Jack & Jill Politics

Clock's ticking, folks. Can SuperObama save the cheerleader AND the world? Will Fuhrer Bush invade Gaza before Obama takes office? Will the Senate finally seat someone or at least sit down and shut up? Stay tuned. Save bat time...save bat channel.

First, I just have to say that the video here of the SC debate will always be recalled in my mind for the historical shot of the members of the CBC, John Lewis and StephanieTubbsJones(rip) enthusiastically clapping for HRC as she dissed Obama about the 'slumlandlordResko'...I was just livid when I watched that the night of the debate. Yet, history needs to record that Obama did not have the support of long-serving black politicians and especially that of civil rights icon John Lewis. Lewis who is the most enduring symbol for infamous BloodySunday who risked his life for Obama to be able to run for President, yet let history record, how when this momentous occasion occurred..he was a shell of his former self and chose to support HRC over the living embodiment of what he had fought for!!


Hey JJP family.....HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I hope and wish that the NEW Year is properous and brings wonderful blessings all year long to each and everyone here.
I am back and feeling refresshed. It was wonderful to leave this cold weather, with double digit negative chill factor and spend time on the beach and watch the sunset as it's glistening shadow was cast over rippling water. Just LOVELY especially with a CHAMPAGNE Cosmo!! (thanks for the recipe)

whiterosebuddy,



Welcome back!

Happy New Year!

Hey WRB! Happy New Year! Good to see you back. :o)

A must read diary over at Daily Kos on Dianne Feinstein's sorry a** record. And we MUST defend Obama on this Panetta pick, because DiFi and Rockerfeller are going to try to screw the pooch on this one.

Link

You know what is beginning to bug me about the Senate and Congress, what I believe is particularly significant in terms of what this nation does in terms of foreign policy? It is the disproportionate representaiton of individuals of jewish faith. Recently, the USA Today wrote a column on the faith of members of congress. In the article, it said that while indivduals of Jewish descendant make up 2% of the nations population. Individuals of Jewish desendant hold 5x the number of seats in Congress in proportion to their population representation.

http://blogs.usatoday.com/oped/2009/01/congress...


I found that infomation to be very insightful, particularly in light of Nate Silver's article on why there are not more African American's representation in the Senate.

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2009/01/why-are-...

Yet, we have individuals like Feinsteing who are chairing Interlligence and voting for funding and seemingly whose pro-Israel positions is disproportionate to our national interest. America has permanent interests not permanent allies. But the USA Today brought into focus one of the primary reasons that our FP is out of kilter.

Before anyone suggests that noting this is anti-semitic, let me assert that is not true. My focus is that when you have individuals impacting significant policy decisions disproportionately represented in Congres that it has the power of focusing our nations attention and resources in ways that do not necessarily reflect those of the majority of the nation, as they are disproportionately represented in policy decision making roles. That is the point and it would be no different for any group.

I simply believe it is critically important to be aware of how the representation of groups within the media as well as Congress have the power to disporpotionately impact what we receive in terms of news and how our foreign policy is shaped. It appears that the disproportionate representation skews both, such that it is truly not reflective of the nation, mainstream interest, views or positions.

It is no different than knowing that individuals have a bias when discussing an issue.

But I thought Kos was evil?


heh.

Feinstein/Pelosi/Clinton all one in the same and they all need to go!

Forgive me for this: F Diane Feinstein. Why don't someone look into the business dealings of her husband. Can you say conflict of interest? Her sorry ass voted to confirm the double sorry ass Michael Mukasey who is pro mutha f-ing torture. F her!

icebergslim: Thanks for "bringin' this!" The supportive "comments" were very helpful!!

Thanks, again. :>)

rikyrah: ADDITIONAL APPOINTMENTS:

Obama's Justice nominees signal end of Bush terror tactics

WASHINGTON — In filling four senior Justice Department positions Monday, President-elect Barack Obama signaled that he intends to roll back Bush administration counterterrorism policies authorizing harsh interrogation techniques, warrantless spying and indefinite detentions of terrorism suspects.

Indiana University law professor Dawn Johnsen to take charge of the Office of Legal Counsel, the unit that's churned out the legal opinions that provided a foundation for expanding President George W. Bush's national security powers.

"One of the refreshing things about Dawn Johnsen's appointment is that she's almost a 180-degree shift from John Yoo and David Addington and (Vice President) Dick Cheney," said Harvard University law professor Laurence Tribe, referring to the main legal architects of the administration's approval of harsh interrogation tactics.

_ David Ogden, a top Justice Department official during the Clinton administration, as deputy attorney general, the No. 2 figure under attorney general nominee Eric Holder.

_ Elena Kagan, the dean of the Harvard University Law School and a former Clinton White House aide, as solicitor general. She'd be the first woman to hold the post.


_ Tom Perrelli, counsel to Clinton Attorney General Janet Reno from 1997 to 1999, as the associate attorney general who oversees civil matters.

Obama said that he hoped that the four appointees would restore "integrity, depth of experience and tenacity" to the lead federal law-enforcement agency, which has been battered by scandal.

THERE IS MORE!

A complete BREAK with SHRUB!!

Burris on Maddow video

http://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/2009/0...

From Al Giordano about Tim Kaine as DNC Chair

Kaine Is Able: Sí Se Puede al DNC
Posted by Al Giordano - January 5, 2009 at 4:30 pm

http://narcosphere.narconews.com/thefield/kaine...

What's going on, JJP!

I've been following the posts for the last two weeks on my feed reader, but I haven't been able to view or participate in the comments for a while. I hope everyone had a GREAT holiday and is enjoying these first few days of the new year. My little girl is back in school today so I'm finally getting my house together and taking a small break myself before classes begin at the university where I teach.

With that said, did anyone catch Oprah today? I know this has probably been discussed on earlier threads - but it's going to take me a minute to catch up on all the latest gossip and news!

I was actually very moved by Oprah's confessions about her weight, since I am going through the same thing (just without the personal trainer, cook, and the gazillion dollars). I was a little disappointed to see that she is going to use future episodes to try to promote yet another health/weight loss/fitness "program" in response to this latest weight gain. I appreciate her much more when she is simply sharing her struggles and doubts. Many people see her as self-serving, but I always thought she seemed pretty candid and sincere when it came to talking about her weight. (I know I sound like I'm trying to get free tickets for her show!) Anyway, I'd love to hear what others think.

claudia_m: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Glad you had a nice holiday! :>)

There's nothing wrong with securing FREE tickets!! Go for it!! :>)

It's HER SHOW! SHE can do whateva SHE LIKES!! **rockin to da beat*** :>)

You too, GreenLady! I'm so happy to see you here still holding it down!

claudia_m: Thank you! :>) Good luck this SEMESTER!! :>)

rikyrah: STR8 under GOSSIP: She said that she di'int do it!:

Levi's mom, all alone, pleads not guilty to selling OxyContin

PALMER, Alaska — The mother of Sarah Palin's future son-in-law pleaded not guilty to the drug charges against her today.

A Palmer grand jury on Friday indicted Sherry Johnston on six felony counts of misconduct involving a controlled substance relating to possession and sale of the prescription painkiller OcyContin.

She admitted selling OxyContin pills to someone working with investigators, according to state troopers. They arrested her Dec. 18 at her Wasilla home, then released her on bail.

Johnston showed up alone for her first appearance in Palmer court this morning — no lawyer, no friends or family to support her.

Johnston asked for and received a public defender, a lawyer paid for by the state. She told Palmer Superior Court Judge Beverly Cutler that she is in the midst of a divorce and living on medical disability payments and child support.

Johnston, 42, is the mother of Levi Johnston, the Wasilla teen who made headlines in September after Palin announced that her daughter Bristol Palin was pregnant and that he was the father. Palin said the two teenagers planned to marry. Their child was born late last month.

