Lie of the Week

The mayor of a small Southern California city says he will resign after being criticized for sharing an e-mail picture depicting the White House lawn planted with watermelons under the title "No Easter egg hunt this year."

Grose says he accepts that the e-mail was in poor taste and has affected his ability to lead the city. Grose said he didn't mean to offend anyone and claimed he was unaware of the racial stereotype linking black people with eating watermelons.

How is that picture funny but for the racist connections between black people and watermelon? Is it a joke about how liberals just love their watermelon? Or Barack Obama's personal affection for this fruit? Seriously, why else would you send out a picture of a watermelon patch on the White House lawn unless you knew what the joke was about?

Lots of Angry White People And One Injun

A bunch of people who don't understand the term socialism poured out onto the Legislative Plaza to celebrate the great American tradition of turning a blind eye when their party is in power, and getting their knickers in a twist when a Democrat becomes President.

Bob Krumm and Nathan Moore went so you could keep working.

Oh, and William H. Hobbs was passing out his bumper stickers from last September which attacked John McCain's mortgage plan to have the Government cover all the principle loss in homes. Oh, wait, no, that would mean they weren't a bunch of hypocritical liars.

Go here to pick up a more honest and realistic bumper sticker.

Clint the Cracker

Oh, the good ol' days:

"People have lost their sense of humour. In former times we constantly made jokes about different races. You can only tell them today with one hand over your mouth or you will be insulted as a racist," the Daily Express quoted him as saying.

"I find that ridiculous. In those earlier days every friendly clique had a 'Sam the Jew' or 'Jose the Mexican' - but we didn't think anything of it or have a racist thought. It was just normal that we made jokes based on our nationality or ethnicity. That was never a problem. I don't want to be politically correct.

Katt Williams concurs.

The GOP is Getting Jiggy With It

Damn I wish there was video of this...

As Steele concluded his remarks, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann — the event's moderator — told Steele he was “da man.”

“Michael Steele! You be da man! You be da man,” she said.

If only MC Rove were there.

Feel Good Friday : Gin and Juice Edition

Did You Ever Touch His Birth Certificate?

The folks at the Conservative Political Action Conference are missing the good ol' days when the President was white so you didn't have to worry about verifying his citizenship:

Be The Next Monica Lewinsky

Apply to be a White House intern.

You Couldn't Do This When I Lived Out In Donelson?

Join us this Saturday for the Davidson County Democratic Party Executive Committee’s first Legislative Breakfast of the year.

Hosted by House Democratic Caucus Chair Mike Turner, this is a great opportunity to network with fellow Democrats over a delicious buffet while elected officials talk about legislative issues.

After breakfast, take advantage of the occasion to tour The Hermitage and remember that the modern Democratic Party has its roots in Middle Tennessee!

Buffet is $9.95 + tax & SC. ** Starts at 8:30 a.m., ends at 10:30 a.m. **

Location: Garden Gate Cafe at The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson, 4580 Rachel's Lane, Hermitage, TN 37076.

Present a TN driver's license & bring a can of food for Second Harvest for a discounted admission to tour The Hermitage.

RSVP to: executivedir@davidsondemocrats.com or 615 354 5400

Quote of the [Yester]Day

To all the milk haters ... MOOOOO! ;) - Rep. Henry Fincher in response to critics on his Facebook page who feel that Jack Daniels would make a much better state beverage than, bleh, milk. (Now, you put some Khalua and Vodka in it, then we are talking.)

Quote of the Day

On Meghan McCain (John McCain's daughter) saying Michael Steele's "hip-hop" strategy won't work

Michael Steele: I would think that she would understand what i meant when i used the term hip-hop. I wasn't talking literally the music industry -- Ludacris or Snoop Dog becoming Republicans. Look -- I'm not stupid I was born in DC on 8th Street. I know what's up. I know what time it is. I used to hang out in Brooklyn and in the Bronx as a teenager. I know what the real world is like.

Ya dig?

TNDP Chair Update

Chip Forrester updates on the state of the TNDP, and the controversy over the new Treasurer, Bill Freeman. Chairman Forrester noted that if you have questions for himself or Freeman, you can address them to "questions@tndp.org" and they'll be answered on the main website.



Update:

Woods speaks with Don Farmer, the Executive Committee member who seconded the Charles Robert Bone nomination under the auspices of we might hurt the Governor's feelings if Chip was the Chair, who supports the effort to boot Freeman as Treasurer.

If they are able to do this (boot Freeman as Treasurer), one wonders if a member of the Governor's inner circle will be willing to step up and help the party in this capacity, or if they'll continue to undermine the efforts of the party to move forward? In other words, are they offering alternatives? Or are they just hoping they can tear down Forrester enough to get him to resign and put their own person in place?

Mmmm...Clean Coal.

Honk If You're A Hypocrite

The Tennessee Republican Party, in all their hacktastic glory, has decided to follow up on their hugely successful "The Only Thing Democrats Want To Drill, Your Wallet" bumper stickers with a new batch asking people to "Honk If You're Paying My Mortgate".

The hypocritical part is that Obama's plan is nowhere near as socialistically ambitious as the one offered by John McCain's flailing campaign in the heat of the campaign last year:

Under McCain's plan, the government would spend $300 billion to purchase distressed loans and provide new, fixed-rate mortgages. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, the Arizona senator's economic adviser, said the plan would help stabilize the plunging values of mortgage-backed securities that are at the heart of the crisis in the financial markets.

To do so, the government would pay the full face-value of the distressed mortgages, Holtz-Eakin said.

Under that scenario, the government could buy a $200,000 subprime mortgage on a home now worth just $100,000, give the homeowner a 30-year, $90,000 loan with a 5 percent interest rate, and essentially eat the $110,000 difference.

Got that? The plan supported by the candidate supported by the TNGOP would have the Federal Government wipe away losses for both the homeowner and the bankers, and have it paid for by the taxpayers.

Obama's plan on the other hand simply helps to refinance the mortgages to lower the interest rates, not have the Federal Government eat 50% of a loan. While I may disagree with some of his plan, its by no means any where near as bad as Johnny Mac's.

(h/t ACK)

Don't Call Me Bobby

Kenneth from 30 Rock responds to the ridiculous notion that he sounds like the Governor of Louisiana:

Gray Davis 2.0

It appears that there is a movement afoot to recall the election of Bill Freeman as Treasurer for his past [mis]givings to Republican candidates and the GOP. Its being released over at Pith in the Wind, meaning its likely coming from the Governor's office.

WHEREAS, Freeman's contributions to Republican nominees and committees served to undermine the individual and combined efforts of multiple Democratic nominees in those election years, proving inconsistent with the objective of the Committee.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, the Committee shall remove William H. "Bill" Freeman from the office of Treasurer or extend to Freeman the opportunity to resign;

The only problem here is that the Tennessee Democratic Executive Committee already voted to approve Freeman as Treasurer. The time to challenge his credentials as a Democrat would've been on February 19th when the committee voted in favor of him. Why didn't Pinkston do his oppo-research then and give his objections to a member of the committee, instead of hashing out his problems through the Nashville Scene?

I'm of the mind that the Executive Committee should base any attempt on ousting Freeman on his performance as Treasurer, rather than his past indiscretions. Had I been on the Exec Committee, and known ahead of time about all this GOP activity, I probably would not have voted to confirm...but what is done is done, and now I think he ought to be given a shot to prove his worth.

Random Question

If Bobby Jindal's mom was pregnant before she came from India to the United States, does that make him an "anchor baby" in the GOP's eyes?

Like the president's father, my own parents came to this country from a distant land. When they arrived in Baton Rouge, my mother was already 4-½-months pregnant. I was what folks in the insurance industry now call a "pre-existing condition."

The Emptiness of Republican Rhetoric on American Exceptionalism

Bobby Jindal on the awesomeness that is America:

As a child, I remember going to the grocery store with my dad. Growing up in India, he had seen extreme poverty. And as we walked through the aisles, looking at the endless variety on the shelves, he would tell me: "Bobby, Americans can do anything." I still believe that to this day: Americans can do anything. When we pull together, there is no challenge we can't overcome.

Isn't that a warm and fuzzy statement if you've ever heard one? The problem, of course, is that Bobby Jindal and his fellow Republicans fundamentally disagree with this very premise.

Republican nihilism, as Brooks described it, is premised on the fact that Government, which in a Republic is more or less the collective will of the American people, does not, can not, and should not work towards making this a better country.

We can't come together and create a manageable universal health care system. We can't come together and create a 21st century public education system. We can't come together to create cures for new diseases, or to feed the hungry, or house the homeless. Republicans believe that in all these things, only individuals working towards their own self-interest can accomplish good. Collective action, i.e. pulling together, is destined to failure in the eyes of the GOP.

That is ultimately the biggest difference between Republicans and Democrats. Republicans want to separate the Government from "America" and castigate it as an evil, corrupt, and feckless institution destined to harm American; whereas Democrats have faith in the people to work together through our Government to affect positive changes.

Conservatism As It Was Intended To Be

Nihilists! Fuck me. I mean, say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos. - Walter

David Brooks responded to the "nihilistic" tendencies of the Republican party as outlined by Gov. Bobby Jindal last night. Coming from Brooks, a pseudo-Republican who gets a thrill up his leg about fresh politicians with a compelling backstory, this is pretty rough:

Department of How Not To Reach Out To Young People

Call supporters of civil unions crazy.

A Secretary of Labor Who Supports Labor

Rep. Hilda Solis is now Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis after Republicans ceased their obstruction of her nomination and allowed a vote to take place. It appears that our Senators, Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, voted in favor of her confirmation.

Department of Misleading Headlines

According to HuffPo:

US Troops To Leave Iraq By August 2010: Officials

Of course, that is if you ignore this tidbit:

The U.S. military will leave behind a residual force, between 30,000 and 50,000 troops, to continue advising and training Iraqi security forces, the two officials said. Also staying beyond the 19 months will be intelligence and surveillance specialists and their equipment, including unmanned aircraft, they said.

Now, I'm personally fine with that level of US Forces staying behind in Iraq, so long as we dramatically decrease the level of funding to that operation and are not performing day-to-day security operations. But, cutting the troop level by 2/3rds is not exactly a full on withdrawal.

Lots of Taxation Without Representation!

With all the blubbering by Republicans about a new "Tea Party" in Chicago, isn't it a little ironic that the all but five Republicans voted to block the residents of the District of Columbia from having a vote in Congress?

Cooper Getting Noticed

"There's no incumbent I'd love to see primaried more than Jim Cooper." - Markos Moulitsas.

Cohen in Iraq

Task Force Mountain has released a photo of Congressman Steve Cohen eating with the troops over in Iraq.

That's Right Baby, 60+ Here We Come!

RNC Chairman Michael Steele is open to cutting off Sens. Specter, Snowe, and Collins for their heretical belief that country comes before party.



The only one of the three up for re-election next year is Arlen Specter, in a state which Obama carried by 10 points. Wouldn't it be grand if he got knocked out in the primary by a right-wing know nothing? The last person like that to run statewide was Rick Santorum...how'd that turn out fer ya?

Hopey Changey

The Republicans spent the better part of a year during the last election deriding Obama's message of "Hope" and "Change". Now, it seems, some of them just didn't know what they had until it was gone.

`I think he needs to rebuild the country’s confidence in the future. He needs to talk less about catastrophe and more about hope. His proposals (to help the housing market) focus on people in trouble. To restart housing we need to focus more on credit-worthy Americans who can afford to buy houses but don’t.” - Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander.

Did Freeman Pay for "Call Me" Ad?

From an anti-TNDP troll:

In 2006, Bill Freeman gave the Republican National Committee $10,000. In 2006, the Republican National Committee produced a certain television spot it ran against Harold Ford, Jr. That spot became known as the “Call Me” ad. I know you remember that one, don’t you, LWC?

If you ask me, Bill Freeman helped fund the “Call Me” ad - probably the most heinous piece of race baiting in modern Tennessee political history.

No. Despite the best efforts of the PP Trolls, TNDP Treasurer Bill Freeman's money did not go towards the infamous "Call Me" ad ran against Harold Ford. Now, you can say it went towards any number of malicious mailers sent out by the TNDP against Harold Ford Jr., but the ad in question was paid for by the Republican National Committee, and in 2006, Bill Freeman gave money to the Tennessee Republican Party Federal Account.

The TNGOP did not give money to the RNC in 2006, in fact, they received over 2 million from the national party for that election. That ad was paid for via an Independent Expenditure from the RNC.

So say what you will about having a TNDP Treasurer who gave money to Republicans, Southern Beale has a not so welcoming message to Mr. Freeman...but if you are gonna come, come correct son.

The South Shall Rise Again!

Had an interesting drive to work today as I caught Ralph Bristol on 99.7. He was discussing the nation's drive towards "socialism" and was discussing the possibility of splitting America apart again and creating a separate "capitalist" nation. Moving past the fact that Obama hasn't done a single thing more "socialist" than his predecessors, and the predictability of a handful of southern white conservatives urging secession after a black man is elected President...what about the idea?

In 1860 it was easier to secede than it would be today for a myriad of reasons, not the least of which that black people (who'd be less likely to desire the treasonous path especially now that we have a Black President) didn't have a say last time, as they were already in chains. Just imagine the racial war that would take place in a state like Mississippi, which is the textbook definition of racial polarization and which boasts a black population in the 40% range. Do you think they'd go quietly into a new nation where Mississippi Republicans wouldn't be encumbered by Federal anti-segregation laws?

Now, what about another option? How about all the people who can't stand the direction of the country, and feel compelled to start their own, move to Alaska? I mean, you can have the President Palin that you so desperately wanted in the last election. You can yell "drill baby drill" at the top of your lungs, and people will actually listen. There are very few black people to worry about. And there is plenty of land. Of course, its a bit cold, but you can tap ANWR and get all the heat you need...build a big dome for all we care.

The upside for America is that we can finally move forward with getting this country back on track. We don't have to worry about rightwing obstructionists, and so we can actually create lasting programs like Universal Health care that work, instead of watered down policies to satisfy the will of the minority. So rather than tearing apart the country with an unneccessary second civil war, just go in peace, take Alaska, and we'll call it a day.

I Wish I Had 10K to Spend For a Pic

TNDP Treasurer Bill Freeman explains his $10K donation to the DNC in 2004 via a press release sent to ACK:

"In 2004, my neighbor hosted a fundraiser for President Bush," Freeman says. "My son wanted to meet the President, so I gave $10,000 for two tickets. My motivation was not to help the GOP, it was to give my son the opportunity to meet the President of the United States. But, looking at the mess the Bush Administration has created in our country and around the world - this is not a decision I would repeat if I had to do over again."

This explanation is plausible. In 2004 he gave $2K to John Kerry, as well as another $500 to America Coming Together, the pro-Democrat 527 setup to augment Kerry's spending in that election.

However, that still doesn't explain the $10,000 he gave to the Tennessee Republican Party in October of 2006. Unless that was just to help Corker...which is sort of explained by his donation to a Corker for Senate campaign committee setup way back in December of '04, two years before the election. Mr. Freeman also gave to Obama's 2010 re-election campaign back in 2004, indicating he probably really liked both candidates.

District 18 Showdown

The candidates for the District 18 Council seat met this week to discuss their plans for the District and what makes them most qualified to execute those plans. Nate Rau was kind enough to attend the forum so that I could enjoy a nice Sunday nap (and it was quite refreshing, thank you very much).

Largely agreeing on key issues, such as fully funding public schools, conserving the unique residential character of the district and improving traffic and parking, the four candidates also touted their own resumes to those in attendance.

Apparently there was also a bit of a squabble between John Ray Clemmons and David Glasgow, with John Ray shouting "I like puppies" and Mr. Glasgow retorting, "well I like Ice Cream!"

Democrats Who Love Republicans Part Deux

Now that we have the Treasurer out of the way, its on to the latest edition to the race for the Democratic Gubernatorial nomination, Ward Cammack.

Mr. Cammack splashed the inboxes of the press, and myself, last week with his announcement for Governor under the auspices of outrage towards the actions of a few inbred Republicans who think President Obama is one of them there illegals.

While not a major political donor by any stretch, he has given a few dollars here and there over the course of the past 8 years, and it seems its been spread out between both Democrats and Republicans, with a bulk going towards Sen. Lamar Alexander and Rep. Jim Cooper, along with some to Bob Corker and Bob Tuke.

Ward spoke with Post Politics and seemed to indicate that his entrenchment into the Democratic Party has been brought about because of George W. Bush. A perfectly reasonable sentiment, and one expressed by now Sen. Jim Webb as well. But it does and will certainly lead to more scrutiny as to what he actually thinks and feels, given that he'll likely be one of the least known candidates to run for the Governorship in 2010.

Democrats Who Love Republicans

The soap opera that is the takeover of the TNDP by Chip Forrester has a new plot twist, this time involving the newly selected Treasurer for the Tennessee Democratic Party, Bill Freeman.

While Freeman was certainly a friend to the Democrats in the 2008 cycle, maxing out to Obama and the DNC w/ 28,500, along with various other donations to candidates and state parties around the country; scratch beneath the surface and there is a more questionable donation history, including $5,000 to a certifiable retard in 2002, and $5,000 to Herman Munster in 2006.

Now, I understand that rich people have all sorts of friends, some Republicans and some Democrats. And I could understand if, once or twice, over the course of a couple decades, a Democrat is enticed to give his friend a donation here or there. But giving tens of thousands of dollars in the span of 6 years to the Republican party and their candidates, is certainly an eyebrow raising prospect when you are tapped to be in charge of the Democratic party's funds for two years.

Here is the major concern, going forward, with Bill Freeman. He has to sign off on any major expenditure. What if, in the next two years, the party decides to run an ad campaign against Bob Corker for one of his many votes against his constituents and the President? Will Mr. Freeman be willing to attach his name to such an effort, as is required by law? I mean, if they were good enough friends that he gave somewhere in the neighborhood of $14,100 towards his campaign ($4,100 in direct contributions, $10K to the TNGOP Federal Account), could that interfere with his responsibilities as Treasurer?

Now, on the upside, maybe he can expand the donation base of the TNDP with other Obamicans, given that Will Pinkston made it clear he doesn't want anything to do with a reconciliation between the Chairman of the Party and the Governor. But the Executive Committee should have the chance to thoroughly question and examine Mr. Freeman before signing off (as I'd assume the bylaws require) on being Treasurer.

See Also: Freeman's explanation...it was for love of money, not love of party.

Feel Good Friday - Stimulus Edition

But WE Won't

My Democratic Insider Says Your Democratic Insider Is Full Of It

Word has it that despite the protestations of Jeff Woods' Democratic insider, the congressional delegation is not abandoning the Tennessee Democratic Party in pursuit of some third way.

A "Democratic Party Insider" informs me that 4 of the 5 TN Congressional Dems have pledged to work with the TNDP and Chairman Chip Forrester in the future, with meetings scheduled to have a come to Jesus with Rep. Lincoln Davis.

Still in the wind is the Governor, but source[s] tell me that most of his staff wants to work with the party, but Jeff Woods' source in the Governor's office is not feeling the love. Of course, the Governor is probably preoccupied with the potential chance to get the hell outta Dodge and not have to worry about this whole mess, so we'll have to wait and see who President Obama nominates to be HHS Secretary before this situation is likely to be resolved.

Ultimately, while there might be a few bruised egos, the end result is going to be a united party. With redistricting coming up, and the legislative majority at stake, there is no other alternative.

For Shame

Well, it appears that Obama has fallen short of his rhetoric of hope and change*. Alas, he has no CEOs in his cabinet.

There are no former CEOs in the Obama Cabinet. And among the people who make up his daily inner circle, there is only a dollop or two of top-level private sector experience...

...[S]ome long-time White House observers find it noteworthy that when Obama convenes his best minds there will be few people who have answered to shareholders as well as voters—people who know by intuition how the business community is likely to react to any given day’s news.

The author of this article is aware that our last President was CEO of a company before taking office...does he not?

*What does that have to do with hope and change? Nothing, just a shout out to all the wingers out there who obsess about those words whenever Obama does something they don't approve of.

In Response to Stupidity

Ward Cammack, a prominent figure in the financial services industry, is throwing his hat in the ring to be a Democratic candidate for Governor, and he is using the actions of four Tennessee Republicans, who are suing President Obama to see an original copy of the birth certificate already shown online for all to see, as a foil to his announcement:

I realize that it is too early in the process for many of you to make a commitment in the 2010 gubernatorial contest, but this week’s GOP folly is a reminder of how important this decision will be. In the coming weeks, I will begin to campaign across Tennessee. I hope you will take the opportunity to learn more about my candidacy and my plans to create more jobs here in Tennessee.

Back Up A Sec

Canada has a Black Head of State?

You're So Money And You Don't Even Know It

The Republican Party 'bout to get krunk up in dis muthafucka, according to Da Chairman.

Under Mr. Steele's helm, the “old” may seem inappropriate in the Grand Old Party's affectionate nickname. He said he is putting a new public relations team into place to update the party's image.

“It will be avant garde, technically,” he said. “It will come to table with things that will surprise everyone - off the hook.”

ABC NEWS VIA GETTY IMAGES Republican National Committee Chairman Michael S. Steele says the Grand Old Party is in need of an "off the hook" public relations offensive to attract young blacks and Hispanics.

Does that mean cutting-edge?

“I don't do 'cutting-edge,' “ he said. “That's what Democrats are doing. We're going beyond cutting-edge.”

Ohh, snaps! They ain't even gonna trifle with that cuttin' edge shit, they gonna throw that muthafuckin' knife out and get all .45 on those bitch ass Democrats.

Seriously though, I just love it when old politicians think that they can use vernacular like "off the hook" and will appeal to the youth. Lemme guess the slogan: "Vote GOP and keep that bling 'round yo neck."

Now, I can't pre-judge Mr. Steele's efforts (well, I guess I am), but I just can't imagine that there is some magical combination of words that is going to turn black youth away from Obama. Driving by many of the "urban clothing" stores around town, I see about 3 or 4 Obama shirts hung up outside, next to the Scarface t-shirt. Hell, over at the Blockbuster in Inglewood, they've got an Obama inauguration shirt hanging up at the checkout counter.

Obama's gotta seriously screw the pooch for the GOP to have any hope with black youth in the next 4 to 8 years.

Update: I have an exclusive first look at the first GOP commercial targeting black youth:



(h/t ACK)

Any Cabinet Officials On That List?

Apparently Swiss Bank UBS is going to divulge information about nearly twenty thousand clients who have used offshore bank accounts to skirt US tax law. It will be interesting to see if the names of any politicians are on there...hopefully, no more cabinet surprises are in store.

The Case For Open Primaries

AC Kleinheider makes it in the pages of the City Paper:

Not having party registration and allowing voters to declare on the day of the primary which party they want to affiliate with has fostered the environment that has allowed our peculiar purplish politics to thrive. To win a primary, Republicans and Democrats not only have to win over their party activists; they have to appeal to those voters who don't go to party meetings and who don't define their politics by a rigid ideology but tend to drift, usually to one party or another, but sometimes vacillate in between.

Our open primary system and our refusal to register voters by party has given the independent a voice. It has allowed politicians to thrive who might not find their political base overlapping their party's base but instead pieced together from voters in and outside the party. This environment forces politicians to be open to a wide panoply of voters throughout the entire election season, not just the General Election.

I agree that our primaries should remain open. While it might help parties to be able to have voters self-identify, thus making it easier to have a targeted voter outreach, ultimately I think people should be able to vote for the person, and not the party. I don't necessarily agree that somehow our open primary system has moderated the politicians...it seems that moderation only goes one way, towards the right, as I don't think there are many moderate Republicans in this state.

The reason I support open primaries is because 90% of the races in this state are decided through the gerrymandering process. I think if someone lives in an area, they should be able to have a say in their elected officials, be they Republican or Democrat, and in some urban counties only Dems are elected, and in some Rural counties only Republicans will be chosen. People who live in those areas should have their voice heard without having to pick the same party as the vast majority in their district.

Obama Sides Against Fictitious Democrats in Fictitious Debate Over Fairness Doctrine

The White House has apparently put its foot down on the issue of whether to reinstate the "fairness doctrine" that was repealed in the 1980s, giving rise to luminaries such as Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Michael Savage.

President Obama opposes any move to bring back the so-called Fairness Doctrine, a spokesman told FOXNews.com Wednesday.

The statement is the first definitive stance the administration has taken since an aide told an industry publication last summer that Obama opposes the doctrine -- a long-abolished policy that would require broadcasters to provide opposing viewpoints on controversial issues.

"As the president stated during the campaign, he does not believe the Fairness Doctrine should be reinstated," White House spokesman Ben LaBolt said.

Personally, while I think there are a few provisions within the old fairness doctrine that are worthy (specifically, the notion of allowing a person who is attacked a chance to respond), the idea of creating equal time for differing viewpoints is unrealistic in today's media market. Had the fairness doctrine remained in place from the outset, I'd support it being kept in place...but since its been removed, entire media markets have been created in the pursuit of advancing a rightwing political agenda, and killing that market would simply make these gasbags martyrs to the cause of "freedom".

Also, what is the point of replacing them? The past couple election cycles have pretty well shown that their power is limited at best. Sure, they'll keep a certain segment of the white male conservative society enthralled with racist jingles and childish taunts, but otherwise we still managed to get a Black liberal with a foreign sounding name and a diverse background elected President...something which flies in the face of the white nationalist tendencies of Republican talk radio.

The "market" has shown that Liberals have little stomach for the same kind of extremist ideological orthodoxy that Conservatives do, as evidenced by our preference for balanced talk radio such as NPR, over the more partisan Air America. Let the Conservatives have their medium, they can continue to isolate themselves inside a rightwing bubble which is convinced that the American people are clamoring to destroy the Federal Government and replace it with a bastardized theocratic free market aristocracy.

Damn, I Wish I Had Bought A House

It looks as if Christmas is gonna come early for many "homeowners" who bit off more then they could chew, along with banks who lent irresponsibly:

If lenders and homebuyers work together, and the lender agrees to offer rates that the borrower can afford, we’ll make up part of the gap between what the old payments were and what the new payments will be. And under this plan, lenders who participate will be required to reduce those payments to no more than 31 percent of a borrower’s income. This will enable as many as three to four million homeowners to modify the terms of their mortgages to avoid foreclosure.

First question. Some [many] of these deals would presumably be given to married couples who recently had a spouse leave the workforce. If the new deals are made in relation to their current income, and a couple months later the spouse goes back to work, are the taxpayers still going to be subsidizing their investment property? Because, in essence, that is what a house is, an investment. Often times politicians talk in terms of people who go through foreclosure being tossed out onto the street, but in nearly all housing markets there are rental options that don't require a six figure loan from a bank.

I'm no free marketeer by any stretch of the imagination, but I can't help but see some opportunities for investors who still have some scratch left to invest. I'm sure there are numerous regulatory hurdles to seeing this happen, but I can't see why a rental management company couldn't be created which would work for banks to fix up, maintain, and rent out foreclosed properties in order for the bank to receive the lost income of that mortgage payment, while simultaneously waiting until the housing market begins to rebound in order to unload the foreclosed property onto a new home buyer.

I believe in a social safety net. I think the Government should be there to step in and help ensure that children don't go to bed hungry, that people don't die because of a lack of access to health care, and that there are options out there for people to avoid having to sleep on the streets. But home ownership is not a human right, its a reward for hard work and the determination to save and sacrifice for the American dream. Are there people out there who did everything right, and by no fault of their own, are faced with the inability to make their mortgage payments? Yes, and maybe there is something we can do about that. But the notion of refinancing these mortgages in a depressed economy, with the Government making long term commitments to pick up the slack, is not wise or necessary.

Junior Department of Commerce

Could Harold Ford Jr. be in line to take the tainted nomination for Secretary of Commerce? Seems like it.

And, why not? I know my fellow liberals might cringe at the notion of this, but looking at the role of the head of the Department of Commerce, I don't particularly see any reason why he couldn't help fulfill Obama's vision of America. First, Harold Ford Jr. has already worked in the Commerce Department as a young lad, between College and Congress. His work in Congress was largely along economic lines. During his campaign for the Democratic nomination, he showed a willingness to set aside his free trade tendencies in pursuit of Labor's support, and both he and Obama are free traders, even if they are of the more labor friendly variety.

I just don't see the objection to Harold Ford Jr. He isn't vastly more conservative than Bill Richardson, and he's actually more liberal than Judd Gregg. Granted, he's not the most partisan figure in the world, but that isn't necessary for this position as it might be with, say, the Department of Labor.

His biggest hangup towards the nomination would be his work with Merrill Lynch, especially after the debacles over bonuses. I don't quite see Merrill Lynch as a whole heckuva lot worse than most of the other struggling financial firms out there, and I can't imagine anything Ford has done over the past 2 years has vastly contributed to their collapse. Did he get a Christmas bonus? Probably, everyone else in the company seemed to...maybe he should make a goodwill gesture and donate it to charity. But looking at the divisions of the Commerce Department, I don't see too many direct conflicts of interest with his time at Merrill Lynch.

When you get down to the identity politics of it all; Ford is Black (check), Ford is a moderate-to-conservative (check), Ford is a Southerner (check), and Ford has a high national profile (check).

Random Bits

I've been struggling to find any interest the past couple days in the political happenings of our state or nation. Some quick bites:

Them big city folk (I can't imagine how anyone who has ever met Rep. Mike Turner can think of him as an urbanite) are running off the li'l city folk and forcing them (OK, no real forcing involved, Democrats just love more caucuses) to start their own caucus.

The Gays made their way down to the capitol to expense with fashion advice in exchange for favorable votes. My guess is that bashing gays will still be en vogue with the Republican majorities.

Could Krispy Kreme go out of business? Seems like it.

KNS editorializes in favor of wine in grocery stores, and beer in liquor stores. My personal fix would be to liquor stores to sell wine, liquor, beer, ice, soda, and other items associated with the imbibing of alcohol (glasses, equipment, cigarettes, condoms, etc...); all while opening up wine sales, along with perhaps low-proof liquors, to be sold in grocery stores.

Also, one shout out to President Obama. A lot of states are facing budget gaps, you guys recently passes some laws that would increase cigarette taxes, thus further increasing pressure on farmers in the Southern States. A quick and easy (partial) solution would be to open up the farm lands of America to a renewable and versatile crop; hemp. You are supposed to have adopted a pragmatic ideology, so give me the pragmatic reason not to allow farmers to grow this crop which contains little to no THC?

The Public Welfare Requiring It

I know that I'm supposed to be understanding of the big tent of the Democratic party...put aside my liberal inclinations for the good of the overall cause...understand the cultural differences between urban and rural Democrats. But I'm having trouble understanding how anyone, Democrat or Republican, would think the "public welfare requires" banning weapons technology which make it easier for law enforcement to track down offending criminals; not only that, but make it a crime to sell such technology.

Sen. Doug Jackson has introduced a bill which would make it a crime to sell any new firearm which has "microstamping," a procedure which laser etches a part of the gun, so that when it is fired, information about the make and serial number is imprinted on the cartridge to make it easier for law enforcement to track down the original buyer or seller of the weapon.

What amazes me the most is that this is his description of what microstamping does...in the bill. The same bill in which he wants to make it a crime to sell these weapons.

(h/t Uncle)

Cooper Votes Aye

Rep. Jim Cooper stuck with his district and voted in favor of the economic recovery package, along with all other TN Dems.

House Considering Stimulus

The House voted 232 to 195 to consider the conference report on the stimulus package.

Not surprisingly, Rep. Cooper was one of 19 Democrats to join the Republicans in opposing debate on this bill, while, considerably more surprising, Rep. Steve Cohen was also among those 19 Democrats. Reps. Davis and Gordon did not vote, and Congressman John Tanner was the only Tennessean to vote in favor of considering the conference report on H.R. 1.

Update:

Apparently, the package just passed the House, and Rep. Cohen did vote in favor of the recovery bill.

The Wisdom of Stacey Campfield

You know, we could devote entire blogs to the ridiculous antics of Rep. Stacey Campfield. Between hatin' on the gays, hatin' on the women, hatin' on the daddies, hatin' on...well, just about everyone who isn't a white male Republican, Stacey is a busy man. But, every once in a while, he does have a few good ideas.

Like HB813 which would require that the legislative plaza garage be only heated or cooled to the amount necessary to maintain proper functionality and preserve the health of those who use the garage. The Gorical would certainly be proud of this li'l gem.

Well, thats about all I could find. Aunt B. has the details on his less inspired legislation here, here, and here.

Speak No Evil

Rep. Campfield and Sen. Bunch are busy working to save the youngin's by hiding the mention of sexuality (beyond heterosexuality) from them before they get into the 9th grade.

So, basically, this would require Elementary and Middle Schools to block their student's access to such naughty websites as the Tennessee Legislature or the Republican Party, given their unhealthy preoccupation with people who are attracted to the same sex. Interestingly, this would also ban schools from teaching the Bible, as non-hetero sexual activities are sometimes mentioned.

What is the old joke...you can tell which sin a preacher practices the most by whatever sin they rail hardest against in church?

(h/t Grand Divisions)

3-28-09 - Don't Go Jogging That Night

Nashville's political and musical talents converged yesterday to celebrate the upcoming Earth Hour event on March 28th, in which individuals and companies are urged to "go dark" and turn off their lights for one hour. Some of Nashville's musical talent, as well as the Mayor and Councilman Steine, attended an event yesterday at The Stage to raise awareness about the event.

“On March 28 at 8:30 p.m., Nashville will make a bold statement about the need to address climate change,” Mayor Dean said. “Our skyline, our iconic buildings from the Loveless Café to the Parthenon, our neighborhoods, and thousands of homes and businesses will go dark for one hour when nonessential lights are turned off.”

Dean has set a goal to make Nashville “the greenest city in the Southeast,” and has appointed a Green Ribbon Committee to make recommendations on environmental policy. “The city’s participation in Earth Hour falls right in line with the work of the Green Ribbon Committee and is one more way for Nashville to distinguish itself as a city that’s going green,” Dean said.

Colbert Bait

You have to wonder...at what point are Tennessee Republicans engaged in some sort of art project to see how much they can embarrass the state?

The Tennessean reports that Glen Casada, Stacey Campfield, and Frank Nicely have signed on to challenge President Obama's citizenship.

I mean, for &*@# sake, even Rush Limbaugh and Phil Valentine wouldn't go there. What is in the water over there?

(h/t ACK)

Don't Let The Door Hit Ya

Sob...Judd Gregg is withdrawing from consideration to be the next Commerce Secretary. Apparently, he was surprised to learn the President Obama didn't share his view that the entity should not exist.

If President Obama is still looking for a center-right candidate, he could always look at Governor Bredesen or former Congressman Harold Ford as potential replacements. Though, I'm not sure how many people will be dying to get in there now that two candidates have dropped out...maybe he ought to just pick a technocrat instead of a politician.

Do Over For Cooper

Rep. Jim Cooper will have a second chance to vote on the stimulus package to begin to stabilize our economy, and Americans United is hoping that our congressman will have a change of heart:



I too hope that Rep. Cooper will put aside his differences with Nancy Pelosi and vote for this package. By no means will it be a perfect bill, but if he was willing to give President Bush and Secretary Paulson a blank check to stabilize the banking system, I would hope he'd be willing to give President Obama the transparent and open tools to begin putting Americans back to work.

What Would Jesus Do?

Well, in the mind of Richard Land, President of the [The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission within the] Southern Baptist Convention, he would spit in the face of the poor, and tell them to get a job if their kids need health care. Land is apoplectic that the Congress and President passed a State Children's Health Insurance Program that would expand the program to more children.

He is also worried about a provision in the stimulus that would:

Also tucked into the stimulus bill adopted by the House is $600 million for the training of nurses and primary care physicians and dentists to provide care in communities that lack sufficient health-care outlets.

I mean, God for effing bid we have more doctors and dentists for the communities who need them the most. Apparently Dr. Land is afraid that this is a down payment on "Universal Health Care," because Jesus would never approve of a medical program that covered everybody who needed it. Besides, this might cut into revenues for those traveling healin' preachers.

What's A Worthy Number

Jeff Woods pays back his anonymous source[s] - who feed him all the juicy gossip about how bad the shape of the Democratic party is in now that Chip Forrester is Chairman - by attacking myself and the other "progressive bloggers" who had the audacity to raise funds for the TNDP.

First off, we were so stupid as to send that money to the Federal Account, which presumably would be spent on the same congressional candidates who supported Charles Robert Bone. Nevermind the fact that the money can be transferred to the non-federal account, and that federal account goes towards paying the salaries of TNDP employees that handle voter outreach and registration (the same tasks we dastardly liberal bloggers were calling for more of).

Second, we only (HA!) raised (HA!) almost $4,000 (HA!) in 3 days. By God, that's chump change in the world of the Woods' chickenshit anonymous sources. So why bother raising money if a wealthy donor could easily give more?

Well, that brings us to third. When I spoke with WPLN about the fundraising drive, I mentioned that its not just the monetary value, but also targeting new donors is targeting potential new volunteers. We got 103 people to donate, many of whom presumably had not given before, and most of whom have almost certainly not participated as volunteers in local campaigns before. By building the database for small dollar donors, we are increasing the potential volunteer base. Are 103 people going to change the trajectory of politics in Tennessee? Probably not. But I guess the standard operating procedure for Jeff Woods' anonymous political operatives is that if you can't make big, immediate changes; its not worth it to do small incremental changes.

See Also: Aunt B

Extending The Olive Branch

Word to the wise...if you are jockeying for the appointment to the cabinet of a liberal President, and you are already experiencing a bit of push back from liberal elements within the party, it might not be the best idea to diminish the importance of patient advocacy groups in favor of big pharma:

"Anybody who's got some real scars and experience is going to have their detractors," [Governor Bredesen] said Monday in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. "People at the White House are smart enough to be able to assess that." And he took a swipe at his opponents, saying that "advocacy groups don't matter nearly as much as the pharmaceutical groups, the hospitals, the doctors' groups. There's a lot of very powerful interest groups that will play in this thing."

Now, to be fair, Bredesen is probably right...but is this really the best sound bite to have out there when many of the groups who supported Obama are anxious about the idea of you being appointed to this position? Do you really want to be seen as more in league with Republican friendly industries, than with patient advocacy groups"?

What Is Worse Than Netanyahu Being Prime Minister?

Netanyahu forming a coalition with this guy to become Prime Minister.

Exit polls are in from Israel, and it appears that Kadima narrowly squeaked through with more seats than Likud, but in large part because Likud members appear to be voting for a guy who is even more of a jingoistic nationalist than Benjamin Netanyahu.

I've always wondered how rightwing Christians, who believe in the Left Behind vision of the end of days, envisioned the rebuilding of Solomn's temple when the Dome of the Rock would have to be destroyed to in order to accomplish this task. With the election of Netanyahu and Lieberman, it becomes a little bit clearer.

What A Waste

Just perusing the Senate "compromise" stimulus package that passed today. Apparently, they "trimmed the fat" and cut out wasteful spending. Which mostly meant gutting education and school improvements, along with a great deal of federal aide to the states, while simultaneously increasing spending on Nuclear Weapons by $1 billion dollars and clean coal by the same amount.

Hrmm...I'm sure both expenditures would create jobs, but which would I rather spend a billion dollars on, schools that will be put to use, or nuclear weapons technology that won't?

C'mon Nancy, its time to show 'em that the people's house trumps the house of lords.

See Also: The Rundown. via ACK

Trying To Get The PUMA PAC Endorsement

Well, it looks like Tennessee might be in the news for crazy shit said and done about Barack Obama, yet again. The Honorable Eric Swafford, Republican from Pikeville, is signing on as a plaintiff challenging the election of "Barry Soetoro," AKA President Barack Hussein Obama.

Seriously folks. Apparently, you can say or do just about whatever idiotic thing pops into your head and retain that "bona fide" status as a Republican, so long as you don't challenge Jason Mumpower for the Speakership of the State House.

Which also makes one wonder why the hell Barack Obama would ever want to come here? Between Democratic Executive Committee members who aren't quite sure if Obama is a terrorist, and Congressional aides aren't quite sure either; crazy ass white supremacists who plot assassination attempts; crazy ass xenophobic Republicans who are challenging the citizenship of our President; Tennessee isn't appearing to be the most hospitable place in the world to the newly elected Prez.

Its Like Stacey Just Found Out That Santa Claus Ain't Real

Stacey Campfield is bummed after last nights State of the State Address by Governor Bredesen. Apparently, the Governor is now a bleeding heart lefty because...

First it was the porkulus bill. He was for it and as much as said we are going to take it. No matter the strings. Scary with the things I am hearing on what those strings are.

Yeah, you know, someone the other day offered me a couple of million dollars to do things that I had planned on doing before the economy went bad; but I said "nawww, I don't want to have to fill out all that paperwork." Seriously, what did Campfield expect? What Governor in their right mind would choose to forgo federal assistance to close gaps in the budget?

Next was socialized medicine. Wow, what a let down. He has gone all the way over to the dark side in an attempt to get the HHS job. Way to hold out on principle.

This is the only part of the speech I heard live. It was clearly a bit of a shout out to those mentioning his name to be HHS Secretary, but all the same, he was far from endorsing some sort of British style national health care system, simply a national health care policy...which many Conservative Republicans support as well (though more in the fashion of letting poor people die and ending state regulatory practices).

Lastly was the solar panels. You must be kidding. This is not Arizona. Solar has yet to produce energy in any sort of efficient way at all. it is actually worse for the environment then a lot of other types of non PC energy forms we have.

Why do libs always feel they have to reinvent the wheel? We have TVA we are a leader on hydro power. We have Oak Ridge, we are a leader on nuclear and clean coal power generation.

Wait, that isn't the same "clean coal" that destroyed numerous homes in East Tennessee and may have caused long lasting health and environmental damages...is it?

Regardless, short of calling for dismantling the social safety net in Tennessee, cutting the sales tax in half, and firing all Democrats employed in the State Government, I don't think there is much that Gov. Bredesen could've done to have pleased Rep. Campfield.

Barack Hussein Ceasar

Last night, President Obama went before a national audience to make the case for a stimulus package. Having watched recent interviews and speeches, I'd had already heard most of it. While I think he did a good job, those who thought McCain creamed Obama in the debates obviously have a differing opinion.



What I do find interesting is not so much in relation to the press conference, but comments by some in the media, and Republican bloggers, who think Obama should've taken the reins on this proposal, and think it got "out of hand" because the House and Senate began changing parts of it.

I find this ironic because it used to be Republicans who were opposed to the notion of an imperial Presidency. It seems as if we are coming ever closer in this society to the proposition of an elected dictator in charge of the country. While Conservatives wring their hands over Russia and Venezuela, the truth is, that seems to be the style of Government they find most appealing.

The notion that the House and Senate shouldn't have ample say in a large spending and tax reduction plan is quite preposterous from a balance-of-power standpoint. Sure, a dictatorship would be a lot more efficient in terms of making Governmental changes, but that isn't the system of government we signed up for.

Non-Bona Fide Republican is Speaker of House

So, Robin Smith decides early last month to give Speaker Kent Williams the boot from the party, but in her typical grandstanding fashion, waits until today to announce the news. Kent Williams reiterates his Republican values while condemning the TNGOP's lurch towards extremism. Robin Smith grandstands some more. Democratic Leader Odom wants the Majority Leader title back real bad...Caucus Leader Mike Turner concurs. And, finally, Robin Smith apparently called and/or alluded to Kent Williams being the devil, or of the devil, or in cahoots with the Prince of Darkness.

OK, there is the re-cap. Haven't really blogged about it because I honestly don't see what the news here is. Robin Smith has been referring to Speaker Williams as if here were pond scum since that fateful day when he crossed her, so this should come to nobody's surprise. You can't consistently trash the first Republican Speaker of the House in 40 years, while alternately maintaining that he is a "bona fide" member of the Republican Party.

Now, Robin Smith apparently feels that her stripping him of his status should result in the media not referring to him as a Republican. Ummmm...no. Unless the House GOP caucus expels him, and he decides to caucus with the Democrats, he is still a Republican. He may not be able to run on the ballot as such, but he's still a Republican.

Wealth Creation 101

Nathan Moore does us a favor and schools President Obama in the ideals of wealth creation. Essentially, only private industry can create wealth, Government can only dampen it or cause inflation.

For instance, in 1997, a crack team of smart people at Morgan Chase developed the idea of a credit default swap...by 2008, the market for these swaps had grown to nearly $29 trillion dollars, or just a little less than half the global GDP in 2007.

This marvelous invention was created by a mixture of free market grit and a lack of regulatory spine by the Federal Government. And the global economy has flourished because of it. Perhaps, instead of spending fake money on unnecessary projects like roads, bridges, teachers, and energy conservation; President Obama ought to further deregulate the economy, and pass massive tax cuts for the wealthy, so that perhaps another top notch invention like the credit default swap market can come into fruition.

POTUS On The Stimulus

President Obama waxes poetic on the stimulus package currently being defanged by 4 out of 535 congressional members.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Breathtaking Stupidity

Thank God for Michael Steele:

STEELE: You’ve got to look at what’s going to create sustainable jobs. What this administration is talking about is making work. It is creating work.

STEPHANOPOULOS: But that’s a job.

STEELE: No, it’s not a job. A job is something that — that a business owner creates. It’s going to be long term. What he’s creating...

This is what happens when you try to bend reality towards some ideological belief structure.

OK, so by this logic, a seasonal employee does not have a "job," because his work is conditioned on a finite period of time. But even more than that, all jobs are generally conditioned on contracts and customers. The vast majority of infrastructural improvements will be farmed out to private sector companies who'll get a contract to perform the job for a certain amount of money. Construction companies generally hire, fire, expand, and contract, on the basis of the amount of bids they win.

Yes, after 2 or 3 years, if the private sector construction contracts don't begin expanding, those people who were employed by these construction companies to perform a specific job function, will probably be let go. What the Government, and economists, are generally banking on, is that the economy will have begun to turn around, and private sector spending will replace the Government spending that was increased to offset the decrease in private sector spending.

Why are Conservatives like Michael Steele so unfathomably obtuse that they do not realize this?

Update:

By the same logic, President Barack Obama doesn't have a job, because his contract might not be renewed in four years, and is maxed out at eight years.

WPLN Picks Up Blog-o-thon

Nina Cardona picked up on the story about the Tennessee Blogosphere coming together to raise funds for Chip Forrester.

It all started as a reaction to the new state party chairman. Chip Forrester won the seat without support of the state party’s senior members. Anonymous, disparaging remarks said to come from party stalwarts circulated online, questioning Forrester’s fundraising ability and mocking his efforts to raise grassroots support online.

In response, a handful of liberal bloggers set out to prove the old guard wrong. On Wednesday morning, they challenged their readers to contribute a total of one thousand dollars by the end of the day Friday. They met that goal in four hours.

There is also a quote from yours truly in there...luckily I didn't hear it on the radio, as the sound of my own voice is like nails on a chalkboard to me.

Anywho, its good to see the media picking up on the effort, though its not entirely unnoticed that its a donation driven medium that picked up the story.

(h/t ACK)

College Tax Savings in Stimulus

Just roaming through the stimulus package and found this nice li'l tidbit. The Hope Scholarship will be temporarily increases from two years to four years of post secondary education. The Hope Scholarship covers 100% of the first $2,000 in college expenses, and 25% of everything after that up to $4,000. So, if you go to a community college, there is a good chance upwards of 100% will be covered. Which might be a good incentive for those furloughed workers to get retrained in another field.

Sorry Emerging Playrights, Get A Real Job

The Senate just passed this amendment to the stimulus package:

None of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used for any casino or other gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course, swimming pool, stadium, community park, museum, theater, art center, and highway beautification project.

As well as a much more necessary amendment to prohibit the use of funds without a competitive contract.

All Signs Point To Bredesen?

Over the past couple of days, there have been a plethora of news stories indicating that Gov. Phil Bredesen might be in line to replace Tom Daschle as nominee to be Secretary of Health and Human Services. Today, the speculation (with anonymous sources all) seems to be escalating in favor of our Governor.

First, from a Tennessee perspective, we'll have a GOP led House, Senate, and Governorship at a time when we as a state will be hurting. Would Governor Ron Ramsey be able to handle it? Oh God, I think I just threw up a little bit in my mouth.

Sure, from a political perspective, this might help Dem chances in 2010...Ramsey will suck hard, turn the GOP Gubernatorial primary process into a cluster-f, and overall make the past few weeks in the House look like the textbook definition of stability.

But from a Governing perspective, the prospect of Governor Ron Ramsey makes me want to start a Draft Don Sundquist committee.

As for the Health and Human Services position, the upside is that if Bredesen passes the vet (and you typically don't get to be as wealthy as he is without at some point or another having some sort of tax or financial issue), he will find little or no opposition from Senate Republicans. If anything, he'll have a tough time convincing the liberal wing of the Senate Dems to vote for him.

The downside? Will Governor Bredesen be an effective advocate for meaningful change in the health care system in this country. As Kleinheider has pointed out, he's not an enemy of universal health care as his critics like to think...much of the TennCare fiasco stemmed from a poorly designed tax structure in this state (cue Milton). But he did make quite a few enemies with the progressive left in this state when it came to cutting off people from TennCare.

My preference remains for Dr. Howard Dean to be given the nomination...all signs though point to NO on this one, it seems for no logical reason other than Rahm Emmanuel has an axe to grind. But I will be watching the confirmation process very closely if our Governor is tapped, to see what stances he'll take that differ from his decisions as Governor of Tennessee.

See Also: Ken Whitehouse who says "not so fast".

When In Doubt

Nathan Moore is certain of a few things. Obama's two and a half week old Presidency has utterly failed. His stimulus package is set for defeat. And the American public has turned against him.

Unfortunately, nobody has let the American people in on his failure.

We have two options...listen to the spastic puppies in the mainstream media who are like dogs being led about by Republicans holding an invisible ball in their hands, shaking it violently, and pretending to throw it while Chris Matthews, et al, run around trying to find it.

Or, we can see try and find scientific assessments of the opinion of the American public.

Gallup shows Obama's favorability remains steady, and a majority of Americans still approve of his stimulus package. R2K shows a slight drop in his approval numbers, matched with drops in the Republican approvals as well.

Here is the thing. During the primary and the general election, the cable news class lived and died with the minute-by-minute point scoring of politics. So, if Republicans come out and say Obama's plan sucks, and Obama doesn't immediately hold a press conference to refute that comment, point goes to the Republicans. John McCain was brilliant at this, because his message changed on a daily basis, and Obama's stayed the same, thus, points galore for John McCain...remind me again how that worked out for him?

Obama has remained consistent with this package. Nathan, not apparently understanding how the legislative process works, thinks that allowing Harry Reid to guide the bill through passage in the Senate, amounts to him "pawning it off". Quick history lesson, find me one major spending or tax cut proposal by any President in the last 50 years that wasn't amended by Congress. I'll wait.....

Still haven't found that? Oh, well get back to me.

Here is the reality. Obama's massive stimulus package has passed the House of Representatives, and been in the Senate for about a week. Reagan's economic recovery plan, which consisted of mostly tax cuts, took 6 months to pass, Bush's in 2001 took four months to pass.

Of course Republicans have assailed it as wasteful spending...that is what they do. Its textbook. If they didn't, then we should be worried that something was wrong. Can they distort and misconstrue spending to claim it wasteful? ABSOLUTELY...its the easiest trick in the book, and they do it consistently whenever a Democratic President or Democratic Speaker is in charge.

But if you honestly think the American people would rather have the top marginal tax rate for the top 2% cut by 25-30%, or see corporate tax rates reduced, and see the tax on inherited wealth reduced; as opposed to direct spending which will immediately (relative term) stimulate the construction, auto-manufacturing, and various other white collar industries, then you are smoking some serious, Michael-Phelps-would-be-jealous, shit.

69.5 million Americans didn't expect Reagan Revolution 2.0 when they voted for Obama. If they wanted someone who railed against "wasteful spending" and embraced tax cuts for the wealthy, they would've voted for Archie Bunker and Beverly Hillbilly. But we didn't. We chose the doctrinaire liberal with a bi-partisan candy coated shell, and all objective studies indicate, the majority of Americans still vastly prefer him to the GOP alternatives.

TNDP 2.0

The TNDP website is undergoing an overhaul, and Chairman Chip Forrester fulfills one campaign pledge to update Democrats on the happenings of the party via youtube.




Meanwhile, the blogger based fundraiser for the TNDP continues to exceed expectations, this time exceeding the $3,000 goal by end of business today. So, instead of raising the dollar figure, hows about we meet the goal of 100 donors by the end of the day. So if you've got five bucks to spare, be a part of the solution.

Alexander Opines

Sen. Lamar Alexander, bucking Republican Governors and Mayors from across the country who know we need a stimulus package fast, complains about the Obama stimulus bill, primarily that it is not all temporary.



Excuse me Senator, but is this diatribe really coming from the one of 36 Senate Republicans who voted to make the Bush tax cuts permanent as a way to stimulate the economy? Who voted to permanently reduce the capital gains and inheritance taxes as a way to stimulate the economy? Who voted to permanently strip the tax code of deductions and credits for college tuition and state and local sales taxes?

Sen. Alexander and his fellow Republicans don't care if the spending is long term, or short term; on infrastructure or education; on badly needed roads or optional construction...they don't want any of it, all they care to do is lower taxes for themselves and their biggest contributors, and to hell with the rest of us.

(h/t ACK)

Fired Up and Ready To Go

President Obama went before the House Democrats yesterday in whats being billed by the media as a "partisan" speech, but in reality, its the result of a building frustration with a Republican caucus in the House and Senate that is hopelessly beyond reason when it comes to economic policy.



I too had initial hopes that a bi-partisan solution could be reached. Democrats would give a little, Republicans would accept some things they don't normally agree with, and they could move forward. But after the Senate vote this past Wednesday, when 36 Republicans voted to cut all spending out of the stimulus package, cut all tax breaks for the lower middle-class from the stimulus package, and load it with a bunch of voodoo economic goodies like permanently lowering the tax on inherited wealth; I think it became clear that talking to the Republicans about economic policy is like trying to convince an Evangelical Christian that humans evolved from lower primates...their ideas are based on a faith, and no amount of reason will convince them to disregard their faith.

Its been two weeks and the thrill is gone for Chris Matthews and others in the mainstream media who are piling on President Obama because he isn't the first President in the history of the United States to get a massive spending and tax cut plan through congress in less than two weeks without any revisions by the legislative branch.

Polls show Obama has slid slightly in the estimation of the American people, but so have Congressional Republicans, Democrats, and their respective leaders. I too was becoming a bit disenchanted with the President. But after watching his speech, my enthusiasm level has increased quite a bit. He's tried to play nice, but Republicans want to abuse that kindness...so instead, he's gotta remind America how ridiculous the Republican ideas are; how dangerous they are for the country. The GOP, in the past few days, has shown a tremendous contempt for the American people and their well being, if the media won't cover it, somebody has to, even if that means the Presidents gotta roll up his sleeves in the oval office to the consternation of Andy Card.

In short: Cram it down their effing throats, Mr. President. The well being of the American people is too important spend any more time placating the children in the Republican caucus.

Suck It States

The "bi-partisan" coalition in the Senate, seeking to reduce spending in the stimulus package, has outlined over 77 billion worth of funds to be stripped, nearly 60 billion of which comes from education funding.

When The Media Is Away, The Right Wingers Will Play

Lost in all the hub-bub about how Barack Obama's Presidency has failed because we are already 16 days into his Presidency and the largest single increase in Government spending since WWII hasn't been passed within that time frame; was a move by Senate Republicans, led by Jim DeMint, to attempt to strip all spending provisions from the stimulus package, and repeat the failed policies of the past 8 years.

What would the "American Option," as Sen. DeMint so humbly calls his proposal, do? Well, it would strip all spending from the stimulus package. Eliminate any tax credits that would go towards the lower-middle-class and working poor. Meanwhile, it would cut the top marginal tax rate from 35% to 25%, cut the corporate tax rate from 35 to 25%, eliminate altogether the Alternative Minimum Tax, solidify the Bush tax cuts of 2001, cut the inheritance tax, and eliminate itemized deductions for college tuition [Update: Sens. Alexander and Corker also voted to eliminate the state and local sales tax deduction.]

I shit you not people. 36 US Senators, including our own Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker, voted to DOUBLE DOWN on the Bush fiscal policies. And, they had the audacity to say this was all in the context of Obama's election...because this is what the people were REALLY asking for when they voted for him.

This plan was written (and credited to on the Senate floor) by the Heritage Foundation. Its a right-wing wet dream of tax proposals that would erase progressivity in favor of the wealthy. But let me ask my rightwing readership a question.

What taxes were significantly increased under George W. Bush? I can't think of any. I know he cut quite a few, and I'm sure there were a few modest increases on some minor taxes, but I can't think of a single prominent increase in the tax base.

So how is it, under the last 8 years of a tax cut regime, we managed to end his Presidency in the worst economic crises since, at the least, the early 1980s, but more realistically, the 1930s? Logic would dictate if the last major tax increases were in 1994 under President Clinton, and taxes were cut under George W. Bush, we should be, at the very least, in a stable economic environment today...no?

This is the problem with the Republican party's idolatry of the Golden Calf of the free market system. They believe, in their heart of hearts, despite economic evidence to the contrary, that so long as we cut, cut, cut taxes, all will be well.

I'd like for Obama to work in a bi-partisan fashion, but these people are not operating in the realm of reality...it may just be impossible for him to accomplish his stated goals of working with a group of people incapable of seeing or hearing anything that challenges their belief structure.

Read Sen. DeMint's statement regarding his amendment.

Update:

Sen. Lindsey Graham, AKA Smithers, thinks that Obama has failed to make the desired concessions to the radical rightwing Republicans. How do you deal with people whose solution is to eliminate spending increases and cut taxes for the wealthy?

Update II: President Obama hits back at the ghost of Calvin Coolidge that is running the GOP today.

Right Wing Orthodoxy

Change has finally come to the RNC. Instead of a white guy who spouts ridiculously false nonsense, they now have a black guy to spout some ridiculously false nonsense.

One reason why its so much easier to be a Republican? Bumper-sticker slogans. They don't have to worry about reason, or logic, or facts, or truth...they have bumper sticker slogans. Which time tested one is the new Chairman spouting? "Government doesn't create jobs":

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OK, lets go ahead and be charitable and pretend as if the millions of Government employees don't actually have a job. That paycheck is not real. The hours they log are their personal time masquerading as work time. Lets give him that.

Hows about the millions of jobs that are supported by Government contracts? Now, lets ignore the contracts that go towards helping Americans, like road building, schools, etc...because we know that is not the domain of the Government (or shouldn't be). Helping people have better lives = not real jobs...got it.

How about something Republicans love, like killing machines? Yes, Raytheon is but one "defense" company who gets the bulk of their billions in revenue from the Federal Government (and other nations around the world). They have 72,000 employees. Do you think they'd have those 72,000 employees if there weren't Governments around to purchase their missile technology? Granted, the Government did not "create" those jobs...Raytheon did. But the Government created the market which this private industry filled. In some cases, the Government created markets just in order to give companies like Raytheon money.

If the Government invests a tiny fraction of the billions we spend on military spending, into infrastructure, companies will be created, or expanded, to fill this new market created through Government spending. Will the .gov have "created" those jobs? If it makes Michael Steele and the other wingers more likely to support a stimulus package, we'll say no, the free market fairy created those jobs.

They're All Gonna Laugh At You!!!

The online fundraising drive for the Tennessee Democratic Party is going swimmingly, having raised in one day $2,600. Now, the anonymous hacks who are commenting here and elsewhere seem to think this is an embarrassment to both the party and liberal bloggers. Or, if not an embarrassment, a waste of money because they say its all going to Chip's salary. Or, a waste of time because the right-wingers have multi-millionaires whose 18 year old kids will donate this much to the GOP. Or...you get the drift.

No matter what the grassroots, or Chairman Chip Forrester does, there will always be a flaw that could've been fixed if the status quo club had been put in charge.

Now, I'm under no illusion that the nearly $2,700 raised so far is going to change the face of politics in Tennessee. But to my knowledge, this is the first online fundraising drive in Tennessee for a local political operation. So far, its much more successful that most of us had anticipated (the credit, by the way, goes to Randy Neal).

Whats funny is that the trolls don't really understand, its not so much about Chip, if anything, its about them. Yes, the "we know better than you because we've lost more races than you'll ever witness" crowd, who shit a brick when they weren't able to manipulate the TNDP Exec Committee, is helping drive the grassroots further into the TNDP party apparatus.

So keep it up trolls, we've got more money to raise. The goal right now is $3,000 by the end of the day...but I'd like to see us top $4,000. That may not cover the cost of a glitzy new ad campaign, but it could cover the monthly salary of a field operative whose sole job is to register new voters.