Everything you need to know about manure....

An interesting fact

Manure: In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and it was also before the invention of commercial fertilizers, so large shipments of manure were quite common.

It was shipped dry because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea)hit it, not only did it become heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a byproduct is methane gas, of course. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and did) happen. Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, BOOM! Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening.

After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the instruction 'Stow high in transit'on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.

Thus evolved the term 'S.H.I.T‘, (Stow High In Transit) which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day. You probably did not know the history of this word. Neither did I.

I had always thought it was a golf term.

Billy Long doesn't know how there are any Jewish Democrats.

“I don’t know how there are any Jewish Democrats,” said Missouri Republican Billy Long, “With what Obama did to Bibi Netanayahu, I don’t know how there are any Jewish Democrats.”

Long takes one trip to Israel and he thinks he's a got damp expert.javascript:void(0)

Talkin' Israel at the RNC:

No one seemed to have the appetite for getting into details. Speakers on the convention podium, including Condoleezza Rice spoke in general about taking back America’s leading role in the world, instead of “leading from behind,” but did not provide much substance. Advisers to the Romney campaign also avoided wading into the specifics of a future Republican administration’s policy regarding the Syrian civil war, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, or the moribund Israeli – Palestinians peace process.

"They wanted me to go swimming but I told them I didn't have a thing to wear. Ha. Ha. Ha."

LIVE FROM TAMPA FLORIDA, IT'S BILLY LONG! "I'm a congressman. Not too proud of that, but I am."

Frequent bus riders will remember that Billy Long and Grover Norquist were to appear onstage at a Tampa comedy club -- we don't know if Grover made the show, but we shure know that Billy did AND somebody live tweeted it!

The tweeter known as "indecision" posted this tweet; "Our night at the Tampa Improv takes a Southern turn as Rep. Billy Long (MO) takes the stage. #twangy! 12:19 AM - 29 Aug 12

Right off the bat, Billy comes on stage and introduces himself: "I'm a congressman. Not too proud of that, but I am." 12:20 AM - 29 Aug 12

Well Billy, if you feel that way about it, why don't you quit.

This tweet from the tweeter known as 'indecision': "Rep. Billy Long just told a long but satisfying joke about Mitt Romney's joke telling skills. Too long to tweet. Ask next time you see him." 12:24 AM - 29 Aug 12

Then, according to those present, Long told several jokes about homosexuals ending with a joke about Congressman Barney Frank with the punch line being "an unfunded man date." Indecision ‏@indecision: Rep. Billy Long just did a Barney Frank joke, punch line: "unfunded man date" 12:28 AM - 29 Aug 1

Long also told jokes about his recent trip to Israel and the scandal that erupted when several congressman on the trip, after a dinner at a local hotel, went swimming, one of them nude, in the Sea of Galilee: "On a recent trip to the state of Israel, they tried to get me to swim but I told them: I don't have a thing to wear."

(Billy liked that joke so much that he repeated it the next day: Daniel Libit ‏@DanielLibit: At Jewish Republican event in Tampa, MO Rep. Billy Long cracks joke about the Sea of Galilee mini-scandal... 3:37 PM - 29 Aug 12

Yep, the next time Billy holds a town hall meeting I am going to ask him just that!

"I'm a congressman. Not too proud of that, but I am."

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 "Go ahead Punk - make my day - elect Mitt Romney" #2012GOPConvention #Tampa #romneyryan2012 9:10 PM - 30 Aug 12

Rolling Stone does long piece on Mitt Romney and Bain Capital

Rolling Stone magazine, and Matt Taibbi, today published a lengthy article on Mitt Romney Greed and Debt: The True Story of Mitt Romney and Bain Capital:

The incredible untold story of the 2012 election so far is that Romney's run has been a shimmering pearl of perfect political hypocrisy, which he's somehow managed to keep hidden, even with thousands of cameras following his every move. And the drama of this rhetorical high-wire act was ratcheted up even further when Romney chose his running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin – like himself, a self-righteously anal, thin-lipped, Whitest Kids U Know penny pincher who'd be honored to tell Oliver Twist there's no more soup left. By selecting Ryan, Romney, the hard-charging, chameleonic champion of a disgraced-yet-defiant Wall Street, officially succeeded in moving the battle lines in the 2012 presidential race.

Read the full article in Rolling Stone

btw, my congressman, Billy Long MO7 (he of "FED UP" fame), his appearance with Grover Norquist at the Tampa Comedy Club last night notwithstanding, is NOT one of the 23 funniest people in American, as featured on the cover of the Rolling Stone, as much as he wants to be.


Ah jeez.

Billy Long, after a hard day's work, meets a new friend at the Comedy Club.

And here is her tweet about Billy: Watching Republican Congressman @auctnr1 Billy Long at Improv! They are naturals, born speakers ;-) @baratunde up next!



So, how did she know his twitter handle?

Billy Long walks back his support of Todd Akin

Billy Long and Todd Akin flank a bunch of other Republicans. Billy looks like he sucking his belly in while Ed Martin stands beside him.

Couple of Saturdays ago, Billy Long's GOP Victory Tour 2012 was a love fest for Todd Akin.

Then, Akin made his 'forcible rape' comment and the magical vaginal spermicide or whatever he called it that was in force 'down there'.

Republicans jumped all over Akin.

But not Billy Long. He was silent. Not a peep.

Then, in an interview with Politico,Missouri delegates angry at Mitt Romney over Todd Akin, Long came out in support of Akin:

Still, not all Republicans in the congressional delegation are ready to abandon Akin. First-term Rep. Billy Long, who represents the conservative southwestern portion of the state, said Akin was the party’s candidate, whom he planned to support.

“The people of Missouri voted for him, and he’s our guy,” Long told POLITICO. “And either you’re for Todd Akin and I’m not for Claire McCaskill. … He’s been an underdog his whole life, he won a lot of races he wasn’t supposed to win, so I think he can win.”

He had to.

Long represents arguably the most conservative area of the state.

He toured with Todd Akin.

He takes Tara Sukman's phone calls.

Long, who told the Springfield News-Leader I don't run to a microphone every time one is offered and he doesn't jump in front of a camera every time one is offered", told the Philadelphia Inquirer:

We've been tea partying in the seventh district of Missouri before the tea party was cool. We believe in smaller government, lower taxes and sticking to the constitution.

Long had to back Akin.

And, in doing so, he went against Blunt, Danforth, Ashcroft and Bond.

Billy's been quiet on the twitter feed also.

No word on how his comedy act with Grover Norquist went over last night: Billy goes to Tampa, headlines at Comedy Club.

Open mouth, insert foot Billy.

This afternoon, in an interview with KOLR 10, Billy backed off his support of Todd Akin:

(KOLR10):A lot made about the Senate race in Missouri between McCaskill and Akin. His own party asked him to stay away from the convention.
(Billy Long): "There's not too much to say. If you know Todd Akin, coming out publicly like a lot of people have and ask him to get out is probably the worst thing they could've done. I don't know if the last chapter has been written to that story yet. I hear rumors every day about what might happen there, but right now he's our nominee and whoever is on the ballot in November for us, I'm going to be supportive."

Developing....


In another development in Long's support of Akin, Josh Nelson, political reporter for the Springfield News-Leader, reports:

In an email to the News-Leader, Long’s re-election campaign said the Springfield Republican did not intend to issue a statement addressing Akin’s comments regarding whether a woman can become pregnant from a “legitimate rape.”

Nelson also quoted the Politico story:

Sen. Roy Blunt, Long’s predecessor in the 7th Congressional District seat, was one of six current or former Republican U.S. Senators to sign onto a letter calling for Akin to drop out. The Politico story indicates Blunt is still skeptical of Akin’s continued candidacy:

“I’m not sure he’s going to stay in, there’s still time to think about this,” Blunt told POLITICO. “We think the national issues are what matters here and that Todd needs to evaluate the impact he’s having on the discussion of the issues facing the country today.”

Vicky Hartzler also has called on Akin to drop out:

Like many Missourians, I found Congressman Akin's comments baffling, disturbing and misinformed. Over the last few days I have attempted to communicate with him personally; however, my repeated attempts have been unsuccessful. Due to the serious nature of this issue, I hope and pray he will make the right decision for himself, his family and our country and follow the advice of Senators Blunt, Bond, Ashcroft, Talent and Danforth.

The betting pool is open.

When will Billy drop his support of Todd Akin?

Billy Long and Grover Norquist just may be the funniest men in Washington D.C.

Billy Goes To Tampa: Headlines at Tampa Comedy Club w/ Grover Norquist: 2 Shows 11:30 PM & 1 AM

Remember when Billy Long told us we can't expect to change Washington DC unless we are willing to change the type of people that we send to Washington. Billy Long will do the right thing for the right reason everyday he serves as US Congressman.



Billy Long will do the right thing for the right reason everyday he serves as US Congressman. Yep that's what he told us.

The Right Thing.

For The Right Reason

Everyday he serves as our Congressman.

Um, does that include Tampa?

We've heard the stories about strip clubs in Tampa gearing up the Republican Convention--Tampa strip clubs expecting big boost from GOP convention:

Tampa strip clubs are expecting a big pay day from Republican convention-goers. Not only will it mean an additional 50,000 people in a town famous for its partying, but apparently, club owners have reason to believe that conservatives are more… well, liberal than their Democratic counterparts when it comes to tucking a few bills into a G-string:
'…if past conventions are any indicator, Republicans are likely to outspend Democrats heavily at topless bars and strip clubs, says Angelina Spencer. She heads the Association of Club Executives, an organization for the nation’s 4,000 “gentleman’s club” owners. The group talked to members in the host cities of past conventions.

“When we compared spending,” Spencer notes, “the average showed Republicans spending $150 per person at an adult club, versus Democrats, who averaged $50 a person.”

We were chuckling to ourselves this morning about the story that a study found a spike in online sex ads placed in host cities during political conventions.

So what a surprise when we opened out email this morning and received the following notice:

To see the flyer in all it's blaze orange glory,click on this link http://politicalpartytime.org/party/32183/

WHAT!!!

Billy Long?

Grover Norquist?

Appearing together at the Tampa Improv Comedy Club?

At 11:30 PM and 1 AM?

And you know the alcohol is going to be flowing freely.

Why it wasn't even a year ago (Still Fed UP?) that Ozark Billy was telling whom ever would listen that he's has taken a low-profile path in his first year...and he avoids Washington's night-time social circuit, preferring to go home for another sandwich and some rest.

This guy is an embarrassment to MO7.

Long Announces His Staff to Hold District Listening Posts

in September because Billy was too busy in August to host them himself, what with his GOP bus tour with Todd Akin and Roy Blunt. Besides, if he hosted them himself, constituents would have the opportunity to ask Billy the tough questions he doesn't want to answer (why did you spend $6500 in campaign funds on meals and why are you using campaign funds to fly to Las Vegas?) or the tough questions he can't answer(Why are you co-sponsoring H.R.3, H.R.212 and H.R.374?)



So, we get this press release from Billy Long... It won't be him, but it will be his staff. We hope they will pass the information on to Billy. It ain't much but it's all we got.

SPRINGFIELD– U.S. Rep. Billy Long today announced that his staff will be hosting another round of District Listening Posts beginning on Monday, September 17, and running through Friday, September 21.

“The District Listening Posts are a great opportunity for my staff to get out into the community and hear directly from you and also be able to assist you. The District Listening Posts are a service we provide to answer your questions, assist you with ongoing casework, or open new cases to address your concerns with a federal agency,” Long said. “I encourage all residents in the district to take advantage of these listening posts because we cannot be of assistance unless we know of your issue. As always, constituent service remains a top priority of mine.”

Monday, September 17

Taney County
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Branson City Hall, Municipal Court Room, 2nd Floor
110 West Maddux, Branson

Stone County
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Village of Indian Point
957 Indian Point, Branson

Tuesday, September 18

Polk County
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Polk County Library
1690 W. Broadway, Bolivar

Christian County
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Christian County Library
1005 North 4th Avenue, Ozark

Wednesday, September 19

Greene County
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Greene County Library-Willard Branch
304 E. Jackson Street, Willard

Barry County
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Monett Chamber of Commerce, Meeting Room
200 East Broadway, Monett

Thursday, September 20

Jasper County
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Jasper County Courthouse, Commissioner’s Office Room 101
302 South Main Street, Carthage

Lawrence County
2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Marionville Branch Library
303 West Washington Street, Marionville

Friday, September 21
McDonald County
9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Pineville Community Building
602 Jesse James Road, Pineville

Newton County
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Newton County Courthouse, Commission Office Suite 201
101 S. Wood Street, Neosho

Meeting Opportunities with Congressman Billy Long In-District

Congressman Billy Long (R-District 7) is scheduled to meet with credit union representatives in Springfield on Wednesday, September 5. The Missouri Credit Union Association is working to schedule meetings across the state in each legislative district, to enable credit union representatives to meet with lawmakers and/or their staff closer to home. Space is limited to five participants for the September 5 meeting. Here are the details:

Date: Wednesday, September 5
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: Congressman Billy Long’s Springfield Office
3232 E. Ridgeview St., Springfield, MO 65804
RSVP Deadline: September 3

Registration information was emailed to credit unions in the Springfield and Southwest Credit Union Chapters. If you have questions or need more information, contact Amy McLard at amclard@mcua.org or 314.542.1370.

This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss Congressman Long’s stance on bills and issues of concern for credit unions, including member business lending, regulatory burden, supplemental capital, and the credit union tax status.

If you are unable to take part in the September 5 meeting, Congressman Long is holding a series of district “listening posts” beginning on Monday, September 17, through Friday, September 21.

If you think Todd Akin's on the lunatic fringe of the Republican Party, wait til you see some of the bills Congressman Billy Long is co-sponsoring:

H.R. 3 - which redefines rape and removes the exclusion for statutory rape,
H.R. 212 - Life begins at fertilization
H.R. 374 - The Human Life Amendment which affords 14th Amendment rights to fertilized eggs.

Last year Rep Tim Jones sent me an email late, late one night. In that email he told me "You keep your Government out of my doctor's office, out of my pocketbook and out of my business" His usage of the word 'business' was in the context of 'mind your own business' --- get out of my life. Yep, that' what he meant.

Apparently Billy Long doesn't share the same sentiments as Birther Jones about keeping the government out of our business. Congressman Billy Long wants to be involved in your business, especially your sex life.

Earlier I posted about Billy Long being an original co-sponsor of HR3, the bill that has become famous as the bill that redefines rape.

An original so-sponsor is different that a co-sponsor. An original co-sponsor was on the bill from the start. A co-sponsor jumped on the bill after it became apparent it had enough votes to pass. This is simplified of course, but Billy was on this bill to redefine rape from the get go.

What this means in real life is horrible.

Billy Long co-sponsored and voted for a bill that would... here, it's easier to explain in a hypothetical.

Your 13 year old daughter, the apple of your eye, honor student, volleyball player on a good team, active in your church is brutally assaulted and raped by your wife's sister's husband.

And, to add horror to the horror, the rapist's sperm fertilizes one of your daughter's eggs and your daughter becomes pregnant.

Your 13 year old daughter, eighth grader in middle school, pregnant with a rapist's child. Horrible. Terribly horrible. Your daughter's body can't handle a pregnancy. For your daughter's health the pregnancy needs to be terminated.

But Billy Long, your congressman says NO! Your daughter MUST carry the pregnancy to term. His "YEA" vote on HR3 says no to abortion, even in cases of rape and incest of minors. The committee report for H.R. 3 says that the bill will “not allow the Federal Government to subsidize abortions in cases of statutory rape.”

Billy Long also voted to cut funding for Planned Parenthood, a place your daughter could have gone to to get help with her pregnancy.

But there's more.

Remember on August 1 when Billy Long was on national tv talking about how America is no longer the land of the free?


Here's Billy's statement:

You don't have to worry about the brave. We're still home of the brave, but we're not the land of the free anymore. And we need to get that straight. When you're not free to practice religious freedom in this country, what in the world have we come to? Seriously, goodness gracious. The land of the free, the home of the brave. We're no longer free in this country.

Billy was upset that the Affordable Care Act mandated that insurance companies had to provide:
well-woman visits;
screening for gestational diabetes;
human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing for women 30 years and older;
sexually-transmitted infection counseling;
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening and counseling;
FDA-approved contraception methods and contraceptive counseling;
breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling; and
domestic violence screening and counseling

Maybe Billy should have fact-checked, according to the prestigious Guttmacher Institute, Missouri and 26 other states already required insurers that covered prescription drugs to provide coverage of FDA approved contraceptive drugs and devices. Your outrage was faked. Some would call it "showboating". I call it pathetic.

But there's more. Today Paul Ryan said that 'nobody's trying to take away your birth control.' Looks to me that that's what Billy was saying in his land of the free statement.

But there's more:

H.R.212 Sanctity of Human Life Act: To provide that human life shall be deemed to begin with fertilization. Billy Long is an original co-sponsor on this bill.

But first we all need to be on the same page, so a quick overview of what happens when the egg meets the sperm.

Once a mature egg has been released by the ovary or ovulation has taken place, the egg will move into the fallopian tube. At this time, the body makes the necessary preparations for a possible pregnancy. The uterus lining called the endometrium thickens all set for the fertilized egg to embed itself. Fertilization takes place in the fallopian tube. Contractions of the tube along with the tiny hairs called cilia help to move the egg towards the uterus. The egg survives for only 24 hours in the fallopian tube. If fertilization does not take place, the egg will be reabsorbed into the system, the endometrium will come away and bleeding will commence as another menstrual cycle begins.

Journey of the SPERM

The sperm swims very quickly from the vagina into the cervix after ejaculation. It will swim towards the waiting egg into the fallopian tube. Special chemicals emitted from the egg attract the sperm towards it. Of the many sperms racing toward the egg, only one sperm will succeed in penetrating the egg. New chemicals are released by the egg to seal it and hence prevent other sperm from breaking through. The sperm that managed to fuse with the egg sheds its tail and body. Chromosomes from the sperm join with those of the egg.

Fertilization

The egg is usually fertilized in the fallopian tubes. (According to H.R.212 at this time this egg is now a legal person) Once the fusion occurs, hormones prevent the endometrium from breaking down. (No periods for 9 months or so). The blastocyst burrows into the thick lining. Finger-like projections sprout to develop into the placenta from the outer layer of cells. The pregnancy is now established with the placenta forming a crucial link between the mother and the embryo.

But there's a catch. And it's some catch this catch.

If a woman wants birth control that works — for years, one of the safest and most effective methods is an intrauterine device (IUD). The IUD is inserted into a woman’s uterus by a doctor and can remain in place for 5–12 years. Its side effects are few, and, with proper use, the IUD is an extremely effective contraceptive.

The IUD is a small plastic device containing either a hormone or copper that is inserted into a woman’s uterus. IUDs work either by preventing the fertilization of the egg or by preventing implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine wall. The IUD is inserted into the uterus through the cervix during menstruation, with a small string that hangs down from the end and protrudes through the cervix into the vagina.

If a woman uses an IUD as birth control,and the IUD prevents a fertilized egg from implanting on the uterine wall, in Billy Long's mind you have just committed murder.

Billy Long is also an original co-sponsor of H.R.374 (The Human Life Amendment) which implements equal protection under the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution for the right to life of each born and preborn human person.

If a fertilized egg is really granted equal protection under the law as a human being per the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, a number of outcomes would follow:

Abortions of all types, including in cases of rape, incest and threats to the health of the mother, would be outlawed, since under U.S. law there is no legal right to terminate an adult human life except as a punishment for murder, and fertilized eggs under this Human Life Amendment are now considered human.

The Intra-uterine device (IUD), Plan B and the birth control pill would be outlawed. These contraceptives work by, at least in part, preventing the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterine wall. If H.R. 374 were passed and fertilized eggs were granted protection under law equal to that of adult human beings, women using these contraceptives would be guilty of felony, involuntary manslaughter at the least.

In vitro fertility clinics would be outlawed or forced to radically change their policies so that every created embryo would be implanted into a woman, whether eventually viable or not. The hundreds of thousands of currently frozen embryos would become wards of the state with legal rights equal to yours.

The termination of ectopic and molar pregnancies would be outlawed. Even though these pregnancies cannot survive and commonly end in the death of a mother when they run their course, they would be guaranteed protection under law equal to that of any person.

The prevention of natural miscarriage (arguably constituting the outcome of a majority of fertilizations) would be made a public health project on equal footing with efforts to end epidemics, stop strokes or inoculate against childhood diseases.

This is Billy Long. And if he tells us these laws, while they passed or will pass the House, will never pass the senate and if by some chance they did pass both chambers, the president would veto them. If that is what you believe Billy, then why did you vote for them?

Thank Heaven for Todd Akin

This from a friend: -

The political gods can be terribly cruel. What has happened to the Republican Party in the past week is the ultimate reward for their having created the Tea Party in 2009. Until Dick Armey, the former Republican Majority Leader in the House of Representatives under Tom DeLay, got his K Street lobbyist buddies to bankroll the Tea Party, it was a disorganized rabble of people whose mental capacity was stretched to come up with the slogan “Fed Up!”. With the financial help of radical conservative Republicans, the Tea Party grew, and in the 2010 congressional elections about 80 Tea Partiers were elected to the the House of Representatives and about a half dozen to the Senate. State Tea Party organizations have also grown and were responsible for Todd Akin’s victory in the recent senatorial primary. I am sure that Todd Akin had no desire to be on the front page of the New York Times, a reflection of the confusion he has created within the Republican Party.

While his loyal, radical, religious fundamentalists are still strongly supporting Akin, the leaders of the Republican Party in Missouri and the Republican National Committee are engaged in a futile effort to get him to resign. As my friend Alan says, “That’s never going to happen. He gets his political directions from on High, and that mission easily eclipses the welfare of the Republican Party.” The irony is that he is forcing Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan, against their previously stated positions, to state publicly that they are now not in favor of compelling a woman impregnated by rape to bare the child. While this may satisfy more informed elements of the Republican Party, it will certainly dismay the Evangelical Tea Party core, so it is a loser either way.

Romney and Ryan would dearly love to be talking about Paul Ryan’s budget and other fiscal matters. Here they are wading up to their hips in the mire of social issues that can have no other effect than to continue mass confusion in their party the week before it meets in Tampa for its national convention. There was an article in the New York Times yesterday that mentioned the impact of this controversy on congressional districts in New York, Illinois and California. Because of redistricting Democratic congressional candidates had a bit of an advantage, and with this issue added to their campaigns it is now becoming more and more obvious that the Democrats have a really good chance to regain control of the House of Representatives. I make this based on the third law passed by the Republican in the House in 2011. H.R. 3 is the embodiment of the Akin-Ryan position that victims of rape and incest must carry their attackers child to term, which was approved 251-175. With the exception of five who did not vote, every Republican supported the bill. Of the 192 Democrats, only 16 voted Yes and and 175 voted no. Accordingly, the entire Republican Party, despite what protestations the Romney campaign makes, supports the original Akin-Ryan position. That means that every incumbent Republican in a swing district will be attacked in some manner for this extreme position.

The Tea Party impact on the senatorial election is equally interesting. In 2010, if the Republicans had nominated mainstream candidates in Nevada, Colorado and Delaware, they would have won control of the U.S. Senate. Instead, the Tea Partiers they chose were all defeated. This year, the Republicans have repeated their 2010 mistake already in Maine, Indiana and Missouri. If Democrats are successful in all of those races, it is very likely that the Democrats will retain control of the U.S. Senate, thus again snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

Now, if you haven’t had enough “sturm und drang” the Republican convention is opening in Tampa next week. Since the Fourth Article of the U.S. Constitution prohibits the imposition of cruel and unusual punishment, I don’t intend to see any of it. However, since this is the hurricane season and if a threat does develop, the only other thing that can happen to this hapless Republican campaign is to be blown across the peninsula and into the Gulf of Mexico. I am sure the highlights will be presented very forcefully and dramatically on MSNBC

.

Just to clarify the rape position....

Remember HR 3,which prohibits taxpayer funded abortions and provides for conscience protections, and other purposes?

Remember that one, the one that redefines rape, that one?

All of Missouir's GOP delegation in Congress voted in support of that resolution.

Not only that, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM WAS AN ORIGINAL CO-SPONSOR.

Every. Single. One.

Todd Akin co-sponsored and voted 'yea'

JoAnne Emerson co-sponsored and was conveniently out of chambers when the vote was taken- she was marked 'absent' (how convenient) But she was a co-sponsor so that gives us some indication on how she would have voted.

Sam Graves co-sponsored and voted 'yea'

Vickie Hartzler co-sponsored and voted 'yea'

Billy Long co-sponsored and voted 'yea'

Blaine Luetkemeyer co-sponsored and voted 'yea'.

Why this is important--- because all these congressman and woman believe that if your 13 year old daughter was raped by her uncle and got pregnant, that the full force and effect of the government, by law, would force your daughter to carry to term the rapist's child.

Not only that, but that rapist would be entitled the same parental rights afforded to non-custodial parents.

The implication is that if the rape is not (and I hate talking like this), if the rape is not forcible, then it ain't a rape.

Just saying, after you've voted for or co-sponsored HR3 that a 'rape is a rape' don't cut it. You voted for the god dam thing!

Billy Long ain't afraid of nobody... well except maybe Roy Blunt?

Last week our congressman Billy Long piled as many statewide candidates as he could into a big black bus with "Billy Long Victory Tour" plastered on the sides and took a tour or MO7.

From the Branson Tri-Lakes News: Candidates visit Branson:

Several Republican candidates in the upcoming November election stopped in Branson Saturday on the Billy Long Victory Tour.

In addition to Long, Todd Akin, a candidate for U.S. Senate; Dave Spence, a candidate for Missouri governor; incumbent Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder; Shane Schoeller, candidate for Missouri Secretary of State; Ed Martin, a candidate for state attorney general; and Cole McNary, a candidate for state treasurer, were all in attendance at Tea Party Patriot HQ on Veterans Boulevard.

George Dyer sings to start off the rally in Branson Saturday while Tara Sukman looks on with fawning admiration. Some said Sukman took her hat off because Billy doesn't wear his Resistol anymore. Photo by Stephen Herzog | Branson Tri-Lakes News

Bungalow Bill's take on Billy's Tour::

Hard to believe a week has gone by since Congressman Billy Long boarded up a bus and set off to display unity in the Republican party. Long and his bus mates visited various Southwest Missouri towns promoting their campaigns. Included in Billy Long's unity bus tour was Shane Schoeller, stripper stalker Peter Kinder, Ed Martin, what's that guy's name that is going to lose in a landslide to Jay Nixon, oh that's right, Dave Spence, and the tarnished Todd Akin.

Yet, despite this image of unity, Congressman Long hasn't seemed to issue one bit of support for Todd Akin. Shall we say Billy Long's unity tour was a complete scam and that Billy Long's friendship is something you can't count on when it comes to political power? That's what it looks like because just a week ago, Long was yukking it up on a bus with Akin, and now there is no sign of unity or support for Long.

Susan Redden of the Joplin Globe on Long's Bus Tour which made two stops in Joplin last week:

The goal of getting a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate, including replacing Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., with challenger Todd Akin, was mentioned frequently when GOP candidates and officeholders came to Joplin as part of a “Victory Tour” on Wednesday.

Blunt and U.S. Rep. Billy Long, R-Mo., were among those on the “Victory Tour” praising the Ryan pick. Long also led a “Unity Tour” to Joplin on Saturday.

Long said he believes the Ryan choice will help Republicans win in Missouri — including the U.S. Senate seat — because “he will energize the party’s base, and get the tea party and the conservatives involved” in the campaign. Blunt said the selection was “a bold choice that establishes us as the party of ideas.”

Jake Hamilton, 4-States Homepage:

(Mt. Vernon, MO)-- A group of Republican candidates made an appearance in Mt. Vernon Saturday for their second to last stop on their "Victory Tour."

Candidates Billy Long, Todd Aikin and Dave Spence have been visiting different areas in Missouri, telling voters why they should be elected to their desired positions.

Springfield News Leader:

The second of two tours featuring the Republican statewide slate hit Springfield on Saturday. The weekend tour was organized by U.S. Rep. Billy Long, R-Springfield, to promote unity among the GOP candidates after a bruising primary.

Saturday’s ticket also featured Todd Akin, who is running for U.S. Senate; Dave Spence, the gubernatorial candidate; Shane Schoeller, the Secretary of State candidate; and Cole McNary, the treasurer candidate.

At the state fair
KOLR Channel 10:

The bus tour took the statewide candidates through Jefferson City and Lee's Summit on Tuesday, and Joplin, Springfield, St. Louis, and St. Charles on Wednesday.

The party's nominee to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, U.S. Rep. Todd Akin, joined the group for the final half of the tour.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, an early supporter of presidential hopeful Mitt Romney, defended him from recent charges from Democrats critical of his new running-mate Paul Ryan's position on Medicare spending.

"The only person who has cut Medicare is Barack Obama," Blunt said. "Republicans are the only people who have a plan to save Medicare."

"Paul Ryan was a great choice," said Rep. Billy Long (R-7th District). "I would have liked to see Paul run way back when for president when they were talking about who would get in the race. He's a young guy. He's 42 and he probably thought he'd wait a little while but this is just perfect. Mitt Romney made a great decision. It's the first presidential decision Mitt Romney made. He knocked a home run."

And, all the tweets from all the boys....

Joseph Hunter ‏@JosephHunterII @cole_mcnary @auctnr1 @RepToddAkin @spenceformo @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller @EdMartin4MO @MOVictory strong crew ...Looking 4 clean sweep

18 Aug Peter Kinder Peter Kinder ‏@PeterKinder RT @cole_mcnary: Just stopped in Mt Vernon w/ @auctnr1 @RepToddAkin @spenceformo @peterkinder @shaneschoeller & @EdMartin4MO #GOP @movictory

18 Aug Cole McNary Cole McNary ‏@cole_mcnary Just stopped in Mt Vernon w/ @auctnr1 @RepToddAkin @spenceformo @peterkinder @shaneschoeller & @EdMartin4MO #mogop @movictory

18 Aug James Harris James Harris ‏@JamesMNHarris RT @auctnr1: The #MOGOP Statewide Victory bus stopped at http://TeaPartyPatriotHQ.com in #Branson - now we're off to Mt. Vernon view photo

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 @spenceformo speaking during our Statewide #GOP Victory Tour in Mt. Vernon - now headed to our last stop in #Joplin

18 Aug Billy Long Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 The #MOGOP Statewide Victory bus stopped at http://TeaPartyPatriotHQ.com in #Branson - now we're off to Mt. Vernon

18 Aug Ed Martin Ed Martin ‏@EdMartin4MO Another big crowd in Branson on the congressman @auctnr1 Unity Bus Tour #standinthegap #MOAteam #MOGOP View photo

1:39 PM - 18 Aug 12 via Twitter for BlackBerry® · Details
18 Aug MOVictory MOVictory ‏@MOVictory RT @EdMartin4MO: Big crowd in Ozark on the @auctnr1 bus tour. We're getting fired up with the #MOAteam #standinthegap View photo

18 Aug Schoeller 4 SoS Schoeller 4 SoS ‏@shaneschoeller @auctnr1 #MOGOP unity tour continues 2B strong! @EdMartin4MO here speaking to fellow Christian Co conservatives! View photo

18 Aug Billy Long Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 @ToddAkin @spenceformo @PeterKinder @cole_mcnary @shaneschoeller @EdMartin4MO all on the #MOGOP Statewide Victory bus - next stop #Branson



Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Looking forward to Sen. Roy Blunt joining our Whistle Stop #MO7 Victory Rally for Statewide Candidates @ http://TeaPartyPatriotHQ.com in #Branson

18 Aug Billy Long Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Todd Akin @ Statewide #GOP Candidate #MO7 Victory Rally @ Family Pharmacy in Ozark - next stop http://TeaPartyPatriotHQ.com http://pic.twitter.com/JgP6KHIL

18 Aug James Harris James Harris ‏@JamesMNHarris RT @jameymurphy Congressman Billy Long's Bus Tour team of Candidates View photo @auctnr1 @PeterKinder @EdMartin4MO @cole_mcnary

