Jack & Jill Politics

The good news:
http://community.livejournal.com/obama_daily/
(What a nice shot)
and
The bad news:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/...
(What a bad man)

The contrast between our P-E and his 8th cousin, the VP could not be starker.

And I'm looking forward to this:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/16/nyt-ma...
cause I'm a big Gibbs fan. He's so protective of our P-E.

EVENING THREAD IS UP

African-Americans Played at the 'Whites Only' Columbia Country Club

....though "playing" doesn't equate to "membership," so I'm not sure why this caveat is being mentioned. But there you go.

D,

it is no caveat. they know that it was an ALL-WHITE COUNTRY CLUB. PERIOD.

I don't disagree.

Which is why the National Review probably would've been better off letting this dog lie.

rikyrah: ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS!:

12 Days of Christmas

I HOPE that this is NOT OFFENSIVE! I APOLOGIZE IFFFF SO.

Oh! 4 CALLING BIRDS!! :>) :>)

GreenLady/Justice58

Here is a great diary by Muzikal203 regarding the presser today.

To the Media: Barack Obama is tired of your sh*t

She has the video up of the reporter asking Obama about the Gov.

Also, a little treat.....Obama and Biden visit the kiddies upstairs after the presser and took questions from 1st - 4th graders (with photos)

Check it out.

Thanks my fellow Texan!

PEO was just too cute about the decimals! He and Michelle both have a comical side!

I love' em!

Texas_Girl: WOW!! DOUBLE WOW!! When I grow up, I want to be able to POST LIKE THIS!! :>) :>)

I NOTED how "Ride or Die", Vice-President-Elect Joe RIDES HIS CHAIR 'BACKWARDS!!

'cause "He can do whateva he likes" 2! :>) :>)


THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! I REALLY LIKED the COMPREHENSIVENESS of that article!! :>)

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

Miranda: Several comments:

1. In my experiences, bullying occurs in all ethnicities. But, I will do further research of the DATA. I've been away from this kind of study since retiring. :>) :>)

2. About 4 -5 years ago, as president of a Student Services professional group, I initiated a DISCUSSION of "CYBER-BULLYING!" i.e., Intimidating on the internet and/or PLOTTING acts of violence against other students on the internet.] [And then carrying it OUT AT SCHOOL!]

It was a little know quantity then. NOW this topic is HUGE. BUT the schools have been somewhat hampered in their abilities to discipline the involved students BECAUSE the Ed. Codes say that the districts have JURISDICTION over students: "from home to school and back!" Jurisdiction is NOT extended to inside the homes, WHERE the CYBER-BULLYING occurs.

NOW districts are working with law enforcement and legislators to be able to establish LAWS that would allow intervention at the source. Law enforcement tells schools that their laws have not yet caught up with this criminal activity, especially as it relates to schools. Sometimes, they treat this activity at a low level because "NO CRIME HAS BEEN COMMITTED." They say that THEY are waiting for the LAWS to CATCH UP also.

"WHYCOME" I think that I gave MORE than you axed? :>) :>)

Thanks GLH, I actually heard a story on the radio that happened here in metro Atlanta where a group of girls jumped on one girl after some weeks of bullying. These were all 7th and 8th graders, all african-american. The story was so incredibly crazy I still can't wrap my head around it. What's happening with our kids?

Miranda: You are welcome.

I use to keep a NOTEBOOK on school violence [all over the world]. When I started it, I used a 2 inch, 3-ring binder. Within 2 years, I transferred it to a 5 inch binder and that was filling up quickly.

In the beginning, there were fewer incidents of "bullying." Then came the increase! I wish I could have saved it NOW. I gave it to one of my colleagues because I suggested that she write her doctoral thesis on this topic. She is working on it! :>)

When I used to hear of incidences of school violence, I use to wince while waiting for the "ethnicity/race" of the perp. Wellll, I knew what going to be said in the schools if it was an AA.

