LeftWingCracker

Taking a little break for LIFE

2013-05-17T16:32:00.001-05:00

Well, I realized that I hadn't been here for a couple of weeks and thought I needed to put something up. As you may or may not know, I got married for the first time two weeks ago today at the tender age of 54.

I am deeply fortunate to have Susan, who puts up with me and my foibles and seems to understand me very well, which is a good thing. I have been paying attention to things going on in Tennessee (thank you Daily Buzz, if you aren't a subscriber for free, for heaven's sakes, SIGN UP, will ya?) but due to my wedded bliss, I haven't gotten worked up enough to write.

Something I noticed is that Mike Carpenter announced on Facebook today that he is going to work for the Plough Foundation; last I knew, he was working for Mayor Wharton. He will do a great job at Plough, he is a Republican who works with Democrats, even if he doesn't agree with us very much. Because he would work with us on the County Commission, he is a pariah in his own party. Sad. Mike Ritz, who would criticize Carpenter for doing that, now has taken that same path of bipartisanship on his own, to the point that some in his own party tried to recall him, with no success.

Any way, the Grizz are in the Western Conference Finals for the first time ever, it's BBQ Fest weekend and life is good. I'll be back in a couple of weeks or so with more news, go enjoy what's left of May!

Sid Selvidge has left us far too soon

2013-05-02T16:53:00.001-05:00

It seems like all I've done lately is put up memorials. Another giant of this city has passed away, the amazing Sid Selvidge, who died of cancer earlier today. While you younger folks know him as the host and producer of BEALE STREET CARAVAN, those of us of a certain age remember him with Mud Boy and the Neutrons, and as a solo act. That voice was stunning, and his love of Memphis music was unending. He leaves a deep mark on the musical history of this town, and we shall miss him greatly.

Here's Sid in London a few years ago singing BOLL WEEVIL, thanks to Scott Banbury for the link:

In addition to the Bill Dries post linked above, here's Chris Davis with more.

And now we lose ANOTHER legend - Maxine Smith.

2013-04-26T12:29:00.001-05:00

And my friend and Congressman, Steve Cohen, remembers her on the floor of the House this morning. As you can see, this hit him rather hard, as it does all friends of justice and equality.

UPDATE: Here's Jackson Baker's obituary of this legend and Memphis icon.

A legend is gone. The Possum has left us at 81

2013-04-26T10:22:00.000-05:00

I would link the Tennessean article, but their site had crashed.

Here is what is considered to the greatest song in the history of Country Music, performed on Austin City Limits. Thank you, George Jones.

Robert Reich on Chained CPI

2013-04-24T11:30:00.000-05:00

NO DEMOCRAT should ever vote for this, because they will lose a primary if they do.

Senator Joe Brown??

2013-04-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Nope, I am not making this up. I am serious, Jackson put a piece up on Sunday night about THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER's suggestion that the Judge, having recently been canceled by CBS, was headed back to town to take on LAMAR! Alexander in 2014.

I sent the article out to my list, and within minutes, activists started replying that this was a great idea. After having made rather decent money for the last decade or so judging on TV, Judge Joe might want to think about it. He's got enough money to run a poll to determine how serious his chances would be against the veteran Senator and former two-term-Governor.

Hell, I kind of like the idea; if the Tea Partiers aren't allowed to primary LAMAR!, they might just decide either to vote for their favorite judge, or just sit home. Either way, it's a chance for us to win a statewide race, which hasn't happened in a while. Your thoughts?

A wonderful moment for Boston

2013-04-20T21:07:00.000-05:00

He flew in, called the Fenway Park switchboard and ASKED to sing SWEET CAROLINE, which is a staple after the 7th inning at Red Sox games. This was the first game at home for the Red Sox since the Marathon bombing and the manhunt to find the perpetrators. It got a little dusty around the house when he showed up, let me tell you.

We need strong gun laws NOW.

2013-04-17T21:42:00.002-05:00

What happened today on the floor of the US Senate was abominable. We need tough gun laws NOW. I am a gun owner for 44 of my 54 years on this earth and I understand this. If you don't, you don't deserve the right to own weapons now or in the future.

Craig Ferguson on the tragedy of Boston

2013-04-16T08:21:00.001-05:00

A doff of the chapeau to Trace for this one.

