Hello!
The comments on this profile are unclaimed and thus are unverified.
Do they belong to you? Claim these comments.
Teacher
Is this you? Claim Profile »
1 year ago
in The Obamas Are NOT Elite - And, That Is Fine With Me on Jack and Jill Politics
Also, Happy Birthday to Brother Nelson Mandela, 90 years old on June 26th. Wow. What a life. I'd rather my children be like him than Harold Ford Jr. May God continue to bless him and his work.
1 year ago
in The Obamas Are NOT Elite - And, That Is Fine With Me on Jack and Jill Politics
I hate this thread and this philosophy. I hate the ANIMAL HOUSE mentality among humans, and especially people of African descent. I sincerely believe that we have the creativity and intellectual acuity to reject this strawman paradigm. Having the will to do it is always the determinant. I am against us always selecting the caucasian model as the gold standard. We need to reconsider (reject) a model based on domination, control over everyone but self, flagrant greed & narsicism. These societal constructs are so shallow and so... inconsequential. I realize that most of you all are making light of the whole (laughable) elitist rock thrown at the Obamas. At least thats what I hope. I have relatives with phd's that didn't do anything noteworthy. I have rich relatives who didn't do anything noteworthy. My debutante ball was one of the most boring nights of my life. I'm far from being a socialite, though I am usually genteel. What I would prefer to see is servant-leadership. Many of the most important, impressive people in the world are servant-leaders. Those who end up immortalizing themselves are servant-leaders. Yes, many times their wealth affords them the opportunity to be servant-leaders, but it's preferable to them just being rich for no reason other than to indulge themselves. I think Obama gets this concept. Lady Diana (Princess of Wales) got it. Jimmy Carter gets it, and even Bill Clinton is trying to pimp the paradigm (I think he is mainly motivated by power and self- interest). The Obama's have exhibited class and good character to the extreme. They have resisted stooping to the levels of their detractors, and those people have gone pretty low. To me, that trumps old money and complexion/skin tone any day.
BTW, I don't think Michelle is dark, but I do consider her to be brown. I think she is an AKA, though she has the regalness of a Delta (lol!). I saw her name on their list.
I'm lurking due to computer problems. My laptop crashed. Right now I'm on wifi, which is not reliable in my house. I'm in negotiations with AT&T; for a different wireless card to work with a new laptop. Please send good vibes.
BTW, I don't think Michelle is dark, but I do consider her to be brown. I think she is an AKA, though she has the regalness of a Delta (lol!). I saw her name on their list.
I'm lurking due to computer problems. My laptop crashed. Right now I'm on wifi, which is not reliable in my house. I'm in negotiations with AT&T; for a different wireless card to work with a new laptop. Please send good vibes.
1 year ago
in Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody on Jack and Jill Politics
CNN just announced that hillbilly is calling her supporters to DC to hold a big fundraiser for Obama. We'll see. I don't like it either. I've been liking having them off the radar.
1 year ago
in Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody on Jack and Jill Politics
Black, Canadian and rooting for Obama
TheStar.com - living - Black, Canadian and rooting for Obama
May 12, 2008
Laina Dawes
Special to the Star
As a Canadian fixated on Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign, I have occasionally had twinges of guilt over my fascination with the political happenings across the border.
Recently a fit of rage led me to try to reach through my television set to choke a legendary CNN host during one of his usual thinly veiled racist tirades. After I regained my composure, I questioned my allegiance to Canada because of my anger over something happening in another country.
In my defence, the negative dynamics of race and gender that have emerged during the Democratic nomination battle are not only of interest to me as a social justice activist, but also because part of my livelihood is based on studying the issues. As a freelance journalist and editor for the "Race, Ethnicity & Culture" section for Blogher.com, I watch and read various reports daily and provide commentary.
Since the race for the nomination began last summer, there have been a number of racially tinged attacks by the Clinton campaign, media and political pundits. Despite Obama's achievements, they attempt to use racial stereotypes and sweeping generalizations to discredit his campaign. It's a disturbing reminder of how some will play the race card, despite boasting of their allegiance and history of support to the same racial demographic.
Some of the generalizations, such as the stereotype of the angry black militant being used against Obama, have been commonly employed to discredit other blacks.
Witnessing an all-too-familiar, below-the-belt racial punch angers me, but I wanted to find out if it affected other people geographically distant from the fight. I decided to ask black Torontonians their opinions on what social changes might occur for black Canadians if Obama goes on to become president.
Are we, as has been suggested by the media, a monolithic group, blindly supporting anyone because they are black? How does residing in a different country change our perspective, if at all?
More people than I expected are watching the primaries, following the debates and forming strong opinions. Public relations executive Gillian Moody feels Obama's race as a factor in his Canadian popularity is overblown.
"I think that black Canadians are secretly proud and fascinated, but they are not going to bring up race and talk about race in the way that American blacks and non-blacks bring it up. ... In general, I think that Canadians are more skeptical than Americans."
Aluba Kalu, a business development co-ordinator, is hopeful that a black president might help dissolve racial stereotypes, partly because of the popularity of American culture amongst black Canadian youth.
"Black Canadians do not really have that one defining moment in their history," she says. "Whatever we experience here is just the by-product of the African-American experience."
When I asked whether a black president might inspire more black youth to enter politics to Moody and Selwyn Pieters, a lawyer with his own firm in the financial district, they indicated I might be pushing it.
Moody believes Canada already has black Canadians in respected political positions and does not see why they would look to another country for inspiration. Pieters believes an Obama presidency might help in easing racial barriers to climbing the Bay Street corporate ladder. "There are a lot of Canadian businesses that do transnational and international transactions," he says. "If they do not start reflecting diversity, they will not create new business opportunities stateside."
"Barack represents many things, and one of the greatest is change," says Jane Musoke-Nteyafas, a writer, poet and cultural critic. "I believe that racism may improve in Canada, as he has already shattered several cultural and racial biases simply by showing that an African-American man of East African descent can run and be successful."
I fear that stupid prejudices could rob Americans of a president who could improve their lives.
Though it is too early for black Canadians to forecast how Obama's campaign will shape our future, all we can do is hope for the best.
Laina Dawes is a Toronto-based music journalist and editor for the Race, Ethnicity & Culture section for Blogher.com.
TheStar.com - living - Black, Canadian and rooting for Obama
May 12, 2008
Laina Dawes
Special to the Star
As a Canadian fixated on Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign, I have occasionally had twinges of guilt over my fascination with the political happenings across the border.
Recently a fit of rage led me to try to reach through my television set to choke a legendary CNN host during one of his usual thinly veiled racist tirades. After I regained my composure, I questioned my allegiance to Canada because of my anger over something happening in another country.
In my defence, the negative dynamics of race and gender that have emerged during the Democratic nomination battle are not only of interest to me as a social justice activist, but also because part of my livelihood is based on studying the issues. As a freelance journalist and editor for the "Race, Ethnicity & Culture" section for Blogher.com, I watch and read various reports daily and provide commentary.
Since the race for the nomination began last summer, there have been a number of racially tinged attacks by the Clinton campaign, media and political pundits. Despite Obama's achievements, they attempt to use racial stereotypes and sweeping generalizations to discredit his campaign. It's a disturbing reminder of how some will play the race card, despite boasting of their allegiance and history of support to the same racial demographic.
Some of the generalizations, such as the stereotype of the angry black militant being used against Obama, have been commonly employed to discredit other blacks.
Witnessing an all-too-familiar, below-the-belt racial punch angers me, but I wanted to find out if it affected other people geographically distant from the fight. I decided to ask black Torontonians their opinions on what social changes might occur for black Canadians if Obama goes on to become president.
Are we, as has been suggested by the media, a monolithic group, blindly supporting anyone because they are black? How does residing in a different country change our perspective, if at all?
More people than I expected are watching the primaries, following the debates and forming strong opinions. Public relations executive Gillian Moody feels Obama's race as a factor in his Canadian popularity is overblown.
"I think that black Canadians are secretly proud and fascinated, but they are not going to bring up race and talk about race in the way that American blacks and non-blacks bring it up. ... In general, I think that Canadians are more skeptical than Americans."
Aluba Kalu, a business development co-ordinator, is hopeful that a black president might help dissolve racial stereotypes, partly because of the popularity of American culture amongst black Canadian youth.
"Black Canadians do not really have that one defining moment in their history," she says. "Whatever we experience here is just the by-product of the African-American experience."
When I asked whether a black president might inspire more black youth to enter politics to Moody and Selwyn Pieters, a lawyer with his own firm in the financial district, they indicated I might be pushing it.
Moody believes Canada already has black Canadians in respected political positions and does not see why they would look to another country for inspiration. Pieters believes an Obama presidency might help in easing racial barriers to climbing the Bay Street corporate ladder. "There are a lot of Canadian businesses that do transnational and international transactions," he says. "If they do not start reflecting diversity, they will not create new business opportunities stateside."
"Barack represents many things, and one of the greatest is change," says Jane Musoke-Nteyafas, a writer, poet and cultural critic. "I believe that racism may improve in Canada, as he has already shattered several cultural and racial biases simply by showing that an African-American man of East African descent can run and be successful."
I fear that stupid prejudices could rob Americans of a president who could improve their lives.
Though it is too early for black Canadians to forecast how Obama's campaign will shape our future, all we can do is hope for the best.
Laina Dawes is a Toronto-based music journalist and editor for the Race, Ethnicity & Culture section for Blogher.com.
