Archive for the ‘Legislation Humor’ Category
Monday, April 8th, 2013
Once again, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is making threats about filibuster reform — this time with noise about the “nuclear option.” All I can say is: Blah, blah, blah!
Limerick Ode To Harry “Big Talker” Reid
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Harry Reid is again voicing threats
To reform Senate rules. Oh yes, let’s!
But his words have no stock,
As Republicans block
Most Dem action — abuse Reid abets.
Tags: Filibuster Humor, Harry Reid, Legislation Satire, Reform, U.S. Senate
Posted in Filibuster Humor, GOP Humor, Harry Reid, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, March 27th, 2013
Most experts seem to think the U.S. Supreme Court will strike down DOMA, thereby ending the federal ban on benefits to gay spouses. The question is: Will they do it based upon equal protection, or states’ rights? The former (seemingly supported by the four liberal Supremes) is vastly preferable, but the later appears more likely; the perennial swing judge, Justice Anthony Kennedy, is more of a states’ rights kinda guy.
Limerick Ode To DOMA’s Demise
By Madeleine Begun Kane
I’m GLAD to hear DOMA’s in trouble.
But will Justices safe in their bubble
Concede that it’s wrong,
Beat the gong, say so long
To treating gay couples like rubble?
Tags: Constitution Verse, Defense Of Marriage Act, DOMA, Equal Protection, Gay Marriage, Gay Rights, Homophobes, Justice Anthony Kennedy, Law Satire, Legal Humor, Marriage Equality, Same Sex Marriage, States Rights, Supreme Court Limerick
Posted in Constitution Humor, Gay Rights, Gender Politics, GOP Humor, Government Services, Homophobia, Law Satire, Legal Limericks, Legislation Humor, Minority Rights Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Supreme Court | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, March 5th, 2013
Republican creativity never ceases to amaze me. Here’s the latest in Iowa’s battle against teenage promiscuity:
Seven Republicans in the Iowa House are pushing a bill to prohibit parents of minor children from getting a “no fault” divorce and the proposal could be debated in a House committee this week.
A three-member subcommittee debated the bill today. Representative Tedd Gassman, a Republican from Scarville, said he’s concerned about the negative impact divorce has on children.
“In my opinion, it’s time to look out for the children instead of constantly worrying about the adults,” Gassman said.
Representative Gassman said the issue is “near and dear” to his heart because his daughter and son-in-law recently divorced, putting his granddaughter at risk.
“There’s a 16-year-old girl in this whole mix now. Guess what? What are the possibilities of her being more promiscuous?” Gassman said. “What are the possibilities of all these other things surrounding her life that a 16-year-old girl, with hormones raging, can get herself into?”
Promiscuous Law-Making (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
If your children are minors, watch out!
You may have to stay wed to that lout:
It seems no-fault divorce
May be nixed, as of course,
By Iowan wingnuts with clout.
Tags: Divorce, Iowa, Legal Humor, Legal Verse, No-Fault Divorce, Parents, Promiscuous Teens, Republicans Humor, Ted Gassman
Posted in Family Values Humor, GOP Humor, Iowa Humor, Law Satire, Legal Limericks, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Social Satire | 1 Comment »
Monday, March 4th, 2013
I’ve been meaning to write about Antonin Scalia’s obnoxious Voting Rights Act comments. Something tells me he’d be a bit more enthused about the law, if the people it protected tended to vote Republican.
Limerick Ode To Antonin Scalia
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Scalia gave quite the recital
With that “racial entitlement” title
He “bestowed” on the vote,
Fearing Dem voter bloat:
To Scalia, such voters ain’t vital.
