House to Take Up Rescheduling Marijuana & Expunging Cannabis Crimes, Senate to Set Up Compromise on Competitiveness Bill

How do you feel about this week’s congressional schedule?

  • 2,580
    NoHedges
    04/03/2022

    Yet another example of just how clueless or willfully ignorant the Congressional leadership is. Again, are you people TRYING to lose your majority so you do not have to follow thru on Biden’s human infrastructure proposal? Because it sure as hell looks like it. Democrats. you do not have the current track record or voter trust to endanger school choice simply to boost enrollment for traditional schools. If the Speaker of the House actually listened to her constituents or took the recent events of the school district in her district seriously, she would know this… So, maybe this is another passive aggressive internal attack. —————————- On March 11, a day after the funding passed, the Education Department issued 13 pages of proposed rules governing the 28-year-old federal Charter Schools Program, which funnels funds through state agencies to help charters with start-up expenses such as staff and technology. “Not a charter school fan” was Mr. Biden’s comment about these independent public schools during his 2020 presidential campaign, and the proposed requirements clearly reflect that antipathy. The Biden administration claims that the proposed rules would ensure fiscal oversight and encourage collaboration between traditional public schools and charter schools. But the overwhelming view within the diverse charter school community is that the proposed rules would add onerous requirements that would be difficult, if not impossible, to meet and would scare off would-be applicants. Those most hurt would be single-site schools and schools led by rural, Black and Latino educators. Consider, for example, the requirement that would-be applicants provide proof of community demand for charters, which hinged on whether there is over-enrollment in existing traditional public schools. Enrollment is down in many big-city school districts, which would mean likely rejection for any nonprofit seeking to open up a charter. “Traditional schools may be under-enrolled, but parents are looking for more than just a seat for their child. They want high quality seats,” said Nina Rees, president of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Hence the long waiting lists for charter school spots in cities with empty classrooms in traditional schools. Also problematic is the requirement that charters get a commitment of collaboration from a traditional public school. That’s like getting Walmart to promise to partner with the five-and-dime down the street. ———————— For those Dems seeking to win. Please read this statement again: “Traditional schools may be under-enrolled, but parents are looking for more than just a seat for their child. They want high quality seats,” said Nina Rees, president of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. And again: “Traditional schools may be under-enrolled, but parents are looking for more than just a seat for their child. They want high quality seats,” said Nina Rees, president of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Now apply that same logic and mindset to every piece of legislation that you create or support going forward. Example: Voters remain in a sour mood despite job report. Application: 431,000 jobs have been add this month, but Americans are looking for more than just a job. They want good paying jobs with similar benefits as what is enjoyed by our economic peers. Task: Start proposing focused single issue legislation that has this process goal. It probably won’t pass. But at least then voters see Dems trying to do what they promised WITHOUT ANY PERSONAL BENEFITS, and they see Republicans blocking efforts. This is what won Georgia. Telling people this is what we are trying to pass (bullet proof, no hidden agenda or identity politics) this is what Republicans are and will continue to block. If some Corporate Dems get axed as a result, so be it. ———— And if you cannot figure it out; then either bring in the talent or simply resign. Otherwise, your well deserved legacy be the one of such extreme legislative failure that it crushes the spirit and soul of Americans, while collapsing the economy. Yes, our democracy is at stake. So, stop protecting your damn party line and seeking to boost your stock portfolios. If Trump has his way you are more likely to see a firing squad before you retire. And the President and Vice President you all worked so hard to elect will be impeached. This is not a game, there are no more extensions or trust in false promises/ hyperbole.

