How do we deal with this situation?

If you are a Tennessee Democrat and you follow the blogs, you are undoubtedly aware of the new TNDP Treasurer Bill Freeman, who, in addition to giving lots of money to Democrats, gave lots to Republicans as well:

Freeman also provided more details about his largest GOP contribution. "In 2004, my neighbor hosted a fundraiser for President Bush," Freeman says. "My son wanted to meet the President, so I gave $10,000 for two tickets. My motivation was not to help the GOP, it was to give my son the opportunity to meet the President of the United States. But, looking at the mess the Bush Administration has created in our country and around the world - this is not a decision I would repeat if I had to do over again."

No, I'm not too damned happy about it, either. Hindsight is always 20/20, right?

Well, this is a screw-up on the part of the TNDP; not a fatal one, but a screw-up. Yes, the TNDP also notes that

As a member of the Obama for America national finance team, Freeman raised over $250,000 for President Obama's campaign. Financial records dating back to 2002 also confirm that nearly 85% of Freeman's personal contributions - nearly $200,000 - have been given to Democrats - including donations to Democratic Congressmen Jim Cooper, Lincoln Davis, Steve Cohen, and Bart Gordon - as well as numerous state House and Senate Democratic candidates in Tennessee.

He damned well better have, after the earlier shit. Some of us in the statewide progressive blogger community are, with some justification, downright enraged over this situation:

Hey Mr. Freeman, at the same time you were throwing away your spare $10G so junior could shake hands with a man I’d only want to meet if I could tell him to go fuck himself, I was busting my ass for the Tennessee Democratic Party every single weekend to elect John Kerry. I went door to door in some of Nashville’s roughest housing projects, registering voters and talking about the Democratic ticket. I set up voter registration tables every Saturday. I burned up my cell phone minutes phone banking. Why? Because I'm a Democrat and when you see your country being destroyed by a party who treats the Constitution like toilet paper, you don't sit back on the sidelines. You get involved.

Oh, by the way: I hosted house parties too -- not at the $5,000 a ticket level, of course. I think one event raised about $7,000 total though, and we were mighty proud of ourselves. Glad to know all of that work was wiped away by a quick stroke of your pen so your kid could meet the president.

I have a hard time blaming her, except......

For the past 30 years or so, we have been hemorraging Democrats due to that bastard from my hometown, Ronnie Reagan. It took the utter collapse of the country to start bringing these folks back, but they are coming. We as progressives have had the run of the party (well, at least outside DC and Nashville) for years, and we are now faced with a dilemma, which Freeman puts in our faces: what the hell do we do with these people?

Do we send them back from whence they came, even though they were with us years upon years ago? Majorities are not always easy to maintain; however, that doesn't mean I think we have to get round-heeled about it. We DO have to have a certain sensitivity about it, but so should the TNDP in general, and yes, in Chip Forrester in particular. He had to know this would cause some bile to be spilled over this situation.

Chip is being hit from all sides now. As the trolls inundating Post Politics and Pith In The Wind indicate, there are a few people who wouldn't care if Chip cured cancer, they would still try to destroy him. These trolls are either Goopers, or, more likely, close confidants of the people who fought to stop Forrester's election. Some of them are losing money because of the change, and the fact that they can't make money off the TNDP tit any longer is causing them to attack relentlessly. To those people, let me say this:

GO FUCK YOURSELVES.

Chip just took over, and he is having to rebuild from scratch. Bredesen has been a cancer on the party, and I eagerly await his departure from the political scene. Gordon and Davis may be in Gooper districts, but the whole state is NOT headed that direction, which the Goopers will learn to their shock and amazement in 2010.

While that felt good, I need to move on and get back to the problem. To the problem at hand, I say we have a duty to help re-educate these souls who have been lost, but now are found. We need to understand that they are going to have skeletons, especially in Nashville, where it couldn't be more incestuous with regarding to contributing to candidates. There have been lots of Republicans who contributed to Ned Ray McWherter (even though he never lost his true Democratic nature) and Phil Bredesen (who sold his to the highest bidder). Obviously, there have been Democrats (even in Memphis) who gave to Don Sundquist and to Lamar Alexander (and I'm still pissed about that, even if Tuke never stood a chance).

Until we build the party structure to the point where no one will do this for fear of political death, we have to be more accepting. No, I didn't say I liked it, but we're grown here, and if people are willing to confess and repent, we need to give them that chance.

Besides, who is more zealous than a convert?

UPDATE: Steve Ross weighs in over at Vibinc, has a very solid take on this situation.

Do you want to know why we're in this mess???

Polar Donkey has the video that explains it all.

It's been busy, and it could get busier

As you may have read over at Vibinc's place, former House Majority Leader and Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Kim McMillan of Clarksville came to Drinking Liberally last night; we hope to have pictures up later. She is friendly, down to earth, and impressed me that she has the personality and skillsets necessary to lead the state. It's still early, but I liked what I heard. go click on her name and check out the website.

Tonight, I attended a reception and then an impromptu gathering afterwards featuring House Speaker Kent Williams (CCR -Elizabethton), House Democratic Leader Gary Odom (D-Nashville), and House Democratic Caucus Chair Mike Turner (D-Old Hickory). Williams impressed me off the bat as being someone who has a understanding of where we are as a state and that now is not the time for silliness, and as someone who will work with anyone, but NOT someone who suffer fools (Hello, Stuntbaby of Germantown) gladly. He is still very much a Republican, but one who knows that we have to get things done in Nashville, because people are suffering.

This is Speaker Williams' first ever visit to Memphis, and we welcome him as he tours the city this weekend.

I also met with SCDP Chair candidate Javier Bailey, I will be talking to him further as several of us in the blogosphere meet all Chair candidates. He understands the problems, we will talk more about solutions later.

Well, there will be more as the weekend goes on, it's time to hit the hay.

BIG DL NEWS! Gubernatorial Candidate to visit Wednesday night!

Our friend Kerry Hayes has informed us that Gubernatorial candidate Kim McMillan will be coming by to speak with Drinking Liberally's Memphis group THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

Our gathering is from 7-9 PM at RP Billiards at 525 South Highland; Ms. McMillan is expected in the later part of the evening, so come on by and meet her!

We look forward to seeing you there!

About the SCDP Chair

No, I'm not running; hell, for the second straight re-org, the schmucks on the ExecCom have scheduled the Ward & Precinct Caucuses on the same weekend as the North Texas Irish Festival, so me and the Lovely Lauren will not be in attendance. It's apparently March 7, don't know any more than that right now.

Oh well, as the song says, one monkey don't stop no show, so they will have to do it without me. That means, however, that I can attend the Convention on March 28 as an observer and reporter.

Right now, however, I want to comment. I hear that Jay Bailey has lined up the support of not only his boyhood friend David Upton, but that of County Commissioner Sidney Chism.

OK, you can get up off the floor now, the detente is still fresh and new, and the two once-bitter rivals for SCDP supremacy are working together on behalf of Bailey, who lost two years ago to Keith Norman. This, I suspect, does not bode well for longtime Chism friend Cherry Davis, who was considering the race and serves as 1st Vice Chair.

My sources indicate that either Van Turner or Lee Harris will run, but not both. One presumes they have the support of the MSDIA, but who knows? Add to that the candidacy of County Commissioner JW Gibson (a former Republican, he angered people last year by supporting Kemp Conrad for City Council over Democratic endorsee and longtime IBEW head Paul Shaffer), and we have the makings of a nice little free-for-all.

I'm not taking sides, but I have some things that I would love for the candidates to address.

First, while we know that winning elections are critical, but why should the party support candidates who run under our banner but stray too often from the beliefs of the Party and, more importantly, its constituency?

Second, considering how much the Obama campaign, locally as well as nationally, changed the way campaigns are run, how do we attract and retain VOLUNTEERS? You know, the people who help WITHOUT getting paid for doing it? How do we build that army and reduce the need for money (notice I said REDUCE and NOT eliminate)?

Three, how do we raise money from small donors in such an economically challenged climate? When you have to depend on fatcats for campaign contributions, they like to ensure that we show gratitude when something comes before the legislative body of your choice. We HAVE to get away from that, and how do each of you propose to do that?

Fourth, since one hallmark of officeholders seems to be patronage, how do we reduce or eliminate that? How does the SCDP in the future recruit and attract candidates who believe in public service, transparency in governing, and NOT in hiring their buddies and doing the old nudge-nudge-wink-wink for their contributors? In case you hadn't noticed, we have a REALLY crappy reputation in that regard here in Shelby County. While the Republicans revel in it, we need to avoid it ourselves. The SCDP needs to find people who can avoid such traps.

Last, do you, as candidates for Chair, understand that while winning campaigns is important, that's it's not the ONLY reason Parties exist? It's there to rally the troops, hold our elected officials accountable (to paraphrase Bill Cosby, we put you in there, we can take you OUT of there and put in another one that looks just like you!) and lead the way for liberal causes that we believe in. Oh, and attract people who want to aid in all of the above.

OK, as we have noted earlier, the MSCO is having a Straw Poll for SCDP Chair on Wednesday, February 25 at 5:30 PM at the Hi-Tone on Poplar at Tucker, and it's only $5 to vote after you talk to the candidates. Hell, ask some of the questions above if you like, or ask your own. I am going to do my best to attend and ask these questions, and I hope they have good answers, for the sake of the SCDP.

Whatcha doing for Valentine's???

I have an idea...

Happy Birthday, Abe!!!!

Today is the 200th Anniversary of the birth of the greatest President this nation has ever known, Abraham Lincoln. He saved this nation from splitting in two, and wanted nothing more than to heal it when the Civil War ended. Sadly, he was murdered by the coward John Wilkes Booth just a few days later.

I wonder what he would think of what has become of the Party he created. Rest In Peace, Mr. Lincoln.

Let's get behind Senate Bill 209.

My Senator, Beverly Marrero, and my friend from House 89, Jeanne Richardson, are working together on this bill, which would enable terminally ill patients to use marijuana to ease their pain in their final days.

In certain situations, marijuana is the only thing that will reduce the pain and suffering of these patients, and it is a just and humane thing to do. There is no real justification NOT to support this bill, and I hope that you will call your legislators and ask them to support SB 209/HB 368.

No, I'm not gone, I'm coming back NOW.

It's just been busy, until last night and this morning, when I got little sleep due to, ahem, an active lower GI system. Let's leave it there, shall we?

All righty then. First, if you haven't been in awhile, come on out to Drinking Liberally in the heart of the University District Wednesday night. We are at RP Billiards at 525 South Highland from 7-9 PM (and sometimes later) every Wednesday night, and we'd love to see you.

We are now getting a sense of potential candidates for SCDP Chair, and some interesting choices are out there, from former Gooper/current Democratic County Commissioner JW Gibson, former president of the local National Bar Association Van Turner, longtime SCDP ExecCom member and officer Cherry Davis, 2007's runner-up Jay Bailey, and there are rumblings that 2006 Congressional candidate Lee Harris may take a run at the job.

This blog, along with others in the area, plan to be observers and reporters this time out; I am not planning, at this time, to make any kind of endorsement. I will, if they don't schedule the Ward & Precinct Caucus for the weekend that the Lovely Lauren and I are in Dallas for NTIF, attend and participate (as will she - BWAHAHAHA!). I will not make pronouncements as I have the last two times out. I intend to just let it wash over me, and cooperate with other bloggers who may have more in-depth plans (more later).

Whomever corrals the Convention and captures a majority of the ExecCom needs to be reminded of one important thing: last year nearly proved the SCDP to be completely irrelevant. The hell-on-wheels volunteers of Obama 08 in Big Shelby did it all without any help from the local or state Party (especially the state Party, who seemed frightened that Obama would take them all down, so they didn't campaign - and went down). Fortunately, now that Chip Forrester is working on righting the state Party, I feel better about our chances going forward.

And so it is locally, where it is time to re-organize. I really hope that ALL the Obama volunteers show up and take part in the W/P Caucuses, the Convention, and the SCDP afterwards. If it's the same old folks (I can say that as an old hack who's been around a while), the SCDP will continue to snooze and rest on the fact that the County is majority African-American, building little or nothing in the process.

Harsh, Cracker? Yep. Aren't you partially responsible? Yes, for not being loud enough or at the wrong time. I have a chance to help correct that, and I intend to, by providing the best possible information so that those of you who participate have the clearest idea in choosing the best possible ExecCom, Chair and Officers.

Whomever serves and runs the SCDP needs to start raising money ASAP and recruiting GOOD candidates for County offices for the 2010 elections. Now, while the ExecCom cannot take sides in a primary fight, they do need to A) ENCOURAGE people to run who care about providing the highest level of public service and B) DISCOURAGE people who are just looking to suck on the public tit and hire their buddies. That is NOT what government is about.

You want to yell at me about this, comment, or come to DL tomorrow night and yell at me in person!

I got yer Feel Good Friday right here, buddy!

here are the Carolina Chocolate Drops...

Hey You! Look what YOU did!

Look down below, and see that when we started Wednesday morning, we just tried to raise $1000 to give the TNDP a kick-start, and you helped us meet our goal TIMES THREE.

