Archive for the ‘Washington’ Category
Monday, January 7th, 2013
The Birthers are making trouble once again:
The reliably unhinged crazies over at WorldNetDaily have a new axe to grind when it comes to their tiresome obsession with proving that President Obama is not legally entitled to serve in the office he’s held for four years and counting. Their latest gambit involves insisting that Chief Justice John Roberts is violating the Constitution by administering the oath of office to the president for the second time on January 21, and warning that he will be subject to “impeachment and eternal dishonor” if he does so.
Batty Birthers Are Gunning For … Justice Roberts??? (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The birthers are at it again:
Stop Barack’s Oval swear-in, their yen.
Oath of office — abort,
They John Roberts exhort.
Seems impeachment’s their wet dream — both men.
Tags: Barack Obama, Birthers, Chief Justice John Roberts, Constitution Verse, Impeachment, Oath Of Office, Obama's Birth Certificate, Presidential Election, Swear-In Ceremony, White House, Wingnuts, WordNetDaily
Posted in Barack Obama, Birther Humor, Constitution Humor, GOP Humor, Impeachment Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Supreme Court, Washington, White House, Wingnuts | 8 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 »
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 »
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 »
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, August 9th, 2011
Paul Krugman does a great job pointing out S&P’s chutzpah in downgrading U.S. debt:
America’s large budget deficit is, after all, primarily the result of the economic slump that followed the 2008 financial crisis. And S.& P., along with its sister rating agencies, played a major role in causing that crisis, by giving AAA ratings to mortgage-backed assets that have since turned into toxic waste.
Nor did the bad judgment stop there. Notoriously, S.& P. gave Lehman Brothers, whose collapse triggered a global panic, an A rating right up to the month of its demise. And how did the rating agency react after this A-rated firm went bankrupt? By issuing a report denying that it had done anything wrong.
Limerick Ode To Standard & Poor’s Chutzpah
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Dear Standard & Poor’s, I’m impressed
Cuz you ought to be under arrest.
You caused the recession
With junk bond aggression.
Now you’re pounding your downgrading chest?
Tags: Chutzpah, Credit Downgrade, Economy, Fiscal Crisis, Fiscal Humor, Junk Bonds, Paul Krugman, Rating Agencies, S&P, Standard & Poor's, U.S. Debt
Posted in Business Humor, Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, Money & Finance Humor, Political Limericks, Tax & Budget Humor, Washington | 5 Comments »
Monday, August 1st, 2011
Paul Krugman has it exactly right: The President Surrenders. The debt ceiling deal Obama negotiated with the Republican hostage takers is well beyond terrible. And the ransom Obama paid to the GOP is a presidential error beyond comprehension — one that will make today’s bad economy look like fun and games.
What will it do to the poor, the sick, the elderly, the middle class, and the unemployed? I’m way too depressed to discuss it.
Congratulations, Republicans! You’ve got yourself a right-wing Republican President.
Limerick Ode To A Failed Presidency
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Dear Obama, I’ve had it — you’ve failed.
It was time to be strong, but you bailed.
The Dems needed “bold.”
But instead you got rolled.
You’ve undermined all that we hailed.
Tags: Barack Obama, Debt Ceiling, Federal Budget, Federal Debt, Federal Default, John Boehner, Legislation Satire, Obama Surrender, Paul Krugman, Republican Ransom
Posted in Barack Obama, Democrats Humor, Democrats Satire, Fiscal Policy, Money & Finance Humor, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Tax & Budget Humor, Washington, White House, Wingnuts | 5 Comments »
Thursday, April 7th, 2011
Limerick Ode to A Government Shutdown
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The thought of a government shutdown
Should be quickly, decisively cut down.
But I fear that we’re screwed
Cuz of Washington’s mood:
Boehner’s party has turned into Nut Town.
Tags: Budget Cuts, Budget Limerick, Federal Budget, Federal Jobs, Fiscal Crisis, Government Shutdown, House Republicans, John Boehner, Republicans Humor, Tea Party Members, Washington DC, Wingnuts
Posted in Blame Game, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Government Services, House Satire, John Boehner, Legislation Humor, Money & Finance Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Washington, Wingnuts | 11 Comments »
Friday, January 21st, 2011
Although I have strong feelings about most things political, I don’t care whether Democrats and Republicans adopt Sen. Mark Udall’s (D-CO) proposal to sit together during Obama’s State of the Union address. I suppose it’s a nice civility gesture. But I just don’t think it makes much of a difference one way or another.
