Jack & Jill Politics

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Hardball: Christopher Hitchens vs Ken Blackwelll on the US Being a Christian Nation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ISylK4g6UM

I saw this title...and thought, this is going to be a bloodbath! ...With the spoils going to Hitchens.

and I was right...

Michelle Obama's Down-And-Dirty Gardening Clothes: Working It! (SLIDESHOW)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/09/michel...

Now, this is a look I love. Entirely appropriate...she looks relaxed and happy.

My response to this post over at Brown Man Thinking Hard about the Tea Party movement.

"There are some who will question why this movement is springing up now; where all our voices were under the Bush Administration. That’s a fair question to ask."

Ummm.......you never did answer that, for yourself of course, in your blog. You just kinda moved on.

Because prior to the housing/auto bailouts being passed (that was under Bush, so there's no confusion), I didn't view economics as a national security issue.

Only after that point did I start trying to get smart on the financial crisis and the how/why we got here, and the how to get out of it.

And I'm still learning.

Excellent response D.

I urge everyone to watch this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yREOUxo6Qdc

For me, I was attracted to the Tea Party Movement because I am skeptical of big government and I am concerned about the ever growing size and scope of the federal government.

Runaway spending that will be a burden to my children at a time when they are entering the workforce is a concern as well. The inevitability of higher taxes that are necessary to 'feed the beast' will result in a loss of real GDP and lengthen this recession. Inflation is also a real possibility as the Fed prints money to throw into the black hole that bailouts have become. "Too big too fail' simply means to me that the players in Washington and Wall Street and Main Street want to be shielded from their reckless behavior at the taxpayers expense. From out of the ashes of many failed 'corporate giants' come innovative, efficient and responsible industries and businesses. American capitalism should reward success, not failure.

As a society I feel we are increasingly developing an 'entitlement' mentality that assumes that the government, and not the individual is primarily responsible for our education, as well as our economic and physical well-being. But I also feel that placing too much control in the hands of government would limit our individual freedom.

Take health care for example. Many Democrats approach to health-care legislation is a big bill with universal coverage as the goal, or nothing. And, in fact, they often argue that if universal coverage is not in the offing, then no real progress can be made at all.

But that is not true. A reform built on converting today’s tax preference for job-based coverage into a credit for private insurance owned by individuals would solve the portability problem overnight and reduce the number of uninsured Americans by nearly half.

A universal, refundable tax credit would very nearly cover all Americans with insurance, even as it remained voluntary.

This is a conservative plan, first advance by John McCain and outlined today in the NYT.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/opinion/09pon...

This plan would go a long way toward providing coverage for everyone who wants insurance without making that the goal or building a heavy-handed government agency that would damage the quality of American health-care over time.

Liar, liar pants on fire Conserv1. You aren't protesting because you are ,skeptical of "big government". Bush and Dick were the Kings of big government. They created the largest federal governement in U.S. history. And we wouldn't have to bailout the banks if Bush and Dick had not started a war in Iraq, Afghanistan and on the middle class.

Question for you Conserv1, why should we listen to anything the jokers that created this mess have to say? We are making a new plan Stan. What part of that don't you understand?

D - your take on this "overspending". I understand that you feel that your daughter will begin life $42,000 in the hole but what choice do we have at this time in America?
Before you get started, how exactly did you calculate how much in the hole your kids will be? Specifics please. Seen similar numbers floating around the net and I don't have any idea where that number is coming from.

Back to the conversation. We have to spend in order to help drive the economy. We know that so my question to you -- what are you objecting to? This time we are investing in education, healthcare, the environment and infrastructure all of which in the long term benefits our children. Is it the bail outs of the banks and corporations that you object to? If so, what alternative do you propose at this point?

Given the hand we have been dealt, what exactly should we do to get the economy back on track quickly and effectively to stop companies from being shut down and the increased layoffs (I am aware that layoffs will continue for a time after the economy is somewhat stabilized but . . . you get where I am going with this).

If there are no other solutions at this point, then what is the purpose of having a tea party to discuss something that is out of our control? It has been recognized by most Americans and the President himself that we can't continue on the path we were on. So we talk about regulations, balancing the budget, etc.

What exactly is the purpose of "tea parties" at a time when we are facing the financial issues of today? What alternative do we have at this point?

One more thing - what's up with classifying JJP as a Partisan Blog?

That number came from the Bloomberg article I linked to.

Far as the bailouts go, my objection has been that we're helping out companies that either engaged in irresponsible practices or have failed business models, or we're helping out people who, in some cases, acted irresponsibly themselves. I recognize that there's some people who got caught up in things beyond their control, and I have no problem helping them. But I'm not one for rewarding irresponsible behavior.

Far as the stimulus goes, my objection is that we're not being honest with what we're trying to do. If the goal is long term investment, that's fine...but let's call it what it is. Don't tell me that revamping health care will help fix the economy now...because it won't (at least not immediately).

I understand we have to spend money...my concerns are the what and how of what we're spending.

We do have to spend in order to help drive the economy. But why not put the money back into the hands of those who earn it, and have them spend it ways that they feel is best for their individual circumstances? Business need capital to grow and expand, families need to keep more of the money they earn order to provide for their families. Investors need capital to invest in entrepreneurs and emerging industries to bring innovation and competition to the free market.

There should be a balance, but the balance should favor the individual and the private sector.

As with individual civil liberties, the economic liberty of the individual should be protected by the government.

The Tea Parties to some degree seek to address this debate.

How much spending is too much spending? How much should the government interfere and control the private sector? Should the government be involved in choosing economic winners and losers?

These are question individuals across the political spectrum are asking themselves, and those who say, 'this is too much!" they are choosing to protest.

The political party or individual politicians that choose to address these concerns will have an opportunity to drive the debate and develop policies that limits the role of the government in a way that 'promotes the general welfare' of its people without creating a collectivist approach that hampers individual liberty.

Check out this article for a conservative approach to healthcare reform:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/opinion/09pon...

Tea Party Movement? Is that what you're calling it?

Lipton and Nestea should be really pissed off.

Stop it. Just stop it!

;)

lolol don't get me started on "that" Booky. lol

Val, D. and company aren't protesting about "over spending their children into $42,000 worth of debt". They are protesting because they couldn't figure out a way to steal the election. They are protesting PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA.

The Field Negro Nails It;
http://field-negro.blogspot.com/2009/04/why-sho...

wish them luck, I really do. I hope they get a million people out there on April 15th to stick it to the man. I guess they will be flooding public parks and driving on public roads to get there. Not to mention all those public officials who will be out in force to protect them and make sure that everything goes as planned. I guess Rupert, Rush, Glen and Sean, are going to write checks to cover the costs of all that stuff. Oh wait, they can't do that, they are conservatives, they are supposed to keep their money. Whoops, looks like our tax dollars will be paying for that as well.

Overspending my foot. They weren't talking about over spending when Bush spent like a drunk frat boy.

I think the protests against PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA are scheduled for late May.

Different group of people though.

Something tells me that you wouldn't be interested in the fact that we here in Virginia have had to raise money ourselves to pay for permits, staging, police presence, etc....wouldn't do much for your narrative, now would it?

Come see what we're about...then form your opinion.

You had to raise money to pay for permits, staging, police presence etc? You mean Sean, Rush, Drudge and Faux News wouldn't spring for the permits, staging police presence etc? Bummer.

Suprising, huh?

Sorry for whoever lied to you.

So the timing is just a big ole coincidence...because there was no need to a tea party in 2004? 2005? 2006? 2007?

Because I was somewhat preoccupied...what would've been the purpose in 2004-06?

Sorry for whoever punk'd you. Sean, Rush, Drudge and Faux News geeked y'all up and have you out here raising money to fund their idea. They have enough money to pay for permits, staging police presence etc. for y'all to dump perfectly good Tea in the water so they can keep their money. They are laughing all the way to the bank. Don't feel sorry for me Son.

Actually, none of the people you named had anything to do with this movement's beginnings.

We could discuss that, if you'd like.

But since I know you're not interested in that, my invite to you stands. :)

There's concern that Obama's Dept. of Justice may be worse than Bush's on the issue of warrentless wiretapping.

In Warrantless Wiretapping Case, Obama DOJ's New Arguments Are Worse Than Bush's
Story here: http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2009/04/obama-doj-...

Okay, I clicked under Greenwald's piece at Salon which provided the legal document

The governement's argument:

Congress has not waived sovereign immunity for Plaintiff's statutory claims and

Congress has expressly preserved sovereign immunity for Plaintiff's Wiretap Act and EPCA claims and

Congress has expressly barred suits against the United States for damage and equitable relief based on allegations of the WiretapAct and ECPA


So the question for legal heads......if Congress expressly approved these statures...then isn't it in Congress where we need to rescind or repeal these acts....is the DOJ allowed to override what Congress has passed....I am by no means a legal expert?

omfg - from the link: "Sad as that is, it's the Department Of Justice's second argument that is the most pernicious. The DOJ claims that the U.S. Government is completely immune from litigation for illegal spying — that the Government can never be sued for surveillance that violates federal privacy statutes.

This is a radical assertion that is utterly unprecedented. No one — not the White House, not the Justice Department, not any member of Congress, and not the Bush Administration — has ever interpreted the law this way."

Hold up there mon-dieu-ishmael, this is the Bush mis administrations assertion. And I agree with Monie, the link provided doesn't offer any concrete information from indepedent, creditable sources. Instead of jumping to conclusions and depending on what the White Wing media itelling us what they want us to know about this I'm going to wait and hear what President Obama has to say. I would like to thank you though for making me aware of the White Wing media spin and thanks to Monie for putting this in perspective;

This is a radical assertion that is utterly unprecedented. No one — not the White House, not the Justice Department, not any member of Congress, and not the Bush Administration — has ever interpreted the law this way."

Disregard my previous post regarding this matter. I'm going to wait and hear from the source. The spin is in.

From Monie's post: " Congress has not waived sovereign immunity for Plaintiff's statutory claims" ? does this mean congress has to pass a law allowing the government to be sued? and since it did not pass this law that the DOJ cannot be
sued for illegal wiretaps? got me stumped
Call in the constitutional lawyers.
mon-dieu-ishmael just posted from the link as far as I can tell and that link implies
that this is a new DOJ argument.

When visiting this site i was hoping to find links to documents and recorded data detailing what the Obama DOJ has said thus far.....unfortunately every link leads to another link on this same site and not independent sources.

Concrete sources or legal findings would be helpful.

Ain't this a dip? I voted for change I can believe in, not things being worse than before.

ELECTRONIC VOTING

Implementation plan for voting system requirements set
By William Jackson

Apr 07, 2009

The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) expects to finish up work on a revised set of voluntary guidelines for voting systems later this year, setting the stage for a complete rewrite of the guidelines expected to be completed in 2011.

The Voluntary Voting System Guidelines (VVSG) are a set of standards created by the EAC for use by states in certifying voting equipment. Since elections are administered by the states rather than the federal government the EAC guidelines are voluntary, but a majority of states require compliance with some version of them for their voting systems.

The current generation of guidelines is the 2005 VVSG. The EAC’s Technical Guidelines Development Committee, along with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), has been working on a major rewrite of these guidelines for the last year. They are referred to as the Next Iteration. NIST also is developing a suite of standard tests for the Next Iteration guidelines that would replace the current proprietary tests now used by accredited laboratories to test voting equipment.

http://gcn.com/Articles/2009/04/07/voting-syste...

States wrestle with stimulus funding
Some states have difficulty managing the influx of money

By Alice Lipowicz
Apr 03, 2009
States don’t have the money to manage the money they’re supposed to be managing.


And that is worrying state officials around the country. They know the Obama administration will provide intense oversight of their use of stimulus dollars, and call them on the carpet if they can’t account for how they spend the money. At the same time, the administration is pushing the stimulus money out the door as quickly as possible, adding extra pressure to the states.


Case study: Pennsylvania's recovery act Web site
States need to build Web sites to show how they're spending federal stimulus money. Pennsylvania is one state that has already done so at: http://www.recovery.pa.gov/portal/server.pt/com....

Special features:

Statewide county-by-county map with links to transportation projects.
Web links to state agencies that distribute stimulus dollars.
Bar chart that shows total stimulus dollars and their categories, such as health and transportation, coming to Pennsylvania.
Web form to provide feedback to governor’s office.
Regularly updated news releases on stimulus dollars coming to Pennsylvania.

President Barack Obama’s vision of unprecedented transparency in tracking the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's $787 billion has wide appeal. But state officials aren't sure how much reporting is realistic.


http://fcw.com/Articles/2009/04/06/States-and-s...
************************************************************************************
From a consulting perspective - I see this as a great opportunity for small business contractors to provide, data reporting, administrative support, accounting and even compliance services.

Absolutely. For people being laid off in those very areas, this may be a VERY good opportunity.

Obama On Pirates: Declines To Answer Question

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/09/obama-...

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama has declined to answer a question about the hostage situation off the coast of Somalia.

The president was asked about the incident as he met with U.S. homeowners about refinancing mortgages. At the close of a Roosevelt Room event, the president was asked by a reporter if he were concerned about the piracy incident.

Obama responded: "Guys, we're talking about housing right now."

Reporters were then ushered out of the room as they usually are after such events.

Obama has yet to comment publicly on the incident.



**Sigh** These __________ never give up! They want to make something of it. SMH!

You know the pirates are Somalians? /snark

I take it as 'we're working on something; leave me the fuck alone about it."

Was the question asked by Ed Henry? If so, guess he hasn't had enough!

yeah, trying to get back into Barack's good graces....

Hmmm, does that mean they are autistic...oops, that's right ..only American Somalians have high autistic rates!

Student Editor Wakes To Dead Animals On His Porch After Editorial Criticizes School's Baseball Team

HILLSDALE, Mich - A student editor at the Hillsdale College newspaper found several dead animals on his porch a few days after an editorial critical of the school's baseball team ran in the paper.

The carcasses were discovered early Monday at the off-campus home rented by Beyond section editor John Krudy. The Collegian reports that the bodies of one-and-a-half deer, several large rodents and a black goat had been left on the porch.

A copy of the paper's April 2 sports section -- which included the critical editorial -- was underneath the goat.

The Collegian has published an apology, calling the editorial a mistake.

Editor-in-Chief Joy Pavelski said Wednesday that Krudy has decided not to press charges. A telephone message seeking comment was left for a Hillsdale College spokesman.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/08/john-k...

Pure evil. Such sick and twisted people!

This part really trips me out:
"The Collegian has published an apology, calling the editorial a mistake."

So they are sorry they printed an editorial about the baseball team.....after dead animals get left on the editor's porch with a copy of it underneath the carcasses.

Imagine if this had happened at Southern or Grambling.

The Collegian has published an apology, calling the editorial a mistake."


Did some rich parent become offended by the article?

Sick act.

And the newspaper apologizes....for what? Am I missing something?

Now I want the FBI to get on the scene...find these animal killers....administer justice a la Michael Vick...and PETA better hold a news conference by tomorrow.

OMG.......the Detroit Free Press had additional info:

"Intestines had been draped on the posts like strings of Christmas lights, in what the newspaper's editors said apparently was a response to an editorial by the paper criticizing the school's baseball team."

http://www.freep.com/article/20090409/NEWS06/90...

Damn right. I wanna see PETA on this quick!

Don't hold your breath.

rikyrah: APRIL 9, 2009 -DAY 79- Of His FIRST 100 DAYS! :>)

+ FROM OBAMA'S REMARKS AT THIS MORNING'S HOUSING ROUNDTABLE: "WHAT YOU'VE SEEN NOW IS RATES ARE AS LOW AS THEY'VE BEEN SINCE 1971.ALEXANDER BURNS | 04/09/09 12:14 PM] VIDEO

From Obama's remarks at this morning's housing roundtable: "What you've seen now is rates are as low as they've been since 1971.Three-quarters of the American people get their mortgages through a Fannie Mae-Freddie Mac qualified loan. And as a consequence of us being able to reduce the interest rates that are available, we have now seen some extraordinary jumps in the rate of mortgage refinancings...

"[T]ake advantage of MakingHomeAffordable.gov and that will allow you to figure out exactly how to proceed on this in a way that's making you money, saving you money, as opposed to costing you money."

+ Obama, Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki make an announcement highlighting a plan to improve the health care system for America's veterans. WAITIN' 4 the VIDEO.

HERE IT IS! :>)

+ Pres. Obama Remarks on Veterans Health Care

President Obama was joined by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric Shinseki in the Old Executive Office Building as he made an announcement of a plan to improve the health care system for America's veterans.
Washington, DC : 15 min.


+ Michelle Obama hosts an event at the White House Kitchen Garden. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and students from Bancroft Elementary join her.

WAITIN' 4 the VIDEO.

+ Obama sets up formal office for healthcare reform

President Barack Obama set up an executive office for healthcare reform at the White House on Wednesday, saying the overhaul was one of the biggest priorities for the first year of his presidency.

Obama issued an executive order that says the U.S. healthcare system “suffers from serious and pervasive problems.”

The White House Office of Health Reform (Health Reform Office) will help the executive branch steer “the federal government’s comprehensive effort to improve access to health care, the quality of such care, and the sustainability of the health care system,” the order reads.

It also says the Secretary of Health and Human Services will create an Office of Health Reform to work with the White House office.

Obama has nominated former Clinton administration health official Nancy-Ann DeParle to lead the White House office. His nominee for Health and Human Services secretary is Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

The new office will help ensure that policymakers across the executive branch work toward Obama’s healthcare agenda, the order reads.

U.S. government economists predict that public and private health spending will hit $2.5 trillion this year, taking up a 17.6 percent share of gross domestic product.

Yet studies suggest Americans get poorer care than people in other industrialized countries that have national healthcare plans, and 46 million Americans have no health insurance at all.


LOOKING AHEAD:

+ Immigration push -
Obama planning reform effort

Playbook highlight -- The New York Times reports Obama's planning a big push on immigration.

"Mr. Obama plans to speak publicly about the issue in May, administration officials said, and over the summer he will convene working groups, including lawmakers from both parties and a range of immigration groups, to begin discussing possible legislation for as early as this fall."


REFLECTING ON THIS POIGNANT MOMENT!! :>) :>)

+ A surprise
visit to Iraq, Pt II.

TODAY:

+ U.S. President Barack Obama (L) delivers remarks on improving veterans health care at the White House in Washington April 9, 2009, as Secretary of Defense Robert Gates listens.

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW! HAVE A GOOD DAY! :>)

RE: surprise Iraq visit. - The first shot made the front page of the paper here in Phila.

And I Love LOVE the 7th shot (taken, apparently, from the ceiling!) with everyone taking pictures.

Haven't heard much about these pictures from the Big Talkers in Wingnuttia land, eh?

isonprize: Yaaaaa! :>)

Re: the "Wingnuttia"- - -=Guess they R AIMLESSLY FLOATIN' DOWN - - - the infamous River of DE - NILE!! :>) :>)

TO THEM [the 4-EVA "HATAS": H-E-L-L-O!

1. YOU have a BLACK PRESIDENT!!

2. HE VISITED OUR TROOPS IN IRAQ!

3. I'LL BETCHA that YOU HAVE or KNOW a FRIEND or RELATIVE in IRAQ!

WELLLL - - -HE VISITED THEM [ON YOUR BEHALF 2!!]

NOW - - - -SAY - - "THANK YOU" MR. PRESIDENT!! WE APPRECIATE YOU!!

***shakin' my head - - - -really defiantly!***


P.S. Gotta "bounce" soon. C U'ALL L8R!! :>)

Chicago Tea Party Rejects Steele

National Republican figures have been trying to attach themselves to the growing anti-tax "Tea Party" movement -- with limited success. Requests from politicians to speak at tea party events around the country have been rebuffed. "We're not a function of the Republican party," one Washington, D.C. tea partier told the Huffington Post. He didn't name names, But the Chicago Tea Party organizers have not only rejected a GOP party leader, but made the snub public.

When Republican National Committee chair Michael Steele asked to speak at the event, and organizer Eric Odom posted his response online. In it, he thanked Steele for "finally" reaching out to the grassroots. "Unfortunately, it appears that he has only just decided to reach out after realizing how big the movement has gotten and how much media is now involved," Odom continued. He invited Steele to attend and listen, but not to speak.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/09/chicag...

To be seen, but not heard.

Miranda: Providin' a VISUAL :>) :>)

Is Conserv1 like the Elizabeth Hasselbeck of Jack & Jill ? If so cool ;)

Oh noess!!!!! Thats it, Conserv1 is Elizabeth Hasselback!!!!!

hahahahaha

rikyrah: Another OFF TOPIC: SAD NEWS.

Nick Adenhart, Angels Pitcher, Killed In Car Accident

TMZ reports that 22-year-old Los Angeles Angels rookie pitcher Nick Adenhart was killed in a hit-and-run car accident early Thursday morning — just hours after pitching six shutout innings against the Oakland A's:

Cops say someone driving a minivan blew through a red light and hit the Mitsubishi that Adenhart was riding in. Three people were killed in the crash, including Nick.


Cops say the person driving the van fled the scene -- but was later caught and charged with felony hit-and-run.


We're told one of the other men killed in the crash was also affiliated with the Angels organization.