Thank you. If you haven't kicked in (and we believe in small donors, so even a fiver would do nicely) and you believe in what we are doing, kick in and help us meet our NEXT goal: ONE HUNDRED unique and individual donors. We need what, twenty-two more? If you haven't done so, join in!

Then, go check out the revamped TNDP site and see the video message from our Chair, Chip Forrester, who will give you a quick overview of the plans he has for our Party in Tennessee, which can only be accomplished with YOUR help and mine.

I'm in, what about you?

Chip in! Support the Tennessee Democratic Party

Chip in! Support the Tennessee Democratic Party

by Tennessee Progressive Bloggers

$

With the 2008 election results in the statehouse, new party leadership at the state level, and important upcoming 2010 elections for governor and state legislators, the Tennessee Democratic Party needs our support more than ever.

Tennessee progressive bloggers are launching an online “Chip in” fundraising blog-a-thon with the goal of raising $1000 for the Tennessee Democratic Party. This is a grassroots effort and we are not associated with the TNDP. All contributions made through this ActBlue page go directly to the Tennessee Democratic Party.

Please “chip in” a little or as much as you can to help Tennessee Democrats take back the House and keep a Democrat in the Governor’s office.

You can also go here!

The New Republican Party wants YOU!

From AmericaBlog...

Well, damn.

I really thought Larry Fitzgerald had won it for the Cardinals. My first NFL team is and always will be the Bears, but the Cardinals, since their St. Louis days, have been a close second. So, I was delirious when the Cardinals came from a 20-7 deficit to take a 23-20 lead with under three minutes to go.

Give it to Ben Roethlisberger and Santonio Holmes (pictured above - courtesy Pittsburgh Post-Gazette), they made spectacular plays down the stretch, ending with what may be the greatest throw and catch in the history of the National Football League, and just like that, it was gone and the Steelers had won Super Bowl number 6, more than any other franchise. (Note, the Bears and the Packers still have won more NFL championships than anyone else.)

Well, congratulations to the Steelers, they won it out right.

At least we're less than two weeks from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training!

Saturday, a memorial for Keith Kennedy of the U of M

My godfather has advised me of this, and Live From Memphis has the information:

Memorial To Celebrate the Late Keith Kennedy

The Department of Theatre & Dance will host a memorial event celebrating the life of the late Keith Kennedy, on January 31 at 3 p.m. on the Mainstage in the Theatre and Communication Building, 3745 Central Avenue. A backstage reception will follow the memorial. The event is free and open to the public.

Kennedy, who was the first director of theatre at (then) Memphis State University, died December 17, 2008 of congestive heart failure. Although Kennedy will be remembered for the many plays he directed during his time at the University, he is most often associated with the production of "Hair," staged at Memphis State in March 1970. The University’s was the first non-professional production of the controversial anti-war musical and brought a record audience to the campus theatre. Under Kennedy’s leadership U of M theatre attained national recognition, and became known throughout the region as a major cultural asset for Memphis and Shelby County. He was a renowned teacher who inspired a generation of students and set high artistic standards, which still prevail at the University today.

After 20 years at the University, Kennedy wanted to “find one more big adventure,” and took early retirement in 1986 to pursue that dream and continue directing plays on local stages. In 1992 Kennedy was one of three University employees to receive the Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Achievement Award. In 1996, he received the Eugart Yerian Award for lifetime theater service. The memorial celebration will feature Kennedy’s family and friends, colleagues and students. Music will be provided by George Caldwell, Deborah Manning Thomas, who recently played the lead role in Hattiloo Theatre’s production of “Mahalia,” and Brenetta Farmer Miles who sang “The Age of Aquarius” in the Memphis production of “Hair.” Speakers include Michael Osborn and John Bakke, professors emeritus and former chairs of the Department of Communication, Ken Zimmerman, former artistic director of Playhouse on the Square and star of Kennedy’s first Memphis production, “Stop the World I Want To Get Off,” in 1965, and Russell Sugarmon, local civil rights pioneer.

Letterman says goodbye to Bush as only he can

H/T to Ken..

Makes you wonder how we have a country left after 8 years of that.

Ok, I know, where have I been, yada yada

I'm OK, working an earlier schedule this week, so we have a lot to go through.

First, five words I am delighted to put on this page:

Pat Quinn, Governor of Illinois.

Now that idiot Blagojevich can wait to see what Fitz has in store for him, which I hope is 20 years in the joint.

Now to more local corruption, and no, not the Herenton investigation, which has seemingly gone longer than the Hundred Years War with no indictment of the Big Fella in sight. This is about something else, something almost as distasteful.

As you are aware, it appears that the new Speaker of the House, Kent Williams, apparently made an ass of himself while drunk and told Rep. Susan Lynn something to the effect that he would pay to see her naked. OK, folks, drunk or not, that's harassment.

Lynn chose not to make a fuss, but asked for a meeting with House leadership to request that the then freshman Rep be told not to let something like this happen again. At that time, the matter appeared to have been settled. (my note: Williams' behavior was inexcusable, and yes, I believe Lynn. As there is no evidence that this has continued, I am willing to forgive as long as SHE is.)

Now, we know that Williams made a deal a couple of weeks ago with the House Democratic Caucus to get their 49 votes, which added to his own, gave Tennessee a more moderate Republican speaker than Jason Mumpower, the House Republican Leader. Williams then split the committee leadership, as befitting a divided House.

However, Rep. Brian Kelsey, who earned the nickname Stuntbaby of Germantown for his antics in Nashville from the venerable AC Kleinheider, decided to file an ethics complaint against the new Speaker. However, he apparently sought "conciliation" with Speaker Williams first, with one caveat; he wanted a full committee chairmanship. Kelsey admits to texting the Speaker's assistant with this bombshell:

“Tell Kent I’m willing to talk about reconciliation if he’s willing to talk about chairman of the full committee.”

Sure as hell makes you wonder what he meant by "reconciliation", doesn't it? Then, Kelsey claims he was so upset by Williams' denial of Lynn's charge (which should only have been brought up by HER, not Kelsey, because SHE, not Kelsey, was the aggrieved party) that he decided to bring up the Ethics charge.

The counsel for the Ethics Committee decided that theirs was not the proper venue for the complaint, so it was dismissed, as it should have been.

If Rep. Lynn wants to bring this back up and make a full complaint, I'm all for it; it's her call. But she DIDN'T, and she apparently wants to let this go, so I'm with whatever she wants.

Kelsey, with this flagrant act, has made himself look like an idiot, and also has injured the reputation of the House Republicans in general, which is not of the good, as Newscoma would say.

