I have heard that, in the aftermath of the clusterf*ck that was the August elections, that there have been calls for both Democratic commissioners, Myra Stiles and James Johnson, to be replaced immediately.
Um, no. First, no matter who our commissioners are, they will be outvoted 3-2, no matter how long and loud they scream, so it would be pointless. Because Democratic leadership in the legislature never conceived that they would ever be out of power, they failed to ensure that Democratic-leaning counties would always have Democratic-leaning commissioners in charge.
Next, Ms. Stiles (full disclosure, a dear friend of many years and I am not at all impartial here) has spent several terms on the Commission, and Mr. Johnson was formerly the Executive Director of the Commission, so where would you find two more knowledgeable people on such short notice? Step back and breathe, folks.
Now, if you have concerns about the upcoming election (and I am not saying that you SHOULDN'T, given the unsecurable machines that we are forced to use), what those of you NEED to be doing is getting and TRAINING as many potential pollwatchers as possible for EVERY POLL for November.
Be effective, let's get as many folks as possible and SHOW A DEMOCRATIC PRESENCE at the polls. This will send a message to those who might be discouraged that we are determined to protect their votes and ensure that they will be counted fairly. This needs to happen TODAY.
If those of you who want to toss Myra Stiles and James Johnson will work on this project instead, I will support this; otherwise, it's just mindless talk and will achieve nothing.
Are you in?
Monday, October 18, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Go Help Mike McWherter Tomorrow
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO ALL MEDIA OUTLETS
Date: October 15, 2010 Time: 4:30 p.m.
On tomorrow, October 16, 2010, Gubernatorial candidate Mike McWherter will be at the SCDP main headquarters located at 4118 South Plaza Drive, Memphis, Tennessee 38116 from 12:00-4:00 phone banking and transporting voters to the polls. It is well-known that Shelby County is the Democratic base for the state. If any Democrat expects to win, Shelby County has to show-up and that’s what we are working towards doing. Let’s roll-up are sleeves and go to work!!!
Contact:
Van Turner, Chair
Shelby County Democratic Party
Phone: 901-283-5017
Thursday, October 14, 2010
WHAT TOM GULEFF SAYS
THIS RIGHT HERE! it's not about consolidation, it's about our beloved (and hopefully-soon-to-be #Memphis) NEWSCOMA!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Early voting started today, here are my votes
Early voting sites are found here; you have until two weeks from tomorrow.
As they appear on the ballot:
GOVERNOR - Mike McWherter - Yeah, I haven't been excited about ANY gubernatorial candidate from ANY party since I voted to re-elect his father in 1990. He's a nice guy when he's not playing to right-wingers who will never vote for him. He's still better than the Pilot Oil guy, the guy that left Saks Direct abruptly.
THE RIGHT TO HUNT AND FISH AMENDMENT - YES - I was going to vote no, thinking it was a silly and unnecessary amendment until brother Neal provided some interesting reasons to vote yes, so please do so.
US HOUSE -DISTRICT 9 - STEVE COHEN - Like you hadn't figured THAT out a long time ago, right? If I have to tell you why, then I presume that you just moved here.
TN HOUSE - DISTRICT 93 - MIKE KERNELL - He is second in seniority only to Lois DeBerry and knows the Capitol like few others. Plus, he's my friend of nearly 30 years. He is as liberal as I am, usually, but listens to EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE. That is a good thing.
REFERENDUM ON CONSOLIDATION - YES - I've already told you why, and that should be enough. If it isn't, read the damn Charter yourself. THEN make up your mind.
CITY ORDINANCE NO. 5345 - NO - I understand why Jim Strickland proposed this ordinance that partially reverses City Charter changes we passed in 2007; he believes that City elections will be ignored if forced to be held at the same time as the County and State elections in even-numbered years. School Board elections give him some evidence on this. However, people voted for this for a reason: to save money. This would also repeal staggered terms, but keep the term limits. I say no, because I like the staggered terms idea and this saves money.
CITY ORDINANCE NO. 5347 - YES - This extends the residency requirements for working for the City of Memphis so that they need only be County residents instead of just City residents. I believe this is an acceptable compromise, even though I voted for the amendment in 2007 requiring City residence for City workers. It has proved unworkable, as the pool is just not big enough, despite what Councilors Ware and Halbert would have you believe. Vote YES.
MCS BOARD AT-LARGE POSITION 2 - REV. KENNETH T. WHALUM, JR. - I don't always agree with him (especially on paddling, that's too 1953 for 2010) but he seems to be the one member of the MCS Board who is willing to question Superintendent Kriner Cash. He is the best of the three candidates running for the position.
In Races for which I CANNOT vote:
US HOUSE -DISTRICT 7 - GREG RABIDOUX - Look, we know he's up against it facing Blackburn, but he and his Shelby County crew are busting their butts. Not only that, she may face a looser district in two years because it will have to get LESS GOP in order to make others MORE GOP if the GOP controls re-districting (which we hope does NOT happen).
In the local state House races, our Democratic incumbents facing a GOP opponent are, in addition to Kernell, JOHNNIE TURNER (85), BARBARA COOPER (86), JEANNE RICHARDSON (89), and LOIS DEBERRY (91). Please vote for your Democratic Representative.
In the State Senate races, only OPHELIA FORD (29) is opposed among our Democrats, and her opponent, Robert Hill, is having legal problems of his own. Yes, I want to re-elect the Senator.
Ivon Faulkner is challenging Senator Brian Kelsey (R) in Senate 31, but it is an uphill battle. There is so much I would like to say here, but suffice it to say that I would prefer that you vote for Faulkner in this race.
That's it, everything else is up to YOU, so go vote, even if you don't feel like it. Don't like your choices in a given race? WRITE SOMEONE IN. I do it more often that you might think.
As they appear on the ballot:
GOVERNOR - Mike McWherter - Yeah, I haven't been excited about ANY gubernatorial candidate from ANY party since I voted to re-elect his father in 1990. He's a nice guy when he's not playing to right-wingers who will never vote for him. He's still better than the Pilot Oil guy, the guy that left Saks Direct abruptly.
THE RIGHT TO HUNT AND FISH AMENDMENT - YES - I was going to vote no, thinking it was a silly and unnecessary amendment until brother Neal provided some interesting reasons to vote yes, so please do so.
US HOUSE -DISTRICT 9 - STEVE COHEN - Like you hadn't figured THAT out a long time ago, right? If I have to tell you why, then I presume that you just moved here.
TN HOUSE - DISTRICT 93 - MIKE KERNELL - He is second in seniority only to Lois DeBerry and knows the Capitol like few others. Plus, he's my friend of nearly 30 years. He is as liberal as I am, usually, but listens to EVERYONE, and I mean EVERYONE. That is a good thing.
REFERENDUM ON CONSOLIDATION - YES - I've already told you why, and that should be enough. If it isn't, read the damn Charter yourself. THEN make up your mind.
CITY ORDINANCE NO. 5345 - NO - I understand why Jim Strickland proposed this ordinance that partially reverses City Charter changes we passed in 2007; he believes that City elections will be ignored if forced to be held at the same time as the County and State elections in even-numbered years. School Board elections give him some evidence on this. However, people voted for this for a reason: to save money. This would also repeal staggered terms, but keep the term limits. I say no, because I like the staggered terms idea and this saves money.
CITY ORDINANCE NO. 5347 - YES - This extends the residency requirements for working for the City of Memphis so that they need only be County residents instead of just City residents. I believe this is an acceptable compromise, even though I voted for the amendment in 2007 requiring City residence for City workers. It has proved unworkable, as the pool is just not big enough, despite what Councilors Ware and Halbert would have you believe. Vote YES.
MCS BOARD AT-LARGE POSITION 2 - REV. KENNETH T. WHALUM, JR. - I don't always agree with him (especially on paddling, that's too 1953 for 2010) but he seems to be the one member of the MCS Board who is willing to question Superintendent Kriner Cash. He is the best of the three candidates running for the position.
In Races for which I CANNOT vote:
US HOUSE -DISTRICT 7 - GREG RABIDOUX - Look, we know he's up against it facing Blackburn, but he and his Shelby County crew are busting their butts. Not only that, she may face a looser district in two years because it will have to get LESS GOP in order to make others MORE GOP if the GOP controls re-districting (which we hope does NOT happen).
In the local state House races, our Democratic incumbents facing a GOP opponent are, in addition to Kernell, JOHNNIE TURNER (85), BARBARA COOPER (86), JEANNE RICHARDSON (89), and LOIS DEBERRY (91). Please vote for your Democratic Representative.
In the State Senate races, only OPHELIA FORD (29) is opposed among our Democrats, and her opponent, Robert Hill, is having legal problems of his own. Yes, I want to re-elect the Senator.
Ivon Faulkner is challenging Senator Brian Kelsey (R) in Senate 31, but it is an uphill battle. There is so much I would like to say here, but suffice it to say that I would prefer that you vote for Faulkner in this race.
That's it, everything else is up to YOU, so go vote, even if you don't feel like it. Don't like your choices in a given race? WRITE SOMEONE IN. I do it more often that you might think.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
I no longer have a candidate in the 8th Congressional District
What? Why? Well, since you asked, it seems that Roy Herron has said he would NOT vote for Nancy Pelosi for Speaker, or John Boehner either. This is a false choice, and seeks to undermine our best Speaker since Tip O'Neill. If you aren't going to support Pelosi, then I have no further use for you, and I'm not putting your notices up here any more.
The Jackson Sun article notes the following:
No, I don't live in TN-08. If I did, I would have a new message: SEND MABEL TO CONGRESS INSTEAD!
UPDATE: Could THIS be why Roy did what he did? Has the DCCC cut him off as a lost cause? That would explain a lot of things.
The Jackson Sun article notes the following:
Herron said he would be more middle of the road politically than Fincher. Herron also said he would not vote for Democrat Nancy Pelosi or John Boehner, R-Ohio, as speaker of the house. "I think both of them are too extreme," Herron said.One out of two isn't bad, I suppose. The fact of the matter is that this won't matter TO ANYONE, no one is going to believe him, and he has just told what few liberals are left in his district that they don't matter. Too bad the Conservatives won't vote for him, either, so he just finished his own campaign.
No, I don't live in TN-08. If I did, I would have a new message: SEND MABEL TO CONGRESS INSTEAD!
UPDATE: Could THIS be why Roy did what he did? Has the DCCC cut him off as a lost cause? That would explain a lot of things.
This Is NOT The Sort of Mistake The SCDP Needs To Make
First, full disclosure: I served with Cherry Davis on the SCDP, I like her and respect her, and if I lived in District 6, I would vote for her for School Board over Sara Lewis.
That having been said, Sara Lewis has EVERY RIGHT to be pissed off at the SCDP this morning for what is apparently a back-door endorsement of Cherry Davis, after the SCDP had indicated that they would NOT endorse in any non-partisan races this year. Jackson Baker has the full details here.
When I served on the ExecCom, I also served on the Elections Committee, who interviewed candidates that sought our endorsement. At the very least, ALL candidates for the position for which we would endorse were invited to come before the committee to make their case. We asked all candidates for a given position the same questions relative to that position in order to make a fair recommendation to the full ExecCom. This was NOT the procedure used in this race, per Van Turner:
I may not be a fan of Sara Lewis, but fair is fair, and she got hosed.
That having been said, Sara Lewis has EVERY RIGHT to be pissed off at the SCDP this morning for what is apparently a back-door endorsement of Cherry Davis, after the SCDP had indicated that they would NOT endorse in any non-partisan races this year. Jackson Baker has the full details here.
When I served on the ExecCom, I also served on the Elections Committee, who interviewed candidates that sought our endorsement. At the very least, ALL candidates for the position for which we would endorse were invited to come before the committee to make their case. We asked all candidates for a given position the same questions relative to that position in order to make a fair recommendation to the full ExecCom. This was NOT the procedure used in this race, per Van Turner:
Lewis’s objections to the SCDP endorsement in District 6 aren’t limited to her contention that the Party is violating its own official policy. She wonders why the Party executive committee chose to endorse in District 6 and not in the At Large, Position 2 race, which is also contested.Ok, that's just screwed up, and Lewis should scream long and loud about this and make it an issue in this campaign, because NONE of those people, excepting maybe Turner, are rookies. They KNOW proper procedure and they IGNORED it. It makes the SCDP look cheap, petty and stupid, NONE of which they need in the middle of a general election season.
“They endorsed her because she asked them. But no one else was even informed that an endorsement was coming and was even invited to address the committee,” Lewis said.
Shelby County Democratic chairman Van Turner said Tuesday he was well aware of candidate Lewis’ discontent and had taken steps to address it.
“It’s true that generally we don’t endorse in contested non-partisan races involving more than one Democrat, but there is a precedent.” He cited the committee’s endorsement of School Board member Freda Williams in a previous election in which Williams, a party executive committee member, had opposition by another Democrat.
Turner noted that in both Williams' case and that of Davis, who is the Shelby County Democratic Party’s vice chair, the person endorsed had a prominent active role in the local party. He said the move to endorse Davis was made from the floor by member Howard Richardson at last Thursday night’s monthly meeting of the party executive committee and was approved unanimously.
As for Lewis’ other objection, that no move to endorse was made in the At Large, Position 2 race, involving incumbent K.T. Whalum Jr., Bob Morgan, and Richard Fields, Turner observed that no motion to do so had come from the floor.
I may not be a fan of Sara Lewis, but fair is fair, and she got hosed.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
I've Made My Consolidation Decision
I just realized that no matter what I do, I'm going to piss a lot of people off, so I may as well get at it. If you DON'T live in Shelby County (of which Memphis is nearly 70%), feel free to go look at the cute bunnies.
Shelby Countians, are we alone now? Good.
There is a hell of a lot I DON'T like about this Charter, and Tom Guleff and Ron Williams raised a good point when they said it was as if the wealthy elites got together to write this Charter. I sure as hell don't like the 13-single-member-12-multi-member districts. I don't like the fact that this Charter transfers a lot of power from the legislative branch to the executive branch. I don't like the condescending way Charter Commission Chair Julie Ellis responded to a letter advising against voting yes. It smacks of elitism at most levels. It doesn't even touch the schools, which MUST be merged someday.
Yet, even with the numerous flaws, ask yourself this question, residents of Shelby County: is what we have now REALLY better than this flawed charter? Well, if you ran to the suburbs to avoid paying your fair share of social costs, you may well think so. But for those of us in the city who are tired of subsidizing you, it's not. Even WITH passage, you still get off the hook for three years, since taxes are frozen!
I was ready to vote no, but something the misnamed Save Shelby County kept saying stayed in the back of my head, nagging at me: "Memphis has to fix its OWN problems". First, the idiocy of that is evident, since without a strong and vital Memphis, there is NO Shelby County, and no strong metropolitan area. It's the same as telling a quadriplegic that there is surgery to cure him, but that he will have to perform it himself.
I am voting YES on Consolidation, because if it fails to pass Memphis will die, and so will Shelby County, and the other counties in our SMSA. You really think that without a vital Memphis, you'll continue to exist? You don't care, you say? You're just trying to make it to retirement so you can leave?
I have two words for you, then: LEAVE NOW. I'm serious, quit your job and quit leeching off the rest of us, and leave the area (Again, I'm only speaking to Shelby Countians). This is no time for the weak-willed, and if you're not willing to help, take a hike. It's come to that here.
Some of you folks piss and moan because you don't like certain members of the City Council. Have you failed to notice that most of the ones you DON'T like oppose the new Charter as well? Why do you think that is? Because they know that under the new Charter, most of them will likely be out on their asses. That's ANOTHER reason why I am voting yes.
Note to the SCDP: if you think you're showing leadership by opposing the new Charter, that leadership was recognized by the electorate in the August elections. Good work, eh? At this rate, we would have captured the County by 2038. I'm just sayin'......
I'm going to catch hell from the right, because they didn't want to pay their fair share of the social costs and have the wrong view of government. I'll be accused of discrediting the left (inside joke, sorry) and being a sellout whore to the MAN. It wouldn't be the first time in either event, just spell my name right after each epithet!
Note to the Charter Commission: you are damned lucky I am voting for this. If it weren't for Brian Stephens, Bonny Kinney, my friend and brother Steve Ross, and the original namesake of this blog, I wouldn't have re-read the damned thing enough times to make me realize it's the only chance we've got to save the city, the County, the region and, frankly, all of West Tennessee.
It's not perfect, but it's better than what we have now, and it is a good first step. We either step forward now, or step into the grave soon afterwards.
Shelby Countians, are we alone now? Good.
There is a hell of a lot I DON'T like about this Charter, and Tom Guleff and Ron Williams raised a good point when they said it was as if the wealthy elites got together to write this Charter. I sure as hell don't like the 13-single-member-12-multi-member districts. I don't like the fact that this Charter transfers a lot of power from the legislative branch to the executive branch. I don't like the condescending way Charter Commission Chair Julie Ellis responded to a letter advising against voting yes. It smacks of elitism at most levels. It doesn't even touch the schools, which MUST be merged someday.
Yet, even with the numerous flaws, ask yourself this question, residents of Shelby County: is what we have now REALLY better than this flawed charter? Well, if you ran to the suburbs to avoid paying your fair share of social costs, you may well think so. But for those of us in the city who are tired of subsidizing you, it's not. Even WITH passage, you still get off the hook for three years, since taxes are frozen!
I was ready to vote no, but something the misnamed Save Shelby County kept saying stayed in the back of my head, nagging at me: "Memphis has to fix its OWN problems". First, the idiocy of that is evident, since without a strong and vital Memphis, there is NO Shelby County, and no strong metropolitan area. It's the same as telling a quadriplegic that there is surgery to cure him, but that he will have to perform it himself.
I am voting YES on Consolidation, because if it fails to pass Memphis will die, and so will Shelby County, and the other counties in our SMSA. You really think that without a vital Memphis, you'll continue to exist? You don't care, you say? You're just trying to make it to retirement so you can leave?
I have two words for you, then: LEAVE NOW. I'm serious, quit your job and quit leeching off the rest of us, and leave the area (Again, I'm only speaking to Shelby Countians). This is no time for the weak-willed, and if you're not willing to help, take a hike. It's come to that here.
Some of you folks piss and moan because you don't like certain members of the City Council. Have you failed to notice that most of the ones you DON'T like oppose the new Charter as well? Why do you think that is? Because they know that under the new Charter, most of them will likely be out on their asses. That's ANOTHER reason why I am voting yes.
Note to the SCDP: if you think you're showing leadership by opposing the new Charter, that leadership was recognized by the electorate in the August elections. Good work, eh? At this rate, we would have captured the County by 2038. I'm just sayin'......
I'm going to catch hell from the right, because they didn't want to pay their fair share of the social costs and have the wrong view of government. I'll be accused of discrediting the left (inside joke, sorry) and being a sellout whore to the MAN. It wouldn't be the first time in either event, just spell my name right after each epithet!
Note to the Charter Commission: you are damned lucky I am voting for this. If it weren't for Brian Stephens, Bonny Kinney, my friend and brother Steve Ross, and the original namesake of this blog, I wouldn't have re-read the damned thing enough times to make me realize it's the only chance we've got to save the city, the County, the region and, frankly, all of West Tennessee.
It's not perfect, but it's better than what we have now, and it is a good first step. We either step forward now, or step into the grave soon afterwards.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Thursday, October 07, 2010
The DEFENDING STANLEY CUP CHAMPION CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS open tonight
Maybe some day, Predators fans, maybe some day.
Today is NEWSCOMA'S Birthday
And she knows what she would like from each of you. Please go over there to find out!
