate, quite possibly, the result might have been different. But he didn’t. And now Biden has to grapple with the reality of Hillary’s commanding performance, an outcome that has all but extinguished his raison d’etre.

Clinton turned one of her biggest liabilities, the email “scandal,” into a non-issue. However, she was aided in her efforts when Bernie Sanders came to her defense. “Let me say something that may not be great politics, but I think the secretary is right,” said Sanders. “I think the American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails!”

Many Democrats are beginning to wonder whether Biden’s coyness in announcing his decision is just plain old political leverage. The longer he waits to announce his intention, the thinking goes, the better prospect of a cabinet position, say Secretary of State, in a Clinton administration. If that is part of Biden’s thinking, he lost quite a bit of leverage last night.

Whether Biden is that calculating or has not truly made up his mind, a Biden candidacy against two top-notch, bona fide contenders, Clinton and Sanders, would just be a case of three is a crowd.

Photo | biography.com

Democratic Debate Winner? Democratic Party

October 14, 2015 By John DeProspo 2 Comments

It was not quite a love fest but the first Democratic presidential debate should remind everyone what real politicians sound like and how they behave. There was no mud slinging or Animal House food fight as was seen in the first two Republican debates. Granted it was not as fun to watch, but for those who wanted to hear candidates talk about real issues, they were not disappointed.

The five presidential candidates – Martin O’Malley, Lincoln Chafee, Jim Webb, Bernie Sanders, and Hillary Clinton – showed how one could disagree without being disagreeable.

Hillary Clinton’s biggest liability, the email “scandal,” was not used as an attack vehicle by any of her four male opponents. In fact, the highlight of the debate can right after Clinton answered the predictable Anderson Copper question about that very controversy.

Clinton, as she’s done on many occasions, admitted that having her own server was a mistake. “What I did was allowed by the State Department, but it wasn’t the best choice. And I have been as transparent as I know how to be,” said Mrs. Clinton. The last part of her answer, however, will surly give her Republican rival great ammunition if she becomes the Democratic nominee. The attack ad almost writes itself.

As Clinton was dragging out her answer, Bernie Sanders came to her aid.

“Let me say something that may not be great politics, but I think the secretary is right,” said Sanders. “I think the American people are sick and tired of hearing about your damn emails.” Clinton turned towards Sanders, flashed a big smile and shook his hand.

Many will say that Hillary was the debate winner. She was confident, relaxed and aggressive when needed. She was not the robotic, inanimate speaker that she can be at times.

Supporters of Sanders will say their candidate stood out among the field. He was passionate in his many take-downs of the wealthy elites he believes control our country. If you’ve seen Bernie speak before, you could take comfort in the fact that Bernie was Bernie.

The second-tier candidates, O’Malley, Webb and Chafee, did not produce the breakthrough performances they had hoped for. Not one of them was able to pull a Fiorina, although O’Malley did have his moments when he talked about gun control.

The first Democratic presidential debate was not just a win for the Democratic Party, it was also a win for an American public sick of the chaos and pettiness that has engulfed the Party of Lincoln.

The second Democratic Party debate is scheduled for Nov. 14 at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. It is sponsored by CBS news, KCCI and the Des Moines Register.

To View / Post Comments

Photo | The Washington Post

Is GOP Cruzin’ For A Bruisin’?

October 13, 2015 By John DeProspo 4 Comments

Today’s Grand Old Party appears to be on a kamikaze mission. Chaos and open warfare has erupted among its ranks. But unlike those World War II Japanese pilots who intentionally flew their planes into U.S. battleships, today’s Republican Party is racing towards its own demise voluntarily out of sheer stupidity.

One could say Piyush Jindal’s “party of stupid” will never learn its lesson. (The Party Of Stupid Just Can’t Help Itself) They are facing the real possibility of a death otherwise preventable.

With a few candidates already having fallen by the wayside (Walker, Perry), the serious talk has turned to whether any of the three “non-politicians” leading in the polls have any chance of securing the Republican presidential nomination. The consensus among the chattering class is “no.” That leaves many to wonder who will be the Republican standard bearer for 2016?

The early establishment favorite, Jeb!, is going nowhere fast. It’s been one gaffe after another. Even with all that establishment backing and those deep-pocketed donors, he has proven himself to be anything but presidential (I know, that didn’t prevent his brother from being elected).

Marco Rubio has been getting a good second look by many Republican elites. But the Cuban-American is a little too wet behind the ears. And, most importantly, he does not fire up the base a/k/a the mob of radicals in no mood for business as usual. The new thinking is that the other first term senator, Ted Cruz, could actually become the Republican nominee.

Yes, the man born in Canada to a Cuban father could, with a little luck, become the Republican Party’s hope of winning back the White House. The reasoning goes like this: with Trump and Carson out of the race, Cruz would be the natural beneficiary of all those angry, no-compromise-no-more-business-as-usual-fundamentalist-Evangelical voters.

Yes, he is a sitting U.S. Senator which normally would make one an insider, but the firebrand has been a thorn in the side of the Republican establishment since entering the Senate in 2012. Ted Cruz is given much kudos by rabid Republicans for sticking to his guns (excuse the pun) and not compromising… with anyone! Many view his engineering of the government shutdown in 2013 as a demonstration of strength; proof positive of his true conservative bona fides.

