A tale of two legislators

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE: Senator Kyle has withdrawn his bill regarding the replacement of legislators with severe illness, apparently after being advised that it was unconstitutional.

Pesky speaks, you listen!

YES. YES. YES. YES.

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

NOW, if possible.

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

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

An oldie but goodie

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

A terrific thing happened this weekend...

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

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

David Upton.

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

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

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

Weekly Blogger Roundup is here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sad news...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rant over!

This is yet ANOTHER reason to support our Congressman

January 17, 2008

Press Release
For Immediate Release

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hat tip to Polar Donkey...

Cohen on THE DAILY SHOW tonight!

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

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

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

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

The Obamanites are coming!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Obama explains why Ronald Reagan was a great American.

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

H/T to Kleinheider!

Edwards continues to move closer in Nevada

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

Three instructive notes about these numbers:


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

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

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

The message in all this:

THE PEOPLE NOT THE PUNDITS WILL PICK THE NOMINEE!

Endorsements for President and also county offices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Site Locations, Dates and Times
SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION

157 POPLAR AVE., SUITE 121

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

10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Saturday, January 19, 2008,

8:00 AM to 4:00 PM

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

10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Saturday, January 26, 2008,

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

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

10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Last Day, Thursday, January 31, 2008,

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Satellite Sites

Beginning, Friday, January 25, 2008,

10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Saturday, January 26, 2008,

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

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

10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Last Day, Thursday, January 31, 2008,

10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

LOCATION NAME
LOCATION ADDRESS

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

Baker Community Center
7942 Church St., 38053

Bethel Church
5586 Stage Rd., 38134

Berclair Church of Christ
4536 Summer Ave., 38122

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

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

Dave Wells Community Center
915 Chelsea Ave., 38107

Faith Baptist Church
3755 N. Germantown Rd., 38133

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

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

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

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

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

Pyramid Recovery Center
1833 S. Third St., 38109

Raleigh United Methodist Church
3295 Powers Rd., 38128

Shiloh Baptist Church
3121 Range Line Rd., 38127

Westwood High School
4480 Westmont St., 38109

White Station Church of Christ
1106 Colonial Rd., 38117

Click to display map of the EV Sites

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

SHELBY COUNTY ELECTION COMMISSION

Myra Stiles, Chairman

Richard L. Holden, Secretary

Nancye E. Hines

O. C. Pleasant, Jr.

Shep Wilbun, Jr.

Democrats for Romney!!!

Heh. H/T to AmericaBlog...

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

Weekly Blogger Roundup!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As if we needed any more reason to be proud of Bill Morrison

There's a really nice story on new City Councilor Bill Morrison in this morning's CA, and I urge you to go read it.  Hell, I didn't know he'd had to have part of his leg amputated; you sure couldn't tell it as hard as he works at whatever he's doing at a given moment.

He always listens when you have a suggestion or an idea, and I know his constituents will appreciate him for that.  This is good for the whole city, not just District 1.

A new old blogger?

In any event, we welcome Glen's blog Leaning Left but Thinking Right to THE ENDLESS BLOGROLL, and he has an interesting post about how we might regard the candidates if we were dating them:

They say dating is like a job interview. I think running for
political office is a bit like that as well. As the various Republican and
Democrats travel back and forth across the country selling themselves we get a peak at to what kind of person they would be on a date. I am basing this more on the image they present themselves on the campaign trail and not so much about their own personal lives.

Enjoy!

This may be the all-time champion from THE ONION

And no, it's NOT safe for work, but it IS hysterical.  Just click on the title and enjoy...

I Got What America Needs Right Here

OK, what the hell's wrong with me??

Why haven't I had LIBERADIO up on THE ENDLESS BLOGROLL before now??? Ok, I'm an idiot, but at least now I have rectified the problem, go to their site, download their podcasts, and read their posts.

Welcome to the blogroll!!!!

Vibinc says it's WHAT that's more important than WHO we elect in a President

Vibinc has a really solid post that you need to read. Here's a taste:

I want a President that will lead the conversation to the left. Someone who will vigorously debunk the right wing conventional wisdom that has trapped us in the spiral of stagnation. Who will fight like hell to make sure that America is living up to the grand ideals that make America great.

Go read the rest!

Cohen Open House Tomorrow; Congratulations to Randy Wade

January 10, 2008
Press Release
For Immediate Release

CONGRESSMAN COHEN OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW, FRIDAY, JANUARY 11
RANDY WADE NAMED NEW DISTRICT OFFICE DIRECTOR

Washington, DC – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) will host an Open House at his 9th District Congressional Office on Friday, January 11, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. There, constituents will have the opportunity to meet the Congressman as well as the District staff and learn how they can be assisted on a variety of issues. The District Office is located in Suite 369 of the Clifford Davis / Odell Horton Federal Building at 167 N. Main St.

“As we begin a new year and approach the beginning of a new session of Congress, I want to invite you join me this Friday at my District Office located in the Clifford Davis / Odell Horton Federal Building for an Open House to discuss issues of interest to our Congressional District,” said Congressman Cohen.

In conjunction with the Open House, Congressman Cohen has just announced that long-time law enforcement officer and community leader Randy Wade will take over as District Director, replacing Sherman Greer. Mr. Wade served as Deputy District Director for Congressman Cohen for the past year.

“I’m thrilled to have someone with Randy’s experience and knowledge of the community directing our staff,” Congressman Cohen explained. “Through his years of service both as a mediator between law enforcement and the African American community and as a civic leader, Randy has shown his deep commitment and love for the City of Memphis. He has been a great friend to me and I have the utmost faith in his abilities.”

Mr. Wade has been a prominent figure in the community since his appointment in 1982 to the position of deputy administrator of the Shelby County Sherriff’s Department. “I was the blocker,” he said. “If people had problems, then they would come see me before they went to a lawyer because I could usually solve their problems by talking to the right people in the right division.”

Congressman Cohen added, “That’s what Randy brings to the table: the ability to solve problems. He’s been doing it for over a quarter of a century, and he has the trust of people in the community.”

Mr. Wade is also credited with elevating the Sherriff Department’s drug prevention program with the help of an old friend, former NBA All-Star and Memphis Tiger basketball legend Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway. “Penny and I always had a great relationship,” explained Mr. Wade. “He had to grow up without a father and so did I, so I tried to be a mentor for him over the years. When I was trying to get the youth anti-drug program in Memphis off the ground, Penny was a big help because all the kids look up to him.”

Born and raised in Memphis, Mr. Wade served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War, receiving numerous accolades for his service. He said that his most memorable experience during that time was recovering the Apollo 10 spacecraft while aboard the USS Princeton in 1969 after it landed in the Pacific Ocean near American Samoa.

Mr. Wade said that he is looking forward to continuing to work with Congressman Cohen in the area of constituent service for years to come. “Steve and I have been close friends for years,” he said. “He’s done a great job handling the responsibilities of representing the people of the 9th District and helping out the people when they come to him. I think that I can make our office even better, though, with my previous experience. I’ve been doing this kind of work all of my life. The people of Memphis and Shelby County need to know that if they ever have any problems that Congressman Cohen can help with to call us at the District Office and we’ll take care of it.”

Congressman Cohen reiterated that sentiment, saying, “Our office prides itself on providing the highest level of constituent service in the country. I think with Randy Wade at the helm of our District Office, we are going to up the ante. Randy has more experience doing this than anybody in Memphis, and I have the utmost faith in him to get the job done.”
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Jim Kyle, you da man!

The Democratic leader of the Senate has come up with a bill that would enable Senator Ophelia Ford to temporarily step aside from her seat due to health reasons, and appoint a temporary successor.  It would also enable the Governor and/or the General Assembly to do the same if she refused to do so.  Click the link for the CA story and the bill itself.

Look, something has to be done here; as I have noted previously, the citizens of District 29 have no representation, and the Senate, even though tied at 16-16-1, could be run roughshod by the Republicans, and that is NEVER a good thing.  If Senator Ford were to give us more information and her doctors could provide a prognosis, this might not be necessary.  This simply CANNOT continue as it has, and I fully support Senator Kyle's actions.

This, essentially, is the concept of administrative leave, whereby a person can step aside from their duties until such time as their health improves or their legal situation is resolved.  It works in other parts of the country, why not here?

All in all, thumbs up to Senator Kyle for this solution to a sad and potentially tragic situation.

Finally, it's over, thank heavens

The final case in the Tennessee Waltz scandal has been adjudicated, as former School Board member Michael Hooks Jr. plead guilty to one embezzlement charge this morning; the US Attorney's office agreed to dismiss the other three counts.

This brings to a close a sordid era in local politics, one that teaches a solid lesson: don't be so damn bold in taking money, learn how to disguise bribery like the Republicans do!

Enough said.

I really hate having to say this, but....

UPDATE 01/09, thanks again to ACK:

From the office of Jim Kyle:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 9, 2008
ADVISORY: KYLE AVAIL ON DISTRICT 29 BILL NASHVILLE -- At 8:45 a.m. CST on Thursday, January 10, Democratic Leader Senator Jim Kyle, D-Memphis, will hold a media availability in the Legislative Plaza Press Gallery to discuss legislation related to the situation in Senate District 29.
WHO: Senator Jim Kyle
WHAT: Avail on District 29 legislation
WHEN: Thursday, January 10, 8:45 a.m. CST
WHERE: Legislative Plaza Press Gallery

Ruh-roh.

If Senator Ophelia Ford (D-29) is going to be absent from her Senate duties for an extended period of time, as her attorney has advised, then the question must be asked: What is her long-term prognosis?

I'm not the first to ask this question; Senator Jim Kyle (D-28), her party's Leader in the Senate, has apparently asked this as well. From his perspective, he needs to know whether he can count on her vote at any point in the legislative session, which begins tomorrow.

As you know, I supported her in her first election, and through the fol-de-rol of whether it was legal or not. I don't want to throw her out in the snow if there is a reasonable chance that she will return soon. However, her constituency has a right to know if they are going to have representation this spring, or ever. I believe that someone with a knowledge of her condition needs to make a public explanation, so that the citizens of Senate 29 can determine if they need to request that she resign in order to take care of her health and that they can replace her.

This is not meant with any disrespect to Senator Ford or her family or anyone connected to her. Her constituency needs to know what the prognosis is for her recovery, as her physical inability to perform her duties effectively disenfranchises them while session is going on.

Personally, I think I speak for everyone in the Democratic family when I am hoping and praying for a speedy and full recovery for Senator Ford. She has a good heart and the best intentions for District 29.

However, it is becoming apparent that she simply may not have the physical health necessary to perform her duties at the level her constituents require. There is no shame in this whatsoever, and I wish her only the best.

If this in fact is the case, it is incumbent on those around her to make this public, or at least explain the situation and make clear that she can recover, if possible.

I believe this is in the best interest of Senator Ford and her constituents.

Thanks to Kleinheider for the hat tip.

The TNDP has their OWN blog, and they've linked to US!

We welcome THE DONKEY'S MOUTH to THE ENDLESS BLOGROLL, and we are delighted and honored that they have your Cracker on their blogroll. Of course, we are responding in kind.

We suspect that they are kind of new to this, as they left TennViews off their roll, I have asked them to add it, and I know they will. As some of my brother and sister bloggers here have dubbed me the Blogfather, Mr. Neal at TennViews is that figure for the state. If he hadn't started SouthKnoxBubba, I would never have done this, and I owe him greatly.

Go enjoy THE DONKEY'S MOUTH!

