Jack & Jill Politics

EVENING THREAD IS UP

Maybe that's why the Bushes were crowding Obama.

Some countries and entities are definitely thinking of prosecuting them in absentia for war crimes.

They set one foot out of the U.S., and they might find themselves taken like Pinochet was....

AFTERNOON OPEN THREAD IS UP

SUPREME COURT TO HEAR CHALLENGE TO VOTING RIGHTS ACT

By Joan Biskupic, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court announced Friday that it will hear a challenge to the landmark 1965 voting rights act, paving the way for a major decision this term on federal power to oversee state election laws.
In the backdrop is the recent election of Barack Obama and the question of whether America still needs an expansive law protecting against discrimination in voting now that a black man has won the presidency.

A decision in the case from Texas, to be heard in April, could impact the U.S. government's authority to ensure that racial minorities — who were subjected to literacy tests and other devices to keep them from the polls for most of the 20th Century — continue to have as much of a chance as whites to elect candidates of their choice.

In dispute is the 2006 renewal of the Voting Rights Act, which Congress passed overwhelmingly and President Bush signed.

Richard Hasen, an election-law expert at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, said the dispute "has the potential to be the most important election case since Bush v. Gore." That 2000 decision cut off Florida ballot recounts and ensured Bush the White House.

Miranda,

Thanks for the information. I'm going to make a front page post about it later tonight.

It's disturbing that they're even going to hear the case. Again, I'll make a front page post about it later tonight.

Thanks.

B-Serious, Thanks.

Next up: The 13th Amendment!

Then after that, they can work on getting back to the 3/5ths rule!

Values have been plummetting. Hispanics will count as 3/5th of a person while blacks will count as 1/16th.

rikyrah: BREAKING NEWS! BLAGO SPEAKS:

OOOOOO-eeeeeee! Blago's MAD!!!

Annnnnnd, he's kickin' butt and callin' NAMES!!

this man could defend himself on this case!

this just goes to show you that a curser does have vocabulary!

Jenifer: HEY! :>) YEP!

They announced that he has a photographic memory! I noted that he spoke without notes.

He's an attorney. Rod Blagojevich
From Wikipedia


Blagojevich, although a mediocre student,[16] graduated from Chicago's Foreman High School after transferring from Lane Technical High School. He played basketball in high school and participated in two fights after training as a Golden Gloves boxer.[16] After graduation, he enrolled at the University of Tampa.[17] After two years, he transferred to Northwestern University in suburban Evanston where he obtained his bachelor's degree in 1979. He obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1983. He later said of the experience: "I went to law school at a place called Pepperdine in Malibu, Calif., overlooking the Pacific Ocean--a lot of surfing and movie stars and all the rest. I barely knew where that law library was."[1] Through his father-in-law's connections, Blagojevich clerked for Chicago Alderman Edward Vrdolyak.[18] Blagojevich then took a job as Cook County Assistant State's Attorney (assistant prosecutor) under State's Attorney Richard M. Daley,[18] specializing in domestic abuse crimes and felony weapons cases.[19] [20]

***shakin' my head*** :>) :>)

Blago says "do unto others as you would them do unto you"

Isn't it "do unto others as you would have them do six times over for you"?

pjamma: LOL!! In HIS world! :>)

The Two Lame Ducks Who Didn't Vote To Impeach
By Eric Kleefeld - January 9, 2009, 12:59PM
Meet Illinois state Reps. Milton Patterson and Elga Jefferies -- the only members of the state House to vote against impeaching Rod Blagojevich.

As it turns out, both of them are lame ducks. Patterson didn't seek re-election last year, and Jefferies was defeated in her Democratic primary.

Why did they do it? Patterson, who voted No, told the CBS affiliate for southern Illinois that he had "no first-hand knowledge of any of the evidence," and that he had to go with his "gut feeling" and leave it up to prosecutors, not legislators, to charge the governor.

I had the chance to speak briefly on the phone with Jefferies, who voted Present -- which is essentially the same as a No vote, because it counts towards defeating a motion.

"I voted Present because I did not completely agree on a Yes vote, and I didn't agree on a No vote," Jefferies said. "I felt that the reason all this had come about has been blown out of context."

Jefferies said that she felt that the investigation against Blagojevich had become personal, with the legislators digging in on hirings that went back years. "I think there's a lot of things that he could have done differently," said Jefferies. "I'm not saying he's been 100% right. And he'll have his day in court."

Jefferies concluded: "I voted my conscience."

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

rikyrah: From Gen. Colin Powell:

Inaugural committee promotes service for MLK Day

WASHINGTON -- Gen. Colin Powell asked Americans to consider their day off on Martin Luther King Day a "day on" instead.

Powell, an honorary co-chair of the inauguration, announced the Presidential Inaugural Committee's "Renew America Together" volunteering initiative on Friday to take place on Jan. 19, the King holiday.

President-elect Barack Obama, Vice President-elect Joe Biden and their families will volunteer in the Washington area that day, a day before the Jan. 20 inauguration. They're asking Americans to do the same in their own communities.

"I think it will capture the imagination of the American people," Powell said, adding that there was a "fervor" for the new administration that should be tapped.

The goal is to make public service a greater priority throughout American life.

"It's not enough, I think, just to do it one day a year," Powell said.