That said, I think the frequently uncivil Rep. Paul Broun’s (R-GA) reaction to the mixed seating proposal was absurd:
I already believe very firmly that it is a trap and a ruse that Democrats are proposing. They don’t want civility. They want silence from the Republicans. And the sitting together being kissy-kissy is just another way to try to silence Republicans, and also to show — to keep the American people from seeing how few of them there are in the U.S. House now. Then when people stand up to — what the Democrats are going to be doing when Barack Obama spews out all his venom, then, um, if they’re scattered throughout all the Republicans, then it won’t be as noticeable as if we’re sitting apart.
That brings me to my latest limerick:
Rep. Broun’s SOTU Claptrap
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Rep. Broun is a very odd chap:
Says mixed seating at SOTU’s a “trap.”
When “Obama spews out
All his venom” can’t shout.
Nearby Dems might force poor Broun to clap.
Tags: Civility Humor, Congress Humor, Mark Udall, Mixed Seating, Paul Broun, President Obama, SOTU, State Of The Union Address
Posted in 44 Humor, Barack Obama, Congress Humor, GOP Humor, House Satire, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Washington, White House, Wingnuts | 2 Comments »
Thursday, December 9th, 2010
Unlike many of my fellow progressives, I never thought Obama was a liberal. But now I’m beginning to wonder if he’s even a Democrat. In any event, he certainly isn’t a leader.
Needless to say, I’m furious about the Bush tax cut extension deal Obama made with Republicans, and I’m glad that Speaker Pelosi is taking a strong stand against it.
Here’s a pair of limericks about Obama’s abject surrender to the GOP:
A Pair Of Limericks For A Pairless President
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Dear Obama, you’re being a heel
By making this terrible deal.
You’re acting the fool
With this “compromise” gruel
Which will damage our land’s commonweal.
Obama’s demeanor is frayed
He seems ornery, angry, dismayed.
Will he finally fight
The Republican right?
No, he’s mad at the Dems he betrayed.
Tags: Barack Obama, Bush Tax Cut Extension, Economy Satire, Financial Verse, Fiscal Crisis, Nancy Pelosi, Republicans Humor, Taxes
Posted in 44 Humor, Barack Obama, Democrats Humor, Democrats Satire, Economy Humor, Fiscal Policy, GOP Humor, Leadership Humor, Money & Finance Humor, Pelosi Verse, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Tax & Budget Humor, Washington, White House | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, November 30th, 2010
I’ve finally figured out what’s wrong with President Obama: He suffers from PCS (Premature Concession Syndrome.) The latest example is his proposed federal employee wage freeze. But as Rachel Maddow said last night in her Charlie Brown commentary: “This White House consistently gives up its concessions at the start, before getting anything in return.”
Here’s hoping this open limerick to President Obama helps:
Premature Concession Syndrome — A Remedial Limerick
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Dear Obama, it’s Law 101
That in deal making don’t jump the gun:
Never give stuff away
With the hope that one day
You might get something back — this ain’t done.
Your opponent will simply want more.
He will threaten to walk out the door
Unless you accede
To his limitless greed.
Learn this rule or you never will score.
You claim that you earned a JD.
I’ve got one of my own, so you see
Why I don’t understand
How you fail to demand
Quid pro quo from the damn GOP.
Tags: Barack Obama, Bipartisanship, Charlie Brown, Concessions, Negotiation, Republicans Humor, Wage Freeze
Posted in Barack Obama, GOP Humor, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Rachel Maddow, Republicans Humor, Washington, White House | 6 Comments »
Thursday, October 14th, 2010
Jonathan Chait does a great job explaining what a Republican win would mean: If Republicans gain control of the House, they will almost certainly impeach President Obama on some flimsy pretext.
Chait’s lowdown on Darrell Issa, the itching-for-impeachment would-be chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, is a must-read.
Guess Who’s Itching For Impeachment (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The Republican threat is in reach:
Take over the House — then impeach.
What’s the crime? It’s a gem:
Prez Obama’s a Dem!
So please vote. We can’t risk such a breach.
Tags: Campaign Satire, Darrell Issa, Election Humor, House Republicans, Impeachment, Jonathan Chait, President Obama
Posted in 44 Humor, Barack Obama, Campaign Humor, Congress Humor, Darrell Issa, Election Satire, Faux Controversies, House Satire, Impeachment Humor, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Voting Satire, Washington, White House, Wingnuts | 4 Comments »
Tuesday, September 21st, 2010
When it comes to sexism posing as a compliment, I try to cut Harry Reid’s generation some slack. But Senator Reid really ought to know better:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid had an unusual form of praise for New York’s junior senator, Kirsten Gillibrand, this morning at the fundraiser Mayor Bloomberg hosted for him at his townhouse – referring to her as “the hottest member” as she sat just a few feet away, according to three sources.
The comment prompted Gillibrand to turn red, according to the sources, and created a bit of stir among the small crowd there.
That leads me to my latest limerick:
Harry Reid’s Not So Hot Remark
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Kirsten Gillibrand’s hot says Sen. Reid —
The Sen’s “hottest member,” indeed.
Now I know Harry’s old,
And I don’t mean to scold,
But that “compliment’s” sexist. Take heed.
Here’s more on subtle sexism, including my Gender At Work essay. (Gender at Work, under the name My Most Attractive Adversary, is the lead Gender Gap chapter essay in a pair of college textbooks by Gary Goshgarian: The Contemporary Reader and Readings For Today.)
Tags: Compliments, Feminist Limerick, Gary Goshgarian, Gender Humor, Harry Reid, Kirsten Gillibrand, Sexist Humor, Subtle Sexism
Posted in Appearance Humor, Feminism Humor, Gender Politics, Harry Reid, Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Politics, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Speeches, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Senate Satire, Washington | 3 Comments »
Thursday, August 26th, 2010
I have a dream that one day crazed liars like Glenn Beck will no longer pollute our television and radio waves and the Internet.
I have a dream that one day the American people will stop being suckered by deranged media personalities like Glenn Beck.
I have a dream that one day Glenn Beck will headline a rally like his “restore honor” to America rally scheduled on the anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream Speech” … and nobody will show up.
My Dream For Glenn Beck … And America (Limerick)
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Oh, I have a dream for Glenn Beck:
That he’ll lose his unending blank check
To spread mad, evil lies
That are greeted as wise,
When they’re really insidious dreck.
Tags: Deranged Media Personalities, Glenn Beck, Martin Luther King, Media Humor, Political Rally
Posted in Fox News Humor, Glenn Beck Satire, Media Satire, Political Limericks, Political Speeches, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Publicity Hounds, Speeches Satire, Tea Parties, Washington, Wingnuts | 7 Comments »
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
Now that health reform has passed, Republicans are angrier than ever. Mitt Romney calls it an “unconscionable abuse of power” and Bill Kristol is urging repeal in a Weekly Standard editorial. Moreover, Senators John McCain, Judd Gregg and their fellow GOPers are so incensed that they’ve come up with a very creative threat:
GOP senators emerged Monday to caution that the health debate had taken a toll on the institution, warning of little work between parties the rest of this year.
“There will be no cooperation for the rest of the year,” McCain said during an interview Monday on an Arizona radio affiliate. “They have poisoned the well in what they’ve done and how they’ve done it.”
Wow! The next thing you know, Republicans will be vowing to filibuster and obstruct.
And that brings me to my latest limerick:
Addled Threats
By Madeleine Begun Kane
The GOP’s angry as hell.
Says McCain, Dems have “poisoned the well.”
So the rest of the year
We won’t work with them here.
And how is that diff’rent? Do tell!
********
I proud to say that this post is mentioned in the excellent
Health Wonk Review: Special Edition On Health Reform.
Tags: Congress Satire, GOP Humor, Health Care Reform, Health Insurance, John McCain, Judd Gregg, Legislation Satire, Mitt Romney, Republicans Humor, Senate Humor, Weekly Standard, William Kristol
Posted in Bill Kristol, Congress Humor, Filibuster Humor, GOP Humor, Health Satire, Insurance Humor, John McCain, Judd Gregg, Legislation Humor, Mitt Romney Humor, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Republicans Humor, Senate Satire, Washington | 5 Comments »
Thursday, February 18th, 2010
I don’t know about you, but I’m getting really tired of this line frequently used by Obama and other pols: “America can’t afford to let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”
Obama usually uses this Voltaire paraphrase as an excuse to disappoint progressives yet again.
The original Voltaire quote is “The perfect is the enemy of the good,” translated from the French, “Le mieux est l’ennemi du bien.” (The literal translation actually should be, “The best is the enemy of the good.”)
This brings me to my latest double limerick:
Dear Obama, Enough With The Voltaire!
By Madeleine Begun Kane
There once was a guy named Voltaire,
A Frenchman whose wisdom pols share.
They say, “Perfect, though fine,
Is hardly divine
When it blocks the essential. So there!”
Dear Obama, this line is just guff —
An excuse for not doing enough.
So instead of excuses,
Fight right-wing abuses.
Voltaire is annoying. Hang tough!
Tags: Barack Obama, Excuses Humor, François-Marie Arouet, French Philosophers, Philosophy Satire, Progressives, Right-wing Abuses, Voltaire
Posted in 44 Humor, Barack Obama, Blame Game, Democrats Satire, Excuses Satire, Philosophy Humor, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Quote Of The Day, Washington, White House | 13 Comments »
Monday, February 15th, 2010
Senator Evan Bayh (Pretend-Dem-Indiana) has announced that he won’t seek reelection this year. The conserva-Dem’s stated reason? Partisan gridlock is blocking progress.