We welcome Lovable Liberal to THE ENDLESS BLOGROLL

Lovable Liberal is the new kid on the block, and an Edwards supporter. I first read this blogger at TennViews, so when they put up their own blog, I thought I would link them over here.

Go read it!

OK, now what?

It's not over yet, boys and girls; Hillary Clinton won a close victory in a small state over Barack Obama on Tuesday night. It probably had nothing to do with Obama, or Edwards, but with the media's vicious assaults on the Senator from New York after she had a truly human moment on Monday where her voice cracked while talking about her personal this race was for her. It was great human theater, while being pure and sincere at the same time.

She's still my third choice in the primary, after John Edwards and Obama, but she brought the race back to even after two weeks, which is a good thing. The longer this stretches out, the better I like it. We need to see more from everyone, and I am hoping for a win from Edwards (and he NEEDS one).

I'm not a fan of HRC by a long shot, but the vitriol that media people like Chris Matthews show toward her is out and out misogyny, people; Matthews is a punk and not to be trusted.

There are men who absolutely fear her because she is a strong woman; I think she makes their balls shrink up because she does not take bullshit from anyone. Well, except for one Big Dog, maybe.

Frankly, they are looking for ANY excuse not to vote for her if she is the Democratic nominee. She is not who I want as our nominee, because I don't like a lot of the people around her except for those directly related to her. I think she puts us in the most vulnerable position in November, no doubt about it.

However, if she is our nominee, I will support her. I won't be thrilled, I think she's too corporate, but I will support her. America will not survive four more years of a Republican presidency, period.

However, at this time, I have a choice, and his name is John Edwards.

BREAKING NEWS

But not surprising news: former Mississippi Governor Ronnie Musgrove is going to challenge newly-appointed US Senator Roger Wicker for that seat.

More news as it arrives...

UPDATE: Former Congressman Ronnie Shows is also entering the Democratic Primary for Senator! H/T to 2008 Senate Guru....

Great article from FearlessVK

In which she writes about the CA's decision to have a graphic on their site counting out-of-wedlock births.

Here's a taste:

It almost makes me pine for fire-breathing right-wingers who at least admit what they're really up to: the demonization of single mothers. Cashman, on the other hand, insists that "we're not picking on anybody." This is either stupendously naive or profoundly disingenuous.

More here, go read the rest!

Well, Vibinc has taken the ball and run...

For a couple of touchdowns, at least.

Our blogging compadre takes the subject of my earlier post on consolidation and takes it to another level:

Herenton’s been beating this drum since the mid-90’s, and he has some compelling arguments in his favor. Unfortunately, at least this time around, he brings up consolidation with no plan, other than the tyranny of the majority, in the form of a state constitutional amendment. A sales pitch like that will have the starving running away from free food.

That's just the tip of the iceberg, here's another morsel:

Aside from the linguistic intricacies there are some structural issues that could also be a barrier to a unified County government. Currently, the cities of Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Lakeland and Millington, cities that would be consolidated, have 32 Aldermen between them. If there are some 250,000 people in those 6 communities that amounts to a representation rate of 1:7800, far better than the current rate in the City of Memphis, 1:50000. Would you give up that level of direct representation without some guarantee that what you were getting was either as good, or better? I didn’t think so.

Now, you need to go over there to get the rest of it; you'll be glad you did.

Your first liberal blogger roundup of 2008 is here!

As always, thanks to TennViews!

A "corn fed" edition the TennViews weekly liberal blog roundup, with Iowa caucus/straw poll reaction from some of Tennessee's best and brightest bloggers:

• 10,000 Monkeys and a Camera: Almost spot on prediction, and The Kids are Alright

• Andy Axel (at TennViews): The latest unbelievable wingnut spin

• BlountViews: Respect for Dodd and Biden

• The Crone Speaks: Electability over issues, and Voter turnout is the big story

• Enclave: The Obama Edwards dilemma

• Fletch: The Gaussian candidate

• KnoxViews: Down to the wire, and Knoxville News Sentinel has a sense of humor

• Lean Left: Caucus thoughts: A mess for the GOP, a remarkable win for Obama, and The "Not Clinton" problem

• Left of the Dial: Sick babies and loose meat sandwiches

• Left Wing Cracker: So much for Iowa being a Republican state

• NewsComa: Going against the grain, and Bold predictions for the aftermath

• Pesky Fly: Interpreting the tongues, and Fear of success

• Progress Nashville: Status quo: 0, Change: 1, and The young and the restless, plus Two miracles

• Russ McBee: Thoughts on Edwards, bonus: Quote of the day

• Sean Braisted: The awesome power of hope, and The defeat of absolutism

• Sharon Cobb: Iowa votes for change, plus Cause and Kucinich/Nader effect?

• Silence Isn't Golden: Post Iowa scenarios

• Tennessee Guerilla Women: Only fools are dancing on Hillary's grave and a Hillary provides baby sitters for caucus goers, right wing whines

• TennViews: Results and observations, and More questions than answers?

• Vibinc (a new addition to the Tennessee liberal blogroll): Snakes on a campaign, and About last night, and Live Blogging the Iowa Caucuses from Drinking Liberally Memphis, bonus: Hilarious predictions

• Whites Creek Journal: What happened

And folks that's just what they're saying about Iowa. There's a lot, and I mean a lot, of other stuff going on. Check out the "Volunteer Blogs" blogroll at TennViews and read what Tennessee's best liberal bloggers have to say about it.

The opening round goes to Obama and the Huckster

My, my, my. Obama's people had predicted over 200,ooo Iowans would caucus on the Democratic side, when I couldn't remember there ever being more than 125,000. I thought either they were blowing smoke up our collective arses, or they had a great organization in the Hawkeye State.

Pick the latter, folks. There were over 218,000 who caucused Democratically on Thursday night, and the junior Senator from neighboring Illinois pulled 37.58% of them, topping John Edwards and Hillary Clinton, in that order. Mighty well done, sir, mighty well done.

I was at Drinking Liberally at Dish on the hippest corner in town, Cooper and Young, where our pal Vibinc rocked the house with his live-blogging of the current state of affairs in each party.

As for the Goopers, Mike Huckabee, after only being in the state three months and having been out-spent by Mitt Romney, who I believe had been in Iowa over a year, thoroughly tromped on the former Massachusetts Governor, 34% to 25%. Fred Thompson, rumored to be dropping out, limped in just ahead of the man he is rumored to be endorsing after said departure, John McCain.

Oh, by the way, our Blog-Ruler Kos noted the following tonight:

There were approximately 356,000 Iowans turning out from BOTH parties. Here's how the top four candidates fared when grouped together:

Obama 24.5%

Edwards 20.5%

Clinton 19.8%

Huckabee 11.4%

So much for Iowa being a Republican state!

Hi, Mr. Mayor. Could we talk for a minute?

First, Happy New Year, here's hoping you are well.  I want to be supportive here, as this is one of those subjects on which we agree, consolidation.  It would clearly be better for all citizens in this county if all services were consolidated.  We'd have to let G-Town keep GPAC, and Bartlett could keep BPACC, but still, it's a wise deal for everyone.

I understand your frustration here, but maybe your suggestion about how the referendums should be conducted might not have been the best way to approach the part of the County outside Memphis.  Oh, I know, they would still get a vote as County residents, and it might have been represented by at least one media outlet as the equivalent of tanks rolling down Poplar Avenue, but still, it DID seem a bit heavy-handed.

Look, don't take this personally, we're on the same side here and I want to see this happen as much as you do.  I think you should listen to Calvin Anderson here, I think he's going in the right direction.  You need to work on this quietly, and take yourself out this as much as you can.

I want to address this as delicately as I can, so here goes:  if you REALLY want to see this get through, you should make a public announcement that you would NOT consider running for a consolidated County Mayor's office.  Simply put, you are a lightning rod, and there are a LOT of people who would vote for this if you were out of the equation.

Look, don't get offended, I KNOW that there are lots of people out there who want Memphians to continue to subsidize their lifestyle so they don't have to pay their fair share of property taxes.  However, there are more people out there than you might think that will support consolidation.

Look, you know yourself who should be the front person for this effort, it's your buddy across the mall, you know he could sell refrigerators in Alaska in January.  Sadly, sir, this is not one of your strong points, even after 16 years in City Hall.  Take yourself out of the equation PUBLICLY, if not privately, and this can get done.

It might even be your crowning achievement, but you have to take one for the team.

Thank you for your time!

Very powerful....

Another reason I support John Edwards, H/T to Digby..

Happy New Year, and other ramblings.

Football-wise 2008 has started rather poorly, with the Fighting Illini getting their heads (and other body parts) handed to them in the Rose Bowl by USC, who is actually the best team in America, since the SEC is always over-rated.  Then Wisconsin lost to the Orange boys of East Tennessee (sorry, 'Coma, I am NOT a Vols fan, not since they sent a moving van to Bill Battle's house in 1976), which disturbed me to no end.  Oh well, at least Lloyd Carr went out a winner as the Maize & Blue beat the Florida Tebows, 41-35.  Yes, I'm a Big Ten guy, why do you ask?

Now, to other matters.  We are one year and 19 days away from the end of our long national nightmare, unless Bu$h and Cheney attempt to prevent the 2008 elections from happening for "national security" reasons.  Paranoid, you say?  Have you lived here for the last seven years?

I believe that a Democrat will be elected President, and not just because we will have the better candidate (even if it's Gravel), but for this reason:  the Huckster is the last hope of the religious conservatives in the GOP who actually believe in social justice (and there's more than you think).  If he wins the nomination, the Club For Growth crowd will vote Democratic or for the Constitution Party candidate.  If he LOSES, the people who have been the faithful foot-soldiers of the Republican Party since the mid-70s will stay home, no matter how hard Rove, Dobson and Robertson beg and plead for them to stop those commie Democrats.

So what needs to happen here is that we need to demand MORE and BETTER Democrats.  This is why I am voting for John Edwards, because his is the message that Democrats need to carry, and follow up on; that the last seven years have been nothing more than wealth redistribution to those who need it least, and NONE of it is based on merit.  This has to stop, before the nation is completely destroyed economically, and we're on the verge of that already.

Truly, anyone would be better than what we have now, at least if they're Democrats, but now is a time that calls for someone who understands the economic problems facing America, which is why the Kewl Kids of the Beltway are trying to get voters to care more about John Edwards' hair than his message.  They are frightened of Edwards, and that's why we're starting to see the likes of Rupert Murdoch cozying up to Senator Clinton.

Hillary?  A) she's NOT Bill, she grew up in the NW suburbs of Chicago and was a Goldwater Girl, for heaven's sakes.  She has relics of the past like James Carville and sellouts like Mark Penn running her show, and people need to understand that this is NOT a restoration, because we face different problems, due to the incompetence and malfeasance and unlawfulness of the Bu$h Administration.  She's not the answer.

Neither is the junior Senator from Illinois, I'm afraid.  A good man? Absolutely.  A great orator? He's almost in Bill Clinton territory.  So, why not jump on the bandwagon?  Because he is too timid to say no to business, or anyone else, for that matter.  He simply has not been around long enough to be tempered and tested for this office that he seeks.  2016? Quite possibly.  2008?  No way.

Confession:  Whenever I take one of those surveys that match me up with candidates, I inevitably wind up agreeing more with Dennis Kucinich than anyone else.  If I had any thought that he could win, I would send him money today, but I just don't, and the problem is we need someone with Kucinich's views and Bill Clinton's salesmanship to lead this country right now, and the candidate who, to me exemplifies the best combination of both is John Edwards.

So, now you know.