Look, I have never denied that I am a Democratic hack, but I also understand that the local House Republicans, Jim Coley, Steve McManus, Ron Lollar, Curry Todd, they're all good guys who I don't often agree with, but who will work with their Democratic counterparts. Same goes for Mark Norris, the Senate Republican Caucus Chair. They get hurt when Kelsey pulls one of these moronic acts, and it makes them look incapable of governance, when they work hard for their districts and generally do what their constituencies want.

As for Kelsey, quit bitching; you wound up as chair of the Civil Practice subcommitee of Judiciary. Don't you think it's time you started practicing some civility? You may not be as safe as you think, pal, so straighten up and act like a leader.

Unless you want to end up like Blagojevich.

UPDATE: The CA has a word for Kelsey's act: EXTORTION.

Tomorrow is the day a new TDP Chair is elected

And I am in agreement with my state ExecCom members that it should be Chip Forrester. While, yes, both he and Charles Robert Bone have been involved at the highest levels of recent campaigns, and I do like both of them, having had the opportunity to speak with them, I believe Forrester has a better idea for direction of the party.

Bone is also supported by the very people who have led this party to the brink of collapse; Bredesen, Lincoln Davis, the big-money donors who love the Republican-lite approach to campaigning that has seen us win only two state-wide elections since 1990 (and since those were Bredesen, do they really count?). They have dropped veiled threats that they will pull out of the party if Forrester is elected.

To which I can only say....

GOOD. Don't let the doorknob hit you on the ass as you're leaving, OK? What have you done for this party other than pull it away from its populist roots and back people like The Honorable Phil Governor, who has made Don Sundquist look like Hugo Chavez in comparison? NADA. ZILCH.

So, if you're a real Democrat, you'll stay and take a role in shaping its' future. If not, you'll take a hike and you won't be missed.

So, TDP ExecCom members, if you are undecided, please vote for Chip, he'll take us in the right direction, CRB won't, good guy that he is.

Thanks for your time!

With Liberty, Justice, and ACCESS for all..

From Free Press..

Party at Foggy Bottom!

Listen to the reception Secretary of State Clinton receives as she arrives at Foggy Bottom for her first day of work!
H/T to AmericaBlog....

For our readers in Davidson County

I have a question: have you voted today in the English Only referendum?

GO. NOW. VOTE NO to stop this latest attempt to codify xenophobia, which will only hurt Nashville now and in the future, as companies recoil from open expressions of racism such as this.

Any questions? I thought not.

This Land is YOUR Land

I saw this and had to put it up. Lauren is doing as well as can be expected, thanks to all of you.

This is from yesterday's concert, with perhaps our greatest living folksinger, Pete Seeger. This is for Lauren, this is for me, this is for all of us.

Well, FGF didn't last long...

I'm out for a few days, family reasons, will be back next week. I'm still in town and on email, but LWC is on hiatus until next week.

Feel Good Friday for 2009 begins for me

I love me some Waylon...

Your one-stop shop for all writings LIBERAL in this area

Vibinc has brought back and re-worked MID-SOUTH LIBERALS to encompass the writings of lefty bloggers from every end of this great state of ours, and you should read it.

He includes all your favorites, from yours truly to our beloved Newscoma to Aunt B. and all who share the beliefs of liberty, equality, fraternity, and pissing off the Right. Go there now and bookmark it!

And, of course, it's on THE ENDLESS BLOGROLL!

Speaker Emeritus, Part 2, and other things.

Judging from the post below, and comments on Rep. Campfield's Facebook page (He is one of my Facebook friends because I find him fascinating, even if we agree on little), the Republicans are PETRIFIED of the Speaker Emeritus idea for Jimmy Naifeh.

Now, if this turns out to be anything more than an honorary title, then I have problems with it, OK? So, far, NOTHING indicates that this is anything more than an honorary title for someone who served in the office longer than anybody, IIRC. Remember, the Speaker can ask ANYONE from the House membership to sit in the chair if he chooses; this is done frequently in Washington, and I believe it can be done here.

I also note that Speaker Williams voted with the Republicans on all three constitutional offices (although, as The Rep has noted, each race was effectively over after the Senate gave each Republican a five-vote lead coming out of there) and he is in charge. Now, it appears that the committee assignments have yet to be done; however, the Lege is on recess until February 9, so we should know something by then.

At that point, we will get some idea of how this is going to shake out. Right now, Kent Williams is the most powerful person in the legislature, because he is the 50th House vote. He is no liberal by any means, and while Mumpower and his troops will not have the carte blanche they thought they were getting, I suspect that they won't be shut out, either.

Does Williams owe Naifeh and Odom? Well, hell yes he does, but to what extent? Williams knows if he looks like a puppet for EITHER Naifeh or Mumpower, it will hurt him back home. His area is OLD-SCHOOL Republican, long before the new breed of Gingrichites arrived. Williams beat Mumpower's guy TWICE, so Williams knows if he does what his district wants, rather than what the party tells him to do, he will be just fine, even if he's not Speaker in the 107th General Assembly.

There needs to be serious reflection for Mumpower, Casada and the other 47 in his group, as there are a few in that group for whom I have a deep respect. Stories like this make the Mumpower group look like bumpkins who've come to the big city for the first time, not people who have been asked to govern. As is often said to football players who over-celebrate a touchdown, act like you've been there. Even if you haven't.

We are three weeks away from the actual work of the session, with committee assignments and the Governor's undoubtedly dire budget address. There's a hell of a lot of work to do for this state and not much time to do it. EVERYONE needs to focus and remember why they are there, and it's not about your press clippings. As we were reminded this week, it ain't about the talk, it's about the walk.

In other news, I am an idiot for not telling you about this, because for the last two weeks I have been devouring a new website set up by Sadcox and our beloved Newscoma called NewsTechZilla. It's all about news, technology, journalism, and lots and lots of good stuff. Go check it out, you should subscribe to either the email or RSS feed, or both, as I have done. It's got the 'Coma touch, so it's top-notch! You'll also find it below and to the right in THE ENDLESS BLOGROLL, of course.

Now, to my crackpot predictions for the NFL.

It's an all-BIRD Super Bowl, my friends, as the Arizona Cardinals, (the Norman Chad Team of Destiny) led by 78-year-old Kurt Warner, will defeat the Philadelphia Eagles and face the Baltimore Ravens of rookie sensation Joe Flacco and ultimate gangstas Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, who will send Ben Roethlisberger to the emergency ward while humiliating the Steelers at Heinz Field. Remember, with these picks, you're getting your money's worth!

That's enough for now, I ponder a FGF pick for the morning.....