Annnnnnd, the AA students would be WATCHED" more closely and disciplined more harshly IFF the perp was AA. TRUST!!

Anywhoo, that was a different time in my life. :>)

GreenLady, i teach several lessons on cyber bullying in my computer class. It is an interesting phenomenon.

rorysmomma: GOOD ON YOU, GURRRRRL! :>) :>)

Follow-up question: What are the consequences [IFFF any] for:
1. Cyber-Bullying IFFF done AT HOME?

2. IFFF done AT SCHOOL?

3. What are the SPECIFIC EDUCATION CODES, School Rules /Policies and PENAL CODES which are NOW used for discipline??

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _


I know: "WHYCOME" you drillin' me on this? All I did was make a simple comment -huh? :>) :>) :>)

SORRY!! :>) :>) INQUIRING MINDS. . . . :>) :>)

You CAN tell me - - "I'll get back to ya!" ***WINK*** ***WINK*** :>)

Unfortunately no consequences as of yet for at home bullying.? Loss of computer privileges and suspension at my school, but I work at a company managed charter school.? This would be considered a breach of moral focus and a violation of the acceptable use policy.? The child would not be allowed online again that school year, and the next school year it would be reviewed.?

I just finished our school's technology plan, and I think North Carolina may be moving toward some sort of law for this, but it is not officially in committee or on the books yet.? I will let you know when I hear more info about it.? I don't mind the questions or the homework greenlady.

rorysmomma: THANK YOU VERY MUCH. :>) :>)

Seems as if many states are "delayed" in creating CODES/LAWS for such action.

Annnnnnd, the schools are relying heavily on the "violation of the acceptable use policy" as a consequence. So that's consistent. :>) :>)

It's LAW ENFORCEMENT that has the MOST CONTROL over "cyber-bullying" in the home.

AGAIN, THANK YOU SOOO MUCH! :>)

***VIRTUAL "HUG"**** :>) :>)

Thanks for bringing it to my attention, I may have to send a few letters and nudge a few state legislators.? Now Greenlady you know I love you.?

rorysmomma: My pleasure. :>) It takes a "village" to PROTECT our children! Annnnnd, we MUST PROTECT them! :>)

Back-At-choo!! Fellow CHOIR MEMBER :>) :>)

rikyrah: Rev. Al talking to Andrea "GREENSPAN!":

It is the Gov's responsibility! Not mine. "cillary" didn't have elective office experience either - on her first run.

I told her that she is qualified. We don't need to have a"family rued!" It's time to unite the Party.

Anxious, ancient, andreaded MIxed-up, is fraid ta ask Patterson. He'll beat her down wid his CANE!!

spirit: YEP!! :>)

rikyrah: On HIS appointments:

Obama sets record for top Hispanics


President-elect Obama has already broken White House records for the number of top Hispanic officials, and is expected to name two more in the next day or two, according to transition officials.

“Based on what I can cull from records, we have more Hispanics in senior positions in this White House than under either President Bush or President Clinton,” incoming White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel said in an interview.

“Diversity wasn’t the driving force here," Emanuel added. "I’m proud of the fact that it is a diverse staff. But most importantly, the quality is of a single standard. We wanted to make sure that we got a great staff of seasoned people — both on the policy front and on the political front — who know their stuff.”

Emanuel said that was achieved partly by drawing from a combination of the campaign, Capitol Hill and policy-development organizations.

According to research by the Obama transition:

— The maximum number of Latino Assistants to the President at any one time was two: under President Bill Clinton in 1998 and 2000.

— The maximum number of Latino Assistants and Deputy Assistants to the President combined at any one time was five — in the current Bush White House and in the Clinton White House in 1998.

Obama has already named these well-known Hispanics to his government:

— New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to be secretary of commerce

— Nancy Sutley to be Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality

— Moises "Mo" Vela to be Director of Administration, Office of the Vice President

— Louis Caldera to run the White House Military Office

— Cecelia Munoz to be director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

The following announcements are likely in the next day or two:

— U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), for secretary of the interior

— Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion is rumored to be the president-elect’s choice to head the new White House Office of Urban Policy.