You won't hear anything like THIS on Country radio anymore

2013-04-14T11:04:00.002-05:00

Heard this on Y 105.5 yestreday, and it reminded me how great the writing was 20 years ago, IMO, it's gone to shit these days. Enjoy this all-star lineup:

In Memoriam

2013-04-08T18:00:00.000-05:00

Do I really need to explain?

You gotta buy the ballpark too, Cardinals.

2013-04-05T15:07:00.000-05:00

Michael Sheffield reports at MBJ that before the St. Louis Cardinals will purchase their Triple-A affiliate, your own Memphis Redbirds, they insist that the City purchase AutoZone Park, which was built in the late 90s with only six million invested by the City and Shelby County, the rest put up by then owners Blues City Baseball (spearheaded by Dean and Kristi Jernigan and Willard Sparks) as a non-profit venture, the first (and apparently LAST) of its kind in baseball.

Well, as you know, BCB defaulted on their bonds, sold the team and bondholders now own the ballpark. The Cardinals, who clearly used AZP as a model for their own new ballpark on the river in St. Louis, want to own their AAA team (a growing trend in MLB, see the Gwinnett Braves) but don't want to cough up the $65 Million for the park.

The Cardinals, who, despite being in one of the smallest media markets in MLB, have the widest fanbase in the sport, aren't hurting for money, no matter what they would make you think. Their primary owner, William DeWitt, is the son of an owner of multiple teams like the old St. Louis Browns and the Cincinnati Reds, and was a chief fundraiser for George W. Bush. In short: THE CARDINALS CAN AFFORD THE DAMN BALLPARK.

It is in their interest to see that their AAA affiliate is stable and close-by, also a MLB trend (see Lehigh Valley IronPigs for the Phils and the Round Rock, TX affiliate of the Rangers). The city cannot afford to own the park, even though the Cardinals have apparently agreed to maintain the park, which is also in their interests.

We have come to the end of the times where cities and municipalities can allow businesses to force them to subsidize their expenses. Say no, City Council, call their bluff. They're not going anywhere.

Prayer Breakfast for Kenyan Kids

2013-04-03T10:14:00.001-05:00

I got this in email from Carol Chumney today, and I thought you should know about it:

Kick off Memphis Africa in April by attending this prayer breakfast on Saturday, April 13th, at the Kroc Center, 800 E. Parkway S., 8:30am to 10:30am, to support the orphans in Kenya, Africa. Seating is limited. Make your reservation, or a donation by April 5th, on-line at the following link:

https://public.serviceu.com/RegistrationForm/6593540-251524831/?OrgKey=62ba2e09-4316-45be-bc62-9fba668df7cb. [Or you may mail a check payable to GUMC- Kenyan Prayer Breakfast, to 2231 S. Germantown Rd. Germantown, TN 38138] If you want to pay in cash, just post a note on facebook, and we will meet-up with you!

Too often children are caring for children in Africa because their parents have died of HIV/AIDS, disease, war, famine and other causes. The monies help empower the orphans by teaching them to grow food for themselves, basic health practices to prevent disease, small business training, building homes for them, spiritual and basic education.

Breakfast includes some traditional Kenyan fare, music, and prayers from leading pastors in the Memphis area. Memphis children will present artwork they have prepared to be delivered to the Kenyan children. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for children.
Too often children are caring for children in Africa because their parents have died of HIV/AIDS, disease, war, famine and other causes. The monies help empower the orphans by teaching them to grow food for themselves, basic health practices to prevent disease, small business training, building homes for them, spiritual and basic education.

Breakfast includes some traditional Kenyan fare, music, and prayers from leading pastors in the Memphis area. Memphis children will present artwork they have prepared to be delivered to the Kenyan children. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $10 for children.
Hosted by the Germantown United Methodist Church (GUMC). For more information, contact carolchumney@aol.com, (901) 844-7141.

Why I Love Mike Turner, part MCM

2013-04-02T16:34:00.000-05:00

Watch Mike Turner stand up for working people here. Hat tip to Jeff Woods here for the backstory.

Crises of Capitalism

2013-03-29T10:20:00.005-05:00

With a doff of the chapeau to Gaius Publius of AmericaBlog, where you can read the backstory:

Craig Fitzhugh responds to Haslam

2013-03-27T16:06:00.001-05:00

Haslam is a PUNK.

