Too Progressive

Projection: Deeds wins

Terry Carter — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:54:32 +0000

Creigh Deeds holds an enormous lead early in today’s Gubernatorial primary. With around fifty percent of precincts reporting Deeds is winning nearly every county you’ve heard of and racking up huge percentages in every county you’ve never heard of. I can’t really foresee Terry McAuliffe or Brian Moran overcoming the deficit. I suppose assault weapon lovers of Virginia will sleep a little easier tonight.

You’re not welcome here

Terry Carter — Sat, 02 May 2009 16:43:46 +0000

Oh hey there, remember last year when, during the election, John McCain’s pathetic campaign resorted to offensive yet hilarious attacks against those of us who live in Northern Virginia? Remember how they called us communist and “fake Virginia.” Yes!? Well guess what!! Now the tool bags are coming here to hold the first in a series of events where they will feverishly try to figure out why they suck and what they can do to fix it.

“Reeling congressional Republicans launched a new policy effort days after their latest setback - the sudden defection of Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania to the Democrats,” the Boston Globe writes. “House GOP Whip Eric Cantor announced yesterday that the National Council for a New America will hold its first event tomorrow in suburban Washington, D.C.

Talk about irony!!

Regarding that other news story from today

Terry Carter — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:56:34 +0000

Because I’m tired of hearing about the Mexican Bacon Flu, especially since it’s pretty clear that both the WHO and CDC have no idea which way it will go, I’m just going to point out a few key points to take away from that other news story that will forever be remembered in “on this day in history” segments (ha ha just kidding, it wasn’t that important). I speak, of course, about Meghan McCain’s latest simulated feud with someone as equally unimportant as she is the new 9/11 in New York. VIA NYT:

The mission on Monday, officials said, was set up to create an iconic shot of Air Force One, similar to one that was taken in recent years over the Grand Canyon.

When President Obama learned of the episode on Monday afternoon, aides said, he, too, was furious. Senior administration officials conveyed the president’s anger in a meeting with Mr. Caldera on Monday afternoon.

I guess the visionary artist and/or dimwitted codger who came up with the idea just really, really wanted the photo to be totally authentic and did not want a horrible asterisk to forever stain copies of the photo, history books and Wikipedia noting the image of the plane was “simulated.” Plus, they obviously just figured it was a good opportunity to celebrate a belated April Fools Day by simulating a terror attack.

Also (and I’m talking to you James Young), it’s important to note that the President had no prior knowledge that the Air Force was planning to use the plane for such a stupid activity.

Virginia farmland rapidly disappearing

Terry Carter — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:18:29 +0000

This is not news. Not new news, at least.

A new Census of Agriculture report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that Virginia lost 521,000 acres of farmland from 2002 to 2007, the largest decline in the past 20 years. That’s more than the combined land area of Richmond and the counties of Chesterfield and Henrico.

“We’ve been losing 50,000 to 70,000 acres on average every year for decades,” said Jonah Bowles, the agricultural risk analyst for the Farm Bureau. “Now it’s accelerating.”

Some lost farm acres have been rolled into conservation programs, but most were used for development.

The amount of urban and suburban sprawl in Virginia, especially in the Richmond area, is out of control and has been for some time now. In fact, I wrote extensively about Virginia’s excessive retail problem back in 2006.

In the United States, on average, there is about 20 square feet of retail space per person. The average for the Richmond metro area is OVER tripled that, at about 67 square FEET OF RETAIL SPACE FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD!

This is absurd, especially since walking around local malls (on the rare occasion that I go to them), makes me believe that some retailers aren’t having an easy time of things! It seems like many stores (especially the smaller ones) do not stay open long, and at Short Pump Town Center (despite their blatant LIE claiming otherwise) I can’t help but notice there are A LOT OF EMPTY SUITES, from where a business has packed up and left the mall (presumably due to a lack of business).

While SOME growth clearly CAN be a good thing, UNNECESSARY GROWTH NEVER IS! Richmond CANNOT support all of this retail. Not only that, but when either new homes, or retail centers are thrown up hastily, and/or in areas where they are not needed, in time, the building becomes empty, or unkempt, and the area becomes essentially a SLUM, which will no doubt happen to Short Pump, and other suburbs within the next 10 years.

It’s time for U.S. and Viriginia lawmakers to step up and get the situation under control before the entire country is left looking like New Jersey.

Question of the week(end)

Terry Carter — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:52:59 +0000

If prosecuting Bush administration officials who engaged in or authorized torture is “looking backwards,” should we therefore release all prison inmates serving time for murder, or any other crime for that matter?

