I have a public radio player on my iPhone, and I go to sleep listening to WBGO, a wonderful jazz station out of Newark. This morning, about 4:40 A.M., I awoke out of a sound sleep to this standard, and understood the reason why. Susan, this is for you.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
I've been busy.
No, not THAT kind of busy, get your mind out of the gutter! However, as you were made aware earlier, I am coming out of my slumbers, albeit slowly. Let's just say that I have met someone who has taken me to a better place, to real life and not just mere existence. But enough about that for now.
This is why I haven't written about the madness going on between the city and MCS, and besides, if you're not reading Steve Ross' Vibinc blog, you are missing out and what the hell is wrong with you anyway? :) Seriously, Ross isn't just my friend, he is a civic treasure and you will learn more about the inner workings of this city than you can possibly imagine. OK, that's enough there, don't want to give him the big head!
And I apologize for not writing, but, yeah, I've been busy being really happy and it's been a while for me.
Now, then, to real politics. AC Wharton was boasting at his re-election HQ opening the other day, video courtesy of the amazing Jackson Baker at the Flyer:
Well, hell yes, he's going to win; as I told my email list this morning, no one who could beat him (and THAT's a small list, maybe Cohen, who doesn't want the job) is running, and no one who is running can beat him. If he doesn't get 65% of the vote, he has problems.
He has the support of the business community, will get 95% of the white vote and half the African-American vote, and he will win. Period. He's NOT Herenton and it really doesn't matter what he does, white folks will vote for him.
Has he done a good job? Well, THAT depends upon with whom you speak. Talk to the public unions, who are dismayed that Wharton was playing footsie with Councilor Kemp Conrad and his hints of privatization, and they may tell you a different story.
Personally, I like him; professionally, we ALL need to keep the pressure on him, and not let up. Keep protesting, because he needs to know that just because he will be re-elected, things are not perfect, not by a damn sight.
Now, to the Council. I can understand why Jim Strickland has no opposition, he has represented his district well, and no one would be dumb enough to take him on. Yes, he has a war chest, but look at the area he represents (Midtown, East Memphis) and look at the connections he has to both sides of the Democratic and Republican sides. Has he done everything I like, hell no, and I have let him know. Still, I can vote for him.
No opposition for Reid Hedgepeth??? Really? Are you telling me Anthony Anderson couldn't have jumped into THAT race instead of splitting the vote against Kemp Conrad? That smells like ass, people.
Sharon Webb has inexplicably filed to run against Edmund Ford, Jr., who has done a very fine job for District 6. Imagine my joy to have heard that Edmund Ford had pulled a petition for Mayor, imagine my despair to learn that it was his FATHER.
As for District 7, It seems to have been drawn to help UM law professor Lee Harris win the seat, but I am supporting Scott Banbury, the hard-working naturalist of Cypress Creek. He knows the area (even as redrawn) better than anyone else there. I like Lee Harris, but Banbury will be closer to his constituency.
All right, gotta go get ready for work, more later. I am back, peeps!
This is why I haven't written about the madness going on between the city and MCS, and besides, if you're not reading Steve Ross' Vibinc blog, you are missing out and what the hell is wrong with you anyway? :) Seriously, Ross isn't just my friend, he is a civic treasure and you will learn more about the inner workings of this city than you can possibly imagine. OK, that's enough there, don't want to give him the big head!
And I apologize for not writing, but, yeah, I've been busy being really happy and it's been a while for me.
Now, then, to real politics. AC Wharton was boasting at his re-election HQ opening the other day, video courtesy of the amazing Jackson Baker at the Flyer:
Well, hell yes, he's going to win; as I told my email list this morning, no one who could beat him (and THAT's a small list, maybe Cohen, who doesn't want the job) is running, and no one who is running can beat him. If he doesn't get 65% of the vote, he has problems.
He has the support of the business community, will get 95% of the white vote and half the African-American vote, and he will win. Period. He's NOT Herenton and it really doesn't matter what he does, white folks will vote for him.
Has he done a good job? Well, THAT depends upon with whom you speak. Talk to the public unions, who are dismayed that Wharton was playing footsie with Councilor Kemp Conrad and his hints of privatization, and they may tell you a different story.
Personally, I like him; professionally, we ALL need to keep the pressure on him, and not let up. Keep protesting, because he needs to know that just because he will be re-elected, things are not perfect, not by a damn sight.
Now, to the Council. I can understand why Jim Strickland has no opposition, he has represented his district well, and no one would be dumb enough to take him on. Yes, he has a war chest, but look at the area he represents (Midtown, East Memphis) and look at the connections he has to both sides of the Democratic and Republican sides. Has he done everything I like, hell no, and I have let him know. Still, I can vote for him.
No opposition for Reid Hedgepeth??? Really? Are you telling me Anthony Anderson couldn't have jumped into THAT race instead of splitting the vote against Kemp Conrad? That smells like ass, people.
Sharon Webb has inexplicably filed to run against Edmund Ford, Jr., who has done a very fine job for District 6. Imagine my joy to have heard that Edmund Ford had pulled a petition for Mayor, imagine my despair to learn that it was his FATHER.
As for District 7, It seems to have been drawn to help UM law professor Lee Harris win the seat, but I am supporting Scott Banbury, the hard-working naturalist of Cypress Creek. He knows the area (even as redrawn) better than anyone else there. I like Lee Harris, but Banbury will be closer to his constituency.
All right, gotta go get ready for work, more later. I am back, peeps!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
It's Official - Otis Jackson Has Been Indicted
So says Bill Dries at The Daily News.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, all are innocent until found guilty by a jury of their peers (No Casey Anthony jokes, please). That said, it's time to get someone warmed up in the Democratic bullpen to run in his place.
Why? Well, as you know if you are a regular reader of this fine blog, I have had my reservations about the former Tiger's abilities to hold this office for a while now, and while everyone should have a chance to mount a credible defense, they should not hold the Democratic Party hostage while doing so. If indeed, he is acquitted, then another position could open up for him. If not, well, then he is done.
Flame away if you must, we have to think about the future of the party. People are TIRED of this crap, public office is not to reap spoils, it's to take care of the public interest, not profit from it, and we need to have officials who are above reproach. The point, of course, is to not even be PUT in this position.
Don't hand me crap about how this has been done before, blah blah blah. It is NEVER anyone's turn to reap the spoils of bad government, it is their turn to provide GOOD, CLEAN government, and yes, it IS possible.
Rant over.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, all are innocent until found guilty by a jury of their peers (No Casey Anthony jokes, please). That said, it's time to get someone warmed up in the Democratic bullpen to run in his place.
Why? Well, as you know if you are a regular reader of this fine blog, I have had my reservations about the former Tiger's abilities to hold this office for a while now, and while everyone should have a chance to mount a credible defense, they should not hold the Democratic Party hostage while doing so. If indeed, he is acquitted, then another position could open up for him. If not, well, then he is done.
Flame away if you must, we have to think about the future of the party. People are TIRED of this crap, public office is not to reap spoils, it's to take care of the public interest, not profit from it, and we need to have officials who are above reproach. The point, of course, is to not even be PUT in this position.
Don't hand me crap about how this has been done before, blah blah blah. It is NEVER anyone's turn to reap the spoils of bad government, it is their turn to provide GOOD, CLEAN government, and yes, it IS possible.
Rant over.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Friday, July 08, 2011
DWSC Meeting This Saturday!
DEMOCRATIC WOMEN
OF SHELBY COUNTY
Monthly Meeting July 9, 2011
The Piccadilly Cafeteria
5272 Mt. Moriah View
Lunch 12:00 Noon, Meeting Time 12:30 PM
Speaker: Adrienne Pakis-Gillon,
DWSC member and State Democratic Committee Woman Adrienne will discuss the National Federation of Democratic Women’s annual convention, which she attended in May, and other political topics.
Speaker: James Johnson,
A grass-roots organizer for the Obama campaign. He will bring us up to date on the campaign and how we can be involved.
We will also discuss our September 17th Salad Fest. Bring your ideas and save the date.
If you are not appalled by what the Republican State Legislatures are doing you are not paying attention. And did you know? Women still earn only $.77 in wages for every $1.00 that a man is paid. . Get involved!
Thursday, July 07, 2011
G-Town Democratic Club meets Wednesday, July 27
Germantown Democratic Club
Wednesday, July 27
6:30 PM
Cordova Public Library
8457 Trinity Road
Mark
your calendars and plan to attend the Germantown Democratic Club’s July
meeting. Dr. Doug Imig of the Urban Child Institute will be the guest
speaker. Dr. Imig, who is a Professor of Political Science at the
University of Memphis, will present information on what the future can
hold for children born in Shelby County in 2006, the Class of 2025!
He will discuss how investments in early childhood development can
dramatically reduce the effects of poverty and other risks on child
outcomes.
Plan to be there! Guests and friends are always welcome.
Cue the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies Theme!
Steven Russell of Fox 13 tweets that Edmund Ford has pulled a petition to run for Mayor of Memphis. Edmund Ford SENIOR, not Edmund Ford JUNIOR, who could give AC Wharton a scare, but Ed SENIOR.
Wow. Just wow.
Wow. Just wow.
Monday, July 04, 2011
A moment of shameless self-promotion
Lexie Carter and Cheri DelBrocco have graciously invited your humble Cracker to come on their KWAM 990 AM radio show, EYES ON MEMPHIS, this Wednesday from 8-9 AM, and I hope you will listen to our conversation. If you're already at your desk or near a computer at that time, there IS a link to their internet stream, so I hope you will give it a listen!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)