Chips, glad you made it through the first leg! Don’t know how you got the photo, but we’re grateful. Our thread was getting l..o..o..n..g. So thanks for the rescue.
Hope chips doesn’t find out. She’ll never trust us home alone again. But, man, it was WILD!!!! Peeps are presently not available because they’re trying to clean up the mess! Hope they remember to dump the garbage bags elsewhere and restock toilet paper—-always the telltale signs.
TOO DARN FUNNY…HOPE YOU MADE SURE IT WASN’T KOCH BROS. TOILET PAPER…OF COURSE IT ALWAYS HITS A FITTING END EITHER WAY YOU LOOK AT IT!…LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Sabreen60, I just sent over to Mitt to have a truck load sent over because I know we will have to use them tonight for the second half of the party. However, we will start with a wine tasting party at the beginning of the evening. Quiet and smooth with the groove. See everyone there.HZ
Good morning Pamela and to everyone else in this great community. Today I shoot for 60 days without a cigarette. Never thought I’d make it this far but there it is. Deep breaths.
Love this photo, thank you! Good going on the no cigarettes, you will like your life much more without them, so I’m told, and have more energy in all forms as well! Hang in there, you can do it!
LOL!! Madame Speaker I rise to acknowledge the gentlemen from AMK. His tireless efforts and exemplary er..example are a prime reason why cigarette manufacturers around the globe are sending me hate mail. And to quote AMK or FDR or whoever, “I welcome there hate.”
Good for you!!! I’ve been on that journey. I was like an alcoholic – so such thing as I’ll just smoke one. Never, ever do that. It’s tough, but I pray I never go that route again. It really is a terrible habit and a costly one to your health and your pocketbook.
Wonderful derbingle! You can DO it!. We’re so proud of you and celebrate what you’ve accomplished and use that energy to propel you to 600 days without a cigarette!
Huge Congratulations to you derbingle- you can do it, you are doing it! I too have been quitting and am now at 142 days w/o a cigerette.. although I did use nicotine gum for most of that time period, but am now nicotine free also. I’m really happy for you!! 🙂
Derbingle, I think Chica is the only one who can post pics. We can post Youtube videos, if you just put the URL in your reply on a separate line all by itself.
And I have the audio. Any tattletales will be severely dealt with. Now, everyone get back to picking up those empty bottles and all the trash or I will be telling!
Oh, hi Chips. So happy to know that you are enjoying the time. We are trying to be very good. I do have additional tapes with audio for you. If they cross me, Chips, the evidence comes your way. Just remember that. ((((((((((((((( Enjoy, our beloved,Chips)))))))))))))HZ
But the music was great!!!!!! My problem is not being able to rebound so quick in the morning. Late nights aren’t so fun anymore. But it’s always good to be with friends.
That’s what I’m seeing on Twitter – the FBI seems to have discovered that he made a 911 call just before he was shot. This is looking more and more like a massive cover up on the part of the Sandford PD and other local agencies…
I can’t find anything either—nothing on wls website either. I did read new info on Tampa Bay and Orlando Sentinel websites—-current photo of shooter—-one that has been splashed was from 2005, looks nothing like that now—–more background on shooter—-and that he has a big cross tattooed on his chest—–his employment at time of shooting—-was working at Digital Risk, a mortgage risk consulting bsns., had of course not been there since the shooting. Saw vid of interview with his lawyer (or consultant since there’s no legal case yet) who said he hadn’t heard the Zimmerman 911 tapes—–where has he been??? Cringed when local reporter began one question with “Now that President Obama has inserted himself in the case…..” Lots of unanswered questions and conflicting info still. Lots of details that make no sense, most importantly how this kid ended up dead. And the hard thing is waiting till April 10 for the grand jury investigation. One would think there could be some arrest or at least Zimmerman brought in for questioning before then.
Here is a link from the local Chicago ABC 7 news. It’s a little under 3 minutes long so listen towards the end of the video when the male anchor is reporting.
I
ABC Chicago may have reported this incorrectly, my understanding is that one of the neighbors called 911 and that is the tape that is in question and needs to be enhanced.
Thanks for the link. That is what the reporter says. I would think this would be Huge News! It would be a key component to the case and very significant for all kinds of reasons, possible cover up included.
From Slate, one of the key questions is whose voice it was on the 911 tape pleading for help, I think that this is what the FBI will be enhancing:
“There’s another point of evidence that’s been preserved and that could help settle the key question of who did what to whom. In at least one 911 call from a neighbor, you can hear calls for help in the background and then the terrified plea of a wailing voice, “No! No!” Martin’s parents say the voice is their son. Zimmerman says it’s him. Can’t voice recognition software help us figure out who is right?
In my quick reading up on this, I’ve learned (not surprisingly) that this tool isn’t foolproof. Some experts warn that “voiceprinting” isn’t as reliable as fingerprinting because speech changes with age, and based on whether someone is whispering or speaking normally or shouting. But according to the Boston Globe, the British police have used the software to catch terrorism suspects and the U.S. government used it to nab a Colombian drug kingpin who’d had plastic surgery to alter his appearance. If you know a lot about voice recognition and can weigh in on how helpful it could be in this case, tell us in the comments, or email me at cyberbullying.slate@gmail.com. I hope there are tape recordings of Martin’s voice that the police and the Justice Department can compare with the pleas on the 911 call. Zimmerman they’ll be able to find.”
Then the news outlet that reported this needs to correct this error, because the reporter clearly said that the FBI is investigating a 911 call made by Trayvon, and people ran away with this info on Twitter.
I want that Sanford police department investigated because I don’t trust that police chief. He goes running to FOX to try to trash Trayvon Martin’s name by trying to imply Trayvon might have stole the skittles and can of tea. What a lowlife that chief is, Trayvon can’t defend his name. Because Zimmerman murder him.
So who hid the 911 call? was it the police? as soon as somebody finds out who hid the phone
let’s flush it out, this is fucking rediculous. Where is marco Rubio on this law Stand Your Groung?
no comment from this FUCKER YET? we will never visit Florida with this fucling law!!!! just piss me off.
I posted this at the end of the last thread. Some may miss it and might find the information helpful. This tells when President Obama will arrive in South Korea and the exact times for his activities on his first day. Keep in mind that Korea is 13 hours ahead of Eastern time. When he arrives Sunday morning at 6:35 am KT, it will be 3:35 pm ET on Saturday.
He looks very happy. Besides looking forward to a lot of important work, I expect he’s glad to put all that distance between himself and the furor that will be happening next week in Washington.
Meta–You are correct. News outlets aren’t the only ones to be confused by these time changes. I’ve made this mistake before. I figured out accurately the 13 hour difference, but when I got to 12, I went back an additional 3 hours instead of 1. Politico has him arriving in South Korea at 5:35 PM Sunday NIGHT. They don’t have a clue.
These right-wingers make the most egregious, incendiary, racist, and sexist comments on a daily basis in their columns and public appearances, on their radio and TV shows and let’s not forget in the pulpit. They create policies with only their narrow self-interests and ideologies first of mind (e.g Stand your Ground – NRA; unnecessary and long wars – Defense Contractors) and the minute something horrific happens in the broader society they twist themselves into pretzels to absolve themselves of any modicum of responsibility and to cast blame elsewhere.
I get that some of them do these things just to garner ratings, votes and win power but I have to believe that a greater number of them are deliberately inciting violence, hate and division in this country. For normal people their behavior is easily ignored but for folks already teetering on the edge, it can be just the little push they need to act on their fears. After Gabbie Giffords was shot, they were appalled that anyone on the left could think that Palins’ cross-hairs over congressional districts could have been a contributing factor. I liken them to someone who would douse a forest with gasoline and walk away only to be followed by some deranged freak with a box of matches in his pocket and hatred and fear in his heart.
I am coming to believe they are so filled with rage over the election of PBO and their subsequent demographic irrelevance, they are systematically attacking each group that contributed to his victory. It’s as though they’ve decided, much like the jealous and deranged ex, that if I can’t have you (the country) nobody will.
Sadly, we have the msm which helps the RW push their disgusting talk and then helps to absolve them. They treat the RW as if their behavior is perfectly acceptable. Look how they ignore the comments by their gop Presidential candidates, Romney telling everyone that POTUS doesn’t “understand America”, and that he “apologizes for America”, Newt’s horrible comments yesterday, and Santoums recent ad. It is going to get uglier and no one will call these racist, hateful people out, and I’m afraid more people will be hurt.
They always talk about “liberal media”. There IS NO liberal media, there is only CORPORATE MEDIA! Guess who??? They are journalistic buffoons. Bought and paid for.
By the way, df, some of us who are quick to criticize the President and the Democrats over messaging need to understand that the real problem is not messaging. The real problem is the corporate media which filters, distorts, or completely ignores, the messaging from the White House and the Democrats. I repeat, the problem for Democrats and the President is not messaging; the problem for Democrats is the corporate media!
THANK YOU CHIPS FOR POSTING A NEW THREAD…THE OTHER ONE…WELL..WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY! YOU KNOW THAT SCENARIO! I WILL BE WORRIED ABOUT PBO TILL I SEE HIM LAND BACK IN DC….NOT MY FAVE PLACE FOR HIM TO GO TO. I HAVE TO GO TO A BABY SHOWER TODAY. PRAYING FOR MY PREZ. THAT ALL WILL GO WELL AND SAFE FOR HIM! IS HE HOME YET? LLL:(
I have to say I was never aware of the negative image of hoodies—-till now. We are a huge hoodie family, have all had a bunch for years, all of us, I gave my little 2 yr. old grandson Bears and Cubs hoodies recently, didn’t know I was setting up a gangsta future for the adorable little guy. I love them too, have a big supply—-they’re fun and cozy! The last one I bought was the gray Obama hoodie—–2012!—-really gangsta! The one I bought before that—–when I was on vaca in Fl., I bought a hoodie on Sanibel Island at the Sanibel book store——I liked that it was black, I liked the way it fit, and I thought it was funny to have a hoodie that says “Sanibel Book Store” on it. But——turns out—-not funny, but scary! Scary Sanibel Book Store!
Scary Sanibel Bookstore! Who knew, right? And IN THE RAIN, yet! How dare he even THINK about putting his hood up in the rain! This from the same people that would blame a miniskirt for a rape. Assholes.
You are absolutely right, isonprize! The problem is not hoodies. The problem is wearing hoodies if you are black or brown! Sort of like driving while black; especially if you happen to be driving a high priced car like a BMW!
aristac, Many of us here in TODville have LONG suspected that Chica works in some way with the administration.
But, you know what? I don’t want to know. Because if she needs to stay on “the down low” to keep TODville running, I will happily go along with her little game. HAPPILY!! 😀 😀
Mr. AJ has believed that since I first told him about this site. But, as you said, isonprize, I don’t want to know either (well, maybe just a little bit! I only hope she’s being paid well. 😉
L3…Yes, these people feel so threatened that their reaction, totally unrestrained, is to strike out at whomever they consider the enemy. Anyone who does not look like them, pray like them, think like them, is the enemy. I felt that the election of PBO would bring out the crazies, but I never dreamed the extent….I couldn’t. However, I knew this has been bubbling along under the surface forever in this country. The problem now is that these media sources yelling seem to have given the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval to all of the fringeys to say just anything….including the Joe Wilsons of the country.
Yet, I still believe that the only way this can be dealt with in a constructive way is for this to come to light. It is horrible, but so is any disease, and that’s what this is. I also believe that many people who harbored some of these feelings to a lesser degree are now seeing what this kind of thinking leads to, and don’t want to be caught up in it.
I live in a state that is 70% evangelical, the highest of any state I believe, and is also rabid rightwing racist. These people see no contradiction between the two. This is one thing that needs to be opened up.
I was appalled about a year ago to receive a terribly nasty racist “joke” about the President from a good friend…..who lives in Arizona. I have known him since high school, and couldn’t believe it. He considers himself a Christian. Instead of deleting, I wrote him back, not knowing his reaction. As gently, but as firmly as I could, I told him that no Christian would subscribe to, nor certainly not send along such garbabge, and frankly that I was appalled that he would do so. I didn’t hear from him for a while. Then, I started receiving emails from him again, with not a word about the previous, but also no similar emails. I hope I made him think and realize what he had done. I’m afraid this kind of mind changing has to come one person at a time, and not in anger.
Another note about what we’re up against, I saw this bumper sticker this week: “Don’t blame me, I voted for the American.”
Until evangelical ministers start preaching against this attitude and how it does not sync with Christ, we have an uphill battle with the older white people. Young people have left the “church” almost entirely, so they are not influenced by this hateful preaching, unless of course they go to evangelical schools and/or are home schooled.
Yet, I keep reminding myself of Justice Brandeis: “Sunight is the best disinfectant.” I firmly believe that.
The Trayvon Martin murder has opened up another window to bring in sunlight, in a horribly sad way, but one that may make parents think.
Beautifully written and I agree with every word of it. As Christians we are not called to hate, only to love (and it ain’t easy). God so loved the world, not just the tiny slice of it that agrees with me. I believe that these eruptions that seem to draw us back are succeeded by periods where we move forward because, as you said, people are caused to think deeply about beliefs and ideas they may never have examined before.
So true, my brother is one of those so-called Christians that does not believe the president is also a Christian because he does not “say” God often enough. I told him he is the president not a preacher. I told my brother I am in your house at least four hours and other than prayer at dinner time, he does not go on and on about God (he’s too busy on his iphone).
Jojo–I wonder how your brother knows that? We see and hear only the tiniest fraction of what PBO says every day and when he speaks in public he always ends by saying God bless you and God bless the United States of America. That’s two references to God in every speech at the very least. His speech at the Washington Prayer Breakfast was loaded with references to God and his faith. So seriously, how does you brother know? I don’t recall constant references to God from any president, not GB or Clinton, or GHWB, or Reagan or even Carter. I don’t remember constant references from Ford, Nixon, Johnson, Kennedy, Eisenhower, Truman or Roosevelt (although I must say I was not old enough to know at the time). The point is it never has been done and, in fact, PBO’s two references per speech is a lot in modern political history.
Tremendously beautifully written, Carolyn. I know exactly what you are saying. I live it everyday where I live. It takes place everyday, and every Sunday in these congregations. I have been there. I have had to leave ,because I speak with truth to those who speak with evil lies and try to sit next to me and say, “God” etc. I Do Not Play Church, and I do not need “church playmates” in my life in a church setting of this extreme hypocrisy.
Thank you for this post, Carolyn. You did the right thing. I have just ignored the email I have gotten from a friend. I still am not sure I can handle it as well as you did. I know we need to speak out louder. We have let the media and this go on too long.
Carolyn, your comment was so thoughtful. These times remind me of the quote, “All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.” That would include the “sane or moderate republicans,” the “responsible media” and the “people of faith.” It appears many of our institutions are failing us in this regard. Everyone has taken sides, there are no referees.
There are people of good will who are open to change their way of thinking about racist notions and then there are Americans who will not change their way of thinking…who will not let go of anger that is fueled by fear…
these folks have to be contained and what i mean by that…is to render them powerless…
change laws and policy that promote and stroke the anger and fear….of course that is easier said than done…
as we have seen…the right has waged a major assault on workers…women…and democracy through the attack voters rights…trying to disenfranchise the poor…people of color…seniors…and students…
but what is the grand scheme of all this….and how do we combat it…
Florida man lives to tell of ‘shoot first’ horror
Posted: Friday, 23 March 2012 10:56AM
By Tom Brown
MIAMI (Reuters) – On June 5, 2006, not long after Florida enacted the first “Stand Your Ground” law in the United States, unarmed Jason Rosenbloom was shot in the stomach and chest by his next-door neighbor after a shouting match over trash.
Exactly what happened that day in Clearwater, Florida, is still open to dispute. Kenneth Allen, a retired police officer, said he shot Rosenbloom because he was trying to storm into his house.
Rosenbloom told Reuters in a telephone interview this week he never tried to enter the house and was in Allen’s yard, about 10 feet from his front door, when he was shot moments after he put his hands up.
Now living in Hawaii, Rosenbloom said he had been unaware of the growing outrage over last month’s shooting in Sanford, Florida, of an unarmed black teenager by a neighborhood watch captain.
Trayvon Martin, 17, was shot by George Zimmerman on February 26 while walking back to the house where he was staying with his father in a gated community. Sanford police have not arrested Zimmerman, largely because Stand Your Ground requires them, without clear evidence of malice and in the absence of eyewitness testimony to the contrary, to accept Zimmerman’s argument he was acting in self-defense.
I saw that a Miami states atty. has called for a repeal of the crazy “stand your ground law”, the “license to kill” as many have rightfully described it. It’s absolutely nutty. Anyone can excuse a killing by saying they felt threatened, and if there are no witnesses, and one party is dead, how can there ever be truth or justice in these matters?
I had Ed Schultz on the car radio while I was out yesterday, and he was replaying the rant that hate radio host, Neal Boortz, made on the air last year. He was talking to the people of Atlanta about the crime there and he said, “Too damn many urban thugs, yo.” And he tells the people what they need to do—–go out and buy a gun, get training, register the gun, carry it with you at all times. He said, “You need to carry that gun and we need to see some dead thugs littering the landscape in Atlanta. We need to see the next guy that tries to carjack you shot dead right where he stands. We need more dead thugs in the city.”
So sick. We have radio “thugs” telling people to start shooting and killing people. And we have dummies, the dumbest among us, listening to these Limbaugh style hate fests of Boortz and too many others, and they hear this junk over and over, and then one day they do as told.
THIS. This law is nothing more than legalized murder. No responsibility needs to be taken or shown. As far as the religion thing, I’m not religious for this reason. I think people hide behind religion to mask the ugly. Lots is done in the name of religion…not all of it good. There are a lot of good churches and places of worship…don’t get me wrong.. But for those that harbor hatred or ill will…it is a convenient scapegoat for the ugly side of humanity.
DF, you hit the nail on the head. This is the reason that I left a congregation because people were hiding behind the “religious” things that were keeping so many people away from those of us who were there to let our lights shines for goodness, compassion, empathy within, loving hearts ready to do and listen to help others, and because of their “mocking of the Word”, it sicken me to the point that I could not worship in that type of setting any longer.
I know that there are some “good churches” out there where beautiful worship takes place, but I still see too many (within my city) where I can’t balance their actions with the Word. So I do not step in those places. There is so much open hatred within these so called places of worship, that I refuse to be a part of it.
I can still live my faith within my daily walk on this journey with my groundedness of the word of scripture and feel more peace than I witness within the physical walls of the churches. It is very evident where I live now. It has been more open now than ever. I have proof that it is because of the election of POB. I had to go up to a minister and decently share with him my thoughts on what he was preaching- teaching in that church. I confronted him with all of my heart. I feel peaceful about it, and I continue to pray for his heart to see pure and gentle compassionate love of the word. I do not tolerate it, no matter who the minister is, or how large the congregation is. Plain and simple.
I so appreciate your comments, and I hope that I will never in anyway step over the line with any of my TOD family here when I try to be me. It is the real HZ. I have always prayed for love to shine in whatever I do. When my spirit is wrong, I know, and ask God to help me to see the beautiful love of light that will move across the room with grace, forgiveness, compassion, service, and a love of all people who come across my path. So I hope that I will carry myself in that manner with all of my beautiful family here, and when I do not, call me on it.HZ
DF, I am not religious either, although I grew up in a deeply Christian family, with an uncle who was a Bishop, and lots of family members who are “born-again Christians.” As I grew older and learned more I began to question some of the basic assumptions of all religions, and not just Christianity. But, as my deeply religious nephew says, these right wingers have hijacked the “Christian symbols of meaning.” Jesus preached love but they preach hatred. Jesus taught forgiveness but they teach revenge. Jesus preached peace but they advocate war. Jesus taught caring for the poor, the sick and the ostracized, but they teach love for the rich, hatred for the poor and persecution for the outcasts. Jesus taught tolerance but they teach intolerance.
Once again, the problem, as I see it, is the media. Christians who follow Jesus’ teaching, like my nephew and many Christain people who post on this site, are ignored. Instead it’s the haters, the war mongers, and the advocates for the rich over the poor, the racist, and the religious intolerant, who are prominently covered as THE Christians. Although I am not religious and do not go to church on Sundays, I still admire Christians like SUE DUVALL SMITH, HZ, and my nephew (who by the way is law professor) who still follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, and refuse to buy into the right wing ideology that is promoted as Christianity. I also still derive tremendous inspiration from the teachings of Christian preachers like Dr. King and Bishop Tutu.
Good Morning ! Geez…that was some party last night! Chips, we DID party a little, but I assure you that everyone was behaving and nothing broke! We send a big shout out to Michelle Obama for reminding us to MOVE! Dancing is great exercise 🙂 She would also be very pleased to know that we were all very well hydrated 🙂 I’m not so sure that our form of hydration was what she had in mind, but 1 out of 2 isn’t bad 🙂
I see that some of you (cough…..amk….cough) wanted to tattle a little bit about the partying…I think I saw you there, Mister! Anyway….just a head’s up, Chips…it may happen again! It’s Saturday…and I can’t make any promises:) We even had to change the venue, it got so crowded….so I don’t know what all these willing participants are talking about…..
Watched the President leave on AF1….that was awesome. Some folks watched that plane until it was a teeny, tiny speck! Then we commenced dancing our asses off and reminiscing .
Now about this news about Zimmerman…holy shit storm! If Trayvon made a 911 call. this guy needs to be IN JAIL! NOW! The inept police dept…or the corrupt police dept, needs to join him! I need to go read….
Damn, those nachos were good. I think we should plan on another of those parties the next time Chips is gone.
I think we have to avoid jumping to conclusions about things until the evidence is all in. Not about the absurditiy of the law or the despicable actions of both Zimmerman and the police. But I would want to wait for official notification from the authorities about 911 calls and such. There is enough to keep ourselves upset about.
I was trying to get some work done in the next room but you guys were off the hook! Every time I checked in you were working that disco ball like it was 1979 and there was all kinds of splishin’ and splashin’. Thanks for that WAYback machine but let’s not try and scare the kids!
🙂 I remember winning a dance contest one time…and the prize was an album. I put the album next to the wall, because I wasn’t finished dancing….and it was gone when I went to go get it. Weird what you remember from back in the day 🙂
Off for the day. I am helping a friend at her restaurant. Her father had a heart attack so I going to be a waitress. Haven’t done that in years. Have a great day everyone.
This is one of the many reasons why I love this TOD famiily. We are helpers in the world. Well, we see our Leader of the Free World setting the best example each and everyday. Taking what our beautiful parents, grandparents, guardians, and village of elders made up of our teacher, pastors, community organizations, helping our mothers and fathers raise the many wonderful children in these villages prepared us all for this beautiful leader in POB.
We serve gladly and with much compassion, intellect, wisdom, and love for all of our brothers and sisters in this nation. May we become a better people because of this great President. We love you, Mr. President, and we pray for your success on this trip and much safe returns to us. Blessings to you, Mr. President and to our nation and the world because of you, Mr. President.HZ
Guys, is it true about Trayvon Martin dialing 911 before the Zimmerman confrontation? I hate twitter speculations and this seems like it’s be a really big deal.
I figured as much. Ugh…that’s the one thing I hate about twitter, people are too quick to retweet speculative information without verfication. It just completely confuses a stituation and causes everyone to be misinformed. And it takes an act of God to try to recover .
Apparently, this notion came from a report from the Chicago ABC channel 7 in which the reporter clearly said that the FBI is investigating a 911 call from Trayvon just before he died. Some say that the reporter was mistaken. But that’s what the reporter said.
yeah, everyone so far is linking to the Chicago channel. First it seems weird that ABC Chicago would be reporting this and not a FL station or national news program. 2nd, it’s the ONLY link anyone has so far. Which seems odd.
It maybe true, but until then, the speculation is just not helping.
He was on the phone with his girlfriend until a minute before the police arrived. She stated she heard Trayvon ask Zimmerman why he was following him. The family has the cell phone records so if there had been a 911 call that would have been released at time girlfriend’s statement was.
Now I have NO problem with the fact that Romney speaks French. I think that ALL of us should be able to be bilingual. What I found fascinating, is that he seems MORE personable. more comfortable SPEAKING FRENCH:)
Desertflower, It’s the FRENCH, it’s not R-money. I think most people sound more interesting speaking another language that is different from their ‘first’ language.
But as one of the commenters put it, “Speaking French doesn’t make you smart, it just means you can say stupid shit in French.” I thought that was funny!!!
That IS funny!! I know when I hear French…I don’t care WHAT they’re saying…could talk to me ALL DAY LONG! Italian, too….romance languages do that to you, I guess 🙂 I think you’re right. It’s the FRENCH, not the Robme!
“Well, ‘Stand Your Ground’ is not doing what this man did. There’s a difference between ‘Stand Your Ground’ and doing what he did. And it’s a horrible case. It’s chilling to hear what happened, and of course the fact that law enforcement didn’t immediately go after and prosecute this case is another chilling example of horrible decisions made by people in this process.” Rick Santorum in Louisiana
As if Rick Santorum would know what ‘stand your ground’ means. Right now he’s figured out that it’s politically expedient not to sound like a complete right wing nut job, so he’s making stuff up. If Little Ricky is speaking it, it’s not the truth.
Found this. Might explain why Romney is so comfortable lying:
Lying for the Lord refers to the practice of lying to protect the image of and belief in the Mormon religion, a practice which Mormonism itself fosters in various ways. From Joseph Smith’s denial of having more than one wife, to polygamous Mormon missionaries telling European investigators that reports about polygamy in Utah were lies put out by “anti-Mormons” and disgruntled ex-members, to Gordon B. Hinckley’s dishonest equivocation on national television over Mormon doctrine, Mormonism’s history seems replete with examples of lying. Common members see such examples as situations where lying is justified. For the Mormon, loyalty and the welfare of the church are more important than the principle of honesty, and plausible denials and deception by omission are warranted by an opportunity to have the Mormon organization seen in the best possible light. This is part of the larger package of things that lead many to describe Mormonism as a cult. “Lying for the lord” is part of Mormonism’s larger deceptive mainstreaming tactics, and conversion numbers would drastically lower if important Mormon beliefs were fully disclosed to investigators.
OMG, this is shocking. So that’s why Robney is a pathological liar with no remorse. This is precisely why I am happy that Benen and Rachel called him out last week.
Tien Le, this is very interesting — I’ve lived for 46 years now deep in the heart of Mormonism — and I seem to remember that I’ve heard this before as part of doctrine. We’re C&E Episcopalians and have been proselytized off and on for a good many of our years here. I haven’t looked for confrontations with my neighbors, but I’d like to have some kind of backup, you know, in case I’m confronted myself by some young zealot. (They come door to door and occasionally are harder to get rid of than a pair of leeches.)
I don’t suppose you have a link, but can you remember where you read about this? The older I get the less tolerant I am of being forced to stand on my feet and listen to “What do you know about the Mormon Church? Would you like to hear more?” Sheesh.
It’s like living a life full of deception and self-deception as well, very far removed from reality. Explains a lot. And as I’ve said for a long time, Romney’s lies are indeed pathological.
I can’t say I’m familiar with the Book of Mormon, but does it completely discard the ten commandments? I can sort of accept that you would lie about something like polygamy to “protect” the church’s image, but to constantly bear false witness against your neighbor, i.e., The President of the United States, seems to stretch the “lying is justified” principle. Most decent people were raised to believe that constantly lying in order to destroy and smear another human being is unethical, immoral, and for some people, sinful. Romney makes us feel a sense of dissonance because he seems to operate under principles that are different and, frankly, lower, than other people’s.
In response to the patriarchal treatment of our bodies as property, criminal defense attorney Ms. Karen Suzanne Wilkes has drafted sample legislation based upon licensing & property laws, demanding that men pay for “licensing, use and maintenance of our bodies & the offspring we create.”
Ms. Wilkes’ sample legislation reads:
It shall be unlawful (a felony, punishable by 10 years imprisonment) for any man to impregnate a woman without first obtaining and filing with the clerk of court a sworn affidavit signed by said woman, and signed by 2 witnesses, giving her express consent to be impregnated by that man. In addition, at the time of filing said affidavit, the man shall post a cash bond with the court in an amount equal to 20% of the man’s gross income for the next 18 years, thereby covering the cost of child support in the event a child is born as a result of the man’s act in impregnating the woman. The cash bond will also include an additional amount to cover the cost of all prenatal care & the cost of delivering the baby.
….and if said man is underage, his parents would have to pay the cash bond or put their property up as collateral. These parents with only sons will have some responsibility.
HEADLINE: Jim Kim: Obama’s Bold Pick to Lead the World Bank
// Dr. Jim Yong Kim is neither a Washington power player nor a global political figure, but as someone with a grassroots approach, reputation for common sense, and practical experience with developing countries, he may be just what the World Bank needs. //
FYI on PBO’s itinerary. I found a South Korean news livestream that broadcasts in English. I’m guessing they’ll have most of PBO’s appearances that are open press. The visit to the DMZ will be particularly historic. They’ll have the press conference tomorrow, for sure.
2:35pm PST Saturday
5:35pm Eastern Saturday
6:35AM local Sunday
THE PRESIDENT arrives Seoul, Republic of Korea
Osan Air Base
Open Press
7:30pm PST Saturday
10:30pm Eastern Saturday
11:30am local Sunday
THE PRESIDENT visits the demilitarized zone and meets with American troops serving on the Korean Peninsula
Travel Pool Coverage
11:00pm PST Saturday
2:00am Eastern Sunday
3:00pm, local Sunday
THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey
Grand Hyatt Hotel, Seoul
Pool Spray at the Bottom
1:30am PST Sunday
4:30am Eastern Sunday
5:30pm local Sunday
THE PRESIDENT attends a bilateral meeting with President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea
Blue House
Pool Spray at the Top
2:35am PST Sunday
5:35am Eastern Sunday
6:35pm local Sunday
THE PRESIDENT and President Lee hold a joint news conference
Blue House
Open to Pre-Credentialed Media
3:10am PST Sunday
6:10am Eastern Sunday
7:10PM local Sunday
THE PRESIDENT attends a working dinner with President Lee
Blue House
Closed Press
Seoul, Korea is +13 hours Eastern and +16 hours Pacific. Totally confusing but I think I’ve got the math right.
Monday’s (local time) itinerary will probably be available tomorrow.
The American media will black out this visit completely. Tomorrow is “I heart Republicans” Sunday in the MSM, so good luck finding anything on our President’s visit – unless it can be spun negatively or to the Republicans’ benefit.
The director of the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said the agency created under the 2010 Wall Street reform law has initiated a number of investigations, including probes of large banks.
“We … have an active enforcement division that is looking carefully at many things. They have investigations ongoing,” said Richard Cordray, the CFPB’s first director who was appointed by President Obama in January.
Cordray, speaking on C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers” program airing this weekend, said that he can’t talk about specifics of ongoing law enforcement activity. But Cordray noted the probes involve a wide range of financial institutions.
There’s a Tea Party Road to Repeal rally today in DC against the ACA. CNN is livestreaming it, of course. GAG.
I’m guessing there will probably be a major demonstration at the Supreme Court on Monday, too.
By Keith Laing – 03/23/12 02:26 PM ET
The Federal Transit Administration said this week that it is partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation in an effort to reduce distracted driving among employees of public transit systems.
The FTA and the FDOT said they were releasing an 30-minute instructional course for transit employees that it hopes will remind public transportation drivers of the dangers of distracted driving.
“I strongly encourage you to make this course a part of your ongoing distracted driving program or fold it into your existing employee safety and training curriculum,” FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff wrote in a “Dear Colleague” letter.
It really sickens me to think about how hard President Obama works every day and the only press he gets is based on the most sensationalized lies framed by the RWNJs. American media is total junk.
I heard a blurb from CNN early this morning saying that PBO was headed to South Korea. Of course on the crawler, they mention the statement by Gingrich saying that PBO’s policies favors Muslims. There was absolutely no need to put that on a news crawler.
I have said already and will say again, that if this president ever gets hurt by some nut job, I will hold the American media 95% liable for instigating anti-Obama hatred in this country. The media refuses to address this nasty, vile and dangerous element that exists within the Republican party – instead they treat it as “entertainment” and will jokingly report it, without condemning it. Reporting without condemning is CONSENT as far as I’m concerned.
These Republicans are becoming more and more emboldened to push memes about our duly elected President being a “terrorist” or a “dangerous” menace to American society. And the media allows them platforms to spew their BS, by replaying their outrageous words, circulating racist images of our president under the guise of “reporting,” repeatedly airing their disgusting, shameful hate-speeches disguised as Tea Party rallies or other such events, and fails to condemn atrocities by claiming to be “fair and balanced” and presenting every thing in the form of “he said-she said.”
But Karma is a b, as they say, and sometimes, it may not be the one who they think will get hurt that actually ends up getting hurt…I’m not wishing bad things on anyone, but as things usually turn out, some of these media folk might very well be paid a visit from Ms. Karma to teach them some profound life lessons at some point.
THIS, the media is complicit in all of this hate and racism. Palin’s klan rallies were “just campaigning,” the tea party “isn’t racist,” they practically accused John Lewis of lying about being called the “n” word. They repeat every ugly statement by the gop, birthers and haters. We even have candidates for President calling the sitting President “unAmerican,” a “terrorist sympathizer” and a “racist” and instead of questioning these jerks, they just repeat their lies and hateful speech. When a child is murdered, their first reaction was to believe the murderer, not once asking why he wasn’t arrested. I hold them accountable for making rw loons believe that violence against minorities is acceptable, and I agree it anything should happen to our President, they are 95% responsible for that, even MSNBC. They think racism and violence is a joke and seem to be cheering it on.
And they make more money if they can report on someone being killed, especially if it’s racially motivated. I fear they are hoping something happens to the President.
You’re right. They win either way. It’s like celebrity journalism. They get to cover the rise, the fall, the courtship, the marriage, the new baby, the cheating, the divorce, the drug addiction, the comeback and the tragic death.
I agree debz and I do believe the American media ARE hoping this – and trying to instigate some kind of racially motivated attack on the President. They will say some brief insincere words of “eulogy” with their fake crocodile tears, but most importantly, they will be raking in the $$$$$ that comes with events like these. After all, Lincoln, MLK and JFK were all assassinated, and I can tell that the media is itching to have something similar with this President. It’s one big damn joke and “reality TV” show for them. This is a decent hard-working human being – a father, brother, husband, with a family of young children. You just don’t play around like this.
Thank goodness the SS seems to be on top of their game. But I remain very concerned.
Malia goes to Mexico for a service trip and it trends with numerous articles but the President goes to South Korea and crickets. The American media is one big fuck up.
You know Jovie, the tvs and most of corporate media sometimes treat the President of the United States as the “Invisible Man.” As some one who has lived under 10 U.S presidents, I am really amazed at how the media treats President Obama’s foreign trips. In the past, the media was always all over these trips. Not so when it comes to President Obama. It’s obvious the media does not want the American people to know how well President Obama is received in foreign countries. They especially don’t want to show pictures of the love and enthusiasm for him displayed by common people, as well as government officials, in the countries he visits. The media would rather cover teabag idiots, funded by the Koch brothers, protesting the ACA that is helping millions of ordinary Americans. IMHO, most of the U.S. corporate media are in cahoots with the Republicans. Clearly, everything they do is aimed at undermining President Obama.
HuffPo has post up headlined “Trayvon Martin Case: Florida Man Arrested For Threatening To Kill Police Chief Bill Lee And His Family”. I refuse to link to HuffPo, but i will say that until some real action happens, i.e. indictment by grand jury or arrest of Zimmerman or investigation of Sanford PD) any of the people like Sheriff Lee and Zimmerman’s lawyer and maybe even the Martin family and such thing like this will only get worse.
I know they need to be meticulous and methodical, but right now everything is a simmering pot of grease and just one flash of water could start a grease fire.
President Obama’s re-election campaign unveiled a new video this morning, which has a similar look and feel to the recent “The Road We’ve Traveled” documentary, but features a different message and messenger.
.
In effect, this is a bookend message to last week’s documentary video. It’s not about reminding voters about the steps taken to rescue the country from economic ruin; it’s about urging voters not to go backwards.
In a way, they’re two sides to the same coin, but it’s worth watching to see how the Obama campaign pushes both messages at the same time.
So, President Obama gets pretty much no credit for doing what the left begged him to do, which is “Please pick anyone but Larry Summers!”. They can’t even give him credit for that, it was served to him on a short list by others of course, and now Scheiber is wondering if Kim is going to actually be any better than Summers or if Obama will make him “pull his punches.” Christ. Of Course, Scheiber’s new book on the administration’s stimulus battles and economic policy is pretty much all about how Larry Summers was the worst choice ever, and I’m totally not surprised that Scheiber is immediately convinced that Kim’s choice is bullshit.
And you wonder why I’m mad at the “professional” Left all the damn time. They got an inspired choice, Obama surprised them pleasantly, Dr. Kim has amazing credentials and he’s exactly what the President’s critics on the Left said the next head of the World Bank needed to be, a development expert and not a banker, and the first thing they ask is “Will Obama just ignore him anyway and keep being the worst administration ever?”
Really? What the hell does he have to do, folks? What is it going to take?
The “PL” is simply the left arm of the Tea Party – their opposition to President Obama is not policy-based. It’s mostly race-based. I don’t care what anyone says – that’s the truth of the matter.
Rachel was over the moon last night about PBO nominating Dr. Kim. His work is really impressive. Some folks will never be pleased. They are only interested in criticising.
I think the way the votes are stacked he will get the position. Besides, most Third World countries are familiar with his work and trust him implicitly. I just read a glowing endorsement of Dr. Kim from the President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
As much of an ambulance chaser/ attention seeker Nancy Grace is, I noticed that it seems that every host on HLN has had segments on Trayvon Martin except Nancy Grace and of course Showbiz Tonight, although I think even Showbiz Tonight also reported on Hollywood’s view of the case?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating for more Nancy Grace, like I said can’t stand the woman, but still there is no controversial legal case Nancy won’t touch.
Oh, I just had a thought, maybe it has something to do with the murder of her fiancee(?)/boyfriend(?) when she was a prosecutor?
Amazing record they have:) Pat Summit will have a legacy for herself that will be hard to beat:) As a person from Connecticut, whenever TN played UCONN…..well, great games there! She is a class act. Congrats, Lady Vols!
How long before we Hear Larry Summers ne on the News, being critical of the President? Because, when passive/aggressive Democrats don’t get what they want, like head of the World Bank… I am not saying it will definitely happen, but don’t be surprised if LS suddenly is in the news with a new anti Obama book, or something.
The sour grape Democratic Party is in full tilt, during this Presidents tenure.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The battered housing market looks to be on the mend as buyers make a tentative return and house prices stabilize.
Sales of new homes in February fell from January but jumped more than 11 percent compared with the same month last year and prices rose, according to data released on Friday that was in line with other recent signs of a slow recovery.
Big challenges lie ahead, most notably in the form of a glut of unsold properties – many of them foreclosures – and tight lending by banks. But even if the recovery is slow and bumpy, the worst of the six-year slump seems to be over.
“The housing market is slowly coming back. It’s still a depressed market, but it’s getting better. We have a long way to go,” said Patrick Newport, an economist at Global Insight in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Romney and the gop establishment just want Santorum to quit the race because Mittens doesn’t want to spend any more time around the icky “little people.” He wants to go spend time in CA supervising the construction of his “Western White House.”
Romney has already outspent Santorum in Wisconsin 50 to 1. That’s an awful lot of money to be now spending for someone who the media claims has the nomination wrapped up. Why is Romney spending all this money trying to defeat a loser like Santorum who has supposedly been already defeated by Romney?!?!?!?
I just finished emailing NBC, CBS and ABC telling them we expect good, clear, complete coverage of the President’s trip to Korea. I mentioned that whether Santorum wins or loses in Louisiana is not nearly as important as this trip is, and that we would appreciate the media giving the President credit for all he has accomplished. I reminded CBS of the way Waler Cronkite would report this. I also said it was almost as if the President is “the invisible man.” They should get that reference!
I know my one little voice won’t decide their coverage, but if many of us write frequently, we can change their habits. They rely on viewers and response to their commercials. I think we the people are going to have to continue to train journalists and make them accountable.
I told all three I didn’t want any snark in the reporting. I have no doubt the people producing the shows know what that means!
I don’t tweet, but this is another good project for the TOD twitter brigade, which has developed a powerful voice. Look at the difference the public reaction has made to Rush Limbaugh!
With all the controversy over attacks on women’s rights and slut-shaming of women in the media for daring to speak out for their rights, I have to wonder why Belvedere Vodka (@belvederevodka for those of you active in the Twitterverse) would come out with an ad showing a man grabbing a woman with a horrified look on her face from behind with the copy, “Unlike some people, Belvedere Vodka always goes down smoothly.”
Unsurprisingly, people who find rape an unpersuasive marketing ploy for alcohol took offense and started tweeting Belvedere Vodka with their displeasure.
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL), the chair of the DNC, is calling for the repeal of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, which has become the center of the political discussion following the death of Trayvon Martin.
From a statement Wasserman Schultz tweeted Saturday:
This case is further evidence that Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground Law,’ which passed in 2005, needs to be repealed. The failure of the Sanford police to further investigate this crime as a result of their interpretation of this law is an injustice to Trayvon’s family and to all Floridians.
National Republicans have already begun defending Stand Your Ground, a law passed at the urging of the NRA.
Hola Chips! I promise we have all been really, really good while you are away. There was no wild party here last night. (We are now clearing all the empty bottles etc while we speak) All will be pristine & beautiful for your return.
Now, I am off up thread to read the other posts (& see just who has a hang over.)
The Obama Diary 
Chips, glad you made it through the first leg! Don’t know how you got the photo, but we’re grateful. Our thread was getting l..o..o..n..g. So thanks for the rescue.
G’day, Jackie, old mate! Well done on first!
Morning
Mornin’ ourmanflint
Hi Pamela. I went back to bed. Hope you have a wonderful day
Hey, I couldn’t possibly be first, could I? Is anyone else here?
Hope that Chips will give you a cool picture.
I think a lot of people are on Twitter or in bed because they were up partying all night !
Hope chips doesn’t find out. She’ll never trust us home alone again. But, man, it was WILD!!!! Peeps are presently not available because they’re trying to clean up the mess! Hope they remember to dump the garbage bags elsewhere and restock toilet paper—-always the telltale signs.
Hi dotster!
TOO DARN FUNNY…HOPE YOU MADE SURE IT WASN’T KOCH BROS. TOILET PAPER…OF COURSE IT ALWAYS HITS A FITTING END EITHER WAY YOU LOOK AT IT!…LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Lol, you got that right, Sue 🙂
Ugh! Just woke up. 😦 never staying up past 4am again.
‘Morning TOD.
I might ask for some ‘hush money’ – if only I could erase my tracks. Where is an etch-a-sketch when you need one?!?
Morning to all you “booty” shakers. You know who you are. Hmmpt! I found out about some y’all last night. Sho’ did! 😀
Sabreen60, I just sent over to Mitt to have a truck load sent over because I know we will have to use them tonight for the second half of the party. However, we will start with a wine tasting party at the beginning of the evening. Quiet and smooth with the groove. See everyone there.HZ
You got it!! Congrats. I don’t know how to post pictures so here’s a link
Mornin’ derbingle
Good morning Pamela and to everyone else in this great community. Today I shoot for 60 days without a cigarette. Never thought I’d make it this far but there it is. Deep breaths.
Love this photo, thank you! Good going on the no cigarettes, you will like your life much more without them, so I’m told, and have more energy in all forms as well! Hang in there, you can do it!
Thank you. I’m starting to get that disgusted look on my face whenever I come in contact with anyone smoking so that’s seems like a good sign.
Hang in there, derbingle. I pray that you will be successful in your program.
Thank You AuntSis. I feel a lot better that’s for sure.
Woot, woot. Congrats derbingle.
Ahem, cough, cough…..
Someone deserves some cred for it.
LOL!! Madame Speaker I rise to acknowledge the gentlemen from AMK. His tireless efforts and exemplary er..example are a prime reason why cigarette manufacturers around the globe are sending me hate mail. And to quote AMK or FDR or whoever, “I welcome there hate.”
their
And I accept the honor, which I richly deserves by the way. 🙂
Well done derbingle, really. Keep it up and avoid smoking buddies till you get it out of the system completely.
Gotcha and Thank You Very Much.
Congratulations derbingle – that’s a significant milestone! Keep up the good work.
Thanks blondegrrl. It took me way too long to realize I’ve had enough and the quality of life was not what it should be.
YOU CAN DO IT!! YOU CAN DO IT!! YAY, DERBINGLE!!! (Also, thanks for the GREAT picture of my president!!)
Good for you!!! I’ve been on that journey. I was like an alcoholic – so such thing as I’ll just smoke one. Never, ever do that. It’s tough, but I pray I never go that route again. It really is a terrible habit and a costly one to your health and your pocketbook.
Wonderful derbingle! You can DO it!. We’re so proud of you and celebrate what you’ve accomplished and use that energy to propel you to 600 days without a cigarette!
Congrats derbingle! Great job…You got this!
Huge Congratulations to you derbingle- you can do it, you are doing it! I too have been quitting and am now at 142 days w/o a cigerette.. although I did use nicotine gum for most of that time period, but am now nicotine free also. I’m really happy for you!! 🙂
Congrats, derbingle, you can do It 🙂
Congrats, derbingle!!! One day at a time & as you keep feeling better you will never want to go back!
I will be thinking good thoughts for you, debingle!!!! You will do it. HZ
Derbingle, I think Chica is the only one who can post pics. We can post Youtube videos, if you just put the URL in your reply on a separate line all by itself.
Aslo hope that you are enjoying your away time, Chipsters. Stay safe.
Hi vitamin lover!
Good morning, Pamela. Ready to post?
Glad to hear you made it safely to this portion of your journey – and thanks for the new thread!!!
G’morning to everyone and congrats Jackie on #1!!
Hi Hi, HF
Hiya Pamela – happy Saturday to you!
Hey Y’all.
Yo, sf!
Good day Chips and everyone else!
Hey, Ck!
And here we are, risen, shining, and drinking green jasmine tea! Toast to PBO and to our Chips! Good morning, sunshine on the way! 🙂
Nice to hear from the blog mistress.
Chips, I gotta tell you that tod’ers partayed whole night and trashed the place… Despite my beseeching not to do so.
Amk, they had so much fun, tho, and they are willing to pay the price! Work hard, play hard, that’s the motto! Good morning to you!
GM Pamela. Buncha riff raffs, I tell ya.
Like you weren’t the ring leader?
Chips, AMK caused all the ruckus. So glad leg one of your trip was conducted safely and yay to wifi!
p.s. AMK must be punished for being a tattle tale.
Insert chips innocent hangdog pic here. 🙂
Um…you were part of it my friend – a HUGE part of it!!! I’m even surprised to see you here so early in the morning 🙂
What ??? Me ??? I don’t know what you’re talking about, hf.
GM folks.
I have photos…
And I have the audio. Any tattletales will be severely dealt with. Now, everyone get back to picking up those empty bottles and all the trash or I will be telling!
Oh, hi Chips. So happy to know that you are enjoying the time. We are trying to be very good. I do have additional tapes with audio for you. If they cross me, Chips, the evidence comes your way. Just remember that. ((((((((((((((( Enjoy, our beloved,Chips)))))))))))))HZ
Oh, amk. I SEE YOU!!! 😯 Now, I see how you are.
(Tappin’ foot, reminding myself to not invite amk to any more parties…)
But the music was great!!!!!! My problem is not being able to rebound so quick in the morning. Late nights aren’t so fun anymore. But it’s always good to be with friends.
Hi mtmarilyn. Always. Now, rest and relax for the day. HZ
The crawl on msnbc from wls-tv in Chicago: Trayvon Martin made a 911 call?
Hi 57!
Hi back at ya!
That’s what I’m seeing on Twitter – the FBI seems to have discovered that he made a 911 call just before he was shot. This is looking more and more like a massive cover up on the part of the Sandford PD and other local agencies…
The murderer is still out free ? What exactly the problem in holding him at least for interrogations ? Isn’t the basic stuff any police would do ?
I don’t see any links to this story online, is this a twitter rumor or for sure?
I can’t find anything either—nothing on wls website either. I did read new info on Tampa Bay and Orlando Sentinel websites—-current photo of shooter—-one that has been splashed was from 2005, looks nothing like that now—–more background on shooter—-and that he has a big cross tattooed on his chest—–his employment at time of shooting—-was working at Digital Risk, a mortgage risk consulting bsns., had of course not been there since the shooting. Saw vid of interview with his lawyer (or consultant since there’s no legal case yet) who said he hadn’t heard the Zimmerman 911 tapes—–where has he been??? Cringed when local reporter began one question with “Now that President Obama has inserted himself in the case…..” Lots of unanswered questions and conflicting info still. Lots of details that make no sense, most importantly how this kid ended up dead. And the hard thing is waiting till April 10 for the grand jury investigation. One would think there could be some arrest or at least Zimmerman brought in for questioning before then.
Here is a link from the local Chicago ABC 7 news. It’s a little under 3 minutes long so listen towards the end of the video when the male anchor is reporting.
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/html5/video?id=8593399&pid=null§ion=null
I
ABC Chicago may have reported this incorrectly, my understanding is that one of the neighbors called 911 and that is the tape that is in question and needs to be enhanced.
Thanks for the link. That is what the reporter says. I would think this would be Huge News! It would be a key component to the case and very significant for all kinds of reasons, possible cover up included.
From Slate, one of the key questions is whose voice it was on the 911 tape pleading for help, I think that this is what the FBI will be enhancing:
“There’s another point of evidence that’s been preserved and that could help settle the key question of who did what to whom. In at least one 911 call from a neighbor, you can hear calls for help in the background and then the terrified plea of a wailing voice, “No! No!” Martin’s parents say the voice is their son. Zimmerman says it’s him. Can’t voice recognition software help us figure out who is right?
In my quick reading up on this, I’ve learned (not surprisingly) that this tool isn’t foolproof. Some experts warn that “voiceprinting” isn’t as reliable as fingerprinting because speech changes with age, and based on whether someone is whispering or speaking normally or shouting. But according to the Boston Globe, the British police have used the software to catch terrorism suspects and the U.S. government used it to nab a Colombian drug kingpin who’d had plastic surgery to alter his appearance. If you know a lot about voice recognition and can weigh in on how helpful it could be in this case, tell us in the comments, or email me at cyberbullying.slate@gmail.com. I hope there are tape recordings of Martin’s voice that the police and the Justice Department can compare with the pleas on the 911 call. Zimmerman they’ll be able to find.”
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2012/03/florida_s_stand_your_ground_law_doesn_t_prohibit_that_they_arrest_george_zimmerman_for_killing_trayvon_martin_.html
Then the news outlet that reported this needs to correct this error, because the reporter clearly said that the FBI is investigating a 911 call made by Trayvon, and people ran away with this info on Twitter.
Not on the website. Trying to track down info.
See the link I posted above.
I want that Sanford police department investigated because I don’t trust that police chief. He goes running to FOX to try to trash Trayvon Martin’s name by trying to imply Trayvon might have stole the skittles and can of tea. What a lowlife that chief is, Trayvon can’t defend his name. Because Zimmerman murder him.
Keep safe. Getting to a nice hotel is like an oasis in the desert of travel. Keep well on the road.
Hi almablanca!
Hi Pamela, good saturday morning to all.
Mornin’ nin…
Rachel is brilliant she does her homework on research so let’s send her some love!!!!
Word.
Good to know that the Republicans are all about Guns, Gays and God. I’ll make a note of that.
Okay, that’s it, over and out the door! or at least heading in that direction. Will check in if I can! Have a great day all!
Good morning!
This stinks to high heaven. A whole lot of people need to FIRED, and or prosecuted right alongside that murderer Zimmerman.
They were trying to hide their mess! This is just dirty!
wow, really? i haven’t heard about this before seeing your tweet above UT.
So who hid the 911 call? was it the police? as soon as somebody finds out who hid the phone
let’s flush it out, this is fucking rediculous. Where is marco Rubio on this law Stand Your Groung?
no comment from this FUCKER YET? we will never visit Florida with this fucling law!!!! just piss me off.
Just two more dangerous men wearing hoodies.
Thanks. I tweeted the pic.
Oh Shite. They are dangerous but not because they’re wearing hoodies(real stupid, geraldo)…the opposite of Trayvon Martin.
I posted this at the end of the last thread. Some may miss it and might find the information helpful. This tells when President Obama will arrive in South Korea and the exact times for his activities on his first day. Keep in mind that Korea is 13 hours ahead of Eastern time. When he arrives Sunday morning at 6:35 am KT, it will be 3:35 pm ET on Saturday.
http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2012/03/president_obama_official_sched_859.html#more
He looks very happy. Besides looking forward to a lot of important work, I expect he’s glad to put all that distance between himself and the furor that will be happening next week in Washington.
Thank you, Sharon.
Wouldn’t PBO’s arrival be 5:35pm Eastern and 2:35 Pacific today? In any case, that is one LONG trip for POTUS.
Meta–You are correct. News outlets aren’t the only ones to be confused by these time changes. I’ve made this mistake before. I figured out accurately the 13 hour difference, but when I got to 12, I went back an additional 3 hours instead of 1. Politico has him arriving in South Korea at 5:35 PM Sunday NIGHT. They don’t have a clue.
Chips, so happy to hear form you this morning! So glad you have working wifi in the hotel!
*from
These right-wingers make the most egregious, incendiary, racist, and sexist comments on a daily basis in their columns and public appearances, on their radio and TV shows and let’s not forget in the pulpit. They create policies with only their narrow self-interests and ideologies first of mind (e.g Stand your Ground – NRA; unnecessary and long wars – Defense Contractors) and the minute something horrific happens in the broader society they twist themselves into pretzels to absolve themselves of any modicum of responsibility and to cast blame elsewhere.
I get that some of them do these things just to garner ratings, votes and win power but I have to believe that a greater number of them are deliberately inciting violence, hate and division in this country. For normal people their behavior is easily ignored but for folks already teetering on the edge, it can be just the little push they need to act on their fears. After Gabbie Giffords was shot, they were appalled that anyone on the left could think that Palins’ cross-hairs over congressional districts could have been a contributing factor. I liken them to someone who would douse a forest with gasoline and walk away only to be followed by some deranged freak with a box of matches in his pocket and hatred and fear in his heart.
I am coming to believe they are so filled with rage over the election of PBO and their subsequent demographic irrelevance, they are systematically attacking each group that contributed to his victory. It’s as though they’ve decided, much like the jealous and deranged ex, that if I can’t have you (the country) nobody will.
Sadly, we have the msm which helps the RW push their disgusting talk and then helps to absolve them. They treat the RW as if their behavior is perfectly acceptable. Look how they ignore the comments by their gop Presidential candidates, Romney telling everyone that POTUS doesn’t “understand America”, and that he “apologizes for America”, Newt’s horrible comments yesterday, and Santoums recent ad. It is going to get uglier and no one will call these racist, hateful people out, and I’m afraid more people will be hurt.
They always talk about “liberal media”. There IS NO liberal media, there is only CORPORATE MEDIA! Guess who??? They are journalistic buffoons. Bought and paid for.
Sing it Sis DF, Sing it!!! And that’s the truth!!!
Speak the TRUTH, desertflower!
By the way, df, some of us who are quick to criticize the President and the Democrats over messaging need to understand that the real problem is not messaging. The real problem is the corporate media which filters, distorts, or completely ignores, the messaging from the White House and the Democrats. I repeat, the problem for Democrats and the President is not messaging; the problem for Democrats is the corporate media!
THANK YOU CHIPS FOR POSTING A NEW THREAD…THE OTHER ONE…WELL..WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY! YOU KNOW THAT SCENARIO! I WILL BE WORRIED ABOUT PBO TILL I SEE HIM LAND BACK IN DC….NOT MY FAVE PLACE FOR HIM TO GO TO. I HAVE TO GO TO A BABY SHOWER TODAY. PRAYING FOR MY PREZ. THAT ALL WILL GO WELL AND SAFE FOR HIM! IS HE HOME YET? LLL:(
I have to say I was never aware of the negative image of hoodies—-till now. We are a huge hoodie family, have all had a bunch for years, all of us, I gave my little 2 yr. old grandson Bears and Cubs hoodies recently, didn’t know I was setting up a gangsta future for the adorable little guy. I love them too, have a big supply—-they’re fun and cozy! The last one I bought was the gray Obama hoodie—–2012!—-really gangsta! The one I bought before that—–when I was on vaca in Fl., I bought a hoodie on Sanibel Island at the Sanibel book store——I liked that it was black, I liked the way it fit, and I thought it was funny to have a hoodie that says “Sanibel Book Store” on it. But——turns out—-not funny, but scary! Scary Sanibel Book Store!
Scary Sanibel Bookstore! Who knew, right? And IN THE RAIN, yet! How dare he even THINK about putting his hood up in the rain! This from the same people that would blame a miniskirt for a rape. Assholes.
Dotster, honestly, I’m not sure there really is a negative image of hoodies.
There are some people who make ridiculous assumptions about the young black and brown men IN THE HOODIES. Sigh…
You are absolutely right, isonprize! The problem is not hoodies. The problem is wearing hoodies if you are black or brown! Sort of like driving while black; especially if you happen to be driving a high priced car like a BMW!
Chips I’m beginning to think your “hotel” is really Air Force One. Come on Fess up.
me too!..:)
aristac, Many of us here in TODville have LONG suspected that Chica works in some way with the administration.
But, you know what? I don’t want to know. Because if she needs to stay on “the down low” to keep TODville running, I will happily go along with her little game. HAPPILY!! 😀 😀
Yep. I started to feel like if Chips wanted us to know, she’d tell us.
Mr. AJ has believed that since I first told him about this site. But, as you said, isonprize, I don’t want to know either (well, maybe just a little bit! I only hope she’s being paid well. 😉
L3…Yes, these people feel so threatened that their reaction, totally unrestrained, is to strike out at whomever they consider the enemy. Anyone who does not look like them, pray like them, think like them, is the enemy. I felt that the election of PBO would bring out the crazies, but I never dreamed the extent….I couldn’t. However, I knew this has been bubbling along under the surface forever in this country. The problem now is that these media sources yelling seem to have given the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval to all of the fringeys to say just anything….including the Joe Wilsons of the country.
Yet, I still believe that the only way this can be dealt with in a constructive way is for this to come to light. It is horrible, but so is any disease, and that’s what this is. I also believe that many people who harbored some of these feelings to a lesser degree are now seeing what this kind of thinking leads to, and don’t want to be caught up in it.
I live in a state that is 70% evangelical, the highest of any state I believe, and is also rabid rightwing racist. These people see no contradiction between the two. This is one thing that needs to be opened up.
I was appalled about a year ago to receive a terribly nasty racist “joke” about the President from a good friend…..who lives in Arizona. I have known him since high school, and couldn’t believe it. He considers himself a Christian. Instead of deleting, I wrote him back, not knowing his reaction. As gently, but as firmly as I could, I told him that no Christian would subscribe to, nor certainly not send along such garbabge, and frankly that I was appalled that he would do so. I didn’t hear from him for a while. Then, I started receiving emails from him again, with not a word about the previous, but also no similar emails. I hope I made him think and realize what he had done. I’m afraid this kind of mind changing has to come one person at a time, and not in anger.
Another note about what we’re up against, I saw this bumper sticker this week: “Don’t blame me, I voted for the American.”
Until evangelical ministers start preaching against this attitude and how it does not sync with Christ, we have an uphill battle with the older white people. Young people have left the “church” almost entirely, so they are not influenced by this hateful preaching, unless of course they go to evangelical schools and/or are home schooled.
Yet, I keep reminding myself of Justice Brandeis: “Sunight is the best disinfectant.” I firmly believe that.
The Trayvon Martin murder has opened up another window to bring in sunlight, in a horribly sad way, but one that may make parents think.
Beautifully written and I agree with every word of it. As Christians we are not called to hate, only to love (and it ain’t easy). God so loved the world, not just the tiny slice of it that agrees with me. I believe that these eruptions that seem to draw us back are succeeded by periods where we move forward because, as you said, people are caused to think deeply about beliefs and ideas they may never have examined before.
I saw a bumpersticker that said “God so loved the world… NO EXCEPTIONS” I love that one. NO exceptions. NONE, He loves us all. PERIOD. END OF STORY.
Yeah, HELLOooooooooooooo
So true, my brother is one of those so-called Christians that does not believe the president is also a Christian because he does not “say” God often enough. I told him he is the president not a preacher. I told my brother I am in your house at least four hours and other than prayer at dinner time, he does not go on and on about God (he’s too busy on his iphone).
Jojo–I wonder how your brother knows that? We see and hear only the tiniest fraction of what PBO says every day and when he speaks in public he always ends by saying God bless you and God bless the United States of America. That’s two references to God in every speech at the very least. His speech at the Washington Prayer Breakfast was loaded with references to God and his faith. So seriously, how does you brother know? I don’t recall constant references to God from any president, not GB or Clinton, or GHWB, or Reagan or even Carter. I don’t remember constant references from Ford, Nixon, Johnson, Kennedy, Eisenhower, Truman or Roosevelt (although I must say I was not old enough to know at the time). The point is it never has been done and, in fact, PBO’s two references per speech is a lot in modern political history.
Tremendously beautifully written, Carolyn. I know exactly what you are saying. I live it everyday where I live. It takes place everyday, and every Sunday in these congregations. I have been there. I have had to leave ,because I speak with truth to those who speak with evil lies and try to sit next to me and say, “God” etc. I Do Not Play Church, and I do not need “church playmates” in my life in a church setting of this extreme hypocrisy.
Thank you for this post, Carolyn. You did the right thing. I have just ignored the email I have gotten from a friend. I still am not sure I can handle it as well as you did. I know we need to speak out louder. We have let the media and this go on too long.
Carolyn, your comment was so thoughtful. These times remind me of the quote, “All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.” That would include the “sane or moderate republicans,” the “responsible media” and the “people of faith.” It appears many of our institutions are failing us in this regard. Everyone has taken sides, there are no referees.
Carolyn….
There are people of good will who are open to change their way of thinking about racist notions and then there are Americans who will not change their way of thinking…who will not let go of anger that is fueled by fear…
these folks have to be contained and what i mean by that…is to render them powerless…
change laws and policy that promote and stroke the anger and fear….of course that is easier said than done…
as we have seen…the right has waged a major assault on workers…women…and democracy through the attack voters rights…trying to disenfranchise the poor…people of color…seniors…and students…
but what is the grand scheme of all this….and how do we combat it…
Good morning, Chips. Glad you arrived safely and wired in.
I will not tell on the wild party girls from last night, but it was funkadelic!
Have a great day today.
Good morning to the rest of the family; don’t tear the place up.
“Stand Your Ground” law my ass. This is a “Kill a person you don’t like and get away with it” law.
http://kgmi.com/Florida-man-lives-to-tell-of-shoot-first-horror/11461869?newsId=133911
Florida man lives to tell of ‘shoot first’ horror
Posted: Friday, 23 March 2012 10:56AM
By Tom Brown
MIAMI (Reuters) – On June 5, 2006, not long after Florida enacted the first “Stand Your Ground” law in the United States, unarmed Jason Rosenbloom was shot in the stomach and chest by his next-door neighbor after a shouting match over trash.
Exactly what happened that day in Clearwater, Florida, is still open to dispute. Kenneth Allen, a retired police officer, said he shot Rosenbloom because he was trying to storm into his house.
Rosenbloom told Reuters in a telephone interview this week he never tried to enter the house and was in Allen’s yard, about 10 feet from his front door, when he was shot moments after he put his hands up.
Now living in Hawaii, Rosenbloom said he had been unaware of the growing outrage over last month’s shooting in Sanford, Florida, of an unarmed black teenager by a neighborhood watch captain.
Trayvon Martin, 17, was shot by George Zimmerman on February 26 while walking back to the house where he was staying with his father in a gated community. Sanford police have not arrested Zimmerman, largely because Stand Your Ground requires them, without clear evidence of malice and in the absence of eyewitness testimony to the contrary, to accept Zimmerman’s argument he was acting in self-defense.
I saw that a Miami states atty. has called for a repeal of the crazy “stand your ground law”, the “license to kill” as many have rightfully described it. It’s absolutely nutty. Anyone can excuse a killing by saying they felt threatened, and if there are no witnesses, and one party is dead, how can there ever be truth or justice in these matters?
I had Ed Schultz on the car radio while I was out yesterday, and he was replaying the rant that hate radio host, Neal Boortz, made on the air last year. He was talking to the people of Atlanta about the crime there and he said, “Too damn many urban thugs, yo.” And he tells the people what they need to do—–go out and buy a gun, get training, register the gun, carry it with you at all times. He said, “You need to carry that gun and we need to see some dead thugs littering the landscape in Atlanta. We need to see the next guy that tries to carjack you shot dead right where he stands. We need more dead thugs in the city.”
So sick. We have radio “thugs” telling people to start shooting and killing people. And we have dummies, the dumbest among us, listening to these Limbaugh style hate fests of Boortz and too many others, and they hear this junk over and over, and then one day they do as told.
THIS. This law is nothing more than legalized murder. No responsibility needs to be taken or shown. As far as the religion thing, I’m not religious for this reason. I think people hide behind religion to mask the ugly. Lots is done in the name of religion…not all of it good. There are a lot of good churches and places of worship…don’t get me wrong.. But for those that harbor hatred or ill will…it is a convenient scapegoat for the ugly side of humanity.
THIS! THIS! THIS!
DF, you hit the nail on the head. This is the reason that I left a congregation because people were hiding behind the “religious” things that were keeping so many people away from those of us who were there to let our lights shines for goodness, compassion, empathy within, loving hearts ready to do and listen to help others, and because of their “mocking of the Word”, it sicken me to the point that I could not worship in that type of setting any longer.
I know that there are some “good churches” out there where beautiful worship takes place, but I still see too many (within my city) where I can’t balance their actions with the Word. So I do not step in those places. There is so much open hatred within these so called places of worship, that I refuse to be a part of it.
I can still live my faith within my daily walk on this journey with my groundedness of the word of scripture and feel more peace than I witness within the physical walls of the churches. It is very evident where I live now. It has been more open now than ever. I have proof that it is because of the election of POB. I had to go up to a minister and decently share with him my thoughts on what he was preaching- teaching in that church. I confronted him with all of my heart. I feel peaceful about it, and I continue to pray for his heart to see pure and gentle compassionate love of the word. I do not tolerate it, no matter who the minister is, or how large the congregation is. Plain and simple.
I so appreciate your comments, and I hope that I will never in anyway step over the line with any of my TOD family here when I try to be me. It is the real HZ. I have always prayed for love to shine in whatever I do. When my spirit is wrong, I know, and ask God to help me to see the beautiful love of light that will move across the room with grace, forgiveness, compassion, service, and a love of all people who come across my path. So I hope that I will carry myself in that manner with all of my beautiful family here, and when I do not, call me on it.HZ
DF, I am not religious either, although I grew up in a deeply Christian family, with an uncle who was a Bishop, and lots of family members who are “born-again Christians.” As I grew older and learned more I began to question some of the basic assumptions of all religions, and not just Christianity. But, as my deeply religious nephew says, these right wingers have hijacked the “Christian symbols of meaning.” Jesus preached love but they preach hatred. Jesus taught forgiveness but they teach revenge. Jesus preached peace but they advocate war. Jesus taught caring for the poor, the sick and the ostracized, but they teach love for the rich, hatred for the poor and persecution for the outcasts. Jesus taught tolerance but they teach intolerance.
Once again, the problem, as I see it, is the media. Christians who follow Jesus’ teaching, like my nephew and many Christain people who post on this site, are ignored. Instead it’s the haters, the war mongers, and the advocates for the rich over the poor, the racist, and the religious intolerant, who are prominently covered as THE Christians. Although I am not religious and do not go to church on Sundays, I still admire Christians like SUE DUVALL SMITH, HZ, and my nephew (who by the way is law professor) who still follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, and refuse to buy into the right wing ideology that is promoted as Christianity. I also still derive tremendous inspiration from the teachings of Christian preachers like Dr. King and Bishop Tutu.
Good Morning ! Geez…that was some party last night! Chips, we DID party a little, but I assure you that everyone was behaving and nothing broke! We send a big shout out to Michelle Obama for reminding us to MOVE! Dancing is great exercise 🙂 She would also be very pleased to know that we were all very well hydrated 🙂 I’m not so sure that our form of hydration was what she had in mind, but 1 out of 2 isn’t bad 🙂
I see that some of you (cough…..amk….cough) wanted to tattle a little bit about the partying…I think I saw you there, Mister! Anyway….just a head’s up, Chips…it may happen again! It’s Saturday…and I can’t make any promises:) We even had to change the venue, it got so crowded….so I don’t know what all these willing participants are talking about…..
Watched the President leave on AF1….that was awesome. Some folks watched that plane until it was a teeny, tiny speck! Then we commenced dancing our asses off and reminiscing .
Now about this news about Zimmerman…holy shit storm! If Trayvon made a 911 call. this guy needs to be IN JAIL! NOW! The inept police dept…or the corrupt police dept, needs to join him! I need to go read….
Damn, those nachos were good. I think we should plan on another of those parties the next time Chips is gone.
I think we have to avoid jumping to conclusions about things until the evidence is all in. Not about the absurditiy of the law or the despicable actions of both Zimmerman and the police. But I would want to wait for official notification from the authorities about 911 calls and such. There is enough to keep ourselves upset about.
“There is enough to keep ourselves upset about”. You got that right! Not jumping…just “if ing. Sorry state of affairs.
Chips is still gone….party’s on tonight:) She might like to JOIN us one weekend…when she IS home! She would love it!
YEAH…YOU GUYS DUMPED SOME LEFTOVERS ON MY KEYBOARD…AND I’VE GOT KETCHUP AND OLD PIZZA ON MY ‘V AND B’ KEYS! DAH!
BBL THIS AFTERNOON…TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY PRESIDENT!…BTW..GET YOUR OWN!
Good morning DF. I had to leave last night and never made it back to the party. There is always tonight.
This 911 really makes me sick.
We had fun ! We’ll have to see what happens tonight…..
I feel bad I missed the party. It sure sounds like people had lots of fun.
I was trying to get some work done in the next room but you guys were off the hook! Every time I checked in you were working that disco ball like it was 1979 and there was all kinds of splishin’ and splashin’. Thanks for that WAYback machine but let’s not try and scare the kids!
🙂 I remember winning a dance contest one time…and the prize was an album. I put the album next to the wall, because I wasn’t finished dancing….and it was gone when I went to go get it. Weird what you remember from back in the day 🙂
I remember winning a contest when I was barely a teen and meeting Question Mark and the Mysterians and Paul Revere and the Raiders. Seriously.
Paul Revere and the Raiders 🙂 I loved Mark Lindsey:)
Heh.
“You’re gonna cry 96 Tears!” You go Meta!
Video of Anderson Cooper interviewing neigbors who will be key witnesses in the murder of Trayvon Martin:
http://videos.mediaite.com/embed/player/?content=FW5Y612QD8VW56QF&content_type=content_item&layout=&playlist_cid=&media_type=video&widget_type_cid=svp&read_more=1
http://thinkprogress.org/green/2012/03/23/450772/crossroads-gps-launches-false-ad-gas-prices/
KKKarl Rove.
You find the best things DF.
Off for the day. I am helping a friend at her restaurant. Her father had a heart attack so I going to be a waitress. Haven’t done that in years. Have a great day everyone.
Thanks! Waitress for a day…you’re a good friend. You MAY have to sit in a jacuzzi when you finish that shift:)
This is one of the many reasons why I love this TOD famiily. We are helpers in the world. Well, we see our Leader of the Free World setting the best example each and everyday. Taking what our beautiful parents, grandparents, guardians, and village of elders made up of our teacher, pastors, community organizations, helping our mothers and fathers raise the many wonderful children in these villages prepared us all for this beautiful leader in POB.
We serve gladly and with much compassion, intellect, wisdom, and love for all of our brothers and sisters in this nation. May we become a better people because of this great President. We love you, Mr. President, and we pray for your success on this trip and much safe returns to us. Blessings to you, Mr. President and to our nation and the world because of you, Mr. President.HZ
Guys, is it true about Trayvon Martin dialing 911 before the Zimmerman confrontation? I hate twitter speculations and this seems like it’s be a really big deal.
there has been no confirmation on this, speculation for now.
I figured as much. Ugh…that’s the one thing I hate about twitter, people are too quick to retweet speculative information without verfication. It just completely confuses a stituation and causes everyone to be misinformed. And it takes an act of God to try to recover .
Apparently, this notion came from a report from the Chicago ABC channel 7 in which the reporter clearly said that the FBI is investigating a 911 call from Trayvon just before he died. Some say that the reporter was mistaken. But that’s what the reporter said.
yeah, everyone so far is linking to the Chicago channel. First it seems weird that ABC Chicago would be reporting this and not a FL station or national news program. 2nd, it’s the ONLY link anyone has so far. Which seems odd.
It maybe true, but until then, the speculation is just not helping.
that’s all I’m saying.
He was on the phone with his girlfriend until a minute before the police arrived. She stated she heard Trayvon ask Zimmerman why he was following him. The family has the cell phone records so if there had been a 911 call that would have been released at time girlfriend’s statement was.
Morning all, it’s a gloomy Saturday morning in Cali today.
Really? Beautiful in AZ…if you ignore the crazies:) Weather is nice:)
Gorgeous day in Northern New Mexico…and warm! That’s a plus!
Now I have NO problem with the fact that Romney speaks French. I think that ALL of us should be able to be bilingual. What I found fascinating, is that he seems MORE personable. more comfortable SPEAKING FRENCH:)
http://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/mitt-romney-conversing-in-french
Desertflower, It’s the FRENCH, it’s not R-money. I think most people sound more interesting speaking another language that is different from their ‘first’ language.
But as one of the commenters put it, “Speaking French doesn’t make you smart, it just means you can say stupid shit in French.” I thought that was funny!!!
That IS funny!! I know when I hear French…I don’t care WHAT they’re saying…could talk to me ALL DAY LONG! Italian, too….romance languages do that to you, I guess 🙂 I think you’re right. It’s the FRENCH, not the Robme!
Yeah…I don’t know. Looks suspicious. http://angryblacklady.com/2012/03/23/hooded-kitteh-is-suspicious-kitteh/
Very suspicious!!!!! 😀
Wow, they say a broke clock is still right at least 2 times a day:
Quote of the Morning
Guess what Rick Santorum is another lying bastard. And this statement doesn’t change that as for as I am concern.
As if Rick Santorum would know what ‘stand your ground’ means. Right now he’s figured out that it’s politically expedient not to sound like a complete right wing nut job, so he’s making stuff up. If Little Ricky is speaking it, it’s not the truth.
MUST READ from Norbrook. The most common sense I have read about guns in a long time.
http://cendax.wordpress.com/2012/03/24/trayvon-martin-and-some-thoughts-on-gun-laws/
More selective memory
http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2012/03/24/451219/norquist-republicans-like-reagan-who-vote-for-tax-increases-are-rat-heads-in-a-coke-bottle/
Found this. Might explain why Romney is so comfortable lying:
Lying for the Lord refers to the practice of lying to protect the image of and belief in the Mormon religion, a practice which Mormonism itself fosters in various ways. From Joseph Smith’s denial of having more than one wife, to polygamous Mormon missionaries telling European investigators that reports about polygamy in Utah were lies put out by “anti-Mormons” and disgruntled ex-members, to Gordon B. Hinckley’s dishonest equivocation on national television over Mormon doctrine, Mormonism’s history seems replete with examples of lying. Common members see such examples as situations where lying is justified. For the Mormon, loyalty and the welfare of the church are more important than the principle of honesty, and plausible denials and deception by omission are warranted by an opportunity to have the Mormon organization seen in the best possible light. This is part of the larger package of things that lead many to describe Mormonism as a cult. “Lying for the lord” is part of Mormonism’s larger deceptive mainstreaming tactics, and conversion numbers would drastically lower if important Mormon beliefs were fully disclosed to investigators.
Yes. Frank Schaffer has spoken about this before. This is precisely what it seems to be.
So it’s alright to lie according to the Mormons. Well Mitt Romney does it well. They ought to be proud of him.
OMG, this is shocking. So that’s why Robney is a pathological liar with no remorse. This is precisely why I am happy that Benen and Rachel called him out last week.
Tien Le, this is very interesting — I’ve lived for 46 years now deep in the heart of Mormonism — and I seem to remember that I’ve heard this before as part of doctrine. We’re C&E Episcopalians and have been proselytized off and on for a good many of our years here. I haven’t looked for confrontations with my neighbors, but I’d like to have some kind of backup, you know, in case I’m confronted myself by some young zealot. (They come door to door and occasionally are harder to get rid of than a pair of leeches.)
I don’t suppose you have a link, but can you remember where you read about this? The older I get the less tolerant I am of being forced to stand on my feet and listen to “What do you know about the Mormon Church? Would you like to hear more?” Sheesh.
Here you go, luv: http://www.mormonwiki.org/Lying_for_the_Lord
Google Lying for the Lord. You will find all you need to understand
It’s like living a life full of deception and self-deception as well, very far removed from reality. Explains a lot. And as I’ve said for a long time, Romney’s lies are indeed pathological.
If they’re so great..why do they have to lie about it? Dirty little cowards. Would Jesus Lie? Nope, didn’t think so.
I can’t say I’m familiar with the Book of Mormon, but does it completely discard the ten commandments? I can sort of accept that you would lie about something like polygamy to “protect” the church’s image, but to constantly bear false witness against your neighbor, i.e., The President of the United States, seems to stretch the “lying is justified” principle. Most decent people were raised to believe that constantly lying in order to destroy and smear another human being is unethical, immoral, and for some people, sinful. Romney makes us feel a sense of dissonance because he seems to operate under principles that are different and, frankly, lower, than other people’s.
Somehow I think in Willard’s case it’s more than this, i.e. this, PLUS his seemingly natural integrity deficit.
I Like It!
http://www.politicususa.com/hold-mens-sperm-accountable/
In response to the patriarchal treatment of our bodies as property, criminal defense attorney Ms. Karen Suzanne Wilkes has drafted sample legislation based upon licensing & property laws, demanding that men pay for “licensing, use and maintenance of our bodies & the offspring we create.”
Ms. Wilkes’ sample legislation reads:
It shall be unlawful (a felony, punishable by 10 years imprisonment) for any man to impregnate a woman without first obtaining and filing with the clerk of court a sworn affidavit signed by said woman, and signed by 2 witnesses, giving her express consent to be impregnated by that man. In addition, at the time of filing said affidavit, the man shall post a cash bond with the court in an amount equal to 20% of the man’s gross income for the next 18 years, thereby covering the cost of child support in the event a child is born as a result of the man’s act in impregnating the woman. The cash bond will also include an additional amount to cover the cost of all prenatal care & the cost of delivering the baby.
….and if said man is underage, his parents would have to pay the cash bond or put their property up as collateral. These parents with only sons will have some responsibility.
This is terrific! I can already hear the huffing and puffing of outrage about abortive freedoms!
HEADLINE: Jim Kim: Obama’s Bold Pick to Lead the World Bank
// Dr. Jim Yong Kim is neither a Washington power player nor a global political figure, but as someone with a grassroots approach, reputation for common sense, and practical experience with developing countries, he may be just what the World Bank needs. //
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/03/24/jim-kim-obama-s-bold-pick-to-lead-the-world-bank.html
FYI on PBO’s itinerary. I found a South Korean news livestream that broadcasts in English. I’m guessing they’ll have most of PBO’s appearances that are open press. The visit to the DMZ will be particularly historic. They’ll have the press conference tomorrow, for sure.
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_Index.asp
Here’s the schedule:
2:35pm PST Saturday
5:35pm Eastern Saturday
6:35AM local Sunday
THE PRESIDENT arrives Seoul, Republic of Korea
Osan Air Base
Open Press
7:30pm PST Saturday
10:30pm Eastern Saturday
11:30am local Sunday
THE PRESIDENT visits the demilitarized zone and meets with American troops serving on the Korean Peninsula
Travel Pool Coverage
11:00pm PST Saturday
2:00am Eastern Sunday
3:00pm, local Sunday
THE PRESIDENT holds a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Erdogan of Turkey
Grand Hyatt Hotel, Seoul
Pool Spray at the Bottom
1:30am PST Sunday
4:30am Eastern Sunday
5:30pm local Sunday
THE PRESIDENT attends a bilateral meeting with President Lee Myung-bak of the Republic of Korea
Blue House
Pool Spray at the Top
2:35am PST Sunday
5:35am Eastern Sunday
6:35pm local Sunday
THE PRESIDENT and President Lee hold a joint news conference
Blue House
Open to Pre-Credentialed Media
3:10am PST Sunday
6:10am Eastern Sunday
7:10PM local Sunday
THE PRESIDENT attends a working dinner with President Lee
Blue House
Closed Press
Seoul, Korea is +13 hours Eastern and +16 hours Pacific. Totally confusing but I think I’ve got the math right.
Monday’s (local time) itinerary will probably be available tomorrow.
Hopefully, there will be other live coverage but I haven’t found any info on that yet.
The American media will black out this visit completely. Tomorrow is “I heart Republicans” Sunday in the MSM, so good luck finding anything on our President’s visit – unless it can be spun negatively or to the Republicans’ benefit.
Yeah, I hear you, hopefruit. I was thinking more in terms of the BBC or Al Jazeera English.
Thanks a million for the schedule Meta. Clears up the time zone confusion.
Good morning all, and thanks a million Meta for the schedule.
You’re so welcome, my dear.
Thanks for the schedule as well, meta. You are wonderful.HZ
The director of the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said the agency created under the 2010 Wall Street reform law has initiated a number of investigations, including probes of large banks.
“We … have an active enforcement division that is looking carefully at many things. They have investigations ongoing,” said Richard Cordray, the CFPB’s first director who was appointed by President Obama in January.
Cordray, speaking on C-SPAN’s “Newsmakers” program airing this weekend, said that he can’t talk about specifics of ongoing law enforcement activity. But Cordray noted the probes involve a wide range of financial institutions.
http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/banking-financial-institutions/217935-consumer-agency-chief-touts-active-enforcement-division
There’s a Tea Party Road to Repeal rally today in DC against the ACA. CNN is livestreaming it, of course. GAG.
I’m guessing there will probably be a major demonstration at the Supreme Court on Monday, too.
They are livestreaming a teaparty rally, but not the President’s trip? Glad to know where CNN’s priorities lie.
They are total right-wing garbage media.
By Keith Laing – 03/23/12 02:26 PM ET
The Federal Transit Administration said this week that it is partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation in an effort to reduce distracted driving among employees of public transit systems.
The FTA and the FDOT said they were releasing an 30-minute instructional course for transit employees that it hopes will remind public transportation drivers of the dangers of distracted driving.
“I strongly encourage you to make this course a part of your ongoing distracted driving program or fold it into your existing employee safety and training curriculum,” FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff wrote in a “Dear Colleague” letter.
http://thehill.com/blogs/transportation-report/public-transit/217861-obama-administration-trying-to-curb-distracted-driving-among-public-transit-employees
I have NOT heard one thing about the Presidents trip on tv.
It’s like Barack does not exist, nothIng, nada.
You got to be kidding me?
It really sickens me to think about how hard President Obama works every day and the only press he gets is based on the most sensationalized lies framed by the RWNJs. American media is total junk.
I heard a blurb from CNN early this morning saying that PBO was headed to South Korea. Of course on the crawler, they mention the statement by Gingrich saying that PBO’s policies favors Muslims. There was absolutely no need to put that on a news crawler.
I have said already and will say again, that if this president ever gets hurt by some nut job, I will hold the American media 95% liable for instigating anti-Obama hatred in this country. The media refuses to address this nasty, vile and dangerous element that exists within the Republican party – instead they treat it as “entertainment” and will jokingly report it, without condemning it. Reporting without condemning is CONSENT as far as I’m concerned.
These Republicans are becoming more and more emboldened to push memes about our duly elected President being a “terrorist” or a “dangerous” menace to American society. And the media allows them platforms to spew their BS, by replaying their outrageous words, circulating racist images of our president under the guise of “reporting,” repeatedly airing their disgusting, shameful hate-speeches disguised as Tea Party rallies or other such events, and fails to condemn atrocities by claiming to be “fair and balanced” and presenting every thing in the form of “he said-she said.”
But Karma is a b, as they say, and sometimes, it may not be the one who they think will get hurt that actually ends up getting hurt…I’m not wishing bad things on anyone, but as things usually turn out, some of these media folk might very well be paid a visit from Ms. Karma to teach them some profound life lessons at some point.
THIS, the media is complicit in all of this hate and racism. Palin’s klan rallies were “just campaigning,” the tea party “isn’t racist,” they practically accused John Lewis of lying about being called the “n” word. They repeat every ugly statement by the gop, birthers and haters. We even have candidates for President calling the sitting President “unAmerican,” a “terrorist sympathizer” and a “racist” and instead of questioning these jerks, they just repeat their lies and hateful speech. When a child is murdered, their first reaction was to believe the murderer, not once asking why he wasn’t arrested. I hold them accountable for making rw loons believe that violence against minorities is acceptable, and I agree it anything should happen to our President, they are 95% responsible for that, even MSNBC. They think racism and violence is a joke and seem to be cheering it on.
It’s all about the $$$ . 😦
And they make more money if they can report on someone being killed, especially if it’s racially motivated. I fear they are hoping something happens to the President.
You’re right. They win either way. It’s like celebrity journalism. They get to cover the rise, the fall, the courtship, the marriage, the new baby, the cheating, the divorce, the drug addiction, the comeback and the tragic death.
I agree debz and I do believe the American media ARE hoping this – and trying to instigate some kind of racially motivated attack on the President. They will say some brief insincere words of “eulogy” with their fake crocodile tears, but most importantly, they will be raking in the $$$$$ that comes with events like these. After all, Lincoln, MLK and JFK were all assassinated, and I can tell that the media is itching to have something similar with this President. It’s one big damn joke and “reality TV” show for them. This is a decent hard-working human being – a father, brother, husband, with a family of young children. You just don’t play around like this.
Thank goodness the SS seems to be on top of their game. But I remain very concerned.
I am grateful for the SS, but I still worry too.
Hopefruit, thanks again for expressing so well, in all your commentaries, the way I feel about the current state of U.S. media.
Malia goes to Mexico for a service trip and it trends with numerous articles but the President goes to South Korea and crickets. The American media is one big fuck up.
You know Jovie, the tvs and most of corporate media sometimes treat the President of the United States as the “Invisible Man.” As some one who has lived under 10 U.S presidents, I am really amazed at how the media treats President Obama’s foreign trips. In the past, the media was always all over these trips. Not so when it comes to President Obama. It’s obvious the media does not want the American people to know how well President Obama is received in foreign countries. They especially don’t want to show pictures of the love and enthusiasm for him displayed by common people, as well as government officials, in the countries he visits. The media would rather cover teabag idiots, funded by the Koch brothers, protesting the ACA that is helping millions of ordinary Americans. IMHO, most of the U.S. corporate media are in cahoots with the Republicans. Clearly, everything they do is aimed at undermining President Obama.
A military force set up by the African Union to hunt down fugitive Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony is being launched in South Sudan.
The AU says the 5,000-strong force will exist for as long as it takes to capture or kill Mr Kony.
His Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) is accused of rape, mutilation, murder and the recruitment of child soldiers.
Regional UN envoy Abou Moussa said Mr Kony was believed to be in the Central African Republic.
He said the LRA had dwindled in size but was still creating havoc.
Mr Kony and his close aides have been wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague since 2005.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/world-africa-17498382
Good Morning TOD family
Chips I hope you have a wonderful trip.
Sandboxes and Solar Panels
http://www.whatisworking.com/2012/03/sandboxes-and-solar-panels.html
The Champions of Change Program is great – another example of PBO’s community organizing values
Champions of Change :: Mentoring LGBT, Minority and Women Owned Small Business
http://www.whatisworking.com/2012/03/champions-of-change-supplier-diversity.html
New Opportunities for U.S. Exporters Under the U.S.-Korea Trade Agreement
http://www.whatisworking.com/2012/03/new-opportunities-for-us-exporters.html
HuffPo has post up headlined “Trayvon Martin Case: Florida Man Arrested For Threatening To Kill Police Chief Bill Lee And His Family”. I refuse to link to HuffPo, but i will say that until some real action happens, i.e. indictment by grand jury or arrest of Zimmerman or investigation of Sanford PD) any of the people like Sheriff Lee and Zimmerman’s lawyer and maybe even the Martin family and such thing like this will only get worse.
I know they need to be meticulous and methodical, but right now everything is a simmering pot of grease and just one flash of water could start a grease fire.
Prayers for calm.
Oh, he gets arrested and Zimmerman, who actually killed Trayvon Martin, goes free.
Warren takes center stage in Obama campaign video
By Steve Benen
==========================
President Obama’s re-election campaign unveiled a new video this morning, which has a similar look and feel to the recent “The Road We’ve Traveled” documentary, but features a different message and messenger.
.
In effect, this is a bookend message to last week’s documentary video. It’s not about reminding voters about the steps taken to rescue the country from economic ruin; it’s about urging voters not to go backwards.
In a way, they’re two sides to the same coin, but it’s worth watching to see how the Obama campaign pushes both messages at the same time.
==========================
http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/24/10842939-warren-takes-center-stage-in-obama-campaign-video
MUST READ…http://www.balloon-juice.com/2012/03/24/credit-where-credit-is-ignored-and-stuff/
So, President Obama gets pretty much no credit for doing what the left begged him to do, which is “Please pick anyone but Larry Summers!”. They can’t even give him credit for that, it was served to him on a short list by others of course, and now Scheiber is wondering if Kim is going to actually be any better than Summers or if Obama will make him “pull his punches.” Christ. Of Course, Scheiber’s new book on the administration’s stimulus battles and economic policy is pretty much all about how Larry Summers was the worst choice ever, and I’m totally not surprised that Scheiber is immediately convinced that Kim’s choice is bullshit.
And you wonder why I’m mad at the “professional” Left all the damn time. They got an inspired choice, Obama surprised them pleasantly, Dr. Kim has amazing credentials and he’s exactly what the President’s critics on the Left said the next head of the World Bank needed to be, a development expert and not a banker, and the first thing they ask is “Will Obama just ignore him anyway and keep being the worst administration ever?”
Really? What the hell does he have to do, folks? What is it going to take?
The “PL” is simply the left arm of the Tea Party – their opposition to President Obama is not policy-based. It’s mostly race-based. I don’t care what anyone says – that’s the truth of the matter.
Rachel was over the moon last night about PBO nominating Dr. Kim. His work is really impressive. Some folks will never be pleased. They are only interested in criticising.
Seems strange to me that everyone just assumes that Kim will get the position. He might not.
I think the way the votes are stacked he will get the position. Besides, most Third World countries are familiar with his work and trust him implicitly. I just read a glowing endorsement of Dr. Kim from the President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
Oh, excellent! Thanks, Nathan.
Lord knows I can’t stand Nancy Grace, but even I was wondering this same thing:
“Why Has Nancy Grace Been Silent About Trayvon Martin On HLN?”
http://www.mediaite.com/tv/why-has-nancy-grace-been-silent-about-trayvon-martin-on-hln/
As much of an ambulance chaser/ attention seeker Nancy Grace is, I noticed that it seems that every host on HLN has had segments on Trayvon Martin except Nancy Grace and of course Showbiz Tonight, although I think even Showbiz Tonight also reported on Hollywood’s view of the case?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating for more Nancy Grace, like I said can’t stand the woman, but still there is no controversial legal case Nancy won’t touch.
Oh, I just had a thought, maybe it has something to do with the murder of her fiancee(?)/boyfriend(?) when she was a prosecutor?
But she did do a segment about Hancock!
Remember that movie?
O/T: But I have to do this: WAY TO GO, LADY VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Win 1098 for Pat Summit!!!!!!!!!!!
Amazing record they have:) Pat Summit will have a legacy for herself that will be hard to beat:) As a person from Connecticut, whenever TN played UCONN…..well, great games there! She is a class act. Congrats, Lady Vols!
How long before we Hear Larry Summers ne on the News, being critical of the President? Because, when passive/aggressive Democrats don’t get what they want, like head of the World Bank… I am not saying it will definitely happen, but don’t be surprised if LS suddenly is in the news with a new anti Obama book, or something.
The sour grape Democratic Party is in full tilt, during this Presidents tenure.
Larry Summers is not a Democratic Politician. He is a Harvard professor who worked in the Obama administration.
And the Clinton administration.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The battered housing market looks to be on the mend as buyers make a tentative return and house prices stabilize.
Sales of new homes in February fell from January but jumped more than 11 percent compared with the same month last year and prices rose, according to data released on Friday that was in line with other recent signs of a slow recovery.
Big challenges lie ahead, most notably in the form of a glut of unsold properties – many of them foreclosures – and tight lending by banks. But even if the recovery is slow and bumpy, the worst of the six-year slump seems to be over.
“The housing market is slowly coming back. It’s still a depressed market, but it’s getting better. We have a long way to go,” said Patrick Newport, an economist at Global Insight in Lexington, Massachusetts.
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSBRE82M0PG20120323?irpc=932
So, apparently, we are being told that the win by Santorum tonight means nothing. That Robney is the strongest front runner since George Washington!
Romney and the gop establishment just want Santorum to quit the race because Mittens doesn’t want to spend any more time around the icky “little people.” He wants to go spend time in CA supervising the construction of his “Western White House.”
True. He likes his Western WH, like emperor Constantinople liked Ishtanbul!
Every gal in Constantinople
Lives in Istanbul, not Constantinople
So if you’ve a date in Constantinople
She’ll be waiting in Istanbul
Romney has already outspent Santorum in Wisconsin 50 to 1. That’s an awful lot of money to be now spending for someone who the media claims has the nomination wrapped up. Why is Romney spending all this money trying to defeat a loser like Santorum who has supposedly been already defeated by Romney?!?!?!?
http://www.politico.com/blogs/burns-haberman/2012/03/romney-has-virtual-monopoly-on-wisconsin-tv-outspending-118480.html
Good question, hopefruit2!!! Why is he spending all that money if he already has the nomination wrapped up?
I just finished emailing NBC, CBS and ABC telling them we expect good, clear, complete coverage of the President’s trip to Korea. I mentioned that whether Santorum wins or loses in Louisiana is not nearly as important as this trip is, and that we would appreciate the media giving the President credit for all he has accomplished. I reminded CBS of the way Waler Cronkite would report this. I also said it was almost as if the President is “the invisible man.” They should get that reference!
I know my one little voice won’t decide their coverage, but if many of us write frequently, we can change their habits. They rely on viewers and response to their commercials. I think we the people are going to have to continue to train journalists and make them accountable.
I told all three I didn’t want any snark in the reporting. I have no doubt the people producing the shows know what that means!
I don’t tweet, but this is another good project for the TOD twitter brigade, which has developed a powerful voice. Look at the difference the public reaction has made to Rush Limbaugh!
It’s because this President goes around them with local interviews! It’s the Beltway two step.
The ad executives really thought this was a winner??? http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/what-goes-vodka
With all the controversy over attacks on women’s rights and slut-shaming of women in the media for daring to speak out for their rights, I have to wonder why Belvedere Vodka (@belvederevodka for those of you active in the Twitterverse) would come out with an ad showing a man grabbing a woman with a horrified look on her face from behind with the copy, “Unlike some people, Belvedere Vodka always goes down smoothly.”
Unsurprisingly, people who find rape an unpersuasive marketing ploy for alcohol took offense and started tweeting Belvedere Vodka with their displeasure.
I’m coming in just under the wire to say:
Good west coast morning Chipsticks
Good west coast morning TOD family!
I’m happy to read that Chipsticks made it safely and has wifi !
WHOOO HOOOOOO!
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL), the chair of the DNC, is calling for the repeal of Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, which has become the center of the political discussion following the death of Trayvon Martin.
From a statement Wasserman Schultz tweeted Saturday:
This case is further evidence that Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground Law,’ which passed in 2005, needs to be repealed. The failure of the Sanford police to further investigate this crime as a result of their interpretation of this law is an injustice to Trayvon’s family and to all Floridians.
National Republicans have already begun defending Stand Your Ground, a law passed at the urging of the NRA.
TPM-
Good for Rep. Wasserman. Have there been any comment from G.W. Bush dumb ass brother who sign that “Stand your Ground” law.
New post everyone:
http://theobamadiary.com/2012/03/24/chat-away-33/
Thanks a million for keeping the chat going while I’m (half) away 😉
Hola Chips! I promise we have all been really, really good while you are away. There was no wild party here last night. (We are now clearing all the empty bottles etc while we speak) All will be pristine & beautiful for your return.
Now, I am off up thread to read the other posts (& see just who has a hang over.)