It's been an interesting weekend...

2013-03-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

As you may know, political folks like to make announcements that they don't want people to talk about on Friday, because people are getting ready for the weekend and overlook them.

So, I get a call from Steve Ross on Friday saying that George Monger had NOT been reappointed to the Shelby County Election Commission by the Democrats in the Shelby County Democratic legislative delegation. Norma Lester, fortunately, was reappointed; in Monger's place was named Anthony Tate, a nice guy as far as I know; however, I knew the technological expertise George Monger had provided the SCEC, as well as being a watchdog that pissed off the Republicans.

Now, campers, that pissed me off, so I sent the following email to my list, after having received one from Joe Weinberg:

First, I from Joe:
I just learned that the Democratic Legislative caucus has not recommended George Monger for reappointment to the Shelby County Election Commission. From my point of view of closely watching the SCEC in action for the last few months, I think this is a terribly unwise decision. The SCEC is dealing with a number of complex issues now, not the least of which is new registration software and new voting machines. George is the only one on the commission who has technology and computer expertise. He has been an invaluable watchdog for Democratic Party interests- indeed for the interests of all voters. I don’t know his successor, but his learning curve will be great and occurring during the transfer going on right now of the information technology function from the SCEC to the County IT Department. So the timing for this change could not be worse. Richard Holden will be unchecked by anyone who can be a technical authority and Mr. Holden clearly is way out of his level of competence when it comes to technology. John Halbert, the head of IT, is an appointee of Mayor Lutrell. I don’t know if he is a neutral technocrat or a partisan advocate. Now we will have no one to challenge his decisions.

Now from ME: Are you serious? What the hell are our folks thinking? Unless George Monger asked NOT to be reappointed, I cannot imagine why he was not. He is very technologically savvy, and if he was a PITA to the GOP on the SCEC, so much the better, they have been nothing but incompetent boobs, and that's assuming POSITIVE intent!

Our Democratic legislators are on this list, and if anyone can explain this action to me and would like me to forward to the list, I will be happy to do so. It better be good.
sjs/LWC

Ok then. I got a call from Rep. Hardaway on Saturday morning, which I appreciated, to give me background on the matter and to make a REALLY good suggestion, which I intend to promote: There will soon be a West Tennessee opening on the STATE Election Commission, as Greg Duckett has decided not to continue, and wouldn't George Monger be a terrific person to have in that slot? Now, I am aware that Van Turner has considered that appointment, and he would be terrific, if this is what he wants to do.

However, who would be a better watchdog for the voter than Monger, who has the time, knowledge, energy and ability to keep the GOP on their toes? If you agree, and I hope that you do, let your Democratic legislators know how you feel:

Senate Democratic Leader, Senator Jim Kyle, 615-741-4167, sen.jim.kyle@capitol.tn.gov (30)
Senator Ophelia Ford, 615-741-1767, sen.ophelia.ford@capitol.tn.gov (29)
Senator Reginald Tate. 615-741-2509, sen.reginald.tate@capitol.tn.gov (33)

Representative Joe Towns, Jr., 615-741-2189, rep.joe.towns@capitol.tn.gov (84)
Representative Johnnie Turner, 615-741-6954, rep.johnnie.turner@capitol.tn.gov (85)
Representative Barbara Cooper, 615-741-4295, rep.barbara.cooper@capitol.tn.gov (86)
Representative Karen Camper, 615-741-1898, rep.karen.camper@capitol.tn.gov (87)
Representative Larry Miller, 615-741-4453, rep.larry.miller@capitol.tn.gov (88)
Representative John Deberry 615-741-2239, rep.john.deberry@capitol.tn.gov (90)
Speaker Pro Tem Emeritus, Representative Lois Deberry, 615-741-3830, rep.lois.deberry@capitol.tn.gov (91)
Representative G.A. Hardaway, 615-741-5625, rep.ga.hardaway@capitol.tn.gov (93)
Representative Antonio Parkinson, 615-741-4575, rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov (98)

Make the call and email to your legislator, and if you're a Democrat with GOP legislators, let ALL of them know how you feel.

You will be glad you did.

