Tennessee Democrats, you need to be a part of this!

Next weekend, the Tennessee Democratic County Chairs Association is sponsoring a two-day event in Spring Hill, the Statewide County Party Conference.  The great news is that even if you are NOT on any county's Executive Committee, you can still take part in this event.  Here's a list of what will take place:

• Conference Agenda
• Who's Invited?
• Hotels and Accomodations

Statewide Democratic County Party Conference

Posted by Todd Sharp 46pc on May 02, 2013 · Flag ·   Add your reaction

    Statewide Democratic County Party Conference Friday & Saturday, June 7 & 8, 2013 at Spring Hill, TN

(scroll down to register)

Register now for this great opportunity to come together as Democrats, share with each other, and learn from each other!

Building and connecting effective networks of Hometown Democrats in every county across Tennessee is the theme of our "Keep Calm and County Party On" conference.*

This two day event begins Friday, June 7th at 6:00 pm with Make it Blue Tennessee: Evening Meet & Greet with live music, food & drink. On Saturday, June 8th the conference opens at 9:00 am and will feature round-table discussions, interactive workshops, luncheon, and presentations to help us move Tennessee forward, followed by dinner with Keynote Speaker, State Representative and former Knox County Chair, Gloria Johnson. All Democrats are welcome and encouraged to attend!

The Tennessee Democratic County Chairs Association will hold our biennial election of Officers.  See our conference agenda for more information.

 

WHEN

June 07, 2013 at 6pm - June 08, 2013

WHERE

UAW Local 1853 Banquet/Conference Center
125 Stephen P Yokich Pkwy
Spring Hill, TN 37174
United States
Google map and directions

Click on the link for the conference at the top for contact information.  

Taking a little break for LIFE

Well, I realized that I hadn't been here for a couple of weeks and thought I needed to put something up.  As you may or may not know, I got married for the first time two weeks ago today at the tender age of 54.

I am deeply fortunate to have Susan, who puts up with me and my foibles and seems to understand me very well, which is a good thing.  I have been paying attention to things going on in Tennessee (thank you Daily Buzz, if you aren't a subscriber for free, for heaven's sakes, SIGN UP, will ya?)  but due to my wedded bliss, I haven't gotten worked up enough to write.

Something I noticed is that Mike Carpenter announced on Facebook today that he is going to work for the Plough Foundation; last I knew, he was working for Mayor Wharton.  He will do a great job at Plough, he is a Republican who works with Democrats, even if he doesn't agree with us very much.  Because he would work with us on the County Commission, he is a pariah in his own party.  Sad.  Mike Ritz, who would criticize Carpenter for doing that, now has taken that same path of bipartisanship on his own, to the point that some in his own party tried to recall him, with no success.

Any way, the Grizz are in the Western Conference Finals for the first time ever, it's BBQ Fest weekend and life is good.  I'll be back in a couple of weeks or so with more news, go enjoy what's left of May!

Sid Selvidge has left us far too soon

It seems like all I've done lately is put up memorials.  Another giant of this city has passed away, the amazing Sid Selvidge, who died of cancer earlier today.  While you younger folks know him as the host and producer of BEALE STREET CARAVAN, those of us of a certain age remember him with Mud Boy and the Neutrons, and as a solo act.  That voice was stunning, and his love of Memphis music was unending. He leaves a deep mark on the musical history of this town, and we shall miss him greatly.

Here's Sid in London a few years ago singing BOLL WEEVIL, thanks to Scott Banbury for the link:




 In addition to the Bill Dries post linked above, here's Chris Davis with more.

And now we lose ANOTHER legend - Maxine Smith.

And my friend and Congressman, Steve Cohen, remembers her on the floor of the House this morning. As you can see, this hit him rather hard, as it does all friends of justice and equality.

UPDATE: Here's Jackson Baker's obituary of this legend and Memphis icon.

A legend is gone. The Possum has left us at 81

I would link the Tennessean article, but their site had crashed.

Here is what is considered to the greatest song in the history of Country Music, performed on Austin City Limits.  Thank you, George Jones.

Robert Reich on Chained CPI

NO DEMOCRAT should ever vote for this, because they will lose a primary if they do.
 

Senator Joe Brown??

Nope, I am not making this up.  I am serious, Jackson put a piece up on Sunday night about THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER's suggestion that the Judge, having recently been canceled by CBS, was headed back to town to take on LAMAR! Alexander in 2014.

I sent the article out to my list, and within minutes, activists started replying that this was a great idea.  After having made rather decent money for the last decade or so judging on TV, Judge Joe might want to think about it.  He's got enough money to run a poll to determine how serious his chances would be against the veteran Senator and former two-term-Governor.

Hell, I kind of like the idea; if the Tea Partiers aren't allowed to primary LAMAR!, they might just decide either to vote for their favorite judge, or just sit home.  Either way, it's a chance for us to win a statewide race, which hasn't happened in a while.  Your thoughts?

A wonderful moment for Boston

He flew in, called the Fenway Park switchboard and ASKED to sing SWEET CAROLINE, which is a staple after the 7th inning at Red Sox games.  This was the first game at home for the Red Sox since the Marathon bombing and the manhunt to find the perpetrators.  It got a little dusty around the house when he showed up, let me tell you.

We need strong gun laws NOW.

What happened today on the floor of the US Senate was abominable.  We need tough gun laws NOW.  I am a gun owner for 44 of my 54 years on this earth and I understand this.  If you don't, you don't deserve the right to own weapons now or in the future.

Craig Ferguson on the tragedy of Boston

A doff of the chapeau to Trace for this one.

You won't hear anything like THIS on Country radio anymore

Heard this on Y 105.5 yestreday, and it reminded me how great the writing was 20 years ago, IMO, it's gone to shit these days.  Enjoy this all-star lineup:

In Memoriam

Do I really need to explain?

You gotta buy the ballpark too, Cardinals.

Michael Sheffield reports at MBJ that before the St. Louis Cardinals will purchase their Triple-A affiliate, your own Memphis Redbirds, they insist that the City purchase AutoZone Park, which was built in the late 90s with only six million invested by the City and Shelby County, the rest put up by then owners Blues City Baseball (spearheaded by Dean and Kristi Jernigan and Willard Sparks) as a non-profit venture, the first (and apparently LAST) of its kind in baseball.

Well, as you know, BCB defaulted on their bonds, sold the team and bondholders now own the ballpark.   The Cardinals, who clearly used AZP as a model for their own new ballpark on the river in St. Louis, want to own their AAA team (a growing trend in MLB, see the Gwinnett Braves) but don't want to cough up the $65 Million for the park.

The Cardinals, who, despite being in one of the smallest media markets in MLB, have the widest fanbase in the sport, aren't hurting for money, no matter what they would make you think.  Their primary owner, William DeWitt, is the son of an owner of multiple teams like the old St. Louis Browns and the Cincinnati Reds, and was a chief fundraiser for George W. Bush.  In short: THE CARDINALS CAN AFFORD THE DAMN BALLPARK.

It is in their interest to see that their AAA affiliate is stable and close-by, also a MLB trend (see Lehigh Valley IronPigs for the Phils and the Round Rock, TX affiliate of the Rangers).  The city cannot afford to own the park, even though the Cardinals have apparently agreed to maintain the park, which is also in their interests.

We have come to the end of the times where cities and municipalities can allow businesses to force them to subsidize their expenses.  Say no, City Council, call their bluff.  They're not going anywhere.

Prayer Breakfast for Kenyan Kids

I got this in email from Carol Chumney today, and I thought you should know about it:

Kick off Memphis Africa in April by attending this prayer breakfast on Saturday, April 13th, at the Kroc Center, 800 E. Parkway S., 8:30am to 10:30am,  to support the orphans in Kenya, Africa. Seating is limited. Make your reservation, or a donation by April 5th, on-line at the following link: 

https://public.serviceu.com/RegistrationForm/6593540-251524831/?OrgKey=62ba2e09-4316-45be-bc62-9fba668df7cb. [Or you may mail a check payable to GUMC- Kenyan Prayer Breakfast, to 2231 S. Germantown Rd. Germantown, TN 38138] If you want to pay in cash, just post a note on facebook, and we will meet-up with you!

Too often children are caring for children in Africa because their parents have died of HIV/AIDS, disease, war, famine and other causes. The monies help empower the orphans by teaching them to grow food for themselves, basic health practices to prevent disease, small business training, building homes for them, spiritual and basic education.

Breakfast includes some traditional Kenyan fare, music, and prayers from leading pastors in the Memphis area. Memphis children will present artwork they have prepared to be delivered to the Kenyan children. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for children. 
Too often children are caring for children in Africa because their parents have died of HIV/AIDS, disease, war, famine and other causes. The monies help empower the orphans by teaching them to grow food for themselves, basic health practices to prevent disease, small business training, building homes for them, spiritual and basic education.

Breakfast includes some traditional Kenyan fare, music, and prayers from leading pastors in the Memphis area. Memphis children will present artwork they have prepared to be delivered to the Kenyan children. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for children. 
Hosted by the Germantown United Methodist Church (GUMC). For more information, contact carolchumney@aol.com, (901) 844-7141.

Why I Love Mike Turner, part MCM

Watch Mike Turner stand up for working people here.  Hat tip to Jeff Woods here for the backstory.

Crises of Capitalism

With a doff of the chapeau to Gaius Publius of AmericaBlog, where you can read the backstory:
 

Craig Fitzhugh responds to Haslam

Haslam is a PUNK.

It's been an interesting weekend...

As you may know, political folks like to make announcements that they don't want people to talk about on Friday, because people are getting ready for the weekend and overlook them.

So, I get a call from Steve Ross on Friday saying that George Monger had NOT been reappointed to the Shelby County Election Commission by the Democrats in the Shelby County Democratic legislative delegation.  Norma Lester, fortunately, was reappointed; in Monger's place was named Anthony Tate, a nice guy as far as I know; however, I knew the technological expertise George Monger had provided the SCEC, as well as being a watchdog that pissed off the Republicans.

Now, campers, that pissed me off, so I sent the following email to my list, after having received one from Joe Weinberg:

First, I from Joe:
I just learned that the Democratic Legislative caucus has not recommended George Monger for reappointment to the Shelby County Election Commission. From my point of view of closely watching the SCEC in action for the last few months, I think this is a terribly unwise decision. The SCEC is dealing with a number of complex issues now, not the least of which is new registration software and new voting machines. George is the only one on the commission who has technology and computer expertise. He has been an invaluable watchdog for Democratic Party interests- indeed for the interests of all voters. I don’t know his successor, but his learning curve will be great and occurring during the transfer going on right now of the information technology function from the SCEC to the County IT Department. So the timing for this change could not be worse. Richard Holden will be unchecked by anyone who can be a  technical authority and Mr. Holden clearly is way out of his level of competence when it comes to technology. John Halbert, the head of IT, is an appointee of Mayor Lutrell. I don’t know if he is a neutral technocrat or a partisan advocate. Now we will have no one to challenge his decisions. 

Now from ME: Are you serious?  What the hell are our folks thinking?  Unless George Monger asked NOT to be reappointed, I cannot imagine why he was not.  He is very technologically savvy, and if he was a PITA to the GOP on the SCEC, so much the better, they have been nothing but incompetent boobs, and that's assuming POSITIVE intent!  

Our Democratic legislators are on this list, and if anyone can explain this action to me and would like me to forward to the list, I will be happy to do so.  It better be good.
sjs/LWC

Ok then.  I got a call from Rep. Hardaway on Saturday morning, which I appreciated, to give me background on the matter and to make a REALLY good suggestion, which I intend to promote: There will soon be a West Tennessee opening on the STATE Election Commission, as Greg Duckett has decided not to continue, and wouldn't George Monger be a terrific person to have in that slot?  Now, I am aware that Van Turner has considered that appointment, and he would be terrific, if this is what he wants to do.

However, who would be a better watchdog for the voter than Monger, who has the time, knowledge, energy and ability to keep the GOP on their toes?  If you agree, and I hope that you do, let your Democratic legislators know how you feel:

Senate Democratic Leader, Senator Jim Kyle, 615-741-4167, sen.jim.kyle@capitol.tn.gov (30)
Senator Ophelia Ford, 615-741-1767, sen.ophelia.ford@capitol.tn.gov (29)
Senator Reginald Tate. 615-741-2509, sen.reginald.tate@capitol.tn.gov (33)

Representative Joe Towns, Jr., 615-741-2189, rep.joe.towns@capitol.tn.gov (84)
Representative Johnnie Turner, 615-741-6954, rep.johnnie.turner@capitol.tn.gov (85)
Representative Barbara Cooper, 615-741-4295, rep.barbara.cooper@capitol.tn.gov (86)
Representative Karen Camper, 615-741-1898, rep.karen.camper@capitol.tn.gov (87)
Representative Larry Miller, 615-741-4453, rep.larry.miller@capitol.tn.gov (88)
Representative John Deberry 615-741-2239, rep.john.deberry@capitol.tn.gov (90)
Speaker Pro Tem Emeritus, Representative Lois Deberry, 615-741-3830, rep.lois.deberry@capitol.tn.gov (91)
Representative G.A. Hardaway, 615-741-5625, rep.ga.hardaway@capitol.tn.gov (93)
Representative Antonio Parkinson, 615-741-4575, rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov (98)

Make the call and email to your legislator, and if you're a Democrat with GOP legislators, let ALL of them know how you feel.

You will be glad you did.

So now they want to INCREASE the size of the ExecCom

Heh.  So the plan all along was to INCREASE the size of the ExecCom?  Suuuure it was.

In any event, it had the desired effect of shaking the TNDP ExecCom up and making everyone think about how things are going over there, so it WORKED.  So, what's the NEW plan, you ask?  here you go:

• No changes are being made to the 66 members of the Executive Committee that are elected as one man and one woman from each state senate district; 
• The amendment states that the House Democratic Leader shall appoint six members to the Executive Committee, two from each of Tennessee's grand divisions, for a term of two years;
• The amendment states that the Senate Democratic Leader shall appoint six members to the Executive Committee, two from each of Tennessee's grand divisions, for a term of two years; 
• The amendment says each U.S. Congressman, if a Democrat, shall serve on the Executive Committee or appoint a member to the Executive Committee;
• The amendment says each U.S. Senator, if a Democrat, shall serve on the Executive Committee or appoint a member to the Executive Committee; 
• The amendment says Tennessee's governor, if a Democrat, shall serve on the Executive Committee or appoint a member to the Executive Committee; 
• The amendment states that the Executive Committee may create ex-officio voting positions, provided that the number of such positions shall not exceed nine members. 

Figuring in 12 appointed by the Caucuses, one each from Steve Cohen and Jim Cooper (with more to be added if we take Congressional seats back) and ex-officio seats from College Dems, YDs and TDFW and we are now up to 83 members of the ExecCom.

That could be unwieldy, but if you get some of the older folks out and replace them with younger folks, it might just work, as long as they DO work.

More here from Ross and R. Neal.

If this is true, this is ridiculous

Steve Ross sent me a link yesterday to a Randy Neal post about a plan by Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Lowe Finney of Jackson and Rep. Jason Powell to completely overhaul the Tennessee Democratic Party Executive Committee.  Take a minute and go read it if you have not done so. Go on, I'll wait.

Aren't you glad they believe in the "democratic" process? It would designate the current House delegation as the ExecCom and let the Democrats in the House and Senate appoint five other members each from around the state.

Given that it was a Democratic-controlled TNGA that put the current system in place, where a male and a female each elected from every state Senate district, you may well think this is the right thing to do.  There are points to the legislators objections, as these seats rarely turn over (unless you live in Memphis!); as Ross notes in the comments of the Neal post, only NINE of the 66 seats were contested in 2010.

I also have a complaint that the system of electing these members in August of the gubernatorial election year does not hold the state ExecCom accountable for picking bad chairs or for non-performance (again, we only seem to do that in Memphis).  One could argue that we should have these elections (albeit paid for by the parties) in March following a November general election so that we can hold these people accountable for the elections in their Senate districts.

However, even with all that, the reputed Finney/Powell plan is like trying to kill a gnat with a light anti-tank weapon.  Ladies and gentlemen Democrats of the TNGA, if you want change, then, by heavens, why don't YOU find people to run for these seats and get behind them??   Get off YOUR butts and help rebuild the party and if you don't believe your ExecCom reps are performing to your standards, go find new ones, and then effect the changes you want from your ExecCom, it's that simple.

It's also the DEMOCRATIC way of doing things, both small and large D Democratic.

Now, ExecCom reps, I'm not done with you yet, either.  Not all of the legislators' complaints are without merit, people.  In the rural areas, there are county parties that are non-existent and some of you have sat there and watched it happen and done little or nothing to stop it..  What have YOU done about this?  Why SHOULD you be retained?  Why haven't you taken more action to prevent this from occurring?  Do you really need another term if you're just looking for a title?

There needs to be a serious sit-down with the Caucuses and the State ExecCom members and the County Chairs, a retreat, if you will, to have serious discussions.  Any one who fails to show up for any reason other than illness or work should be noted, and possibly replaced.  Were I still Christian, I would call it a Come to Jesus meeting for all concerned parties.

Senator Finney, Chair Herron, the ball's in your court.

For St. Patrick's Day

The remarkable Robbie O'Connell...

It's time for the SCDP Caucuses and Convention

The Shelby County Democratic Party will be hosting its Biennial Convention on the following dates, times and location: PHASE I   The Ward and Precinct Delegate Selection Caucus Meeting All Shelby County Democrats can attend and participate You must be a registered voter in Shelby Co., TN Airways Middle School 2601 Ketchum Memphis, TN 38114-6277 Saturday, March 16, 2013 Doors Open at 9:00 a.m. Cut-off time for Registration is 10:30 a.m. PHASE II   The Convention to Select Executive Committee Members and Chair Only individuals selected as Ward and Precinct Delegates can participate Airways Middle School 2601 Ketchum Memphis, TN 38114-6277 Saturday, April 6, 2013 Doors Open at 11:00 a.m. Cut-off time for Registration is 12:00 noon   Before arriving to the caucuses, please look up and bring your precinct number and State Representative district number. You can find this information at shelbyvote.org.  Or, just bring your recent voter registration card.   Links: 2013 Convention Rules | 2013 State Rules | Press Release | Delegate Distributions | Current Executive Committee

Get Involved While you're at it, friend us on Facebook. Become a continuing member of the Shelby County Democratic Party by contributing here. Want to do more? Sign up to volunteer on our website.

Minerva Johnican, pioneer and trailblazer, leaves us far too soon at 74.

Minerva Johnican, one of the most fearless human beings I have ever known, passed from this earth last night after a long illness at the age of 74.

She served on the County Commission from 1975 until she was beaten in 1982 by Julian Bolton, a payback fro, Harold Ford Sr. for challenging him in the Democratic primary in 1980.  She never backed down from anything, and she jumped right back in by getting elected to an at-large position on the City Council in 1983, beating David Hill with Republican backing.  The SCDP did nothing to her, and should not have done anything; she proved her bona fides years earlier.

I got to know her working in her campaign for city Mayor in 1987, when she finished well behind Dick Hackett and John Ford.  However, she bounced back again by being the first female elected county-wide when she won the Criminal Court Clerk race in 1990.  She made great change that streamlined the processes and made things work smoother.

However, in 1994 the GOP decided to have a partisan slate for every county race and defeated her.

She was courageous and tough, and mentored countless numbers of women who wanted a career in public service.  Without her service on the County Commission, we might not have the Regional Medical Center at Memphis.  She fought for women, minorities and the poor and would work with anyone, but would not tolerate bullshit, either.

To say that she will be missed is an understatement.  We could use more like her, but she was really one of a kind.

Rest in peace, Minerva.

The question no one seems willing to ask Judge Mays

For all of the hoo-haw regarding the selection of Rick Masson as Special Master over the school merger (1 - if you're going to have such a thing, he's the one to have, because he can facilitate damn near anything, 2- $250/hour is a hell of a nice compensation), something seems to be overlooked.

Why, after all this time, has Judge Samuel H. "Hardy" Mays avoided making a ruling on the County Commission's suit that says the MSDs amount to de facto re-segregation of our school system?  He keeps having status conferences, he names a Special Master, but at some point, he HAS to rule on the motion.

It's as if he keeps looking to the TN General Assembly to get him out of this mess, but it is not going to happen.  Could it be because he KNOWS that he has to agree with them, killing MSDs in Big Shelby permanently?  At the heart of the suit, the numbers are there to prove the Commission's point, that this is nothing more than an attempt to put back the wall that was torn down with the surrender of the MCS Charter.

Oh, and media folks?  Why the hell aren't you asking what's taking so long?

Every day he waits, Judge Mays prolongs the problems of the merger.  End this madness now, your honor, and make the ruling that you know in your heart you have to make.  If Robert McRae could do it 40 years ago, so can you.

UPDATE:  I have been advised by our friend and Councilor Shea Flinn that trial has not been held yet for that part of the motion.  My mistake.  However, then the question is changed to this: Why have we not had the trial for that port of the motion?

Google is screwing with me again

I am having trouble sending to my email list because they are trying to force me into Google Groups, and I just want to send to my list.  If you are having trouble getting my emails, I apologize, but this is Gmail's fault.

So, you don't think being white gives you privilege, eh?

With a doff of the chapeau to KC Gibbons, this is nothing short of awesome.

 

Ok, so I stole the idea from Betsy, but..

In honor of yesterday's news regarding Steve Cohen, and in keeping with Betsy's trend, here's Dino:

Senate 29 residents, I have a question for you.

Les Smith of Fox 13 has an interesting story up about former State Senator John Ford, who went to prison after being convicted of charges related to Operation Tennessee Waltz.  Ford was recently released from prison, and it is not known whether Ford, in the process of having his rights restored, could serve again in the Tennessee General Assembly.

Given the antics of his sister, Ophelia, with her repeated illnesses and actions as the Senator who replaced her brother, I have a question for you:  If you COULD have John or Ophelia as your Senator, whom would you choose?

John Ford, for all his faults, was one of the most effective legislators I have ever seen, and if you don't believe me, ask the Mayors, City and County, who depended upon him to lead their legislation in Nashville.  Obviously, in the current GOP-dominated legislature, even John Ford would have difficulties, but whom would you choose?  I will put up a poll in the sidebar!

Join us this Saturday night for a celebration of Mike Kernell

I am one of the hosts for this event, and I would love to see you there.

You are Invited! 

We Like Mike Kernell Celebration

Where: Asian Palace 5266 Summer Ave. Memphis, TN 38122. Located in
the Perimeter Shopping Center next to the Garden Ridge, several blocks
East of Summer Ave and White Station.

When: February 16, 2013, Saturday. 6:30 PM to 11:30PM or longer

Event Schedule: 6:30 to 7:30 Reception (door prize drawings)
7:00 to 9:00 Mariachi Band
7:30 to 9:00 Dinner (buffet style) (door prize drawings)
A word or two from Mike and a few others. 
Commissioner Steve Mulroy will be Master of Ceremonies.

9:00 until ? Karaoke for those inclined and after dinner networking for those not
inclined. All attendees will receive a unique campaign button designed
for this event. Come early and leave late. Come late for the after
dinner activities. Door prizes will be given away during the reception
and dinner only. Check Facebook or Twitter for updates to activities.

Suggested contribution of $100 per person payable to the Kernell Campaign can
be paid at the door or mailed to Kernell Campaign, 111 South Highland, Memphis, TN 38111

The Host committee thanks you for your attendance

Dean Balding Baxter, Carol Chumney, Representative Lois Deberry, Representative Craig Fitzhugh, Barry Frager, Mickey and Dick Klenz, Senator Jim Kyle, Nate Lenow, John Mahaffey,  Dr. Harry Mahood, John Marek, Beverly Marrero, Commissioner Steve Mulroy, Jeannie Richardson, Representative Joe Towns, David Upton

For more information email welikemike@outlook.com or call 901-726-0735
Also you can check the events page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/299374253518871/

Follow us on Twitter @ welikemike2013 

Some things to remember about these parks

Yes, the City Council voted to rename Forrest, Confederate and Jefferson Davis Parks last night as Health Sciences, Memphis, and Mississippi River Parks, respectively.  Part of it was done because our idiotic GOP-dominated legislature was about to pass a bill prohibiting municipalities from doing that very thing, an act which one of my Councilors, Shea Flinn, delightfully described as "the ironic war of aggression from our northern neighbor in Nashville".  

I saw an angry woman on one of the local newscasts saying that this was history, good and bad, and we needed to remember it.  Well, that may be true but it is disingenuous by half.  First, Jefferson Davis was a traitor and he and Alexander Stephens should have been hung in the public square in Richmond.  As for N.B. Forrest, well.....

Let's accept, for the moment, that he had a great change of heart in his later life, (and, frankly, I DO, because I believe that all human beings have a Buddha nature, and well, frankly, that's another post entirely).  One has to remember, however,  the fact that the statue placed in the Park formerly named for him was not put there to honor his change of heart, but to honor what he did for the Confederacy and all that it stood for as a society.  

It is one thing to REMEMBER the Confederacy; every human should be taught about it to prevent it from ever happening again.  It is quite another to HONOR the Confederacy, which, frankly, was evil. Period.  No discussion.  Honoring the Confederacy should cease forevermore.

I don't care if your great-great-great-great-granddaddy didn't own slaves and fought for the Confederacy, he was fighting to preserve his OWN right to own slaves if he ever got the money.  Do NOT try to bullshit me with that argument.

Also, don't tell me that your ancestor fought bravely; I am sure that he did.  I am also sure that the Wehrmacht soldiers fought bravely, too.  It's not HOW they fought, it is for WHAT they fought, and no amount of whitewashing can replace the evil for which they fought, the state's right to preserve the institution of slavery.

Remember Lee as a general who lost due to his own hubris, remember Forrest as a slave trader who started the Klan and then shut it down and had a change of heart, remember Davis as a madman.  NEVER, EVER forget that the Confederacy was evil and had to be stopped.

And NEVER, EVER honor that horrific state again.  Great job, City Council, it's about time.

KnoxViews turns seven years old today

Before there was Newscoma, LeftWingCracker, or anyone else blogging in this state, there was SouthKnoxBubba, which eventually became KnoxViews.  It was SKB's writing that inspired me to start this blog after John Kerry's defeat in 2004, and I was crushed when the blog was taken down.

Then, I rejoiced when KnoxViews was started, and it is still going strong today.  Randy Neal (the TRUE Blogfather of Tennessee, in my opinion) is the founder of that blog and the original SKB, and you should be reading KnoxViews.  Go read it and thank him for being a true inspiration to all of us who write about progressive politics in this state.

Randy, if you hadn't started SKB, I doubt I ever would have started LWC.  Thank you.

Everyone is missing the point on Senator Campfield

Look, I know every bill he puts out is FILLED to the rim with TEH CRAZY, and he is now made out to be a national laughingstock, which, well, he should be by now.  Our friends at the Tennessee Equality Project have even created a Stacey Campfield Counseling Fund to which you can contribute, allowing The Senator to be used as a prop for fund-raising, and bully for them on that.

However, while The Senator comes up with crazier and crazier bills to file, and we react to them, even though they are not likely to pass, we ignore that the GOP-dominated body is busy screwing over non-millionaires with every other action they take.

They are trying to pass legislation that would give the STATE, not local school boards, control over whether charter schools should be opened in their municipalities and counties.  The TGA is gutting every possible protection for municipal workers and teachers (oh, wait, they already DID that), and, in short, doing everything possible to take Tennessee back to 1898 except Jim Crow (and they would do that if they could).

What Campfield also does is move the goalposts, so that what he proposes is SO beyond the pale that no one notices the REAL damage that a GOP-dominated legislature does to our society.  It's not all about business, either.  The Lege is still trying to pass, at the NRA's insistence, a bill that would allow workers to bring their guns onto the parking lots of their employers, which the state's largest employers are fighting, with good reason.

Yes, friends, this is what you get when you get a GOP-controlled legislature.  Whether you agree with the TNDP's election of Roy Herron or not, (and, frankly, I didn't), you need to get involved in any way possible to assist the TNDP and the SCDP (or, if you're not in Big Shelby, your local county Party) in trying to turn the state around from the backward march this Legislature is leading.

Our future depends upon it.  Unless, of course, you LIKE living in the Dark Ages.

Just a note.

I am in the process of getting ready to move on Monday, so I am going to take a few days to process what happened today at the TNDP.

Congratulations to Gale Jones Carson, re-elected as Secretary, and to Wade Munday, elected as the new Treasurer, they will be terrific.  Kudos to Elisa Parker, re-elected as Vice Chair.

As for Roy Herron, well, now is not the time for me to post, as I still want people to speak to me.

Time to pack.

I meant to write something about the TNDP Chair race today

Especially after THIS piece of news that shows why those of us outside the 440 Loop are tired of Nashville.

However, as Rachel points out at Women's Health News, we don't want a Blue Dog leading our state party either, and for good reason.  Roy Herron has more baggage than a Pullman car, not the least of which is that he will not do as the McWherter family asked and take their name off the Center Roy heads, established in Ned's name.

We know Roy, and are not comfortable with him.  We DON'T know anything about Dave Garrison, and his reticence to be more open only lends credence to the idea that he is a puppet for outgoing Chair Chip Forrester.  Fair or not, until he is more public, what other inference can we take?

Steve Ross has a brilliant piece about what we DO need and what we do NOT need, and if you have not read it, you should, right now.  Go ahead, I will wait.  See?  Aren't you glad you did?  I know, why isn't HE running, right?  Because he has a job and a family and a mortgage, that's why.

And, in her own inimitable way, our Aunt B sums up the problems of the TNDP perfectly:

The thing that’s most hilarious about this is that the Republicans have redistricted us into a party whose most reliable districts are urban and black. And the white guys all bemoan how the party needs to spend more attention on “outside of Nashville.” Where they hate Democrats. It’s important to realize that these dustups are happening–and more publicly–not because either of these groups of warring white guys has a good idea for what direction to take the party, but because the era of the white dude Democratic party is over. Our parade doesn’t look that way anymore. But at this second, there’s not someone who looks more like the people who actually vote Democratic–black people, women, gay people, young people who live in cities, etc.–who can get the support of the Executive Committee and step up to be Grand Marshall of said parade. So, we have these two factions fighting over who gets to lead a bunch of people who aren’t going to concede parade leadership to them.

Yep.  And THAT'S why I have the sad feeling that no matter who wins tomorrow, Democrats lose.

And I am getting tired of it.

The TNDP Chair race takes interesting turns

This has not been that good a week for progressives who want to see new direction for the Tennessee Democratic Party.  First, this piece from Andrea Zelinski of the City Paper documents Roy Herron's run for the Chairmanship, which dramatically has affected the race.  I have made points about why I think Roy is not the best possible choice, looks like I may have to make a few more.

Then, I received this news from Wade Munday, whom I wanted to win:

Dear Friends, 

In politics, the same as in life, situations change rather quickly and it is often difficult to have clear eyes for what is truly in the best interest of a party such as ours.  As a candidate for Tennessee Democratic Party Chair I have argued that I am ready to listen, ready to lead, and prepared to fix some of the things many of us so desperately want to change about our party. I believe I can accomplish that best by achieving some measure of party unity and by serving as your next Treasurer. I hope you will support me in this endeavor.

I will approach the position with the same enthusiasm and commitment I have always had for our party. I will not be sitting on the sidelines, but I will be actively involved in our strength building. I will help raise the money we need to compete. I will oversee party expenditures and hold us to a higher standard than ever before. And I will remain a vocal advocate of Democratic values and principles in Tennessee. 

What has changed in the race for TNDP Chair is the debate over which direction our party should now turn. We are fortunate to have many  candidates, and I will work with whomever you see fit to elect. Please allow me, however, the chance to state the case for Dave Garrison. 

Dave has spent considerable time thinking about the party rather than the politics of this race. With clear eyes and vision, he knows what must occur every step of the way for the next two years. He has provided a thoughtful framework to operate our party, created state and national ties, and shown considerable ability to bring people together. He has supported our party in good times and in bad, like so many of you. Dave Garrison is more than capable of serving our candidates, our campaigns, and our party. I am excited to work alongside him, and I am excited for the unity we represent. 

I humbly ask for your support for TNDP Treasurer, and please consider Dave Garrison as your next TNDP Chair.

Sincerely,

Wade Munday

Needless to say, I was saddened, but Wade is sharp and knows how to count.  Since I have heard little about Jane Hampton Bowen from anyone, it appears the race is between Dave Garrison and Roy Herron.  I understand concerns you may have about Dave and his connection to Chip Forrester, but Chip is going to be GONE, as he is a lightning rod.

As I said in the other post, I like Roy personally, but I question how his election will move this party FORWARD.  If he still had juice in rural areas, then his campaign of 2010 would have been successful, like his announcement that he would not vote for Nancy Pelosi for Speaker.  We would also still have his State Senate seat, which he decided not to run for in 2012.

Friends, the era of Blue Dogism is over.  If Tennesseans want to vote for a conservative, they will vote REPUBLICAN. Period.  Roy is a nice person, but his candidacy is yet another attempt by those who make money off the TNDP campaigns to pretend that it's still 1992 and we are still in control.  Why the hell should THEY care, they make money either way!!!!

For all that we worry about Chip, he will be GONE.  While he was a lightning rod, he had some good ideas, ideas that are being put in play as we speak.  We need someone who can execute these plans, and I believe Dave Garrison is that person.

At the end of the day, do we as Democrats want as our Chair someone who voted to allow Guns in State Parks, Guns in Bars and Restaurants, and campaigned as a Blue Dog?  Look, I know a lot of you want rural outreach, but maybe we need to realize that A) there aren't as many rural Tennesseans as there once were and B) the ones who are still there tend to vote culture over economics, against their own best interests.

We need people who can fire up the base and lead.  While I would have preferred Wade Munday, knowing that he would be a part of a Garrison administration shows that Dave Garrison will move us forward, not backward to a past that is gone forever.  Let's prepare for 2020, not 1990.

Come and meet Wade Munday!

I got this from Kerry Hayes about an event taking place on Friday night at South of Beale at 5:30, and he has graciously allowed me to post this:

Hey friends - My buddy from Nashville, Wade Munday, who some of you have met, is running to become the next chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party. He's planning to join us at South of Beale on Friday evening and is interested in meeting as many young professionals and up-and-coming civic leaders as he can. We're planning to meet at 5:30pm at SOB (hopefully on the patio - fingers crossed for good weather!) and would love if you could join us. This is NOT a fundraiser or a big solicitation opportunity of any kind. Just a good guy from another part of our state who's trying to meet some smart good people in Memphis.  

Please join us and bring a friend! 

See you soon -

STOP! You need to go read something NOW!

And it's this.

THE VIEW FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE says it better than I did, and he is absolutely on point here, every word.  I don't even want to excerpt, I want you to go read it all, and then comment.

You will be glad that you did.

A few notes on what's happening now...

I just realized I hadn't written anything since before the holidays, and Trace gently reminded me of this on the phone last night, and she is right, as she always is.  

Truth is, I have been busy with my personal life; more on that by the end of the week, I hope.  Don't worry, it will be good!

Enough on that; you want to read something substantial.  As Trace and Joe Powell have noted, the GOP-dominated General Assembly begins tomorrow, with all the usual madness since the Democrats became an endangered species.  It appears that House Speaker Beth Harwell, who, unlike her Tea Party Republicans, actually believes that they are in Nashville to GOVERN and not showcase insanity, is trying to place limits on the number of bills a legislator can introduce.  Good luck with that.

Meanwhile, it appears that the race to succeed Chip Forrester as captain of the Titanic, er, chair of the Tennessee Democratic Party, has gotten a jolt or two recently.  What started out as a race between TNDP Treasurer Dave Garrison and former Communications Director Wade Munday has expanded and contracted.

Rep. Sherry Jones of Nashville joined the fray, as did attorney Ben Smith of Nashville as well as labor activist Jane Hampton Bowen of Chattanooga.  Then came former State Senator and Congressional candidate Roy Herron of Dresden, and Jones and Smith dropped out, with Jones indicating that she thought a female could not be elected (really????) and Smith endorsed Herron, stating that he (Smith) could not win.  I met Smith at the DWSC Christmas Party, nice guy, but I was never sure how he thought he could win in the first place.

On the one hand, Roy has positives, in that A) he is NOT from Nashville, although he still spends a LOT of time there and B) he is from rural West Tennessee (Dresden) and would presumably be able to help the party rebuild in rural areas.  However, if he still had pull in those areas, 1) wouldn't we still have his State Senate seat (we had a great candidate in Brad Thompson) and 2) wouldn't we still have the 8th District Congressional seat?

I like Roy personally, and people like his ministerial background and his ability to connect, but we need someone, IMO, who can raise money and build an infrastructure to get the County parties active and moving.  It has been estimated, privately, that only 25 of the 95 counties in this stating have active, functioning Democratic Parties.  I am not necessarily certain that Roy can do that.

Believe me, I GET the concept of having someone, ANYONE, outside the 440 Loop as Chair, because the navel-gazing and focus on Nashville and Middle Tennessee has helped facilitate our downfall.  However, we need to ensure that whomever is Chair needs to get everyone moving throughout the state and bring in newer, younger people.  Without that, we are doomed.  We will ALWAYS be outspent, but we have to find ways to offset that through organization and rebirth in the rural areas.  

If you care about this race, and if you are a Tennessee Democrat, you SHOULD, you need to contact your TNDP Executive Committee member (Shelby County has Districts 28-33 until 2014) and ask them about it, because they are the ones who will choose the new Chair.  Talk to them about who has the best chance to revitalize the County parties and who can build the infrastructure that we need to elect a majority of Democrats to the General Assembly, Congress and the US Senate, not to mention the Governor's office.  You will be glad you did.

The sad descent of the NRA

As I have noted on countless occasions, I am a gun owner and I don't believe in gun confiscation.  Frankly, outside of maybe Rosie O'Donnell, I don't know anyone who does.  If the government even tried it, even if we had a GOP President, we would have an armed rebellion in this country.

I have been around hunting for most of my life.  I know hunters usually eat what they kill, and give away that which they cannot.  99% of them sit in a duck blind or a deer stand or walk a field, and do not visit any place that would  provide a "guaranteed kill", because that is the antithesis of sportsmanship.

When I was a child, my father, who was a part-time gunsmith when we lived in Northeast Arkansas in the late 1960s, was a member of the National Rifle Association, and subscribed to the AMERICAN RIFLEMAN magazine.  He hunted, and loaded his own ammunition.  Back then, the NRA would occasionally grumble about gun control laws, but they usually stuck to promoting gun safety and shooting sports, which is not a bad thing, I say, when done properly.

That was then, and this is now.

In their first major public statement since the tragedy in Newtown, CT a week ago, the NRA sent their leader and chief spokesman, Wayne LaPierre (who is a main reason my father grew to hate the NRA) out to speak on the matter.  Here is a transcript, and before I go any further, I would like you to stop and read this.

Go ahead, I can wait.

Denial's not just a river in Egypt , is it?

Everything is the problem except guns, and their easy access. Let us never forget that the National Rifle Association stands for nothing more than preserving unfettered access to guns to EVERYONE, regardless of age or mental illness.  They are NOT a gun rights organization, they are there to promote gun SALES.  To ANYONE, no matter what, even if it's someone who thinks the world will end and they are stocking up on guns and ammo to shoot anyone who may come near them.

By screaming that ANY attempt to restrict gun sales for ANY reason will lead to confiscation by ANY governmental or NON-governmental group that may pop into their heads, the NRA may be creating a self-fulfilling prophecy that eventually DOES lead to far more dramatic restrictions to gun ownership than any we have seen.

And that would not be a good thing, and it would be the fault of the NRA.  We NEED all loopholes closed regarding sales at gun shows (and KUDOS to my friend Councilor Myron Lowery, who is trying to get the gun show that is planned for the Agricenter cancelled) and there needs to be CLEAR definitions on what constitutes an assault weapon.  Like what former Senator Bob Kerrey said while running for re-election in NEBRASKA in 1994:



Exactly.  What the NRA is facing is a dose of unexpected reality.  The majority of Americans no longer believe that the Chinese are coming over the border to take our weapons.  If we have gun licensing and registration, it will not infringe upon my rights as a gun owner one bit.  Rights come with responsibilities, as EVERY conservative has ever told me, and our responsibilities as a society DEMAND that common-sense regulation of gun sales and ownership take place.

If we can do it for automobiles, we can do it for guns, or risk REALLY losing them.  Your call, NRA.

Sacred cows

The great cartoonist Bill Day has generously allowed me to use this cartoon, and I think this sums things up rather well:

Nothing makes me feel more like Christmas than this.

It's not the newest version, but it's still the best:

To My GMAIL List

It appears that GMail and Google is making their semi-annual attempt to force me into Google Groups.  I was restricted today when trying to send my first email to my list, which was a Scene column by Jonathan Meador.  Since the reasons that they give for slowing me down do not apply (no bouncebacks lately, among other things), I can only believe that they are coming at me because I send liberal columns in my posts.

I will let you know how this is going later.

Oh, and call the White House and tell them to KILL THIS DEAL.   We didn't work for Obama's re-election only to have him throw us all under the bus after the election.

And here we go again.

I presume that you are aware that some crazy fool walked into an elementary school in Newtown, CT today and shot 27 people, 18 of them being children.

I have been attacked on Twitter for responding too quickly and being disrespectful to the dead.  Really?  If we don't discuss this NOW, we will forget about it and another tragedy will occur, and then another.  If you want to prevent further tragedies, NOW is the time to think about it.  If you can't discuss this now, then WHEN?

The vast majority of gun owners (at least 99%, any way) are responsible citizens who would never do anything like this (and I am one of them).  However, the idea that we are powerless as a society to prevent mentally unstable people from owning weapons is ridiculous, and will at some point result in the loss of our rights to keep and bear arms.

Don't think so?  Let me ask you a question: if we can license people who own cars so that they may operate them, and require them to be familiar with their proper usage, why can we not do this for weapons, which are normally intentionally lethal?  We, as a society, refuse to allow people to drive if they insist on driving while impaired or are no longer able to properly operate their vehicles.  Why, then, can we not do the same thing for weapons?

While the licensing procedure doesn't eliminate DUIs or Grandpa driving onto the sidewalk and accidentally killing someone, it greatly reduces the occurrences.  There is no rational reason that we as a society cannot set up licensing requirements for weapons owners.  I, as a weapons owner since the age of ELEVEN, do not see how my right to possess a weapon would be infringed.

The National Rifle Association, dear readers, is NOT in business to protect the rights of weapons owners.  It is in the business to remove any and all obstacles to weapons manufacturers being able to sell their wares to everyone, no matter what age.  This is why they have gone far beyond what they once did, just to promote shooting sports and gun safety, which in and of itself is not a bad thing.  My father, who was a part-time gunsmith when we lived in Northeast Arkansas, was a member until he noticed how crazy they were getting.

We MUST, as a society, take more steps to insure that mentally ill people get the help they need, no matter the cost, and we must take steps to insure that they do NOT have access to weaponry.  While we will never completely eliminate this problem, there is no rational reason we cannot reduce the likelihood of re-occurrence.

We have a blogger that I didn't know about!

We welcome OFFENSIVE DEMOCRAT to our little blogosphere, written by our buddy at the TNDP, Brandon Puttbrese.  And really, aren't OFFENSIVE DEMOCRATS the best kind?? I certainly think so.  We are going to add him to THE ENDLESS BLOGROLL and I think you should add him to your RSS feeds.

Today, in particular, he has a lovely rant about Senator Brian Kelsey's veryclose friend, newly-elected Representative Jeremy Durham, who it appears had a seat drawn just for him!  It seems that Durham, representing Tennessee's most liberal county, Williamson (sarcasm should be duly noted here), thinks that the state's richest county can't afford TennCare for the poor saps who serve the people that live in their mansions in Franklin and Brentwood.

I urge you to read it, and I wonder how I missed OFFENSIVE DEMOCRAT for so long.  I won't make that mistake again, and neither should you!

West Tennessee fights back against Fincher!

This was passed to me, so I am passing on to you!

For Immediate Release

December 11, 2012

For more information:

Alma Jones: 731-358-0229

David Barber: 731-819-3281

 

West Tennesseans to demand that Stephen Fincher “stop threatening to take us over the Fiscal Cliff”
West Tennesseans concerned about the looming “fiscal cliff” will bring their demands to Congressman Stephen Fincher’s Martin Tennessee office Thursday, December 13, at 3pm.

“Fincher and the Republican Party are heading this country right over the fiscal cliff,” explained McKenzie resident Alma Jones.

If Congressman Fincher and the Republican-dominated House of Representatives do not take action before the New Year then on January 1, 2013, taxes on all Americans will rise: more money will be withheld from every paycheck and the average Tennessee family – already hard-pinched in the current economic crisis – will pay more than $2000 additional taxes for the year.

Most economic experts agree that this massive tax increase for middle class and working class Americans will sink the country deeper into recession.

President Barack Obama has already said that he will sign a bill which retains the current tax structure for all income below $250,000 per year.  The Senate has already passed that bill.

But the Republican-dominated House of Representatives has refused to let that bill reach the House floor for a vote.  The Republicans are insisting that the tax rates for Americans earning over $250,000 per year not be raised.

“In other words,” said Jones, “the Republicans are using the threat of higher taxes for 98% of the American people as a bargaining chip to retain lower tax rates for their wealthy friends and contributors.”

“We’re going to tell Congressman Fincher that the citizens of this congressional district aren’t going to accept this.   We hope many Martin, Dresden, Union City and West Tennessee folks join us this Thursday at 3 pm in front of Congressman Fincher’s office in Martin  on Lindell between Main and University.”