Tags: Antonin Scalia, Discrimination, Law Satire, Legal Humor, Legal Verse, Racial Bias, Supreme Court Humor, Voting Limerick, Voting Rights Act, VRA
Posted in Constitution Humor, Democracy Humor, Election Satire, Entitlements Humor, GOP Humor, Judiciary Satire, Law Satire, Legal Limericks, Legislation Humor, Minority Rights Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Racism Limerick, Republicans Humor, Supreme Court, Voting Satire | 3 Comments »
Monday, February 11th, 2013
As Obama’s State of the Union address draws nearer, the press (thanks to GOP prodding) has become obsessed with one question: Why the focus on a liberal agenda, instead of jobs and the economy?
Open Limerick To The Media
By Madeleine Begun Kane
“Where’s your focus on jobs?” asks the press,
As Obama contends with a mess
Of issues galore,
Cuz his job at its core
Is to many dilemmas address.
So dear media, try this new task:
Press Republicans: Tough questions ask!
Like “Just what have THEY done
About jobs. Name just one
Thing they do besides block, bitch, and bask.”
Tags: Congress Humor, Economy Satire, Employment Humor, GOP Humor, Jobs Jobs Jobs, Liberal Agenda, Media Humor, Obstructionism, President Obama, Press, Republicans Humor, SOTU, State Of The Union Address
Posted in 44 Humor, Congress Humor, Economy Humor, GOP Humor, Hypocrisy Humor, Legislation Humor, Media Satire, Money & Finance Humor, Money And Finance Humor, Political Limericks, Political Speeches, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Tax & Budget Humor, White House | 2 Comments »
Monday, December 10th, 2012
In the “fiscal cliff” negotiations, Republicans are irrationally demanding a hike in the Medicare eligibility age — what Nancy Pelosi refers to as “a trophy that the Republicans want.”
As Ezra Klein explains, this would not save money or help solve the health care cost problem, and it would hurt lots of people. Unfortunately, Republicans seem to favor symbolism over substance, and raising the Medicare eligibility age would be “a signal that they won something big on entitlements.”
Medicare Mishigas (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
GOPers want change that ain’t sage:
Raise the Medicare-el’gible age.
This does harm — won’t address
The health care cost mess:
It’s the fruit of entitlements-rage.
Tags: Entitlements, Ezra Klein, Fiscal Cliff, Fiscal Crisis, Fiscal Humor, GOP Humor, Health Care, Medicare Eligibility, Medicare Reform, Medicare Satire, Nancy Pelosi, Negotiations, Republicans Humor
Posted in Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Health Satire, Legislation Humor, Medicare Humor, Money & Finance Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Tax & Budget Humor | 4 Comments »
Saturday, December 1st, 2012
Political haiku for a change of pace:
Hurricane’s over,
but the political storm
is never-ending.
(More storm haiku here.)
Tags: American Politics Haiku, Budget Cuts, Congress Humor, Election Satire, Fiscal Cliff, Negotiations, Political Battles, Political Haiku & Senryu, Washington Politicians
Posted in Fiscal Policy, Legislation Humor, Political Haiku & Senryu, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Washington | 9 Comments »
Wednesday, November 28th, 2012
Dear Members Of The Media:
When a Republican refuses to consider any tax rate hike whatsoever … even for millionaires and billionaires … that’s an extremist position. So it would be nice if you’d stop acting as if the few Republicans claiming sudden independence from Grover Norquist’s tax pledge are moderates, when they’re still refusing to consider any rate hikes.
To put it another way, a slight compromise in one’s extremism is still extremism:
The way the whole “fiscal cliff” thing (itself a contrivance based on the Republican view that expiration of the Bush tax cuts and imposition of defense spending cuts would be an apocalyptic development) is being discussed in the MSM is a depressing vindication of the huge strategic advantages of partisan extremism. If you are crazy enough for a while, then agreeing to be slightly less crazy looks statesmanlike.
Open Limerick To The Mainstream Media
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The press is again just a dupe
In the make-believe compromise loop:
A mere marginal move
By extremists can’t prove
That they’re aught but a lunatic group.