Monday, October 04, 2010
Mike Kernell Fundraiser This Saturday 5-8
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
A FUNDRAISING PARTY
FOR
REP. MIKE KERNELL
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9
5-8 PM
RAFFE'S DELI & BEER GARDEN
Come out for food, fun & friends!
Donations Requested
Please make Checks payable to
THE KERNELL CAMPAIGN
111 S. Highland
Memphis, TN 38111
No corporate checks, please!
Pass The Word, NEWSCOMA IS BACK!
And she's writing about what she knows better than anyone else - the Fightin' 8th! Go over there now!
Friday, October 01, 2010
From Rebuild Government
Again, I have not yet made up my mind here, but I thought you would want to know.
Memphis , TN – Young voters in Memphis and Shelby County
Young Voters Rally For the New Charter
Date: Monday, October 4, 2010
Time: 12-12:30 p.m.
Place: N. Second St. & Washington Ave. (in front of the Shelby County Election Commission)
Hear from leaders including Memphis City School Board member Tomeka Hart, Shelby County Commissioner Steve Mulroy and Rebuild Government Youth Organizer Shea Conaway about the need for a new government with a unified voice. Following the speakers, we will march into the Election Commission to turn in hundreds of new voter registration cards!
This rally comes on the heels of support from prominent business leaders in Memphis and Shelby County
Rebuild Government is made up of concerned citizens who organized in 2009. The purpose of Rebuild Government is to create public awareness and foster a county-wide conversation about the need for a new government. You can learn more about Rebuild Government at www.rebuildgovernment.org.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Senator Ford Meet & Greet Breakfast in Millington on October 7
The Committee to Re-Elect
Senator Ophelia Ford
District 29
invites you to a
Meet and Greet Breakfast
Meet and Greet Breakfast
Old Timers Restaurant
7918 C Street
Millington, Tennessee
Thursday, October 7, 2010
8:30 A.M. - 10:30 A.M.
(Contributions are appreciated but not required to attend.)
Checks should be made payable to:
Committee to Re-Elect Senator Ophelia Ford
P. O. Box 462
Memphis, Tennessee 38101
Headquarters (901) 692-0230
Contributions can also be made on-line @
Note: Contributors should provide occupation/employer, as required by State Law
Paid for by the Committee to Re-Elect Senator Ophelia Ford, Stanley Sawyer Treasurer
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Bears beat the Packers, so you know what that means!
Here's the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus performing Bear Down. Enjoy!
Some things are just simply indefensible.
Just go to Post Politics and HEAR what I am pissed about. I tried to defend Mike McWherter on the Informed Sources segment that ran last night on WREG, and now I hear that McWherter is attacking Haslam for not being a conservative.
Seriously, does he not understand that at least FIFTY percent of his vote is supposed to come from the LEFT? And when he does idiotic ads like this, he runs the left into the arms of Haslam, who gives the appearance (even if we know otherwise) that he is the right-wing Bredesen (I know, redundant). If it weren't for Mike Kernell and Steve Cohen (Beverly Marrero is NOT up this year), I would stay home this year.
If this is the best the TNDP can produce, it deserves the butt-whipping it is about to receive. Only after it has been reduced to ashes can a new party rise up and be what it has to be in order to have any meaning.
As the officer in Vietnam said, "We had to destroy the village in order to save it". Yup.
RIP, TNDP.
Seriously, does he not understand that at least FIFTY percent of his vote is supposed to come from the LEFT? And when he does idiotic ads like this, he runs the left into the arms of Haslam, who gives the appearance (even if we know otherwise) that he is the right-wing Bredesen (I know, redundant). If it weren't for Mike Kernell and Steve Cohen (Beverly Marrero is NOT up this year), I would stay home this year.
If this is the best the TNDP can produce, it deserves the butt-whipping it is about to receive. Only after it has been reduced to ashes can a new party rise up and be what it has to be in order to have any meaning.
As the officer in Vietnam said, "We had to destroy the village in order to save it". Yup.
RIP, TNDP.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Business Leaders Announce Support For The New Charter
Note to readers: I am still undecided. I am FOR consolidation, still unsure about the Charter, and I am reading it. LWC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 23, 2010
Contact: Dan Conaway
901-569-3653
dan@wakesomebodyup.com
Business Leaders Announce Support For The New Charter
Memphis, TN – Prominent members of the local business community are voicing their support for the new charter which will be on the ballot November 2nd.
“Shelby County business leaders have for years been supporters of a metro form of government, and now that they have had a chance to read the new charter, conversations have reached a crescendo and they’re looking for ways to get behind it and support its adoption,” said Gary Shorb, CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.
“I’m really pleased to see the level of enthusiasm for the new charter from such a diverse array of prominent business leaders. This is a great community that can be made even better by streamlining government to make it more effective in growing jobs and advancing quality of life for citizens across the county,” added Bill Rhodes, Chairman & CEO, AutoZone.
Business leaders will host a news conference tomorrow to communicate their belief that a new government will improve Memphis and Shelby County.
Date: Friday, September 24, 2010
Time: 2:30 pm
Place: Methodist Le Bonheur Germantown Hospital (new Women's and Children's Pavilion) 7691 Poplar Avenue
“This news conference came together really quickly, with a lot of momentum growing for getting the business voice out there. The number of supporters who just over the last two days have said they want to be a part of whatever this group is that’s forming is pretty inspiring,” said Luke Yancy, President of the Mid-South Minority Business Council, “and the number is continuing
to grow.”
Jon Stewart NAILS the GOP
If you had any doubts about voting and voting DEMOCRATIC, this should eliminate them
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Postcards From the Pledge | ||||
| ||||
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Yeah, I Know, Where The Hell Have I Been? Well, Here's Where I Am GOING to BE!
Yes, Richard Ransom and the good folks at NewsChannel 3 invited me back to join with Richard, The ol' Watchdog, Mike Matthews, and Andrew Clarksenior of AM600 to tape Informed Sources today, it will be on Sunday night after NewsChannel 3 at 10.
We talked about the Governor's race (or lack thereof), the TN-08 race, and Afghanistan. Watch it and they might have me back!
On to other subjects...
First, HOLY CRAP, GONERFEST started YESTERDAY? I gotta get over there..
Back to Politics:
Well, the Gov's race was summed up perfectly today by El Jefe himself, Jeff Woods of the Nashville Scene:
We talked about the Governor's race (or lack thereof), the TN-08 race, and Afghanistan. Watch it and they might have me back!
On to other subjects...
First, HOLY CRAP, GONERFEST started YESTERDAY? I gotta get over there..
Back to Politics:
Well, the Gov's race was summed up perfectly today by El Jefe himself, Jeff Woods of the Nashville Scene:
Hacks and Whores Dominate Democrats for Haslam
Ok, James Harvey? John Farris? REALLY, guys? I know John Farris has backed away from politics to focus on the family law firm, but didya have to do this?
James Harvey, you best believe if you EVER try to rub as a Democrat here for any race, this is going to be thrown in your face. You don't like Mike McWherter? Fine? Endorse Mr. Pilot Oil? You best just shut the hell up, dude, or not plan to run as a Democrat for any office.
Now, no one is surprised if Will Pinkston is on that list but there are folks on this list that I am NOT happy with for being there. James Kerley?? Ron Redwing? Felix Walker? (and NO ONE had better EVER suggest Felix for any Democratic Party business ever again, I don't care WHO he knows. Enough said.)
Mike McWherter is trailing, but he is NOT John Jay Hooker, people. Yes, he pissed me off, and yes, I wrote in Mabel in the primary, but THAT'S WHAT A FREAKING PRIMARY IS FOR! It's time to come together, and I see Democrats lining up at the trough whoring themselves out, all about the Benjamins.
I vote with the donkeys, but I have an elephant-like memory, and this will not be forgotten.
Friday, September 17, 2010
A new Video from the Lowe Finney campaign
While Lowe Finney's district is Madison, Carroll and Gibson counties and much of the readership cannot vote in the 27th District, if you know someone who can and will vote there, tell them about him. It is critical that he be re-elected to his State Senate seat. We need every Democratic vote we can get in the State Senate to stop Ron Ramsey, the Lt. Governor who would auction off the state if he could get the chance to do so. Here's the video:
Thursday, September 16, 2010
An Open Letter to CVS
Now, one might surmise from the prior post that I don't like you or want you in my neighborhood at Park & Highland. That is not necessarily so; you have the right to compete with Walgreen's wherever you can. It's not without reason that my friend Mike Brester has joked that "Walgreen's wants to make sure you never have to walk more than 500 feet to find one of their stores".
I have no problem with your decision to locate a store on the northeast corner of park & Highland; Yums will move up Highland and we will lose a pawn shop, so that's a net positive in my book.
However, we need to get something straight here: you are not doing my neighborhood a favor by coming here; we are doing YOU a favor by allowing it. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the University District Overlay and build the damn thing to the front of Park!
We are NOT Arlington or Lakeland or unincorporated Shelby County. We are an URBAN neighborhood and believe that is a GOOD thing. We don't want another store with an endless parking lot out front. Put it in the back of the store; you can create access lanes off Park and/or Highland, with a well-lighted parking lot. You don't want to look like the Walgreen's across the street, right?
Always remember that this is OUR neighborhood, and whether we decide to shop at CVS will be determined by how we are treated by you. You serve at OUR pleasure, not vice versa. I actually want to see this work, there's nothing wrong with giving Walgreen's competition and forcing them to step up their game.
However, CVS, you need to do the right thing and follow the neighborhood plan for the University District.
We'll be watching.
I have no problem with your decision to locate a store on the northeast corner of park & Highland; Yums will move up Highland and we will lose a pawn shop, so that's a net positive in my book.
However, we need to get something straight here: you are not doing my neighborhood a favor by coming here; we are doing YOU a favor by allowing it. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the University District Overlay and build the damn thing to the front of Park!