18 Aug Matthew Lyons Matthew Lyons ‏@mattlyonsms Great to see the 2012 #MOGOP ticket in SGF today. @ToddAkin @SpenceForMo @auctnr1 @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller @EdMartin4MO @cole_mcnary

18 Aug MOVictory MOVictory ‏@MOVictory RT @spenceformo: Grt day in SWMO w/ @auctnr1 @EdMartin4MO @ToddAkin @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller @cole_mcnary view photo #MoGov

18 Aug Peter Kinder Peter Kinder ‏@PeterKinder Fantastic day in #SWMO on Unity tour w/ @auctnr1 @ToddAkin @spenceformo @cole_mcnary @shaneschoeller @EdMartin4MO #MOGOP #StrongTeam

18 Aug Peter Kinder Peter Kinder ‏@PeterKinder Indeed! RT @spenceformo: Grt day in SWMO w/ @auctnr1 @EdMartin4MO @ToddAkin @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller @cole_mcnary View photo

18 Aug Schoeller 4 SoS Schoeller 4 SoS ‏@shaneschoeller THX 2 fellow @greenecomoGOP for coming out to @auctnr1 #SWMO Unity tour w/ @ToddAkin @spenceformo @PeterKinder @cole_mcnary @EdMartin4MO

18 Aug Billy Long Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Statewide #GOP Candidate #MO7 Victory Rally @ Greene County #GOP Headquarters in Springfield - next stop Nixa!

18 Aug Dave Spence Dave Spence ‏@spenceformo Grt day in SWMO w/ @auctnr1 @EdMartin4MO @ToddAkin @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller @cole_mcnary view photo #MoGov

18 Aug Michael Clarke Michael Clarke ‏@MichaelPClarke @auctnr1: "This November will definitely be a time for choosing" at the Unity Bus Tour rally at Springfield Victory HQ @MOVictory

18 Aug Jen McClure Jen McClure ‏@JenMcHBA @auctnr1 building grassroots machine! View photo

18 Aug Jen McClure Jen McClure ‏@JenMcHBA @auctnr1 thanks for rallying the troops to get started on winning back America by turning out 40 percent in november

18 Aug Cole McNary Cole McNary ‏@cole_mcnary Speaking to a great crowd in SWMO on the @auctnr1 Unity Bus Tour w/ @reptoddakin @edmartin4mo & @shaneschoeller View photo


18 Aug Schoeller 4 SoS Schoeller 4 SoS ‏@shaneschoeller Perfect start 2 #SWMO unity tour w/ @auctnr1 @SBUniv my alma mater w/ @ToddAkin @spenceformo @PeterKinder @EdMartin4MO & @cole_mcnary

18 Aug Billy Long Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Just held Statewide #GOP Candidate #MO7 Victory Rally @ Bolivar- Akin, Spence, Kinder, Schoeller, McNary & Martin on board- Springfield next

18 Aug Todd Akin Todd Akin ‏@ToddAkin 2012 #mogop ticket in Bolivar. @ToddAkin @SpenceForMo @auctnr1 @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller @EdMartin4MO @cole_mcnary View Photo

18 Aug Cole McNary Cole McNary ‏@cole_mcnary Meeting folks in Bolivar on the @auctnr1 Unity Bus Tour. #mogop #motreas View photo

18 Aug Ed Martin Ed Martin ‏@EdMartin4MO Pic: Meeting some great folks in SWMO on the @auctnr1 bus tour w/@ToddAkin @PeterKinder @shaneschoeller #MOAG #MOGOP View photo

17 Aug Donna Osborn Donna Osborn ‏@donnaos @auctnr1 bus revving up on my neighborhood street...have no idea...guess my neighbor found a bus-driving job. Billy's a 1-job creator!

17 Aug Donna Osborn Donna Osborn ‏@donnaos Well, my goodness gracious, there goes the neighborhood! @auctnr1 View photo

17 Aug Peter Kinder Peter Kinder ‏@PeterKinderMT @JamesMNHarris: Glad to see @EdMartin4MO @PeterKinder & @shaneschoeller on the Congressman @auctnr1 7th District Tour tmrw. #StrongTeam

17 Aug James Harris James Harris ‏@JamesMNHarrisGlad to see @EdMartin4MO @PeterKinder and @shaneschoeller on the Congressman @auctnr1 7th District Tour tomorrow. #StrongTeam #7thTour

17 Aug Ed Martin Ed Martin ‏@EdMartin4MO Great time this week on the @MOVictory bus tour http://ow.ly/d2Y6U Looking forward to the bus tour w/Billy Long @auctnr1 tomorrow! #MoGOP

OMG, the praise is suffocating!

Then Akin appeared on a Sunday morning talk show in St. Louis and forgot to speak in code.

And Billy Long, did he come to the defense of Todd Akin, with whom he had spent the previous day singing the praises of?

No. NO ONE came to Akin's defense, And Billy's position of Rape is the same as the position Akin AND Todd Ryan hold. Billy was a co-sponsor of HR3,,,the bill that redefined rape to include "Forcible rape", Billy's vote on the personhood amendment mirrored Akin's.

One would reasonably expect that Long or somebody on that bus tour would come to Akin's defense and we'd see some tweets. Maybe Billy saw what happened to David Catanese and Billy got scared.

I thought Billy may be in Las Vegas playing poker and didn't have time to tweet.

Anyhow, August 19, 2012 to 5PM August 22, 2012, here are ALL of Billy Long's tweets.

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 @TGowdySC "This is your Birthday Song - It's not too long - Hey!"

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Rotary clubs deliver funds for kids from annual Rock 'n Ribs:

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Just spoke to the Farm Bureau Board of Directors at their endorsement meeting in Mt. Vernon, MO #Ozarks #MO7

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 I just spoke in #Joplin at the Missouri Association of Manufacturers breakfast meeting. A great group of job providers!

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Guy 50-something calls me over to his table at breakfast to explain that due to religious reasons he had never ever voted, but will in Nov.!

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Black and Gold taking over? http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012308190039

Billy Long ‏@auctnr1 Billy Long leads Republicans at rally http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012308190028


"I ain't afraid of nobody".

You wanna bet somebody (ROY?) told him to sit down and shut up?

Billy's an empty suit, all hat and no cattle, a pompous prima donna.

Todd's Dilemma ---I'm SO Sorry & Asks for forgiveness; Emerson on standby

“Rape is an evil act. I used the wrong words in the wrong way and for that I apologize. As the father of two daughters, I want tough justice for predators. I have a compassionate heart for the victims of sexual assault. I pray for them,The fact is, rape can lead to pregnancy. The truth is, rape has many victims.”

