I don't even have any pictures of the annual Chism picnic, because it was too damned hot and humid. If I hadn't gone to the tent shared by Minerva Johnican and Judge Rhynette Northcross Hurd, I might have passed out. I didn't even work the crowd like normal.
About that crowd: with TWO other events scheduled at the same time (Randy Wade's luau and Shep Wilbun's HQ opening), the crowd, at least until 2:30 was way down this year, and most of the people there were campaign workers. One other thing: the GOP candidates worked this as hard as the Democrats, which shows they are somewhat desperate. The woods of Southwest Memphis are not filled with Republican voters, last I checked.
Yet, there were Sheriff Mark Luttrell, Circuit Court Clerk Jimmy Moore and Juvenile Court Clerk candidate Joy Touliatos working the crowd, and Criminal Court Clerk candidate Kevin Key showed up before I left.
Now, our stalwarts were there, for the most part. Mayor Joe Ford, Trustee Regina Morrison Newman, Shep Wilbun spoke there before going to his HQ event, Circuit Court Clerk candidate Ricky Dixon was there, along with the once and future Criminal Court Clerk, Minerva Johnican, whose washcloth saved me.
I left before Doc Herenton spoke, which is sad, because I wanted to show him my Cohen t-shirt and ask him where my Herenton t-shirt was that he promised me last year! Heh.
Ok, so I gave out at 2:30 and went home to lay down, take a nap and awaken just in time to see the USA lose to Ghana, ending their World Cup run.
Back to the nap, more later about why the Democratic candidate for Governor, who was there last year but NOT this year, should have been there, and why he needs to get his butt to Memphis and pronto.
Out.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
THE INFLUENCE OF MONEY ON OUR DEMOCRACY – THIS SUNDAY
PUBLIC ISSUES FORUM MEETING
DATE/TIME: SUNDAY - JUNE 27TH - 3PM
LOCATION: Benjamin Hooks Library - 3030 Poplar Ave - Memphis
THE INFLUENCE OF MONEY ON OUR DEMOCRACY –
Facts and Implications of the recent Supreme Court Decision allowing
unlimited Corporate Contributions to Campaign Finance.
SPEAKERS:
Dr. Heather Larsen-Price is an assistant professor in the political science department at the University of Memphis where she teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in American politics and research methods. Her broad research interests include American political institutions, public policy processes, as well as decision making and information processing. She specializes in presidency studies. Her research has been published in American Political Science Review, The Journal of Politics, and Political Research Quarterly.
Steve Mulroy is a tenured professor at the University of Memphis School of Law, where he teaches constitutional law, criminal law, constitutional criminal procedure, and civil rights. He has published scholarly articles in the areas of voting rights and election law. He also serves as a Shelby County Commissioner, first elected in 2006, and has worked on election reform issues both locally and nationally as an advocate and litigator. Before coming to Memphis, he did voting rights litigation for the U.S. Justice Department in Washington, D.C. Both his blood type and his chirpy personal motto are "B positive."
There will be time for questions. The meeting is free and open to the public.
The Public Issues Forum is a Memphis voluntary association, which sponsors programs to inform and educate the public on current issues and seeks to reinforce the principles set forth in the Constitution of the United States.
Public Issues Forum
P.O. Box 241011
Memphis TN 38124-1011. -
DATE/TIME: SUNDAY - JUNE 27TH - 3PM
LOCATION: Benjamin Hooks Library - 3030 Poplar Ave - Memphis
THE INFLUENCE OF MONEY ON OUR DEMOCRACY –
Facts and Implications of the recent Supreme Court Decision allowing
unlimited Corporate Contributions to Campaign Finance.
SPEAKERS:
Dr. Heather Larsen-Price is an assistant professor in the political science department at the University of Memphis where she teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses in American politics and research methods. Her broad research interests include American political institutions, public policy processes, as well as decision making and information processing. She specializes in presidency studies. Her research has been published in American Political Science Review, The Journal of Politics, and Political Research Quarterly.
Steve Mulroy is a tenured professor at the University of Memphis School of Law, where he teaches constitutional law, criminal law, constitutional criminal procedure, and civil rights. He has published scholarly articles in the areas of voting rights and election law. He also serves as a Shelby County Commissioner, first elected in 2006, and has worked on election reform issues both locally and nationally as an advocate and litigator. Before coming to Memphis, he did voting rights litigation for the U.S. Justice Department in Washington, D.C. Both his blood type and his chirpy personal motto are "B positive."
There will be time for questions. The meeting is free and open to the public.
The Public Issues Forum is a Memphis voluntary association, which sponsors programs to inform and educate the public on current issues and seeks to reinforce the principles set forth in the Constitution of the United States.
Public Issues Forum
P.O. Box 241011
Memphis TN 38124-1011. -
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
We're LESS THAN A WEEK AWAY, and you don't want to miss this!
I'll be there, and you ought to come out there, too!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
I'm taking some time off
As you know, every now and then I have to step away from LWC. I am ok, I just need a short break and I need to start putting some time in at Speak To Power to take some of the load off Ross and Trace, who have been playing Hercules for too long.
I have some thoughts running through my head, I just need time to organize them.
OK Then, remember that we are only a week away from the Chism Picnic, I'll move that up to the top later. Saturday, we have some events, like Steve Cohen's Whitehaven HQ opening, and like Lexie Carter's event at 3 PM to raise money for the Coordinated Campaign for SCDP, shown below.
Oh, and before I go, Lexie is my hero of the week. Why? Go check out how she asked our former Mayor why she should vote, as a Democrat, for someone who supports Republicans. Bravo, girl!
Now, I have some family business to attend to, I'll be back in a few days. Go see Lexie today!
I have some thoughts running through my head, I just need time to organize them.
OK Then, remember that we are only a week away from the Chism Picnic, I'll move that up to the top later. Saturday, we have some events, like Steve Cohen's Whitehaven HQ opening, and like Lexie Carter's event at 3 PM to raise money for the Coordinated Campaign for SCDP, shown below.
Oh, and before I go, Lexie is my hero of the week. Why? Go check out how she asked our former Mayor why she should vote, as a Democrat, for someone who supports Republicans. Bravo, girl!
Now, I have some family business to attend to, I'll be back in a few days. Go see Lexie today!
Friday, June 11, 2010
I would love to attend this!
(June 11, 2010, 1:30 P.M.) – You've heard the controversial campaign slogan "Just One". Whether you agree or disagree the question has been raised. Is there a need for a more diverse Tennessee Congressional Delegation?
Former Memphis Mayor and current 9th District Congressional Candidate Willie W. Herenton will speak before and answer questions from the Voice of Raleigh and Frayser Community Action Network.
This meeting is free to the public and complimentary pizza will be served while it lasts. Take advantage of this opportunity to hear for yourself, ask questions directly to the candidate and make an informed vote.
We look forward to your participation. Thanks for your support.
The Voice of Raleigh and Frayser Community Action Network Monthly Meeting
The Voice of Raleigh and Frayser Community Action Network Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
6 Pm
Exline's Pizza
2935 Old Austin Peay Hwy @ Stage Road
Please arrive early.
6 Pm
Exline's Pizza
2935 Old Austin Peay Hwy @ Stage Road
Please arrive early.
ABetterMemphis.com is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization and does not endorse candidates nor political affiliations or parties.
For more information call: 901-372-8925, email info@TheVoiceOfRaleighFrayser.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Speak to Power Speaks to the DWSC This Saturday
Yes, yours truly, along with STP stars Steve Ross and Trace Sharp, will be appearing at the monthly luncheon of the Democratic Women of Shelby County this Saturday.
The meeting takes place at the Piccadilly Cafeteria on Mt. Moriah (near American Way) with lunch at 11:30 and the speechifying takes place around noonish.
We appreciate the invite, extended to us at BratFest by Adrienne Pakis-Gillon; our general topic will be about blogging, with each of us bringing a different perspective.
I have not finalized my speech yet, but I will talk mostly about the Blackhawks and the fetish of bison-poo stomping. No, not really, you'll just have to show up to find out!
The meeting takes place at the Piccadilly Cafeteria on Mt. Moriah (near American Way) with lunch at 11:30 and the speechifying takes place around noonish.
We appreciate the invite, extended to us at BratFest by Adrienne Pakis-Gillon; our general topic will be about blogging, with each of us bringing a different perspective.
I have not finalized my speech yet, but I will talk mostly about the Blackhawks and the fetish of bison-poo stomping. No, not really, you'll just have to show up to find out!
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Yes, I started crying when I saw this live
Former Hawk Jeremy Roenick gets emotional celebrating the Hawks' Stanley Cup:
FINALLY!!!!
For the first time since April 16, 1961, when I was just over two years old, the Chicago Blackhawks have won the Stanley Cup, eliminating the Philadelphia Flyers in overtime, 4-3 on Pat Kane's goal.
This has not been one of my favorite years by any stretch, but this is a welcome night, as I began to doubt if I would ever see this happen again in my lifetime. Way to go, Hawks!!!
Predators fans, I hope you someday get to feel the way I am feeling tonight, I just hope you don't have to wait 49 years for it!
Monday, June 07, 2010
KnoxViews Sets Up a BP Live Feed Page
Thanks to Trace at STP for letting us know about this, you need to check it out.
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Friday, June 04, 2010
GMAIL is screwing with me again
I haven't been able to use my email mailing list for nearly a day now; I'm certain that it's because they are trying force me to go to Google Groups, and I refuse. I have been sending to this list for a decade now and this is ridiculous. I can't help but notice that this happened after I sent something out on Net Neutrality.
Thursday, June 03, 2010
RIP Liberadio
From our friend Adam Kleinheider comes this word:
Liberadio(!) radio duo calls it quits
Today at 1:18pm
One of Nashville's more celebrated alternative news sources has decided to call it quits. Liberadio(!) with Mary Mancini and Freddie O'Connell, which has been broadcast on 91.1 WRVU Monday mornings since 2004, wrapped it's final episode on May 17. The hosts say the final decision was made over the Memorial Day weekend. The reason: time.
"We've done the show as an almost entirely volunteer hobby without more than an occasional break for nearly six years, usually while both of us were working full-time," said O'Connell. "Having half a weekend and brutal Monday mornings to kick off a full work week is exhausting."
With the bold mission of "liberating radio from the Right," hosts O'Connell and Mancini sought to provide a counterbalance to what they saw as a decidedly rightward tilt to over-the-air radio in Nashville. Although mostly a labor of love throughout its tenure, Mancini and O'Connell did attempt to expand and make their project commercially viable.
The duo did a 13-week experimental stint on WAMB-AM and WNSG-AM in the spring of 2007 buying time out of their own pockets and selling ads for their shows, acting as their own salesforce. The foray into commercialism was ultimately unsustainable as the hosts struggled to handle the business side of the project while maintaining the quality of the show.
"We knew we couldn't continue doing the show and sales beyond the pilot period, or the product would suffer," explained Mancini. "We never found either a station or salesperson who was willing to partner with us for a more sustainable experiment."
Liberadio(!) has been able to stay on the air through the generosity of Vanderbilt University's community DJ program. The university has for years offered an ever dwindling number of on-air spots on its station to members of the community not otherwise affiliated with the university. Mancini and O'Connell were thus able to build up their brand and provide a service to the community at a limited cost to them.
"We operated a popular blog, added a podcast, and even a live video stream, so we definitely achieved our goals of bootstrapping with low overhead for maximum impact," said O'Connell. "But you can't start a 10,000-watt radio station in your garage quite so easily."
Despite failing to reach a broader commercial audience, Liberadio(!) never failed to be honored by their community and recognized for the high news content of their show. O'Connell and Mancini were recognized three times in the Nashville Scene's Readers Poll and twice consecutively by Talkers magazine as one of their "Frontier Fifty," a list highlighting talk hosts doing pioneering work on the web.
The show also had an impact in political terms having received, on more than one occasion, requests by candidates for their endorsement.
"We were frequently asked whether we would be endorsing in given races or whether we would sponsor various issue debates," said Mancini. "We heard several voters tell us they had voted the Liberadio(!) ticket."
The Liberadio(!) brand also made waves in the national media; the most recent being in February of 2009 when Congressman Jim Cooper seemed to indicate during an interview that he had been granted permission by President Obama to vote against a health care bill being pushed by the administration in order to make it "cleaner." Cooper subsequently walked back the remarks once they began to get wider circulation. The episode led the hosts to ask almost every subsequent guest to finish the sentence, "I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but..."
Despite having the opportunity to interview candidates, elected leaders and public intellectuals what the hosts most enjoyed was interacting with the audience.
"We had the best and smartest listeners in the world," said the hosts. "[W]e loved hearing from them on all kinds of topics."
Asked what the Liberadio(!) legacy will be, the hosts answered with their characteristic wit and modesty.
"Launching the career of Stephen Colbert. Didn't we do that? Oh, who knows. Maybe someday we'll have our own Wikipedia page."
Freddie O'Connell, a native Nashvillian, is a graduate of Montgomery Bell Academy and Brown University and currently runs SearchViz, a boutique inbound marketing and web design firm. A longtime political and community activist. O'Connell currently serves as president of the Salemtown Neighborhood Association and on the board of the Metropolitan Transit Authority. In 2002, O'Connell ran as an independent against then-TNGOP chairwoman and state Rep. Beth Harwell.
Mary Mancini, best known as the owner and proprietor on the now defunct Lucy's Record Shop, has served on the board of various political and community groups including the Tennessee Alliance for Progress. On Monday, she will start work as Tennessee Citizen Action's Executive Director.
"We've done the show as an almost entirely volunteer hobby without more than an occasional break for nearly six years, usually while both of us were working full-time," said O'Connell. "Having half a weekend and brutal Monday mornings to kick off a full work week is exhausting."
With the bold mission of "liberating radio from the Right," hosts O'Connell and Mancini sought to provide a counterbalance to what they saw as a decidedly rightward tilt to over-the-air radio in Nashville. Although mostly a labor of love throughout its tenure, Mancini and O'Connell did attempt to expand and make their project commercially viable.
The duo did a 13-week experimental stint on WAMB-AM and WNSG-AM in the spring of 2007 buying time out of their own pockets and selling ads for their shows, acting as their own salesforce. The foray into commercialism was ultimately unsustainable as the hosts struggled to handle the business side of the project while maintaining the quality of the show.
"We knew we couldn't continue doing the show and sales beyond the pilot period, or the product would suffer," explained Mancini. "We never found either a station or salesperson who was willing to partner with us for a more sustainable experiment."
Liberadio(!) has been able to stay on the air through the generosity of Vanderbilt University's community DJ program. The university has for years offered an ever dwindling number of on-air spots on its station to members of the community not otherwise affiliated with the university. Mancini and O'Connell were thus able to build up their brand and provide a service to the community at a limited cost to them.
"We operated a popular blog, added a podcast, and even a live video stream, so we definitely achieved our goals of bootstrapping with low overhead for maximum impact," said O'Connell. "But you can't start a 10,000-watt radio station in your garage quite so easily."
Despite failing to reach a broader commercial audience, Liberadio(!) never failed to be honored by their community and recognized for the high news content of their show. O'Connell and Mancini were recognized three times in the Nashville Scene's Readers Poll and twice consecutively by Talkers magazine as one of their "Frontier Fifty," a list highlighting talk hosts doing pioneering work on the web.
The show also had an impact in political terms having received, on more than one occasion, requests by candidates for their endorsement.
"We were frequently asked whether we would be endorsing in given races or whether we would sponsor various issue debates," said Mancini. "We heard several voters tell us they had voted the Liberadio(!) ticket."
The Liberadio(!) brand also made waves in the national media; the most recent being in February of 2009 when Congressman Jim Cooper seemed to indicate during an interview that he had been granted permission by President Obama to vote against a health care bill being pushed by the administration in order to make it "cleaner." Cooper subsequently walked back the remarks once they began to get wider circulation. The episode led the hosts to ask almost every subsequent guest to finish the sentence, "I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but..."
Despite having the opportunity to interview candidates, elected leaders and public intellectuals what the hosts most enjoyed was interacting with the audience.
"We had the best and smartest listeners in the world," said the hosts. "[W]e loved hearing from them on all kinds of topics."
Asked what the Liberadio(!) legacy will be, the hosts answered with their characteristic wit and modesty.
"Launching the career of Stephen Colbert. Didn't we do that? Oh, who knows. Maybe someday we'll have our own Wikipedia page."
Freddie O'Connell, a native Nashvillian, is a graduate of Montgomery Bell Academy and Brown University and currently runs SearchViz, a boutique inbound marketing and web design firm. A longtime political and community activist. O'Connell currently serves as president of the Salemtown Neighborhood Association and on the board of the Metropolitan Transit Authority. In 2002, O'Connell ran as an independent against then-TNGOP chairwoman and state Rep. Beth Harwell.
Mary Mancini, best known as the owner and proprietor on the now defunct Lucy's Record Shop, has served on the board of various political and community groups including the Tennessee Alliance for Progress. On Monday, she will start work as Tennessee Citizen Action's Executive Director.
I'm having a hard time writing these days
I took today and tomorrow off, as I need to recover from BratFest. So, I see my numbers dwindling, and it's because I haven't been writing.
It's not like there's nothing to write about, there's TOO MUCH to write about, between the baby-killing Senate Republicans taking money to reduce infant mortality out of the state budget, to President Obama's impotent response to the BP oil disaster (he just needs to take them over, do what it takes to get the leak stopped, and force them to pay for all of it, even if they have to go bankrupt) and the general rage I have at Democrats for their abject failure to address and attack our nation's problems.
INCREMENTALISM IS NOT WORKING, MOFOS. GET OFF YOUR ASSES AND BREAK UP THE BANKS. REINSTATE GLASS-STEAGALL. NOW.
And if you're a person who has changed their deity from some god to the marketplace, take that shit somewhere else; I'm not here for a debate, I'm here for ADVOCACY. Any questions?
The Democratic Party has moved so far to the right that I barely know it anymore; the Republicans have gone even farther, to the point where John McCain is now seen as a centrist, when once he was thought of as batshit crazy.
Other than Steve Cohen and some of our local legislators like Beverly Marrero and Jeanne Richardson, I can't get excited about Democrats, and rather than sabotage them, I've just tended to shut up. I really don't know how much longer I can do that, so I hope to be writing a little bit more.
We need more Al Frankens and less Blanche Lincolns. We need more Steve Cohens and fewer Bart Stupaks. We need more Ned McWherters and fewer Phil Bredesens.
Frankly, we need to move LEFT. (Listen, you can hear the Blue Dogs faint as they hear their contributors run away). We need people at every legislative level who care more about their CONSTITUENTS than they do their DONORS.
We need to make government closer to the people, and reduce the part money plays in politics. We need to de-financialize and de-Reaganize this society before it becomes neo-feudalist. And if you think Chris Hedges is wrong, then your head is up your ass, and I will NOT argue that.
Ok, I feel better already; let's see how many Democrats live up to my standards.
By the way, I'm not really talking about the folks running for County offices here; those are clerical positions, and there really is no Democratic or Republican way to run most of those.
Enough for now.
It's not like there's nothing to write about, there's TOO MUCH to write about, between the baby-killing Senate Republicans taking money to reduce infant mortality out of the state budget, to President Obama's impotent response to the BP oil disaster (he just needs to take them over, do what it takes to get the leak stopped, and force them to pay for all of it, even if they have to go bankrupt) and the general rage I have at Democrats for their abject failure to address and attack our nation's problems.
INCREMENTALISM IS NOT WORKING, MOFOS. GET OFF YOUR ASSES AND BREAK UP THE BANKS. REINSTATE GLASS-STEAGALL. NOW.
And if you're a person who has changed their deity from some god to the marketplace, take that shit somewhere else; I'm not here for a debate, I'm here for ADVOCACY. Any questions?
The Democratic Party has moved so far to the right that I barely know it anymore; the Republicans have gone even farther, to the point where John McCain is now seen as a centrist, when once he was thought of as batshit crazy.
Other than Steve Cohen and some of our local legislators like Beverly Marrero and Jeanne Richardson, I can't get excited about Democrats, and rather than sabotage them, I've just tended to shut up. I really don't know how much longer I can do that, so I hope to be writing a little bit more.
We need more Al Frankens and less Blanche Lincolns. We need more Steve Cohens and fewer Bart Stupaks. We need more Ned McWherters and fewer Phil Bredesens.
Frankly, we need to move LEFT. (Listen, you can hear the Blue Dogs faint as they hear their contributors run away). We need people at every legislative level who care more about their CONSTITUENTS than they do their DONORS.
We need to make government closer to the people, and reduce the part money plays in politics. We need to de-financialize and de-Reaganize this society before it becomes neo-feudalist. And if you think Chris Hedges is wrong, then your head is up your ass, and I will NOT argue that.
Ok, I feel better already; let's see how many Democrats live up to my standards.
By the way, I'm not really talking about the folks running for County offices here; those are clerical positions, and there really is no Democratic or Republican way to run most of those.
Enough for now.
Monday, May 31, 2010
It's time to remember a LOT of things today
Remember those who fought and die for our freedoms.
Also, Bob is right, you need to read this Chris Hedges essay which points out that all they fought for is being taken from us, and it's time to get radical again. Don't freak out at the title, read it all and tell me if you don't think he's nailed it.
Also, Bob is right, you need to read this Chris Hedges essay which points out that all they fought for is being taken from us, and it's time to get radical again. Don't freak out at the title, read it all and tell me if you don't think he's nailed it.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Yes, Hell Week is at end and Memorial Day is upon us
If you want to know what I am doing this weekend, go to STP and check out this story and scary picture from Trace.
Also, I used to watch Sex and The City on HBO, one of only two known straight men to have ever watched it, the other being my attorney. SATC2 is out, and you HAVE to read this review, this may even top the Tom Shales reviews of Kathie Lee Gifford's Christmas specials.
Go back to STP to see how the Senate GOP wants to slash money to prevent infant mortality; those sons of bitches had better NEVER refer to anyone as a baby-killer again without looking in the mirror. A Pox upon all of them of locusts, frogs, and sores.
And now, I get ready for the weekend with a Feel Good Friday, because I will feel good around 8 PM tonight:
Enjoy!!!
Also, I used to watch Sex and The City on HBO, one of only two known straight men to have ever watched it, the other being my attorney. SATC2 is out, and you HAVE to read this review, this may even top the Tom Shales reviews of Kathie Lee Gifford's Christmas specials.
Go back to STP to see how the Senate GOP wants to slash money to prevent infant mortality; those sons of bitches had better NEVER refer to anyone as a baby-killer again without looking in the mirror. A Pox upon all of them of locusts, frogs, and sores.
And now, I get ready for the weekend with a Feel Good Friday, because I will feel good around 8 PM tonight:
Enjoy!!!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Jim White Speaks to G-Town Democrats on May 26 for Mike McWherter
Due to a scheduling conflict, Mike McWherter, Democratic Candidate for Governor of Tennessee, will not be able to speak at the Germantown Democratic Club meeting. Jim White who served as Commissioner of Labor under Governor Ned McWherter will represent him.
MEETING REMINDER – MAY, 2010Website: www.gdctn.orgGERMANTOWN DEMOCRATIC CLUBGERMANTOWN, BARTLETT, CORDOVA, COLLIERVILLE, EAST MEMPHIS, LAKELAND, BOLTON, ROSEMARK, MILLINGTON and UNINCORPORATED AREAS MAY MEETING WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2010 at 6:30 PM Socializing will begin at 6:30 pm The meeting will begin at 6:45 pm The Meeting will be held at the Cordova Library. 8457 Trinity Road, Cordova Our guest speaker will be Jim White Representing Mike McWherter Democratic candidate for Governor |
Monday, May 17, 2010
Go check out Speak To Power
We did a remodeling job, it looks nicer and is easier to read, go over there!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Some notes on TN-09
I arrived after the speechifying yesterday at Congressman Cohen's headquarters opening, so I missed him calling the Doc a Coward, but I don't think it was a bad thing; why should a former Golden Gloves champion be scared of two old reporters?
At the end of the day, it's just that the former Mayor is trying to control his media coverage as he did when he was in City Hall; however, as he has no real power any more, it becomes nothing more than an attempt to get free media, since he can't seem to raise much money on his own.
In fact, if I were to sum up the Doc's campaign in three letters, it would be WTF?
There are ways to campaign against Steve Cohen that might work, but it doesn't seem that the Doc is planning on trying any of them. By trying to race-bait Cohen, one could almost suggest that if the races were reversed, Herenton is running like an old segregationist from the late 50s and early 60s.
On the merits, Cohen is essentially unassailable from a Democratic and progressive standpoint; one could argue that only Harold Ford Senior has done as much for the African-American community in terms of 9th District Congressmen.
The real question here is this: Why is the Doc running? What does he have to prove? He has never lost an election, to be sure, but remember two things here: 1) he has NEVER run in a party primary before and 2) his elections have always been in October or November.
Let's look at that latter part in particular. The African-American community has never voted as heavily in August primaries as they have in October or November general elections. This fact is a major reason the GOP has continued to dominate County offices, whose elections are held with the state & federal primaries in August. I have a solution for that, if anyone is willing to listen.
The Doc is also running for a LEGISLATIVE position, when he has spent the majority of his professional career as an administrator. In this area, whenever legislators run for executive positions or vice versa, they have not been successful. In the first instance, only Wyeth Chandler (1971) and Jim Rout (1994) come to mind.
Only LAMAR! Alexander has done what Doc is attempting to do, and that was after a several-year gap between his governorship and his race for the US Senate. In short, it's hard to imagine a 70-year-old freshman Congressman, especially someone like Doc, who is expected to sit down and do as he is told, which is the rule for all freshmen.
So, why is he running? Is he bored? Is he doing this to get back at Cohen for some imagined slight? At the end of the day, he risks destroying what is left of his legacy, with real Nixon-in-62 potential here. Considering that, to give the man full credit, his first two terms were arguably the best of any Mayor of Memphis in my 38 years here, this is remarkably sad.
Why, Doc? This really just doesn't make sense to anyone, and it will only hurt you in the end.
At the end of the day, it's just that the former Mayor is trying to control his media coverage as he did when he was in City Hall; however, as he has no real power any more, it becomes nothing more than an attempt to get free media, since he can't seem to raise much money on his own.
In fact, if I were to sum up the Doc's campaign in three letters, it would be WTF?
There are ways to campaign against Steve Cohen that might work, but it doesn't seem that the Doc is planning on trying any of them. By trying to race-bait Cohen, one could almost suggest that if the races were reversed, Herenton is running like an old segregationist from the late 50s and early 60s.
On the merits, Cohen is essentially unassailable from a Democratic and progressive standpoint; one could argue that only Harold Ford Senior has done as much for the African-American community in terms of 9th District Congressmen.
The real question here is this: Why is the Doc running? What does he have to prove? He has never lost an election, to be sure, but remember two things here: 1) he has NEVER run in a party primary before and 2) his elections have always been in October or November.
Let's look at that latter part in particular. The African-American community has never voted as heavily in August primaries as they have in October or November general elections. This fact is a major reason the GOP has continued to dominate County offices, whose elections are held with the state & federal primaries in August. I have a solution for that, if anyone is willing to listen.
The Doc is also running for a LEGISLATIVE position, when he has spent the majority of his professional career as an administrator. In this area, whenever legislators run for executive positions or vice versa, they have not been successful. In the first instance, only Wyeth Chandler (1971) and Jim Rout (1994) come to mind.
Only LAMAR! Alexander has done what Doc is attempting to do, and that was after a several-year gap between his governorship and his race for the US Senate. In short, it's hard to imagine a 70-year-old freshman Congressman, especially someone like Doc, who is expected to sit down and do as he is told, which is the rule for all freshmen.
So, why is he running? Is he bored? Is he doing this to get back at Cohen for some imagined slight? At the end of the day, he risks destroying what is left of his legacy, with real Nixon-in-62 potential here. Considering that, to give the man full credit, his first two terms were arguably the best of any Mayor of Memphis in my 38 years here, this is remarkably sad.
Why, Doc? This really just doesn't make sense to anyone, and it will only hurt you in the end.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Today is Congressman Cohen's HQ Opening!
FINAL REMINDER!
COHEN FOR CONGRESS
CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS GRAND OPENING
MAY 15TH 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
RAIN OR SHINE
Just a friendly reminder that we want you to join Congressman Steve Cohen as he launches his 2010 campaign!
Come by the Campaign Headquarters at 1460 Union (Map) for food and entertainment and show your support for his campaign for re-election for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District seat!
There will be free bumper stickers, yard signs, and Cohen for Congress t-shirts for sale.
We hope you decide to join Congressman Steve Cohen tomorrow as he continues the fight to “Build A Better Memphis” one brick at a time!
More details below:
WHEN?
Saturday, May 15th at 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
WHERE?
1460 Union Ave. (Click here for a map)
Visit us at the newly redesigned Cohen for Congress website to make sure you have all the latest news.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
From the House Democratic Caucus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DEMOCRATS DRAW LINE IN SAND FOR
TEACHERS, FARMERS, WORKING FAMILIES
Leaders to roll out alternative to Republican budget
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NASHVILLE (May 12) – House Democrats on Wednesday announced a push to stand up for teachers, farmers, working families, and other Tennesseans hurt by cuts proposed by the Republican-controlled Senate.
On Monday, the Republican majority in the Senate offered a budget amendment putting over $140 million in funding on the chopping block. These include $34 million in cuts to teacher pay, $6 million in cuts to agriculture investments in farmers, $100 million in cuts to state employees, and $3.5 million in cuts to public safety.
“The budget proposal offered by Senate Republicans is unacceptable and shows a fundamental lack of compassion for Tennesseans,” said House Democratic Leader Gary Odom (D-Nashville). “What Tennesseans need is a budget that will lead them to recovery, not ruin.”
Additional program cuts offered in the Senate Republican budget proposal include Tennessee
“The Senate began work on this proposal this afternoon. We are going to counter that when they decide to send it to us,” said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner (D-Old Hickory). “We have asked for weeks for the majority party plan. It is here and we disagree.”
House leadership Wednesday morning approved a preliminary counter budget to the Republican-backed proposal.
“We have already begun work on an alternative budget proposal,” said House Finance Chairman Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley). “We intend to fix as many of the Senate Republican cuts as we can because they hurt our teachers, farmers, state employees, and Tennessee
Democrats now wait on the Senate to approve their budget proposal, at which time the House will take up the measure and conclude business for the year.
“After years of fiscally conservative budgeting and belt-tightening, we are in the position of using savings to help the people of our state,” said Speaker Emeritus Jimmy Naifeh (D-Covington).
Added Speaker Pro-Tem Lois DeBerry (D-Memphis), “Our rainy day fund is for a rainy day, and here in Tennessee
###
Mike McWherter talks to FOX17 in Nashville about the flooding
and he does a nice job of it; I'm feeling better about his candidacy as it goes along. Yes, that IS Nick Paranjape (formerly of Action News 5 here) talking to Mike. Hat tip to Speak To Power, this won't allow an embed, so you'll just have to go here to see it, it's worth your time.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
I agree completely with Ross
He shows Ron Ramsey for the fool that he is at Speak To Power, go read it!
And about Ramsey's prolific PAC fundraising among lobbyists, which Ross notes with help from Tom Humphrey, I dedicate this to Ramsey:
And about Ramsey's prolific PAC fundraising among lobbyists, which Ross notes with help from Tom Humphrey, I dedicate this to Ramsey:
Friday, May 07, 2010
A Tennessee Moment If There Ever Was One
First, go here and read this. Go ahead, I'll wait, we'll be here when you get back.
Nice, wasn't it? I agree, it DOES mean a lot more these days in the aftermath of the worst flood since 1937, one that still is hitting Dyersburg hard as it recedes in Midstate.
This below represents the ultimate Tennessee moment, even if it was sung by a man from Macon, GA. it was recorded on McLemore Street right here in Memphis, written by Nashville's best.
This goes out to all of the heroes who have been fighting this flood, from Lebanon to Franklin to Ashland City to Clarksville to Jackson to Millington to Munford to Dyersburg, and yes, NASHVILLE, you have been magnificent.
And especially for my heroes the #assbastards, you know who you are; I got this from one of them.
Thank you all. You have made me more proud to be a Tennessean, and made me feel like more of a Tennessean, than in any of my prior 38 years in this state. Enjoy the best this state has to offer:
Nice, wasn't it? I agree, it DOES mean a lot more these days in the aftermath of the worst flood since 1937, one that still is hitting Dyersburg hard as it recedes in Midstate.
This below represents the ultimate Tennessee moment, even if it was sung by a man from Macon, GA. it was recorded on McLemore Street right here in Memphis, written by Nashville's best.
This goes out to all of the heroes who have been fighting this flood, from Lebanon to Franklin to Ashland City to Clarksville to Jackson to Millington to Munford to Dyersburg, and yes, NASHVILLE, you have been magnificent.
And especially for my heroes the #assbastards, you know who you are; I got this from one of them.
Thank you all. You have made me more proud to be a Tennessean, and made me feel like more of a Tennessean, than in any of my prior 38 years in this state. Enjoy the best this state has to offer:
Thursday, May 06, 2010
The White House statement on disaster relief and Kenny Chesney with Anderson Cooper
From the CA, here's the White House update;
Here's Kenny Chesney talking to Anderson Cooper with footage that he shot on the way to his flooded home near Nashville:
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs released the following statement at 12:44 p.m. Central time today:
"This morning, President Obama was briefed by Assistant to the President for Homeland Security John Brennan on the ongoing efforts in response to the severe weather and flooding in Tennessee and other southeastern states. The federal government has been engaged in the response since this weekend, with FEMA representatives on the ground working directly with state and local officials. FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate, at the request of the President and the Secretary of Homeland Security, will be traveling throughout the state of Tennessee today and tomorrow to view the damage, meet with state and local officials, and receive on the ground briefings on the response efforts.
"This is the Administrator’s second trip to the state since last weekend’s severe weather and flooding. On Monday Administrator Fugate visited Nashville, where he met with the Governor and local officials to discuss federal support for the response. The President also spoke with Governor Bredesen earlier this week, and the President and his staff have been receiving regular updates on the situation from FEMA.
"In addition, President Obama spoke earlier this week with the governors of Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas. FEMA representatives are on the ground in those states, as well as Louisiana, and are working closely with state officials to assess the damages from the severe weather and determine any needs for additional federal resources. The President asked Mr. Brennan to ensure that the federal government continues to respond swiftly to any requests for further assistance and requested ongoing updates on the situation."
Here's Kenny Chesney talking to Anderson Cooper with footage that he shot on the way to his flooded home near Nashville:
From AARPTN
Volunteer Tennessee, working with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), has activated the Tennessee Emergency Donations Hotline to accept contributions and support state flood victims. The toll free number is (866) 586-4483, and the hotline is staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT daily.
Volunteers from local charitable and volunteer organizations, including AmeriCorps programs and Hands On Nashville, aree staffing the hotline and assisting callers with donations through a Web site that hosts 48 organizations active in responding to disaster relief actions.
The Tennessee Emergency Donations Hotline was established in 2006 following deadly tornadoes that hit 15 counties and killed 35 people. The call center’s goal is to help manage the volume of calls received by the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Nashville during natural disasters and other emergencies.
At this time, the primary need is for cash donations; however, goods or services will also be accepted. Water and used clothing are NOT needed at this time. All donations will go to assist flood victims in Tennessee.
Folks wanting to give also can easily contribute $10 for flood victims by texting "redcross" to 90999. Donations also can be made online at www.nashvilleredcross.org or by calling (615) 250-4300.
Additionally, if you want to physically help, sign up to volunteer in Middle Tennessee at Hands On Nashville,www.hon.org and in West Tennessee at Volunteer Mid-South at www.volunteermemphis.org.
For the most up-to-date information about the floods, follow AARP Tennessee on Twitter at www.twitter.com/aarptn and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/aarptennessee.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
SCDP Unity Breakfast this Saturday at 10 AM
I am thinking about going, will have calmed by then, I HOPE.
P.O. Box 40864 Memphis, TN 38174-0864 (901) 283-5017
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO ALL MEDIA OUTLETS
Date: May 5, 2010 Time: 1:00 a.m.
I want to first congratulate all of the candidates who participated in the Democratic Primary yesterday. Whether these candidates won or lost, they all waged rigorous campaigns which were clean and did not tear down their fellow Democrats. Now, we as Democrats must come together for the General Election on August 5, 2010. We must put aside our differences, our petty preferences, and what we thought was disrespectful in the past to unite as one. In order to be victorious on August 5, 2010, we must all work together.
Accordingly, we have organized a Unity Rally and Prayer Breakfast this Saturday, May 8, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 767 Walker Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38126. We will use this event to officially kick-off our coordinated campaign. We are calling for ALL DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES in the primaries, whether they won or lost to attend this event. It is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. We will be calling on all Democratic elected officials at the federal, state, county, and municipal level to attend to show their support for our Democratic slate of candidates. We are also calling upon each and every one of our Democratic elected officials at the federal, state, county and municipal level to endorse and support our Democratic slate of candidates. Furthermore, we appeal to our friends and allies within the religious community to support our Democratic slate of candidates as well.
I am proud to be assisting with our capable slate of candidates for 2010, which include:
Shelby County Mayor Joe Ford
Shelby County Sheriff
Shelby County Trustee Regina Morrison Newman
Shelby County Clerk
Shelby County Register Coleman Thompson
Shelby County Juvenile Court Clerk Shep Wilbun
Shelby County Probate Court Clerk Sondra Becton
Shelby County Criminal Court Clerk Minerva Johnican
Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk Ricky Dixon
Shelby County Commissioner Steve Mulroy
Shelby County Commissioner Walter Bailey
Shelby County Commissioner Justin Ford
Shelby County Commissioner James Harvey
Shelby County Commissioner Melvin Burgess
Shelby County Commissioner Sidney Chism
Shelby County Commissioner Henri Brooks.
Finally, I am asking the Memphis Democratic Club, Germantown Democratic Club, Shelby County Democratic Club and the Democratic Coalition to join with us in pushing a consolidated ballot with our Democratic Slate of candidates. If we stay unified and focused, I know that we will in 2010!!!
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
You're not getting any analysis out of me tonight..
Because I still want people to speak to me tomorrow.
Congratulations to Randy Wade, Regina Morrison Newman, Shep Wilbun, Steve Mulroy, Coleman Thompson.
I'm still stunned about Joe Ford; nice man, I like him personally, let's see how he campaigns in the summer.
The rest? Let me sleep on it so I don't offend anyone.
Let me leave you with this thought: Rarely have I seen an election where straight-up name recognition mattered so much.
Oh, and all of you out there, remember to send money to the Red Cross for relief efforts, and if you are a baseball fan, say a prayer in memory of a great man, Ernie Harwell.
Night all.
We Interrupt Your Flood Coverage to Remind You That
Forty years ago today, four Kent State University students were murdered by the Ohio National Guard.
Never forget.
Never forget.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Well,, this was a helluva first day of vacation
As you know if you follow me on Twitter, I was Tweeting and re-Tweeting other posts and working on flood coverage for Speak To Power.
Frankly, if you are a Tennessee resident north of I-40 between Lebanon and the Mississippi River, chances are you are either flooded or close to a flooding stream. Unfortunately, between the oil slick in the Gulf and the Times Square bomb threat, no one but the Weather Channel seemed to give a rat's ass outside our borders.
Fortunately, Keith Olbermann mentioned the floods tonight:
Much appreciated, sir.
Remember, if you haven't voted in the Democratic primary, yet (and why NOT?). Tuesday is Election Day. so GO VOTE. Good night, see you at the polls.
Frankly, if you are a Tennessee resident north of I-40 between Lebanon and the Mississippi River, chances are you are either flooded or close to a flooding stream. Unfortunately, between the oil slick in the Gulf and the Times Square bomb threat, no one but the Weather Channel seemed to give a rat's ass outside our borders.
Fortunately, Keith Olbermann mentioned the floods tonight:
Much appreciated, sir.
Remember, if you haven't voted in the Democratic primary, yet (and why NOT?). Tuesday is Election Day. so GO VOTE. Good night, see you at the polls.
Mason YMCA is having trouble
Their pool, which is over 30 years old, needs to be replaced. They have held it together with duct tape and baling wire (figurtively) for the last few years, but the circulation system that regulates the water temperature could give out any day. This will signal the death nell for this University District icon if this occurs.
The pool is the driving center piece of the Mason YMCA. It is used by young and old for lap swim, water aerobics, exercise, and swim lessons. If the pool is closed permanently, then the Y will most likely close as well shortly after. This will close the dormitory there as this why is one of the few in the country that still does housing as well as putting several people out of work.
Please donate to the Y for their pool fund. They need $15,000 to replace everything. They accept donations from both members and non members, personal and corporate. Their number is 458-9622.
The pool is the driving center piece of the Mason YMCA. It is used by young and old for lap swim, water aerobics, exercise, and swim lessons. If the pool is closed permanently, then the Y will most likely close as well shortly after. This will close the dormitory there as this why is one of the few in the country that still does housing as well as putting several people out of work.
Please donate to the Y for their pool fund. They need $15,000 to replace everything. They accept donations from both members and non members, personal and corporate. Their number is 458-9622.
The flooding is everywhere
From Shelby County to Dyersburg to Middle Tennessee, this state has been devastated by floods.
Here is a somber video taken of the Nashville area, hat tip to Mike Silence:
Here is a somber video taken of the Nashville area, hat tip to Mike Silence:
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