The Sunday Flap: October 30, 2011

These are my links and comments for  Sunday, October 30th:

• Adult Babies by Mark Steyn– Last Thursday was officially “Diaper Need Awareness Day” in the State of Connecticut. Were you aware of it? There are so many awareness-raising days, it’s hard to keep track. Maybe we could have an Awareness-Raising Day Awareness Day. At any rate, the first annual Diaper Need Awareness Day was proclaimed by Dan Malloy, governor of the Nutmeg State, and they had a big old awareness-raising get-together in New Haven. It’s not clear yet whether they’ve got an official ribbon. We’re running a bit low on ribbon colors these days: It’s not just pink ribbons for breast cancer, but also teal for agoraphobia, periwinkle for acid reflux, pink-and-blue ribbons for amniotic fluid embolisms, and pinstripe ribbons for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. We could use a Ribbon-Hue Awareness Day to raise awareness about how we’re falling behind in the race for more ribbon colors.If you’re wondering what sentient being isn’t aware of diapers, you’re missing the point: Connecticut representative Rosa DeLauro is raising awareness of the need for diapers in order to, as Politico reported, “push the Federal Government to provide free diapers to poor families.” Congresswoman DeLauro has introduced the DIAPER Act — that’s to say, the Diaper Investment and Aid to Promote Economic Recovery Act. So don’t worry, it’s not welfare, it’s “stimulus.” As Fox News put it, “A U.S. congresswoman in Connecticut wants to boost the economy by offering free diapers to low-income families.” And, given that sinking bazillions of dollars into green-jobs schemes to build eco-cars in Finland and a federal program to buy guns for Mexican drug cartels and all the other fascinating innovations of the Obama administration haven’t worked, who’s to say borrowing money from the Chinese politburo and sticking it in your kid’s diaper isn’t the kind of outside-the-box thinking that will do the trick?
  In fact, the federal government already provides free diapers for at least one lucky American. Stanley Thornton Jr. of California receives Supplementary Security Income disability checks from the Social Security Administration in order to sit around the house all day wearing a giant diaper and a giant onesie, sucking on a giant pacifier and playing with a giant baby rattle. Stanley Jr. runs a website for fellow “adult babies” called BedWettingABDL.com. I believe I first heard of the “adult baby” phenomenon some years ago in London. If memory serves, there was a club, and the members lay around in giant cribs being read bedtime stories by a bosomy nanny. Minor celebrities and possibly backbench Tory members of Parliament may have been involved. In those days, it was what we called a “fetish” and you had to do it on your own dime. Now it’s a “disability” and the United States government picks up the tab. And, if that’s not progress, what is?Sen. Tom Coburn happened to catch Stan with his babysitter and fellow disability-check recipient on a reality show, and wondered how a chap capable of running a popular website and doing such complicated carpentry jobs as his own giant highchair could be legitimately classified as “disabled.” But the Social Security Administration said Junior qualifies, and Senator Coburn was condemned as heartless: Why, if those mean Republicans got their way, the streets would be crawling with giant babies bawling, “I want my mommy!” Conversely, if Congresswoman DeLauro gets her way and the stampede for government Huggies gets going, Stanley Thornton Jr. will still be entitled to park his giant pedal car in the disabled space while the penniless single mom from Hartford has to leave the Toyota at the back of the lot and hike in.

  Read all of this excellent post.

• Where Rick Perry’s Campaign Went Wrong– Rick Perry’s campaign is in a bunker. On the first floor of 804 Congress St. in Austin, a 1970s building with a redbrick front, 45 people are trying to figure out how to get Perry elected President. There are no Perry for President signs – only maps (Iowa, Nevada, South Carolina, Florida – New Hampshire is curiously absent) – as during Perry’s third and last campaign for Texas governor he proudly didn’t waste money on such frivolities. The office is in an old bank space just off the lobby. At the back is a vault, its massive three-foot-thick metal door hanging open. Inside the concrete box sit campaign manager Rob Johnson and Perry’s longtime political guru Dave Carney. On Carney’s desk there is a small stack of books, including one by Ken Blackwell and Ken Klukowski entitled, Resurgent: How Constitutional Conservatism Can Save America. As both men know well, Perry is in desperate need of a resurgence.When he announced his candidacy 10 weeks ago, the three-term Texas governor entered the GOP field in first place, blowing ahead of Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann and Herman Cain. But his numbers have plummeted since; at 6% in some national polls he can’t go much lower. So it came as not too much of a surprise when Perry announced this week that he’d be shaking things up. He brought in four national campaign veterans, including Joe Allbaugh, who ran George W. Bush’s 2000 bid. As a former head of FEMA, Allbaugh is no stranger to disasters.Read it all

  Delusions of grandeur if you think Rick Perry can right his campaign.

• Rick Perry: Turnaround or end of the road?– Implicit in this is that Perry had developed an outsize ego and national reputation that didn’t comport with his actual abilities. After all, how hard is it for a Republican who inherited the governorship to win re-election in Texas and deal with a GOP-controlled legislature that meets every other year? Yes, he suffered from lack of preparation, because he had never developed the critical ear, policy chops and rhetoric that traveled well outside Texas. You can run a quick campaign, if you are prepared to be president. But you can’t create someone of presidential stature in a few weeks or months.Many in the media and the GOP are desperate to keep the race competitive. So you’ll hear “comeback” stories. That story line, however, is more properly applied to Newt Gingrich, who was at least smart enough to figure out that he’d do better without the staff that went from his campaign to Perry’s. As for Perry, no staff in the world can make up for the defects that he’s revealed, nor make him a genuinely likeable figure. Only he can correct those flaws.Read it all.

  It is the end of the road for Perry.

• Rick Perry flip-flops on debates– That was quick.Three days after suggesting Rick Perry might skip some of the upcoming GOP presidential debates, his campaign confirmed he’ll attend at least five more, a sign that the campaign may have recognized Perry had as much to lose as gain from a debate-dodging strategy.Perry spokesman Ray Sullivan told the Associated Press on Saturday that the Texas governor will attend the four events currently scheduled in November as well as a December debate.

  Just by floating the idea that he might avoid debates, the Perry campaign raised hackles among activists in the states slated to host the upcoming events. But even setting aside the question of ruffled feathers, there was always a strategic reason to show up: In no other way can a candidate — especially one like Perry who is trailing front-runners Mitt Romney and Herman Cain in national and early-state polls — reframe the campaign discussion as Perry did last week in Las Vegas.

  Perry spokesman Mark Miner touched off the debate debate Wednesday when he told POLITICO the campaign wouldn’t commit to participating in any forums after the one Nov. 9 in Michigan. Officially, that’s also the position of Mitt Romney’s campaign despite his string of strong performances.

  It doesn’t make any difference, Rick Perry is not in this race. He is done.

