What Are You Watching on Youtube? - Page 6

InLove · 10-12-2007, 02:33 PM

I don't want to interrupt the flow of this thread, so I'm not seeking a debate here. But others of you have made short comments regarding the Texas voting video, so (since I am a Texan and an American)....

I can't drive to the polls to vote, but I can vote absentee, and my vote is not a matter of public record, as is the vote of any legislator. That's a notable difference. Just to be clear, these legislators are not voting more than once for themselves, and they are not voting against the wishes of the people who are not there. So it is still one vote for each representative. I don't know where the "missing" legislators in this video are--granted, they may very well be out playing golf or something, but hopefully they are meeting with constituents or doing something else that pertains to their jobs. Frankly, I doubt that all of them are, but I can only hope. Furthermore, I doubt seriously that it is only in Texas where this happens. The rule which was cited in the video allows for disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by the House, so the fact that there has been no action taken against any of the people voting on behalf of others is not exactly contrary to those rules.

Yes, it would look better if all the reps were at their desks. But maybe some are out campaigning for keeping a children's hospital running or something. We don't know where they are, but I'll bet that if we looked into it, we'd find at least some of them are actually working. Like I say, that is the hope, anyway. And, for anyone interested, here is the statement from the speaker regarding the report (lol-I notice Craddock is absent

)

Quote:

Statement from Alexis DeLee, Spokesperson for House Speaker, Tom Craddick.
"Since the membership has adopted the requirement for a record vote on 3rd reading, it is probable that members may vote for other members when they leave the floor to eat, meet with constituents or go to the restroom. Like many House rules dealing with the interactions between members, we leave the enforcement of the rules to the good judgment of the members. Members shouldn't be voting for members who aren't here, but if they do, everyone has the right to ask for a verification vote. A member may always lock their voting machine and take their key when they are off the floor so they may not be voted in their absence. When a verification is called and a member is not found, the House Sergeant's office locks their machine and takes their key. When strict enforcement is asked for by a house member, the Speaker allows each member time to get to their desk to vote."

Source: Lawmakers Vote Multiple Times For Others - Austin's source for breaking news, weather and sportsCBS 42

flow and MW, I understand completely why America, particularly Texas, tends to evoke some negative responses right now, but that does not mean that there is nothing good here, nor that things can never be righted. There are people here keeping an eye out and working for good things. I am working for change, and I am not alone. But surely you knew that...as I have recently suggested to someone on another thread, boots and cowboy hats do not necessarily ignorance and a narrow mind make...

Love you guys....and the video is kind of hilarious...

InPeace,
InLove

Tao_Equus · 10-12-2007, 02:59 PM

InLove,

First girl that ever broke my heart was a Texan. So I know there are beautiful people in Texas too

I doubt such behaviour is confined to Texas but still you have rather more faith in these golf...erm I mean legislators than I would. Had a party of local ones at work yesterday. I have a new theory....they are solely composed of the ineffectual friendless freaks you went to school with. And they are there for vengeance!! But seriously... the point of the story is a valid one... its one rule for them and another for everyone else. That is sad.

Phyliss,

My apologies for forgetting to answer your post yesterday. The only one I know is Joan Jet who rocked. These days I am listening more and more to contemporary Jazz for some reason. I find it relaxing I suppose

My sons friends have put together a little rock band and they are young and a little naive but show a lot of promise. Here is a link to their site where you can hear their music. I think you have to join Bebo to listen tho.. if link does not work they can be found on Bebo as "the anyways".

The Anyways <The-Anyways>

Tao

dauer · 10-12-2007, 05:02 PM

InLove,

Some of those people were likely voting against the wishes of those who were absent. They were voting across party lines. That said, I don't think this is an example of how Texas or the US are messed up places but just of the types of craziness that can and do show up within governments. This just happens to be particularly visible. This video was actually sent to me by a guy in Austin who does work in politics.

I agree with Tao it's sad. I couldn't help laughing my way through the whole video and that's only because it seems so ridiculous, surreal even. I think I understand the need you feel to defend TX and the US on this forum where Americans are outnumbered and I agree with you that there's a need to combat knee-jerk anti-American ignorance, but poor examples don't really help to build a good case.

-- Dauer

wil · 10-12-2007, 05:19 PM

I liked the 37 second Benny Hill version...'remix'

I also liked the guy who turned to vote for someone behind him...but was beat to the punch by someone else...and then turned back only to find his neighbor in front was already voting for him!

Now to me this just displays the ludicrousness of it all. I don't believe that those crossing party lines voted any differently than the way those at the desk would have voted....but I do believe it shows how they all are completely aware of the outcome of a bill before the vote...no surprises...the decisions are still made in the smoke filled rooms or out on the golf course....we are only privy to the portion of the show that they care us to see...and this portion they are willing to do right in front of us.

InLove · 10-12-2007, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tao Equus

First girl that ever broke my heart was a Texan. So I know there are beautiful people in Texas too

If you know where she is now, let me know, and I will go and kick her you-know-what with my pointy-toed boots (I don't really own any, though)! After all, I am working to make things right here.

Quote:

I doubt such behaviour is confined to Texas but still you have rather more faith in these golf...erm I mean legislators than I would.

Faith? None at all. Just trying to work within whatever system is already here, and keeping tabs. When I see that promises are not kept, I shall go forth with these symbolic virtual pointy-toed boots and kick some symbolic virtual you-know-what.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dauer

Some of those people were likely voting against the wishes of those who were absent. They were voting across party lines.

Wouldn't this get them in mucho trouble? I mean, the votes are recorded. I would think that if this were happening, we'd surely know about it--there would be a huge outcry and scandals and such. I don't think voting across party lines is all that unusual, as lots of issues have bi-partisan support.

Quote:

That said, I don't think this is an example of how Texas or the US are messed up places but just of the types of craziness that can and do show up within governments. This just happens to be particularly visible. This video was actually sent to me by a guy in Austin who does work in politics.

Oh, I know you weren't singling out Texas or the U.S. And I do think that we the citizens ought to be informed of these situations. And I did find it amusing as well as informative. I didn't take offense at all from anyone's comments. I just wanted to "Stand in the Place Where [i] Live". LOL--it's not a great video or anything (IMO), but I've always kind of liked the sentiment, and the slogan at the end is the one that "W" botched up so badly (well, one of them, anyway)....

Just thought I'd post a video, so as to keep with the idea of the thread.

YouTube - Stand

InPeace,
InLove

dauer · 10-12-2007, 05:37 PM

InLove,

Quote:

Wouldn't this get them in mucho trouble? I mean, the votes are recorded for the record. I would think that if this were happening, we'd surely know about it--there would be a huge outcry and scandals and such.

Given what we know they're getting away with, I wouldn't put it past them. There was, for example, the clip of a guy turning to vote for someone else, and another guy takes his vote while his back is turned.

YouTube - Spam

InLove · 10-12-2007, 05:45 PM

ROFL!! That was perfect, dauer. I think if that vote got stolen, someone is in big trouble for:

Pathless · 10-12-2007, 05:57 PM

This morning I am watching southern-fried hippie boy grandma soul-funk-blues, and feeling it!

YouTube - Blind Melon - Tones Of Home

hugs and kisses,
Pathless

Tao_Equus · 10-12-2007, 06:10 PM

I have seemed so anti-american lately....and I am!! But that dont mean I dont recognise that millions of Americans that think just like me exist and have to exist amidst. So... when you see me post you guys... know I am there with you in your struggle.

Now I know why you wanna hate me..
Now I know why you wanna hate me..
Now I know why you wanna hate me..
Cause hate is all the world has seen lately...

Now I know why you wanna hate me..

flowperson · 10-12-2007, 07:31 PM

Hi All...InLove, you have my deepfelt sympathies (just excellent work Dauer) but the fact remains that Texas will be a "target" for quite some time because of the stigmas attached to a single family and their antics. Now, it is ironic that this family is really from Connecticut and only came to Texas to make lots of money because they could. But their progenitors were also devious and despicable in their own unique ways when they were U.S. Senators and founded Wall Street Investment Banking firms in order to more effectively manage Germany's big money in the 1930's. But I digress.

