I didn't do any programs because it seems pointless. Only a few download the others and no one ever responds on here so I guess there is lack of interest. Still I was happy that Obama won just for the simple fact that there is now no possibility of a future President Palin.

The 2008 Election results are still being tabulated, but as with most days-after, there are some clear winners and losers. From a progressive perspective, I have a few thoughts about what makes me happy, sad, and horrified.

THE GOOD
1. Voter Turnout. We knew this was coming, and it played out as we had been hearing. Over 136 million Americans went to the polls, blowing away 2004's 122.3 million (the previous record for total vote) and representing highest voter turnout since 1908. An extraordinary display of interest, and I would argue, folks taking responsibility for their government. Good stuff. This election engaged a whole new generation of voters (and many who had dropped out of the process). And that is a great thing.

2. Big Wins for Progressives. Barack Obama's historic win is huge for organizations that fight for climate change, women's reproductive health, economic policies that reward work over wealth, universal health care, ending the war in Iraq, a more engaged foreign policy, a positive (rather than hostile) attitude towards organized labor, and protecting civil liberties (warrantless wiretapping notwithstanding). And of course, he will assume office with expanded Democratic majorities in both the House and Senate--an extraordinary turnaround since 2004--a total swing of 50+ seats in the House and 11+ in the Senate (the plus fudging for the fact we don't know final outcomes in a handful of races. This is good news for those of us who want to see movement on these issues.

3. Can the REAL 21ST Century please begin now? I don't know about you, but I feel like the last eight years, apart from being excruciatingly maddening from a policy perspective, and divisive in pitting Americans against one another, in some ways represented some sort of suspension of time--as if we were still fighting over issues and talking about things in ways that no longer had any connection to the world we currently inhabit (witness 2005 Energy bill, 2002 Iraq War fight, anything involving LGBT folks, the complete non-conversation about health care). Last night, Americans said enough: they put their money on community, optimism, and the better angels of our nature (as Lincoln put it in his first Inaugural), rather than fear and division. And they did that, because we've tried that and guess what? It didn't work.

THE BAD
1. Still Around. Some members who deserved to lose, unfortunately, appear to have won, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (at least his wife, outgoing Labor Secretary Elaine Chao will be gone in an Obama administration). Michelle Bachmann, the Minnesota Congresswoman who suggested that Barack Obama was not pro-American and that the media should do a thorough expose of all members of Congress to see who was "pro-America" or anti-America. Creepy. And unfortunately, it looks like Senator Saxby Chambliss, who in many ways is just a garden variety conservative, is either headed to re-election or at a minimum, will go to a runoff against Democratic challenger Jim Martin (where I think he'll likely prevail without the benefit of outsized African-American turnout). What's truly unfortunate about this is the campaign Chambliss ran in 2002 against triple-amputee and Vietnam war veteran Max Cleland, when he ran ads suggesting that Cleland was soft on terrorism and Osama bin Laden (remember him?). Truly execrable and dishonorable in the extreme for a guy who got medical deferments to avoid serving. Karma should have taken him out.

2. The US Voting "System." If there's one thing that we've learned yet again, it's that the American voting systems are a mess. After the Florida debacle in 2000, Congress passed a law, the Help America Vote Act, to work through these issues. Well, clearly, that hasn't worked. The system is still completely byzantine, with much control continuing to reside at the county level, inadequate resources, and a total patchwork that invites mischief and dysfunction. Seven hour waits to vote? I'm ecstatic that folks had the patience and stamina, but Rachel Maddow rightly called it a new poll tax (do YOU have the luxury of forfeiting an entire day's work just to go vote?) Can you imagine how bad it would have been if 30 states didn't have early voting? It's time to revisit some of these basic questions to guarantee the integrity and trust in our elections. And hey, maybe it's time to talk about Election Day as a National Holiday again. Can we please take a mulligan on HAVA and get it right this time?

3. American Problems, 2008 Style. When the euphoria of this election wears off, the truth is there are huge challenges that face us--an economy in recession, two wars, and very thorny foreign policy challenges (the two wars notwithstanding) including North Korea, Iran, an ascendant (and cranky) Russia, and an enigmatic and powerful China. My hope is that Americans will heed the words of President-Elect Obama (god that feels good to write) and recognize we will all have to do our part. I am beyond ecstatic at the prospect of a president who asks me to do something beyond shopping (as President Bush did just days after the September 11th attacks).

THE UGLY
1. Anti-gay Ballot Initiatives. This was the lone exception to what was otherwise a great night for progressives. Four anti-gay ballot initiatives passed, three of them handily. The fourth, Proposition 8 in California was close, 52-48%, but it was a big punch in the gut to the LGBT community, because it was the first time an existing state with gay marriage had it overturned. Oh, and in California, it's now in the Constitution. A huge setback, though you could argue that the fact it did almost 10 points better than a statute that was passed in 2000 is a win. Other states passing gay marriage bans included Florida and Arizona and Arkansas passed a measure banning gay adoption (no word on whether they brought back Anita Bryant from the 70's for that one).

2. Icky Terrorist Connections by McCain Campaign. Yes, campaigns are tough, and yes, Obama also ran negative ads. But the McCain campaign sank to new lows of guilt-by-association. His last ditch attempt to connect Obama with former Weatherman Bill Ayers at the final debate (and most famously raised by Sarah Palin as Obama "pallin' around with terrorists." I think they had a running Hearts game on Thursdays) was shameful, and beneath a man who was so maliciously maligned by George W. Bush in the 2000 primaries.

3.Voter Suppression. No matter how many times I talk about it, it never gets old. Republicans trotted out their tried-and-true strategies to disenfranchise folks whom they expected to vote Democratic, which in recent years had come to include the full weight of the Department of Justice. We also heard of the old tactics of flyering in Democratic areas that Republicans vote on Tuesday, Democrats vote on Wednesday, or, as happened in Florida, that you can now vote by phone. Gross. Early voting seems to have stemmed some of the ability for this to make a huge difference, but we always have to be vigilant.

And so it goes. Only 1,460 days until the next Presidential election. Who's ready?

Well that was not fun. I am finally over the strept throat and my voice is nearly back to normal. The doctor ordered me to talk as little as possible last week so that is why I didn't do any shows.

So are you ready for the election?

Brad on bradblog.com has been documenting all sorts of cases, in many states, of vote flipping. The excuse is the the machines need to be re-calibrated. Funny how it only happens when it is the Democrat selected. there have been NO REPORTS of people choosing McCain and it flipping to Obama.

I am prepared for another stolen election. Or at least enough vote disenfranchisement and electronic machine trickery to make McCain lose respectfully instead of in a landslide.

I will look at some of that on Monday.

No show on Tuesday- Mike Malloy will have a host of people on keeping track of the election and I encourage everyone to listen starting at 6pm Pacific Time. You can listen online at NOVAM RADIO

Just in case Americans vote insanely again this year here is a great escape plan...O Canada!





See you Monday!

Well Sparky's wish came true the l;ast couple of days. I literally lost my voice and have some kind of throat crap going on. I was able to squeak out a show today though.

So while I was gone Colin Powell endorsed Obama and Limbaugh and his clones started saying it was just because of race. Today there is another AP poll out saying there has been a big increase in support from McCain from WHITES!

So if Powell picks Obama because of race (not that he did- he is actually disgusted with how McCain sold his soul to the Christian Taliban in selecting Palin) it's a bad thing and the week's talking point. But if white people vote for McCain cause they don't want " no black man in the White House" no one bats an eye.

I talk about that and alot more on today's edition of DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!

Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-22-2008.mp3

Republican John McCain told a crowd in this battleground state Friday to "hold onto your wallet" because his Democratic presidential rival, Barack Obama, has talked of spreading the wealth around.

McCain suggested voters could not rely on Obama's promise of tax cuts while returning once more to the story of Joe the Plumber, a regular part of McCain's speeches since the Arizona senator first mentioned the tax concerns of Ohio plumber Joe Wurzelbacher in Wednesday's presidential debate.

THAT'S FROM THE AP

TROUBLE IS "JOE THE PLUMBER ISN'T A PLUMBER AT ALL, IN FACT HE WAS A McCAIN CAMPAIGN PLANT!

So while this dirty old lumpy bastard is on the stump lying about Obama's tax plan he is saying nothing about the IRAQ VETS AGAINST WAR who were trampled by police on horses Wednesday outside the debate. Are you as sick of this lying old bastard and his whore from Wasilla as I am?

I talk about that and a bunch of other things including more problems with voting machines and the failed attempt by Ohio Republicans to disenfranchise a load of new voters on today's edition of DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!



Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-17-2008.mp3


HERE ARE SOME OF THE STORIES I DIDN'T GET TO THIS WEEK:

15 Arrested Outside Presidential Debate in Protest Led by Iraq Veterans Against the War

CITIZEN VIDEO COVERAGE OF IVAW PROTESTERS

THIS IS HOW FASCISM COMES: REFLECTIONS ON THE COST OF SILENCE

AND FINALLY...

HAS ANYONE HEARD McKRAZY CONDEMN THIS BLATANT EXAMPLE OF RACISM?

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD EXPECT TO SEE FROM THE 1950'S...THIS IS CRIMINAL AND IT SHOWS YOU HOW SICK AND EVIL THESE REPUBLICAN SCUM BAGS ARE.

The October newsletter by the Chaffey Community Republican Women, Federated says if Obama is elected his image will appear on food stamps -- instead of dollar bills like other presidents. The statement is followed by an illustration of "Obama Bucks" -- a phony $10 bill featuring Obama's face on a donkey's body, labeled "United States Food Stamps."

KEEP YOUR EYES OP[EN AND WATCH YOUR BACKS!

Have a nice weekend and thanks for listening!

Finally Obama was allowed to address the threats against his life and the smear campaign during an open debate! That was the good bit from last night's debate. That euphoria left me after I had time to listen to an interview with NAOMI WOLF author of a new book called "Give Me Liberty".

All the things I had worried about and had theorized on this program were confirmed by her interview.

So will we have an election?

Will it be allowed to go on as planned with the big surprise coming in the window period between November 5th and Jan 20, 2009?

I can say for sure but I can say one thing. Given all I have read- both current events and history it looks like breathing easy will not be something I will be doing for a long time.

See what you think on today's edition of DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!

Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-16-2008.mp3

Yesterday, at a Palin rally, another person yelled out "kill him" when Barach Obama's name was mentioned. This is getting scary and something needs to change fast.

8 people remain in prison in Minnesota, charged as terrorists, and yet Palin can encourage the knuckle-dragging insane bastards that threaten Senator Obama and she walks around free as a VP candidate?

A look at that insanity plus more Republicans jumping off the McCain sinking ship on today's edition of DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!


Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-15-2008.mp3

Another debate is on the way and I am hoping that the moderator won't ask the same damn questions as the last two debates.

How about you?

Are you ready for Obama to take the gloves off and let McCain have it, in a nice way of course.

How about bringing up Phil Gramm or the Keating 5?

So I talk about that and a bunch of other things on today's DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!

(OH AND SPARKY IS FINE- HE GOT THE PAIN MEDS TO STOP THE BACK SPASMS)


Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-14-2008.mp3

Posting the show a bit early today because Sparky hurt his back and I have to help him get to the ER.

Today's edition looks at stuff you may have missed over the weekend, some McCain/Palin supporters that show their true ignorant colors plus the truth about ACORN.

All that and loads more on today's edition of DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!

Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-13-2008.mp3

First it is NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY and Tyler Oakley, a great young man who I use on my show from time to time has a brilliant idea and suggestion that all gay folk and gay friendly folk show watch. Just click this link to go watch him on YouTube

On my program I frequently suggest that you all tune into MIKE MALLOY weeknights from 6-9pm Pacific Time. You can listen live at his site at the NovaM Radio Network.  My program covers specific issues, but because it is not live I can not present the breaking daily news like Mike can. I know many do not like to listen to 3 hours of political talk but with less than a month before the election...assuming it will occur it is more important than ever to stay informed.

Every night Mike unspins the lies of the RNC and the McCain/Palin hate fests. YOU NEED TO LISTEN AND ARM YOURSELF WITH THE FACTS SO YOU CAN TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS. Mainstream media fails on so many levels and in many locations around the United States people just have cable news and right-wing talk propaganda radio. That is the case here in San Diego.

As I mentioned on my program, the reason I do an internet show is because our progressive talk station am1360 KLSD was allegedly "not making enough revenue", according to the the conservative Christian program director so they changed it into a sports talk station last November.

That was shear nonsense.

The fact of the matter is the CLEAR CHANNEL, who owns these stations, wanted to get the progressive point of view off the air. It cost votes for Republicans here in 2006 and with the 2008 election approaching they wanted to get back to feeding the dumbed down in San Diego a steady diet of Rush Limbaugh and the other right wing clones on the powerful 600am KOGO.

As a result we are fed a steady diet of right-wing propaganda and spin on talk radio here in San Diego.

It is so critical that we stay informed and we must work at the grassroots level to educate those around us. When Malloy is on I put the speakers outside and that has encouraged my neighbors to ask about the show and ask other questions. As a result, a few people who thought that Palin was a "good Christian" and McCain an honest "war hero" have since woke up, put down the glass of Kool-Aid and are going to vote for Obama.

"I just can't trust people that lie to me on the campaign trail, just to get votes, to tell me the truth and do the right thing for me and my family if they are elected," said one of my neighbors who had originally been supporting McCain and Palin.

A dumbed down populace is a controlled society. Hitler new that and so did so many other fascist dictators. This is why the media, especially radio, had been hijacked back in the 90's and why the Republicans with Bill Clinton's help (dumb bastard) got rid of the Fairness Doctrine.

One look at YouTube and the article from CNN I posted yesterday shows the effect this action has had on people who are now dumber than a bag of doorknobs.

So you must, for the good of this country listen to people like Mike. Listen to my program, listen to other programs so you can help unspin the lies and maybe give America a fighting chance to survive.

Aside from Malloy I suggest you keep an eye on BRADBLOG because he is the number one blog that is unspinning the lies about ACORN and other issues relating to voter disenfranchisement.

For you, I suggest THINKYOUTH.NET

This is a wonderful site that Dan Solis, who used to write on P&M with me started. Hopefully you will hear segments from him on my show next week.

they also have a YOUTUBE PAGE and a MySpace page as well.

The bottom line is that there are still way to many dumbed down people in America. I am not talking about the conservative Christian freaks or the bigots and homophobes. I am talking about good people, like my neighbor, who trusted the mainstream media and talk radio here in San Diego to be presenting facts instead of right-wing RNC talking points.

Here is an interview with Malloy from November 2007

Watch it and please, at least until after the election, consider listening to Mike so you know what is really going on. With Executive Directive 51 still out there and all the other tricks and Rovian crimes committed by the Bush Crime Family- an administration the the "mavericks" are in lock-step with, there is NO EXCUSE to remain ignorant or complacent at this point.

Think about it!

Mike Malloy - Angry Voice In The Wilderness (Part 1)





Mike Malloy - Angry Voice In The Wilderness (Part 2)

A legislative investigation has concluded that Gov. Sarah Palin abused her power in pushing for the firing of an Alaska state trooper who was once married to her sister.


The report by investigator Steve Branchflower was made public late this afternoon by a 12-0 vote of the Legislative Council, which authorized the investigation.


Branchflower's report contains four findings. The first concludes that Palin violated the state's executive branch ethics act, which says that "each public officer holds office as a public trust, and any effort to benefit a personal or financial interest through official action is a violation of that trust."


Branchflower was investigating whether Palin abused her power by pushing for the firing of state trooper Mike Wooten, who was involved in a nasty divorce from Palin's sister. Palin and her husband, Todd, have accused Wooten of threatening Palin's father.


The investigation also looked into whether Palin dismissed public safety commissioner Walt Monegan because he resisted pressure to fire Wooten.


In the second finding, Branchflower says Monegan's refusal to fire Wooten was not the sole reason for his dismissal but that it was a "contributing factor." Still, he said, Palin's firing of Monegan was "a proper and lawful exercise" of the governor's authority.


The third finding says a workers compensation claim filed by Wooten was handled appropriately. Number four concludes that the attorney general's office failed to comply with Branchflower's Aug. 6 request for information about the case in e-mails.


The release of Branchflower's 263-page report was authorized by a unanimous vote of the 12-member Legislative Council, which authorized the probe last summer. The vote followed a daylong closed meeting. Three members participated by telephone.


AND YOU JUST HAVE TO READ THIS:

THE LUNATICS AT TODAY'S McCAIN RALLY


HERE IS AN EXCERPT

"I'm mad. I'm really mad. And what's going to surprise you, it's not the economy. It's the socialists taking over our country," one said.

Later in Minnesota, a woman told McCain: "I don't trust Obama. I have read about him and he's an Arab."

McCain shook his head and said, "No ma'am, no ma'am. He's a decent family man...[a] citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues. That's what this campaign is all about."

IF THAT IS SO THEN EXPLAIN THIS AD YOU LYING OLD SON OF A BITCH

With the economy tanking around the world, countless people dying in the illegal wars we still participate in and all the other insanity people still sit there, with mouths open, listening to McCain and Palin lie in their faces.

Add to that the ridiculous and unconstitutional propositions to keep us queers from marrying and it truly does suggest that a good portion of America suffers from a major psychotic disorder.

Anti-gay marriage ads warn that "children are being taught about gay marriage in school!"

How awful-

teaching love, tolerance and acceptance

These ads are sponsored by "Christian" groups.

Wait- didn't Jesus Christ teach about love, tolerance and acceptance in his impromptu classes he gave on life and it's lessons?

A look at that plus the top ten censored news stories of 2008 on today's edition of DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!


Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-10-2008.mp3



HERE ARE A COUPLE OF THINGS YOU SHOULD LOOK AT THAT I DIDN'T HAVE TIME FOR ON THE SHOW:



OLBERMANN- THE LIES IN McCAIN'S ECONOMIC PLAN


Connecticut's Supreme Court ruled Friday that gay couples have the right to marry



HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND!

OH AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FRIEND PAM'S SON, IAN!!

Have you heard that the majority of victims of McCain and his friends push for deregulation are people that rent- not own homes?

In city after city the police are given orders to evict renters, despite the fact that they paid their rents on time and these orders are coming from the BANKS that way over $700 billion of our tax dollars are "bailing out".

Luckily a hero in Cook County, Illinois is stopping that.

Aside from that and a 13-year-old boy selling apples, in protest, on Wall Street the media focus on Dobson's whore- Palin has worked to suppress a good public vetting of McCain in the media. Today we vet him some more and look at the unconstitutional, dictator powers Bush gave himself and why sane Americans won't want McCain and Palin to have them if in fact they steal the election or if there is an election at all.

You will want to listen to today's edition of DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE for sure!


Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-09-2008.mp3

Bigots, homophobes, fear-based psychopaths...all names you could use to refer to the sheep that groan and moan when they listen to Sarah Palin lie like a pig without lipstick. And today Olbermann tells us how the Palin supporters have crossed the line- from insane to criminal.

And then there was the debate.

Well the town hall meeting with Brokaw.

I ask some of the questions that may have been asked if the questions were allowed to come spontaneously instead of being preselected so we got fed the same crap the corporate mecdia and the campaigns want us to hear. I heard nothing new last night and I came up with a good idea on how to make these debates better.

That and the sad story of 90-year-old Adie Polk who shot herself in the chest last week when she was about to be served with an eviction notice courtesy of one of the companies our tax dollars recently bailed out...oh and a look, as promised at HR676 all on today's edition of DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!

Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-08-2008.mp3

It's been ten years since Matthew Sheppard was beaten to death and crucified on that Wyoming fence.

Ten years later not much has changed.