We are NOT Arlington or Lakeland or unincorporated Shelby County. We are an URBAN neighborhood and believe that is a GOOD thing. We don't want another store with an endless parking lot out front. Put it in the back of the store; you can create access lanes off Park and/or Highland, with a well-lighted parking lot. You don't want to look like the Walgreen's across the street, right?
Always remember that this is OUR neighborhood, and whether we decide to shop at CVS will be determined by how we are treated by you. You serve at OUR pleasure, not vice versa. I actually want to see this work, there's nothing wrong with giving Walgreen's competition and forcing them to step up their game.
However, CVS, you need to do the right thing and follow the neighborhood plan for the University District.
We'll be watching.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
The SCDP is Opening TWO HQs this Saturday
However, if you live east of Airways or north of Park, you're apparently SOL!
Here's the announcement:
We are proud to announce the opening of two headquarters here in Shelby County for the November 2nd elections.
FIRST OPENING CELEBRATION:
SHELBY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
VOTER OUTREACH AND SATELLITE OFFICE
1404 AIRWAYS BLVD
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 38114
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2010
12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
SECOND OPENING CELEBRATION:
SHELBY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
MAIN HEADQUARTERS
4118 SOUTH PLAZA DRIVE
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 381116
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2010
3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Van D. Turner, Jr., Chair
Shelby County Democratic Party
4118 South Plaza Drive-Campaign Headquarters
Memphis, Tennessee 38116
Phone: 901-283-5017
Here's the announcement:
We are proud to announce the opening of two headquarters here in Shelby County for the November 2nd elections.
FIRST OPENING CELEBRATION:
SHELBY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
VOTER OUTREACH AND SATELLITE OFFICE
1404 AIRWAYS BLVD
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 38114
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2010
12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.
SECOND OPENING CELEBRATION:
SHELBY COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY
MAIN HEADQUARTERS
4118 SOUTH PLAZA DRIVE
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE 381116
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2010
3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Van D. Turner, Jr., Chair
Shelby County Democratic Party
4118 South Plaza Drive-Campaign Headquarters
Memphis, Tennessee 38116
Phone: 901-283-5017
Thursday, September 09, 2010
I'm on vacation this week, so posting is spotty
I figured you knew this, though.
Look for me starting Tuesday!
Look for me starting Tuesday!
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Da Mare's NOT running for re-election!
No, I'm not talking about Wharton, fool! I'm talking about DA MARE of Chicago, Richard M. Daley, who has decided that 22 years will be quite enough, thank you. Considering that A) his numbers were dropping like a rock, B) his wife has been battling cancer and C) he just looks mighty damn tired, I am not surprised.
So, will Rahmbo head back to the city to run for MARE? Anything to get him out of DC is fine by me, as long as he doesn't screw up one of my favorite places on Earth!
More from the Trib
So, will Rahmbo head back to the city to run for MARE? Anything to get him out of DC is fine by me, as long as he doesn't screw up one of my favorite places on Earth!
More from the Trib
Monday, September 06, 2010
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Here is your FINAL MMHF Schedule for this weekend!
MOVED TO THE TOP.
Heads up, Crackerphiles, unless something dramatic happens, your Cracker is now in FESTIVAL mode. There won't be any posts until Monday at the earliest. Come down this weekend, the weather is going to be exquisite, nothing short of it. You will want to be outside, come down and hang with us. I will be at the ArtsMemphis stage, and I will be live-tweeting from my stage and twit-picing as well. Look for hashtag #MMHF for all festival tweets. Go also to the Center's Facebook page at http://facebook.com/southernfolklore.
Heads up, Crackerphiles, unless something dramatic happens, your Cracker is now in FESTIVAL mode. There won't be any posts until Monday at the earliest. Come down this weekend, the weather is going to be exquisite, nothing short of it. You will want to be outside, come down and hang with us. I will be at the ArtsMemphis stage, and I will be live-tweeting from my stage and twit-picing as well. Look for hashtag #MMHF for all festival tweets. Go also to the Center's Facebook page at http://facebook.com/southernfolklore.
