Friday Open Thread

27 Mar 2009 Author: rikyrah

When Barack Obama emerged as a possible candidate for president, I asked John Hope how historic it would be if Obama won his party’s nomination. He replied that the historical significance of such a thing was beyond measure. Obama’s nomination, he said, “would counter one of the most dominant narratives of the past 350 years on this continent.” Then he added the thought that it could be even more historically and culturally important “to have that family as the First Family than to have Obama as President.”
—from Walter Dellinger on John Hope Franklin

Good Morning.

TGIF. But, don’t forget JJP.

Drop those links. Engage in debate. Give us trivia and gossip too.

And always, have a peaceful day.

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Miranda
Well see…..people like Malkin know their boundaries…this woman in this story from last summer is their example of what will happen to their asses:
http://realtalkny.uproxx.com/2008/07/topic/topi…
Conserv1
Well, that is your opinion and I will not argue that.
Obama runs the risk of polarizing a sector of the electorate, just as Bush did, without ever intending to.
rorysmomma
As usual you are right. I am going to have to ignore, ignore, ignore!
rorysmomma
Bush never cared about what I thought, nor did he care about my portion of the electorate. Obama is already polarizing because of his race.
Conserv1
Again, Dems are in control. The past is the past and the Dems and the President have promised them a break from the past. But what if they fail to deliver?
Boehner know this better than anyone. The GOP has no choice than to wait for an opportunity to prove themselves worthy of a return to political power.
SDG
That was my jam!
Miranda
Wow – the times, they are a-changing
EVEN AT REGENT…. When TV preacher Pat Robertson created Regent University in Virginia Beach 30 years ago, he had a rather specific idea in mind. He'd show the “elites” a thing or two about education, and offer politically conservative evangelical Christians degrees shaped by a specific worldview — the kind found on his Christian Broadcasting Network. Everyone on the faculty is not only of the same faith, but is required to sign a statement acknowledging the infallibility of the Bible.
For the most part, Robertson has had some success, and his school has trained prominent religious right-style Republicans who served in positions of influence in government, including the Bush White House.
With that in mind, I can't help but find it fascinating that Robertson's Regent University will now, believe it or not, be home to Regent Democrats.
Full Story:
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/archives/indiv…
Shazza
There you go being condescending again-I'm well aware you're white and therefore think you're superior to the Negroes here but you need to knock it off. For a person who claims to run a business you sure have a hell of a lot of free time on your hands.
You're also talking out of both sides of your mouth-you're crying about post-partisanship then saying the Dems are in power therefore they get to ignore the GOP.
Bush never did ANYTHING to be post-partisan, made no effort to be. And I seem to recall him saying 'I'M the decider!' And you have a lot of gall to call President Obama 'smooth talking'-Boehner just exemplifies the used car salesman. It's funny how NOW you want to say 'the past is the past' -yeah, the GOP wants you to forget the past since it was THEIR policies that got us in the mess. As for their waiting to prove themselves worthy-I suggest you hold your breath until that happens.
Conserv1
Of course he is.
Capitalism is not the problem…but rather the nexxus between Washington and business.
'Crony capitalism' that seeks to bestow special favors upon certain industries and attach political strings to government policies is the real scam.
Wealth is not the sole provenance of Wall Street. Look no further than the bloated bank accounts of our politicians and Washington insiders to see that fact.
Current realities dictate that gamblers no longer be shielded from risk. The bigger the gamble, the bigger the loss. Billions of bailout funds were funneled to Goldman Sachs and other, through AIG, at 100%. No losses were incurred but big risks were taken by these firms who hedged on mortgage backed securities and leveraged them to the hilt.
I believe that 'too big too fail' really means that the power and money consolidated in Wall Street is also consolidated in Washington and the 'players' on Wall Street and in the hall of Congress and the administration cannot afford to risk having it shattered and dispersed so that new, more responsible and less corrupt institutions and companies may take their place.
Plantsmantx
Jesus man, what in the hell are you on about? Yeah…ok…the GOP has no choice than to wait for an opportumity….and so forth. Ok, if you say so.
Miranda