The inaugural committee launched a Web site, USAService.org, to help Americans find opportunities to volunteer in their own communities. Spokeswoman Linda Douglass said there are already nearly 5,000 online listings, and people are welcome to add their own.

Although a troubled economy has meant a drop in charitable giving, Powell said he was confident that Obama and Biden could appeal to the generous American spirit.

"My experience is, in time of need, the American people recognize that they have to do more than they would have otherwise," he said.

Powell founded the America's Promise Alliance, a group that tries to improve children's lives, and has also worked with the Boys and Girls Club and the United Negro College Fund.

He said he has not been asked to work in the Obama Administration and has made it clear he doesn't want to.

"I'm not looking for a job," he said. "I'm very happy in private life, thank you very much."

Community Service-Community Organizer! YES!!! :>)

Breaking News: Baltimore's mayor has been indicted

BALTIMORE -- Maryland's state prosecutor says a grand jury has indicted Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon on 12 counts, including perjury, theft and misconduct in office.

The prosecutor's office announced the indictment on its Web site on the final day of a four-month grand jury session in which a City Council member and a prominent developer who once dated the mayor were indicted on public corruption charges.

Dixon's attorneys say they and the mayor will make statements later this afternoon.

Judge Hands Loss to White House on Visitors Logs
The Associated Press
Friday, January 9, 2009; 1:55 PM

WASHINGTON -- A federal judge on Friday rejected the Bush administration's latest attempt to keep secret the identities of White House visitors and declared that the Bush administration had engaged in illegal record-keeping practices.

U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth concluded the illegal practices took place before October 2004 when the Secret Service transferred large numbers of entry and exit logs to the White House and then deleted internal Secret Service copies of them.

The practices ended, the judge said, after various private organizations went to court in an effort to gain access to the logs.

Lamberth's ruling brushed aside the government's argument that revealing Secret Service logs would impede the president's ability to perform his constitutional duties.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...

Illinois Supremes: Burris Doesn't Need Sec. of State Signature
By Eric Kleefeld - January 9, 2009, 2:13PM
The Illinois Supreme Court has just handed down its decision on Roland Burris' lawsuit to force Secretary of State Jesse White to sign Burris' certificate of appointment to the Senate. Their decision is that they won't honor Burris' wish to force the signature -- because they say he doesn't need it:

...Petitioners are not entitled to an order from this court requiring the Secretary to perform those Acts. Under the Secretary of State Act, the Secretary's sole responsibility was to register the appointment (15 ILCS 305/5(2) (West 2006)), which he did. No further action is required by the Secretary of State or any other official to make the Governor's appointment of Roland Burris to the United States Senate valid under Illinois law.
Remember that the Senate chose to make an issue of the lack of a signature in their decision to turn Burris away this past Tuesday. Had the court ordered the signature, then this mess would have been over. But what it means now is that the ball has been kicked right back into the Senate's court, which is on its way to seating Burris anyway -- after all, as the court and many others have pointed out, this appointment is clearly legal.

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

-I guess there 'taint no 'taint.

Taint that the truth.

Admiral: LOL!! :>) :>)

LOL

Oh you mean taint isn't illegal????????????

Ooooh there never was any "taint" to begin with!!!!!!! HA!

Hey now!

That 'taint nice, ARP! ;-)

CUTE!

Well it's not the first time I have been sent to the bad chair! :-)

If Obama's a loser, what does that make John McCain and Sarah Palin?

MIranda: BWAHAHAHAHA!! :>)

Karmi,


WASHINGTON (AP) — Barack Obama is officially the next president of the United States, Congress declared Thursday in fulfilling its centuries-old constitutional duty to certify and tally the electoral college vote from each state.



Start getting use to it. Woo Hoo!

Justice58: Great post! :>)

Also, he's now DOWN to NEGATIVE 447/8 :>)

-Why, here comes our very own little Joe Btfsplk...again.

"Joe Btfsplk: The world's worst jinx, Joe Btfsplk had a perpetually dark rain cloud over his head; instantaneous bad luck befell anyone unfortunate enough to be in his vicinity. Though well-meaning and friendly, his reputation inevitably precedes him, so Joe is a very lonely little man. He has an apparently unpronounceable name, but creator Al Capp "pronounced" Btfsplk by simply blowing a "raspberry", or Bronx cheer. Joe's personal black cloud became one of the most iconic images in the strip."

-Wikipedia

LMAO

rikyrah: 'bout that "earthquake" yesterday:

Quakes Shake LA, Kill 2 in Costa Rica

(Newser) – A magnitude 4.5 earthquake shook Southern California last night, leaving no reported damage—but Costa Rica didn’t fare as well in a 6.1 magnitude shake-up that killed two girls. A 7-year-old and a 9-year-old died in a landslide that destroyed their home, CNN reports. Some 1,000 tourists were stranded in one town. “We have had more than 600 aftershocks in the past three hours,” said a seismologist.

The Southern California quake was felt in Los Angeles and Orange County, but didn’t reach San Diego, the Los Angeles Times reports. “We heard rumbling noise before the shock waves hit our home in Ontario,” one person posted online. “We felt the jolt, whatever time it came in, but we haven’t had any reports of damages yet,” said a local fire captain.