Ya cain't have it both ways - sweetie!! :>)

Bing Crosby With Ella Fitzgerald & Peggy Lee Featuring Fred Astaire (Disc 1)
by
Ella Fitzgerald

SCROLL down to #24. "UNDECIDED" ENJOY!!!

rikyrah: The President-Elect Obama has "INEXHAUSTIBLE ENERGY!" :>)

HIS SCHEDULE: Monday Jan. 5, 2009
All Times Eastern7:00 AM
8:00 AM
8:44 AM

Michelle Obama took Malia and Sasha to their first day of school at Sidwell Friends this morning while the President-elect remained in the Hay-Adams hotel in Washington D.C.
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
11:00 AM

Obama meets with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

PHOTO
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
2:30 PM

Obama meets with Harry Reid.
3:00 PM
3:15 PM

Obama meets with the House and Senate leaders and whips from both parties.
3:45 PM

Obama meets with his economic team and calls for a "swift" and "bold" response to the economic crisis.

PHOTO More...

Participants include Rahm Emanuel, Timothy Geithner, Christina Romer, Melody Barnes, Carol Browner, Peter Orszag, Lawrence Summers, Tom Daschle and Ron Klain.

Following the meeting, as the group sat clustered around a small conference table, Obama takes a few questions from the press.
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 PM
7:40 PM

Obama leaves the Hay Adams hotel to attend Sen. Dick Durbin's party at Bobby Van's Steak House.

http://www.politico.com/politico44/

Annnnnnd, Obama makes surprise visit to Durbin party for senators-elect.
By
Lynn Sweet
on January 5, 2009 7:49 PM PHOTO

President-Elect Barack Hussein Obama - -44th President of the United States of America!! :>)

7 hospitals in NY accused of $50MMedicaid fraud

By VALERIE BAUMAN, Associated Press Writer – 2 hrs 54 mins ago


ALBANY, N.Y. – Four hospitals in New York state paid kickbacks to get more patients into their drug treatment programs, which billed Medicaid for services that weren't standard or necessary and lacked state certification, lawsuits allege.

Another hospital paid people to search homeless shelters and other places for patients to enter a three-day stay in detox in exchange for cigarettes, beer, food, and other items, according to the lawsuit brought by state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and U.S. Attorney Benton Campbell.

The lawsuits allege those five hospitals and two others fraudulently billed Medicaid for more than $50 million in more than 14,000 different claims.

There is more.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090106/ap_on_re_us...

good diary from dailykos

Sen. Feinstein Says No to Panetta, Wants Pro-Torture CIA Chief

California youth videotapes BART cop shooting helpless black man in the back.

BART means Bay Area Rapid Transit.

Lawd, Cali. Lawd, black people.

That guy was ITCHING to shoot somebody. There was no reason for his gun to be out. I hope justice is being served.

It's getting a lot of press now. I did a post about this with the contact info for the family's attorney, the BART police, Internal Affairs and the monthly Board Mtg which is in 3 days. Initially they said they didn't have the security cameras at that station recording that night and I knew they were lying. They tried to grab the cell phone from the videographer.

smh........my word......is this the land of the free?

My Lord!

I want them to pay for that!

I wanted to continue the Secret Service protection argument from yesterday...

http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/0608/Che...
"A bipartisan bill the House is scheduled to take up next week would require the Secret Service to protect Vice President Dick Cheney for six months after he leaves office. The Homeland Security Department would be authorized to determine if additional protection is necessary after the initial deadline ends"

Does anyone know whether Cheney will get S.S. protection?


Also, given the amount of money and TWOT and all why would we decline to protect ex- president and his family?

I don't agree with the majority of Bush's policies or Cheney for that matter; however, the ex-presidents and vice-presidents are important symbols and as a result merit the protection of tax-payers.

I think Bush will need it. He has ruined a lot of lives. People are CRAZY these days.

In ten years no one is going to care about Bush. I'm sure he will be fine without his security detail.

And Cheney seems like he carries a gun and will shoot first and ask questions later so I'm not to worried about him either.

And Cheney seems like he carries a gun and will shoot first and ask questions later


Yep. In the face too!

Off Topic

I received the email from a friend. Please Vote!

Ladies and gents I have attached a link to a proposal in Essence. The lady and her fiance' are in a competition to win a dream wedding. Pleaseeee vote for her. She is also Miss Black Texas. Let's show some love. Her name is Andrea and he is Rashad.

http://www.essence.com/packages/willyoumarryme/...


