Jack & Jill Politics

Anyone who wants to read Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye"....read free online:
http://www.wowio.com/viewer/reader.asp?nView=3

EVENING OPEN THREAD IS UP

Kleenex Alert:

Hospital staffers sending colleague to inauguration

That's a lovely story, thanks.

Obama: "I Don't Think There's Any Question That We Have A Mandate"

An interesting moment at Barack Obama's presser on the economy today: He declared in more direct terms than I've heard before that his "decisive" win has unquestionably given him a "mandate."

"We had, I think, a decisive win, because of the extraordinary desire for change on the part of the American people," he said in response to a reporter's question. "And so I don't think there is any question that we have a mandate to move the country in a new direction, and not continue the same old practices that have gotten us into the fix that we're in."

But Obama also tempered his claim to a mandate by acknowledging that he needs Republican help to succeed.

"I won 53 percent of the vote," he said. "That means 46 or 47 percent of the country voted for John McCain."

He added that he was entering the White House"with a sense of humility and a recognition that wisdom is not the monopoly of any one party. In order for us to be effective given the scope and the scale of the challenges we face, Republicans and Democrats are going to have to work together."

This is probably too obvious to point out, but the game here is that Obama is working to frame GOP obstructionism in advance. By simultaneously claiming a mandate while approaching Republicans with "humility" and a request for their help, Obama is boxing out Republican opponents in advance, laying the groundwork to cast them as partisan and hostile to the people's will.

That's why it's still lost on yours truly why people are seeing Obama as "centrist" based on his bipartisan gestures and tone or his "pragmatic" staff pickes. This stuff is just about positioning in advance, and the real tell will lie in his actual policies

http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com...

I knew that there were plenty of Baldwin fans here at JJP.

The Fire Next Time is STILL one of the 5 most important books I've read in my life.

...and it was originally published in the New Yorker magazine. I recall that when it was published in book form my father and uncles - working class men who worked for wages - sat around our living room discussing and arguing about it. Baldwin's reach within the black community was wide and deep.

Sadly, it was only later when many of the so-called black radicals and alleged revolutionaries, as opposed to real black radicals and revolutionaries, appeared that Baldwin's influence began to wane. I will never forgive Eldridge Cleaver, for example, for writing that James Baldwin's problem was that he wanted to have a baby by a white man. None of the revolutionary niggerati rose to Baldwin's defense. It was a sad and disgraceful period in our intellectual history.

Stanley Crouch writes on Malcolm X's legacy

http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/columnists/...

Can Barack and Michelle's Relationship Trigger a Love Renaissance for R&B?
One can only hope so.
http://www.soulbounce.com/soul/2008/11/can_bara...

An interesting perspective I hadn't really thought about. It's too bad Luther isn't here, I could see him serenading them at one of the inaugural balls.

Which leads to an interesting question:

What's R. Kelly's role?

To be beat down if he even LOOKS at the Obama daughters

The problem with Kells is you don't know who's gonna show up.

Will it be "I Believe I Can Fly" Kells or "Thoia Thoing" Kells?

you are wrong. You know his invitation has been lost in the mail.

You know Obama tore up any invitations addressed to R. Kelly, with a resounding "Oh, Hell, Naw!"

Obama has the weeMichelles to think about and I wouldn't allow R. Kelly near a female cocker spaniel, let alone where young girls are.

He'd take one look and the weeMichelles, and I'm going to jail for breaking out a six-pack of whip-ass on his pedophile behind.

Hey, it's keeping my mind off Lloyd Marcus and the fate of the GOP. I needed a laugh today.

You are so wrong for that question

LOL!!!

Chasing the midget in the closet.

Thanks for giving me a flashback of that hot mess. It's 90 minutes I'll never get back.

Hell, I watched it multiple times. How do you think I feel?

Now D. should know that R will not be within 10 miles of the wee Michelles.

They both have protective details.

I'm serious....Kells should at least do The Star Spangled Banner (which, apparently, he's done before).

R. Kelly can do the SSB within the confines of his bathroom. Under no circumstances should R. Kelly be allowed within 50 miles of the Obamas. Whether he peed on the girl or not, R. Kelly does have a habit of hanging around young girls. We don't need him leering at Malia Obama talking about "age aint' nothing but a number."

NO self-respecting Black mother would allow their daughter within 3 rooms of R.Kelly.


Who'd cut Kelly first?