The AP's story on Wednesday's game — in which the A's beat the Angels 6-4 — notes that it was Adenhart's fourth major league start:

Angels rookie Nick Adenhart scattered seven hits over six scoreless innings and escaped a pair of bases-loaded jams. He struck out five and walked three in his fourth major league start.

Adenhart was born in Silver Springs, Maryland on August 24, 1986. The right-handed pitcher graduated from Williamsport High School in Maryland and made his major league debut on May 1, 2008.

HEAD BOW - - -GOD BLESS THE FAMILY.

REST IN PEACE

Prayers to the family

MsKitty: Amen.

So tragic!


May the Spirit of God embrace and comfort the family.

In Jesus Name.

Justice58: Amen.

prayers to the family.

Val: Amen.

Useful Idiots Caucus
by Peter Kirsanow

"The awestruck members of the Congressional Black Caucus who lavished praise and gratitude upon Fidel Castro after meeting with the former dictator are either profoundly ignorant or indifferent to evil — perhaps both.

Since they identify themselves as members of a race-specific caucus, one would expect that they might be interested in whether there might be a few racial disparities in Cuba. It doesn't appear, however, that they troubled themselves to find out.

Next time they visit the island gulag, they might notice the contrast between the number of blacks in positions of political power and the number of blacks confined in Castro's political prisons. Should they need any explanation for the contrast, they should consider consulting Oscar Elías Biscet, the heroic black physician and winner of the 2007 Presidential Medal of Freedom who has been rotting in one of Castro's dungeons because of his tireless advocacy for basic freedoms for all Cubans.

The members of the CBC who made the trip will be recorded as yet another embarrassing historical footnote in Castro's 50-year campaign to dupe America. Disgraceful."

Yeah, like all of a sudden, this Peter Kirsanow, gives a damn about blacks in Cuba.

GTHOH with that....

Thank You!

I mentioned yesterday....Andrea Mitchell did not like the report given from Barbara Lee about Castro. They wanted to hear something evil, a monster revealed. When that didn't happen, reports like this emerge!

And yet we Americans are so righteous about all human rights violations and rail against the Communist throngs....that we choose to borrow billions upon billions from the People's Republic of China, a communist regime who is also at the center of severe restrictions of it citizens' freedoms regarding religion, press, even reproductive rights.

We self-righteous Americans are so incensed at Communism( cause you know that's a bad word) and China as a prime example, that every time we walk in a store in the good ol USA, over half of the merchandise, maybe even as high as 75% of our goods say "Made in China"......we really know how to take a stand against a Communist and nuclear-armed human rights violator.

Oh, and btw, when was the last time we suspected someone of being a Cuban spy....let me know.

you said it Monie!

Or worse yet, how this country has treated Haitians. Ooohh, yeah, we really have fuman rights in mind when money or pride is involved.

Yeah. riiiight.

Whatever...

"Next time they visit the island gulag, they might notice the contrast between the number of blacks in positions of political power and the number of blacks confined in Castro's political prisons."

Why would they need to leave US Soil to see that?

ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!!

$400 for Blacks in Prison, Alex.

They wouldn't, which makes Kirsanow a hypocrite

Their hypocrisy really has no bounds does it?

No, it doesn't, and here's proof:

"If there's a future terrorist attack in America ''and they come from the same ethnic group that attacked the World Trade Center, you can forget about civil rights,'' commission member Peter Kirsanow said."

"Kirsanow argued that Arab and Muslim Americans should accept the country's new antiterrorism laws and complain less about infringements upon their civil rights."

This guy is a fool.

Yes, indeed. And this fool is still on the Civil Rights Commission, along with Abigail Thernstrom...uh...Mr. President?

Maybe they should have identify themselves as ditto heads instead. I bet if they had you'd be posting how great that Rush followers are reaching out to Castro.

If you're interested in health-care reform, and particularly in alternatives to the leading liberal proposals check out this article:

The Misguided Quest for Universal Coverage
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/opinion/09pon...

rikyrah: OFF TOPIC: - - - SAD NEWS!

Marvin Webster, Ex-NBA Star, Found Dead In Hotel

Marvin Webster, a fierce shot-blocking center who helped lead the Seattle SuperSonics to the 1978 NBA finals, was found dead in a hotel bathtub in Tulsa, Okla. He was 56.

His body was discovered in his room Monday morning in the downtown Ambassador Hotel, police said Wednesday.

Foul play is not suspected and the death apparently stemmed from an illness, police spokesman Jason Willingham said. He added that the former 7-foot-1 center had been living at the hotel and employees grew concerned after not seeing him for several days.

The medical examiner office said the cause of death has not been determined. W. Charles Bennett, Webster's former agent and current financial adviser, said Webster's death was related to coronary artery disease.

Known as "The Human Eraser," Webster spent nine seasons in the NBA. He averaged 16.1 points during the SuperSonics' playoff run in 1978. He signed with the Knicks the following season and played six years in New York.

Detroit Pistons assistant coach Darrell Walker played with Webster in New York during his first two NBA seasons.

"That second unit we had when I was here, it was myself, Trent Tucker, Louis Orr, Ernie Grunfeld and Marvin Webster was our center on that second unit," Walker said before the Pistons faced the Knicks. "The second unit, we'd press and trap, and Marvin was back there erasing it. He was a great shot blocker, one of the best shot blockers of all time."

After playing 333 consecutive games, Webster missed the next two seasons because of hepatitis before making a failed comeback with Milwaukee during the 1986-87 season. He played in 15 games as a Bucks reserve before retiring.

"Anybody who knew Marvin personally would tell you he was a wonderful man. A jolly giant of a guy," Bennett told The Associated Press from Albuquerque, N.M.

Bennett said Webster was somewhat reclusive and was always "trying to find a place of serenity and peace." He remembered Webster as an avid reader who was deeply religious and enjoyed traveling.

Bennett said the hepatitis caused a toxic imbalance, and Webster had sought alternative treatment in Oklahoma. He liked the area and returned to visit for much of the past year.

For his career, Webster averaged 7.1 points and 7.0 rebounds. He played in college at Morgan State and his first pro season was with Denver of the ABA in 1975. He also played with the Nuggets after they joined the NBA the following year.

His best statistical year came with Seattle, when he averaged 14 points and finished ninth in the NBA with 12.6 rebounds and 1.9 blocks a game. The Sonics lost the finals to Washington in seven games that year, one season before winning their only NBA title.

His son, Marvin Webster Jr., played college basketball at Temple but died during his sophomore year at 18 after a heart attack.

HEAD BOW - - - GOD BLESS THE FAMILY

REST IN PEACE.

He was one of my favorite players back in the day. RIP

MsKitty: Thank U 4 respondin'. Sorry. Have some good memories.

God Bless.

Hey JJP. I know the tendency is not to help out the repubs but what if we have a blog post dedicated to discussing what the GOP should do to get their party back on track. We could have a serious discussion and debate.
*******************************************************************************************
Per Conserve1 -
There is no viable alternative budget. That is a red herring. The Dems are in control and the onus is on them to put together a responsible budget. The GOP has been relegated to the role of loyal opposition yet you want them to assume leadership roles to which they are not elected so that you can tear down and criticize a proposal that cannot and will not come to fruition while Dems are in power.

The GOP was riding high when Bush and the Congressional majority swept into town, yet after two years of reckless and wasteful spending the GOP majority was out.

****************************************************************************************

Should we have a real conversation on this? I am asking because of folks like D a republican who I respect. We disagree on some things but agree on others. I have conservative views but looking at the GOP is not an option for me or my family based on how they operate today. What if we were to discuss root cause and provide some real discussions/suggestions for solutions I think this could be a valuable discussion here on JJP. Certainly different. Think about it.

I think it could be useful and important debate. The GOP has lost it's way for many, and has never been a viable option for most people of color.

I think that you would need to look at what the party can offer you, and your family, as individuals first and foremost.

I think it would be great to start by discussing the issues on which you describe as your 'conservative views' and take it from there.

I think this is a great idea.

I know there are a number of people who are younger (I'll say under 30) and I'd really like to hear their thoughts.

I'm always up for a discussion on why Black folks should be willing to entertain other political offers for opportunity. The problem I routinely run into, is that Republicans seldom make an *offer*; rather they usually try to convince me that the Democratic Party takes me for granted; exploits me; etc. etc. But when I mention that I'm *not* a Democrat, then the conversation bounces to something irrelevant before it conveniently trails off for good.

That said, I'm up for the discussion. Just know that it's NOT going to be a the Republican policy on equality in the workforce is better for Black folks because [......] discussion. It's going to be a discussion about some innocuous topic that has nothing to do with Black people, or our interests. So I'd suggest taking 1 issue (something relevant to Black and Brown people) and then someone can make the case why the GOP is better for Blacks and Browns on said issue.

You are so on target Ronnie B...the whole pitch is ...

"let me tell you why the Dems are bad for you...never let me tell what the GOP can do for you"


nothing but hotairandnosubstance

"Just know that it's NOT going to be a the Republican policy on equality in the workforce is better for Black folks because [......] discussion."

I don't expect that at all. You are right that the conversation should be around what the GOP has to offer vs. slamming the Democratic party. We won't get anywhere with that approach. I would like to understand why the republican party would be considered to be a better option for "any one" based on what we have seen to date and then we could drill down into what republicans have to offer any minority group and have that deeper level of conversation.

Clearly I support my President but I think this would be a great political conversation to have on JJP. Certainly different from any I have seen. Not sure if this is an option to be considered by Rikyrah, Jack, etc. but it would be interesting.

I had asked Cheryl for something along that line back in Dec.

If it could be done respectfully, I'd be open to just hearing y'all out.

how gracious of you...

You're getting paid to consult...I want to get paid too, I ain't giving away the goods for free....I'll talk for dollars...just kidding.)

I ain't getting that much....LOL.

btw, I'm moving back to Hampton Roads next month...so I may have to crash and disrupt some Republican events....and I know this gubernatorial race is going to be a mess.

"A mess" doesn't even begin to describe.....

Monie: Best wishes and BLESSINGS on your move. :>)

Thanks GLH!!

I see it as a mutual conversation - minus the 'talking points" Conserv seems to be fond of. Genuine (REAL) conversation to share ideas, address issues and suggestions. Maybe if we pick a date for this to happen, you can reach out to some republicans to participate in this forum as long as it is clear that this is all about.

I think it would make for a great debate and value added conversation.

Aren't 'talking points' sometimes shared values and a common articulation of ideas?

not when it has been debunked.

For sure. Conserv does not even engage in dialogue....just a hitandrun poster..with divergent queries when the truth is peeled off the thin veneer of spin that is constantly posted.

