My Address to The Rise, Denver Colorado, August 25, 2008

It was my honor to be asked to speak at The Rise by Dr. Bledsoe, and give voice to those who could not make the journey to Denver.  I want to thank Heidi Li Feldman whose belief in me allowed my trip to become a reality.  In July on her blog she placed me in the company of Frederick Douglass as a man willing to stand and speak up from the steps of the Federal Courthouse, in Asheville NC, for the rights of women.  I was humbled and honored to be placed in such great standing.  Though I expressed to her that I was wholly and totally undeserving of such commendation, she felt otherwise.

Another great (s)hero of this revolution, Riverdaughter of the Confluence, remarked on her blog that she considers me a "true feminist."  Again, I humbled for the recognition.  Her dedication and eloquence (and snark), has been a touchstone for many of us.  It is a privilege to be in such company.

We all deserve to be treated equally.  We all are endowed with inalienable human rights.  If we fail to stand up for each other than our lives are worthless.  To my mind it costs nothing to speak out.  The price of silence is far greater.

Good evening. Before I begin I’d like to thank the people who made it possible for me to be here tonight. They know who they are so I will allow them to remain anonymous. It is in honor to be a voice for those who could not make the journey. I’d also like to thank everyone at Seneca 160, the Asheville Hillary Meet Up, and of course the bitter crew at Bitterpoliticz for their unwavering support of Hillary throughout the election, into the summer, and beyond. And I want to thank all of you. Like Hillary, you stuck it out to the end and beyond. When everyone said shut up, you raised your voices louder. When Democracy was threatened you stood up in its defense. You have a lot to be proud of, and I am proud to call you my sisters and brothers in arms.

History has a way of repeating itself. Some fail to study the journey of the past, often with disastrous consequences. Then there are those who look at the past, absorb it, and set themselves to the task of shifting the course of human events to alter the outcome, to advance and elevate the path of society. Even so, history does have a way of repeating itself.

In 1840 Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott traveled to England to attend an abolitionist convention in London. Being shut out, due to their gender, they found each other on the street and agreed that a convention must be held to address the economic and political needs of women. That convention was held 160 years ago in Seneca Falls, New York. Three hundred-eighty women and men gathered to begin a conversation that changed the course of human events. The first wave of feminism was born with the words, “All men and all women are created equal.”

By 1912 that convention of 380 had grown exponentially. Women rose up for their rights in the work place, and for their right to vote. At the 1912 New York City March for Suffrage some 20,000 people marched. A reported half million lined the streets. The movement continued to grow, and once the challenge of gaining suffrage was accomplished, the fight for equality and women’s rights went on.

One hundred forty-seven years after Seneca Falls, then First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, went to Beijing to address an international women's conference themed, "Listen to the Women." In a singular act of bravery, and at great political and personal risk, Hillary Clinton, standing on the shoulders of Stanton, Mott, Susan B. Anthony, Clara Lemlich, Alice Paul, Eleanor Roosevelt, and others too many to name, changed the course of the conversation of the women’s movement forever. Before this international gathering of women leaders Hillary Clinton gave birth to what I consider to be the fourth wave of feminism with the following words:

It is a violation of human rights when babies are denied food, or drowned, or suffocated, or their spines broken, simply because they are born girls.

It is a violation of human rights when women and girls are sold into the slavery of prostitution for human greed -- and the kinds of reasons that are used to justify this practice should no longer be tolerated.

It is a violation of human rights when women are doused with gasoline, set on fire, and burned to death because their marriage dowries are deemed too small.

It is a violation of human rights when individual women are raped in their own communities and when thousands of women are subjected to rape as a tactic or prize of war.

It is a violation of human rights when a leading cause of death worldwide among women ages 14 to 44 is the violence they are subjected to in their own homes by their own relatives.

It is a violation of human rights when young girls are brutalized by the painful and degrading practice of genital mutilation.

It is a violation of human rights when women are denied the right to plan their own families, and that includes being forced to have abortions or being sterilized against their will.

If there is one message that echoes forth from this conference, let it be that human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights once and for all. Let us not forget that among those rights are the right to speak freely -- and the right to be heard.