See…I read your exchange with our resident wingnut…..why you go and get pulled into that vortex of hell?! Its Friday!! relax, relate, release!!! relax, relate, release!!!
Ahhhhhh……breathe in! breathe out!!
Another one! Deep breath….ahhhhhhh….breathe in! breathe out!!
there ya go……
Let me take you to a place I know you wanna go…its the good life
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD8xQXw7bac
Conserv1
I think that his race is inconsequential to the policies that he seeks to enact.
http://leftistmoon.wordpress.com Wordsmith
Ohhhh…. NOW the past is the past.
Admiral_Komack
I guess he's making a sacrifice by not going to the barber.
Conserv1
Spare me. You have some kind of chip on your shoulder that I will not even try to knock off.
I'm not crying about post-partisanship. Post-partisanship was the great promise that Obama sold to the American people to get elected. If 'smooth-talking' offends you try 'eloquent' on for size.
I never bought into it. I knew if he won that he would have a friendly Congress to write him a blank check.
I know you will continue to make the past an issue but it will longer matter and the President, Congress and the policies and laws they enact will be held up to a referendum in 2010.
http://www.thebottomofheaven.com claudia_m
From the blog Literary Obama – Is Obama Textbook Ready?: The New York Times reports that this fall’s United States history textbooks will include sections on Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential victory.
Lisa M
LOL!
Conserv1
Do you trust Congress with health care after AIG?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPmuGqr_BH8&eurl…
BTx
Glad conservatives are pissed! Considering the record of conservatism in this country over the last 30 years…
I'd be worried if they weren't.
The bottom line is – conservatism failed.
With that, I'm not going to sit here and say that everything Obama has proposed is going to come up Roses. The conservatives, since Raygun have systematically f'ed the country to the point, it may take 20 years to straighten it out.
Indeed, conservatives have f'ed the country to the point, the concept of American Hegemony as the world's preeminent superpower is seriously in jeopardy for the first time.
Starting with Raygun, conservatism f'ed the banking system. The S&L debacle.
Raygun f'ed the airline system. Used to be a day trip to fly from DC to Dallas and back, Now you need to count on two day, and possibly 3 – and that's if your carrier doesn't go out of business, leaving you stranded in the terminal for a week.
Then we had Neut's “Contract on America”, the most diaphanous crock of perverse bullshit since Mississippi's secession proclamation tried to grab the rather dubious high ground that they were seceeding because of the evil North violating their rights to own slaves.
The Government shutdown of 1996 – when America got to see that those “evil gub'ment barstids” were actually our friends and neighbors who did things like keeping the Parks and roads open, and making sure clean drinking water showed up in our taps every day…
Opposition and killing the Terrorism Act of 1996 – which specifically was proposed to go after international terrorist groups like Al Quaeda – BEFORE they blew up the towers in NYC.
The repeal of Glass-Steagal in 1999, replace by the Gramm/idiot/idiot Act, setting the stage for the biggest financial meltdown since Rome burned.
I can go on…and on… and on…
But the pitiful fact is, not once since 1994 – has the conservative mjority sponsored or enacted a single bill that in any way improved the welfare or being of the American Public (unless you're a multimillionaire) – and not a single program sponsored by conservatives has positively impacted the welfare of the Middle class…
Unless you want to count the mass orgasms by Rethugly Wing-Nuts at the thought of impeaching a legally elected President…
For a blow job…
While out nation burned.
So here'sthe deal – the National boat is sinking. Who am I going to trust?
The conservative moron who chopped the hole in the bottom of the boat trying to install oars, creating the leak in the first place…
Or the tow liberal guys with plywood and underwater glue who just jumped over the side to put a patch over the hole.
Nothing like being in the middle of the ocean on a sinking boat with no land in sight to focus the mind…
Indeed.
carolinagirl
She wakes up early every morning
Just to do her hair now
Because she cares yeah
Her day oh wouldn't be right
Without her make up
She's never had a make up
She's just like you and me
But she's homeless, she's homeless
As she stands there singing for money.
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
In my sleep I see her begging
Preaching please
Although her body is not mine
I ask now why God why
She's just like you and me
But she's homeless, she's homeless
As she stands there singing for money
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
She's just like you and me
As she stands there singing for money
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
Ooh
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
La da dee la dee da
http://www.thebottomofheaven.com claudia_m
LOL! They are going to have to add an Obama category now.
GreenLadyHere
rikyrah: MARCH 27, 2009, -DAY 67- Of His FIRST 100 DAYS! :>)
1. <ahref=”http://www.politico.com/singletitlevideo.html?bcpid=1155201977&bctid=17808867001″>Obama delivers remarks at Attorney General Eric Holder’s installation. VIDEO
2. REMARKS ON AFGHANISTAN:
EARLIER: Obama speaking now — acknowledges troops, Petraeus (“We appreciate him”), Karl Eikenberry (9:41 a.m.)
News: “Today I am announcing a comprehensive new strategy for Afghanistan AND Pakistan.” (emphasis added) (9:41 a.m.)
Obama: “Now I’d like to speak clearly and candidly to the American people. The situation is increasingly perilous.” (9:42 a.m.)
On notice: “The future of Afghanistan is inextricably linked to the future of its neighbor, Pakistan.” Calls region “the most dangerous place in the world.” (9:43 a.m.)
The mission: “I want the American people to understand that we have a clear and focused goal: to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda in Pakistan and Afghanistan.” (9:45 a.m.)
In advance of his Europe trip, where he will meet with U.S. allies, Obama makes clear that the Afghanistan effort will require international support. (9:47 a.m.)
Trying to win support for his efforts in Pakistan, Obama says to Pakistanis that al Qaeda is “a cancer that risks killing Pakistan from within.” (9:48 a.m.)
“I am calling upon Congress to pass a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by John Kerry and Richard Lugar that authorizes $1.5 billion in direct support to the Pakistani people every year over the next five years – resources that will build schools, roads, and hospitals, and strengthen Pakistan’s democracy.” (9:50 a.m.)
Of the aid to Pakistan at a time of billions and billions in stimulus and bank bailouts, Obama explains: “This is a down payment on our own future.” (9:52 a.m.)
“We will shift the emphasis of our mission to training and increasing the size of Afghan security forces,” Obama said.
That is “how we will ultimately be able to bring our troops home,” he said. Later this spring, the U.S. will deploy another 4,000 American troops to train the Afghan Army and police. (9:54 a.m.) From: http://www.politico.com/politico44/wbarchive/wh…
+ AP REPORTS: Former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus will be Obama's secretary of the navy. (12:02 p.m.)
3. Bankers arrive – Blankfein, Chenault, Lewis at W.H.
Spotted walking up the W.H. driveway in navy suits: Ken Lewis, Bank of America, Lloyd Blankfein of Goldman …
… Sachs, and Ken Chenault of Amex and Ed Yingling.
They're here to meet with POTUS and all wearing appointment passes around their necks.
+ You're invited – CEOs on the guest list
The White House has released a list of executives meeting with Obama today:
- Jamie Dimon, JP Morgan Chase …
- Ken Chenault, American Express
- John Koskinen, Freddie Mac
- Ronald Logue, State Street
- Robert Kelly, BONY-Mellon
- Rick Waddell, Northern Trust
- James Rohr, PNC
- Lloyd Blankfein, Goldman
- John Mack, Morgan Stanley
- Vikram Pandit, Citi
- John Stumpf, Wells Fargo
- Cam Fine, Independent Community Bankers
- Edward Yingling, ABA
- Richard Davis, US Bank
- Ken Lewis, Bank of America
4. Afghan War To Get More US Troops: Sources
President Barack Obama on Friday ordered 4,000 more military troops into Afghanistan, vowing to “disrupt, dismantle and defeat” the terrorist al-Qaida network in Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan.
In a war that still has no end in sight, Obama said the fresh infusion of U.S. forces is designed to bolster the Afghan army and turn up the heat on terrorists that he said are plotting new attacks against Americans. The plan takes aim at terrorist havens in Pakistan and challenges the government there and in Afghanistan to show more results.
Obama called the situation in the region “increasingly perilous” more than seven years after the Taliban was removed from power in Afghanistan.
“If the Afghanistan government falls to the Taliban or allows al-Qaida to go unchallenged,” Obama said, “that country will again be a base for terrorists.”
He announced the troop deployment, as well as plans to send hundreds of additional civilians to Afghanistan, with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and top intelligence and national security figures at his side. The announcement followed a policy review Obama launched not long after taking the oath of office.
The 4,000 troops come not long after the new administration approved the dispatch of an additional 17,000 forces to the war-weary nation.
5. MARCH 27: U.S. President Barack Obama (C) speaks about Afghanistan and Pakistan as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (R) look on behind him in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on March 27, 2009 in Washington, DC. President Obama announced a new strategy consisting of increasing troops in Afghanistan while boosting aid in Pakistan with the hopes of weakening al-Qaeda.
+ MARCH 27: U.S. President Barack Obama (C) speaks about Afghanistan and Pakistan as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (L) and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (R) look on behind him in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on March 27, 2009 in Washington, DC. President Obama announced a new strategy consisting of increasing troops in Afghanistan while boosting aid in Pakistan with the hopes of weakening al-Qaeda.
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW!! Have a GOOD DAY!! :>)
http://www.thebottomofheaven.com claudia_m
I'm curious. Do you think he/she is being paid to leave comments here? Dozens of posts a day, detailed responses, no amount of name-calling and ignoring seems to discourage participation. Hmm….
spirit_55z
Continued.. Did you notice Wednesday morning after PBO's presser smackdown of Ed Henry, CNN put up this ridiculous poll showing Hillary's popularity was higher than PBO's
CNN's attempt was to get back at PBO, to elevate the powerful white woman in his administration and make him appear weaker……. Lame, lame, lame.
Andrea Mitchell-GreenSpan has a love affair with Hilpatine too. Their attempst at elevating Clinton's power is soooo transparent.
Miranda
Yep
http://www.thebottomofheaven.com claudia_m
I've never really taken advantage of online coupons before, but I think it's about time I start:
From the Consumerist:
Love deal site FatWallet but don't feel like ragpicking through forum post after forum post? If so, check out their new coupon search function which arranges deals and coupons in a very easy-to-read, and Retail-me-not-esque fashion.
http://www.fatwallet.com/coupons.php
GreenLadyHere
carolinagirl: Good mornin'! :>)
Here's what U REQUESTED! :>) :>)
Crystal Waters – Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless) :>)
ENJOY! ***tryin' soma those dance moves*** :>) :>) HA! :>)
allamr18
You guys have to answer something for me, how is it that during the election people were yelling that barack and michelle and everything around them were a bunch of black militants hell bent on destroying the good white america, but now youve got white commentators and politicians talking about taking up arms and pitchforks (like those slave catchers) and retaking our govt is completely fine? This Michelle Bachman lady is at the forefront of this
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/03/bach…
GreenLadyHere
claudia_m: Heeeey! THANK U! :>)
Ima coupon person! :>)
GreenLadyHere
rorysmomma: :>) :>) Thanks. :>)
D-E-E-P B-R-E-A-T-H-S!! :>)
U can do it!! YES U CAN!! :>) :>)
MsKitty
Two words:
white privilege
MsKitty
Definitely take advantage of the online coupons. I've been using them for months and I haven't been to a store yet that doesn't take them.
Also, if you miss picking up the coupons in the Sunday paper this coupon clipping service is a good alternative. The fee they charge is next to nothing and the coupons are in your mailbox within a few days.
RobM
I don not want anyone to lose their home. I want the bankruptcy law changed to have cram downs on primary homes. I do wan these large finanacial insitutions like Citigroup and BAC liquidated. this is what happens to homeowners whom lose:
3/23/2009
Photos That Make the Rude Pundit Want to Down a Handful of Lunesta with a Twelve-Pack of Goose Island Ale:
That's a group of people at a foreclosure auction outside Chicago this weekend.
“With more than 2,500 bidders, over 400 foreclosed homes sold for a total of nearly $21 million…[Up for bidding was] a 3-bedroom Franklin Park home, once valued at nearly $600,000. The bidding on that one started at $29,000.” Foreclosure auction houses are doing stellar business.
Sure, let's talk some more about bonuses because it's helping us all so very much.
// posted by Rude One @ 12:15 PM| DiggIt!| Del.icio.us|
there is nothing sacred about the FI's that they should be kept in business. As Craig Hickman constantly states he does his business w/ his local bank. they have no chance of competing for good loans if every borrower wants to go to Citigroup(C). The borrowers know that C is desperate for business. They also know they will receieve better terms because C will issue the loan knowing that the taxpayer is going to bailout their shareholders and bondholders and C is making the government happy because they are lending. This is pure BS BS BS..
President Obama's plan as outlined by Treasury Sec Geithener is just keeping that sistuation alive. It will be abused as outlined above and as follows.
This morning's radio business news reported on mutual funds that will let you participate in the buying of these toxic mortgage assets if, you have a net worth of $1.25million, can buy in $25,000 increments and are prepared to hold until the mutual company sells. Think about this.
You can win if the assets go up in value. If they go down you have to wait until the government comes in takes the asset back from the mutual fund which will have walked away form the nonrecourse loan but charged the mutual fund holders for the cost of borrowing(the mutual funds share as well). so you have no risk. If you want no risk buy Treasuries but why is the government offering its citizens something they all can't have upside but no downside.
Shazza
I wish you would try to knock a chip off my shoulder! I find you condescending and you seem to revel in getting attention anyway you can. So I'll just spray my 'bitch-be-gone' and POOF!
RobM
It is a damn good idea to buy the crop. I guaratee you we can out bid the Taliban and AQ, put money in the farmers pocket and introduce them to cash crops that survive in the countryside of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
djchefron
You know how stupid your party is?You trot out a budget that was no budget, then you say the real budget will come out on Wednesday.You know what day Wednesday is? April Fools Day.You people are idiots.LOL!!!!
RobM
HEH, HEh, Heh, heh
Lisa M
The grocery stores in my area don't take coupons that are printed from the internet which really sucks since I don't get the local newspaper.
http://leftistmoon.wordpress.com Wordsmith
Or just plain fucking crazy. Michelle Bachman is a loon in her own category.
RobM
Careful with what you say. if you can meet her at the top of the Sears tower you will have thrown her quite a ways. Remember gravity is your friend.
http://leftistmoon.wordpress.com Wordsmith
Better woman than me….
All it takes is seeing the name and I'm off to get a gun permit. Can't stand guns. HOWEVER, I am quite willing to make an exception. ::)))
http://leftistmoon.wordpress.com Wordsmith
Now where are we? Añadir Comentario Que?
Has anyone read the novel 'Edgar Sawtelle?'
Admiral_Komack
Mxyzptlk
GreenLadyHere
rikyrah: I don't know if these RESULTS were posted:
Desiree Rogers Voted Washington's Best-Dressed Woman (SLIDESHOW)
She's only been in Washington for a little over two months, but Chicago transplant Desiree Rogers has already been crowned the District's best-dressed woman by Huffington Post readers. Jill Biden came in a very close second to the White House's Social Secretary while DC's first lady Michelle Fenty followed in third. More pictures of Rogers below.
RESULTS:
2009-03-25-Picture1.png
See the original post and slideshow here.
Whew! That was some FIERCE nail polish! :>) :>)
ENJOY! :>)
hopee
No.
GreenLadyHere
rikyrah: A little levity:
Reggie Love Watch: New Photos Of White House's Hottest (PICTURES)
Is President Obama's 27-year-old personal aide working hard–or hardly working? The man 4,000 of you (out of 15,000 voters in all) declared the White House's hottest employee two weeks ago still seems to be enjoying his job.
See evidence of this below.
Need even more Love? See more photos and video of him here.
Happy Friday!
ENJOY! :>)
GreenLadyHere
spirit: Ima co-sign on this!
I don't know what it will take 2 satisfy A M-G – - short of billary being made “QUEEN!”
AM-G is OBNOXIOUS!!!
GreenLadyHere
rikyrah: CEO's R reporting on their meeting with President Obama:
Constructive; frank, open conversation; we want to help in this economic crisis, etc.
***shrug***
hopee
No, he doesn't need to reach out but he did and what did he get in return? He got a bunch of wingnuts screaming on every station that he's a Socialist who wants to get rid of the dollar, a GOP congresswoman calling for an armed revolution, and daily insults of his wife by Republican a-holes. Although they all voted against the stimulus they returned to their districts to brag about it its effects on their constituents. Republican governors who would rather screw their own citizens than do the right thing just so they can advance their own presidential aspirations. Please stop yelling about post partisanship when your party has been the most disgraceful, racist party, ever. And I'm saying that they are bypassing the Dixie-crats with their racist nonsense in 2009. For eight years you've probably defended everything Bush did and the Republicans in government cheerfully went along as Bush and Co. screwed the country, so forgive me if I interpret your newfound concern for the Constitution, checks and balances, and post-partisanship as utter bullsh*t.
parker404
My god, I'm bawling at the thought of the little kids at my old elementary school cracking open textbooks with our President in them. This is all too much.

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Cheryl Contee aka "Jill Tubman", Baratunde Thurston aka "Jack Turner", rikyrah, Leutisha Stills aka "The Christian Progressive Liberal", B-Serious, Casey Gane-McCalla, Jonathan Pitts-Wiley aka "Marcus Toussaint," Fredric Mitchell, Keith Owens, Anson Asaka, Barbara Moore, Deborah Small, Lisa Coffman, Michael Patton

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