Not that HE axed, but "I approved these stats!" :>) :>) :>)

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

Looks like 2012 Hispanic support will not be an issue.

whiterosebuddy: GOOD OBSERVATION! True dat!! :>) :>)

Bush: Jeb Would Be "Awesome" Senator

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1208/16638...

President Bush is touting his younger brother Jeb’s qualifications to replace retiring Republican Mel Martinez as the next senator from Florida.

“He would be an awesome U.S. senator,” Bush said in a wide-ranging interview with RealClearPolitics.

“I think the party would benefit a lot by having Jeb Bush in the U.S. Senate,” the president added. “I think Florida would benefit a lot. I think the country would benefit a lot. And I think the Republican Party would benefit a lot. He is a proven leader who, when given responsibilities, succeeded.”

Earlier this month Jeb, a former two-term governor of Florida, told Politico that he is “considering” a run for Martinez’s seat. The Florida senator announced his retirement on Dec. 2.

To rebuild the GOP brand, the former governor has said the party needs to embrace reform and broaden the party’s outreach, especially to Hispanics. He also suggests a renewed commitment to core Republican principles such as a limited scope of government.

The president echoed his brother’s recommendations, saying that party needs to retrench along old lines.

Hey, I'd throw two shoes at him.

lol

I feel ya!

No more Bush!

THANKS, BUT NO THANKS!! WE'VE BEEN BUSH-WHACKED ENOUGH!!!

Honestly, I feel Jeb would be an awesome Senator, and would have been a much better president than W. It's too bad W jumped to the head of the line and ran for President first.

I don't agree with much of his politics, but I respect that Jeb is literate, intelligent and aware of the issues. More than can ever be said for W.

I thought it was Papa Bush that wanted Dubya to be Prez first? Seems like I read that somewhere before. Frankly, I refuse to believe Dubya ever wanted to be in politics.

The family always thought Jeb was going to be president since he is the smart one,

Justice58: OHHHH NOOO! Not another SHRUB!!

***using a broom to beat him off*** :>) :>)

Fear not: Bush already ruled out any presidential aspirations a long time ago.

D: THANKS!! :>) Now I'm "STANDING DOWN!" :>) :>) Love that phrase!! :>) :>)

Labor & Employment
Bosses are Making New Rules About Worker Blogging
Posted Dec 15, 2008, 04:45 pm CST
By Martha Neil

Concerned about employee blogging that may have an adverse effect on the companies they work for, many bosses are imposing new rules restricting such activities. And, although many employees seem to think they have a right to say what they want in their off-hours, that isn't true, according to experts.

At Cisco Systems Inc., for instance, employees must identify themselves if they are commenting on matters related to company activities. And they must also state that they are describing their own personal opinions, rather than speaking for the company, reports NJ Biz.

Applicable law isn't completely clear, however, says attorney Helen Tuttle of Drinker, Biddle & Reath's office in Florham Park, N.J., because blogging and its relationship to workplace issues hasn't yet resulted in much litigation.

“Employers are obligated to let employees know what activity is acceptable when it comes to the company,” she tells the business publication. “However, it is terrain we are still learning to navigate.”

Related ABAJournal.com coverage:

http://www.abajournal.com/news/bosses_making_ne...

Was Jesse Jackson Jr. Working With Feds All Along?

ABC7 has learned that since late last summer, the congressman has worked with federal prosecutors, informing on an alleged Blagojevich administration scheme two and half years earlier.

The meeting in June of 2006 at a Gold Coast hotel included Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. and Blagojevich fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko.

The topic was a proposed third airport at Peotone, Jackson's pet project which needed more state money. Rezko allegedly demanded that the governor be given control of the airport's board. Jackson refused and state support for the project stopped.