While this is being viewed as a huge loss for Democrats and a great pick-up op for Republicans, I sure won’t miss Blue Dog Bayh. His so-called moderation and his unrelenting push for compromise with uncompromising Republicans has been a large impediment to passing progressive legislation.
And that brings me to my latest limerick:
Senator Bayh, Buh Bye!
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Sen. Bayh will not run again. Why?
Cuz there’s “not enough progress.” How wry!
He says partisanship
Is the cause. Here’s a tip:
Our problem is DINOS like Bayh.
Tags: Blue Dogs, Conserva-Dems, DINOs, Election Humor, Evan Bayh, Indiana, Partisan Gridlock, Partisanship Humor
Posted in Blue Dogs Humor, Democrats Satire, Election Satire, Evan Bayh Satire, Legislation Humor, Partisanship Satire, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Senate Satire, Washington | 7 Comments »
Monday, January 25th, 2010
In the wake of the Massachusetts election debacle, I keep naively expecting Democrats to wake up and smell the need to stop acting like patsies.
Any minute now (I tell myself) Dems under Obama’s leadership will call a halt to the futile act of making nice with Republicans (and Blue Dogs) and will start pursuing a truly progressive agenda.
But, alas, Democrats seem to have learned exactly the wrong lesson from losing Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat to a Republican.
And that brings me to my latest limerick:
Ode To Weak-Kneed Democrats
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Dear Obama and co are you nuts?
Or did someone abscond with your guts?
If you act like you’re weak
All your power will leak,
Hurling Dems out of town on their butts.
********
Some related posts from Think Progress, Common Dreams, Susie Madrak, and Steve Benen.
Tags: Blue Dogs, Democratic Leadership, Election Humor, Legislation Satire, Massachusetts, Progressive Agenda
Posted in Barack Obama, Campaign Humor, Congress Humor, Election Satire, Filibuster Humor, GOP Humor, Leadership Humor, Legislation Humor, Martha Coakley, Media Satire, Minority Rights Humor, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Scott Brown, Senate Satire, Washington, White House | Comments Off
Thursday, October 29th, 2009
Traitor Joe Lieberman is back to his old tricks, once again trying to undermine Democrats. So how’s Joe rewarding Obama and Harry Reid’s excessive generosity in letting Lieberman caucus with the Dems and chair the Homeland Security Committee? By threatening to help Republicans filibuster health reform over the public option.
Joe Lieberman’s latest misanthropic behavior reminds me of the single saving grace in Bush v. Gore: The election was stolen from Lieberman too.
I’ve already written Joe a song parody, so now it’s time for a limerick:
A Limerick For Traitor Joe
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Joe Lieberman’s meanness runs deep.
He’s a back-stabbing, Dem-screwing creep,
Who’s determined to kill
The health reform bill.
But at least he will never be VEEP.
Tags: Bush v. Gore, Filibuster, Harry Reid, Health Reform, Homeland Security, Joe Lieberman, Public Option, Traitors
Posted in Barack Obama, Filibuster Humor, Harry Reid, Health Satire, Insurance Humor, Joe Lieberman, Legislation Humor, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Washington | 6 Comments »
Saturday, September 19th, 2009
Poor Chris Wallace has been whining to Bill O’Reilly about Fox News Sunday not getting an Obama interview. Apparently Obama’s making a huge mistake in refusing to be interviewed by such a fair fellow.
My favorite part of the video is where Wallace calls Obama’s White House, “The biggest bunch of crybabies I have dealt with in my 30 years in Washington.”
Yup, sounds “fair and balanced” to me.
This calls for a limerick, don’t you think?
Chris Wallace Feels Dissed
By Madeleine Begun Kane
Chris Wallace is feeling left out—
No Obama appearance to tout.
Wallace swears on the air:
He’s not Beck. He is fair
To those “crybabies.” Why would we doubt?
Related Post: Fox Pundits At Sea
Tags: Bill O'Reilly, Chris Wallace, Crybabies, Fair & Balanced, Fox News, Glen Beck, Interviews, Media Humor, Obama Verse, Talk Shows, White House
Posted in Bill O'Reilly, Chris Wallace, Fox News Humor, Glenn Beck Satire, Media Satire, Political Commentary, Political Limericks, Political Verse, Politics Satire, Washington, White House | 1 Comment »
Limerick Ode To The New, Improved Obama
Tuesday, September 20th, 2011This 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 »