Breakfast Hash and the Politics of Tragedy
57Business as Usual
Good morning breakfastpoppers. Today is Wednesday, January 12, 2011. The nation is still reeling from the tragic shooting in Tucson, Arizona. While many of us are mourning and praying, some of us are blaming everyone from Rush Limbaugh to the Tooth Fairy for this tragedy. I pity the fools who are trying to turn this into a circus of hate against Republicans and conservatives, but I have faith that soon a majority of the American people will turn against this kind of dangerous and shameful rhetoric. There is another aspect of this tragedy that I would like to discuss with you. Let's prepare some Breakfast Hash this morning before I share what's on my mind. If you wish to follow along you will need 8 ounces of spicy or mild pork sausage, 3 cups thawed O'Brien potatoes, 1/2 cup chopped onions, 2 tablespoons flour, 6 eggs, beaten, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 large chopped tomato and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese . Cook sausage until browned, breaking into crumbles. Pour the drippings out of the pan, reserving about 1 tablespoon. Add potatoes and onions to skillet and continue to cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Beat together eggs and salt and add to skillet. Cook about 5 minutes more, stirring frequently. Add tomatoes and heat through. Sprinkle with cheese, remove from heat, mix a Bloody Mary garnished with celery and olives and relax.
Former Newsweek editor Howard Fineman offered President Obama a strategy for spinning the tragedy in Arizona for political gain. He suggested that the president could use this moment to remind voters why they liked him in the first place. The "trick", according to Mr. Fineman, is to make the pitch without seeming to make it. After all, President Obama will be speaking at a funeral. I have no doubt that this very same conversation took place in the White House. It would be naive to think otherwise.
In a piece written for the Wall Street Journal, John Fund wrote that Politco.com quoted a veteran Democratic operative suggesting that the Obama White House should use this tragedy to score political points. His advice to the President and his staff was to pin this shooting on the Tea Partiers.
I don't know what direction President Obama plans to go in when he speaks at the funeral for the victims. I can only hope that he shows his sorrow and respect and steps away from the microphone. To suggest that people exercising their right to free speech drove this young man to commit this crime would, in my opinion, be tantamount to a crime as well.
So many regrettable statements and accusations have been made since Saturday that it is hard to keep track. Everyone from left leaning media spokespersons to Hillary Clinton have weighed in on the tragedy and everything they had to say was regrettable at best and dangerously irresponsible at most. I would love to have the power to scream out loud and clear. "Enough!" Let the family and friends of those who lost their lives on Saturday grieve for their loved ones and let us all pray for the recovery of those who were injured. It's time for quiet reflection. Anything else is a show...POP...
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Yes breadkfastpop, this is no time for self aggrandizement and as you have said so well, prayers for those families who now simply need to know they are loved and held in high esteem. The pain and loss and now the grieving process are best shared by those who really care. May God bless them each and everyone is my prayer.
Amen Pop - Quiet reflection,
See ya at the Inn,,,
Dear Tom,
Thank you. See you at the bar. I definitely need a sled to get there, but I'll get there.
Good morning Fiddleman,
Beautifully said, Fiddleman,. Thank you. See you at the bar. I'm buying.
Good morning Hmrjmr,
I'll get to the In despite the piles of snow and when I get there, I'm buying.
No problem getting to the bar, Pop--still had my old cold weather gear from my last job as a drilling boom trucker in the Colorado mountains. And, either my appetite is recovering or your cooking is just that good. Snagged a heaping plate of hash and wolfed it down while putting on my coveralls and muck boots.
As for President Obama, I actually dare to hope he WILL "do it right" in Tucson today. He's done very well thus far; one more miracle is not too much to hope for.
Most certainly we'll all be paying attention.
Good morning Ghost,
Let's hope he does it right because I don't think I or anyone else can stomach a wrong move. To the Bar!
Pop, wow what a heart felt hub, and all I can say is yes let's pray. Let the Families dicide what and how they want their loved ones taken care of. And for those injured I pray for complete recover. Thank you Pop, you know how I feel about your work. Your fan and friend first, peace on Earth, Darski rate up up up
Good morning Darlene,
Thank you Darlene, for being so terrific. I'll pick you up in my dogsled and take you to the tavern.
