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Tuesday Morning Open Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Blog Related
Posted on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 08:12:47 AM EST
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Two new TalkLeft reader diaries to recommend:

Steve M on the legalities of the coming Minnesota Senate contest.

Dalton Hoffine on Rawls and international law.

This is an Open Thread.

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    Tuesday Morning Open Thread | 147 comments (147 topical)

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    The new House Rules package is interesting (5.00 / 0) (#2)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 08:50:12 AM EST
    Here's what's happening to the pesky "motion to recommit":

    (g)INSTRUCTIONS IN THE MOTION TO RECOMMIT.--

    This provision amends clause 2(b) of rule XIX to provide that a motion to recommit a bill or joint resolution may include instructions only in the form of a direction to report a textual amendment or amendments back to the House forthwith. The provision makes no change to the straight motion to recommit.

    This means, no more games about reporting back "promptly" in order to kill the bill on the floor. Still, Republicans will get a final opportunity to offer an amendment.

    Also, term limits for committee chairs are gone. Dunno how I feel about that, personally.

    "Forthwith" means the amendment is (none / 0) (#35)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:51:01 AM EST
    adopted immediately, on the floor, and the bill goes on to final passage. "Promptly" is essentially a dilatory invention that sends the bill back to committee for at least a week.

    Parent
    How long has this been... (none / 0) (#62)
    by EL seattle on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:16:41 AM EST
    ... a "promptly" thing?

    If it's going to be become a more immediate thing, how many house members have to be on hand every day to make (or block) these motions?  

    Parent

    On a voting day? (none / 0) (#67)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:19:42 AM EST
    All or most members. Not a big deal.

    Parent
    Favorite quote of the day (5.00 / 2) (#5)
    by CoralGables on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 08:58:21 AM EST
    actually it was yesterday but it's too good to let go.

    From Nate Silver at 538 on Norm Coleman:


    ...in his career running for statewide office, Coleman has lost to a professional wrestler, beaten a dead guy, and then tied a comedian.
    A B-List comedian... (none / 0) (#12)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:05:54 AM EST
    at that...time to hang it up Norm:)

    Parent
    I found it, um, interesting (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by dk on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 08:59:31 AM EST
    that the blogs said next to nothing about yesterday's most important news, namely, Obama's announcement that about 40% of his stimulous plan would be tax cuts.

    Krugman's initial impression....not good.

    True enough (none / 0) (#13)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:06:41 AM EST
    I was very busy yesterday. I may take a stab at it today.

    Parent
    Cool. (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by dk on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:08:50 AM EST
    Of course, I didn't mean to imply that I was calling you out specifically.  It was more of a general observation regarding the entire blogoshpere.

    Parent
    I'd forego mine... (none / 0) (#14)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:08:14 AM EST
    and the next round of "rebate checks" if I knew it would go directly towards paying down the debt and/or deficit...but that ain't ever happening.  May as well take the crumbs right?

    Parent
    Not necessarily. (none / 0) (#17)
    by dk on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:11:27 AM EST
    Read Krugman on the potential political trap.  By starting out with a lukewarm stimulus that won't meet the public's expectations, the Republicans will have an easier time convincing the public that stimulus plans are "bad" thus making everything even worse in the long run.

    Parent
    Not sure I agree.... (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:44:09 AM EST
    Some of us want investment in infrastructure and job creation...namely people unemployed or under-employed. Some of us want cash in hand and tax cuts...namely business owners and those secure in their employment.  So, to meet the expectations of the public as a whole you need a little of both.

    I don't think Republicans can knock a $500 check for those earning under 200k and tax cuts without being laughed at...that's what Bush did.  They may knock the job/infrastructure investment, but in this economy I think that falls on deaf ears.

    Parent

    Missing the point, I think. (5.00 / 2) (#38)
    by dk on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:53:30 AM EST
    The point is that, while there is nothing wrong per se with $500 checks and investment in infrastructure (in fact, both are very nice indeed), the details of the plan (the proportion designated for each of these things, the total amounts, etc.) seem to be skewed and insufficient to bring about real improvement or real change in the economic infrastructure.  Thus, the economic result will be not good enough for anyone.  And, the Republicans, who are being catered to for some inexplicable reason here, will turn around and say "see, economic stimulus..i.e. government spending...doesn't work."  

    Parent
    Honestly... (none / 0) (#119)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 01:27:23 PM EST
    I think the best way to go is to cut taxes for everybody, and increase investment spending, and balance the books by drastically reducing non-investment spending.  The two foreign occupations raging and the war on drugs come to mind.

    I admittedly don't know d*ck,but I fear the "experts" only know slighly more than d*ck.  

    Parent

    I believe Obama promised tax cuts during (none / 0) (#19)
    by tigercourse on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:14:03 AM EST
    the election. He's following through on a campaign promise.

    Parent
    I doubt anyone here has (none / 0) (#22)
    by dk on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:18:23 AM EST
    a problem with investment in infrastructure, but your comment sidestepped Krugman's concerns.  both on the economic side and the political side.

    Democratic majorities in the house and senate will never been this good again (as is also the case for Obama's approval rating).  If we don't see an economically liberal stimulus plan now, we ain't never gonna see one, IMHO.

    Parent

    I know Obama promised tax cuts (none / 0) (#47)
    by ruffian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:04:16 AM EST
    as part of his overall economic policy, but I don't think they belong in a stimulus package because they have not proven to stimulate the economy. Why are we trying what Bush tried, when it failed?

    Do the tax cuts to business include those who move jobs overseas?

    Just seems like more of the same - and playing on the Republican turf to boot.

    I think we need more of the balance to be in the infrastructure and green spending. If we are going into debt, lets get something for it.

    Parent

    Because Obama has no idea, (none / 0) (#50)
    by ThatOneVoter on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:05:43 AM EST
    himself, what will work. His economic advisors---the same people who think privatizing SS is a good idea, for example, came up with this plan.

    Parent
    Well, I'm afraid it won't work (none / 0) (#54)
    by ruffian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:12:31 AM EST
    well enough if at least half of it is in tax cuts. We need maximum impact right now - we'll only get one bite at this apple.