Texas Girl In LA.....

single women should not watch these videos, lol. I was crying watching each one. Their video was very cute. I think they just might win. I will vote for them bc of the Daddy factor. I thought it was so cool that he asked for her hand right before her Daddy passed. I saw that gave her a lot of peace plus they (he) repped for Jesus.

Thanks, JJai

Yes. And they met on a blind date too. Good for them!

Justice58: Just VOTED!! :>) BEST wishes to them!! :>) :>)

Thanks, GreenLady!

I Love....Love!

Voted!

What a good looking couple. I will send it out to my Texas peeps. I'm a sucka for black love. Thanks for the heads up.

Thanks, Texas Girl!

Sure hope they win. They're a cute couple!

Best Wishes To The Happy Couple!

Has anyone seen Gran Torino? I keep seeing commercials for it and am wondering if it is good or if it's one of those "bigoted old white man finds out he is wrong for his racist ways so lets all throw a party" movies. Also, few movies center around Asian-Americans that aren't martial arts specialists so I'm curious.

I read the plot on Wikipedia and I wanna see it.

more from marc ambinder

The CIA Director's Greatest Challenge: Human Resources

couple good post from marc ambinder

When The CIA Director's Identity Is Leaked....


Panetta On Torture

fyi: I just stumbled on The Story of India , a six-part series on PBS. Looks interesting.

http://www.pbs.org/thestoryofindia/

rikyrah: Hope this isn't a DUPLICATE:

Burris storms in; Dems waver

Under pressure from African-Americans in the House, Democratic leaders appear to be backing down from their vow to bar Roland Burris from the Senate under any circumstance.

When scandal-tarred Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich named Burris to Barack Obama’s Senate seat last week, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) issued a statement in which he said that Burris “will not be seated by the Democratic Caucus.”

But as Burris made his way from Chicago to Washington on Monday, Reid took a softer line. “Of course, Roland Burris has not been certified by the state of Illinois,” he said. “When that takes place, we of course will review it. At this stage, we’re waiting to see what’ll happen in Illinois.”

Asked whether there was any chance that Burris will be seated, Reid said, “Listen, let’s just deal with reality, not with hypotheticals.” Asked about his earlier, unequivocal threat not to seat Burris, Reid said: “I’ve made my statement.”

Senate Majority Whip Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) said last week that Blagojevich’s attempt to appoint Burris would “lead nowhere.” On Monday, he said that the Senate “still stands in judgment of what’s called the elections and returns of how a person has come to the chamber,” but he acknowledged that Burris has “met the basic qualifications” for the job — and that denying someone a seat “is very difficult to do.”

No one in the Democratic leadership suggested Monday that Burris would actually be seated when he arrives at the Capitol on Tuesday — or at any point thereafter — but the rhetoric was clearly softening as a potential showdown at the Capitol loomed, and Democrats were eager to get past the distraction.

Burris, arriving on a Southwest Airlines flight to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, acted as if his future wasn’t in doubt. He declared: “I am the United States senator from the state of Illinois.” And asked whether he’d anticipated the “mess” his appointment would cause, Burris said, “Mess? What mess?”

Burris is expected to arrive at the Capitol on Tuesday just before the swearing-in ceremony for new members. He said his message for Reid is simple: “I’m here to take my seat.”

Burris won’t be allowed to make his case until Wednesday, when he’s scheduled to meet with Durbin and Reid. Durbin said that Capitol Police won’t prevent Burris from entering the Capitol on Tuesday but that he “doesn’t have the legal right” to participate in Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony because Secretary of the Senate Nancy Erickson has deemed his credentials incomplete without a signature from the Illinois secretary of state. Burris has asked the Illinois Supreme Court to compel the secretary of state to sign his appointment papers.

Durbin said he’d let Burris watch the ceremony from his office next to the Senate chamber but not from the Senate floor, a privilege granted to sitting senators, senators-elect, aides and invited guests.

Senate Democrats face pressure to seat Burris from two directions.

With Obama gone, Burris would be the only African-American in the Senate, and some members of the Congressional Black Caucus are pushing for him to be seated.

THERE IS MORE.

You have ta watch this saga - - - "SECOND by SECOND!" Minutes appear 2 B 2 slow! :>) :>)

TRANSLATION by Harry Reid:

"Um, the visual of us blocking a teeny tiny old black man is not a good look. We might just seat the man to avoid this race card headache. Um. Ok. Peace."

Sure you're right!

Town: SPEAK TRUTH!! :>)

You forgot the "Goddamn son of a b!tch" that came right before that.

LOL

LOL! So true. They can huff & puff all they like as long as they SEAT THE JUNIOR SENATOR

Um, Panetta?? Very smart guy. Actually a co-chair of the Pew Oceans Committee, which did great work, and the follow up org, which has continued the fight. But, CIA? No doubt Feinstein is confused. I must say I am too. We are back to the future again. He is definitely a grown-up, very smart, and no doubt can do it all but . . . CIA? Can anyone help me out here?

couple good post from marc ambinder

When The CIA Director's Identity Is Leaked....


Panetta On Torture

I didn't see the South Carolina debate.

Poor John Edwards. LOL

Burris is on Rachel Maddow's show. He's Making the rounds.

y abt cter eybard s bren! se f y etters dn't wr! can ya gess whch nes

lamh31: -Er, -ummmmmmmmm:

M - L P -O -U -K -I -? ???

-Ummmm: D_ Y _ _ WANT _S TA TA_E _ _ A C _ LLECT_ _N!! [question mark]

Feelin' 4 U! REALLY! :>)

L O L

my laptop computer keyboard is broken! some of my letters don't work!

I had 2 cut and paste the above. stupid keyboard!

Found this over on Essence.com :

First Black Woman Senator: Starts Organic Food Business


Former United States senator and 2004 presidential candidate Carol Moseley Braun founded and now heads Ambassador Organics, a brand of organic teas, coffees, and spices, according to ABC News. Moseley Braun hopes to provide healthier food while also creating jobs for the people of Chicago. The Illinois politician was the first Black woman elected to the United States Senate in 1992 and briefly ran as a candidate for the Democatic nominee for president in 2004. She also served as ambassador to New Zealand.

Amabassador Organics? jeez that's a creative name .

was it me or did bill richardson look crazy as hell today?

lol

He looked like he had cussed a few people out in the last couple of days.

Bro Bill Richardson. If looks could........

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/05/oba...

Wow.......he looks like Brando in The Godfather.......I swear the look on his face is "you never go against the family"...in that husky deep voice that means somebody is about to get whacked.

I used ot live in Albuquerque. My dear friend Mike H. works in the NM government; he's an attorney.

He says Big Bill has a temper and doesn't mince words with his staff. Perhaps somebody made an offer and it shouldv'e been refused.

I didn't see him but you & OZ are killing me! lol

For everyone who'll be throwing an Inauguration Party, Evite has a whole line of Obama-themed invites that are very cool, peep....

http://www.evite.com/html/designGallery/designs...


http://iacas-images.adbureau.net/iacas/122608_o...


http://www.evite.com/html/designGallery/designs...


http://www.evite.com/html/designGallery/designs...


http://www.evite.com/html/designGallery/designs...


http://www.evite.com/html/designGallery/designs...


http://www.evite.com/html/designGallery/designs...

I got some more Obama Porn today - Essence is out with a Special Commemorative Edition about the new First Family.

LOL

Obama porn, funny.

Damn, I guess we have to deal with this for at least the next 4 years.

Naw bro....for LIFE! You know how we do...this is for LIFE! LOL

Hey....do you get this with the subscription?!?! Where's MINE!!!!

nope. had to buy it separate

This is why Roland Burris should be seated...Video

Jane Hamsher is dead on it.

There is a facebook group that supports Mr. Burris if anyone is interested..

No question.

Yup.

icebergslim: I've been "WATCHIN' this "young man" for a month or so. :>)

I'm believin' that he has built up his "CREDENTIALS", annnnnnnd that he will get his interview!

TIMING!! :>) :>)

I hope he does. Just too cute!

That kid is so cute.