And we’re back…

Terry Carter — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:51:09 +0000

Godaddy’s website is about as functional as Sarah Palin among a group of intellectuals.

Let’s go ‘Canes!

Terry Carter — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:36:13 +0000

It’s that time of year again, and this was amazing!

Janet Napolitano should be fired

Terry Carter — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 22:02:16 +0000

Not for the simple fact that DHS put out a report warning about possible homegrown terror from right wing extremists groups. Not because the report warned that these nutty people might try to recruit returning war vets, but because she has now apologized to veterans groups for telling the truth.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano apologized Thursday after some veterans groups were offended by a department report about right-wing extremism.

The report said extremist groups may try to attract veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It also said extremists also may use the recession and the election of the nation’s first African-American president to recruit members.

The American Legion was among those who objected to the report’s mention of veterans.

“I think it is important for all of us to remember that Americans are not the enemy. The terrorists are,” the American Legion’s national commander, David K. Rehbein, said in a letter to Napolitano.

Napolitano apologized on CNN on Thursday morning.

Uh, so basically she’s apologizing because these veterans groups were too stupid to read the report? The report that DID NOT ATTACK VETERANS, BUT SIMPLY SAID THEY (THE AFORE MENTIONED VETERANS) MIGHT BE THE TARGET OF RECRUITING EFFORTS BY RIGHT WING EXTREMIST/TERROR GROUPS. Wow, Democrats really are a bunch of sissies. If I was her I would have just told them to fuck off.

I’ll happily await your forthcoming inane/stupid comment, James Young.

Paying your taxes IS patriotic, fuckers

Terry Carter — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:29:13 +0000

I am so sick and tired of listening to right wing fundies rail on and on about how much they support the troops and love America but then at the same time shit themselves every time they have to pay taxes which, by the way, PAY THE WAGES OF THOSE AFORE MENTIONED TROOPS.

This is obviously all my fault for expacting something more, though. I should have known better than to expect something more from a bunch of people who name their wannabe grassroots efforts after a fucking sex act. Also, what the fuck Rick Perry? Treason, much?

Here there be pirates

Terry Carter — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 21:20:26 +0000

Is anyone else wondering why this hostage situation involving one (1) U.S. citizen and there Somalian pirates is getting so much attention? Is anyone else wondering why at least three U.S. Navy warships are on the scene? FOR ONE U.S. CITIZEN. Obviously every life is important and I hope Captain Phillips returns to the country in good health but at the same time I can’t help but wonder what kind of political connections his family and/or Maersk (his employer) must have to warrant President Obama getting daily briefings on the situation. Unfortunately, U.S. citizens being kidnapped or being taken as hostages is nothing new. Just recently, two U.S. journalists were kidnapped and jailed in North Korea and charged with illegally entering the country. Because we all know how desperate the rest of the world is to call North Korea home. I realize, at least at first glance, the situations are a little different because the two journalists were taken by the North Korean government and the Captain Phillips was taken by a bunch of pirates. However, Somalia has no functioning government and is overrun with pirates, making them the de facto power.

Again, I’m not saying Mr. Phillips doesn’t deserve our thoughts or best wishes, It’s just a little peculiar that the government responds to some kidnappings and not others.

Ridiculous

Terry Carter — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:45:32 +0000

Oh, who the fuck cares?

Which NY-20 county is most corrupt?

Terry Carter — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 02:08:32 +0000

Here’s a fun new game! It’s been over an hour since polls closed in NY-20. Most of the results came in rather quickly; HOWEVER, in the counties of Saratoga, Columbia, Delaware and Otsego they’ve apparently just cold given up. Let’s see which one takes the longest!! [The Saratogian]

10:30pm update: Just waiting on Saratoga.

Obama owns Ed Henry

Terry Carter — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:06:54 +0000

Yeah, I’m still trying to figure out why some people think his “calm” demeanor makes him unfit to be President. As opposed to what? Someone who flips their bicycle at the drop of a pen and/or makes rash and idiotic decisions when the well being of thousands or even millions of people is at stake?

McAuliffe pollsters violating election rules

Terry Carter — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 19:20:30 +0000

A pretty scathing piece from Vivian regarding McAuliffe campaign pollsters. At least to those of us who actually expect our leaders to adhere to the law.

