With a doff of the chapeau to Gaius Publius of AmericaBlog, where you can read the backstory:
Friday, March 29, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
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.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.
sjs/LWC
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.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
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:
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.
Monday, March 18, 2013
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.
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.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Monday, March 11, 2013
It's time for the SCDP Caucuses and Convention
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Saturday, March 09, 2013
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
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?
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?
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
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.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
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!
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!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
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
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
Wednesday, February 06, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, February 01, 2013
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.
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.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
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.
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.
Friday, January 25, 2013
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:
And I am getting tired of it.
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.
Friday, January 18, 2013
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,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.
Wade Munday
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.
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