Women must enjoy the rights to participate fully in the social and political lives of their countries, if we want freedom and democracy to thrive and endure.

Freedom means the right of people to assemble, organize, and debate openly. It means respecting the views of those who may disagree with the views of their governments. It means not taking citizens away from their loved ones and jailing them, mistreating them, or denying them their freedom or dignity because of the peaceful expression of their ideas and opinions.

That speech was heard around the world and inspired the international women’s movement. But American society is still trying to catch up to where Hillary has been for thirteen years. She was ahead of the curve as usual. Hillary planted the seed for the fourth wave of feminism; the wave that says this is not simply an issue about women. It is about all people. The seed has grown to a tree. The tree has born fruit. That fruit is us.

About 18 months ago Senator Clinton asked us to engage in a new conversation when she began her historic campaign for the Presidency of the United States. Joining the ranks of Victoria Woodhull, Margaret Chase Smith, Shirley Chisholm, Carol Moseley Braun, and many others, she set out to smash what she has called, “…the highest and hardest glass ceiling.”

She made history by being the first woman candidate to win a Presidential primary. She made history by winning more congressional districts and counties than any candidate in the 2008 Democratic Party Primaries. She made history by garnering more primary votes than any candidate in the history of the Democratic Party. And had the DNC’s Rules and Bylaws Committee seated the Michigan and Florida delegations at full strength, and with fair reflection of the votes cast in those states, she would have finished the primary season with more pledged delegates. And those who failed to understand the lessons of history once again tried to prevent a woman from taking her rightful place at the Convention. Fortunately, we learned those lessons, and took action to make sure that history was not repeated.

It is obvious, to all who are paying attention, that the coup we witnessed this year was not simply directed at Senator Clinton. It was directed at us. It was directed at Democracy. When delegates can be stripped from one candidate given to another, whose name did not even appear on a ballot, then my friends, all we hold sacred as Americans is in jeopardy. It is not going to be enough to resist. It is not going to be enough to just say no deal. If we walk away from this at the end of the 2008 election cycle and the people who brought us this fiasco; Leah Daughtry, Alexis Herman, Donna Brazile, Nancy Pelosi, Howard Dean and the rest of the junta are still in power at the DNC when the smoke clears, then The Democratic Party will remain a poisoned tree that will only deliver bitter fruit. And what will we do about it? Voting Republican and staying home are not viable options moving forward from 2008.

Where do we begin then? We can start by continuing to support the agenda that we fought for with Senator Clinton: universal healthcare, the green economy, the accessibility and affordability of a college education, the advancement of human rights, and the defense of equal rights. Not as platitudes to get elected, but solutions to the pressing issues that face our nation, and our world. We can support the work of Hill Pac, which is currently circulating a petition in defense of family planning. We can support Hillary in the Senate, or whichever office she may hold, by lobbying our elected officials to support legislation she is sponsoring. We can support the National Women’s History Museum in its effort to find a permanent home in our nation’s capital so that there is a place dedicated to telling the unique story of women in America. Most importantly, we must strengthen our political voice. We are not here because we’re sore losers. We are not here because we’re bitter. We are here because we are clinging. Clinging, with all the strength we have left to all we hold dear about this country.

We deserve a party that will not violate the most sacred codes that we honor and hold dear as Americans, and I say here and now that if the Democratic Party will not uphold those values then perhaps the time has come to break from that party and start anew. We will not let Democracy die at Invesco Field. We must eject the anti-democratic cabal from the DNC, or be prepared to build a new party out of the Democratic Party’s ashes: A party that stands unequivocally for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment.
A party that stands unequivocally for gay marriage and the equal protection of all people regardless of the color of their skin, religion, sexual orientation, age, economic status, or gender.
We deserve a party that stands for universal healthcare; a party that stands for the separation of church and state; a party that stands for our right to privacy and doesn’t sell it to complicit telecom companies; a party that stands for one person, one vote.

This road will not be easy. We have been called enemies. We have been threatened. Those who oppose us have tried to break our spirit, our will, and our determination, but will not be turned back. We will not be stalled. We will not be cowed, and we will not be broken. To paraphrase the oft quoted Susan B. Anthony; no self respecting American should wish or work for the success of a party which ignores them. We will not be enslaved.

