Washington Post: President Obama has picked Myrlie Evers-Williams, widow of slain civil rights icon Medgar Evers, to deliver the invocation at his public swearing-in later this month. It is believed to be the first time a woman, and a layperson rather than a clergy member, has been chosen to deliver what may be America’s most prominent public prayer.
The inaugural committee Tuesday plans to announce that the benediction will be given by conservative evangelical pastor Louie Giglio, founder of the student-focused Passion Conferences, which draw tens of thousands of people to events around the world.
…. In a statement released by the inaugural committee, the president said the careers of Evers-Williams and Giglio “reflect the ideals that the Vice President and I continue to pursue for all Americans – justice, equality and opportunity.”
More here
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Myrlie Evers-Williams and her children, Reena, Van and Darrell, photographed shortly after her husband (and their father), Medgar Evers, was assassinated in 1963. Fifty years later she will deliver the invocation for the inauguration of the President of the United States.
“I am humbled to have been asked to deliver the invocation for the 57th inauguration of the President of the United States – especially in light of this historical time in America when we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement.” (NBC)
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Jerry Mitchell (May 2011): It is a life path difficult to imagine.
Aspiring concert pianist turned back by Jim Crow.
Marries Medgar Evers, a leader for the young civil rights movement in Mississippi.
Works as both his secretary and a stay-at-home mother.
Hears a shot just after midnight, June 12, 1963, and she dashes out to see that her husband has been assassinated, shot in the driveway of their home. Her children follow, see their mother cradling him in a pool of blood and cry out for daddy to get up.
He never does…..
Full post here
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More interviews with Myrlie Evers-Williams here
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Charles Pierce: …. Ever since that thoroughgoing, bean-counting, soulless bastard Robert McNamara was in charge of it, the Defense Department steadily has moved away from the notion that its primary constituency is the men and women in uniform. Certainly, to name one recent example, Donald Rumsfeld proved to be far more in love with his own brilliant theories on defense policies than he cared about the fact that we weren’t sending enough poor sods in inadequate body-armor to carry them out. This is a problem that Chuck Hagel never will have.
…. There are good, solid, deeper political reasons to approve of his nomination. But this is the best one. Chuck Hagel knows what the basic job of soldiering really is and, therefore, I think, he knows what the basic job of being Secretary Of Defense is. It’s to fight for people, and not for weapons systems. It’s to care for the human beings in your charge more than the fanciful bloodless academic exercises held at a distance…..
….In a season when Lincoln’s Second Inaugural is the big finish of a box-office bonanza, Hagel has lived the peroration as well as anyone has.
Full post here
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Gabrielle Giffords:
Dear fellow American,
Two years ago, a mentally ill young man shot me in the head, killed six of my constituents, and wounded 12 others. Since that terrible day, America has seen 11 more mass shootings – but no response from Congress to prevent gun violence. After the massacre of 20 children and six of their teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary though, it’s clear: This time must be different.
Americans for Responsible Solutions will encourage elected officials to stand up for solutions to prevent gun violence and protect responsible gun ownership by communicating directly with the constituents that elect them.
Join us today, and tell your elected leaders that Americans are demanding responsible solutions to reduce gun violence.
See here
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Morning everyone, wonderful news about Myrlie Evers-Williams
The Obama Diary 
Good morning TOD.
Am I really first? Sweet….
Congrats Mariele! Good Morning all TODville citizens, dignitaries, tourists, etc. etc! Have a terrific Tuesday in every way that matters! 😆
Morning Chips and TOD. Congrats on 1st Marielle.
Morning Mariele, morning everyone
Good morning and congrats on 1st Mariele.
Kerry Washington is a true Obamabot. She worked hard for him during both elections and even while overseas, she is still reppin’ for #Obama2012.
She is the COOLEST.
Today, another Obamabot, Eva Longoria, is announcing a Latino Inaugural event.
LOVE the fierceness of our young women campaigners!!
Another west coast amen, meta. I think Kerry is so beautiful and very smart. Eva and Kerry aresupporters of the president, and that makes my heart sing with joy.HZ
GM Chips. GM folks.
Received a 15 ton monster of a machine for repair today at my works from the kenyan muslin’s real birthplace. The client chartered a whole damn cargo plane to airlift the monster. Paid the airlines 125K dollars. /smh
However, my company set the local airport record for handling the monster. The customs peeps were smhing too.
Morning Amk, crikey, that sounds like my average suitcase when I travel 😆
What are you, size 14?
😆 And that’s just my make-up suitcase.
Why do you need that much amount of green hair dye?
Because the dye keeps running Amk, and I end up looking like this:
And then I have to start all over again.
wow, you’re a size 14.
Only my biceps 😎
green and mean, eh ?
Yes! 🙂
Is this the monster that was sent to the “out of the way” place? Good lord:)
I have that client in my palms. 🙂
I bet you do!
This is the first machine we received in the new year. So double happy.
We’re all happy FOR you! Live long and prosper:)
Oh, thank you. But beware of of what you wish for. Live long = more & more corny jokes.
You guys are cracking me up this morning. Will this much laughing cure my migraine? I’m hoping……
As an environmental service couldn’t you convince the Kenyans to but a newer, smaller machine at the cost of the travel fare for the current one, then use the old parts for something creative and useful?
It’s called product life cycle. This is an expensive capital machine. A new machine would cost millions and we are extending its useful life by another 20-30 years by repairing it and at a fraction of the cost.
Also.Too. A replacement would be cost environment more since new non-renewable resources would be used with many times the energy would be needed to make one. No country, including US, just throws away these expensive capital machines.
Go ‘head Kitty with your badass self!
I have a hilarious story about a similar kitty invasion…only I was the one that did it:) My kids still laugh at me for that stunt! Mistaken identity and then chaos ensued!
Your kids mistook you for a cat !!!!
My cat story – my sister and I were staying at my brother’s house with his lovely housebound-only gray cat, Cohiba. We head outside to jump in the car to run errands and to our horror see Cohiba outside! We are stunned, we weren’t careful when we opened the door and he escaped and we are going to get it from our brother if Cohiba runs away. We circle him, pounce and safely catch him. We hurriedly run into the house, plop him down on the rug and smile at ourselves. Phew! We were lucky that time. When all of a sudden to our left down the hall comes Cohiba now starting to have the hair on his back rise and a snarl on his face. We look at Cohiba on the left and Cohiba in front of us and realize that we have just captured someone else’s cat and put him inside my brother’s house. We quickly removed the captured interloper and dash out of the house. We have laughed at that story many times.
Great story. Cohiba did not like competition in his house.
Yes, but, how do you know you put the right cat outside?
Tuxedo cats are the best.
A morning shout-out: Hey LisalovesO, it’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to pick on you! What’s with that? You studying for another of those practical thingy, or you just avoiding me when I stick my nose in?
Ha! No, VC, you’re scary but not THAT scary! 🙂 but you are right, things have been hectic and crazy on my end, so I’ve only had time to lurk and once in a while, drop a line. But never fear, I’m still keeping up with all the trouble you (monkey see) and amk (monkey do) get into! 😉
Ps- thanks for the shout-out!
Pps – “monkey see, monkey do” is a Jamaican saying that deals with either mimicry or mischievousness between two people. My aunt used to refer to my cousin and I as monkey see and monkey do. One of us started something and the other never failed to pile on or bait the tiger. Sound familiar, mon amie?
Ah, there you are, LisalovesO! 😆 😆 So you step back in to call me a monkey? Sigh, I guess I asked for that. 😉 No worries, I’m highly familiar with ‘monkey see, monkey do’, having had it addressed my way for copycat behaviour – instigating or following – numerous times in my childhood and almost always in an admonitory tone. 😉 😉 Looking back I can’t understand why as my memory shows me a really well-behaved, exemplary child. Very bewildering. Parents can be so lacking in insight. 😕
“well-behaved, exemplary child.”
— i’d say don’t make me laugh, but I’ve already lmao. hahhahahhahhahahhahahahahhahahhahahaha!!!
😕
Oh, yeah ?
A young pet monkey had an accident and needed a brain transplant. The veterinarian told the monkey’s human family, “Brains are very expensive, and you will have to pay the cost yourselves.”
“Well, how much does a brain cost?” asked the family.
“For a male brain, $500,000. For a female brain, $200,000,” replied the vet.
All the men in the family nodded because they thought they understood. But the mother was unsatisfied and asked, “Why the difference in price between male and female brains?”
“Standard pricing practice,” said the vet. “The female brains have to be marked down because they’ve actually been used!”.
hahahahhahahahahahhahahhhahah!!!!!! you are too much!!! 😆
😆 😆 😆
Hmmm. Male (??) vet conceding that female brains are not only used, they are well-used?
the first time a woman, and a layperson rather than a clergy member, has been chosen to deliver what may be America’s most prominent public prayer.
PBO’s choice for inauguration is simply brilliant.
Yep.
Melds very nicely since the inauguration day is MLK day.
I love that he will be sworn in on MLK day. Bet the Repugs hate that.
And that day also happens to be Atty Gen Eric Holder’s 62nd birthday ! 🙂
They hate everything about PBO. Screw ’em.
Republican heads exploding in 3-2-1…….
Lol!
Important read. http://www.nationalmemo.com/tea-party-absolutism-the-high-cost-of-hating-government/
Historic choice of Myrlie Evers to give the invocation. Pres. Obama keeps making history.
Charles Pierce’s sharp tongue cracks me up. “thoroughgoing, bean-counting, soulless bastard” Damn…..Damn….Damn.
Our TOD’ers are fighting back.
If the media would not let these idiots have their much desired face time, this would die a quick death. He will be confirmed so they need to stop enabling the crazies.
Don’t forget this tonight. http://abcnews.go.com/US/giffords-kelly-gun-violence-2nd-anniversary-tucson-shooting/story?id=18145328#.UOwmceTm5FY
Chips Chica, I don’t know what prompted you to find (well I can guess) and share the interview clips of Myrlie E-W, but THANKS! I’d never seen them before and I appreciate the look back at real history, coupled with the knowledge that we are making history of a somewhat more ‘fair and balanced’ sort under the leadership of the current president. You does good work with such a touch of sensitivity this old curmudgeon is often touched! ¡Muchas, muchas gracias, Chica Chile!
My pleasure VC! What an extraordinary history and an extraordinary woman.
Hello Chips! Happy New Year. I have had a devil of a time logging in to comment on the site. Been going on for months. All I could do was lurk. So glad to be able to communicate again. Have been wanting to just thank you, thank you for the tremendous work you do for our brilliant President. I campaigned in Ohio last four days before election and was there when they called it for him. What a rush!
Anyway, love, love you guys so much. And now that I can comment again I will be here more often.
Ah Proud, so sorry you’ve been having trouble commenting, this site is a pain in the BUTT! Hope all’s great with you, thrilled that the glitch has fixed itself!
Don’t know what the problem was but I missed “talking” to you guys. All is very well, thanks. Our brilliant President is kicking butt and taking names. I. am. so. stoked!
And *I* am. so. happy. to. see. you, Proud of O! 😆 Wishing you many happy opportunities to witness butt-kicking for 2013!
I know what you mean, Proud. I lurked for months because WordPress wouldn’t recognize me. And, then, Bam! on Christmas Eve I got to comment. Even when all I could do was “lurk”, I never lost interest in TOD. It was and is my haven.
Indeed! I haven’t checked yet but since you are right here I’ll ask if the ENTIRE interview was on line? That’s something I’d actually make time to see in its entirety.
One of the things I’ve noticed is that the women who marry these courageous, purposeful men have mostly all seemed to be so strong and self-possessed themselves. There must be something in their souls that call out to each other.
Hiya VC, I’m not sure if there is one video with the complete interview, but if you go to the link you’ll see lots of clips from it.
Will do later (I still haven’t yet read everything you’ve served up for my education today), thanks.
You have been working very hard to educate me politically for years now, so I haven’t the heart to tell you that even with all your input, and the awesome collaboration of all TODobots, I will never be more than a mediocre pol student. Still, I plod along appreciating everyone’s efforts.
“I will never be more than a mediocre pol student.”
Not true!!!!!! 🙂
Sadly, it is true because I’m too lazy, and disinterested, to stash the info in my brain. The difference this time is that Pres Obama’s personality, approach and campaign have propped open a mental door. Fact is it is so far only open to his governance. Other than the fact that I always vote I haven’t a real clue what’s happening where I live. At home, I tend to vote like some of the Repubs we disparage – party line, and if your message seems sincere.
Good morning and a Happy New Year – what a brilliant choice. daughter who has to do an eight paged report for a visiting professor (who happens to be from Kentucky) is writing about MLK and was thrilled that the President is being inaugurated on that day. I hope you all have a lovely day.
Up and at ’em O’s!!!!! What a great gettin’ up morning on planet TOD!!! Is anyone else having campaign withdrawals? Not that I’m wishing for the hectic, non-stop, over-the-top, daily dose of anticipation, but my adrenalin doesn’t know how to get back to normal levels.
There’s plenty to keep us busy with supporting PBO’s agenda. Remember, when you hear or read something at which you take offense, write, tweet, FB, email, fax, snail mail, smoke signal, drumbeat, or carrier pigeon your concerns to the offending person and the heads of their organizations. Let us know what you did and share the contacts with us. It’ll be more important than ever to set the tone with the media, that we are watching them. We can’t afford to let them think we’ve become complacent and give them free reign to lead the narrative for 2014. For that, it’ll take more than just posting, “I heard ______ say something outrageous so click went my TV” or “Don’t watch ________ tonight’
Maybe it’s the adrenalin refusing to settle down, but this is a call to action, whether for gun violence, debt ceiling, sequester, PBO’s appointments, or any one of a number of looming 2014 issues, we need to maintain a level of intensity in support of what we believe in.
I visit RWNJ sites, they are taking calls to action very serious. They are in constant contact with their representatives, from the local town officials to DC.
Moooooooorning Cookemom! Great advice!
Thanks Chippa. I sent Bonehead a scathing email via ‘contact us’ on his site. It wasn’t about any one issue in particular, I just wanted him to know what I thought of his governance of that sacred congressional body that he heads. It wasn’t pretty, but it felt good. I may just give what for to those numbnuts who grace the hallowed halls of the upper chamber.
Good on you Cookemom, keep making that voice of yours heard!
Gerard Depardieu has stayed away from a Paris court where he faces a drink-driving charge, days after taking Russian citizenship in a tax row.
///
The BBC’s Paris correspondent, Christian Fraser, notes that the actor’s failure to appear before magistrates could mean the case being referred to a criminal court, which tends to be less lenient.
The charge of drink-driving carries a maximum fine of 4,500 euros (£3,660; $5,880) and a sentence of up to two years in prison, along with six penalty points.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20937700
money loss and prison. Karma at work for this whiny ratfucker.
Ugh, he’s a loathsome pile of crap.
wonderful Choice, Mr. President.
Isn’t it just perfect rikyrah? Love it!
She spent the equivalent of 87 days in an airplane.
It’s incredible Cookemom, an hour is too much for me!
Not sure, but I think that combines her travels as First Lady, Senator, and presidential hopeful.
I think it’s just as Sec of State Cookemon, that’s the heading BuzzFeed put on it anyway:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/around-the-world-with-hillary-clinton
I’m so proud of Gabby Giffords and Mark Kelly for taking a public and activist stand against gun violence. This is a big undertaking for Gabby and will tax her strength and also make her the target of a lot of nastiness. Her courage and that of her husband are just awe-inspiring! She’ll need our active support and also our prayers.
On another note, please everyone check the dates for submitting your applications and petitions for the local offices that will be open this
year. Our activism can’t be confined to just the big years. The local offices are the training camps for the bigger league jobs of US reps, senate and governor and we have to build a strong bench.
Last year, in our community, we began a Latino outreach effort that yielded incredible turnout for the president in November. But we can’t stop there. We’ve got a lot of plans to keep the spirit alive in the Latino community by registering new voters and encouraging Latino candidates for local office. We’re planning a training session this spring on how to build political clout in the Latino community to bring changes in government favorable to Latinos. We’re going to bring reps from other counties have had good luck in Latino community organizing. We’re starting from the ground up, just like a certain young man named Barack Obama did several decades ago. It will take us a long time, but you can’t get anywhere unless you start putting one foot in front of the other.
Hi JackieG, I like your ideas and your willingness and persistence to start, or continue, planting the seeds now.
Ooooooh, love David Bowie’s new single:
At 65, his first release in a decade. Seems like yesterday.
David Bowie is 65??? Wow.
It’s unbelievable Isonprize! Although, to be honest, he looks his age in the new video – credit to him for not airbrushing himself!
He is 66 yrs old.
GM all.
January 8…that is his Birthday!!!! Happy Birthday Mr. Bowie, we have missed your voice.
Ziggy/Aladdin Sane/ The Thin White Duke is back!!!
** deleted **
Ay yi yi.
Dotster, I have no clue how that comment showed up, that person has been blocked for months, but leaves completely weird comments here every day – that all go in to spam.
Good advice from a credible source…
Not thrilled about the benediction speaker, or what little I learned reading about him—-Louie Griglio—-leader of some “passion movement”—-pastor of some passion mega church in Atlanta—a fundamentalist evangelical operation. Connected to the Campus Crusade for Christ, a cult, as defined by most who have studied it. On a mission to convert college kids. Just what we (don’t) need in this country—–more singularly focused, close-minded, uber religious fundamentalist evangelicals. Part of the problem, not part of the solution.
I was wondering about him Dotster, I know nothing about him at all – and your summary isn’t encouraging.
I want to see what I can fine out about him. I’ve never heard of him.
Seem to me there were some concern about that pastor Rick Warren in 09. Is this guy worse or in the same league. I’m sure he must have a sermon or two on youtube, I will listen to one of them.
Me neither Anniebella.
My thoughts exactly, Dotster.
MooooOOOoooOOOoooorning Rain!
Good morning, Chips!
People like this are a danger to our society. Wonder what the thinking is?
Maybe I shouldn’t comment until I know more about this guy and his church but on its face, this baffles me. I didn’t like Rick Warren in 2009 but understood the thinking. Unfortunately, all of our efforts to reach consensus with the religious right has been met with slaps in the face. I think ‘inclusion’ in the 2013 inaugural should reach out to those who truly want to heal this world through compassion, tolerance and understanding. I just don’t get it.
Republicans made great strides by embracing their [evil, sick] image of the world. There is nothing wrong with our reaching out to a religious left, if religion must be a part of this, and showing a new, inclusive path. The people this move is meant to ‘include’ will not be impressed, and it gives a sour taste to many Democratic supporters. Baffled, I am.
Unless this is some mega church of evangelical progressives, I don’t get it. I think by now we would have heard if such a church existed.
Completely agree. There are many progressive religious leaders who for some reason are not making their presence known. Sister Simone Campbell who gave a wonderful speech at the DNC is an exception.
Oh Bill, to my shame I forgot Sister Simone, she would have been a perfect inclusion in the inauguration too.
Now, if we’re going to have a benediction, let Sr. Simone make it, not continue to kow tow to these evangelical fanatics.
Rev. Gaddee (?) is another sane guy. I would prefer to see us lead back to religious sanity and reward the many progressive religious leaders.
Still looking for more information, but he is aligned with Christian conservatives.
He tweeted this sometime ago. Positive tweet, but I think President Obama could have made a better selection from a vast array of available religious leaders.
https://mobile.twitter.com/louiegiglio/status/25374973388394496#!/louiegiglio/status/25374973388394496
I can not stand the look of McConnell, he’s a ugly man inside and out.
good hawaii morning chips and tods!
chips this is a perfect summary of the issues, in one brilliant graphic. i hope everybody in america sees this!
too bad we can’t print tt on toilet paper and mail a roll to each member of the GOP oh dbl roll to bonehead, cantor, and mc connell
Gooooood Moooorrnninngggggggg, Chips and TODville!!
We are winning.
Moooooooooooooorning Meta!
Myrlie Evers-Williams: “I am humbled to have been asked to deliver the invocation for the 57th inauguration of the President of the United States—especially in light of this historical time in America when we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement.”
http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/Inauguration-Committee-Announces-Invocation-Benediction-Speakers-186019232.html
A fitting chapter in an already amazing life story.
So true Alma, what an incredible life story.
Man this picture brings back memories. I can only imagine what it must have been like to live in those days specially the South.
I often hear my Mom and Grandma talk about what life was like for my people.
Outstanding choice of Ms. Evers for the invocation I am sure it will be very inspirational on such a historic day and I’ll use my grams old saying on the choice for the benediction…”Donna, if you don’t have anything nice to say it’s best not to say anything at all.” I’ll take her advice today.
OT. Dropping this & running … just for laughs. 🙂
4 guys sitting around having drinks and one of the men had to use the restroom. The three others talked about their kids. The first guy said, “my son is my pride and joy he started working at a company at the bottom. He studied business and began to climb the corporate ladder, became president of the company. Hes so rich he gave his best friend a top of the line mercedes for christmas. The second guy said, “damn, thats terrific! my son is also the pride and joy. He started working for a big airline, went to flight school to become a pilot. He became a partner where he owns the majority of its assets. He is so rich that he gave his best friend a brand new jet as a christmas gift! the third man said. “well thats terrific! my son studied in the best universities and became an engineer, started his own construction company and is now a multimillionaire. He also gave an expensive christmas gift to his best friend, a 30,000 square foot mansion!
The 3 guys congratulate each other just as the 4th guy returned from the restroom and asked what are all the congratulations for? one of the three guys said, “were talking about the pride we feel for the successes of our sons… “what about ur son?” they asked the 4th guy. the fourth man replied, ” my son is gay and makes a living dancing as a stripper at a nightclub. The three friends said, ” thats a shame…what a disappointment. The fourth man replied. ” nah, im not ashamed hes my son and i love him..and he hasnt done too badly either. Just this çhristmas alone he received a beautiful 30,000 square foot mansion, a brand new jet and a top of the line mercedes from his 3 boyfriends.
🙂 😆 🙂
Perfect punchline.
See what you’ve started?
I am happpeee….
Some things you just can’t make up…..
limeys. /smh
😯 Come back here you! Call Irish people limeys again and I’ll inflict the ultimate punishment on you: I’ll sing.
I shouldn’t laugh but……what the hell did the man do to warrant this treatment? I shouldn’t laugh but…BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. (oh lord…I have a twisted mind)
UT, my reaction was a mixture of “HUH!!!!!!!!!” and “BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.”
This line made me weep:
“At Athy District Court, Judge Desmond Zaidan asked Insp Jim Doyle “is that for real?”
😆
Yep, he made me do it! 🙂
Have a super sparkly day!
Retweeted! Morning Bob!
Good morning Chips,
Thank you !!!
Neat tweet from Kristof 🙂
#FORWARD
and booze…. 🙂
Someone might have posted this already, but it is important enough to post again.
Filibuster reform is critical to making the Senate a functioning body again.
The vote on this will occur within days. It’s a majority vote: 50 Yeas plus the Vice-President can pass the rule change.
48 Democratic/Independent promise to vote Yes.
The seven Democratic senators listed below are the last to hold out.
Please call the senators listed below today, and if you can, every day until the vote is held.
Max Baucus (MT) (202) 224-2651
Barbara Boxer (CA) (202) 224-3553
Dianne Feinstein (CA) (202) 224-3841
Heidi Heitkamp (ND) (202) 224-2043
Mazie Hirono (HI) (202) 224-6361
Patrick Leahy (VT) (202) 224-4242
Jack Reed (RI) (202) 224-4642
Thanks!
Thanks FayPax. I’ll make the calls this afternoon.
I will get on both my Senators. Thank you, FayPax.
why are boxer and hirono in that unsavory club ? Others are not a surprise. Isn’t leahy a dkos dahling?
A lot of these Senators are afraid that in the future if the Repubs regain the majority that they will be able to legislate extreme policies with just a simple vote. Honestly, I am torn on this as well but we cannot stay on this same course. These Republicans have abused the Filibuster rules and the country is paying a hefty price. The media doesn’t inform the public of this awful practice so they think nothing ever gets done. When in fact plenty is being done it just never gets voted on….
That’s a very defensive approach to take. Let’s cross that bridge when we come to that point. This, ‘oh, what would repubs do’ is the reason the most americans think dems are wimps. In any case, aren’t these rules set before each new session and if so, what prevents the thugs from setting this same rule,if god forbid, they do regain the senate majority?
Which version of filibuster reform? There’s a ‘compromise’ with Levin and McCain that is purportedly worthless. Then there’s the Merkeley (?) version which is supposed to have more teeth.
The Merkley/Udall version, of course. 🙂
Okay. Then I’ll contact these guys every day.
It’s unbelievable to me that this would even be an issue. The argument seems nonsensical to me: well, we might need to exercise our minority rights some day. The day we become a minority in the Senate, the Republicans are going to do away with filibusters completely. If we can’t get a solid vote from Democrats after what should be impeachable abuse by McConnell over the last four years, when will we get sane filibuster reform?
If the shoe was on the other foot, the Republicans would not hesitate. They would pass legislation and not even leave the Democrats a fig leaf. I say pass the bill. It will give Dems a reason to hold the Senate.
Bush/Cheney act like they have a mandate when they lost the popular vote and had the SC hand them the election. We win by the best numbers in 20 years — twice — and we’re not supposed to act like we won. Unbelievable.
here’s a pdf that summarizes Merkley/Udall filibuster reform. It is beyond me why two new Senators would balk at this reform. And what’s up with Boxer and Feinstein (unless Boxer wants more. However this bill fixes a great deal of the abuse).
Click to access Rules%20Reform%20One-Pager.pdf
The Merkeley/Udall version makes a lot of sense and doesn’t really present any cause for concern if power ever shifted…
It simply asks for transparency so people know who’s killing a bill instead of the anonymous place holds that let them get off scot free without the public ever knowing who did it…
yikes! mazie and di-fei are a suprise. calling now. and thanks for this list, faypax.
This is who we’re fighting for.
Fixed the link for you Redbird, what a heartbreaking video.
Thank you we posted this to Heidkamp the new senator of North Dakota. she claims what potus is proposing is extreme.
She said she wanted everything on the table, and then immediately said what she has heard from the WH is too extreme to consider. She may not be very bright, but at least she is not a Republican.
Yes what the Wh is asking is not extreme. Alex jones proved that on Piers morgan.
Here’s what drives me insane: I understand that Heitcamp comes from a very red state, and we’re supposed to accept the [barely] Democratic votes of these people. But when a Republican is elected in a blue or at least moderate state, they get to be batshit crazy because their constituents elected a Republican. (Snyder in MI comes to mind, Kasich in OH) I know I’m comparing governors to senators, but the concept holds true, no matter what elected office.
Exactly. I wanted her to see what extreme is.
egg.sack.lee. Y’day some one was tweeting me the same she is from red state lameass excuse. Well, she got elected on a dem ticket in a red state and so she better start acting like one. In a way, that’s what her constituents wanted, isn’t it? Otherwise, they would elected a thug to her seat as they usually do.
this is how Republicans kept Republicans voting for them. They acted like Republicans when they were elected. Why does this not hold true for Democrats?
I bet it’s a good 20 years since a Republican acted like a Democrat in a blue/purple state. Instead we get Democrats acting like Republicans, Republicans acting like Republicans……..
Toomey in PA…
Yeah. Him, too.
And all of the California GOP delegation…
Being from blue California hasn’t stopped them from being completely insane…
She is wobbly on ObamaCare
She is FOR the Keystone pipeline
Is she a gun nut too ?
—
She will be a thorn
I think that what bothers me most about Heidi Heitkamp isn’t simply her clinging to really awful rightwing tenets, it’s the fact that she feels a need to so blatantly disrespect the President, the head of her party while she’s at it…
She should have just run as an independent and spared us all this charade…
Good Morning everyone. 🙂
Just turned on TV. Some idiot just said “can Sen. Hagel play nice during confirmation hearings and be deferential to Senators?” Can you hear me ranting and screaming and stomping my feet? Why do I turn on this sh$t? My new resolution, don’t listen. Read TOD.
Ezra Klein yesterday reminded everyone that a shutdown would mean no tax refund checks.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/01/07/this-is-what-would-happen-if-we-breach-the-debt-ceiling/?hpid=z4
Well, if nothing else does, that should get the attention of the middle class RWNJs who await that tax refund check every year, like the rest of us!
Precisely. Of course there are no functioning brain cells in any of them. If PBO would just act like a RWNJ, then none of this would happen: that’s their thinking, and I use the term loosely.
The explanation of WHY PBO has been telling the truth – you can’t renege on what you’ve already spent — may come into crystal clarity for this bunch if they don’t get their tax refunds.
My friend and I were discussing that RWNJ stupid gene again last evening. She thinks it should be a whole new branch of evolution studies, missed before, when the rest of us stood upright.
Something weird happened, that’s for sure.
For a group of people who ridicule the idea that we ‘came from monkeys’, they don’t show much more common sense than the average orangutan.
I’d rather hang with the orangutans, and I don’t even like the outdoors that much. You?
I’m with you on this one, jacqueline!
🙂
Once upon a time, there lived a poor hat seller in a small village in India. He earned his livelihood stitching hats and selling them in the neighboring villages. Once when going to another village through a forest, he fell asleep under a tree. When he woke up, he was surprised to find his basket empty and all the hats missing. Then he noticed a troop of monkeys sitting in the tree wearing his hats. He came up with a brilliant idea to retrieve his hats. He lifted the hat on his head and threw it to the ground. Out of their aping habits the monkeys followed suit. The hat seller then collected all the hats and triumphantly proceeded to the market.
As the years pass by, the hat seller has a grandson who too ends up being a hat seller. One day he has to pass through the same forest to sell hats in the village on the other side. As he is leaving, his grandpa tells him of the monkeys and how he outsmarted them and warns the grandson to be careful in the forest and remember his grandpa’s trick if the monkeys cause any trouble.
So the grandson sets forth on his journey. While passing through the forest, he gets tired and falls asleep to wake up and find the basket empty and all the hats gone. Then he notices the monkeys on the tree wearing the hats. Smiling to himself he says, “Aha ! I know how to deal with this. I’ll use my grandpa’s trick ! So he hurls his hat to the ground expecting the monkeys to do the same. All this time, there is a young hatless monkey sitting in the tree. This monkey jumps down from the tree, quickly picks up the grandson’s hat and puts it on his head. Then as he is scampering away, he says to the grandson sarcastically:
“WHAT, DID YOU THINK ONLY HUMANS HAVE A GRANDPA!?”
Gunnite folks.
Did Boehner say he wouldn’t negotiate with Pres. Obama or did he say “he won’t negotiate one on one with the president?”
“Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) is signaling that at least one thing will change about his leadership during the 113th Congress: he’s telling Republicans he is done with private, one-on-one negotiations with President Obama.”’
Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/house/275295-boehner-tells-gop-hes-done-with-one-on-one-obama-talks#ixzz2HPYdxafG
too bad, bonehead. that’s the job you just proudly claimed, as speaker of the house in the opposing party. and yes, the president always outwits you–maybe try working with him for a change.
Thanks.
😆
And Nickelback is a truly awful band, so that’s pretty bad.
😯 LL! How could you?! I’ve just been having a heated debate on Twitter about that very issue.
I’m a leader of the Unitarian Jihad against Nickelback!
Hey….hey…..HEY! DO NOT HATE ON NICKELBACK.
Chips will spank your ass. She is a HUGE fan.
Oh well, everyone has their faults. But really, Nickelback and Man U?
I must defend myself: I only know one song (a bit like Chelsea supporters), on the basis of which I bought an entire album. Which I only played once. And that was plenty. Honest. Am I acquiited?
Ok, you’re allowed back into the cool kids club.
Phew, thanks LL! 🙂
Oh please….she is LYING. She is obsessed with Nickelback. Obsessed in every definition of the word. 😀
“She is a HUGE fan.”
That is a gross misrepresentation of my Nickelback fan-ness. Ish.
Giiiiiirl…..don’t make me spill your secrets. Don’t make me tell all of TOD how obsessed you are with Nickelback. How much you loooooooooove Chad Kroeger. How you have a poster of him that you smooch everyday. How much you loooooooove him more than Wayne Rooney. How you play Nickelback everyday. How Nickelback completes you.
Chica….don’t make me spill everything. 😆
Oi, I’d be careful if I was you, otherwise I might let everyone know what’s your fave song, like, ever.
(This one…..
…. seriously)
Ewwwwwww………GAG. I don’t understand America’s fascination with Donny and Marie Osmond. Gag.
Everyone, she’s secretly swooning. Honest.
What a beautiful face Mrs. Evers-Williams has. Cannot believe it’s been 50 years since some of these events that shaped our nation took place. As a little white girl from New Jersey, some of my earliest values in life were shaped by the Civil Rights era. I’m glad we in the somewhat sheltered Northeast finally got to fully realize what was going on, once it was all covered on our black and white TVs back when I was a teenager. What was happening in the South and everywhere else, it turns out, was quite a shock when our thinly veiled eyes were finally opened to it by Dr. King and all the others.
I’m grateful to have grown up in the civil rights era, to have witnessed true leadership and community involvement in the face of the ugliest racism and sexism. It was the beginning of my interest in politics and an awakening to both the inhuman cruelty of intolerance and arrogance and the unstoppable power of a movement for change. We will continue to overcome.
Me, too. I saw it all, and had a great perspective on my [much older] parents’ experience in the Depression. The world I see now is unfathomable to me, beyond anything I expected after my generation worked so hard to bring accountability on war and fought for civil rights.
Well said. Turns out there’s so much more to do. My generation really thought they were helping to accomplish so much change (Civil Rights, Women’s Liberation). What a shock at this age to realize that all of it – all of it – can be dashed in an instant because people stopped paying attention to the emerging undercurrents of the following decades. As a woman, I’d really also like to see more of the younger women of today become just as politically involved as some of my generation, because they have no idea what it was like 50 years ago for women (not to mention African Americans and others). Two different worlds, then and now, heading back in the wrong direction once again.
Exactly. We do have to be ever vigilant. I also believe we’ve been backsliding on women’s rights and objectification but hopefully things will right themselves.
I’m “so old” that now when I hear young women referring to themselves as “girls” and not women, I still cringe. We had to fight to be respected as women, not just be called things like “the girl in the office.” That was just a tiny piece, because remember we couldn’t all live away from our parents on our own (unthinkable for many), get credit on our own, some couldn’t go to the college of their choice, yada yada yada. You are right, meta, these things swing like a pendulum, and can be righted, as long as somebody’s still paying attention.
Like you JO’B and Meta, I also grew up in the Civil Rights era…in the Oakland Bay Area. What an exciting, empowering time that was. I marched, sat-in and was hauled in, but it didn’t matter because our cause was righteous. I will never forget those that gave their lives for this struggle and I couldn’t be more pleased with the selection of Myrlie Evers Williams to give the invocation for President Obama’s inauguration. She is a perfect choice.
Loved hearing your story, although I’m still sorry your involvement was even necessary. And to think we still need to perfect this union, 50 years later – well, I guess that will never end! Yes, I cannot wait to hear her invocation. There will be a lot of tears that day, for so many reasons. Can’t wait to see the President’s expressive face, during all of it.
Indeed!!
A lot of eyes were opened but some refused to believe what they saw. Some even denied what they saw and still do.
Yes. And their children’s children, unfortunately, because most learn it at home in their dirt-floor hovels.
Or fancy homes with servant quarters.
Or in the suburbs on the cul-de-sac, a block from the evangelical ice cream parlor (serving vanilla only) or, for the adults, the Jesus On Tap Saloon.
You got it JC!
🙂
Indeed…
Hellooooooooooo Yardarm, I see you’re still ignoring the newly imposed TOD timezone. 🙄
It is what it is Admiral. If you check the time lines you’ll see I’m up well into the mid-watch! (thumb in ears+raspberries)
/Going back to check time-lines
Graham and Cornyn threaten a hold in Brenan unless he answers questions on Benghazi, the way he wants him to answer.
So, let me get this straight, we don’t get a CIA director, unless they say the President was responsible for those deaths in Benghazi? Isn’t that what they are saying?
These guys are a detriment to society!
That is all!
Time for filibuster reform.
What ? He is from NSA, not State Dept or CIA.
Are they insinuating Patreus lied under oath ?
This is how MESSED up congress is. Yet they think they can win the debt ceiling debate against Pres. Obama who is waaaaaaay more popular.
On the heels of an historically unpopular Congress, Democratic-leaning Public Policy Polling found a sardonic way to illustrate just how low the public thinks of the governing body in a survey released Tuesday.
Among several items and individuals tested, the automated poll found that American voters have a higher opinion of root canals, Canadian rock band Nickelback, head lice, colonoscopies, Genghis Khan, France, Donald Trump and cockroaches than they do of Congress.
On the other hand, Congress, which registered a paltry favorability rating of 9 percent in the survey, is still more popular than telemarketers, ebola, North Korea, Lindsey Lohan, communism, meth labs and the Kardashian family.
http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/poll-congress-less-popular-than-root-canals-nickelback
Hey ladies……..if you’re at home or in front of a TV, Common is on MSNBC now. Yummy eye candy.
oh no…..not the evil rapper that causes crazy white men to slaughter other white Americans ……and to think he was invited to the White House..
signed Greta VanStupidStern.
Damn! Is he still w/ Serena Williams?
We are still gathering names of TOD’ers that want to meet-up sometime during the Inauguration weekend.
There are 8 of us including myself that have been made aware to me. We need to know how many want to get together in order to plan where to have the meet-up. So if you are coming to DC and would like to meet us please either respond to this comment or send me an email at donnadem4obama@gmail.com
Thanks!!
Excellent Donna! I’ll post something on that soon so everyone who wants to can link up. Thank you!
Thanks Chips!!
Chips, that would be awesomeness! Thank you.
Hi Donna! I’d love to meet up with you all! Yay! 🙂
Hey Donna I’m going to be in Washington on the 21st. I’m planning on taking Amtrak from Phila. at 4:40 in the morning, It arrives in Washington at 7:00 in the morning, and I got a return ticket for 7:20 P.M. I would love to meet up.
Off to the bank, grocery store and maybe the mechanic. If Chips comes back to post a link block her way in until I get back (another two hours or so). Tell her I haven’t even finished consuming this post yet, and if she insists form a ring around her and engage her in some kind of distracting conversation – ex: the President’s eyes are so dreamy today, or did you see his last rain picture, or something along those lines. She always falls for those and goes off on a picture rant. I’ll try to hurry back faster if I can. Thanks.
At least you found the gumption to tear yourself away from the ‘puter. I’m still sitting here 3 hours after I swore I would have already left the house. Now my excuse is that it is too late to get started.
CM, I absolutely, totally understand. Once I decide to tear myself away I have to do it instantly otherwise, no go! Take today, there was virtually nothing in the house to prepare for supper and offspring gets home late. It wouldn’t be fair to say ‘I didn’t feel like shopping, have a bowl of cereal’. If there were any suppler-like crumbs around you better believe I’d have procrastinated. Now that I have something ready, I’m back until I have to go to the train station to pick him up.
But cockroaches have them beat… smh/they are pathetic!
Wow, just Wow! Ms. Myrlie Evers-Williams. A gorgeous woman, and lay person giving the invocation. What a symbol of the highest values and integrity of America! She has been a resident of Oregon for many years. Good choice. I can do without the conservative evangelical but I understand the need for inclusion and outreach.
Just when I think I’ve heard and seen it all———a Florida (of course) Atlantic Univ. professor is telling his classes that he doesn’t believe the Sandy Hook school shootings happened as reported or may not have happened at all. He believes “crisis actors” were hired by the Obama admin. to stage this event for the sole purpose of enacting gun control. And more outrageous nonsense. This is demented. And the poll at the end of the article is currently showing that a majority believe the crazy professor. Mind boggling. And Florida, oh Florida—too many nuts or poisoned rum drinks or something really really bad down there.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/fl-fau-prof-newtown-20130107,0,3129750.story
They’ve been drinking fracking fluid or something. That is the craziest thing I’ve heard today. Anyone would think it’s a crazy contest.
dotster3, All I can say is Lord have mercy. Are these people that dam stupid?
It’s clear that every nutcase aren’t the ones running around talking to themselves, they are a professor at FAU
oh dear…he must be a conspiracy theorist..
There is some website dedicated to ” crisis actors ” that makes all kinds of claims and matches up people they claim show up at every crisis and they all work for the government…
I cannot recall the name of the site…but my son shows it to me once in a while…..
Never believe *any* online poll, *especially* on really extreme subjects. You’re apt to attract fanatics and trolls who will throw the online survey even further off than usual, particularly if the poll is relatively well known.
Are your missing socks presently building a starship in subspace? Did your goldfish steal your tax records? Are the Chihuahua-Men about to invade the Earth and usher in the Apocalypse?
Great. Then you can probably “win” an online poll on the subject, pal. =P =)
Now, I’ve heard it all. This goes right along with something I saw posted on FB the other day….the Pastor I mentioned that said it was all a plot by the government o disarm the public. These people make me sick.
A University professor no less…an educator pushing this nonsense…
This is not just sad but disconcerting…
The drunk Mormon Mike Crapo has been made Chief Deputy Whip. That’s personal responsibility, Republican style.
The Whip’s duty is to count votes. Hope he can count while he is drunk.
Well he seems to be able to do whatever he damn well pleases. The stunning hypocrisy of these jackasses……
astounding.
And instead of reporting this, the MSM is busy carrying Republican water trashing Hagel.
And we wonder why the public is a misinformed mess.
RW Gun Nuts – Parents of murdered children are going to face you down.
Does anyone remember when California had the law that allowed guns as long as they were unconcealed and in plain view? The Black Panther Party went to the capital with their guns and they damn near passed new gun control laws that day! hint, hint 🙂
yep, and the reason a lot of these folks who are so intent on needing guns to protect themselves is due to that very same image all these years later. That, and the whole Waco incident, in which case I doubt private citizens could have enough weaponry to withstand a governmental takeover. #pitifultheignorance
Actress Eva Longoria to lead Hispanic tribute to Obama
Actress Eva Longoria, a prominent supporter and fundraiser for President Obama, will lead an Hispanic tribute to the president during the inauguration festivities.
The event, which will also feature actors Melanie Griffith, George Lopez, Mario Lopez and others, will take place Jan. 20th at the Kennedy Center.
Obama will take the formal oath of office that day at the White House (as required by the Constitution) and then will have a ceremonial swearing-in on Monday at the Capital, where he will give his inaugural address.
Longoria is a co-chairwoman of the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Committee. She hosted several fundraisers for Obama during the campaign and spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.
The Kennedy Center event is part of the Latino Inaugural 2013 — a three-day series of lectures, symposia and cultural gatherings for Latinos, who were one of Obama’s biggest voting blocs on Election Day.
Other perfumers at the tribute include Raúl Esparza, José Feliciano, Juan Diego Flórez, Rita Moreno, Chita Rivera, Robert Rodriguez, Llewellyn Sanchez-Werner, Ballet Hispanico, Coral Cantigas, Coro de Niños de San Juan, the Esperanza Azteca youth orchestra and the Pan American Symphony Orchestra.
“Latinos played a critical role in this year’s elections and helped tip the scales in President Obama’s victory. But we are not waiting another four years to make an impact on our country’s future, and Latino Inaugural 2013 will set a path for Latino civic engagement in the near term,” Longoria said in a statement. “What better way to establish our presence at these inaugural celebrations than by showcasing the beauty and diversity of our culture at the nation’s premier performing arts center.”
Latino Inaugural 2013 was founded by a partnership of leading Latino groups, including the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, League of United Latin American Citizens, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials, National Council of La Raza and the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda.
The public can purchase tickets for the tribute online and at the Kennedy Center box office. They start at $300.
Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/276095-actress-eva-longoria-to-lead-latino-tribute-to-obama#ixzz2HPZVzcXT
So, AIG wants to sue the federal Government for TARP, because it was to painful for them.
I am serious!
[Hey Angelenos, Charlie & the Mayor????]:
Charlie Sheen Says Villaraigosa is Lying:
Actor Charlie Sheen called out Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa “claiming he was flat-out lying when he said he spent only 3 minutes with the actor in Cabo,” TMZ reports.
Instead, he says the Mayor “hung with him for hours, chatting it up and drinking with a bunch of hot chicks.”
.
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2013/01/08/charlie_sheen_says_villaraigosa_is_lying.html
[Methinks he needs to go off into a hot sunset …}:
Bloomberg Still Sees No Worthy Successor:
The New York Times suggests outgoing New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg is unhappy with the slate of candidates running to succeed him.
“Bloomberg has mused about a Mayor Charles E. Schumer with the Democratic senator from New York, and teased Mortimer B. Zuckerman, a fellow billionaire media mogul, about a possible bid. The mayor’s advisers raised the idea of a run with Edward G. Rendell, the former Democratic governor of Pennsylvania and mayor of Philadelphia, and with Edward Skyler, Mr. Bloomberg’s former top deputy in City Hall… The mayor’s most formal overture was delivered to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, perhaps Mr. Bloomberg’s most quixotic choice for the job.”
First Read: “How much sway does Bloomberg really have though? Yes, he changed the rules to win a third term, but voters didn’t overwhelmingly send him back. He spent millions to win a race that should never been as close as it was. Candidates who decide to fall under Bloomberg’s spell about running ought to take a look at the 2009 results: Bloomberg didn’t crack 51%.”
.
http://politicalwire.com/archives/2013/01/08/bloomberg_still_sees_no_worthy_successor.html
Narcissistic much?????
That is so ridiculous…what is wrong with this guy…
This is not a mini-monarchy…
The people of New York will decide at the ballot box who the want to be their next Mayor…
It’s clear that Bloomberg’s lost his mind…
New post!
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/01/08/root-canals-head-lice-colonoscopies-and-nickelback/
I enthusiastically applaud President Obama for selecting Myrlie Evers-Williams to deliver the invocation for his second inauguration. She has been at the center of the struggle for human rights for more than half a century. For me, 1963 marked the beginning of my consciousness about the struggles for justice and human dignity. Medgar Evers, who was one of my first heroes, was a very big part of that. His assassination affected me deeply. 1963 was a very tough year. Three months after Medgar was killed, terrorists bombed a church in Birmingham killing four little girls. Five months after Medgar was assassinated, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Of course the years following were not that much better.
The election of President Obama, who is now in a position to honor those who paved the way for him, shows how far our nation has come from those terrible years when registering African Americans to vote cost people their lives. At the same time, given all the GOP efforts to suppress votes, this is also a time for our nation to reflect on how far we still need to go before all Americans, irrespective of class, gender, and pigmentation, are treated justly.
Thank you so much Chipsticks for sharing the interviews of this extraordinary woman, Myrlie Evers-Williams.
I do too Nath, it’s such an inspired choice…
I kept wracking my brains trying to think who he might pick this time around…I didn’t know she was still alive…
I’m a bit nervous about the evangelical guy slated to give the Benediction…but knowing President Obama, the particular pick is for very good reason which the rest of of us will figure out much later…