Jack & Jill Politics

I know this hasn't been much of an issue lately what with Michael Jackson dying, Sanford and Ensign, and Balin' Palin, but I just saw Rep. Patrick Murphy (D) on CNN. Of course Wolf asked him why PBO isn't doing enough about DADT. Here is Murphy's response:

BLITZER: Do you have any reason to believe that the president of the United States, who, during the campaign, since the campaign has said, you know what, I think it's time to move beyond "don't ask, don't tell," but he -- so far he hasn't done it. Do you have any reason to believe he will take the first steps necessary to remove this policy?

MURPHY: Absolutely. Wolf, in fact, he has -- already has done that. He talked a week ago to the secretary of defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and said, listen, be ready to implement a change in the "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

He went and now it's our job as the Congress to overturn that policy. What the president -- President Obama does, he understands and he has a healthy respect for a co-equal branch of government.

And he's not saying to his military, well, disregard what the Congress passed 16 years ago, no matter how wrong it might be. It was an act of Congress, Wolf, that put this law into place -- the discriminatory law into place. It will take an act of Congress to repeal it.

Just sayin'.

EVENING OPEN THREAD IS UP

So I'm thinking about planning a trip to Hawaii for my b-day this year. I haven't decided if I want to book a cruise, or if I want to fly. Also, I need to decide which Island I want to visit.

Here's the details, I hope to stay for at least 4 nights 5 days, and up to 7 days if I can swing it.

I'll probably be going alone, so I would like to restrict the trip to the more touristy areas.

THOSE PEOPLE jailed for the Burr Oak Cemetery travesty in Illinois should get the death penalty.

One woman on CNN just called them "serial killers." (LMAO)

Has anyone heard from msmartin? I think of her often and continue to send blessings and peace to her and her family.

I know, Spirit

II was just thinking of Ms Martin recently.

May God Have Mercy on her. It's so painful to lose someone you love.

I do too. We must continue to keep her in our prayers and lift her up.

Yes we must, Miranda.

Whitney at her peak.....you can see the notes coming outta her mouth. Wow.

Our government at work - more than $30 mil in aid that Atlanta received may be returned due to bureaucracy....a friggin shame and disgrace

Millions in aid to go unused?
Atlanta expects to return more than $30 million in federal aid at year’s end unless an extension is granted

The idea seems fairly simple: Give away $53 million over six years to improve some of Atlanta’s poorest communities.
You’ve got scores of needy residents, endless deserving projects and dozens of eager community service organizations to pick from.
Yet Atlanta has somehow failed so miserably at the task that it expects to return more than $30 million in federal aid at year’s end unless the federal government grants the program’s administrators an extension.
Why? Community leaders and program officials agree the program has been so mired in red tape due to federal rules that few applicants have been able to qualify for or receive the cash, which is left over from the city’s 1994 designation as a $100 million federal Empowerment Zone.
They also agree that giving back $30 million at a time when so many folks are suffering would be tragic.

Full Story: http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/atlanta/s...

SMH.... This makes absolutely NO sense... incompetence!

I hope Obama can stop this. The Republicans are sabotaging the stimulus on purpose so they can blame him later on.

This is actually a failure on the local levels. This is money that was allocated during the Clinton administration - damn 9 years ago and here they are about to let it go to waste. I know there is a lot of bureaucracy, but there is not enough red tape in the world for this to be allowed to happen. Heads should roll for this bullshit. How in the hell when Atlanta has city parks closing and few to no after school programs, few summer programs for low income familites...but $30 million might be revoked?? Oh hell naw.

You're right M, as much as I'd like 2 lay this at the doorstep of Sonny, it really belongs to Shirley. Me hopes that Shirley can works some wonders and get through the red tape before 12/31.

We all know what happened to Mark Sanford & Sarah Palin when they tried to refuse the stimulus funds, now don't we?

texascowgirl where you at? The juju beads and bones, PLEASE!

I wonder when the Daily Kos or Huffington Post crowd will recognize this? They are too quick to criticize the president or accept any negative story rather than reading between the lines. Rikyrah, do you think it's possible to write a post on this. We need to keep an eye on Republicans who are trying to sabotage the stimulus. We need to stop these Republicans from proclaiming the stimulus to be a failure.

I agree. The only incompetence and failure America is experiencing is coming from the party of "NO." The MOFO GOP Rethugs.

It is not just Atlanta, I heard that Republican governors are sitting on the money. These Republicans are horrible people. Denying people much need services by sitting on the money just to get back in power. It is clear they care more about being in power than people.

You know it doesn't take more than an inkling for AAs to call a spade RACISM. Maybe we should start a buzz and lay it at its rightful spots, the feet of the Republicans.

The call: "Who is slowwaling the Stimulus money at the expense of 20% unemployment among poor AAs and Hispanics - Is it Racism?"

State legislatures are also in the act. In Michigan, Republican state lawmakers are slowwaling the stimulus funds.

Names? States?

Here's some info:

Staterecovery

Publica

Article on recent GAO report: USA Today - Report: States aren't using stimulus funds as intended.

Some states, for example, are not sending transportation funding to the most economically distressed areas, and they are using education funds to prevent layoffs rather than fund innovative new programs...The stimulus law requires states to give priority to transportation projects in economically distressed areas. But because states needed to choose projects quickly, many either didn't consider distressed areas until late in the planning process or used their own criteria rather than the federal requirements

Well, being from the state of Texas whose Governor didn't want the stimulus money AND secede from the union of American states, Texas will be the last to get the money and deliberately hold it while millions of people are suffering. ITS A CONSPIRACY!

Republicans are horrible people and will go to any extent possible by any means possible to make this POTUS look bad.

Perry never said anything about seceding from the US.

Gov. Rick Perry: Texas Could Secede, Leave Union
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/15/gov-ri...
Texas Governor Floats Possibility Of Secession
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/04/16/politic...
Texas Gov. Rick Perry Contemplates Secession
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/04/texa...

See below.....we're got the same quote too.

Can we all stop trying to play "gotcha!" on this one? We're all referring to the exact same statement.

If Perry's said flat out "Texas should secede," provide the quote. I haven't heard it or read it. Short of that, I know what he said.

You really do live in an alternative universe.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2009/04/16...

I guess facts have a known liberal bias. In the future, you should stop making statements disproven with a simple google search.

....and in the future, you might want to refresh your version of this page before posting.

Seeing as how, you know, we've got the exact same quote.

Thanks for playing, though. A for effort, since it's the Lord's day.

Tell us what he meant, D?

It sure sound like seceding from the US to me.

Here's what he said:

Perry called his supporters patriots. Later, answering news reporters' questions, Perry suggested Texans might at some point get so fed up they would want to secede from the union, though he said he sees no reason why Texas should do that.

"There's a lot of different scenarios," Perry said. "We've got a great union. There's absolutely no reason to dissolve it. But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that. But Texas is a very unique place, and we're a pretty independent lot to boot."

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStori...

Nothing about "Texans want to/should/can/will secede."

"Who knows what might come out of it" doesn't equate to us having a redo on the Civil War.

Perry called his supporters patriots. Later, answering news reporters' questions, Perry suggested Texans might at some point get so fed up they would want to secede from the union, though he said he sees no reason why Texas should do that.


Yeah, okay. (rolling my eyes)

We see Rick Perry. We know what he was trying to say. He AIN'T slick either.

But if Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that.


Look @ that word, D! ...But


Umm Hum!

What was he trying to say, then?

All I've got is what he said.

Me and Miranda went through this a few days ago; the difference between state sovereignty under the 10th Amendement-which is what I think Perry was referring to-and outright secession, which I've only heard from the way-the-hell-out-there fringe.

And what of the Democrats who are allowing the funds to be misused?

Certainly, they'll be called out as well.

Right?

The link's not working, D.

http://sf.streetsblog.org/2009/04/21/are-stimul...

And I've heard that other Democrats are misusing the funds as well.

this is a damn shame.

We're talking damn near a decade of having these funds available and not being able to put it to good use...this is an outrage...this is just damn ridiculous. I was already disgusted with Atlanta's city government, now I'm totally through. Rep. John Lewis should be down here cussing these people out up and down and sideways. His efforts helped to get these funds and these silly ass mofos are about to lose it.

Vows
Victoria Rowell and Radcliffe Bailey

By LAURA ZIGMAN
Published: July 11, 2009
RADCLIFFE BAILEY, 40, a mixed-media artist in Atlanta, is known for collages and sculptures that explore African-American history and his own experiences through the use of old family photographs, heirlooms, painted words and maps.


So his affinity for Victoria Rowell is easy to fathom. Ms. Rowell, 50, is an actress, dancer, child advocate and author, and very much a collage herself. Born in Portland, Me., to a white mother she came to know and a black father she never met, Ms. Rowell spent her childhood in foster care, belonging to many families. From each one, she collected lifelong memories and a singular piece of wisdom that formed the person she would become. Those multilayered experiences were the basis of her memoir, “The Women Who Raised Me.”

When she met Mr. Bailey in July 2007, she was on a book tour, and her packed schedule had no time for socializing. With a daughter from her first marriage and a son from her long relationship with the jazz musician Wynton Marsalis, Ms. Rowell said her dating life was “the desert — just enough water for inspiration.”

One of the stops on her book tour that July was the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta. Ms. Rowell, who for several seasons was simultaneously on the prime time drama “Diagnosis Murder” and the daytime soap opera “The Young and the Restless,” was interviewed on stage at the festival by LaTanya Richardson Jackson, the wife of Samuel L. Jackson, with whom Ms. Rowell had appeared in the film “Home of the Brave.”

“Just before the event, LaTanya said: ‘I’m going to introduce you to your husband. And you’re welcome,’ ” Ms. Rowell recalled.

Ms. Richardson Jackson, an actress (“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone”), recalled: “Vicki had been talking to me about her despair, and I told her that I was going to introduce her to someone special. The words came out of my mouth, and the minute they did, I knew they weren’t mine, that they’d come from above.”

Ms. Richardson Jackson had also been telling Mr. Bailey, who had an exhibition at the festival and whose art she and her husband collect, that he, too, would find love. “He had kids and was divorced and I said, ‘It’ll come again, don’t despair.’ ”

“I’d been through a lot of loss,” Mr. Bailey said. “I always wanted a ‘forever’ relationship like my parents had, but I thought ‘I’m never going to be there.’ ”

Adding to the sense of uncanny destiny was the fact that the day before, Ms. Rowell met an older woman at a bookstore in Atlanta. “She had white hair and was very practical-looking and she said to me: ‘I want you to meet my son. He’s an artist.’ ” Only later did Ms. Rowell learn that she had just met Mr. Bailey’s mother, Brenda Bailey.

“I had to rely on instinct to survive all my life,” Ms. Rowell said. “First impressions are everything, and all those antennae were up,” when she was introduced to Mr. Bailey at the dinner before her appearance at the National Black Arts Festival. “When I saw Radcliffe, he had slightly crumpled pants on and a Borsalino hat. I wear a hat every day. It was kismet.”

Seated next to each other, “We had a very sweet conversation,” Mr. Bailey said. “Then she got up on stage to speak and answer questions, and I got a crash course on Vicki. It was great. The next day she was leaving for Boston, and she said, ‘Join me.’ I said, ‘Sure.’ We’ve been together ever since.”

What followed was a courtship that occurred mostly on the road, due to their nomadic careers and Ms. Rowell’s humanitarian work — she founded an organization that provides scholarships and other support to foster children. Ms. Rowell, who is based in Los Angeles, said, “we figured we clocked a million miles,” traveling to meet each other twice a month, wherever their lives took them. When Ms. Rowell was in India for World Leprosy Day, Mr. Bailey met her there. “We’re constantly weaving together our relationship and work,” she said.

Mr. Bailey, who still calls Atlanta home, said: “It’s true that you find love when you’re not looking. It grabs you. It grabbed me. When I met Vicki I wasn’t scared to follow, to let go. I felt like I could completely trust this person.”

“We’re able to constantly be on the move and that gives us space,” he said of their relationship. “Space is a beautiful thing. We have space between us, space between our work, space between our space.”

Ms. Rowell said, “Not everyone can handle the demands of artists — we understand that in each other and embrace it. Even iron bends.”

But as fluid as their 1 1/2-year courtship proved to be, their connection is completely grounded. “We have no plans for being non-nomadic in the future,” Ms. Rowell said. “Relationships have always been hard for me — they’re hard for most foster children. I lost a lot of parents and I lost a lot of siblings during my life, and I didn’t want any more loss.”

Yet when Mr. Bailey proposed, she said: “It was very relaxed, it didn’t feel forced. He said, ‘We should get married,” and I said, ‘You’re right.’ It was like the most extraordinary gradual epiphany.”

On June 27, during a clear blue break in one of the rainiest New England Junes on record, the two were married in Dublin, N.H. A group of women who had raised Ms. Rowell gathered in the vestibule of the small white sanctuary of the Dublin Community Church, hugging and catching up before leading the processional.

Sylvia Silverman, the last of Ms. Rowell’s foster mothers, said, “It’s a wonderful union.”

Moments later, Mr. Jackson walked Ms. Rowell down the aisle. She was striking in a pale sunlight-yellow Jane Wilson-Marquis gown, like a Degas dancer.

“We are the sum total of everyone who has had a part in our life journey, all the people who have touched us along the way,” said the Rev. Liz Walker, a former Boston television news anchor and an elder of the African Methodist Episcopal church.

At the reception, on the grounds of Owlwood, a farm owned by Esther Brooks, the former prima ballerina who was Ms. Rowell’s ballet teacher when she was 9, the assemblage of layers began.

There, on freshly cut grass in the dip of an orchard, against the backdrop of Mount Monadnock, with children moving through the air on tree swings and women slipping off high heels to dance, a whole new collage started to take shape.

“Our relationship is like a wonderful vacation. An artist’s residency,” Mr. Bailey said. “It’s very beautiful that way.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/fashion/weddi...

I love me some Victoria Rowell!

Love. Her.

Congratulations Victoria. It's a Cinderella story.

I had the pleasure of meeting Victoria last Feburary in a DC Starbucks. She's a beatutiful gracious lady.

Thank you, rikyrah.

Excellent video

The Jackson Women VS Debbie Rowe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mS4etCiS-v4



Guys, watch how the children are clinging to Aunt Janet and Paris laying her head on Granny Katherine's shoulder during the memorial service!

You can see the love! God Bless Them All

Thanks, Justice58.

I think the Jacksons may try and come to some agreement with Rowe. The twins of racism and white privilege rear their heads again... how in the hell can a mother who has walked away from her children and does not have a relationship with them, be in the position to possibly gain full and permanent custody?

I can't blame the Jacksons for not taking a chance and fighting her tooth and nail, but I would not be a bit surprised if they are furious about this situation.

If I am not mistaken, I heard on MSNBC that Katherine and Debbie Rowe were working out a cash settlement agreement.

Yeah, she's all about the $$$!

That's sick. I hope she doesn't get a dime.

I'm right with you.

The Jackson Family has to buy the kids a third time from the horse farmer, moneyRowe.

Yup

She's at it again!

She has NO shame!

mommy dearest want's cash money

i wonder how much does she think the children are worth

Random RECIPE request:

Anyone have a GREAT recipe for making Turkey Wings?

Spicy Southern-Fried Turkey Wings


Ingredients
8 turkey wings, separated at joints, tips removed, rinsed well and patted dry
5 tablespoons Essence, plus 3 tablespoons, plus more for seasoning, recipe follows
2 1/2 cups buttermilk
3 tablespoons hot sauce
Peanut oil, for frying
3 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons salt

Directions
In a large bowl toss the wings with 5 tablespoons of the Essence. Place in a large plastic freezer bag.

Add the buttermilk and hot sauce and seal, forcing out as much air out as possible and turning to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Fill a large pot halfway with peanut oil, and heat to 360 degrees F. In a clean large freezer bag, combine the flour, the remaining 3 tablespoons Essence, and salt. Remove the turkey wings from the buttermilk, and transfer 2 at a time to the bag with the seasoned flour. Shake to coat and remove, shaking to remove any excess flour.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place coated wings on a large wire rack set over a sheet tray and let rest, un-refrigerated, for 20 minutes. Add to the hot oil and fry until golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and season with Essence. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serve hot or at room temperature with Emeril's Kicked Up Horseradish Coleslaw.

Essence (Emeril's Creole Seasoning):
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

You know I was about to say what the heck is essence. LOL

What do you think I can sub the buttermilk with? Can't do any cow's milk. And do you think it would work with whole wheat flour or rice flour? I only have those...

My husband loves turkey wings and just moved 2,763 miles away from his aunt who made them for us on Sundays! :( Going to surprise him!

dj,

It's mouth watering! Sounds so good!

Ima have to tuck this away. I sure will try it.

Thanks!

Hey Justice, have you ever fried turkey wings?

No I haven't Myth, but I am sure gonna try this recipe.

Sounds so yummy.

This is making me want to go and buy some turkey wings. Sounds delicious.

Dang, what time shall we arrive for dinner? LOL!

Stop by and pick me up, could ya?

I wanna go? I wanna eat too! :)

Okey dokey......... Get in and buckle up!

The National Plan to normalize unmarried black motherhood

http://actsoffaithinloveandlife.blogspot.com/20...

This discussion deserves it's own page.

The issues raised on her blog can be HOTLY contested. I cannot believe she is referencing the Moynihan Report (1965!) as a foundation for her disagreement with the Raising Him Alone Project.

Wow. I'm going to forward the blog link to a number of academic colleagues, so thank you for this.

I can believe it. It's what right-wing racists do.

Feel free and do so at my forum. The proof is in the pudding. This isn't a joke either.

Charlie Rangel, the House tax expert (and tax scofflaw), has a new way to pay for health care "reform": tax the rich.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/11/health/policy...

He also found time to say that the pharmaceutical industry was stealing from the American public.

I wonder why he said that.....we knew the pharmaceutical industry was stealing from us a long long long time ago.

Look change requires making hard choices. It's like that saying no pain no gain. It's all about priorities.

France shows “solidarity” with death row inmate Troy Davis

France’s human rights ambassador has met with Troy Anthony Davis’ sister to show the French government’s “solidarity” with the Georgia death row inmate.
France’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that human rights ambassador Francois Zimeray met with Davis’ sister in Washington on Wednesday. The statement says Zimeray expressed “our solidarity and our determination to remain mobilized in favor of Troy Davis.”
Davis has spent nearly 18 years on death row for the murder of off-duty Savannah police officer Mark MacPhail. Davis’ lawyers say he deserves a new trial because seven of nine witnesses have recanted their testimoney.

Late last month, the U.S. Supreme Court recessed for the summer without hearing Davis’ latest appeal. The recess delayed Davis’ execution for at least a few months.
France has no capital punishment and has campaigned for its abolition worldwide.
http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/stories/2...

Glad to see the support. Hopefully, one day soon, the DP will no longer require so much energy to oppose.

100 Years Old, NAACP Debates Its Current Role
By Krissah Thompson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, July 12, 2009

NEW YORK -- In the beginning, the purpose of the nation's oldest civil rights organization was well defined: to achieve equal justice under the law for black Americans.
One hundred years later, as 5,000 members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People gather here to set an agenda, little is so clear-cut.
The NAACP faces a slew of questions: Has the election of the first black U.S. president marked the end of the civil rights agenda? Must an organization traditionally focused on the plight of black Americans expand its mission? What should a black civil rights organization do in 2009?
The NAACP has long been a prism through which to view the puzzle of race in America, and the current uncertainty promises to be a presence at its week-long centennial convention, which will include addresses from President Obama and Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.

The association's president, Benjamin Todd Jealous -- who at 36 is the youngest person to ever lead the organization -- acknowledges the pride his membership takes in hosting the first black president and attorney general but argues that their ascension does not negate the need for the NAACP. In many ways, the convention this week sets out to prove that point.

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

I'm so glad the NAACP is asking themselves the question. Conferences are so motivating once you are there, but nothing happens once you leave. I do hope the current leadership takes notice of the changes and the passion of the "new school" of thought and follows up with mentorship, not management.

What do you think? Are they going to change the name or not? I know its a hurdle for participation for a lot of younger people regardless of the history behind behind it.

What would organizing be like if the old guard and new guard saw each other and worked as peers in the struggle? I think it would be beautiful.

I'd like to see the name changed to reflect the current consciousness. Form follows thought.

Young people need to play an integral role in this organinzation. I appreciate your thinking on mentorship, and not management.

I work in a few non-profit organizations, and without the young people's involvement, these organizations would be a bust. The youth have so much to offer, particualarly their technological savvy.

Experience and fresh creativity can make for a promising, productive partnership.

I'd like to see the name changed to reflect the current consciousness. Form follows thought.

That's a constant talking point of the ReThugs and other crackpots as well.

Not to worry. A 100 year old orgn is not about to change its brand nor identity for anybody. Young AA still know they are colored, black, AA and all things called by the color of the skin and still not the content of the character. Hurdle for a lot of young people my azz. Jealous need not worry about form or fashion and get up their to stand next to those kids put out and cussed out of that all white swimming pool.

I can see standing by a brand that is strong, but the NAACP's brand is no where as strong as it used to be. And related to organizing and outreach it is barely viable. All it has its history but is it worth it to rest on its laurels as opposed to maximize on its potential.

As far as I know Jealous, the 36 year old president, was chosen specifically to change things. And change the NAACP must. I think a name change will be a HUGE step forward- signifying its commitment to be more inclusive and increasing the possibilities of partnerning with a range of people.

Like the spirit of the Sankofa bird, flying forward while being able to look back.

Co-sign!

LOL! Today it is spirit_55z's talking point, and she's standing by it.

Excellent Bill Moyers show on health care reform with an ex insurance co. insider who explains what the insurance for profit companies don't want to see i.e. no reform at all, keep the status quo. He also explains what has changed his views. Worth watching.

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07102009/watc...

"BILL MOYERS: You were still working for Cigna?

WENDELL POTTER: I was. I went home, to visit relatives. And I picked up the local newspaper and I saw that a health care expedition was being held a few miles up the road, in Wise, Virginia. And I was intrigued.

BILL MOYERS: So you drove there?

WENDELL POTTER: I did. I borrowed my dad's car and drove up 50 miles up the road to Wise, Virginia. It was being held at a Wise County Fairground. I took my camera. I took some pictures. It was a very cloudy, misty day, it was raining that day, and I walked through the fairground gates. And I didn't know what to expect. I just assumed that it would be, you know, like a health-- booths set up and people just getting their blood pressure checked and things like that.

But what I saw were doctors who were set up to provide care in animal stalls. Or they'd erected tents, to care for people. I mean, there was no privacy. In some cases-- and I've got some pictures of people being treated on gurneys, on rain-soaked pavement.

And I saw people lined up, standing in line or sitting in these long, long lines, waiting to get care. People drove from South Carolina and Georgia and Kentucky, Tennessee-- all over the region, because they knew that this was being done. A lot of them heard about it from word of mouth.

There could have been people and probably were people that I had grown up with. They could have been people who grew up at the house down the road, in the house down the road from me. And that made it real to me......"

"WENDELL POTTER: Exactly. And that sounds great. It is an important thing that everyone be enrolled in some kind of a benefit plan. They don't want a public plan. They want all the uninsured to have to be enrolled in a private insurance plan. They want-- they see those 50 million people as potentially 50 million new customers. So they're in favor of that. They see this as a way to essentially lock them into the system, and ensure their profitability in the future. The strategy is as it was in 1993 and '94, to conduct this charm offensive on the surface. But behind the scenes, to use front groups and third-party advocates and ideological allies. And those on Capitol Hill who are aligned with them, philosophically, to do the dirty work. To demean and scare people about a government-run plan, try to make people not even remember that Medicare, their Medicare program, is a government-run plan that has operated a lot more efficiently.

And also, the people who are enrolled in our Medicare plan like it better. The satisfaction ratings are higher in our Medicare program, a government-run program, than in private insurance. But they don't want you to remember that or to know that, and they want to scare you into thinking that through the anecdotes they tell you, that any government-run system, particularly those in Canada, and UK, and France that the people are very unhappy.

And that these people will have to wait in long lines to get care, or wait a long time to get care. I'd like to take them down to Wise County. I'd like the president to come down to Wise County, and see some real lines of Americans, standing in line to get their care."

And the Kids Came Too ... the Obama Roadshow Becomes a Family Affair
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/285248.html

"Few heads of state travel en famille. But when Barack Obama tours the world, he brings his daughters too

Rarely do 11-year-olds make political statements that reverberate around the world. But Malia Ann Obama is no ordinary young girl."

"A tight media strategy is combined with the deliberate release of regular family shots. That is aimed at killing the paparazzi market in the girls by ensuring there are pictures always in circulation. However, they are often deliberately released at a low resolution, requiring media groups to ask the White House for better shots, thus allowing the Obama media operation to effectively play the role of photo editor on specific stories. It is a canny strategy and has worked well. "


I LOVE IT!! Control the media use of images of the kids...perfect!

I think its time (DAMN) to start a First Kids Watch page, like the one made for Michelle during the election, to document all of the hits and slights to these young ladies.

Perhaps the MSM will take notice, or maybe even see how their own internalized racism is floating to the surface.

These mofos have no f-ing shame! WTF is Malia Ann Obama's no ordinary young girl?? This is a f-ing hit job on an 11 year old girl!

These sobs need a beatdown and maybe then they'll leave the Obama girls alone!

The article says that the Obamas' tightly control media access to their girls, well they should their kids are 11 and 8 years old. It is articles like that that make the Obamas' even more justified in doing so. Articles like are trying to make it see like the Obamas' are hiding something, but in reality they are just being parents.

The other. The other. The other. Folks just can't stand that this family is a living, breathing example of family values. The Obama's HAVE TO BE THE OTHER.

Of course, we know Ds and Rs alike have exemplified the opposite, but lately Rs have had the monopoly. Ensign got his momma payin' off his jump-off. And JO's husband is squealing like a stuck pig. Sanford is cryin' for Argentina. And Palin is busy arguing with her 19 year grandbabydaddy-in-law while ducking ethics charges.

Buzzle's BS is indicative of neocon heads exploding!!!

Total bullshit. We SEE YOU "buzzle buzzards." trying to get to the President and First lady through their daughters

We never heard what kinds of clothers Chelsey Clinton or Amy Carter wore, or how much they cost.

Malia Obama is no ordinary young girl. WTF! That comment sets the stage for her to be a target for filthy attacks.

And didn't Chelsey Clinton travel with Hillary & Bill.... to Bosnia amist that sniper fire. and

the Obama girls have traveled extensively with their parents prior to their dad's presidency.

There is no political statement being made by Malia Obama. Leave her the fuck alone. Leave the Obama girls alone.

This is not a good article... it is replete with half-truths and outright lies.

Example: "They have gone from suburban Chicago to downtown Washington DC and a life of unbelievable privilege and exotic travel,..."

The Obamas lived in the Hyde Park/Kenwood neighborhoods on the South Side of Chicago. Malia and Sasha are used to travel, because the family has ALWAYS traveled to Hawaii. If I'm not mistaken, Malia and Sasha were taken to Africa in the past.

My take: the writer is trying to introduce the concept that Malia is making political statements through her choice of fashion, therefore is subject to the disgusting comments made about her on free republic. The fact that the British toilet rag, The Guardian, has the copyright on the story raises my BS detector through the roof.

Yo know the Guardian is a major paper in the UK, I initially thought it was just a blog. The fact that it was the Guardian makes it worst., and they say the British press is better the the US. I say they are all the same.

Sagittarius,

My take: the writer is trying to introduce the concept that Malia is making political statements through her choice of fashion, therefore is subject to the disgusting comments made about her on free republic.

As Miranda says: HAMMER MEET NAIL

I read on another blog posters talking about the child's shorts she had on. OMFG! There wasn't ANYTHING unusual about her shorts. They were common shorts we see on little girls all the damn time.

Fact is ....these disgusting scums were looking @ the child with sexual intentions. I'd love to blast the light out on these bitches!


(Whew....My blood pressure just sky-rocketed)

There are pluses and minuses in the article, for instance, I liked the following comments:

"He has taken advantage of the situation to become more of an old-fashioned dad, imposing a regime of chores, dog walking and homework familiar to millions of other American children. The Obama girls may get private concerts by the Jonas Brothers, but only after their schoolwork is done on time. Even on their travels, there is time for the children, sometimes at the expense of world leaders. In Moscow, the family spent an entire evening together relaxing in the city's plush O2 lounge. In France they skipped a meal with the French president to spend quality time together.

The key to the success of this strategy, however, does not lie with either Barack or Michelle Obama, but with Michelle's mother, Marian Robinson. The sprightly, lifelong Chicagoan grandmother apparently left her home city "kicking and screaming", according to one relative. But she has adapted well to life in Washington. She lives in a suite on the third floor of the White House above the Obama residence, forming a rare, old-fashioned family unit of three generations under one roof. She shuttles the kids to school, goes on play dates with them, baby-sits and helps with homework. "She has been very good for them," said Carl Anthony, author of the book America's First Families."

"He has taken advantage of the situation to become more of an old-fashioned dad, imposing a regime of chores, dog walking and homework familiar to millions of other American children. The Obama girls may get private concerts by the Jonas Brothers, but only after their schoolwork is done on time. "

Malia and Sasha Obama have ALWAYS had chores - this isn't something new introduced when they moved to Washington. Michelle has often stated that the girls set their own alarm clocks and make their beds, among other things. PBO has stated that their allowance is one dollar per week for completing their chores, and that when he was gone for weeks at a time, the girls would remind him how much he owed them upon his return.

This is a hit job. I agree with Spirit - this is an attempt to get to PBO through his family. Damn straight - we see it.

Damn right it's a hit job! We see these mofos!

Translation: The Obama girls aren't good because of Barack & Michelle's parenting; they're only good because of Gramma. Gramma is the REAL parent, not Barack or Michelle Obama because Barack & Michelle are too busy living the life.

Tell it, Town. These MOFOs are not fooling anyone.

Real Black nuclear families exist in America. Live with it BITCHES!

But Malia Ann Obama is no ordinary young girl.

Hateful people will not stop trying to make the Obamas "the OTHERS". This article is most definitely a hit piece. They are trying to be clever about it. Buzzle is bullshit.

Hi haters. WE SEE YOU.

That's right.

They're extraordinary young ladies. Deal with it.

I mean, seriously...WTF? I'm sorry if the writer or all of neo-conned America doesn't do this, but this family, like my family, was all about exposure. This isn't difficult concept. There's a world outside of their door to see, experience and serve. I have nieces and I do the same.

There's something seriously wrong with these people. Just all wrong.

A hearty co-sign. This article is a hit job.

A class-action federal lawsuit was filed on Friday in Philadelphia on behalf of the kids at the Creative Steps daycamp.

Here is a synopsis of the "swimming pool incident" on Litigation and Trial - Tales and Tribulations of a Philadelphia Lawyer

An interesting question is also asked in the comment section:

why were the Creative Steps children charged $30 per child and only granted limited access to the club. Before Valley Club dismantled its site the membership fees listed per child was $30 with Mon-Thurs anytime access. Why were the Creative Steps children only given access on Mondays for 90 mins only?

HHHhhhhmmmm

Ya know - no kidding, I wondered something along those lines when originally reading the story. $1950 / 65 = $30. I mean for our family membership at the YMCA we can swim anytime during open time every day. There are classes and specific times for specific groups, but even then parts of the entire pool are open - say if you want to swim laps or sit in the kiddie pool (it's always open).

Unless they had worked out a deal where Creative Steps would get the entire pool for 90 minutes on a specific day of the week? That seems a bit unlikely though.

On this issue Chill. Creative Steps had arrangements at two other pools. this was just a contract.
The attitude among the the members and the board are what were terribily racist. Now that they are being sued that settlement will come out of the members pockets. Creative Steps could end up owning the place if they do not deal and take responsiblity.
the best solution I saw is that the members throw a pizza party for the kids w/ the members children, give swimming lessons and access for awhile. If the other members do not want to participate they can leave.

On this issue Chill. Creative Steps had arrangements at two other pools. this was just a contract.

What?

I followed up on a question (finances & access) in the comments from the article isonprize linked to. It was something I was also a bit curious about considering our membership in the YMCA. I wasn't about to go over the top or raise hell. Yet.

My understanding is that Creative Steps did NOT have arrangements with any other pool(s) until after the incident at the swim club. That was the crux of the problem. The kids had no where to swim following the incident. And then offers were forthcoming

As far as I can tell, you are correct. The other arrangements came "after" they got kicked out of Valley swim club for being black.

Yes....it does seem THAT is the central issue - "being black."

If it wasn't 'really' the issue, then they (those doing the explaining) at the swim club did a piss-poor job of handling it. Regardless of the excuses or the justifications thrown out, it will not matter. The damage is done. Fortunately for those children other arrangements came thru for them. What a hard-ass lesson to learn. I worry for this country sometimes.

Sorry arrangements were w/ other clubs for other days prior to incident.
Chill was to focus outage on the incident not distractions.

I understood the 'chill'; I wasn't getting distracted because you, too, know what's the real issue.

Now - then I'm not clear on the timeline. I hadn't heard there were other arrangements ---- oh, you mean the kids would be swimming other days elsewhere?

Randall Terry - Operation Rescue fame (along with other circus acts) - had set out on a 12-city defeat Sotomayor 'tour.'

An update from 'on the road.'

Terry was greeted by a secretary who gave him a form letter asking him to make an appointment. Terry, founder and former director of Operation Rescue, was similarly rebuffed when he tried to deliver the same message earlier in the day to Cardinal Justin Rigali in Philadelphia.

He said he wasn't surprised. A recent convert to Catholicism, Terry has been fiercely critical of American bishops for ''paying lip service'' to anti-abortion campaigns.

''I think some of [the bishops] are a little timid,'' he said. ''Most of them are not made of the stuff of martyrs. This is a hill worth dying on.''

Fucking idiot.....

And then, there's Patrick Leahy - fighting for Sotomayor

Leahy said some Sotomayor critics would have bashed whomever Obama had nominated.

“If he would have nominated Moses, they would have attacked him,” he said during an interview. “But I was surprised by the viciousness of the attacks.”

Randall Terry converted to Catholicism?? LOL...I didnt think his ego would accept the order of things. That's how I know Newt Gingrich is only converting for nefarious purposes....neither of those egomaniacs are really trying to become good Catholics.

Lee Lucas, NJ GOP Assembly Candidate: "If You Want To Act Like Niggers, Go Back To Paulsboro"

There's one Republican that New Jersey's GOP brass does not want to see winning office this fall.
State Republican leaders are trying to get 3rd District Assembly candidate Lee Lucas to exit the race.
They take issue with him because a September 2006 police report quoted him using a racial slur during a dispute with his neighbors. Lucas told neighbors, "if you want to act like niggers, go back to Paulsboro," according to a 2006 Greenwich Township police report.
"Yeah, I said that," a police officer said Lucas told him. "It's my freedom of speech. I can say what I want while I'm on my property."
Lucas admits using the slur and said it isn't wrong to say in certain contexts. He has also been criticized for proposing drastic cuts in poverty and school programs and saying poor people have "too many children."
Lucas said he won't give up the place he won on the ballot.
Assembly Republican leader Alex DeCroce said Lucas won't get any campaign support from the party.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/10/lee-lu...

they are who we thought they were.

See, this is why I moved my black ass out of South Jersey back to crazyazz Philadelphia.

I still call South Jersey "up south" Folks there are all red, white and blue. Red necks, white sheets and blue pick-up truck (often with the rifle rack across the back window.)

Watch, he'll get re-elected, you just watch...

I don't think he's elected yet. I think he's JUST a candidate.

Red necks, white sheets & blue pick-up truck (Chevy?). LMAO..... 'up south"

See, now that's a damn shame. Skimming the story, I was totally ready to believe this cracka was already in office.

Damn.

Wow, just wow.... This cracka went there, and even invoked the freedom of speech mantra.

The GOP continues to remove the white hoods.

"Yeah, I said that," a police officer said Lucas told him. "It's my freedom of speech. I can say what I want while I'm on my property."

The more I hear shit like and the ole "freedom of speech" defense, the more I'm convinced this country is headed for a *#6^* breakdown. This country has been so DUMBED DOWN.
Freedom of speech comes with responsibilities. You cannot say whatever the hell you want because these numbnuts only see free speech as a one-way street. It's not inclusive - meaning not EVERYONE gets to have free speech.

New Evidence Surfaces in Post-Katrina Crimes
By A.C. Thompson
July 11, 2009

The reports--broadcast Thursday by WTAE TV in Pittsburgh and WDSU in New Orleans--focus on two unsolved crimes: the near-fatal shooting of Donnell Herrington, who was allegedly attacked by a group of white vigilantes in the Algiers Point neighborhood, and the murder of Henry Glover, whose charred remains were discovered on a Mississippi River levee. Both victims are African American.
At the center of the news reports is a disturbing and grisly amateur video shot by a pair of private investigators in September 2005 and obtained recently by WTAE journalist Jim Parsons. (Full disclosure: This reporter was interviewed for the WTAE and WDSU stories.)
The private detectives, Mike Orsini and Istvan Balogh, are Pennsylvanians who traveled to New Orleans to volunteer in the wake of the storm. Orsini is a former police officer, while Balogh is an ex-corrections officer. They spent nearly two weeks camped out in Algiers Point, a middle class, largely white enclave nestled on the west bank of the Mississippi River.

On the video, a former Algiers Point resident talks calmly about shooting people. That man, Paul Gleeson claimed that he and his fellow gunmen shot 38 people and said that the victims were looters. Asked if any of the shooting victims died, Gleeson replied, "Who cares? I don't (expletive) know.

Who cares? What does it (expletive) matter?" The Algiers Point shootings, which have prompted an intensifying civil rights probe by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, were exposed late last year in stories published by The Nation and ProPublica. While the neighborhood gunmen say that they were simply defending the community against thieves, other witnesses say that the group targeted black men and spewed racial epithets.

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090720/thompson

I'm so glad that there are folks who won't let this story go away. These mofos need to be charged and put in prison for terrorism.

The Obama’s And The Door Of No Return: As a child of the African Diaspora The Door Of No Return has much emotional meaning for me. My ancestors were pushed through that door in chains and so began a legacy of slavery that would last for hundreds of years. The Obamas recently visited the Slave Castle in Ghana.

This was so beautiful. Thank you so much.

Thanks so much..it was so emotional for me to write.

OT - How do you embed uri hyperlink or use html <bold> when posting a comment here?

Check out w3 Schools Free Tutorials

Try "Learn HTML", it's pretty easy to do.

Thanks.

Know html but was uncertain how it was used in comment box on this site. Didn't want to experiment when posting, thought I would ask first.

For here, it's the usual brackets < > with the a href=" then the closing brackets.

Thanks

For what it's worth, Webmonkey.com has excellent tutorials for all types of web programming (including normal web HTML markup, used on most sites).

That site is what gave me my start, and I still use it as a web reference more than any book or site I've found.

Thanks

NEWSWEEK-4 PAGE article

Independent’s Day
Obama doesn't want to look back, but Attorney General Eric Holder may probe Bush-era torture anyway.

It's the morning after Independence Day, and Eric Holder Jr. is feeling the weight of history. The night before, he'd stood on the roof of the White House alongside the president of the United States, leaning over a railing to watch fireworks burst over the Mall, the monuments to Lincoln and Washington aglow at either end. "I was so struck by the fact that for the first time in history an African-American was presiding over this celebration of what our nation is all about," he says. Now, sitting at his kitchen table in jeans and a gray polo shirt, as his 11-year-old son, Buddy, dashes in and out of the room, Holder is reflecting on his own role. He doesn't dwell on the fact that he's the country's first black attorney general. He is focused instead on the tension that the best of his predecessors have confronted: how does one faithfully serve both the law and the president?

Alone among cabinet officers, attorneys general are partisan appointees expected to rise above partisanship. All struggle to find a happy medium between loyalty and independence. Few succeed. At one extreme looms Alberto Gonzales, who allowed the Justice Department to be run like Tammany Hall. At the other is Janet Reno, whose righteousness and folksy eccentricities marginalized her within the Clinton administration. Lean too far one way and you corrupt the office, too far the other way and you render yourself impotent. Mindful of history, Holder is trying to get the balance right. "You have the responsibility of enforcing the nation's laws, and you have to be seen as neutral, detached, and nonpartisan in that effort," Holder says. "But the reality of being A.G. is that I'm also part of the president's team. I want the president to succeed; I campaigned for him. I share his world view and values."

http://www.newsweek.com/id/206300

Sotomayor
By ADAM LIPTAK
Published: July 11, 2009
WASHINGTON — On his first day at the Justice Department in 1981, a 26-year-old lawyer named John G. Roberts Jr. was handed a high-profile assignment: to help prepare Sandra Day O’Connor, then an Arizona judge, for her Supreme Court confirmation hearings.

“The approach was to avoid giving specific responses to any direct questions on legal issues likely to come before the court,” Mr. Roberts wrote later that year in a report to a Justice Department supervisor, “but demonstrating in the response a firm command of the subject area and awareness of the relevant precedents and arguments.”

That advice — sound as if you know what you are talking about but avoid saying anything — has been followed pretty faithfully by every nominee since, including the report’s author, who is now chief justice of the United States. And it may well be followed by Judge Sonia Sotomayor, whose Senate confirmation hearings are scheduled to begin Monday.

Senators are planning to ask about politically charged issues — abortion, race, gay rights, foreign law and the Second Amendment — and the nominee will probably answer only a predictable few. Judge Sotomayor will have little reason to deviate from the convention, with perhaps one exception, to explain how her background would influence her work as a justice.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/us/politics/1...

yeah, I posted this yesterday in the open thread...i cannot wait!

Great story ...

AA Girl, 15 Flies Plane Across United States To Honor Tuskegee Airmen
LA Times

Trained how to fly in a program for disadvantaged youths, she is believed to be the youngest African American female pilot to make the trip across the U.S.

A 15-year-old Los Angeles girl who navigated a single-engine Cessna through thunderstorms in Texas and took in breathtaking aerial views of Arizona's sunsets landed her plane to cheering crowds at Compton Woodley Airport on Saturday. She is believed to be the youngest African American female pilot to fly solo across the country.

Kimberly Anyadike took off from Compton 13 days ago with an adult safety pilot and Levi Thornhill, an 87-year-old who served with the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II. They flew to Newport News, Va., making about a dozen stops along the way.

great story: i liked it so much i found the link:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-girlpil...

we posted the story about the all aa women's flight crew from a few months ago and people still stop to read and marvel. . . i will have to post this one too!

Sorry about that (forgetting to post link).

Blakk Rasta's Obama "Theme Song" In Ghana

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/07/12/blakk-...

The New York Times writes up what it calls a "theme song for Obama's Ghana visit."

The theme song of the last stop may have been provided by a Reggae singer named Blakk Rasta, whose song, "Barack Obama," was played constantly during an arrival breakfast in Accra, Ghana, and had a way of staying in the head long after the travelers left.

The main refrain of the song was just a lyrical rendition of the president's name, over and over: "Barack, Barack, Barack Obama." The rest was a proud celebration of the first African-American president -- "As you keep the fire burning, black president..." -- flavored with some in


Read more here, or watch the music video for Blakk Rasta's "Barack Obama."


Love it!

From the trail:

McDonnell: Make Virginia “America’s Most Veteran Friendly State”

Army Veteran Rolls out Broad List of Proposals in Speech to American Legion

RICHMOND- Bob McDonnell, Republican gubernatorial nominee and former Attorney General of Virginia, today rolled out a broad package of proposals all designed to make Virginia “America’s Most Veteran Friendly State.” McDonnell unveiled the proposals in his speech at the 91st Annual Convention of the American Legion, Department of Virginia, in Richmond. McDonnell is a United States Army veteran. He served 21 years active duty and reserve, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1997. His father was a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force. McDonnell’s oldest daughter, Jeanine, served in the United States Army, including a one-year tour of duty in Iraq.

Read more: http://www.bobmcdonnell.com/index.php/press_rel...

...and also, some respect (though I'm sure begrudgingly) from the Richmond Free Press:

A closer look at the Public Policy Polling data is cause for the Deeds campaign to be seriously concerned. What it shows is that Mr. McDonnell is cutting ignificantly (28 percent) into the Democrats’ most loyal constituency — black
voters. It also suggests that Mr. McDonnell isn’t writing off any voters.

A good weekend.

I've read the literature....but i have to ask, where are the new ideas...McDonnell is highlighting programs that are already in existence and for the most part, appear to be functioning well. I do not see much that he would do any different from Gov. Kaine regarding veterans like education assistance, TBI and PTSD programs...what is he offering new....honestly, imo, his proposals are vague to say the least.

And besides, it seems that, even though we have been actively engaged in combat since 2001, it has only been in the last 2-3 years that McDonnell has even co-sponsored legislation...please correct me if I'm wrong.

See my single response below.

And stay on my ass...I appreciate it.

No problem...you know I will.

For the past 7 years, I've only been physically in VA for about a year and half....though it is still my home of record and it is where I vote....so I'll admit I haven't been as informed as I should and I am playing catch-up. But i gotta reiterate, if he brings Palin to Va, I will have to even drop consideration of voting for McDonnell...I just can't.

I've been reading lately about some very disappointing defeats handed down by the Republican majority General Assembly regarding issues pertaining to Autism like insurance and education....and the stats for Va is just as staggering as everywhere else in the country.

Do you know if McDonnell is aware of the issues facing the Autism community, which is both a health and education issue that is straining families across the Commonwealth ...and I am also very interested in Deed's knowledge and position as well, so I'm not being partisan here...I actually haven't made up my mind yet .

Let me know if McDonnell has a plan or is aware. I'd appreciate it.

I have a friend that you should talk to named Lee Talley. He was big on pushing an autism-related bill last year. It didn't get passed, but I know he's gearing up support for it for the '10 GA session.

Lee's spoke to Bob, so he is aware (that awareness just extends to a citizen telling him what's up). Nothing's been said publicly that I'm aware of, though...but I'll find out.

SO he's playing the "veteran" card....I respect his service indeed...but I'm interested in knowing what legislation did he sponsor for veterans before now? We know how some Republicans do (ahem, John McCain), trump their own service but vote against or ignore veterans.

But let me know when he will stop lying aboout his education record

From his campaign website...

"As a legislator and Attorney General, Bob McDonnell continually supported and invested in our education system. From 1991 to 2005, the duration of Bob’s service in the House of Delegates, total direct aid to public education increased from $2.5 billion to nearly $5.5 billion. As Attorney General he ensured that Virginia’s lottery proceeds were spent on their intended purpose – public education. He also supported numerous bills to ensure school safety as well as advocated for parental choice for their children’s education.

Then how come he voted AGAINST former Gov. Warner's 2004 budget of $1.5 billion for , which is the largest investment to date....

Here are some TRUE facts, not rhetoric

FACT CHECK

NOW: Candidate Bob McDonnell, 4/23/09: "Over the past 20 years, we have significantly increased funding for K-12 education in Virginia, and our children have benefited." [McDonnell Press Release, 4/23/09]

THEN: Delegate Bob McDonnell, 5/7/04: Voted against the 2004 bipartisan budget deal that invested a record $1.5 billion in new aid for local public schools "for hiring new teachers and expanding such programs as preschool for at-risk 4-year-olds and English as a Second Language classes." Only 35 of 132 legislators opposed the increased funding. [HB5001 Bill History 2004; Richmond Times-Dispatch, 5/8/04; Virginian-Pilot, 5/8/04]


FACT CHECK
NOW: Candidate Bob McDonnell, 4/23/09:: "We have to continue to work hard to have a good pre-k program...I think less of them will drop out if we do a good job at the ages of four- and five years old." (VEA Forum, 4/23/09)


THEN: Attorney General Bob McDonnell, 10/6/07: Opposed Governor Kaine's initiative to expand preschool education. "Liberals in Virginia are saying we need to raid the rainy-day fund so we can start some more programs for pre-K education," McDonnell said at the Defending the American Dream summit in Washington. (The Washington Times, 10/06/07)

Now that I'm awake....

On the legislation....he did sponsor/co-sponsor some as a delegate (to make children of active duty members eligible for VGAP and to protect the privacy of military records). If you'd like, I can pull the bill numbers and send them to you (in the interests of not making a blog post here).

On the policy...currently, there is no single advisor that reports directly to the governor on military/dependent affairs. Nor is there a single group that recommends policy as to what VA should be doing for its veterans. There are some items that Gov. Kaine has put into place that McDonnell will either continue or, in some cases, make permanent.

On education...unless I'm reading this wrong, it looks like he voted for the final version of the bill that went for signature. There are some items that he did not support, but this report doesn't say what they are. He did vote no on the 5/7 vote that's mentioned.

On the statement you mentioned, here's the actual statement from the Washington Times, through a third party (as the story no longer seems to be up):

"Liberals in Virginia are saying we need to raid the rainy-day fund so we can start some more programs for pre-K education when we have a $600 million budget deficit. It's not rainy," and added that $641 "sounds like a lot of money," but that former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder "got us through a $2 billion deficit without raiding the rainy-day fund and not raising taxes."

From that, I take that McDonnell was opposed to using this fund for what he didn't deem a proper use for it. That doesn't mean he opposes improving pre-K education as you suggest...just that he opposed the way Gov. Kaine wanted to do it.

Keep it up, Monie!!! The facts are some stubborn things...

Raven-Symone: Disney Star Denies Baby Buzz
Posted by Jawn Murray on Jul 10th 2009 6:55AM

'That's So Raven' star Raven-Symone' is the latest entertainer to be victim of a bogus internet report.

Online gossip blogs begin circulating a story that the 23-year-old entertainment mogul was either pregnant or had given birth to a baby girl.

Some sites had even declared that Raven had fathered the child with Jussie Smollett, the brother of actress Jurnee Smollett ('The Great Debaters') and that the two named the child Lilliana Pearman.

Now a rep for Raven has shut down the fabricated tale.

"Raven-Symoné is not pregnant nor did she give birth," the publicist said in a statement.

Not only is the singer/actress neither pregnant or a first-time mother, but the former star of 'The Cosby Show' performed on Thursday, July 9 at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J. where she sang songs from her latest self-titled CD.

they better leave little Olivia alone

and if she was pregnant so what?
she's 23 years old
a grown woman
i hate gossip sites
they get on my damn nerves