Oh heavens, the GOP is in FULL PANIC mode again.

I really think that Speaker Williams ought to have a cardboard cutout of Jimmy Naifeh to put in the Speaker's chair whenever he has to step away for a moment; the Mumpower 49 would have multiple coronaries.

The latest comes from a WSMV report that a resolution may be introduced in the House tomorrow to create a CEREMONIAL title for Naifeh, that of Speaker Emeritus, and the GOP is going BERSERK.  Go watch GOP Assistant House Leader Glen Casada in that video, and see if he isn't on the verge of collapse.

IT'S A CEREMONIAL TITLE, PEOPLE, NOT THE FREAKING KEYS TO THE KINGDOM.  BREATHE, WILL YOU?

Even our own Aunt B., for heaven's sakes, got the twitches about this, for some reason.

What this suggests to me is that Mumpower and Casada, by apparently NOT considering for a moment that they needed to do some SERIOUS ass-kissing for a guy they tried to beat TWICE and failed, sealed their own doom. 

They are idealogues and zealots and haven't the faintest idea how to actually RUN anything, and they have proved that running the Tennessee House of Representatives is WAY above their capabilities.

There ARE good people on the other side of the aisle, folks; I would mention some of them by name, except that I'm afraid the mullahs in charge of the Mumpower Jihad would make their lives a living hell and question their motives.  They are going to be hurt by this, and, by extension, so are we.

We need TWO strong, capable, parties in this country, and clearly nationally, and in the Tennessee House, we only have one functional party.  The sooner the House Republicans figure out that they will wind up tossed out if they keep following Mumpower, the better off they will be.

I'm not holding my breath.

Now, if we could just build a statue of Naifeh outside the House chambers.......

Go read Mack

He has a great piece up at Coyote Chronicles about the speaker election:

Didn’t we just go through several years of folks having to sign loyalty pledges to attend GOP events? Isn’t the very act of pledging immediately putting you in opposition of your own intelligence and intuition? Does anyone else out there find loyalty pledges alarming?

I think if you lead, and lead carefully yet confidently, people will follow. Demanding that they do so up front seems so….needy.

Great stuff, read the rest here.

Speaker Williams punks Brian Kelsey for the second straight day!

Heh, Pith In The Wind has all the excitement!  

"Any other personal orders?" indeed, sir, indeed.  Well played, Speaker Williams, well played.

I think I could get used to saying Speaker Williams.

Peanut Butter Jelly with a baseball bat indeed.  Ok, I'll stop now.

So what do the Mumpower Republicans do at this point?

Speaker Williams has apparently promised to appoint BOTH Republicans and Democrats to committee chairmanships.  

Should the Mumpower 49 turn up their nose at the chance to share power and look like overly partisan fools at a time of financial calamity in the state, or do they take what's offered and call the bluff of the Williams 50?  

The average Tennessee voter doesn't give two shits about the inside-baseball stuff that you and I love to the pit of our souls (if you didn't, you wouldn't be here reading about this, now, would you?), and we know that hurt Democrats when it came to the Kurita situation.  WE knew what happened, but the average voter didn't want to know, or care.  They just knew that Kurita won her election and had it taken away from her by those evil Democrats.

And they made us PAY.

So, Mr. Almost-Speaker-But Still-GOP-Leader Mumpower, what are y'all going to do?  Are you going to spend the next two years in a snit, bitching about what could have been, or are you going to learn what it means to govern?

The people of Tennessee are watching.

Gee, anything happen today?

Holy moly, what a day. 

In case you've been in a cave, an East Tennessee Republican was elected Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives today.  Only, his name was NOT Jason Mumpower.

Meet Speaker of the House Kent Williams (R-Elizabethton), who fulfilled his oath to vote for a Republican for Speaker by voting for himself.  Coincidentally, all 49 Democrats voted for the more moderate Williams over the staunch right-winger Mumpower of neighboring Bristol, giving Williams a one-vote landslide victory.

Williams then allowed the outgoing Naifeh the chance to finish the day as the Speaker, nice touch, eh?  

Excuse me for a moment, I can't really keep this in any longer, I'm sorry... BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! PWNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! W00T!

Ok, thanks for indulging me, at least I didn't go and uh, wait, oh hell, here it comes:

Ok, so that's rubbing it in, I'm sorry, I'll try to do better.

My understanding is that Williams initially got elected by beating one of Mumpower's folks in the 2006 primary, and that Mumpower tried to beat Williams with the same guy last year, but couldn't.  Now, it could be just me, but might Mumpower not have thought that maybe Williams might just be ready for a little payback, especially since they don't see eye-to-eye on the direction of the Republican Party?  I guess not, Mumpower thought he had a massive mandate for change, even with a ONE-VOTE MAJORITY.

Jeff Woods at the Nashville Scene has this account of how it went down:

The plot was hatched over coffee during the Thanksgiving weekend. House Democratic leader Gary Odom went to Elizabethton to meet Kent Williams at his restaurant, Dino's. Out of the blue, Odom asked Williams how he'd like to be the speaker of the House.

"I think his first reaction was he thought I was joking because he knew Speaker Naifeh was working diligently to find the 50th vote," Odom told reporters a few minutes ago. "We were looking for an alternative in case it became necessary, and it became necessary."

That didn't happen, though, until 5 o'clock last night when Naifeh finally gave up on his own hopes and went to Williams to seal their deal. When the session started today, many Democrats weren't even aware of what was about to happen, Naifeh said. That's why Democrats moved for a 30-minute recess, to give themselves time to brief the party's members. (The wily Odom told the House he wanted the recess to give everyone time to take pictures with families in attendance on opening day.) Freshman Republican Terri Lynn Weaver, a gospel singer and apparently not the sharpest knife, unwittingly played into Naifeh's hands when she pushed the wrong button and mistakenly voted with the Democrats to allow the recess.

"It was not widely known and it had to be explained to the members of the House Democratic Caucus," Naifeh told reporters. But if Weaver had voted as she intended, "We would have found another way," Naifeh said.

Wow. 

By and large, the best coverage of the day if you weren't watching it unfold online, was Adam Kleinheider, who has this covered from every angle possible.

Just sit back, read Post Politics and take it all in.  If you were a Democrat, it was awesome.  If not, well......

Other coverage:

Aunt B.

GoldnI

Sean Braisted

KnoxViews

Southern Beale

Wintermute

S-Town Mike

Captain Kona!

Well, they've improved ONE thing

While we know that, as a general rule, GOP policies are for shit because they hurt the working people at the expense of the wealthy, give them this much: they build a badass website.

http://www.capitol.tn.gov/ is the new website for the Lege, and the legislators' email addys will change to have @capitol.tn.gov at the end, so note that.  It has MUCH better district maps, and I am still playing with it.  Webheads, go check it out!

H/T to Vibinc!

UPDATE: Vibinc says both parties were involved:

"Actually this was a bi-partisan affair between Ramsey and Naifeh."

Oops, my mistake, thanks for the fix...

Something amazing happens TONIGHT at the Center for Southern Folklore

REMINDER, this is TONIGHT and a few tickets remain, so COME ON DOWN!

We proudly present..

An Evening with Bobby Rush
Friday, January 09 2009, 8:00pm - 5:00pm
After spectacular performances at the Center's 2007 and 2008 Memphis Music & Heritage Festival Mr. Rush said, "I want to support an organization that unites Memphis' culture, music, history and arts the way the Center for Southern Folklore and its Festival does. I hope all my fans join me in supporting the Center on Friday, January 9, 2009." Bobby Rush, performs a rare solo acoustic benefit concert for the Center for Southern Folklore. Admission is $75.00 per person and includes regional foods, beer and wine. The evening will include performances by Mr. Rush plus an on stage interview where audience members will have a chance to ask Mr. Rush about his musical career. learn more about Bobby Rush Get your tickets Now!
Location: Folklore Hall Contact: yourevent@southernfolklore.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 901.525.3655
$75.00 (includes food, beer & wine) This Event supports the Center for Southern Folklore. Please join us and consider buying a ticket as a gift!

Mid-South Community Organizers meet tomorrow night!!

The first meeting of the Mid-South Community Organizers will take place Thursday evening at 6 PM at the Poplar-White Station Library at 5094 Poplar Avenue, and will last until 8 PM.

They will set goals for 2009 and plan for an upcoming Community Service Day, come on out and be a part of this up and coming group!

BREAKING NEWS UPDATE: MSCO is assisting the Nashville Community Organizers in fighting the odious and xenophobic English Only ordinance that is on the ballot up there. If you want to help fight this garbage, go here.

Great news from Nashville!

After a brief hiatus, Sharon Cobb has returned to the blogosphere, for which we are all delighted.

Go check it out!

Crazy 2010, Part 2

Well, the 2010 race is getting in our face whether we like it or not.

Former Senator (and long-distance diagnostician) Bill Frist bowed out of the GOP race this weekend, giving some reason that, frankly, I ignored.  The GOP side got downright crazy, with Knoxville Mayor (and Pilot Oil scion) Bill Haslam getting in (and apparently receiving the blessing of the GODFATHER himself, Howard H. Baker, Jr.).

Haslam joins Chattanooga Congressman Zack Wamp and, inexplicably, our own Attorney General, Bill "No Deals" Gibbons, who has no base outside Big Shelby of which I am aware.  Also talking about the race on the Elephant side is Rep. Beth Harwell of NashVegas (former TRP Chair), but apparently NOT Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn of Brentwood.  

Damn, we just can't get rid of her, can we?

On our side of the line, former State Representative Kim McMillan of Clarksville is mulling the race, as is Congressman Lincoln Davis of Pall Mall and State Senator Andy Berke of Chattanooga, whom I had the pleasure of meeting last week.  Add to that the name of former TDP Chair Doug Horne, who seems interested should Davis decide to stay in DC.

Who have we NOT mentioned here?  Hmmm, maybe THIS guy?  While Harold DOES still have a place here (says an unimpeachable source), his heart, to me, is in the NYC and DC areas, where his wife and his job happen to be.  And, about his wife, cutie that she is, how would that play A) in the western sections of Big Shelby and B) in the rural areas of Tennessee?  Come on, while it's something none of us like to talk about, you KNOW it's there.  I think it's ridiculous, but I'm a Damn Dirty Hippie, so what do I know?

I'm just not sure that Harold's political future is in this city, or even this state.  New York?  Now, that's another matter entirely.  His is a face for mass media, which you WON'T find in Tennessee unless you're Faith Hill or Tim McGraw.

Much will shake out over time, as people come to realize that while Haslam has more money that Croesus, no one really knows him west of Knoxville.  Horne has money, but Berke seems to have an idea about where he would take the state, and it's closer to my direction than anyone else whose name has been discussed.

Frankly, if a gubernatorial candidate wants my vote, all she/he has to do is come out in support of A) a graduated income tax combined with B) a drastically lowered (and CAPPED) sales-tax AND the elimination of the local option on sales taxes.  Look, I'm a Cubs fan, why not dream big?  Maybe some day we'll be like all of our bordering states and do something smart to stabilize our revenue in Tennessee.

Then again, we just gave control of the Lege to the Republicans.  Oops.

YO, I'M FITTY!

As of the moment this posts, your semi-humble Cracker hits the big 5-0, and I intend to hit it hard.  A lovely party was thrown to celebrate this event on Saturday night, as my friends and family who could attend joined in lampooning and roasting me to a well-done state.

And well-done it was, with thanks to Rusty, Ann, Pete, and as always, the love of my life and the beneficiary of my insurance, the Lovely Lauren.

Today begins the return of regular blogging; please tell other folks that I'm just old, not dead, and we are beginning to crank back up in earnest!

The GOP race is getting crazy....

I just found out a while ago that A) as expected, former Senator Bill Frist is NOT running for Governor in 2010, and B) that means our AG Bill Gibbons IS running, and Senator Mark Norris of Collierville is considering a run.

OK, let's all take a deep breath here.  Even though Terri Schiavo's long-distance diagnostician is out, let's look at the GOP candidates who are probably in:

1) Gibbons, who happens to hail from the county with THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING REPUBLICAN PARTY, is not nearly as well-known outside Big Shelby as 2) 7th District Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn or 3) 3rd District Congressman Zach Wamp of Chattanooga.  And NONE of them have the financial wherewithal of 4) Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, he of the Pilot Oil Haslams.

Which makes me wonder why 5) Rep. (and former TRP Chair) Beth Harwell (R-Nashville),  6) Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey of Blountville and 7) Mark Norris all think they have a chance.

Seriously, this is going to be about Blackburn's notoriety, Wamp's determination, and Haslam's money.

The good news is that, just as I had hoped, these folks are responding to new-found power about the way one would expect folks who have been out in the wilderness for 140 years.  Now, I suspect that when all is said and done, we'll be down to 3 or 4, and then we can sit back and watch the fun.

The bad news is, who the hell do WE have right now to go against them?  Kim McMillan? Uh-uh.  Lincoln Davis?  Hell, the REPUBLICAN might carry Big Shelby.  Junior?  He may still have a house here (as I was recently informed), but his heart is where his wife is, in the heart of Manhattan.  Our Congressman?  I would take a bullet for him, but I like him where he is just fine.