Tags: Bush Tax Cut Extension, Defense Spending, Extremists Satire, Fiscal Cliff, Fiscal Crisis, Fiscal Humor, Grover Norquist, Mainstream Media, Media Humor, Partisan Extremism, Republicans Humor, Tax Pledge, Tax Rate Hikes, Taxes
Posted in Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Legislation Humor, Media Satire, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Tax & Budget Humor | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, November 20th, 2012
Serious fiscal negotiations are (or at least should be) going on right now in Washington DC. And whether you think we’re facing a “fiscal cliff,” or more of a “fiscal incline,” here’s a Thanksgiving message to Washington politicians: Please talk turkey and work something out that makes sense for our nation.
Thanksgiving Limerick For DC Pols
By Madeleine Begun Kane
It’s time for some serious talk.
Please don’t bitch or complain, and don’t balk.
Our issues are great—
Act before it’s too late.
So kindly talk turkey. Don’t squawk.
Tags: Economy, Fiscal Cliff, Fiscal Crisis, Fiscal Incline, Negotiations, Taxes, Thanksgiving, Turkey, Washington DC, Washington Politicians
Posted in Fiscal Policy, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Tax & Budget Humor, Washington | 5 Comments »
Wednesday, July 11th, 2012
Open Limerick To House Republicans
By Madeleine Begun Kane
House Republicans, kindly get real:
Your big focus is health care repeal—
Over thirty such votes!
Where’s your bill that promotes
“Jobs, jobs, jobs” with equivalent zeal?
Tags: ACA, Affordable Care Act, Health Care Reform, House Republicans, Jobs Jobs Jobs, Legislation Humor, Obamacare, Obamacare Repeal, Republican Hypocrisy
Posted in GOP Humor, Health Satire, House Satire, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor | 4 Comments »
Monday, July 2nd, 2012
Open Limerick To Chief Justice John Roberts
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Justice Roberts, your allies are mean,
And their attitude’s often obscene.
When they hate one decision,
Their answer’s derision:
Your meds fried your brain. No more sheen!
With people like that in your camp,
Perhaps it is time to revamp
Your views and opinions.
Dump low-lives as minions.
Convert! Be a working man’s champ.
Tags: ACA, Affordable Care Act, GOP Humor, Health Care Reform, Health Reform, Justice John Roberts, Law Humor, Legal Verse, Obamacare, Republicans Humor, Supreme Court Limerick, U.S. Constitution, U.S. Supreme Court
Posted in Barack Obama, Constitution Humor, GOP Humor, Health Satire, Judiciary Satire, Law Satire, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Supreme Court | 10 Comments »
Friday, June 29th, 2012
Republicans are in shock over the U.S. Supreme Court’s “Obamacare” decision. They’d been so sure they had Justice John Roberts in their pockets, that they’re behaving like betrayed lovers: How dare he side with the liberal wing of the court on the constitutionality question!
Many of them are enraged to the point of irrationality. In fact, even Justice Roberts seems to have noticed the GOP’s “what have you done for me lately” nastiness. He actually joked about going into hiding.
GOP Falls Out Of Love With Roberts (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The decision John Roberts just penned
Has sent ACA foes round the bend.
Up till now he’d promote
All their views with his vote.
Has their Roberts’ romance reached an end?
Tags: ACA, Affordable Care Act, GOP Humor, Health Care Reform, Health Reform, Justice John Roberts, Law Humor, Legal Verse, Obamacare, Republicans Humor, Supreme Court Limerick, U.S. Constitution, U.S. Supreme Court
Posted in Barack Obama, Constitution Humor, GOP Humor, Health Satire, Judiciary Satire, Law Satire, Legislation Humor, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Supreme Court | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
As Paul Krugman puts it so concisely, “Politifact, R.I.P.” No, Politifact isn’t going out of business, though after its latest credibility-destroying move, it should:
This is really awful. Politifact, which is supposed to police false claims in politics, has announced its Lie of the Year — and it’s a statement that happens to be true, the claim that Republicans have voted to end Medicare.
