BREAKING NEWS: State Senator Eric Stewart Announces Run for Congress in Tennessee’s 4th District

Eric Stewart Announces Run for Congress in Tennessee’s 4^th District

Will put small business and political experience to work creating jobs and balancing budgets

Winchester, TN – State Senator Eric Stewart announced today that he will run to represent Tennessee’s 4th district in the U.S. House of Representatives, pledging to put partisanship aside so we can protect our nation’s commitment to seniors, create jobs to revive our economy and reduce our massive deficit.

“Congress is broken and all we see is fighting, political posturing and gridlock from the folks we sent there to work on our behalf and solve the serious problems we face,” said Eric Stewart. “People are struggling.  Unemployment remains too high, and our economy is sluggish at best. Illegal drug problems continue to increase and many small businesses are hanging on by a thread, if at all.  All the while, Congress is only focused on slinging mud and pointing fingers instead of taking action to create jobs and reduce our debt.  I’m running for Congress to bring common sense back to Washington and put the needs of the people ahead of special interests, rigid ideology and petty partisanship.”

Born and raised in Franklin County, Stewart has owned a small business, ran his family’s business and served as s county commissioner and state Senator. In 2002 Stewart defeated a 12-year incumbent to win a seat on the Franklin County Commission and won a hotly contested seat for the State Senate in 2008.  That year, Stewart defeated a well-financed Republican in the General Election despite large Democratic losses in the district.

As a county commissioner, Eric Stewart pushed for budget cuts within county departments, pay cuts for county commissioners, and he supported tax relief for senior citizens.  In the State Senate, Stewart championed tax relief for small businesses that put Tennesseans back to work as well as breaks for military families.  He has supported measures to reduce and eventually eliminate the sales taxes on food.  Focused on cutting government waste, Stewart has only voted for balanced budgets.  Stewart is also a staunch supporter of public education in Tennessee.  He has worked diligently to improve the public education system in Tennessee and fought for the rights of teachers, students and parents. 

“I come from a family of small business owners, educators and people who give back,” Stewart said.  “We need representatives in Washington who understand that the people of this district are struggling, and are willing to roll up their sleeves and find common ground to solve the problems our families, children and small businesses face.  My focus has always been on helping people, creating jobs and improving public education in a common sense, fiscally responsible way.  You can’t reach these goals when folks in Washington care more about toeing the party line and keeping their job than they do about helping folks back home.  I look forward to listening to the hopes and dreams of the voters in Tennessee’s 4^th Congressional district, and taking their voice to Washington.”
For more information on the campaign or to sign up for the newsletter to receive regular updates, please visit the campaign website, www.votestewart.com.

SCDP Voter Registration Drive

Are you registered?

This weekend the Shelby County Democratic Party will be out in the community conducting a voter registration drive. SCDP volunteers will be staffing locations all over Shelby County as part of the Tennessee Democratic Party’s “Drive to 200,000″ program.

Volunteers will gather at the IBEW Hall, 1870 Madison Ave. at 9 am on Saturday November 5th, and fan out to locations all over the county from there.

If you would like to help with this program, simply show up at the IBEW hall on Saturday at 9am.

The state party has set a goal of registering 200,000 voters statewide to help increase participation in elections, and inform the public about the newly passed Voter ID law. For more information about this law, and other voting requirements click here.

Might THIS be what Kroger plans for their new stores?

My pal Mike Brester took this picture today of a billboard at Shelby Drive and Getwell Road.  The board on the left is for Fry's Food Stores, a grocery store chain primarily in the Southwest, particularly in Arizona, but NOT YET FOUND in the Memphis area.

After looking them up, it appears that they are owned by the Kroger Company, who just bought out the Memphis stores of Schnucks.  I don't know much about Fry's; however, the question has arisen as to whether some of the Schnucks-turned-Kroger stores might wind up as Fry's.

That would certainly make sense for the old Schnucks/New Kroger on Truse Parkway, around the corner from Kroger's recently renovated Mendenhall store and down the street from the "Baby Kroger" on Perkins at Poplar.  At the every least, it would be a new brand of store in the market, and would hopefully increase the choices for Memphis grocery shoppers.

SCDP Chair Turner Regarding Title X Funding and the Start of the Contract with Christ Community Health Services

Chairman Turner Regarding Title X Funding and the Start of the Contract with Christ Community Health Services
 

MEMPHIS – Shelby County Democratic Party Chairman Van Turner released the following statement regarding the beginning of the contract with Christ Community Health Services  (CCHS) for Title X services:

“For over 35 years Planned Parenthood of Greater Memphis (PPGMR) has served the people of Shelby County by providing comprehensive Family Planning Services to families in need.  Despite their expertise and years of dedicated service to the community, politics has once again invaded the issue of reproductive health, endangering the future of thousands of people who have come to rely on their services.”

“Starting in February with Republicans in the State Legislature, and continuing with political pressure from Governor Bill Haslam’s Office, the County Administration of Mayor Mark Luttrell and County Commission, Republicans have declared war on Planned Parenthood in a misguided crusade against a procedure not even covered by Title X funds.”

“Ignoring evidence and the requirements of their very own RFP regarding personnel, Mayor Luttrell’s Administration engaged in a bid evaluation process determined to ensure that no Title X funds would flow to the most experienced provider of said services for a purely partisan political purpose.”

“Adding insult to injury, the County Commission, including three Democratic members, voted to affirm the contract with Christ Community Health Services (CCHS), despite mountains of evidence found both in the response to the RFP and public statements made by high ranking officials in the organization that they were either unprepared or unwilling to abide by all the requirements of Title X.  This outcome is unacceptable.”

“This week marks the beginning of the contract with CCHS.  We hope they will abide by the terms of the contract to the same high standards set by PPGMR, but we are also outraged that our government officials, from the State down to the County level would place the people of this county in a position of relying on hope alone rather than evidence and experience.”

“The stakes of this decision are high.  Taking into account the rate of teen sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, infant mortality, and high poverty rates associated with unplanned pregnancies, we feel this decision is irresponsible, tone deaf and reckless considering the challenges facing our community.”

--

References– Page 15 of County RFP# 12-007-02 states: “Provider’s Personnel. The Provider certifies that it presently has adequate qualified personnel to perform all services required under this Contract…

Page 13 and 14 of CCHS’s proposal notes that it will have to hire 7 people to carry out the contract including 1- Women’s Health Services Director and 6 – Family Planning Coordinators.

Here's an idea: Draft Jim Kyle for District AG

There are, at this point, only three people in Shelby County who have the name recognition, legal background and ability to raise money to beat Amy Weirich in the District Attorney General's race.

AC Wharton is staying Mayor of Memphis, and Steve Cohen is quite happy being our Congressman.  That leaves Senator Jim Kyle, who in all probability will lose his Senate District in redistricting, and he should consider it.

Carol Chumney and Glenn Wright have been considering the race for some time now, but to start now would put either of them at a financial disadvantage that would be almost impossible to overcome.  (Full disclosure: I have been talking to Carol about a race for a few months now.)

However, given that the Governor and the state GOP have made this race a priority, we as Democrats have but one Shelby Countian to turn to at this time, and that's Jim Kyle.

He is well-known and well liked in this county, and has a deep track record of public service. Jim Kyle would make a great Attorney General, and I urge him to run.

Haslam Cracks Down on Occupy Nashville

I shouldn't be surprised, I suppose, that this came down from Governor Haslam via the Tennessee Department of General Services, who is trying to drive the Occupy Nashville group off the Legislative Plaza:

Effective immediately and until further notice, all assemblies and gatherings of persons on the State of Tennessee Legislative Plaza, War Memorial Courtyard and Capitol grounds areas in Nashville, Tennessee shall require a use permit from the Tennessee Department of General Services.  Use of any portion of the Capitol grounds also requires the approval of the Tennessee Capitol Commission.

The Department of General Services may issue permits upon proper application and satisfaction of use fees, security and liability insurance requirements for use of the Legislative Plaza, War Memorial Courtyard and Capitol grounds between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  

Special use permits for the Legislative Plaza, War Memorial Courtyard and Capitol grounds during hours outside of the 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. period may be approved at the discretion of the Department on a case by case basis.

Notwithstanding the above, the Legislative Plaza, War Memorial Courtyard and Capitol grounds areas are closed to the public from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. daily and no person shall enter upon those premises during this curfew period without specific authorization by the State of Tennessee.  In no event shall overnight occupancy of the Legislative Plaza, War Memorial Courtyard or Capitol grounds areas be permitted by any group or individual.

The foregoing policy is issued under the authority of T. C. A.  § 4-8-101 and in the interest of protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public.  Issued this 27^th day of October, 2011 by the Tennessee Department of General Services.

 Is this constitutional?   I don't think so, but I'm not a constitutional lawyer.  I hope Occupy Nashville has one advising them so as to fight this attempt to keep Tennesseeans from lawfully assembling and protesting.

More here from Sean Braisted and Mike Byrd.

Van Turner Responds

The SCDP Chair takes issue with my post below; I offer his response, unedited:


Steve:

I appreciate our criticism, but I believe it is one-sided and horribly misplaced.  I believe your blog should read more along the lines of asking Carol Chumney or Glenn Wright to step-up.  As we had discussed before, these two candidates have been identified.  I have personally met with both and asked for them to step-up because I knew Amy was working hard.  Jackson Baker in his article even mentioned the fact these were the two possibilities on our side.  Numerous calls have been made to both Carol and Glenn to get one to step-up. 

Now, I also believe you shot down the convention idea.  The convention would have least identified a candidate in about two weeks because it would have forced Glenn and Carol to get off their respective fences and participate in the process.  Now, what you can expect is more fence-riding until the December 8th filing deadline unless one of them makes up their minds to announce soon. This is exactly what we were attempting to prevent.  As it stands now, Amy will have another month and a half to campaign and raise monies without an announced Democratic contender.  Hopefully, this public discussion will prompt either Glenn or Carol to expedite a decision. 

So, on one end you fault us for the convention idea.  On the other end, you fault us for not getting off our rear-ends and having a candidate by now.  Also, I take issue with your last comment.  I believe we need to run candidates who appeal in a general-wide election.  What happens too often is that the primaries are like municipal races which are typically dominated by African-American voters, but unlike the primary,  independents and moderates are the swing votes in the general election.  A quick review of the results from 2002, 2006 and 2010 support what I am saying.  Now, this still does not mean issues at the Election Commission have not been a factor, but we have to at some point recognize that a county-wide race (general) is different from a city-wide race (primary). 

The idea behind the convention was to attempt to present candidates who are electable in a general-wide election.  When Democrats won overwhelmingly in 2008, we had just those types of candidates back then:  (1) Judge John Fowlkes, (2) Paul Mattila, (3) Cheyenne Johnson, and (4) Otis Jackson.  I believe the data indicates the type of candidate who can win county-wide and the type of candidate who cannot. 

In conclusion, I again take issue with you blaming us for everything when we have presented ideas and presented potential candidates and have been shot down.  I think a more constructive approach would be to urge Glenn or Carol to make up their minds and run because they have been identified and both have demonstrated an interest in running.  I am copying my Executive Committee on this response, and if you can, please post my response.

Thanks,

Van Turner, Chair
Shelby County Democratic Party

So much for THAT idea.

Hey, y'all, remember THIS?  It was from December 9. 2010 begging, pleading with the SCDP to get off their collective butts and get a candidate for District Attorney General going and raising money.

Well, there has been lots of hemming and hawing but NO REAL ACTION.  It's too damn late now, people.  A friend of mine passed on a fundraiser invitation on behalf of Atty. General Amy Weirich, a $500 a head event hosted by Governor Bill Haslam.

On the list of the Host Committee are FIVE well-known Democrats, THREE of them former SCDP Chairs: John Farris, City Councilor Jim Strickland and Rev. Keith Norman.  Also on the list are current Councilor Shea Flinn (as is his father, former GOP Commissioner George Flinn) and former Councilor John Vergos, no one's idea of a conservative.

They make sure to note that there is a LIMIT per donation of $2800, so you can gather that the current AG will have a HUGE war chest that will be difficult for any Democrat to overcome.  Way to go, SCDP, great work!

If this doesn't send a message to those who think that all we have to do is turn out enough African-Americans and we will win, I don't know what to say.  How's that working for you, anyway?

Bad news for the University District: Mason YMCA to close at end of year

This email was just sent to members of the YMCA, and was forwarded to me by a member:

The Mason YMCA will close on December 31, 2011.

Our Metro Board of Directors made the decision after commissioning a comprehensive study by A2H & Associates of the building's maintenance and repair needs. It was determined that renovations would cost approximately $2.6 million to complete these repairs, plus another $2-3 million to bring the facility to contemporary Y standards.

"Because the Mason Y has been a Memphis institution for more than five decades, this is a particularly tough decision, yet it is one that is prudent for maintaining the financial health of the overall YMCA of Memphis and Mid-South," says Keith Johnson, President & CEO.

Mason Y patrons are members of our entire YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South system, so they can attend any of the other eight Ys located throughout the city.

One of the strengths of the Mason Y is its community development programs that have been such an integral part of our mission, programs such as English as a Second Language, Conversational Spanish and Multi-Cultural Achievers College Readiness, as well as other Y fitness and wellness programs.

We want to assure you that we remain committed to these programs and will offer them in the community and integrate them into other branches so that they continue to be accessible to those who enjoy them.

We are pleased that the Mason Y has been successful in engaging the Latino community and will continue to be committed to multi-cultural programming through other branches.

Our roots are very deep in the community surrounding the Mason Y and we have worked hard to provide services and programs that are meaningful and contribute to the greater good of the neighborhood.

"We regret that it is too costly to maintain upkeep and operations of this building, but we will remain dedicated to providing community outreach and fitness programs that will be accessible through other branches," said Johnson. "For the good of the neighborhood as well as the YMCA, we hope that suitable developers can be found who will make the highest and best use of the real estate while complementing the neighborhood's needs and environment."

Please don't hesitate to call us at any of our branches if you have questions and we assure you that the great traditions of the Mason Y will continue to build strong communities throughout Memphis and the Mid-South.

 This is a punch in the gut for the University District, which had seen some hope with the demolition of Highland Street Church of Christ, a sign that construction will eventually begin on Highland Row.

This, however, removes an institution of a half-century for the area.  As a former member, this leaves a gaping hole in the neighborhood, and I would rather they had built a new facility than leave it completely.  Additionally, this means there are NO YMCA facilities within the 240 loop.  Like so many of the churches in Memphis, the YMCA has abandoned the inner city, except for the Downtown Y.  It is a sad day for Memphis.

