I was so sickened by this gun safety hearing I had to turn it off. Instead of doing something about the culture of rape, women are supposed to be armed to the teeth with AK-47s? DISGUSTING. If women were in charge, this BS wouldn’t be happening.
So glad to see you comment…I thought it was me. I can’t understand why it’s so hard to try to do something to stop innocent people from getting killed. It blows my mind!
It’s hard because $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
The NRA is simply a lobbying group for gun manufacturers. The gun manufacturers have LOTS of money, so the NRA has lots of money. Congresscritters are afraid that money spigot will be turned off if there are ANY laws controlling guns.
Well, not quite. Not all women are sane…that testimony from Gayle Trotter was insane. She basically said that the only reason women get raped at such a high level is because of a lack of firearms in society and if more women had AR-15’s while they were being raped then voila! rape would cease to exist.
The stupidity and disturbing nature of that sentiment and her entire testimony left me aghast. There are some sick people in this world and a classic example is Trotter. She is one more reason why assault weapons should be banned.
This is quite a different picture than the one of our President leaning over her bed in the hospital, touching her hand, as he seemingly prayed (that one touched my very most innermost being); I just know that his actions and prayers along with the millions of people praying for her, caring for her have all brought her to this day. There is a purpose in her recovery and she is living that purpose. So glad to see today’s picture.
Yes and thank you kasai for the kind remark below. I am hurting right now; I cannot believe it about that 15 year old beautiful girl shot in Chicago after her performance in the inaugural parade. That is so sad. What are we going to do. And I live in Alabama where right now a man is holding a very small child as a hostage, who shot a bus driver and killed him, and who knows what else he was planning to do.
Oh My!..We need to organize with “Organization for Action”..and help President Obama pass gun laws…this is becoming the norm…A day hasn’t passed without gun violence..Enough is Enough!
The Alabama shooter=Wayne LaPierre’s legacy–namely that the answer for all life’s problems is guns.
“Alabama bunker suspect faced court date, neighbors say
Neighbors of Jimmy Lee Dykes say he was supposed to have been in court on Wednesday, facing charges that he’d shot at them during a December argument over the dirt road that separated their properties.
Instead, he was holed up in an underground bunker dug into his yard, surrounded by sheriff’s deputies, state troopers and police.
Also inside the bunker, authorities say, is a 6-year-old boy seized from a school bus at gunpoint Tuesday afternoon. The bus driver, 66-year-old Charles Poland Jr., was shot and killed, but school officials said Wednesday he saved 21 other children on board.”
So his fear about the outcome of a trial regarding his gun use drove him to use his gun to kill a man and take a 6-year-old child hostage at gunpoint–a child who needs daily medication by the way.
How manyincidences of gun irrationality do we need in order to get some rational policies in place to stop this madness?
Carolm, I hope they have expert hostage negotiators on the spot and the Alabama authorities had the sense to call the FBI. They’re dealing with a psychopath and they’re going to need all the help they can get. It makes me sick to think of the terror that little boy is going through.
Gabby and Mark are both two amazing people. The horrific life event that Gabby suffered would have strained most relationships, but they seem so close to each other and so filled with love. For Gabby to have come this far is nothing short of a miracle and I doubt she could have without Mark’s unwavering support. She has a long road yet to go, but her support system in her husband and family is simply the best.
he was specific in his alleged ‘change of heart’. He said people on Medicaid should be able to get more physical therapy for a stroke. The question that came to mind: what about people who earn just enough to not qualify for Medicaid and don’t make enough to have adequate insurance? Does he give a shit about them?
Obviously, he sat on his pampered ass without a care in the world for a God damned year, and has the audacity to vote against Sandy aid. Despicable.
At some point, voters have to be held accountable for voting in these despicable people. The despicable people have a right to be despicable – they’ll pay for it sooner or later. But, if people vote them in thinking they’ll be anything other than what they are, then that’s delusional. People’s eyes should be open by now. If those on Medicaid, or needing Sandy relief see Senator Kirk being so mindless in his actions, then they should vote for someone who will actually serve them better next time. Same with the Scott Brown scenario in Massachusetts. If those people vote for Scott Brown this time, after seeing him pander to them on some votes, but generally behave like his obstructive peers in the GOP – then they can’t complain when they get what they voted for. Same with Chris Christie. Same with all GOP and blue dog Democrats. At some point, you just get what you pay for (or vote for, as the case may be).
I agree, Theo, but in the meantime, those of us who didn’t vote for them have to suffer. In 2010 enough people in this country lost their sanity to elect some of the most dishonest, hateful and despicable people to Congress in our nation’s history. Now we are paying the price everyday, in the stupid and sadistic actions of these deeply disturbed people. 2014 has to be the year when the sane reclaim this country and our Congress.
Until the sane voters outnumber the insane ones, we’re going to keep getting these loons in Congress. We have to start working now to nominate and elect a good Congress in 2014 – we can’t waste any more of this President’s time with these crazy, lazy people who are running around Capitol Hill these days. There are more sane people than insane people – the sane people just don’t vote in the large numbers in off-Presidential years.
Hi, theo, I really do not believe that the insane voters outnumber the sane ones. The biggest problem we need to overcome is complacency. Voting is not only a right, it is the responsibility of citizenship. I agree that undue restrictions and outright voter suppression are huge problems. But the even bigger problem is that so many people just don’t bother to vote. It is easy today to get accurate information on candidates and issues – so there is no excuse for not being informed and not voting. Every time a citizen simply ignores an election, he or she empowers the extreme elements in the electorate. I guess it will be our job in Organizing for Action to talk to as many people as possible and build networks of voter information and support.
The people who vote in their incompetent representative/senator don’t think their representative/senator is incompetent….it’s other peoples/states representatives who are incompetent who don’t think like Senator Kirk. People who don’t live in the state that needs disaster relief are the ones who don’t want their representatives to vote for it……of course until THEIR state has a natural disaster and needs help. We need to take this away from Congress and Senate and give it to the Executive. The funds should be in the Military Budget that the President can tap when their is a disaster.
People vote for stupid reasons. They know someone who knows someone who knows someone. They called their representative and didn’t get to speak to them personally right then. They like how one candidate dresses. Stupid reasons. They don’t take their citizenship seriously. They give the excuse that they are all the same. It is going to take people knocking on every door again. How frustrating and exhausting.
This is off subject, but for climate change deniers. Yesterday it was 74 degrees. Fell asleep with my window up and awoke at 2 am freezing. The wind was howling and it was snowing like crazy.
[OT but LOL!! Tom Joyner smacks Tavis Smiley: “Tavis is afraid of what will be said about him and it’s driving him crazy.”]:
[…..] On Inauguration Day, television personality Tavis Smiley and his friend former Princeton professor Cornel West lashed out at President Barack Obama for using a Bible belonging to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. for his swearing in. (Never mind that the King family gave Obama the Bible, and attended the Inaugural to witness its use.) That same day, Smiley’s onetime friend and host of the show that made Smiley a household name among many black Americans, slammed Smiley’s comments, saying his former protege is “fascinated with his own legacy.”
Noting that Smiley said in his latest attack on Obama, this time on CBS Sunday Morning, that “Obama is a politician, and a pretty good one, but King was a prophet. And while I can appreciate the president’s fascination with King’s legacy of unarmed truth and unconditional love, I’m feeling some sort of way about King being used symbolically for public pomp and circumstance, but disregarded substantively when it comes to public policy,” Joyner had this response:
“… I believe that Tavis is the one fascinated with Dr. King’s legacy, but more importantly Tavis is fascinated with his own legacy, and that’s not good. He wants more than anything to be remembered the way Dr. King was, and to some how make that kind of mark on the world.
“Dr. King wasn’t concerned about how he would be remembered, he was concerned with doing good and doing right. In the end, that made him great. Tavis has done a lot of good things but his obsession with becoming great is destroying him. The whole issue with the inscription on the King Memorial illustrates the differences between Tavis and Dr. King. Days before he was killed, believing that death was imminent, Dr. King dealt with it publicly in his Drum Major speech.
“Dr. King knew good things would be said about him in death and he was humbled at the idea of it. Tavis is afraid of what will be said about him and it’s driving him crazy. …”
What Tavis doesn’t get, with his vile comments, is that President Obama is a living realization of the dream that Martin Luther King had, and even Tavis himself – being free to be as vile as he can be – is another living realization. Each man being judged by the content of their character, not just by the colour of their skin. And Mr. Joyner is absolutely right – while President Obama’s place in history is secured (and will be marked with glowing terms and heaps of praise), Tavis Smiley should indeed be afraid of what people will say about him and his nasty, envious self.
You are absolutely right, HZ! Tom Joyner knows Travis Smiley and Joyner’s take about what Tavis is all about is spot-on. Poor Tavis! He may covet Dr. King legacy, thinking he can achieve it by denigrating President Obama, but when the history books are written, President Obama will figure prominently; Tavis Smiley, on the other hand, would be lucky to earn a mention in the footnotes.
Be advise that there are a lot of people ahead of the “Poverty Pimp”. He doesn’t even the groceries to be mentioned with a Fannie Lou Hamer, WEB DuBois, Medgar Evers, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and others. He isn’t even a bunion on the footnote of history. 😦
More like a zit. His jealousy of the President showed us his true nature. He’s a bitter, vindictive and small man. I’m glad Tom called him out (again) — he knows him well.
I knew he couldn’t be trusted from way back though. He has those dead, shark eyes. Face smiles, but never his eyes. No light in them at all. Tells you something’s dead inside there.
Me too, but only because he was on Tom’s show. When Tom severed ties with him, there really was no reason for me to hear anything he had to say… still true today.
Sam UK so good to say hello to you. I hope all is well with you. I was a totally full flowing faucet as she spoke. I just went through my prayer/meditation box that I keep on my table in my library/music room, and there were so many for our beautiful Gabby and Mark. So my tears flowing this morning were again, giving thanks and speaking goodness out into my space for the continued healing of Gabby and the work that she and her loving strong husband, Capt. Kelly are showing all of us. HZ
Reagan lived there in 1915 and its not registered as some historical site so it doesn’t matter what they say. The article states that the University of Chicago purchased the building and they are planning on tearing it down to make into parking lots. The University of Chicago is also lobbying to be the home of Pres.Obama’s presidential library. Therefore Obama is bulldozing Reagan’s home to build his library. LOL!!
Theo, to this day, I still don’t know what was so great about Ronald Reagan. Was it the Iran-Contra Scandal? Was it his premature sending of Marines into the Lebanon Civil War and then cutting and running after over two hundred marines died following a terrorist bomb? Was it his invasion of a tiny (and I mean tiny) caribbean Island of Granada over some flimsy lies that were just as bad as Bush’s lies that led to the invasion of Iraq? Was it his belief that trees cause pollution or that ketchup is a vegetable? Or may be it was the fact that he presided over the largest deficit, which was greater than those of the 39 presidents before him? To this day, I still can’t think of a major achievement by Ronald Reagan other than the fact the media loved him.
By the way, I also can’t think of Reagan’s major accomplishment as governor of California. Fortunately, I moved to CA in the last year of Reagan’s governorship. Californians couldn’t wait to elect a Democrat, Jerry Brown, to replace Reagan.
You and me, both, nathkatun7! I don’t understand it either, especially given the unscrupulous things he did, and the lies he told, and the things he did to start this country on the road to the Republican policy hell that exists today.
Good. I can’t think of a better use of something connected to Reagan than to park cars on it. it still irks me that the airport in DC was renamed for him. I refer to it as National and will always do so. Too bad the Dems didn’t call the airport Roosevelt when it was first build. Airports already named for someone aren’t changed. That way we would have been spared the embarrassment of the current name.
Is this TRUE ? And if so, Is this REALLY necessary ? I’m pretty sure President Obama doesn’t have anything to do with it but I’m totally uncomfortable with that. I don’t think we would appreciate it if President Obama’s childhood home was destroyed to make room for the parking lot for the Presidential Library of a republican president.
Come on, I don’t like the mythification of Reagan, but sorry this looks like a provocation. There surely is another solution ???
OK so I reacted too quickly. Not the first time. Reagan didn’t live there very long. But good grief, this creates unnecessary animosity between dems and reps. I hate the coincidence that the Presidential Library for President Obama will have anything to do with destroying some place where Reagan lived.
Its an apartment building he lived in for part of his childhood in 1915. An entire apartment building is to remain unchanged because Reagan once lived there? And no, I wouldn’t care if it was Pres.Obama’s. Presidents have all sorts of monuments dedicated to them all over the country. Reagan’s memory will be fine.
When did such loons get a voice in the mainstream? How the hell have we come to this?!?!
“Another striking moment comes at the eight-minute mark of the video when Denver University Law School Adjunct Professor David Kopel responds to a question from Durbin about magazine capacity by saying “thank goodness” the Aurora, Colorado, shooter had a 100-round magazine because it turned out to be a “piece of junk” that jammed. That has to be the strangest argument in favor of high-capacity magazines that I’ve ever heard. I wonder if he’d change the argument if he felt that magazine quality had improved?”
I guess Durbin did us Illinoisans proud today. Thank God. It makes up a little for effing Mark Kirk voting against Hurricane Sandy relief yesterday.
If he hasn’t been in the police force, I wouldn’t give his remarks much attention. Never heard of a Denver U law school. Thought it was at the U in Boulder or maybe Ft. Collins. But I’m often wrong. I’ll check.
A little concerned about Martin Bashir—–Ari Melber filling in for him today, said something about Bashir was out with a health concern, especially since there was recent news that Bashir had been dealing with a brain tumor for some time.
It was reported in 2008 that MSNBC’s Martin Bashir has a brain tumor. The illness is still there and causing problems.
“I have a brain tumor,” Bashir told FishbowlDC last night when asked why he was absent from his TV program Friday. “It’s fine but it causes a problem from time to time,” he said.
That isn’t anything to play with. Depending on tumor location, it could be a death sentence(inoperable) or some serious surgery unless it can be reduce/eliminated with a proton/gamma knife. I had the surgery. My tumor was too big for the proton surgery.
Yep, me neither. Also, he forced the Gov’s hand by blabbing to the press about how he should be appointed instead of appealing to the Governor privately. That was the height of disrespect and he should’ve known better. So if he wants to be in the Senate, he’s free to run for the seat. Put up or shut up.
Psst! Did you notice that he’s black too. Now white folks and LGBT folks are up in arms. Why shouldn’t AA’s help each other a bit when they get a chance. OTHER’S have been doing it for years without a whimper.
Not to mention, he might just be extremely well qualified to step into a temporary role and hit the ground running… Did they want the governor to appoint someone who should be a long-term Senator, and then take them out of the running for the special election? I’m tired of these whiners. If they think they can do a better job, then why don’t they run for governor or President, so that they can make all the decisions. It’s exhausting.
Yes, let them do the very hard work of running for office and getting a majority of diverse people to vote for them. Then they can make any decision they want and get the brickbats thrown at them for a change. That, however, is too much like work for the keyboard wonders.
I’ve seen them argue that its not his color, its his lack of experience. Oh really? I guess we shouldn’t have sent Elizabeth Warren to the Senate then?
Katrina Vanderwhatever from The Nation tweeted that we should get rid of Senate appointments. Someone on twitter pointed out that she had recently pushed for Frank to be appointed. Not one word prior to today about getting rid of Senate appointments.
What she means, GB, is we should get rid of any appointments that don’t satisfy her. What an arrogant twit. I’m sure her comments are keeping Duval Patrick up at night.
Your example of Elizabeth Warren is excellent. This should be used to push back against EVERY person who complains about the “inexperience” of Mo Cowan.
The punditry and emoprogs are always doing the same thing. Decide in advance what they want, and if their precise demands are not met, they scream. They don’t even do their homework; they don’t listen to any arguments. Remember their screaming about Elizabeth Warren not being appointed at the head of the Consumer Bureau ? Richard Cordray has been GREAT, and he is very well qualified. But it was Elizabeth or nothing.
Now they have convinced themselves that NOBODY EXCEPT BARNEY FRANK can do a good job. I’m so so tired of their game.
Remember how some people yelled when the Governor of Hawaii made his appointment? That seems to have worked just fine. People get their minds set on what someone “should” do, then get bent out of shape when it doesn’t happen. This was the governor’s prerogative, and he made his decision. Gov Patrick seems to do very well politically and be pretty smart. HE is not going to do anything to weaken the President or his state. I have a feeling he and POTUS talked about this appointment when they had dinner at the White House after the election. POTUS knew he was going to appoint Kerry, they knew Patrick would need to make an appointment, they considered all sides, and both kept their own counsel. NO leaks. Surprise, surprise!
I enjoy Frank’s comments lots of times, but he overplayed his hand, and promised NOT to vote for Hagel’s confirmation…..very stupid. Patrick does not want the president sabotaged. Katrina will just have to get over it.
“I’ve seen them argue that its not his color, its his lack of experience.”
Amazing! What congressional experience did Paul Kirk have when he was appointed by Gov. Patrick to replace Sen. Kennedy? How come all these experts on who is qualified to be appointed a Senator were totally silent! I am sorry, but they don’t fool me. This is all about white privilege, which, sadly, is still very widespread among some leftists! The people attacking Gov. Patrick think that they know better than him.
From Wikipedia on Qualifications to be in U.S. Senate:
“Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution sets three qualifications for senators: 1) they must be at least 30 years old, 2) they must have been citizens of the United States for at least the past nine years, and 3) they must be inhabitants of the states they seek to represent at the time of their election. The age and citizenship qualifications for senators are more stringent than those for representatives. In Federalist No. 62, James Madison justified this arrangement by arguing that the “senatorial trust” called for a “greater extent of information and stability of character.”
The Senate (not the judiciary) is the sole judge of a senator’s qualifications. During its early years, however, the Senate did not closely scrutinize the qualifications of its members. As a result, three senators who failed to meet the age qualification were nevertheless admitted to the Senate: Henry Clay (aged 29 in 1806), Armistead Thomson Mason (aged 28 in 1816), and John Eaton (aged 28 in 1818). Such an occurrence, however, has not been repeated since.[20] In 1934, Rush D. Holt, Sr. was elected to the Senate at the age of 29; he waited until he turned 30 (on the following June 19) to take the oath of office. In 1972, Joe Biden was elected to the Senate shortly before his 30th birthday, but he reached his 30th birthday in time for the swearing-in ceremony for incoming senators in January 1973.
The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution disqualifies from the Senate any federal or state officers who had taken the requisite oath to support the Constitution, but later engaged in rebellion or aided the enemies of the United States. This provision, which came into force soon after the end of the Civil War, was intended to prevent those who had sided with the Confederacy from serving. That Amendment, however, also provides a method to remove that disqualification: a two-thirds vote of both chambers of Congress.”
You are absolutely spot-on, Yardarm! This is exactly what white privilege is all about! Last time Gov. Patrick appointed a white, straight male to replace the late Sen. Kennedy and no one made any fuss. This time he selects a black straight male to replace SoS John Kerry, and people, including the so called progressives, are up in arms. I am with Anniebella, if Barney Frank wanted to remain in Congress he should not have retired from the House of Representatives. And, if Frank wants to be U.S. Senator from MA then he should run for the job and convince the voters in MA to elect him.
I trust the judgment of Governor Patrick. He knows Mo Cowen better than anyone else in politics. As far as qualifications are concerned, I was amused by the comment of one of Boston’s political analysts who had a lot of contact with Mr. Cowen:
“I have to say, as someone who’s covered the Patrick administration from day one, the trains never ran as smoothly as they did when Mo Cowan was the chief engineer.”
“And, if we are to take Hispanics at their word, conservative attitudes toward illegal immigration are a minor reason for their voting preferences. While many are in business for themselves, they express hostile attitudes toward free enterprise in polls. They are disproportionately low-income and disproportionately likely to receive some form of government support. More than half of Hispanic births are out of wedlock. Take away the Spanish surname and Latino voters look a great deal like many other Democratic constituencies. Low-income households headed by single mothers and dependent upon some form of welfare are not looking for an excuse to join forces with Paul Ryan and Pat Toomey. Given the growing size of the Hispanic vote, it would help Republicans significantly to lose it by smaller margins than they have recently. But the idea that an amnesty is going to put Latinos squarely in the GOP tent is a fantasy.”
[Bob Cesca]:
Honestly — I laughed so hard at this I broke a sweat. It’s extremely offensive, but the idea that someone thought it would be a good idea to publish this is hilarious to me.
[…..] The National Review agrees that we have a problem, but their contempt for brown people is simply too great to justify doing anything about it. And I suspect that is equally the case for much of the House of Representatives.
Good grief, the Repubs talking about Hispanics are like rubes trying to read sanskrit. They haven’t the foggiest clue about the lives of Latinos and can only pidgeon-hole and marginalize anybody who isn’t exactly like them. Talk about feeling an elephant in a dark room. These people are hopeless. How about this, National Review: get off your rears and go out into the real world.
The military in Lebanon, which shares borders with both Israel and Syria, said on Wednesday that Israeli warplanes have sharply increased their activity over Lebanon in the past week, including at least 12 sorties in less than 24 hours in the country’s south.
A senior Lebanese security official said there were no Israeli airstrikes inside Lebanese territory. Asked whether it could have been along the border on the Syrian side, he said that that could not be confirmed as it was out of his area of operations.
He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.
A Lebanese army statement said the last of the airspace violations took place at 2 am local time on Wednesday. It said four warplanes which flew in over the southernmost coastal town of Naqoura hovered for several hours over villages in southern Lebanon before leaving Lebanese airspace.
It said similar flights by eight other warplanes were conducted on Tuesday.
Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace occur on a daily basis and Lebanese authorities routinely lodge complaints at the UN against the flights.
Israel, no let me correct myself, that Prime Minister think if it gets it self into another war America will be there to fight for them. They need to think long and hard about that.
So true but when you think about it, this country has been in some kinda war on this planet since 1939. That is what this country thrives on. Guns, bullets and blood. That’s the ticket. That’s what Eisenhower was fearful of.
Now that the Iraq was has ended and the Afghanistan war is really winding down, the military-industrial complex needs other wars to continue to make profits. I have no doubt that there are all sorts of lobbying, all sorts of shadowy activities aimed at increasing tensions and creating armed conflicts in the Middle-East.
I think we need to pray that they don’t succeed. And I pray for President Obama each day, I pray that he finds good allies within the big administrative apparatus, allies that will help him push back against the neo-cons that are infesting the Pentagon, the think thanks, the big defense lobbies, etc.
Cheney and his pals did everything they could to start a war with Iran. Barack Obama is doing everything he can to resolve the tensions in the Middle East. One thing I’m very sure of, if there is a new war, it will be because President Obama has run out of options and he will accept that with a very very heavy heart.
Hello my Chips and TOD Family. I am holding on with much hope in my body, but I want to thank Chips for posting the Judiciary Hearings this morning. I know , a lot of those on the panel were very difficult to sit and listen to; however those who could ‘stomach’ it, thank you so much. Not everyone of us will be able to tolerate these vile-thinking people especially now, but those who can’t, you can help in other ways to help Capt. Kelly and Gabby, our communities, and our president on these issues. So choose your role where your heart leads you.
I know our TOD Family believes that we all have an invested interest in this legislation. Our lives, no matter where we live or who we are, or where we may be when an incident may break out. I have many reasons, as all of you have to be involved any way possible to help move these Senators and Representatives to do the right thing. I believe we can get it done. Yes, we know that the conversation this morning from several on that panel was very difficult to listen to, but we hear them out(even if some of us heard some of them 18 years ago). Somewhere, hopefully someone will stand up to these greedy vile spirits and again look them in the eye as our beautiful Gabby did and say again, “Enough.”
,
But we can’t give up or get discouraged. That is what they want us to do. That is what they want to read from us. No, I will not give them that pleasure. I want them to know how damn angry,pissed off, very hurt, about what they are doing for greedy money and power. We all can think of a person, child, elderly person, or an officer, teachers, anyone who could be the next victim of our nation not having enforceable laws that will help in this situation. As I watched Mr. Kelly, I kept hearing him say, “Maybe, Maybe.” Yes, those were powerful words to go into the record this morning.
I love you all so much, and remember POB’s Inaugural Speech. “We The People.” Also go back and listen to the speeches or POB when he went to speak about the shooting in Arizona, CO., VA., and CT. Listen to a clear core of a human being. Listen to our great leader. Listen to a father, listen to the brother of a teacher, listen to a clear, compassionate, caring, rational man, POB. And do not forget to listen to your hearts. We must right this for those children in all classrooms. Right It For All Human Beings. We are better than some of the crap that we heard this morning., but we saw and heard what we are up against, But we can win this. One Life , then it is still Right. (((((((((((((Love you all))))))))))HZ
Amen HZ. You always say exactly what we all need to hear. I am with you that this will NOT GO AWAY UNTIL LEGISLATION IS PASSED TO STEM GUN VIOLENCE.
I plan to write all the senators and legislators a letter expressing the need to pass legislation NOW. They need to pass Senator Feinsteins ban on assault weapons and high capacity bullet cartridges.
We didn’t get hit nearly as bad as predicted–thankfully!!! Lots of rain and some areas have flooding. We had some big rumbles of thunder, but we were forecast to have high winds and that hasn’t happened. Stay safe everyone.
Hi tnmtngirl, How are you? I was reading some of my written notes yesterday from my prayer/meditation box, and I saw some that I had written down for you. How is mom? I hope that I am not being too personal, but I sincerely care. Please be safe as possible and I will keep goodness in my thoughts for you as well as for Anniebella and Linda. (((((((((((((((( Lots of Hugs filled with Love)))))))))))))))))HZ
Thank you, sweet HZ. My mom is about the same. We are doing liquid morphine (very small dose) at least twice a day. This is keeping her much more comfortable. I texted w/her nurse few minutes ago and she said she had had an “okay” day. I will make my weekly trip tomorrow……hopefully in better weather than I would have had today.
I need to ask for prayer for my son-in-law and daughter. His Navy career got totally derailed/changed with the illness and death of our grandson (cancer…….almost 5 yrs. ago). The “chickens have now come home to roost”. He could not handle the deployment on the sub he was assigned to. Has been diagnosed w/depression and unresolved grief. He was trying to do the job as Dept. Head navigator w/out any prior sea tour experience. His JO tour was interrupted by Walker’s illness/death. He is on 6 month limited duty and will try to get a plan put together for his future. They do not want to leave the Navy. Please pray that God’s hand will be w/them and that they/he will “land” where they are supposed to be. Thanks!!
((((prayers to your son-in-law and daughter)))) during this difficult time. May God intervene and bring about a plan so that he may stay in the Navy and that they both get the grief counseling to help get them through the tragic loss of their child.
Our TOD Family is a loving and caring family. We are” our brothers and sisters keepers.” That is the beautiful and goodness of our core as human beings here. We no longer just move through life not giving some thought within our spirits how we can continue to move the political importance of our time to our brothers and sisters within our family here.
I want to thank Chips for allowing us the free and respectful movement to be as thoughtful, caring, compassionate, and loving with the highest respect for this space, our haven. This haven gives us opportunities to care about and give our support to our president with respect and total support. He is the standard for our love, hope, compassion, and caring for each other.
We come here daily under our beautiful Chips with information to help us be active supporters of POB. We come here with such a well of intellectual gems of knowledge of how our democracy is working in our lives. We bring to the table delicious appetites on political news that will give a tone to our partaking of what the various media outlets are trying to feed us daily. However, we never get caught up in the yelling and screaming of our opinions. We respect each other. We listen to each other, and we have become a beautiful TOD Family, thanks to our beloved Chips.
So, I want to say thank you to all who put up with me during this TOD Family journey with POB. But one thing I do know, POB will always be so proud of our family because we not only work hard to elect him and re-elect him, but we also complete the circle in how we treat and care for each other.,
So (((((((((((((((((((((( Tnmtngirl, Mom, daughter, and son-in-law))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) I will pray and meditate on your requests and ask for God’s perfect Way to be shown to you and your family. I love you, and I believe you have the love of your TOD family as well. Lift up your spirit to the goodness that is and will continue to come your way. ((((((( Love you tnmtngirl))))))))))HZ
> APHORISMS FOR THE YEAR…
>
> It’s not whether you win or lose,
> but how you place the blame.
>
> You are not drunk
> if you can lie on the floor
> without holding on.
>
> We have enough “youth”.
> How about a fountain of “smart”?
>
> A Fool and his money
> can throw one heck of a party
>
> When blondes have more fun,do they know it?
>
> Five days a week my body is a temple.
> The other two it’s an amusement park.
>
> LEARN FROM YOUR PARENTS’ MISTAKES
> USE BIRTH CONTROL
>
> Money isn’t everything,
> but it sure keeps the kids in touch.
>
> Don’t Drink and Drive
> You might hit a bump and spill something.
>
> If at first you don’t succeed
> skydiving is not for you
>
> Reality is only an illusion
> that occurs due to a lack of alcohol.
>
> We are born naked, wet and hungry.
> Then things get worse.
>
> Red meat is not bad for you
> Fuzzy green meat is bad for you.
>
> Ninety-nine percent of all lawyers
> give the rest a bad name.
>
> Xerox and Wurlitzer will merge
> to produce reproductive organs.
>
> Alabama state motto:
> At least we’re not Mississippi
>
> ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS NO
> MATCH FOR NATURAL STUPIDITY.
>
> “You know why a politician is like a banana?”
> “He comes in and first he is green,
> then he turns yellow
> and then he’s rotten.”
>
> “I think Congressmen should wear uniforms,
> you know, like NASCAR drivers, so we could
> identify their corporate sponsors.”
>
> The reason Politicians try so
> hard to get re-elected is that they
> would ‘hate’ to have to make a living
> under the laws they’ve passed.
Off-Topic and Totally Mindless: Discovered this website (www.worth1000.com) with photoshop contests — beginning and advanced level. Lots of neat galleries of images in huge array of subjects.
‘ Potential Senate hopeful Ashley Judd and her husband of more than 11 years are calling it quits.
The “Missing” actress, who served as a Democratic National Convention delegate last year and has flirted with a run for the seat of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in 2014, confirmed the split from racecar driver Dario Franchitti, 39, in a Tuesday statement. ‘
love this: ‘ White House: GOP responsible for contracting economy ‘
‘ White House press secretary Jay Carney laid the blame for a surprise economic contraction squarely at the feet of congressional Republicans Wednesday, saying economic threats during the “fiscal cliff” negotiations had prevented important defense spending.
“Our economy is facing a major headwinds, and that’s Republicans in Congress,” Carney said. ‘
I see one of the shooting victims from today’s mass shooting in Phoenix has died. They haven’t identified him yet, but I suspect he is the one who was earlier identified in critical condition, a prominent lawyer, president of the Phoenix chapter of Fed. Bar Assoc. 2 other shooting victims hospitalized along with 2 others. Shooter not apprehended at last report.
Man, I got so used to having 7 straight days off, that this new 5 days off, weekends off (at least until I am trained) is killing me. I get home and I just don’t feel like going out again. On weekends, I just have to sleep in late, so half the day is gone and it’s back to work…lol.
It’s only been 3 weeks, so I know it’s gonna become old hat, but right now, I’m just tired…lol.
But my weekends are free, so I have been able to see my grandmother (I’ve spent the last 3 weekends with her) and I’ll be going to NOLA for the weekend since it’s my godson’s birthday. I wasn’t planning on going since I didn’t want to be bothered by the Superbowl traffic, but I did go for Maddie B-Day and I’d feel bad missing my other godbaby’s b-day. So off to NOLA I go this weekend.
Anyway, 2 more days until the weekend. Can’t wait.
Every one of Rep. members of Congress from NC voted against Sandy relief…..and the storm is about 30 min from me…winds gusting and raining now….hang in there fellow East Coasters who are about to get this storm…..and thank heavens, all of you that it has passed made it through just fine….
Oh, I know….remind me to tell y’all about my lovely conversation with his office about gun control……if it wasn’t so sad it would have been really funny…
I recall Congressman Walter B.Jones of N.C. appearing on a white supremacists radio show in Tennessee last year.And I ask the local news why was it that they didn’t report that a member of Congress were appearing on racists radio shows, but the local new didn’t answer my question. And the Congress didn’t answer my question either, but to me it speaks volume about these Republicans.
I am so heartbroken at the news of the 15 year old young lady that was shot and killed while sitting in a park near school in Chicago.
Her mother was weeping and that tore at me even more. This young lady was a performer in her school band in the Presidential Inaugural
parade….less than 2 weeks ago. I just got home and saw this on Rev. AL. This may have been mentioned before but I had to mention it as I was so deeply touched.
After watching our bold and courageous Gabby make her case this morning I was so thrilled that we were on the right track forward.
My prayers will be made for this girl’s family along with all the other victims. After Sandy Hook, now this.
be careful; same system went through here around 5 this morning; we managed to not have any severe weather, but we are still having some winds and rain, temp is dropping though.
The title of the article was hyped but it did make clear that the University of Chicago had bought the property and was also lobbying for Pres.Obama’s library. Therefore, if the Univ. of Chicago gets it, THEN the parking lot MAY be used for those visiting the presidential library.
I watched part of the hearings today, but had to turn it off listening to Sessions pontificate during his questions. No disrespect to Gabrielle Giffords or the Newtown parents, but where was the representation from the people who look like me. Let’s be honest the majority of gun violence affects people of a darker hue than was represented on the panel today. This reminded me of the hearings on the healthcare birth control where only men were testifying. I’m not whining mind you. I am just stunned that in the year 2012 and despite electing an african american president, we are still not afforded a seat at the table unless it is a black issue.
We shouldn’t wait for invitations. We should just go. I doubt we’d be banned at the door. Sometimes it’s just a matter of nobody with diversity showing up to represent. In this year 2012, we really don’t need an invitation to attend events that matter to us. Someone complained recently that there were few women of color added to the ranks of newbies in Congress – and then it turned out that very few had actually run. Sometimes it’s just up to us to show up and take a seat. Who’s going to stop us?
There are only so many like Sandra Fluke willing to take on the GOP, which is why affirmative action is still very important. I think those running the inquiry could do more to cover everyone involved – but I also think that the Sandy Hook parents will be the lever that puts gun control/safety into action.
gun violence touches people of every color…..the policy issues that are being addressed, at this point in time, are issues that PBO has pointed to as one’s he wants actions on……universal background checks, magazine size, and assault weapons……the higher the profile of people that have been directly affected the more people will pay attention……the people doing the shooting in these high profile cases have been white and male using assault weapons……..do you know of any high profile cases that should be represented………..I understand your frustration b/c the high profile cases are “at the table” and it seems that the everyday violence is being “forgotten” when the high profile cases are but the tip of the iceberg…….We have to take baby steps to be able to run…..I personally believe that the causes are so deep that until we can reach the depth of them we are just putting a band aid on violence…How do you get rid of gangs? Why are people so angry and have no morals so they think it is just fine to settle disagreements with gun violence? It’s not all mental illness….it’s culture in all our races…the culture of violence.
Amen brother … I am white, but I agree with you wholeheartedly. Okay, everyone here complains about Sessions. Well, I have to live in this state that he “supposedly” represents. What can I do? Seriously, if there is something you think I can do (buying my own gun and going to his office has occurred to me … but I am a liberal, so that won’t happen, right?) please tell me. I have written letters, emails, and faxes … and I get the placating … “well, but ….yada, yada, yada letters back. I get so angry, just not angry enough to arm myself and take someone out so they can give us their proverbial “both sides do it” meme.
Where 50,000 Guns Recovered in Chicago Came From
The Chicago Police Department traced the origins of about 50,000 guns that it recovered between 2001 and March 2012.
More than half of those guns came from outside the state.
So what can be done in Chicago to stop the senseless gun violence? Read yesterday about a mother who lost all 4 of her children to gun violence. Too sad.
‘ For his part, the N.R.A. leader ended his testimony by serving notice that he would “resist any attempt” to take away the hundreds of elected officials he says are legally his.
As if to illustrate that point, he clutched Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) close to his chest and bellowed, “From my cold, dead hands.” ‘
amazing how the truth is revealed, just by substituting the word ‘politician’ for ‘gun’ in much of the discourse.
tell me again how it’s just too hard for congress to legislate gun safety. these kids are taking a righteous and courageous stand, and our representatives need to step up to their example.
I have mixed feelings about this. I don’t know if our country deserves to hear from these kids, this country with so many unwilling to agree to even the most basic of common sense gun laws. These kids likely trust that the adults in this country will do everything in their power, move heaven and earth, to try to make sure such a tragedy does not happen again. And so many care more about their guns than they do any safety precautions for our kids, any peace of mind for parents. It’s too much to believe.
Nice yardarm. Mingus on bass (I can hear him shouting on the 2nd cut) Billy Bauer who came out of Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd and did a lot of work with Lenny Tristano. Kenny Clarke? Don’t get me started.
Yardarm, thank you so much for sharing these two exquisite selections. I would love to be in your basement! I am old school. Whenever I am under stress, or I am angry about this or that, I turn to Jazz for spiritual uplift.
There is a web site that will give you the old stuff on a daily basis for free. Do you want the hook-up. Let my know.= yardarm@nelsondyer@sbcglobal.net
I know this pales in comparison to all the people shooting deaths, but some gun nuts decided to get their kicks by shooting 2 cows in Ct. They were the farmer’s pets, with names. Angel had to be put down as she was shot in the face, the other survived. But what is wrong with people? It’s like the whole country has gone gun loco. Barbaric. And anyone able to do this to animals is one step away from doing the same to people.
That’s heartbreaking too. Animal abuse does lead to human abuse. But we in America are selling dogs and cats to Asian countries. Just sick of all this needless death. We are better than this. I hope.
Just had a lady who said that the computer was telling her she couldn’t send an email. She wasn’t getting an error message; the computer was talking to her. Really, I’ve been getting all the freaks for about a week now.
My perfectly normal, healthy, happy and well adjusted 10 yr. old Grandson is now going through headaches and being very emotional and nervous…….His pediatrician can find no medical reason nor can an optomitrist……..reason…….he is afraid to go to school now, he loved school and excells academically and socially…there is an armed Sheriff Deputy at the school, all day long, and they are being made to go through lock down practices in case someone comes in the school and starts shooting…….Those NRA SOB’s have robbed my Grandchild of his childhood…..the damn deputy sits in an office and does paperwork….I’m sure he would be very effective in protecting those children from a crazy person with an assault weapon…..NRA parents requested it from the county…..
I have 2 grandkids in Ct. whom I’m concerned about. So far they’re carrying on, but my daughter said she would find my granddaughter awake reading in the middle of the night following the shootings, saying she couldn’t sleep because of the massacre. I imagine all kids to some degree have forever been altered. I think they also have law enforcement outside their schools now. It’s all so horribly sad. I keep thinking—-what has happened to our country? It’s overrun with morons with guns.
These are the children who have been, dare I say, irreparably damaged by the Newtown massacre, and we have no way of knowing how many. I confess I try not to think about it, because when I do I’m always horrified that such a thing could happen in an elementary school. These children trusted us to take care of them in a safe place and we failed for whatever reason. The fact they were where they were supposed to be, and were ruthlessly gunned down just destroys something in me every time I think of it. I feel I have no right to ‘insist’ that a child go to school , no right to insist that they be confronted daily, hourly, minute-ly with the symbols of violence that are so prevalent. This is a confusing rant, I know, but I find the whole situation troubling, and I sympathize with the children who are having different reactions.
Your grandson is experiencing some kind of PTSD caused by the constant climate of fear being produced in his school. This is mental abuse. I hope his parents take this up with the school board and that they go armed with medical records, primary care, psychologists, etc. The parents may want to write a letter to the editor of their local newspaper. There may be other parents whose children are experiencing the same PTSD. This must stop. I hope there are grownups who are willing to fight for the help your grandson and the other children need right now.
I just watched video of Senator Durbin in the hearing today. He really dealt with LaPierre, but a very profound part of the hearing was when he apologized to Mark Kelly for not having these hearings two years ago after Gabby was shot. He apologized that it has taken two years and all the subsequent events. He also thanked him and Gabby for their testimony and courage.
He then talked about the 15 year old girl from Chicago, and the problem with guns and where the guns in Chicago come from. He is visibly shaken by all of this. I would hope that more of those people would be so too,enough to act. As someone said, this should not be hard; it is the right thing to do and should be a no-brainer.
Well, I need a plan….I need to be led…..I have called my representatives, congress and senate….what more can we do?…..is there a list of other politicians to call?…..I don’t tweet(just read) but I am a fiend at email and snail mail….I have received no more messages from OFA since I donated…..IT’S TIME…..
If you have not joined yet….please join Gabby Giffords organization and the Sandy Hook Promise organization. I think we should write these organizations and plan a 50 State Support of Gun Violence Legislation. I am writing a letter to the SHP organization to promote themselves with green ribbons and bumperstickers for people to wear and put on their cars as support against gun violence.
Geez—-that little kid, 5 or 6 yrs. old, is spending the 2nd night in a bunker that is 4ft. wide, 6ft. long and 8ft. deep, held hostage by that anti-govt., survivalist madman who shot and killed his bus driver.
Hello everyone – I am also in tears watching/hearing/reading about Gabby. And then I read about the “Mom” who needs to protect her young with an AK-15 – and then I read about Lindsay Graham using the EXACT same argument – and then I thought
Who owned the guns used for the massacre at Sandy Hook – oh my gosh – it was the Mom – she definitely needed an AK-15 for protection. Are these people born stupid, or do they just accept the NRA cash and open mouth?
I meant to add – stay safe to all those in storms way – the natural elements provide more than enough havoc – something any number of weapons have no control over.
And more stupid……like Missouri. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/01/28/tennessee-wants-to-tie-welfare-benefits-to-good-grades/. Our very own Stacey Campfield. He was on Martin’s show yesterday talking about this and Martin had him tongue-tied for sure. He even said, “We’re not asking these kids to be rocket surgeons.” Isn’t it rocket scientist? Gees, he is stupid. Oh, he’s also the “Don’t say gay” senator and THAT bill is up again this session and is even taken further. New bill says if a teacher suspects a student is gay, teacher must turn in that student. I just have no words…………………….
Obama White House.gov
The Obama Diary 
Good Day Tods:-
Hiya kasai. Congrats.
Thank you:-) This never happens to me…
It’s all good. Trust me on that.
Kasaiiiiiiiiiiiii, helloooooooo!
Hello Chips……Gabby’s letter got me sobbing:-(
Bless her heart….
She’s an amazing, inspirational human being, Kasai.
Congrats on first Kasai!
1st?
A three-way tie Elle, say hello to your fellow triplets, Kasai and Yardarm!
🙂 🙂 🙂
I gotta be close!
Damn. Third is better than turd, I guess. 😀
3-way tie Admiral:-)
Naw. You got it fair and square. 🙂
A cigar for you, shipmate!
Puff, puff!
I am loving this Pic…Bless Gabby..and our President!
Whoa!!! Am I really First..??
Congrats Kasai!
Well, look-ee there! So nice to see you up there, Kasai! 😆 😆
Thank you (((VC))) nice to be here and up there 🙂
Thank you Carol 🙂
I was so sickened by this gun safety hearing I had to turn it off. Instead of doing something about the culture of rape, women are supposed to be armed to the teeth with AK-47s? DISGUSTING. If women were in charge, this BS wouldn’t be happening.
So glad to see you comment…I thought it was me. I can’t understand why it’s so hard to try to do something to stop innocent people from getting killed. It blows my mind!
my reaction, too: everyone’s saying this is hard. why? just do it, guys. it’s your job, and it’s way past time.
It’s hard because $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
The NRA is simply a lobbying group for gun manufacturers. The gun manufacturers have LOTS of money, so the NRA has lots of money. Congresscritters are afraid that money spigot will be turned off if there are ANY laws controlling guns.
As if escalating gun ownership in the general populace would make everything peaceful. It’s just beyond stupid.
I don’t want to have anything to do with guns. They need to stop forcing their nonsense on the rest of us.
Well, not quite. Not all women are sane…that testimony from Gayle Trotter was insane. She basically said that the only reason women get raped at such a high level is because of a lack of firearms in society and if more women had AR-15’s while they were being raped then voila! rape would cease to exist.
The stupidity and disturbing nature of that sentiment and her entire testimony left me aghast. There are some sick people in this world and a classic example is Trotter. She is one more reason why assault weapons should be banned.
She was nuts, I tire of women like this behaving as if they represent us all.. she has got to be in a very tiny minority who think this way.
I had to turn it off too. Same old.. very old crap, its like we just don’t evolve.
Be Bold!
Be Courageous!
Be Gabby!!
This is quite a different picture than the one of our President leaning over her bed in the hospital, touching her hand, as he seemingly prayed (that one touched my very most innermost being); I just know that his actions and prayers along with the millions of people praying for her, caring for her have all brought her to this day. There is a purpose in her recovery and she is living that purpose. So glad to see today’s picture.
I also love the pride and love in Mark Kelly’s eyes!
Yes and thank you kasai for the kind remark below. I am hurting right now; I cannot believe it about that 15 year old beautiful girl shot in Chicago after her performance in the inaugural parade. That is so sad. What are we going to do. And I live in Alabama where right now a man is holding a very small child as a hostage, who shot a bus driver and killed him, and who knows what else he was planning to do.
Oh My!..We need to organize with “Organization for Action”..and help President Obama pass gun laws…this is becoming the norm…A day hasn’t passed without gun violence..Enough is Enough!
The Alabama shooter=Wayne LaPierre’s legacy–namely that the answer for all life’s problems is guns.
“Alabama bunker suspect faced court date, neighbors say
Neighbors of Jimmy Lee Dykes say he was supposed to have been in court on Wednesday, facing charges that he’d shot at them during a December argument over the dirt road that separated their properties.
Instead, he was holed up in an underground bunker dug into his yard, surrounded by sheriff’s deputies, state troopers and police.
Also inside the bunker, authorities say, is a 6-year-old boy seized from a school bus at gunpoint Tuesday afternoon. The bus driver, 66-year-old Charles Poland Jr., was shot and killed, but school officials said Wednesday he saved 21 other children on board.”
So his fear about the outcome of a trial regarding his gun use drove him to use his gun to kill a man and take a 6-year-old child hostage at gunpoint–a child who needs daily medication by the way.
How manyincidences of gun irrationality do we need in order to get some rational policies in place to stop this madness?
I was just going this. Thanks for doing the dirty work. Hope someone can talk him out. :cry
😥
Carolm, I hope they have expert hostage negotiators on the spot and the Alabama authorities had the sense to call the FBI. They’re dealing with a psychopath and they’re going to need all the help they can get. It makes me sick to think of the terror that little boy is going through.
I know, it’s awful. He may have food stockpiled. I hope the media announces every time there is gun violence.
Gabby and Mark are both two amazing people. The horrific life event that Gabby suffered would have strained most relationships, but they seem so close to each other and so filled with love. For Gabby to have come this far is nothing short of a miracle and I doubt she could have without Mark’s unwavering support. She has a long road yet to go, but her support system in her husband and family is simply the best.
Amen to “There is a purpose in her recovery and she is living that purpose.” Thank you Daisydem 🙂
Congrats Elle, Kasai & Yardarm on #1!!
Don’t see it. WordPress put me in at #3 and I can live with that as long as I can make the top 10. 😀
Thank you HP:-)
Excellent. And he also said that his recovery caused a change in his view of things. So, he lied.
he was specific in his alleged ‘change of heart’. He said people on Medicaid should be able to get more physical therapy for a stroke. The question that came to mind: what about people who earn just enough to not qualify for Medicaid and don’t make enough to have adequate insurance? Does he give a shit about them?
Obviously, he sat on his pampered ass without a care in the world for a God damned year, and has the audacity to vote against Sandy aid. Despicable.
At some point, voters have to be held accountable for voting in these despicable people. The despicable people have a right to be despicable – they’ll pay for it sooner or later. But, if people vote them in thinking they’ll be anything other than what they are, then that’s delusional. People’s eyes should be open by now. If those on Medicaid, or needing Sandy relief see Senator Kirk being so mindless in his actions, then they should vote for someone who will actually serve them better next time. Same with the Scott Brown scenario in Massachusetts. If those people vote for Scott Brown this time, after seeing him pander to them on some votes, but generally behave like his obstructive peers in the GOP – then they can’t complain when they get what they voted for. Same with Chris Christie. Same with all GOP and blue dog Democrats. At some point, you just get what you pay for (or vote for, as the case may be).
I agree, Theo, but in the meantime, those of us who didn’t vote for them have to suffer. In 2010 enough people in this country lost their sanity to elect some of the most dishonest, hateful and despicable people to Congress in our nation’s history. Now we are paying the price everyday, in the stupid and sadistic actions of these deeply disturbed people. 2014 has to be the year when the sane reclaim this country and our Congress.
Until the sane voters outnumber the insane ones, we’re going to keep getting these loons in Congress. We have to start working now to nominate and elect a good Congress in 2014 – we can’t waste any more of this President’s time with these crazy, lazy people who are running around Capitol Hill these days. There are more sane people than insane people – the sane people just don’t vote in the large numbers in off-Presidential years.
Hi, theo, I really do not believe that the insane voters outnumber the sane ones. The biggest problem we need to overcome is complacency. Voting is not only a right, it is the responsibility of citizenship. I agree that undue restrictions and outright voter suppression are huge problems. But the even bigger problem is that so many people just don’t bother to vote. It is easy today to get accurate information on candidates and issues – so there is no excuse for not being informed and not voting. Every time a citizen simply ignores an election, he or she empowers the extreme elements in the electorate. I guess it will be our job in Organizing for Action to talk to as many people as possible and build networks of voter information and support.
The people who vote in their incompetent representative/senator don’t think their representative/senator is incompetent….it’s other peoples/states representatives who are incompetent who don’t think like Senator Kirk. People who don’t live in the state that needs disaster relief are the ones who don’t want their representatives to vote for it……of course until THEIR state has a natural disaster and needs help. We need to take this away from Congress and Senate and give it to the Executive. The funds should be in the Military Budget that the President can tap when their is a disaster.
People vote for stupid reasons. They know someone who knows someone who knows someone. They called their representative and didn’t get to speak to them personally right then. They like how one candidate dresses. Stupid reasons. They don’t take their citizenship seriously. They give the excuse that they are all the same. It is going to take people knocking on every door again. How frustrating and exhausting.
Good idea, jojo. Sufficient money should be voted up front that this idiocy in Congress doesn’t hold up aid to suffering people because of politics.
I should change>..HopeFruit2 sounds much better:-) Thank You
This is off subject, but for climate change deniers. Yesterday it was 74 degrees. Fell asleep with my window up and awoke at 2 am freezing. The wind was howling and it was snowing like crazy.
yikes!
[OT but LOL!! Tom Joyner smacks Tavis Smiley: “Tavis is afraid of what will be said about him and it’s driving him crazy.”]:
[…..] On Inauguration Day, television personality Tavis Smiley and his friend former Princeton professor Cornel West lashed out at President Barack Obama for using a Bible belonging to Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. for his swearing in. (Never mind that the King family gave Obama the Bible, and attended the Inaugural to witness its use.) That same day, Smiley’s onetime friend and host of the show that made Smiley a household name among many black Americans, slammed Smiley’s comments, saying his former protege is “fascinated with his own legacy.”
Noting that Smiley said in his latest attack on Obama, this time on CBS Sunday Morning, that “Obama is a politician, and a pretty good one, but King was a prophet. And while I can appreciate the president’s fascination with King’s legacy of unarmed truth and unconditional love, I’m feeling some sort of way about King being used symbolically for public pomp and circumstance, but disregarded substantively when it comes to public policy,” Joyner had this response:
“… I believe that Tavis is the one fascinated with Dr. King’s legacy, but more importantly Tavis is fascinated with his own legacy, and that’s not good. He wants more than anything to be remembered the way Dr. King was, and to some how make that kind of mark on the world.
“Dr. King wasn’t concerned about how he would be remembered, he was concerned with doing good and doing right. In the end, that made him great. Tavis has done a lot of good things but his obsession with becoming great is destroying him. The whole issue with the inscription on the King Memorial illustrates the differences between Tavis and Dr. King. Days before he was killed, believing that death was imminent, Dr. King dealt with it publicly in his Drum Major speech.
“Dr. King knew good things would be said about him in death and he was humbled at the idea of it. Tavis is afraid of what will be said about him and it’s driving him crazy. …”
.
More here: http://thegrio.com/2013/01/26/tom-joyner-on-tavis-smiley/
What Tavis doesn’t get, with his vile comments, is that President Obama is a living realization of the dream that Martin Luther King had, and even Tavis himself – being free to be as vile as he can be – is another living realization. Each man being judged by the content of their character, not just by the colour of their skin. And Mr. Joyner is absolutely right – while President Obama’s place in history is secured (and will be marked with glowing terms and heaps of praise), Tavis Smiley should indeed be afraid of what people will say about him and his nasty, envious self.
Amen. Tom Joyner knows Tavis well because they have known each other for many years. Tom has watched this man’s core. HZ
You are absolutely right, HZ! Tom Joyner knows Travis Smiley and Joyner’s take about what Tavis is all about is spot-on. Poor Tavis! He may covet Dr. King legacy, thinking he can achieve it by denigrating President Obama, but when the history books are written, President Obama will figure prominently; Tavis Smiley, on the other hand, would be lucky to earn a mention in the footnotes.
Be advise that there are a lot of people ahead of the “Poverty Pimp”. He doesn’t even the groceries to be mentioned with a Fannie Lou Hamer, WEB DuBois, Medgar Evers, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and others. He isn’t even a bunion on the footnote of history. 😦
More like a zit. His jealousy of the President showed us his true nature. He’s a bitter, vindictive and small man. I’m glad Tom called him out (again) — he knows him well.
I knew he couldn’t be trusted from way back though. He has those dead, shark eyes. Face smiles, but never his eyes. No light in them at all. Tells you something’s dead inside there.
If it was ever anything in there to start.
I was trying to be generous, but I am with you 100% that Tavis Smiley will not merit a mention in the footnotes of history.
Fist bump and to the chest!
“He isn’t even a bunion on the footnote of history. ” 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
And that’s the truth.
Hellll….
He should be afraid of what folks are saying …while he is alive…!
Indeed!
Bravo, Prettyfoot! You hit the nail on the head.
smilin
To think that I once respected Tavis Smiley. I used to listen to him every time he was on Tom Joyner.
Me too, but only because he was on Tom’s show. When Tom severed ties with him, there really was no reason for me to hear anything he had to say… still true today.
she is simply adorable….so thankful she has survived the murder rampage and can now speak out against the violence. love her!
Totally awesome. Her heartfelt remarks and miraculous recovery had me in tears. Congress MUST listen to her. Gabby Giffords is an inspiration.
Sam UK so good to say hello to you. I hope all is well with you. I was a totally full flowing faucet as she spoke. I just went through my prayer/meditation box that I keep on my table in my library/music room, and there were so many for our beautiful Gabby and Mark. So my tears flowing this morning were again, giving thanks and speaking goodness out into my space for the continued healing of Gabby and the work that she and her loving strong husband, Capt. Kelly are showing all of us. HZ
that should get the rethug heads exploding!
I certainly hope so.
It’s already started…
OMG – I almost choked on my sandwich at this news! It gives me a strange joy to think of those exploding heads…
Someone commented that it was sad and disgusting. It was an apartment building that he lived in for a bit. Geesh.
I don’t know how I feel about this. The right wing nuts will have a dam fit. Did this info come from the White House? Till it does I won’t believe it.
Reagan lived there in 1915 and its not registered as some historical site so it doesn’t matter what they say. The article states that the University of Chicago purchased the building and they are planning on tearing it down to make into parking lots. The University of Chicago is also lobbying to be the home of Pres.Obama’s presidential library. Therefore Obama is bulldozing Reagan’s home to build his library. LOL!!
Besides, there are way too many Reagan “shrines” around the country, as it is.
Theo, to this day, I still don’t know what was so great about Ronald Reagan. Was it the Iran-Contra Scandal? Was it his premature sending of Marines into the Lebanon Civil War and then cutting and running after over two hundred marines died following a terrorist bomb? Was it his invasion of a tiny (and I mean tiny) caribbean Island of Granada over some flimsy lies that were just as bad as Bush’s lies that led to the invasion of Iraq? Was it his belief that trees cause pollution or that ketchup is a vegetable? Or may be it was the fact that he presided over the largest deficit, which was greater than those of the 39 presidents before him? To this day, I still can’t think of a major achievement by Ronald Reagan other than the fact the media loved him.
By the way, I also can’t think of Reagan’s major accomplishment as governor of California. Fortunately, I moved to CA in the last year of Reagan’s governorship. Californians couldn’t wait to elect a Democrat, Jerry Brown, to replace Reagan.
You and me, both, nathkatun7! I don’t understand it either, especially given the unscrupulous things he did, and the lies he told, and the things he did to start this country on the road to the Republican policy hell that exists today.
Well, I hope the neighborhood where the library is going to be will be befitting a President – either now or after they clean it up.
Have they decided if the library will be in Chicago or Hawaii or both.
Not that I know of. I haven’t seen a formal announcement. At this time, I think it’s all still speculative.
Good. I can’t think of a better use of something connected to Reagan than to park cars on it. it still irks me that the airport in DC was renamed for him. I refer to it as National and will always do so. Too bad the Dems didn’t call the airport Roosevelt when it was first build. Airports already named for someone aren’t changed. That way we would have been spared the embarrassment of the current name.
I know. Used to have to fly into that airport for work. Still refuse to call it Reagan.
So happy to see you Dudette. Was worried about you because of the news of tornados.
Is this TRUE ? And if so, Is this REALLY necessary ? I’m pretty sure President Obama doesn’t have anything to do with it but I’m totally uncomfortable with that. I don’t think we would appreciate it if President Obama’s childhood home was destroyed to make room for the parking lot for the Presidential Library of a republican president.
Come on, I don’t like the mythification of Reagan, but sorry this looks like a provocation. There surely is another solution ???
OK so I reacted too quickly. Not the first time. Reagan didn’t live there very long. But good grief, this creates unnecessary animosity between dems and reps. I hate the coincidence that the Presidential Library for President Obama will have anything to do with destroying some place where Reagan lived.
Its an apartment building he lived in for part of his childhood in 1915. An entire apartment building is to remain unchanged because Reagan once lived there? And no, I wouldn’t care if it was Pres.Obama’s. Presidents have all sorts of monuments dedicated to them all over the country. Reagan’s memory will be fine.
Love it!!!!!!
When did such loons get a voice in the mainstream? How the hell have we come to this?!?!
“Another striking moment comes at the eight-minute mark of the video when Denver University Law School Adjunct Professor David Kopel responds to a question from Durbin about magazine capacity by saying “thank goodness” the Aurora, Colorado, shooter had a 100-round magazine because it turned out to be a “piece of junk” that jammed. That has to be the strangest argument in favor of high-capacity magazines that I’ve ever heard. I wonder if he’d change the argument if he felt that magazine quality had improved?”
I guess Durbin did us Illinoisans proud today. Thank God. It makes up a little for effing Mark Kirk voting against Hurricane Sandy relief yesterday.
I know nothing about the Denver University Law School, but “Adjunct Professor” usually means part time. He was an embarrassment to his school.
If he hasn’t been in the police force, I wouldn’t give his remarks much attention. Never heard of a Denver U law school. Thought it was at the U in Boulder or maybe Ft. Collins. But I’m often wrong. I’ll check.
Yes there is a university law school and its well established in Denver.
A little concerned about Martin Bashir—–Ari Melber filling in for him today, said something about Bashir was out with a health concern, especially since there was recent news that Bashir had been dealing with a brain tumor for some time.
Yikes.
He’s actually had that brain tumor for a while. He seemed ok yesterday. But, yes, I hope he’s ok.
I didn’t find he looked so good yesterday. I hope he’s okay.
[From FishbowlDC, last week]:
It was reported in 2008 that MSNBC’s Martin Bashir has a brain tumor. The illness is still there and causing problems.
“I have a brain tumor,” Bashir told FishbowlDC last night when asked why he was absent from his TV program Friday. “It’s fine but it causes a problem from time to time,” he said.
http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowldc/martin-bashir-inauguration-brain-tumor_b94449
That isn’t anything to play with. Depending on tumor location, it could be a death sentence(inoperable) or some serious surgery unless it can be reduce/eliminated with a proton/gamma knife. I had the surgery. My tumor was too big for the proton surgery.
Goodness gracious!!!! I’m praying for him, I love the man, still upset with him re: Michael. Trusting he will return tomorrow.
The freakout over Mo Cowan being appointed over Frank is just absurd. “What was he thinking?!!” to “Epic Fail”. Really? It’s 6 months.
I have no problem with Mo Cowan being chosen. If Frank wanted to stay in politics he shouldn’t have left the House.
True.
Anniebella, he is from Yadkinville, NC, on the beautiful banks of the Yadkin River, and a Duke graduate.
AMEN. I argued that exact same point with my mom a couple of days ago.
Yep, me neither. Also, he forced the Gov’s hand by blabbing to the press about how he should be appointed instead of appealing to the Governor privately. That was the height of disrespect and he should’ve known better. So if he wants to be in the Senate, he’s free to run for the seat. Put up or shut up.
Go Senator-Designate Cowan!
Psst! Did you notice that he’s black too. Now white folks and LGBT folks are up in arms. Why shouldn’t AA’s help each other a bit when they get a chance. OTHER’S have been doing it for years without a whimper.
Not to mention, he might just be extremely well qualified to step into a temporary role and hit the ground running… Did they want the governor to appoint someone who should be a long-term Senator, and then take them out of the running for the special election? I’m tired of these whiners. If they think they can do a better job, then why don’t they run for governor or President, so that they can make all the decisions. It’s exhausting.
Hear,hear!
Yes, let them do the very hard work of running for office and getting a majority of diverse people to vote for them. Then they can make any decision they want and get the brickbats thrown at them for a change. That, however, is too much like work for the keyboard wonders.
Exactly!
I’ve seen them argue that its not his color, its his lack of experience. Oh really? I guess we shouldn’t have sent Elizabeth Warren to the Senate then?
Katrina Vanderwhatever from The Nation tweeted that we should get rid of Senate appointments. Someone on twitter pointed out that she had recently pushed for Frank to be appointed. Not one word prior to today about getting rid of Senate appointments.
She’s nothing but a pair of bloomers hanging on a cloths line and flapping in the breeze.
LOL! that’s a lovely sight.
That’s the truth. Bloomers are old too!
It was the Governor decision, so whoever is not please with that decision, I say GET OVER IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yep.
What she means, GB, is we should get rid of any appointments that don’t satisfy her. What an arrogant twit. I’m sure her comments are keeping Duval Patrick up at night.
Your example of Elizabeth Warren is excellent. This should be used to push back against EVERY person who complains about the “inexperience” of Mo Cowan.
The punditry and emoprogs are always doing the same thing. Decide in advance what they want, and if their precise demands are not met, they scream. They don’t even do their homework; they don’t listen to any arguments. Remember their screaming about Elizabeth Warren not being appointed at the head of the Consumer Bureau ? Richard Cordray has been GREAT, and he is very well qualified. But it was Elizabeth or nothing.
Now they have convinced themselves that NOBODY EXCEPT BARNEY FRANK can do a good job. I’m so so tired of their game.
Yes, yes! They do this all the time. Deval Patrick apparently didn’t get the memo or the list of liberal favorites.
Gov. Patrick was going to be on LOD tonight.
Was? Was it cancelled?
I don’t know. Haven’t heard one way or another. He said it Mon. Night.
Remember how some people yelled when the Governor of Hawaii made his appointment? That seems to have worked just fine. People get their minds set on what someone “should” do, then get bent out of shape when it doesn’t happen. This was the governor’s prerogative, and he made his decision. Gov Patrick seems to do very well politically and be pretty smart. HE is not going to do anything to weaken the President or his state. I have a feeling he and POTUS talked about this appointment when they had dinner at the White House after the election. POTUS knew he was going to appoint Kerry, they knew Patrick would need to make an appointment, they considered all sides, and both kept their own counsel. NO leaks. Surprise, surprise!
I enjoy Frank’s comments lots of times, but he overplayed his hand, and promised NOT to vote for Hagel’s confirmation…..very stupid. Patrick does not want the president sabotaged. Katrina will just have to get over it.
I’m sure he did talk with POTUS and I agree, Frank was a bit of a dick during the decision process.
“I’ve seen them argue that its not his color, its his lack of experience.”
Amazing! What congressional experience did Paul Kirk have when he was appointed by Gov. Patrick to replace Sen. Kennedy? How come all these experts on who is qualified to be appointed a Senator were totally silent! I am sorry, but they don’t fool me. This is all about white privilege, which, sadly, is still very widespread among some leftists! The people attacking Gov. Patrick think that they know better than him.
They do think so. Its almost comical.
From Wikipedia on Qualifications to be in U.S. Senate:
“Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution sets three qualifications for senators: 1) they must be at least 30 years old, 2) they must have been citizens of the United States for at least the past nine years, and 3) they must be inhabitants of the states they seek to represent at the time of their election. The age and citizenship qualifications for senators are more stringent than those for representatives. In Federalist No. 62, James Madison justified this arrangement by arguing that the “senatorial trust” called for a “greater extent of information and stability of character.”
The Senate (not the judiciary) is the sole judge of a senator’s qualifications. During its early years, however, the Senate did not closely scrutinize the qualifications of its members. As a result, three senators who failed to meet the age qualification were nevertheless admitted to the Senate: Henry Clay (aged 29 in 1806), Armistead Thomson Mason (aged 28 in 1816), and John Eaton (aged 28 in 1818). Such an occurrence, however, has not been repeated since.[20] In 1934, Rush D. Holt, Sr. was elected to the Senate at the age of 29; he waited until he turned 30 (on the following June 19) to take the oath of office. In 1972, Joe Biden was elected to the Senate shortly before his 30th birthday, but he reached his 30th birthday in time for the swearing-in ceremony for incoming senators in January 1973.
The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution disqualifies from the Senate any federal or state officers who had taken the requisite oath to support the Constitution, but later engaged in rebellion or aided the enemies of the United States. This provision, which came into force soon after the end of the Civil War, was intended to prevent those who had sided with the Confederacy from serving. That Amendment, however, also provides a method to remove that disqualification: a two-thirds vote of both chambers of Congress.”
That’s right Dudette!
Exactly, Dudette!
Gabby is a miracle, she is a hero.
You are absolutely spot-on, Yardarm! This is exactly what white privilege is all about! Last time Gov. Patrick appointed a white, straight male to replace the late Sen. Kennedy and no one made any fuss. This time he selects a black straight male to replace SoS John Kerry, and people, including the so called progressives, are up in arms. I am with Anniebella, if Barney Frank wanted to remain in Congress he should not have retired from the House of Representatives. And, if Frank wants to be U.S. Senator from MA then he should run for the job and convince the voters in MA to elect him.
Thank you for your support. 😉
I’m so glad he didn’t pick Frank! So happy. Two African Americans in the Senate is great, whether a Democratic and Republican.
I trust the judgment of Governor Patrick. He knows Mo Cowen better than anyone else in politics. As far as qualifications are concerned, I was amused by the comment of one of Boston’s political analysts who had a lot of contact with Mr. Cowen:
“I have to say, as someone who’s covered the Patrick administration from day one, the trains never ran as smoothly as they did when Mo Cowan was the chief engineer.”
[National Review took off all their hoods!]:
“And, if we are to take Hispanics at their word, conservative attitudes toward illegal immigration are a minor reason for their voting preferences. While many are in business for themselves, they express hostile attitudes toward free enterprise in polls. They are disproportionately low-income and disproportionately likely to receive some form of government support. More than half of Hispanic births are out of wedlock. Take away the Spanish surname and Latino voters look a great deal like many other Democratic constituencies. Low-income households headed by single mothers and dependent upon some form of welfare are not looking for an excuse to join forces with Paul Ryan and Pat Toomey. Given the growing size of the Hispanic vote, it would help Republicans significantly to lose it by smaller margins than they have recently. But the idea that an amnesty is going to put Latinos squarely in the GOP tent is a fantasy.”
[Bob Cesca]:
Honestly — I laughed so hard at this I broke a sweat. It’s extremely offensive, but the idea that someone thought it would be a good idea to publish this is hilarious to me.
[…..] The National Review agrees that we have a problem, but their contempt for brown people is simply too great to justify doing anything about it. And I suspect that is equally the case for much of the House of Representatives.
.
http://www.bobcesca.com/blog-archives/2013/01/republican-outreach-9.html
Ugh…He is on Chris Mattews show all the time
Bob Costa is on Chris M. This says Bob Cesca. Different guy? maybe I have the spelling wrong.
Bob Cesca is a great pragmatic progressive blogger.
Wrong Bob, Linda. Don’t think it’s Cesca on Tweety.
Sorry…you are both right….
Good grief, the Repubs talking about Hispanics are like rubes trying to read sanskrit. They haven’t the foggiest clue about the lives of Latinos and can only pidgeon-hole and marginalize anybody who isn’t exactly like them. Talk about feeling an elephant in a dark room. These people are hopeless. How about this, National Review: get off your rears and go out into the real world.
Gabby is a miracle!
The military in Lebanon, which shares borders with both Israel and Syria, said on Wednesday that Israeli warplanes have sharply increased their activity over Lebanon in the past week, including at least 12 sorties in less than 24 hours in the country’s south.
A senior Lebanese security official said there were no Israeli airstrikes inside Lebanese territory. Asked whether it could have been along the border on the Syrian side, he said that that could not be confirmed as it was out of his area of operations.
He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.
A Lebanese army statement said the last of the airspace violations took place at 2 am local time on Wednesday. It said four warplanes which flew in over the southernmost coastal town of Naqoura hovered for several hours over villages in southern Lebanon before leaving Lebanese airspace.
It said similar flights by eight other warplanes were conducted on Tuesday.
Israeli violations of Lebanese airspace occur on a daily basis and Lebanese authorities routinely lodge complaints at the UN against the flights.
.
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2013/01/2013130165625330449.html
What is going on here with Israel? Nobody wants another war or more military aggression.
I think Israel does. I wonder if war is their form of birth control?
Israel, no let me correct myself, that Prime Minister think if it gets it self into another war America will be there to fight for them. They need to think long and hard about that.
So true but when you think about it, this country has been in some kinda war on this planet since 1939. That is what this country thrives on. Guns, bullets and blood. That’s the ticket. That’s what Eisenhower was fearful of.
Now that the Iraq was has ended and the Afghanistan war is really winding down, the military-industrial complex needs other wars to continue to make profits. I have no doubt that there are all sorts of lobbying, all sorts of shadowy activities aimed at increasing tensions and creating armed conflicts in the Middle-East.
I think we need to pray that they don’t succeed. And I pray for President Obama each day, I pray that he finds good allies within the big administrative apparatus, allies that will help him push back against the neo-cons that are infesting the Pentagon, the think thanks, the big defense lobbies, etc.
Cheney and his pals did everything they could to start a war with Iran. Barack Obama is doing everything he can to resolve the tensions in the Middle East. One thing I’m very sure of, if there is a new war, it will be because President Obama has run out of options and he will accept that with a very very heavy heart.
Cheney needs to join and empty bedpans. He should be good at that. Please get him out of WY.
Hello my Chips and TOD Family. I am holding on with much hope in my body, but I want to thank Chips for posting the Judiciary Hearings this morning. I know , a lot of those on the panel were very difficult to sit and listen to; however those who could ‘stomach’ it, thank you so much. Not everyone of us will be able to tolerate these vile-thinking people especially now, but those who can’t, you can help in other ways to help Capt. Kelly and Gabby, our communities, and our president on these issues. So choose your role where your heart leads you.
I know our TOD Family believes that we all have an invested interest in this legislation. Our lives, no matter where we live or who we are, or where we may be when an incident may break out. I have many reasons, as all of you have to be involved any way possible to help move these Senators and Representatives to do the right thing. I believe we can get it done. Yes, we know that the conversation this morning from several on that panel was very difficult to listen to, but we hear them out(even if some of us heard some of them 18 years ago). Somewhere, hopefully someone will stand up to these greedy vile spirits and again look them in the eye as our beautiful Gabby did and say again, “Enough.”
,
But we can’t give up or get discouraged. That is what they want us to do. That is what they want to read from us. No, I will not give them that pleasure. I want them to know how damn angry,pissed off, very hurt, about what they are doing for greedy money and power. We all can think of a person, child, elderly person, or an officer, teachers, anyone who could be the next victim of our nation not having enforceable laws that will help in this situation. As I watched Mr. Kelly, I kept hearing him say, “Maybe, Maybe.” Yes, those were powerful words to go into the record this morning.
So as kaisi said above, let us do all that we can through OFA., and http://action.Americansforresponsiblesolution.org
I love you all so much, and remember POB’s Inaugural Speech. “We The People.” Also go back and listen to the speeches or POB when he went to speak about the shooting in Arizona, CO., VA., and CT. Listen to a clear core of a human being. Listen to our great leader. Listen to a father, listen to the brother of a teacher, listen to a clear, compassionate, caring, rational man, POB. And do not forget to listen to your hearts. We must right this for those children in all classrooms. Right It For All Human Beings. We are better than some of the crap that we heard this morning., but we saw and heard what we are up against, But we can win this. One Life , then it is still Right. (((((((((((((Love you all))))))))))HZ
amen, hz, amen.
Beautifully, said, HZ.
… as always. Thank you HZ!
Amen HZ. You always say exactly what we all need to hear. I am with you that this will NOT GO AWAY UNTIL LEGISLATION IS PASSED TO STEM GUN VIOLENCE.
I plan to write all the senators and legislators a letter expressing the need to pass legislation NOW. They need to pass Senator Feinsteins ban on assault weapons and high capacity bullet cartridges.
Really bad storms here in GA today… Adairsville had a Tornado …50 homes destroyed.
The Congressman from that District and both Senators votes NO on the Sandy relief bill..
stay safe, linda.
The storm suppose to be heading our way North Carolina. Hopefully nothing bad.
We didn’t get hit nearly as bad as predicted–thankfully!!! Lots of rain and some areas have flooding. We had some big rumbles of thunder, but we were forecast to have high winds and that hasn’t happened. Stay safe everyone.
Hi tnmtngirl, How are you? I was reading some of my written notes yesterday from my prayer/meditation box, and I saw some that I had written down for you. How is mom? I hope that I am not being too personal, but I sincerely care. Please be safe as possible and I will keep goodness in my thoughts for you as well as for Anniebella and Linda. (((((((((((((((( Lots of Hugs filled with Love)))))))))))))))))HZ
Thank you, sweet HZ. My mom is about the same. We are doing liquid morphine (very small dose) at least twice a day. This is keeping her much more comfortable. I texted w/her nurse few minutes ago and she said she had had an “okay” day. I will make my weekly trip tomorrow……hopefully in better weather than I would have had today.
I need to ask for prayer for my son-in-law and daughter. His Navy career got totally derailed/changed with the illness and death of our grandson (cancer…….almost 5 yrs. ago). The “chickens have now come home to roost”. He could not handle the deployment on the sub he was assigned to. Has been diagnosed w/depression and unresolved grief. He was trying to do the job as Dept. Head navigator w/out any prior sea tour experience. His JO tour was interrupted by Walker’s illness/death. He is on 6 month limited duty and will try to get a plan put together for his future. They do not want to leave the Navy. Please pray that God’s hand will be w/them and that they/he will “land” where they are supposed to be. Thanks!!
((((prayers to your son-in-law and daughter)))) during this difficult time. May God intervene and bring about a plan so that he may stay in the Navy and that they both get the grief counseling to help get them through the tragic loss of their child.
Prayers and hugs to you too tnmtngirl.
Thank you. God will make a way…………where there seems to be no way.
Our TOD Family is a loving and caring family. We are” our brothers and sisters keepers.” That is the beautiful and goodness of our core as human beings here. We no longer just move through life not giving some thought within our spirits how we can continue to move the political importance of our time to our brothers and sisters within our family here.
I want to thank Chips for allowing us the free and respectful movement to be as thoughtful, caring, compassionate, and loving with the highest respect for this space, our haven. This haven gives us opportunities to care about and give our support to our president with respect and total support. He is the standard for our love, hope, compassion, and caring for each other.
We come here daily under our beautiful Chips with information to help us be active supporters of POB. We come here with such a well of intellectual gems of knowledge of how our democracy is working in our lives. We bring to the table delicious appetites on political news that will give a tone to our partaking of what the various media outlets are trying to feed us daily. However, we never get caught up in the yelling and screaming of our opinions. We respect each other. We listen to each other, and we have become a beautiful TOD Family, thanks to our beloved Chips.
So, I want to say thank you to all who put up with me during this TOD Family journey with POB. But one thing I do know, POB will always be so proud of our family because we not only work hard to elect him and re-elect him, but we also complete the circle in how we treat and care for each other.,
So (((((((((((((((((((((( Tnmtngirl, Mom, daughter, and son-in-law))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) I will pray and meditate on your requests and ask for God’s perfect Way to be shown to you and your family. I love you, and I believe you have the love of your TOD family as well. Lift up your spirit to the goodness that is and will continue to come your way. ((((((( Love you tnmtngirl))))))))))HZ
Stay safe everyone – some weird weather all over the world – not a time to be debating relief efforts.
Yep, I’m thinking about tweeting them to see if they’re planning to request federal disaster relief.
Is this Ugly Betty?
Yes
Should be “Not So Ugly Betty” — quite a lovely young lady! 🙂
She’s been an Obama supporter since all the way back to the 2008 campaign.
More silly stuff.
> APHORISMS FOR THE YEAR…
>
> It’s not whether you win or lose,
> but how you place the blame.
>
> You are not drunk
> if you can lie on the floor
> without holding on.
>
> We have enough “youth”.
> How about a fountain of “smart”?
>
> A Fool and his money
> can throw one heck of a party
>
> When blondes have more fun,do they know it?
>
> Five days a week my body is a temple.
> The other two it’s an amusement park.
>
> LEARN FROM YOUR PARENTS’ MISTAKES
> USE BIRTH CONTROL
>
> Money isn’t everything,
> but it sure keeps the kids in touch.
>
> Don’t Drink and Drive
> You might hit a bump and spill something.
>
> If at first you don’t succeed
> skydiving is not for you
>
> Reality is only an illusion
> that occurs due to a lack of alcohol.
>
> We are born naked, wet and hungry.
> Then things get worse.
>
> Red meat is not bad for you
> Fuzzy green meat is bad for you.
>
> Ninety-nine percent of all lawyers
> give the rest a bad name.
>
> Xerox and Wurlitzer will merge
> to produce reproductive organs.
>
> Alabama state motto:
> At least we’re not Mississippi
>
> ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS NO
> MATCH FOR NATURAL STUPIDITY.
>
> “You know why a politician is like a banana?”
> “He comes in and first he is green,
> then he turns yellow
> and then he’s rotten.”
>
> “I think Congressmen should wear uniforms,
> you know, like NASCAR drivers, so we could
> identify their corporate sponsors.”
>
> The reason Politicians try so
> hard to get re-elected is that they
> would ‘hate’ to have to make a living
> under the laws they’ve passed.
I think all AMK’s cats & dogs are about to rain on DC Metro area. How are guys doing in this storm’s path?
Ah, that reminds me of something I saw today. Be right back…
Off-Topic and Totally Mindless: Discovered this website (www.worth1000.com) with photoshop contests — beginning and advanced level. Lots of neat galleries of images in huge array of subjects.
Here’s a new latest gallery of images for the celebrity as a vampire contest — Vladimir Putin and Mick Jagger gave me chills
http://www.worth1000.com/contests/29592/celebrity-vampires-8
Here’s one of celebrities photoshopped as Star Wars characters
— there are a few in these that my TOD Family might find particularly interesting 🙂
http://www.worth1000.com/contests/26688/celebrity-star-wars-7 (see #60 in this one)
http://www.worth1000.com/contests/27623/celebrity-star-wars-8 ( see #2 – they done my boy wrong on this one)
http://www.worth1000.com/contests/28466/celebrity-star-wars-9 (see #33)
http://www.worth1000.com/contests/29196/celebrity-star-wars-10 (see #4; #14 in this one gives me feevah!)
you rang ?
ashley judd and husband divorcing:
‘ Potential Senate hopeful Ashley Judd and her husband of more than 11 years are calling it quits.
The “Missing” actress, who served as a Democratic National Convention delegate last year and has flirted with a run for the seat of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) in 2014, confirmed the split from racecar driver Dario Franchitti, 39, in a Tuesday statement. ‘
Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/280185-ashley-judd-husband-ending-marriage#ixzz2JV6v1Pxg
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love this: ‘ White House: GOP responsible for contracting economy ‘
‘ White House press secretary Jay Carney laid the blame for a surprise economic contraction squarely at the feet of congressional Republicans Wednesday, saying economic threats during the “fiscal cliff” negotiations had prevented important defense spending.
“Our economy is facing a major headwinds, and that’s Republicans in Congress,” Carney said. ‘
Read more: http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/280129-white-house-republicans-responsible-for-gdp-shrink#ixzz2JV7UE9Ea
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Good for Carney. Call them out for the obstructionists they are. They are lousy for the country and lousy for the economy.
Excellent. I was advocating the same thing just 12 hours back.
Well I hope the best for Ms. Judd .
I see one of the shooting victims from today’s mass shooting in Phoenix has died. They haven’t identified him yet, but I suspect he is the one who was earlier identified in critical condition, a prominent lawyer, president of the Phoenix chapter of Fed. Bar Assoc. 2 other shooting victims hospitalized along with 2 others. Shooter not apprehended at last report.
May he rest in peace. I hope the others pull through.
The nuts are coming out of the woodwork.
testing…since my computer is busted, I’m using my old one so I’ve got to log in to all my accounts by memory.
test passed.
I see you. 🙂
‘Sup guys.
Man, I got so used to having 7 straight days off, that this new 5 days off, weekends off (at least until I am trained) is killing me. I get home and I just don’t feel like going out again. On weekends, I just have to sleep in late, so half the day is gone and it’s back to work…lol.
It’s only been 3 weeks, so I know it’s gonna become old hat, but right now, I’m just tired…lol.
But my weekends are free, so I have been able to see my grandmother (I’ve spent the last 3 weekends with her) and I’ll be going to NOLA for the weekend since it’s my godson’s birthday. I wasn’t planning on going since I didn’t want to be bothered by the Superbowl traffic, but I did go for Maddie B-Day and I’d feel bad missing my other godbaby’s b-day. So off to NOLA I go this weekend.
Anyway, 2 more days until the weekend. Can’t wait.
glad to hear you’re getting into the swing of the new routine– and getting the rest you need, too! take care on the roads, and kiss that baby for us.
Every one of Rep. members of Congress from NC voted against Sandy relief…..and the storm is about 30 min from me…winds gusting and raining now….hang in there fellow East Coasters who are about to get this storm…..and thank heavens, all of you that it has passed made it through just fine….
Senator Burr also voted against Sandy relief.
Oh, I know….remind me to tell y’all about my lovely conversation with his office about gun control……if it wasn’t so sad it would have been really funny…
He is from North Carolina and he is another disgrace. A big fat disgrace. So is Walter B. Jones.
I recall Congressman Walter B.Jones of N.C. appearing on a white supremacists radio show in Tennessee last year.And I ask the local news why was it that they didn’t report that a member of Congress were appearing on racists radio shows, but the local new didn’t answer my question. And the Congress didn’t answer my question either, but to me it speaks volume about these Republicans.
i just saw some video footage of the storm there– please dear tods in the area, take care!
All the Georgia Republicans too….and we just had a tornado
I am so heartbroken at the news of the 15 year old young lady that was shot and killed while sitting in a park near school in Chicago.
Her mother was weeping and that tore at me even more. This young lady was a performer in her school band in the Presidential Inaugural
parade….less than 2 weeks ago. I just got home and saw this on Rev. AL. This may have been mentioned before but I had to mention it as I was so deeply touched.
After watching our bold and courageous Gabby make her case this morning I was so thrilled that we were on the right track forward.
My prayers will be made for this girl’s family along with all the other victims. After Sandy Hook, now this.
As for Wayne LaPierre….THERE. ARE. NO. WORDS.
Just saw that they are sand bagging outside Whitehouse and it’s in tornado watch as we are….
be careful; same system went through here around 5 this morning; we managed to not have any severe weather, but we are still having some winds and rain, temp is dropping though.
Yeah, Daily Mail is even beneath The Sun or the former News of the World in terms of reputability.
I knew it had to be rubbish because there has been no announcement of an Obama Library and I don’t think decisions have been made as to location.
The title of the article was hyped but it did make clear that the University of Chicago had bought the property and was also lobbying for Pres.Obama’s library. Therefore, if the Univ. of Chicago gets it, THEN the parking lot MAY be used for those visiting the presidential library.
Why is the time on this tweet 11:41PM 30 Jan 13.? It’s 8:34PM EST here and the WH is in the same time zone as I am.
So glad I didn’t jump on that bandwagon. Sounded kinda hinky to me.
I watched part of the hearings today, but had to turn it off listening to Sessions pontificate during his questions. No disrespect to Gabrielle Giffords or the Newtown parents, but where was the representation from the people who look like me. Let’s be honest the majority of gun violence affects people of a darker hue than was represented on the panel today. This reminded me of the hearings on the healthcare birth control where only men were testifying. I’m not whining mind you. I am just stunned that in the year 2012 and despite electing an african american president, we are still not afforded a seat at the table unless it is a black issue.
We shouldn’t wait for invitations. We should just go. I doubt we’d be banned at the door. Sometimes it’s just a matter of nobody with diversity showing up to represent. In this year 2012, we really don’t need an invitation to attend events that matter to us. Someone complained recently that there were few women of color added to the ranks of newbies in Congress – and then it turned out that very few had actually run. Sometimes it’s just up to us to show up and take a seat. Who’s going to stop us?
There are only so many like Sandra Fluke willing to take on the GOP, which is why affirmative action is still very important. I think those running the inquiry could do more to cover everyone involved – but I also think that the Sandy Hook parents will be the lever that puts gun control/safety into action.
gun violence touches people of every color…..the policy issues that are being addressed, at this point in time, are issues that PBO has pointed to as one’s he wants actions on……universal background checks, magazine size, and assault weapons……the higher the profile of people that have been directly affected the more people will pay attention……the people doing the shooting in these high profile cases have been white and male using assault weapons……..do you know of any high profile cases that should be represented………..I understand your frustration b/c the high profile cases are “at the table” and it seems that the everyday violence is being “forgotten” when the high profile cases are but the tip of the iceberg…….We have to take baby steps to be able to run…..I personally believe that the causes are so deep that until we can reach the depth of them we are just putting a band aid on violence…How do you get rid of gangs? Why are people so angry and have no morals so they think it is just fine to settle disagreements with gun violence? It’s not all mental illness….it’s culture in all our races…the culture of violence.
Amen brother … I am white, but I agree with you wholeheartedly. Okay, everyone here complains about Sessions. Well, I have to live in this state that he “supposedly” represents. What can I do? Seriously, if there is something you think I can do (buying my own gun and going to his office has occurred to me … but I am a liberal, so that won’t happen, right?) please tell me. I have written letters, emails, and faxes … and I get the placating … “well, but ….yada, yada, yada letters back. I get so angry, just not angry enough to arm myself and take someone out so they can give us their proverbial “both sides do it” meme.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/30/us/strict-chicago-gun-laws-cant-stem-fatal-shots.html?_r=0
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/01/29/us/where-50000-guns-in-chicago-came-from.html
Where 50,000 Guns Recovered in Chicago Came From
The Chicago Police Department traced the origins of about 50,000 guns that it recovered between 2001 and March 2012.
More than half of those guns came from outside the state.
So what can be done in Chicago to stop the senseless gun violence? Read yesterday about a mother who lost all 4 of her children to gun violence. Too sad.
Satire. Sort of.
http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/borowitzreport/2013/01/nra-defends-right-to-own-politicians.html?mbid=nl_Borowitz%20(75)
‘ For his part, the N.R.A. leader ended his testimony by serving notice that he would “resist any attempt” to take away the hundreds of elected officials he says are legally his.
As if to illustrate that point, he clutched Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) close to his chest and bellowed, “From my cold, dead hands.” ‘
amazing how the truth is revealed, just by substituting the word ‘politician’ for ‘gun’ in much of the discourse.
tell me again how it’s just too hard for congress to legislate gun safety. these kids are taking a righteous and courageous stand, and our representatives need to step up to their example.
Will there be 2nd Amendment absolutists jeering them in the stands? Probably.
I have mixed feelings about this. I don’t know if our country deserves to hear from these kids, this country with so many unwilling to agree to even the most basic of common sense gun laws. These kids likely trust that the adults in this country will do everything in their power, move heaven and earth, to try to make sure such a tragedy does not happen again. And so many care more about their guns than they do any safety precautions for our kids, any peace of mind for parents. It’s too much to believe.
For 9t9 and nathkatun
My contribution to Grand Master Yardam. Elmore James – The Sky is Crying
You got me on this. What else you got hidden over there? inquiring minds want to know?
Lets go way, way, way back………’Yellow Bee’ CHARLEY PATTON AND BERTHA LEE (1934) Delta Blues
You sure you really want to do this? I don’t compete with anyone.
Thanks, Lovelyplains, for sharing this. The Blues and Jazz played such an important role in my life when I was growing up.
Nice yardarm. Mingus on bass (I can hear him shouting on the 2nd cut) Billy Bauer who came out of Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd and did a lot of work with Lenny Tristano. Kenny Clarke? Don’t get me started.
Why not? We’re reading from the same sheet.
Yardarm, thank you so much for sharing these two exquisite selections. I would love to be in your basement! I am old school. Whenever I am under stress, or I am angry about this or that, I turn to Jazz for spiritual uplift.
There is a web site that will give you the old stuff on a daily basis for free. Do you want the hook-up. Let my know.= yardarm@nelsondyer@sbcglobal.net
Here’s something from my youthful days.
Oh nooooo! Try this.(I wish this thing had an eraser.)
Sweet now how about some old school w/ some new school “Five Long Years”
I’m down with that but notice Old School dressed for the occasion.
Ooooo, good stuff from you both (yardarm and lovelyplains). Will check ’em out when I get home. Thanks Family! 🙂
Yes Indeed! Really “good stuff” from the master and lovelyplains. As always, I am coming to the party a little late when everyone is already asleep.
Ok Yardam your on! Son House – Death Letter Blues
I know this pales in comparison to all the people shooting deaths, but some gun nuts decided to get their kicks by shooting 2 cows in Ct. They were the farmer’s pets, with names. Angel had to be put down as she was shot in the face, the other survived. But what is wrong with people? It’s like the whole country has gone gun loco. Barbaric. And anyone able to do this to animals is one step away from doing the same to people.
http://www.courant.com/community/north-stonington/hc-cows-shot-0131-20130130,0,1895912.story
That’s heartbreaking too. Animal abuse does lead to human abuse. But we in America are selling dogs and cats to Asian countries. Just sick of all this needless death. We are better than this. I hope.
Just had a lady who said that the computer was telling her she couldn’t send an email. She wasn’t getting an error message; the computer was talking to her. Really, I’ve been getting all the freaks for about a week now.
hahahahhahahahahhahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahhahaha!!!!! 😆 😆
They’re literally coming out of the woodwork. Is there a full moon out?
My perfectly normal, healthy, happy and well adjusted 10 yr. old Grandson is now going through headaches and being very emotional and nervous…….His pediatrician can find no medical reason nor can an optomitrist……..reason…….he is afraid to go to school now, he loved school and excells academically and socially…there is an armed Sheriff Deputy at the school, all day long, and they are being made to go through lock down practices in case someone comes in the school and starts shooting…….Those NRA SOB’s have robbed my Grandchild of his childhood…..the damn deputy sits in an office and does paperwork….I’m sure he would be very effective in protecting those children from a crazy person with an assault weapon…..NRA parents requested it from the county…..
I have 2 grandkids in Ct. whom I’m concerned about. So far they’re carrying on, but my daughter said she would find my granddaughter awake reading in the middle of the night following the shootings, saying she couldn’t sleep because of the massacre. I imagine all kids to some degree have forever been altered. I think they also have law enforcement outside their schools now. It’s all so horribly sad. I keep thinking—-what has happened to our country? It’s overrun with morons with guns.
These are the children who have been, dare I say, irreparably damaged by the Newtown massacre, and we have no way of knowing how many. I confess I try not to think about it, because when I do I’m always horrified that such a thing could happen in an elementary school. These children trusted us to take care of them in a safe place and we failed for whatever reason. The fact they were where they were supposed to be, and were ruthlessly gunned down just destroys something in me every time I think of it. I feel I have no right to ‘insist’ that a child go to school , no right to insist that they be confronted daily, hourly, minute-ly with the symbols of violence that are so prevalent. This is a confusing rant, I know, but I find the whole situation troubling, and I sympathize with the children who are having different reactions.
Your grandson is experiencing some kind of PTSD caused by the constant climate of fear being produced in his school. This is mental abuse. I hope his parents take this up with the school board and that they go armed with medical records, primary care, psychologists, etc. The parents may want to write a letter to the editor of their local newspaper. There may be other parents whose children are experiencing the same PTSD. This must stop. I hope there are grownups who are willing to fight for the help your grandson and the other children need right now.
I just watched video of Senator Durbin in the hearing today. He really dealt with LaPierre, but a very profound part of the hearing was when he apologized to Mark Kelly for not having these hearings two years ago after Gabby was shot. He apologized that it has taken two years and all the subsequent events. He also thanked him and Gabby for their testimony and courage.
He then talked about the 15 year old girl from Chicago, and the problem with guns and where the guns in Chicago come from. He is visibly shaken by all of this. I would hope that more of those people would be so too,enough to act. As someone said, this should not be hard; it is the right thing to do and should be a no-brainer.
I am in tears watching Gabby …
We must act NOW!
Well, I need a plan….I need to be led…..I have called my representatives, congress and senate….what more can we do?…..is there a list of other politicians to call?…..I don’t tweet(just read) but I am a fiend at email and snail mail….I have received no more messages from OFA since I donated…..IT’S TIME…..
If you have not joined yet….please join Gabby Giffords organization and the Sandy Hook Promise organization. I think we should write these organizations and plan a 50 State Support of Gun Violence Legislation. I am writing a letter to the SHP organization to promote themselves with green ribbons and bumperstickers for people to wear and put on their cars as support against gun violence.
Geez—-that little kid, 5 or 6 yrs. old, is spending the 2nd night in a bunker that is 4ft. wide, 6ft. long and 8ft. deep, held hostage by that anti-govt., survivalist madman who shot and killed his bus driver.
I was hoping that this situation would be resolved by now.
Hello everyone – I am also in tears watching/hearing/reading about Gabby. And then I read about the “Mom” who needs to protect her young with an AK-15 – and then I read about Lindsay Graham using the EXACT same argument – and then I thought
Who owned the guns used for the massacre at Sandy Hook – oh my gosh – it was the Mom – she definitely needed an AK-15 for protection. Are these people born stupid, or do they just accept the NRA cash and open mouth?
I meant to add – stay safe to all those in storms way – the natural elements provide more than enough havoc – something any number of weapons have no control over.
I might add that the Newtown mom knew her son had problems and yet she brought that weapon into the house. Where is the common sense?
Line of heavy storms have passed me….still have roof and power… so far….headed your way, I think, Anniebella and others…take care
Glad to hear you are O.K., Kathryn! I hope and pray that Anniebella and others in NC are well.
#NowIsTheTime
Yes We Can
Did I offend someone…..has everyone been blown away…..what happened?
thanks for keeping the lights on, kathryn!
watching Rachel and she is putting her finger on it….hmmmmmmm
I’m watching too Kathryn – other than attacking the new dem organization (for some disorganization) – she is doing a great job.
Glad to hear that your storms are gone by.
More goofy star wars photoshops
At least one has a reasonably nice one of my Joey
http://www.worth1000.com/contests/24246/celebrity-star-wars-6 (see #3)
I was about to go OFF when I saw #32 until I read the caption. Meltdown averted! 😀
thanks dudette – #3 is cute #9 is sad
Totally agree.
eek!
Let’s see how many parents sign up for this stupidity ? Even in fucking Missouri.
They are scaring their children – not saving them
New post:
http://theobamadiary.com/2013/01/30/the-time-is-now-2/
And more stupid……like Missouri. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/01/28/tennessee-wants-to-tie-welfare-benefits-to-good-grades/. Our very own Stacey Campfield. He was on Martin’s show yesterday talking about this and Martin had him tongue-tied for sure. He even said, “We’re not asking these kids to be rocket surgeons.” Isn’t it rocket scientist? Gees, he is stupid. Oh, he’s also the “Don’t say gay” senator and THAT bill is up again this session and is even taken further. New bill says if a teacher suspects a student is gay, teacher must turn in that student. I just have no words…………………….
Haven’t seen Lawrence on fire like this since his first show. He burned Ms. Trotter.
yo