Dear POP...I echo the sentiments of many here... we should just pray for the families whose lives have been ripped apart at the hands of a sick individual who clearly fell through the cracks somewhere along the way. As I stated yesterday, politics has no place here, this is a sad, mournful occasion and no appearances by any President etc., could make it better. If this tragedy is indeed being used for political gain, it is just disgusting. There is no element of politics here, just in the sense that people were gathered on a fine Satuday morning to meet their Congresswoman. And on this fine Saturday, a very sick man, with a gun, set out to kill. I just don't see where the politics fits in here... anyway, wishing the families wounded and killed, whose lives forever are changed, strength and peace....snow day here, so may have some trouble getting to the inn
Good morning jellio,
As far as Fineman is concerned, he was suggesting that Obama could use this tragedy as a defining moment. If he strikes the right note, his popularity goes up. it makes me want to barf. See you at the Inn. Do you have a dogsled?
Without going into detail, a close relative is one of the Tucson Tea Party organizers. Shortly after the shooting occurred, she received a phone call from a Phoenix Tea Party organizer who informed her that the New York Times was trying to contact her.
Why?
Because they wanted to know if the shooter was a Tucson Tea Party member! (They had already asked if he was a Phoenix Tea Party member.) They were desperately trying to tie it to conservatives.
These people have no shame and will stop at nothing.
Oops! It posted twice!
POP: Both Fineman and Fund are shameful human beings. To use this tragedy for political gain is disgusting.
I must say that I also hope that Obama shows sympathy and compassion and steps away from the microphone. I also hope that he has learned his lesson from his first message to us after the Ft. Hood slayings, when he asked us not to jump to conclusions about a Muslim shooting, killing 13 and wounding 32 Americans. I certainly didn't hear the same words from him in this situation. In any case, I do believe that this is an attempt to increase his ratings, and we'll see what he says today. I hope he has learned his lesson.
I think that the bar is the place to be, so I'm off to the bar - save me a seat.....
Pop, Gabby was our, Arizona Rep.,I doubt if she was able would approve of any such action or any of the political statements that have risen from this shooting, a premeditated attack that was thought out by a crazy that was sure his moment of fame would be televised. I heard it on the radio as I was sitting on a stool working the hides of a couple of chicken stealing coyotes.
Now president jack ass who wouldn't salute our military or put his hand on his heart at Fort Hood, is going o attend and speak at a funeral in a state he so endears he is suing it and inviting foreign nations to join him with complaints of how their citizens who flee to the US may be treated if they use Arizona as their entry point.
I don't see any sense held in this action as he cares little for the people of Arizona who are killed, maimed, harassed and robbed most every week by people who shouldn't be here to start with, I hope the media will turn the camera filters to high light stupidity and idiots during their rhetoric reporting in the aftermath of his visit. Well buckaroo's it's Bloody Mary time again, and I'll just fly to the Inn and like snow, get plowed! 50
Dear WillStarr,
I hope that in this case what goes around comes around. It is time that a majority of the American people realize where the garbage is coming from. I am fed up with all of it. See you at the tavern. I am donning my skis as I write this.
Dear WillStarr,
I hate when that happens!
Good morning Pino,
I haven't the slightest doubt that his response at the funeral will be a carefully orchestrated act down to the last detail. I suppose it's always like that but I am still sick of the pretense and posturing. I am leaving for the bar now. it may take hours with all the snow piled up.
Good morning 50,
Thank you for telling it like it is. As I said to Pino I am sick of the phony hypocrisy and posturing. I will get to the Inn somehow and I'm buying when I arrive.
All I can say is that if Obama uses this tragedy for his political gain, the American people will see right through the facade and will judge accordingly. I hope and pray that he will use his heart, not his tongue, to speak, and let the victims and their families grieve respectfully. Respect being the key word, here.
I can't get to the Inn, have one for me!
Well Said Pop. Make mine a double!
Morning POP...You have expressed the views of most Americans, and rightfully condemned those that would exploit this human tragedy to score political points...The depth of the left's hatred for all things conservative is astounding...Have they no compassion for these aggrieved families..? The insensitivity of these people is right there for all Americans to witness...The instantaneous blame game has been gathering momentum without a shred of evidence that this guy was motivated by anyone other than his own deranged and possibly drug-fueled perception of life...
If the media is looking for a political scapegoat for this tragedy they should start with his blog on the Daily Kos, since scrubbed, under the name " Blueboy ", which condemned Sarah Palin and others in a confusing, anger fueled rant...Giffords, a former republican is neither fish or fowl, but a blue-dog conservative democrat that supports gun rights and tougher illegal immigration enforcement on our border with Mexico...The only indication we have for his anger against her is that she voted against Nancy Pelosi to be house minority leader...
See you at the tavern, POP...Our thoughts and prayers go out to those families touched by this insane tragedy...Larry
Good morning Kindacrazy,
We will have to wait and see what Obama does, but I can say that he already should have said something either publicly or privately to his buddies on the left to ratchet down the hate speech. I hope his remarks at the funeral center solely on the families and nothing else. I am heading for the Inn now. You will be missed.
Good morning Kindacrazy,
We will have to wait and see what Obama does, but I can say that he already should have said something either publicly or privately to his buddies on the left to ratchet down the hate speech. I hope his remarks at the funeral center solely on the families and nothing else. I am heading for the Inn now. You will be missed.
Good morning C.J.Wright,
A double it is!
BPop while most Americans with any common sense know that political Ideology had nothing to do with this tragedy. It has not stopped the lying press from trying to pin it on the right wing in spite of the evidence. The LA Times had two reporters James Rainey , and Kim Murphy still spewing propoganda to which I responded and of course my comment was taken out. And I didn't even use any ezpletives in my post. But I did point out to both of them how they are contributing to the problem.
Good morning maven,
For me it is simple, the shooter was deranged. He and he alone is responsible for the tragedy. It is too bad that he survived the ordeal because the families and the nation should be spared a circus of a trial. I'm off to the Inn a bit early. Another foot of snow is going to slow me down.
Good morning tony,
The fact that your comment was not printed is proof of just how far we have come from real journalism and meaningful dialogue. The left wing acting like the thugs and ideologues they really are is really no surprise. See you at the Inn.
Well Pop; Fineman must not have seen President Sissy Boy throw out the first pitch at the Washington Nationals Home Opener; otherwise he would have stayed completely away from any reference to the word “pitch”!
Looks like the only political point suggestion backfired and the only pinning in this case was a good old case of Pin the Tail on the Donkey. In other words the American Public finally woke up and realized the case s being made by Obama’s Water Boys just didn’t make sense.
The victims as well as the remaining citizenry of Arizona would be better off if our Opportunist N Chief developed a severe case of Larngitus and had to cancel. I can’t imagine going through what those people have had to endure thus far then listen to this Pompous Ass Politicize the event for over an hour ski fully working in how it would not have occurred if only we had passed Cap and Trade, Card Check and not spoken out so vehemently against Obama Care. Yep, the Snake Oil will be oozing out of the Prez tonight!
Finally Hillary Clinton, or at least a spokes person on her behalf said something I agreed with; saying everything that was said was regrettable at best and dangerously irresponsible at most. I had an old football coach that used to say when someone made a good play; well even a blind hog will find and acorn every now and then; in this case….. well you conjure up your own analogy lest I be cruel!
Good morning Patriot,
I have to say that Hillary Clinton said something while visiting a Arab country that was very regrettable. She pointed out that the U.S. had it's share of problems evidenced by the tragic shooting in Arizona. Comparing this incident to terrorism and equating it with terrorism was wrong. Why can't they all just shut up! See you at the Inn. I am coming by snowplow!
I am beginning to believe this rhetoric is only helping strengthen the likes of Sarah Palin, I bet if we had elections in the morning she would win because America is sick of this kind of crap!
It is utterly disgusting that the liberals and Democrats would openly take this horrible tragedy and turn it into a grab for political power. Anyone these days, who can call themselves a Democrat with this bunch of evil power hungry demons needs to rethink their affiliations. The Democrats never cease to show their true colors and it is ugly indeed.
I have NO DOUBT that this President will tow the line and as he always does - will show us he is not a President FOR the people and by the people but for his own special interest groups and his own political party. He is a classless President and worse, he's a not-so-smart classless President.
Keep it up Pop - we need to keep our eye on 2012 when we can defeat this man who should be impeached no less voted into office for another four years. God forbid!
Great, great insights - as usual!
Good morning American Romance,
I hope all this psychotic blame backfires on the idiots spreading the lies. See you at the Inn.
I agree ENOUGH! Let the people bury their lost loved ones and others nurse their loved one back to health and the poor citizens of Tucson need to be able to move past the drama. As for the protesting church people I suggest we put them on a raft in the middle of the Pacific without a paddle.
BPop, first of all, you are correct, first and foremost we all need to pray for these victims and families. Ernestly!
I really think that all of this is going to backfire on the liberals if they don't knock off the rhetoric. As you and most of the common sense crowd, knows all too well the liberal press is trying desperatly to capitalize off of this tragedy. I think the Palin and the Right is only going to grow stronger by this. The same folks who are part of the Tea Party are the ones who cans see through the garbage in the first place.
Good morning cjv,
Everyone is looking forward to hearing the president strike just the right note at the funeral. I'm just hoping he gets on and gets off. How a man can bring comfort to the people of Arizona is beyond me when he won't protect the citizens from drug lords and human traffickers. See you at the Inn. I'm coming via snowplow!
Well said, BPOP. O don't think the leftists and socialists will learn anything or change their ways. It is just the way they are. My thoughts are with those who were shot and in hospitals, in partiacular Rep Giffords, and those families who have lost love ones. The little girl who was killed, Christina, is the granddaughter of Dallas Green who managed the PHillies, Yankees and Mets. Since I live in the area of these teams I am familiar with him through the sports pages. I think of my grand children and cannot imagine the pain that family is suffering. Let's meet at the bar for some relasing drinks and qoothing conversation. Bartender............
Good morning Pamela,
I can't wait for the circus to end. It is beyond belief and unbearable.To the Inn. I', arriving on skis.
Dear CMerritt,
I hope all these creeps crawl back under the rock they emerged from when Obama got elected. Who knew we had so many socialists in our midst. See you at the Inn. I am arriving by helicopter. I will spare no expense to be among friends I believe in.
Dear taxlarry,
Don't take this the wrong way but you sound like you have already been to the bar! I echo your sentiments. Let's focus on the families of the dead and injured. There is nothing more to be said. I'm off to the bar. I am parachuting in, the snow is just too high.
OK , you caught me. I wasjz at the bar all night
bp - Very few politicians, unfortunately, pass up an opportunity like these killings to spout their rhetoric. This time is no exception. Let's hope our leader (?) has more sense.
Dear taxlarry,
I hadj a fueeling!
Dear drbj,
Our leader???????? See you at the bar. I'll pick you up by dogsled. I think you need a drink!
Over the top rhetoric has become the standard in US politics and doubtless will continue. Why will it continue? The box has been opened.
I'll draw a parallel from Roman history. The Romans avoided violence in their political disputes until the time of the Gracchi brothers, who attempted to push through reform measures despite Senate opposition. In short, each of them died in rioting initiated by the Senate (one was killed the other committed suicide).
From that point forward, violence became increasingly commonplace in Roman politics, leading to the fall of the Roman Republic.
We've allowed a similar scenario to take hold; over the top speech has been tolerated (coming from both the right and the left) and there's no way to put a lid on it.
Good morning Hxprof,
Over the top rhetoric, in my view had nothing to do with this tragedy but it has everything to do with dividing this country in half between the socialists and those who respect our country and the values upon which it was founded. See you at the bar. I am arriving with Santa! Let's talk about way to get the animals back in the box...
Reading the comments, two things are clear. Most of us feel that the primary concern should be for the victims and their families, and that the incident should not be politicized. At the same time, the responders here have no problem calling the president a socialist, among other things.
They decry the slurs of the Left while engaging in their own against the president and other liberals.
Sarah Palin's website with the bullseyes - are we expected to believe that is OK? Why doesn't someone on the right just admit that it's possible that the crosshairs were not a good idea? As a liberal, that's among the poblems I have. Neither side ever admits that they have made a mistake or taken advantage of a public they have helped to misinform.
Can you listen to Fox and Limbaugh and believe everything they have to say? Honestly? Where in the wotld is your intellectual integrity? Because MSNBC uses an extreme left bias doesn't excuse us from checking on the facts elsewhere. And when the facts don't agree with our point of view, it doesn't mean we should reject them as lies from the right or left.
I'm old. This country has not been this divided, its citizens so non-caring of others, so self-serving or greedy in my memory. It can't be caused by only one group. Rather, I think it's us. We're willing to accept the worst about those we don't like because it's easier. Obama is black, so he's a socialist-even though I'm not sure what a socialist is. Limbaugh and Beck are hate mongers, not realizing that they couldn't be if people didn't listen and believe.
We refuse to be honest with ourselves. How the hell did we get here?
The best political response I have seen thus far to this horrible tragedy. http://vimeo.com/18698532
By the way, I would like to add, however, that even though I am a Palin fan, I agree with Sam that the bullseyes were inappropriate. We all need to get back to having a healthy debate while still maintaining etiquette, something that is clearly lacking in this country.
"Why doesn't someone on the right just admit that it's possible that the crosshairs were not a good idea?"
Three reasons:
1) It's just a metaphor used by politicians all the time.
2) The Democrats also have a map with targets all over it.
3) There's no evidence that it had any effect on the shooter in the first place.
Once we start down the road of censorship because some kook might take it the wrong way, where does it end?
Dear Sam3m,
First of all referring to Obama as a socialist has precious little to do with his skin color and everything to do with his orientation. Second of all , speaking for the people on this hub, we are fact checkers. We don't accuse or make statements without careful investigation. I can't say the same thing about the Main Stream Media, who don't seem to care about the facts. Blaming people like Beck and Palin for the actions of a lunatic is unacceptable and despicable. By the way the democrats used the same map and cross hairs 2 years ago. Where was the public outcry? Come to breakfast more often. A different perspective and opinion is always welcome.
Dear sunflowerbucky,
It's interesting, I am not a Palin fan, but in her defense I have to say that the Dems used a similar map with bulls eyes 2 years ago. This garbage spewing from the left has to stop. It's stupid and groundless.
Dear WillStarr,
Thank you , thank you, thank you for making sense. I feel better now. To the Inn, the snow is starting to melt.
thanks for the feedback. i wasn't aware of the crosshairs thing. thanks for that info. i'm probably guilty of what i'm accusing others of, but i'm really disappointed in the reaction of many citizens to statements made by both sides that are unfounded. there doesn't seem to be a group around devoted to unbiased discourse. unless this is it. i would hope that it might be.
Dear sam3m,
I think you will find if you come to "breakfast" that you are going to like it here. The breakfastpoppers think things through before running around accusing others of misdeeds. Join us at our "virtual" bar. We meet" in our minds, every evening.
Even though the Conservatives, The Tea Pary, and Sarah Palin had nothing to do with the the acts that a crazy man committed...They are somehow blamed. What planet are we all living on? Tonight I watched (just got Home, I was away) President Obama's tail end of his condolence speech in Arizona...sounding more political...but sympathetic...It's just a sad time for our country...let's hope both sides can behave for awhile. I'm fed up!
how do i get back here? i usually lose myself in space when i attempt to get back to sites.
Good morning b. Malin,
Yes it is a very sad time for our country. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I found the service last night to be more of a pep rally than a moment of remembrance.
Dear sam,
By here if you mean breakfastpop, become a fan and then you will be notified when I write something, which is 5 days a week Monday thru Friday.
Pop: Great hub! There you are making friends and influencing people. Just for your efforts with Sam alone you get the day off. Oh, you already have every day off, so to speak. Good. Gives you plenty of time to keep these great hubs coming! Feels good to get back on hubpages again after these past few months working my butt off (thank you Lord).
Good morning pcoach,
Glad to see you at breakfast. I missed you, in fact , we all missed you. Pepper is great by the way. Perhaps congratulations are premature. Sam, went on another one of my hubs and really was out of line. See you at the bar. I will be arriving by dogsled!
We'll be coming by hovercraft. Has anyone shoveled the roof? As for Sam, well, should have known!
Dear pcoach,
I believe arriving by hovercraft will work perfectly. The roof is shoveled and ready for landing.
Holy Cow! I may need a 2nd Bloody mary for this one. Nice article!
Dear Bloddy Mary,
Love the name and the drink. Come for breakfast more often.
Tom Whitworth Level 5 Commenter 16 months ago
Pop,
Enough indeed!!!! All I can say to your sentiments is AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!