    Parent
    I'm not a fan of U of C economists, but (none / 0) (#112)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 12:30:53 PM EST
    I take solace in what has worked in the past.  As FDR famously said when asked what had been his plan for dealing with the Depression, he said that he tried something, and if it didn't work, he tried something else.

    At least we have people coming in who have ideas -- other than the Bush/Cheney idea of building the economy, which essentially was to give our money to Cheney's Haliburton.

    Parent

    Brown mainly (none / 0) (#57)
    by Salo on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:15:24 AM EST
    He did a heck of job on infrastructure

    Parent
    How about those Buckeyes!? (5.00 / 1) (#26)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:23:57 AM EST
    Oh...nevermind.  Got to be able to throw the ball even a little to win the big games.  

    Oculus--your favorite (non-QB) Gator declared himself to be 90% healthy yesterday.  But, with high ankle strains, you just never know until you get out on the field at full speed and try to cut.  

    But the AP video title only (5.00 / 1) (#98)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:15:33 AM EST
    referred to "Fiesta Bowl."  Tostito should sue.  Percy isn't all that invaluable.  After the Oklahoma CB's ill-advised comments, I somehow ending up reading about how four Gator guys can run really fast.  4.0 to run XXX.  Impressive.

    Parent
    Impressive... (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:44:13 AM EST
    ...but football isn't played in a straight line.  4.0 40 yard dashes are flashy and all--but they don't measure desire, heart, route running and catching ability.  

    Percy must be pretty valuable for ESPN to run a whole segment on his rehabilitation on SportsCenter.  

    Parent

    Such a problem: a good (5.00 / 1) (#106)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:58:45 AM EST
    friend's retirement party is the same time as the BIG game. But I want to see Percy in action, not just being a good sport on the sidelines.

    Parent
    Make an appearance (none / 0) (#149)
    by cal1942 on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 06:20:35 PM EST
    at the party then leave early to see the rest of the game.

    Parent
    I believe (none / 0) (#148)
    by cal1942 on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 06:16:47 PM EST
    that Ohio State would have been better off through the entire season by playing Boekman and using Pryor for a few series per game to give him experience.

    Pryor clearly is not ready for prime-time as a quarterback.  He should be OK with the passing game next season.  If he's not then his use should be reconsidered or the offense should be redesigned around his capabilities.

    Boekman wasn't a great quaterback but he was at least serviceable.

    With a decent quarterback Ohio State would have beaten Texas convincingly. For that matter having Beanie Wells for the entire second half would have meant an Ohio State win.

    With an average quarterback, without Colt McCoy, Texas gets blown out by any of four Big Ten teams.

    This is the result of sanctioned 7 on 7 summer football programs in Texas high schools.


    Parent

    Cheney 's right (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by mmc9431 on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:27:49 AM EST
    The standards (regardless of how low they are) that he and Bush set are now the bar. This is why impeachment should never have been off the table. It was Congress's responsibility to provide oversight. They failed miserably.

    Dominique Franks Update (5.00 / 2) (#30)
    by CoralGables on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:37:38 AM EST
    From the live and learn Department


    MIAMI - Oklahoma cornerback Dominique Franks walked into Dolphin Stadium alongside teammates Monday, took a seat in the stands and politely declined every interview request.



    Senseless. (5.00 / 2) (#34)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:47:00 AM EST
    A GI died after a bar-fight over a Jimmy Buffet song on the jukebox.  

    Alcohol and testosterone--a bad combination since forever.  

    In my experience... (none / 0) (#36)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:52:18 AM EST
    some people hit the pub on Friday night looking for a fight...it's their idea of a good time.  When you run into such a winner you gotta just walk away.

    Senseless and beyond my understanding to be sure...laughing and chasing girls is so much more pleasant.

    Parent

    That was certainly my experience... (none / 0) (#53)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:11:38 AM EST
    ...during my years as a bouncer/bartender/manager.  It was a sure way to get yourself 86'd.  

    I had one guy come back to the bar with a rifle (that didn't end well for him) after being tossed out, but never, ever had a fight over a song on the jukebox.  

    And for this to happen in quiet, peaceful Steamboat Springs is really baffling.

    Parent

    The in linked article, the law (none / 0) (#99)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:22:03 AM EST
    enforcement spokesman sd. the victim was in Special Forces.  He also sd. no weapons were involved and that, although there are plenty of bar fights in Steamboat Springs, none has resulted in a death absent use of weapons.

    Parent
    In my experience (none / 0) (#130)
    by CoralGables on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 03:08:06 PM EST
    As a self described connoisseur of Jimmy Buffet music I can safely say that, on average, Buffett music is little more than toes in the sand Caribbean rock n roll.

    However, there is one JB song that is in nearly every bar jukebox in America. If the victim chose this particular love song as the one to sing to the at large perpetrator's girlfriend, our victim did not have his wits about him as he made his bid to be a Caribbean rock n roll paramour.  

    Parent

    It now seems that it was... (none / 0) (#132)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 03:20:41 PM EST
    ...a Hip-hop v. Beach music dispute.  Buffet v. Kanye West.

    Anyway you slice it, a senseless taking of a life by a bunch of gutless cowards.

    Parent

    My brother got the bad news (5.00 / 3) (#41)
    by Fabian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:57:41 AM EST
    he's out of a job 04/01/2009.

    The good news?  Some of his coworkers returned to work after the "extended" holiday break to find out they didn't have jobs.

    Not to pressure anyone or anything but...

    It's JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!

    I remember trying to hammer this point home in the primaries, in the General Election.  Yo!  Politicians!  Hope and Change do NOT pay the bills.

    Best of luck (5.00 / 2) (#77)
    by CST on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:34:22 AM EST
    To your brother.  Everywhere I turn another classmate/family member/friend is out of work.  It's getting really ugly.

    The silver lining - I just found out a co-worker of mine who was laid off a month or so ago found a new job.  So there are some out there somewhere.

    Parent

    They are out there... (5.00 / 2) (#87)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:51:19 AM EST
    maybe not the job you want or are qualified for, and maybe not at the paygrade you desire...but if you pound the pavement you won't go hungry...it ain't that bad, not yet at least.  