Steve Benen in the link above explains it, but let me just repeat the basics. Republicans voted to replace Medicare with a voucher system to buy private insurance — and not just that, a voucher system in which the value of the vouchers would systematically lag the cost of health care, so that there was no guarantee that seniors would even be able to afford private insurance.
PolitiFiction Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Politifact’s “Lie of the Year”
Is really the truth, cuz it’s clear
That the GOP plan
Would end Medicare. Man!
There’s no cov’rage — just coupons! Bronx cheer!
Tags: Health Care Reform, Health Humor, Insurance Reform, Lie Of The Year, Media Humor, Medicare Satire, Paul Krugman, Political Limerick, Politifact, Republicans Humor
Posted in GOP Humor, Health Satire, Insurance Humor, Legislation Humor, Media Satire, Medicare Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor | 2 Comments »
Monday, November 21st, 2011
The blame game is going strong with the customary false equivalencies.
Limerick Ode To The Not-So-Super Committee
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The Super Committee’s derailed,
And now we are being regaled
With tales blaming Dems
Sold as “media gems.”
It’s “balanced” reporting that’s failed.
Tags: Blame Game, Budget Cuts, Economy Satire, Federal Budget, Financial Verse, Fiscal Humor, Journalism, Legislation Humor, Media Humor, Republicans Humor, Tax Limerick
Posted in Blame Game, Economy Humor, GOP Humor, Legislation Humor, Media Satire, Money & Finance Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Tax & Budget Humor | 2 Comments »
Monday, October 24th, 2011
Republicans have repeatedly blocked proposals they actually support, in order to gain political advantage over Obama. This is no surprise, in light of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s stated priorities: He bragged that making Obama a one-term president was his number one goal.
But McConnell now denies putting politics over the good of the country, claiming there’s no “villain out there who’s keeping this administration from succeeding.”
Limerick Ode To Villainous Mitch McConnell
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Mitch McConnell denies there’s a villain
That on purpose engages in killin’
The President’s plans,
After promising fans
Such destruction, a vow he’s fulfillin’.
Tags: Campaign Satire, Election Humor, Mitch McConnell, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire
Posted in Barack Obama, Campaign Humor, Election Satire, GOP Humor, Legislation Humor, Mitch McConnell, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, RNC Humor, Senate Satire, Washington, White House | 5 Comments »
Monday, October 3rd, 2011
Steve Benen has written an excellent post about the underreported voter suppression scandal:
Under the auspices of rooting out “voter fraud” — a problem that appears to exist largely in the over-active imaginations of GOP activists — Republicans are passing voter-ID measures, closing windows for early voting, and approving new laws restricting voter-registration drives, all targeting specific kinds of voters who happen to be traditional Democratic supporters.
And the Brennan Center For Justice has produced a frightening study of these “radical” voting law changes.
Now if only the media would take some time out from its hefty will-he-or-won’t-he Christie coverage, to report on this important issue.
Pressing The Press On Voter Suppression (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The GOP war on our voting
Is a problem the press isn’t noting.
Unfair laws will suppress
Dem votes with finesse,
The Republican prospects promoting.
Tags: Brennan Center, Election Humor, GOP Humor, Legislation Humor, Media Humor, Republicans Humor, Steve Benen, Voter ID, Voter Suppression, Voting Limerick, War On Voting
Posted in Democracy Humor, Election Satire, GOP Humor, Legislation Humor, Media Satire, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Voting Satire | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, September 20th, 2011
This devout progressive has been very hard on Obama lately … and with good reason. But the debt ceiling debacle, liberal anger, and sinking poll numbers seem to have woken him up. Suddenly, Obama is the new, improved, assertive, populist President. And many former fans are welcoming back the President they thought they elected.