I'd be more interested in listening to what's being said than speaking (unless to correct something blatantly wrong).

yup D. We all have to participate in this dialogue and . . .good point on raising the question on how this will be used and the disclaimer etc. isonprize.

no disrespect meant, but that is not a dialog.

Do you really get paid fo post? How will you use the content?

While all of us are anonymous, I think there should at least be 'disclosure' if the substance of such a discussion is being used for purposes other then posting on JJP.

If you just want to 'listen' how is that an exchange of ideas? And besides, how is it that you are the arbiter of what is blatantly wrong?

We've gone down these roads before, where I've asked what the perception of the GOP among the readers here was. And I've taken those thoughts on as "good to know" information for myself.

I'm not the type of person to throw people under the bus; I wouldn't sic conservative-leaning bloggers on you guys (and girls). I have what I'd call a grudging respect here, and I'd like to keep that.

One of the things I've wanted to write for a while is how the GOP is seen by minorities. I'd like to get the thoughts from their mouths, and at least post them-not with name or any other identifyng information-to our Republican networking site in VA, as a way to show what we as conservatives/Republicans have to overcome before people will even consider voting for us again.

Beyond that, there's no reason for me to use what is said here for any reason besides helping me in my work (no, I don't get paid to post; I'm working with a couple campaigns here in VA on their outreach efforts, in a consultant or volunteer role).

I've said before that before the right can make any serious overtures towards those outside their base, we need to listen to them and learn what the issues and problems that affect them are...because, let's be honest, right now we don't know.

But if there's something you'd like to hear from me as to how you're viewed-or anything else-I'd be glad to share.

Iowa’s Family Values
By STEVEN W. THRASHER
Published: April 8, 2009

IF it weren’t for Iowa, my family may never have existed, and this gay, biracial New Yorker might never have been born.

In 1958, when my mother, who was white, and father, who was black, wanted to get married in Nebraska, it was illegal for them to wed. So they decided to go next door to Iowa, a state that was progressive enough to allow interracial marriage. My mom’s brother tried to have the Nebraska state police bar her from leaving the state so she couldn’t marry my dad, which was only the latest legal indignity she had endured. She had been arrested on my parents’ first date, accused of prostitution. (The conventional thought of the time being: Why else would a white woman be seen with a black man?)

On their wedding day, somehow, my parents made it out of Nebraska without getting arrested again, and were wed in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on March 1, 1958. This was five years before Nebraska would strike down its laws against interracial marriage, and almost a decade before the Supreme Court would outlaw miscegenation laws throughout the country in Loving v. Virginia.

When the good state of Iowa conferred the dignity of civic recognition on my parents’ relationship — a relationship some members of their own families thought was deviant and immoral, that the civil authorities of Nebraska had tried to destroy, and that even some of my mom’s college-educated friends believed would produce children striped like zebras — our family began. And by the time my father died, their interracial marriage was seen just as a marriage, and an admirable 45-year one at that.

That I almost cried last week upon reading that the Iowa Supreme Court overturned the state law banning same-sex marriage will therefore come as no surprise. I’m still struck by one thought: over the years, I’ve met so many gay émigrés who felt it was unsafe to be gay in so-called flyover country and fled for the East and West coasts. But as a gay man, I can’t marry in “liberal” New York, where I’m a resident, or in “liberal” California, where I was born, and very soon I will have that right in “conservative” Iowa.

Of course, the desire to define relational rights and responsibilities with a partner, to have access to the protection that this kind of commitment affords, is rather conservative. But it’s a conservative dream that should be offered to all Americans. Though it takes great courage for gays to marry in a handful of states now, one hopes that someday, throughout the nation, gay marriages, like my parents’ union, will just be seen as marriages.

It’s safe to say that neither the dramas of our family, nor its triumphs, could have been possible without the simultaneously radical and conservative occasion of my parents’ civil marriage in Iowa. And so when the time comes, I hope to be married at the City Hall in Council Bluffs, in the state that not only supports my civil rights now, but which supported my parents’ so many years ago.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/09/opinion/09thr...

Great piece. I posted a comment last week about Iowa striking the ban on Gay marriages, and that I wasn't surprised. Iowa is a lot more progressive than folks give it credit for.

"Midwest" values don't have to compromise moral ethical and basic civil rights of Americans. Afterall, Obama won the Iowa Caucus.

Wonderful testimony. Being born and raised in "liberal" California, I can appreciate some--some of the indignities that the author's parents endured. Being married not quite 30 years later than the author's parents, I and my wife experienced some of the remnants of the harsh indignities associated with marrying interracially. County clerks who wanted to know why we wanted to get married; white grandparents who refused to attend our wedding; and "friends" who disappeared into thin air.

So it's in that respect that I can understand and appreciate the desire for equal protection under the law when it comes to marriage.

rikyrah: PRESIDENT OBAMA is 'bout ta SPEAK on HEALTH CARE 4 VETERANS! :>)

Will Islam Return Obama's 'Respect'?

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123923457420703...

It's not about returning respect it's all about reaching out. No one is going to return respect quickly to America after 8 years of Bush.

D - I rest my case.

"Candidate Obama last fall sent a letter to Condoleezza Rice expressing "my concern about the safety and well-being of Iraq's Christian and other non-Muslim religious minorities." He asked what steps the U.S. was taking to protect "these communities of religious freedom." Candidate Obama said he wanted these groups represented in Iraq's governing institutions. Does President Obama believe these things?"

I have no reason to believe he doesn't believe those things. Will they return his respect ? Hmm, I don't know, but I do know they WON'T return it if he takes a adversarial attitude from the very start, and barges in like a bull in a china shop.

Of course, for the sake of argument, I'm going on the assumption that "they" don't respect him now.

rikyrah: GREAT PIC!! :>)

LIKE MOTHER - - -LIKE DAUGHTER - -- - -CLASSY!! :>)

God Bless THEM!! :>)

Heeey!!

Anyone watching MSNBC?

Who is this fiiine brother Dorian Wright? Democratic strategist?

WRB: Good mornin' ! S-A-W --- H-I-M!! :>)

Apparently he has some history from a few years back. :>)

Cani't find anything on wiki - YET! :>)

He represented! :>)

Good MORNING GLH....!!

Such a lovely visual to have first thing in the morning, lol...goes well with coffee


Yes, he DID and was a sight for soreyes...heheheehe

Looking good, speaking well and just taking it to Ms. Norah...LOVED it!!

I can't find anything on him either.

Doesn't help to have his first name associated with a theatre and his last name with Jeremiah, and it just googles up nothing pertinent.

WRB: SAME HERE! :>)

A free Vick would be an economic stimulus

David Squires | Urban Affairs
April 9, 2009



My family took the occasion of Spring Break to visit the in-laws in Memphis, and lo and behold … people here ask me the same question I get all the time in Hampton Roads:

"When is Michael Vick going home?"

Well, if I knew the answer to that one, I'd be an investment banker — with one heck of a bonus — certainly not a near-starving writer.

But the question brings to the forefront something that has been burning in my mind since early January.

I'm talking about the freeing of Michael Vick.

Wouldn't it be an obvious economic stimulus and provide a financial boost to Hampton Roads, Atlanta and probably a few other locations?

I'm failing to see the logic behind the continued imprisonment of this former $100-million man, born and raised in Newport News.

Why is he still dangling by the ropes of a cruel justice system?

It seems to me that freeing the former Warwick High School, Virginia Tech and Atlanta Falcons quarterback would get a few houses from Virginia to Georgia off foreclosure target lists. It might also end the risk of his kids and other relatives being forced out of their residences and would relieve the pressure of banks that have called in his loans.

I'm no animal lover, but we can all agree that Michael Vick did a terrible thing in his involvement with an illegal dog-fighting enterprise. It was absolutely horrendous that Vick himself participated in the actual beating and killing of pit bulls.

Those points are indefensible in any context. That's something I say all the time. But some of my grass roots friends, the ones who don't worry about being politically correct, "ain't trying to hear all that."

They point out that dogfighting has been around for hundreds of years and is a cultural fixture in Hampton Roads to the point it will never be eradicated. It's underground and undercover, but dogfighting happens in black, white and Hispanic communities all across the region.

To them and others, the biggest failings of Vick and his Bad Newz Kennels crew is that they failed miserably at the 11th Commandment: Thou shall not get caught.

These friends and relatives say — and many others agree — it is unfair to make Vick the poster child for dogfighting, simply because he was a multi-millionaire.

It seems to them that federal, state and now Bankruptcy Court authorities are dangling before the public the big fish Vick, allowing him to marinate, stew and even fry before our very eyes.

What they see is the public flogging of a once-respected human being, and let's be real now, over some dogs.

Vick flies East. Vick flies West. He's made to perform in a lawman shuffle, shucking and jiving in courthouses in Suffolk and Newport News, then flying back to a Kansas prison.

Yes, suh, Mr. Judge. No, suh, Mr. Judge. I sorry, boss Judge suh.

It's overkill. It's a minstrel show.

Who benefits from this? Certainly not People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA for me has become PUTOFF, People for the Uncool Treatment of Former Footballers.

Is it prosecutors? Prison authorities? Vick's lawyers certainly aren't talking. So what's the end game?

He's been cheated on every level by financial "advisers" and others who grinned in his face and told him lies.

I can almost — almost — understand the hot collars of local, state and federal legislators, and even community leaders, who have not stepped in to right this sad injustice.

What a lack of political testosterone.

Just about every other level of criminal gets time served for good behavior. Why can't Michael Vick?

It was several weeks ago that one of Vick's lawyers told a judge that the paperwork to free Vick was being processed.

Did they have to chop down the trees to make the paper?

Some policymakers like to say that the justice system is about rehabilitation, not punishment. Well, I think Vick now gets it. Losing $100 million must be very sobering.

And even if he doesn't get it, the next couple of months would be better spent in a halfway house or in-home monitoring, with a better opportunity to hone his skills for football.

I'm not saying they ought to cut the brother some slack. It's way past time for that.

I'm saying, what most people I run into are saying: The overseers need to free Michael Vick.

Let the man get out and work so he can pay the people he owes. Stop parading him around.

It's time to free Michael Vick.

Now.

This brother has twisted in the wind, way, way too long.

David Squires can be reached at 247-4639, by e-mail at dsquires@dailypress.com or via blog at dailypress.com/urbanblog

http://www.dailypress.com/news/dp-local_squires...

I think what is happening to Michael Vick is a travesty in terms of the miscarriage of justice.

However, God has a plan for Vick, and Vick obviously hasn't been following it. His release is probably being delayed just so he can have the time to think about what he wants to do, what he has learn and how this experience will create new opportunities for him going forward.

See God, puts problems in folks paths because they have not LISTENED to him and to force them to go another way. A person may choose their own journey but God will direct their steps!

We can set goals, objectives, priorititys & dreams we can set it up and scheme it. But God will direct it!!

How does God direct? Problems show up! Problems have a proclivity to change our plans. One of the ways God guides us is by problems. When problems show up you can rejoice because God has something better in mind than what you had planned.

Pain creates change, it is a powerful motivator. There are benefits to problems, they never leave you where they find you!!

You wind up in a whole new direction, different place..you will never be the same when you get through you will not be the same person..your spirit will grow and be refined as God has ordered the steps with his divine purpose and power..to re-direct you in the right way. Problems can swallow you up and spit you out in a whole other different place in your life. It will move you to new relationships and a new job.

So for Vicks problems, when it comes to legal injustice to end all he needs to do is ask God what he was suppose to learn. Cause God's problems are used to inspect us , to check out our character, integrity to find what is really in our hearts. I suspect Vick's lesson is JUDGMENT. Not the dogs...but judgment to discern right from wrong given all his blessings. He should not have jeopardized all his blessings with poor judgment!!

I bet that is why Vick isn't home yet....he needs to sit and think so more and know that God has ordered his steps and learn the character lesson he is being taught...otherwise the same problems will keep showing up.

Michael Vick is a total asshat. I started out viewing him as a tragic figure brought down by hubris and bad company, in part targeted because he was a rich black athlete. But not any more. He is an idiot, a jerk, a total asshat. He got off easy with a plea deal.
He will be out in a couple of months. If a NFL team want to pick him up, well so be it. But Mr Vick is still living in a fanatasy land. His plan for getting out of bankruptcy was to earn $10 million a year from the NFL, keeping $750,000 to live on, and using the rest to pay off his debts. The judge all but laughed at him. Mr Vick still owns at least 4 houses and has millions in assets.

Riigggghhhht Compared to Miz Palin??? What say you about Governor Palin?

BS!!

No way he should have EVER gone to jail about no damn DOGS!!

Folks get deferred sentencing and probation for killing human BEINGS!!

No way he should have been incarcerated for killing ANIMALS!!

I can say right now that whenever Vick returns to the Georgia Dome with whatever new team - that's gonna be one helluva tailgate and it will be the highest rated game of the season. The scalpers will do real well that day.

YES Sirreeeee bob!!

we are going to treat him, just like they do their fallen spoiled entitled whiteboy athletes

Put him back on top of the pedestal and look forward to how he entertains us with his awesome athleticism as we enjoy him at the top of his game...

They stripped ALI too, when he was in his prime earning years, as well.

My favorite pic is of Ali surrounded by all of those great men when he refused to enter the draft. (sigh) - Pro Sports NEEDS a Jim Brown but the whole industry is so polluted it will never happen again.

Miranda,
Would you know why I would have zero points alongside my posts on Vick,.

What is the points things, and why would posts generate zeros.

Both post replies regarding Vick to you and Ishamael have zero points indicated.

Why would that occur.

I was unaware that posts even received points...do you know how that works?

I have no idea...lol...i've seen comments about the points things...but I have NO clue about any of that.

Amen!

how can we miss you if you won't go away?
the closest we can come (w/o actually getting sick) to actually learning about the tea party movement is to read the lefty blogs and their analysis of the underoverwhelmingly huge populist wave that has taken this country by golly storm.

tea parties, for those of you w/real lives and stuff to do in them, are the latest hardly-ever-right wing phenomenae comprised of "protests," showing how much "real americans" are against...well...we're not really sure. we know these parties are heavily promoted by rightist radio (even worse...by faux news tv itself!) and we know a lot of white people (many of them terribly overweight) show up and hold poorly-spelled signs.
Read More
http://xnerg.blogspot.com/2009/04/how-can-we-mi...

Tea parties, tutu's 45 degreed fingers? Hat's with propellers? You all crack me up. Work calls.

lololol Enjoy your day TyrenM

Electric Utilities May Be Vulnerable to Cyberattack
By Ellen Nakashima and R. Jeffrey Smith
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, April 9, 2009; Page A04

The nation's electric utilities have failed to fully survey the vulnerability of their equipment to computer-based attacks from foreign countries and hackers, a government-authorized regulatory group concluded this week. That assessment came as senior U.S. officials renewed warnings that experts from Russia, China and other nations have been trying for years to probe and exploit those vulnerabilities.

The alert by the North American Electric Reliability Corp. on Tuesday came on the same day that a senior military official reported that the Pentagon has spent more than $100 million in the past six months responding to cyberattacks or other network problems. Government officials have long complained that private industry, which controls almost all of the U.S. electrical supply, has taken few measures to defend itself against debilitating attacks.

The Obama administration is nearing completion of a two-month review of cybersecurity policy, which experts said is likely to urge a more robust federal role in setting security standards for utilities and other industries considered vital to the American economy. Democratic lawmakers have also introduced legislation this year supporting the creation of such standards.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...

Roger Ebert Tells Bill O'Reilly Some Truth:
To: Bill O'Reilly
From: Roger Ebert

Dear Bill: Thanks for including the Chicago Sun-Times on your exclusive list of newspapers on your "Hall of Shame." To be in an O'Reilly Hall of Fame would be a cruel blow to any newspaper. It would place us in the favor of a man who turns red and starts screaming when anyone disagrees with him. My grade-school teacher, wise Sister Nathan, would have called in your parents and recommended counseling with Father Hogben.

Yes, the Sun-Times is liberal, having recently endorsed our first Democrat for President since LBJ. We were founded by Marshall Field one week before Pearl Harbor to provide a liberal voice in Chicago to counter the Tribune, which opposed an American war against Hitler. I'm sure you would have sided with the Trib at the time.

I understand you believe one of the Sun-Times misdemeanors was dropping your syndicated column. My editor informs me that "very few" readers complained about the disappearance of your column, adding, "many more complained about Nancy." I know I did. That was the famous Ernie Bushmiller comic strip in which Sluggo explained that "wow" was "mom" spelled upside-down.

Your column ran in our paper while it was owned by the right-wing polemicists Conrad Black (Baron Black of Coldharbour) and David Radler. We dropped it to save a little money after they looted the paper of millions. Now you call for an advertising boycott. It is unusual to observe a journalist cheering for a newspaper to fail. At present the Sun-Times has no bank debt, but labors under the weight of millions of dollars in tax penalties incurred by Lord Black, who is serving an eight-year stretch for mail fraud and obstruction of justice. We also had to pay for his legal expenses.

There is a major difference between Conrad Black and you: Lord Black is a much better writer and thinker, and authored a respected biography about Roosevelt, who we were founded to defend. That newspapers continue to run your column is a mystery to me, since it is composed of knee-jerk frothings and ravings. If I were an editor searching for a conservative, I wouldn't choose a mad dog. My recommendation: The admirable Charles Krauthammer.

Bill, I am concerned that you have been losing touch with reality recently. Did you really say you are more powerful than any politician?

That reminds me of the famous story about Squeaky the Chicago Mouse. It seems that Squeaky was floating on his back along the Chicago River one day. Approaching the Michigan Avenue lift bridge, he called out: Raise the bridge! I have an erection!

LMAO!

BWA HA HA HAHA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BOING!!!!!!!!

From the Black Snob:

ADVERTISEMENT: SAVE A BROTHER (OR SISTER), AND BUY THIS SHIRT
Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 5:00AM

Created just for that special man in your life or that tired black man who hopes irony will get him out of another case of "mistaken identity."

We all know this brother -- he's the one the cops just won't stop pulling over. Let's get the unpleasantness out of the way quickly with this handy tee that let's all know you're just a black person ...

Not necessarily dangerous.

Have you seen the story about the son delayed with dying mom on way to hospital? Stopped by an officer!!

What the hell is going on with these folks? What kind of judgment do you need to not do something so inhumane.

Yes, she did die.

Here - video from the news station

http://www.dvorak.org/blog/2009/03/26/cop-wont-...

This isn't the Ryan Moats story? This is a NEW story?!

Right!!

A 83 year old woman dies while deputy writes a ticket. A son was taking his mom to the hospital when a sheriffs deputy stopped him and refused to let him drive to the hospital that was less than one mile away.

Details? Links? I haven't heard about this story, WRB.

I heard it on MSNBC earlier this morning!

OMG..what city was this? I want to look it up.

Memphis? shelby county

it is just horrendous...she died in the back of his truck!!

http://webcastr.com/videos/underground/woman-di...

Here - video from the news station

http://www.dvorak.org/blog/2009/03/26/cop-wont-...


Now check this video - totally different.... Does it balance out?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/3013638...


(put it above)

What the hell kind of training did THIS cop have?

None and neither did the police chief; "If anything is wrong in judgement". That son couldn't run away if he wanted to. the police are just out of control.

Mrs. Robinson looks good. It seems she has a new hairstyle too. Awesome to see this!

Michelle and her mom look radiant. It's a beautiful snapshot of a loving mother and daughter relationship. Although, Mrs. Robinson looks like Michelle's sister!

Honey, BLACK JUST DONN'T CRACK!

Isn't that the truth! Mrs. Robinson looks damn good. The hair color is perfect! To see them and know they're right there living in the White House is amazing!

Woo Hoo!

Hey y'all... I need to make this a series.....Another Day, another dumb comment from a republican...

From Think Progress:

Texas lawmaker: Asians should change their names to make them 'easier for Americans to deal with.'


On Tuesday, State Rep. Betty Brown (R) caused a firestorm during House testimony on voter identification legislation when she said that Asian-Americans should change their names because they’re too hard to pronounce:

“Rather than everyone here having to learn Chinese — I understand it’s a rather difficult language — do you think that it would behoove you and your citizens to adopt a name that we could deal with more readily here?” Brown said.

Brown later told [Organization of Chinese Americans representative Ramey] Ko: “Can’t you see that this is something that would make it a lot easier for you and the people who are poll workers if you could adopt a name just for identification purposes that’s easier for Americans to deal with?”

Yesterday, Brown continued to resist calls to apologize. Her spokesman said that Democrats “want this to just be about race.”

http://thinkprogress.org/2009/04/09/brown-asian...

I sent this to Margaret Cho's site. If you've never seen her do MOOOLLAAAAN check it out.
The poor kid who does this is going to get stopped by some sheriff who after he looks at his license and sees the name is John Whew is going to have his as kicked 6 ways to Monday.

What? Like Wong, Ling, Ko - are too fucking difficult to spell unlike Wozniack or such?

Oops! Sorry I duplicated the post - let me change mine....but this is so stupid, it probably requires a double take.

As usual the gang over at Wonkette are all over this. LMAO at these comments:

Totally agree. Toby, for example, is so much easier to remember than Kunta Kinte.

Like Seymour Buttz? Ima Hogg? Mike Hunt?

Translation: ‘If you’re Asian and yer name ain’t Bruce Lee, it’s too hard. Start over.’

Yes, it’s hard for Betty to understand names like Phuck Yu.

Yes, it’s hard for Betty to understand names like Phuck Yu.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Alright! Now there's a name! lol

White American arrogance at its finest. And yet we wonder why other countries look at us with the crooked eye.

But sadly, many Asians do just that -- change their names to conform to Eurocentric standards. That's why they're called the "Model Minority". SMH

Native American children used to be forced into Government run schools to be "assimilated." Their hair would be cut and they were dressed in "non traditional" garb and beaten whenever they "slipped" and spoke their own native language or practiced any of their tribal ways. There is history in this kind of "arrogance."

Its a damn shame.

Indians too. Bobby Jindrawl AKA " PIYUSH"

"Texas lawmaker: Asians should change their names to make them 'easier for Americans to deal with.' "

OMG!!!!!

D - you need to talk to these people. Let them know something otherwise, maybe you should look at forming another party. Why is it that you seem to be the only "sane" republican left standing. There has to be more like you but where are they?

(sigh)

seriously D, you need to leave them alone...until they at least get a cleansing with an exorcism from the ignorance/prejudice and other foolishness that plagues the perception of the party.

Here's an idea....let's have a "We need-to-cast-out-our-demons-Exorcism Day-for the sake of the Republican/conservative party" with Bobby Jindal as the Master of Ceremonies and Head Demon Caster /Exorcist-in- Charge.

Some have been allowed to operate without consequence....while the people that the denigrate are afraid to hold them accountable for their stupidity.

Welcome to the modern-day GOP.

**dead** lolol

Now Val, you know It's POC's fault that they have melanin.

"Americans" = ignorant white folks

lol

Spirit, I can't help laughing!

She needs a foot in her ass...maybe then her brain cells will engage.

LOLOL Great analysis Admiral.

Nurse!

Yes?........ You called. ....standback, Jimmy Choos ready.....KICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Girl, not the Choos!

*hands you a pair of steel-toe Timberlands*

rotflmao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOl! Thanks, Sepia!

http://www.shoedeals4u.com/images/shoes/large/8...

Good God, she's pathetic.

It's so asinine that I can hardly comprehend it! Who raised such stupid people?

Saaaaa>>>>lap

*dead*

Stop it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And 9 times out of 10 these are the same folks, who when they travel abroad, complain that no one speaks English.

Idiot.

They're also the same people who blame the parents of people with "black names" when they encounter employment discrimination.

ASSIMILATE, DAMMIT!!!

Oh Gawd!

Saaaaa>>>lap!

David Allen Grier goes on angry rant about getting voted off “Dancing With the Stars”

Tells Judge Carrie Ann she can wrap her lips around his Arse

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/3011584...

Alrighty now!!

WHOA! I watch DWTS and I could tell he was upset both when they critiqued his dance and when he was eliminated, but I had no idea that it was like that. Sounds like there's something else going on behind the scenes.

Sometimes, the judges can be overly bitchy, and it's unfair because these folks aren't professional dancers. Plus, there are favorites and sometimes I think it's rigged. I fully expect the chick who was dumped by The Bachelor to win the whole thing. They seem to favor her, plus it would make for a good story.

BTW, did you know that Carrie Ann was a "Fly Girl" on In Living Color when David was on the show?

ooooooh

she had an ax to grind!!

Past grudges came back to haunt Grier.

This was payback, and THAT accounts for how explicit his rant was.

I didn't watch it last night. I thinkit's rigged too. His dance partner was trying to hold it down and let him verbalize. LOL!

I didn't know Carrie Ann was a "Fly Girl." Ummm......

The Ed Show- Arnie Duncan

“Obama’s Education Plan”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/3011521...

Really Tyra A Booty Judging Booth?: Tyra puts herself out there as a role model to women and yet she is so continually full of fail. Lining women up in a booth and encouraging men to judge their booty's is just sick.

Did anyone happen to catch 'Larry King Live' last night? Michael J. Fox was to be on but the Somali piracy deal altered the programming, and Laura Schlessinger (dr?) was on. I don't like her, and by that I mean I dislike her - not many folks are able to evoke that.

She adamantly refused to comment on Michelle Obama as a mother or as a daughter (that relationship) to Marian Robinson. I think her schtick was 'i don't follow politics.' The woman was on to promote a book about "mothers and daughters" although her own relationship with her mother is fraught with hypocrisy.

Michelle Obama has a beautiful relationship with her mother. Unfortunately, it's not one I have (had) with my own. And - I SO love that dress.

Dr. Laura should be the last one to talk about family values. I guess she thinks we forgot about those nude photos of her that surfaced several years ago.

Another fraud from the right.

Maybe next time Dr. Laura Schlessinger wishes to regale her listeners with a heart-warming story of responsibility, she will think of her mother, if only for the novelty. As most of you know, Dr. Laura's 77-year-old mother was found on the floor of her condo after quietly decomposing into her carpeting for several months, not far from her famous daughter's radio studio.

http://www.bettybowers.com/laura.html

Wow. And she can still look at herself in the mirror? Some folks literally have no shame.

No shame, MsKitty! The gall of her!

None. what. so .ever.

Exactly - I was so livid over this I had to call my daughter and it was LATE too. (Her advice - STOP WATCHING TV!) ;0)

Both of my parents were brutal; my father was especially vicious with my mother. No we did not, and do not have the type of relationship we have with our own kids. Laura Schlessinger is despicable. I didn't understand my mother, true - but I believe in karma, and I wasn't ABOUT to be disrespectful.

My father - one of my sisters and I have guardianship of him. He's well taken care of, much better than he took with us. But I'm old enough now to know (and have been for quite some time) that it's not him, it's about me - and KARMA.

Laura Schlessinger's god might forgive, but KARMA - jus' waiting for her ......

Sowing and Reaping is a law!

Amen!

OMG!

Jesus Christ!

Isn't she the one that didn't know her mother was dead? And mom was dead on the floor for quite some times. She is as qualified to speak on motherhood, as bill clinton is to speak on fidelity.

She was on Hannity I think expousing the value of "traditional" families and stay at home moms. She never outright confirmed that she even followed her own advice. This was confirmed by Hannity and it was ridiculous since I far as I could tell neither one of them was ever a stay at home Mom. It was such an asinine discussion

Yep - EXACTLY! LIKE she didn't - "....she even followed her own advice."

The name of the book is "In Praise of Stay-At-Home Moms" - which is why it pissed me off so. She couldn't begin to give either Marian Robinson or Michelle Obama what was due in relation to caring for Malia and Sasha.

My daughter stays at home with their 3 year-old. Financially - it's tight. I have YET to hear either of the 3 y/o's parent complain about their decision. (Trust me, I'd know). Not to mention 3 sets of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins ......

It just pissed me off like she had insulted my own family, that's what it's about. Yep.

I just don't get these "Christians" but I guess they don't get me either. I try to be a Christlike Christian; accepting, non-judgemental, etc. I just don'ty get it. I am uber suprised when I talk with folks who I really believe are "walking the walk" and they tell me they love O'Reilly or Hannity. But, hey I watch Olbermann and Maddow so we are both totally dumbfounded by one another.

Washington Life
Obama's Call to Winning NCAA Coach
By Michael A. Fletcher

As he jetted home last night from an eight-day trip that included stops in Europe, Turkey and Iraq, President Obama placed a phone call to North Carolina men's basketball coach Roy Williams to congratulate him on his team's victory over Michigan State for the NCAA national championship.

Obama had picked North Carolina to win the crown, repeating his prediction from last year, which was foiled when the Tar Heels lost in a national semifinal game. But the team came through for the president this year in Monday night's championship game.

"The President offered Coach Williams his congratulations and thanked him and his team for vindicating him in front of the entire country," Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement. "The president told him he'd done a great job and asked the coach to tell the players how proud he was of them and that he looked forward to seeing them at the White House soon."

Last month, Obama, a serious basketball fan who is said to have a better-than-average game himself, filled out his bracket for the world to see on ESPN. His Final Four were North Carolina, Memphis, Louisville and Pittsburgh. North Carolina was the only one of the four to survive until the tournament's final weekend. But by winning the championship, the Tar Heels catapulted the president to the top tier of ESPN's hardwood prognosticators: the sports network's website reported that the presidential bracket finished in the top 20 percent of the more than million filled out online.

FCC Developing Plan To Deliver Broadband
Agency Examining How to Improve Access
By Cecilia Kang
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, April 9, 2009; Page A06

The Federal Communications Commission yesterday began mapping out a plan to bring high-speed Internet service to the entire nation, starting with questions on how to increase its availability, improve its quality of service and make it more affordable.

In a meeting yesterday, acting FCC Chairman Michael J. Copps invited comments from the public on the national broadband plan the agency has been ordered by Congress to complete by February 2010. He said the process for creating the plan will be "open, inclusive, out-reaching and data-hungry."

The meeting was largely intended to set the stage for greater debate on contested policies that could be included in the FCC's broadband plan and would likely be spearheaded by President Obama's nominee to lead the agency, Julius Genachowski. The public will be able to submit comments to the agency for the next 60 days and then reply comments will be open for another 30 days.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/ar...

This one is going to be a fight.

The last 8 years we've seen untrammeled consolidation in telecom, killing off the small competitive players. This started under FCC Chair Michael Powell - who never met a mega-merger he couldn't approve.

The strategy that the Mega-corps would drive broadband speed, and access into rural areas has failed. Without substantive competition, the big cable and telecom companies have dragged their feet.

Internet broadband speeds in several foreign countries now average 50 Mbs. Top speeds offered in the US are typically around 15 Mbs.

Just another way the Bushit screwed America.

So the issue is for the past 8 years the FCC Chair deliberately dropped the ball, denying the RURAL areas access to high speed internet, and catered to the corporate elite.

Placing a stranglehold on receiving informataion & communications to folks is a way of keeping them ignorant and uninformed.

"Copps said that, beyond debates on technologies, the FCC would look at coming up with standards for speed and guidelines for what places are most in need of high-speed Internet service.

The agency would also focus on demand issues, such as why more than three times as many people in urban areas are not connecting to high-speed Internet service compared with those in rural areas, he said. "

The Obama administration sure does have its work cut out for it.

I wonder if Mrs. Robinson went to FAMU? She's representing the FAMU colors. Gotta say I love the cover.It warms my heart to see Mrs. Obama and Mrs.Robinson. Michelle my Belle, and here's to you Mrs. Robinson!

No. Remember Mrs. Obama said that neither of her parents attended university.

11 Predictions That Back to the Future Part II Got Right
My favorite part of the "Back to the Future" trilogy is the first half hour of "Back to the Future Part II"... where Doc and Marty travel to 2015. Seeing them in the past was OK, seeing them in the Wild West was eh, but seeing them in the future remains, for me, the most entertaining and memorable part of all three movies.

So, since it's 2009 and we're only six-and-a-half years away from the future they traveled to (October 2015)... I think we're close enough to do an audit. How'd they do? How accurate were their predictions?

In my too-much-time-on-my-hands research of the subject, I ended up finding 11 good predictions from "Back to the Future Part II"... and 11 bad predictions. Today's list is the first, where I'll go over the future predictions that "Back to the Future Part II" got right. (The other list will come out later in the week.)
Read More:
http://www.11points.com/Movies/11_Predictions_T...

As Tax Day approaches:



TEA PARTY ORGANIZERS REJECT A SPEAKING BID FROM MICHAEL STEELE.

Glenn Reynolds of Instapundit writes:

"This illustrates two things. First, the increasing haplessness of Steele, who hasn’t performed nearly as well as I’d expected. And, more significantly, the growth of the Tea Party movement as a grassroots outside-the-establishment phenomenon that has become so big that establishment figures are trying to jump onboard. This is what Tucson Tea Party organizer Robert Mayer said yesterday — it’s gone from hoping a few people would show up, to having to turn down speaking offers from big names."

http://www.pjtv.com/video/American_Tea_Party/Am...

Now I am sure the focus of this here at JJP will be on Steele, but I think the second point is much more the story.

lolololol

No that one looks too much like fun, this is their tea party.
http://www.worldofstock.com/slides/PSO1664.jpg

Steele probably didn't give them any bling-bling.

Love Instapundit....and he's right.

Not only that, but I'd add that the point is for citizens to express outrage at BOTH parties for a culture of fiscal irresponsibility. At least that's the angle we're taking here in Virginia, where we've invited (relatively) few politicians to speak at our events (sorry, Val....LOL).

I'm still trying to get CPL (or Town) to come out for the Tea Party in Richmond.

I'll bring this up to you like I did Conserv1...

If you all are so upset at "Both parties" supposedly, then where were these parties, say in 2005 and 2006, since Bush has been just as reckless and careless with spending...oversaw a housing bubble and practices that has literally brought down economies around the world to its knees. Why weren't you protesting those enormously skyrocketing gas prices that put considerable strain on the middle class...which, and i am being facetious here, have miraculously dropped significantly and stayed relatively after AFTER the pockets of Americans has all but emptied out and dried up.

It's just so laughable almost ,that the Rethug/conservative masses have a "conscience" now after essentially cheering on "lasseiz faire" economic policies for the past 25-30 years which precipitated the economic conditions we have today and were accelerated even more under the past 8 under Bush and left a shitpile for the current President.

It's almost like a repeat DUI offender asking to bring reform to a MADD meeting.

Republican administration:
Mark Sanford quiet as a churchmouse.

Democratic administration:
Mark Sanford is everywhere; you can't get him off TV.
And only NOW is he is worrying about debt.
Run, Mark, run...so you can lose, Mark, lose!

Amen, well said. These people have the solution for everything now...but they are keeping it a secret by just lamblasting everything that this Administration is trying to do. they are speaking out now because for 8 years they weren't allowed to say anything except...YOU'RE UNAMERICAN. i can't believe the stuff they are getting away with. Some of the things that are being said and advocated must, indeed, be criminal. Calling people to arm themselves and knowing that there are many nuts out there. I don't understand why something isn't being done. Remember the little girl who had a pic. on her website showing Bush with a knfe in him, they went to her high school without her parents knowledge and dragged her out of class. I just feel that this has gone way pass what is considered harmless. And the ones who are yelling and screaming these horrible things are so ugly and eerie looking. Maybe we will luck up and they will have heart attacks. These however, are the "real Americans and the christians" or so they proclaim. Even Joe S. is trying to get his ratings up by acting like the nutties on fox.

It's not a stunt:
The LadyKiller IS a nut.

"Amen, well said. These people have the solution for everything now...but they are keeping it a secret (...)"

-Has anybody asked if McCain has told the President his "secret" plan to get Osama Bin Laden...or has it been Osama Bin Forgotten...if it ever Osama Bin Existed?

He forgot.? he never had one? He's waiting for the president to present his plan so he can shoot it down? Who knows. Remember he can't even remember how many homes he owns so how could he possibly remember his "secret plan" to get Who? The nation voted for Barack Obama to be President and I wish he would stop this bipartisan stuff and get on with running the country. I don't want their input. they didn't know what to do the last 8 years and it's plain they haven't a clue of what to do now except become Reaganish and JUST SAY NO!

Osama Bin Forgotten.


LMAO! Okay! You're starting already!

All conservatives/Republicans weren't happy with Bush's economic policy either...and I know you know that.

But this isn't about Bush or Obama, as much as people try to paint it that way.

I read an article about a week ago-I'll dig it out-that said that considering all the bailouts since last year, every person in America has paid $42,105 to help "fix" the economy.

So my son's already 42K in the hole, thanks to both Republicans AND Democrats. Same will apply to my daughter.

So, yeah, I'm a little upset.

If they weren't you would not have known it because all of them said absolutly nothing. this is all the result of Reagan and the rest of the Repugnants trying ti create a class system in America of the haves and have nots. Then all of these people are now trying to claim Class hatred. the people who have lived in luxury in this country while the working people made little of the money and did all of the work; you know, the COUNTRY FIRST folk are blaming all of this on President Obama, yet countering everything he tries to do offering no solutions themselves. I am so sick of them I could spit. The money taken from education really is showing now. A bunch of nuts who can't read, can't do math, can't think and can't plan strategy but take the word of a bunch of nuts in the same boat as they to start TEA PARTIES. How dumb can you get. They should probably call it COFFEE KLATCHES because obviously they didn't get the gist of the Tea Party.

Amen! And BrownMan at DK has a good diary on it.
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2009/4/9/7181...

Shazza, hey, thanks for the link. I usually go to that site but had been so busy following the President abroad had not been this week. that article was very good. Thanks again.

You're very welcome! Loved your post above too! :)

A bunch of nuts who can't read, can't do math, can't think and can't plan strategy


Say it again!

See this is my thing:

I love history, researching it, and I think it is so important to use our history to predict and hopefully avoid some mistakes.

Well guess what...the last time taxpayers' were on the hook for massive bailouts widespread was during the 1980's to the early 1990's which happened to be the years in which Ronald Reagan and Bush I were the leaders of this nation, during the Savings and Loan Crisis.


I'll add this quick reference from WIkipedia:
"The savings and loan crisis of the 1980s and 1990s (commonly referred to as the S&L crisis) was the failure of 745 savings and loan associations (S&Ls aka thrifts) in the United States. The ultimate cost of the crisis is estimated to have totaled around $160.1 billion, about $124.6 billion of which was directly paid for by the U.S. government—that is, the U.S. taxpayer, either directly or through charges on their savings and loan accounts[1]—which contributed to the large budget deficits of the early 1990s."

And I read many other accounts that the price tag of those bailouts were even higher than that.

I've done a lot of research on this period, as I was a child during this era...but what I do know is that it was the result of largely a Republican/conservative push for less regulations for our financial sector...and is really a precursor of the same financial ideology that helped propagate the credit default swaps and other complicated financial instruments that helped bring our economy down on its knees today.

In recent history...the years of the best growth and prosperity actually occurred under Clinton....Reagan, Bush I, and Bush 2 left staggering deficits and financial instability......and from GWBush, like all other things he had touched, really left us a shitpile unseen in a long time.

So this is what I say......if you rail against bailouts...which is perfectly fine....take the time to research history and realize that is has been historical the actions and under the leadership of those on your side of the aisle whose financial ideology has created the conditions in which bailouts have been necessary.

Know the history.

Oh, I know.

When I became the state coordinator of the parties here, first thing I said was that this wouldn't become a rail against Obama. In my mind, both parties were responsibile for getting us where we are today (which is where I started losing support from the local GOP units), and that's the message I wanted to convey.

And the other organizers have taken that on board, and that's the principle we've been working under. To the point that some of the organizers aren't inviting politicians at all. In VA Beach, we invited Thelma Drake (to give her perspective on how the first bailouts went through Congress) AND Glenn Nye (as a recently declared Blue Dog who voted against the omnibus; his office is sending a staffer because he's out of the country).

I'm completely fine with acknowledging the GOP's role in our financial crisis, just as I am with saying where the Democrats went wrong as well. My personal is that this is a chance for us to say that NEITHER party has been responsible with our finances.

But this is why a lot of people, especially POC are blocking out the GOP's message......point blank the GOP is seen as hypocrites....and that is a long-standing attitude in many of our communities

My Mom recounts vividly the Reagan years, and is not fond of that time period...and now as a woman who is a few years from retirement in an economic period she is so angered at what has transpired over the last years and where we are today.....and it is older people of all backgrounds who are the most reliable voting bloc, they are better at calling crap than anyone else.

Also, at some of these rallies that have already taken place, there have been "Obama bin Lyin" merchandise and I'm sure pro-gun items and the Marxist-Socialist-fascist crap that many on your side peddle that will be made into T-shirts and other items and sold...........and quite frankly that doesn't have shit to do with being concerned about the economy......it is all about some deep-rooted hatred for our elected leader.

Now that's not to say all participants are there for that purpose......but all of a sudden now the "libertarian" movement wants to gain a voice, a "conscience" but were nowhere to be found when the fire was lit and the flames began to shoot us........it is laughable.

And young and old people alike will be cynical about this movement......."where were you, like yesterday".....at least that's what many of my elders would say......Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's rain.

Regarding the shirts and signs....yeah. Much as I don't want them at our events, I'd be a fool to say it won't happen. Freedom of speech-fortunately or unfortunately-includes the freedom to be stupid.

And of course, that kind of stuff is what people are looking for, and is what will get reported.

I'll say this about the Libertarians, from what I've learned about them from working this: they're all taking a "told you so" attitude. They seem to have saw this coming, and tried to sound the alarm about it. I'd probably be one, but their national security/foreign policy stance just doesn't work for me.

I understand people's cynicism about this movement, and it's more than fair. There's people on both sides who are more interested in painting this as either Republicans vs. Democrats, or-worse-racists vs. Obama. Those discussions I don't have time for, nor do they merit much of a response.

I'm trying to invite as many people who don't align with my worldview to come see what it's about, even if they don't agree. It's incumbent on us as organizers to not let this movement boil down to "we're Republicans/conservatives and we hate Obama," because if that's all it is, then the people who are truly concerned lose.

...but D, with Fox News, Glenn Beck, Michelle Malkin, Rush Limpballs Sean Hannity and all the other loudmouths, who the majority of Americans are NOT fond off.....this movement will be portrayed and regarded as just that...."we hate Obama rally"....the famous faces in support of it let's us know they hate him.

As much as these people railed and disparaged Obama...and believe me their criticism was far-reaching and ubiquitous, he still managed to win by a margin larger than any other President in recent years......I just don't think the masses will buy the "tea party" argument, especially when people like Beck cry crocodile tears and claim our government is being hijacked.........the theatrics makes people sahke their heads.it is still early and the people spoke their piece at the polls.

Republican just never stop campaigning....and that is what is the root of this "movement."

Were it up to me, I wouldn't invite them (and not just because I'm not a fan).

I think if people come and see what it's about-instead of listening to the spin from both sides-they can then form their own conclusion as to if it's something they want to support or not.

For me, the minute it swings to a partisan events-which it will eventually, I'm done.

"I think if people come and see what it's about-instead of listening to the spin from both sides-they can then form their own conclusion as to if it's something they want to support or not."

PREACH D. but will they listen? You have to admit that the repubs are not doing themselves any favors. While I hope someone will listen to your advice, I doubt it because it makes just too much sense.

People at least hear me out.

Which for me is fine. I've said that the GOP can keep doing what it's done-and continue to get nowhere-or they can listen to new ideas.

Some are trying, but most aren't.

Republicans are in denial of what happened at the polls. They can't accept it. Too bad...

Right, like Jon Stewart said.

It's not tyranny...he was duly elected and everyone got to vote..this is a democracy

What they call tyranny is losing!!

When you lose, the folks that win obviously will have ideas different from you.

It is still a democracy even when you lose.

But you didn't speak up when it mattered? Monie's point is that these "protests" are disingenuous in that nobody made a stink about the tax cuts and the handling of the Iraq war where there was a lot of waste. It just seems hypocritical and cynical.

And isn't this interesting?
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/4/8/9451/26686

I just find it hilarious that rich people are using poorer people to protest losing their tax cuts.

That's exactly what it is, LOL.

I posted that article here, but got the same old, same old here.

I agree that this is about the role of government in our lives, on macro and micro levels. Seeking to keep the events independent and post-partisan will keep the debate alive and the movement growing. I think that at it's core, it is a libertarian concept that gives the protests a broad appeal.

Yeah...if there's a party who really "owns" this issue, it's the Libertarians. My organizer in Newport News is one.

See D - (gag) can't. get. it. out. of. my. head.

LOL!

People have been asking why I call them "events" sometimes.

D - My imagination has been going for broke when I hear that term. lolol I see grown men dressed in little girls dress up clothes, tu tu's and ballerina slippers lololol and then I see you -- big STRONG man and .. . . . well . . .you get the idea. It's ain't pretty. lol

hah.

"More tea, sir?"

Admiral - it just isn't right.
As Greenlady would say "shakin' my head from side to side"

The mrs' baby shower is going to be a tea party.

That may make it worse for you. LOL.

BWAAHHAAAAA I almost dropped my laptop.

D - you have to allow me to send you a gift for the princess. Obviously it will be a tea set. Please allow me to do it. not sure if you have an email where I can connect with you but it is a genuine gift offer from me. Offer is open. no pressure.

Val

That will be a story for when she gets older....LOL.

My blog email is thedillarddoctrine@gmail.com; my personal one is swamped.

Thanks. :)

D,

What's the baby's name again? I forgot but I remember it was so pretty for a little girl.

Alariya (Allie) Noelle

Yeah,

Very beautiful name! I don't know how I could forget "Allie"? And Noelle is equally beautiful!

D: Heeeey!! :>)

Lovely NAME! :>)

GOD BLESS!!! :>)

sent you an email D.

Blessings

I will be attending in Chicago.

How is your Tea Party shaping up? Any idea how many are planning to attend? Any hint of ACORN attempting to disrupt and distract from your efforts? Do you have local TV and print coverage lined up?

I say, don't run out of tea and crumpets!
Pip, pip, and tally ho!

lol

I have the perfect location for your teabagging party.Belmont and Broadway.

what exactly IS teabagging?

or should I dare ask???

Don't

NSFW
Teabaggers Unite
by John Aravosis (DC) on 4/09/2009 11:11:00 AM
You might have heard that conservatives are holding teabag parties across the country, and calling on their supporters to send teabags to Washington, to protest Obama's stimulus spending. Well, as Andy Cobb points out in this not-safe-for-work PG-17 video, the conservatives may have bitten off more than they can chew with their new, unfortunate, metaphor.
http://www.americablog.com/2009/04/teabaggers-u...

Teabaggers Unite
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

R.A.O.T.F.L.M.A.O

djchefron. That was hilarious. Thank you for the education. Who woulda thought . . . . lololol

You really don't want to know.Like D said its gross and I shouldn't have went there.But I have nothing but contempt for the faux populist who are rethugs because they refuse to admit they lost.

lol. k nuff said. will take your word for it. **moving away from the grown folks table and to the back to sit at the kiddie table**

hahaha

I gotta agree with D in this.
You are so wrong :-)

"Teabagging?"

That's just gross.

We've got 12-13 across Virginia, including one in Williamsburg this Saturday (the students at William and Mary wanted to have one, but didn't want it to interfere with classes).

Richmond's expecting at least a thousand. VA Beach and Charlottesville may hit that, and I doubt Roanoke, Lynchburg, and Newport News will be far behind.

We're not anticipating trouble, but we're prepared for it.

Gonna be a long day for me.

Good luck. Enjoy it. You are important to the debate being sparked.

"We're not anticipating trouble, but we're prepared for it."

lol What kind of trouble . . . lolol never mind don't tell me.

Most people never even heard of these things so why would there be trouble. Well I am looking forward to the protests set up by the left to address the problems with Wall Street and the financial crisis which has more impact than budget deficits.

Could it be....ACORN??? LOL.

Who else? LOL.

Seriously speaking, ACORN's holding their protests the night of the 15th in support of President Obama. People are asking what we're going to do about that, and my personal is nothing. They're no less entitled than we are.

Last thing I want-or I think anyone wants-is a full out confrontation. Not helpful, but you've got to at least consider the possibilty.

" People are asking what we're going to do about that, and my personal is nothing. They're no less entitled than we are."

Good for you D. Hopefully you rub off on some folks. The Repubs need more people like you. Then and only then would folks stop to take a serious second or third look at the republican party.

Why would anyone even ask "What are we going to do about that"?

Because they feel that ACORN should be shouted down, as they attempt to shout us down. I understand that mentality...

...but it's not always helpful. If you try to fight everywhere, you lose everywhere.

But there's no real evidence that ACORN crashed any "Tea Parties".

From Adam Serwer:

So I was interested in finding out where the rumor started. It turns out, it started on somewhere on the Internet. I don't mean that someone reported ACORN activists showing up at a tea party and wrote about it on their blog, or that some local newspaper published a story to that effect, I literally mean it started on the Internet. Michelle Malkin linked to this post on a conservative blog, which linked to this post on an online tea party Internet forum. Meanwhile, Malkin has been twittering about this for days, hyping the ACORN/Kos/Obama conspiracy axis. All because someone wrote something on the Internet. I believe this policy can be explained as "trust, but don't verify."

Activists aren't generally suicidal (then they become martyrs). For ACORN to show up at some of these larger rallies would be tantamount to suicide.

But at the same time, were the tables flipped, it's what we (on the right) would do.

Prudence dictates that you at least prepare mentally for it, even if it doesn't or hasn't happened.

Simply showing up as counter-protesters would be tantamount to suicide? Really? The Tea Partiers are beginning to sound like Klansmen.

Yup!

Sounds like it to me!

I've seen some of these protests get completely out of hand.

You dont invite MC Steele but welcome Alan Keyes with open arms and you wonder why you dont matter any more.LOL you people are jokes.

Who is 'you' exactly? The Tea Parties are independently organized. There is no 'central planning commission' and if the D.C. Tea Party flops because of Keyes, so be it. But your attempts to paint this as a GOP run and directed effort is off the mark.

Liberals who attempt to laugh off any and all opposition to higher taxes that are the inevitable result of reckless spending that increases our debt burden to the highest levels in recorded history do so at their own peril.

Who is 'you' exactly?

People like you Conserv1 and your group that you affiliate with. Duh! The GOP as a whole is off the mark! Way off.

I would take a guess that the 'you' means YOU as in the men (GOP/Repubs) who made the decision to use "taxes" as an excuse to coordinate/parade around local tea parties wearing Idontevenwanttothinkaboutit, sitting at tulle decorated tables with pinkie fingers raised precisely at a 45 degree angle.

It. just. doesn't. sound.good.

(D - i can't help but tease cuz you know it just ain't right. Grown men - especially big strong men like you doing these "things"). lol

It's a welcome laugh; no offense taken. :)

Go ahead and laugh all you want but when election day rolls around and Congressmen and women who supported the stimulus, omnibus spending, bailouts and Obama budget are voted out of office, don't start scratching your head.

I'm sorry if I hurt your itty bitty feelings let me call you a wambulance.By the way will you be wearing a hat with the propeller attached to show your outrage.

lololol

lol yea it does sound a bit silly doesn't it. You all are better than comedy central. Every day you give me something new to laugh about.

Not sure why all the "tea party" attendees have not figured out that time and energy would be better spent working with the GOP to put together a viable alternative budget. Unless you see nothing wrong with the recently proposed GOP budget.

Regarding folks being voted out of office -- we already know who those remaining folks are and it isn't the Dems.

There is no viable alternative budget. That is a red herring. The Dems are in control and the onus is on them to put together a responsible budget. The GOP has been relegated to the role of loyal opposition yet you want them to assume leadership roles to which they are not elected so that you can tear down and criticize a proposal that cannot and will not come to fruition while Dems are in power.

The GOP was riding high when Bush and the Congressional majority swept into town, yet after two years of reckless and wasteful spending the GOP majority was out.

"There is no viable alternative budget."

and there you have it.

That''s assuming that Obama policies have NO impact on the economy. I must say that you are very presumptuous.

He's hoping for the worst, Micheline.

Not hoping for the worst, just see the writing on the wall.

Uh huh, LOL.

Good Morning.Here is your wake up jam
Bobby Womack featuring The Crusaders - inherit the wind
all members of the group were:Wayne Henderson-trombone,Wilton Felder-tenor saxophone,Joe Sample-keyboards,Nesbert"stix" Hooper-drums and percussion,Larry Carlton-guitar,Robert"Pops"Pop wel-bass.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPMcuEgAIak

dj: Good mornin' ! EYES OPEN! :>) THANK U!! :>)