If Cruz were to become the Republican presidential nominee, the Republican Party, as we know it, is cooked. It won’t matter if the Democratic nominee is Clinton, Sanders, Biden or SpongeBob SquarePants. The defeat would be crushing and fatal. The GOP could very well go the way of the Whigs and the dodo bird. While the adults in the GOP will try to shore up a Bush or Christie, it will be to no avail. You cannot change the minds of those who’ve completely lost heads.

Photo | forwardprogressives.com

Dark Knight To The Rescue – Cheney New House Speaker

October 12, 2015 By John DeProspo 8 Comments

Breaking News – After failed efforts to tap Rep. Paul Ryan as their white knight, Republican House members have turned to former vice president Dick Cheney as their new leader. The ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus has fully endorsed the man many Democrats call the “Evil One.”

Rep. Jim Gordon, caucus chairman, said, “We are thrilled the vice president accepted our offer of becoming the new leader. As you may know, the Speaker of the House does not have to be an elected house member. He is the right man for a tough job.”

“Dick is a well-respected man who cares about the direction of this country; a man who knows how to get things done. He has the gift of persuasion. I don’t know anyone else who could have convinced George W. Bush invading Iraq was a good idea,” said Gordon. “Plus, Vice President Cheney has a big heart… ever since that last baboon heart transplant.”

When reached for comment, Cheney said he was happy to “get back into the action.” He directed some venom at current Speaker, John Boehner. “John is an honorable man, but can you really call him a leader? The man never grew a pair in all his years as Speaker. To get legislation passed, he had to go begging to that witch, Pelosi.”

When asked how he would bring order to the House; how he would get House Republicans to come together and stop their bickering, Cheney smirked and replied, “Easy, I will tell you in one word: waterboarding. Works every time.”

As a jester to the American people, Cheney is waiving the Speaker’s salary of $223,500. “Fortunately, I do not need the money. With the money I’ve made from Halliburton, there is plenty of money for me, my children, my grandchildren and great grandchildren.”

Whatever the weaknesses of John Boehner as Speaker, Cheney brings toughness in spades, including the rumored pair of large cajones.

To View / Post Comments

Photo | abcnews.com

Plum Job Of House Speaker Goes Begging

October 11, 2015 By John DeProspo 2 Comments

After years of talking about job creation, House Speaker John Boehner finally delivered on his promise. By announcing his resignation from Congress, effective the end of October, Boehner created a job opening the likes of which is rarely seen. In fact, the job has been described as one of the most powerful, sought-after jobs in the nation.

But here’s the thing. No one seems to want the job!

Granted the job of House Speaker is a difficult one. Some have likened it to herding cats … feral cats. But the salary and benefits are sweet. And here’s the best part, anyone can apply for the job! You do not have to be an elected member of Congress to be Speaker.

Here is a list of the many benefits of the job:

Salary, $223,000
Free airport parking
Free onsite gym
Up to 239 days off
Great retirement benefits
$1.2 million allowance package
No heavy lifting

There is one type of prior experience that, although not required, may be helpful … babysitting. You will have to have the skills and patience to deal with a group of irrational, childish men who are prone to temper tantrums.

Oops, almost forgot… if anything were to happen to the President and Vice President, you would take over as the leader of the free world!

If you think you’d like to apply, send your resume to:

The Honorable John A. Boehner United States House of Representatives 1011 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515-3508

Good Luck! Really good luck.

To View / Post Comments

R.I.P GOP – The Slow Death Of The Grand Old Party

October 10, 2015 By John DeProspo 2 Comments

Looking at the chaos within the Republican Party, one cannot help but think of the boiling frog anecdote. It is a tale of slow death. The premise is that if a frog is placed in boiling water, it will jump out, but if it is placed in cold water that is slowly heated, it will not perceive the danger and will be cooked to death.

Starting with the presidency of Ronald Reagan, who famously stated at his first inauguration, “Government is not the solution to our problem, government is the problem,” the party of Lincoln and Eisenhower has had the heat slowly turned up on itself by a far right fringe that always existed within its ranks. The slow process of listing further right over the years culminated with the wholehearted embrace of the radical Tea Party after the election of Barack Obama in 2008.

The problem with the GOP isn’t only with what’s taking place in the House, where a small group of mostly TeaBaggers, paradoxically calling themselves the Freedom Caucus, will not support any Speaker who dares speak the word “compromise,” it can also be seen in the Republican presidential nominating contest.

The Republican frontrunner for the nomination is a TV celebrity/ real estate billionaire who is as loony as they come. The man with zero political experience is followed by a Christian fundamentalist doctor and a failed CEO… all with the same political experience: zip, nada. Could there be more of a repudiation of the party establishment than this?

But all this begs an important question: who is the party establishment? Who are the leaders of the GOP? If you were to answer Roger Ailes or Rush Limbaugh, you’re probably not far off. That listing boat is today totally rudderless.

