New Yorker Summary of Financial Collapse

I found this recent New Yorker article about the financial collapse very illuminating. It seems like a pretty clear, and scary, explanation for how things went south.

State Dept. Resignation Over Afghanistan

As I'm sure you've heard by now, Matthew Hoh, a State Department representative in Afghanistan and former Marine captain who served in Iraq, very publicly resigned his post over our involvement in Afghanistan. His resignation letter is seering. Hopefully, this will shift the debate from "How many more troops should we send?" to "How can we quickly get out of Afghanistan without letting the country plunge into chaos?"

Congrats to Bridget!

Congrats to Bridget for her great performance in the Chicago Marathon!

Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize

I'm sure you all saw this already, but President Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize this morning. Apparently, this came as a shock to the White House, especially since Barack took office only a couple weeks before the eligibility cutoff for this year's award.

The Nobel Committee cited Obama's initiatives to reduce nuclear weapons, to ease tensions with the Muslim world, and to rely more on diplomacy than unilateralism in world affairs. I immediately also thought that they wanted to pressure Barack to stick with his guns--a thought I believed to be uniquely insightful until I saw it all over the Web this morning.

It does make me reflect, though, on America's role in world affairs. The last two sitting presidents to win the award, Teddy Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, did so because they directly brokered peace talks. Barack has done nothing of the sort and stands poised to intensify the conflict in Afghanistan. But, we are a much more powerful nation than we were in 1906 and 1919. Obviously, those on the Nobel Committee believe that we have a disproportionate impact on world peace because of our overwhelming military strength. Thus, incremental moves towards peace and diplomacy by America have a large impact.

If Barack follows through with his statements in favor of diplomacy and follows through on his efforts to the world's nuclear arsenal he could earn this honor. I really hope he does.

UPDATE: Of course the Repugs are losing their minds over this crying that Obama hasn't done anything to deserve the prize. The Prez answered those criticism well in his remarks.

I Am ENRAGED

30 (THIRTY!) out of 40 Senate Republicans voted against an amendment that would withhold defense contracts from companies that "restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery and discrimination cases to court."

This has actually happened, most infamously, to a Halliburton/KBR employee, but to others as well. The amendment did pass 68 to 30.

Here are the twisted details.

Oh and everyone's favorite Maverick was one the distinguished 30. Seriously, how do he and the rest of these little creeps sleep at night?

Not Even Bronze (sigh)

Despite the combined power of Obama and Oprah, Chicago was the first city eliminated from the Olympics 2016 running today in Copenhagen.

Right Wing Pundit Ponders Benefits of Military Coup

Yesterday on Newsmax, columnist John L. Perry muses about how a "bloodless coup" might be the only way to resolve the "Obama problem." Newsmax has since pulled the column (I guess sedition might violate their policies), but you can read the juiciest bits on Media Matters. The key nugget:

A coup is not an ideal option, but Obama's radical ideal is not acceptable or reversible. Unthinkable? Then think up an alternative, non-violent solution to the Obama problem.

How about an election?!? Remember how we had one of those less than a year ago and the country opted for the "Obama problem" and its "radical ideal" by a large margin?

I'm trying to keep all of this poisonous rhetoric from really freaking me out. I recently talked about this with my uncle who told B. and I that his last year at Wisconsin-Madison classes could only meet 16 out of 32 weeks because of anti-Vietnam riots. Still, this alarms me.

UPDATE: TPM posted the full text of the original column.

Your Mama!

Love that Sen. Stabenow calls out Kyl on his ridiculous "I don't need maternity care so my policy shouldn't have to cover it" argument:

Obama on Kanye: "He's a Jackass"

This is just awesome. And, I love that people thought it would somehow damage Barack, but that people have just been applauding it.

The Health Care Speech

The President's speech got rave reviews in our household, but then again, Bridget and I are totally in the tank for Barack. In particular, I liked that: he laid out the key provisions that he'd like to see clearly, without being too wonky; he reminded many Repugs that they were for a lot of these provisions before they were against them (I thought McCain's "F-you for reminding the American people about that" smile told a lot); and he all but said that he'd do this without Repug support. Pretty much what I wanted to see.

But, how did it go over with everyone else? CNN posted a promising poll on this. They cite a 14-point rise in support for the plan among those who watched the speech. That's great. I just hope enough people watched.

Of course, the key question remains whether the Dems will be able to get the votes to achieve cloture. Salon has a good summary of some key players' reactions. Sadly, it shows that the Blue Dogs remain noncommital and Olympia Snowe insists she's still against a public option. Even if they get all of the "moderate" Dem senators, without Kennedy's vote, it seems like they have to get at least one GOPer. Snowe seems the likeliest target, and if she's unmoved, there's still a lot to be done.

Pat Buchanan: Hitler Apologist

Two days ago, Pat Buchanan posted an article on his web site arguing that Hitler did not want to go to war in 1939 and essentially blaming Britain for WWII. Wow. When I seem him on TV kind of joking around with Rachel Maddow, I sometimes forget what a twisted guy he is.

Boston Says Goodbye

To a Great Man.

RIP Teddy

Uh Oh

Krugman is not pleased. i'm getting a little nervous myself. the health care debate is a mess and i'm afraid we'll end up with legislation that's meaningless. maybe rahm's "do it all at once" strategy isn't working so much. i know, i know, it's only been 9 months and obama inherited a country in distress. but still...

the money quote:

"It’s hard to avoid the sense that Mr. Obama has wasted months trying to appease people who can’t be appeased, and who take every concession as a sign that he can be rolled."

Nature makes us nicer

New research finds those who feel a strong connection to the natural world have a more caring attitude toward others.

http://www.miller-mccune.com/news/immersion-in-nature-makes-us-nicer-1430

But then ... why are rural areas conservative? Please tell me that logic isn't incomprehensible. (Highly flawed, yes, but ya follow me, right?)

Barney Frank takes no shit

he's my hero. finally, the voice of reason in the absurd debate around health care.

This is what Palin started...

i blame her. And scary, and stupid, and macho and stupid republican haters.

TPM has an interesting post on the lovely phenomenon of assault weapons at health care rallies. health. care. rallies.

jeezus, you piss of democrats you get a peace rally with homemade signs by seana. piss of a republican and you get racism and death threats. nice.

Repugnant...Repugnanter...Repugnantest

These psychos-come-lately like Beck try to establish their wingut cred by doing things like pretending to offer the Speaker of the House of Representatives wine with poison in it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAii_MxDklw

And psycho-emeritus Boss Limbaugh plays the Hitler card again (I don't even like being snarky about this because it is so beyond the pale. So reprehensible):
http://www.salon.com/opinion/greenwald/2009/08/07/limbaugh/

But, really, shame on us for letting our guard down and forgetting who is the Queen of BatShitInsaneLand. You can see stupid from her house:
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2009/08/palin-obamas-death-panel-could-kill-my-down-syndrome-baby.php?ref=fpblg

"In a new posting on her Facebook account, former Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK) made a dire statement about health care reform -- that it could result in an Obama-created "death panel" killing her infant son with Down Syndrome:
The America I know and love is not one in which my parents or my baby with Down Syndrome will have to stand in front of Obama's "death panel" so his bureaucrats can decide, based on a subjective judgment of their "level of productivity in society," whether they are worthy of health care. Such a system is downright evil."

Have these people reached the Jump the Shark point? I mean, does anyone other than the whack-job-far-right believe anything they say anymore? I mean, what the fuck.

Repugnant

There is just too much crazy going on this week. Between health care and the whole Gates fracas, the Repugs seem even more repugnant than usual. A summary:

The Birthers: It's not just Lou Dobbs. Elected Repug senators and congresspeople continue to support the view that the President was born outside of the U.S. despite proof that he was and most of the GOP establishment, even Ann Coulter, calling this stuff a distraction.

The Victims: Most people realize that Pat Buchanan, Lou Dobbs, Rush Limbaugh, and Glenn Beck are unhinged when it comes to race relations. But, they have an audience. It's infuriating that they keep spewing this crap.

The Lies: This seems to be the main Repug tactic against health care reform. They continue to raise the specter that government bureaucrats will be making medical decisions for people. Now, they are pointing to language on support for "end-of-life services," you know, hospice care, and saying that this puts us on the "path toward government-encouraged euthanasia."

Now, obviously, this is a vocal minority in the GOP. But, they have the podium right now. And, they've gotten so extreme that they worry Senator Voinovich.

Shatner Reads Palin

Maybe it's not as good as his version of "Rocket Man," but it is great:

Another Mission Accomplished

The CDC just released a report claiming that the rate of teen pregnancies and STDs, which had been falling prior to 2000, went up during the Bush years. But at least these kids' minds haven't been sullied by having to hear about condoms in school.

Please Don't Throw Me in That Briar Patch

Pat Buchanan has a lovely little column on a conservative site, Human Events. In it, he not only exhorts the GOP to attack Sotomayor as a racist, but also claims that the key to GOP victory is further shoring up their portion of the white vote. Example:

If John McCain, instead of getting 55 percent of the white vote, got the 58 percent George W. Bush got in 2004, that would have had the same impact as lifting his share of the Hispanic vote from 32 percent to 62 percent.

And:

Why did McCain fail to win the white conservative Democrats Hillary Clinton swept in the primaries? He never addressed or cared about their issues.

These are the folks whose jobs have been outsourced to China and Asia, who pay the price of affirmative action when their sons and daughters are pushed aside to make room for the Sonia Sotomayors. These are the folks who want the borders secured and the illegals sent back.

Had McCain been willing to drape Jeremiah Wright around the neck of Barack Obama, as Lee Atwater draped Willie Horton around the neck of Michael Dukakis, the mainstream media might have howled.

And McCain might be president.

So, yeah, this is repugnant stuff. But, it's also delightfully wrong-headed. For one, Buchanan assumes that all white people are as narrow-minded as he is. Second, the kind of people who are charged up about this stuff make up a shrinking portion of our overall population. If anything, the GOP needs to moderate itself or it risks becoming a powerless fringe group.

Ultimately, I think the crazy right will find themselves marginalized. Moderate Republicans will realize that they need to cast the wingnuts out of the party and our whole political spectrum will correct its course. I can dream, right?

Friday Fun

Just a couple quick items:

• Burris won't seek reelection next year. Thank goodness.
• The latest revelation in the Senator Ensign (R-NV) scandal: his parents paid his mistress $96,000. Silence doesn't come cheap.
• Peggy Noonan just tore into Palin today in the WSJ. Money quote: "Really, she is the most careless sower of discord since George W. Bush, who fractured the party and the movement that made him." Either that, or: "But, she is a ponder-free zone. She can memorize the names of the presidents of Pakistan, but she is not going to be able to know how to think about Pakistan. " It's really that harsh.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Batshit-Insane American Quitter Sarah Palin

Out of all the coverage over her remarkable resignation Friday, Wonkette gets it best.

Here's a sample:

So, after crazily quitting her elected position as governor of Alaska, via an alarming backyard last-minute press conference void of any explanation , at the classic 4 p.m. hour of the Friday-Holiday news dump, Sarah Palin is now twatting on the twitter about how her Anchorage attorneys are going to SUE THE AMERICAN MEDIA, for saying “WTF?”

Honestly, this is what Sarah Palin twatted on Saturday Night, July 4th, Independence Day, in America.

Her link goes to (of course) Scientologist nut and sub-literate weirdo Greta Van Susteren’s blog on FoxNews.com, where Greta has helpfully (?) posted seven pages of legal threats from Palin’s lawyers, although you can’t actually read beyond the first vague page of whining bullshit, because Greta/Fox can’t figure out how to operate the Internet.

Robert McNamara Dies

Former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara died today at the age of 93. He was both the best and worst of America. A brilliant, thoughtful man who decided to use his brilliance to develop new and more effective ways to blow people up, from World War II through the Vietnam War.

Peter's on McSweeney's

Friend of the Sassy Team, Peter Krinke has an essay on the front page of McSweeney's today, a hilarious piece called "From the Diary of John Adams." Check it. Congratulations, Peter!

And the Winner is...

Al Franken.

Thank You God for Barack Obama

Once again, the best analysis of a major news story comes from the Daily Show. Jon interviewed Iranian-American journalist, Reza Aslan, about the situation in Iran. The major takeaways:

1. It is an entirely Iranian affair--nothing any other country did or said impacted it.
2. We're limited in what we can do because both the hardliners and reformers distrust America.
3. Barack has handled it just about perfectly. We could have only made matters worse. That's why Aslan says in the interview, "Thank you, God, for Barack Obama."
   

A Little Happy

those suits are going to piss Dave off.
but this song could grow on me.

Sanford Went to Argentina for Tryst

Wow. This story is just bizarre. First, we heard that Governor Mark Sanford just disappeared, taking a state vehicle, presumably just to get away from South Carolina after a legislative drubbing. But, then it came out that no one knew where he was, but that he had placed a phone call in or near Atlanta. Then, his staff claimed he was hiking the Appalachian Trail. After a few days AWOL, word came that he would be back this week. Then, today came.

This morning, he told reporters that he had been in Argentina. He wanted to do something exotic and went to Buenos Aires, visiting the "coast." Then, this afternoon, he admitted that he met a woman there. Just wow.

UPDATE: Here's a direct quote from Wonkette's liveblog of his presser: "2:31 — Ha ha ha, when he finally said what happened, a lady in the background gave a rather brutal 'WTF?' head turn." Love it!

Bennett Overdosed

Billboard Magazine reports that former Wilco member Jay Bennett overdosed on pain killers. The drug in question is used to treat chronic pain, which Bennett must have been in while he waited for hip surgery. Sad.

The New Face of Iran

this is so inspiring.

does anyone know if there is something we can do for the protesters--send money somewhere?

Afternoon (Semiannual?) Round-Up

Obviously, the big story is the continuing unrest in Iran. Protestors and police continue to spar. Meanwhile, the Iranian government did acknowledge some voting irregularity, but stated that it wouldn't have made a difference (like Florida in 2000?). And, Iran is blaming the West, especially Britain, and an exiled Iranian militant group, the MEK. As of the latest estimates, it seems that as many as 30 protestors have been killed and over 450 arrested.

Interestingly, Washington Monthly has a post that tells the story of at least one policeman who seems to be cracking under the pressure of assaulting his fellow citizens. If that policeman's unique, then it probably doesn't mean much, but if he's typical, then this could reach the point where the police refuse orders to attack the protestors. That could topple the government.

NON-IRAN:
Remember how I really want the Bushies investigated for all of their lawlessness and how I've been disappointed by Barack's unwillingness to do so? Well, a judge just added some extra pressure by allowing Jose Padilla's case against John Yoo to proceed.

Finally, John Hodgman is hilarious.

UPDATE: Wonkette links to this article explaining that since having all of his vetoes overturned by the South Carolina legislature, Governor Mark Sanford has been missing. Seriously. He's been in touch via telephone, but not even his wife knows where he is.

Steelers Fans Join Iran Protests

Is that Uncle Joe?

Very Away Game? Steelers Penetrate Iran Protests

Shared via AddThis

Iranian Student's View

Interesting Op-Ed by an anonymous Iranian student from the NYT today on the situation in there.

Iran Slideshow from NY Times

The NY Times has a pretty fascinating slideshow in their Iran coverage today. I find it incredible that so many thousands of people are taking the streets to protest the election. I heartily hope there isn't a bloody crackdown.

Bridget: Running Rock Star

Congratulations to Bridget, who ran the 13.1 Half Marathon this weekend in 1:47.42. Her average mile was 8:13! She finished 19th of the 335 women in her age cohort, in the top 6 percent of all women, and top 15 percent overall. And, she qualified for a preferred start in the Chicago Marathon. Rock star!

Taken to Their Logical Conclusions

The Washington Monthly has a biting post this morning about the murderer who shot abortion doctor George Tiller and the slippery slope of the Bush legal practices. Everyone seems to agree that the guy who shot Dr. Tiller is a terrorist by any definition. So, Hilzoy and other bloggers ask: Can we detain him indefinitely? Can we torture him? Can the government freeze the assets of and make it illegal to contribute to pro-life organizations?

Obviously, the many of the most ardent supporters of Bush's legal legacies would be apopleptic about extending those horrid practices to domestic groups. But, the logical follow-up is if those tactics against extremist right-wingers, why is it okay to use them against Islamic groups? I suspect that Repugs have an easy answer, but not one they want to openly state in public.

Sun Times Scoop

It's not Burris.

But to remind us of what a dirt ball Burris is, go here.

Fitzgerald to Announce Another Indictment

Via Wonkette, the Chicago Breaking News Center (the Trib Co.) just posted that U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald will be having a news conference at 2 p.m. to announce the indictment of "an elected official." Could it be Burris? Wonkette did point out, though, that Burris was never elected. Stay tuned!

Sonia Sotomayor

So, what do we know about our latest SCOTUS nominee? I don't have much to add to the e-mail that Seana circulated. We know she'd be the Court's first Latino, it's third woman, and that the Repugs are trying to label her as an intellectual lightweight even though she graduated from Princeton summa cum laude and was an editor on the prestigious Yale Law Review.

From what I've read, she's pretty direct in her opinions, generally writing about law and precedent rather than lofty ideals. However, we'll likely only hear about one of her decisions: Ricci v. DeStefano, in which she and her colleagues upheld a decision to invalidate a promotion exam on which minority firefighters scored disproportionately low. That's the one Limbaugh's pointing to when he calls her a "reverse racist." It could also be overturned by the SCOTUS soon, which would be awkward (granted, Alito also had a big lower court decision overturned). Anyhow, Slate's Emily Bazelon has an interesting analysis of the Ricci case.

For those who want more information on her, Slate has a number of features here and SCOTUSBlog has a series analyzing her decisions: part 1, part 2, and part 3.

Larry O'Donnell on Cheney

I've been a poor blogger lately, but this series of clips from TPM has me back in action. Watch MSNBC's Larry O'Donnell go off about Cheney's demagoguery at AEI today:



Meanwhile, I've heard pretty good things about Barack's speech. Hopefully, he will get the Congressional Dems in line and actually close Gitmo.

Another reason to love the Prez

This is for you, Bridget.

The gift that keeps on giving.

The Bush legacy may screw Republicans for decades. Oh the joy.

Professor Visser: Sounds like Nate is stealing ideas from your research.

The Hideout hits the big time

This will bring the smiles.

Stroger is almost as dumb as the Plumber

From the Trib:

Cook County Board President Todd Stroger said today he wants to talk to his fellow countywide elected officials before deciding whether to veto a measure that would repeal last year's sales tax increase.

“I don’t know,” when asked if he follow through on Tuesday's vow veto the repeal during an interview on WLS 890-AM's Don Wade and Roma morning show. “I may veto it. I may not.”

He went on to say that he would speak to other countywide elected officials, to see if they will wade into the debate.

“My first step is talk to the other elected officials, the treasurer, the sheriff and see what’s on their mind,” he said. “Why do an exercise in fertility (sic) if they don’t really care about what happens. If they don’t think they need the money, than say nothing and let it happen.”

Sam the Plumber please die

Repub poster-boy Sam the Plumber is an awful person. In some ways it's great that he is seen as a viable mouthpiece for that group, because he drags them down into his own mucky place.

I stole most of this from the website of The New Republic. And, really, my entire reason for posting is to cut-n-paste a mini-play some TNR reader penned in response. Here's the gist:

Samuel "Joe the Plumber" Wurzelbacher explains why he opposes gay marriage in Christianity Today:
I personally still think it's wrong. People don't understand the dictionary—it's called queer. Queer means strange and unusual. It's not like a slur, like you would call a white person a honky or something like that.
Wurzelbacher goes on to note that he's "had some friends that are actually homosexual," but "they know where I stand, and they know that I wouldn't have them anywhere near my children."

Stupid is, well, just stupid. But this is hateful and awful and gut-wrenching stuff. Fortunately, someone who posts on TNR redeemed the entire sad story:
===================================================================
Joe and His Friend (a short play)

Friend (Let's call him "Bruce" or some other stereotype): So, Joe how goes plumbing?

Joe: Almost got my license! How goes theatre or whatever you do?

Bruce (or, "Lance"): I'm an accountant.
(pause)

Lance (or "Chase") How are the kids?

Joe: Stay the hell away from them, Bruce!

Chase: My name is Pete

Joe: Are you hitting on me?

Pete: Listen, I have to run.

Joe: More like, have to prance. See ya, my good friend.

Pete: (leaves)

Joe: (fails to pay taxes)

SCENE

Senator Specter (R, no make that D-PA)

Senator Specter just announced his switch to the Democratic Party. He was facing a tough primary challenge from a conservative and had been hewing to the right to stave it off (as he does everytime his primary comes around). But that was looking pretty hopeless, so now he's decided to leave the Republican party. He insists he will not be Obama's "60th" vote in the Senate. But hopefully he'll at least remember his moderate roots.

Check out TPM's analysis on why he made the switch:

H/T to Lydia for scooping Drudge on this one.

Filibuster-Proof!

this is almost as exciting as the Jeffords switch back in the dark days.

Hillary on Cheney: "I Don't Consider Him a Reliable Source"

From a hearing earlier today:



Go Hillary! I was strongly against her in the primaries, but I love having her on our side.

Maybe He Should Do a Carwash

According to the Trib, the honorable Senator Roland Burris (D-IL) raised a whopping $845 in the first quarter. That's not even enough to order 100 custom-made yard signs. Honestly, I looked it up.

Exceptional

From the Washington Monthly: In Europe, Barack was asked if he "subscribe[d]...to the school of American exceptionalism." His response:

I believe in American exceptionalism, just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism. I'm enormously proud of my country and its role and history in the world. If you think about the site of this summit and what it means, I don't think America should be embarrassed to see evidence of the sacrifices of our troops, the enormous amount of resources that were put into Europe postwar, and our leadership in crafting an Alliance that ultimately led to the unification of Europe. We should take great pride in that.

And if you think of our current situation, the United States remains the largest economy in the world. We have unmatched military capability. And I think that we have a core set of values that are enshrined in our Constitution, in our body of law, in our democratic practices, in our belief in free speech and equality, that, though imperfect, are exceptional.

Now, the fact that I am very proud of my country and I think that we've got a whole lot to offer the world does not lessen my interest in recognizing the value and wonderful qualities of other countries, or recognizing that we're not always going to be right, or that other people may have good ideas, or that in order for us to work collectively, all parties have to compromise and that includes us.

And so I see no contradiction between believing that America has a continued extraordinary role in leading the world towards peace and prosperity and recognizing that that leadership is incumbent, depends on, our ability to create partnerships because we create partnerships because we can't solve these problems alone.

I can't express how much I love that answer.

NOOOOO!

Our favorite numbers geek is moving to NYC. How could Chicago let this happen?

From Nate Silver:
This blog is now on the Eastern Time Zone. I'm moving to New York. My new Congresswoman is Yvette Clarke.I have a great deal of love for Chicago, where I've been for the past 13 years, and the Midwest, where I've been essentially my entire life. In the Internet era, one can cover American politics from almost anywhere: some extremely talented writers do it from places like Brazil and Mexico. Nevertheless, as I've watched the number of 212 and 646 area codes proliferate in my Blackberry (see incredibly dorky chart below), and become intimately familiar with the concession stands at LaGuardia Airport (avoid the Wendy's by Terminal D), I've realized that there's an if-you-can't-beat-'em, join-'em quality to New York City -- and I've decided to join 'em.

Don't Forget to Turn Off Your Lights!

Tomorrow is Earth Hour.

Turn off your lights between 8:30-9:30pm.
www.earthhour.org

VOTE EARTH

YOUR LIGHT SWITCH IS YOUR VOTE

This year, Earth Hour has been transformed into the world’s first global election, between Earth and global warming.

For the first time in history, people of all ages, nationalities, race and background have the opportunity to use their light switch as their vote – Switching off your lights is a vote for Earth, or leaving them on is a vote for global warming. WWF are urging the world to VOTE EARTH and reach the target of 1 billion votes, which will be presented to world leaders at the Global Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen 2009.

This meeting will determine official government policies to take action against global warming, which will replace the Kyoto Protocol. It is the chance for the people of the world to make their voice heard.

Earth Hour began in Sydney in 2007, when 2.2 million homes and businesses switched off their lights for one hour. In 2008 the message had grown into a global sustainability movement, with 50 million people switching off their lights. Global landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Rome’s Colosseum, the Sydney Opera House and the Coca Cola billboard in Times Square all stood in darkness.

In 2009, Earth Hour is being taken to the next level, with the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote. Unlike any election in history, it is not about what country you’re from, but instead, what planet you’re from. VOTE EARTH is a global call to action for every individual, every business, and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet. Over 74 countries and territories have pledged their support to VOTE EARTH during Earth Hour 2009, and this number is growing everyday.

Presser No. 2

Yeah, yeah, I know. Everyone's gonna be talking about the big Ef YOU that the Prez gave to Ed Henry at the end of the press conference. And it did rock, and proves that Rahm is rubbing off on Cool Hand Luke. But, mostly, I continue to be impressed that Barack gives multi-part answers to questions and then ties in reporter comments from earlier in the presser to make his point. It's like he's really smart or somethin'. And I love his point at the end about being how persistence will be a hallmark of administration, that we shouldn't expect him to solve massive, decades long problems in the first 60 days, and that all the haters and doubters should just chill the f*** out.

Nate has a good point too: "But there's a seed of something else too: he's motivated to prove his doubters wrong. One needs to remember that Obama was always more of a counter-puncher than a brawler during the campaign."

This is a negativity-free zone. Nice, supportive, loving comments only.

(and how cool is it that the Obama took questions from Politico, Ebony and Stars and Stripes!)

Another Day, Another Flanagan (Sleman) in the News

Christian, Brian and Suzy (and Mollys arm!) eating organic at the local farmers' market.

Happy St. Paddy's Day!!!

A little Chicago in Washington, courtesy of the First Lady.

Whatchu Talkin' 'Bout, Willis?

I think the Sun-Times missed a real opportunity. The title of this post should have been the headline for this cover story. They're clearly slipping. No wonder their circulation is falling.

Anyhow, the Willis Tower? Seriously?

The Feud

The one between Jon Stewart and Jim Cramer, that is. Not the one between Brian and me that's brewing in the comments section (for the record, since I snapped to judgement after not paying full attention to Brian's comments, I'm Jim Cramer in our scenario). Anyhow, Jim keeps trying to come at Jon, and Jon keeps smacking him down. The latest:

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Basic Cable Personality Clash Skirmish '09

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things With Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Economic Crisis

Bottom line: you don't mess with Jon, because Dora's got his back and she'll cut you.

Barack Beats Reagan

Fox News has a poll out this morning that offers yet more fascinating results. In Washington Monthly's summary, they highlight this question and answer:

Q: What do you think the nation's economy needs more of right now -- the economic policies of Ronald Reagan or the economic policies of Barack Obama?"

A: Obama 49%, Reagan 40%

Wow. Is it too early to re-name National Airport?

They also highlight another interesting question, "Do you think asking the wealthiest Americans to pay more in taxes is a good idea because it levels the economic and social playing field, or a bad idea because it punishes work and success?" 55% of those polled thought it would be best to raise taxes on the wealthy. But, by all means, GOP, please keep arguing this point.

Fox and Friends Are After Me

Well, if not me specifically, definitely my company. They've been running a bit every Wednesday for the past couple months entitled, "The Trouble with Textbooks." In it, they talk to Larry Schweikart, a professor at Dayton University and author of 48 Liberal Lies About American History (That You Probably Learned in School). Among the lies that he boldly exposes as being taught in our schools are "Lie #7: The 'Peace Movement' Activists Were Not Dupes of the KGB," "Lie #21: Columbus Was Responsible for Killing of Millions of Indians," and "Lie #37: Global Warming is a Fact, and It's a Man-Made, American-Driven Problem." Clearly, fair and balanced.

Anyhow, they've been taking a number of textbooks to task. But, they've only given my company's information out in pieces like this, listing our name, CEO, and contact information. They're after us. I guess we're going to have to apologize to Rush for something.

For Crying Out Loud

Buried down towards the bottom of this WaPo item is ridiculous news: Bill Daley, our esteemed mayor's brother, is planning on throwing his hat in the ring for the Senate in 2010. That ought to end the Illinois Senate seat circus.

Sassy is feeling optimistic

Not only because it's above 30 degrees today. Also, because Carol Marin writes a great little piece about how Quigley beat the party machine.

"Though his opponents -- some of them -- tried to paint Quigley as an un-reformer, the small number of voters who turned out Tuesday were highly educated on the issues. And they knew that in a large -- and largely talented -- crew of candidates, Quigley, as a commissioner on the Cook County Board, had been one of the lone voices raised in opposition to the patronage-clogged, outrageously inefficient government run by Board President Todd Stroger. And that Stroger had been the candidate handed to us by party bosses."

I think she has this exactly right. Of all the people I know who voted yesterday (and I actually know alot), all of them did their research and voted for Quigley. I think it's partly the demographic of that ward, but also Chicagoans are getting fed up with the Burris/Blagojevich bullsh**. Hopefully Stroger and Daley are next. Change is coming to Chicago!!!

The Skinny on AIG

You guys may have already seen this since it ran in the NYT this weekend. But, it was in the business section. I never read the business section. That might be why I am completely at Paul Krugman's mercy when it comes to economics information. But, I digress. This article has a good run down of why AIG is in such a mess and why we keep throwing money at it.

Bottom line: Holy crap do we need better financial regulation.

The Confounding 5th

Tomorrow (Tuesday the 3rd) is the primary part of the special election to fill the 5th Congressional seat vacated by Rahm Emanuel. As we all know, the winner of the Democratic primary will win the general.

But, who among the 13 to vote for? My current inclination is to go with Mike Quigley. Not for his endorsements by the Tribune and Sun-Times. But instead because he was endorsed by the 20-something son of legendary Chicago newspaperman Mike Rokyo:
http://www.cdobs.com/archive/featured/the-5th-congressional-district-special-election-a-real-life-lottery,2937

Clearly my standards are pretty assailable. So, if someone wants to convince me to vote for U of C prof Charles Wheelan, or Tom Geoghegan, that's not going to be too hard to do.

Finally.

Pentagon to Allow Photos of Returning War Dead.

One more decision which shines an even brighter light on the deceit and manipulation of the Bush administration.

Momentum for Investigations into Bush Crimes

It's building. Today Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) took the Senate floor to call for a "Truth Commission" to investigate torture and other misdeeds by the Bushies. Salon's Glenn Greenwald explained that this could open to the door to prosecutions. That long post has an interesting quote from Whitehouse:

Still, regarding a potential torture commission, he told Salon, "I am convinced it is going to happen." In fact, his fervor on the issue was palpable. When asked if there is a lot the public still does not know about these issues during the Bush administration, his eyes grew large and he nodded slowly. "Stay on this," he said. "This is going to be big."

Greenwald has two other interesting points about this. First, since Barack has been saying that he wants to focus on the problems he currently has rather than past misdeeds, Congress seems to be stepping up to fill that gap. This is appropriate, since they are the body with independent investigative power. Second, Greenwald thinks that once Bush misdeeds come to light, the DOJ might be under too much pressure to avoid prosecutions.

Furthermore, Nancy Pelosi openly called for prosecutions to be on the table in an interview with Rachel Maddow today.

I'll be shocked if this ever reaches the level of Cheney or Bush (seems like the really high ups always skate), but it certainly seems like there is some momentum for some sort of reckoning for the crimes of the last administration.

Republicans are screwed

After last night's speech, they must be feeling even more desperate and lost.

Plus it looks like Jindal is out as the next savior of the Republican party.

Update: polls are in. America loves Obama!

Nobody messes with Joe!

i'm kinda not really liveblogging the state of the union. really just trying to stay awake.

is nancy pelosi's face frozen like that? it's freaking me out, her eyes move (left to right and back) but nothing else does.

8:37: I still can't get over that Biden is sitting back there as Veep. I keep thinking he's going to whip out some playing cards and a cigar. I'm pretty sure he and Nancy were drinking in the cloak room, she looks totally tanked.

8:39: How awesome is Hillary's bright pink coat. Work it, girl!

8:40: I'm officially sick of the standing ovations.


8:45: i love how he turns a phrase, that bit about health care weighing down our economy and weighing down our conscience long enough, is brilliant. he connects the emotional to the practical. it did make me sad, though, not to see senator kennedy's face in the crowd during this bit. he's fought for health care for so long.

8:49: on dropping out of highschool: it's not just quitting on yourself, it's quitting on this country. goosebumps. seriously, how does a democrat make me feel so damn patriotic?

8:50: Kennedy just got a shout out. Loves it!

8:51: a little rumble across the aisle over the deficit that "we inherited". obama can bring it!

8:53: seriously, nancy and joe are back there yukking it up. the dems are just giddy. it's been a long eight years, my friends.

8:55: oh yeah: taxing the wealthy, closing loopholes on corporations, tax cuts for the rest of us. sassy is beside herself. and mitch mcconnell is clapping! WTF?!?!?

9:02: getting bored so checked out 538. "The GOP needed to have a better clapping gameplan." so true! they're clapping at the dem high points and not clapping and looking like sore losers the rest of the time. they're a hot mess.

9:06: from Nate/Sean: Trademark Obama cynicism-to-hope pivot begins. We're near the close of the Obama part. Bobby Jindal really wanted to follow this?

9:07: holy crap. how amazing is that girl from s. carolina? and how gorgeous is michelle?

9:07: barack is giving undeserved props to the repugs. we all want america to succeed. but do they, really? or do they just want some of us (the wealthy, the corporations) to succeed? he's giving them more credit than they deserve.

9:08: oh, it's over. wow, that 50 minutes went fast. sassy's sleepy, off to bed.

Friday Update

I'm in a blogging mood today, so here are a couple interesting items from the news (i.e., liberal blogs) today.

First, I'd like to point out that we Sassy writers were once again ahead of the mainstream. The bloggers are discussing an article from the Guardian UK which argues that when Barack openly reached out to Congressional Repugs he was really reaching out to the country. Duh! Nice of you to join us, mainstream. We've been saying for days that Barack's main victory was political. This is supported by two recent polls: 1) an AP poll showed that 62% of the public think the Prez is doing enough to reach out to Repugs, while only 27% feel that the GOP is doing enough to reach across the aisle, and 2) a Fox poll showed that 66% of the public think Barack is doing enough, while only 33% said the same about the Repugs. That's called political capital.

Second, there was a slight hint of optimism in Krugman's column today. Yes, he still warns that the economic slowdown could be long, but he concedes that Barack's trying to do right. Money quote: "Let’s be clear: the Obama administration’s policy initiatives will help in this difficult period — especially if the administration bites the bullet and takes over weak banks." That counts as high praise from our favorite economic Chicken Little.

Finally, an amusing tidbit. Richard Perle was almost laughed off the stage yesterday when he tried to claim that there's no such thing as neoconservatism. He even tried to say that when he talks about regime change, he's not talking about the military. Jackass.

Enough of the stupid economy already

Nate goes Hollywood and bets on Oscar.

Sooprize, Sooprize

didn't see this coming.

Everyone Chill the F*** Out

I got this.

Bridget and I were talking over the weekend about how everyone is freaking about the economy and ohmygod Barack is screwing up, Geithner this, and stimulus that, does he know what he's doing, the tides turning, we're gonna lose, blah blah blah. Sound familiar?

One of many great quotes in this piece:

But he is aware that some Republicans think they can gain "political advantage" if they can "enforce conformity" within their ranks and thus "invigorate" their base.

He

declined to judge whether this strategy will work for the Republicans, but President Obama 2.0, the version slightly chastened since Inauguration Day, did not mind explaining how their approach has affected him.

"You know, I am an eternal optimist," he said. "That doesn't mean I'm a sap."

Krugman Feeling the Friday the 13th Vibes

He's pretty upset about the stimulus package and about how the whole thing went down. While he has plenty of negative things to say about the Repugs, he's also pretty discouraged by how Barack handled it. Money quote:

And I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach — a feeling that America just isn’t rising to the greatest economic challenge in 70 years.

Ugh. Happy Friday, everyone!

Stimulus Stuff

Okay, so Krugman's no fan of the Senate version. Really. He thinks the stimulus package needs to be twice as big and more focused on government spending. And, he's pretty harsh on Barack. Yikes.

Krugman does like the House version a little better. So does Speaker Pelosi. In this LA Times article, she's quoted as saying that the Senate's changes were "very damaging."

So, I guess that leads to the conference, and my questions to those of us who've worked closely with conference committees--namely, Bridget. Do we know who's on the committee yet? How likely does it seem that the House Dems will be able to restore some of the measures cut by the Senate?

Road Signs Warn of Zombies

I read yesterday in the local Bloomington, Indiana paper that hackers have started breaking into traffic signs and changing their message. I love this. Here's the photo that accompanied the story:

I don't have a larger point. I just find this really funny.

Former DCers - is this amendment language typical?

Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) has introduced an amendment to prohibit any funds in the economic stimulus bill from going to museums, casinos, aquariums, theaters, art centers. ...

The language of the amendment, (Amendment No. 175, as filed) is, "None of the amounts appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used for any casino or other gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course, swimming pool, stadium, community park, museum, theater, arts center, or highway beautification project, including renovation, remodeling, construction, salaries, furniture, zero-gravity chairs, big screen televisions, beautification, rotating pastel lights, and dry heat saunas."

So ... NON rotating pastel lights are okay? huh WHAT??

Daschle withdrew ...

and I leave it to those of you with more time on your hands to detail the implications!

A Headscratching Picture of Staggering Weirdness

So Blago was obsessed with Tricky Dick? I blame all of us for not intuiting this.

In retrospect, this is the least-surprising really-surprising revelation since we learned Ilsa enjoyed yoga, meditation and the Steelers' defense in equal measure.

(ummm, is "intuiting" a word?)

Anyhow, more on it, The Weirdness, can be found here:

http://dekerivers.wordpress.com/2008/12/16/photo-rod-blagojevich-and-richard-nixon-togetherreally/

The Inauguration. At Last.

This is so beautiful.

Will Somebody Please Tell Me What To Think Already.

So, regarding the House vote on the economic stimulus package:

1) Obama pandered to the repubs and adopted some things that reflect the right's complete obsession with tax cuts while not pushing through enough things favored by progress in the Dem caucus like green energy and public transit, and to thank him for that, not a single f-ing Repub voted with him. So, he gave up ground and compromised and got ziltch in return. Round 1 to the Repubs.

2)Obama got the essentials of what he wanted without a single republican vote, which proves that they are totally ineffectual. They can vote against him all they want, but he'll still get what he wants. And next time he won't be nearly so conciliatory. And the public likes him and will increasingly see the Republicans as an afterthought. Eat his dust, suckas.

Some of you reasonable and bright people might try to explain to me the nuanced middle ground. But, why in the world would we try to bring that type of thoughtful discourse to these here internets?

Obama: D.C. Needs "Toughness"

The Prez is bringing a little bit of Chitown to the District. He teased the press today about how wimpy the D.C. area is when it snows. Love it.

John Updike

The 76-year old author died today of lung cancer. I have mixed feelings about his work (not a fan of Rabbit Run, but like some of his others), but no one can deny that he was a big force in contemporary American literature.

Late Morning Update

Obviously, the struggling economy continues to dominate the news, as yesterday saw a staggering number of layoffs. However, the CBO yesterday did release a report indicating that President Obama's stimulus plan will help the economy. Even Krugman's onboard, with qualifications.

Of course, the GOP is being ridiculous in their efforts to block stimulus spending and other moves by Barack. The latest from the Washington Monthly is that Boehner asked the House GOP to vote against the package. Barack's trying to be bipartisan, but the GOP isn't having it.

The Repugs are also doing their best to keep Gitmo from closing. They're actively working to block moving the inmates to prisons in the U.S. They're busily working to scare the public that the prisoners will be "in their backyards" rather than locked up in the beastly Supermax prisons to which we send our "worst" criminals (including other terrorists such as the Unabomber and Ramzi Yousef, the architect of the 1993 WTC bombing). And, the Repugs "fear" that moving the inmates to U.S. prisons will make those prisons potential terrorist targets. Honestly.

There is happy news, though. The Prez directed the EPA to allow CA and other states to set their own emissions standards. And, Rep. Conyers issued a new supoena for Karl Rove. Now, Barack's people will be giving the word whether Rove is protected by executive priviledge.

Happy birthday

Gabe still looks back fondly on his birthday, so he gets pretty excited when he learns that it is someone else's birthday, especially when that person is his beloved Auntie Paula.

Pics from the Lawsaghans

Sassy rooting for the host's team.

What the drive looked like everytime Bridget was behind the wheel.

Penny's Grand Rapids '92 crew reunites at Millie & Al's.

Al Sharpton is in that black SUV, for realz.

The amazing Andrew Bird at the Hideout party in DC.


Ilsa, Bridget and Vin. One of us is really, really cold.

One more gianormous hill to go before we nap.

One of Sassy's hourly Starbucks breaks.

There's only so much caffeine/sugar can do on a 13 hour ride home.

More Great News from Washington

Two great items today:

1. President Barack (I can't get enough of saying/writing that) will be issuing an EO ending the Bush policy of refusing to support international groups that support or perform abortions. This will allow us to fund many groups doing key family planning work around the world.
2. The Senate approved the Lilly Ledbetter Act to make it easier for women who think they've faced pay discrimination to seek legal help. The House has to make some small changes to the version they passed and then it will become law.

Seriously, change has already come to Washington.

Inauguration Day: Before & After

Bundling Up. Circa 6am.
Heading towards Connecticut Ave.
Sitting on the lawn at the Washington Monument. The 4.5 hour wait has begun.
Eating (gorging) at Nanny O'Brien's afterwards.
"Watching" the parade back at the house.

President. Commander in Chief. Jedi?

I am perplexed.

Hat tip to Sassy reader Brian for this gem.

And he's off!

Obama orders the closing of Gitmo within the year. And other great stuff.

More on the Inauguration later, I promise! For now, Team Sassy is home, exhausted, and all friendships (and marriages) are in tact after 24 hours in a car together, significant exposure to the extended Flanagan family, 9 hours in bitterly cold weather, and bickering over where Bridget left: the keys, her coat, and the ipod.

Hey man, nice shot

Popular Science has put up this amazing satellite (?) image of the inauguration.

I believe Ilsa can be seen middle-right, telling the hot dog vendor to keep the change.

http://www.popsci.com/content/inauguration-day

Sassy is Sleepy

Sassy arrives on the Mall, 7am. Sun was just coming up.

The crowds start amassing.
The sun's up. Sassy is happy.

Sassy is one of millions.

Much much more later, when I'm coherent. I even have video of Sassy singing and dancing!

Unbelievable

Who would have ever believed that the benediction of the U.S. Presidential Inauguration would begin with words from the Negro National Anthem? What a beautiful, redemptive moment for this country. If you're not familiar with the song, check out several versions of it here. (Call me a traditionalist, I like the Choral Arts Society version best.)

A photo

One of many amazing images that capture some of this remarkable day: President Obama's hand on the Lincoln Bible. Wow! [Courtesy of Andrew Sullivan.]

Dave's Taking a Nap

Ilsa and Bridg are sitting in the kitchen eating cheese and gluten-free pretzels.

The excitement is really building in DC. There are people everywhere, even in my Uncle's Cleveland Park neighborhood which is usually kind of sleepy. Everyone is happy and festive, much like Election night in Grant Park. National Cathedral bells have been ringing all day. There is just so much joy here. I've talked to a few people, mostly store owners, and they are just giddy about Obama. When I tell folks I'm from Chicago they mostly thank me for loaning Barack for a few years. But you can tell DC residents already feel very proprietary and proud of their new resident.

This morning we all (Dave, Bridg, Aunt Judy, Mark, Stacy and Vin) sat around arguing about the best route to take tomorrow (metro is out, they've already run out of stations that take cash as payment), so we're either walking down Massachusett's Ave or Connecticut Ave at 6 am in hopes of procuring a spot on either side of the Washington Monument). I'm pretty sure it will already be jammed like it was yesterday for the concert. But as Bridg says, we drove 11 hours we can go the final two blocks to try and get a glimpse of the Capitol. Otherwise, we'll head over to the Lincoln Memorial and watch from the jumbitron.

A few rules for the road: no liquids after midnight tonight (5000 porto-potties for 2 million people), no talking back to the Military Police (learned that lesson yesterday), and once we hit the Mall it's each man for himself.

Off to the Hideout/Big Shoulders Ball at The Black Cat later tonight.

Sassy Out.

Sassy's In DC!

Sassy in Steeler Country

Rosie rolls out the welcome mat for Sassy.

Ilsa and Cassius, checkin each other out, at Uncle Tom's
Subaru's lookin' good. (outside Uncle Tom's in DC)

That's as close as Sassy got to Barack an the Lincoln Monument


Bridg and Cousin Vin on the Mall