So now they want to INCREASE the size of the ExecCom

2013-03-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Heh. So the plan all along was to INCREASE the size of the ExecCom? Suuuure it was.

In any event, it had the desired effect of shaking the TNDP ExecCom up and making everyone think about how things are going over there, so it WORKED. So, what's the NEW plan, you ask? here you go:

No changes are being made to the 66 members of the Executive Committee that are elected as one man and one woman from each state senate district;
The amendment states that the House Democratic Leader shall appoint six members to the Executive Committee, two from each of Tennessee's grand divisions, for a term of two years;
The amendment states that the Senate Democratic Leader shall appoint six members to the Executive Committee, two from each of Tennessee's grand divisions, for a term of two years;
The amendment says each U.S. Congressman, if a Democrat, shall serve on the Executive Committee or appoint a member to the Executive Committee;
The amendment says each U.S. Senator, if a Democrat, shall serve on the Executive Committee or appoint a member to the Executive Committee;
The amendment says Tennessee's governor, if a Democrat, shall serve on the Executive Committee or appoint a member to the Executive Committee;
The amendment states that the Executive Committee may create ex-officio voting positions, provided that the number of such positions shall not exceed nine members.

Figuring in 12 appointed by the Caucuses, one each from Steve Cohen and Jim Cooper (with more to be added if we take Congressional seats back) and ex-officio seats from College Dems, YDs and TDFW and we are now up to 83 members of the ExecCom.

That could be unwieldy, but if you get some of the older folks out and replace them with younger folks, it might just work, as long as they DO work.

More here from Ross and R. Neal.

If this is true, this is ridiculous

2013-03-18T10:55:00.001-05:00

Steve Ross sent me a link yesterday to a Randy Neal post about a plan by Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Lowe Finney of Jackson and Rep. Jason Powell to completely overhaul the Tennessee Democratic Party Executive Committee. Take a minute and go read it if you have not done so. Go on, I'll wait.

Aren't you glad they believe in the "democratic" process? It would designate the current House delegation as the ExecCom and let the Democrats in the House and Senate appoint five other members each from around the state.

Given that it was a Democratic-controlled TNGA that put the current system in place, where a male and a female each elected from every state Senate district, you may well think this is the right thing to do. There are points to the legislators objections, as these seats rarely turn over (unless you live in Memphis!); as Ross notes in the comments of the Neal post, only NINE of the 66 seats were contested in 2010.

I also have a complaint that the system of electing these members in August of the gubernatorial election year does not hold the state ExecCom accountable for picking bad chairs or for non-performance (again, we only seem to do that in Memphis). One could argue that we should have these elections (albeit paid for by the parties) in March following a November general election so that we can hold these people accountable for the elections in their Senate districts.

However, even with all that, the reputed Finney/Powell plan is like trying to kill a gnat with a light anti-tank weapon. Ladies and gentlemen Democrats of the TNGA, if you want change, then, by heavens, why don't YOU find people to run for these seats and get behind them?? Get off YOUR butts and help rebuild the party and if you don't believe your ExecCom reps are performing to your standards, go find new ones, and then effect the changes you want from your ExecCom, it's that simple.

It's also the DEMOCRATIC way of doing things, both small and large D Democratic.

Now, ExecCom reps, I'm not done with you yet, either. Not all of the legislators' complaints are without merit, people. In the rural areas, there are county parties that are non-existent and some of you have sat there and watched it happen and done little or nothing to stop it.. What have YOU done about this? Why SHOULD you be retained? Why haven't you taken more action to prevent this from occurring? Do you really need another term if you're just looking for a title?

There needs to be a serious sit-down with the Caucuses and the State ExecCom members and the County Chairs, a retreat, if you will, to have serious discussions. Any one who fails to show up for any reason other than illness or work should be noted, and possibly replaced. Were I still Christian, I would call it a Come to Jesus meeting for all concerned parties.

Senator Finney, Chair Herron, the ball's in your court.

For St. Patrick's Day

2013-03-17T09:33:00.002-05:00

The remarkable Robbie O'Connell...

It's time for the SCDP Caucuses and Convention

2013-03-11T08:41:00.001-05:00

The Shelby County Democratic Party will be hosting its Biennial Convention on the following dates, times and location:

PHASE I

The Ward and Precinct Delegate Selection Caucus Meeting

All Shelby County Democrats can attend and participate
You must be a registered voter in Shelby Co., TN

Airways Middle School

2601 Ketchum

Memphis, TN 38114-6277

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Doors Open at 9:00 a.m.

Cut-off time for Registration is 10:30 a.m.

PHASE II

The Convention to Select Executive Committee Members and Chair

Only individuals selected as Ward and Precinct Delegates can participate

Airways Middle School

2601 Ketchum

Memphis, TN 38114-6277

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Doors Open at 11:00 a.m.

Cut-off time for Registration is 12:00 noon

Before arriving to the caucuses, please look up and bring your precinct number and State Representative district number. You can find this information at shelbyvote.org. Or, just bring your recent voter registration card.

Links: 2013 Convention Rules | 2013 State Rules | Press Release | Delegate Distributions | Current Executive Committee

Get Involved

While you're at it, friend us on Facebook.

Become a continuing member of the Shelby County Democratic Party by contributing here.

Want to do more? Sign up to volunteer on our website.

Minerva Johnican, pioneer and trailblazer, leaves us far too soon at 74.

2013-03-09T20:47:00.001-06:00

Minerva Johnican, one of the most fearless human beings I have ever known, passed from this earth last night after a long illness at the age of 74.

She served on the County Commission from 1975 until she was beaten in 1982 by Julian Bolton, a payback fro, Harold Ford Sr. for challenging him in the Democratic primary in 1980. She never backed down from anything, and she jumped right back in by getting elected to an at-large position on the City Council in 1983, beating David Hill with Republican backing. The SCDP did nothing to her, and should not have done anything; she proved her bona fides years earlier.

I got to know her working in her campaign for city Mayor in 1987, when she finished well behind Dick Hackett and John Ford. However, she bounced back again by being the first female elected county-wide when she won the Criminal Court Clerk race in 1990. She made great change that streamlined the processes and made things work smoother.

However, in 1994 the GOP decided to have a partisan slate for every county race and defeated her.

She was courageous and tough, and mentored countless numbers of women who wanted a career in public service. Without her service on the County Commission, we might not have the Regional Medical Center at Memphis. She fought for women, minorities and the poor and would work with anyone, but would not tolerate bullshit, either.

To say that she will be missed is an understatement. We could use more like her, but she was really one of a kind.

Rest in peace, Minerva.

The question no one seems willing to ask Judge Mays

2013-03-06T11:09:00.001-06:00

For all of the hoo-haw regarding the selection of Rick Masson as Special Master over the school merger (1 - if you're going to have such a thing, he's the one to have, because he can facilitate damn near anything, 2- $250/hour is a hell of a nice compensation), something seems to be overlooked.

Why, after all this time, has Judge Samuel H. "Hardy" Mays avoided making a ruling on the County Commission's suit that says the MSDs amount to de facto re-segregation of our school system? He keeps having status conferences, he names a Special Master, but at some point, he HAS to rule on the motion.

It's as if he keeps looking to the TN General Assembly to get him out of this mess, but it is not going to happen. Could it be because he KNOWS that he has to agree with them, killing MSDs in Big Shelby permanently? At the heart of the suit, the numbers are there to prove the Commission's point, that this is nothing more than an attempt to put back the wall that was torn down with the surrender of the MCS Charter.

Oh, and media folks? Why the hell aren't you asking what's taking so long?

Every day he waits, Judge Mays prolongs the problems of the merger. End this madness now, your honor, and make the ruling that you know in your heart you have to make. If Robert McRae could do it 40 years ago, so can you.

UPDATE: I have been advised by our friend and Councilor Shea Flinn that trial has not been held yet for that part of the motion. My mistake. However, then the question is changed to this: Why have we not had the trial for that port of the motion?

Google is screwing with me again

2013-02-20T08:31:00.000-06:00

I am having trouble sending to my email list because they are trying to force me into Google Groups, and I just want to send to my list. If you are having trouble getting my emails, I apologize, but this is Gmail's fault.

So, you don't think being white gives you privilege, eh?

2013-02-19T10:58:00.000-06:00

With a doff of the chapeau to KC Gibbons, this is nothing short of awesome.