What we are witnessing is something not very often seen … the death of a political party as we once knew it. The process leading up to its demise was slow and steady, too gradual for the Grand Old Party to notice and jump out of the pot.

The story of the frog in boiling water is a metaphor for the inability or unwillingness of someone or something to react to threats that occur gradually, such as having your political party hijacked by a bunch of political nihilists.

R.I.P GOP. Sorry, but no one will miss you.

To View / Post Comments

Image courtesy of Photography by BJWOK at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A House Divided Against Itself

October 9, 2015 By John DeProspo 6 Comments

On June 16, 1858, at the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois, a lanky, rather homely politician was chosen as the party’s senatorial candidate. When it was time to address his Republican colleagues, the nominee uttered these famous words, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Of course the politician, Abe Lincoln, would lose that particular election but go on to bigger and better things.

To say the Republican house (both literally and figuratively) is in disarray is beyond an understatement. It is what happens when a national party sells its soul to the Devil for short-term political gain.

By embracing the Tea Party fanatics only a few years ago, the GOP is reaping what it sowed. The lunatics have taken over the asylum. The welcomed guest is about to devour its host.

By voting in radicals whose mantra was Reagan’s “government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem;” and who believed the Federal government should be shrunk in size so it could be “drowned in a bathtub,” Republican voters are now seeing that those “fresh, new, anti-establishment” Tea Baggers they liked so much actually meant what they preached.

The United States House of Representatives, divided against itself, needs a new Speaker… but no one wants the job! It’s a dead-end; a career-ender for any ambitious politician. That is why Paul Ryan, the one person with the most support, keeps saying ‘no’ to what was once seen as a dream job. What Speaker wants to be the adult in the room with a group of spoiled children who refuse to share or compromise? Who would want to preside over such a dysfunctional mess? No thanks!

Rep. Tom Reed (R. N.Y.), a big Paul Ryan supporter and fellow member of the House Ways and Means Committee, is just one of many House members begging Ryan to become the next Speaker.

“Obviously, being a vice presidential candidate, there’s a calling to serve,” Reed said. “I think what he’s going through is making the analysis of how best can he serve the country, how best can he serve the American people. And that’s why this is a tough decision for him.”

No, Rep. Reed. Paul Ryan is not thinking of how best to serve his country or the interests of his party. He is looking out for what’s best for a young politician who has aspirations much greater than House Speaker. Even though Speaker of the House is only second in line to the presidency, his sights are set on something much higher: the Oval office.

To View / Post Comments

Photo | theblaze.com

Real Clown Enters Republican Race, Trump Troubled

October 9, 2015 By John DeProspo Leave a Comment

It was only a matter of time. As some second-tier candidates are preparing to exit the Republican presidential contest, one well-known celebrity has just announced his entry into the race: Bozo the Clown.

Rience Priebus, Republican National Committee chairman, has confirmed Bozo is now an official candidate for the 2016 race. “All the proper papers have been filed with the FEC and Mr. Bozo meets all the constitutional requirements to run for president. We now look forward to see how he performs in the glaring spotlight of the center ring.”

The odds are high that Bozo will make it into the next debate scheduled for October 28, 2015. New polling just released by Quinnipiac University shows Bozo the Clown with 23% support, trailing only Donald Trump at 25%.

“I am so thrilled to have this opportunity,” said Bozo, “It has always be a dream of mine to run for public office.” When asked what could possibly make someone with zero political experience think he would be an effective politician, especially as president of the United States, Bozo answered, “ The three leading candidates for the Republican party have as much political experience as I have.” Bozo was referring to Donald Trump, Ben Carson and Carly Fiorina.

“It is obvious the Republican field has room for another clown,” said Bozo.” I keep hearing a clown has been at the top of the polls for nearly four months. And now, his numbers are slipping! Frankly, other than the hair, I don’t see much effort on his part in trying to appear clownish. This country is hungry, and ready, for a true, bona fide clown.”

When asked what his campaign slogan would be, Bozo replied, “A Rubber Chicken In Every Pot! My campaign advisers say it’s a winner.”

Asked if there is one main issue he would focus on, Bozo said, “Yes. Animal cruelty. I’ve seen trainers abuse lions and tigers and bears. Did I just say ‘lion and tigers and bears?’ Oh my! Hehe.”

The next Republican presidential debate should be a ratings bonanza for debate sponsor CNBC. Already the cable network is promoting the telecast as “The Battle Of The Clowns … Really.” Stephen Sondheim’s “Send In The Clowns” is expected to be played as the candidates enter the debate hall. This will be followed by Patsy Cline’s immortal, “Crazy.”

Photo | www.syracuse.com

“My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Us?” Couple Asks As They Head To Prison

A Simple Answer To Gun Violence, Bring In The Trial Lawyers

Biggest Loser in Democratic Debate – Joe Biden

Democratic Debate Winner? Democratic Party

Is GOP Cruzin’ For A Bruisin’?

Dark Knight To The Rescue – Cheney New House Speaker

Plum Job Of House Speaker Goes Begging

R.I.P GOP – The Slow Death Of The Grand Old Party

A House Divided Against Itself

Real Clown Enters Republican Race, Trump Troubled

Navigation

Subscribe to Blog via Email