So, we have to get our house in order PDQ in order to keep this lot out of Curtisswood Lane.  don't worry, we're working on it; just watch this space.  The Cracker is back and ready to rock as I hit the 5-0 on Monday!

Our thoughts and prayers...

Go out to the families of Circuit Court Judge Rita Stotts and General Sessions Criminal Court Judge Anthony Johnson, both of whom passed away today.

Please remember them and their families.

This year is finally over, and not a second too soon.

Before I begin my year-end round-up, Vibinc and I joined other bloggers in NashVegas last night to meet with the candidates for TDP Chair.  GoldnI and Aunt B. have the best reports, so I am sending you to them to get a feel for what happened.  Vibinc may have something up later.

Now then, other than Election Day (outside Tennessee) and the World Series (OK, so I've got a soft spot for the Phils these days), can we agree that this year truly, madly, deeply SUCKED?  

As the economy crept toward disaster, with the Bushies doing nothing until the bubbles all burst, our retirements evaporated, many lost jobs and those that didn't lost pay for the future.  Oh well, 95% is better than 0%, eh?  Happy Holidays!

Then on top of that, since Bush and Cheney failed to get us in a war with Iran, it seems that Israel is making a late effort to see that we go there; thanks, old friend!  You know, I firmly believe in Israel's right to exist, but I also believe in the Palestinians' right to exist there, too, and that DOESN'T make me the bastard child of Martin Bormann, folks.  This is not of the good, as our beloved Newscoma would say.

What I AM hoping for in the New Year:

1) That January 20 arrives before we find ourselves in WW IV.

2) That President Obama channels FDR, not Hoover, taking the actions to create jobs and wealth.

3) That I still have a job with the same pay at this time next year.

4) That the Republicans finally understand the difference between CREATING wealth and HOARDING wealth (not at all hopeful on that one, folks).

5) That we survive this coming year with our health and our hopes and our lives intact.

6) That Bush, Cheney and the rest get sent to The Hague for war crimes trials.  Hell no, I ain't forgettin'!

7) That we all pull together to get through all of this crap in front of us.  Remember, it took Bush eight years to destroy the Clinton prosperity and then some, so it will take a long time to rebuild America, please don't give up hope.

8) Which is not to say you shouldn't call bullshit if you see it!

OK, that's it, I will see you NEXT year!

Georgia on a Fast Train

Look, there's not going to be much politics from here until after January 5th, which is my 50th Birthday.

Until then, here's the greatest country singer/songwriter you've never heard of, Billy Joe Shaver. Enjoy.

Feel Good Friday

An interesting FGF to end 2008

This year, something unexpected happened to Lauren and me. We got sucked into a REALITY SHOW, Can You Duet on CMT. I know, it's odd. However, this couple from Columbia, Tennessee, Joey and Rory. they finished third (i thought they would win), and this song in particular was a favorite of Lauren's, Cheater Cheater. So, for Lauren, I present Cheater Cheater by Joey and Rory.

Post 1301 is a Christmas post

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Yule, Happy Kwanzaa (Where the hell did it go, anyway?  Kernell and I were talking about this the other day.), Happy Saturnalia, and Happy Solstice Festival.

And, of course, HAPPY FESTIVUS!

Now, THIS truly put me in a Christmassy mood!

I saw this on a car in the parking lot at Poplar & Humes after getting my hair cut.  All I gotta say is this: 

MAY YOU BE TOUCHED BY HIS NOODLY APPENDAGE.

My last Christmas FGF of the season

And I wish you a Patrick Swayze Christmas!

You know, I've kept my mouth shut for a while

But now I gotta say something. You know, I didn't say anything when Obama picked Gates to stay on for a year or so at Defense, and his choices overall aren't that much to write home about, but yes, they are better than Bush.

That's not saying a hell of lot, now, is it? But I digress.

It's one thing to make mostly lackluster Cabinet choices, but, I have to ask, Mr. PEOTUS, did you have to openly piss on one of your largest constituencies? WTF? Rick Warren? He looks like he's less Dobsonite than Dobson, but he openly supported Prop 8, fer crissakes! And HE'S going to give the invocation?

Seriously, Mr. PEOTUS, WTF? Ted Haggard wasn't available? Jesus H. Christ on a pogo stick, this is stupid and unneccessary.

I fully expect a Christian minister, so that's not the issue, but why did you pick a HOMOPHOBE?

Look, people, Civil Rights are Civil Rights, and they should apply to ALL. You didn't have to be black to march in Selma, and you need not be queer to support equal rights for all, regardless of orientation. Do NOT hand me that utter and contemptuous bullshit that being gay is a choice; if you knowingly have any gay friends, you KNOW better.

You can choose your orientation about as much as you can change your eye or skin color, which is to say not at all, Michael Jackson notwithstanding. With that said, we need to make homophobia something of which one should be ASHAMED, not celebrated or even accepted.

Again, Civil Rights is Civil Rights, and I don't care if that statement harelips everybody in Bear Creek, as an old friend of mine used to say. I haven't spoken up enough about this myself, and that shows an appalling lack of guts on my part. I apologize to the gay community for being quiet in the past; you'll hear more about this from these quarters in the future.

I may be straight, but I'm not narrow by a damn site, and I'm NOT just talking about my weight, either.

CIVIL RIGHTS IS CIVIL RIGHTS.

President-elect Obama, whoever told you this was a good idea was horribly mistaken, and you need to reverse this in whatever manner you can. Pick Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson, or pick local Catholic Bishop Terry Steib, or pick someone, ANYONE, who's not a homophobe.

It may take a little longer, but it sure as hell ain't THAT difficult.

One last thing, Mr. President-Elect. We certainly don't expect perfection, and we're willing to let a lot slide because we're glad to be freed from the Bush-Cheney cabal, but that doesn't mean your base will allow itself to be pissed on and told it's rain.

Look how well that worked for John McCain.

Just sayin'.

Hell, go read DIGBY, she says it even better than I do!

With no apparent reason...

Congressman Cohen elected Regional Whip

From his Press Office:

CONGRESSMAN COHEN ELECTED REGIONAL WHIP

Washington, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) was elected by his colleagues in the Democratic Caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives to serve as a Regional Whip during the 111th Congress. Elected by acclamation, Congressman Cohen will serve in a leadership position in just his second term as the Representative from Tennessee’s 9th District.