“The mistake I made was in the words I said, not in the heart I hold. I ask for your forgiveness.”



Will Akin step down?

According to MO Law he had until 5PM today to step down. The Missouri Republican Party will then chose a replacement.

Randy Turner, writer of The Turner Report,

In a post published this morning in the Turner Report, GOP ready to replace Akin with Emerson, Turner lays out some scenarios on who would, who could replace Akin should he decide to step aside:

High-ranking Missouri GOP officials were not surprised when former Sen. Jim Talent begged off on the opportunity for a rematch with Claire McCaskill, who ended his Senate career six years ago.

Talent has bigger and better things on his mind since he appears likely to hold a key position in the administration if Mitt Romney is elected president.

The Republicans are faced with the delicate task of selecting a replacement candidate for Todd Akin, who appears bound and determined to remain on the ballot.

If the pressure being applied on Akin to drop out of the race is successful, a candidate has to be ready to go and that is where the jockeying has started in the past few days.

From all appearances, it looks likely that if Akin leaves the race, Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson will take his place.

Considering the position Akin's "legitimate" rape comments have put the party in, combined with the damaged Peter Kinder, whose dalliance with strippers is bound to come up again in the next several weeks, GOP officials think a respected female candidate is their best bet to regain a Senate seat that once seemed inevitable.

Emerson is not the only one whose credentials are being examined.

Published reporters indicate that St. Louis businessman John Brunner, who finished second to Akin in the primary has been talking about, but it appears that most of the talk is coming from Brunner. GOP officials are not thrilled by the prospect of having a candidate who could not win a primary against weak opposition while spending $8 million of his own money.

There is absolutely no consideration being given to the third candidate, former State Treasurer Sarah Steelman. Party officials want someone who will play ball and Mrs. Steelman is considered to be a maverick.

As always, State Auditor Tom Schweich's name is brought up, but there are someone with GOP circles who think Schweich is not ready for prime time and may never be.

Ann Wagner, who decided to forego a run at the Senate, instead seeking a Congressional seat, has an interest in the Senate, but many felt she had her chance to enter the race and blew it.

Meanwhile, Akin is still on the ballot and stands a reasonable chance of winning. On the other hand, and this is the scenario the Republicans fear the most, the presence of Akin and Kinder on the ballot, plus the statewide popularity that Gov. Jay Nixon has enjoyed, could leave the Republican Party with only Mitt Romney in the state winners circle in November.

Even with a new candidate, the Republicans are wary of Claire McCaskill. She almost beat Matt Blunt, she took down Talent, and polls do have a tendency to change.

The problem is that each of these candidates have baggage.

Bruner would seem to be the logical chose, he came in second in the primary but, as Turner points out, he spent millions of dollars and couldn't win, how would he fare against McCaskill.

Steelman? She's out, she doesn't take direction and her husband is a trial lawyer.

Talent says he doesn't want it.

Ann Wagner-- she had her chance and blew plus there was that nasty row with Ed Martin.

JoAnne Emerson? She's got rape problems of her own. She was a co-sponsor along with Long, Luetekemeyer, Graves, Akin, and Paul Ryan of HR3-- you know, the 'forcible rape' bill.

Remember-- EVERY GOP house member voted in favor of HR3. Every. Single. One.

John Ashcroft and Kit Bond have been mentioned at fill-ins. Ashcroft lost to a dead man and Kit's too old.

Could Akin stay in the race? Yes. He thinks he's on a mission from God and he has a strong base,especially here in MO7.

He may stay.

Billy Long knows who the pick will be if Akin bows out. Frequent Bus riders have noticed that he ain't saying too much about this affair or the beach party. (What did you guys do over that made Cantor so mad?)

If Billy took my calls but I'm not Tara Sukman and he doesn't, I would ask him who the pick will be.

The phone lines and email messages have been flowing like hot lava I'll bet!

May Tara will call Billy and get back to me.

All of these people think alike--- only bad girls get raped

Remember this past week when Billy Long was driving his big black bus all across SWMO MO7 on his GOP Victory tour?

What you may not remember is back in January 2011, Todd Akin, JoAnn Emerson, Todd Graves, Blaine Luetkemeyer and BILLY LONG all co-sponsored HR3.

What is HR3? If you ask Billy Long, he may not remember what's in it.

But Frequent Bus riders will refresh his memory; Under HR3, which Billy co-sponsored, rape would not be rape unless violence was involved.

Billy-- you spent all last week tweeting about your victory tour. Yet today, not a peep out of you.

BILLY LONG WAS CO-SPONSOR, ALONG WITH PAUL RYAN, OF HR3 -- which redefines rape.

Oops.

btw,,,any store that involves skinny dipping and starts "We had a few drinks" is going to be a heckuva story, Brownie!

Billy Long spends more than $6500.00 on meals at fancy DC restaurants, gives new meaning to the phrase "FED UP" plus my take on Sunday's SN-L article

This just in from Roll Call---
Lawmakers Rack Up Hefty Bills Wining and Dining Donors:

Freshman Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.), who earned his seat by declaring he was "fed up" with Washington and its career politicos, spent more than $6,500 on a handful of fundraisers at venues such as Charlie Palmer Steak and Hill Country Barbecue.

We've heard these stories before. Conservative Blogger Bungalow Bill reported on once such occurrence last July: Congressman Billy Long getting fatter on off OPM (Other People's Money):

A few weeks ago, I heard one constituent, who reported having dinner with Congressman Long while in Washington, come home outraged about the entire dinner. Normally, it would be a great honor to have dinner with a Congressman, but considering Congressman Long's attitude about the dinner, it was anything but honorable.

Long took the constituents to a swank Washington DC restaurant where dinner costs close a hundred dollars (bus driver's note: entrees cost close to $100.00 a course) When the check came after dinner, this gentleman offered to pay his own. Billy Long wouldn't have anything to do with that according to the gentleman as he exclaimed, "the people of Southwest Missouri are paying for your dinner tonight."

Long's FEC reports show he spent $7,878.97 in campaign funds for meals in the first quarter of 2012.

Frequent bus riders will remember when The Metropolitan Grill offered the "Billy Long Cut" 11 ounce ribeye filet served with pot roasted Heirloom baby bakers and apple brined Haricots Verts $28.50

Somewhere I have a screen capture of that menu page.