Michelle or Mama Robinson.

My money's on Mama Robinson whacking him with a cast iron and doing it with a smile on her face.

Truth be told, the Secret Service may not even let him that close.

Thanks Town.... my sentiments exactly.

LOL!!!!!

Hee, he hee! D, you're getting outrageously humorous, and I love it. My money's on Mama Robinson and the cast iron skillet.

Ok, if I gotta take a side...

What's Michelle's weapon of choice?

Straight up butcher knife.

Yes, just in case he tries to get up after the inital whacking

Ouch.

Mrs. Robinson wins. The pan would be fun to watch.

D:

LOL!!! :>) :>)

Hey, now!
The President-Elect says he believes in the Second Amendment...and R. Kelly looking at the Obama daughters would be a good way to prove it...and no tying up the judicial system with another trial, either.

President-Elect Obama to R.Kelly:

"When it comes to my daughters, I believe you can DIE, suckah!"

still in awe of a black president, still has not really set in. Lets see what change is gonna look like

I missed the press conference today. Is there is a video, yet?

Texas_Girl: I just posted it on the Countdown 56 Thread. Hope it wasn't a duplicate.:>)

rikyrah: McAncient says he's going to Iraq. Did anyone axe him to do this? My guess - NO!! Guess we'll see!

OTOH - - CARE! **shakin' head** **scowl on face**

Good Lawd! He'd better watch it, or he'll become another P.O.W. Poor Old Whacko!

spirit: LOL!!! :>) :>)

Then he could repeat that story as his mantra for his Senatorial Race! :>) :>)

DANG! I just thought - - Will he be able ta move!??? :>)

Annnnnd, we haven't heard from or seen Ms. "Whatever" Cindy since- - -

Guess she's REALLY in THERAPY!! :>)

He used up HER $$ and still lost! :>)

GreenLady, you know Cindy's sucking down the percocet and shopping like there's no tomrrow.

spirit: LOL! :>)

rikyrah: Media Alert:

Barabra (Walters) Meets (Mr. P-E) Barack

Obamas to sit down with Walters

By POLITICO STAFF

The Obamas will sit down for an interview with ABC's Barbara Walters for a one-hour special set to air Wednesday night.

ABC says the interview with President-elect Barack Obama and future first lady Michelle Obama will touch on the economy, foreign policy, the transition and their move to the White House. "Good Morning America," "World News" and "Nightline" will show excerpts before Wednesday.

President-Elect Obama! :>) :>) LARGE & IN CHARGE!! :>)

rikyrah: Found another TRANSITION WATCH SITE: {meaning, I did NOT know it existed]:>)

DemConWatch

Remarks of President-elect Barack Obama
OMB Announcement
November 25, 2008
Chicago, Illinois

Good morning.

I speak to you today, mindful that we meet at a moment of great challenge for America, as our credit markets are stressed, and our families are struggling. But as difficult as these times are, I’m confident that we will rise to meet this challenge – if we’re willing to band together and recognize that Wall Street cannot thrive so long as Main Street is struggling; if we’re willing to summon a new spirit of ingenuity and determination; and if Americans of great intellect, broad experience, and good character are willing to serve in government at this hour of need.

Yesterday, I announced four such Americans to help lead the economic team that will advise me as we seek to climb out of this crisis. Today, Vice President-elect Biden and I are pleased to announce two other key members of our team – Peter Orszag as Director and Robert Nabors as Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Read more...

I'm not going to copy the whole address. There will be a VIDEO L8R. :>)

President-Elect Obama! :>) LARGE and IN-CHARGE! :>)

There is a GOD and He decided Ann Coulter needed to shut her yap.

So, who socked her in the jaw so hard they broke it? That person has a drink waiting for him or her with my compliments. LOL

In my vivid imagination Ms. Coulter's jaw breaking went down like this...

there is wicked irony in this.

Karma's a bitch and a half.

rikyrah: Seeeeee. I almost got it MIXED UP, AGAIN! [KARM (I) ?]

It would still be true! [Can I say that?] :>) :>)

Is it possible her jaws just decided to independently wire themselves shut??

ha..intriguing possibility.

Sounds like Coulter had an Ike Turner moment.

RonnieB: Did you REQUEST this??: :>)

Whar's Love Got To Do With It?" Movie First Beating Scene

{SORRY! It's a little GRAPHIC.}

She was last seen cuddling up to Jimmie "JJ" Walker. I'm not lying. Here's the proof:

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01i3gXQ24if...