1 year ago
in Tuesday Open Thread: Hi Everybody on Jack and Jill Politics
Black Canadians weigh in on US Presidential Campaign
http://www.blogher.com/what-do-black-canadians-think-about-obama
First, why in hell does a Canadian care? Something that I have thought to myself as I feel the heat rising from my chest to my face as I watch FOX news or Lou Dobbs on CNN. It's not about simply disagreeing with them; it is how some political pundits and TV journalists (and some bloggers) intentionally fan the racist and sexist flames to incite fear into socially and culturally ignorant voters by perpetrating falsities that if they had a even basic IQ level, they would realize that their claims don't make any sense. Examples: a) Barak Obama is not a Muslim - if that really even matters if he was, but the insinuation infers to the 9/11 terrorists whom yes, were Muslim but a radical sect of terrorists who just happened to be Muslim. Get it?
Or b) Reverend Wright - What's the big deal? Because some people really think that all black folks are secretly angry and planning to start a race war. See, we all think alike, and we all vote alike, some police officers think we all look alike and apparently, are not allowed to have an opinion that differs from what others feel we should feel and think.
Sigh. From Chandra at Is Greater Than:
Canada prides itself on an expression of multiculturalism that Americans only dream of. This is the legacy of the late great Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Yet, having spent seven years in academia in the USA, I have never seen academics behave as abominably when it comes to the topic of race as I have seen in Waterloo, the world’s Top Intelligent Community in 2007 and 70 miles southwest of Toronto, the second most diverse city in the world. From comments about “whining aboriginals who get away with too much” to “you Black people,” I continue to be shocked and even surprised. It has been pointed out to me repeatedly that all but one of the aggressors in my stories of racism in Canada have been European by birth, not just descent. This supposedly implies that this is not a Canadian problem but perhaps a European problem.
Despite having a rich African-Canadian history, it is my opinion that Black Canadians have always borrowed heavily from African-American culture. We carefully watch what is happening in terms of music, trends and yes, even political and social activism. Canada, despite what many people rather naively think is not the bastion of peacefulness. We have our problems, but here - and I think I can say this as I travel to the States quite frequently - our racism and sexism is covert in comparison to our neighbors - which in some ways, makes it even worse. Sometimes it doesn't pay to be so polite.
Even though we are live in another country, I found while talking to a number of people for the article, we are watching and we have formed an opinion on who we want to win. Despite the title of this post and despite the responses, not everyone was initially an Obamamaniac. Some were vying for John Edwards and some, like myself, really liked Dennis Kucinich . I wondered, what if any social, political or cultural changes Black Canadians might see if Obama does win the Presidency. Here are some outtakes:
(But) wasn’t Obama thinking about (the potential for an increase in overt racism and how his candidacy would be affected) before? Doesn’t / should he be thinking about the future?
You always have to weigh the pros and the cons. But you always have to look at what is good to you. We have never had a black man who has had a credible challenge before. It seems that he has a good shot in terms of delegates and fund raising. He is doing everything right. You have to ask yourself – what is the nature of citizenship? You are entitled to….How does it translate? A lot more Canadian blacks could run for political office. We might be seeing a huge change among the younger generation, as he has reached out to youth like nobody else has. He’s younger and looks young. And he will not be the youngest person but he is inspiring to the younger generation.
Do you think Black Canadians would volunteer to go down to the States and work on Obama's campaign - if they (legally) could?
I don’t think that a lot of Canadian black would go down to help with Obama’s campaign. I think it’s cute I think it’s funny and I think it’s silly. I think that Obama represents all of us. He is an immigrant – but he is not an immigrant, he has roots in Africa, he has other cultures in him he is American but on the other hand, he isn’t. I think that he represents all blacks but he also represents non-blacks, too.
Is it fair to think that an Obama presidency will be a positive influence among black youth? What about Canadians? (Okay I rephrased this a bit better during the interview)
“It will give (black youth) the self-respect and boost the image of the black community in the eyes of the country and in the world. At least I hope it will let people see that we can be more than gang-bangers and ‘ho’s!” Admitting that she is concerned more with American politics and Canadian politics because “I think what happens over there has a bigger impact on the world than what happens here,” she does not think that it will help in unifying the cultural differences that presently lie within the Black Canadian community. “There is not common experience. Black Canadians do not really have that one defining moment in their history. Whatever we experience here is just the byproduct of the African – American experience. Our clothing, the way we talk, the videos we watch – all these are based on the black American culture. Heck, you can’t even name a single leader in the community!”
What I believe, is Black Canadians have a vested interest in the outcome of this election because we realize this about racism: What happens to one person can ultimately happen to anyone who shares the same ethnicity. We also know that because of the 'monolitic' thought that even trumps sexism - more people think that blacks share the same mannerisms more than they think all women share the same emotional and intellectual attributes. We have experienced it, we have to acknowledge it, and more importantly, we know that what happens south of the border will eventually make it's way here.
http://www.blogher.com/what-do-black-canadians-think-about-obama
First, why in hell does a Canadian care? Something that I have thought to myself as I feel the heat rising from my chest to my face as I watch FOX news or Lou Dobbs on CNN. It's not about simply disagreeing with them; it is how some political pundits and TV journalists (and some bloggers) intentionally fan the racist and sexist flames to incite fear into socially and culturally ignorant voters by perpetrating falsities that if they had a even basic IQ level, they would realize that their claims don't make any sense. Examples: a) Barak Obama is not a Muslim - if that really even matters if he was, but the insinuation infers to the 9/11 terrorists whom yes, were Muslim but a radical sect of terrorists who just happened to be Muslim. Get it?
Or b) Reverend Wright - What's the big deal? Because some people really think that all black folks are secretly angry and planning to start a race war. See, we all think alike, and we all vote alike, some police officers think we all look alike and apparently, are not allowed to have an opinion that differs from what others feel we should feel and think.
Sigh. From Chandra at Is Greater Than:
Canada prides itself on an expression of multiculturalism that Americans only dream of. This is the legacy of the late great Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Yet, having spent seven years in academia in the USA, I have never seen academics behave as abominably when it comes to the topic of race as I have seen in Waterloo, the world’s Top Intelligent Community in 2007 and 70 miles southwest of Toronto, the second most diverse city in the world. From comments about “whining aboriginals who get away with too much” to “you Black people,” I continue to be shocked and even surprised. It has been pointed out to me repeatedly that all but one of the aggressors in my stories of racism in Canada have been European by birth, not just descent. This supposedly implies that this is not a Canadian problem but perhaps a European problem.
Despite having a rich African-Canadian history, it is my opinion that Black Canadians have always borrowed heavily from African-American culture. We carefully watch what is happening in terms of music, trends and yes, even political and social activism. Canada, despite what many people rather naively think is not the bastion of peacefulness. We have our problems, but here - and I think I can say this as I travel to the States quite frequently - our racism and sexism is covert in comparison to our neighbors - which in some ways, makes it even worse. Sometimes it doesn't pay to be so polite.
Even though we are live in another country, I found while talking to a number of people for the article, we are watching and we have formed an opinion on who we want to win. Despite the title of this post and despite the responses, not everyone was initially an Obamamaniac. Some were vying for John Edwards and some, like myself, really liked Dennis Kucinich . I wondered, what if any social, political or cultural changes Black Canadians might see if Obama does win the Presidency. Here are some outtakes:
(But) wasn’t Obama thinking about (the potential for an increase in overt racism and how his candidacy would be affected) before? Doesn’t / should he be thinking about the future?
You always have to weigh the pros and the cons. But you always have to look at what is good to you. We have never had a black man who has had a credible challenge before. It seems that he has a good shot in terms of delegates and fund raising. He is doing everything right. You have to ask yourself – what is the nature of citizenship? You are entitled to….How does it translate? A lot more Canadian blacks could run for political office. We might be seeing a huge change among the younger generation, as he has reached out to youth like nobody else has. He’s younger and looks young. And he will not be the youngest person but he is inspiring to the younger generation.
Do you think Black Canadians would volunteer to go down to the States and work on Obama's campaign - if they (legally) could?
I don’t think that a lot of Canadian black would go down to help with Obama’s campaign. I think it’s cute I think it’s funny and I think it’s silly. I think that Obama represents all of us. He is an immigrant – but he is not an immigrant, he has roots in Africa, he has other cultures in him he is American but on the other hand, he isn’t. I think that he represents all blacks but he also represents non-blacks, too.
Is it fair to think that an Obama presidency will be a positive influence among black youth? What about Canadians? (Okay I rephrased this a bit better during the interview)
“It will give (black youth) the self-respect and boost the image of the black community in the eyes of the country and in the world. At least I hope it will let people see that we can be more than gang-bangers and ‘ho’s!” Admitting that she is concerned more with American politics and Canadian politics because “I think what happens over there has a bigger impact on the world than what happens here,” she does not think that it will help in unifying the cultural differences that presently lie within the Black Canadian community. “There is not common experience. Black Canadians do not really have that one defining moment in their history. Whatever we experience here is just the byproduct of the African – American experience. Our clothing, the way we talk, the videos we watch – all these are based on the black American culture. Heck, you can’t even name a single leader in the community!”
What I believe, is Black Canadians have a vested interest in the outcome of this election because we realize this about racism: What happens to one person can ultimately happen to anyone who shares the same ethnicity. We also know that because of the 'monolitic' thought that even trumps sexism - more people think that blacks share the same mannerisms more than they think all women share the same emotional and intellectual attributes. We have experienced it, we have to acknowledge it, and more importantly, we know that what happens south of the border will eventually make it's way here.
1 year ago
in Barack Obama’s Speech on Father’s Day on Jack and Jill Politics
Well, Ms. Martin, the political system of our nation is corrupt, as is the judicial, educational, financial, health care, etc. Sometimes, we just feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the corruption and wonder why it has to be corrupt.It is discouraging, especially if you think about it too much. It could make a person depressed.
If O starts reading individual groups, he may as well endorse hillary. I pray he doesn't single out Blacks again (because he can get away with it), because too many people have been discouraged, even though I know this was not his conscious intent. I pray he can redeem himself with you & the others who have been offended. We are racially sensitive especially since we are bombarded with insidious racism on a daily basis.It hurts worse when it comes from family. I'm glad you let him know how you feel via his website. I think he would want to know. There are times when we will have to let him know, "We love you and we need you to clean it up." He will be the president of the whole nation, but he will be the 1st one who might really care about us. And I believe he does care about us, even though he made a mistake. Keep speaking truth to power.
If O starts reading individual groups, he may as well endorse hillary. I pray he doesn't single out Blacks again (because he can get away with it), because too many people have been discouraged, even though I know this was not his conscious intent. I pray he can redeem himself with you & the others who have been offended. We are racially sensitive especially since we are bombarded with insidious racism on a daily basis.It hurts worse when it comes from family. I'm glad you let him know how you feel via his website. I think he would want to know. There are times when we will have to let him know, "We love you and we need you to clean it up." He will be the president of the whole nation, but he will be the 1st one who might really care about us. And I believe he does care about us, even though he made a mistake. Keep speaking truth to power.
1 year ago
in Barack Obama’s Speech on Father’s Day on Jack and Jill Politics
Ms. Martin, I really feel sad that you have been adversely effected by this speech. I wish there was something I could say, not to get you to change your vote, but to help you stop feeling like you (we) have been betrayed. I know how I felt when hillbilly started playing the race card, and I reached the point of no return with them. HEY! THEY ARE OFF THE RADAR!!!!! Same with Truthseeker. I respect both of you so much. Please try to be open to redemption.
1 year ago
in Barack Obama’s Speech on Father’s Day on Jack and Jill Politics
Is this the open thread? I've been reading so long I don't remember.
I AM NOT FEELING ANDERSON COOPER WITH HIS SHOW ABOUT ANOTHER DISEASE COMING OUT OF AFRICA FROM MONKEYS. Color me crazy, and I know it upsets white people, but I do think these diseases are created in a lab and given to the Africans in vaccintions so "they" can have the continent staight out.
I'm reading the opinions of those, pro & con, re: O's speech. It reminded me that, a few months ago, a judge kicked all the white people out of his courtroom so he could address the kinfolk. The next day he was on tv apologizing because people accused him of being racist for excluding the non-Blacks. The hammer really dropped on him, but he thought he was trying to help. I've invited Black students to the hallway many, many times, to give them an earful tailored specifically for kinfolk. I'm not going to stop either.
We are really adamant about our opinions on this subject. Please try to be respectful.
I AM NOT FEELING ANDERSON COOPER WITH HIS SHOW ABOUT ANOTHER DISEASE COMING OUT OF AFRICA FROM MONKEYS. Color me crazy, and I know it upsets white people, but I do think these diseases are created in a lab and given to the Africans in vaccintions so "they" can have the continent staight out.
I'm reading the opinions of those, pro & con, re: O's speech. It reminded me that, a few months ago, a judge kicked all the white people out of his courtroom so he could address the kinfolk. The next day he was on tv apologizing because people accused him of being racist for excluding the non-Blacks. The hammer really dropped on him, but he thought he was trying to help. I've invited Black students to the hallway many, many times, to give them an earful tailored specifically for kinfolk. I'm not going to stop either.
We are really adamant about our opinions on this subject. Please try to be respectful.
1 year ago
in Monday Open Thread - How was the weekend? on Jack and Jill Politics
Ms Rice said she was returning to the university when her current job ends.
I would love to see Rachel M. take MTP.
I would love to see Rachel M. take MTP.
1 year ago
in Sunday Open Thread - HAPPY FATHER’S DAY on Jack and Jill Politics
ptcruiser, I'm ok that with you disliking the speech he gave. I'm not tryng to tell you how to feel and I agree with you point on the personal counseling. As I've already stated, I wasn't bothered by the speech, and I really don't get why you are. I read and understand your words, I just don't feel them. The speech didn't offend me the way that it offended you.
I also think we (humans) can be influenced by our personal issues or experiences, and respond to life from those, even if we don't do it deliberately or consciously. I also think we all have parts of ourselves that we don't see. This means politicians too. People can be complicated, but are very fascinating.
I also think we (humans) can be influenced by our personal issues or experiences, and respond to life from those, even if we don't do it deliberately or consciously. I also think we all have parts of ourselves that we don't see. This means politicians too. People can be complicated, but are very fascinating.
1 year ago
in Sunday Open Thread - HAPPY FATHER’S DAY on Jack and Jill Politics
Personally, I think the media is unfair, often VERY biased, critical, & stupidly insulting toward Obama. They question his manhood (OVER A BOWLING GAME!),called him a nerd for riding the bike with his daughter, repeat rumors in a continuous loop, often without any truth or facts...Today Rick Sanchez had some new commentator who stated (like he would know) that Obama is pandering only, like he wouldn't speak from his heart at all because he is only out to get more votes. Personally, I think Michelle would confront him about something like that, because his integrity means everything to her. I think he would try very hard not to lose the respect of his wife. I don't like everything he does or says, but I also don't expect him to be all things to all people. I don't think he should have let that vetter go, and I hope he will stop giving in to pressure from people who aren't for him. I understand the differing opinions presented here. It's a very sensitive subject for us (Black family/community/fathers/mothers/etc.) and my bottom line interpretation is that people want to see a balanced perspective. Nothing wrong with that.
I think O is very complicated. We live in a tribal, clannish world, and he has somewhat been a person without a tribe. I am his same age. I know biracial people whose white relatives wouldn't have anything to do with them. Even though his grandparents loved him (eventually), they still communicated to him how they felt about Blacks in general (everyone but him). And just because they were willing to love & support him doesn't mean that their family members were. They may have had to sacrifice some of their relationships to do what they did for him. They may have made disparagements about his dad. I know my grandmother reduced me to tears many times by criticizing my parents when I was a kid. His wife & children give him a tribe without the conflicts he's had to endure, but he is probably still learning not to be a loner. He might always be one.
I also want to see Black people excel individually & collectively. I tell my students that they must pursue education; that no one can "give" them one. Either they will get one or they won't.I tell them that without self-discipline they won't succeed at anything in life. Does that sound like Cosby or Obama, because I'm in their same camp.
I think O is very complicated. We live in a tribal, clannish world, and he has somewhat been a person without a tribe. I am his same age. I know biracial people whose white relatives wouldn't have anything to do with them. Even though his grandparents loved him (eventually), they still communicated to him how they felt about Blacks in general (everyone but him). And just because they were willing to love & support him doesn't mean that their family members were. They may have had to sacrifice some of their relationships to do what they did for him. They may have made disparagements about his dad. I know my grandmother reduced me to tears many times by criticizing my parents when I was a kid. His wife & children give him a tribe without the conflicts he's had to endure, but he is probably still learning not to be a loner. He might always be one.
I also want to see Black people excel individually & collectively. I tell my students that they must pursue education; that no one can "give" them one. Either they will get one or they won't.I tell them that without self-discipline they won't succeed at anything in life. Does that sound like Cosby or Obama, because I'm in their same camp.
1 year ago
in Sunday Open Thread - HAPPY FATHER’S DAY on Jack and Jill Politics
ptcruiser, Let him say what's on his heart. Either receive it or don't receive it. Don't expect 100% perfection from him @ all times. He is a mere mortal trying to get a job against great obstacles. Be mindful that he has personal issues, most likely with both of his parents. There are times in his life where both of them abdicated their responsibility to him. If my mother asked me to let one of the kids live with her, the answer would be, "no I want him/her with me." My dad's parents gave him away (like a kitten) to relatives. It left a hole in his heart that only God can fill. The negative statistics in the Black community are critical and warrant addressing in a way that goes beyond rhetoric. I hope he inspires male citizens to become good husbands and fathers.
Sasha O. was rocking the kinky twists in church today! You know she is going to be a mainstream trend setter.
Sasha O. was rocking the kinky twists in church today! You know she is going to be a mainstream trend setter.
1 year ago
in Sunday Open Thread - HAPPY FATHER’S DAY on Jack and Jill Politics
What My Father Could Learn From Usher
For millions of Americans, the TV version of fatherhood is all we have.
By Helena Andrews
TheRoot.com
Updated: 4:34 PM ET Jun 10, 2008
June 13, 2008--On my desk, in my office, is a picture of my mother and me. I might be 2 weeks old. She's cradling me with one arm against her chest, her slender fingers smoothing down my baby hair. She's got a close-cropped afro, and we're in somebody's kitchen—maybe ours, but probably my Grandmommy's. There's a bag of Wonder Bread on the table.
As with 24 million other Americans, there's no man in my picture or in the picture.
Obviously, I've never been a big fan of Father's Day.
Still as a pop culture stalker, I've been captivated by the new obsession with black fatherhood. On television there's Snoop Dogg's Father Hood, Deion Sanders' Primetime Love, the Rev. Run's Run's House, and Flavor Flav made a big show of "proposing" to Liz, the mother of his youngest son Karma, on VH1.
Even new father Usher has taken up the fatherhood cause. While promoting his latest offering, Here I Stand, the man's been on The Ellen Degeneres Show, in People magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Vibe, and most recently MTV's Total Request Live, talking about marriage and babies—in a real way.
It makes sense that I would be delighted by the attention that higher profile black fathers have been getting lately, but it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I'd rather have the real thing, not the "reality."
In real life, I found a photo of my father in a tin can hidden under my mother's bed when I was around 8 years old. He wore a black afro and black flip-flops. It looked like he was on the floor of a dorm room (actually he was on a ship). He had long legs and light skin. I fell in love with him then. This was him. The man my mother never talked about—badly or in any other way.
I imagined he was on the moon, and if I hoped for him enough, thought of him enough, prayed for him enough, he'd come back down. I didn't need saving, but I needed something. Every night for years, I repeated the same line to baby Jesus or grown-up Jesus or God or whomever like mantra: "Dear Lord, please let our paths cross someday." I seriously said it like this in my little 8-year-old head. I didn't even necessarily have to talk to him. I just wanted him to see me.
Each Father's Day, I'm reminded first of his abandonment and second of my mother's strength. Fortunately it is the latter that has made an impact on my life, but I still count myself among those unfortunate fatherless souls.
In Salman Rushdie's new novel The Enchantress of Florence—a mythological love story starring princes and prostitutes—this line caught my breath: "[Akbar learned] … about abandonment in general, and in particular fatherlessness, the lessness of fathers, the lessness of the fatherless…"
It makes sense that I would see myself in those words—less than culture's "normal" and sometimes unfazed by loss of something I never knew. How do you miss a person you've only seen in pictures—in one picture, in fact? But how do you not?
Nearly one out of every three children grows up in households without their biological fathers. Or two out of every three African American children, according to the National Fatherhood Initiative, a non-profit dedicated to spreading the word about the "crisis" of father absence.
When I think about the black fathers dominating reality television today, none of these real men can stand up to the fatherly fiction that is Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable. On Thursday nights at 8 p.m., the little 8-year-old me pretended a character on a television show was all the things my father wasn't—present, paid and promising.
As unmoved as today's reality dads leave me, though, I'm actually excited about Usher's recent impromptu paternal PSAs. "I want to see more men standing with their women. I want to see more men be open and honest about where they are in life," Usher told Ellen Degeneres recently. "As an African American, to be there for my child is so important when there are so many young African-American kids without their fathers."
And then on MTV's TRL, Raymond had another breakthrough, this time deciding to address rumors about his wife, Tameka, and his son, "baby cinco."
"I'm a black, strong man in America standing up for my people as a man," Usher said to the camera, while taking off his huge sunglasses and looking his television audience (us) dead in the eye.
"To my wife, to my son, to my family, I'm making a stand that a lot of us should make. I could've been like any other man who would have a child and just, you know, live with that woman and continue to just, you know, play the game. I'm tryna do it the right way. This is the way you should do it. Pay attention, fellas."
I wish my father was paying more attention in 1980. I wish I hadn't needed to pay so much attention to Cliff Huxtable eight years later. I wish the fellas watching Usher on MTV get the picture.
URL: http://www.theroot.com/id/46822© TheRoot.com
For millions of Americans, the TV version of fatherhood is all we have.
By Helena Andrews
TheRoot.com
Updated: 4:34 PM ET Jun 10, 2008
June 13, 2008--On my desk, in my office, is a picture of my mother and me. I might be 2 weeks old. She's cradling me with one arm against her chest, her slender fingers smoothing down my baby hair. She's got a close-cropped afro, and we're in somebody's kitchen—maybe ours, but probably my Grandmommy's. There's a bag of Wonder Bread on the table.
As with 24 million other Americans, there's no man in my picture or in the picture.
Obviously, I've never been a big fan of Father's Day.
Still as a pop culture stalker, I've been captivated by the new obsession with black fatherhood. On television there's Snoop Dogg's Father Hood, Deion Sanders' Primetime Love, the Rev. Run's Run's House, and Flavor Flav made a big show of "proposing" to Liz, the mother of his youngest son Karma, on VH1.
Even new father Usher has taken up the fatherhood cause. While promoting his latest offering, Here I Stand, the man's been on The Ellen Degeneres Show, in People magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Vibe, and most recently MTV's Total Request Live, talking about marriage and babies—in a real way.
It makes sense that I would be delighted by the attention that higher profile black fathers have been getting lately, but it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I'd rather have the real thing, not the "reality."
In real life, I found a photo of my father in a tin can hidden under my mother's bed when I was around 8 years old. He wore a black afro and black flip-flops. It looked like he was on the floor of a dorm room (actually he was on a ship). He had long legs and light skin. I fell in love with him then. This was him. The man my mother never talked about—badly or in any other way.
I imagined he was on the moon, and if I hoped for him enough, thought of him enough, prayed for him enough, he'd come back down. I didn't need saving, but I needed something. Every night for years, I repeated the same line to baby Jesus or grown-up Jesus or God or whomever like mantra: "Dear Lord, please let our paths cross someday." I seriously said it like this in my little 8-year-old head. I didn't even necessarily have to talk to him. I just wanted him to see me.
Each Father's Day, I'm reminded first of his abandonment and second of my mother's strength. Fortunately it is the latter that has made an impact on my life, but I still count myself among those unfortunate fatherless souls.
In Salman Rushdie's new novel The Enchantress of Florence—a mythological love story starring princes and prostitutes—this line caught my breath: "[Akbar learned] … about abandonment in general, and in particular fatherlessness, the lessness of fathers, the lessness of the fatherless…"
It makes sense that I would see myself in those words—less than culture's "normal" and sometimes unfazed by loss of something I never knew. How do you miss a person you've only seen in pictures—in one picture, in fact? But how do you not?
Nearly one out of every three children grows up in households without their biological fathers. Or two out of every three African American children, according to the National Fatherhood Initiative, a non-profit dedicated to spreading the word about the "crisis" of father absence.
When I think about the black fathers dominating reality television today, none of these real men can stand up to the fatherly fiction that is Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable. On Thursday nights at 8 p.m., the little 8-year-old me pretended a character on a television show was all the things my father wasn't—present, paid and promising.
As unmoved as today's reality dads leave me, though, I'm actually excited about Usher's recent impromptu paternal PSAs. "I want to see more men standing with their women. I want to see more men be open and honest about where they are in life," Usher told Ellen Degeneres recently. "As an African American, to be there for my child is so important when there are so many young African-American kids without their fathers."
And then on MTV's TRL, Raymond had another breakthrough, this time deciding to address rumors about his wife, Tameka, and his son, "baby cinco."
"I'm a black, strong man in America standing up for my people as a man," Usher said to the camera, while taking off his huge sunglasses and looking his television audience (us) dead in the eye.
"To my wife, to my son, to my family, I'm making a stand that a lot of us should make. I could've been like any other man who would have a child and just, you know, live with that woman and continue to just, you know, play the game. I'm tryna do it the right way. This is the way you should do it. Pay attention, fellas."
I wish my father was paying more attention in 1980. I wish I hadn't needed to pay so much attention to Cliff Huxtable eight years later. I wish the fellas watching Usher on MTV get the picture.
URL: http://www.theroot.com/id/46822© TheRoot.com
1 year ago
in Sunday Open Thread - HAPPY FATHER’S DAY on Jack and Jill Politics
Will states fix 2012 primary process?
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — What if the presidential primary worked more like a lottery with all the states having a chance at the ultimate prize of voting first in the nominating schedule, ending the coveted tradition of New Hampshire and Iowa leading the pack?
That’s a simplified version of one of several ideas being considered by top party and state officials, who aim to prevent a repeat of states’ helter-skelter scramble for early presidential primary dates in 2008.
While voters in Indiana and North Carolina go to the polls today (May 6) to help Democrats pick Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama as their nominee and Republicans rally behind John McCain, party insiders and state election officials are in informal talks to improve the presidential nominating contests for 2012 and beyond.
“Following the frenzied 2008 primary and caucus schedule that began just a few days into the new year, election officials have a strong interest in curbing the impacts of frontloading and restoring order to the process,” said Todd Rokita (R), Indiana secretary of state and president of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) during a bipartisan gathering at Harvard University here April 29 that brought together party and state leaders to discuss the presidential primary process.
While all sides agreed that this year’s historic run for the White House has energized voters, as evidenced by the record voter registration and primary turnout in many states, many are concerned that this cycle’s very early start was unfair to candidates and some voters.
Candidates were forced to start campaigning at Thanksgiving, giving an unfair advantage to highly funded candidates with name recognition, critics say.
And for some voters, their ballots may not count. States like Florida and Michigan were in such a mad dash to be first that they broke party rules and leapfrogged ahead — throwing into question whether their results will count and whether all their delegates can attend the nominating conventions this summer. The parties and states are still working on a compromise.
“It is time to stop the frontloading of the presidential nominating calendar so that states are not pitted against each other in a quadrennial attempt to land a prized early spot in the sequence of voting,” said Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R), co-chair of the NASS subcommittee on presidential primaries, who attended the conference.
For nearly a decade, NASS has been pushing its plan to overhaul the way presidential nominees are selected. Under its proposal, states would be divided into regions — the East, South, Midwest and West — and each of those regions would hold primaries, a month apart, between March and June. New Hampshire and Iowa would still be allowed to go first.
NASS’s push to change the system stalled until the past year when 28 states rushed to either move up their primaries or caucuses or decided to have one after not holding one in 2004. Voters in 24 states expressed their presidential preferences on Feb. 5, becoming essentially a national primary.
“It’s about equity,” said Elaine Kamarck, a member of the Democratic rules committee and professor at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. This year, the states that went very early and very late are getting all the attention. “How do we figure out how to make all states important?” she said.
But changing the current process won’t be easy. If the parties want to revamp the presidential primary system for 2012, the Republican National Committee (RNC) requires that GOP delegates approve the changes during the Republican convention Sept. 1- 4 in Minneapolis. Democratic Party rules allow members to act long after their convention in Denver Aug. 25-28.
States are another wild card. Legislatures would have to incorporate into state law any system that the national parties adopt. State and local governments are responsible for funding and running presidential primaries, which are not necessarily held on the same dates as state primaries. For many state lawmakers, "their own primary is more important than the presidential primary," Ron Thornburgh (R), Kansas secretary of state, said. Every state will ask, “What’s best for me?” he said.
But no one is completely ruling out possible changes for the next presidential cycle.
A variation of the NASS plan called the “Ohio plan” is moving forward after an important RNC panel approved it. The plan faces further party review before it could go to the convention in September.
The proposal would continue to give Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada the opening shots, but the country’s smallest states would always come first after that. Three groups of remaining larger states would vote later on a rotating basis. The Ohio plan already has drawn fire from larger states such as California and Michigan because the approach would guarantee they always go last.
U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.) called the Ohio plan “dead on arrival for Democrats” and is instead pushing his own “Michigan plan” that dethrones Iowa and New Hampshire as kingmakers. His proposed randomly drawn “lottery” would give every state the chance to be part of the first of six voting groups that go first in primaries spread between March and June.
“It’s not about Michigan going first,” Debbie Dingell, vice chairman of the General Motors Foundation and Democratic National Committee (DNC) member, told the gathering here. “It’s about every state having the opportunity to have the kind of attention that those two small states have,” she said, referring to Iowa and New Hampshire.
Also being circulated are the “Delaware plan” that establishes a “pod” system based on the population of each state and the “Texas plan” that divides the country into four groups based on a balance of convention delegates, electoral votes and the proportion of “red” and “blue” states.
Of the various plans, the NASS rotating regional plan has received the most formal support, earning endorsements from the National Governors Association, the National Association of Lieutenant Governors, the Council of State Governments and a 2005 blue-ribbon panel, the Commission on Federal Election Reform, co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III.
Several governors told Stateline.org earlier this year that they regarded this election’s chaotic rush for early spots on the presidential primary calendar as a mess to be avoided in 2012 — but were quite happy with how the 2008 schedule worked for them (Click here for the story and to access the audio of the governors’ comments).
Some political consultants predict that the push for reworking the primary process will be driven by the party that is defeated this fall. “If the Democrats lose the White House, you’ll see the most fundamental, sweeping changes of the rules since the 1970s,” predicted Tad Devine, a Democratic campaign consultant. If McCain loses, some may argue that he became the front-runner too early and that the selection process ended too soon for the GOP.
On the other hand, whoever wins the presidency may not want to tinker with the system that worked for them, said James Roosevelt Jr., co-chair of the DNC’s rules and bylaws committee.
Despite the various proposals, many state party and state election officials do agree on one thing: They don’t want Congress getting into the act. Competing legislation has been introduced on Capitol Hill that would make the NASS and Michigan plans law. “Anytime you have Congress sniffing around your door, pretty soon, they’ll be inside eating your lunch,” said David Norcross, chairman of the RNC's standing committee on rules.
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — What if the presidential primary worked more like a lottery with all the states having a chance at the ultimate prize of voting first in the nominating schedule, ending the coveted tradition of New Hampshire and Iowa leading the pack?
That’s a simplified version of one of several ideas being considered by top party and state officials, who aim to prevent a repeat of states’ helter-skelter scramble for early presidential primary dates in 2008.
While voters in Indiana and North Carolina go to the polls today (May 6) to help Democrats pick Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama as their nominee and Republicans rally behind John McCain, party insiders and state election officials are in informal talks to improve the presidential nominating contests for 2012 and beyond.
“Following the frenzied 2008 primary and caucus schedule that began just a few days into the new year, election officials have a strong interest in curbing the impacts of frontloading and restoring order to the process,” said Todd Rokita (R), Indiana secretary of state and president of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) during a bipartisan gathering at Harvard University here April 29 that brought together party and state leaders to discuss the presidential primary process.
While all sides agreed that this year’s historic run for the White House has energized voters, as evidenced by the record voter registration and primary turnout in many states, many are concerned that this cycle’s very early start was unfair to candidates and some voters.
Candidates were forced to start campaigning at Thanksgiving, giving an unfair advantage to highly funded candidates with name recognition, critics say.
And for some voters, their ballots may not count. States like Florida and Michigan were in such a mad dash to be first that they broke party rules and leapfrogged ahead — throwing into question whether their results will count and whether all their delegates can attend the nominating conventions this summer. The parties and states are still working on a compromise.
“It is time to stop the frontloading of the presidential nominating calendar so that states are not pitted against each other in a quadrennial attempt to land a prized early spot in the sequence of voting,” said Kentucky Secretary of State Trey Grayson (R), co-chair of the NASS subcommittee on presidential primaries, who attended the conference.
For nearly a decade, NASS has been pushing its plan to overhaul the way presidential nominees are selected. Under its proposal, states would be divided into regions — the East, South, Midwest and West — and each of those regions would hold primaries, a month apart, between March and June. New Hampshire and Iowa would still be allowed to go first.
NASS’s push to change the system stalled until the past year when 28 states rushed to either move up their primaries or caucuses or decided to have one after not holding one in 2004. Voters in 24 states expressed their presidential preferences on Feb. 5, becoming essentially a national primary.
“It’s about equity,” said Elaine Kamarck, a member of the Democratic rules committee and professor at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. This year, the states that went very early and very late are getting all the attention. “How do we figure out how to make all states important?” she said.
But changing the current process won’t be easy. If the parties want to revamp the presidential primary system for 2012, the Republican National Committee (RNC) requires that GOP delegates approve the changes during the Republican convention Sept. 1- 4 in Minneapolis. Democratic Party rules allow members to act long after their convention in Denver Aug. 25-28.
States are another wild card. Legislatures would have to incorporate into state law any system that the national parties adopt. State and local governments are responsible for funding and running presidential primaries, which are not necessarily held on the same dates as state primaries. For many state lawmakers, "their own primary is more important than the presidential primary," Ron Thornburgh (R), Kansas secretary of state, said. Every state will ask, “What’s best for me?” he said.
But no one is completely ruling out possible changes for the next presidential cycle.
A variation of the NASS plan called the “Ohio plan” is moving forward after an important RNC panel approved it. The plan faces further party review before it could go to the convention in September.
The proposal would continue to give Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada the opening shots, but the country’s smallest states would always come first after that. Three groups of remaining larger states would vote later on a rotating basis. The Ohio plan already has drawn fire from larger states such as California and Michigan because the approach would guarantee they always go last.
U.S. Rep. Sander Levin (D-Mich.) called the Ohio plan “dead on arrival for Democrats” and is instead pushing his own “Michigan plan” that dethrones Iowa and New Hampshire as kingmakers. His proposed randomly drawn “lottery” would give every state the chance to be part of the first of six voting groups that go first in primaries spread between March and June.
“It’s not about Michigan going first,” Debbie Dingell, vice chairman of the General Motors Foundation and Democratic National Committee (DNC) member, told the gathering here. “It’s about every state having the opportunity to have the kind of attention that those two small states have,” she said, referring to Iowa and New Hampshire.
Also being circulated are the “Delaware plan” that establishes a “pod” system based on the population of each state and the “Texas plan” that divides the country into four groups based on a balance of convention delegates, electoral votes and the proportion of “red” and “blue” states.
Of the various plans, the NASS rotating regional plan has received the most formal support, earning endorsements from the National Governors Association, the National Association of Lieutenant Governors, the Council of State Governments and a 2005 blue-ribbon panel, the Commission on Federal Election Reform, co-chaired by former President Jimmy Carter and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III.
Several governors told Stateline.org earlier this year that they regarded this election’s chaotic rush for early spots on the presidential primary calendar as a mess to be avoided in 2012 — but were quite happy with how the 2008 schedule worked for them (Click here for the story and to access the audio of the governors’ comments).
Some political consultants predict that the push for reworking the primary process will be driven by the party that is defeated this fall. “If the Democrats lose the White House, you’ll see the most fundamental, sweeping changes of the rules since the 1970s,” predicted Tad Devine, a Democratic campaign consultant. If McCain loses, some may argue that he became the front-runner too early and that the selection process ended too soon for the GOP.
On the other hand, whoever wins the presidency may not want to tinker with the system that worked for them, said James Roosevelt Jr., co-chair of the DNC’s rules and bylaws committee.
Despite the various proposals, many state party and state election officials do agree on one thing: They don’t want Congress getting into the act. Competing legislation has been introduced on Capitol Hill that would make the NASS and Michigan plans law. “Anytime you have Congress sniffing around your door, pretty soon, they’ll be inside eating your lunch,” said David Norcross, chairman of the RNC's standing committee on rules.
1 year ago
in Sunday Open Thread - HAPPY FATHER’S DAY on Jack and Jill Politics
Will states topple Electoral College?
States may move to eliminate role of 'College' and move to new system
By PoliticsInColor News Staff Updated: Tue, 06/10/2008 - 19:07
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer
First it was the presidential primary calendar that state legislatures across the country upended to give their voters a greater say this year in choosing candidates. Now a few states are orchestrating an overhaul of the way voters select the U.S. president.
Voters this fall will still use the Electoral College to determine the next occupant of the White House, but a movement is bubbling at the state level to bypass the process and instead ensure future presidents are the candidates who get the most votes nationwide — an outcome not always guaranteed under the current system.
Maryland last year became the first state to approve a “national popular vote” compact that would allocate all of its 10 electoral votes to the candidate who wins the most votes nationwide, rather than to the candidate who garners the most votes in the state, as is the case under the Electoral College.
New Jersey, Hawaii and Illinois have since followed suit and passed laws that would allot their collective 40 electoral votes the same way. Identical bills are moving in Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island, which have a total of 62 electoral votes.
These bills do nothing on their own and would take effect only when states that collectively have at least 270 electoral votes pass identical measures, since a candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
Those who remember their history classes know that American voters don’t directly elect a president — states do through “electors” who typically vote for the candidate who drew the most votes in their state.
“Why are all the other elections in this country based on the popular vote except for the most important one, the presidency?” asks Barry F. Fadem, president of the National Popular Vote, a group based in California that aims to persuade state legislatures to implement a nationwide popular election of the president. He called today’s system “flat-out, wrong” and expressed optimism that enough states will pass the legislation in time for the 2012 presidential election.
National Popular Vote was launched in 2006 and is largely funded by its chairman, John R. Koza, a scientist best known for inventing the rub-off instant lottery ticket used by state lotteries and his work in genetic programming at Stanford University. In the 1980s, he and Fadem, an attorney, were active in promoting adoption of lotteries in the states.
Fadem and his supporters say that such a system would make every vote matter, not just those in “battleground states,” while critics argue that the approach is an end-run around the U.S. Constitution and wouldn’t necessarily be more fair than today’s arrangement.
John Samples, director of Cato’s Center for Representative Government in Washington, D.C., called the National Popular Vote campaign a “novel gimmick” that he said is “asking for a mess” if enacted.
Calls to reform or abolish the Electoral College were common after the 2000 presidential election, when former Vice President Al Gore won the popular vote, but didn't have enough votes in the right states to carry the electoral vote over Republican George W. Bush. While Bush won the popular vote in 2004, he could have lost the election if John Kerry (D) had won Ohio.
Despite the hand-wringing over what many call an obsolete election system, little has happened, largely because dumping the Electoral College means changing the U.S. Constitution, an arduous task that requires two-thirds approval of Congress and three-fourths of the states. The National Popular Vote would keep the Electoral College, but change the way electoral votes are awarded.
The way Fadem sees it, a national popular vote would generate the same kind of excitement and enthusiasm seen in the recent primaries because all states — and their voters — would matter.
Under the current system, candidates have no reason to poll, visit, advertise, organize, or pay attention to the concerns of states where they are safely ahead or hopelessly behind, Fadem said. For example, presidential nominees have long ignored California because the state is considered a solid “blue” state that will award its 55 electoral votes to the Democratic candidate.
Gary Gregg II, director of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville in Kentucky and a fan of the Electoral College, agrees that the National Popular Vote would change the way candidates campaign, but not in a good way. Candidates would go where most of the votes are, namely cities. “Rural areas would never see a presidential candidate. Small states would never see a presidential candidate,” he said.
Gregg also predicted chaos if there were a close election and candidates challenged the vote count. “You would have the [2000] Florida recount replayed across the country … It would be a very ugly situation.”
Even some supporters of using the popular vote to elect the president have problems with the National Popular Vote’s campaign. “They are trying to circumvent the U.S. Constitution,” said Burdett Loomis, a professor of the political science at the University of Kansas, who advocates changing the system but by having Congress and the states debate the issue and amend the U.S. Constitution.
Fadem says his group is not thumbing its nose at the Constitution since states still would have their right to decide how to allocate their electoral votes.
Supporters also reject critics’ characterization that backers of the National Popular Vote are Democrats who are bitter about the 2000 elections.
“It’s not a partisan issue. This isn’t about electing a Democrat president, but electing a president democratically,” said Jamie Raskin, a Democratic state senator in Maryland, reiterating what he said when he introduced the National Popular Vote plan that was signed into law by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) last April. Raskin, a professor of constitutional law at American University in Washington, D.C, spoke to Stateline.org from Massachusetts, where he was discussing the measure with state lawmakers there.
But three Republican governors vetoed the bill when it landed on their desks. In his veto message, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “It disregards the will of a majority of Californians," pointing out that the state's electoral votes under the new system could be awarded to a candidate most Californians didn't vote for. Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle voiced the same concern when she vetoed the bill twice, but this year, lawmakers overrode her objection. Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas last month rejected the measure, saying it would decrease the influence of small states, like Vermont.
Cato’s Samples said he wonders if voters who support the concept of a popular vote really understand how it would operate. “Do people in Maryland know under the National Popular Voter system, that their vote may go to someone who didn’t win their state?”
Still, despite the concerns of the National Popular Vote approach, even their critics give the group kudos for bringing the issue to the attention of voters and elected officials. “They are doing a service … We ought to be talking about this,” said Loomis of the University of Kansas.
States may move to eliminate role of 'College' and move to new system
By PoliticsInColor News Staff Updated: Tue, 06/10/2008 - 19:07
By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer
First it was the presidential primary calendar that state legislatures across the country upended to give their voters a greater say this year in choosing candidates. Now a few states are orchestrating an overhaul of the way voters select the U.S. president.
Voters this fall will still use the Electoral College to determine the next occupant of the White House, but a movement is bubbling at the state level to bypass the process and instead ensure future presidents are the candidates who get the most votes nationwide — an outcome not always guaranteed under the current system.
Maryland last year became the first state to approve a “national popular vote” compact that would allocate all of its 10 electoral votes to the candidate who wins the most votes nationwide, rather than to the candidate who garners the most votes in the state, as is the case under the Electoral College.
New Jersey, Hawaii and Illinois have since followed suit and passed laws that would allot their collective 40 electoral votes the same way. Identical bills are moving in Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island, which have a total of 62 electoral votes.
These bills do nothing on their own and would take effect only when states that collectively have at least 270 electoral votes pass identical measures, since a candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win the presidency.
Those who remember their history classes know that American voters don’t directly elect a president — states do through “electors” who typically vote for the candidate who drew the most votes in their state.
“Why are all the other elections in this country based on the popular vote except for the most important one, the presidency?” asks Barry F. Fadem, president of the National Popular Vote, a group based in California that aims to persuade state legislatures to implement a nationwide popular election of the president. He called today’s system “flat-out, wrong” and expressed optimism that enough states will pass the legislation in time for the 2012 presidential election.
National Popular Vote was launched in 2006 and is largely funded by its chairman, John R. Koza, a scientist best known for inventing the rub-off instant lottery ticket used by state lotteries and his work in genetic programming at Stanford University. In the 1980s, he and Fadem, an attorney, were active in promoting adoption of lotteries in the states.
Fadem and his supporters say that such a system would make every vote matter, not just those in “battleground states,” while critics argue that the approach is an end-run around the U.S. Constitution and wouldn’t necessarily be more fair than today’s arrangement.
John Samples, director of Cato’s Center for Representative Government in Washington, D.C., called the National Popular Vote campaign a “novel gimmick” that he said is “asking for a mess” if enacted.
Calls to reform or abolish the Electoral College were common after the 2000 presidential election, when former Vice President Al Gore won the popular vote, but didn't have enough votes in the right states to carry the electoral vote over Republican George W. Bush. While Bush won the popular vote in 2004, he could have lost the election if John Kerry (D) had won Ohio.
Despite the hand-wringing over what many call an obsolete election system, little has happened, largely because dumping the Electoral College means changing the U.S. Constitution, an arduous task that requires two-thirds approval of Congress and three-fourths of the states. The National Popular Vote would keep the Electoral College, but change the way electoral votes are awarded.
The way Fadem sees it, a national popular vote would generate the same kind of excitement and enthusiasm seen in the recent primaries because all states — and their voters — would matter.
Under the current system, candidates have no reason to poll, visit, advertise, organize, or pay attention to the concerns of states where they are safely ahead or hopelessly behind, Fadem said. For example, presidential nominees have long ignored California because the state is considered a solid “blue” state that will award its 55 electoral votes to the Democratic candidate.
Gary Gregg II, director of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville in Kentucky and a fan of the Electoral College, agrees that the National Popular Vote would change the way candidates campaign, but not in a good way. Candidates would go where most of the votes are, namely cities. “Rural areas would never see a presidential candidate. Small states would never see a presidential candidate,” he said.
Gregg also predicted chaos if there were a close election and candidates challenged the vote count. “You would have the [2000] Florida recount replayed across the country … It would be a very ugly situation.”
Even some supporters of using the popular vote to elect the president have problems with the National Popular Vote’s campaign. “They are trying to circumvent the U.S. Constitution,” said Burdett Loomis, a professor of the political science at the University of Kansas, who advocates changing the system but by having Congress and the states debate the issue and amend the U.S. Constitution.
Fadem says his group is not thumbing its nose at the Constitution since states still would have their right to decide how to allocate their electoral votes.
Supporters also reject critics’ characterization that backers of the National Popular Vote are Democrats who are bitter about the 2000 elections.
“It’s not a partisan issue. This isn’t about electing a Democrat president, but electing a president democratically,” said Jamie Raskin, a Democratic state senator in Maryland, reiterating what he said when he introduced the National Popular Vote plan that was signed into law by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) last April. Raskin, a professor of constitutional law at American University in Washington, D.C, spoke to Stateline.org from Massachusetts, where he was discussing the measure with state lawmakers there.
But three Republican governors vetoed the bill when it landed on their desks. In his veto message, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “It disregards the will of a majority of Californians," pointing out that the state's electoral votes under the new system could be awarded to a candidate most Californians didn't vote for. Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle voiced the same concern when she vetoed the bill twice, but this year, lawmakers overrode her objection. Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas last month rejected the measure, saying it would decrease the influence of small states, like Vermont.
Cato’s Samples said he wonders if voters who support the concept of a popular vote really understand how it would operate. “Do people in Maryland know under the National Popular Voter system, that their vote may go to someone who didn’t win their state?”
Still, despite the concerns of the National Popular Vote approach, even their critics give the group kudos for bringing the issue to the attention of voters and elected officials. “They are doing a service … We ought to be talking about this,” said Loomis of the University of Kansas.
1 year ago
in Sunday Open Thread - HAPPY FATHER’S DAY on Jack and Jill Politics
This is from politicsincolor dot com.
Nation's Capital Built by Slaves May Soon House Its First Black President
New book shows irony how the Nation's capital was built by slaves
By Neil Foote Updated: Thu, 05/15/2008 - 17:19
The nation is riddled in debt. Elected officials are split among party lines, blaming each other for the inefficiencies of government. Racial politics are at the heart of the on-going debate about the future of the country. The public is disillusioned by the ‘back room' politics driving decision-making.
Sound familiar? That was 1790. Just 14 years after the Revolutionary War, this ‘great' nation was struggling with many of the same issues it is now. In his newly published book, "Washington, The Making of the American Capital" (Amistad/HarperCollins Publishers Imprint, 27.95, 384 pp) author Fergus M. Bordewich offers an insightful, thorough and ironic picture of America.
As the nation chooses what is likely to be its first African-American Democratic presidential nominee and potential president, Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) would be making history in many ways. He would move full-time into a city that once was a bustling city for slave trade, and live in a house built by slaves.
"The practice of slavery is embedded in the founding of a capital, but it was hidden history," said Bordewich, whose last book, "Bound for Canaan" focused on the personalities involved in The Underground Railroad. "In a year when an African-American is about to be nominate as president, this book has immediacy and relevancy. If elected, [Sen. Obama] would be the first African-American living in the White House, and not just working there."
In "The Making of the American Capital", Bordewich said he tried to capture the sense that the development of the nation's capital almost became a "huge flop". "It was a race against time," said Bordewich, author of five books who has written for The New York Times, Smithsonian, and Atlantic Monthly, "and Washington treated it like a military campaign because he knew if he had failed, the capital would be returned to Philadelphia."
For President George Washington, his reputation was on the line. If he had failed, it was perceived that the country and the world watching with skeptical eyes would label the notion of the "United States of America" as a farce. For Thomas Jefferson, he struggled with his conflicting views on democracy and slavery.
In fact, Bordewich said construction was almost abandoned because major concerns with the private contractors used to build The Capitol and the White House. Corruption, labor problems, huge cost overruns and political opposition almost put the project to a halt.
Washington, a slave owner, stood firm, seeking to create an ‘imperial city' with its grand architecture. Another irony of this story is that William Thornton from the Caribbean island of Tortola, who designed The Capitol Building, owned slaves, but was an abolitionist.
The other key figure, Benjamin Banneker, was the most prominent African-American involved in the project - who wasn't a slave, Bordewich said. Known as a brilliant self-educated mathematician and astronomer, Banneker had become friends with the Ellicott family in Maryland. The family, devout Quakers who were also abolitionists, let the young genius borrow astronomical equipment.
Andrew Ellicott was hired to do the land survey for the capital project, and along with him, he brought Banneker who distinguished himself with his ability to provide crucial information to Ellicott and the developers. With that project under his belt, Bordewich said Banneker went on to publish numerous almanacs, and was admired by whites for his intellect,
"The construction of the capital was to be the first collective project of United States," Bordewich said. In the end, the project foreshadowed what's currently happening in the country. "In the end, Washington got what he wanted ... and in his waning days, he became an abolitionist."
SEVEN UNKNOWN FACTS CENTRAL TO ‘THE MAKING OF THE AMERICAN CAPITAL'
1. Congress originally voted to place the national capital in the free state of Pennsylvania.
2. Establishment of the capital on the Potomac resulted from a backroom deal among Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, which took place over Jefferson's dinner table.
3. The Capitol Building was designed by a slave-owning abolitionist from the Caribbean island of Tortola, William Thornton.
4. The Capitol and the White House were built by slaves.
5. The development of Washington was the biggest real estate boondoggle in American history, up to that point, and was almost wrecked by scandalous machinations of land-grabbing speculators led by the richest man in the country, Robert Morris.
6. Construction of Washington was almost abandoned because of corruption, labor problems, giant cost overruns, political opposition, and public disillusionment.
7. The driving force behind the city's completion was George Washington, for whom the project was a personal obsession. He believed that the Potomac was destined to become a great commercial highway into the heart of North America, and that the city of Washington would become the nation's greatest metropolis.
Source: Fergus M. Bordewich, "Washington: The Making of the American Capital"
Nation's Capital Built by Slaves May Soon House Its First Black President
New book shows irony how the Nation's capital was built by slaves
By Neil Foote Updated: Thu, 05/15/2008 - 17:19
The nation is riddled in debt. Elected officials are split among party lines, blaming each other for the inefficiencies of government. Racial politics are at the heart of the on-going debate about the future of the country. The public is disillusioned by the ‘back room' politics driving decision-making.
Sound familiar? That was 1790. Just 14 years after the Revolutionary War, this ‘great' nation was struggling with many of the same issues it is now. In his newly published book, "Washington, The Making of the American Capital" (Amistad/HarperCollins Publishers Imprint, 27.95, 384 pp) author Fergus M. Bordewich offers an insightful, thorough and ironic picture of America.
As the nation chooses what is likely to be its first African-American Democratic presidential nominee and potential president, Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) would be making history in many ways. He would move full-time into a city that once was a bustling city for slave trade, and live in a house built by slaves.
"The practice of slavery is embedded in the founding of a capital, but it was hidden history," said Bordewich, whose last book, "Bound for Canaan" focused on the personalities involved in The Underground Railroad. "In a year when an African-American is about to be nominate as president, this book has immediacy and relevancy. If elected, [Sen. Obama] would be the first African-American living in the White House, and not just working there."
In "The Making of the American Capital", Bordewich said he tried to capture the sense that the development of the nation's capital almost became a "huge flop". "It was a race against time," said Bordewich, author of five books who has written for The New York Times, Smithsonian, and Atlantic Monthly, "and Washington treated it like a military campaign because he knew if he had failed, the capital would be returned to Philadelphia."
For President George Washington, his reputation was on the line. If he had failed, it was perceived that the country and the world watching with skeptical eyes would label the notion of the "United States of America" as a farce. For Thomas Jefferson, he struggled with his conflicting views on democracy and slavery.
In fact, Bordewich said construction was almost abandoned because major concerns with the private contractors used to build The Capitol and the White House. Corruption, labor problems, huge cost overruns and political opposition almost put the project to a halt.
Washington, a slave owner, stood firm, seeking to create an ‘imperial city' with its grand architecture. Another irony of this story is that William Thornton from the Caribbean island of Tortola, who designed The Capitol Building, owned slaves, but was an abolitionist.
The other key figure, Benjamin Banneker, was the most prominent African-American involved in the project - who wasn't a slave, Bordewich said. Known as a brilliant self-educated mathematician and astronomer, Banneker had become friends with the Ellicott family in Maryland. The family, devout Quakers who were also abolitionists, let the young genius borrow astronomical equipment.
Andrew Ellicott was hired to do the land survey for the capital project, and along with him, he brought Banneker who distinguished himself with his ability to provide crucial information to Ellicott and the developers. With that project under his belt, Bordewich said Banneker went on to publish numerous almanacs, and was admired by whites for his intellect,
"The construction of the capital was to be the first collective project of United States," Bordewich said. In the end, the project foreshadowed what's currently happening in the country. "In the end, Washington got what he wanted ... and in his waning days, he became an abolitionist."
SEVEN UNKNOWN FACTS CENTRAL TO ‘THE MAKING OF THE AMERICAN CAPITAL'
1. Congress originally voted to place the national capital in the free state of Pennsylvania.
2. Establishment of the capital on the Potomac resulted from a backroom deal among Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, which took place over Jefferson's dinner table.
3. The Capitol Building was designed by a slave-owning abolitionist from the Caribbean island of Tortola, William Thornton.
4. The Capitol and the White House were built by slaves.
5. The development of Washington was the biggest real estate boondoggle in American history, up to that point, and was almost wrecked by scandalous machinations of land-grabbing speculators led by the richest man in the country, Robert Morris.
6. Construction of Washington was almost abandoned because of corruption, labor problems, giant cost overruns, political opposition, and public disillusionment.
7. The driving force behind the city's completion was George Washington, for whom the project was a personal obsession. He believed that the Potomac was destined to become a great commercial highway into the heart of North America, and that the city of Washington would become the nation's greatest metropolis.
Source: Fergus M. Bordewich, "Washington: The Making of the American Capital"
1 year ago
in R. Kelly Found Not Guilty on Jack and Jill Politics
Well, if his victim had been a white girl, his life would be a living hell like OJ's. I have never been a fan of his, so I've never contributed to his livlihood in any way. I wish there was a way to make him pay.
1 year ago
in Tim Russert Dead At 58 on Jack and Jill Politics
It looks like Tom Brokaw is about to break out in tears. Larry King was shaken too. This is so sad. What a great loss to lose an old school journalist who actually tried to be unbiased & neutral. Its hard to determine which is more tragic: the loss of Tim Russert or the R. Kelly verdict. Tim, you will be missed so much.
1 year ago
in Hillary " Deranged Narcissist" Clinton Concession Speech Open Thread on Jack and Jill Politics
Some are discussing unity and some aren't. At the link below they are saying this:
"The Democratic Party is divided because the people in charge played fast and loose with the rules, disenfranchising voters in 2 states, discounting the desires of whole segments of the population in favor of the AA and youth vote, and allowing the sexism Hillary encountered to go unchecked.
I will not be voting for Democrats in November except for my Congresswoman, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, who stood with Hillary throughout the campaign.
Thank you, Ms. Tubbs Jones."
And this:
"Take Obama for instance: With everything that has gone on in this campaign, the cheating, manipulation, deception, intimidation, data mining and backroom dealings, is there any thinking person who thinks Obama will be changing the Bush administration? The only change is that this anointed candidate is black which to many is the extent of “CHANGE”. For those who really are not racist enough to look at a person as a human being, Obama is not the answer to our country’s problems.
Then my next question is, how can so-called leaders force him down our throats? Is it because Hillary is Real Change and she has promised to examine/review all govt. contracts, no-bid contracts and everything financial connected with the Iraq war? Is this what really scared the invisible powers running our country? The same ones who control the banks, the insurance companies, the oil consortiums, AND the media?
And so they create this cultist personality and keep people from really thinking, so that they would applaud someone with their votes ala choosing a winner in “Dancing with the Stars” or American Idol?
Not only is the democratic party divided; the whole country has been divided into factions. Hillary has been backed into a corner and pressured into throwing her support behind Obama. But if others like me have sent letters to her campaign, she also knows that our support is non-transferable."
These are some crazy, racist MFers. They defected from DailyKos-thank goodness. Cause if they didn't I wouldn't be able to read their stuff. It's weird.
http://riverdaughter.wordpress.com/2008/06/07/why-is-the-party-divided/#comments
"The Democratic Party is divided because the people in charge played fast and loose with the rules, disenfranchising voters in 2 states, discounting the desires of whole segments of the population in favor of the AA and youth vote, and allowing the sexism Hillary encountered to go unchecked.
I will not be voting for Democrats in November except for my Congresswoman, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, who stood with Hillary throughout the campaign.
Thank you, Ms. Tubbs Jones."
And this:
"Take Obama for instance: With everything that has gone on in this campaign, the cheating, manipulation, deception, intimidation, data mining and backroom dealings, is there any thinking person who thinks Obama will be changing the Bush administration? The only change is that this anointed candidate is black which to many is the extent of “CHANGE”. For those who really are not racist enough to look at a person as a human being, Obama is not the answer to our country’s problems.
Then my next question is, how can so-called leaders force him down our throats? Is it because Hillary is Real Change and she has promised to examine/review all govt. contracts, no-bid contracts and everything financial connected with the Iraq war? Is this what really scared the invisible powers running our country? The same ones who control the banks, the insurance companies, the oil consortiums, AND the media?
And so they create this cultist personality and keep people from really thinking, so that they would applaud someone with their votes ala choosing a winner in “Dancing with the Stars” or American Idol?
Not only is the democratic party divided; the whole country has been divided into factions. Hillary has been backed into a corner and pressured into throwing her support behind Obama. But if others like me have sent letters to her campaign, she also knows that our support is non-transferable."
These are some crazy, racist MFers. They defected from DailyKos-thank goodness. Cause if they didn't I wouldn't be able to read their stuff. It's weird.
http://riverdaughter.wordpress.com/2008/06/07/why-is-the-party-divided/#comments
1 year ago
in Hillary " Deranged Narcissist" Clinton Concession Speech Open Thread on Jack and Jill Politics
Lexasoakland, it sounds like you have a cool job. Are you independant or employed by a company?
Over @ the Field, they loved her speech. It's not that I want her to grovel, it's that I want her to show more honesty & humility. Given her particular disorder, I guess it's not possible. As far as being punched in the gut,she insulted my WHOLE race, which to me was harsh. She & bill said things that cannot be unsaid, & as smoothie pointed out, they are being replayed in an endless loop on the republican website. They were advertising the website on CNN yesterday. It's no secret that she wants to run in 2012, which is why she was willing to sacrifice her standing in the AA community, & whty she was willing to say that which can't be unsaid.
I am also furious/frustrated over what I perceive to be the coddling of her by the MSM inspite of her low down, dirty campaign. I perceive it to be false & unfair & it reeks of entitlement & white privilege. To hear all day, every day how great she is and how much she has done for women (ain't I a woman?) or whats next for hillary? or the perpetuation of the lie that she won the popular vote (wtf!!!!), that she "deserved her day" on the night Obama won the nomination, she needs time to heal because this was so hard on her....I need time to heal too. You all are going to have to cut me some slack, because having the covert racism become overt has been psychically injurious to me. I know I'm not the only one, but gosh, I'm just a black woman. We need to offer the healing balm to hillary's followers because they are upset & traumatized. I guess I'm feeling more Malcolm than Martin right now. Sorry if I discourage anyone here.
Over @ the Field, they loved her speech. It's not that I want her to grovel, it's that I want her to show more honesty & humility. Given her particular disorder, I guess it's not possible. As far as being punched in the gut,she insulted my WHOLE race, which to me was harsh. She & bill said things that cannot be unsaid, & as smoothie pointed out, they are being replayed in an endless loop on the republican website. They were advertising the website on CNN yesterday. It's no secret that she wants to run in 2012, which is why she was willing to sacrifice her standing in the AA community, & whty she was willing to say that which can't be unsaid.
I am also furious/frustrated over what I perceive to be the coddling of her by the MSM inspite of her low down, dirty campaign. I perceive it to be false & unfair & it reeks of entitlement & white privilege. To hear all day, every day how great she is and how much she has done for women (ain't I a woman?) or whats next for hillary? or the perpetuation of the lie that she won the popular vote (wtf!!!!), that she "deserved her day" on the night Obama won the nomination, she needs time to heal because this was so hard on her....I need time to heal too. You all are going to have to cut me some slack, because having the covert racism become overt has been psychically injurious to me. I know I'm not the only one, but gosh, I'm just a black woman. We need to offer the healing balm to hillary's followers because they are upset & traumatized. I guess I'm feeling more Malcolm than Martin right now. Sorry if I discourage anyone here.
1 year ago
in Hillary " Deranged Narcissist" Clinton Concession Speech Open Thread on Jack and Jill Politics
hellory's smile was no where to be found as she so-called endorsed Obama. It really sounded as though she is still campaigning for VP...like she is still trying to extort the VP position. No one is going to call her on it. How pathetic. Her speech was clearly a not so veiled attempt to salvage the power that they once had.
Rikyrah, yes, I think Rangel gave her the smack down, and I don't think he was the only one.
As for Sheila Jackson Lee, she is largly funded by white people. Who is the talent out there to replace her? I'm not so mad @ Sheila. I think she would support Obama whole heartedly. I would only agree with her being replaced by another AA.
Rikyrah, yes, I think Rangel gave her the smack down, and I don't think he was the only one.
As for Sheila Jackson Lee, she is largly funded by white people. Who is the talent out there to replace her? I'm not so mad @ Sheila. I think she would support Obama whole heartedly. I would only agree with her being replaced by another AA.
1 year ago
in Hillary " Deranged Narcissist" Clinton Concession Speech Open Thread on Jack and Jill Politics
To me, the speech was lame & luke warm, & as usual, mostly about her. I still maintain that she can't be trusted.
Donna Brazile is lying. She is clearly disappointed.
Donna Brazile is lying. She is clearly disappointed.
1 year ago
in Hillary " Deranged Narcissist" Clinton Concession Speech Open Thread on Jack and Jill Politics
They just entered the building to make the loser speech. They are all wearing black.
After this, I'm going to have to cut my dose od MSM to 3 days a week. I just can't take any more coverage about hillary and him (him being Obama). Somebody gag Candy Crowley.
After this, I'm going to have to cut my dose od MSM to 3 days a week. I just can't take any more coverage about hillary and him (him being Obama). Somebody gag Candy Crowley.
1 year ago
in Friday Open Thread…..yeah, it’s Friday on Jack and Jill Politics
Val, thank you for that beautiful prayer. I will be praying it for him every day. I was also concerned about him today as I watched footage of him shaking hands with the masses. I said, "Lord, please don't let anyone stick him with anything." I feel better since I've prayed that beautiful prayer for him.
Jack Cafferty blasted the Cryptster today, & many emailers blasted hillbilly. Cafferty implicated McCain, who has been in office since 9-11, in agreeing with the invasion of a soverign nation who hadn't done anything to us & not working to secure the borders, yet saying that he has the plan & experience for national defense. Some emailers said to him that if hillary is serious about party unity, then she will transfer her delegates. They predict that she will have a big surprise for all of us at the convention. You know there is going to be bus loads of them at the convention.
Jack Cafferty blasted the Cryptster today, & many emailers blasted hillbilly. Cafferty implicated McCain, who has been in office since 9-11, in agreeing with the invasion of a soverign nation who hadn't done anything to us & not working to secure the borders, yet saying that he has the plan & experience for national defense. Some emailers said to him that if hillary is serious about party unity, then she will transfer her delegates. They predict that she will have a big surprise for all of us at the convention. You know there is going to be bus loads of them at the convention.
1 year ago
in Thursday Open Thread- Let it all hang out on Jack and Jill Politics
Town & Ms. Martin, you all are warriors.
A POX on the warmongers!
You want to keep the war going so you won't feel like you "lost" but you don't want your taxes raised to pay for the war you want? The cost of the illegal, unethical war is bankrupting our country! We are borrowing from China and one day we will have to repay. This is stupid.
A POX on the warmongers!
You want to keep the war going so you won't feel like you "lost" but you don't want your taxes raised to pay for the war you want? The cost of the illegal, unethical war is bankrupting our country! We are borrowing from China and one day we will have to repay. This is stupid.
123...5Next 