When I lived in Illinois and Chicago, we were often embarrased by a family which ran the political machinery there (but didn't create it) and whose founding father once said on network television in the summer of 1968, "The police aren't here to create disorder, they are here to preserve disorder." I remember Walter Cronkite looking at him with the strangest expression.

And as far as phantom voting goes, Chicago and Cook County have the dubious distinction of, over the years, enabling the voting of thousands of legally dead people. Much more bizarre stuff than what goes on in the Texas legislature, and I'm sure elsewhere as you pointed out.

So take heart my sweet. All things pass...with time.

flow....

YouTube - Chicago - Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

dauer · 10-12-2007, 08:57 PM

YouTube - Creedence-Fortunate Son

Phyllis Sidhe_Uaine · 10-13-2007, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tao_Equus

Phyllis,

My apologies for forgetting to answer your post yesterday. The only one I know is Joan Jet who rocked. These days I am listening more and more to contemporary Jazz for some reason. I find it relaxing I suppose

My sons friends have put together a little rock band and they are young and a little naive but show a lot of promise. Here is a link to their site where you can hear their music. I think you have to join Bebo to listen tho.. if link does not work they can be found on Bebo as "the anyways".

The Anyways <The-Anyways>

Tao

Tao,

Here's a link to a song performed by Lita Ford and Ozzy Osbourne (with more links to Lita Ford recordings): YouTube - Lita Ford & Ozzy Osbourne - Close My Eyes Forever

Phyllis Sidhe_Uaine

Muslimwoman · 10-13-2007, 09:03 AM

Salaam InLove

Awww bless, you know we love you and there are good people in Texas but you have to admit the American political system is rather comical. These people are meant to be leaders and the minute someone nips off for a game of golf they are voting for them (sorry I don't believe for a moment they are honest enough to vote against their own stance for someone else). And the fact that it is against the rules but not one person has been discilined is just beyond a joke.

I heard a great suggestion on a UK political programme yesterday, all voting slips should include a box to tick for 'none of the above' - wouldn't that be a brilliant vote of no confidence in our 'leaders'.

InLove · 10-13-2007, 04:15 PM

salaam, habibty (I just love that word!)

While I have issues regarding some aspects of our electoral process (which I won't go into here), and while I did get a good laugh out of the video, I still suspect that no one got away with stealing a vote there. I know I keep harping on this, but an elected official's voting record is very, very, very public, and it is perhaps the most important factor in his or her chances to get re-elected or to move on to higher positions. Moreoever, the issue that was being voted on in the video was a huge one here, and I don't believe that someone could steal that vote without it coming to the attention of supporters on either side. It might be embarrassing for a legislator to have to bring up the fact that their vote was stolen because they weren't there, but it would be detrimental to their career not to do so. It isn't that I think they are all so honest--I'm sure they would steal the votes if they could get away with it. But logically speaking, I don't think they can.

Oops--I'm sorry. I am not watching anything on youtube now or I would post it.

InPeace,
InLove

InLove · 10-13-2007, 05:54 PM

Need to correct myself. Would have done it sooner, but I am finding that even though clicking my mouse over and over at rapid speeds does occasionally help one open a site, it does not work when trying to log in.

So, I had to sit out for at least fifteen minutes. Anyway, in keeping with the spirit of fairness, here are my self-corrections in bolded format:

I said: "It isn't that I think they are all so honest--I'm sure they would steal the votes if they could get away with it. But logically speaking, I don't think they can."

I should have said: "It isn't that I think they are all so honest--I suspect that some of them would steal the votes if they could get away with it. But logically speaking, I don't think they can."

And I would take this conversation to P&S, except I think it has probably already about finished its run here. However, I suppose I could be wrong in this regard.

(Still looking for a video to post, but as I mentioned above, I am having trouble reaching my site destinations this morning. Was looking for some more CCR...)

InPeace,
InLove