WARNING - do not be consuming a beverage near a keyboard when viewing.

CPL: PRICELESS


Did you REQUEST this??:

EBONY and IVORY("Psych" stars)

I like the phrase "PIANO KEYS!" :>) :>)

ENJOY!! :>) :>) [Politically-speaking! :>)]

CPL, ROTFLMAO!!!!! DYNO-MONSTERS!!

I need brain bleach to wash those images of JJ and Coulter together, even fully clothed. LOL

She probably broke her jaw because she could not begin to articulate the following: "President Elect Barack Hussein Obama"

rorysmomma: LOL!! :>) Good one! :>) :>)

Or a Monica Lewinnsky moment.....

So what was Insannity's, Limpball's or O'Really's involvement in this situation?

This is a clean board, but you don't want to know where I am going with this. Let's just say that rush may have gotten at her while having a Sarah Palin fantasy and he was a little to amourous and broke her jaw.

EWWWWWWWWWWWW.

And her jaw being wired shut means she should literally vanish into thin air (pun intended).

They are soo gonna have to put a tube in her stomach.

Sepia, you ain't never lied, if you don't watch it the jaw will lock up....... tiptoes back in my corner... Lawd greenlady don't take my choir robe.

rorysmomma: The "Choir" had a meetin' and it was decided that YOU- - - -



CAN KEEP YOUR ROBE!! :>) :>)

Now if Karma would shut up the other blond one, Hasslebeck, we'd be set.

H & F: Sooooo ta- rue!! :>) I cain't TOLERATE her!! YUK!! **shiver**

Even I have to laugh at that.

Now this is where my nursing skills can come in handy. I'll be happy to tube feed ManWoman with some of my special sauce!

Now, Spirit...whats in that special sauce?

OTOH, maybe I don't need to know.....ROFL

Let's just say, I majored in Chemistry.

I'm gonna need to know the whereabouts for a few of y'all on the day this happened.....

Shouldn't you be asking Jimmie Walker where HE was on the day it happened.

That heifer lives in Florida and I don't have cheddar for plane fare right now, but I would have done it for the right price (OJ flashback of "If I Did It").

I didn't do it.

Miranda, she was made an offer, but she refused!

http://video.aol.com/video-detail/godfather-im-...

MsKitty: I'll let this SONG make my statement:

They say this cat Shaft is a bad mother

SHUT YOUR MOUTH!

I'm talkin' 'bout Shaft.

THEN WE CAN DIG IT!

Shaft Theme Song (Isaac Hayes)

ENJOY!! :>) [Missing Mr. Hayes.]

I hate to laugh, but


HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Now see I was trying to be all charitable and not comment LOL. All I'll say is if it's true, God has a very twisted sense of humor.

MsKitty, you know charity begins at JJP! Hee, hee!

he truly does. I get the jokes most days. Like McAncient supsending his campaign to go to washington, or the Sno ho pardoning a turkey while two go into the wood chipper..... Only God can come up with that type of humour.

rikyrah: FROM POLITICO 44:

BREAKING from transition release: "President-elect Barack Obama announced additional members of his economic team today, nominating Peter Orszag as Office of Management and Budget Director and Rob Nabors as Office of Management and Budget Deputy Director.

Orszag currently serves as the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, and Nabors is currently the 13th Clerk and Staff Director of the House Appropriations Committee.

From P-E's Press Conference

Obama introduced another Black man, Rob Nabors, as deputy director of OMB.

rikyrah: DANG!! DO WE SEE THE PRESIDENT-ELECT -IN CHARGE- OF "HIS" PRESS CONFERENCE!!??

It's like he's tellin' THEM - "You just cain't come up in here screamin' and hollerin' MR. PRESIDENT-ELECT!!"

"I see you. I'll call on you IFFFF I want to!!" LAWD HA'MERCY!! :>) :>) :>)

yep--i loved that

elledub: HEY! :>) I continue to B 2 impressed with him!! :>)

He's got it together! Just too cool!

Justice58: ABSOLUTELY!! Whooo! Hoo! :>) :>)

Hee, hee,

Barack: "We aint at no backyard BBQ with the Ojays singing "Family Reunion." Now, chill, I got this!

rikyrah: Being the "VISUAL learner" that I am, I appreciate this VISUAL of the "TRANSITIONAL - CABINET APPOINTMENTS!":

White House transition

There are NO NOTES. BUT, it IS interactive. You can "click" on 1) the FULL TEAM; 2) VACANT positions; 3) FILLED positions.