Anti-war demonstrations and the absurdity of District law enforcement

Terry Carter — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:00:20 +0000

Let me just start by saying that I generally like to give law enforcement the benefit of the doubt in most situations. Partly because I usually feel like I may have acted the same way if put in to some of the situations these guys deal with every day, having to make split-second decisions that could potentially make the difference between life and death, but also because I have two Uncles who serve on the police force. However, I couldn’t help but notice what complete drama queens Washington, DC police were on Saturday during an anti-war protest in Georgetown. The entire delegation of demonstrators was maybe 10-20 strong at best, but was probably accompanied by upwards of 200 District police officers - some were in regular squad cars, some on motorcycles, and some on foot. I even saw a couple of unmarked, black SUVs with police lights flashing in the front and rear windows.

As I watched the parade of insanity march down M street NW, I couldn’t help but wonder why so many police were accompanying a small group of peaceful, anti-war protesters down the street. Not only were the officers tying up traffic but they were creating an immense amount of noise (much more than the protesters). And on top of that, I can’t help but wonder how much that ridiculous mess was costs the city. Also, the Imperial District boast one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation; a group of peaceful protesters, especially one so small, should be the least of law enforcement worries.

Thoughts?

Also, on a lighter note, if you have not checked out the new Newseum yet, you should definitely do so. I went on Saturday for the first time and it was definitely worth the twenty dollar cost of admission.

UPDATE: Just to clarify, and so that I don’t get a bunch of people claiming the protest was much bigger, I was NOT referring to this protest which occurred in Arlington today and had an estimated turn out of 2,500 to 3,000.

Prove it!

Terry Carter — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:46:50 +0000

I am so sick and tired of reading articles like this, about how letting major companies like AIG fail would lead to a doomsday economic scenario.

NEW YORK - What if the U.S. government got out of the bailout business?

The idea certainly seemed all right with throngs of Americans who were outraged by news that American International Group paid out millions of dollars in executive bonuses after it was rescued with taxpayer cash.

But would no bailout be even worse? Financial analysts and federal officials have warned that doing nothing to save AIG — or banks or the auto industry — would be a catastrophe, an economic domino effect of bank losses, stock market chaos and job cuts. No one — at least no one in the government — has the stomach for that.

So, PROVE IT!! The way I see it, there is NO ROOM in today’s fast paced society for companies that can’t keep up. Let these firms go under and make room for more inovative ones that can keep up.

Never forget

Terry Carter — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 23:49:43 +0000

Anyone who didn’t see this one coming wasn’t paying attention.

Bristol Palin and her fiancé Levi Johnston have broken up, two sources tell PEOPLE.

The split happened “a few weeks ago,” according to a source close to the couple, but it’s unclear what precipitated it. “It was a mutual thing,” adds the source.

Bristol, the 18-year-old daughter of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, spoke with FOX News in February and told Greta Van Susteren that she and Levi – who are parents to 2-month-old son, Tripp – expected to get married after they completed high school.

“It kind of just happened,” says the source, referring to the split. “I thought they would stick it out. But I think they can work together to raise Tripp.”

Ha ha, it just kind of happened.

Rich Savage suspends campaign

Terry Carter — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:55:43 +0000

Rich Savaged announced on his website today that he is suspending his campaign for Lieutenant Governor due to the “financial burden” caused by the recent economic downturn:

Today I made the decision to permanently suspend my campaign for Lt. Governor. The worsening economic downturn presents too great a financial hurdle for my campaign to overcome.

I am thankful for the support that so many Virginians have given to me, and am proud of the work we have done together. While I did not achieve my goal of becoming Lt. Governor, I am proud of the voice we raised in this campaign for education reform.

The necessity of rebuilding our state’s intellectual infrastructure does not end with my campaign. Tomorrow, the facts remain:

Last year, Richmond city’s schools suspended more students than they graduated.

The United States trails in science and in math when compared with other countries.

Virginia needs to lead in education in order to take advantage of new job opportunities.

I call on the candidates who remain in the race – all of them good people and capable leaders – to seize the mantle of education reform. I will certainly continue to speak out for innovative solutions to the challenges that our schools face.

Moving formard, I will redouble my efforts at the community level through my education foundation and my volunteer work with at-risk youth.

To my family, friends and supporters, I am eternally grateful for your belief in me and the vision we share for a better Virginia.

