Jack & Jill Politics

Its time for Mr Obama to get off the dime and get those girls the dog he promised them.

EVENING THREAD IS UP

http://www.posro.com/blog/entry?id=35

Obama Needs To Kick The Habit

by Roland Laird

Jan 23, 2009

CNN just reported that President Obama is going to get some type of supersleuth blackberry device manufactured by General Dynamics. I don't know about you, but the idea that the President shooting top secret documents back and forth on a PDA, scares the heck out of me. Honestly, I don't think something like this can be a unilateral decision, and I don't think government agencies should cave in to the full court press that team Obama can put on them.

I don't care how secure the thing is, and how much redundancy in communication there will be, the notion that Obama will be in communication mobilely with some of his closest friends, doesn't make a lot of sense to me. Will they have secure devices on the other side? Will they be NSA secure? What types of emails will be sent? If it really is that limited, what's the need for the President to have such a watered down mode of communication? I understand President Obama is a fan of "The Wire". If this is the case, didn't he learn anything from Stringer Bell or Marlo Stanfield's demise? Once you start talking on those mobile devices, anybody can be brought down. I guess in many ways, Obama has the Stringer-esque tendency to think he can outsmart any and everybody. For the sake of America, I hope Obama is as smart as he thinks he is. Still it's hard for me to believe that our President has such an obsessive personality. Honestly, for the next four to eight years, I'd prefer that he ditched the Crackberry and went back to smoking.

what year is this???

President Obama - keep your blackberry.

Apparently its 1963 and Soviet communists are going to hack into President Obama's blackberry and steal his NCAA March Madness picks. Imagine the uproar if folks find out he's picking UConn to win it all.

Thank you!

He is keeping it.

What surprised me was the total lack of technology within the WH too. If their IT department is half as diligent as ours (I work at a hospital), I just DO NOT get WHY?! Personally, I think it's bullsh*t and is about control. The Secret Service or WHO-ever wants to keep them in some kind of stupid bubble. Isolation is NOT good.

If we can put a man on the moon then there is no reason whatsoever for the technology within the White House to be stuck in the damn cold war.

Co-sign!!!!

Bernie Madeoff is killing us all. ACLU had money w/ him. read results here:
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2009/...

rikyrah: It's a SMALL WORLD:

Japanese Use Obama's Speeches To Learn English

TOKYO — Aspiring English speakers in Japan have made President Barack Obama's book of speeches and accompanying CD a national best-seller.

In Aichi, central Japan, a Buddhist monk has reportedly been playing the president's speeches during his temple service. And dozens of students in an English-language class in Tokyo have been memorizing his 2004 Democratic Convention speech to improve their understanding and pronunciation.

"Tonight is a particular honor for me because, let's face it, my presence on this stage is pretty unlikely," the students at Kaplan Japan school recited together Friday.

"The Speeches of Barack Obama" has sold 420,000 copies since its release on Nov. 20 _ an "unprecedented huge hit" for an English-language text, according to publisher Asahi Press.

Any book that sells more than 100,000 copies in Japan, which has a population of 128 million, is considered a success, and foreign-language publication sales rarely exceed 20,000, the publisher said.

Obama's book of speeches surged to No. 2 in Japan's main best-seller list this week, according to Hiroki Tomatsu, an official of Japan's largest book distributor Tohan Co. that publishes the ranking.

The 95-page book compiles Obama's speeches including the one at the 2004 convention, many from the party primaries, and his victory speech after he beat Hillary Rodham Clinton to secure the Democratic nomination. Each English-language transcript comes with a Japanese translation.

Although the simplicity of campaign speeches makes them an obvious choice as a language-learning tool, other American presidents have rarely been so feted.

"We don't publish every single president's speeches," Asahi Press official Yuzo Yamamoto said. "Would you buy the text of former President George W. Bush's speeches?" :>) :>) :>)

WHAT AN - (Meiyo) (=HONOR)!! :>)

PRESIDENT OBAMA = A ONE-MAN ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE!! :>)


OOPS! I'm sure that you were EXPECTING It's A Small World film clip Disneyland Ca

ENJOY!!! :>) :>)

Damn.

That's extraordinary.

BLACK DESIGNER HATING ON MICHELLE
FIRST LADY UNDER FIRE: Amid all the praise of First Lady Michelle Obama’s fashion choices for the inaugural festivities, the Black Artists Association is taking her to task for not wearing anything by an African American designer. Cofounder Amnau Eele said Wednesday she will make a formal appeal to the First Lady’s office on behalf of the BAA. “It’s fine and good if you want to be all ‘Kumbaya’ and ‘We Are the World’ by representing all different countries. But if you are going to have Isabel Toledo do the inauguration dress, and Jason Wu do the evening gown, why not have Kevan Hall, B Michael, Stephen Burrows or any of the other black designers do something too?” Eele said. The BAA leader was a runway model in her own right for Yves Saint Laurent, Giorgio Armani, Bill Blass and others.

Asked if perhaps the First Lady isn’t looking at the world colorlessly, Eele said, “It’s one thing to look at the world without color but she had seven slots to wear designer clothes. Why wasn’t she wearing the clothes of a black designer? That was our moment.”


http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/...

My first question is who is the "our" that she's refering to in that last sentence?
black people?
fashion designers?
unknown fashion designers?
unknown black fashion designers?

MO doesnt owe that chick or any other black designer a damn thing. Im not even completely convinced that she purposely picked virtual unknowns for the clothes she chose to wear. It could be that she just picked what she liked. But if she did make a point to pick something from lesser-known designers, as to not let well knowns profit off of her, than more power to her. But IMHO she was in no way obligated to pic a black designer. If you want her to wear your sh*t, maybe you need to step up your game.

"If you want her to wear your sh*t, maybe you need to step up your game."

I bet money one of them had more game than that uglee gown she wore to the balls.

Obviously not since she didn't wear them.

I don't think it's obvious since we don't know all the facts.

No we don't know all the facts but we're prepared to claim that Michelle Obama is dissing and slighting black designers without those facts, right?

That was our moment.

No, it wasn't. It was Michelle Obama's moment.

'Nuff said.

I'm not prepared to claim anything. I'm stating that I wish she had worn a design by an up and coming black designer.

And if the author had said it the way you just did....

I wasn't supporting the author or her argument, the story took me back to early in the campaign when I hoped that she would choose some up and coming AA designers.

BAA's frustration needs to be channeled to CFDA, and fashion magazine editors like Anna Wintour, Glenda Bailey and demand that black designers be given as much exposure as their white counterparts.

And have these designers sent sketches to the First Lady or Ikram Goldman, who has been working with her?

"BAA's frustration needs to be channeled to CFDA, and fashion magazine editors like Anna Wintour, Glenda Bailey and demand that black designers be given as much exposure as their white counterparts."

RIGHT!

This chick is whining to WWD about Michelle Obama not wearing black designers, but she ain't said one peep TO WWD about the lack of black designers and black models in their pages.

I want Michelle Obama to wear more black designers. I think she should.

But, first and foremost it needs to be something she likes. She doesn't need to be wearing no Gordon Gartrelle shit just to make some people happy. She's not obligated to wear a black designer if she's not feeling their design.