In states like California there are still anti-gay marriage propositions on the ballot. All designed to encourage hate and homophobia. You would have thought we would have learned that homophobia and hate destroys families by now.

Sadly we didn't and today we talk about that and a lot more on DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!

Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-07-2008.mp3

How do you get a bunch of Democrats to go along with a demand from the Bush Crime Family?

Threaten them with martial law

Rep. Brad Sherman (D) slips up on the House floor and lets us know that indeed House members were threatened with the possiblity of Executive Directive 51.

A look at that and the blatant lies and filth that are coming out of the mouth of good "christian" Sarah Palin plus a lot more on today's edition of DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!


Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-06-2008.mp3

Did you catch the debate last night?

I did and boy do I have a lot to say about it- especially about Iraq and the issue of gay marriage. Add to that the fact that the House just defied the majority of Americans just like the Senate the other day and has dolled out $700 billion to the Bush Crime Family and you can be sure that I have a lot to say today!

So go ahead...check out what is on today's edition of DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!

Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-03-2008.mp3



Here are the links I mentioned on the show:


Congress OKs historic bailout bill; Bush signs it:

http://apnews.myway.com//article/20081003/D93J80C80.html

What was in the SENATE bill:

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/53350.html

(Bush signed the bill after I had already finished the show)

Well tonight is the night- the ONLY debate between Biden and Moose for Brains.

She has been practicing her rehearsed responses by a creek and tonight we have to look for that square box on her back.

I can see them squeezing Carl Rove under the podium to coach her...oh wait that fat bastard wouldn't fit! The only question is will Biden lay into her or be nice because he is afraid of the talking heads on TV and radio accusing him of being mean to the poor good woman, Sarah?

We'll talk about the debate, Palin's sheer idiocy plus Tony Perkins and his theory on why the economy is in "crisis".

You don't want to miss this- IT'S A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF THE INSANE RELIGIOUS RIGHT SHOWING THEIR HATEFUL HEADS!

That and a lot more discussed on today's edition of DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!


Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-02-2008.mp3

Every day it seems like there is yet another lie, another spin or change of position coming out of the McCain/Palin campaign. In fact there have been at least 37 blatant lies told by Palin so far according to Keith Olbermann.

I am still hearing people say they are voting for Palin because she is "cute" or a good Christian. That is simply insane and I look at that, more of the lies and the insanity surrounding Palin the day before her big debate.

A look at that plus a lot more on today's DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!


Damage Control Philip Racuel 10-01-2008.mp3

Well the good news is that I mastered the new Podcast board so today's show flows nicely and the sound levels stay consistent!

The bad news is that those of us on Mercy Street (remember "Main Street" is code for SHAREHOLDERS) may still get screwed by the Bush Crime Family.

Today we hear from Olbermann and how McCain is lying like the lumpy dog his is on the stump, and from two members of the House, that talk straight up and yet are out of the mainstream media sound bites.

We flash back to May 2007 when right right wing hack, Dr. Jerome Corsi, spoke on C-SPAN about EXECUTIVE DIRECTIVE 51 plus more, present "experts, not under the thumb of Bush really explain what is really going on with this financial "crisis"

All that and a lot more on today's edition of DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!



Damage Control Philip Racuel 9-30-2008.mp3

Sorry that I am posting later than usual.

It has been an annoying day to say the least. The other podcast board software I was using expired so I had to get a new one.

In between trying to master the new board and good old WINDOWS doing that damn NOT RESPONDING thing for a milli second or two to the podcast software there is a few places where I sound like I am stuttering.

I had to edit the first part twice so by the second time I am afraid the editing got a bit sloppy- so sorry about that and a few instances when the sound drops off. I will try to get it better tomorrow. For the most part the program is just fine.

Oh, what did I talk about. More about the debate and McCain's lies, Obama on FACE THE NATION and what DENNIS KUCINICH had to say about the $700 billion bailout to the shareholders on "Main Street".

That and a lot more on today's DAMAGE CONTROL LIVE!


Damage Control Philip Racuel 9-29-2008.mp3