So, am I cheering? Well, let’s just say I’m giving Obama guarded applause. For while I like some of his jobs and tax proposals, and I love his newly confident, aggressive tone, I’m not convinced that any of this will last.
And that brings me to my latest limerick:
Limerick Ode To The New, Improved Obama
By Madeleine Begun Kane
It fin’ly has dawned on Barack
That with lib’rals he’s lost lots of stock.
His base and foundation
Could be his salvation.
I just hope his new stance ain’t a crock.
Tags: Barack Obama, Jobs, Legislation Humor, Liberals, Progressives, Tax Policy
Posted in 44 Humor, Barack Obama, Democrats Humor, Fiscal Policy, Legislation Humor, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Speeches, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Tax & Budget Humor, Washington, White House | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, September 20th, 2011
Limerick Ode To The Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Hooray! “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” has ended.
Civil liberties lovers say, “Splendid!”
But it’s mourned by some jerks
Who think killed-at-war “perks”
Should only to “straights” be extended.
Tags: Civil Rights, Don't Ask Don't Tell, Gay Rights, Legislation Humor, Military, War
Posted in Don't Ask Don't Tell Humor, Gay Rights, Iraq War Humor, Legislation Humor, Military Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, War & Antiwar Poems | 3 Comments »
Thursday, September 15th, 2011
John Boehner’s jobs speech was rather hypocritical, as Greg Sargent points out. Sargent highlights two rather inconsistent sentences:
“If we want to create a better environment for job creation, politicians of all stripes can leave the ‘my way or the highway’ philosophy behind.”
And there was also this:
“Tax increases, however, are not a viable option for the Joint Committee.”
Such hypocrisy cries out for a limerick:
Limerick Ode To John Boehner
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Boehner’s job speech surprised me a tad.
He said, My way or highway is bad.
Sounded promising till
He continued, No bill
Will raise taxes. Hypocrisy’s sad.
Tags: Greg Sargent, Jobs, John Boehner, Political Speech, Republican Hypocrisy, Taxes
Posted in Hypocrisy Humor, John Boehner, Legislation Humor, Political Limericks, Political Speeches, Republicans Humor | 7 Comments »
Monday, July 18th, 2011
Obama threatened to veto that cockamamie Republican “cut, cap, and balance” bill.
Limerick Ode To Unbalanced Republicans
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Dear Republicans, please cut your crap.
Enough with your “balance,” “cut,” “cap!”
While you’re busily bashing
Obama, you’re crashing
Our credit and markets. What pap!
Tags: Balanced Budget Amendment, Barack Obama, Budget Limerick, Cut Cap Balance, Debt Ceiling, Economy Satire, Federal Debt, Fiscal Crisis, GOP Idiocy, Republican Humor
Posted in Barack Obama, Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Legislation Humor, Republicans Humor | 1 Comment »
GOP Falls Out Of Love With Roberts (Limerick)
Friday, June 29th, 2012Republicans are in shock over the U.S. Supreme Court’s “Obamacare” decision. They’d been so sure they had Justice John Roberts in their pockets, that they’re behaving like betrayed lovers: How dare he side with the liberal wing of the court on the constitutionality question!
Many of them are enraged to the point of irrationality. In fact, even Justice Roberts seems to have noticed the GOP’s “what have you done for me lately” nastiness. He actually joked about going into hiding.
GOP Falls Out Of Love With Roberts (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The decision John Roberts just penned
Has sent ACA foes round the bend.
Up till now he’d promote
All their views with his vote.
Has their Roberts’ romance reached an end?
Tags: ACA, Affordable Care Act, GOP Humor, Health Care Reform, Health Reform, Justice John Roberts, Law Humor, Legal Verse, Obamacare, Republicans Humor, Supreme Court Limerick, U.S. Constitution, U.S. Supreme Court
Posted in Barack Obama, Constitution Humor, GOP Humor, Health Satire, Judiciary Satire, Law Satire, Legislation Humor, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Supreme Court | 2 Comments »