Then last summer, weeks after Rezko was found guilty of un-related corruption, the U.S. Attorney's Office interviewed the congressman as a possible witness against the governor in the Peotone matter.

And sources tell ABC7 that Jackson has been in regular contact with the feds and has told the government that in 2003 Blagojevich denied the congressman's wife Sandi an appointment as Illinois lottery director because Jackson would not donate $25,000 to the governor's campaign fund.

Hours before Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris were arrested, Jackson says prosecutors gave him a 'courtesy call' to let him know he was mentioned in the criminal complaint.
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/l...

You know my feelings:

snitch and be proud!

LOL

Ahh!

I knew there was a reason that all of a sudden the mainstream media just went mute on JJJ...I mean..come'on...if they could get a big name black man in politics to string up?? From Chi-town?? Scandal? This would trump all the normal black athlete lynchings combined! I would be JJJ 24-7 all day/everyday, weekends too. JJJ?? Oh my goodness, it would be merciless. The coverage of Blagodick is fit for Sesame Street compared to what would be happening if JJJ was on tape "riding dirty" (or would that be talking dirty?). I knew there was a reason all of a sudden the coverage of JJJ got impotent!

Blagodick?

ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Zee plot thickens!!!

Yes, it does thicken, inDEED. This has more twist & turns, but then you do not get to move through Chicago politics without learning a lot of manuevers. I read a good commentary on JJJ (link below) that provided a more charitable view of his politcial career and why he could be underseige.

I have mixed views of JJJ based on how he comes across. Which is well-educated and articulate yet at times he slips into the infamous familial rhyming preacher cadence, and that just seems so slick to me. But this writer seems to know how JJJ has distinguished himself in a positive way that would create a double edged sword for him.

Excerpt:

."He has clashed not just with the Bush administration and its economic-royalist allies but with Democrats who have chosen to compromise with those interests. As such, he has cost himself politically. Jackson's stands on principle have made it harder for him to raise money and to attain the powerful positions that are apportioned to those who go along to get along

Jackson voted against authorizing President Bush to attack Iraq. But he went a lot further than that. He signed on for the lawsuit, filed by constitutional lawyer John Bonifaz, that argued Bush could not take the country to war without a full declaration from Congress.

Jackson voted against the Patriot Act. But he went a lot further than that. He joined then-Congressman Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont, to promote legislation to exempt libraries and bookstores from having to comply with unwarranted federal demands for the reading lists of citizens.

Jackson condemned the U.S. Supreme Court intervention in the case of Bush-v-Gore, which shut down the Florida recount and handed the presidency to George Bush. But he went a lot further than that. One year after the 2000 election, when most Democrats were frightened to say anything negative about Bush in the aftermath of the 9-11 attacks, Jackson stood in front of the Supreme Court to challenge the legitimacy of the decision that made Bush president and to say, "The disputes in Florida and other states showed us that we need one national standard for voting and one national standard for counting votes. But they also reminded us that there are more basic reforms that are needed… Even though the right to vote is the supreme right in a democracy, the Supreme Court in Bush v. Gore told Americans there is no explicit fundamental right to suffrage in the Constitution." And he proposed to amend the Constitution to establish that right,"





http://www.thenation.com/blogs/thebeat/389976/w...

I remember his stances on the Iraq war and 2000 elections, but I didn't know enough about him to draw a conclusion about his sincerity. If he was indeed sincere in his positions, then more power to him - he spoke out early on against the war and the need for reforms in our voting process.

It makes me wonder if the stories about Obama not wanting him to be the Senator are true. And if so, is it about wanting Jarrett more or about something he knows about jackson.

By the way, has Obama appointed any dark-skinned persons to any positions?

whiterosebuddy, inDEED!

"For now, however, Jackson's record argues more loudly for giving him the benefit of the doubt."

spirit: -er, -um did you REQUEST this "background music"?

Beethoven Symphony No. 5, 1st mvt--Arturo Toscanini/NBC Symp

ENJOY!!! :>) :>) :>)

LOL! nose in air, opera glasses on in balcony seats of course. Eye roll .... to couple in front. Get a motel ,will ya!

Two of my favorite shows, The Wire and The Shield, ended their runs this year and I wondering what I could find to watch in their place. I think I just got my answer. All that's missing is a Vic Mackey-ish sociopathic cop, but maybe that will come later as the scandal deepens (LOL).

LMAO!

rikyrah: QUESTIONS (after his presser):

1. No excuses. Expect high achievement! My Economic stimulus plan will help.

2. HERE WE GO!! On BLAGO: OOOOPS! Let me cut you off! So you won't waste your question! I'm gonna say that he can't serve effectively. NEXT!! :>)

3. On education: Can't expect to change schools over night. [but work toward that goal] IFFF incentives work, let's explore them.

4. Appt. of Repugs.?? I have more appts. to make. Diverse ethnically, politically, annnnd in life experiences.

THANK YOU GUYS!!

On BLAGO: OOOOPS! Let me cut you off! So you won't waste your question! I'm gonna say that he can't serve effectively. NEXT!! :>)



I heard him! Bam!

Teeheeheehee

Justice58: LOL! :>)

GreenLadyHere, Hee,hee! PEO bout the BIZ-NEZ of BIZ-NEZ. Get outtta here with that NONSENSE!!!

spirit: Seeee! :>) :>) HE KNOWS!! :>)

I'll bet that reporter felt like a fool. PEO ain't playing that bs game!

Justice58" Got that right!! :>) :>) :>)

Annnnnd, HE was cordial while doing HIS "shut down!" :>) :>)

It's a new day, it's a new play, it's a new world, And I'm FEELIN GOOD!!!

rikyrah: HE SPEAKETH! :>) Secretary of Education

I grew up KNOWING that black is beautiful thanks to my parents and Essence magazine's showcase of beautiful, fierce women like BEVERLY JOHNSON, BILLIE BLAIR, ALVA CHIN, KAREN ALEXANDER, PAT CLEVELAND, and PEGGY DILLARD, among many others.

Props to Naomi and Tyra for taking the beauty game to the next level!

Word, Denise.

And EBONY,& JET, Wanna BET!
No TIME for us in NEWSWEEK!
Told us to get a LIFE

Yet IMAN is FINE
But now,VOGUE courts ALEX
They even INCLUDE TEXT.
We've come a long way BABY
Don't mean MAYBE!

Lawyer: Blagojevich Won't Resign, "We're Going To Fight This Case"(Video)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/16/lawyer...

The attorney for embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Monday night that Blagojevich is not planning to resign.

"He's not stepping aside," Ed Genson told reporters after meeting with Blagojevich. "He hasn't done anything wrong, we're going to fight this case."

Blagojevich told reporters that he was eager to have his say, but now is not the time:

I can't wait to talk to you guys and have a chance to be able to say the things I'm looking forward to saying, but there's a time and place for all of that and we'll soon let you know when it's gonna be.



Gangsta....... Right There! Whew Lawd!

GreenLady, where you at?

I'm going to say it again:

I TOLD YOU SO.

I told you he wouldn't be resigning.

You did!


Hmmmmm.......Al Capone lives again?!

Justice58: Heeeey! I've been watching HIM!! :>) :>)

Let's seeee. What SONG will work:

Kung Fu Panda music video - Everybody was Kung Fu Fighting

Kinda! :>) :>) It's cute! ENJOY!! :>) :>)

To the article: His attorney betta keep a good watch on him. His behavior is getting sooo bizarre lately [e.g., calling his HAIR BRUSH - - FOOTBALL ***shrug/eye roll***].

By the time he gets to trial[ or some arena], the attorney might be defending a different person! :>) :>)

Blagojevich Hair Brush "The Football" On Hand At All Times

The New York Times reports on the real Rod Blagojevich:

And yet, Mr. Blagojevich, 52, rarely turns up for work at his official state office in Chicago, former employees say, is unapologetically late to almost everything, and can treat employees with disdain, cursing and erupting in fury for failings as mundane as neglecting to have at hand at all times his preferred black Paul Mitchell hairbrush. He calls the brush "the football," an allusion to the "nuclear football," or the bomb codes never to be out of reach of a president. WHEW!!!! **shakin' my head****

GreenLady, who this prick supposed to be? Fonzie, Elvis? WHEW!!! Shakin my head, deep breaths, FAN, Please!!!!

spirit: I 'on't know! :>) ***shrug*** Apparently he's in "MORPH MODE" now! :>) :>)

****S-T-R-E-T-C-H-I-N-G*** to hand you ALL your "stuff!"****

FAN! check! :>) :>)

Thank you, kindly, Ms. GLH! Sci-fi, I tell ya!

None of the "evidence" released by the Feds so far appears to reach the level of a legal impeachable offense...

Much less a prosecuteable crime.

Blago has a lot of other problems which will bring him down.

But the Senate seat fiasco isn't one of them.

For there to have been a crime, something needed to have changed hands - ala "Cash" Jefferson with the well financed freezer. What prosecutors have on Blogo, so far - is a lot of trash talk...

But nothing actually criminal.

Which suggests the prosecution is entirely politically motivated.

Insofar as JJJ, unless Fitzgerald is going to invent a new law of being "Political While Black", offering to raise $1 million or more in political campaign funds in exchange for an appointment isn't either unethical...

or illegal under our current system.

If it were, then you'd have to jail 80% of the political appointees in the past 10 Administrations. It's common knowledge in political circles that the cost of an Ambassadorship to a desirable location is $200-300k in fund raising for a Presidential candidate.

Many of the Bushit "Pioneers" - people who raised over $100k - were appointed to the political plums of their choosing. Which is exactly how we wound up with "Heck of a Job, Brownie", and "I can't remember, Gonzo".

And a government stocked with cretins for leadership.

Nice news fodder for the expectorating heads...

But utter bullshit.

Sad kitty news:

Socks Clinton near death

I hate to hear this! Sad! I love Kitties!

So apparently Mary Mitchell is seriously pissed at Obama about his senate list.
http://urlenco.de/wruwuc

Even though Ms. Mitchell heart is in the right place you have think who can win statewide.There is not a lot of African American politicians who can win Illinois. I believe in the last 20 years there have only been 3, Carol Mosley Braun,Roland Burris and President Obama.

One per decade.

rikyrah: Impending Impeachment:

Illinois Speaker Madigan Discusses Blagojevich Scandal, Impeachment (VIDEO)

UPDATE

The resolution to create an impeachment committee passed the House unanimously, 113-0

---

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan took the first steps toward impeaching disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich Monday.

At a press conference in Springfield, Madigan announced the creation of a special committee to establish the standards of impeachment, review Blagojevich's case and decide whether the governor's actions merit dismissal.

"It is my intention to appoint a special committee to begin immediately an investigation into the governor's conduct in office and to undertake the preparatory work that is a prerequisite to an impeachment proceeding in the Illinois House," Madigan said.

The select committee on inquiry will meet every day except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. It will be chaired by House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie. Justice Alan Grieman will serve as special counsel to the Speaker.

"We have given the governor six days to resign [and] he's declined to take the opportunity to resign," Madigan said. "I think it's time that we move forward with a committee of inquiry that could lead to impeachment."

The 21-member committee will have 12 Democrats and nine Republicans. Madigan would not give a timeline for when to expect its conclusions.

Asked why he has not joined the chorus calling for Blagojevich's resignation-- especially after being one of the governor's most forceful critics before the federal charges-- Madigan said, "because, in effect, I will be presiding over the impeachment ... and therefore I'll have nothing to say over whether I think he'll resign or not."

Watch Madigan's remarks:

Movin' right along!! :>)

he should probably take the hint and get the hell out of Dodge

nickwah22: Ya think! :>) :>) 113 to 0!

But, again, his "behavior" is getting more bizarre! Hmmmm??

nickwah22, now you know some of these mofos do not go quitely into that good night!

rikyrah: Cong. Davis weighs in on Blago:

Cong. Davis On Obama Seat: I'd Tell Blago 'No'

CHICAGO (WBBM) - U.S. Rep. Danny Davis wants to be the next U.S. senator from Illinois -- but not enough to accept if Gov. Rod Blagojevich appoints him.

"If the governor called tonight and asked, 'I'd like for you to be the senator,' I'd say, 'Mr. Governor, I thank you so very much for the confidence that you are expressing in me, but I'm afraid the people have lost confidence in you,'" Davis said.

He said he would "respectfully decline" because he believes Blagojevich has forfeited his "moral authority."

Despite that, Davis said he hoped that Illinois' new junior senator would be appointed, not chosen in a special election because of the cost to the state and the advantage that he believes an election would give a candidate with deep pockets.

He indicated that it did not matter to him whether Blagojevich resigned or was forced from office so much as that the power to appoint a new U.S. senator rested with someone else.

Currently, Blagojevich has the sole right to choose the new senator.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan asked the Illinois Supreme Court Friday to declare Blagojevich unfit to govern or to strip the governor of the authority to make the appointment, among other things. The Illinois General Assembly is expected to discuss impeachment in a session that is to begin Monday.

Davis said, at this point, anyone Blagojevich would name would face endless questions from both the media and the public about his integrity. He cited U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. as an example.

Jackson, who has campaigned actively for the vacant seat, said he has been told by the FBI that he is not a "target" of the corruption investigation in which Blagojevich and former chief of staff John Harris were charged Tuesday. Nonetheless, he has faced a series of questions, has felt compelled to hire noted criminal defense attorney James Montgomery and has denied any wrongdoing.

Published reports have indicated that Jackson's brother, Jonathan, and long-time fundraiser Raghuveer Nayak appeared at a Dec. 6 fundraiser for Blagojevich in Elmhurst.

While some Jackson detractors have pounced on the reports, Davis praised Rep. Jackson, saying that Jackson also is well-qualified to become U.S. senator, calling him intelligent and articulate, and noting that Jackson has both law and divinity degrees.

Davis himself said he sees no "taint" from comments made by Blagojevich at a joint Thanksgiving appearance, during which Blagojevich praised Davis and even called him "Senator."

The congressman said that Blagojevich had said minutes earlier that he had not decided who should take the seat, and was "clearly joking."

I'm sure that he speaks for ALL potential candidates.

rikyrah: Tuesday, DECEMBER 16, 2008; DAY -35; On His "JOURNEY TO JANUARY!"

1. WORD(s) of the DAY: TRANSITIONAL TRAIL/APPOINTMENTS

2. HEADLINE(s):

a) Open for Questions: Response

We've launched several features recently that are opening up the two-way dialogue between the Transition team and the Change.gov community.

The feedback has been encouraging and constructive. Each new feature gives us the chance to refine the ways we facilitate these discussions, and it allows readers to chime in on the process as we grow.

Last week, our Open for Questions feature was particularly well-received: more than 20,000 people cast nearly 1,000,000 votes on questions posed by the community. Overall, just over 10,000 questions were voted up or down and ranked by visitors to the site.

The result is a snapshot of the issues you're concerned about as the pieces for the next administration move into place.

Below are some of the top questions, and the answers that our transition team members have put together as part of the Open for Questions feature:
[Mr. President-Elect Obama: RESPONSIVE]

b) SCHEDULE FOR Tuesday Dec. 16, 2008
All Times Eastern7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
11:45 AM

President-elect Barack Obama holds a press conference.Arne Duncan To Be Named Education Secretary

3. HERE is the INTERACTIVE CABINET BOARD: WHITE HOUSE TRANSITION


THAT'S ALL FOR NOW! [News "LITE!] :>) :>)

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

Sen. Leahy: Accommodating GOP Still No. 1 Priority

So they're going to hold up Holder, huh?

Hot Damn, Naomi Campbell!
What was that about Holder?

I LOOOVE Naomi. I think she is just misunderstood. Hell, if my assistant were stealing my stuff I'd crack her skull with a cell phone too.. (just kidding)

Imagine If you Said that about the blacks: Looking at why the black referential is just another form of racism.

You really havebeen hitting it out of the park, lately. On point. Without apology. And telling some serious truths.

womanistmusings, that is such a good essay, IMO!

The referential black serves as a an erasure of the systemic inequality that is still in existence while allowing the white speaker to portray a form of progressiveness that is false. It is further a form of leveraging between the isms. It screams look at meeee I'm so downtrodden that I'm lower than the blacks. It reasserts a hierarchy of being wherein if you are supposedly being treated worse than a black person you are oppressed.

The imagine "if the blacks were being spoken about like this" also presupposes that there are no black members in the group in question. There is no standard black identity which means that within any group that is currently undergoing marginalization it quite possible in fact highly likely that there are black members.

Whenever I hear what you have so usefully named "the referential black," I feel myself sputtering inside: "that's a lie! They're lying! Lying! Ugly!" But haven't been able to put words to what my gut knows is going on.

You're naming it so well, so accurately.

So I have a new one, Imagine if blacks were treated as though we are equal human beings. Imagine if our presence in any minority group was not only acknowledged but respected. Imagine if for one moment in time people would think consciously about the ways in which they "other" people under the guise of pushing a liberal agenda. I won't hold my breathe though, I have children to live for and I am confident that such a change is a long time in coming.

Instead of rhetorical objects whose realities are erased to serve to support white universalization and privilege.

What a concept!

Anyway, I really appreciate this article, and am also going to read the others you linked to, since I missed them the first time around.

Dayummmm! Now we know Naomi eats.

Yes, she gets angry, and if need be could crush somebody skull with her thighs alone!

Naomi is FLY......I don't care what anybody says...when she walks a runway, you gotta stare.

She is so fly and that walk........!!!

Word, Miranda. Naomi represents. And to all the HATERS......Get the phuck outta here!!!!

Miss Naomi is all kinds of awesome but let's be honest...girlfriend is overdue for a serious beatdown LOL.

Yes! That attitude stinks to high heaven!

Caroline Kennedy's Campaign: Our Own Christmas Pony!

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/12/15/212016...

Adoption: A Plea For The Older Child

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/12/15/13405/...

Fed Ready to Slash Rates Amid Deepening Recession

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: December 16, 2008
Filed at 12:05 a.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) -- As unemployment rises painfully higher and nest eggs are shattered, the Federal Reserve is prepared slash a key interest rate -- perhaps to an all-time low -- in a desperate bid to stem the country's economic slide.

With the Fed's key rate dropping ever closer to zero, the central bank is moving into uncharted territory.

Nonetheless, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke has made it clear the Fed isn't running out of ammunition to fight the worst financial crisis since the 1930s. It is exploring using tools -- other than rate cuts -- to revive the economy. New insights on that front could be revealed when Bernanke and his colleagues wrap up a two-day meeting Tuesday.

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2008/12/16/busi...

Mean Girls Strike

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/12/14/205650...

I would like for educators on this forum to tell me if there experiences with anything like this breaks down on racial lines. I ask because my friends that are teachers have told me about similar situations but its always with the ones that teach junior high kids and its always white girls. My friends in predominantly black schools never have this particular issue...and those in more diverse schools, say its still usually the white girls. I'm just wondering how universal is that.

I haven't really seen it like that with black students. The issue usually is white girls.