Yeah, I heard, I'm still voting for him, though.

It appears that, for the second consecutive primary, I will be voting for a candidate who has dropped out of the race for president.  John is apparently going to announce this afternoon that he is leaving the race, and I'm not thrilled.

No, I don't think he can win the nomination, thanks to the media caring more about his haircuts than his positions on issues (especially since he seemed to be the only Democratic candidate who HAD POSITIONS ON ISSUES), but I wanted him to stay to hopefully incur a brokered convention, where we had other possibilities.

Think I'm kidding?  Go read this NY TIMES piece about how overjoyed rural Arkansas and Tennessee are about Clinton or Obama; I know how excited I am!  Obama talks about wonderful things like working together and uniting for a common good, and that's all sunshine and rainbows and crap; how's he going to do that when the Republicans are going to screw him at every turn?

As for Clinton, we know Billy Bob can street-fight, but since he has hung over her campaign like storm clouds, we really don;'t know what she'll do.  Maybe she won't cave on everything since she would be out from under Harry Reid, but who knows?

The fact remains, I cannot get excited about EITHER of them.  I don't really trust either of them, since Clinton is a triangulator and I have a feeling Obama would be taken by the three-card monte specialists of the Republican party.

Will I hold my nose and vote for one in November?  Well, as long as Hillary doesn't do something moronic and put Harold Junior on the ticket.  if that were to happen, I will vote third party, because that means the Democratic Party that I know and love will no longer be worth saving.

Want to see a new Romney ad?

Here you go, thanks to Josh and the gang at TPM:

Bob has an exclusive!

The mighty Bob at 55-40 has a video of Republican negotiation with Democrats in Congress, and you need to see it!

Religion and Politics, Obama and Clinton

I was standing in line today at the Comcast office over on Poplar due to my cable modem going out Thursday, its still out today, network issue. While I waited in the long line, I eavesdropped on the two women ahead of me as they watched the Kennedy endorsement today. Both of them like Obama, but one of them said something that reminded me that women have a monumental struggle ahead of them today.

The woman said that she would have voted for Hillary, but she felt that a women would not be a good choice as President. In part because she would turn to a man in a crisis, but primarily because the BIBLE said that a man should be the leader. A women could be Vice President though she continued, but the Bible says that a man should be the leader and that people who follow the Good Book would vote that way, even if it meant voting for a Republican.

Jeesh, I wish I could make this up.

This is my 900th post!!!! But that's NOT why I am writing.

As Sean Braisted has noted, the New York chapter of the National Organization for Women has attacked Senator Edward Kennedy for his endorsement of Barack Obama as a betrayal of women.

Yes, you read that correctly. Ted Kennedy, the iconic progressive in the United States Senate for nearly half a century, has betrayed women. Right.

As a progressive, I am disappointed that he chose Senator Obama rather than John Edwards, because I believe Edwards' positions are more reflective of his own, but after a lifetime of service, I'm sure as hell not going to attack him as a betrayer.

Since he joined the Senate in 1962, Ted Kennedy has been a stalwart and a statesman for progressive causes, especially with regard to women's issues like reproductive rights, protection of battered women, the Equal Rights Amendment, equal pay, among hundreds of issues. I can think of no one who has given more of his life in a legislative capacity, and this is how he is repaid?

What is even more aggravating is that, among Democrats, race and gender are supposed to be far less important when choosing a candidate. I know women of all colors supporting Edwards or Obama and not Clinton, men of all colors supporting Clinton and not Obama or Edwards, and African-Americans who are supporting Clinton or Edwards and not Obama. That's why this strikes me as being a remnant of the past, and, frankly, it's just sad.

I ask this question because, frankly, I don't know: When the FIRST female candidate for President (also from New York State), Shirley Chisholm, ran for President in 1972, how did the NY chapter of NOW (which I presume was around then) react to her defeat? Did they attack Senator Kennedy for not supporting her? I really would like to know.

As I have said and will say, one's skin color or gender does not guarantee or disqualify one from public office; that's why the NY NOW reaction to Kennedy's endorsement of Obama is so deeply disappointing on all levels.

Flame away.

UPDATE: Kim Gandy, the NATIONAL President of NOW, issues her OWN press release:

The National Organization for Women has enormous respect and admiration for Sen. Edward Kennedy (D- Mass.). For decades Sen. Kennedy has been a friend of NOW, and a leader and fighter for women's civil and reproductive rights, and his record shows that.

Though the National Organization for Women Political Action Committee has proudly endorsed Sen. Hillary Clinton for president, we respect Sen. Kennedy's endorsement. We continue to encourage women everywhere to express their opinions and exercise their right to vote.

All righty then!

The Senior Senator from Massachusetts makes it official

Dear Steve, Barack Obama inspires me. That's why I'm about to take the stage with him here in Washington and endorse his campaign to become the next president of the United States. It's that simple. Through Barack, I believe we will move beyond the politics of fear and personal destruction and unite our country with the politics of common purpose. All Democrats in this race have strong ideas to address the challenges before our country. But Barack is the candidate who can inspire Americans to act and bring us together to achieve those goals -- an economy that works for everyone, health care for all, and at long last ending the war in Iraq and bringing our troops home. Join me and become part of the Obama campaign today: http://www.democraticmajority.com/obama I remember another leader who inspired the nation, especially our youth, to fulfill a promise of change. Those inspired young people marched, sat in at lunch counters, protested the war in Vietnam and served honorably in that war even when they opposed it. That leader challenged them to ask what they could do for their country and, together, they changed the world. So in the words of that leader, John Kennedy: "The world is changing. The old ways will not do... It is time for a new generation of leadership." I have found that next generation of American leadership in Barack Obama. Take a moment to join his campaign: http://www.democraticmajority.com/obama I respect the strength, the work and dedication of two other Democrats still in the race, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. They are my friends; they have been my colleagues in the Senate. Whoever is our nominee will have my enthusiastic support. But I believe there is one candidate whose extraordinary gifts of leadership and character match the extraordinary demands of this moment in history. Barack will be a president who refuses to be trapped in the patterns of the past. He sees the world clearly without being cynical. He fights for the causes he believes in -- but refuses to demonize those who hold a different view. He's tough-minded, but he also has an uncommon capacity to appeal to "the better angels of our nature." In Barack Obama, I see not just the audacity, but the possibility of hope for the America that is yet to be. I love this country. I believe in the bright light of hope and possibility. I always have, even in the darkest hours. I know what America can achieve. I've seen it. I've lived it -- and with Barack Obama, we can do it again. Sincerely, Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Paid for by The Committee for a Democratic Majority

We here at the Cracker want to offer...

Our heartiest congratulations to our former Congressman upon learning of his April 28 wedding to Emily Threlkeld, thanks again to AC for the tip.

UPDATE: Maybe we sent too many people over there; a password is now required (thanks to Midtowner for finding this out) which, well, we weren't provided.  Can't imagine why....

Finally, a Michael Ramirez cartoon we can enjoy!

From Thoughts & Phrases via Kleinheider..

This is the sign we've all waited for...

photo taken by Jackson Baker/Memphis Flyer

Folks, as I noted earlier, this is a picture worth a million words.  It is a sign that all the backbiting is over and unity in the Shelby County Democratic Party may be at hand at long last.

The picture above goes with this story by JB at the Flyer website.  This story alludes to changing times in the local party, with David having assisted Gale Jones Carson in her successful quest to be elected to the Democratic National Committee.  If we pull together, we are unbeatable.

Yes, they have worked side-by-side before, but now they are working TOGETHER, and that spells doom for the Republicans in Shelby County this year, and maybe for the next 10 years!

Weekly Blogger Roundup!

The Sunday "Palmetto pummeling with rejoicing in the streets and mournful rending of garments" edition of the TennViews weekly liberal blog roundup showcasing the best and brightest bloggers in Tennessee and what they are talking about...

• 10,000 Monkeys and a Camera: SC exit poll results here and here

• 55-40 Memphis (a new addition to the blogroll and roundup): Dilemma: So, short of something drastic happening to make me wrong, I predict it's going to be a long, painful slog to November -- and (at best) a nailbiter election night.

• Andy Axel (at TennViews): America 2001-2008: Enter The Bush Leagues: Not even the Reagan Revolution or the Contract On America was as successful at creating so much ruin in such little time:

• Aunt B. (another new addition to the blogroll and roundup): Who Owns Tennessee’s Women?: Do we have the right to decide for ourselves what happens to our bodies or are we just walking condos, with the State acting as mostly-absentee landlords.

• BlountViews: Blount GOP to back Ron Paul?: What's not to like?

• The Crone Speaks: Are TN’eans/All Progressives Falling for the Symbolic Vote, or Do They Want a Real Leader?: The current state of our union does not afford voters the luxury for a symbolic vote. Voters should be considering the state our country is in, and which candidate has the most progressive platform to lead us out of the dire straights the previous administrations have placed us.

• Cup of Joe Powell: TV News Covers 'Baloney' In Campaign For President: Does the news matter to anyone anymore?, and Your Communication Is Not Yours Anyway: The argument that only the guilty need be concerned about this type of constant surveillance is an argument which has neither merit nor logic., and A Vast Database of Deception: And sadly, the general response to the report is a rather exhausted yawn. "It doesn't even matter anymore," said a friend of mine.

• The Donkey's Mouth: The $9 Trillion Bear in the Room: The fact of the matter is, however, that were it not for Democrats at the table there would not be a stimulus package.

• Enclave: Infrastructure? Who Needs Infrastructure?: Cost to fix these hazards: $1.6 trillion., and Bredesen's TDOT Welcomes Bush Transportation Chief in Support of Toll Roads: The traveling medicine show designed to pull public funds to private coffers (George W. Bush's prime directive) has come to Tennessee, and our so-called Democratic administration is embracing it with open arms., also Bubba's Brutality and Obama's Egotism

• Fletch: The Sand Man, and Afternoon Walk

• KnoxViews: Milestones unnoticed... (on KnoxViews anniversary), and a funny flashback from a reader (and RoaneViews co-conspirator), plus mark your calendars, Seymour Hersh Speaking at UT, Feb 6th

• Lean Left: Lean Left: The question now is where are the front runners? Why are they not in DC, right now, holding a press conference where they clearly state that they will be supporting the filibuster of this cowardly provision., and They're just politicians: They aren’t going to save us all with a well timed legislative victory and a cheery wave to the camera. Every single one of them will, at one point or another, betray something you consider vitally important to get something else, usually something you think is ridiculously over-valued. (as they say, read the whole thing...)

• Left of the Dial: Maybe in South Carolina...: But something tells me that unless Oprah campaigns in Tennessee and starts giving out new cars, he won’t see the same numbers here., and an Information Highway Road Trip

• Left Wing Cracker: THIS is why I'm for John Edwards , and in case you missed it at TennViews, A tale of two legislators

• Liberadio (another new addition to the blogroll and roundup): We use these too: If "ES&S iVotronic" and "paperless touchscreen voting machines" sound familiar to some of you it’s because 17 out of 95 counties in Tennessee use these machines and, if things don’t go well next week, we’ll be using them again in the November election., plus Our Money’s Already Spent

• Loose TN Canon: The albatross of Iraq around McCain's neck: John McCain is a hypocrite. During Clinton's presidency, he argued vehemently to bring the troops home from Haiti and Somalia - regardless of the consequences.

• NewsComa: Anthem Of Change: It backfired. The whole Hillary/Bill wrassling tag team blew up in their faces yesterday when Barack Obama beat the tar out of the two. , and I Have Some Time To Figure Super Tuesday Out: I only have one vote. And it’s mine.

• Pesky Fly: Clinton Destroying the Party: If our three Democratic candidate were steaks, they would be ribeye, t-bone, and porterhouse. Saying one cut of meat from the same cow will destroy the party is - there's no gentle way to say this - f***ing nuts., also Lost in the Funhouse: Obama's been misrepresented. ... And I really don't care much about this beyond the fact that I worry how, should they reach the general, the whiners will deal with an attack machine that took down John McCain for a lack of patriotism.

• Progressive Nashville: The right time for health care reform?: It's easy for the rich and powerful to ignore the problems of the poor, but now health care costs are tapping into profits and that means everyone's well-being is at stake., and Who will speak for the poor?: So divided has the Democratic Party become from wedge issues generated by the GOP, that its vision of prosperity for all has been all but abandoned.

• Resonance: Potpourri: I report, you decide., plus an interesting survey at TennViews: How much do political TV or radio ads affect your voting decisions?

• RoaneViews: Connected Tennessee: On the home page there is a place where you can check your Internet connection speed. There are also maps of the state by county that show that counties connectivity., and Green Development Conference

• Russ McBee: Congressional Dems cave to Bush twice in one day: The Democrats were not handed control of Congress last year just for the purpose of caving to every whim of the most unpopular president in recent history., plus: The clueless Michael Chertoff speaks: Showing your papers, removing your shoes in airports, and that Real ID nonsense do not foster security; they merely provide what Bruce Schneier calls "security theater:" the illusion of security, intended to foster a feeling of well-being, whether deserved or not.

• Sean Braisted: "You People": I knew the Clintons would attempt to dismiss the results in South Carolina as a hollow victory because South Carolina had a high black population; I didn't see Obama do the same thing because New Hampshire is one of the whitest states in the union., also: The Challenge: ...to list 10 things I like about Hillary...I'll start, and perhaps get to ten.

• Sharon Cobb: Subdued Republican Debate Allows Romney To Perform Well.: By his looks and family, Mitt Romney is straight out of central casting for the role of President. However, his acting skills have been less than up to par. ... Then there was the obligatory Hillary bashing. I guess a bunch of old, conservative white guys can't conceive that their opponent in the general election might be a black man.

• Silence Isn't Golden: South Carolina Results Live-Blog: No word yet on whether or not she'll address the loss, although she already released a statement mentioning the Super Tuesday states, and also Florida. Unsurprising, since she's already indicated that she will undermine the DNC and Howard Dean by pushing for Florida and Michigan delegates to count., also in case you missed it at TennViews, GoldnI's analysis of the WSMV Tennessee presidential primary poll.

• Southern Beale: Fred Watch: Democratic voters don’t tend to blame their candidates when they don’t win primaries; at least, I don’t hear anyone blaming Dennis Kucinich or John Edwards for underperforming this primary season. , also Not That There's Anything Wong With That: Obama's not Muslim, people.

• Tennessee Guerilla Women: Media Bias Against Clintons Borders on Mental Illness: I don't recall ever seeing so much overt and shameless media bias in any previous election. I may as well be watching Fox News., also Everybody But Obama Knew About Rezko, and Nashville: Hillary Congratulates Obama & Says 'We Have Only Just Begun'

• TennViews TN GOP coming unhinged on abortion amendment: The bottom line is that this is a pathetically transparent political stunt to get yet another wedge issue on the ballot for the 2010 gubernatorial election in an effort to get right-wing extremists out to the polls. Tennessee deserves better leadership than this., also Sasser: As iron sharpens iron

• Vibinc: Real life intervenes, blogging will resume shortly...

• Whites Creek Journal: Who do I vote for? (a celebrity endorsement roundup): So ultimately, the burning question of the day boils down to , "Can that fat oatmeal guy beat both fake blondes, Rick Flair and Anne Coulter?", and Oh, Great! (on not being stimulated by the stimulus package): Republicans repeatedly demonstrate that they are ethically unequipped to do anything except serve rich people, and our Democratic Congressional leadership repeatedly proves that they are ill equipped to do anything except let them and whine about it.

• Women's Health News: Best Cities to Have a Baby: This year’s winner was Portland, followed by Minneapolis, San Francisco, Seattle, and Denver. My own city ranked 33rd, just below D.C. Among the factors weighing Nashville down...

Hey HRC fans, your girl's coming to town Sunday!

So says her campaign and our District 30 TNDP Committeeman:

Dear Friends, Democrats, Memphians, Lend me your ears...

Received word from the campaign today that Hillary Clinton may be coming Sunday.

This press advisory just was sent out by the campaign.
More details to come.

Let us know if you can help this weekend with the event, phone calling etc.

The campaign has an office and is working on adding more volunteer locations ASAP.


David Upton
State Democratic Committeeman
Senate District 30


Press release

From: Clinton Campaign, Press Office [mailto:press@hillaryclinton.com]
Sent: Fri 25-Jan-08 7:17 PM

Subject: HILLARY CLINTON TO ATTEND WORSHIP SERVICES IN MEMPHIS SUNDAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2008



Contact: Press Office, 703-875-1271
press@hillaryclinton.com

***MEDIA ADVISORY***
Hillary Clinton to Attend Worship Services in Memphis Sunday

Following her campaign stop in Nashville where she will host a "Solutions for America" Town Hall Meeting Saturday evening, Hillary Clinton will travel to Memphis and attend Reverend Billy Kyles worship service at the Monumental Baptist Church on Sunday, January 27th.

WHAT: Hillary Clinton to attend worship services at Monumental Baptist Church
WHEN: Sunday, January 27th, 11:00 a.m. CST
WHERE: Monumental Baptist Church

704 S Parkway E
Memphis, TN 3810

###

Paid for by Hillary Clinton for President

Really nice post from fearlessvk

Fearlessvk shows how, sadly, it takes a transplant to show how wonderful a place Memphis is and can be...

It's simple: anyone who is considering the possibility of moving to Memphis, but doesn't know a whole lot about the city, is going to discover some incredibly nasty diatribes against the place as soon as they start looking. It will almost certainly completely change them from agnostic about Memphis to hellbent against setting foot in Memphis. And it's not a bunch of snobs from the coasts giving Memphis a terrible reputation. It's people who live in Memphis and can't stop shitting all over their own city. Obviously, I'm often very critical of Memphis,
but I sincerely hope there is a difference between critique and animosity.

Critique is fine, critique is welcome - when it comes from an attachment to the city and a desire for improvement. But sheer unmitigated animosity is killing the city.

Go read the rest here.

THIS is why I'm for John Edwards

Thursday Dog Blogging

Missy was in another room when this happened:

A tale of two legislators

There are two Democratic legislators from large cities, from well-known families, who have had issues of late, and have dealt with them differently.

First, we have Robert Briley, Democratic representative of the 52nd District (East Nashville), whose grandfather was the first mayor of Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County. Last fall, he was arrested for drunk driving in another county, kicked out the back window of the police cruiser, and at one point begged the police to shoot him.

Since then, he has re-entered rehab, resigned as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and faces primary opposition in August. However, today he went on the floor of the House to issue a formal apology to his colleagues, admitting to them that he is an alcoholic. That takes courage, and he is taking steps to right his life. He may or may not be re-elected, but he is open about his situation.

Next, we have Ophelia Ford, Senator of the 29th District (Northwestern Shelby County) , sister of the first black Congressman from Tennessee and aunt of the second, sister to several other elected officials at the state and local levels. She has had health problems that she has related to anemia, and has shown erratic public behavior.

However, she has NOT been forthcoming about her illness, and why she is still hospitalized in Methodist University Hospital (apparently in stable condition). As I have noted earlier, it is incumbent upon the Senator's physicians or the Senator herself, if she is able, to advise her constituency, as well as her Senate colleagues, of the full status of her condition, and of her long-term prognosis.

While we certainly are hoping and praying for a full recovery, if this illness is going to prevent her from fulfilling her duties for an unlimited period of time, she should inform her constituents of this situation and step aside so that District 29 may receive the representation to which it is entitled. If, however, this is going to be short-term and she will be back soon, we need to know this as well.

Senator Ford, we want you to get well soon, and, if you are able, to return to your Senate seat. However, if this is not going to be possible, you owe it to your constituents and your colleagues to do the right thing.

UPDATE: Senator Kyle has withdrawn his bill regarding the replacement of legislators with severe illness, apparently after being advised that it was unconstitutional.

Pesky speaks, you listen!

YES. YES. YES. YES.

Brother Pesky lays it out for you, and I want you to go read it.

NOW, if possible.

In case you had forgotten why you live in Memphis..

The fabulous fearlessvk points us to this remarkable photographic ode to Memphis, all sections of it, in fact. Do yourself a favor on this day, when we remember a fallen leader who lost his life here, and remind yourself that there are LOTS of great reasons to live here.

An oldie but goodie

I first heard this in 1969 as a 10-year-old in Weiner, Arkansas, because we could get WMPS (and NOT WHBQ). I loved it then, and love it now. Thanks to Suzanne at Firedoglake..

A terrific thing happened this weekend...

I want to congratulate my buddy Gale Jones Carson, who achieved a dream Saturday by being elected to the Democratic National Committee.  Gale, who also serves as the female State committeeperson from District 28 AND serves as the Secretary for the Tennessee Democratic Party, will do a great job.

However, she told me the backstory, which may well provide more hope for Shelby Democratic politics than anything else.  Which is this:  One of her fellow committeemen from Big Shelby worked VERY hard to make this happen.  Who, you may ask?

David Upton.

Yes, go back and re-read that, I'll wait.  

Yes, they have worked together before on state races, but this is a new level of cooperation and I love it.  I applaud both of them for this, and think this is a sign that Republicans in Shelby County may as well give up on getting anyone elected in August or November.  

It's the best I've felt about our local party in years....

Weekly Blogger Roundup is here!

The "don't stand on 16 when the dealer's showing an ace" edition of the TennViews weekly liberal blog roundup of what the best and brightest bloggers in Tennessee are talking about...

• 10,000 Monkeys and a Camera: LV Democratic Debate: The winners tonight were all the Democrats out here who want to unite to beat the Republicans.

• Andy Axel (at TennViews): "...When First We Practice To Deceive": Note the use of the word "legal." No word regarding whether or not this conduct is "ethical."

• BlountViews: Meeting of the media: A reporter's request for anonymous bloggers to reveal their identity for a story leads to some interesting discussion. More discussion here.

• The Crone Speaks: Increasing the Pool of Slave Labor: The very ugly fact is that if one doesn't work at the big-box stores at half the wages one used to make, with little to no chance of union protection, I might add, one is relegated to slave labor, with little chance of regaining the way of life one used to have.

• Cup of Joe Powell: Why Make It Illegal to Own A Dog??: Whatever made Tennessee Senator Tommy Kilby (D) think that a state law banning ownership of one particular breed of dog, a pit bull, a good idea, I do not know.

• The Donkey's Mouth: GOP leader stands against Ramsey, Mumpower: The GOP leader’s attack is the latest move that highlights demarcated lines between Republicans that voted for and against the FY 2007-2008 budget.

• Enclave: Why a President Mattered to the Civil Rights Movement: The whole debate on race and civil rights during this 2008 campaign was unnecessary and ugly and it was spurred on by the mainstream media.

• Fletch: Everywhere a Sign: Do this, don't do that, can't you read the sign?. Also: Exposure

• KnoxViews: GM: We need to talk (R. Neal): GM is (for now) the world's largest auto manufacturer with 246 models and $207 billion in revenues last year. They should be able to do better than this. Plus, One good thing Fred Thompson did (Elrod): I salute Fred Thompson for one thing and one thing only. He managed to waste millions of dollars from Tennessee Republican donors on an idiotic campaign.

• Lean Left: That "liberal media" at work again: Now, this is not just an obvious example of putting the worst possible spin on things - it isn't even reasonably representative of what happened in political terms.

• Left of the Dial: Fred: exit stage right: C’mon, Fred. Hurry up. Just quit the race already.

• Left Wing Cracker: This is yet another reason to support our Congressman: Today, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded grants of more than $36,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and $73,000 to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Also: If you're not a Country Music fan, then skip this post.

• Loose TN Canon: Huckabee the Theo-con... one of the most dangerous men in America: Mike Huckabee is the embodiment of the American version of the Taliban.

• NewsComa: I Write Letters: But I would rather vote for an iguana on crack than vote for you after all the stuff you've said this week. Also, We Give What We Can

• Pesky Fly: Feed the chickens: Sure, they know how much a gallon of milk costs. But only because an intern did the research and sent a memo.

• Progressive Nashville: Ay!: Lamar is introducing another bill to "protect English," this time in the workplace, where apparently we're all at risk of sudden spontaneous Spanish-speaking that will leave us unable to otherwise perform our jobs. Also: Michigan: Speed Bump or Brick Wall?

• Resonance: How Will The Right-Wing Noise Machine Spin South Carolina?: Today the GOP destroyers finished 1-2 in South Carolina. What gives? Also: Vote For the Chameleon: One of Romney's talents seems to be his ability cast his image differently depending on which audience he's playing to.

• RoaneViews: GOP control of the State Legislature: The TN GOP campaigns on the hot button issues to energize particular constituencies. That's why they oppose a woman's right to control her own medical care, wave rifles in the air, have their picture taken beside a fence in New Mexico.

• Russ McBee: White House email: my dog ate it: Destruction of federal records is a criminal offense... Also, Huckabee shows his theocratic urge: No person so breathtakingly ignorant of this country's founding should ever be considered a serious candidate to run the show.

• Sean Braisted: "Beer, Soda, Chips and Fred Thompson": His message was text-book "conservatism" and most of his speeches seemed to be an amalgamation of conservative bumperstickers. Also, Prospective Voters

• Sharon Cobb: Congressman Steve Cohen Remembers Dr. Martin Luther King On The Floor: Tuesday evening, Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, Congressman Steve Cohen went to the floor to deliver an eloquent speech about Dr. Martin Luther King. Also, One Year From Today

• Silence Isn't Golden: Obama Wins Nevada: You may be confused by that title. After all, Hillary won Nevada, 50-45, didn't she? Also, Forward This To The Obama Haters: Now understand, you normally can't even get Jews from the different branches to agree on what kind of bagels to serve at the Hillel brunch, let alone agree on major political policy. So this is truly a coup, and proof of just how bad it's gotten.

• Southern Beale: Bye, Bye Fred?: Indeed, this was the huge flaw in the Fred Thompson candidacy that gave liberals so much comedy gold from the beginning. Folks, when picking future GOP stars, make sure the candidate likes politics.

• Tennessee Guerilla Women: Chris Matthews' Lame Apology for Being a Sexist Creep (Video): Oh, and Matthews made the point that he has a really great show and he is a really really great guy. Also, Nevada Debate: Democrats Win. Moderators Lose.: Democrats looked good last night. The 'we're family' debate was sorely needed after the recent squabbles.

• TennViews State GOP seeks to limit medical malpractice victim's rights | TennViews: Where's the bill to protect patients from incompetent doctors and negligent hospitals? Where are the bills to improve patient safety and outcomes? Where's the bill to make all malpractice and regulatory actions public and easily accessible so consumers can make informed choices about their health care and providers? Also, Civics 101: Take your kids with you when you vote!

• Vibinc: Vibinc: Something to Consider...: We have an opportunity to vote for REAL change in the coming days. Real change doesn't come in a race or a gender, it comes in a conviction to make America all it can be.

• Whites Creek Journal: INC...Mark of the Beast: You and I have to obey the law...Not the President... Not Corporations...Just You and I.

• Women's Health News: Health Disparities A-Go-Go: Rural residents were also less likely to be added to waiting lists for organs in the first place.

Sad news...

Jackson Baker at the Flyer is reporting the death of Shelby County Trustee Bob Patterson this morning, of a heart attack.  Patterson was popular on both sides of the aisle, and frequently showed up at both Republican and Democratic events.

Funeral arrangements are unknown at this time; we offer our condolences to the Patterson family and the Trustee's office and staff.

If you're not a Country Music fan, then skip this post.

And I mean the REAL thing, not that white-suburban-pop crap that you hear on KIX 106 (or 95.3 The Rebel, for that matter).  As Dennis Miller used to say 10 years ago when he was still funny, I feel a rant coming on.

Tonight, as I helped Lauren set up her new computer, she broke out some CDs that she had made, and it was country hits going back to the 50s, and I almost wept when I heard classics like THE GRAND TOUR by George Jones and SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN, the Kris Kristofferson gem made famous by Johnny Cash.

As much as I would like to blame the current crop of country artists (save for George Strait, Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley) but I know it's not really their fault.  That responsibility falls at the feet of country radio programmers, who wouldn't know good music if they were inundated by it. 

Look at what they did to poor Sara Evans; she recorded one of the great albums of the 90s in country music, THREE CHORDS AND THE TRUTH, loved by critics, but hated by the brain-dead radio people.  They told her she needed to glam up and sound like the Dixie Chicks if she wanted to get on the radio; faced with continuing her art and starving, or staying alive in the business, she took the only action she could, recording BORN TO FLY.  she looked fabulous and sounded like the Chicks, and she got great airplay.

Now, you folks know I love the Chicks for their sound, their looks, and, most of all, their courage, but why did we need someone else doing that style of material?  Now, Sara Evans is just another country sound-alike, and it's a damned shame.

Fortunately, there's always Country Legends WMC79, but they are sometimes too heavy on the 80s.  For the hardest of the hardcore, there is Bashful Bob at WEVL on Wednesday from 10 AM to Noon with Sho-Nuff Country, which spans Country from the 40s to the 70s, and it is magnificent.

And, I might add, on occasion, we are blessed by the appearance of the only REAL country band in these parts, the one, the only Papa Top's West Coast Turnaround, led by that well-known singer, reporter and director Chris Davis.  if you love GOOD country music (especially from Bakersfield!), you should see them on one of there all-too-infrequent appearances.  

Wait! Their MySpace page says they are having a CD release party at the Hi-Tone on February 8, you should go.  No, really, you need to hear them and see them and have a beer with them; you'll be glad you did.

Rant over!

This is yet ANOTHER reason to support our Congressman

January 17, 2008

Press Release
For Immediate Release

CONGRESSMAN COHEN ANNOUNCES ALMOST $110,000 IN GRANTS FOR ST. JUDE AND UT

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded grants of more than $36,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and $73,000 to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center $73,000.

“I take enormous pride in the exciting research and innovation being undertaken both at UT and at St. Jude,” said Congressman Cohen. “It’s gratifying when their good work is rewarded and can be continued with federal funds. The Department of Health and Human Services should be commended for awarding in excess of $109,000 for research being done in the 9th District.”

HHS awarded St. Jude the funding as part of the Children’s Hospitals Graduate Medical Education Payment Program. UT’s grant was awarded through the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Department of HHS. HHS included $36,000 for St. Jude in their FY2008 appropriations request for indirect and direct medical education, while UT received an award for “Elucidating the Neural Substrate of Taste Analgesia” from the Research for Mothers and Children Program.

“The 9th District is home to some of the finest medical scientists in the world, and these grants will ensure that they have the resources necessary to continue their important work,” said Congressman Cohen.

Gee that's funny, I thought Obama wanted the DEMOCRATIC nomination

Hat tip to Polar Donkey...

Cohen on THE DAILY SHOW tonight!

That's at 10 PM on Comedy Central (Comcast Digital channel 38)

Late Breaking News! Congressman Steve Cohen on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" TonightAt 10:00 PM CST, Steve Cohen will be appearing on Comedy Central's hit news show "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart". The episode will repeat numerous times overnight and throughout the day tomorrow.

Congressman Cohen has previously appeared on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" when the comedian's "Better Know A District" feature focused on Tennessee's "The Fighting Ninth". Click here to see video of that memorable interview.

This message is brought to you by Cohen For Congress. Stay tuned for the latest campaign news and updates.

The Obamanites are coming!

As reported by Ms. Gold and Mr. Braisted, the junior Senator from Illinois is opening a Memphis Headquarters this Friday in Eastgate Shopping Center. Good for them; with all that money, they know where to show up for Democratic votes. Too bad for them, Edwards is already working behind the scenes, BWAHAHAHAHA!

UPDATE: The opening is TONIGHT at 7 PM, per the Daily News!

You know, I would have thought this town to be an HRC hotbed, but I would be wrong. Of all the people listed on the Clinton steering committee for Tennessee, only THREE are from the largest Democratic city not only in the state, but the WHOLE SOUTH: County Commissioner and former SCDP chair Sidney Chism, my buddy (and herself a former SCDP chair) Gale Jones Carson, and my own state Senator, Beverly Marrero.

This town was a Clinton hotbed in the 90s, WTH? Is it due to the natural hatred of the Bluff City by those who live east of the Tennessee River? Is it because of that goofy picture of HRC the Flyer put up with that article? Who knows? I DO find it odd, though.

According to the Media, John Edwards doesn't exist.

What? Don't believe me? Go ask Greg Sargent at Talking Points Memo, he's got the data!

Obama explains why Ronald Reagan was a great American.

I know THIS sure excites me about Illinois' junior Senator...

H/T to Kleinheider!

Edwards continues to move closer in Nevada

Leslie Byrd forwarded this article to me about Edwards' poll numbers surging in Nevada, and asked me to note the following:

Three instructive notes about these numbers:


1. This poll was taken after New Hampshire and yet John gained nearly 15 points, demonstrating he has the momentum going into the caucus.

2. This poll was taken after the Culinary Workers Union endorsement. So any bump Obama got from that endorsement should be reflected here.

3. There is still 9% undecided. Moreover, given the unique nature of the caucus, Gravel and Kucinich will likely not be viable and there 1% will most likely go to Edwards on second choice votes. Thus, in practical terms (or caucus terms) the numbers are actually more like O-32% H-30% E-29% --- with a 4.5% margin of error.

The message in all this:

THE PEOPLE NOT THE PUNDITS WILL PICK THE NOMINEE!

Endorsements for President and also county offices

We'll start with County offices and work our way up.

Cheyenne Johnson is unopposed in the Democratic Primary for County Assessor, and I have already given my reasons for supporting her in this post.  She understands the office and will continue the the meritorious service provided by her boss and mentor, Rita Clark, who is retiring after three terms.

Now, from the You're Damned Right I'm Still Holding a Grudge department, I am voting for Jerome Payne for the Democratic nomination for General Sessions Court Clerk against incumbent Republican Chris Turner.  No, I'm not still upset at Chris for jumping parties years ago, I'm way past that.  Mr. Payne's primary opponent is Otis Jackson, who, by running for Register as an independent in 2000, pulled enough votes away from Democratic nominee John Freeman and ensured the victory of Republican Tom Leatherwood, who holds the office today.

Yes, I know Otis has been our nominee in races since then, but he's not gotten my vote, and he won't.  Enough said.

Now, to the big enchilada.  Despite the media's desperate attempt to anoint either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee for president, we have had TWO states out of 50 determine their delegate selection.  John Edwards is third with 18 delegates, only seven behind Obama.

John Edwards is my choice because he truly understands the problems of this nation, and is the most progressive choice who can win the election.  (Sorry, Dennis.)  In addition, as Phoenix Woman of the blog Firedoglake points out, he is the ONLY Democratic candidate who does not lose to any of the Republicans now running. These are CNN/Rasmussen polls, and Rasmussen leans more Republican than any of the others, and even THEY know who our best hope is.  This internal memo points out the road ahead, and that it is WAY too early in the process; this race could go all the way to Denver.

The Obamanites swoon at his speeches, and they ARE mighty fine, but what issues has Senator Obama taken stands on?  What is he truly for besides puppies and rainbows?  Senator, you're going to have to do a lot better than that when the Rove machine attacks you, as they already have?

As for the junior Senator from New York, the first thing that I have to remind you is that Hillary, no matter what you want to believe, is NOT Bill in a dress.  It's also not 1992 any more, the country is in far worse shape than when the former Arkansas governor inherited the White House from W's daddy.  Yet, she offers the same solutions, with some of the very same advisors.  She, frankly, would be better off taking the Ted Kennedy career path, becoming a senior statesman in the Senate, maybe even Majority Leader.  Someday, we will have a female President; folks, she won't be it, as the Goopers would crush her.

This leaves us with the one person who owned up to his mistake on the Iraq War, the one person who fights poverty every day, the person who has spent his life fighting for those who could not fight for themselves, the person the media hates for his populist view, the person who truly represents the best of what this Party has stood for since 1932: John Edwards.

He is our last best hope to stop the rape and pillage of this nation by the right-wing corporatists, and I ask you to join us in voting for John Edwards when Early Voting starts Wednesday.

Early Voting for the Presidential and County Primaries are at hand..

NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING
FEBRUARY 5, 2008
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY AND COUNTY PRIMARIES
Pursuant to Sec. 2-6-103, Tennessee Code Annotated, notice is hereby given by the Shelby County Election Commission of unrestricted early voting for the February 5, 2008, Presidential Preference Primary and County Primaries Election as follows:

Site Locations, Dates and Times
SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION

157 POPLAR AVE., SUITE 121

Beginning, Wednesday, January 16 – Friday, January 18, 2008,

10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Saturday, January 19, 2008,

8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Monday, January 21 – Friday, January 25, 2008,

10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Saturday, January 26, 2008,

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Monday, January 28 – Wednesday, January 30, 2008,

10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Last Day, Thursday, January 31, 2008,

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Satellite Sites

Beginning, Friday, January 25, 2008,

10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Saturday, January 26, 2008,

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Monday, January 28 – Wednesday, January 30, 2008,

10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Last Day, Thursday, January 31, 2008,

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

LOCATION NAME
LOCATION ADDRESS

Anointed Temple Of Praise(Youth Room)
3939 Riverdale Rd., 38141

Baker Community Center
7942 Church St., 38053

Bethel Church
5586 Stage Rd., 38134

Berclair Church of Christ
4536 Summer Ave., 38122

Bishop Byrne High School
1475 E. Shelby Dr., 38116

Collierville Church of Christ
575 W. Shelton Rd., 38017

Dave Wells Community Center
915 Chelsea Ave., 38107

Faith Baptist Church
3755 N. Germantown Rd., 38133

Glenview Community Center(Replaces New Salem Church)
1141 S. Barksdale St., 38114

Greater Middle Baptist Church(Fellowship Hall)
4982 Knight Arnold Rd., 38118

Mississippi Blvd. Pre-School Cafeteria(Replaces Mississippi Blvd Church Counseling Center)
70 N. Bellevue Blvd. 38104

Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church(Fellowship Bldg)
3045 Chelsea Ave., 38107

New Bethel Baptist Church - Family Life Center
7786 Poplar Pike, 38138

Pyramid Recovery Center
1833 S. Third St., 38109

Raleigh United Methodist Church
3295 Powers Rd., 38128

Shiloh Baptist Church
3121 Range Line Rd., 38127

Westwood High School
4480 Westmont St., 38109

White Station Church of Christ
1106 Colonial Rd., 38117

Click to display map of the EV Sites

Pursuant to Sec. 2-6-102, TCA, a voter who desires to vote early shall go to the County Election Commission office or to any of the satellite locations listed above within the hours set out for the early voting period, sign an application for ballot and vote. Pursuant to Sec. 2-7-140 (c) (1) voters who are already registered can make address changes at an early voting site. For further information, call 545-4132.

SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION

Myra Stiles, Chairman

Richard L. Holden, Secretary

Nancye E. Hines

O. C. Pleasant, Jr.

Shep Wilbun, Jr.

Democrats for Romney!!!

Heh. H/T to AmericaBlog...

LEAVE TONY ROMO ALONE!!!!!!!!

Weekly Blogger Roundup!!!

The "things are heating up and it's not just Global Warming" edition of the TennViews weekly liberal blog roundup and what the best and brightest bloggers in Tennessee are talking about...

• 10,000 Monkeys and a Camera: US Elections in Crisis: "We are supposed to be the greatest nation on earth and yet we appear to be incapable of holding an election and then having confidence in our returns."

• Andy Axel (at KnoxViews): Fred Thompson is losing to this guy?: "It speaks volumes that the hapless Thompson can't put up even a one-point victory on this lunatic..."

• BlountViews: Why they come here: "Immigrants from Mexico do not come to Tennessee to live out their lives. They come to work."

• The Crone Speaks: Economic downturn?: "So, it’s no wonder I’m looking at these reports and saying "what the f*** took you economists so long to realize the reality?"