  • 416
    Robert
    04/03/2022

    I applaud the House for taking marijuana seriously except for my misrepresentative that voted Nay. I wish the Senate could overlook their obsessions and become knowledgeable and supportive. If not, I think it is because they: Cannot admit it was wrong in the first place. Still believes the propaganda of 1938 that marijuana is bad. Has not acknowledged it has been used as a medicine, food, and shelter for 40,000 years. Want to lie to their children to lose respect. Want to encourage harder drugs by telling their kids that harmless marijuana is the same as hard, additive drugs. Then lie that it is a gateway drug. Wants to show that people have no say; but oil, chemical, pharmaceuticals, and especially the police have all the say. Wants the injustice to discriminate against the poor and minorities, steal their money, and ruin their life. Want more crops that require poisons and fertilizers to grow. Want a fuel source that pollutes the air when burned and doesn’t produce oxygen by photosynthesis. Must remain closed-minded and stupid by believing all marijuana is nothing but a bad drug that is dangerous without having any knowledge about it whatsoever. Have a desire to worsen climate change, raise fuel prices, give more power to police to abuse people, ignore science, and generally take away as much freedom as they can. Wants America to be the land of the condemned and home of the weak. Cannot allow something that isn’t addicting and doesn’t kill people like alcohol, tobacco, and firearms. After alcohol prohibition, people went from ATF to narcotics control, and the DEA doesn’t want to go anywhere losing “customers”. Prison scams must continue so you need a lot of easy ones to catch. Want people to use the illegal route where you have no idea of the breed, benefits, or risk. Most of all, keep the criminals employed. Crime pays and powers our Senate now. Please label this plant properly!

  • 2,580
    NoHedges
    04/02/2022

    If the people don’t trust, they will not bother vote. All the name calling, blame games, and victim shaming won’t change this fundamental principle. Congress’ approval among the American people continues to lag, according to a new Gallup poll. The politicians’ collective job approval was 21 percent in March, while their disapproval was 76 percent. While low, the approval rating is in line with recently polling, which has been between 18 percent and 23 percent since October. March’s approval rating is down from the 12-year high of 36 percent recorded in the same month last year. The 21-percent rating is on par with the second half of 2020, which saw a brief rise in May 2021 after Congress passed several pieces of COVID-19 emergency legislation. Much of the drop has to do with support among Democrats. After hitting 61 percent among Democrats from December 2020 to February 2021, the current percentage is at 35 percent. That, however, is up from 26 percent at the start of the year. Republican’s approval of the Democrat-controlled Congress was at 5 percent in March 2022. 
Gallup conducted the latest poll March 1-18. PS Andy, ❤️‍🩹☺️ Thank you

  • 2,427
    Glowurm
    04/01/2022

    Laughing, Andy! ❤️😊❤️😊

  • 2,580
    NoHedges
    04/01/2022

    A heavy market has a tendency to decline and has difficulty advancing. A bear market, meanwhile, experiences prolonged declines. Typically, a bear market occurs when prices fall 20% or more from recent highs. The US market is top heavy and failing BECAUSE US lobbyists killed the bottom up funding that would have allowed the US market to push through like Canada did. This is not a bear market! Prices haven’t fallen 20%! They have consistently risen. It is a market that has significant issues advancing, ie TOP HEAVY. The wealth of the people has been gutted by unrelenting corporate greed, easy monetary policy, and socialism of the very wealthy paid for by the very poor.

  • 44.7k
    Andy
    04/01/2022

    Interesting that this has been off topic for a day or two, but. 😂🥰🥴😅🇺🇸🇺🇦🤣👍‼️. Go Ukraine ‼️❤️🤣🥰🖖😍🤞. “Ukraine strikes fuel depot in Russia's Belgorod, regional governor says”. .. https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraine-strikes-fuel-depot-russias-belgorod-regional-official-says-2022-04-01/. Frank-001, sometimes I just can’t help myself. 😅😅🤞👍🤣❤️‼️🇺🇸🇺🇦😀🇺🇦🇺🇸🇺🇦