    Parent
    Out there (5.00 / 3) (#102)
    by CST on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:39:31 AM EST
    Maybe, but there are a lot more people looking for jobs then there are jobs.  Although you are right, people aren't going hungry en masse.  But food banks are starting to run low and we aren't out of this yet.  If I based the unemployment rating on people I know alone it would be well over 10% - and while they are ok now, it is not sustainable.  A lot of those are people who do not have high paying jobs to begin with so they would be happy for any kind of job, and now they are in a market competing with PHDs for those same low paying jobs.

    What a horrible time to be in transition, we really needed a stimulus package yesterday.  And not one that only cuts taxes.  I have no problem with a middle class tax-cut, so long as they pay for it by taxing the execs who just ran off with our bail-out cash.  I'd still rather see the money spent on infrastructure construction.  It's time to take the bull by the horns and step outside the "tax cut" box.

    P.S. Happy New Year!  Sounds like you had fun at your shindig.  It sure was coooooold.  

    Parent

    My experience is limited... (5.00 / 1) (#111)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 12:24:18 PM EST
    to pretty good economic times...mid 90's to now.  Anytime I really needed work I found it...even at 35 dollars a day digging ditches when push came to shove.  

    Of my unemployed friends, I hate to say it, I don't know how hard they are looking, and most if not all are getting unemployment checks, which doesn't lend itself to any urgency.  Not to knock unemployment benefits at all, they paid in and have every right to collect.  

    Not saying it's easy by any means...you need marketable skills for the moment.  Advertising exec, for example, isn't very marketable right now. Janitors always are.

    Parent

    It SHOULD be... (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by sj on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:53:32 AM EST
    ...jobs, jobs, jobs!  But instead they're talking tax cuts as the biggest piece of the stimuls package?  Taxes are already low when you have no income.

    Oh, except for the property taxes and such you may not be able to pay.  Because you have no job.

    Oh well, at least the Republicans will be happy.

    Parent

    Oh, other than a small increase ... (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by sj on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:58:45 AM EST
    ... in the personal deduction, those are business tax cuts.  Because that's been working so well for us the last 10 years or so.

    Somewhere around here I have the definition of insanity...

    I'm in despair.

    Parent

    Fabian, 10,000 are losing theirs from (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by Teresa on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 01:03:44 PM EST
    my old company, including my best friends in the world at corporate headquarters.

    I worked there 18 years. We had 54 stores then, grew to 400 before the recent reorganization. Now there will be nothing. I left three years ago because I couldn't take the stress in finance anymore. But, they are still my family and my dearest friends.

    Sad day in Knoxville.

    Parent

    Fabian, I meant to add that I am so sorry (none / 0) (#138)
    by Teresa on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 04:50:16 PM EST
    for your brother and wish him luck in finding new employment.

    Since I wrote my earlier post, a Sea Ray plant in Knoxville announced it is closing and Alcoa is laying off thousands, including many locally. This is getting awful. Three announcements in one day.

    Parent

    I'm sorry for everybody. (5.00 / 1) (#140)
    by Fabian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 05:03:01 PM EST
    It just feels strange to have been wondering about my husband's job security for more than a few years now to watch other people lose what they thought were reliable jobs.

    I have two relatives in the restaurant business.  As the economic dominoes fall, they'll start feeling the pinch as well.

    I once worked for a book binding/rebinding factory.  The owner boasted it was recession proof.  I wonder if anyone else would make that claim.

    Parent

    Restaurant industry suffering a lot now (5.00 / 3) (#141)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 05:10:32 PM EST
    as it heads into the leanest months, the first quarter of the year.  So my daughter was laid off two weeks ago from one of the most successful restaurants downtown in my city, a major city, because she was day manager, and the place had to entirely close down its daytime operations for at least the next three months.

    And a roundup story in my local paper a couple of days ago listed lots of other restaurants already closed or closing down in the next couple of weeks.

    Also problematic is the tendency of restaurant owners to not keep up with bills -- such as banking required funds in unemployment comp with the state.  My daughter was told that there may be not enough there for her to collect, and those are not taxpayer funds; those are funds deducted from employees' pay.

    Poor kid, she worked so hard that in only her first six months in the post, she was getting top employee awards, and it's a chain in several cities.  And she had worked so hard to find a job in that industry that included health insurance.  

    And, of course, COBRA totally sucks.

    Parent

    One is a GM (5.00 / 1) (#144)
    by Fabian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 05:19:33 PM EST
    And he's solid, if underpaid and the business should be solid as well.  I don't know about the other business.  It's been around for a while, but that doesn't always mean much.

    Parent
    I've been thinking about restaurants (5.00 / 1) (#143)
    by Teresa on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 05:18:31 PM EST
    today, too. The corporate headquarters I linked to above has/had about 700 workers who went to lunch at so many small restaurants here. They would even deliver to us.

    It's really sad. Knoxville lost over 2000 jobs just with these three companies today. And the retail company I worked at had locations in small towns all over the south. That will put 30-40 people out of jobs in each of those towns.

    This is getting scary.

    Parent

    Update in Gaza (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by CDN Ctzn on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:41:27 AM EST
    The news from Gaza just keeps getting worse as the civilian death toll rises, UN sources say an additional 75 civilians were killed today as Israeli tanks fired upon UN run SCHOOLS!!

    On the local news in Portland last night the director of Mercy Corps said that regardless of whose side people are taking in this conflict, the amount of Civilian casualties is staggering. He reported that Mercy Corps has 12 workers in Gaza and more outside that Israel will not allow to enter, along with trucks with 3 tonnes of food that have been waiting for days at the Southern crossing to enter.

    He also reported that Israel has been bombing HOSPITALS claiming that Hamas is hiding there. He said that his workers in Gaza report that there is absolutely NO evidence inside Gaza that would support that claim.

    I wonder, if those claims of Hamas positions are untrue, what else are they telling us that's simply not true. It's hard to know when Israel continues to ban foriegn journalists from entering.

    Haunting picture.... (5.00 / 1) (#122)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 01:44:42 PM EST
    of the funeral of three Palestinian toddlers killed in the invasion in today's NY Daily News.  Breaks your god damn heart.

    I caught a little Fox News last night, the coverage of the tragic death of John Travolta's son far outweighed that of whats going down in Gaza...I'll never cease to be amazed at what the manistream media deems newsworthy.

