Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

LAST CALL FOR YOUR VIDEO STILLS

Deadline is 10am Saturday for Trail Mix regulars who want to include their personal photos (your self, your dog, your favorite plant, whatever) in our 3d Anniversary Video this weekend.

Send to cqtrailmix@verizon.net

Include your Trail Mix screen name if you want it identified (No real names will be used)

Can you blame McCain?

Hi Craig,
What format would you like for the stills?

i can convert any format (i think), unlikely_burrito, but your basic .jpg always good

Craig,

At the risk of sounding Dr. Philish, don't you think one of the bigger problem's in this country is the unwillingness to talk to our adversaries?

One of the recurring themes in the praise that was offered to Sen. Kennedy was the fact that he was willing to cross the aisle to get things done. While inter country politics is a whole different animal, why wouldn't the same concept apply in that arena?

Jack

I don't know that much about her yet except that "act blue" is supporting her and she seems very balanced and thoughtful. Here are some news articles that might be informative

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2004450660_burner01m.html?syndication=rss

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/287583_burner05.html

KGC,

How've you been? Cute pooch, what breed is he? Some kind of terrier right?

OK, Craig -- so you're saying that it is obvious that Sen Obama misspoke, but that he won't admit it, even though he is now shading his position.
And John Mc Cain is wrong to use his original statement.
Would this be anything like Sen Obama using the 100-year war canard in his campaign?

BTW, I do disagree with your analysis on this one. I think a lot of Americans don't want to see their President sitting down with Ahmadinijad under any circumstances.

Eprof2 dropped in on my blog and commented that he had voted for RFK in California just as I did. Strangely enough we were only miles apart. He in San Francisco and me in Campbell.

For those who have never read, "1968 the year that rocked the world" by Mark Kurlansky, you might want to pick up a copy. More than one man was lost 40 years ago today.

KGC...got the link, and very nice-looking doggy.

Looks like a purebred Airedale to me. Correct?

More on force-outs.
This is the best breaking-news link for the Air Force:
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/06/airforce_moseleywynne_060508w/

Here is another good link (opposing opinion):
http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2008/June 2008/0608edit.aspx

Welsh Terrier 4 years old
much smaller but looks like an airdale King of Terriers
Finian is the prince.

Harborwoman...LOL at your "bridgebuilder" post.

You get an A for enthusiasm, but we're only trying to classify the HRC crowd for the purposes of this list.

Not that I wouldn't want to meet you in the middle of any bridge we built, mind you!

Jamie: I was in Indiana in 1968, and voted for RFK there. First and only time I ever voted on one of the old lever-type machines.
My cousin was married in the same hotel where RFK was shot... I remember so vividly listening to the clock radio early in the morning in Indiana and hearing the news ... rushed in and smashed my poor kid's water pistols and then took my husband's gun down from the closet and drove it to the sheriff's office ...
But, for me, it wasn't the worst event of the 60s ... nothing was ever quite so awful after JFK was shot.

Personally, I'm not a civil engineer and bridge building isn't in my field of expertise. Much more comfortable sending messages. Not that a Republican vote in a very red county is going to send much of a message.

I was eight years old. I remember waking up that morning and my big sister (then 21) was sitting in her room crying her eyes out. My Dad was stomping around the house -- announcing that "Dammit, they shot Bobby."

And all my little kid brain could come up with at the moment was: "Dad, why is sis crying so much? I thought we were for Humphrey."

Dumb kid.

June, 1968 just graduated from college was working on the McCarthy Campaign

Katherine: Interesting that you were on the McCarthy campaign. My first college poli sci prof had been an aide to Sen McCarthy ... and it was on his advice about voting for the person over the issues that I voted for RFK rather than his old boss. I always liked Sen McCarthy but I saw him as too much like Adlai Stevenson ... not really tough enough.

Lard...I caucused for Hillary in WA State...so I can vote...right?

KGC...Wonderful to see you back! And Finian is a beauty!

Maggi...Tom Foley is from eastern WA...so Reichert didn't take his seat. Can't recall who did. And yes, Darcy Burner ran against Reichert in the last election and lost by a very narrow margin. Since I don't vote in their district, I don't know enough about her, but I do know that she's a former Microsoft employee...now a Microsoft Millionaire (not uncommon around here)...and a committed Democrat. Her reputation is good. My brother and Sister-in-law, who live in her district, support her.

Long before RFK got in the race, there was only Gene.
I went to NH with the campaign. I would have been fine with RFK but he was not the one who made the stand first.

Harborwoman

Thanks and Fin thanks you as well.

harborwoman: I knew I'd heard of her ... now that you mention the MS millionaire thing, I believe I read quite a bit about her the last time she ran.
I know what Reichart looks like ... one of the many male politicians with "good hair" ... but I have never noticed him speaking on the House floor or seen him in a committee hearing. That can't be a good sign.
Well, one thing in Darcy's favor ... Washington doesn't seem to mind electing women, unlike some states.

(This is by longtime Clinton hater John LeBoutillier. Hope he is correct - I've been thinking exactly what he wrote. Obama ran a dirty campaign with the help of the DNC and MSM, so I see nothing wrong with this.)

"Don't Count Hillary Out Yet

Hillary's campaign is almost toast - or so the media says.

... sometime in the next few days ... Hillary concedes and then suspends her campaign. And then she announces her "unqualified" support for Obama. And then she publicly campaigns for Obama.

Here is what will be said: "Hillary is taking the high road. She is helping unite the Democratic Party in opposition to McCain and the GOP. She is trying to be seen as a 'team player' and a good loser."

But here is what the truth will be: Yes, she will look as though she is taking the high road; in reality, she will also be taking the lowest road imaginable.

You can bet team Clinton has a dirty road plan: try to expose enough dirt on Obama, leaked through cut-outs, to derail him before the Aug. 27 Democratic convention."

http://rense.com/general82/dont.htm

maggi...

As far as I can tell from his performance in two terms, Reichert is a 'do whatever Bush tells us to do' Republican. But he does have nice hair...nice, bright white hair...and lots of it.

WA does have an excellent record of electing women. Our current Gov is female. She's not my favorite politician, but she is female...as are both our Senators...and others elected to high office.

"Still, because Obama won't fully disown his original stance"

Isn't this what got Sen. Clinton in trouble in the first place? If she had from the beginning made it absolutely clear that she regretted her vote now that more was known about the real conditions on the ground, she would have been a lot better off.

Katherine: Oh, yes...I do remember that it was McCarthy who first put the fear into LBJ. And RFK really was an arriviste ... not jumping in until he saw the possibility that LBJ could be defeated, many said. Still, sometimes a person can be entirely correct in his political judgment and still not be someone who would make a good President.
I really don't know enough about the 68 race ... busy living in the hinterlands and raising my kid while hubby was overseas ... but I must find out why one DFL Senator from Minnesota chose to run against another [former] DFL Senator from Minnesota ... it seems like an odd thing to have done, frankly.

Jamie...

Am I allowed to 'vote' in your poll...or am I excluded because I decided some time ago to support the Dem nominee, regardless of who that nominee was...as pogo and Lard have decided???

but I must find out why one DFL Senator from Minnesota chose to run against another [former] DFL Senator from Minnesota ... it seems like an odd thing to have done, frankly

At the time he made the decision McCarthy was running against LBJ not HHH. When LBJ got out Bobby and HHH got in.

Jamie: Absolutely. First I think she should have been posting videos with her actual remarks from the Senate floor, in which she cautioned Bush against rushing to war. Then, I think she should have had the guts to admit that she had been lied to, had trusted someone she should not have trusted.
IMHO, the person we have to blame for Iraq is Papa Bush. First, his foolishly muddled message (delivered by poor April Glasby) that we basically didn't care if he invaded Kuwait. Then, his decision that we would accept the responsibility to patrol the no-fly zone ... thus, necessitating our military presence in the Islamic Holy land ... and, inevitably after 9/11 the need to pull those planes out of there, which I'm certain the Saudis objected to unless we first got rid of the threat of Saddam.
One of these days we'll know it all ... including, I think, the personal assurances that GWB probably gave to Hillary, given her unique status as a former First Lady.

For you Dave Chappelle Fans...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7Dauh2RW3U&NR=1

Well Gordo just proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is a Republican TROLL. If you weren't already totally ignoring him, feel free to do so now.

It is a bit "blue" so those not liking bad language should avoid it...

Katherine: Of course ... thank you for the reminder. LBJ did not pull out until later. I remember now. As I said, I was living and working in the hinterlands (we literally had access to only one TV station, which mainly broadcast regional basketball and bass fishing shows), and raising my kid while hubby was overseas...I worked 45 miles from home over country roads and had way too little time to pay attention to much of anything in those years.

HW

I already have you on the list with Lardass under Bridge Builder.

Cool about Bille Jean King , maggis. I got to meet Luke Jensen a few years ago. He did a tennis clinic where I played tennis. His brother Murphy was supposed to be there as well , but he broke his hand. My tennis instructor breifley coached Luke and Lurphy when they were kids. Jamie , I'm not really a bridge bulider. But , I'm not a rocket scientist, either. LOL!

GORDO: Various Republican types have been claiming that the Clintons are going to release this, that, and the other vile information about Sen Obama from the minute this campaign began. There is absolutely no evidence that they have ever done so...why would they do it now?

Jamie

I just went out to the shop and modified my chair so I can set comfortably on the fence.

Where does that put me?

Jack

Corey: I gave up tennis over 30 years ago. My brother and I used to watch on TV and we originally taught ourselves how to play at the school courts ... but we were fortunate to go to a school in an underprivileged area (at that time) and we had, as a result, all the bells and whistles when it came to sports .... including tennis instructors. As I noted earlier, I didn't realize that I was really lousy at tennis until I got to UCLA. My brother became an intercollegiate squash player for a while.

Jack: In what looks to be an extremely precarious position, depending upon whether it's a picket fence or a chain link fence. ;-)

Speaker Tom Foley was defeated by a little weasel named George Nethercut. I couldn't remember his name so I looked it up.

Nethercut railed for term limits and made a pledge to run for a limited number of terms. Of course, he didn't honor his pledge.

He failed in an attempt to win a Washington Senate seat.

Dangit Harbor...my bad! I thought you were on the Obama side all this time. I guess it shows just how measured and civil you have been.

My brother became an intercollegiate squash player for a while.

I am the world's worst squash player but I love to play.
Unfortunately not too many courts North of the Golden Gate. I have to drive into SF to play.

Jack

On Vacation (yes it is a legitimate category). Let me know if you get off the fence.

Jamie-----------------------

WRONG !!!

I'm not a political campaign pacifist - hit back and hit hard.

LOL@ Maggis

Jack

Lard...

I just whisper a lot....

The Running Mate Dilemma
http://www.creators.com/opinion/joe-conason.html

re jamie post:
"No one who doesn't have a consisten established identity is on the list."

except for the above, Jamie, all your posts today IMHO have been eloquent, witty and informed. please list me as a hanging chad somewhere between loyalist and gone

Maggis

About that fence, as long as it is not a country barb wire fence. I've got tangled up with those many times as a youngster. Kinda gets one worried about the more tender parts of the body, If ya know what I mean.

Jack

GORDO, for god's sake, use your brain. If she didn't spill the dirt through back channels and denounce it as repugnant when it would have moved some votes and given her a shot at the nomination without shredding Obama in the process, what in the name of heaven makes you believe she would do that now? And if you aren't one of the Repug shills, why repeat their words as if they mean something instead of just supplying the link with a brief intro?

Obama may not like Clinton, but any candidate who has glad-handed countless strangers and charmed big checks from self-important donors is not going to let a little thing like personal feelings get in the way.

"If Hillary Clinton really wants the job, he has no choice in the matter," noted pollster Scott Rasmussen.

"Barack Obama needs those votes," Rasmussen said of the working-class and female Democrats who supported Clinton. And it would be dangerous for Obama to send the message that he does not care about these important elements in the Democratic base. Hence, Rasmussen added, Clinton as running mate would "unify the party."

Obama garnered 17,535,458 votes to Clinton's 17,493,836.

http://www.creators.com/opinion/debra-saunders.html

And Gordo, I appreciate that you are in the "know thine enemy" camp, but repeating the lies isn't "hitting back and hitting hard." It's participating in a whisper campaign.

Wow,

Some tennis fans here...

I still have my program from the 1987 US Open. My tennis pro was good friends with Tim Mayotte. So on the first day, we got to spend time with Tim on the practice court and he was cool to hang out with.

I got to stand next to Chris Evert for her autograph...I was suprised that she is only 5'3"...she looked great then too!

I got Pat Cash the same year he won Wimbledon...he was a prick.

Jimmy Connors signed for me even though I threw him out of the way to get to John McEnroe. McEnroe looked at me like I was a retarded stalker.

I walked with Andre Agassi as he headed out for his opener against Henri Leconte. I sold Andre's autograph to a girl for $50.

Also got Hana Mandlikova, Brad Gilbert, Nick Bolliterri, Chip Hooper...

I wish I could still play but I lost my backhand years ago and I'm not sure my shoulder would like another beating...

Patd, why would you want to be ahanging Chad. that sounds like a mean thing to do to him.

The Marvelous Toy - The Chad Mitchell Trio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvrt0gXucRc

Jack

The jerk who defeated Tom Foley was George Nettercutt. He ran on a campaign of term limits and pledged to abide by it but when it came time for him to stand by his pledge, he reneged.

Typical right wing Repug.

Craig, remember, Obama changed his answer after Hillary pointed out the folly of failing to lay groundwork for talks and said that of course there would have to be "preparations" before talks occurred.

oops I see that Oregon Democrat already answered the question on Tom Foley. He even knew the term limits part.. It was quite a scandal, in my eyes, to run on term limits and then when his own power was threatened by said limits he decided to stay.

Gosh, you guys...I remember George Nethercutt...*shudders*. What a horrible little man! (Well, actually, he's rather tall, but still horrible!)

Since Jamie is keeping track of Hillary supporters, I guess I'd put myself as loyalist and also done with the Democratic party. But if it's only one, it's write in Hillary...

Craig,

Good post. No one should ever fear talking to the enemy. It's hysterical how the Republicans want to keep their Cold War shuttle diplomacy in the history books, but if you bring up that model in terms of the so-called War on Terror (or whatever you would call this nonsensical high school hazing of Iran), they bristle up and accuse you of siding with the enemy or being weak on foreign policy.

Harborwoman, I was p'od when someone was taking you "on" yesterday. You've been consistently one of the calm people here and a good reminder to us all on how to feel our passion without going on the attack. I still hope old friendships can be renewed after this primary process, even if I am still pissed and writing in Hillary... :-)

About Nethercutt: I couldn't believe that the voters of Eastern Washington would actually kick out Tom Foley when he was Speaker of the House. That was a lot of clout for their district and the state. I was flabbergasted when it happened. I know people who unhappy with Clinton then, 1994 as I recall, but to attack all the Dems seemed so backwards to me. Of course the Repugs won the House so Foley would have been reduced to Minority Leader only. When I watched Foley on the news and so forth, he always struck me as weak. He didn't have the fire that the Speaker from Texas had. I forget his name but he was forced to resign. And he certainly didn't have the force and magnitude of Tip O'Neill....

Eurotom,

One of the reasons why I don't mind Republicans like Joe Scarborough is because he believed in adhered to the term limit idea...

I was reading about Steve Largent's failed run for Governor and I came across something that made me nearly pee myself from laughing so hard...is this real or bs?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Largent

The surprise gubernatorial loss came as a result of three factors:[citation needed]

* the presence of a well-funded independent (a former Democrat) on the general election ballot;
* Henry's support of cockfighting, garnering a last minute endorsement by rural cockfighting interests who turned out in large numbers as the legality of cockfighting was on the ballot; and
Largent's unfamiliarity with hostile press interviews, as he had been somewhat of a popular local celebrity in Tulsa. This led to what was perhaps his greatest misstep: swearing at an Oklahoma City television reporter who wanted to know where he was at the time of the September 11, 2001 attacks.[citation needed] Largent's office released a statement as if it were from Largent; it was then learned that Largent had been on a hunting trip and didn't find out about the events of 9/11 until a day or so later.

Patd is now a chad being peered at from all side for her potential to be counted in their column

Thanks, Tom!

I really am slow to anger (as a rule...sometimes I bristle and flare right up, but I try not to do that!), and fairly difficult to get riled. Sometimes I think that might be a deficiency in me...because I truly don't see the offenses - on either side - that Clinton and Obama supporters point to when they declare their vengeance toward the other candidate.

I cannot see that Clinton has run the vile and vicious, no holds barred, scorched earth campaign that some accuse her of. Nor can I see that Obama has been the arrogant and petulant campaigner he's often accused of being. I simply think they've both done what politicians do...tried their damnedest to win.

The difficulties to overcome seem much larger to me than who sits behind the desk in the oval office. I'm genuinely worried about this country...far more worried than to argue over the personalities of two political contenders.

ET

"Eastern Washington " That is the pocket of far Right Republicans. They even have a Republican Assembly group over there and that is practically the flat earth wing.

Bear...

All I can say is that Steve Largent was a FANTASTIC Seahawk!!!

pogo ---------------------------

We don't know what the Clinton campaign has on Obama (and when they got it), if anything. I'm sure Hillary wanted to win the nomination "clean". If Team Clinton dug up dirt on Obama, the Repubs probably also have it. Better for Hillary to knock Obama out than wait for the Repubs to do it.

This is a quote from Harold Ickes:

"We don’t know enough about Senator Obama yet. We don’t need an October Surprise. And (the chance of) an October Surprise with Hillary is remote.”

http://thepage.time.com/2008/05/06/ickes-obama-nomination-risks-%e2%80%9coctober-surprise%e2%80%9d/

http://wonkette.com/400085/these-humans-cannot-be-real

Well damnit. Sen. Obama just gave me a reason to vote for him. (I'm still being stubborn about Sen. Clinton getting anything she wants and him saying, "why of course, Hillary")

He just spoke about the effect on inner city young men already starting to change to concentrate on their studies because they now see opportunity and having that statement bolstered by Clyburn.

In the past one of my stands to people who criticized children in poverty dropping out, getting in gangs etc. has always been, "It is awfully hard to see your way out if you can't see your way up"

Whatever I may think of Sen. Obama's readiness for the job, he is an image of the way up.

That Wonkette video reminds me of my "REAL" political party

http://www.omrlp.com/

Gordo, although I don't disagree with Ickes' opinion that we don't know a lot about Obama, I have to question a source that puts a May 6 article up on June 5.

Jamie...

You just put a huge smile on my face!

As the retired principal of a school for delinquent boys...most of whom were African American (and that's a whole other discussion point!)...I have often thought throughout this primary season how much I'd like to be back with those kids, able to look them square in the eye and say..."See! See what's possible!" With Obama as the presumptive nominee, that would be an even greater pleasure.

Your point is so RIGHT ON!!! Obama is an image of a way up! He better not squander this oppportunity!

Oops! Got excited with those p's in opportunity!

KGC!
it's great to see you posting again....... and yes..... your puppy dog is a cutie....

Jamie..... isn't it time for you to post the horses running in the Belmont....
of course..... I want Big Brown..... please.... pretty please.... let's have a Triple Crown winner this year.....

oh yeah..... I was 13 yrs old when RFK got shot.... I remember my father crying like a baby.....

I wish I could share your folks' optimism about Barack Obama. I am just too pissed to even consider it...

At least I'm honest :-)

pogo --------------------------

Ickes has been using the "October Surprise" argument for awhile (don't know how long) with the SDs, obviously it didn't work. Just guessing, but the "OS" may be the MO video. Did you see that clip of Bob Beckel from Fox & Friends. He brought the subject up himself and takes it seriously. Beckel appears to be an Obama supporter judging from his statements and body language.

So just go with your feelings, Tom! Only you know what feels right for you...and only you will know if that changes.

I did not see the Beckel interview. There won't be an OS from the Clinton camp - it would do her no good. If she or her supporters have anything, between now and August is the time to get it out there. Otherwise, it only hurts him without helping her step into his place with time to campaign. I don't think it's going to happen, but then again, what do I know?

Renee,

Here they are in post order. I'm just being nervous after the events of last year and this year. I hope it will be Big Brown, but I'll have a sentimental on Ichabad Crane

Everybody, let me know who you want.

Big Brown

Guadalcanal

Macho Again

Denis of Cork

Casino Drive

Da' Tara

Tale of Ekati

Ready's Echo

Anak Nakal

Icabad Crane

Bravo Jamie.

I love ya Jaime but did you have to cave already?

Pogo, could you email, please?

flatus
at
tricare
dot
org

Thanks!

Jamie...

Big Brown! But I share your nervousness...especially with his cracked hoof.

To me, a vote for Obama would be a vote for Msnbc and the way they handled this election. It would be a vote for misogyny and disrespect. It would be a vote telling the DNC that 'all's well that ends well' and go ahead and do the same thing next time, because it won't matter. It would be a vote for everything I've learned about the DNC and now resent.

In short, a vote for Obama would be a vote for everything I don't believe in.

Melanie...

Yours is an interesting take on Jamie seeing something positive in Obama's candidacy. I don't see her as caving at all...just making an honest observation. And she didn't say she plans to vote for him.

Melanie

Haven't caved yet. It's ONE reason. I'm still on vacation thinking about it. It's a long time until November and I trust he will be able to piss me off again. : )

Campaign just announced that Hillary is "not seeking" the Vice Presidency.

political words being what they are, put that one in the hopper and see what happens.

TY jamie...here i am exposed, twisting twisting in the wind with the other chads.

with great trepidation because i picked eight belles (may she rest in peace) last time, please put me down for Macho Again (a name befitting recent events).

"Campaign just announced that Hillary is "not seeking" the Vice Presidency."

I think it would be a bad fit for her. Life is too short to be in that position when she could be doing wonderful things in the Senate.

I'll go for Icabod... reminds me of Sleepy Hollow. Do I get something if he wins?

"Whatever I may think of Sen. Obama's readiness for the job, he is an image of the way up." Posted by Jamie

Jamie, as usual you give me reason to stop and think (as do so many others here.)
I used to work night shift in an inner city hospital ER. Can't tell you how many young black kids I cared for with gunshot and knife wounds. FAR too many of them didn't make it and those that did were often left paralyzed, brain damaged, or worse. Many went to jail and I'm sure many are still there.
If Obama can bring hope and change to kids like those I took care of, that will be the shining star in this year's presidential race.

EuroTom....
yes...... you'd get our undying love and a bottle of OdyPU cologne sent to the address of your choice..... :0)

Chloe has a major point. I don't see any signs of remorse from the media (they have more excuses than the politicians). Just can't seem to get it into their profit driven, weasley little heads that they are the major source of anger at Obama ...

I can create my own OdyPU easily... LOL

pogo-------------------------------

Here is the Beckel video:

Bob Beckel Talks About a Cryptic Michelle Obama Bombshell!

At 3:22

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9zmdhoGKdrk

(If the video exists, the Clinton campaign may have a copy and would use it before the convention.)

jamie, I'll take Anak Nakal. I just like the way the nak repeats.

Gordo, I'll have to wait until this evening to view it - streamers are blocked here.

Craig and Company,

With news stories like these,

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24988278/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24985540/

Couldn't Democrats argue in this election season that we are losing the "War on Terror" to Al Qaeda because Bush ignored the warnings of 9/11?

Weren't some of the original stated goals of Al Qaeda to cause calamity to the US economy?

If they were to make that argument, would it go over the heads of the American public?

Jamie: Put me down for Denis of Cork, if you would. I seem to remember that he was closing in the Derby ... might have a chance in a longer race.

GORDO: If such a video existed and the Clintons were inclined to use it, doncha think they would have used it before now?

nannym: In the hospital where I worked for many long years the kids who came into the Trauma Room with GSWs and the like were mainly Hispanic. Should we go for Richardson for VP and spread the hope around?

I want on this forum.

I hope that last post didn't sound too cynical; I didn't mean it to...I just think that voting for someone because he/she represents an inspirational message of possibilities to youth is down near the bottom of the list.

Pogo...
that was my pick for the Derby..... he came in 7th..... which isn't too bad for a 60-1 shot......

I picked him because I thought his name sounded Eskimoish..... but it turns out it's Arabic..... sorry... I forgot what it means....

Anonymous

Give yourself a name and jump on in. We like newbies who actually contribute

Well, jump right in, anonymous! The water's (usually) fine!

Chloe and Jamie...

Amen! Amen! Amen! About the media. Their corporate ownership shows way too much, and they've done a great deal to choose our candidates for us. Now that pisses me off! But I don't hold the candidates accountable for it...though I'm sure the chosen ones are willing victims.

My fears and anger are directed at the corporate ownership and sponsorship of those media outlets, and too darn many of our politicians. We must find a pathway to electing people who either won't or can't sell out for campaign contributions or perks.

Renee, anything - horse or otherwise - with a name that sounds like naknak is OK with me, and it does saound Eskimoish. A payout on a virtual bet of a few bucks could come in handy in my virtual life.

anonymous, you are on this forum - now pick a name so we don't get all confused and such.

Jamie
Cute story but I'm a bit skeptical. Enthused sure. But translating that to increased interest in education???
I guess I've lived in the neighborhood too long. Sounds like a success story. One of those things you tell your funders so they get all warm and fuzzy inside and write you another check. Not that the event didn't occur but that it was a momentary happening that makes a good picture with a story.

Jack

hw, to his credit, Obama is taking at least symbolic steps to alienate corps and their lobbyists. Not a bad start IMHO.

Well, a new day, a new sports season - gotta head out to the first swim meet of the summer. Joy. See ya.

"symbolic steps to alienate corps and their lobbyists"

Pogo,

And it will give the bundlers something to do between now and November.

Signed: Cynics R Us

Chloe, Jamie, Harborwoman: Actually, I think that the MSM has even less influence than it did in earlier times. Now we have Cable News, the internets, and especially You Tube ... with a 24 hour news cycle.

Yes, it is / has been extremely ugly what MSNBC (primarily) did to Sen Clinton ... but anyone with access to the internet and the willingness to put in the time can now find out more about a candidate than was ever possible before. The problem that I see is that far too many--including a lot of the pundits--see politics as a game (even Donna Brazile's e-mail said that) rather than as a serious concern.

I hope none of the politicos have bad backs now that they are required to stand up to eat their caviar and lobster from the bufet. Juggling lessons can help with the little plate and champagne glasses.

Jack...

I don't think it's only about education. As important as that is, it's more about giving kids who have seen little reason to hope for a better life a vision of a pathway to one. Getting an education is probably a by-product of that attitude of hope.

I worked with incarcerated delinquent youth for 27 years, freely admit to being a bit of an idealist, but would love the opportunity to work with them today with the example of Obama to hold up before them. Or just discuss with them. The possibilities!

Pogo: Does the ban also extend to union PACS? What about environmental PACs and lobbyists, consumer watchdog lobbyists and the like.
And, without these donations, who's gonna pay for the Convention?

pogo...

I saw that. Looks good, but I want to see how it translates into reality. Politicians have earned our skepticism about such things. I'm sure many others here feel the same way.

harborwoman: But don't you think that most of the rest of us got our inspiration from the everyday heroes and heroines we saw around us? It seems to me that if more African-Americans of achievement (particularly men) were to go back to their communities and act as role models that would be far more helpful to the average kid.

Maggisd,
Not cynical at all and I agree with you. I wasn't suggesting that it's a good reason to vote for Obama,
only that maybe one postive thing will come out of this.
I'm just looking for a silver (albeit very tarnished) lining
to perk me up a bit.

Jamie: They're going to make special glasses and little plates for political functions ... with velcro wrist straps...

maggiesd,

The corporate folks will still have the suites and parties etc. That's why I put in that bit about eating standing up.

As to the groups. All the little checks get written by individuals to the candidate. Then the groups put all the little checks into a nice neat package with the lobbyists address on the band that holds them together and delivers the whole pile to the candidate. There is no secret about where the money comes from every time.

maggisd ---------------------

If the Clinton campaign has such a devastating video, using it during the primary season would create a massive amount of turmoil in the Dem Party (she would be blamed). Better to try to win without it. If the video exists, the Clinton campaign would use it after voting had been completed. A cover of an anti-McCain Repub billionaire has been put out by Larry Johnson. The story is that the billionaire has offered a million dollars for a copy because he believes McCain would defeat Obama (the MO video), he prefers Hillary.

Is anyone watching Chris Matthews? This is beyond anything I have ever heard. These people better hope Hillary doesn't pull this thing out.

maggi...

No doubt, those up close and personal examples are crucial, but many (maybe even most) of my students had little or none of those available to them. Their heroes were often fathers or other relatives who were serving time for crimes ranging from drug offenses to murder. Too many sports heroes have feet of clay, as evidenced by their behavior. Those shining examples - and it doesn't get much shinier than presidential candidate - are gifts that can be replaced by nothing else, it seems to me. But it's best if they come accompanied by a closer hero, like a Big Brother or Sister (girls need these examples, too!)...or teacher, or counselor, or whomever... who can give them personal guidance toward a better life.

nannym: Now, an argument that does make sense to me is that Sen O brings a perspective to the political world that is unique. That, it seems to me would be a compelling argument. Just as I have always thought that women bring a different perspective to politics.

Unfortunately, I am pretty certain I don't care for Sen O's perspective ... but that's just me.

What makes me saddest of all is that I can so easily envision a world in which I could have voted for both of them...Hillary now, Barak later (based on their ages and experience, not their race or gender). And, for the life of me, I still don't get why he had to run now ... when he stated he didn't have that intention when he first ran for the Senate. I wish I knew ...

Gordo,
You keep getting my hopes up again. You've got to stop this.

I think there is a video, but we may not see it until October. I don't think Hillary is necessarily the one that has it, but is aware of it's existence, and possibly even has seen it.

She stayed in this race to make sure she had properly placed all the pieces into the right places, so in case something happens she's prepared. But I don't even think she's necessarily hoping for it. Just prepared in case the unpredictable occurs.

Chloe: I agree with you on that one. Just in case is such a female thing, isn't it?

Maggisd,
I, too, wish he had waited. It's one of the things I find it hardest to deal with and accept. We Dems could have had 16yrs in the White House, eight for Hillary followed by eight for him. Instead, we'll probably get McCain.

Tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. ET, a cloture vote on the Environmental Protection Bill. If you have C-Span you might want to see who shows up, how they vote, and what the interaction on the Senate floor is.

Interesting video about how sexism sells.
http://www.mediachannel.org/wordpress/2008/06/05/sexism-sells-but-were-not-buying-it/

nannym: It just doesn't make any sense to me. I keep looking for the hidden reason? Why was it now or never? Was he bored with the Senate? Did he think people would get bored with him? Is there something we don't know that we should know?
If Dick Durbin winds up as Senate Majority Leader (in case of an Obama win), I think we'll begin to get an inkling. Or if David Axelrod assumes a Rove-like situation in the White House.

And here's a link to a petition that tells the media sexism may sell but we're not buying it anymore.
http://www.womensmediacenter.com/sexism_sells.html

Just in case is such a female thing, isn't it? by: maggisd

Maggi, lol
Yes, always being prepared for the unexpected.

Jamie: It was reported earlier this year by a woman from one of those watchdog groups that study FEC files (on Washington Journal) that Sen Obama had one of the best bundling operations ever seen.
The other thing that was interesting was that, early on, they were reporting purchases of bumper stickers, t-shirts, etc, as donations and counting the contributors among the new supporters. I don't know if this is commonly done, but the way it was reported made it sound as if it was a new "gimmick" ...

Maggisd,
I keep asking the same question. It makes no sense to me either. It takes alot of chutzpa to believe you're qualified to be president when you have so little experience. I do agre about Durbin and Axelrod. I feel like Obama is a puppet. What I can't figure out is who is pulling his strings.

chloe: It's just so true, though, isn't it? It's always the Mom who has a little stash of rainy day cash, or who bought that pair of mittens just in case, or the waterproof map, etc. It's because we were the gatherers and the men were the hunters ... they think straight line (except when it comes to asking for directions), and we multi-task.

LAST CALL FOR YOUR VIDEO STILLS

Posted by: Craig Crawford | June 5, 2008 2:01 PM
_____

I sent in some pics 8~D, but I don't know if you received them 8~(

Anyway...I hope lots of people have sent photos....I love being able to see everyone!!

nannym: My exact thought.

nannym: I keep coming back to Rev Wright's boast ... "we groomed him for years" ... who is we, groomed him for what and why? Or is it just the flight of fancy of an old fraud?

"anyone with access to the internet and the willingness to put in the time can now find out more about a candidate than was ever possible before."

Maggie,

Maybe when the younger generations age some more this will be true. Most of our cohorts in the 60ish range can barely handle email and chain letters much less search terms and general surfing.

I don't know about you, but the reason I am on the receiving end of so much garbage is friends sending me things with questions such as: Do you know about this? Is This True? What should I do?

Plus I now think of cable as being part of the MSM and they are even more dishonest than their network counterparts. Darn few people sit down to watch the evening news before dinner any more.

Jamie

Please add me, to your list, as a SWITCHER 8~)

Clinton/Obama '12!! (hey, it could happen...)

“He was blinded by his ambition,” Mr. Rush said. “Obama has never suffered from a lack of believing that he can accomplish whatever it is he decides to try. Obama believes in Obama. And, frankly, that has its good side but it also has its negative side.”

Not that the loss hurt Mr. Obama. Not long after getting “my rear end handed to me,” as he later put it, he ran successfully for the United States Senate — this time with no sitting Democrat to displace, with abundant planning and with a more experienced campaign staff, including David Axelrod, a Daley consultant who is the senior political adviser on Mr. Obama’s campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/09/us/politics/09obama.html

I think Obama is all about Obama and is skilled in the politics of oportunism.

Jamie: Everything you say is probably quite true ... in truth, I personally don't know anyone who isn't quite adept with computers and the internet, but it might just be the people I know. Thing is, of course, most of them aren't all that interested in politics and are quite willing to just accept what is forwarded to them.

Barack Punts on Denial of Michelle Tape

"He was asked about this today and here is his reply: "go to link"

Huh? Are you kidding me? If it ain’t true say so.

But when a politician tap dances on nuance. Baby it is true. My sources have not backed off. They maintain they have a tape and will drop it on the Dems in the fall. Now if Barack said, “No, and hell no” I would be wondering about my sources. But he punted. He went for the weasel word. The non-denial denial."

http://noquarterusa.net/blog/2008/06/05/barack-punts-on-denialle-tapel-of-miche/

Maggie,

" It seems to me that if more African-Americans of achievement (particularly men) were to go back to their communities and act as role models that would be far more helpful to the average kid."

This was one of the unintended consequences of Civil Rights that those with education, skills, and talent were released from a ghetto to live anywhere their accomplishments could take them. It left many areas without mentors and those areas once given over to the poorest and least educated deteriorated badly.

There have always been wealthy AA enclaves and after some time in suburbia there is now a movement to cluster in even more suburban areas that are still racial specific, but it might as well be any principally white gated enclave for all the effect it has on the crime and drug ridden inner city.

One of the things about Trinity and other "Liberation Theology" churches (whatever you may think of much of their positions) is that they are active in the inner cities along with New Black Panthers and Nation of Islam to try and do exactly what you recommend to try to clean up the mess.

Lynn C: You might be interested in some additional information about Bobby Rush, the man who handed Sen Obama his only political defeat. He's an interesting fellow, although not nearly so charismatic or articulate as Sen Obama.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Rush

Thanks maggisd.

Gordo,
You keep getting my hopes up again. You've got to stop this.

Posted by: chloe

Why would you delight in this? That's shameful. I know your candidate lost, but give it up, please!

Jamie: I have always been a "fan" of what I call settlement work and one of the reasons that I have not criticized the Nation of Islam (although I can't say the same for Farrakhan) is the good community work they do. My grandfather and much of the rest of his family were products of Hull House and all of them adored Jane Addams to their dying day.
I have to say that I also fault the Great Society program ... it is a little known fact that LBJ was forced to compromise with the few Republicans who supported the program by agreeing that households with adult males capable of working could not receive benefits.

Holy cow a lot happens around here in just a day.

There should be preconditions, all the time. But I'm all for negotiating with anyone to make anything better. At least they should give diplomacy a try. It's a more civil approach than just bombing the shit out of a country first.

Ya never know, it might even work.

tt

tiptoe,

Absolutely. I also think it would be healthy for this country to start thinking of itself as part of a larger, global community, rather than the ugly neighborhood bully that silences all critics.

tiptoe: We brought Libya around after years of delicate low-level negotiations (beginning in the Clinton years), without having to fire a shot, and without an American President having to sit for a photo-op with a man even Yassar Arafat said was crazy.
No one is against more diplomacy. Some of us question the wisdom of lending the prestige of an American President to a man such as Ahmadinijad.

Well I will give MSNBC credit heard Craigs balanced aproach there and followed it here!! Totally gave up MSNBC and CNN except Lou Dobbs.The info I get here is more than enough for me.Thanks everyone.

PofU: Something we were discussing earlier. You would obviously admire the fact that Sen Obama sees himself as a citizen of the world. Some of us feel more comfortable with those who have an American identity.

There was a professor from U Va on Washington Journal who did quite an interesting segment on these concepts .... those who have an American identity, those who have a group identity, and those (a new category, he felt) who see themselves as citizens of the world.

No one is against more diplomacy. Some of us question the wisdom of lending the prestige of an American President to a man such as Ahmadinijad.

Posted by: maggisd

It's a tough position, because you may dislike him for his more hyperbolic statements (apparently denying the holocaust), but we also have to keep in mind that our foreign policy (particularly our all-or-nothing support of Israel) helped shape Iran and its politics.

Chef Sheila
Where are U?Miss your thought provoking posts.Hope you will consider posting soon you bring so much to this Blog.