  • 2,580
    NoHedges
    03/31/2022

    Wondering why birthrates are so low and fewer women are having kids… This might help explain why. “I moved from the US to Denmark and wow,” they began the post. “It legitimately feels like every single job I’m applying for is a union job. The average salaries offered are far higher (also I looked it up and found that the minimum wage is $44,252 USD per year). About 40 per cent of income is taken out as taxes, but at the end of the day my family and I get free healthcare, my children will GET PAID to go to college, I’m guaranteed 52 weeks of parental leave (32 of which are fully paid), and five weeks of paid vacation every year.” “The new American Dream is to leave America,” they wrote. According to the official website of Denmark, Danes prefer to work within 37 hours a week, with most days finishing up at around 5pm. During the last weeks of July, most Danish offices are closed for the summer, due to the country’s guaranteed five weeks of paid vacation. ——————- Understand that by not providing those safety nets enjoyed by our peers. American innovation will cease to exist. Talented Americans will search for the American Dream elsewhere.

  • 412
    RetiredRN
    03/31/2022

    Y’all should pass the marijuana bill on 4/20. Tee Hee.

  • 190
    Merry
    03/31/2022

    Important as this is we have SO many Urgent issues like the economy, hate, abortion, VOTING, crime to name a few. Let stay on urgent issues Elected Officials!!!

  • 2,580
    NoHedges
    03/30/2022

    In regards to the Compete bill. Going forward we must make a concerted effort to require that top down policies that are paired with bottom up funding. It is the only way to pass bottom up funding for the people and it will offset demand side inflation. Example: move the 500 million for China’s journalism to 500 million in scholarships for journalism. Move the 1.5 billion to parents of children in grades 3-5 (target age for early stem) for STEM camps. Note: bottom up funding should NOT be in the form of yet another year end tax credit for wealthy households. There are too many obstacles which prevent low income households for accessing tax credit benefits. Americans need help now! We also need to STOP funding policy safety nets for other countries when we have not provided the same benefits to Americans. I am not even sure why taxpayers are being asking to support corporate greed. Micron has the capital, it is their industry and our lawmakers that will reap the profits… Unless Micron is guaranteeing they will move production back to the states AND use funding for workforce training: taxpayers do not need to provide capital for corporate industry growth. We pay for it in service contracts and product purchases. The Pelosi Micron Technology Buy: Date Purchased: Dec. 21 Total Cost: $250,001 – $500,000 Option Quantity: 100 Strike Price: $50 Expiration: Sept. 16, 2022 So, September… and why does that date matter? It’s interesting to see this trade because her chamber could very well pass the CHIPS for America Act & FABS Act – a massive bill that would subsidize U.S. production of semiconductors to the tune of about $52 billion. That would benefit Alphabet… Roblox… and – of course – Micron Technology. As I said… Pelosi is the ultimate insider trader. Pelosi controls the cards on whether a company sees antitrust regulation and every other bill that hits the floor of the House of Representatives. If you want to get really rich, go into politics.

  • 36
    Robert
    03/30/2022

    The marijuana laws never should have been made in the first place. Please vote for this bill and stop the damage to our citizens and wasting the time and efforts of law enforcement.

  • 44.7k
    Andy
    03/30/2022

    NoHedges, right up your alley! Another one of those examples of how those 'Human' Corporations are out there 'helping' out all of us OTHER Humans with our healthcare through their trickle-down and autocratic policies to our ERs in this country. IE. Corps practicing medicine. Congress should probably look at it, but they've probably already been BOUGHT by said Human Corps. "Doctor fired from ER warns about effect of for-profit firms on U.S. health care - A doctor fired after criticizing care at the ER he ran said execs are focused on the financial outcome, “and the outcome is ‘Hey, we’re making money.’” .. https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-care/doctor-fired-er-warns-effect-profit-firms-us-health-care-rcna19975 ..... From the article: "How do private equity-backed for-profit health care companies like Envision operate in states barring corporations from practicing medicine? Dr. Gregory J. Byrne, an emergency medicine practitioner in Southlake, Texas, provides a clue. In recent years, Byrne, 70, has been the owner of up to 300 emergency medicine practices tied to Envision or EmCare in an array of states, a legal filing in the Brovont case shows. Byrne had been hired and paid by EmCare to be the owner, on paper, of the physician practice running the emergency department that Brovont directed at Overland Park. Until Brovont sued for wrongful termination, however, he said he had neither met nor heard of Byrne. Based on depositions and testimony in the case, Byrne played no role in the department’s oversight, court documents show. McHugh, the EmCare executive, did.

  • 44.7k
    Andy
    03/29/2022

    Oh, here we go again. .... cruz, cruz, cruz, YOU'VE BEEN A BAD BOY AGAIN!! From the Washington Post today.... "Inside Ted Cruz’s last-ditch battle to keep Trump in power" "The Texas senator’s effort alienated some allies and sparked questions about ties to John Eastman, a longtime friend and author of key legal memos in Trump’s efforts." .. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/03/28/ted-cruz-john-eastman-jan6-committee/ ... From the article: "The Jan. 6 committee’s investigators have recently focused on Eastman’s efforts to pressure Pence to declare Trump the winner, but there has been little public notice that Cruz and Eastman have known each other since they clerked together 27 years ago for then-U.S. Appeals Court Judge J. Michael Luttig. Cruz’s proposal ran on a parallel track to Eastman’s memos. Luttig told The Post that he believes that Cruz — who once said that Luttig was “like a father to me” — played a paramount role in the events leading to Jan. 6. “Once Ted Cruz promised to object, January 6 was all but foreordained, because Cruz was the most influential figure in the Congress willing to force a vote on Trump’s claim that the election was stolen,” Luttig said in a statement to The Post. “He was also the most knowledgeable of the intricacies of both the Electoral Count Act and the Constitution, and the ways to exploit the two.” ..... So once again cruz, FUCK YOU TRAITOR!

  • 169
    Gorillas
    03/29/2022

    Its about damn time weed was never even outlawed because it was a danger. I think it was dupont or j.p morgan were heavily invested in cotton bk in the day but hemp came along n it comes weed but its better then cotton in every way it was a threat to pockets of the wealthiest people in the world

  • 2,580
    NoHedges
    03/29/2022

    Andy, I wonder if Ginni Thomas being questioned by the 1/6 committee will speed up and enhance prosecution if our former president. It’s one thing if every day people are prosecuted for their participation in 1/6. But, it might be a different ball of bubble gum if one of the 1/6 participants the FBI and Congress zeroes in on just happens to be the wife of a sitting Supreme Court justice. That would be a defense team like none other. One that would likely be pointing fingers at the former president, while conservatives judges will be asking themselves if their family members might be next.

  • 2,580
    NoHedges
    03/28/2022

    Where is the Stock Act we were promised a vote on last week?

  • 48.0k
    Brian
    03/28/2022

    Now that a Federal Judge has ruled that all emails between Donald and John Eastman should be given to the January 6 commission, and that Donald likely committed criminal obstruction, it's up to the Department of Justice and the Supreme Court. Justice Thomas should recuse himself from this case, however, or be impeached, because he cannot rule objectively since there's evidence his wife was involved. Be strong, Congress and DOJ, and pursue this case til the end!

  • 666
    Dave
    03/28/2022

    I don’t think the term competitive is the best word to use in a bill pertaining to China.or any other country for that matter. This language implies a competition, with a winner and a loser. We should be talking about reclaiming employment opportunities and strengthening national security.

  • 218
    titLwayh356
    03/28/2022

    when the world around us is in a heap of trouble and our president is making gaff after gaff on the world stage and potentially leading us into world war 3, and congress is talking about cannabis? We need a complete change in November, even some of the weak republicans like Chaney and Romney!

  • 666
    Dave
    03/28/2022

    I would much rather see members of my family be able to legally smoke pot instead of drinking so much toxic alcohol.