And if this chick had designs that appealed to Michelle Obama, maybe she would wear them. At any rate this chick should be permanently scratched off the list.

I mean, if a black designer really wanted to get ahold of Michelle Obama but perhaps their stuff wasn't in the store, they could have maybe pitched it to her via Desiree Rogers or Valerie Jarrett or Santita Jackson or somebody. You know if they had a slamming design on and Michelle saw it she'd be like "How can I be down?" Both Jason Wu and Isabel Toledo were in the Ikram store so maybe she's going with Ikram's suggestions?

I wonder if this individual pitched a design to Michelle BEFORE she was on track to become First Lady? nah, didn't think so.

I've said all along that I thought she should support African American designers - I know one of them has something she can wear. If she doesn't who will? If a black won't support a black who will? It's not a black thing - it's about give opportunity where it more than likely will not be given by main stream. I think she could have gave at least one of those slots to a minority.

Do you realize how infrequent Black faces have appeared in Vogue in the past? I know you know the answer to that.

Yet Anna Wintour, and pratically the entire fashion industry has embraced the Obama family wholeheartedly. And I think that it is a HUGE improvement.

Only now have we seen an emergence of minority women in the pages /covers of many publications like Vogue....and a lot of it is due to the "Barack and Michelle Obama effect."

Maybe she'll sport Black designers during Black History Month.

That would be obviously tacky.

She could do a fashion history of Black America for the entire month of February. Complete with all the hairstyles.

I'd so enjoy the 60s and 70s looks.

(wink)

While many of us here want Michelle to wear Black designers, Black designers have to keep themselves in the game by knowing that MIchelle Obama CANNOT be seen in 'edgy' stuff. She can be seen in stylish and contemporary, but not 'edgy'. That it has to have a hip, but conservative twist.

I love Tracy Reese, but I could only pick a handful of her things that I could see on Michelle Obama.

I think some of the Black tailors have a better chance with President Obama.

I agree about 'edgy'. Kevan Hall, B. Michael and Tracy Reese fit MO's style. But Stephan Burrow is too Studio 54.

If a designer came at me with the "Why ain't you wearing me, oreo bitch?" attitude they would be at the bottom of the list. This chick is just trying to Blagojevich Michelle. She needs to take that funky attitude elsewhere. Michelle should check into black designers but this individual should not be one of them.

OK! Instead of trying to put MO on blast, she should've made a collection of sketches and sent them to her along with a nice note describing her vision for the FLOTUS and why her designs should be considered. That's what a REAL businessperson does.

And if I were one of the black designers she mentioned, I'd be pissed!

Good point.

Whining to the press is not helpful.

Michelle Obama will be First Lady for at least four years.

Submit your ideas and let her decide.

yeah...that would have been the professional response. michelle obama is not this person's relative... someone should've advised her to express her opinions in a dignified, professional manner or not at all. all that bitching and complaining is straight up STUPID. michelle obama is GUARANTEED not to wear any of her shit now!

I'll just co-sign because my first reaction when I read that article was nothing but 4 letter words.

How long has Mrs. O been FLOTUS - a whole two days, right??

I say just STFU and give the woman a chance to find her voice.

Michelle Obama has had her voice. I said don't let the Obama campaign handlers change her voice. After all, this is the woman who was concerned about becoming successful and leaving the black community behind.

I think White House culture is vastly different from life as a Senate spouse, or living in a suitcase on the campaign trail.

I'm gonna give her a chance to get acclimated.

Does Whitehouse culture mean you can't select a black designer? Doe s the culture mean you don't have to or does it mean you should wait until someone else tells you it's okay, or do not choose a black designer because you don't like their designs? Your argument/position is all over the place.

Well, maybe this will help:

1. I am not angry she didn't wear a black designer's dress to her husband's Inaugural Ball.

2. I actually liked the dress she selected.

3. MO will undergo a White House style transformation (like all the women who have preceded her) and her look will change to reflect her new role.

4. I have absolutely no reason to think her WH style will not showcase black designers.

4. I will give her time to make the style transformation.

5. I respect your right to disagree with me.

I don't disagree with you and I don't understand what is that you disagree with about what I stated which was that I would have like to have seen a black designer in one of the slots and even before during the campaign. My desire - that's it.

Denise: VIRTUAL 'DAP'!! :>)

Everyone wants a piece of history, but to me this woman just sounds greedy. Michelle Obama will be First Lady for 4 years. To me freedom is about choices so how dare this lady try and take away Michelle's. I hope Michelle Obama reads what this woman said and disses her FOR REAL.

I hope she reads this and thinks about how aa designers were slighted.

I don't doubt that many people felt slighted. Does the that Michelle and Barrack are Black automatically mean that someone who is also African American be a part of every aspect of what they do to feel represented? I'm not saying that is what you are saying... I'm asking to put the idea in the air- at which point is being critical about this one detail and perhaps diminishing the multicultural sentiment of also including other groups in the day. There was LOTS of African Americans represented during the inauguration from Aretha Franklin to Joe Lowery, African American culture and tradition was represented, in my opinion very prominently...and I loved it. But being critical over not getting a shout out in Michelle's clothing? Sounds like jealousy and greed to me and NOT AT ALL respectful or grateful for best representation of all- the First family.

Where is HER sense of community? Or is she defining community as only the African American community? He is the President of Cuban Americans, Asian Americans, white Americans, people with disabilities, etc.

She can feel slighted, or she can feel proud that other communities of color and less recognized designers were given a special opportunity. I'm sad she chose the former.

Or maybe she didn't like what the AA designers put out? It could be as simple as that.

I hope it was as simple as that.

Maybe she wants designers who know how to design "upscale". Not every designer knows how to get it right.

In any case, such an attitude is very unprofessional. Michelle is not even obligated to wear new clothes, let alone clothes from a designer she is only using because its "politically correct".

The designers should have sent her sketches and samples, even done a private show for her to show how their designs can work with her new life. Complaints do not make up for lack of talent and sensitivity to her needs.

If anyone was "slighted" it was Maria Pinto.

Michelle could have any design that she wants, so if she's not picking up the phone and calling this individual or Tracy Reese or Kevan Hall it could be that she just doesn't like their designs. Doesn't mean she's against black designers, she just didn't like what they had for her.

I will repeat, I think it's "interesting" this individual decided to put Michelle Obama on blast to WWD about not wearing black designers but didn't put WWD, Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, In Style...hell LUCKY on blast for not showing black designers in their pages and not having black models in the books. Any raggedy 24 year old white girl fresh from college with a sewing machine can get her dress made out of recycled thrift store clothes featured in the LUCKY magazine but they can't find any up and coming black designers?

Do you know for a fact that the designers weren't prepared?

Do you know for a fact that they were prepared?

Completely random:

I am the proud new owner of...a minivan.

My last vestige of manhood is gone.

lolol How sweet. Congratulations D. Just keep your regular car for date nights.

(All said with love, of course)

Damn it, Val....you would say that AFTER I sell the other car.

You couldn't have gone middle of the road and done the SUV thing?