Rich Savage

Refresher course for President Obama and Democratic leaders

Terry Carter — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 03:54:21 +0000

mi⋅nor⋅i⋅ty [mi-nawr-i-tee, -nor, -mahy-]
noun, plural -ties, adjective
–noun
1. the smaller part or number; a number, part, or amount forming less than half of the whole.
2. a smaller party or group opposed to a majority, as in voting or other action.
3. a group differing, esp. in race, religion, or ethnic background, from the majority of a population: legislation aimed at providing equal rights for minorities.
4. a member of such a group.
5. the state or period of being under the legal age of full responsibility.

–adjective
6. of or pertaining to a minority.

Republicans had poor showings in the past two elections for a reason.

Pictures and video from Inauguration week in Washington, DC

Terry Carter — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:38:32 +0000

Pictures can be found on the new gallery page located here. I am in the process of uploading them now and should be finished within the next hour or so. Also, here is a video I took of the crowd reacting to the introduction of Barack Obama:

UPDATE 10:26pm: Finally finished uploading pictures to the gallery.

UPDATE 11:09pm: Video my friend shot while Obama took the oath:

Blogging from the National Mall

Terry Carter — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:31:09 +0000

Am posting from my phone (a first!!) while walking around the Mall (okay, actually I’m just watching Chris Matthews on the TV outside of the MSNBC makeup trailer) but I just wanted to drop a quick line noting how unbelievable the energy in and around the Imperial District is right now. While I obviously expected tremendous crowds on the National Mall for all the festivities, I never expected the extraordinary pedestrian traffic to fan out as far as it has. Walking around the city today I couldn’t help but feel like I was in Times Square except everyone was extremely friendly and excited to be there.

UPDATE: Keith Olbermann described DC right now as “making New Year’s Eve in Times Square look like a night in a library.”

Tomorrow I’ll be waking up at 3:30-4am in order to be on Metro by 5 and on my way to Capitol Hill. I’ll most likely end up lounging in Starbucks until around 9 when I’ll then make my way on to the Mall to brave the cold until the swearing in at 11:30am followed by the parade at 2:30pm. I will have pictures from today, yesterday and tomorrow up tomorrow evening or, even more likely, on Wednesday.

UPDATE II: Having some issues getting my Gallery set up. Should have the pictures up tonight.

Top ten moments of the Bush years

Terry Carter — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 19:06:40 +0000

UPDATE: Brian Moran’s use of inauguration ticket may be in violation of federal law

Terry Carter — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:36:24 +0000

Via Democratic Central:

But if Brian gets the ticket from his brother the Congressman, then by definition his brother the Congressman has made a campaign contribution to Brian’s campaign. Now, Jim Moran can write a campaign check to his brother for an unlimited sum of money out of personal funds, or out of his Moran for Congress account (see 2 U.S.C. section 439a — http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode02/usc_sec_02_00000439—a000-.html) but he can’t even give Brian a legal pad from his Congressional office for Brian to take notes for a campaign speech. When Jim Moran receives his allotment of 200 or so tickets, he receives them as Congressman Jim Moran, not as private citizen Jim Moran, or as candidate Jim Moran. Therefore the tickets belong to Congressman Jim Moran just as much as a legal pad in his office belongs to Congressman Jim Moran, and he may not use them to assist a state candidate.

Even if Brian Moran is not in violation of federal law, trying to “sell” the ticket to anyone willing to work for his campaign is, at the very least, highly unethical.

Democratic politicians abusing inauguration tickets

Terry Carter — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:49:35 +0000

The other day a coworker of mine told me the offices of both West Virginia senators admitted they had no inauguration tickets to give to constituents because they had “given them all to friends and family.” Today I receive a Facebook update from Brian Moran offering the chance to “win” an inauguration ticket if I sign up to help organize for his upcoming campaign for governor.

This January 20th, America will make history. We’ve all worked so hard for so long to make this a reality - if you’re like me, you can’t wait. Barack Obama knew that what mattered most were the grassroots - everyday Americans building a better future for themselves and their kids.

Unfortunately, there won’t be nearly enough tickets to the inauguration for every Virginia volunteer and grassroots organizer to go. That’s why I’m going to give away inauguration tickets to dedicated Democratic leaders who sign up on our website, http://organize.brianmoran.com. If you sign up today, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a ticket to President-elect Obama’s swearing in, and we’ll let you know the winners by January 16.

I’m sorry but (and correct me if I’m wrong here) aren’t these tickets supposed to be awarded on a first come, first serve basis to constituents who requested them? It seems some Democrats, however, have found an awesome way to con people, though.

Why is GM sending out credit card offers?

Terry Carter — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:40:30 +0000

They have some nerve. Here’s how I responded, though: