Fire Dog Lake: Been Arlen Spectered but Not Resurrected

[Omaha Steve]

http://firedoglake.com/2009/05/07/been-arlen-spectered-but-not-resurrected/

By: Tula Connell Thursday May 7, 2009 1:30 pm

Arlen Specter (D-RD-Pa.) is born again. But unlike most converts, he's not exactly zealous about his new religion.

In the same breath that he announced his switch to the Democratic Party last week, Specter was quick to assert his opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act. The legislation, which would level the playing field for workers seeking to form unions, depends upon 60 votes for cloture in the Senate (that is, we need 60 senators to agree to let the bill come to a vote).



Specter, who voted for cloture for the Employee Free Choice Act when it was introduced in the Senate in 2007, changed his mind a couple months ago (no, not going there—too easy) and announced he wouldn't vote for cloture this time around. And by gum, even becoming a Democrat—that is, one who ostensibly supports working families—doesn't make a difference for the man on whom all eyes turn.

"I said when I made the switch, I'm still against that bill," Specter said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press." "Democrats are all for it; Republicans are all against it, and I'm the critical vote."

So, here's what we say. In an interview with ABC, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Richard Trumka put it this way:

If a candidate isn't good for workers, we won't be there. If they are good for workers, we will be there regardless of their party. I mean, we supported Arlen Specter—and he was a Republican—because he was good for what was happening. He was good for our members at that time.

FULL story at link.

[musette_sf]

1. and a shout out to anyone who also remembers (like i do)

which song by which duo is the inspiration for the title...

[Beetwasher]

3. Been Phil Spectered Ressurrected

S&G of course!

[musette_sf]

4. now if only

we could have Cheney be Phil Spectored....

[robertpaulsen]

2. A Simple Desultory Philippic

(Or How I Was Robert McNamara'd into Submission)

I been Norman Mailered, Maxwell Taylored.
I been John O'Hara'd, McNamara'd.
I been Rolling Stoned and Beatled till I'm blind.
I been Ayn Randed, nearly branded
Communist, 'cause I'm left-handed.
That's the hand I use, well, never mind!

I been Phil Spectored, resurrected.
I been Lou Adlered, Barry Sadlered.
Well, I paid all the dues I want to pay.
And I learned the truth from Lenny Bruce,
And all my wealth won't buy me health,
So I smoke a pint of tea a day.

I knew a man, his brain was so small,
He couldn't think of nothing at all.
He's not the same as you and me.
He doesn't dig poetry. He's so unhip that
When you say Dylan, he thinks you're talking about Dylan Thomas,
Whoever he was.
The man ain't got no culture,
But it's alright, ma,
Everybody must get stoned.

I been Mick Jaggered, silver daggered.
Andy Warhol, won't you please come home?
I been mothered, fathered, aunt and uncled,
Been Roy Haleed and Art Garfunkeled.
I just discovered somebody's tapped my phone.

I lost my harmonica, Albert.

:smoke::hippie: