They quoted an article in today's Boston Globe stating that she would be named the post on Tuesday, attributing the comments to Boston mayor Thomas Menino.
More later..
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Carol Johnson bails on MCS for Boston
Fox13 is reporting that Memphis City Schools superintendent Carol Johnson is leaving to take the job as superintendent of the Boston public school system.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
You GO, Girl!!!
Yes, I have not always been kind to CA metro columnist Wendi Thomas, but you know what? I am standing up and applauding her for calling out the Mayor, Richard Fields and Gwendolyn Smith for this nonsense the Mayor is peddling.
Go and read it!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Brassmask and Autoegocrat dissect the "2007 Political Conspiracy"
B rocks the house HARD with this lengthy but precise post.
Please go read all of it, even though it's long (print it out if you have to), because it tears apart the cases of both Mayor Herenton and Richard Fields regarding this ludicrous tale of a potential sex scandal.
Then, back it up with Autoegocrat's excellent commentary on B's essay, they're both so good that I'm only linking to them, you need to read them both.
Go do it, it's the weekend and you have time.
Then, you'll understand why the whole thing is bogus and the last act of desperate people, and I'm NOT talking about Gwendolyn Smith!
Please go read all of it, even though it's long (print it out if you have to), because it tears apart the cases of both Mayor Herenton and Richard Fields regarding this ludicrous tale of a potential sex scandal.
Then, back it up with Autoegocrat's excellent commentary on B's essay, they're both so good that I'm only linking to them, you need to read them both.
Go do it, it's the weekend and you have time.
Then, you'll understand why the whole thing is bogus and the last act of desperate people, and I'm NOT talking about Gwendolyn Smith!
UPDATE: Bob at 55-40 has a terrific take on this as well.
This is beyond the pale
Mayor Herenton's Captain Queeg-like performance at his news conference on Thursday was arguably the strangest political event I have witnessed in my 35 years as a Memphian (as of Sunday!).
Of course, Richard Fields has denied the allegations of the "waitress", Gwendolyn Smith, saying that she had told them she knew of Herenton partying with strippers at the Madison Hotel.
Look, our player of a mayor is 67 years old, unmarried, and I don't care what he does in his private life, as long as I don't have to watch. It's not my business as long as all the parties involved are consensual and of legal age, and no one has suggested otherwise.
It is the TIMING of all of this that interests me, one month from the filing deadline and just as Chris Davis at the Flyer has begun to dig hard into what may be a scandal with the sale of Memphis Networx. Coinky-dink? I think not.
This could blow up in his face, as well as that of Herman Morris, and what better way to divert attention from the Networx fiasco than to have this pop up? I haven't been watching Bush and Rove operate all these years for nothing, folks, and I would not put it past Herenton to have known about this before this time and waited until now to make a fuss about it.
Look, I CAN'T sound any more paranoid with this idea than Herenton did at his presser; all he needed was to roll a couple of steel ball bearings in his hand and it would have been Queeg on trial all over again. He invoked that God had revealed this "plot" to him, clearly playing to his base, desperately hoping for sympathy.
He ain't getting it here, that's for sure. If yesterday didn't convince you of his lack of fitness for duty beyond December 31, do us all a favor and don't vote; this city cannot survive four more years of his mismanagement, as the arrow keeps pointing downward.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Thaddeus has the right to crow this morning
For over a year, Thaddeus Matthews has attacked local attorney Richard Fields. His latest story suggested that Fields was involved in a plot with local car dealer Russell Gwatney and the cousin of one of Fields' ex-wives to involve the Mayor in a sex plot.
Guess what? Marc Perrusquia of the CA has picked up the story! This sounds, as my friend Richmond put it, Keystone Kops-like in its descriptions. I would be remiss if I failed to note that several of Thad's commenters have poked holes in it already, but l am waiting to see what Perrusquia does with this in future days.
H/T to Darrell Phillips at MMP.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
America is NOT a conservative country
And Media Matters has done an extensive report that refutes the bilge spewing from the Mainstream Media regarding the conservatism of the USA, cultural and otherwise.
You can go directly to the report here, or download the PDF for printing and reading. Either way, it's a great way to learn the truth about this country, and call bullshit on those who say otherwise.
You can go directly to the report here, or download the PDF for printing and reading. Either way, it's a great way to learn the truth about this country, and call bullshit on those who say otherwise.
A broader audience awaits!
I just got a nice email from Darrell Phillips, formerly of WMC-5, now of FOX-13, advising that this blog was being aggregated at their new political site, MyMemphisPolitics.Com.
He's got Pesky and Thaddeus, Wintermute and Hollihan, WTL, Vibinc and the MLB there, and we appreciate it.
This is a challenge for the rest of us to get off our duffs and keep it rollin'!
He's got Pesky and Thaddeus, Wintermute and Hollihan, WTL, Vibinc and the MLB there, and we appreciate it.
This is a challenge for the rest of us to get off our duffs and keep it rollin'!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Wintermute creates Chumney Blogger Button
I had been looking for one of these, and had asked the Chumney staff to do this, but 'Mute stepped up to the plate!
Go there and get the code...
Go there and get the code...
I will have pictures later, but for now, here's the press release!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Charles BlumenthalJune 12, 2007 (O) 901-454-4055
CAROL CHUMNEY JOINS SUPPORTERS IN A CALL FOR POSITIVE CHANGE IN MEMPHIS CITY GOVERNMENT
________________________
PLEDGES TO RESTORE TRUST IN MEMPHIS CITY GOVERNMENT
____________________
Memphis, TN. -- Today, Memphis Councilwoman Carol Chumney took some of her friends, family and supporters with her as she filed her petition with the Shelby County Election Commission necessary to qualify for the ballot for Memphis Mayor.
Standing with her father, a history professor at the University of Memphis, and her mother, a former county employee, Chumney spoke about the central themes of this election: Restoring the public’s trust in Memphis City Government by bringing about the change that people want to see in it.
Chumney said, “This election is not about the past; it’s not really even about the present; it’s about our future and the future of our children, and who can lead this city forward in a positive and effective way.”
Chumney further touched on what motivated her to run for Mayor, and why she will be a great Mayor for Memphis.
“I’ve placed my name on the ballot to be your Mayor for one simple reason,” Chumney said, “because I truly love and care about this city, and I know I have the track-record, the fortitude, and the will to get the job done for all of the citizens of Memphis.”
-more-
Recent polls in the media show Councilwoman Chumney to be the strong favorite for the upcoming election.
“The people of Memphis know that Memphis needs change,” said Chumney, “and they will make it happen by voting in a better future for us all on October 4th.”
BACKGROUND
Carol Chumney is a Memphis City Councilwoman. Chumney was elected to the Memphis City Council in the fall of 2003, and has served as Chair of the Public Services and Neighborhoods; the Public Safety & Homeland Security; the Healthcare; and now the Chair of the O & M Budget and MLGW Council Committees. Among other things, she pushed to repeal the twelve year pension for elected and appointed officials, exposed budget shortfalls and the drop in the bond rating, and has worked to hold the administration accountable.
Prior to 2003, Chumney served for 13 years in the Tennessee House of Representatives where she rose to various leadership positions, including Chair of the House Children & Family Affairs Committee, House Majority Whip, and Chair of the Shelby County Delegation.
Chumney practices law in Memphis where she earned her Juris Doctorate from The U of Memphis Law School in 1986, as a Herff Law Scholar. During law school she served as Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review.
Chumney is a lifelong Memphis resident. She is a candidate for Memphis Mayor.
###
Carol Chumney For Mayor • 2879 Poplar Avenue • Memphis, TN. 38111
Phone: 901-454-4055 • Fax: 901-323-2985
Email: campaign@chumneyformayor.com
Website: www.chumneyformayor.com
Monday, June 11, 2007
Chumney files Tuesday morning
And I will be there. If you are a Chumney supporter (and I hope you are) please come down to the Election Commission offices by 9:45 A.M. on Tuesday morning as Carol files for Mayor of Memphis at 10 A.M., with comments to follow.
This will be an interesting summer, and if you are supporting Carol (or if you're undecided) then come join us!
Update: I overslept, people, that's why I wasn't there....
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Here we go again...
Vibinc links to a report from THE HILL noting that Nikki Tinker has filed paperwork to run against our Congressman in the 2008 Democratic Primary.
I'm not worried; Steve Cohen has already established himself as a strong progressive leader in this Congress, and he will be ready for any challenge. The African-American community is aware that she hasn't been here long enough to understand the problems of Memphis, and that her record of working for union-busting law firms goes against the grain of what the Democratic Party stands for.
This blog stands by our Congressman.
UPDATE!!!! Jackson Baker reports state Rep G.A. Hardaway is thinking about getting in the race! ?Que?
I'm not worried; Steve Cohen has already established himself as a strong progressive leader in this Congress, and he will be ready for any challenge. The African-American community is aware that she hasn't been here long enough to understand the problems of Memphis, and that her record of working for union-busting law firms goes against the grain of what the Democratic Party stands for.
This blog stands by our Congressman.
UPDATE!!!! Jackson Baker reports state Rep G.A. Hardaway is thinking about getting in the race! ?Que?
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Let's talk about the process
For all the people who are happy about Jeanne Richardson's victory in the District 89 Democratic Primary, there are those equally saddened, and worn down, by Kevin Gallagher's defeat.
We need to move forward. Jeanne won because she has been around for a long time and people knew her, agreed with her positions, and felt she was better suited for the job, and I can easily support her in the general election.
However, this process, especially in Democratic Primaries, wears people down and creates intramural warfare. On the one hand, as my Godfather notes, it shows who is the best vote-getter and who knows how to win elections. True that, but we have to devise a better way to run elections so that one does not feel beaten down afterwards and one can celebrate, regardless of the outcome.
Politics in this day and age has come down to money, organization, money, message, money, and, did I mention money? No, I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday, it has been that way for a long time. Unfortunately, there are some within the Democratic community who say that it is this way, it SHOULD be this way, and want to keep it that way.
Then there are the rest of us.
What we need, at ALL levels of politics, are the following things:
1) Smaller legislative districts, so that ground-work and organization plays a larger part than money. Eliminate ALL at-large districts (yes, I'm talking to YOU, City Charter Commission!) and make more and smaller districts. This gives advantages to community activists who will work fiercely for their areas. 1752 Congressional Districts? GO FOR IT!
2) As much as possible, public financing of elections. I believe that SCOTUS got it wrong in 1976 when, in Buckley V. Valeo, they equated political contributions with political speech. To me, unless you limit the contributions to $50 a throw, all this means is that people with more money have freer speech.
Don't think this is a problem? Neither do developers, and we all know what great things THEY have done for Memphis and Shelby County. Look how well the Grey's Creek guidelines have been followed!
3) Brutally tough ethics legislation; let them buy their own damn booze and food! Restrict how much lobbyists can spend, contribute AND make them account for EVERY dime through COMPLETE disclosure! How much does business spend on lobbying each year? Isn't that money that should go to employees and stockholders? I mean this for EVERY level of Government.
4) A FIVE-YEAR LIMIT before former legislators can become lobbyists. Yes, I hear spit-takes all over the country, but this is necessary to stem the turnstile effect. We cannot outlaw lobbyists altogether, but we can regulate the hell out of them.
I have this strange idea that no one should be allowed to make money off politics and goverment because it is a SACRED trust. Make sure you HAVE a job before you go into this line of work. Oh, and one other thing:
5) Treat state legislators as you would Congressmen: make them FULL-TIME, give them enough money for REAL staffs and pay them a commensurate salary. It's not 1834 and there is no such thing as a part-time legislator in as complex a world as we live.
It is time to bury the idea of people of wealth serving as politicians so that they can protect their class, as Republicans would have us do. It is time for REAL change, starting now.
Your thoughts?
UPDATE: PD reminds us of the following:
Vote by Mail.
Special and regular elections are a whole lot cheaper and you get higher turn out.
We need to move forward. Jeanne won because she has been around for a long time and people knew her, agreed with her positions, and felt she was better suited for the job, and I can easily support her in the general election.
However, this process, especially in Democratic Primaries, wears people down and creates intramural warfare. On the one hand, as my Godfather notes, it shows who is the best vote-getter and who knows how to win elections. True that, but we have to devise a better way to run elections so that one does not feel beaten down afterwards and one can celebrate, regardless of the outcome.
Politics in this day and age has come down to money, organization, money, message, money, and, did I mention money? No, I didn't fall off the turnip truck yesterday, it has been that way for a long time. Unfortunately, there are some within the Democratic community who say that it is this way, it SHOULD be this way, and want to keep it that way.
Then there are the rest of us.
What we need, at ALL levels of politics, are the following things:
1) Smaller legislative districts, so that ground-work and organization plays a larger part than money. Eliminate ALL at-large districts (yes, I'm talking to YOU, City Charter Commission!) and make more and smaller districts. This gives advantages to community activists who will work fiercely for their areas. 1752 Congressional Districts? GO FOR IT!
2) As much as possible, public financing of elections. I believe that SCOTUS got it wrong in 1976 when, in Buckley V. Valeo, they equated political contributions with political speech. To me, unless you limit the contributions to $50 a throw, all this means is that people with more money have freer speech.
Don't think this is a problem? Neither do developers, and we all know what great things THEY have done for Memphis and Shelby County. Look how well the Grey's Creek guidelines have been followed!
3) Brutally tough ethics legislation; let them buy their own damn booze and food! Restrict how much lobbyists can spend, contribute AND make them account for EVERY dime through COMPLETE disclosure! How much does business spend on lobbying each year? Isn't that money that should go to employees and stockholders? I mean this for EVERY level of Government.
4) A FIVE-YEAR LIMIT before former legislators can become lobbyists. Yes, I hear spit-takes all over the country, but this is necessary to stem the turnstile effect. We cannot outlaw lobbyists altogether, but we can regulate the hell out of them.
I have this strange idea that no one should be allowed to make money off politics and goverment because it is a SACRED trust. Make sure you HAVE a job before you go into this line of work. Oh, and one other thing:
5) Treat state legislators as you would Congressmen: make them FULL-TIME, give them enough money for REAL staffs and pay them a commensurate salary. It's not 1834 and there is no such thing as a part-time legislator in as complex a world as we live.
It is time to bury the idea of people of wealth serving as politicians so that they can protect their class, as Republicans would have us do. It is time for REAL change, starting now.
Your thoughts?
UPDATE: PD reminds us of the following:
Vote by Mail.
Special and regular elections are a whole lot cheaper and you get higher turn out.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Polar Donkey is back with a vengeance!
PD is back with terrific maps and excellent commentary about the locations of liquor stores and churches, I strongly urge that you go and read it....
Steve Gilliard 1966-2007
I have been out of town all weekend with friends, getting away after a hectic May. I was trying to catch up on Bloglines when I hit Pesky's site to see that what I had feared had come to pass: Steve Gilliard, editor and publisher of THE NEWS BLOG, had passed away at the age of 41 after months in the hospital due to heart and other health problems.
Those of you who are regular readers know how fierce he was and how direct he was, but always how he captured events all over the world PRECISELY. Those of you on my email list knew that they would get 3-4 posts a week from him via Bloglines. His posts not only entertained me, they EDUCATED me, and I shall miss his writings terribly.
Other reactions are here:
James Wolcott
Sara Robinson (Orcinus)
Jane Hamsher (FireDogLake)
Tom Watson
Those of you who are regular readers know how fierce he was and how direct he was, but always how he captured events all over the world PRECISELY. Those of you on my email list knew that they would get 3-4 posts a week from him via Bloglines. His posts not only entertained me, they EDUCATED me, and I shall miss his writings terribly.
Other reactions are here:
James Wolcott
Sara Robinson (Orcinus)
Jane Hamsher (FireDogLake)
Tom Watson
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Well, I didn't see that coming....
I thought that the House 89 Democratic Primary would be a closely fought race, and either Jeanne Richardson or Kevin Gallagher could win.
It appears that the Democratic electorate believed that 32 years of female representation in Nashville was NOT enough, as Jeanne Richardson won a solid victory over Kevin Gallagher tonight, 693-373, to earn the Democratic nomination (tantamount to election) for the permanent seat.
Jeanne, who I have praised with good reason here, ran a solid campaign, worked extremely hard in the district, and earned the nomination to face Republican Dave Wicker, Jr.
I openly supported Gallagher, as I thought he deserved the seat; however, I have no problem endorsing Jeanne Richardson in the July 17 General Election, and I urge all in District 89 to vote for her then, and I know Kevin will do the same, he's already told me he will.
So, on we go to July! Congratulations to Jeanne on her victory tonight.
alt="Go to Richardson for TN House Website" />
It appears that the Democratic electorate believed that 32 years of female representation in Nashville was NOT enough, as Jeanne Richardson won a solid victory over Kevin Gallagher tonight, 693-373, to earn the Democratic nomination (tantamount to election) for the permanent seat.
Jeanne, who I have praised with good reason here, ran a solid campaign, worked extremely hard in the district, and earned the nomination to face Republican Dave Wicker, Jr.
I openly supported Gallagher, as I thought he deserved the seat; however, I have no problem endorsing Jeanne Richardson in the July 17 General Election, and I urge all in District 89 to vote for her then, and I know Kevin will do the same, he's already told me he will.
So, on we go to July! Congratulations to Jeanne on her victory tonight.
alt="Go to Richardson for TN House Website" />
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The voters of District 89 are VERY fortunate.
UPDATE: Today is the day before the Special Election for District 89, and I thought this was the time to bring this back to the top.
Jeannie Richardson has been a Democratic stalwart for years, raising money and helping Democratic candidates all over the County. She has experience working in Nashville on behalf of mental health issues and would be a solid legislator. My understanding is that when the seat became open, she decided to sell her home in Harbor Town and move back into the district in which she once lived. I cannot, and will not say anything bad about her, because it's not possible.
So, why then I am asking you to vote for her opponent, Kevin Gallagher? Because as fine a legislator as she would be, I believe Kevin would be even better.
Kevin and his family have lived in this district for years and he has made a commitment to it. This is his blog where he discusses the issues that face District 89 and how he will respond to them.
He has spent most of his professional life in public service, having worked in county government, and currently consults others about campaigns. You may remember that he was the lead Campaign Manager for our Congressman, Steve Cohen. He, along with Field Director Liz Rincon, laid the groundwork for Cohen's hardfought victory.
In addition, he has served on the Center City Commission, the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, and the board of the city's AAA minor-league franchise, the Memphis Redbirds.
He, as you know, intended to run for the Senate 30 seat that Congressman Cohen vacated. However, once then-Rep. Marrero got in, he re-thought his candidacy. although he withdrew after the deadline, he took great pains, along with the Marrero campaign, to endorse her, to let the district KNOW he was endorsing her, and supported her victorious campaign.
Kevin has done EVERYTHING we, and those who had promised him an open shot, have asked him to do, even after he made some mistakes that threatened his campaign. He corrected those errors, made it up to all of us who supported him then AND now, and he has busted his ass to win House 89. Kevin DESERVES this chance to be an outstanding representative for 89.
Kevin Gallagher is the right man in the right place at the right time, and if you reside in House District 89, I am asking you to vote for him in the Democratic Primary.
Jeannie Richardson has been a Democratic stalwart for years, raising money and helping Democratic candidates all over the County. She has experience working in Nashville on behalf of mental health issues and would be a solid legislator. My understanding is that when the seat became open, she decided to sell her home in Harbor Town and move back into the district in which she once lived. I cannot, and will not say anything bad about her, because it's not possible.
So, why then I am asking you to vote for her opponent, Kevin Gallagher? Because as fine a legislator as she would be, I believe Kevin would be even better.
Kevin and his family have lived in this district for years and he has made a commitment to it. This is his blog where he discusses the issues that face District 89 and how he will respond to them.
He has spent most of his professional life in public service, having worked in county government, and currently consults others about campaigns. You may remember that he was the lead Campaign Manager for our Congressman, Steve Cohen. He, along with Field Director Liz Rincon, laid the groundwork for Cohen's hardfought victory.
In addition, he has served on the Center City Commission, the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, and the board of the city's AAA minor-league franchise, the Memphis Redbirds.
He, as you know, intended to run for the Senate 30 seat that Congressman Cohen vacated. However, once then-Rep. Marrero got in, he re-thought his candidacy. although he withdrew after the deadline, he took great pains, along with the Marrero campaign, to endorse her, to let the district KNOW he was endorsing her, and supported her victorious campaign.
Kevin has done EVERYTHING we, and those who had promised him an open shot, have asked him to do, even after he made some mistakes that threatened his campaign. He corrected those errors, made it up to all of us who supported him then AND now, and he has busted his ass to win House 89. Kevin DESERVES this chance to be an outstanding representative for 89.
Kevin Gallagher is the right man in the right place at the right time, and if you reside in House District 89, I am asking you to vote for him in the Democratic Primary.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Feeling down and grumpy?
Our friend Brassmask has the answer for you, go enjoy.
Oh, and try not to be devoured by Zombies today!
Oh, and try not to be devoured by Zombies today!
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Senator Ford explains her medical problems
Sharon Cobb has received an unedited press release from Senator Ophelia Ford regarding her physical problems, please go here to read it.
Then come back and tell me what you think...
The Grizzlies may be doomed here....
Yes, it's just that bad. The fact that the Grizz, with the worst record in the NBA, got the 4th pick in the upcoming NBA draft, means that we'll only see Greg Oden when Portland comes to town and Kevin Durant when Seattle visits the FedExForum.
This franchise, which went from three straight playoff runs to the bottom of the NBA in a heartbeat, now has to convince a grumpy populace that Corey Brewer or Al Horford can bring that championship magic with them from Gainesville. Given that A) the U of M Tigers are predicted to be a Final Four team and B) the Grizzlies are expected to be staring up from the bottom this coming year, Grizz season-ticketholders can expect to be pretty lonely this fall.
Michael Heisley is no doubt learning that a professional sports franchise, especially one in a lower-income market like Memphis, simply cannot be turned around for a quick profit like other companies.
His attempts to sell this franchise to anyone appearing to have money (EXCEPT his LOCAL partners!) crippled Jerry West's ability to build on the previous three years. And, not to leave the Logo out of the blame, the Rudy Gay deal simply has not panned out, while Shane Battier went to the Rockets and proved to be their missing link, returning Houston to the playoffs. Of course, the Rockets went out in the first round like the Griz had, but at least their series went to a 7th game!
So, Heisley can put some money into the franchise, hire a combo like Dave Griffin and Marc Iavaroni of Phoenix, pray that they can make honey out of horseshit, and turn the franchise around. Or, he could treat the team like the western version of the Atlanta Hawks and lose his ass.
Given that we had three remarkable years of Tiger football with DeAngelo Williams and three solid playoff years with the Grizz, only to watch everything but Tiger hoops turn to crap, maybe our sports karma has taken a turn for the worse. Unless the Griz make a trade to get up in the top two, crowds of 7500 may be commonplace for the NBA at FedExForum this year.
That's not good for anyone.
This franchise, which went from three straight playoff runs to the bottom of the NBA in a heartbeat, now has to convince a grumpy populace that Corey Brewer or Al Horford can bring that championship magic with them from Gainesville. Given that A) the U of M Tigers are predicted to be a Final Four team and B) the Grizzlies are expected to be staring up from the bottom this coming year, Grizz season-ticketholders can expect to be pretty lonely this fall.
Michael Heisley is no doubt learning that a professional sports franchise, especially one in a lower-income market like Memphis, simply cannot be turned around for a quick profit like other companies.
His attempts to sell this franchise to anyone appearing to have money (EXCEPT his LOCAL partners!) crippled Jerry West's ability to build on the previous three years. And, not to leave the Logo out of the blame, the Rudy Gay deal simply has not panned out, while Shane Battier went to the Rockets and proved to be their missing link, returning Houston to the playoffs. Of course, the Rockets went out in the first round like the Griz had, but at least their series went to a 7th game!
So, Heisley can put some money into the franchise, hire a combo like Dave Griffin and Marc Iavaroni of Phoenix, pray that they can make honey out of horseshit, and turn the franchise around. Or, he could treat the team like the western version of the Atlanta Hawks and lose his ass.
Given that we had three remarkable years of Tiger football with DeAngelo Williams and three solid playoff years with the Grizz, only to watch everything but Tiger hoops turn to crap, maybe our sports karma has taken a turn for the worse. Unless the Griz make a trade to get up in the top two, crowds of 7500 may be commonplace for the NBA at FedExForum this year.
That's not good for anyone.
Monday, May 21, 2007
On the Forced Childbirth movement...
I am a BLOGLINES junkie, and to those who are on my mailing list, they are deeply aware of it, but until they complain that I am overloading them, I will keep sending them.
However, my blogging brother Autoegocrat keeps telling me that I need to post about some of these things instead of sending them out, so here we go!
Digby, as usual, has a spectacular post on the Forced Childbirth movement, which refers to itself as "pro-life", usually inaccurately. He quotes from Dean Barnett's op-ed piece in the Boston Globe (Barnett blogs with Hugh Hewitt, why is the Globe printing this drek?) as follows:
Because we don't know where life begins, the only logical thing to do is to err on the side of caution -- the side of life. In other words, because an abortion might take an innocent life, it should be avoided. It should also be illegal in most cases.
Digby takes that argument and knocks it out of the park:
This is not the first time I've heard this argument and it's always quite compelling to hear a man make such a stark and simple logical argument about something which others seem to find so complicated. I suspect that is because there is one person involved in this great moral question who is rarely mentioned in such pieces. In fact, if you read the whole thing you will find that this man has managed to write an entire article about fetuses, pregnancy and abortion without even noting in passing the fully formed sentient human being involved so intimately in this that the whole argument takes place inside her body.
Tell me again how this is about the baby....
This is about nothing more than the attempt to control women and their bodies, period. This is about a worldview where females can be NOTHING other than birth vessels, not really even fully human, and this is why I am pro-choice. If a woman is not allow to fully control her body at all times, then she is chattel and property.
Period.
Damn, that felt good; Auto, you were right as usual!
However, my blogging brother Autoegocrat keeps telling me that I need to post about some of these things instead of sending them out, so here we go!
Digby, as usual, has a spectacular post on the Forced Childbirth movement, which refers to itself as "pro-life", usually inaccurately. He quotes from Dean Barnett's op-ed piece in the Boston Globe (Barnett blogs with Hugh Hewitt, why is the Globe printing this drek?) as follows:
Because we don't know where life begins, the only logical thing to do is to err on the side of caution -- the side of life. In other words, because an abortion might take an innocent life, it should be avoided. It should also be illegal in most cases.
Digby takes that argument and knocks it out of the park:
This is not the first time I've heard this argument and it's always quite compelling to hear a man make such a stark and simple logical argument about something which others seem to find so complicated. I suspect that is because there is one person involved in this great moral question who is rarely mentioned in such pieces. In fact, if you read the whole thing you will find that this man has managed to write an entire article about fetuses, pregnancy and abortion without even noting in passing the fully formed sentient human being involved so intimately in this that the whole argument takes place inside her body.
Tell me again how this is about the baby....
This is about nothing more than the attempt to control women and their bodies, period. This is about a worldview where females can be NOTHING other than birth vessels, not really even fully human, and this is why I am pro-choice. If a woman is not allow to fully control her body at all times, then she is chattel and property.
Period.
Damn, that felt good; Auto, you were right as usual!
Friday, May 18, 2007
Brian Kelsey is a grandstanding little punk
And what's more, TWO of his OWN GOP colleagues called him out on the House Floor for that act!
Kelsey, of Germantown, was pissed about the House Democratic leadership's decision to promote public investment by allowing each House member (Democratic OR Republican) to provide a list of worthy recipients for up to a total of $100,000.
Kelsey kept whining that this was pork, and then put a piece of bacon in an envelope before insulting his fellow House members by impugning their integrity:
"It smells quite frankly of cronyism; it smells of incumbency protection and even of buying votes. In the wake of Tennessee Waltz, who's to stop someone from receiving this money back as a kickback, as a campaign contribution or even in cash?"
That was enough for Curry Todd, Republican of Millington, who had HELPED Kelsey get elected. He stood up on the floor and, according to the CA, allowed as to how he would be happy to take Kelsey's allotment and give it to his education folks and his district. Then, he smacked Kelsey down with THIS: "And maybe you ought to look at giving back the PAC money (campaign contributions from political action committees) you got from the last election if you're concerned about everything that's going up here."
Then, Todd went on to say "I don't rise very often to disagree with my colleagues but my friend from Shelby County -- who I helped get elected and encouraged him to run -- but I don't support you grandstanding any more, trying to draw media attention to your stuff up here."
Also, Jim Coley, freshman Republican of Bartlett (whom, I might add, was ENDORSED in his Primary by your humble Cracker) stood up and said "I too am going to criticize my colleague from Shelby County. I think if he's sincere in talking about the wining and dining and other things that he has used as a platform up here, he needs to return every bit of the PAC money he's received since serving in the Tennessee General Assembly."
Thank you, Jim. it's time somebody took this little whiner to school about how the Legislature works. If Kelsey isn't bright enough to figure the difference between public investment and actual PORK (and it DOES exist), then he has no business in the General Assembly.
In the words of the great American orator, Bugs Bunny, what a maroon!
UPDATE: Kleinheider has a good take on all of this...
Kelsey, of Germantown, was pissed about the House Democratic leadership's decision to promote public investment by allowing each House member (Democratic OR Republican) to provide a list of worthy recipients for up to a total of $100,000.
Kelsey kept whining that this was pork, and then put a piece of bacon in an envelope before insulting his fellow House members by impugning their integrity:
"It smells quite frankly of cronyism; it smells of incumbency protection and even of buying votes. In the wake of Tennessee Waltz, who's to stop someone from receiving this money back as a kickback, as a campaign contribution or even in cash?"
That was enough for Curry Todd, Republican of Millington, who had HELPED Kelsey get elected. He stood up on the floor and, according to the CA, allowed as to how he would be happy to take Kelsey's allotment and give it to his education folks and his district. Then, he smacked Kelsey down with THIS: "And maybe you ought to look at giving back the PAC money (campaign contributions from political action committees) you got from the last election if you're concerned about everything that's going up here."
Then, Todd went on to say "I don't rise very often to disagree with my colleagues but my friend from Shelby County -- who I helped get elected and encouraged him to run -- but I don't support you grandstanding any more, trying to draw media attention to your stuff up here."
Also, Jim Coley, freshman Republican of Bartlett (whom, I might add, was ENDORSED in his Primary by your humble Cracker) stood up and said "I too am going to criticize my colleague from Shelby County. I think if he's sincere in talking about the wining and dining and other things that he has used as a platform up here, he needs to return every bit of the PAC money he's received since serving in the Tennessee General Assembly."
Thank you, Jim. it's time somebody took this little whiner to school about how the Legislature works. If Kelsey isn't bright enough to figure the difference between public investment and actual PORK (and it DOES exist), then he has no business in the General Assembly.
In the words of the great American orator, Bugs Bunny, what a maroon!
UPDATE: Kleinheider has a good take on all of this...
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Hey, listen up!
You think I was rough on Jerry Falwell? You think Rick was rough on Jerry Falwell?
Heh. Go read the Rude Pundit. Go on, I DARE YOU.
The Rude One says it best....
UPDATE: Thanks again to The Rude One, here's Christopher Hitchens, who eviscerates Falwell on AC360:
Heh. Go read the Rude Pundit. Go on, I DARE YOU.
The Rude One says it best....
UPDATE: Thanks again to The Rude One, here's Christopher Hitchens, who eviscerates Falwell on AC360:
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
OK, this is really embarrassing.
As you know, your faithful Cracker stood up for Senator Ophelia Ford during her travails with her original election, where she won by 13 votes. I am all too familiar with GOP attempts to disenfranchise minorities by whining "voter fraud", so I backed her efforts to stay in the Senate.
However, last year, I openly supported my friend Steve Haley when he tried to unseat her in the primary. When she won, I supported her as the Democratic nominee.
As you are aware, she has been absent most of this session, she says it's anemia, others have been less charitable. However, she made an appearance yesterday at a subcommittee meeting of the House-Senate Government Operations Committee in which she asked questions that did not appear to be related to the task at hand, oversight of the Department of Children's Services. The local fishwrap has a story and transcript here.
However, to truly get the full effect, you need to watch this video (H/T to Kleinheider at VV/WKRN). She really needs help, folks, if she has loved ones who read this blog, please see that she gets it. Not only does she deserve it, so do her constituents, who really have not had full representation since John Ford was indicted.
I don't want to kick anyone when they are down, as I would love to see her recover and be the Senator we all hoped she could be. She sure isn't now, and it shows.
OK, I finally got the embed to work, here it is:
However, last year, I openly supported my friend Steve Haley when he tried to unseat her in the primary. When she won, I supported her as the Democratic nominee.
As you are aware, she has been absent most of this session, she says it's anemia, others have been less charitable. However, she made an appearance yesterday at a subcommittee meeting of the House-Senate Government Operations Committee in which she asked questions that did not appear to be related to the task at hand, oversight of the Department of Children's Services. The local fishwrap has a story and transcript here.
However, to truly get the full effect, you need to watch this video (H/T to Kleinheider at VV/WKRN). She really needs help, folks, if she has loved ones who read this blog, please see that she gets it. Not only does she deserve it, so do her constituents, who really have not had full representation since John Ford was indicted.
I don't want to kick anyone when they are down, as I would love to see her recover and be the Senator we all hoped she could be. She sure isn't now, and it shows.
OK, I finally got the embed to work, here it is:
There seems to be a wee bit of confusion in District 89
About which office Jeanne Richardson appears to be seeking. Of course, Rick has it nailed down and explains it to her campaign. Read this HERE.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Hey Fred, better not take Dick Wolf off your speed dial just yet!
Commissioner Jackson smacks down Arthur Branch with the latest poll numbers showing Freddie at a whopping 6% in the Republican Presidential polls.
Heh.
Heh.
On the passing of Jerry Falwell
While I will offer my sympathies to his family, as he obviously treated them better than the American public, I can only remember the public persona of Falwell, which can only be described in one word:
Evil.
Harsh, you say? Hardly. This man did more to pervert Protestant Christianity than anyone in my lifetime (Pat Robertson? No, who took him seriously? Adrian Rogers? No, he only worked within the SBC, which was trending that direction anyway) and he should be denounced, even in death.
This was a man who was pro-apartheid until he saw that it was not politically possible to do so, attacked the gay and lesbian community at will, and suggested that gays, liberals, etc, were responsible for 9/11, which is essentially what Al-Qaeda said.
I'm not going to be nice and say he was a fine fellow; in fact, this nation would be better off if he had not lived at all.
Flame away.
Evil.
Harsh, you say? Hardly. This man did more to pervert Protestant Christianity than anyone in my lifetime (Pat Robertson? No, who took him seriously? Adrian Rogers? No, he only worked within the SBC, which was trending that direction anyway) and he should be denounced, even in death.
This was a man who was pro-apartheid until he saw that it was not politically possible to do so, attacked the gay and lesbian community at will, and suggested that gays, liberals, etc, were responsible for 9/11, which is essentially what Al-Qaeda said.
I'm not going to be nice and say he was a fine fellow; in fact, this nation would be better off if he had not lived at all.
Flame away.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Cohen goes public in his support of Kevin Gallagher
Our Congressman has confirmed to the Flyer's Jackson Baker what the Freedonian and I had reported earlier, that he supports Kevin Gallagher, has contributed to his campaign and has urged others to do so.
Again, this has nothing to do with Jeannie Richardson, an outstanding Democrat and someone who would be a solid Representative for House 89; it's just that we believe that Kevin Gallagher would be the best choice of a great field of Democratic candidates.
Apparently, so does our Congressman, who knows first-hand Kevin's abilities to lead, having chosen him to run his successful run for the 9th District last year. As his record gives us every reason to do so, we support Steve Cohen's choice and follow his lead!
Again, this has nothing to do with Jeannie Richardson, an outstanding Democrat and someone who would be a solid Representative for House 89; it's just that we believe that Kevin Gallagher would be the best choice of a great field of Democratic candidates.
Apparently, so does our Congressman, who knows first-hand Kevin's abilities to lead, having chosen him to run his successful run for the 9th District last year. As his record gives us every reason to do so, we support Steve Cohen's choice and follow his lead!
They talk the talk, can they walk the walk?
Thaddeus Matthews has touted the new Memphis Democratic Club as a force which will supposedly crush the SCDP, raise more money, and elect "qualified' Democrats to office.
This is made up primarily of folks who supported Jay Bailey over Keith Norman for SCDP Chair. Thaddeus announced that they are starting their own PAC, just like the Germantown Club, that they have lined us buses and vans to take people to the polls for elections, and will elect lots of Democrats.
No problem, who DOESN'T want to see Democrats elected? I even suggested that I might join them (in addition to paying my dues for G-Town; I need to send Susan a check!) If they do all that they say they are going to do, great!
Never mind, of course, that most of these folks live in areas where Democrats always win, and losing is next to impossible for Democrats, unless they get indicted, and even then, in the case of Kathryn Bowers. Other than the fact that they don't seem to like the MSDIA reform movement, who basically has out-organized everyone at the last two conventions, I'm not really sure of their purpose.
If the new MDC can increase turnout and register new voters to help Democrats win by larger margins in Shelby County, then great, count me in. Hell, the SCDP will stand and applaud.
If the MDC can produce a large enough turnout in 2008 so that Big Shelby flips the state from red to blue in the presidential race, then bravo. We'll all be on the same team.
You have to ask yourself one thing, though; if these good Democrats couldn't get enough folks from the most Democratic areas in Shelby County to turn out for the SCDP Caucuses & Convention, how in the hell can the MDC organize well enough to elect anyone who wouldn't have been elected in any event?
Only time will tell; I wish the best of luck to the MDC, as another SUCCESSFUL Democratic Club helps us all.
This is made up primarily of folks who supported Jay Bailey over Keith Norman for SCDP Chair. Thaddeus announced that they are starting their own PAC, just like the Germantown Club, that they have lined us buses and vans to take people to the polls for elections, and will elect lots of Democrats.
No problem, who DOESN'T want to see Democrats elected? I even suggested that I might join them (in addition to paying my dues for G-Town; I need to send Susan a check!) If they do all that they say they are going to do, great!
Never mind, of course, that most of these folks live in areas where Democrats always win, and losing is next to impossible for Democrats, unless they get indicted, and even then, in the case of Kathryn Bowers. Other than the fact that they don't seem to like the MSDIA reform movement, who basically has out-organized everyone at the last two conventions, I'm not really sure of their purpose.
If the new MDC can increase turnout and register new voters to help Democrats win by larger margins in Shelby County, then great, count me in. Hell, the SCDP will stand and applaud.
If the MDC can produce a large enough turnout in 2008 so that Big Shelby flips the state from red to blue in the presidential race, then bravo. We'll all be on the same team.
You have to ask yourself one thing, though; if these good Democrats couldn't get enough folks from the most Democratic areas in Shelby County to turn out for the SCDP Caucuses & Convention, how in the hell can the MDC organize well enough to elect anyone who wouldn't have been elected in any event?
Only time will tell; I wish the best of luck to the MDC, as another SUCCESSFUL Democratic Club helps us all.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Chris D. Jackson has a new blog!
While our state's YOUNGEST elected official and I have not agreed at all about the former Congressman of the 9th District, we do tend to agree on a lot of other things.
So, why not pop by here for a visit?
So, why not pop by here for a visit?
Early Voting for House 89 already screwed up
And Rick has the story at the Freedonian, please go there NOW.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
OK, what the hell is this?
On the amendment that would have set a timetable for the withdrawal of our soldiers from Iraq, there were 59 Democratic traitors that caused the amendment to fail.
Look, 60% of the American people want us out of there. TODAY. I can almost forgive Lincoln Davis, because he's in a GOP-leaning (hell, it's fallen over!) district.
But John Tanner? He is in one of the SAFEST districts there is, the last refuge of the rural Democrat on this side of the Mississippi. He has NO excuse. Hell, Marion Berry in AR-01, who has a MORE GOP-leaning district than Tanner (yes, I know he has the Delta, but have you been to Jonesboro lately? OY.)
Jim Cooper? Hell, if the Senate hadn't been in play (and lost, because of Democrats like him) in 1994, I was almost tempted to vote for Fred Thompson, at least he was honest enough to call himself a Republican.
Whether there is a chance in hell of beating them or not, these two deserve to be PRIMARIED in 2008 for this insanity. If we don't instill party discipline, we will constantly have people who sell out progressives. Let them know that when they fuck up, we will HURT them.
Now, the stunner in all of the traitorous defections is.....Vic Snyder? WTF? Vic Snyder voted AGAINST the McGovern amendment??? This is astonishing, because, after Steve Cohen, he has long been considered the Mid-South's progressive bellwether, and this vote has left me speechless. Almost, anyway.
Seriously, I want a Democrat to step up and file against John Tanner in the Democratic Primary and fight like hell. Same for Jim Cooper, Nashville may be more conservative than Memphis, but they're not THAT right-wing.
As for Snyder, well, maybe not just yet, but he'z got LOTS of 'splainin to do.
Look, 60% of the American people want us out of there. TODAY. I can almost forgive Lincoln Davis, because he's in a GOP-leaning (hell, it's fallen over!) district.
But John Tanner? He is in one of the SAFEST districts there is, the last refuge of the rural Democrat on this side of the Mississippi. He has NO excuse. Hell, Marion Berry in AR-01, who has a MORE GOP-leaning district than Tanner (yes, I know he has the Delta, but have you been to Jonesboro lately? OY.)
Jim Cooper? Hell, if the Senate hadn't been in play (and lost, because of Democrats like him) in 1994, I was almost tempted to vote for Fred Thompson, at least he was honest enough to call himself a Republican.
Whether there is a chance in hell of beating them or not, these two deserve to be PRIMARIED in 2008 for this insanity. If we don't instill party discipline, we will constantly have people who sell out progressives. Let them know that when they fuck up, we will HURT them.
Now, the stunner in all of the traitorous defections is.....Vic Snyder? WTF? Vic Snyder voted AGAINST the McGovern amendment??? This is astonishing, because, after Steve Cohen, he has long been considered the Mid-South's progressive bellwether, and this vote has left me speechless. Almost, anyway.
Seriously, I want a Democrat to step up and file against John Tanner in the Democratic Primary and fight like hell. Same for Jim Cooper, Nashville may be more conservative than Memphis, but they're not THAT right-wing.
As for Snyder, well, maybe not just yet, but he'z got LOTS of 'splainin to do.
Now, THIS is a great ad..
I'm not really on the Bill Richardson bandwagon, but you've gotta love this ad.
I couldn't copy the embed for some reason, so click on the link.
I couldn't copy the embed for some reason, so click on the link.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
I am hitting another block period
Where I really can't get cranked up enough to write. This, even though Pesky and Jeff are doing a tag-team beatdown on the wingnut local bloggers, Rick and Sharon did yeoman work trying to prevent an execution that should NOT take place, and Jon starts up the much-anticipated Abdullah Watch.
I was on vacation last week, and, other than a drive to my parents' and grandparents graves in Weiner, Arkansas, I did nothing. Oh, I went to the ExecCom and DL, but that's it. I can't get excited about the Mayor's race, because I am getting more worried by the day that we will be stuck with Herenton for four more years, and I seriously doubt that the city can survive his incompetence.
I don't know what's causing this lack of energy, unless it's that my outrage level, on full alert since January 20, 2001, has drained me to the point where I wonder if I can get ready for the fall elections.
I hope to snap out of it soon, we'll see what happens....
I was on vacation last week, and, other than a drive to my parents' and grandparents graves in Weiner, Arkansas, I did nothing. Oh, I went to the ExecCom and DL, but that's it. I can't get excited about the Mayor's race, because I am getting more worried by the day that we will be stuck with Herenton for four more years, and I seriously doubt that the city can survive his incompetence.
I don't know what's causing this lack of energy, unless it's that my outrage level, on full alert since January 20, 2001, has drained me to the point where I wonder if I can get ready for the fall elections.
I hope to snap out of it soon, we'll see what happens....
Friday, May 04, 2007
It looks like ONE District 89 voter has made his choice...
I would imagine that our Congressman, Steve Cohen, would have preferred NOT to take a public stance on this race, as he is friendly with both Jeannie Richardson and his Congressional campaign manager, Kevin Gallagher.
Freedonian, as usual, is on the case here with some background on this situation, which you can find HERE.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Keith Norman did the right thing tonight.
)
The new chair of the SCDP, Keith Norman, handled a tricky situation properly tonight.
At the April meeting, he pushed back a motion to expel Richard Fields from the ExecCom to tonight, to allow each member the opportunity to review the indicting materials. Tonight, he allowed the charging member, Jennings Bernard, to make a one minute summation of the charges and establish his intent, and he allowed Richard Fields one minute to rebut, then he allowed the ExecCom members to ask questions of each.
Afterward, he revealed that he and the SCDP parliamentarian (sorry, don't know his name) had done their homework. After reviewing the SCDP bylaws AND contacting the TDP in Nashville, he noted that the time to have done something to remove Fields was at the Convention, by defeating him. Norman pointed out that the "crimes" Fields committed occurred when he was NOT a member of the ExecCom and thus, not eligible for action by the new ExecCom, and refused to allow a vote.
Chair Norman was ABSOLUTELY correct to do this. Simply put, the loyalty oath that one signs at the W/P Caucuses is tantamount to an absolution of your sins. Taken to the Nth degree, John Freaking Ryder could come up, sign that oath, and he would be protected by it until such time as he helped a Republican, which would be about 30 seconds.
I have to tell you, I firmly believe that if there had been a vote, Fields would most assuredly have been expelled. I know too many people who are still furious about the letter he sent out last year pointing out his beliefs that many of the judicial candidates endorsed by the party were unqualified. Fields hurt one of my friends, Regina Newman, with that letter, and I'm not all that thrilled with him, either.
However, the bylaws are the bylaws, and Norman was right. One of the Members was upset with the chair for having allowed debate and then quashing the vote; however, he let everyone vent (within reason), which may have dissipated some of the bad feelings.
I know my friend and brother, Del Gill, firmly felt that the chair was pontificating and directing the show too much, but I do not believe that he overstepped his bounds. I'm betting we're going to have to agree to disagree on that one.
My favorite part of the meeting was when John Marek, the man who rebuilt the U of M college Democrats singlehandedly, called out Bernard for supporting Jake Ford, and noting that if Bernard were held to this standard, he too would have to resign. I have to hand it to Bernard for his honesty, though, he noted that he absolutely takes race into account. While I amy not agree with it, that's being a stand-up guy.
On the whole, the Chair handled a delicate situation with class, strength and dignity, and I'm happy with that.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
The return of Aunt Esther...
I had thought Wendi Thomas had put away this nattering-nag attitude for good after she returned from Baltimore, because she was so happy to be home.
However, just when you thought it was safe to pick up the CA again, she has started a campaign to force Memphis In May to remove our local Oscar winners, Three 6 Mafia, from the Beale Street Music Festival. What idiocy.
The greatest musical acts this town has ever seen were whackjobs, and we loved them for it, because, guess what? They were entertaining!!!!!!
These kids have busted their asses, old-school, Horatio Alger-style to get where they are, and we need to APPLAUD them, not scold them like hand-wringing old biddies. Yes, I said old biddies.
Arguably, they are the most successful local musical act since Al Green left the secular world, and all Aunt Esther II wants to do is shut them down. Fortunately, MIM is not taking this lying down, telling Wendi that the shows will go on.
The CA is suggesting that we boycott the BSMF if our local boys go on stage as planned. Here's MY answer: Boycott the CA AND their website if they are successful in knocking out Three Six Mafia.
Look, hip-hop isn't really my music, but that's not the issue. I won't be at BSMF, but not because of Three Six Mafia, but because I'm 48 and not enamored of crowds like I used to be. Why does Wendi Thomas have the right to be our moral guardian anymore than DJ Paul or Frayser Boy? She DOESN'T.
Look, people, they said in the 50s that Elvis would lead teenagers to moral degradation. We all know that was Jerry Lee's job, any way! (Just Kidding!) They said it about the Beatles, hell, they said it about Teddy Pendergrass in the 70s, and I'll bet anyone that Wendi has had her private moments with Teddy's music, so, she needs to back off and let kids be kids.
It's not our music, and, as Pete Townshend once said, it's not SUPPOSED to be.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Four Years, Untold Sums of Money..
And they only convicted John Ford on ONE Count, Bribery. Hell, they wouldn't have gotten that if they hadn't gotten the dumb bastard on tape.
For the record, the jury was hung on the first count, Extortion, they found him Guilty on the Bribery Count (2), and Not Guilty on 3, 4 and 5, all Witness Intimidation.
Yes, he was guilty, no question of it. My attorney has advised me that, according to Federal Guidelines, where there is no real Parole, he could get 10-15 years in the Federal Pen, and he would have to do 85% of that time. As John is 65 years old, this is going to be a life sentence for him, let's face it.
No doubt, there is all kinds of schadenfreude breaking out all over the state, especially in the lighter-skinned parts of it. He was the most visible and most disliked member of the Ford family outside of Shelby County, and I hope some of them have the good graces not to let the N-word slip out when discussing this trial.
Wait, Cracker, are you FOR corruption? No, I simply refuse to believe that the only Gooper who's corrupt in this state is Chris Newton. You know as well as I do that corruption comes in all forms and in BOTH parties; however, I seriously doubt we'll see any Goopers go to jail until we elect a DEMOCRATIC President who will appoint DEMOCRATIC USAs.
I suspect we're more likely to see pleas from Kathryn Bowers and Ward Crutchfield after this verdict, and if so, fine; if they're guilty, send them to the Pen.
You will never convince me, however, ESPECIALLY after the Gonzales USA scandal, that this investigation was anything more than an attack on minorities and Democrats. One token Gooper is not enough to convince me, and it never will be.
For the record, the jury was hung on the first count, Extortion, they found him Guilty on the Bribery Count (2), and Not Guilty on 3, 4 and 5, all Witness Intimidation.
Yes, he was guilty, no question of it. My attorney has advised me that, according to Federal Guidelines, where there is no real Parole, he could get 10-15 years in the Federal Pen, and he would have to do 85% of that time. As John is 65 years old, this is going to be a life sentence for him, let's face it.
No doubt, there is all kinds of schadenfreude breaking out all over the state, especially in the lighter-skinned parts of it. He was the most visible and most disliked member of the Ford family outside of Shelby County, and I hope some of them have the good graces not to let the N-word slip out when discussing this trial.
Wait, Cracker, are you FOR corruption? No, I simply refuse to believe that the only Gooper who's corrupt in this state is Chris Newton. You know as well as I do that corruption comes in all forms and in BOTH parties; however, I seriously doubt we'll see any Goopers go to jail until we elect a DEMOCRATIC President who will appoint DEMOCRATIC USAs.
I suspect we're more likely to see pleas from Kathryn Bowers and Ward Crutchfield after this verdict, and if so, fine; if they're guilty, send them to the Pen.
You will never convince me, however, ESPECIALLY after the Gonzales USA scandal, that this investigation was anything more than an attack on minorities and Democrats. One token Gooper is not enough to convince me, and it never will be.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
BEHOLD! A NEW HOME FOR THE BLOGOSPHERE!
We are moving our clubhouse, under the management of Mr. Jon Carroll and Mr. Rick Maynard, to Memphis Liberal Blogosphere. It's where the BatCave is located, where we research evildoers, and cross-post a lot of what we do here at our own blogs.
No, the Cracker is NOT abandoning the old homestead, it's just that this will be an place where you can see ALL of us, and I encourage you to visit!
No, the Cracker is NOT abandoning the old homestead, it's just that this will be an place where you can see ALL of us, and I encourage you to visit!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
More on District 89
Jackson Baker, as good a friend to the local liberal bloggers as anyone could hope for, has written an article about us and how we have influenced local Democratic politics.
To which I can only reply, thank you, it would have been impossible without your support, and I am serious; he has been our champion, and for that we are ALL grateful.
He also writes about the race to succeed Beverly Marrero in District 89, as the winner of the Democratic Primary will win the general, because A) no one has heard of either Republican and B) the Goopers aren't going to waste good money on a district they have no hope of winning.
I am torn in this race. Dabney and Rick have gotten out front in support of Kevin Gallagher, as Wintermute has done the same for Jeannie Richardson. Full disclosure: I have given Kevin advice and talked to him about this race as to what I would do were I in his shoes, and I had also done that before Jeannie got in the race.
Truth be told, I think either of them would be a great rep. I have known Jeannie for years, and I was a champion for Kevin's former Senate campaign, which he gave up to help elect Beverly Marrero.
I will not bash either of them in this race; while I was disappointed with Kevin for a short time, I would be remiss if I failed to inform you that there are people who were far more upset with him, and they are back with him more solid than ever, and that's something to be said for Kevin. He took his lumps, made his amends, and is working harder than ever to live up to his promises.
I will tell you this much; there is one clear winner in this race, and it is District 89.
To which I can only reply, thank you, it would have been impossible without your support, and I am serious; he has been our champion, and for that we are ALL grateful.
He also writes about the race to succeed Beverly Marrero in District 89, as the winner of the Democratic Primary will win the general, because A) no one has heard of either Republican and B) the Goopers aren't going to waste good money on a district they have no hope of winning.
I am torn in this race. Dabney and Rick have gotten out front in support of Kevin Gallagher, as Wintermute has done the same for Jeannie Richardson. Full disclosure: I have given Kevin advice and talked to him about this race as to what I would do were I in his shoes, and I had also done that before Jeannie got in the race.
Truth be told, I think either of them would be a great rep. I have known Jeannie for years, and I was a champion for Kevin's former Senate campaign, which he gave up to help elect Beverly Marrero.
I will not bash either of them in this race; while I was disappointed with Kevin for a short time, I would be remiss if I failed to inform you that there are people who were far more upset with him, and they are back with him more solid than ever, and that's something to be said for Kevin. He took his lumps, made his amends, and is working harder than ever to live up to his promises.
I will tell you this much; there is one clear winner in this race, and it is District 89.
Monday, April 23, 2007
District 89's Democratic Primary is under way
and beginning to scare me.
First, Wintermute puts out a list of Jeannie Richardson's qualifications, listing everything but her blood type.
However, Kevin Gallagher, who has been running hard for that seat since Beverly Marrero's Senate victory, has TWO websites, one here and a blog on ISSUES here.
Ok, what the hell's going on here? ISSUES? Qualifications? What the hell does THIS have to do with Democratic politics? Damn liberals.
Oh, wait.....
First, Wintermute puts out a list of Jeannie Richardson's qualifications, listing everything but her blood type.
However, Kevin Gallagher, who has been running hard for that seat since Beverly Marrero's Senate victory, has TWO websites, one here and a blog on ISSUES here.
Ok, what the hell's going on here? ISSUES? Qualifications? What the hell does THIS have to do with Democratic politics? Damn liberals.
Oh, wait.....
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Abortion comes down to this:
Whose life is more important: the POTENTIAL human, or the fully-formed female human who carries it?
If you argue for ANY restriction on abortion, you obviously believe the former, and that the primary purpose for a female human is as a birth vessel. The Bu$h Supreme Court, with a 5-4 Catholic majority, apparently agrees as well, as they ruled yesterday against the so-called Partial Birth Abortion, which is a procedure used ONLY TO SAVE THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER. (Ahem, lest you think I am a Klan-like anti-papist, please be informed that I am descended from Polish Catholics.)
Of course, they're only women, so who cares, right? It all comes down to this: does a woman have the right to control her own body or not? Is she a full citizen, or not? Does she have all the rights as an American citizen, or not?
That's all we're talking about here, regardless of all the bullshit about "baby-killing"; does a woman have full rights or not?
How you answer that question, dear friends, reveals how you feel about a lot of things. I know where I stand, and it's in favor of the WOMAN.
If you argue for ANY restriction on abortion, you obviously believe the former, and that the primary purpose for a female human is as a birth vessel. The Bu$h Supreme Court, with a 5-4 Catholic majority, apparently agrees as well, as they ruled yesterday against the so-called Partial Birth Abortion, which is a procedure used ONLY TO SAVE THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER. (Ahem, lest you think I am a Klan-like anti-papist, please be informed that I am descended from Polish Catholics.)
Of course, they're only women, so who cares, right? It all comes down to this: does a woman have the right to control her own body or not? Is she a full citizen, or not? Does she have all the rights as an American citizen, or not?
That's all we're talking about here, regardless of all the bullshit about "baby-killing"; does a woman have full rights or not?
How you answer that question, dear friends, reveals how you feel about a lot of things. I know where I stand, and it's in favor of the WOMAN.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Hell, I don't know what to say, either
The madness that struck the Virginia Tech campus this morning is beyond anything that I can comprehend at the moment. Rick's made some good points, but he misses the essential point: We're about 230 years too late to ban guns in this country, they are too infused in our culture. If you tried to ban them, there would be a revolution; frankly, after 7 years of George W. Bush, I'm not ready to get rid of them, either.
On the other hand, the other extreme is beyond ludicrous, it's NUTS: EVERYONE should pack heat, as if that would have stopped that worthless bastard/tormented soul that decided today was a good day for EVERYBODY to die. The only people who would be happy for required ownerwship are the soulless monsters of the NRA, who represent gun MANFUACTURERS, not gun OWNERS,. All they want is for the gun manufacters to sell completely automatic weapons to everyone from age 10 up.
The whole point of today is that, when someone goes nuts, we are ALL vulnerable, and there's not really a damn thing we can do about it, and we say these nutty things because we are scared shitless. Look, those of you who own weapons, as I do, remember this: if someone wants to kill you, they'll find a way to do, and if they're smart enough, you're done.
On the other hand, I am not for registration, but I DO believe that, like driving a car, gun ownership has its responsibilities, like owning insurance and taking a test and getting a license to prove you know what the hell you're doing with a weapon. Hell, I'd even be in favor of using a NRA gun safety course and test, it's about the only thing they do that actually helps humanity.
Now, what we all need, even me, is a good dose of STFU; let's mourn and grieve for these students and educators who died far too young because some damaged soul snapped. They and their families, as well as the whole VPI Campus, need our prayers and our love right now, and that's where our focus should be placed.
On the other hand, the other extreme is beyond ludicrous, it's NUTS: EVERYONE should pack heat, as if that would have stopped that worthless bastard/tormented soul that decided today was a good day for EVERYBODY to die. The only people who would be happy for required ownerwship are the soulless monsters of the NRA, who represent gun MANFUACTURERS, not gun OWNERS,. All they want is for the gun manufacters to sell completely automatic weapons to everyone from age 10 up.
The whole point of today is that, when someone goes nuts, we are ALL vulnerable, and there's not really a damn thing we can do about it, and we say these nutty things because we are scared shitless. Look, those of you who own weapons, as I do, remember this: if someone wants to kill you, they'll find a way to do, and if they're smart enough, you're done.
On the other hand, I am not for registration, but I DO believe that, like driving a car, gun ownership has its responsibilities, like owning insurance and taking a test and getting a license to prove you know what the hell you're doing with a weapon. Hell, I'd even be in favor of using a NRA gun safety course and test, it's about the only thing they do that actually helps humanity.
Now, what we all need, even me, is a good dose of STFU; let's mourn and grieve for these students and educators who died far too young because some damaged soul snapped. They and their families, as well as the whole VPI Campus, need our prayers and our love right now, and that's where our focus should be placed.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
All right people, let's pay attention here..
Like most of you, I was initially dumbfounded when my councilor, Carol Chumney, abstained on Jack Sammons' resolution to remove Joseph Lee as MLGW CEO. WTF?
Well, as Carol's letter to the CA points out, the Sammons resolution amounted to, to steal a phrase, a tale told by an idiot, filled with sound and fury, signifying NOTHING.
Sammoons' resolution would have asked Joseph Lee to resign. Hey, Jack, did you forget that LEE ALREADY RESIGNED??? It's our pigheaded Mayor who REFUSED TO ACCEPT LEE'S RESIGNATION. So, your answer is to ask him to do something he already did?
Sammons' resolution was there to A) take the pressure OFF the Mayor, B) try and trap Carol in to piling on to Lee, and C) make Carol look bad, because he's in the pocket of the developers who want to keep Carol out of the Mayor's office.
Carol's resolution, which didn't get a second, would have put the pressure back on Herenton to accept Lee's resignation. Seeing what her fellow Councilor was trying to do, she wisely backed off and abstained, preventing this meaningless piece of crap from passing. As Carol noted:
My resolution asking the mayor to accept Lee's resignation puts the responsibility where it belongs -- back on the mayor, whose lack of leadership has perpetuated this politically and racially charged controversy. Under the city charter, without written charges, a trial and a judgment, the council has no power to remove Lee. All of this is orchestrated to take the heat off the mayor.
It's difficult in an age where we are besieged with meaningless information to see below the surface as to what's REALLY happening, but this is one of those times where you have to look, or you'll miss the real story. Carol was right, there's a right way and wrong way to do things; Sammons has done them wrong for so long, he's forgotten the difference.
Well, as Carol's letter to the CA points out, the Sammons resolution amounted to, to steal a phrase, a tale told by an idiot, filled with sound and fury, signifying NOTHING.
Sammoons' resolution would have asked Joseph Lee to resign. Hey, Jack, did you forget that LEE ALREADY RESIGNED??? It's our pigheaded Mayor who REFUSED TO ACCEPT LEE'S RESIGNATION. So, your answer is to ask him to do something he already did?
Sammons' resolution was there to A) take the pressure OFF the Mayor, B) try and trap Carol in to piling on to Lee, and C) make Carol look bad, because he's in the pocket of the developers who want to keep Carol out of the Mayor's office.
Carol's resolution, which didn't get a second, would have put the pressure back on Herenton to accept Lee's resignation. Seeing what her fellow Councilor was trying to do, she wisely backed off and abstained, preventing this meaningless piece of crap from passing. As Carol noted:
My resolution asking the mayor to accept Lee's resignation puts the responsibility where it belongs -- back on the mayor, whose lack of leadership has perpetuated this politically and racially charged controversy. Under the city charter, without written charges, a trial and a judgment, the council has no power to remove Lee. All of this is orchestrated to take the heat off the mayor.
It's difficult in an age where we are besieged with meaningless information to see below the surface as to what's REALLY happening, but this is one of those times where you have to look, or you'll miss the real story. Carol was right, there's a right way and wrong way to do things; Sammons has done them wrong for so long, he's forgotten the difference.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Hopefully, the last word on Don Imus...
Keith Olbermann put it best the other day when he was on ESPN RADIO's Big Show that he does each day from 1-2 with Dan Patrick (heard locally on 730 ESPN). He noted that when the Rutgers women held a press conference with their legnedary coach, Vivian Stringer, that sealed his fate because, finally, the audience could put faces to his remarks and everyone recoiled in horror, and that's when the sponsors started calling MSNBC and CBS Radio to cancel their commercials.
Sadly, it wasn't until the money started leaving that Imus was finished, and he had every reason to be surprised, because, after all, he'd been doing this schtick for 20 yeasrs now, and the Beltway crowd (politicians and the SCLM) had lapped it up in a boys-will-be-boys kind of way, and we're all in the same club, right? RIGHT? WRONG.
So, Imus is finished unless, after the merger of XM and Sirius Satellite Radio is complete, Howard Stern decides to throw him a lifeline out of pity. Then, Imus can be even worse if he wants.
Meanwhile, Rush Limbaugh says worse every day, outright LIES, making fun of everyone who's not a right-wing moron, especially if they have an illness or happens to be a minority, and he will continue until he loses sponsorships, too.
So why HASN'T he lost them? Well, it's because, unlike Imus, he has a listenership that WANTS to believe the utter bullshit he spouts day in and say out. Look, Limbaugh knows he's making this up, WE know he's making it up, he KNOWS we know, and, in the deep, dark, recesses of their souls, his listeners know but THEY JUST DON'T CARE.
They are DESPERATE to believe that LIBERALS, MINORITIES (especially those evil rappers!!) and WOMEN are all responsible for the fact that they make less money now than they ever did, that their property values are crumbling, etc. It could never be THEIR fault, and thank God for Rush, Hannity, Fox News and the rest of those creatures who are only too eager to give them what they want rather than reality.
Another interesting note to all of this is that if I hear one more person bitch about Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson or rappers or anyone else in a moronic attempt to excuse Don Imus (or Rush or any of the rest of them) I WILL GET VIOLENT. Well, not that that's a real threat to anyone, but you get the point.
Look, the TAWANA BRAWLEY incident happened what, 20 years ago? Get the fuck over it, people, Sharpton learned from his mistake, why can't you? You think we don't know why you bring this up? Get serious. Al Sharpton has become a respected figure in New York City's African-American community, and he has POWER. Why shouldn't he use it?
Because you folks that whine about Jackson and Sharpton don't want to hear that racism still exists in the heart and fiber of this country, and in every corner of it, and I'm no better than anyone else in that regard, but at least I'M TRYING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
I'm not fond of gangsta hip-hop, either, it's not my generation's music, but, what the hell, this is NO DIFFERENT than people of the 1950s screaming that the world was going to HELL for listening to that evil Jerry Lee Lewis or Little Richard. Better you should listen to that nice Christian boy Pat Boone than that Elvis Presley! You'll dance like those wild (insert ethnic slur here)s down in the jungle!
STOP LOOKING FOR JUSTIFICATION OR EXCUSES. Accept that Don Imus fucked up, I think HE has (maybe) and stop trying to equalize his comments with poorly-done hip-hop. Even Jason Whitlock, the KC Star sports writer has gotten into the act, with every white person trying to rationalize Imus pointing to his article and saying, "See! See! I was right!".
No, you're not. It doesn't equate, and it never will. The blunt point is that African-Americans, despite being a majority in this city and county, make up roughly 12% of the US population. They do NOT possess, as a group, the economic power to have enough effect on the culture of the USA to change it.
Blame your white children who love hip-hop for its advancement in our culture, especially because they probably did it to piss you off, just like YOU did with YOUR parents by turning up your Led Zep albums too loud in 1972. The more you bitch, the more they love it, REMEMBER?
Any way, you've had enough of a whipping for one day, I'll see you Monday.
Sadly, it wasn't until the money started leaving that Imus was finished, and he had every reason to be surprised, because, after all, he'd been doing this schtick for 20 yeasrs now, and the Beltway crowd (politicians and the SCLM) had lapped it up in a boys-will-be-boys kind of way, and we're all in the same club, right? RIGHT? WRONG.
So, Imus is finished unless, after the merger of XM and Sirius Satellite Radio is complete, Howard Stern decides to throw him a lifeline out of pity. Then, Imus can be even worse if he wants.
Meanwhile, Rush Limbaugh says worse every day, outright LIES, making fun of everyone who's not a right-wing moron, especially if they have an illness or happens to be a minority, and he will continue until he loses sponsorships, too.
So why HASN'T he lost them? Well, it's because, unlike Imus, he has a listenership that WANTS to believe the utter bullshit he spouts day in and say out. Look, Limbaugh knows he's making this up, WE know he's making it up, he KNOWS we know, and, in the deep, dark, recesses of their souls, his listeners know but THEY JUST DON'T CARE.
They are DESPERATE to believe that LIBERALS, MINORITIES (especially those evil rappers!!) and WOMEN are all responsible for the fact that they make less money now than they ever did, that their property values are crumbling, etc. It could never be THEIR fault, and thank God for Rush, Hannity, Fox News and the rest of those creatures who are only too eager to give them what they want rather than reality.
Another interesting note to all of this is that if I hear one more person bitch about Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson or rappers or anyone else in a moronic attempt to excuse Don Imus (or Rush or any of the rest of them) I WILL GET VIOLENT. Well, not that that's a real threat to anyone, but you get the point.
Look, the TAWANA BRAWLEY incident happened what, 20 years ago? Get the fuck over it, people, Sharpton learned from his mistake, why can't you? You think we don't know why you bring this up? Get serious. Al Sharpton has become a respected figure in New York City's African-American community, and he has POWER. Why shouldn't he use it?
Because you folks that whine about Jackson and Sharpton don't want to hear that racism still exists in the heart and fiber of this country, and in every corner of it, and I'm no better than anyone else in that regard, but at least I'M TRYING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.
I'm not fond of gangsta hip-hop, either, it's not my generation's music, but, what the hell, this is NO DIFFERENT than people of the 1950s screaming that the world was going to HELL for listening to that evil Jerry Lee Lewis or Little Richard. Better you should listen to that nice Christian boy Pat Boone than that Elvis Presley! You'll dance like those wild (insert ethnic slur here)s down in the jungle!
STOP LOOKING FOR JUSTIFICATION OR EXCUSES. Accept that Don Imus fucked up, I think HE has (maybe) and stop trying to equalize his comments with poorly-done hip-hop. Even Jason Whitlock, the KC Star sports writer has gotten into the act, with every white person trying to rationalize Imus pointing to his article and saying, "See! See! I was right!".
No, you're not. It doesn't equate, and it never will. The blunt point is that African-Americans, despite being a majority in this city and county, make up roughly 12% of the US population. They do NOT possess, as a group, the economic power to have enough effect on the culture of the USA to change it.
Blame your white children who love hip-hop for its advancement in our culture, especially because they probably did it to piss you off, just like YOU did with YOUR parents by turning up your Led Zep albums too loud in 1972. The more you bitch, the more they love it, REMEMBER?
Any way, you've had enough of a whipping for one day, I'll see you Monday.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
A fellow blogger is under attack
Thanks to Rick for letting me know about this...
Katherine Coble is a Nashville blogger, who I normally find on the other side of the aisle. However, she and her husband recently found themselves, while job-seeking, as victims of a firm called JL Kirk & Associates. This firm, formerly known as Bernard Haldane, which was charged in the state of Illinois for deceiving job-seekers and overcharging them up-front fees, apparently did the same thing to Katherine and her husband.
When she wrote about her experiences with JL Kirk & Associates, they threatened her with legal action.
Newscoma has some terrific comments about the JL Kirk & Associates situation, and we need to read them.
And, JL Kirk & Associates, you pissed off the blogosphere, and you are going to pay dearly.
You had best be thinking about your next name change, because JL Kirk & Associates will be mud after this.
For a complete rundown and timeline of how JL Kirk & Associates acted, please go to Nashville Is Talking, Brittney has it laid out for you.
Katherine Coble is a Nashville blogger, who I normally find on the other side of the aisle. However, she and her husband recently found themselves, while job-seeking, as victims of a firm called JL Kirk & Associates. This firm, formerly known as Bernard Haldane, which was charged in the state of Illinois for deceiving job-seekers and overcharging them up-front fees, apparently did the same thing to Katherine and her husband.
When she wrote about her experiences with JL Kirk & Associates, they threatened her with legal action.
Newscoma has some terrific comments about the JL Kirk & Associates situation, and we need to read them.
And, JL Kirk & Associates, you pissed off the blogosphere, and you are going to pay dearly.
You had best be thinking about your next name change, because JL Kirk & Associates will be mud after this.
For a complete rundown and timeline of how JL Kirk & Associates acted, please go to Nashville Is Talking, Brittney has it laid out for you.
OK, I have a question here..
What the hell took MSNBC so long? It's not like Don Imus and his crew haven't been racist and misogynist all along, at least as long as he has had the IMUS IN THE MORNING program. Truth be told, they have been offensive from the get-go, but since advertisers began to bail a day or so ago, MSNBC got scared and dropped the simulcast of his CBS Radio show (not heard in Memphis).
Even more sickening is all the So-Called Liberal Media people who have gnashed their teeth and wept at the demise of their old racist pal. It's all part of the Kewl Kids mentality of the media and the Beltway folks.
However, what's interesting is who HASN'T rushed to the defense of the washed-up old jock, the one African-American who has been on his show more than anyone, the one person of color who Imus has praised above all others. Come on, you know who I'm talking about, don't you? Here's a hint: he used to be our Congressman.
Yep, Junior Ford has apparently disappeared from the planet while this fiasco has been going on, with no public comments to show on behalf of his old buddy Imus. I wonder why? Come on, Junior, it's not like you haven't milked the I-Man for all he's worth, why not help the man who's helped YOU?
Is it because you're a gutless punk? Oops, I answered my own question.
Look, I have not listened or watched the old burnout on MSNBC for years, partially because I'm not up that early, and partially because I would watch Today or listen to Stern if I was up at that hour. I sure as hell am not defending him, but I am curious to know what the I-Man thinks of the disappearance of his favorite African-American.
Harold? Harold? Anyone? Anyone?
UPDATE: Autoegocrat comments that Junior has spoken, and in typical Junior fashion...
Even more sickening is all the So-Called Liberal Media people who have gnashed their teeth and wept at the demise of their old racist pal. It's all part of the Kewl Kids mentality of the media and the Beltway folks.
However, what's interesting is who HASN'T rushed to the defense of the washed-up old jock, the one African-American who has been on his show more than anyone, the one person of color who Imus has praised above all others. Come on, you know who I'm talking about, don't you? Here's a hint: he used to be our Congressman.
Yep, Junior Ford has apparently disappeared from the planet while this fiasco has been going on, with no public comments to show on behalf of his old buddy Imus. I wonder why? Come on, Junior, it's not like you haven't milked the I-Man for all he's worth, why not help the man who's helped YOU?
Is it because you're a gutless punk? Oops, I answered my own question.
Look, I have not listened or watched the old burnout on MSNBC for years, partially because I'm not up that early, and partially because I would watch Today or listen to Stern if I was up at that hour. I sure as hell am not defending him, but I am curious to know what the I-Man thinks of the disappearance of his favorite African-American.
Harold? Harold? Anyone? Anyone?
UPDATE: Autoegocrat comments that Junior has spoken, and in typical Junior fashion...
Monday, April 09, 2007
Wow, all hell is breaking loose!
Well, we're eleven days from the nominating petitions even being AVAILABLE, and the filing deadline isn't until July 19! Yet, the jockeying for position in the Mayor's race is hot and heavy.
First, we had the polls commissioned by Karl Schledwitz and Richard Fields showing that the Mayor was trailing Carol Chumney. Now, the daily fishwrap has gotten into the act, asking Steve Ethridge to poll Memphians about the race, and guess what? Ethridge finds the same thing, showing my Councilor leading everyone there, too.
Apparently the developers are getting scared again that Carol could win and threaten their empire of sprawl; more than one source has indicated that the Schledwitz poll was intended to scare County Mayor AC Wharton into the race. However, that was before the troubling news that Mayor Wharton's eldest son had been arrested in Knoxville on statutory rape charges.
I really don't believe that Mayor Wharton will make this race, whether Mayor Herenton gets out or not. No, Mayor Wharton's popularity will not be remotely affected by his son's situation, but I can't imagine trying to run for public office while this is happening, just because his head and heart wouldn't be in it.
It's a long freaking way just to the FILING DEADLINE, much less the campaign, but some things are clear:
1) The city is of a consensus: HERENTON MUST GO.
2) For now, before the bloodletting campaign begins, Chumney is the pre-race favorite because of her bulldog-like opposition to Herenton.
3) Nice and unthreatening to the city's power structure as he seems, Herman Morris doesn't seem to be getting any traction with the average citizen.
4) John Willingham, District 2 is calling for you, and you'd better listen; your mayoral campaign only helps one person, and his name is Willie Herenton.
5) Carol still needs to get a plan out there; at some point, people will start to ask, we know who and what you're against, as we are, too, but what will you DO to fix these problems, what are you FOR?
However, we're still a ways off yet from the official start of the campaign, so there's time for all that to shake itself out.
Apparently the developers are getting scared again that Carol could win and threaten their empire of sprawl; more than one source has indicated that the Schledwitz poll was intended to scare County Mayor AC Wharton into the race. However, that was before the troubling news that Mayor Wharton's eldest son had been arrested in Knoxville on statutory rape charges.
I really don't believe that Mayor Wharton will make this race, whether Mayor Herenton gets out or not. No, Mayor Wharton's popularity will not be remotely affected by his son's situation, but I can't imagine trying to run for public office while this is happening, just because his head and heart wouldn't be in it.
It's a long freaking way just to the FILING DEADLINE, much less the campaign, but some things are clear:
1) The city is of a consensus: HERENTON MUST GO.
2) For now, before the bloodletting campaign begins, Chumney is the pre-race favorite because of her bulldog-like opposition to Herenton.
3) Nice and unthreatening to the city's power structure as he seems, Herman Morris doesn't seem to be getting any traction with the average citizen.
4) John Willingham, District 2 is calling for you, and you'd better listen; your mayoral campaign only helps one person, and his name is Willie Herenton.
5) Carol still needs to get a plan out there; at some point, people will start to ask, we know who and what you're against, as we are, too, but what will you DO to fix these problems, what are you FOR?
However, we're still a ways off yet from the official start of the campaign, so there's time for all that to shake itself out.
UPDATE: Bob at 55-40 has a really good take on all of this.
Friday, April 06, 2007
A much needed conversation begins....
Desi Franklin has decided to take on the job of starting a real conversation on the subject of race in Memphis, Tennessee, and I commend her for it, and hope that you and I can lend a hand to this worthwhile endeavor.
This is a conversation that those of us must have if we are serious about bringing this city back from the precipice. There is much right with this city, and there is much wrong with this city, and we need to move it in the right direction.
I contend, however, as I have noted at that post, that you MUST include class and economics in this discussion in order to have a clear view of where we are, how we got here, and how we must improve the city. Without understanding how economics fits into the equation, we leave out the elephant in the room. I have to point out that only when Dr. King began to talk about economics was he considered dangerous outside the South and Midwest. It was also when he was murdered.
Nonetheless, I want to be a part of this ongoing conversation, and if you love Memphis, you should, too.
Go on over there.
This is a conversation that those of us must have if we are serious about bringing this city back from the precipice. There is much right with this city, and there is much wrong with this city, and we need to move it in the right direction.
I contend, however, as I have noted at that post, that you MUST include class and economics in this discussion in order to have a clear view of where we are, how we got here, and how we must improve the city. Without understanding how economics fits into the equation, we leave out the elephant in the room. I have to point out that only when Dr. King began to talk about economics was he considered dangerous outside the South and Midwest. It was also when he was murdered.
Nonetheless, I want to be a part of this ongoing conversation, and if you love Memphis, you should, too.
Go on over there.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Tonight begins the Era of Good Feeling
Or so we all hope, as the first meeting of the new ExecCom takes place at IBEW at 7 PM.
Thaddeus reports that new member Jennings Bernard wants to throw out returned member Richard Fields for various and sundry events, and to Jennings, I say with all love and sincerity:
STFU.
We can't even get through meeting 1 without this kind of garbage? Give it up and leave it alone, or resign. So why did we kick Del off, anyway?
In other news, Thaddeus also reports the passing of Robert Gill, longtime MPD officer, a good and decent man with whom I served on the ExecCom, and the brother of Del. I have not been able to find the times for services and visitation, but we need to remember Robert, Del and their family in our thoughts and prayers. I believe a few of his friends who still are on the ExecCom will ask the assembly for a moment of silence in remembrance of this fine public servant.
I hope to make the meeting, and see if the good reverend can make good on his promise to get through in an hour. If he can do that, he may get the job for life!
Thaddeus reports that new member Jennings Bernard wants to throw out returned member Richard Fields for various and sundry events, and to Jennings, I say with all love and sincerity:
STFU.
We can't even get through meeting 1 without this kind of garbage? Give it up and leave it alone, or resign. So why did we kick Del off, anyway?
In other news, Thaddeus also reports the passing of Robert Gill, longtime MPD officer, a good and decent man with whom I served on the ExecCom, and the brother of Del. I have not been able to find the times for services and visitation, but we need to remember Robert, Del and their family in our thoughts and prayers. I believe a few of his friends who still are on the ExecCom will ask the assembly for a moment of silence in remembrance of this fine public servant.
I hope to make the meeting, and see if the good reverend can make good on his promise to get through in an hour. If he can do that, he may get the job for life!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Dog Bites Man...
And Lamar Alexander has just announced he will be a candidate for re-election.
Shocked, shocked, I am. Or not.
Sad as it is to say, I'm not confident that we have anyone to beat him at this time, but if Bob Tuke runs, I'll support him; he'll by God make the Red Flannel Shirt work for that office.
Stay tuned.....
Shocked, shocked, I am. Or not.
Sad as it is to say, I'm not confident that we have anyone to beat him at this time, but if Bob Tuke runs, I'll support him; he'll by God make the Red Flannel Shirt work for that office.
Stay tuned.....
Monday, April 02, 2007
WTL: Don't Whine... Organize...
Confessions of a West Tennessee Liberal...: Don't Whine... Organize...
Oh hell, just go read it, it's wonderful!
Oh hell, just go read it, it's wonderful!
We start again...
Today is a day of renewal, the day we believe that anything is possible, the day we all start even and know that our destinies are in our own hands.
No, I'm not talking about Easter, that's next week, I'm talking about OPENING DAY.
Yes, technically, the 2007 Major League Baseball season began when the defending World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals were dumped at home by the team they beat in the 2006 NLCS, the New York Mets. That's OK for them, there's 161 more to go.
My Cubs (Yes, I root for both the Cubs and the Sox, what of it???) open at Cincinnati on both WGN and ESPN2 at 1 PM. The Sox open at the Cell at the same time against the Cleveland Indians, they of the loss to the Cardinals in the Civil Rights Game.
This spirit of renewal can also be found at that most unlikely place known as the Shelby County Democratic Party, which has also been returned to the Endless Blogroll. There is a new Chair, so a new chance to remain on the blogroll has been given.
The CA sent a newby out to cover this story, so they got the vote margin wrong, it was 47-18 for Rev. Keith Norman over attorney Jay Bailey; Norman won votes from all of the "factions" involved. After it was over, he gave a heartfelt thanks to Bailey and asked him to play a role in shaping the party's future.
My take from what I have seen is that, despite complaints from some circles (and you know who you are) I don't think Norman can be owned by ANYBODY, and is not afraid to call bullshit on anyone.
They begin their journey on Thursday night at the IBEW with a new purpose, with some old faces on the outside (Del Gill, among others) and some new faces to be watched (welcome, Landis Hunt!) and the return of a surprising old face (Richard Fields, PLEASE don't do anything to get tossed again!).
All in all, it bears watching.
PLAY BALL!
No, I'm not talking about Easter, that's next week, I'm talking about OPENING DAY.
Yes, technically, the 2007 Major League Baseball season began when the defending World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals were dumped at home by the team they beat in the 2006 NLCS, the New York Mets. That's OK for them, there's 161 more to go.
My Cubs (Yes, I root for both the Cubs and the Sox, what of it???) open at Cincinnati on both WGN and ESPN2 at 1 PM. The Sox open at the Cell at the same time against the Cleveland Indians, they of the loss to the Cardinals in the Civil Rights Game.
This spirit of renewal can also be found at that most unlikely place known as the Shelby County Democratic Party, which has also been returned to the Endless Blogroll. There is a new Chair, so a new chance to remain on the blogroll has been given.
The CA sent a newby out to cover this story, so they got the vote margin wrong, it was 47-18 for Rev. Keith Norman over attorney Jay Bailey; Norman won votes from all of the "factions" involved. After it was over, he gave a heartfelt thanks to Bailey and asked him to play a role in shaping the party's future.
My take from what I have seen is that, despite complaints from some circles (and you know who you are) I don't think Norman can be owned by ANYBODY, and is not afraid to call bullshit on anyone.
They begin their journey on Thursday night at the IBEW with a new purpose, with some old faces on the outside (Del Gill, among others) and some new faces to be watched (welcome, Landis Hunt!) and the return of a surprising old face (Richard Fields, PLEASE don't do anything to get tossed again!).
All in all, it bears watching.
PLAY BALL!
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