| Saturday, Sept. 4 | Sunday, Sept. 5 | |||||
| ArtsMemphis Stage @ Peabody Place & Main St. | ArtsMemphis Stage @ Peabody Place & Main St. | |||||
| 2:00pm | MouseRocket | Indie, Cello Pop | 1:30pm | Hickory Withe Bluegrass | Bluegrass | |
| 3:00pm | Devil Train | Blue grass Jam Band | 2:30pm | Voice of Golden Eagle | Cherokee Flute | |
| 4:00pm | Stevenson Clark | Gospel Choir Ensemble | 3:30pm | Promise | Gospel Jazz | |
| 5:00pm | Los Cantadores | Latin | 4:30pm | Daddy Mack Blues Band | Blues | |
| 5:45pm | Watoto Memphis | Latin Dance | 5:15pm | Watoto Memphis | Blues Dance | |
| 6:00pm | Elmo & the Shades | R&B | 5:30pm | John Paul Keith & the 145s | Rock, Country | |
| 7:00pm | Bluff City Backsliders | Jug Band | 6:30pm | Sonny Burgess & the Pacers | Rockabilly | |
| 7:45pm | Watoto Memphis | Ragtime Dance | 7:30pm | The Brown Singers | Gospel | |
| 8:00pm | Joyce Cobb | Jazz, Rock, Blues | 8:30pm | Reba Russell Blues Band | Blues | |
| 9:00pm | Darrell Petties & SIP | Gospel | 9:30pm | Funzo Crush aka Young AJ ft. Al Kapone | Rap | |
| 10:15pm | Bobby Rush | Soul, R&B | 10:15pm | Hill Country Revue | Indie Blues | |
| Folklore Store Stage @ 123 S. Main St. | Folklore Store Stage @ 123 S. Main St. | |||||
| 1:15pm | Roy Harper | Old-time Country | 1:15pm | Roy Harper | Old-time Country | |
| 2:15pm | Nancy Apple | Alternative Country | 2:15pm | Lauren Strange | Pop | |
| 3:15pm | William L. Ellis & Jimmy Crosthwait | Songwriting Workshop | 3:00pm | Bill Shipper | Funny Folk | |
| 4:15pm | Tonya Dyson & Green Onions | Neo-Soul | 4:00pm | Deborah Swiney | Jazz | |
| 5:15pm | The Josh Shoe Band | Bluegrass | 4:55pm | The Paperboyz | Hip-Hop, Rap | |
| 6:15pm | Don McMinn | Blues, Boogi Woogie | 5:15pm | Last Chance Jug Band | Jug Band | |
| 7:15pm | Sidney, Cidney, Sidney | Jazz | 6:15pm | Cody Dickinson Project | Experimental | |
| 8:15pm | The Sultana | Gothic Americana | 7:15pm | Sons of Mudboy Small Band | Folk | |
| 9:15pm | William Lee Ellis | Blues | 8:15pm | Valerie June | Folk | |
| 9:15pm | Eden Brent | Blues | ||||
| Comcast Folklore Hall Stage @ 119 S. Main St. | Comcast Folklore Hall Stage @ 119 S. Main St. | |||||
| 2:45pm | Barbara Blue | Blues | 2:45pm | The Agitators | Blues | |
| 3:45pm | The Jumpin' ChiChis | Jazz | 3:45pm | Memphis Klezmer Orchestra | Klezmer | |
| 4:45pm | The Kattawar Brothers | Boogie Woogie | 4:45pm | Moments of Joy | Gospel | |
| 5:45pm | The Golden Keys | Gospel | 5:45pm | Eddie Bond | Country, Rockabilly | |
| 6:45pm | Lisa Lambert & the PRB | Bluegrass | 6:45pm | Papa Top's Westcoast Turnaround | Country | |
| 7:45pm | Jack Oblivian & the TN Tearjerkers | Garage Rock | 7:45pm | Orange Mound Jazz Messengers | Jazz | |
| 8:45pm | Blind Mississippi Morris | Blues | 9:00pm | Kate Campbell | Folk | |
| Tennessee Arts Stage @ Main St. and Gayoso | Tennessee Arts Stage @ Main St. and Gayoso | |||||
| 12:30pm | Randal Morton | Banjo Workshop | 12:00pm | Valerie & Jason | Children's Songs | |
| 1:00pm | Watoto Memphis | African Dance Clinic | 12:30pm | Watoto Memphis | African Dance Clinic | |
| 1:30pm | David Evans | Jug Band Workshop | 1:00pm | Pyramid Dancers | Belly Dance | |
| 2:00pm | Desert Rose | Belly Dance | 1:30pm | Michael Graber & Jason Freeman | Kazoo & Jug Workshop | |
| 2:30pm | David Bowen | Guitar & Memphis Music Workshop | 2:00pm | Chang Shu | Chinese Dance & Martial Arts | |
| 3:00pm | Danza Azteca Quetzalcoatl | Aztec Dance | 3:15pm | The Jazz Collective | Big Band | |
| 3:30pm | Johnny Yancey & the SJO | Big Band | 4:15pm | Smoochy Smith Trio | Rockabilly | |
| 4:30pm | Sweet Angel | R&B | 5:00pm | Millennium Madness | Drill & Drum Show Team | |
| 5:15pm | Millennium Madness | Drill & Drum Show Team | 5:15pm | Memphis Harmonizers | Gospel | |
| 5:30pm | The True Sons of Thunder | Rock, Metal | 6:15pm | Star & Micey | Folk Pop | |
| 6:30pm | The Bell Singers | Gospel | 7:00pm | Watoto Memphis | Folk Dance | |
| 7:15pm | Watoto Memphis | Gospel Dance | 7:15pm | The Mellow Tones | Gospel | |
| 7:30pm | The Bo-Keys | Soul | 8:15pm | FreeWorld | Jam, Rock, Funk | |
| 8:30pm | Symbiosis | Latin | 9:30pm | Homemade Jamz Blues Band | Blues | |
| 9:30pm | Exodus | Reggae | ||||
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