President-Elect Obama! :>) First Lady Michelle! :>)

i saw this train wreck of a satirical article on yahoo via huffpo yesterday about monica lewinsky being offered a cabinet position---
http://news.yahoo.com/s/huffpost/20081123/cm_hu...


my response is here: http://www.elledub4prez.com

i'm thinking HuffPost should stick to real news instead of swagger jacking the onion. they're last few attempts at satire have been unfunny and weird.

rikyrah: Tuesday, NOVEMBER25, 2008 -DAY -56 - On His "JOURNEY TO JANUARY!"

1. WORD(s) Of The DAY: ECONOMY-[Psst! NOW HERE'S MY PLAN]

2. HEADLINE(S):

a) Obama Promotes Fiscal Restraint, Big Spending

WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama wants to project fiscal restraint even as his economic team assembles a massive recovery package that could cost several hundred billion dollars.

A day after introducing the captains of his economic team and promoting a giant jobs plan, Obama on Tuesday was to lay out his budget belt-tightening vision. The dual images _ big spender and disciplined budget watcher _ were designed to give both political and economic assurances to the public, the Congress and the financial markets.

Obama also was expected to introduce Peter Orszag as his new director of the Office of Management and Budget, the White House office that serves as a funnel for federal agency budget requests. Orszag is the current director of the Congressional Budget Office.

Obama's economic team embodies what at first glance seem to be mutually exclusive goals. Timothy Geithner, Obama's choice for treasury secretary; Lawrence Summers, who will head the National Economic Council; and Orszag all have links to Robert Rubin, who as President Clinton's treasury secretary pushed for a balanced budget.

But all three will also be part of an administration that will drive deficits to new heights with an economic plan designed to save or create 2.5 million jobs and redirect the economy over the next two years. Economists from across the political spectrum, including some who have served as informal advisers to Obama, have put the size of an economic recovery package as high as $700 billion over two years.

Obama summed up the challenge Monday.

"The way to think about it is short term, we've got to focus on boosting the economy and creating 2.5 million jobs, but part and parcel of that is a plan for a sustainable fiscal situation long-term, and that's going to require some reforms in Washington," he said during a news conference in Chicago to introduce Geithner and Summers.

"To make the investments we need," he said at another point, "we'll have to scour our federal budget, line by line, and make meaningful cuts and sacrifices, as well, something I'll be discussing further tomorrow."

SKIP

"What's good about the appointments that Obama has made is that it suggests, in ways that his campaign never did, that he really understands this," Burman
said. NOTE: {I DON'T AGREE with the FIRST part of that sentence!!}


P-E OBAMA WILL SPEAK AT 12:00 EST


b)Dennis Blair leading contender for NID

Retired Adm. Dennis Blair, the former commander-in-chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, is surfacing as a leading contender for the director of national intelligence, sources say.

The director oversees the nation’s intelligence activities and is the principal adviser to the president and his National Security Council.

In addition to leading Pacific Command and filling several high-powered jobs within the military, Blair was the associate director of central intelligence for military support, coordinating intelligence and military operations during the Clinton administration. He retired from the Navy in 2002.

Blair receives high marks from those in the defense and intelligence communities.

“He brings the perfect balance of understanding intelligence – how it’s operationalized and how it feeds into the policy process,” said one analyst.

But the picture isn’t entirely rosy.

THERE IS MORE.

3. FROM "POLITICO 44":

Triple play: President-elect Obama sources tell us there will be another press conference tomorrow. The purpose: dominate the week!

Meanwhile, The FED announces a $600 billion program to buy mortgage-related debt and securities and $200 billion for consumer and small-business loans.

Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson holds news conference at 10 a.m. Obama makes another economic announcement at noon.

4. HIS "CALENDAR":

Tuesday Nov. 25, 2008
All Times Eastern8:00 AM
8:39 AM

Obama left his home and heads to his gym at the nearby Regents Park apartment building for his regular workout.
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
10:04 AM

Obama's motorcade left his gym and heads back to Obama's home, where he showered and changed. Next, he will be heading to the Chicago Hilton hotel for a scheduled noon EST press conference.
11:00 AM
12:00 PM
12:00 PM

The president-elect will make an economic announcement at a press conference in Chicago.


THAT'S ALL FOR NOW! :>)

P.S. I'll be doing some "COMMUNITY SERVICE" for the rest of the day - - Preparing THANKSGIVING FOOD BASKETS for GIVE-AWAY. :>) L8R

Naval Intelligence is the best there is.

You know, so far, I haven't disapproved of one of Obama's national security/defense selections. Hmmm.

D: THANK YOU. I EXPECT your INPUT in this area! :>) :>)

It helps me - 'cause I 'on't know! :>) :>)

Again, THANK YOU. :>)

...and Gates will stay on at DOD, so I've been told.

Trust, but verify.

It's being reported that Obama is keeping him as the Sec. of Defense, he's supposed to roll out that team next week.

Probably the best move he could've made. Continuity of leadership is important in war, even-especially-if you're trying to end one.

Credit where it's due: so far, my concerns about Obama's actions (related to the military and national security) have largely not been an issue.

D: Yaaaaaaa!! **clappin' wildly*** :>)

I'm taking advantage of these few precious moments!! :>)

Hell, Mike McConnell-the present DNI-was a vice admiral.

As long as he didn't personally benefit from the F-22 deal-which I doubt-that won't even be an issue.

GOP senator: We haven't learned
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15940...

Here's more analysis
EVEN THE REPUBLICAN SENATOR WHO GETS IT DOESN'T COMPLETELY GET IT
http://nomoremister.blogspot.com/

They see the African-American vote as largely gone....

Says who? What's with this shit about conceding the African American vote? That kills me!

</rant>

Could the reason the GOP is writing off the A.A vote be found on one of their candidates for the RNC?
Candidate For RNC Chair Was Member Of Whites-Only Country Club
http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com...

that's spicy talk coming form you , D.

I'm sorry, but damn:

What happened to all that BS about "standing up and fighting" from John McCain? And since when does anyone not do something just because it's too hard?

GEN Petraeus said about the situation in Iraq, "hard is not hopeless." The GOP's issues with the black community don't come close to the issues in Iraq. We've been there for five years.

Yet Republicans have one bad year-one that, in all regards, knew was gonna be bad-and now they start writing off entire communites just because they're not willing to do the work to win there?

WTF?

I say let them write us off, and then when the Dems get to the point where they take us for granted (which they are dangerously close to), we try to start up a viable 3rd party :o) This political system could use more viable 3rd party candidates

Yeah, they are.

Takes years to build a truly viable third party, though.

The Republicans DON'T WANT TO DO THE WORK to win blacks. The Republicans will do the Running Man to win over Evangelicals and the Beyonce Single Ladies Dance to win over white people, but when it comes to black people all of a sudden they "too tired," their "leg hurts," they can't put in the work.

Many people in the Republican party believe that black people are stupid, lazy, shiftless pieces of shit. How do you reach out to people you believe are lazy worthless pieces of shit? You can't unless you expand your mind and try to understand a different perspective. Do you really think the Joe the Plumber/Sarah Palin/Virgil Goode/Rush Limpball branch of the Republican party wants to look at the other side of the coin? No, because they think THEY are right and everyone else is wrong.

As long as the Rush Limpball branch of the Republicans is in control, I wouldn't expect the Republicans to do any outreach to black people whatsoever.

Town: SPEAK!! :>) **wild applause**

How do you reach out to people you believe are lazy worthless pieces of shit?

You walk up and knock on the door.

And when it's slammed in your face, you come back the next day.

And you keep coming back, until people will at least hear you out. And when they do let you in, you listen to what their problems are before you say anything.

Maybe I'm hopelessly idealistic, but I believe it can be done.

I was SOOOOOO hoping you were actually gonna say something to the effect that the Republican party does not believe black people are lazy worthless pieces of shit...but instead, (sigh) you pretty much acknowledged that they do and apparently from reading your response, that mindset is irrelevant to the outreach program. I might be wrong, but I think Town's position is that this mindset is the actual problem.

I can say that not all Republicans/conservatives do, and that would be true.

Can I say that's not the unofficial platform? Yeah, but that would be lying.

Part of making the GOP and conservatism acceptable to the public-a long lasting acceptance-is not only acknowledging where we screwed up, but that we've screwed up.

Yes, the mindset is the problem. And we should acknowledge that we've been wrong, and where. But we shouldn't dwell on it. And for those who want to hold that against us forever...well, at least hear us out. That's all.

D.......dear.....
you can effectively reach out to people you don't like,
you can effectively reach out to people you don't understand
But you can not ever, in any effective way, reach out to people you don't even respect. The GOP doesn't respect minorities - and that's a generalization that I'm quite comfortable in making....no outreach program will ever work when the people you are trying to reach you're not looking at them, you're looking DOWN at them.

I don't disagree.

And the ones who don't/can't respect minorities are the ones that need to be done away with. That's the other element of reinvention: getting rid of the pieces that don't fit or will continue to hold you back.

Good luck convincing the party leaders of that.

That would require the Republicans to come into black neighborhoods to knock on the door. Republicans don't believe in coming to you, they believe you should come to THEM.

I've personally seen many Republicans trying to run for office in predominately black districts and they refuse to come into the black neighborhoods which they seek to represent. There was one guy running for county supervisor who said he wouldn't go into "those neighborhoods" because they were scary and he feared for his safety. Well what about the people who have to live there day in and day out? Another guy tried to run for supervisor in another (white) part of the county, lost the primary, so he moved into an apartment in the black part of the county to run for supervisor there. Knowing the racial composition of that district was 65% black, he decided to make campaign literature with only white faces. He also decided only to campaign in the 35% white part of that district. He lost to a black guy who at least met with the citizens in all parts of the district.

But I'm pretty sure he blamed his loss on black people only voting for black people because they're black, right?

So just because it hasn't been done, doesn't mean it can't be done.

There's a movement among younger and wiser Republicans/conservatives to throw off what hasn't worked and what's held us back for our future survival.

The change is gonna come. Are the odds stacked against? Yes. But again, what are we if we don't try?

I have to say I think it is good to believe in your party. If that change is going to happen it is going to HAVE to be with the Republican lens on Black and Brown people. There has been a historical belief that people who are poor are deserving it. A moral judgment- ie welfare queens, lazy and unemployed.

No offense but that has been the platform. I'm sure one reason why these sentiments can be such an integral part of the Republican message has much to do with your membership- if there were poor people who were Republicans could you really smear your own? I hope not.

I would love to see the Republicans move away from the platform of the last several decades...

I am not enamored by the Democrats. Earn my vote. You will never get it, demonizing poor people and poor people's issues though.

I've got no faith in "the party" at all. To use Craig's analogy (I think) they see the trees, but not the forest. They're too busy trying to push Palin than to see what's really going on.

The good thing is, we don't have to get your vote...or that of a lot of minorities. All we have to do is try. We won't gain enough initially to make the effort seem worth it, but if conservatism is to survive, it's got to appeal to everyone.

It takes 10-15 years to beat a successful insurgency. We've got time. :)

I'm curious to know what you think effective out reach from the Republicans would look like. It seems to me that the GOP would have to confront some pretty virulent racism coming from a segment of its base, and they don't seem that interested in doing so.

I'm not a Republican though, so if I've got it wrong, tell me.

No, you're right.

The GOP has to face its skeletons; the closet is too full. Thing is, all of those skeletons come from the fringes of the GOP, who-unfortunately-hold major sway right now.

We need a message that resonates with/reaches to Joe the Plumber, Tito the Builder and Shaniqua the Hairdresser. That's where it starts. Extremist conservatism and the politics of exclusion-kicking those out who don't/can't materially benefit you-are no longer viable. And if we can't tell people how conservative ideas can make their lives better, how the hell can we convince them to vote for us?

Once that's done, we need new messengers. The Lloyd Marcuses and James Harrises can't speak to the everyday American, because they've sold out whatever influence they could have had for individual fame. The GOP has to find strong messengers-especially amongst minorities, because they'll have to endure a lot of slammed doors-to take that message to the people, the media, and across the Internet.

The reason why no one seems interested is because all the influence-both "intellectually" and fiscally-is held at the very edges of the GOP that need to be done away with. That's would make Sarah Palin good as a fundraiser (for now), but would kill her as a candidate later.

If they hold sway, they're not the fringe.

If America is a "center right" country-as most conservatives would have you believe, that would put the evangelicals, extreme right-to-lifers, gun nuts, and the "deport all the illegals!" crowd at the fringe.

Which is exactly the problem. We say one thing, but our power base suggest differently.

Since when did "most conservatives" try to have us believe that America is a "center-right" country? Since November 5, 2008? Because before then, most of y'all were telling us that America is a conservative country. I rarely heard "center-right" until the day after the election, and since then, I've heard it more times than I have over the whole rest of my life up until November 5th, lol. Seriously.

It was a part of the "Obama's too liberal" theme. "Center right" was used to show that the country wouldn't tolerate someone who supported abortion, teaching sex ed to kindergarteners, etc.

Thing is, the people who were/are saying that are further to the right of center right.

But then, we're not talking about the country as a whole, are we? We're talking about the Republican party. Because 64 percent of Republicans polled choose Palin as their preferred nominee for 2012, and 91% have a favorable view of her, I have to say that what you're calling the fringe of the Republican party is actually the center.

But you know what, D.? Those Republicans parroting "center right!!" over and over again since Nov. 5th has had the unintended consequence of OBAMA being labeled as a "center-rightist". Every time they say that, it has the effect of defining where Obama is as the center.

D - you have to ask the question - what do they believe about the AA community?

The fact they are willing to write off the entire race says that they are doing it because to put it simply . . . they want to do it . It seems the belief is -- AAs have little or no value. . . . especially to the base of the Party. They sure are not willing to work hard enough to break a sweat or spend money trying to get their support.

Nope. Nothing complicated about it at all and unfortunately McCain's behavior during the last few weeks of the election did nothing to encourage them to break the cycle.

They believe that the African American community is made up of criminals, "victims" and people who aren't willing to work for anything.

And on that last point, they're proving themselves no different.

But D they don't want to be around Black people. Perhaps it has something to do with class - except they have no problem with the Hillbilly population. Perhaps it has to do with the criminal mindset of so many other Blacks - but then again so many of them are criminals. The fact is they are willing and have already written off the 12-14% population and if they can get elected without it they will continue to do so. They are not going to reach out.

They don't want to be around black people because they believe black people have nothing to offer them fiscally or intellectually (even if they're like minded).

That's gotta change.

It's gonna change.

D: YOU have to look to the YOUTH to "MAKE THAT CHANGE!" [MJ] 'cause as the GOLDP has demonstrated, THEY R NOT gonna!!
THEY are truly OBSTINATE!!

THAT GENE is powerful! It's been in the population a looooong time!!

"When Will They Ever Learn?"

Where Have All The Flowers Gone (When will They Ever Learn?)

Hmmmm?

James Baldwin is my mentor, spiritual father, and literary idol. So many quotes, so little space. One of my favorites:

“ONE MUST say Yes to life, and embrace it wherever it is found—and it is found in terrible places… For nothing is fixed, forever and forever, it is not fixed; the earth is always shifting, the light is always changing, the sea does not cease to grind down rock. Generations do not cease to be born, and we are responsible to them because we are the only witnesses they have. The sea rises, the light fails, lovers cling to each other, and children cling to us. The moment we cease to hold each other, the moment we break faith with one another, the sea engulfs us and the light goes out.”

—Nothing Personal, 1964

Sometimes, I'm reminded of him when I listen to Jeremiah Wright. Speaking of whom:

Reverend Jeremiah Wright Breaks His Silence

This is beautiful, Craig. I am going to copy it out so I can remember it.

Wonderful quote, Craig. Thanks!

Wow....

I had the wonderful opportunity to have dinner with James Baldwin as he did 'college tours' in the last few years before he died. (Never try to drink with an old man. He drank Johnny Walker RED label and chased it with beer, but I digress...)
I figured pretty quickly that a coke on ice would do just fine, thank you.

We talked about the college student life for blacks on a "white" campus in the 80s and he shared a few stories about living in France as a young man. Of course, no one took pictures, so our memories will have to suffice.

What a gentle, fearless man. I was humbled by the experience.

Craig and isonprize, thanks for sharing. You invited me into a meeting with Mr. Baldwin on a very profound level. My heart is singing with sweet humility!

Wonderful photo of Jimmy Baldwin! My late father and I regarded him as one of our intellectual heroes.

Here are two more Baldwin quotes that I love:

"No one can possibly know what is about to happen. It is happening each time for the first time, for the only time."


"People pay for what they do, and still more, for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it simply by the lives they lead."

What a great open thread starter! Thanks, rikyrah!
I find this commentary by MUHAMMAD YUNGAI in the Atlanta Journal Constitution so interesting and so apt. The consciousness of the American people including everybody: black folks, other people of color, etc. has been expanded. This is just one story.

http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/stor...

What a country!!!
AIG, Citibank and a number of other federally bailed-out financial institutions have no plans to cancel hundreds of millions of dollars in sports team sponsorships, even as they take billions in taxpayer support, ABC News has found.
In boom times, the sponsorships were seen as a way to advertise the firms' "brands" and appeal to potential customers. Even today, at least one bank told ABC News that a naming deal was increasing its revenue. But critics, including a member of Congress, say the decision to continue them now is hard to defend.

Struggling Citibank just sealed a multi-billion-dollar emergency "backstop" deal with the U.S. government. The financial behemoth, suffering with billions in bad mortgage-related assets on its books, recently shed 53,000 workers and saw its stock price lose over half its value. Yet it's in a 20-year contract to pay the New York Mets $400 million to name the team's new stadium "Citi Field."
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6321...

That is such bullshyt. I don't know WHY companies think they can still get away with the "buh-but a naming deal increases visibility and revenue!!!"....this ain't 1942! Who the hell knows the names of most stadiums in the NFL?? Who the hell cares? This is the 21st century....nobody is switching over their bank account to BofA because their name is on the Panthers stadium. We are waaaaaay past those days of the "legendary" fields and arenas...and there is nothing nostalgic about Lincoln Financial Field or the Pepsi Center!

and there is nothing nostalgic about Lincoln Financial Field or the Pepsi Center

Especially these days with all the mergers, perfect example being Philly's Wachovia Center. When it first opened about 7-8 years ago it was called Core States Center, then First Union Center, then Wachovia Center. I'm sure at some point in the near future it will be renamed Wells Fargo Center to reflect the recent merger.

And that's not even mentioning the off-color names the fans use to refer to these places. In the days of the First Union Center, folks would call it the "FU" Center or use the acronym straight out. The ink hadn't even dried on Citibank's deal with the Mets before the locals started calling it "Shitty Field." What a racket.

How did Citibank think they were going to buy Wachovia?

I guess they knew that bush and his cronies were going to loot the treasury and citi knew they was getting a piece of the pie.Aint capitalism great, no risk and all the reward.

GM (or whomever) cancelled Tiger Woods' contract a year early. What I REALLY hope is that O is taking notes on this phuckery, because these folks are waaaay out of control. Paulson needs to go to prison. They are stealing our children's future. If O doesn't stop them this is really going to be used against him in 4 years. Wrong is wrong and some heads need to roll.

Susan, thanks for the passage. "The Fire Next Time is a the first book I read by James Baldwin. Powerful! It should be required reading in every high school and college.

http://www.amazon.com/Fire-Next-Time-James-Bald...

oh i have not read that book in years. i just found it from my library and put next to my pillow for bedtime reading. thanks for reminding me, spirit_55z and rikyrah.

Obama's Inauguration: Pritzker, Rogers And Daley To Be Co-Chairs

Chicagoans Penny Pritzker, John Rogers and William Daley will be among the Obama inauguration co-chairs, with the Presidential Inauguration Committee headquarters up and running in southwest Washington. Fund-raising calls have already started for the Jan. 20 event expected to draw millions to the city. I reported last week that Daley would be a co-chair. The official roll out will start on Tuesday.



http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/24/obamas...

Oh thank you for reminding me of James Baldwin this morning. Above my desk, I have one of my favorite quotes from 1988 essay on teaching (I substituted feminine pronouns in special celebration of all the strong women who contribute to and are lifted up by the JJP community!):

"The purpose of education, finally, is precisely this --- that as one begins to become conscious, one begins to examine the society in which she is educated.

The purpose of education, finally, is to create in a person the ability to look at the world for herself, to make her own decisions, to say to herself, this is black or this is white, to decide for herself whether or not there is a God in heaven or not.

To ask questions of the universe, and the n learn to live with those questions, is the way she achieves her own identity.

But no society is really anxious to have that kind of person around.

What societies really, ideally, want is a citizenry which will simply obey the rules of society. If a society succeeds in this, that society is about to perish.

The obligation of anyone who thinks of herself as responsible is to examine society and try to change it and fight it --- at no matter what risk.

This the the only hope that societies have. This is the only way that societies change."

Beautiful and still true.