“I’m honored that my colleagues in the House have selected me for this leadership position in just my second term,” said Congressman Cohen. “I appreciate the opportunity to work with Congressman [James] Clyburn (SC-06) (the Majority Whip) to enact the agenda of our Congressional leaders and that of the new Presidential Administration. President-elect Obama and the Democrats ran on an ambitious platform for change in the fall, and I look forward to working with House Leadership and the Obama Administration to address the challenges America is now facing, including the economy, jobs, health care, energy, and bringing our troops home from Iraq. I thank my colleagues in the Caucus for entrusting me with this responsibility, and I look forward to serving as a Regional Whip.

At the call of the Majority Whip, Congressman Cohen will count votes for upcoming legislation from other members within a geographical boundary in his capacity as Regional Whip. Congressman Cohen will represent Region VII, a territory which includes Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, North Carolina and South Carolina. Congressman Cohen will be responsible for relaying concerns and questions about legislation from his Members to the Majority Whip, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. Additionally, as a Regional Whip, Congressman Cohen will frequently be asked to participate in floor discussions of bills. He is one of 12 Regional Whips.

Congressman Clyburn remarked, “I’m pleased to have Congressman Cohen join my whip team for the 111th Congress. Congressman Cohen will play a key role in helping me bring members from the southern region together to support legislation that will create jobs, strengthen our economy and establish our energy independence. With his help we can bring lawmakers together and move the country in a new direction.”

Well, we have to honor this the only way we know how, which says more about this blog than our Congressman:




Yeah, I know, but I couldn't resist! :-)

Here's my Xmas Exception for FGF

In addition to my receding hairline and an Eastern European build, I inherited from my father a love of Nat King Cole.  So, if I gotta do one Christmassy thing, here's my #1 Christmas fave, The Christmas Song, written by Mel Torme and sung beautifully as always by Nat.

Also, you need to go over to the Docket, Mute put up Lush Life, Billy Strayhorn's classic sung by the late Johnny Hartman, complete with lyrics. You'll be glad you did.

Ok, Blame Pesky!

Or not, but his redesign looked SO GOOD that I had to play around with mine, so here we are.  Let me know what you think...

Also, if you like this blog, FOLLOW IT!!! Check out the new widget over in the corner, I stole that idea from WTL, who just put it up, apparently. Hell, go follow THEM, too!

Jon Stewart on Blagojevich

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Rod Blagojevich Is a Jagoff

Barack Obama Interview
John McCain Interview

Sarah Palin Video
Funny Election Video

Breaking news: The Illinois General Assembly reacts to the news of Blagojevich's arrest

Notes: that's Patrick Fitzgerald in the dress, and the short guy with the certificate of death is Mike Madigan, I believe.

Reason #759 why I have a crush on Rachel Maddow

Well, my mood just lightened!

They finally nailed that crook Rod Blagojevich in Illinois!  Woo-Hoo!

More here from the Trib and the Sun-Times.

Here's the full complaint, via CBS2.

Now, for those of you are saying, uh, Cracker, he's a Democrat, why are you happy, let me say that first, he's an idiot who has been mismanaging the state and been engaged in a moronic feud with House Speaker Mike Madigan for the duration of his time as Governor.  Second, he refused to move to Springfield, where the Governor's Mansion is located, third, he shows the petulance of a Democratic version of Bush, and fourth, we KNEW he was a crook, we were hoping that something would bring him down.

On top of all that, his replacement, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, is a reformer's reformer and a progressive's progressive.  Pat Quinn is OUR kind of Democrat, folks, so this will be a win-win for my old home state.

I hope they throw Blagojevich UNDER the jail, the punk!  WOO-HOO!

Yeah, I'm still here, and I'm getting through it.

Not writing much, but I'm here.  It's Christmas time, which I'm not thrilled about because A) I'm not Christian and B) I'm no longer 9 years old.  Other than a replaying of White Christmas on the telly, it's not my time of year, at least not until New Year's Day.  

New Year's is my holiday, going to New Year's Gongyo (morning prayer), going over to Lauren's for her grandfather's open house and making them my Sausage Roll-ups, and then just hanging out and watching endless amounts of football.  Now, THAT'S a holiday for me.

So, if you whine at me because I say Happy Holidays, I'll tell you to take a hike, sister.  The only reason they moved the observation of the birthday of Christ to December 25 was because it was really a pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice, so that predates Jesus.  Him, I like.  His followers? Well, most are nice, but some are a pain in the ass.  

If we had snow on the ground for most of the month, I might feel a little more Christmassy, because that's what I grew up with back on the old sod.  This yo-yo weather stinks, let it get down to 14 degrees and then warm up to 28 and snow like hell, that's what I'd like to see!  Seriously, how can people talk about Christmas without snow?  That's like the Kentucky Derby without mint juleps, Memorial Day without bratwurst and beer, or a COGIC Convention without big hats.  It just isn't right.

So, If I have too much of a BAH HUMBUG attitude for you, just avoid me until after Christmas, it will get better afterwards.  Me and Alaska turn 50 within two days of each other, the NFL playoffs will start, and I'll realize we're only a month away from the greatest gift of all, Spring Training.

In other things that make me feel way too old: one of the greatest of all Memphians left us too soon this morning at the age of 83.  Once upon a time, in a land seemingly far away, there used to be these great things known as "full-service" radio stations, like WDIA used to be in the Goodwill days, and like WGN has always been.  

Before they became Memphis' most well-known exponent of hate-filled garbage radio (and the Tigers, too!), WREC was a shining beacon of service to its community, and Fred Cook was its star.  He and John Powell did ZERO HOUR for many years together, and was the first news anchor at WREC/WREG Channel 3.  His voice was unmistakable whether on TV, Radio, or as the PA announcer at the Coliseum for MSU basketball.  For those of us of a certain age, his is a deep loss, and a sign that radio as we once knew it is gone forever.  To his family, his friends and his co-workers of all those years, we here at the Cracker offer our deepest sympathies.

Feel Good Friday returns 30 minutes early

Here's the Mayor of Neosoulville herself, Tonya Dyson, in her old days with Will Graves and Soul. Enjoy!

Hope For The Holidays this Saturday

All I gotta say is this:

WHAT VIBINC SAID.

Hey Democrats! Come to DL tonight and meet Chip Forrester!

I have learned that TNDP Chair candidate Chip Forrester will be coming to Drinking Liberally TONIGHT.   Come out and meet him and ask him about his plans for dragging the TNDP out of the depths in which it now finds itself, and how we can work with them (and THEM WITH US) to achieve this.

As always, we are at RP Billiards at 525 South Highland from 7-9 PM, come on out!

Go read Polar Donkey's latest!

It is outstanding, as he once again chronicles how Memphis is set up to screw over the poor.  His maps are, as always, amazing.