• Cup of Joe Powell: The spelling disqualification: "Question: What's the first sign of the return of the TN State Legislature? Answer: A flurry of goofy, useless and grandstanding bills from Teh Rep, aka Stacey Campfield of Knoxville." ALSO: The good, the bad, the primaries: "...good news is that how a person votes matters more than the opinions of the bobble heads."

• The Donkey's Mouth: Tennessee Republican Party Advocating Legislator Pay Raises: "From the keystrokes of TNGOP communications director Bill Hobbs, comes perhaps a new GOP initiative -- legislative salary increases."

• Enclave: The Monster Tennessee Media Could Become : "...if his numbers and prominence start to rise, we should be as vigilant of the closing distance between media noses and Mr. Thompson's own bum." ALSO: Extensive coverage of the Davidson Co. election office breakin and identity theft.

• Fletch: Long-haired Middle-Aged Dude and the Sea: "This outing was my first on a small sailboat on the open ocean..."

• KnoxViews (Bill Young): The Democrats in Michigan: "We got a battle in Michigan - Uncommitted vs Clinton", ALSO (metulj): Obama on My Block: "I asked her if hope was important right now. She said that the last 7 years was like being held captive by aliens."

• Lean Left: ACLU: Close Gitmo Now: "The prison camp at Gitmo is a symbol to the world of our leader’s cowardice and viciousness and it is the single most effective propaganda tool the terrorists have." ALSO: New Hampshire: Beating the Press: "With its focus on trivia and personalities, with its mistaking high-school level jealousies and phobias for insight, with its insistence on substituting story lines for reporting, the political press in this country is an enormous threat to the health of our democracy."

• Left of the Dial: Meth Seizures In East Tennessee: "While the number of meth labs seized in Tennessee decreased in 2007, the numbers are still staggering especially in east Tennessee."

• Left Wing Cracker: Jim Kyle, you da man!: "Look, something has to be done here; as I have noted previously, the citizens of District 29 have no representation, and the Senate, even though tied at 16-16-1, could be run roughshod by the Republicans, and that is NEVER a good thing."

• NewsComa: Don McLeary, Convictions and Not So Smart Politics: "Trust is important in politics because it’s hard to discern. And in partisan politics, loyalty is everything."

• Pesky Fly: Two Feathers Short of a Full Chicken : "There's an openly racist anti-Obama email making its way around the internets." (Ed. Note: I got it, too.) ALSO: Power Blackout : "I believe that Barack Obama is much smarter and more shrewd than anyone is giving him credit for. I would make the case that Obama is first and foremost a student of power, and that his conciliatory approach is intended to disarm his opposition rather than wave a white flag of surrender."

• Progress Nashville: Bush becoming a dangerous joke: "Nearly a year is left in the Bush administration and like a cornered, wounded animal, it is at its most dangerous."

• Resonance: Another Electoral Compass Quiz: "One notable aspect of the grid is how closely the candidates within each of the two parties are clustered together. In other words, primary voters aren't being offered substantive choices on the issues."

• RoaneViews: Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival: "Patagonia is cosponsoring the event with the Tennessee Clean Water Network..."

• Russ McBee: The topsy-turvy state of human rights: "Today, a mere sixteen years after the Soviet Union collapsed, the US is the country building gulags, and the former Soviet republics are abolishing the death penalty because it's barbaric." ALSO: FBI wiretaps canceled for not paying the phone bill: "Neither Congress nor the courts seem willing to stop warrantless wiretapping, but apparently the phone company will."

• Sean Braisted: Custer's Last Stand: "As his aides most elegantly put it, South Carolina's is Thompson's "Custer's last stand." The place where Custer went to die." ALSO: Republican Circus: "The predictable fare of "taxes bad" and "me kill terrorists" was on full display, with the occasional interjections of Ron Paul calling for a return to a 19th century economic system."

• Sharon Cobb: CNN Poll: Clinton or Obama would beat any Republican, ALSO: Watching The Republican Debate Last Night Reminded Me Of The Importance Of Getting A Democrat Elected In 08 For President: "All and all, it was a huge, macho hate fest."

• Silence Isn't Golden: Will he or won't he?: "Allowing someone to run unopposed shows weakness, complacency. The Republicans know this--they knew damn well that they couldn't beat Phil Bredesen in 2006, yet they still ran someone anyway." ALSO: Candidate lightbulb jokes: "How many McCain supporters does it take? We don't know. They're still in shock over the fact that the lightbulb didn't go out in New Hampshire."

• Tennessee Guerilla Women: Without Writers, Bill Maher is Still a Sexist Pig: "And there you go, when you have a lefty comic who behaves like the Rush Limbaugh of the Left, even Tony Snow gets to have rational moments." ALSO: Hillary's Victory -- Women Vote Against Misogyny: The Tweety Effect: "...there can be no doubt that the misogyny oozing from media pundits like Chris Matthews got New Hampshire women good and mad and they showed it with their votes."

• TennViews (Joe Powell): Real ID Redux - Still A Bad Idea: "While DHS now says it will reduce the cost of implementation, a cheaper bad idea is still a bad idea." ALSO (in case you missed it): New Hampshire reaction from Tennessee liberal bloggers, BONUS: Middle class help: "John Edwards has done a pretty good job identifying the problems facing the middle class. But what does he propose to do about them? The mainstream media is all over that question, hot damn!"

• Vibinc: What I Want in a President: "What we want, as Democrats, is more important than who we want as the nominee."

• Whites Creek Journal: Not again...: "Does [Kucinich] think he'll pick up 120,000 votes and win it? Hell no! he sees this as a perfect opportunity to test the reliability of electronic voting machines against a paper ballot." ALSO: Iranian Speedboat incident "Probably Faked": "The only conclusion I can come to is that our Country's International Policy is in the hands of amateurs. Stupid ones."

• Women's Health News: Education of the Pregnant Teen: "One advocate for the change was told, 'You can’t have maternity leave. If you have your baby on Wednesday, you better be back on Thursday.'"