CCHC is talking out of both sides of their mouth

Obviously stinging from public rebuke of their receipt of a contract which they are unable to fulfill, Dr. Rick Donlon of CCHC put a op-ed piece in today's CA. 

Let's address this point by point, shall we?

But what about the other concern? Will Christ Community improperly use public money to propagate a Christian viewpoint on abortion or other sexual issues?

First, we've stated publicly that we'll comply with the Title X regulations. It's no secret that we have profound moral and ethical objections to abortion, but we believe we can fulfill our contractual responsibilities without violating our consciences. Title X is not about abortion; it's about the provision of reproductive health services to the poor and uninsured. We have a solid 16-year record of providing those services to Memphis' most underserved communities.

While he is right, that is what it is SUPPOSED to be about, I am not aware that they have provided reproductive health services to the community.  Assuming that they have, they certainly have not done so with the depth and breadth that Planned Parenthood has done for many years.

Now, to the meat of the argument:

Second, while we make no apologies for our faith in Jesus Christ (it's the reason we do what we do), we never force that faith on our patients. Any discussion about religious or philosophical issues is conducted respectfully and only after obtaining the permission of the patient.

Through surveys, we've found that a significant majority of our patients are interested in discussing faith as part of their health. To exclude such an important aspect of their lives is at best an oversight and at worst medical malpractice. Those who say that conversations touching on religion between doctors and patients are always improper are effectively trying to muzzle people of faith.

Sir, you are accepting a contract from a secular organization, Shelby County Government.  It is NOT your job as a contractor of services for Shelby County Government to evangelize.  If one of your patients ask YOU about religion, that's one thing; to evangelize to someone who may not want or need it is a violation of TITLE X regulations. 

How do I know this will happen?  David Fowler of Family Action Council of Tennessee says they are working to put a "crisis pregnancy center" in CCHC.  This is a DIRECT VIOLATION of TITLE X regulations.  Supposedly Drs. Donlon and Waller have denied this, but there's the proof.  In fact, I called on Dr. Donlon in the comments to ask him about this:

• October 22, 2011
• 10:59 a.m.
• Suggest removal
• Reply to this post

LeftWingCracker writes:

Dr. Donlon, if this is so, why is David Fowler of the Family Action Council of Tennessee stating that they are working with you to put a "crisis pregnancy center" in your facility, which is a violation of Title X regulations? Here is the link, lest anyone think I am making this up -

http://www.citizenlink.com/2011/10/18...#.Tp7-mVJFtvY

 I await his response.

CCHC is going to need more than prayers

This came to me today from a friend, it appears that Christ Community is afraid that they may lose the contract for reproductive health services that, frankly, they are unprepared to provide:

Sent: Thursday, October 20, 2011 7:14 PM
Subject: Prayer Request - please forward

Friends, 

We would appreciate your prayers for the work of Christ Community in our efforts to serve those in low income areas of Memphis.  Our staff is composed of doctors, dentists, nurse practitioners, and support staff who have responded to God’s call to serve the poor.  Our highly talented and committed professionals choose to work here instead of pursuing more personally lucrative opportunities; in fact, nearly half of our professional staff live with their families in the neighborhoods we serve, including Binghampton, Orange Mound, and Frayser.  Ministry is 24/7 for them.

If you follow the local news, you are probably aware that Christ Community  competed for a family planning grant to provide services to low income uninsured people; these funds were previously awarded to Planned Parenthood.  Our application scored highest, we have been offered the program and we are now gearing up to begin the program in early November.  Please pray that we will have the endurance and integrity to withstand the onslaught of those who are intent on our failure.  Daily, we are confronted with refuting the half-truths and misstatements coming primarily for the leadership of Planned Parenthood.  Daily, we have needy people intentionally sent to us by Planned Parenthood  even though they are fully aware that we are not yet able to deliver the services. Their intent is to embarrass us and report to the local media that Christ Community is unable to deliver the care.  Today, we spent a goodly amount of time defending ourselves to a CA columnist questioning the correctness and legality of any member of our staff inviting a patient to attend church.   We expect these tactics will continue with the intent of damaging our reputation and ability to serve. 

We are strengthened by the prayers of others on our behalf.  Even though our days now appear troubled, we are comforted by the love of Christ, by the remembrance of His suffering on our behalf, and the knowledge that God will prevail.

Please pray for Christ Community. If you have a network of prayer warriors, feel free to pass this along and ask them to pray on our behalf, too.

Thanks,

Burt (and Sandra, too)

Burt  Waller

Executive Director

Christ Community Health Services

2595 Central Ave.

Memphis, TN    38104

Understand here, outside of reproductive health issues, I have heard they do a fine job of providing care to those who cannot access other means of healthcare.  I would not question their commitment in areas other than reproductive health.

However, when it comes to reproductive health, their beliefs, no matter how deeply held, prevent them from providing the type of care REQUIRED BY FEDERAL TITLE X REGULATIONS.

To continue with this contract means that there is a real likelihood that Shelby County will LOSE these funds, ensuring that more generations of working and indigent women will NOT receive the healthcare necessary to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Forget the abortion issue; the Hyde Amendment prevents Federal funds from being spent to provide abortion.  This is about reducing working and indigent women's access to birth control, which will only result in MORE unwanted pregnancies, not less.  THIS is why so many of us are enraged at the actions of the County Commission.

Simply put, Christ Community needs to withdraw from this contract for which they are unable to provide necessary services.  To do any less would be antithetical to what they have stood for prior to this contract.

UPDATE: Aunt B has a great follow-up to this post, pointing out something I had overlooked.

Democrats sink Planned Parenthood; so what do we do about this?

I presume you are all in shock, as I am, that THREE Democrats voted to take the Title X contract to provide reproductive health services away from Planned Parenthood and give them to Christ Community Health Centers. 

First, let's give props where they are due: Chairman Sidney Chism, along with Commissioners Henri Brooks, Walter Bailey and Melvin Burgess stood with Planned Parenthood and voted not to do this.  Sidney, if you run for General Sessions Court Clerk, I want a sign for my yard.

Who split and voted with the GOP contingent? James Harvey (apparently still looking for relevance after having been soundly rejected for Mayor of Memphis), Justin Ford (who apparently was LYING to Planned Parenthood supporters), and.........

Steve Mulroy.

Let that sink in for a minute.

Steve Mulroy.

How many progressive women (and men) worked their asses off to elect him TWICE to this Commission, gave him money, stood behind him when he made curious votes, and thought he would be a great candidate for higher office?  A hell of a lot.

He put a note on Facebook last night explaining his decision.  Go read it, I will wait.  Also, read the comments afterward.  He called me last night; I won't go into what we said, and I didn't ream him out, I was still in shock.

What he says is interesting, what he DOESN'T say moreso.  He does NOT say that he voted for the prevailing side in order to maintain vigilance in monitoring so that the contract may be revisited.  What does that tell me?

That he hedged.

On arguably the most important vote he has made as a Commissioner, he hedged, turning his back on women who supported him, many of them former (and, in some cases, CURRENT) patients of Planned Parenthood.  This is not going to be forgotten any time soon, if ever.

I understand his vote would not have flipped the result, and that he and James Harvey are term-limited, and we really have to live with them for the next three years.  But the symbolism of Steve Mulroy, darling of the Democrats, voting to pull the contract away from Planned Parenthood, is overwhelming.

And Steve is a smart enough guy to understand this.  THAT'S why a lot of us are stunned and hurt right now.

Oh, and Justin Ford? Do not EVER run for anything outside your little corner of Southwest Memphis again, pal; we will come AFTER you.

Why the hubbub about CCHC? BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT GOING TO FOLLOW TITLE X REGULATIONS AND WE MAY LOSE THAT MONEY, THAT'S WHY.

Given that Mayor Mark Luttrell (who is taking his cues from ALEC, the Koch Brothers-funded plan to gut government) is telling the Health Department what to do, it would not surprise me if it is their plan to do this so that the funds will be lost.  (Hey Democrats that voted for Luttrell, how ya feelin' right now? Sick as a dog? GOOD, because it's YOUR fault he is in there.)

My Aunt Kathy noted very succinctly that "many supporters of Planned Parenthood were there and their concerns do not seem to have been heard."  Exactly.  They and the thousands of women who depend on Planned Parenthood were cast out yesterday, with people who asked for their vote (and GOT IT) helping to cast them out.

This will not be forgotten, Commissioners.

UPDATE: Preach it, Aunt B.

I haven't said anything to this point about Curry Todd, and his DUI, but...

Well, as you know, Rep. Curry Todd (R- Collierville) was arrested for DUI in Nashville the other day.  He has become a national joke as the legislator who passed the Guns In Bars bill yet gets pulled over for DUI with a loaded weapon in the car.

Todd WAS the chair of a guns task force that had yet to meet, and he resigned from it.  Yet, as of this writing, he remains the Chair of the powerful State and Local Government committee, which controls redistricting.  Todd, to his credit, said he would discuss with Speaker Beth Harwell to see if he should leave that chairmanship as well.  Harwell, apparently on a trip with her daughter, has made little or no comment.

The TNDP, finally showing the fight many of us have been waiting to see, demanded Todd's resignation not only from his chairmanship, but from his seat.  Well, we can let the votes decide the latter, but their heart was absolutely in the right place.

Then, surprisingly, Mike Turner (D-Old Hickory), the Democratic House Caucus Chair, came out in a defense of Todd, for which he was smacked hard by the Nashville Scene's Jeff Woods.

Woods was not alone; my friend Steve Ross called out Turner, whom he respects, in this spot-on post.  For that, he received criticism from several people, directly and indirectly.  However, Ross, who had been in a wreck in his youth when he and his family were hit by a drunk driver, wrote back strongly:

The reality is, this probably wasn’t Curry Todd’s first time behind the wheel drunk either. It was the first time he got caught. Studies suggest drunk drivers get behind around 100 times before getting caught. Anything that minimizes this is a disservice to society.

It hurts my soul to say I agree with Ron Ramsey, but I do. Throw the book at him. I don’t have any pity for Curry Todd. He made a choice, a really bad choice, and he’ll have to live with the consequences. But don’t call it a mistake. That sounds way to accidental to me. This was no accident.

I don’t usually do these emotional outbursts. I like to try to be the rational one.

This pissed me off to my core, and my experience with drunk drivers is why.

In short, CURRY TODD COULD WELL HAVE KILLED SOMEONE.  WREG is reporting that Todd no longer lives in his district and that he recently underwent a divorce.   You know, I don't want to kick a man when he is down, but if his personal problems are preventing him from representing his district, then he has decisions to make.

And to my friends in the Legislature on both sides who are protecting him, don't.  Curry Todd is a grown man who willfully accepted the responsibilities of a public servant.  He made CHOICES, as Steve Ross noted, and he made bad ones.

This is beyond politics; one reason that people are giving up on politics in these parts is that they see absolutely NO ACCOUNTABILITY in Government any more.

Curry Todd must pay for what he did, with his chairmanship, if not his seat, and hopefully that will send a message to everyone in BOTH houses and the Governor's Mansion that people are sick of this crap.

Don't worry about Todd; he has a pension as a retired MPD officer, and in a few months he will probably get a cozy job in the Haslam Administration if he is forced to leave the General Assembly.

Legislators, it's time to stop protecting each other and start protecting your constituents.  Understand?

The One Where Some Of Us Try To Prevent The SCDP From Doing Something Stupid And Costly

First, I want you to read this post from my friend Gale Jones Carson, former SCDP Chair, longtime secretary of the TNDP and also a Democratic National Committeewoman.  In short, folks need to read this and pay attention; I will comment further afterward:

The Shelby County Democratic Party will be voting this Thursday night, October 13, 2011, to have a Convention rather than a Democratic Primary in March 2012? 

This is a major problem for several reasons: 

     The Party would have to have the Convention next month so that they can meet the Election Commission's Dec. 8 deadline for names of the Democratic nominees to go on the March 2012 ballot.

     Pulling together a Convention in ONE month is not practical -- no rules already established, location, money for public notices that many will not see, etc.

   Thousands of Democrats vote in every election and normally there's only about 200 to less than 400 people who become delegates for a Convention (about 350 for the 2011 Reorganization Convention) with only 30 plus to about 80 plus people/delegates actually being able to vote for the Party Chairman and Officers.

     Thousands of people vote in our Democratic Primaries but never participate in Democratic Party Conventions or other events/activities -- this right should not be taken away from them. During the 2008 primaries, 96,430 votes were cast in the Democratic column – President Barack Obama received 68,516 votes and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton received 27,914 votes. This election is used as an apples to apples comparison because if we are to have a Primary in 2012, it would be during the March Presidential Primary in which the same candidate (President O'bama) would be on the ballot.

     During a Primary, Democratic Voters have 10 days to vote early and participate in absentee voting if needed -- not so with a Convention. These two rights alone are taken away with a Convention.

     Having a Convention rather than a Democratic Primary is unprecedented in Shelby County.

Democrats all over the Country are complaining that right to vote is being taken away from senior citizens, minorities and many Democrats, how is that different from what the Shelby County Democratic Party will be doing if the Executive Committee votes to have a Convention as opposed to giving all Democrats in Shelby County the right to vote in March 2012?

Hopefully, the Shelby County Democratic Party’s Executive Committee will vote to give ALL Shelby County Democrats the right to vote in the March 2012 Primary.

BINGO.


In addition, there is a precedent for moving the County primary to the date of the Presidential Primary in Presidential years: this has been done since our first County primary in 1996.  It costs the SCDP ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do this.  Repeat, it costs the SCDP ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do this.


Now, in order to hold this convention, a building will have to be rented, costing the SCDP money that it needs to do little things like HAVE A HEADQUARTERS, or SUPPORT THEIR NOMINEES IN AUGUST AND NOVEMBER. Little, unimportant things like that.  Why, then, should there be a Convention (when, in fact, they are going to have to spend money on a separate Convention to pick Obama and uncommitted delegates to Charlotte 2012?) when a primary that has worked in the past can and will work again?


Are you as concerned about this as we are?  GOOD.  Find your Executive Committee member here, and call or email them and tell them to stop this foolishness NOW.


PS. If you don't know what State House District you live in (AND WHY DON'T YOU?) go here to find out.

From Senator Jim Kyle and the LWV

As you may know, the Tennessee General Assembly is undergoing the once-a-decade process of redrawing the statewide districts to reflect the growing and shifting population. In order to raise awareness about this important process, the League of Women Voters of Tennessee is currently holding a contest to see which citizen of Tennessee can draw the best Congressional, State Senate and State House maps. Below is an invitation to a screening of the documentary Gerrymandering this Wednesday at The Evergreen Theater in Memphis. I encourage you to attend, and to explore www.tnmapitout.org. 

 

 

The League of Women Voters of Tennessee invites the public to a free screening of Gerrymandering, a documentary that takes a nonpartisan approach to educating citizens about the implications of redistricting – the redrawing of congressional and state electoral boundaries based on new census data. The documentary will be screened on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 6:30 p.m. Please RSVP to info@tnmapitout.org.   

 

 

Location:         The Evergreen Theatre           

1705 Poplar Avenue

Memphis, Tenn.

 

 

Time:               Wednesday, Oct. 12

                        Film – 6:30 p.m.

 

 

Cost:                The event is free and open to the public.

 

Heads up!

I just received this from newly re-elected Councilor Myron Lowery -

Was anyone really surprised at the election results?

I wasn't; AC Wharton got 65% of the vote, but I am really curious to see what his percentage was in primarily African-American precincts; I suspect Ed Ford Sr. did a lot better than any of us expected in those precincts.  He might have gotten 50% of the African-American vote. 

ALL Incumbents won in the Council races; Paul Shaffer was out raised in 9-1 by a 2-1 margin, and he lost by a 2-1 margin.  Of course, it can also be successfully argued that SD 9 contains one part Midtown, one part East Memphis and one part Cordova, and that favors more right-leaning candidates like Conrad.  So, sadly, Mr. Real Estate was returned.

The fun part of the night for me was watching Kemba Ford lead in District 7 for all but the last part, trailing presumptive favorite Lee Harris by a mere four votes at the end but ensuring that they will face each other in a runoff.  Harris, who had supporters ranging from Mayor Wharton to County Commissioner (and fellow UM law professor) Steve Mulroy, did not do as well as expected.

Indeed, the main question for many of us was whether Harris would avoid a runoff.  Now, he is in a runoff with someone with higher name recognition, which is critical in an election that will have an even lower turnout percentage than this one.  Both Ford and Harris need to spend most of their time between now and the election day knocking on doors and pleading with their people to turn out.  That will determine the Council's 13th member for the next four years.

DRINKING LIBERALLY MEMPHIS RETURNS TO MIDTOWN, MOVES BACK TO THURSDAY NIGHTS, CHOOSES DUBLIN HOUSE AS NEW VENUE.

From Drinking Liberally - Memphis:

OPENING NIGHT IS TONIGHT- WATCH ELECTION NIGHT RETURNS WITH DRINKING LIBERALLY!
The hosts of Drinking Liberally Memphis announce that they have made the decision to return to Midtown as requested by many of the regulars and will begin meeting at the Dublin House at 2021 Madison Avenue at Morrison Street Thursday, October 6 at 7 PM. 

Our hosts made this decision after hearing from former attendees and from current regulars who felt this was the right decision.

Dublin House has a great menu and great staff ready to serve you.  We have space for speakers and plenty of room for new members as well as old regulars who will be rejoining us.

Please be sure to join us for our Opening Night/Election Night party with Drinking Liberally Memphis Thursday Night, October 6 at 7 PM!

Wait, there's an election today?

Yeah, it sure hasn't seemed like it, has it?

Ok, here's who I voted for and who I would have voted for if I lived in their district:

Mayor - AC Wharton (reluctantly)

District 5 - write-in (sorry, Jim Strickland, can't let you just walk in!)

SD 9-1 - Paul Shaffer, because he is the best man for the job and I am tired of developers running everything.

SD 9-2 - Shea Flinn, despite voting with the White Brigade so often, does a very good job and asks the right questions.

SD 9-3 - I wrote in Steve Ross, because Reid Hedgepeth was inexplicably unopposed.  And we wonder why there was low turnout.

City Court Clerk - Thomas Long -the most underrated public servant we have, needs to think about higher office.

RACES IN WHICH I HAVE NO VOTE

Council 1 - Kendrick Sneed - because Bill Morrison turned his back on those who got him elected, and began to suck up to Steve Gaines.  Fool me once, maybe, but not twice.

Council 2 - Sylvia Cox - she would be a progressive voice in the hinterlands, she faces an uphill battle against Bill Boyd, who knows where the bodies AREN'T buried.

Council 4 - Wanda Halbert - cringe all you want to, but look at her challengers and tell me there's someone better.  Every time I ask her about something, she responds, whether I necessarily agree.  She is the best in her field.

Council 6 - Edmund Ford, Jr. - if it were HIM running for Mayor instead of his father, I would be leading the parade on his behalf.  A thoughtful, hardworking Councilor, he deserves as many terms as the law will allow.

Council 7 - Scott Banbury - He lives and works in the district, and in Cypress Creek, not Harbor Town.  He may not be the candidate of the Poplar Corridor, but he's the right choice for this district.

SD 8-1 - sorry, I just can't recommend anyone here.

SD 8-2 - Janis Fullilove - Yes, we are all sadly aware of Janis's personal problems, how can we miss them?  At the end of the day, she votes correctly more often than not.  I wish she could get past her past, this is her last chance.

Harold Collins (3), Jim Strickland (5), Myron Lowery (8-3) and Reid Hedgepeth (9-3), as well as the City Court Judges were unopposed.  For the record, Lowery would get my vote in a heartbeat, and probably Strickland too, despite voting with the White Brigade.

Good writing everywhere that you should read

First, Steve Ross (who is seeking appointment to Mike Carpenter's vacated Commission seat, by the way) has a series on the war on Planned Parenthood.  Read Part 1 here and Part 2 here to see how all of this is an effort to hurt the women who relying on their NON-ABORTION services, which make up 97% of what they do.  Part 3 is in the pipeline.

Next, our beloved Newscoma writes of shared sacrifice and the real villains who are out there pillaging the 99% of us who are struggling to make a living.  It is, as one would expect, a terrific piece of writing.

Take the time to read all of them; it reminds us that there are those who are fighting back against the internal evil that is trying to destroy us and turn the USA into a third-world nation.

Koch Brothers Destroyed By Bloomberg Report

From Cenk Uygur of The Young Turks:

Mike Turner 2015!

Re. Mike Turner of Old Hickory has indicated that he is considering a run for Mayor of Metro Nashville in 2015, as recently re-elected Mayor Karl Dean is term-limited and unable to seek a third term, according to reports from Mike Morrow of TN Report and TNYD President Sean Braisted.

Turner, House Democratic Caucus chair, also noted that he plans to run for re-election next year despite efforts by the GOP to re-district him into an unwinnable district.  He is outspoken, stands up for working people and small businesses, and is never afraid to call out members of the GOP publicly (and, on occasion, members of his OWN party, albeit privately). I think he would be a great Mayor, and maybe some day, a great Governor, in my not-so-humble opinion.

Keep an eye on Rep. Turner!

Carol Chumney appears on 98.9 tomorrow morning

Just heard from Carol, she is going on the morning show at 98.9 FM with Ken Kincaid and Andrew Clarksenior tomorrow from 6:30 to 8:30 A.M.; Listen in and call in so she knows she's not alone against the righties!  (Heh, Andrew is not as right-wing as he would appear; I know this from our two appearances on WREG last year!)

A couple of new blogs are out there!

First, I welcome my friend Diane to THE ENDLESS BLOGROLL with her blog, THE BOREDOM FACTOR, it's about everyday life and her musings on it.

Next, we have the amazing Susan Wilson with YEAH, AND ANOTHER THING. Seriously, put her on your RSS feed, she is fantastic.

And last but not least, we have I LIVE IN A PLACE CALLED NORMAL.  The writer of this new blog is gifted, talented, and needed a place to put his non-political, non-musical posts.  Yup, it's mine.  Now, you may say, DUDE, YOU DON'T POST HERE ENOUGH, YOU CREATED ANOTHER BLOG??? 

Yes, I did.  Love it!  Hope to see you over there soon!  Don't worry, I'm not leaving you here; this has just been a horribly lackluster political season and not worth writing about.  More later!

Thank you, Ozzie!

Per his request, Ozzie Guillen has been released from his contract as manager of the Chicago White Sox and is expected within in the next few days to be named manager of the Miami (formerly Florida) Marlins just in time for their new stadium to open in 2012.

He led the Sox to their first World Series Championship in 88 years in 2005, and to another AL Central title in 2008.  However, he and General Manager Kenny Williams had not seen eye-to-eye over the last few years, and when the Marlins kept making overtures, one knew it was only a matter of time before this happened.

Ozzie, we will miss you, and good luck in Miami.

Wow, Read these posts

Both Vibinc and Polar Donkey have riffed on my post of yesterday, with amazing and terrific results.  Go read each one now!

What a cheap political stunt!

I got a call from a friend this morning asking why people aligned with the Democratic Party would vote for a referendum that essentially ties the hands of the city on tax increases.  I got up, read this article and got pissed off, quickly.

You know, I expect Kemp Conrad to propose crap like this, that's why I am voting for Paul Shaffer.  And I would expect Bill Boyd and Reid Hedgepeth to be his Greek Chorus in support.  However, the fact that Bill Morrison, Shea Flinn and Jim Strickland voted for this Proposition 13-like garbage enrages me.

By doing so, gentlemen, you put this vote on RACIAL lines; if I had Photoshop,  I would put all of you in seersucker suits with string ties.  And Bill, after getting help from TEP and then voting against NDO, you're dead to me.

This amendment would tie the hands of the city and ensuring its death.  Bill and Shea, you probably voted for this knowing it would not pass, attempting to appease your white voters; that's too cynical for words.  Jim, you're not even opposed in this election, what the hell were you thinking? 

Let's let Brad Watkins tell us about it:

Brad Watkins, organizing coordinator for the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, said a two-thirds requirement would make it virtually impossible for the council to approve a tax increase.

"The fact is, it's hard enough for you guys to get seven votes for a tax increase," said Watkins.

We are still going to need tax increases and revenue increases whether you like it or not; if I had my way, we would have a payroll tax to put on those who live outside Memphis but work here.

We have cut all we can cut, and the fact that this cheap political stunt was supported by supposed "Democrats" is infuriating, to say the least.  Now, it looks more like they are just white folks.

What does Marsha Blackburn do now?

Somewhere, Marsha Blackburn is cursing and throwing things.  Why, you ask?  Because Senator Lamar Alexander just announced that A) he is resigning as Chair of the Senate Republican Conference and B) he is running for re-election in 2014.

With the likelihood of the House flipping Democratic in 2012, and now TWO incumbent GOP Senators and an incumbent GOP Governor standing in her way, it means the loudmouth from Brentwood is stuck in the House as an irrelevant GOP representative after 2013.  Is Blackburn ambitious enough to go Tea Party on either Corker (2012) or Alexander (2014)?  If she wants to move up, she may have no other choice.

And, if she DOES, that opens the door for a Democrat to capitalize on the GOP infighting and steal one of those seats.  Stay tuned!

No, this is NOT what I had in mind!

I'm shocked to learn that Ralph Nader was still alive!

Wharton will win, but vote anyway!

First, before you do anything, go read Vibinc. NOW.  I'll wait.

Did you read it?  GOOD.  It reminded me that I need to vote, no matter how disappointed I may be with the group of candidates in our elections this year.  If you're a Democrat and you thought you were too clever to vote for that Joe Ford for County Mayor last year, don't you feel like a dumbass right now?  You do?  GOOD.  Don't screw up again like that.

The lesson, as always? YOU CAN'T TRUST REPUBLICANS. EVER. FOR ANY REASON.  I wish our President understood that; I am beginning to wonder if he was a GOP plant, but, to paraphrase Alton Brown, that's another post.

So, here we are with EARLY VOTING beginning tomorrow, and we don't really have a lot of choices in our city elections.  First of all, it doesn't matter for whom you vote in the Mayor's election, AC Wharton is going to win and win big.  He could campaign in drag for the rest of the campaign and get 65% of the vote.

Here's why:  He will get 95% of the white vote and 60% of the black vote and that is far more than he needs.  Good things have happened under his watch, even though as much of it appears to be for show as for dough.  Simply put, no one that is running can beat him, and no one that COULD beat him is running.

I certainly understand the unions' frustration with him, but you know what?  You need to be getting ready with a candidate for 2015 NOW.  Ed Ford, SENIOR?  Really?????  Ed Ford, Junior, maybe, hell, yes, I would have voted for him, but not Ed Senior.

The fact remains is that the people, especially the WEALTHY ones,  love Wharton's smilin', stylin' and profilin' and the fact that he does what they want him to do and doesn't bitch about it like Herenton did toward the end of his terms.

Has it been all smooth?  Hell no, the guy he sent out to get bike lanes on Madison underestimated the opposition to it and inadvertently STRENGTHENED that opposition, and now they will be lucky to get shared lanes.  I like bike lanes, they have done wonders for Southern Avenue.  In order to achieve something like this, you have to build a consensus, which is normally a Wharton strength, but his guy screwed it up.

We got Electrolux jobs, but the way the deal appears to be worded, it looks like the taxpayers are paying for those jobs and not Electrolux.  Remember the good old days of REAL capitalism when private enterprise took risks without government subsidy?  Yeah, I know, what a pipe dream, eh?

Well, we need the jobs, so that helps.  Look, if you want to vote for James Harvey or Ed Ford or even Leo AwGoWhat, go ahead, it really doesn't matter.  I am holding my nose and voting for Wharton in the hope that groups can work with him and not just get lip service.

At this point, that may be all we can hope for.  More on the Council races later, gang! 

Inflation of a different sort

Yes it's me again. Here to talk about something in this city that is near and dear to my heart. Memphis Tiger football.

I think it't time for the program to be ended. There I said it. It is hard for me to say, but I think it is time that a program that has an athletic director who is to put it mildly, fucking clueless, to kill the one thing I like about my alma mater.

I am that rare thing in this city, a Memphis football fan, who is not a Memphis basketball fan. I like the basketball team, but my basketball loyalties lie with Duke, always have, always will, sorry. Thus, it pains me to say that the program needs to be put to sleep.

Since V. Lane Rawlins hired the incompetent moron R.C. Johnson to oversee the program, the arrow has pointed down. He kept Rip Scherer on a season or two too long. That said, he never gave him the proper tools to compete. Rip was a good ambassador as was his successor, they just never got a good realistic shot to succeed due to R.C.'s cheapness and inability to lead.

Tommy West had success. Never won the division, let alone the conference while possessing the best QB in school history and its best player in DeAngelo. Tommy fell prey to Jackie Sherrill syndrome, coach getting older needing to win to keep his job bringing in JUCO talent that is hit or miss and eventually missing and getting fired. Tommy said it all when he left, berating the department saying essentially the city and University didn't support him and needed to support his successor, otherwise we should quit. I agree.

But wait, you say, they just finished a new practice facility and locker room improvements. Sorry, those should have been built 10 years ago, a competent AD would have done so.

But wait, Memphis has never won. Sure, but we were at least competitive for years. Plus look at SMU-death penalty, lost for 20 years, hired a good coach, succeeding. East Carolina-always seems to do well. Cincy-done well. USF and UCF-no real history but doing well.

I come back to the title now. Memphis has an inflated sense of its place. We are a good, not great basketball team with the right head coach can be a consistent Sweet 16 team, every once in a great while a Final Four team. We are essentially Gonzaga.

The search for a head coach when they fired Larry should have told you all you needed to know about the ability of RC. Rather than reach out for a good young up and coming assistant at a major school, they hired Tic Price. The boosters essentially forced him to hire a competent coach in Coach Redacted. The result was we won.

RC didn't care about the football team though and the result was that we got shut out of the Big East expansion a couple years later. RC keeps trying to get us in, but with the Big East looking more and more like its going to have to merge with the ACC with the conference moves, why in the blue hell would they want a pathetic football school like Memphis? Football TV dollars are the driving force behind this. Not basketball. We will be stuck out in the cold in some merged conference that is CUSA and the remains of the Big 12, MAC, and other D1 schools left out in the cold.

I'm going to lay some blame at Shirley Raines' feet as well. If she gave two cares about the football team and the impact the dollars it could bring in, she would have joined the push for an on campus stadium. If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times, 25k fans in the Liberty Bowl looks awful, 25k in a 45k capacity stadium looks a lot better. It would have shown the commitment to moving the university forward. They still could have used the Liberty Bowl for some games when we played the SEC. Heck, we could go back to having a game the same day as the SHC and not worry about tailgating interference.

RC's incompetance will cost us Josh within the next few years as he leaves for a better offer. My guess would be Texas A&M or Texas would make a significant run at him. Larry Porter who at this point looks to be overmatched, will be most likely let go at the end of next year or the year after and we will be in the same spot we were two years. RC should not have had his last contract renewal.

We as Memphians deserve a University that we can be proud of. Sixteen years ago we were a solid number three in the state. In the area, we and Southern Miss were the best non SEC schools. Now we have been passed by MTSU in the state and UAB, Troy, Arkansas State, with Western Kentucky and Georgia State possibly joining them. Fire RC, replace him with a young assistant AD from the SEC or the Big 10. Give us a reason to hope again. Get out there and raise money from the corporate donors. Keep their money away from the SEC schools. Build a program we can get behind and get us into superconferences. Or just shutter the football program and walk away.

Three weeks? Really, Cracker?

Ok, I've been, well, busy.  I have a new woman in my life and she makes me happier than I have been in a very long time.  I am too busy enjoying these times to write right now.

Frankly, I look at the political situation and it depresses the shit out of me because evil is winning these days and we have a President too spineless to stop it, or even fight it.  I was hoping I had voted for a leader, and well, I got....well, I'll stop there before I get into trouble.

In other news, some of you regular readers might have turned to this page for a link to the 2011 Music & Heritage Festival schedule.  Well, you're not going to find it here.  Note that all links to the Center are gone; I parted ways with the Center in June, allowing them to move in the direction that a majority wanted but that I thought was potentially destructive.  For a good article about those times, I recommend Chris Davis' article in the Flyer.

Congratulations to Trace Sharp and Mike McWherter for their new website, Out of the Blue, it looks great. You will be able to find links to Democratic-leaning articles, as well as a place to sign up for THE DAILY BUZZ, which if you aren't receiving, you are missing out.

 Tonight, the Memphis football Tigers will open at home against Mississippi State.  For those of you who don't want to brave the huge throngs at the Liberty Bowl (note sarcasm), the game will be televised at 7 PM on SportSouth (Comcast 52 and 831-HD).

 I hope you have a great Labor Day weekend, I intend to; for the first time in years, it will not involve working a festival.  It's about time.  See you next week.

The One In Which I Stick My Nose Into District 7

There are several candidates from which to choose to replace Barbara Swearengen Ware on a full-time basis: SCOTT BANBURY, RAYMOND A BURSI. EVELYN FIELDS, KEMBA FORD, ERSKINE B GILLESPIE, LEE HARRIS, JESSE JEFF, MICHAEL STEVEN MOORE, JULIE RAY, COBY V SMITH, ARTIE SMITH, LEANDREA RENE TAYLOR, DAVID W VINCIARELLI and DARRELL WRIGHT.

Mr. Moore is the son of former Councilor Ware, Jesse Jeff has run for office before, as has David Vinciarelli.  Kemba Ford has that famous last name, and, being a former model, is drop-dead gorgeous.  With two exceptions, I have no idea whom the rest of these folks are; that's ok, they don't know who I am, either.

Which leaves us with the two people who have the best chance of winning, UM Law professor Lee Harris and naturalist Scott Banbury.  Harris has the backing of the Tennessee Equality Project (although they acknowledged Scott and David Vinciarelli as pro-equality) and they are phone banking for him.  I too have spoken with Lee Harris, he is personable and well-organized, and has moneyed people behind him, and you need money to run in districts as we have in Memphis that are too large.

However, I happen to believe that Scott Banbury is the better choice.  No, he's not as polished, and I can see where his posters might startle those gentle souls who don't venture into North Memphis or Frayser very often.  He is, however, a 13-year resident of the district with a history of activism that enables one to understand that he KNOWS the problems of District 7, and has excellent ideas on how to solve them. Now, mind you, these ideas might not meet with the approval of people who give large sums of cash to candidates, but, let's face it, isn't that one of the biggest problems with politics and government today as it is?

Scott lives right next to Cypress Creek, and he has advocated for his neighborhood for many years, and is well-known to city officials who have worked with him over the years.  His decisions will be based on the experiences of his neighbors, not on the experiences of people from outside the district who would just as soon pretend that North Memphis and Frayser didn't exist.

This is not to suggest Lee Harris is a sellout, or anything like that.  What I AM suggesting, however, is that we as voters don't take the time to judge candidates on what they DO, but how they APPEAR.  Anyone can look good and talk pretty, I do that all the time! (insert snide comment here).  However, it's how they vote, and how hard they fight for their districts that matter.  Sometimes, compromise is NOT the best solution, especially when the needs of the district are overlooked.  I can't speak for anyone else, but I know Scott will put his district's needs over the needs of anyone else; he has done that for years, long before he sought elective office.

For once, is it possible that policy can trump money in politics? I'd sure as hell like to think so.  If you live in District 7, please vote for Scott Banbury, he will be there for YOU.

No, I'm not dead or on vacation, I am happy!

And that's why you haven't seen anything in a week.  As my Facebook friends can tell you, I am in a relationship now, and I never thought I would be this happy again.  So, I have not been here, I have been spending time with my new sweetheart and being insufferably happy to my friends.

With Ross having just returned from vacation with a kick-ass post (can he do anything less? I think not)  I am starting to feel it again.  He nails the S&P downgrade for what it is.

I have in the back of my head a post about how the fellow who talked us into believing in hope gave away the store to the Republicans and how his insistence on being a mediator may lead us to President Mitt Romney, but it's not ready to be written yet.

And yes, a primary might not hurt, either.  I'll leave you with that for now, think about it!

Steve Cohen Didn't Buy the BS, He Voted NO

And we love him for looking out for us:

FGF - Sarah Vaughan's Come Rain or Come Shine

I have a public radio player on my iPhone, and I go to sleep listening to WBGO, a wonderful jazz station out of Newark.  This morning, about 4:40 A.M., I awoke out of a sound sleep to this standard, and understood the reason why.  Susan, this is for you.

I've been busy.

No, not THAT kind of busy, get your mind out of the gutter!  However, as you were made aware earlier, I am coming out of my slumbers, albeit slowly.  Let's just say that I have met someone who has taken me to a better place, to real life and not just mere existence.  But enough about that for now.

This is why I haven't written about the madness going on between the city and MCS, and besides, if you're not reading Steve Ross' Vibinc blog, you are missing out and what the hell is wrong with you anyway? :)  Seriously, Ross isn't just my friend, he is a civic treasure and you will learn more about the inner workings of this city than you can possibly imagine.  OK, that's enough there, don't want to give him the big head!

And I apologize for not writing, but, yeah, I've been busy being really happy and it's been a while for me. 

Now, then, to real politics.  AC Wharton was boasting at his re-election HQ opening the other day, video courtesy of the amazing Jackson Baker at the Flyer:



Well, hell yes, he's going to win; as I told my email list this morning, no one who could beat him (and THAT's a small list, maybe Cohen, who doesn't want the job) is running, and no one who is running can beat him. If he doesn't get 65% of the vote, he has problems.

He has the support of the business community, will get 95% of the white vote and half the African-American vote, and he will win.  Period.  He's NOT Herenton and it really doesn't matter what he does, white folks will vote for him.

Has he done a good job?  Well, THAT depends upon with whom you speak.  Talk to the public unions, who are dismayed that Wharton was playing footsie with Councilor Kemp Conrad and his hints of privatization, and they may tell you a different story. 

Personally, I like him; professionally, we ALL need to keep the pressure on him, and not let up.  Keep protesting, because he needs to know that just because he will be re-elected, things are not perfect, not by a damn sight.

Now, to the Council.  I can understand why Jim Strickland has no opposition, he has represented his district well, and no one would be dumb enough to take him on.  Yes, he has a war chest, but look at the area he represents (Midtown, East Memphis) and look at the connections he has to both sides of the Democratic and Republican sides.  Has he done everything I like, hell no, and I have let him know.  Still, I can vote for him.

No opposition for Reid Hedgepeth??? Really?  Are you telling me Anthony Anderson couldn't have jumped into THAT race instead of splitting the vote against Kemp Conrad?  That smells like ass, people.

Sharon Webb has inexplicably filed to run against Edmund Ford, Jr., who has done a very fine job for District 6.  Imagine my joy to have heard that Edmund Ford had pulled a petition for Mayor, imagine my despair to learn that it was his FATHER.

As for District 7, It seems to have been drawn to help UM law professor Lee Harris win the seat, but I am supporting Scott Banbury, the hard-working naturalist of Cypress Creek.  He knows the area (even as redrawn) better than anyone else there.  I like Lee Harris, but Banbury will be closer to his constituency.

All right, gotta go get ready for work, more later.  I am back, peeps!

Marcus and Michele Bachmann Explain Marriage

With a doff of the chapeau to THE GREAT ORANGE SATAN:

Stop What You Are Doing And Go Read Ross NOW.

Here's the link, go read it!

It's Official - Otis Jackson Has Been Indicted

So says Bill Dries at The Daily News.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, all are innocent until found guilty by a jury of their peers (No Casey Anthony jokes, please).  That said, it's time to get someone warmed up in the Democratic bullpen to run in his place.

Why?  Well, as you know if you are a regular reader of this fine blog, I have had my reservations about the former Tiger's abilities to hold this office for a while now, and while everyone should have a chance to mount a credible defense, they should not hold the Democratic Party hostage while doing so.  If indeed, he is acquitted, then another position could open up for him.  If not, well, then he is done.

Flame away if you must, we have to think about the future of the party.  People are TIRED of this crap, public office is not to reap spoils, it's to take care of the public interest, not profit from it, and we need to have officials who are above reproach.  The point, of course, is to not even be PUT in this position.

Don't hand me crap about how this has been done before, blah blah blah.  It is NEVER anyone's turn to reap the spoils of bad government, it is their turn to provide GOOD, CLEAN government, and yes, it IS possible.

Rant over.

FDR is STILL right about the Republicans...

With a doff of the hat to George Monger, FDR tells it like it is about the GOP.

I like this, I am in the mood to post this!

VERY nice....

DWSC Meeting This Saturday!

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN

OF SHELBY COUNTY

Monthly Meeting July 9, 2011

The Piccadilly Cafeteria

5272 Mt. Moriah View

Lunch 12:00 Noon, Meeting Time 12:30 PM

Speaker: Adrienne Pakis-Gillon,

DWSC member and State Democratic Committee Woman   Adrienne will discuss the National  Federation of Democratic Women’s annual convention, which she attended in May, and other political topics.

Speaker:  James Johnson,

A grass-roots organizer for the Obama campaign.  He will bring us up to date on the campaign and how we can be involved.                                                                       

We will also discuss our September 17th Salad Fest. Bring your ideas and save the date.

If you are not appalled by what the Republican State Legislatures are doing you are not paying attention. And did you know? Women still earn only $.77 in wages for every $1.00 that a man is paid. .  Get involved!

Republicans Don't Want YOU to Vote

With a doff of the chapeau to Cyrus Shick, watch this Paul Weyrich video from 1980:

G-Town Democratic Club meets Wednesday, July 27

Germantown Democratic Club

Wednesday, July 27

6:30 PM

Cordova Public Library

8457 Trinity Road

Mark your calendars and plan to attend the Germantown Democratic Club’s July meeting. Dr. Doug Imig of the Urban Child Institute will be the guest speaker.  Dr. Imig, who is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Memphis, will present information on what the future can hold for children born in Shelby County in 2006, the Class of 2025!  He will discuss how investments in early childhood development can dramatically reduce the effects of poverty and other risks on child outcomes.

Plan to be there!  Guests and friends are always welcome.

Cue the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies Theme!

Steven Russell of Fox 13 tweets that Edmund Ford has pulled a petition to run for Mayor of Memphis.  Edmund Ford SENIOR, not Edmund Ford JUNIOR, who could give AC Wharton a scare, but Ed SENIOR.

Wow.  Just wow.

A moment of shameless self-promotion

Lexie Carter and Cheri DelBrocco have graciously invited your humble Cracker to come on their KWAM 990 AM radio show, EYES ON MEMPHIS, this Wednesday from 8-9 AM, and I hope you will listen to our conversation. If you're already at your desk or near a computer at that time, there IS a link to their internet stream, so I hope you will give it a listen!