    Parent

    Quick Update (none / 0) (#86)
    by CDN Ctzn on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:49:31 AM EST
    If you missed it, here is todays entry by Glenn Greenwald on the conflict. Always worth the read.

    Parent
    75 civilians were killed today (none / 0) (#123)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 01:50:36 PM EST
    ...an additional 75 civilians were killed today...

    Does that include Fatah members that Hamas has executed?

    Parent

    Rule of thumb (none / 0) (#129)
    by jondee on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 03:06:57 PM EST
    seems to be 75 or 100 civilians for every Israeli killed.

    Of course, its not an original idea, others used the same game plan to great effect 60+ years ago.

    Parent

    Do we know (none / 0) (#134)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 03:48:00 PM EST

    if these are non-combatant civilians or Hamas fighters dressed as civilians?

    Parent
    Does this include (none / 0) (#135)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 03:59:14 PM EST

    Does this include the any of the children that Hamas uses as human shields?

    Parent
    That Video (none / 0) (#150)
    by CDN Ctzn on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 06:36:17 PM EST
    tells us nothing. We don't know when it was taken or even what is really going on. The man could be carrying off his own child for that matter.

    The best info we have, thanks to aid workers in the area is that a great humanitarian crisis is occuring and many of us are either parsing words to justify it or just don't give a damn.

    The number of civilian casualties is high, and in fact higher if you choose not to designate Government workers and Police as terrorists. Just because one is employed under the democratically elected government, Hamas, doesn't make him/her a terrorist. That kind of logic is absurd to say the least.

    Parent

    Stimulus (5.00 / 2) (#92)
    by Jlvngstn on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:04:49 AM EST
    Unemployment at 7% at years end, as I had predicted....And we are still struggling to define a stimulus package.  How can an idiot with a keyboard figure this out 6-7 months before our elected officials and financial pros?  I said we needed 750 bn for the banks and 750 bn for jobs and they are just getting around to it.  You know why?  Because none of them are in fear of losing their jobs, housing, medical benefits et al.  They delivered immediately for the banks and drag their feet for the voters.  It is obscene.  We need to add 3 million jobs next year alone just to maintain where we are today.  I could care less about Panetta and Blago and Coleman, what I do care about is the arrogance and out of touch attitudes of our elected representatives.  

    stimulus (none / 0) (#46)
    by Jlvngstn on Mon Oct 20, 2008 at 10:06:55 AM EST
    Bernanke now saying stimulus is a good idea and probably necessary.  Are these people are leaders?  Are they capable of forecasting trouble or are their abilities strictly confined to announcing rescues after the problem has ballooned into a major problem?
    Said in August, September and October and when they passed the first stimulus that they needed job creation stimulus not free money.  

    I will say it again, we need emergency legislation on job creation to the tune of 750 bn.  We need infrastructure, green and more green jobs.

    Every day that passes is a month in legislation time and a 3 months in cash hitting the street and 6 months before it takes hold and really helps.

    While 10 million americans are unemployed, and tens of thousands are facing it every week, the FED and our candidates are completely focused on talking points and the banking system which had an emergency bill passed already.

    We are a nation ruled by idiots that us idiots voted in.

    or this

    worth repeating (5.00 / 1) (#96)
    by Jlvngstn on Tue Oct 14, 2008 at 11:21:13 AM EST
    jobs (5.00 / 3) (#23)
    by Jlvngstn on Fri Aug 01, 2008 at 11:01:25 AM EST
    will continue to worsen through the end of this year and we will be over 6% easily.

    Kinda funny (5.00 / 2) (#95)
    by Steve M on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:07:01 AM EST
    The other day I was reading a change of venue motion filed in a criminal case, where the defendant wanted to move the case from Indiana to her home district in New York.

    If I were writing this brief, it would be like "the rules say blah blah blah, the factors on a change of venue motion are this and that, let me analyze them until the reader drops dead from boredom..."  But I'm not a criminal defense attorney.

    The change of venue motion in question starts like this:

    Among the enumerated "... injuries and usurpations" attributed to George III compelling the Fathers of the Republic to declare their Independence from the sovereignty of Great Britain was:

    "For transporting us beyond the Seas to be tried for pretended offences..."

    Now, it might just be the law geek in me, but I thought that was really cool.  How often do you get to open a brief by quoting the Declaration of Independence?

    Biden just sworn in (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:10:53 AM EST
    kinda funny.

    I heard the explanation (5.00 / 1) (#118)
    by ruffian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 01:25:49 PM EST
    on XM in my car just now.  Since he was newly re-elected Senator in November (which I didn't realize) he had to be sworn in before he could resign. Otherwise he would have been essentially resigning from a term that had already ended.

    Parent
    Nah, (none / 0) (#125)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 02:10:24 PM EST
    He didn't have to take his seat.

    Parent
    There was some tiff with (none / 0) (#131)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 03:16:14 PM EST
    the current gov about his replacement earlier on, so the stories then said -- and Biden was doing this so that the incoming Delaware gov could go forward with his plan to be sworn in at 12:01 a.m. on January 20 and make the appt Biden wanted before Biden then resigned a few hours later.

    But the current gov did go with a placeholder until Biden's son is back from Iraq to run for the seat.

    So it seems that the honor of making the appt still will await the new gov or something.  Quite byzantine, but apparently that's the norm in Delaware, as this is not a first -- it has had govs sworn in before in the dark of the Delaware night. . . .

    Parent

    Retirement Perks (none / 0) (#1)
    by mmc9431 on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 08:30:53 AM EST
    President Bush will be the first president not to receive lifetime Secret Service protection, according to McClatchy Newspapers.

    Instead, he'll get it for just ten years.

    However, Bush will get a Dallas office, staffers, a travel budget, medical coverage and a $196,700 annual pension, all at taxpayers' expense.

    Also.... (none / 0) (#3)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 08:54:19 AM EST
    Bill Clinton's excessive retirement perks are well documented.  We've come a long way since Harry Truman, the reason ex-presidents get the pensions and perks, since he refused to profit off of the office of the presidency, and was nearly flat broke because of it.  Now they take the perks and profit off of the office anyway.  Though G-Dub may have a more difficult time raking in the big bucks on the celebrity speaker circuit than Bill, since he has such a hard time speaking coherently and all.

    A long way indeed...where have you gone Harry?  

    Parent

    G-Dub's book should be (none / 0) (#4)
    by nycstray on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 08:56:15 AM EST
    "amusing"  {grin}

    Parent
    Depends on the... (none / 0) (#8)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:02:50 AM EST
    ghost writer I guess:)

    Unless he's getting into the childrens book racket..."Sam illegally wiretaps Yousef, Sam detains Yousef without due process"...he could probably swing that.

    Parent

    My Pet Torturer (none / 0) (#51)
    by ruffian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:06:53 AM EST


    Parent
    Ooo, better (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by ruffian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:14:09 AM EST
    My Pet Scapegoat

    Parent
    "And now, time for a drink" (none / 0) (#58)
    by ThatOneVoter on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:15:36 AM EST


    Parent
    Same (none / 0) (#88)
    by Wile ECoyote on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:53:31 AM EST
    ghost writer as Caroline Kennedy used as I heard.

    Parent
    Laura Bush (none / 0) (#23)
    by mmc9431 on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:19:37 AM EST
    Just signed a multi million dollar book deal. I can't imagine George getting a similar deal. I don't think there's a lot of people out there that will care what he says.

    Parent
    If she was on truth serum (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by ruffian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:01:31 AM EST
    while writing, I think it could be a great book. I think she is an intelligent woman who made one very bad mistake one summer in her youth when she married Bush after a very brief courtship. I would love to hear the real truth about her life with the Bushes.

    Parent
    Many moons have passed... (none / 0) (#93)
    by vml68 on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:06:11 AM EST
    since that summer in her youth. An "intelligent" woman should have had no trouble rectifying that mistake if she really wanted to!

    Parent
    No doubt (none / 0) (#120)
    by ruffian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 01:27:46 PM EST
    Would make an interesting story though, if she would ever tell it.

    I know, I just can't believe anyone could be in love with that guy, but I guess it is possible.

    Parent

    What could she possibly... (none / 0) (#85)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:49:27 AM EST
    ...have to say that we haven't already heard?  That the Clinton's were responsible for the sudden death of their beloved cat?

    Sure to be as big a bestseller as Ann Coulter's new "book".  

    Parent

    Oh, there is plenty she could say -- (none / 0) (#94)
    by easilydistracted on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:06:27 AM EST
    and admittedly, probably some real decent s**t that we'd all enjoy. Question is, will she say it.  

    Parent
    I think it's a bad idea not to protect (none / 0) (#7)
    by tigercourse on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:01:27 AM EST
    ex Presidents for their entire life. It doesn't do much for national morale to hear about some beloved old leader getting gunned down.

    Parent
    Is there a record... (none / 0) (#10)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:04:21 AM EST
    of assasination attempts on ex-presidents? I can't recall.

    Besides, with the dough they rake, they could afford a private security force to rival Beyonce.

    Parent

    Did Jimmy Carter rake in enough money to (5.00 / 1) (#16)
    by tigercourse on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:10:50 AM EST
    afford a proper security force? I doubt it. I don't think we should require our Presidents to be born rich like Bush or have to hustle for it like Clinton so that they don't get shot.

    Parent
    Who would wanna hurt Jimmy? (5.00 / 1) (#25)
    by kdog on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:22:36 AM EST
    Crazed zionist or right-winger?  I guess it is possible...but I wouldn't be sweating any assasination attempts if I was Jimmy.

    I mean they're not kings, they are employees of we the people...and when their employment is up they should have to fend for their own security like everybody else.  

    Parent

    Blackwater would probably offer up a (5.00 / 1) (#21)
    by easilydistracted on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:17:24 AM EST
    a dran good proposal, now that its Bagdhad Branch will be closing soon.

    Parent
    Election Fraud (none / 0) (#11)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:04:25 AM EST
    ST. LOUIS -- A voter registration worker with the group ACORN has been indicted on two felony counts of voter registration fraud.

    Humphrey is accused of submitting forged and false voter registration cards for the Nov. 8 general election -- including forging cards for nursing home residents -- U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway said Monday.
    that's true abdul. (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by cpinva on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:12:03 AM EST
    of course, ACORN had already been suspicious of her, completed their own internal investigation, and was about to fire her, when she quit, all in the 12 days she actually worked for ACORN.

    as well, ACORN turned over the results of their internal investigation to the feds.

    but hey, nice try on that.

    i was surprised (unless i missed it) that no one has commented on the latest cheney legal analysis: if congress doesn't impeach you, then anything you've done must be legal.

    i knew there was a reason bush picked him for vp!

    Parent

    When you understand the (5.00 / 1) (#45)
    by ThatOneVoter on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:02:35 AM EST
    difference between registering non-existent people who will never cast votes, compared to election fraud, you will have passed the test, grasshopper.

    Parent
    non-existent people who will never cast votes (none / 0) (#121)
    by Abdul Abulbul Amir on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 01:38:40 PM EST
    So what?  The issue is that once registered just about anyone can vote based on that fraudulant registration, particularly where there is no I.D. requirement.   In Minnesota you can vote if you know the name and street address of a registration on the voter roll.  That is all that is required.  

    When will you understand that a fraudulant registration is necessary first step in casting a fraudulant vote?

    Parent

    So when does the Burris/Congress (none / 0) (#24)
    by lilburro on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:21:01 AM EST
    confrontation happen?  This afternoon?  I'd like to listen in to any interesting bits on the radio if it's covered live.

    I'm watching it happening NOW. (none / 0) (#27)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:27:34 AM EST


    Parent
    what's happening CC? n/t (none / 0) (#29)
    by lilburro on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:30:41 AM EST


    Parent
    Turned away by secretary of Senate (none / 0) (#32)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:44:59 AM EST
    but hard for media to catch all going on because of the media mob scene -- "not what Democrats wanted to see on this day that was to be victorious . . . a Democrat appointed to the Senate, by a Democratic governor, then refused admission by a Democratic Senate" and "unprecedented," says CNN reporter.

    Burris attempted to present the certificate of appointment signed by the governor -- but not signed by the state secretary of state.  Btw, I'm surprised that there has not been discussion of whether that state official could be construed as in dereliction of duty -- and that it is the state secretary of state who could be impeached.  Not that he would be, with Democrats in control in Illinois, but the legal question intrigues me.

    Burris is now heading back out of the building to hold a news conference.  Discussion of whether Reid will hold one, too. . . .

    Throughout, no Senator -- notably not the senior Senator from Illinois, Durbin -- did the courtesy of coming to entry area (quite sizeable) to greet Burris.  This all was done by civil servants aka lackeys following orders to keep their jobs.  I wonder what some of them think about having to do so -- and at the same time that Dems are talking about Franken not needing a certificate?

    Parent

    So the reporting is terrible now, but (none / 0) (#40)
    by ThatOneVoter on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:57:09 AM EST
    if Blago is impeached, the reporting on Burris's appointment could very easily change.

    Parent
    He will be impeached (none / 0) (#46)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:03:03 AM EST
    and the reporting now is just bemused anyway.

    It would be different if Burris were accepted. The Blago questions would be non-stop.

    Parent

    Yon Burris has a lean and hungry look. (none / 0) (#42)
    by ThatOneVoter on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:00:21 AM EST
    So the legal question of whether the SOS of IL should be impeached for not signing off on the appointment for the Senate seat which Blago just tried to sell is interesting to you?
    How unsurprising. Perhaps there is some reason Reid could be arrested, as well. Why don't you think about it.

    Parent
    Legal questions on a law blog (none / 0) (#56)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:14:22 AM EST
    would seem to be of interest.  You've just been flailing here on so many issues.  Bye.

    Parent
    I don't make things up. (2.00 / 1) (#63)
    by ThatOneVoter on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:16:46 AM EST
    [re: the conspiracy theory about Burris and CK]
    You should try sticking to the facts, and not race-baiting.

    Parent
    Watch it. Race-baiting and Obotish (none / 0) (#68)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:20:23 AM EST
    are just two of the ridiculous charges here by people who ought to know better about me.

    People who ought to try reading the black press to see how this is playing out for the Dems.  That's what I'm reporting.  And the response is that I'm race-baiting.  THAT is Obotish.

    Parent

    We thought we knew you better (none / 0) (#73)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:28:48 AM EST
    Your comments are showing us the race bating Obama-botish side of you. (Quick explanation, I know your use of Obamabotish tactics and race baiting is in fact an attempt to attack Obama).

    We are describing your tactics, not your sympathies.

    Parent

    Ridiculous. I'm questioning Reid (none / 0) (#100)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:25:42 AM EST
    and the Senate Dems on this, not Obama -- after his first comment, he wisely has steered clear of this.  I gather that Obama is the one who realizes that there are major issues ahead for him and Congress and is putting his focus there, thank heavens.  Unfortunately for him, he is saddled with stupidity in Congressional leadership, it seems -- but I am hopeful that Biden will be of help in steering through them to get things done.

    I also call out the tactics of those who call questioning this debacle "race baiting" when I am raising the reaction in the black press.  It is so 2008 to just kneejerk with "race baiting," and they will be left behind . . . because it's 2009.

    As for "show me a poll," that is so Obotish, too -- and that's not about Obama but about the sheeple followers who went with what is popular rather than what is principled.  Now the Dems are doing in his plans with simplistic responses to questions that raise issues of legal complexity, while also doing in his plans if they ignore the reaction in the specialized press to all this.

    Okay, we can't handle discussion of ethnicity (not race, in the question I raised), so put it this way:  If the Minnesota secretary of state, who calls the debacle there "heartbreaking," would refuse to sign the certificate for Franken to go to the Senate, would the response be the same here -- and from people who went to law school?  Why?

    Parent

    The reaction from who? (none / 0) (#101)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:33:14 AM EST
    Wha?

    Coherence?

    Must be missing some words in that comment.

    Parent

    "Reaction in the black press" (none / 0) (#105)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:58:00 AM EST
    unquote were the words in my comment, complete with modifying clause.  No words missing.

    But you need names?  Unfamiliar with the black press, although it has been around since the 1820s?  Okay, I've named it before, but the leading black paper since 1905 is the Chicago Defender -- and particularly useful to follow in the case of Burris, of course.  I am looking as much at how this is playing in my local black press, though, close to Chicago -- and even in my local mainstream press, where a black columnist is covering this today, too.

    As for the Defender to this day, it is useful to see that it essentially is still asking "what would Abbott say"?  And those who don't know that legendary name don't know African American history -- which is rather funny when it comes from those in the media and elsewhere who go on and on about how historic this time is in America.  

    True.  But the history being made is in Congress as well as in the White House.  And how this will look in the history books ought to be a concern.

    Parent

    Unfamiliar? (none / 0) (#110)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 12:23:14 PM EST
    I'm sure it is making new African Americna Republicans daily.

    Indeed, do give me the names and the shows and the publications you are monitoring on this.

    I'd like to hear them from you.

    Tell me what you know on this.

    Parent

    When you have looked at (none / 0) (#114)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 12:35:33 PM EST
    the first name I gave, to rebuild trust that you are reading me at all, I'll be glad to give more . . . while you are still seeking "a poll."  Which, if you went to the leading black paper I already named, you would find there -- a reader response poll.  Not what I prefer, but mileage differs for those who want to be guided by polls, not principles.

    Parent
    Nothing (none / 0) (#33)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:45:41 AM EST
    a bunch of talking heads blathering.

    the reality is no one really cares about this story.

    Burris' buffoonery has merely made this a joke. It has no political traction either way.

    the important thing here imo is to keep the stink of  Blago away. and unfortunately, this is the way to do it.

    Parent

    Curious as to your reaction (none / 0) (#37)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:52:34 AM EST
    as to public reaction if this were a Puerto Rican -- say, from New York, instead of Kennedy -- and the only Puerto Rican sent to the Senate?

    From what I read in the black press, this "political spectacle," unquote CNN, is not "nothing" to a constituency that is credited with winning the White House for Dems.  Burris is respected by many of them, if not by you.  And these clips of the turndown at the door, the coming news conferences, will run again and again tonight.

    Parent

    Read what you wish (5.00 / 1) (#43)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:01:56 AM EST
    show me a poll.

    I stand by my statement and frankly find you second attempt to make this about race. this is about Blago.

    Very Obamabotish of you.

    Parent

    Not about the law? (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by LarryInNYC on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:16:56 AM EST
    Which seems to me to be on Burris' side.

    Parent
    According to who? (none / 0) (#70)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:26:31 AM EST
    It is not on his side at all.

    Parent
    Really? (5.00 / 1) (#75)
    by LarryInNYC on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:33:58 AM EST
    As far as I know, Blagojevich is the legally the governor of Illinois, Madigan's attempt to have him declared unfit having failed before the court.  As the sitting governor he has the right to make this appointment -- one could even argue (although I don't) the responsibility to do so.

    Is there a law that prevents him from making this appointment?

    If you're referring to the Senate's ultimate ability to decide who to seat, I believe it is already settled law that that ability is limited to deciding questions of eligibility, etc.  None of those apply here.  The only reason not to seat Burris is a political one, to avoid the opprobrium of seating Blagojevich's appointment.

    That would be a bad precedent to set.

    Things may not be precisely the way I would like them, but I don't see how that justifies monkeying with important Constitutional and legal principles for purely political reasons.

    Parent

    you stopped reading this blog obviously (5.00 / 1) (#80)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:35:12 AM EST
    Read the archives.

    you know not of which you speak.

    Parent

    I read the Tribe material. . . (none / 0) (#107)
    by LarryInNYC on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 12:12:33 PM EST
    you quoted.

    He doesn't dispute that Blagojevich has the authority to make this appointment.  His argument is that the Senate has the ability (and obligation) to refuse to seat Burris because of the opprobrium attached to Blagojevich.

    Tribe does not address the Powell decision in which the Supreme Court stated that the Congress cannot decide the eligibility of someone elected (or, presumably, appointed) to office based on ethical or criminal allegations against that person.  If that is settled law (it doesn't seem to comport with the plain words of the Constitution to me, but law is law) then it would be even more out of line to make such a judgment not against the actual office holder but against the person who appointed him.

    Absent any discussion of the Powell precedent, I'm not convinced that a decision to refuse Burris would be found Constitutional.

    Even if Powell were to be thrown out entirely, I still think the action is on very shaky legal and Constitutional ground.  That's because the Senate is explicitly not making a judgment about Burris' fitness, but rather that of the person who has appointed him.  If that's permitted under the Constitution what follows?  Any Senate can reasonably decide to not to seat any appointee if they can find grounds (not necessarily legal, proven, or even officially charged) that the Governor making the appointment is "tainted" enough not to be allowed to make the appointment.

    Would Richardson be allowed to appoint?  He's apparently involved in a Grand Jury matter.  How about Paterson?  He's not under investigation, but he's admitted to drug usage and marital infidelity in the past -- wouldn't that give a Republican Senate grounds to refuse his appointments?

    Indeed, if the power of the Senate is absolute in this matter, they could refuse to seat an elected Senator if they find the state from which he or she was elected to be "tainted".

    No one disputes that Blagojevich's appointment of Burris was legal.  I think refusing to seat a legally appointed Senator who the Senate explicitly considers fully qualified to serve would set a terrible precedent, even if legal.

    Right now the entire thing hangs on the lack of the Illinois SoS's signature.  If the signing of that document is decided to be a ministerial duty and not subject to the whim of the Secretary of State, I don't think the Senate will be able to, or ought to, keep Burris out.

    Parent

    We discussed at great length (none / 0) (#108)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 12:20:23 PM EST
    why Powell is distinguishable.

    Parent
    Two points (none / 0) (#109)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 12:21:46 PM EST
    Tribe did dicusss Powell.

    And I wrote on Powell extensively.

    Parent

    Can you link the relevant posts? (none / 0) (#113)
    by LarryInNYC on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 12:30:56 PM EST
    I can hunt them up, but I'll probably miss one or more.

    Parent
    In a nutshell, "Powell" (none / 0) (#115)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 12:36:48 PM EST
    was about "qualifications" and this is about "returns."  <snk.>

    Parent
    Funny. Okay, I'll go find (none / 0) (#59)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:15:46 AM EST
    discourse on this.  I had hoped for better than the blather I can get on teevee.

    Parent
    Yes find the race baiting (1.00 / 1) (#71)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:27:10 AM EST
    at another site.

    Enjoy.

    Parent

    Also would welcome (none / 0) (#65)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:17:09 AM EST
    coherence -- I can't quite respond to a comment that seems to have words missing?

    Parent
    . . . is pathetic (5.00 / 2) (#69)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:26:09 AM EST
    there are your missing words.

    Parent
    How this got to be a race issue is beyond me (5.00 / 1) (#74)
    by Lil on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:32:31 AM EST
    Blago should not have named anyone and he knows it. And that African American Congressman (I forget his name right now) should not have stoked this fire. It may be effective, but it was wrong and it will create this division in the party.

    Parent
    It was a designed play of the race card (5.00 / 1) (#76)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:34:05 AM EST
    And Burris was in on it from the beginning. Remember he called bobby rush up to the podium the first day. If you do not think Burris knew what Rush would say, I have a bridge in Brooklyn for you.

    Parent
    I love that bridge, (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by Lil on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:42:09 AM EST
    but yes you are so right. And that press conference turned my stomach.

    Parent
    well his political consulant (none / 0) (#84)
    by lilburro on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:44:15 AM EST
    Prince Riley, is in on it as well.  Politico.  And Riley clearly knows nothing about Duckworth's race, btw.

    Parent
    Bobby Rush (none / 0) (#78)
    by nycstray on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:34:36 AM EST


    Parent
    So it's blackmail? (none / 0) (#39)
    by ThatOneVoter on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 09:55:47 AM EST
    Why did blago do it anyway---simply because he's a moron?

    Parent
    What? (none / 0) (#44)
    by Fabian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:01:58 AM EST
    Whatever made you think Blagojevich cares about what you think or anyone else unless you have the money to make him care?  Who does he owe anything to?  He has nothing to lose.  His own party is going to impeach him.  He appears to want to spread the pain around some.  

    (Still waiting to see if any other Elected Officials will be charged.  Wonder if they will resign quickly.)

    Parent

    huh? non-sequitur. (none / 0) (#48)
    by ThatOneVoter on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:04:38 AM EST
    Anyway, you apparently agree that Blago is dim.

    Parent
    Blago is trying to blow up the Dems (none / 0) (#72)
    by Lil on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:27:53 AM EST
    He's raining on our parade/honeymoon. More like pissing on the parade. I swear he's a sociopath. He's gonna show them who they screwed with. Can't wait till he's replaced, nevermind the Senate replacement.

    Parent
    Exactly (none / 0) (#83)
    by ruffian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:42:13 AM EST
    I hope the memories of his little bit of 'fun' sustain him in prison.

    Parent
    My biggest worry (none / 0) (#49)
    by andgarden on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:05:18 AM EST
    is that the Senate Dems will cave and seat Burris.

    Parent
    I think they will not (none / 0) (#52)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:06:55 AM EST
    as they see that no one takes this seriously.

    Especially when Blagojevich is impeached.

    Parent

    sample headline (none / 0) (#60)
    by lilburro on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:16:16 AM EST
    Big Week For Blagojevich And Burris - MSNBC.

    Also relevant from the AP:

    "In a related development, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, saying that Illinois has become an 'international laughing stock,' said he'll create an advisory panel to recommend ways to root out and thwart corrupt officials."

    Looks like Quinn agrees with you BTD.

    Parent

    Hmm.. perhaps Quinn should (none / 0) (#66)
    by ThatOneVoter on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:19:27 AM EST
    root out the comedians, first, starting with himself.

    Parent
    See front page photo (none / 0) (#103)
    by oculus on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:42:48 AM EST
    (above the fold) in Los Angeles Times.  The article associated w/the photo is AP.  [Can't get my "link" to behave.]  

    Of course, no one reads newspapers at present, so you may be correct.  

    Parent

    No, they'll stand firm on this (none / 0) (#61)
    by ruffian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 10:16:24 AM EST
    Unless Mitch McConnell sneaks up and yells "Booo!!!"

    Parent
    Coleman to speak at 3 pm central (none / 0) (#96)
    by magster on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 11:10:02 AM EST
    I think there is about a 20% chance he'll concede (based on nothing but my unique expertise on analyzing the human condition).

    I hope he concedes (none / 0) (#124)
    by DFLer on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 02:03:50 PM EST
    This from Arne:

    Former Republican Gov. Arne Carlson said today that Norm Coleman should consider bowing out of the U.S. Senate election dispute.

    "I don't think it's winnable," said Carlson, who served from 1991-99.

    He said a court fight by Coleman contesting a recount that favors Democrat Al Franken could hurt the Republican's image.

    "I think there will be a tremendous amount of public anger, I think it will hurt his reputation," Carlson said. "I think he's got to get on with his life. .. At some point you've got to recognize, it is over."



    Parent
    If you're interested and can't get it elswhere (none / 0) (#127)
    by DFLer on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 02:30:49 PM EST
    Looks like WCCO will netcast it live here

    Parent
    The problem with that argument (none / 0) (#133)
    by Cream City on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 03:20:47 PM EST
    is the presumption that Coleman has a good reputation to protect.  He has been awful.:-)

    Btw, apparently he agrees, as he is not conceding but going forward with the suit. . . .

    Parent

    Meanwhile (none / 0) (#117)
    by squeaky on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 01:06:53 PM EST
    If you want to know what a real progressive candidate looks like, this is the guy. He's running for Congress to fill Rahm Emmanuel's seat (which formerly belonged to Rod Balgojevich!)
    Why I'm Running

    By Tom Geoghegan

    I'm running for Congress in the Fifth District of Illinois. As a Chicago lawyer for thirty years I have fought for working people in this District and throughout the city. I have represented unions as well as people with no unions to protect them. In plant closings I have helped them recover health and pension benefits. I obtained health care for the uninsured. I've been pressing the State of Illinois to crack down on payday lenders.

    dibgy

    Sounds like a great candidate.

    My worst skiing nightmare... (none / 0) (#126)
    by MileHi Hawkeye on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 02:30:36 PM EST
    ...come to life.  On the plus side, this poor guy will probably get to ski free for the rest of his life.

    The Smoking Gun has the (possibly) NSFW pictures.

    I saw that earlier and (5.00 / 1) (#128)
    by vml68 on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 02:49:30 PM EST
    wanted to link to it. But did'nt because I felt bad that I laughed when I saw that pic and that poor guy could have been seriously hurt.


    Parent
    Bush's Poodle Wins Best of Show... (none / 0) (#136)
    by desertswine on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 04:18:58 PM EST
    Tony Blair wins Medal of Freedom.

    If the Medal of Freedom wasn't valueless before, it certainly is now.

    Dog Tags (none / 0) (#137)
    by squeaky on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 04:24:50 PM EST
    Sick.

    Guess Blair can wear the tags to his first meeting as Carlyle Group board member.

    Parent

    Sanjay Gupta (none / 0) (#139)
    by Alien Abductee on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 04:56:49 PM EST
    for Surgeon General.

    Sanjay Gupta - Surgeon General? (none / 0) (#142)
    by Fabian on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 05:17:11 PM EST
    Argh.

    Double argh.

    headdesk.

    Free Speech Trumps Bigotry (none / 0) (#145)
    by squeaky on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 05:21:49 PM EST
    In a victory for constitutional rights, two Transportation Security Authority (TSA) officials and JetBlue Airways have paid Raed Jarrar $240,000 to settle charges that they illegally discriminated against the U.S. resident based on his ethnicity and the Arabic writing on his t-shirt.

    TSA and JetBlue officials prevented Jarrar from boarding his August 2006 flight at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport until he agreed to cover his shirt, which read "We Will Not Be Silent" in English and Arabic, and then forced him to sit at the back of the plane.

    The American Civil Liberties Union and the New York Civil Liberties Union filed a federal civil rights lawsuit on Jarrar's behalf in August 2007.

    Raed In The Middle Raw Story

    Good news... (none / 0) (#146)
    by desertswine on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 05:31:17 PM EST
    On another tack, I wonder whatever happened to Riverbend.

    Parent
    She Won A BOok Award (none / 0) (#147)
    by squeaky on Tue Jan 06, 2009 at 05:39:01 PM EST
    And moved with her family somewhere safe.. I really miss hearing from her too..

    Parent
    Tuesday Morning Open Thread | 147 comments (147 topical)

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