I had it pegged at 5. :>) Close! :>) Glad that there were NO LOSSES! God Blessed!

rikyrah: FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2009 DAY -11; On His "JOURNEY TO JANUARY 20, 2009!" Whoo! Hoo! :>)

1. HEADLINE(s):

a) Obama: Delay on stimulus not an option

Barack Obama on Friday expressed impatience with “posturing” on Capitol Hill over objections to the size and shape of his economic stimulus plan – saying he won’t stand for delays that slow down help to the American people.

“Just show me, if you can show me something that is going to work, I will welcome it. . .What is not an option is for us to sit and engage in posturing or standard partisan fights, when the American people are out there struggling,” Obama said at a news conference to announce his intelligence team.

THERE IS MORE.

b) On a college football playoff

Economic stimulus, who should run the CIA – plenty controversial. But a college football playoff – why would he even venture into that? Barack Obama reiterated his belief in the need for college football playoffs to determine the champion Friday – saying he emailed congratulations to a player on Florida who is the son of someone on his staff, but also said Texas, Utah and USC have a legitimate gripe that they’re not in the running to be the national champion. [VIDEO]

Seee! Mr. P-E Obama is seriously taking on CRITICAL NATIONAL ISSUES! :>)


2. HIS SCHEDULE: Friday Jan. 9, 2009

All Times Eastern7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:13 AM

The President-elect leaves the Hay-Adams hotel and heads toward his transition office.
10:00 AM
10:30 AM

President-elect Barack Obama makes an announcement at his transition offices.
11:00 AM
11:20 AM

Obama ends his press conference.


THAT'S ALL FOR NOW! :>) :>)

a) Obama: Delay on stimulus not an option

Barack Obama on Friday expressed impatience with “posturing” on Capitol Hill over objections to the size and shape of his economic stimulus plan – saying he won’t stand for delays that slow down help to the American people.

“Just show me, if you can show me something that is going to work, I will welcome it. . .What is not an option is for us to sit and engage in posturing or standard partisan fights, when the American people are out there struggling,” Obama said at a news conference to announce his intelligence team.

In other words: "Ya'll bitches betta have my stimulus package!"

:-P

Sepia: I got it! I got it!! Re: In other words:

Pssst. Here's my plan: I'll give the statements/quotes/etc.

YOU: TELL IT LIKE IT IS! :>) :>)

'cause YOU SURE do that WELL!! :>) Thanks!! :>) :>)

rikyrah: Gen. Colin Powell JUST had his presser to support Mr. P-EO on "community service". [My words. But that's what he is agreeing with.] I'll try to get the video, unless someone else makes the post. :>) :>)

The Sanjay Gupta shit isn't worth my time when over 40 million people in this country don't have any kind of healthcare coverage.

But the thing that went on in Oakland is.

The Word For Today Is "Riot"

Hmmmm.......why the feds finally busting open these cases now?

Feds uncover two more investor Ponzi schemes

On Thursday, authorities announced two alleged Ponzi schemes, just weeks after the arrest of investor Bernard Madoff stunned Wall Street. Madoff was arrested for allegedly running one of the largest investment frauds in history in a $50 billion Ponzi scheme.

The latest schemes show how alleged frauds are unraveling as investors get more averse to risk. In a Ponzi, a portion of the cash brought in from new investors is given to older investors in the form of a return. If cash stops coming in, or current investors demand their cash at the same time, the scheme collapses.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/markets/2009-01-0...

The reason is nonfeasance. malfeasance is what Bernie Made-off did, i.e. he knowingly did everything possible to evade the law for the purpose of stealing his clients money. Nonfeasance is when you deliberatly fail to enforce the law by not providing the resources to do so or willfuly fail to carry out the law.

Miranda: 'cause SHRUB only has 11 more days B4 he "walks out of that door!"**** :>) So he's trying ta look effective! HAH!! NOT AFTER 8 YEARS!!

Annnnnnd, we will SURVIVE!!

YES! There is a SONG:

I Will Survive

ENJOY!! :>)

But will your 401K?

Admiral: LOL! :>)

Ya know, I "axed" my state teachers' retirement system", annnnnnnd, they sent out a "re-assuring letter" to all o' us!

Soooooo, ***shrug*** :>) :>) Feeling fairly good 'bout it! :>)

I'm seriously thinking of keeping my 401K in my mattress.

pjamma, Damn skippy. SERTA STYLE!

pjamma: LOL! :>)

***whispering*** Shhhhhhhh

This is between me and you! My SAVINGS are in my mattress!</i.

O.K. I'm depending on your silence! :>) :>)

True dat.

Gov. Blagojevich impeached by the Illinois House of Representatives.

Watch live coverage now on http://CNN.com/Live

114 to 1..........who was the one?

From the Chicao Tribune

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/20...

Rep. Milt Patterson (D-Chicago) was the lone vote against impeaching the governor. Patterson, from Chicago's Southwest Side, said after the roll call that he didn't feel it was his job to vote to impeach the governor. He declined comment on whether he approved of the job Blagojevich is doing.

Hmm. Sounds like Mr. Patterson may be involved in some way.

NO. Many AAs don't like what has happened, but innocent until proven guilty. Which means if Blago was such a f**ked up governor, why was he not impeached sooner than now? Meaning where is the evidence? Right now we just have what is in a criminal complaint. No testimony, no evidence, supposedly "tapes". That is it. Which it means to me, that they need to provide the evidence to get rid of Blago.

Blago has a presser at 2P CST.

Expect him to fight this to the end.

I'm assuming the evidence will come out during the impeachment hearings.

Many AAs don't like what has happened

Why?

The whole ' guilty until proven innocent' thing, Sepia.

In addition, we know everyone involved in this has been after Blago for years. THAT is what isn't reported in the media. How the hell is the Speaker of the Illinois House IMPARTIAL? Mofo has been AT WAR with Blago from the word GO, because he wants to giftwrap the Governor's Mansion for his unqualified Baby Girl. ....why don't they report on THAT.

Yeah

During the House's 90-minute debate on impeachment, no one spoke up to defend the governor. But Rep. Milton Patterson, a Chicago Democrat, made the sole vote against impeaching Blagojevich.

Patterson said he read the impeachment committee's report and wasn't comfortable voting against the governor. "I have no firsthand knowledge of any of the evidence," he said.

"I went by my own gut feeling, it's as simple as that," he said. "I read the report. If the government is going to indict him, let them go ahead and do that. That's their job and I'm doing my job."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090109/ap_on_re_us...

Nardwilly: YOU just B "ON IT!!" :>) :>) :>)

Miranda: I missed the gentleman's name. Watchin' for it. :>)

Gov. Blagojevich will SPEAK 2-day.

Yeah, I'm curious also.

Against Race Politics: Nardwilly is ALL OVER IT! :>) :>)

Carolinagirl. Right on! I'll have to check out Hannity Sharpton and share opinion later.

rikyrah: Awwww man!! I couldnt; "edit" in order to ADD my "QUESTIONS section. :>(
Annnnd, I was just typing away. ">) ">)

Welll- There will be a video! :>) :>)

1. He's looking for GOOD IDEAS for the ECONOMIC package that Congress MUST pass - quickly.

2. On foreign ambassadorial positions: Iraq - first/most urgent. Others: will use young public servants for some to show them that there is a career pathway; annnnd "seasoned" professional for others.

Congratulated Florida for their football win. Says that ther is a need for a "play-off".

BREAKING NEWS Vote to impeach Gov Blago: 114 - 1 No

God help me, but I agree with Obama.

College football needs a playoff system.

Not that he can intervene, of course. :)

No it does not. Everything does not have to have a final answer. We need more ambiguity in our lives. I enjoy the Bowl games because they still have collegiate spirit. A playoff system will generate into corporate party places.

I vote with you Nardwilly. It is the collegiate atmosphere that makes the games popular...we do not need a playoff...it will take 2 much out of the STUDENT athletes and the alumi trying to go to games in multi cities.

Bad idea..no playoffs.

I enjoy the bowls as well, but I don't see the merits of a systems that can crown a "champion" and exculde 1-2 undefeated teams.

A true "national championship" game would be between the teams that have the best records.

I'm not saying get rid of the bowls...just the BCS.

I think the Bowl system, and at least a Plus-1 game would take care of this.

If there was a Plus-1, at least undefeated Utah could play Florida.

Yeah, but that would only work if an undefeated team were:

1. left out of the "national championship" bowk, and
2. won whatever bowl they played in to remain undefeated.

I think Boise State should've just played Utah, and the major conferences should've be been left to watch. There would be enough revenues (I think) from a true national-championship game to make up not having an Oklahoma/Florida there.

D: I saw it with my own eyes!! D SAID: God help me, but I agree with Obama.

LAWD HA'MERCY!! My watch[TIME] JUST STOPPED!! :>) :>)

"One GIANT LEAP for MANKIND!!" :>) :>)

It might be the mirror universe "D".

You know, the one with the beard.

Admiral: LOL! :>)

If he can untangle the mess (monopoly) that is the BCS, he's much smarter than I gave him credit for.

Jesus Christ himself couldn't convince Utah they aren't #1.

Word. And neither could Larry Craig.

I hear you.

But they should have it out on the field.

D: . . .he's much smarter than I gave him credit for.

TRUST!!, D. He is!! :>) :>)

rikyrah: HE SPEAKEATH!! Yaaaa! :>)

1. JOB REPORT: 524 X 1000 lost in December. Other stats show that this situation is DIRE!!

2. APPOINTMENTS: [Intelligence] GOOD INTELLIGENCE is a NECESSITY. BASED ON FACTS NOT IDEOLOGY!! [Yes he did say that! :>) shrub]

a. Adm. Dennis Blair - - National Intelligence Director

b. Leon Panetta --Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

c. John Brennan - - Homeland Security Advisor/Counter-Terrorism; supports Mr. Panetta.


QUESTIONS:

Love #2, GreenLady. Something 'Sno Ho just doesn't have the INTELLIGENCE to COMPREHEND.

spirit: Sooooo ta-rue!!! :>) :>)

Hey now!

Did someone tell DiFi?

It's like a law...or something.

Admiral: The news reported that both Mr. Obama/Biden had a "chat" with her and that she "stood down!" [Thanks D. :>)]

I'll post the article L8R. My computer is "actin' up!" :>) :>)

FOUND IT!:

Feinstein on Panetta

Beef officially squashed. Here’s what Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said about CIA director-(quasi-)designate Leon Panetta to reporters outside the Senate floor this afternoon:

“I’ve known Leon for 20 years. He is smart, he is credible, and he is truthful. And I believe he will surround himself with very qualified intelligence professionals in the top positions, and that we will have a very close working relationship. This is important to me, because there are big issues facing the agency. He will tell truth to power, not what power wants to hear, but what power should hear. And that’s probably the most fundamental part of all of this, so that what many of us think happened with the Iraq [National Intelligence Estimate] never happens again…”

Hmmm. So THIS is how YOU make YOURSELF IMPORTANT!? :>)

only in her world though........LOL

Miranda: Got that right!! :>)

This woman represents anything but CHANGE. Check out the hairdos

http://www.upcloseandpolitical.com/html/ucap_ga...

2009 http://politicalumpire.com/Images/News%20Photos...

spirit: LOL!! :>) :>) Nice find! :>) :>)

I couldn't get the 2nd link. Sorry. :>(

This may need to be its on topic for the day:

SUPREME COURT CONSIDERS CHALLENGE TO VOTING RIGHTS ACT
WASHINGTON — The question of whether America needs the Voting Rights Act now that a black man has won the presidency looms over a major appeal the Supreme Court is scheduled to consider in its private conference Friday.
The justices could say as early as Friday if they will hear a challenge to the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act renewed by Congress in 2006. Their decision could impact federal power to oversee state election practices and to ensure racial minorities have as much of a chance as whites to elect candidates of their choice.

The law in dispute was overwhelmingly approved by Congress and signed by President Bush in 2006. Yet the Supreme Court in recent years has found some U.S regulation of the states too intrusive.

"If the court takes the case, it has the potential to be the most important election case since Bush v. Gore," says Richard Hasen, an election-law expert at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, of the 2000 decision that ensured Bush the presidency. He notes the court has earlier upheld the disputed provision. "The question is whether the role of race in American politics has so changed … that remedies that were once constitutional are now impingements on state sovereignty," he says.
A Texas utility district says the provision known as Section 5, which gives the U.S. government authority to oversee state electoral-law changes, is no longer needed. "The America that has elected Barack Obama as its first African-American president is far different than when Section 5 was first enacted in 1965," say lawyers for the utility district.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/judicia...

I doubt they even hear the case. Especially with a weak legal premise such as the following:

"The question is whether the role of race in American politics has so changed … that remedies that were once constitutional are now impingements on state sovereignty,"

The purpose behind the Voting Rights Act was/is a matter of "access," not a question of electing the first black President.

And the reach of the VRA goes well beyond race as it relates to black America. For example, the VRA also deals with access for other minorities based on things such as language (printing ballots in spanish, chinese, etc. where necessary).

There's no reason for the court to hear this case.

DAMN - they are gonna hear it! Lawd a mercy.....its bout to get heated.

There really isn't.

It's like asking . . .

"Now that we have a black President, do we really need those pesky 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution? Can we bring back the slave codes? I mean, it's not like race relations are haven't changed since the Civil War." LOL!

Unreal.

Totally whack, B-Serious. Do they think we're asleep at the wheel?

No more drinking the generic KOOLAID, SUCKERS!!!!!

LOL. . . Yup, they must think we're stupid.

Actually I wouldn't even call it "Koolaid." I actually don't like this term b/c its used to demean Obama supporters -- often black Obama supporters -- who purportedly don't see the "truth" like some of our "friends" in the liberal blogosphere.

But I digress. . .

This legal challenge strikes me as political opportunism at its worst. My guess is that those supporting this argument weren't Obama supporters to begin with.

If I had my way, I'd probably expand Provision 5 to include more states than it does now. A lot of states get off easy because Provision 5 shines the spotlight on the South.

Well, last time I checked, two of the biggest problem states were Michigan (the threat of using foreclosure lists to purge voters) and Ohio. Those two states ain't in the South.

So I say expand Provision 5. But again, I'd be surprised if this challenge got any traction.

B-Serious, I don't get out much.... in the liberal blogosphere, that is. I 'll reserve my Koolaid drinking for anoher occassion.

I agree on the idea of expanding Pro 5 to include more states.

If I remember correctly, of th 9 southern states currently included in Pro 5, Virginia is the only state that PEO won in November.

I 'd add Florida and Pennsylnia too

This is a serious threat. It will allow them to make the crux of the issue not local but national. In 1965 given where the vast majority of AfricanAmericans lived segregation rules and regulations were still the norm the case for the law was very clear. Gerrymandering was not the case as it is now(look how almost all districts are not party competetive) but with poll taxes etal to dilute our vote it didn't matter. With gerrymandering AfricanAmerican voters are for the most part resegregated but w/ voting rights. This political resegregation allows few AfricanAmericans the opportunity to represent the larger demographic locally and nationally except at the large urban level(thoughI have to admit the post about Colorado blew me away).

Among other problems are the history of this country constantly trying to rewrite the law to take our rights away. And given the way, since Reagan, the Republicans have bent over backward to appoint reactionary conservative judges at both the base and appelate level I do not think even Thurgood Marshall could provide a basis within the law to overturn segregation.

Fat fingers, sorry.
this post on the 1954 decision was not included w/ the above:
http://www.theatlantic.com/issues/54jul/sutherl...

Just reported: The court's gonna hear the case.

Agree, Miranda.

"The America that has elected Barack Obama as its first African-American president is far different than when Section 5 was first enacted in 1965," say lawyers for the utility district."

Here we go with the POST-RACIAL BULLSHIT!

umm.....HELL NO.

Evita,

I record the 2am, the 7am and the 8am episodes. They relax me. I watch them when I can't take the crazy liberal blogs.

Did anyone see this?

From Barry to Barack (with video and awesome pictures!)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/01/08/from-b...

Barry Obama discussion starts at 6:48min

evita: YES! Thank you. I watched with my "OXYGEN MASK" securely fastened! :>) :>)

Al Sharpton Filling Liberal Seat on 'Hannity' Premiere
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/CA6627796.html

There are TWO things I can say for Al Sharpton: 1. he's no punk 2. he never met any a TV camera he didn't like.


Someone play psychic and tell me how you think this is going to fly...

Pyschotic for one. Two, I hope they have to wear boxing gloves cause someone is going to get clocked.

Sharpton AND Michelle Bachman? I have GOT to see this! I hope the Rev. chews her up for the crap she said about PEO.

I might have to tune into Fox now. This has the makings of a hot mess. Sharpton is no Colmes and will not be shushed by Hannity. And Buckman has no chance. Has "bitch, please" ever been said on cable news?

Too bad it's not a permanent slot - now THAT would've been interesting. Rev Hot Comb on Fixed Noise everyday would be something I'd watch.

heartsandflowers: LOL! :>) :>) GOOD ONE! :>)

But, I believe that he converted from "Rev. Relaxer/Texturizer!" :>)

Orrrr, was it the other way around?? :>) :>)

lol@ Rev Hot Comb.

If it's Rev. Al being Rev. Al...

it'll make money and be entertaining..LOL

Maybe Rev. Al will take Hannity to Harlem.

I wonder if anyone will be serving any mothaf&&*%^ iced tea?

Sharpton+ Fox+ratings =$$$$$$$$$$$$

Talk about your must-see TV..............smart move Fox.

Sharpton is the PERFECT choice for that seat. That's fighting fire with fire. I might have to watch a show or two, now :)

I disagree wih Sharpton's approach on certain issues. But he's an excellent debater. And he gives just as good (if not better) than he gets. Sharpton's a master at the zinger.

Pretty smart move by Fox. They should keep Sharpton for the long haul. The ratings would probably go through the roof.

Al could use the steady paycheck, as could we all going into 2009.

Absolutely, B-Serious! This is a savvy move by Fox. I'm down!

Any word yet on the nature of Alan Colmes' next project? I enjoy watching him shut down foolishness, so I'll be supporting his next project, too.

Funny thing is that Colmes is a completely different person on his radio show. He comes off as weak on Fox News, but he sure doesn't take any mess when he's on the radio. I think it surprises a lot of callers.

Interesting. I've never listened to his show. I'll have to check it out. Thanks!

*wearing Negrodamus hat*

Sean Hannity will be constantly "pwnd" on the Hannity and Sharpton show and will have an emotional breakdown and admit he has a secret crush on Obama.

lol@negrodamus hat!

Is anyone else STILL addicted to The West Wing TV show? Bravo has earned my love, forever.

I have never watched one episode of "The West Wing", or "24"

Get some of the DVDs of "24;" don't think this season is gonna be much to write home about.

Though the season starts Sunday. God bless HD. :-)

My favorite show ever. I have all seven seasons on DVD (bought seperately, not together!). Bradley Whitford became my celebrity boyfriend because of this show. ;)

"Josh" sure did get his SWAGGER on.

Hand raised in air..LOL

Anybody have any favorite episodes? My list (no particular order) . . .

Season 1:
Two Cathedrals
Take This Sabbath Day
The Short List
Celestial Navigation

Season 5:
The Supremes

In Excelsis Deo. As soon as The Little Drummer Boy starts I break out in tears. Every time. I love that episode.

oops .. . "Two Cathedrals" was Season 2, not Season 1.

B-Serious, my all time fav is Two Cathedrals. Powerful!! favorite scene, although there are many, is when Bartlett puts out his cigarette on the floor in the cathedral after having a brief but intense discussion with God.

Also, this is the episode of Mrs. Landingham's funeral.

Dayum! TV at it's finest.

Yes. A very powerful scene. Again, that show had some of the best writing I've ever seen.

evita: ****raising my right hand*** :>) :>)

Happy FRY-DAY, GreenLady.

I've been thinking about JJP bloggers who would play certain characters on the West Wing. IMHO of course. Here we go!

Press Secretary- C.J. Cregg - GreenLady- Tell Chucky T. to go find his election map!

President Bartlett- Martin Sheen- Baratunde (stand when the POTUS enters the room)

Charlie Young Prersonal Aide to the Presient- Dule Hill - Webb (sharp as a boy scouts knife)

First Lady Abigail Barlett- Town (Ok and an MD to boot)

The President's Secretary- Kathryn Joosten -Mrs. Landingham- Spirit_55Z (What can I say, I love smart competent crones)

Chief of Staff- Leo McGarry - "D"- :-))) (after his conversion from Republican -Democrat lol!)

National Security Advisor Dr.-Nancy McNally - Anna Deavere Smith -(she's a B-more City sista) - CPL (You know you can bring it!)

Deputy Chief of Staff- Josh Lyman- Admiral ( Dep's got SWAGGER)

Assistant to Josh- Donna Moss- Sepia, MsKitty (Holds it down and witty)

Communications Director- Richard Schiff- Toby Ziegler- B-Serious (Serious)

Deputy Communications Director- Rob Lowe- Sam Seaborn- CraigHickman (Resident Wordsmith) Sam's an ivy leaguer- Princeton

My favorite Seaborn quote: "If you haven't seen C.J. do The Jackal, then you haven't seen Shakespeare the way it's meant to be done."

Happy Friday to all!

spirit: Heeeey! ***Looking around, excitedly!!***

Where's the APPLICATION? I'm AVAILABLE!! :>) Whooo! Hoo! :>)

Oh. Wait. . . . . I just re-read your post! U R just musing! :>) :>) Oh, O.K. :>) :>)

Thank you! :>) :>)

BUT, Ima still send Chucky T. ***back to the wall maps***

He shoulda kept his REAL day job!! :>) :>) :>)

I'm mad I have to get converted to participate....LOL.

West Wing was one of my favorite shows when I could catch it. I've always wanted to go back and see how I feel about it now that I have a political bent of my own.

Ohhhh. D: It's a simple procedure: BAPTISM- Dip/wipe your face off/change your clothes! :>) :>) Seeeee! :>) :>)

D, you know you're Mrs. Landingham's favorite! :-))

I cried when she died......it was so sad.

For realz. Damn near made me paranoid to buy a new car after that episode.

I'm like why Sorkin gotta make Landingham put her head t'een her legs and kiss her azzz goodbye.

But then, Charlie didn't get the ax. You know Black guy gets it early on in the tv and movies.

LOL! Very nice!

That was too good for words.

WW is my morning addiction. This morning I was checking out the rug in Bartlet's Oval Office, after listening to Dubya go on about his.

Right with ya, evita!

Next to Martin and The Cosby Show, The West Wing is my favorite show of all time. It's a shame it had to end. They had a lull for a couple of years, but really picked it up for the final two seasons.

No doubt, The West Wing helped me through the past 8 years . . . lol. Actually, I know I'm not alone when I say that Obama's campaign was reminiscent of Santos' run in the final season.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/news/2008/02/barack_ob...

evita, count me in as a bonifide addict of the WW. I own the DVD of the entire series!

Have they dropped the price on that yet? Last time I checked, the series box-set went for $250.

I bought the entire series when it was on sale at Target last Winter for 14.99 a season.

Dayum! What a bargin!

B-Serious, I have 2 grown daughters who were taught to give generously lol!

LOL! Sounds good to me. They have good taste.

I really wish they'd bring that show back. Some of the best writing I've ever seen. Hey NBC . . . BRING BACK THE WEST WING !

good lord! now i know why i don't have it yet.

(my day is jan 20th, ya'll)

Jill put up a thermometer on the right and pass the hat!

Speaking of thermometers- remember the fundraising effort JJP tried to do with Donor's Choose? Well I contributed a few hundred dollars on behalf my family and the family of my fiance IN LIEU OF favors for my wedding. The kids from the classroom projects we funded sent us thank you cards... now I'm going to make a shadow box with the materials so show people at the wedding. Who really needs more potpourri? ;)

evita: LOOK AT-CHOO!! :>) What GREAT IDEAS!! :>)

MAJOR COMMENDATIONS!!! :>) :>)

Posted it yesterday, but wanted to give him his props again. BigUps: Tom Williams.

First Black coach for the Yale football team.

We slowly making it through the NCAA. Come on Turner Gill!

ybguide: HEY! :>)

Read your post. YES! We must recognize PROGRESS in that area of DIRE NEED!! :>)

CONGRATS to Mr. Tom Williams!! :>) :>)

Thank you for the post!! :>) :>)

How long are they going to be showing Sarah Palin complain about the media. its like its the only thing she knows. Please sarah palin is nothing in comparison to what we face. she needs to get the hell on.

The media sees the 2012 Republican nomination as a natural birthright for Ms. Palin. Ratings Gold! Add that to her dedicated following and it makes a lot of sense. Heck, Mika and Scarborough, alone, have made it their mission to turn Morning Joe into "Morning Palin" whenever possible.

Palin missed her first stepping stone when Stevens lost his Senate seat. So she's got to do something to remain relevant until she gets the chance to run again.

The campaign never truly ends. Obama supporters should remember this because Palin's got her eyes set on 2012 . . . President Palin???? Oh NO! It's enough to make a supporter want to start working on Obama's re-election campaign right now.

The threat of a Palin 2012 campaign is the ONLY thing keeping me from becoming an actual member of the Republican Party.

God help me, but I'd rather McCain run again.

D: D! D!: Puh-leese! LET IT GOooooooo! :>)

He ain't! He cain't It's OVA!!! Remember NOV. 4, 2008?? :>)

Let him FIGHT the "BATTLE AGAINST FRUIT FLIES!" :>) :>)
[I posted on that a couple of days ago. :>)]

***calmly***

Steele-McCain '12.

If it worked for you, it'll work for us too.

(maybe. LOL)

D: LOL!

WHAT IS "IT"? 'cause, at least Mr. Biden is among the "living." :>)

BUT Steele cf to Mr. OBAMA??? Oh puh-leese!

It's NOT about the "melanin"! Substance! D. Substance!

***calmly*** :>)

LOL.

I know....but the slogan sounds good. ;)

D! D! D! LOL!! :>) :>) ***shakin' my head***

"Heck, Mika and Scarborough, alone, have made it their mission to turn Morning Joe into "Morning Palin" whenever possible."

Really?

I'm glad I no longer watch those shallow twits.

According to Scarborough, Palin is Reagan circa 1976 (which, I guess means Obama is Jimmy Carter in his eyes). . . . underestimated, misunderstood and waiting in the wings to lead the next conservative revolution.

Wow....they really do take pride in their ignorance dont they?

It's Scarborough's way of saying Obama is a seat-holder. You know the political spin . . . the right-wing says things like:

- Obama has no mandate
- We're still a center-right country

You've probably heard it a million times.

So, actually, we're the ignorant ones according to Scarborough. We're just too dumb to comprehend the political brilliance that is Sarah Palin (eye roll).

B-Serious: Co-sign! She's got to do something to remain relevant.

That's her "game plan." Although it feels funny/disconcerting to say HER NAME in the same sentence with the word PLAN! :>) :>) :>)

That's why I keep WATCHIN'! Cain't loose site of the "enemy!" IMHO :>)

I agree with you B-Serious.

Each day I see her in the news, I think WTF? But then....I understand why. She wants to continue to rile up her base for her 2012 run. But there is only so much you can do for 4 years with the lack of...well...everything on her part.

Stevens' senate was her best opportunity.

IMO she got off easily.These are the facts that didn't get the attention .
1.Her children are High School dropouts.There is no shame in that I dropped out to join the army but how are you going to talk about education when you dont stress it for your own kids.
2.You preach about abstinence only education but your own daughter enjoys sex without protection and when she gets pregnant it is celebrated like a divine event but everybody else who last name isn't Palin who gets pregnant is going to hell.
3.You holler about welfare and earmarks but your state is like someone on crack.A little is not enough you keep coming back saying give me more,more,more.
4.Lets face it you are a grifter.Anything you ever done is about now can I benefit
5.Finally you are just plain stupid.Just once, someone should just say "Please Sarah STFU".

You are so on the money. I made similar comments at another blog. This stupid sow has no idea how easy she had it because she was a mediocre White Woman.

ITA. If Sarah Palin was a black woman, they would've crucified her. Hell, look at how the media Michelle Obama and she has lived her life the right way: College educated, married because she was in love, not because she was knocked up and had children AFTER she said "I do" and those said children can read and write on the appropriate level. So, the sno ho needs to have a hot cup of STFU before I hafta go get my Bitch, Be Gone! spray.

hmmmmm hmmmmph.

NOBODY talks about that! She had to prove herself as a viable to even VISIT the White House.

Had that been Malia who was pregnant and unwed...all the isht would've hit the fan

Sepia: LOL!! :>) :>)

At least YOU have the appropriate aerosol!!! :>) :>) :>) Good one!! :>)

CO-SIGN on YOUR POINTS!!! :>)

dj: Well, she does draw the news media like "bees to honey" orrrr like "flies to buffalo chips." :>)

Re #1. How 'bout the fact that she did NOT stress EDUCATION for herself; 5 colleges in 6 years.

Annnnnnnd, she still SPEAKS[????] as IFFF she failed all of her English classes. :>) :>)

As I've stated B4, at this point in time, I think that she is a "MAJOR JOKE" without being a "threat to the nation." :>) :>) :>)

Let me clarify. She has always been a "JOKE", BUT she gained some support/momentum during the general election which made me very uncomfortable.

NOW, it's just "LAFF-IN" time!! :>) :>) [ As intolerable as she is!] :>)

I think that it is interesting how her "narsicissm/egocentrism" trumps her "judgment" such that she keeps coming out and being "punched around" like one of those "punching bags!" She keeps getting back up! :>) :>) Funny - yet pitiful! :>)

carolinagirl: BWAHAHAHAHA!! So very appropriate!! :>) :>) Nice find!! :>) :>)

You and I both know that as long as they put a camera on her ass she is going to show it.

rorysmomma: LOL! :>)

she's pissed that unlike joe the plumber, sarah is not getting enough new offers. i guess she DOESN'T want to be the gov of the great state of Alaska.

what a loser.

evita: Ima STR8 CO-SIGN on "LOSER!" VIRTUAL "DAP"! :>)

I love your site and have just added you to my blog roll. www.onbeingablacklawyer.com is a blog dedicated to issues impacting black attorneys. With all the Hill ruckus going on this week, we decided to do some snarky profiles of CBC members who are also lawyers. Give it a look here: http://www.onbeingablacklawyer.com/?cat=147

Now that he's been certified as The President, do we call him The President? Or is he the President-Elect until the swearing in on Jan. 20th?

You know JJP wants to be right in our protocol...LOL

Rikyrah, although we have been calling him PE Obama...he was not officially PE until today with this certification.

So, he is PE Obama and on 20th will become President, as you know.

President-Elect Obama until he is sworn in.
...I wouldn't want anyone to think I was uppity...;-)

President-elect, until sworn.

D: Yep!! :>) ONLY 11 MORE DAYS!! Whooo! Hooo! :>)

Have you listened to Charles Butler yet? I do think you'd enjoy him.

Haven't yet; computer at home took a dump, so I've been living via blackberry. Got the new one last night.

Haven't forgotten, though. :)

D: Yaaaa. :>) Good on you for you new computer. :>) :>) Then "new baby!" Y'all got it goin' on!! :>) :>)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! :>)

thanks, D. :)