I am LMAO, D.

As a single person, I didn't understand the purpose of minivans until my friends began to have children.

But, I beg to differ. Your vestiges of manhood will be secured by seatbelt in the back seat, my Brotha.

The mrs has promised me an SUV after Allie is born.

MDX, here I come....LOL.

D, congratulations on the Mini van! Too funny. My hubby and I have 8 grown children and we brought a mini van 2 years ago. Think of all the joy you and the wee ones will have on those long road trips singing

99 bottles of Soda, beer,.....on the wall . You fill in the blank. Hahaaaa!

You chose wisely, dear dad.

8 kids spririt? Blessings to you and your wonderful family.

Goodness, I never thought of that.

Wow.....THAT oughta be fun.

D, I have a wonderful family! And I love them soooo much! When we get together, the laughter and joy is off the chart. Our children are so special, smart, and never cease to teach me and hubby what really matters in life.

BEING TOGETHER.

The mini van will bring so many memories for you and your family. There's room for playing games, eating, sleeping, it's like a room away from home. Our kids loved the van. They felt secure and it's a great transition for kids when you plan on stoping at a motel.

Enjoy the ride!

D., you are so funny. In 2005, we bought a minivan since I have 3 boys under 10. And to me they are the best FAMILY vehicles, especially when traveling long distances. We love driving it for our trips between Va and Fla. We even drove cross-country last year...and it was THE most comfortable ride.

And I love it.....and surprisingly my husband often jumps in it (without me and the kids, sometimes too) and that is no easy feat because he loves his German made sports sedan

Did you say THREE boys under the age of 10?

GOD BLESS YOU!

Thank you ARP.

I am in a house full of testosterone....but being the only female in the house has it's benefits, I am officially "Queen" of the house with no competing drama!!

LOL!

I hear you...

Imma hafta throw some D's on it or somethin'.

And the mrs isn't allowing bumper stickers this time around.

Too bad I got one you appreciate
Guns kill people like spoons made Rosie O'Donnell fat

D: BWAHAHAHAHAHA! 2 funny!! :>) ***shakin' my head***

I don't BLAME her! :>) :>)

You better call Xzibit (Pimp My Minivan)

D,


Kids need lots of room.

Congrats!

Uh oh

Blago is going to hold a News Conference within minutes!

What next.....?

Justice58: No big deal. He talked about THIS! :>) :>)

The Right Wingers's are gonna explode!


MSNBC's Newest Host: Bill Maher? Could Happen

MSNBC wants to create a new show to fill its 10 p.m. hour. Might Bill Maher be its host?

It's widely known in the cable news world that the third-place network has a longstanding interest in Maher, who now hosts a weekly current-events chat program, Real Time, on HBO. He's an obvious choice, having hosted his own daily talk show, Politically Incorrect, until ABC canceled him in 2002, a few months after the comedian made some poorly-received remarks about the Sept. 11 hijackers.

Though more libertarian than strictly liberal, Maher's politics make him a good fit with MSNBC's audience, which has grown in direct proportion to the network's enthusiasm for the Democratic party. One caveat: Maher would probably be expensive (although Chris Matthews's recent pay cut, from $5 million a year to around $2 million, frees up some cash for that).

I reached out to reps for Maher and MSNBC to ask whether anything's in the works. Nothing yet. In the meantime, let's think about the other possibilities: MSNBC could create a show for Chuck Todd, the boyish political whiz who, though lacking polish, nevertheless was a strong contender for replacing the late Tim Russert at Meet the Press. It could move Chris Matthews's Hardball from its berth at 5 p.m., although that would create a double vacuum earlier in the evening (Hardball repeats at 7). It could lure away Alan Colmes from Fox News, where he's just marking time now that Sean Hannity's gone solo. Or it could just do what it did last time and let Keith Olbermann install the protégé of his choice.

rikyrah: Welll, I didn't find ALASKA's RESPONSE to the $180,000 WARDROBE - - YET!

BUT, there was an article on the OTHER Alaskan Senator - -Lisa Murkowski (R)[Senior Senator; Begich is the, recently elected - DEFEATED Ted STEVENS- JUNIOR Senator.]

Lisa - The New Ted.

Well, looky here. Isn’t this interesting…

If the collective raising of eyebrows made a sound, you’d be hearing it.

Alaska’s new senior Senator (R) Lisa Murkowski, has landed the big one, and slipped into the vacuum left by convicTed Stevens on the coveted Senate Appropriations Committee. Stevens, the longest-serving Republican in Senate history, was a longtime Appropriations chairman with oodles of influence on spending projects in Alaska. This is one of the reasons nobody could imagine life without Ted

In order to take the slot on Appropriations, she’s giving up membership on the Foreign Relations Committee. But she’ll retain her spot as the ranking Republican on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, and she’ll stay on the Indian Affairs Committee and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Murkowski says she pursued being on Appropriations in part to push for funding projects that can benefit Alaska, from basic infrastructure like roads to hospitals.

Basically an Alaskan Senator would give up their right arm, nevermind the Foreign Relations Committee, to get this assignment. Looking forward to 2010, this does not bode well for anyone who’s thinking about challenging Murkowski for the senate seat. If the party powers that be, let’s say, were trying to figure out how to assure that a certain governor from Alaska had a tougher time of knocking down the incumbent in a senatorial race, and worming her way into the nation’s capital, this would be an excellent way of doing it. Just sayin’.

I’ve mentioned before that it would be in the Democratic leadership’s best interest to be awful nice to Mark Begich, and give him lots of goodies in the next six years for that very reason. He needs to come home “the golden boy” with feathers in his cap. I doubt there are many in D.C. on either side of the aisle that would relish a “Palin Dynasty.” A cross-border alliance between a competent and influential moderate Republican and a competent and influential moderate Democrat is the best path for anyone wishing to avoid “Mrs. Palin Goes to Washington.”

2 COMMENTS were interesting:

" I think the combo of Sens. Lisa and Begich is turning out to be a great team for AK and our nation. … Can you imagine Palin debating Lisa if Snowflake :>) runs for a senate seat next year?? It would be painfully glorious to watch….and it could happen cuz Palin truly believes she is flawless and all her mess ups are everyone else’s fault."
Palin == Out of Touch, Out for Herself.COMMENT from EWF:

Here's another COMMENT:"It’s a known fact in Washington D.C., Palin is NOT respected from either party. If Alaska sent her to D.C., our State would be toast! Senator Murkowski has the respect from both parties and is admired for her intellect, calmness and her true desire to look out for the families in Alaska. The gov. doesn’t stand a chance running against Senator Murkowski, us Alaskan’s have had enough of Queen gov." [WWRWTW]

ALASKANS are havin' a FIELD DAY with their version of "SNOWFLAKE!" :>) :>)

More people may have watched President Obama's first inauguration than President Reagan's in 1981.

"37.8 Million Watched Obama's Inauguration"

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/162488...

"That 37.8 million figure includes same-day time-shifted viewing to 17 broadcast and cable networks between 10 a.m. and five p.m. But what it doesn't include, and wasn't around to be measured in Reagan's day, was the number of people who monitored the proceedings on the Web."

But, there was also this story from Tuesday:

"Inauguration video draws record crowds online"

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090121/ap_on_hi...

"Akamai Technologies Inc. said 7.7 million people watched video streams carried by Akamai at the same time on Tuesday, a record for the company, which is hired by many news sites to handle video delivery.
...
Akamai competitor Limelight Networks Inc. of Tempe, Ariz., said 2.5 million people watched the inauguration on sites that use Limelight for delivery, with most of the viewers staying for Obama's entire speech."

Thanks for sharing, Nate. That's not what I heard this morning as I was heading out for work. Supposedly, Reagan had more audience viewership? I said to my self, "Self, this is a bald face lie."

May have?

There's no question that more people here and around the world combined, on TV and internet feeds, watched this inauguration than Reagan's.

It's not even close.

Nate: WOW!!! :>) :>) GREAT NEWS!! :>) :>)

rikyrah: Oooooo-kaaaay! "What's goin' on?"

Elisabeth Hasselbeck Tells Media: Lay Off Michelle Obama

Elisabeth Hasselbeck defended Michelle Obama against the media Thursday morning on "The View."

In response to media critics who have laid into the First Lady for her inaugural fashion choices, a somewhat shaken Hasselbeck said, "I think, look, if this is the media's attempt at trying to be objective as we move into the next administration, they're moving in the wrong direction."

Hasselbeck went on praising the fashions that the First Lady and her daughters wore throughout the inaugural celebrations, both for their affordability and the fact that they were made by American designers.

"All these naysayers on the side better find something else to get objective about," she said.

Watch:

I mean it. Wha' ha'[has] happened? :>)

Meanwhile:

"What's Going On [What's Happening Brother"]

ENJOY!!! Wooo! Hoo! :>) ***dancin'***

Barbara Walters told Elisabeth to beg, grovel and grind before Michelle Obama so the View can be the first daytime show to land an interview with the new First Lady.

That's all this is about.

. - LOL! :>) Now THIS sounds plausible!! :>) :>)

I wouldn't grant Elisabeth Hasselbeck shyt!

Justice58: I belie' that her NAME is spelled - --- B-Y-T-C-H [first annnnd last name syllables!] :>)

I'm just sayin' :>)

I'll keep it in mind. It burns me up that the only reason she's defending the First Lady is to get an interview. We all know what a snake Elisabeth has been before. Once a snake always a snake.

Justice58: SSSSSSSSSSSSure U right!! :>) :>)

This is the same Elisabeth Hasselbeck who told the audience at a luncheon for Cindy McCain that First Lady Michelle had something to hide when she visited The View. This is same woman who always tried to bring up the First Lady's thesis on the show to attack Pres. Obama.

So, maybe she should practice what she preaches.

Sepia: Major co-sign!! :>)

Hasselbeck is picking a good battle, because everyone knows that if she joined in the chorus of fashion criticism, Whoopi & Sherri might finally lose it and give her blonde behind a tag team beatdown.

Well, that's how I think it might go down in my daydreams, anyway.

You know she's probably e-mailing Sarah Palin and Cindy McCain right now calling Michelle a fat cow.

Yes. Once a snake, always a snake.

Nate: LOL!!! :>) Sharing your "smack down" DREAM!! :>) :>)

All I have to do is dream

ENJOY!! :>) :>)

rikyrah: A NEW ROLE for Actor Morgan Freeman:

Morgan Freeman fundraising for DSCC

Senate Democrats have found an unlikely fundraising weapon: actor Morgan Freeman.

In an e-mailed fundraising pitch to Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee donors today, Freeman wrote that, “when Barack Obama placed a hand on Abraham Lincoln's bible and was sworn in as America's 44th president, it was one of the most special moments in my life and the life of our nation.”

Freeman went on to argue that while Democrats have succeeded in expanding their majority in the Senate over the last four years, early donor involvement can help increase the party’s numbers in 2010.

“Now the DSCC has already begun the crucial work of recruiting the best candidates to make sure President Obama has strong Senate support throughout his first term. Starting strong today is essential to victory on Election Day. And they need our support now to do it right,” Freeman wrote.

The actor concluded by asking supporters for a "contribution of $5 or more."

— Alex Isenstadt

It's about 2010! He's GETTIN' READY! FIRED UP!! :>) :>)

rikyrah: HERE'S the VID of his introductory remarks:

9:45 AM

Obama and Biden hold a bipartisan meeting with Democratic and Republican congressional leadership.

VIDEO

Annnnnd: Democratic/Repub RESPONSES:

http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0109/po...

I hope that I caught bofa-dem. :>)

Signed, Ms. Technologically-Challenged! :>) :>)

rikyrah: Oooookaaaaay! Ima step out and post this!

Palin's $180,000 Campaign Clothes "Stuffed In Trash Bags" At RNC Headquarters: NewMajority (VIDEO, SLIDESHOW)

[NOTE: This SAGA RAGES ON! :>)] THEY SAD - - I'm GLAD! :>)

NewMajority has a report today that Sarah Palin's infamous wardrobe has not been given to charity as promised by the McCain campaign after the amazing bill was revealed in October.
McCain even told the press that "one-third of the clothing was "given back."
[NOTE: Hmmm. Did SOMEBODY LIE?? SOP!! NOTHING has CHANGED!]

But for reasons that remain mysterious, the clothes remain stashed at the RNC's Washington, D.C., headquarters. A source close to the issue told NewMajority that the clothes are "in the process" of being donated, and an RNC spokesman corroborated, saying the clothes have indeed been returned from Palin, "inventoried and will be appropriately dispersed to various charities." Attempts for an explanation of when and where the clothes will be donated went unanswered, and the governor's Alaska office does not comment on campaign issues.

The fact that the clothes have not been donated or publicly accounted for, however, has angered some big donors - who want to know exactly how their money was spent, and who are already enraged by the extravagant wardrobe figure. They say it's time for the RNC to air its dirty laundry, if you will.

Read more from Moira Bagley's NewMajority report here.

Oh! U know that Ima take a "Field Trip" to ALASKA to see "what they talkin' 'bout!" :>)

These people need to stop lying. Do any of them ever tell the truth? Ugh!

Justice58: They just "rolled on past" Col. 3:9! :>) :>)

Bush Girls Letter to the Obama Girls from the Today Show

Jenna and Barbara Bush recited the letter they left for Malia and Sasha. They have class.

I watched Jenna & Laura on Larry King and I really believe Jenna may have voted for President Obama because when Laura replied that she was voting for a Republican, Jenna stated she had to look and listen to both candidates and what each had to say. It seemed she wasn't voting Republican just because her parents are. Classy young lady!

Catching my breath.

icebergslim: I heard this being read! VERY TENDER! :>) :>) Thanks! :>)

Inauguration Eve

Photos and reflection.

Per this Fox News clip, apparently some are appalled and offended by Jay Z and Jeezy proclaiming "My President is Black."

What say you Jack and Jill??
http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php...

They should not hold Obama responsible for the language of the song. Does Brittany spears speak for all white women? Is marilyn manson a father figure to all white boys? Does George W. Bush represent the intelligence of all yale graduates? Are all teenage white girls sluts like the girls on girls gone wild?

I'm saying....

rorysmomma: YOU JUST PREACH!!! :>) :>) Great comment! :>) :>)

I can't tell you how much I enjoy your commentary, LOL, great points!!!

Peace & Love, Tawra

BAP,

They must not have heard him say his lambo was blue also?????? Where is the objection to that?!

BAP: In the eyes of "FAUX SPEWS", sayin' PRESIDENT OBAMA'S NAME is offensive. Sooooo . . .. . ..

Well, the President IS black, whether they like it or not.

The President is black...duh!

The whackos kill me by analyzing someone's every word. Like Geraldine Ferraro... "what does Barack Obama mean, when he says", "it's our time"? Ugh! (Eye Roll)

Ferraro specifically said when Obama says "our time is now" he's really saying to white people "Your time is up."

Was that it? The crazy ass. I wonder how she's working out on President Obama's fundraisers? LOL!

Ahhhh lol Geraldine Ferraro thought he needed her to raise money!

LOL!

Are you serious?

She is even dumber than I thought! And how can you be that old and stupid??????? The older she gets the "stupider" she gets and not the other way around. Makes no sense!

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opi...

"As for Reagan Democrats, how Clinton was treated is not their issue. They are more concerned with how they have been treated. Since March, when I was accused of being racist for a statement I made about the influence of blacks on Obama's historic campaign, people have been stopping me to express a common sentiment: If you're white you can't open your mouth without being accused of being racist. They see Obama's playing the race card throughout the campaign and no one calling him for it as frightening. They're not upset with Obama because he's black; they're upset because they don't expect to be treated fairly because they're white. It's not racism that is driving them, it's racial resentment. And that is enforced because they don't believe he understands them and their problems. That when he said in South Carolina after his victory "Our Time Has Come" they believe he is telling them that their time has passed."

Aren't they stating a fact.

Cause MY President IS Black...isn't yours?

Come'on....You know how things like "facts" offends the numbnuts of FauxNews.

Cause water is "wet" and that's an offensive stmt. Clowns. Just when you think they couldn't sink any lower.

Absolutely. Some are offended by the WAY Jay Z and Jeezy were saying that though. Personallly I think it's just a case of a few bitter whites getting their hate fully on. I mean after all, it is Fox News lol...

It's like getting pissed because someone said a dead man is "dead". He's their President as well whether they like it or not.

Stupid random thought of the morning:

If Busta Rhymes had simply made his song about "A-Rod Money", he really wouldn't have had so many folks upset with him.

That it all.

What's the background? Why are people upset with Busta Rhymes?

There's gonna be a new talking point for sure now...LOL

Obama's Indonesian Dazzles At State Department

ABC News' Kirit Radia Reports: As President Obama worked the rope-line at the State Department Thursday, a State Department staffer named Charles Silver, knowing the President once lived in Indonesia, shouted out, "good afternoon" in the local language.

Obama responded back in what Silver later told ABC News was "very good" Bahasa Indonesian. The two then chatted briefly about the neighborhood Obama once lived in.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2009/01...

Well you KNOW the POTUS is actually a citizen of Indonesia and therefore ineligible to be President...duh

rikyrah: DAY 3 - - PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA

1. Obama: Stimulus Bill Needs Bipartisan Help

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama urged lawmakers from both parties Friday to back his economic stimulus package, saying the economy's dire problems require congressional action even if some members object to portions of the plan.

"I know that it is a heavy lift to do something as substantial as we're doing right now," Obama said as he sat down with House and Senate leaders from both parties in the White House's Roosevelt Room. Republican members, especially, have objected to some of the $825 billion plan.

"I recognize that there are still some differences around the table and between the administration and members of Congress about particular details on the plan," he said. "But I think what unifies this group is a recognition that we are experiencing an unprecedented, perhaps, economic crisis that has to be dealt with, and dealt with rapidly."

He thanked congressional leaders for working quickly, even through some holiday periods, to move the rescue package he says will create 3 million to 4 million new jobs.

"That is going to be absolutely critical and it appears that we are on target to make our President's Day weekend," he said.

Democratic leaders have promised the measure will be ready for Obama's signature by mid-February.

Obama also said that any legislation governing the use of an additional $350 billion in financial industry bailout money must include new measures to ensure accountability and transparency.

The stimulus legislation, priced at about $825 billion and likely to grow, advanced in House committees this week. Republicans, who are in the minority, were unable to make inroads with their proposals.
Story continues below
THERE IS MORE.

2. HIS SCHEDULE Friday Jan. 23, 2009

All Times Eastern7:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:15 AM

Obama and Biden attend the presidential daily briefing.
9:45 AM

Obama and Biden hold a bipartisan meeting with Democratic and Republican congressional leadership.
10:00 AM
11:00 AM
11:20 AM

Obama and Biden meet with members of the National Security Council.
12:00 PM
12:40 PM

Obama and Biden attend the economic daily briefing.
1:00 PM

Obama and Biden have lunch together.
2:00 PM

Obama and Biden hold a budget meeting.
3:00 PM
3:30 PM

Obama meets with Treasury Secretary-designate Tim Geithner.
[NOTE: IT continues to be FULL and AGGRESSIVE! :>) :>)]

3. PLANNING AHEAD: POTUS to visit Pentagon next week

Obama is expected to meet with the Joint Chiefs of Staff next week in the Pentagon’s renowned secure briefing room . . .

. . . known as the “Tank,” Marine Commandant James Conway told reporters Friday.

Given the new president’s campaign pledge to remove U.S. combat troops from Iraq within 16 months, plans for drawing down forces there and adding more in Afghanistan are a likely a hot topic.

“At this point, decisions have not been made, but with the speed in which we see other decisions being made, I think it’s fair to say that it won’t be long before we have a plan,” the Marine general said.

And as discussion coalesces around the best way to reduce U.S. forces in Iraq, the Marines are eager to hand off the remaining policing work and other duties there to the Army and concentrate on the intensifying fight in Afghanistan.

“The time is right for the Marines in general terms to leave Iraq,” Conway said.

4. CDC Insider Named Acting Director

The Obama administration has appointed an infectious disease and disaster preparedness expert as acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Richard Besser, who headed the CDC's public health emergency preparedness and response functions, succeeds Julie Gerberding, who stepped down with the change in administration after six years of leading the federal agency.

It wasn't clear whether Dr. Besser would be Dr. Gerberding's permanent successor. An email to CDC employees Thursday said that Dr. Besser would serve as acting director until a permanent director is named and assumes the role.

Dr. Gerberding, who officially stepped down when President Obama was sworn in this week, was originally to be replaced temporarily by William Gimson III, the agency's chief operating officer, until a permanent successor was named. People familiar with the agency said Dr. Besser was named instead because Mr. Gimson is not a medical doctor, a qualification considered important to head the public health agency even temporarily.

Dr. Besser, 49 years old, is a CDC veteran with wide public health experience. A pediatrician by training, he served in the CDC's Epidemic Intelligence Service, tracking foodborne diseases, followed by several years working on infectious disease issues. He spearheaded a national campaign to prevent overuse of antibiotics, a practice which helps to spawn antibiotic resistant bugs.

Most recently, he has been director of the Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response, which handles public health emergency preparedness and emergency response.

5. CQ Transcript: Democratic Congressional Leaders After a Meeting with President Obama

CQ Transcriptswire

SPEAKERS: REP. NANCY PELOSI, D-CALIF., SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

SEN. HARRY REID, D-NEV., SENATE MAJORITY LEADER

[*] (JOINED IN PROGRESS) PELOSI: ... constructive suggestions, which we’ll review. We have just completed two days of hearings in which they had a chance to offer their amendments, some of which were accepted into the package.

So we’re on schedule for our timetable to have a bill on the president’s desk to be signed before the Presidents Day recess. Again, if not, there will be no recess, but I feel certain that we will succeed.

This was a working meeting, and it was very encouraging, because the president listened to the suggestions of all there, especially the proposals made by our Republican colleagues. And -- and I have a good feeling about -- coming out of the meeting that we’ll be able to reach more bipartisanship as we go forward.

I’m pleased to yield to the distinguished majority leader, Senator Reid.

REID: There wasn’t a single member of Congress or anyone in that room that didn’t agree that we have an economic problem in the country, lots of economic difficulties. But at the conclusion of the meeting, there wasn’t a single person who felt we couldn’t work our way out of the problems that we had.

It was a bipartisan discussion. And truly, the president was leading us to be united, not divided.

He listened to the all of the suggestions, whether it was from us or the Republicans. I was very impressed with the meeting. I look forward to our having a bill on his desk before the Presidents Day recess a bill that will have the input of Democrats and Republicans and one that has the mark on it to bring this country out of the economic distress we’re in.

THERE IS MORE.

6. CQ Transcript: Republican Congressional Leaders After a meeting with President Obama

SPEAKERS: REP. JOHN A. BOEHNER, R-OHIO, HOUSE MINORITY LEADER

SEN. MITCH MCCONNELL, R-KY., SENATE MINORITY LEADER

[*] (JOINED IN PROGRESS) MCCONNELL: ... came from a bipartisan meeting of the Senate and House leadership with the president. We had a good discussion about the most important issue in the country right now, which is to -- what we can do to get the economy moving.

The administration strikes me as open to our suggestions, and we made a number of them, both Senate and House leadership. I do think we’ll be able to meet the president’s deadline of getting the package to him by mid-February.

I think I can safely say that most Republicans actually believe the speaker had it right last year when she said any stimulus package ought to be timely, temporary and targeted. I think that’s a good test to apply to what we’re trying to do here. And it’ll require a good deal of restraint on both sides to try to keep it within those -- with those -- within those parameters.

BOEHNER: I agree. I think we had a very productive meeting with the president and the vice president and our Democrat colleagues. There’s unanimity that our economy needs help. And there’s also a desire to move a package that would help rescue our economy, help American families, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the self- employed.

We expressed our concerns about some of the spending that’s being proposed in the House bill and the fact that it doesn’t spend out very quickly -- it’s almost too late -- and had concerns about -- obviously, about the size of the package.

The president has asked for our ideas. And we may still be scheduled to meet with him next week, but we felt that as fast as this package is moving, we needed to share those ideas with him today.

And so Mr. Cantor and I outlined the ideas from House Republicans about how we can get fast-acting tax relief in the hands of American families and small businesses, because, at the end of the day, government can’t solve this problem. The American people have to solve it. And the way they can solve it is if we allow them to keep more of the money that they earn.

THERE IS MORE.

7. FLOTUS knocks Sasha, Malia dolls

Michelle Obama is none too pleased with the Beanie Baby dolls that share the names of the first daughters...

... “Mom-in-chief” says the dolls are in bad taste.

“We believe it is inappropriate to use young, private citizens for marketing purposes,” a first lady spokesman said.

The 12-inch dolls were released earlier this month and a company spokesman says the names were chosen because they are “beautiful,” not because they attached to the first daughters.

Which seems, well, a little hard to believe.

Earlier this week the girls set off a run on J.Crew coats, after donning specially made coats on inauguration day.

After the whirlwind inauguration events, they were back in school hitting the books again Thursday.

FLOTUS had her first full day in the office Thursday, where she had a meet and greet with all the staff and had some birthday cake—she turned 45 on Jan. 17.

And she’s been unpacking and getting Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, settled into the White House.

Aides say she could venture out for a private or public event as early as next week.

And church might be in the plans this Sunday, but their schedule is still being worked out, aides said.
[NOTE: SHE hath SPOKEN! :>)]

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW! :>) ENJOY YOUR DAY! :>) :>)

Regarding: Aretha's Inauguration Crown-Hat, Sandra Rose had made me laugh until I cried this morning. Sandra gets my trophy for photo-shopping.

I wanna look, but I don't want to link to Sandra Rose's site....something is definitely wrong with her. I know she's a self-hating individual...and after viewing her photo, its certainly understandeable....but during the campaign, her lies and rhetoric took on a whole new level of Pastor Manning proportions.

She's the same clown who thought Malia Obama was too grown for speaking articulately but there was nothing wrong with Monica dressing her child like a junior thug.

Yeah that she is. She LOVES Monica, TI & Tiny! LOL!

thank you

I feel ya Miranda; I originally thought the images were Rose's work, but she acquired them from another blogger, "That B!tch," so you could link to that site if you like. Although, I think that Rose's presentation was better.

Since Sandra is more of an entertainment/gossip blog, I don't hold her as accountable for political discourse. She does stoke controversy.

Thanks! Sandra SHOULD be an entertainment/gossip blog...but what she has become is a very bitter, lying hag. Her hatred for some celebs is way beyond catty insults and petty gossip. Like I said, I've seen her pic so to a degree, her attitude is almost justified - but just because she looks like a gargoyle doesn't mean she has to be so nasty towards others.

her hatred/jealousy of the Obamas rivals the best right-wing wingnuts.

A light skinned Barack-like brotha probably dissed her like the chickenhead she is. She probably chalked it up to the light skinned brotha not liking dark skinned women but when she saw Mr. Lite Skin with a Dark Skin Sista she had to conclude it was HER...

therefore she "hates on" light skinned Barack like brothas and boosts up ghetto chickenheads as "real."

lol

You're killing me!

I'm pretty sure she is gay.

She has a hatred that needs to be reported to the Secret Service...its absolutely pathological.

Hilarious! ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL! The pic is hilarious. Arethas' hat looks fab on everyone.

LOL The plane image is priceless!

I actually like the hat. The Queen's look was Southern Baptist Sunday Best, and I understood it completely

exactly, Denise.

NOBODY who has grown up in the Black church doubts what Ms. Franklin was doing.

period.

rikyrah: WHEW! BLAGO is in another WORLD! - - - HIS!!

Blagojevich on WLS-AM: The 'fix is in'

Gov. Blagojevich continued to hammer away at the rules governing his upcoming impeachment trial this morning, saying the "fix is in in" and Illinoisans would be socked with massive tax increases should he be kicked out of office.

"They want to get me out fast so they could put a huge income-tax increase on the people of Illinois," the governor said in a 43-minute interview this morning on WLS-AM 890's Don Wade & Roma show. "It's either going be a 66 percent income-tax increase or a 33 percent income-tax increase. And they want to raise the sales tax on gas.

They know I'm against those things, and I veto them. If I'm out of the way, they can quietly push this through."

The governor's radio appearance kicked off what's expected to be a media blitz that could include appearances on national news networks within the next several days. Blagojevich signaled he has no plans to show up in Springfield on Monday for the start of his impeachment trial if the rules don't change.

THERE IS MORE and MORE and MORE!!

He is on an INCESSANT RANT!! LAWD HA'MERCY!! :>)

you talk too much(run dmc ) :>) :>)

ENJOY! :>) :>)

I told you he was crazy.

Flat out nuts.

spirit: YEP! :>)

He's crazy enough to be ratings gold for a network brave enough to give him his own show. I ain't gonna' lie, I would watch a Blago reality show.

Actually it's a wonder no up and coming politician hasn't tried to put on a reality show. They might not be able to do it through the broadcast TV but I don't see why they couldn't put on a weekly YouTube show detailing the trials and tribulations of the campaign.

NMP" LOL! :>)

rikyrah: ABSOLUTELY!! YOU KNOW!! :>)

Blago takes the cake in nutty!

Justice58: LOL! :>) :>)

Annnnnd, I LOVE fruitcake 2. Hmmmm. :>)

Blagojevich signaled he has no plans to show up in Springfield on Monday for the start of his impeachment trial if the rules don't change.

HELLLLL - LO!! :: raises the roof :: This is MY kinda political entertainment!

Denise: As HE sees it, "It's HIS WORLD!" WE just live in it!! :>) :>) :>)

I hear you.

When that type of attitude goes unchecked and off the rails, like my mother says, "Baby, that's why we have prisons...".

Denise: U have a WISE momma: God Bless her! :>) :>)

The times they are a changing!! LOL

Pope Launces YouTube Channel

VATICAN CITY — Pope Benedict XVI joined U.S. President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II on Friday by launching his own YouTube channel, the latest Vatican effort to reach out to the digital generation.

The Vatican said it was launching the channel to broaden Benedict's audience while also giving the Holy See better control over the papal image online.

In his inaugural foray, Benedict welcomed viewers to this "great family that knows no borders" and said he hoped they would "feel involved in this great dialogue of truth."

The site, , was launched the same day the pontiff praised as a "gift to humanity" the benefits of social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace in forging friendships and understanding.

http://www.youtube.com/vaticanit

Has anyone hear about the "Drunken Negro Head" Cookies, supposedly celebrating President Obama? Just ridiculous. They still don't get it. For some reason, I"m thinking he voted for Obama. I know lots of NYC racist "liberals" who voted for Obama because he is "cool."

http://gawker.com/5137787/bakery-celebrates-oba...

rikyrah: I'm believin' that our President has gotten Repub. support for his Economic Plan. They said:
--HE is OPEN to our suggestions.
--I am confident that we will be able to meet HIS mid-February DEADLINE. As Pelosi said, the Economic Plan must B TIMELY, TEMPORARY and TARGETED.

Yaaaaaaa!

There is something to be said for reaching across the aisle and killin' htem w/kindness. Folks will be less willing to obstruct you later. Well played El Presidente. Well played.

SDG: Major co-sign!! VIRTUAL 'DAP'! Isn't it GREAT to see HIM CONTINUE to "PLAY" [in the most serious vein] HIS GAME of CHESS! :>) :>)

IT "IS" WHO HE IS - - "CHESS MASTER!" :>) STANDING "O"

Republicans legislators just don't understand.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070...

"After losing the White House and 28 seats in Congress last year, some party leaders still aren’t hearing the message from voters who are urging them to claw their way back to power by promoting minorities and striking a less partisan tone, said Rich Bond, a former Republican National Committee chairman."

“We need a great deal more tolerance for the other guy’s point of view,” Bond said. “Not everybody comes from the same constituency as a majority-white homogenous district in the South where all people care about is keeping their guns and taxes.”

-I guess Rich Bond is a bitter, terrorist-fist bumping Muslim magic Republican.

When an "English only" measure gets defeated in Nashville, TN, it's time to wake up!

And socialist...dont forget socialist.

Repeat, Socialist.

rikyrah: CAPTION:

SASHA: Isn't that the "FORMER President?" Yeah! I see you!

MALIA: Ima look straight ahead, BUT I'm FROWNING at him!!

FIRST LADY: **smoothing out her gloves*** Oh, I need him to say one cross word to my boo! [RESPECTFULLY!]

I think it's this time for these large national banks. They should be closed. Ken Lewis(BAC) and John Thain(MER) are the just more proof. Who do they think they are; the Clintons. Rewarding incompetence and then thumbing your nose at your saviour is just ridiculous.
http://www.ritholtz.com/blog/2009/01/time-to-ge...

Robert, what do you think about the government creating "bad banks" as a solution?

At plain face value it is a good idea. What I fear is that at sometime these bad assets will improve in value and be bought from the federal government at a loss to the taxpayer and a gain to the private buyers(For example someone at Merrill Lynch knows what is in every mortgage backed bond they issued. That person will be trying to buy the bonds if the underlying mortgages are where there was the least deterioration in the value of homes and people did not default on their mortgages in aggregate. The cheaper they can buy them the more money they will make). What follows is a brief idea of the challenges. The solutions emphasize taxpayer protection.

The idea behind bad banks is that the Federal government would buy the bad assets of the banks. This was the original idea of TARP. What no one wanted to deal w/ is that any pricing mechanism was going to price them close to worthless. Those prices meant that the bank would be insolvent because those assets count as capital on the balance sheet. At this point with governments around the world dealing w/ the same problem it is just time to liquidate any insolvent bank and financial institution.

In this process the FDIC deposits and good loans would be put into existing good banks, fires the old management and the government keeps the remainder. This is where the question of it being a good solution becomes difficult.

The bad assets consist primarily of mortgage backed bonds and credit swap derivatives. The underlying mortgages in each bond consist of what is called tranches. A Tranche is simply a percentage of the bond mortgage assets being of different quality(which is why they are so hard to price). In a straightforward FNM mortgage bond every mortgage is 30 year fixed interest rate, with proof of income and credit history of mortgage holder known, i.e. a known quality. So now that they are on the books how do you price them.

I want to see a reverse dutch auction to price these assets(details here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reverse_auction). Private money not banks or anybody whom needs a guarantee, buys them and gives the federal government money. The risk is transferred to the companies. The government has to be careful in the process not to get low balled and/or allow the buyers to buy only the most solvent bonds(there are ways to prevent this) or they will really own the most toxic(biggest loser)bonds.

The other asset class is credit swap derivatives. What they are is that if you own a bond you could buy insurance for its entire duration that guaranteed you would be paid principal an interest based on changes in the bond issuers status. Banks and financial institutions currently have to put up capital against them or can count it as capital. Many of these were issued regardless of whether or not the issuer owned the underlying bond. My solution is basically declare them all worthless. This has to occur because we the taxpayer have become the payer of the guarantee. If we the taxpayer/federal government own the bonds why are we paying off on the insurance the area.
This will work well with the mortgage backed bonds. We should also immediately stop allowing credit swaps to be issued.

As to corporate bonds I do not know enough law in regards to them. Most of them are good as few non financial corporations have gone out of business. But swaps should no longer allowed to be issued on them.

Mr Geithner in trying to save his nomination(his taxes are a small matter considering no one wants to hold him accountable for his actions as NY FED President during Bush's regime of nonfeasance) has invoked the President's name. "President Obama - backed by the conclusions of a broad range of economists - believes that China is manipulating its currency," Geithner wrote, adding that Obama would "use aggressively all the diplomatic avenues open to him to seek change in China's currency practices."

Now we all know he will speak for the President but economic matters on that level are transmitted by cabinet level officials not FED officials. To me this is more indicative that he lacks political skills. President Obama does not need Fredo. This guy has got to go.

anyone seeing these articles saying barack isnt really closing gitmo or not really changing anything.? lol day 3 and all things are supposed to just shut down overnight. bush didnt start gitmo over night so it wont be shut down overnight. its amazing how patient we were with bush and impatient they are with barack.

Ain't that the truth. The level of maturity in this country is going to have to rise big time.

sdg1844: You got that right! Didn't Mr. PRESIDENT OBAMA tell us to "PUT AWAY 'CHILDISH THINGS'?" I heard him!! :>)

:-)

Lifestyles of the Rich and Bailed Out Video

hmp...the rich and bailed out! LOL!

New People Magazine is an Inauguration Special.

Is the new Jet Magazine out about The Inauguration?

The Jet Magazine Inaugural Special will probably come out in March and they'll probably have Jay-Z and Beyonce on the cover. You know how they do.

Too funny. LMAO! Sad but most like true.

rikyrah: President Obama will SPEAK to BOTH parties about HIS ARR [ECONOMIC PLAN:

Obama's meeting with congressional leaders was scheduled to begin at 9:45. On the invite list: Pelosi, Hoyer, Clyburn, Boehner, Cantor, Reid, Durbin, McConnell, Kyl.
Will the Dems raise their members' concerns about the tax cuts in stimulus package?

Will the GOPers vent to Obama about Dems cutting them out of the process of crafting the bill?
More on stimulus resistance here. FROM: http://www.politico.com/politico44/

It's a little D-layed, so I'll return. :>)


Oh. I thought that there would B more.

Anyhoo, he slammed the former CEO who spent thousands of dollars on "home repairs/UP-GRADES - - -WAAAAAAAAY UP in the "thousands!"

What a FOOL!!

I've been LOVING the conversations on so many blogs about Elizabeth Alexander's poem, "Praise Song for the Day." This is yet one more thing that I can thank Obama for - getting folks to talk about poetry! Mmmm... It does a body good.

Well, you know I had to get in on the act. Check out my new post on "The Inaugural Poem You Haven't Heard" http://tinyurl.com/bpgrqf

claudia_m: Took my "Field Trip{ to your site! VERY NICE!! :>) :>)

Annnnnnd, THANK YOU for bringin' that "POEM" by President Obama. WOW!!

Ima make a COPY!! THANK YOU!! :>)

Sasha: When U leavin?

Malia: I'm not taking a picture of that.

Michelle: Girls lets keep it movin.

ok..that was funny!

LOL! Great caption.

I was just listening to Tom Joyner and the gang bashing Aaron McGruder about comments he made regarding Obama "not being Black." (This is a topic that, I guess, whether we want to recognize it or not, is going to come up again and again over the next few years.) But before we pounce on McGruder, please also take a look at his statement posted on Rich Watson's comics blog: http://www.popcultureshock.com/blogs/mcgruder-r...

It appears that some of his words were oversimplified a bit... and while I don't agree with everything he says, I don't think McGruder comes off as ignorant as the folks on TJMS made him sound. What do y'all think?

I can't dress it up for McGruder.....the whole notion of who is or isn't black based on ancestral roots is ignorant. President Obama is as black as Emmitt Till was, period.

The notion that he isn't black is sickening. He is more black than some of us who call ourselves black. Most blacks in this country have come from a long line of mixed blood due to slavery. His father was a 100% black man. How many of us can say that about our fathers? America and all it's critics need to except the fact he is BLACK. Live with it and Deal with it.

@ Miranda and Lewevelyn: I couldn't agree with you more! And whoa, that Emmitt Till reference really hit me hard... I was only trying to point out that what McGruder actually said in his statement was a little different than what was reported on TJMS.

I mentioned Gwendolyn Brooks' poem, "I am a Black" in another thread, but I hope you don't mind if I post a verse here:

BLACK is an open umbrella
I am Black and A Black forever

I am one of the Blacks

We are Here, we are There.
We occur in Brazil, in Nigeria, Ghana,
in Botswana, Australia, in Haiti, Soweto, in
Grenada, in Cuba, in Panama, Libya, in
England and Italy, France.

We are graces in any places.
I am Black and A Black forever.

Brooks says is so much better than I ever could!

Yeah, I agree. I read his statement and it was definitely not as simple as the way it was discussed by Tom and Sybil, but I can only give him credit for the words, not his intent

claudia: Beautiful post! Thank you. :>)

I don't think he's ignorant at all. He's a very bright person, but that whole who is Black and who isn't argument is old, dead and tired. I mean if we really want to get into percentages, what Negro living in Amerikka is "Black?" Most of us would have our cards pulled.

Thank you sdg1844. Co-signing

lol

Yep.

the fact that blacks are still subjecting other blacks to some racial litmus test is just lame. if being black is about just being descendants of american slaves than we are really isolating ourselves. we are supposed to accept black people of all ancestry, their struggle is no lesser than our own. barack personally identified with african americans and lived his life as such. i mean he wants to be black and is black so why tell him he didnt pass the test? how lame and childish is that

From What About Our Daughters--more on Bob Johnson and his bid for a new BET.
Wow...hope Barack remembers what Bob said and did during the primaries...

http://www.whataboutourdaughters.com/2009/01/bo...

They really have been on this. It's patently absurd that this man would be allowed to once again be allowed to peddle poison.

Ain't he something? Now that a Black Man is President, ole Uncle Bob wants to capitalize. Isn't he the same dude who practically accused The President of being a possible drug hustler/seller? Well what in the hell is Uncle Bob peddling? I'm getting tired of triflin' Negroes tryin' to elevate off the hard work of The President

AMEN, who can ever forget his venom in South Carolina about Barack Obama. Don't expect him on any WH invites.

He got tricked. Good. Serves him right for being a boot licker.

Maybe this is why when everyone else was doing inaugural coverage at the White House, near the White House, on the street by the White House, BET was doing its' inaugural coverage in front of Ben's Chili Bowl and the 106 & Park Studios.

I was very satisfied with TVOne's coverage. I knew it would be far better than anything BET could put together.