Earlier last month, before he jetted off to Las Vegas to stay at the Venetian Hotel (which was conveniently for Billy hosting a high stakes poker tournament with relaxation room and guest bar) Long spent $609.75 for a meal at a Washington D.C. restaurant called "The Tortilla Coast" --- jeez, how expensive are tortillas in that joint?

Yes, Billy has learned to game the system. Here in the Ozarks he flim-flams folks and in DC he's living large.


While the bus is cruising in the area of spending campaign donations for personal use.... yesterday, the SN-L featured a story by reporter Josh Nelson: Fixing a 'dysfunctional Congress' which included the following paragraphs:

During Long’s first run for Congress in 2010, he weathered a series of personal attacks from opponents. Evans has promised to focus on the issues, but other critics questioned trips Long has taken to Las Vegas and California this year.

Campaign disclosure forms show Long has taken four trips this year, which includes flights to Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Long’s critics, which include bloggers Jim Lee of Springfield and Randy Turner of Joplin, have questioned why Long is flying west instead of returning home to spend time with constituents.

The trips include: a Jan. 8 trip for the Consumer Electronics Association meeting in Las Vegas; a Feb. 10 fundraiser for the Safari Club International in Phoenix, Ariz.; and a June 24 Los Angeles fundraiser for the Republican Jewish Coalition.

Long, however, argued the trips were for topics he’s passionate about, such as continued U.S. support for Israel.

“I think supporting them is the right thing to do and only thing to do,” Long said.

Long declined to respond to the criticism from Turner and Lee. His campaign earlier this year noted he has held more than 200 meetings with southwest Missouri constituents and businesses owners since taking office.

The trip to California is not an issue.

What is the issue is the four trips Long made to Las Vegas and paid for with his campaign funds. Looking at Long's FEC reports, there appear to be no fundraisers or strategy meeting expenses associated with the trips.

If Long paid for personal trips to Las Vegas with his campaign funds, as his FEC reports seem to reflect, that probably is a violation of FEC regulations.

To view the reports which Long's campaign has filed with the FEC, use this link: www.fed.gov/finance/disclosure. Type in "Billy Long" in the search box.

There you will find all of Long's campaign reports filed with the FEC and other such letters and documents, such as this one:

Frequent bus riders may recall this bus stop from January 5, 2011: "Like a horse, it's rode hard and put away wet," quipped Mr. Long: Former Representative Lynn Westmoreland is recalling a conversation he had with Billy: “I said, ‘Billy, you’re not a detail person are you?’ He said, ‘Nope,’” Westmoreland told Roll Call. “I said, ‘If you’re not detail-oriented, you better hire somebody who is detail-oriented.’ The ropes are going to be hard enough for a new Member of Congress to learn. If he has eight people or seven people there who are learning the ropes together, that’s going to be a long ride.”

Judging from the amount of amendments to his FEC reports and the notices of failure to file received, Long didn't take Westmoreland's advice.

Everything I write about Billy Long is based on his mailings, news reports about Long, his voting record, his FEC reports, his public statements and statements he made to me.

As an auctioneer, Long faced no public scrutiny other than a dis-satisfied customer.

As a congressman, EVERYTHING Billy Long does in his official capacity is on the record. Every penny he spends and every contribution he receives is deserving of public scrutiny.

Even the FBI knows that. "That's what you are supposed to be doing: holding people accountable because that's the people we elect and they are supposed to be accountable to us. And somebody's got to do it and more power to you."

Long can't handle the public scrutiny. He may have been baffling people as an auctioneer, but that dog don't hunt since he got elected congressman.

Billy Long-- Thank God he wasn't one of the naked swimmers?

Remember that trip Billy took to Israel last August? He tweeted about it but I don't remember him telling us about Cantor's chewing out.

How about it Billy, what can you tell us about this trip and the naked swimmers?

A Politico exclusive: FBI probed GOP trip with drinking, nudity in Israel:

The FBI probed a late-night swim in the Sea of Galilee that involved drinking, numerous GOP freshmen lawmakers, top leadership staff – and one nude member of Congress, according to more than a dozen sources, including eyewitnesses.

Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), who was the senior most GOP lawmaker in Israel on the trip, was so upset about the antics that he rebuked the 30 lawmakers the morning after the Aug. 18, 2011, incident, saying they were distracting from the mission of the trip.

On the Israel trip that included the late night swim, the group of lawmakers on Aug. 18 departed the posh David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem for Tiberias, a historic seaside town located on the banks of the Sea of Galilee. On the night in question, the GOP group checked into Scots Hotel, where rooms could run up to $1,000 each night. At 8:45 p.m., they headed to Decks, a popular restaurant located on the sea, according to an itinerary filed with the House Ethics Committee.

As dinner was winding down, Cantor and McCarthy left the restaurant, but the most of the other lawmakers and staff stayed behind, and the drinking continued, according to several sources who attended the dinner.

After what they describe as a “long, hot day,” more than 20 lawmakers and senior aides decided to jump into the sea, sources said. Some went in wearing all their clothes, although others partially undressed.

From Inside Politics, Springfield News Leader, September 2, 2011: Long travels to Israel:

Rep. Billy Long traveled to Israel this past month with other Republican lawmakers as part of a trip related to his service on the House Committee on Homeland Security, his office confirmed today.

“As a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, the congressman attended briefings on national security developments in the Middle East,” Long spokesman Bret Funk said in an email.

Billy or one of his staff wrote this for Politico after the Israel trip: American's tired of picking up the tab:

...It’s tough being away from my family, friends and neighbors back home, but I know I’m serving them by trying to do the right things for the right reasons every single day. I’m honored and humbled to be able to do this service for my community and my country. And I look forward to the difference I can make in 2012.

+BUS PLUNGE EXCLUSIVE: Two naked fat men wearing photoshopped speedos photoshopped swimming in the Sea of Galilee onto a photo of a woman sitting in a plastic lawn chair on a Sea of Galilee beach reading a book.

Are you fed up yet?

About that home of the brave statement....

Remember lat week, on August 1, how Billy Long and a whole bunch of Republicans were OUTRAGED because Obamacare mandated coverage of prescription birth control to take effect on August 1, 2012--

Here's what Billy said:

You don't have to worry about the brave. We're still home of the brave, but we're not the land of the free anymore. And we need to get that straight.
When you're not free to practice religious freedom in this country, what in the world have we come to? Seriously, goodness gracious. The land of the free, the home of the brave. We're no longer free in this country.

"We're no longer free in this country" --

Actually Billy Long, according to the prestigious Guttmacher Institute, Missouri and 26 other states already required insurers that covered prescription drugs to provide coverage of FDA approved contraceptive drugs and devices.



Where's your outrage now. Or is this just more of your auctioneer schtick?