• New Iowa poll: Elimination threatens several not-Romneys– The Des Moines Register is out with a new poll of likely caucus-goers. Herman Cain (23 percent) and Mitt Romney (22 percent) are in a statistical dead heat. Far back is Rep. Ron Paul (R-Tex.) at 12 percent. Then come Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) at 8 percent, Newt Gingrich and Texas Gov. Rick Perry at 7 percent and Rick Santorum at 5 percent. There is plenty to chew on.We should begin with a word of caution. The poll has a margin or error of plus or minus 4.9 percent. That means Romney might be ahead or Santorum could have passed Bachmann. Moreover, there are a ton of debates and plenty of retail politicking an TV ads between now and the Iowa caucuses Jan. 3. This is at best then, a blurry snapshot in time.The GOP needs to draft another candidate or go with Newt Gingrich.
• @Flap Twitter Updates for 2011-10-30 | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – @Flap Twitter Updates for 2011-10-30 #tcot #catcot
• President 2012: George Will, Michael Dukakis and Mitt Romney – The Pretzel Candidate | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – President 2012: George Will, Michael Dukakis and Mitt Romney – The Pretzel Candidate #tcot #catcot
• @Flap Twitter Updates for 2011-10-29 | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – @Flap Twitter Updates for 2011-10-29 #tcot #catcot
• @Flap Twitter Updates for 2011-10-28 | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – @Flap Twitter Updates for 2011-10-28 #tcot #catcot
• foursquare:: Gregory Flap @ Ronnie’s Diner- After LA Roadrunners and 10 easy miles. With Alice, Tara, Maria Elena, Nancy (@ Ronnie’s Diner)
• Untitled (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AIC0UjpgEJo/TqvobVeS99I/AAAAAAAAAX4/4Ja04jyecJ8/CIMG0216.jpg) – Off soon to Venice Beach for LA Marathon Roadrunner training. 10 miles today. Temps in the 60’s. Ronnie’s after!
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• SD-27: Former California Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg to Challenge Senator Tony Strickland? » Flap’s California Blog – SD-27: Former California Assembly Speaker Bob Hertzberg to Challenge Senator Tony Strickland?
• Dilbert October 26, 2011 – The Underling » Flap’s California Blog – Dilbert October 26, 2011 – The Underling
• President 2012: George Will, Michael Dukakis and Mitt Romney – Oh My! | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – Republicans really should seek better choices for the Presidential nomination….:
• Dental Practice Management – > Shocker – Not RT @drbicuspid Australian dental therapists may expand scope of practice. #dental
• What is your PROskore? Find out if you are a top ranking Professional in your Community at PROskore.com – #PROskore – I just joined – what is your PROskore? via @proskore
• Gregory Cole just got top ranking on PROskore with a professional score of 55. – #PROskore – I just joined – what is your PROskore? via @proskore
• Medscape: Medscape Access – Big Medicare Pay Cut Would Shut Physician Doors to Patients
• Capitol Alert: Obama administration approves California Medi-Cal cuts – Obama administration approves California Medi-Cal cuts #catcot
• President 2012 Nevada Poll Watch: Romney 46% Vs. Obama 46% | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – Obama and Romney locked in a close race in Nevada….
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• The Divider vs. the Thinker – WSJ.com – The Divider vs. the Thinker:While Obama readies an ugly campaign,Paul Ryan gives a serious account of what ails US
• Boehner: ‘Great concerns’ Obama is exceeding Constitution – The Hill’s Blog Briefing Room – Boehner: ‘Great concerns’ Obama is exceeding Constitution #tcot #teaparty
• Save America’s Food and Economy Conference Call with Rep. Dan Lungren | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – @SaveUSAFood Here is my take on the conference call this afternoon:
• Save America’s Food – Was on a conference call with SAFE and Rep. Dan Lungren – more information on legislation here:
• Poll: Clinton favored over 2012 GOP candidates – Hillary Clinton leads GOP presidential candidates, poll says
• Jerry Brown Outlines His Pension Overhaul Plans » Flap’s California Blog – Jerry Brown’s Public Employee Pension Reform Plan will never make it to the ballot in 2012…
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• Occupy Oakland’s Amazon.com Wishlist | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – Occupy Oakland needs some love for their November 2nd general strike – their Amazon wishlist….:
• (503) http://Amazon.com – Occupy Oakland’s Wishlist #tcot #catcot
• Rep. Steve King may stay on sidelines in Iowa race – CNN Political Ticker – CNN.com Blogs – Benefits Mitt Romney >Rep. Steve King may stay on sidelines in Iowa race #tcot
• Election 2012: New Hampshire Republican Primary – Rasmussen Reports™ – President 2012 GOP New Hampshire Poll Watch: Romney 41% Cain 17% Paul 11% #tcot
• President 2012 Poll Watch: Obama Showing Some Modest Improvement – 43% Approval | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – President Obama remains in the danger zone for re-election….:
• President 2012: How’s That Mitch Daniels Candidacy Looking? | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – Will Mitt Romney choose Mitch Daniels as Vice President?
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• Poll Watch: Half of German Adults are Obese and Overweight | Smiles For A Lifetime – Temporary (Locum Tenens) Dentistry – Poll Watch: Half of German Adults are Obese and Overweight
• 3 arrests in probe of Calif. street gang – 3 arrests in probe of Ventura County California street gang
• Judge rejects Edwards’s attempt to have charges of illegal payoff dismissed – The Hill’s Blog Briefing Room – Jail time > Judge rejects John Edwards attempt to have charges of illegal pay-off dismissed
• What if Perry Skips the Debates? – NYTimes.com – Probably not much of an effect on the race > What if Perry Skips the Debates?
• Occupy Oakland: Mayor Quan Issues Contrite Statement after Police Crackdown | City Brights: Aimee Allison | an SFGate.com blog – Occupy Oakland: Mayor Quan Issues Contrite Statement after Police Crackdown #catcot #tcot
• Capitol Alert: Labor balks at Jerry Brown’s pension plan – Labor balks at Jerry Brown’s pension plan #tcot #catcot
• Office of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. – Home – RT @KQED_CapNotes: Gov. Brown’s #capension event at 11am will be live streamed on his website:
• Occupy Wall Street Launching First Nationwide General Strike In America Since 1946 – Nov. 2 >Occupy Wall Street Launching First Nationwide General Strike In America Since 1946 #tcot
• After Finishing Dieting, Hormonal Changes May Lead to Weight Gain? | Smiles For A Lifetime – Temporary (Locum Tenens) Dentistry – After Finishing Dieting, Hormonal Changes May Lead to Weight Gain?
• Obama Remakes the Student-Loan Industry – By Annie Hsiao – The Corner – National Review Online – Obama Remakes the Student-Loan Industry #tcot
• Oakland Mayor Jean Quan Says She Will Minimize Police Presence And That She Supports The Movement | ThinkProgress – Right! >Oakland Mayor Jean Quan Says She Will Minimize Police Presence And That She Supports The Movement
• The Morning Flap: October 27, 2011 | Flap’s Blog – FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog – Today’s national political headlines on …..:
• Occupy Oakland retakes plaza, plans General Strike | Campaign 2012 – > Certainty RT @conncarroll: SF Mayor Ed Lee up for election Nov 8. Don’t expect any action against #occupysf b4 then
• Justice Scalia speaks for himself on death penalty, not the Catholic Church – The Washington Post – RT @postpolitics: Justice Scalia speaks for himself on death penalty, not the Catholic Church
• Occupy Wall Street kitchen slowdown targets squatters – NYPOST.com – Occupy Wall Street kitchen staff protesting fixing food for freeloaders #tcot
• Larry J. Sabato’s Crystal Ball » History of presidential coattails points to Republicans keeping the House – History of Presidential Coattails Points to Republicans Keeping the House #tcot
• Twitpic – Share photos and videos on Twitter – Gallup Finds Significant Drop in Unemployment During October Link:
• Gallup Finds Significant Drop in Unemployment During October – Gallup Finds Significant Drop in Unemployment During October Link: