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This week marks the 63rd anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on the civilian populations of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On August 9th, 1945 at 11:01am the United States of America dropped a nuclear bomb on a pre-designated city in Japan killing 80,000 people in the second of two nuclear attacks. This attack was the only time that nuclear weapons have been used as an instrument of war, and it could be the last, if we generate the political will to dismantle our weapons of mass destruction, abide by the nuclear non-proliferation treaty and create a federal level department of peace. At the time of the bombing the United States only had two nuclear weapons in its arsenal but since that time our stockpile of nuclear weapons has mushroomed to nearly six thousand weapons. Fortunately we have not used these weapons since then, but the only guarantee that they will never be used is if they do not exist. As tempting as it is to believe that we are a moral nation that would never use such terrible instruments of destruction, the fact is that we have used them and we can use them again if our military or elected leaders believe the situation justifies it. That is why it is more important than ever to dismantle weapons of mass destruction. ( categories: )
The Iraqi Parliament wants the US out of Iraq, and they have made it clear in a recent letter which called for US troops to be removed. The United States doesn't seem quite so inclined to oblige. Recently we learned that the Bush administration was engaged in secret negotiations to establish fifty military bases, control of Iraqi airspace and legal immunity for all American soldiers and contractors for an indefinite period of time. The congress must remain engaged and not give in to pressure from the military industrial complex or current administration officials from both sides of the aisle. If we are ever to step out of this quagmire there must be broad resolve by the American people to bring the troops home and close down the military bases. ( categories: )
Republican Senator Lamar Alexander has donated 15-thousand dollars from his reelection campaign chest to United Way. Oil money greases the wheels of commerce in Congress! (By way of ACK) ( categories: )
What does the Circuit Court race in Blount County, TN mean to you? How about the simple right to have a fair and impartial trial free from the politics of local party ties? Blount County Circuit Court Judge Mike Meares has said NO to the practice of accepting campaign contributions from lawyers ( and their wives! ) who practice in his courtroom. This very personal statement from Judge Meares has created an avalanche of criticism and much of it came from Judge W. Dale Young who is not even Meares' opponent in this race. Yeah, the very same Judge Young Link... Judge Meares has joined in the ranks of Bill Moyers and Sandra Day O'Connor in seeking judicial reform. Rikki Hall's article nails the whole issue in Blount County like no one else could. Link... Meet Judge Meares Link... and Link... ( categories: )
Many Tennesseans were stunned to hear the news that yesterday morning at 10:18am a lone gunman walked into a welcoming congregation in Knoxville and opened fire on the congregants who were gathered in anticipation of watching their children perform a scene from the musical "Annie" as part of the morning services, killing two people and shooting several more in the head before being tackled to the ground. That church, the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, is a beacon of joy and hope in East Tennessee. Its congregation is made up of some of the most loving, kind and gentle people in the fine city of Knoxville, and the horrific tragedy which was visited upon that church is a wakeup call to good people throughout Tennessee to re-examine our approach to gun control in Tennessee and throughout this nation. ( categories: )
Dragon and Splat KIDS DAY Offers Asian Games and Crafts Explore Asian Arts at the National Quilt Museum! Visit the Quilt Museum page on Art Museum Touring.com (Link...) . For the third year, the Quilt Museum is partnering with the Paducah Summer Festival for Kids Day in the Arts. See Events page (Link...). All activities will be free to adults and children! Plus, enjoy FREE admission into the Museum galleries to travel overseas with the exhibit 9th Quilt Japan, featuring premier Asian quilters. Scheduled Activities include: All-Day Arts Activities include: Name Writing in Chinese Characters; Create Japanese Paperdolls, Chinese Knots, Lanterns, Masks, Fans, Fortune Cookies, Fabric Coasters, Dancing Sticks; Sidewalk Chalk Art; Eye Spy in the Gallery; Face Painting; Musical Fun; Chopstick Games & Music; and Inflatables on the Lawn. Support your local galleries and museums! They are economic engines for your community. Sherrie ( categories: )
From the Padgett campaign, for immediate release: Padgett also said that his leading Democratic opponent, Nashville lawyer Bob Tuke, lacks a sense of the practical when it comes to the problem of energy. Best I can recall, this is the first time Padgett has mentioned his primary opponent in a formal press release. ( categories: )
Kleinheider reports that the TNGOP Statesman's Dinner will be closed to the press, and only those with tickets will get to enjoy an evening with Karl Rove.
It has been nearly three years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the gulf coast region, leaving behind a wake of suffering and human misery unmatched in recent American history. Sadly, the victims of this crisis are still suffering and residents of the Gulf Coast region are still waiting for the government to do the right thing by investing in the region, cleaning up and rebuilding New Orleans and surrounding communities. The scale of this crisis is unimaginable for a modern, developed nation with the industrial strength and collective will we have to remedy the situation. As a country, it is time for us to come together and call for justice for the victims of Katrina and Rita with a comprehensive, public works program designed to address the real needs of people who are still suffering from this natural disaster. In New Orleans and surrounding regions, people continue to suffer from unhealthy living conditions. Many areas lack basic social services and there always remains the looming threat of Mother Nature once again taking more. We have the means to address this crisis. Recently Congress introduced the Gulf Coast Works Act, which is designed to restore the region. The Gulf Coast Works Act will ensure that real progress is made toward restoring the environment, rebuilding infrastructure, and revitalizing the workforce of the area. The Act will provide 100,000 job opportunities for residents to rebuild their communities and it will create incentives for local and national business to participate in the redevelopment of the Gulf Coast region. If this bill is introduced into the Senate I will work to support this companion legislation as a candidate and work to ensure that all victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have the opportunity to rebuild their lives and make New Orleans the city it truly deserves to be. Real solutions to the problems of jobs, infrastructure development and environmental restoration are possible with the collective participation of our entire society. Unfortunately, at a time when the people of New Orleans really needed our support our President was too busy waging war halfway around the world. Instead of dealing with the real crisis at home, the Bush administration and FEMA largely neglected the disaster which had struck the gulf region, betraying a fundamental trust that the people have in government that it will be there at times of national crisis. Thankfully, some people still believe that when disaster strikes, we the people will respond. In addition to the numerous private efforts which have accomplished many good works since 2005, the federal government has finally woken up to the reality of the situation and is finally going to do something right. The Gulf Coast Works Act will create a federal authority with the ability to implement and coordinate the necessary federal response in the event of a future natural disaster in the region. It will put people to work rebuilding vital infrastructure and restoring the environment and it will spur sustainable development in the community, giving people a sense of dignity and justice. By working to rebuild the roads, levees, police stations, schools, firehouses and public utilities in the gulf region we are rebuilding America. By cleaning up the marshes, wetlands and restoring the natural ecology of the region we are protecting the planet. By serving as a national model for disaster recovery and infrastructure development we are protecting the future. for more information on the Gulf Coast Civic Works Act please visit: ( categories: )
The "Fahrvergnügen because it's a funny word" edition of the Tennessee progressive blog roundup with a look at what the best Tennessee bloggers are talking about this week • 10,000 Monkeys and a Camera: Fahrvergnügen! (a comprehensive roundup of VW Chattanooga news) • Tiny Cat Pants: As we all know, Bill Hobbs is on his great crusade to defund Planned Parenthood and instead move all that money into government-run services, because the TNGOP loves government-run healthcare, except when it’s proposed by Democrats. • BlountViews: Finney or Overbey? Who does a progressive support? PLUS: Lazy election coverage • Carole Borges: New Yorker loses its sense of humor • The Crone Speaks: It seems that when doctors themselves stop accepting insurance, their patients get better care at a more reasonable cost. • Cup Of Joe Powell: A blistering editorial on 1st District Congressman David Davis by the Editorial Board of the Bristol Herald Courier is out today and makes some excellent points: BONUS: Coffee War AND: Camera Obscura: Batmania (and more) • Don Williams: Al Gore’s daring challenge -- an ‘Apollo program’ to save the Earth • Tennessee Democratic Party Blog: The Associated Press released an article today explaining how a 30% increase in voter turnout for Obama in the black community could swing the South, including Tennessee, into the blue column. • Enclave: It's clear to me from this research that if you want a stronger economy that includes job creation, you have to run with Democratic Presidents. All of the conservative campaign rhetoric that moderate-leaning-left administrations will destroy American jobs is unsubstantiated in this research. • Fletch: Seagull Contrail PLUS: Still Life • KnoxViews: You can look up your bank or credit union at the following links to a) make sure they are insured, and b) check their financial statements and ratio reports, which are a quick snapshot of their performance. PLUS: John McCain posting on his blog. AND: Clinton (and Edwards) should be on the ballot in Denver • Lean Left: Massachusetts is now in the process of repealing the racist and obsolete law that Mitt Romney invoked to continue to limit marriage rights for gays after the state legislature removed the overt bar to marriage in the law. • Left Wing Cracker: Endorsements • Liberadio(!): Leave Robin Smith Alone! • The Pesky Fly: Atrios wonders why the image of the burning twin towers is seen by Republicans as a powerful image of their strength and resolve. • Progressive Nashville: Tennessee could save nearly six dollars in health care costs for every dollar spent on prevention according to a new study by the Trust for American Health. PLUS: Glass Houses AND: TNGOP Declares Victory in Iraq • Resonance:: What will it take to instill in our elected leaders a sufficient sense of urgency to act? $160/barrel oil? $180? $200? Whatever it is, it will come too late. • RoaneViews: Lincoln's Republican opponent, Whatshisname, doesn't live in our district and won't be our next Congressman. • Russ McBee: Not surprisingly, the EPA intends to stonewall the issue long enough to avoid taking any action until after Bush leaves office; nevertheless, it's astonishing that the EPA has finally dropped its hostility to nearly universal scientific consensus. PLUS: The phantom promise of offshore drilling • Nashville for the 21st Century: Congress-stakes: If A) Obama wins, and B) he offers Cooper a cabinet position, and C) he accepts...who would run for the open seat? I'll throw out some potential candidates, and follow with a poll. PLUS: Will Pelosi and Dean Block Hillary at Convention?: The DNC can't and won't change the rules so that only Barack Obama's name can be thrown out there. • Sharoncobb: Oh. You Have To See/Hear What Larry Craig Just Said: Oh Dear Lord. No one could make this stuff up. Here's what Larry Craig just said, and it's captured on tape: • Silence Isn't Golden Netroots Nation dispatches here, here, here, and here. BONUS: You are so Nashville if... • Southern Beale: Okay, kids, it’s time for that wacky new game: Elitist: Yes or No? PLUS: Memory Holes • Tennessee Guerilla Women: Sounds good. Except for the fact that for weeks now the media has been reporting that Hillary's name on the ballot is not assured, rather the question will be determined by negotiations between the Clinton and Obama camps. PLUS: Breaking MSNBC Political News: Hillary Clinton Has a New Hairdo! • TennViews: Voters say more focus needed on children's issues PLUS: Tennessee Senate 8th • WhitesCreek Journal: Republican Chair Robin Smith is a symptom of what is so wrong with our political process. There is a deep dishonesty in her half of the process and a willingness to let it slide on the part of most news media, and a massive double standard that examines Democratic candidates in minute detail but lets republican candidates get by with slanderous conduct. PLUS: Species Count for Whites Creek • Women’s Health News: HHS Attempts to Define Contraception as Abortion PLUS: Open letter to Obama:: I’d also like a pledge to not put anti-science, anti-woman yahoos in charge of, you know, science and women.
A recent survey by the Every Child Matters Education Fund found that voters want presidential candidates to focus more on children's issues, including 13 million in poverty, eight million without insurance, and three million reported abused or neglected. The ECMEF's "Homeland Insecurity" report shows that Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, New Mexico and Nevada are consistently at or near the very bottom on key child well-being indicators, while other states such as Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Dakota and Washington state fare better but still fall far short of the top G8 nations in the health and safety of children. Among the findings: • 82 percent, including 95 percent of Democrats, 65 percent of Republicans and 86 percent of Independents, are concerned about "a recent report from the international group UNICEF (that) ranked children in the U.S. as nearly the worst off in the industrial world". • Overall, 79 percent of voters say they would provide greater resources for health care for uninsured children. Large majorities of Obama's (93 percent) and McCain's voters (60 percent) would support greater funding as would 77 percent of swing voters, the only item where a majority of both sides agree needs more funding. • A quarter of registered voters could not give any response when asked about Obama's and McCain's strengths on children's issues. Over a third (34 percent) of all voters, and 46 percent of swing voters, were unable to identify things Obama has promised to do for children and families if elected President. Nearly half (48 percent) of all voters, and 57 percent of swing voters, could not answer the same question about McCain. • Majorities of all voters (57 percent) and swing voters (61 percent) find investments in children's health, education, and safety a higher priority than tax cuts. When compared to balancing the budget, 49 percent of all voters and 53 percent of swing voters find investments in children a higher priority. • Two thirds of all voters, including 84 percent of Democrats, 42 percent of Republicans and 66 percent of Independents, say they would be willing to pay more in federal taxes to help level the playing field for all American children. ( categories: )
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The Glow Within Encounters: Shane Fero opened Sunday at the Huntsville Museum of Art in Huntsville, AL. Visit the Huntsville page on Art Museum Touring.com (Link...) and get the schedule for their upcoming gallery tour in Huntsville on the Events page (Link...). They currently have two other exhibitions running at this time: Support your local galleries and museums! They are economic engines for your community. Sherrie ( categories: )
We caught up with Remote Area Medical just as they were loading out from this weekend's expedition in Blount County. Ron Brewer, Director of Tennessee Operations for Remote Area Medical, recaps the free clinic for uninsured and underinsured: If you would like to help Remote Area Medical bring free medical, dental, and ophthalmology services to America's working poor, uninsured, and underinsured, you can make a donation here. Previous KnoxViews discussion here. ( categories: )
Americans believe they have one of the best, if not the best, standard of living in the world. Indeed, some Americans have a fantastic standard of living, while millions of others live in near third world conditions. Many people who are poor, infirm, elderly or sick will turn to their family or community for aid and support in times of need. When that is not available they will turn to the government for help. The public welfare tradition of government support is a relatively new tradition, started in full force during the great depression of the 1930's through the recognition of government as a positive force for social change. Since that time, there has been a continuous dialectic between supporters of government as a basic safety net and detractors of government who feel that family is the basic social unit of society, and that government interference weakens the family and diminishes America. ( categories: )
The "saluting a mentally deficient nation of whiners without a FISA warrant" edition of the Tennessee progressive blog roundup with a look at what the best Tennessee bloggers are talking about this week. • 10,000 Monkeys and a Camera: Phil Gramm, the author of John McCain's economic policies, the man who brought us the Enron loophole, which in turn has led to $4.00+/gallon gasoline, the man who probably doesn't have a friend with a net worth under a million dollars, thinks that Americans who have lost their jobs, who can't decide whether to buy a prescription, a tank of gas, or a week's worth of food with their last $60 for the month, who have been forced out of their homes by a mortgage crisis that Gramm created -- that these people are just a bunch of whiners who can't get past a mental disorder that makes them only think that they are suffering economic hardships. Seriously. Take a moment to really absorb that. • Tiny Cat Pants: 287(g) Means Stealing Babies from Mothers • BlountViews: Willie Nelson cancels PLUS (IMPORTANT): Allman Bros., Please!: Please vote for the Allman Bros. here. • Carole Borges: It's 3 A.M.. What if McCain can't even remember where the phone is? • The Crone Speaks: So, it’’s important to note that when the people that have been harmed by the current economy, that was spurred by Phil Gramm’s legislative blunders, they get little help. When Bear Stearns cries, the Fed bails them out. • Cup Of Joe Powell: A peek at Kingsport Times-News reporter Hank Hayes' email on why he does not cover Democrat candidates for Congress..., plus: Kingsport Newspaper Still Refuses Coverage of Candidate Rob Russell, bonus: Mega-Micro-Blog-Feed-Mobile-Alert-Pod Nation • Don Williams: But he was much more than that -- author, artist, hunter, trapper, fisherman, farmer, developer, columnist, merchant, musician, yodeler, storyteller, botanist, broadcaster, poet, husband, father, seeker, dreamer and prophet -- and still more yet. For once you tramp around in the body of lore that falls under the name Wiley Oakley, you encounter variations on a theme that boil down to this: Wiley was a part of these mountains. • TNDP: Sen. Diane Black needs a coat • Enclave: According to Forbes, Nashville cannot compete with peer cities like Charlotte, N.C. in providing unemployment benefits to jobless workers who qualify for federal aid. • Fletch: Summer on the Salt Run • KnoxViews: Harold Ford Jr. responds to Gramm's "nation of whiners" remark • Lean Left: That makes my cost basis on that account $1,075. As of today, the balance in that account is $1,203.13, a profit of $128.13, and an ROI of 11.9%. Considering the age of the account (ten years), that makes my annual yield a whopping 1.1%! • Left of the Dial: I’m trying to determine which group has me shaking my head more this week: iPhone fanatics, villagers and tourists running with the bulls in Pamplona or my Baltimore Orioles. • LeftWingCracker: So, on that basis, whom would I rather see in that seat? Well, since A) I believe Blackburn should have gone to jail for inciting the near-riots surrounding the income-tax vote in the State Senate, and B) she is a Bush-Cheney parrot, and C) she lives in that most right-wing county, Williamson, I would go for Leatherwood. • Newscoma: Sen. Gramm, let me ask you sir, could you come over here to northwest Tennessee? I can show you about seven empty plants, downtowns with more closed businesses than open ones and -- awww, forget about it. You don’t get it. I understand that. Plus: I Want Immunity Too • The Pesky Fly: Headlines to Remember: Bush Readies Pen; Relishes Signing Wiretap Bill • Progressive Nashville: I suppose that now that I've mentioned Hobb's name here, he officially is a Progressive. Time to resign Bill, Progressives have no place on the GOP payroll. Plus: Alexander vs. McCain on Pork • Brian Arner's Resonance: Bush Administration: You Are Worth $1 Million Less Than You Were Five Years Ago - Accelerated depreciation? Plus: Fortune ponders the doomsday scenario of Fannie Mae and/or Freddie Mac folding. I smell a massive, taxpayer-funded rescue in the air. • RoaneViews: Whites Creek is Closed for Maintenance: There are several rare, threatened, and endangered species of various sorts living in and around Whites Creek. We'll have underwater cameras and other cameras and will try to document everything and report back on what these folks find. • Russ McBee: However, there may be one silver lining in all this: now that the telecommunications companies no longer face lawsuits for their (previously) illegal actions, they can be subpoenaed to testify before Congress in depth about their spying activities against Americans. Since they have immunity, they can no longer plead the Fifth when asked pointed, specific questions about their collusion. • Sean Braisted: get that people are upset with this, but c'mon, the death of the 4th amendment? Setting aside telecom immunity, what is so damned bad about this bill? Plus: Diane Black Getting Nervous • Sharon Cobb: I could deal with his move to the middle to get elected. I could deal with him not having the best health plan. But voting FOR FISA? No. I can't deal with that. ... You can go ahead and tell me "I told you so," but out of compassion, please wait a day or two to do so. Plus: It was only a matter of time before the election to see which side was going to put the fear of war into American voters so they might elect a warmonger instead of a peacemaker. This is going to be big news later on today, because it's just breaking now, and I had to go to Aljazeera English website for the information, as CNN is running something about Madonna. • Silence Isn't Golden: And wouldn't you know it, Troy King also happens to be the Alabama chairman of the John McCain campaign. This whole scandal is just way too perfect! Plus: Joe Lieberman Admits He's A Lying Schmuck • Southern Beale: By the way: is this elitist? Because I can’t tell anymore. I think these kind of statements are only elitist if a Democrat says them. It certainly shows how out of touch Phil Gramm is from the lives of ordinary Americans. Plus: McCain’s Free Pass: That teflon suit that George W. Bush has worn for the past seven years has been handed down to John McCain 100% intact. • Tennessee Guerilla Women: If you can believe it, Obama adulator Andrew Sullivan recently suggested that the Barack Obama campaign is "far too cocky for its own good." Like many conservatives, Sullivan, expert on the subject of self-absorption, is occasionally worth listening to. • TennViews: TN Senate Dem fundraising update Plus: Sen. Finney to launch "family friendly" lobbying effort: It doesn't say whether same-sex couples will be welcome, or whether the group will lobby for adoptions by same-sex couples , or promote marriage or at least equal rights for same-sex couples, etc. • WhitesCreek Journal: Rich people, corporations, and foreign governments, are the folks who would lose Trillions of dollars is Fannie and Freddie go into bankruptcy. Having already doubled the National debt by borrowing more money than all 42 presidents that came before him, George W. Bush and his Republican buddies look like they will double it again, in one form or another, trying to keep Rich people, Corporations, and FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS from losing a lot of money. Plus: Whites Creek Journal is really about the largest unpolluted watershed in the State of Tennessee, outside the Smokies...And the struggle to keep it that way. • Women’s Health News: I don’t care about legal status - I think it’s better for all women, legal immigrants or not, to receive prenatal care than not to - at least to have the option. This event sends a message to the community of immigrant women that there will be no discretion, no compassion, that they risk being jailed, giving birth in custody, and having their baby taken away if they take the simple step of seeking medical care while pregnant.
Tom Humphrey profiles U.S. Senate candidate Bob Tuke in today's Knoxville News Sentinel. I didn't know Tuke was one of the lawyers working the Gore election case in Florida. The article also says Tuke has raised $420,000. Not too shabby. ( categories: )
The Democratic National Committee and Barack Obama want to involve America in developing the Democratic National Platform. The public is invited to a series of community platform meetings in all 50 states, and the DNC will provide policy experts wherever they can. Here is the 2004 Democratic National Platform. Have we made progress on these issues? Or do we have to first get a Democrat in the White House and 60 Democratic votes in the Senate? More details in the presser after the jump... ( categories: )
Tom Humphrey profiles U.S. Senate candidate Mike Padgett in the Knoxville News Sentinel. Reminding us that he's a "Southern Appalachian conservative Democrat," Padgett says that an East Tennessee Democrat has a better chance against Alexander. ( categories: )
Tonal Meditations Expressions: The Art Quilt, closes July 8, Tuesday<, on exhibit at the National Quilt Museum (Museum of the American Quilters Society). Visit the National Quilt Museum page on Art Museum Touring.com (Link...). The exhibit features art quilts of varying sizes and diverse styles and techniques, with a minimum of rules. The main criteria for inclusion in the exhibit were strong visual impact, originality and quality workmanship. The topic and techniques used to create each personally expressive piece was left solely up to the artist. From abstract and stylized to photo realistic designs, with colors ranging from vibrant to subtle, these dazzling pieces are often purchased by private modern art collectors or added to museums. Support your local galleries and museums! They are economic engines for your community. Sherrie ( categories: )
Contrasting backgrounds, rather than differences on issues, seem the primary points of contention among the three Democrats actively campaigning to become their party's underdog opponent to Sen. Lamar Alexander's re-election. Some of the reader comments are interesting. ( categories: )
The "let freedom ring" edition of the Tennessee progressive blog roundup with a look at what the best Tennessee bloggers are talking about this week. But first... SPECIAL BONUS: The progressive blog roundup made the paper in this Sunday editorial section column by Michael Silence: To the best of my knowledge, it is the strongest, or most active, coalition of bloggers in the state dealing with issues and politics. On the right side of the aisle, I'm not aware of any group blogging as widespread as the one at tennviews.com. We now resume our (ir)regularly scheduled program... • 10,000 Monkeys and a Camera: Because what is more patriotic...: ... than being 110% heterosexual? Aunt B: The Three Best Inventions: I mean, we talk a great game as a country about how families need men. But, if we’re not raising men with basic understandings of stuff, like history, like baseball, like what to do with yourself other than get into trouble, then what benefit are they to a family, really? • BlountViews: In fact, Judge Meares is part of a growing nationwide movement for judicial campaign finance reform, led by former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor who is campaigning for massive changes to the way judges get elected. • Carole Borges: Dear Keith Olbermann, please put your ego back in the box.: I have always liked Keith Olbermann's snarky, edgy political take on the mad mad world of politics, but lately his ego seems to be getting so large it is blotting out the good points he often makes. • The Crone Speaks: Is Rush Limbaugh Worth $50 Million a year?: Seriously, this family is the poster child of everything that is wrong for the "little people" under Republican control of government, and they never saw it. Why? Because they were sucked into the rhetoric of Rush’s rhetoric. See also: Rats Fleeing the Sinking Ship • Cup Of Joe Powell: Tennessee's Official Rockabilly Highway: Tennessee now has an official Rockabilly Highway, thanks to efforts of those in the state legislature. On Friday, officials unveiled the signs which will now mark a 55-mile stretch of Highway 45, from Mississippi to Interstate 40. See also: The Power of Clothes • Don Williams: On Barack Obama and ‘the art of the possible’: So how does Obama repay you? He does the utterly predictable thing and steps down off the pedestal you put him on, and so you feel all betrayed. • TNDP: Lamar Alexander fails to follow through on Environmental Policies: A self-proclaimed champion of the environment, calling it one of his "passions", Lamar’s pitiful voting record is revealed as the article garners comments from the League of Conservation Voters. • Enclave: Local Community Not Waiting for Federal Government to Address Mortgage Crisis: I don't see anyone in Metro Nashville making these kinds of plans. We would rather subsidize our mildly supported hockey team. And, God knows, the first thing a family whose adjustable rate mortgage has just rocketed skyward wants to do is to catch a Predators' match. See also: Liberal blog readers... • Fletch: Barefoot on the Beach • KnoxViews (Doug McDaniel): Iraq Veterans Say Wes Clark is Correct: As a veteran (Desert Storm) myself, I get cranky when Democrats tuck tail on issues related to the military. As Brandon Friedman states eloquently on the Vote Vets blog, there is no reason to cede authority on military matters just because of John McCain's service during Vietnam. See also: Republican essay contest, and Puppy mill raid update • Lean Left: "If Waterboarding Does Not Constitute Torture, Then There Is No Such Thing as Torture": Probably quite a lot of people would smile at the thought of Christopher Hitchens being tortured by agents of the insane and illegal war he cheered into being. It is tempting to view it as ironic justice. • Left of the Dial: Pyro Mania: Over 1,100 people bought tickets for a train ride to downtown for the city’s annual display along the Riverfront but the train only holds 750. That left many waiting at stations in Lebanon and Hermitage as a full train blew past them. And they’re pissed: • LeftWingCracker: OK Tennessee Democrats, it's time to bring your focus back home for a minute!: We are five weeks and one day from the actual election, and two weeks and two days from the start of Early Voting in Big Shelby, and almost THREE in FIVE Democratic voters have not made up their mind?? Whatcha waitin' on, folks, CHRISTMAS??? • Liberadio(!): Who Killed Estelle Richardson?: The Davidson County Medical examiner ruled her death a homicide and her murder still remains one of Nashville’s unresolved cases. On Monday, we interviewed prison rights activist, Denver Schimming, about the case. • Newscoma: Winston Rand - He Was A Pretty Good Guy: I have to say that Winston was always kind, smart and clever. He will be missed and our thoughts and prayers go to Roomie. See also: Snickering ‘at the sheer effrontery’ • The Pesky Fly: The Full DLC Looks like Obama is in full DLC play-not-to-lose mode. Let's just hope he doesn't go windsurfing. • Progressive Nashville: Patriotism, Part 2: Republicans look at the strength and wellbeing of America, while Democrats concentrate on the strength and wellbeing of Americans. See also: America at its best • Resonance: Monday Gloomy Economic Outlook Blogging: People (including high-ranking officials in the U.S. government) have been suggesting that the worst of the financial mess is over. It's not. To that point, Lawrence Summers: "It is quite possible that we are now at the most dangerous moment since the American financial crisis began last August." • RoaneViews: Pyro Patriot: West Roane Volunteer Fire Department has plenty of stuff you can blow up to show how patriotic you are. Their supplier in China is so patriotic that they blew up a whole fireworks factory. • Russ McBee : Byron Dorgan, oil speculators, and the supply question: The speculators may simply be acting as canaries in the financial coal mine, sending a message that they expect supplies to decline (and prices to skyrocket) in the near future. • Nashville for the 21st Century: Bredesen-O-Meter: Now, perhaps people won't be stupid enough to think McCain is literally George Bush's clone, but any careful observer could see that over the past few months Sen. McCain has abandoned his Maverick credentials in favor of adopting positions close to, or mirroring, those of the Worst President in the History of the United States. • SharonCobb: My Thoughts On Rush Limbaugh's Record Breaking Deal Through 2016.: My first thought when I read that Rush Limbaugh has signed with Clear Channel for a gazillion dollars through 2016, is Clear Channel wants to have Rush on the air through the two terms of President Obama's tenure in the White House to keep the fighting between the left and the right going. See also: What Does It Mean To Be Pro Israel? • Silence Isn't Golden: Hobbsie Steps In It, Again: It must be tough to be so unable to find anything about your own candidate to praise that you're reduced to outright lying about your opponent. See also: Advice For Someone Who Probably Won't Take It • Southern Beale: Obama’s Faith Based Idea Will Work: Count me among those liberals welcoming Barack Obama’s announcement about giving faith-based groups a role in his administration. See also: Never Give Up! Never Surrender! • Tennessee Guerilla Women: Trouble in Obamanation: Liberal Angst: A growing number of longtime Obama supporters are withholding financial and other forms of support for Barack Obama until he comes back to the left. .. Gee, does this mean all these liberals are really Republicans? Must be! See also: Can Wives Be Presidents? • TennViews: Surprise, surprise! AT&T files first statewide cable franchise application: Yes, and thanks to the lobbyists and consultants, who include... See also: Chris Lugo on Independence Day • Vibinc: Tough Financial Medicine: So while you're out there bitching about trials and triangulations, I know I will be, don't forget the harsh reality that gas has surpassed the price of milk, which will most certainly start rising faster. That means everything else gets more expensive, and I need to start lobbying to allow farm animals in the city with all my backyard space. I should probably fix the fence first... • WhitesCreek Journal: Forward Backward Reverse Inward Twist: I am thinking that McCain is pretty flexible for an old person, and in order to get an adequate description of his abilities, we should be watching the Olympic Diving trials now taking place in Knoxville for some ideas. See also: Born on the Fourth of July • Women's Health News: Her Name was Esmin Green: Esmin Green sang gospel music at church. Esmin Green was a mother with six children. Esmin Green was a black woman who died on the floor of one of New York City’s public hospitals while waiting for psychiatric care and being ignored.
July 4th marks the anniversary of the birth of this nation. On that day, the Declaration of Independence was signed by a cadre of men, who wrote the words ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ That declaration was a living promise to future generations of certain fundamental, inalienable rights such as the right to privacy. ( categories: )
Real Clear Politics interviews Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen on a wide range of electoral topics. There are some interesting remarks that the GOP will wring out in the spin cycle. But overall, Bredesen shows once again he is one of the "adults" who knows the score and how the game is played (even when he's not hitting for our team). (By way of Knoxville Talks.) ( categories: )
George W Bush is perhaps the worst American president who has ever served. To this day it is a mystery to me how the man was able to gain the Republican nomination, steal the election, start two wars, get re-elected and then drag on a failed war for five years and drive the economy into the ground without getting impeached. Although the light is fading on the Presidency of Bush, it is not too late to impeach the man who lied to us about weapons of mass destruction. As of result of the President's deception, over four thousand American soldiers have died in Iraq and tens of thousands have been wounded, not to mention the one million or so Iraqis who have died directly or indirectly due to Bush's interference in their country. ( categories: )
From the Tuke Campaign: My campaign conducted an 800 sample statewide poll last week and it showed that all our hard work is paying off. The most important finding in the poll was about the primary. We asked the following question: That's an impressive showing for Tuke. It's also a pretty big undecided number at this point. UPDATE: Tuke campaign issues a correction: Today's Tuesdays with Tuke had a typographical error for which I take full responsibility. The correct polling results are as follows: ( categories:
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