The Mahatma once said, “How can one be compelled to accept slavery? I simply refuse to do the master's bidding. He may torture me, break my bones to atoms and even kill me. He will then have my dead body, not my obedience. Ultimately, therefore, it is I who am the victor and not he, for he has failed in getting me to do what he wanted done.”

We will not do the master’s bidding. We have lived with this for too long. Hillary showed us what it means to stand and fight for what one believes in. Now it is time for us to rise.

Reflections on Denver: The Bright Side of the Road

Denver was a study in contrasts.  Simply put there was incredible light.  There was impenetrable darkness.  I arrived late Sunday evening and met up with my camillian crew in LoDo (Denver by the way is a great town with friendly people and a big ass blue bear).  Monday I headed to the PUMA Den.  It was buzzing.  The energy was positive.  Everyone was set to their tasks.  The media, particularly the foreign press, were in and out all day.  PUMA harassed Chris Matthews (the one thing I missed that I wish I hadn't).

Monday evening was the Beautiful Rise for Hillary.  We acknowledged her history making campaign.  We thanked her for being the standard bearer for our agenda.  We stood up for Democracy and democratic process.  I met a lot of new friends, ran into some old ones, and from what I was told, moved the crowd with the speech I gave.  There were some who called to take Democratic Party back.  I too was on that side on Monday, but with the caveat that if the leadership cannot be ousted that we put a stake in the party's heart and start anew.  By the time I left Denver it was obvious to me that the Democratic Party cannot be saved.  It is a corrupt, festering cesspool.  More on that another time.

At least I had Monday.  Laying on my back watching the spotlights in the clouds, listening to my compatriots speak inspiring calls to action, and bitter truths, yucking it up with Riverdaughter...it was a garden of Eden moment.  Turns out that Dylan was right again.  There are no truths outside the gates of Eden.

Here's a taste of The Rise.  Many thanks to Dr. Saharra Bledsoe for bringing us together, and getting us to turn on our light.  Let's hope we leave it on.  The voice you hear at the beginning is yours truly.

Survival Requires Adaptation

One of the most noted and historically examined of America's First Nations are the Dakota.  Their history is one of survival and adaptation.  Originating in the forests of Minnesota, the Dakota were a sedentary agrarian/hunting society.  But as pressure from their enemies grew the Nation began to spread to the plains and mountains in the west.

The Dakota divided into three distinct regional factions, though remained united as a nation; the Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota.  The Lakota were the first to leave Minnesota, using dogs to help haul their supplies across the plains.  Spreading as far west as Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana and south to Nebraska, the Lakota were introduced to the horses left by the Spanish Conquistadors, and were so successful in learning the ways of plains life that within 100 years they became the largest, most powerful nation of the region.  They were empire builders and alliance makers.  

They were fierce warriors as well, one of the last nations to resist the encroaching genocide of the United States and producing leaders like Red Cloud, Sitting Bull, and Crazy Horse.  In the end they were starved and broken by the genocidal policies of the United States.  They saw their most sacred place, the Paha Sapa (the Black Hills) stolen from them, in spite of treaties with the United States promising them control of that territory for perpetuity, and then permanently disgraced with the heads of four American presidents carved into them.

Pine Ridge, one of the Lakota reservations in South Dakota, has historically been one of the poorest counties in the United States.  But they survive and adapt, and continue to live on in spite of what was done to them.  It is a story similar to First Nations across this continent who have found ways to increase their political power and use it to advance their agenda.

This year we have seen the Democratic Party destroy what we hold dear as Americans; our right of franchise.  They cut down all opposition to advance their own agenda and a duplicitous demagogue.  We found ourselves with no political home, with no party to represent our agenda.  Though this is not comparable to the genocide of millions, we must look to the First Nations for inspiration.  We must learn to adapt to this new political climate where democratic principles are openly undermined to advance corrupt personalities.  We must find new ways to exert our power and make our voices heard.  We must begin looking beyond defeating Obama to using our influence to bring the Republican Party to the center, and pressuring the Democratic Party to stand up for its supposed ideals.

One possibility being proffered by PUMA PAC is the formation of a New Democratic Party that will not run candidates, but will raise money, endorse, and campaign for candidates that represent our values.  A similar tactic was taken by Alice Paul.  I consider this a viable option and hope that ego investment does not undermine the movement.   Forming a third party that runs candidates is also a viable option.

The American political landscape has changed forever.  There will be no going back.  We must move forward, consolidate our power, sharpen it, and wield it wisely so that the agenda that we once thought the Democratic Party stood for can continue to be fought for in our governmental institutions.

Join the resistance.  Just Say No Deal.

The Problem Is You're Not Very Bright

I should probably have posted this in the latest post on Camp Pampers' dull witted sheeple, but this comment is such a clear illustration as to the poor mind of the Pampers follower that it deserves its own post.

I am very disappointed with the HRC supporters who refuse to get behind the nominee Barack Obama.

You're disappointed?  I'm so sorry to hear that because my raison d'etre is to make you happy.  I'm going to cry in my coffee.

If you are supporting a canidate for their policies then why in the world would you support John McCain. 

I have not endorsed John McCain for President.  At no time have a said McCain should be President, or that I want him to be President (though I will admittedly sleep better at night knowing McCain is in the White House).  If I cast my vote for McCain it will be because I consider it the best strategy for defeating Barry Pampers Soetoro (more on that later).

I am completely astonished about the misinformation on this site and other HRC for Mccain sites.

There is no false information about Barry Soetoro printed on this blog.  There certainly are plenty that are sarcastic and satirical, but we deal with facts about Barry on this blog.  Sometimes the truth hurts.  It's best to just rip the band-aid right off.

 It makes me wonder if you guys are truly democrats or republicans.

I'm sure it does.  I will not go into my political status any further than I already have.  I have posted this information innumerable times.  If you can't read you should enroll in an adult literacy program.  Most communities have them.  Check with your local public library.  Everyone should be able to read.  It opens a great many doors, and helps unlock minds.

The excuse that most of you give is that Barack has little experience, well Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, JFK, and Harry Truman each had little experience so please do not use that as an excuse.

Abraham Lincoln first ran for office at the age of 23, losing his first election (unlike Pampers he chose not to try to get his opposition thrown off the ballot).  He was elected Captain of an Illinois militia company (there is no evidence that Pampers even signed up with Selective Service), a four term legislator from Sangamon County Illinois, state leader of the Illinois Whig Party, and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1846.  In none of those positions did he use his political connections for the benefit of his supporters, and at the expense of his constituents; but Pampers sure did.

Ronald Reagan was a two term Governor from the State of California giving a tremendous amount of experience as an executive (Pampers has none).

Harry Truman was a judge, two term Senator and Vice President before taking over for Franklin Delano Roosevelt upon his death.

JFK was the commander of a PT boat in World War II, a three term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and a one term member of the U.S. Senate before being elected President.

But since you've not actually read my blog you don't realize that I have not cited lack of experience as a major factor as to why he is unfit to lead this country.  It's the corrupt way he behaved, the associations with convicted felons, terrorists, racists, and homophobes he cultivated, and his chronic lying, sexism, race baiting, endorsement of voter fraud, and obfuscation of his background that make him unfit.

The reason they didnt show HRC who are protesting the nomination is because their are not that many of you and nobody wants to see a bunch of whiners and sore losers.

There are around 2.5 to 3 million people registered to PUMA sites on the internet.  There are uncounted millions who are not online, as suggested by polling data, that are also saying no deal to Pampers.  I assume when you say "they didn't show HRC who are protesting the nomination" you mean the reason you didn't see us on TV.  I myself was interviewed by crews from no less than seven different countries, as well as American print media, and radio.  CNN and MSNBC have no objectivity when it comes to this election.  Their lack of credibility is reflected in their plummeting ratings.  Though MSNBC did interview PUMAs on TV, as has FOX News and CNN.  CNN even has a PUMA as a member of its political round table.  His name is James Carville.  You should see his shoes.

As for being whiners and sore losers, this stopped being about HRC on May 31, 2008 when the DNC made it clear that they were going to do everything possible to make sure that Pampers was the nominee.  A pledged delegate from New Mexico told me in Denver that there was no way HRC was going to be the nominee because Dean and Donna didn't want her to be...that must be the democratic process you sheeple keep yipping about.  We are in the streets, and in the media to make sure the world knows that the 2008 Democratic Party election cycle was gamed from the beginning, that the Party violated its own charter and sunshine laws to promote Pampers, and that the votes of nearly 36 million people didn't matter because the Democratic Party selected its candidate through its race based delegate distribution, violation of party rules, and the intimidation of pledged delegates at their National Convention.  We're not sore.  We're pissed.  The Democratic Party is a cancer that produced a tumor called Obama. Our votes are the cure.

 I wish the HRC supporters would have the same grace as Hillary and Bill. They did a lot to restore my faith in them.

The Clintons are loyal Democrats and have their own motives for doing what they did.  We are loyal to our country first, not a political party; certainly not one that violates the rights of its members, and its own charter.  We own our votes.  The DNC does not.  What made you lose faith in them in the first place?  Because Pampers told you they are racists?  Because they stood up for white working class people after Pampers told them they were nothing more than bigoted bible thumping gun toters?  Because they saw what a fraud Pampers is and decided to try and vet him because the media abdicated that responsibility?

I will end on this note. If the whole reason you voted was to vote for HRC then I suggest you get out of politics because people like you are the reason the dictators and hitlers of the world get into office.

That is one of the most laughable comments I've ever received on this blog.  Yes I voted for HRC because she's HRC and because she represents an agenda I support.  She is a public servant who has historically fought for children, the elderly, women's rights, equal rights, and human rights.  She has been one of the only Democrats in the Senate to stand up to the Bush administration while assholes like your Pampers voted for FISA so the telecom companies will not be punished for illegally letting Bush tap our phones, and so Bush and Cheney can continue to listen to our phone conversations.

Pampers, on the other hand, gave so few specifics about his policies that it led some Democrats to start asking what the hell do you mean by change anyway?  The only time he actually got specific is when he gave his big speech the other night which, policy wise, was not only a complete cherry picking of HRC's positions (not unlike his chronic use of the phrase, "I agree with Senator Clinton" in virtually every head to head debate they had), but a plagiarizing of her stump speech.  For those of us actually paying attention it is quite clear that Pampers has stood for nothing other than himself, which is what little fascists like yourself stand for as well.  

You don't stand for democratic process.  If you did you would be as outraged as we are that Pampers sent thugs to the caucuses to steal manuals, intimidate the elderly, and illegally inflate the numbers of voters he had present.  If you cared about democratic process you would be as outraged as we are that the DNC took 4 delegates from one candidate and gave them to another in violation of its own rules.  If you cared about democratic process you would be shocked and angered that pledged delegates to the Democratic National Convention were intimidated and threatened into voting for Pampers, were made to vote behind closed doors, and then participate in a fake roll call vote on national television.  But you don't care.  All you care about is that Pampers gets elected because he's your messiah.  It is in fact mindless sheeple like yourself, with your change t-shirts and Obama salutes, that have brought us the Hitlers of the world, and want to elect the closest thing this country has seen to fascism since Joe McCarthy was in the Senate (I assume you don't know who he is...go google).

 I have no respect for people of this nature and do not think you deserve a bit of coverage. However, you will get coverage by the media to stir up trouble and drum up votes for the republicans.

You really shouldn't put yourself down like that.  Have some self respect.  You clearly have opinions (misguided as they are).  You're a fascist.  You should embrace it.  Polish your jackboots and iron your brown shirt.  Pampers is going to need you for his National Civilian Security Force so he can enforce his will on the people, while he continues to tap our phones via the FISA bill he voted for in the Senate.  Oh wait...he's going to lose.

Sincerely,
Baracko8

B.O.W.L.  BARACK OBAMA WILL LOSE

My 8 Ball Rocks!

Boy did I see this coming.  Let's compare and contrast the two tickets and the message behind them.

McCain brings in a new generation of leadership to help bring reform to the Republican party and bipartisanship to Washington.  Their slogan?  Reform, Prosperity, Peace (which part of the 90's did Pampers not like?  I can't remember...was it the Peace or the Prosperity?).

In contrast; Pampers, the new generation of leadership, needs the long timer to hold him up and change his diaper because he's in over his head.  Their slogan?  Change you can believe in.  

Uh-huh.

Of those two options, which do you think the American people are going to perceive as real change?  And don't even try to launch your Chicago smear machine on the lady.  You already kicked one woman to the curb.  Do it again and you'll make George McGovern look like a winner.  Besides, I think Americans are going to get a little pissed off if you attack a PTA/hockey mom of 5.

Pampers, you're so screwed.

Pass the popcorn please!

More Wisdom From Camp Pampers

Well the asshats at Camp Pampers must really have been crapping themselves this week as the little douches were out in force on the blogs.  Here are some of my favorites.  Let's lead off with this poster who says I have to stop quoting Gandhi:

Stop quoting Gandhi, you bastards! Gandhi was all about unity, not this senseless bickering. Plus, Obama is a lot more like him than Hillary or, for that matter, Mr. McCain. I find this abuse of him grossly offensive. Hey moderator, please post this! I really want see how these people can justify this atrocity.

Obama is more like Gandhi?  Interesting.  Did Gandhi sit in the pew of a racist church that was against gay rights, Jews, and non-Africans for 20 years?  Nope.

Did Gandhi collude with people who used violent means to achieve their goals like Billy Ayers of the Weather Underground, or Rashid Khalidi of the PLO?  Nope.  Gandhi preached non violence.

Did Gandhi use his political position to expand the financial largess of his supporters like Obama did in Chicago?  Nope.

Did Gandhi use race and gender as a wedge to defame his political opponents?  Nope.

The Mahatma has been a hero of mine since I was young.  Though I wouldn't profess to be as wise, or eloquent, his call for the use of non-violence and civil disobedience resonates with me. His struggle inspires me to stand up for what I believe in without reservation, without hesitation, regardless of the risks.  Some things are worth fighting for in this world.  My quoting him is not about who is more like him.  It is about the fact that he speaks to me, my causes, my struggles.

I agree with the poster that Gandhi desired unity in India.  I suppose the implication then is that Obama and Clinton supporters should be uniting in common cause.  Obama the unifier made it clear that our votes weren't needed.  He made it clear that blue collar white folks are just bitter bible thumping gun toting racists.  His campaign and his supporters made it clear that misogyny and sexism were okay if it helped achieve campaign success.  His campaign and his supporters made it clear that anyone who opposed him was racist.  You tell me what part of that Gandhi would have approved of there.

It is ludicrous to think it is an atrocity for me to quote Gandhi, but even more so to think that Pampers has anything in common with him.  

My other personal favorite was from a poster calling himself Downriver Doc who posted this little gem: 

There WAS a roll call and Hillery only got like 314 votes. Why do you people have such hard heads. You must be closet republicans!!!.

If you claim to be a Democrat and
you vote against the democratic party!!! You are nothing but a traitor to the USA.
You will ALL be crying in your beards if McLame gets voted into office. Your lack of support will be the sole cause and is a HUGE failing in your character and TRUE DEMOCRATIC way of government. You will most certainly get what is comming to you if McLame wins.
What fools!!!!

Downriver Doc, I'm going to assume you were not in Denver.  I'm going to assume that you did not have Hillary pledged delegates approaching you on the street to tell you how they were being pressured into voting for Obama, that their political futures were being threatened if they didn't vote for him.  You probably didn't know that pledged delegates are not supposed to be voting in their hotel rooms, but in an open forum where all the votes are counted.  You're probably not aware that all traditional democratic procedures were thrown out so that Pampers could have his dog and pony show with a fake roll call where more than half the votes weren't recorded.  Since you are clearly a fascist who has no problem suspending democracy in favor of personality (the essence of fascism) it does not surprise me that you couldn't care less about delegate intimidation or the suspension of democratic rules, as long as your god is crowned.  So please spare us the lecture on the "true democratic way of government" as there was nothing democratic about that roll call.

Again, I don't claim to be a Democrat.  I'm not.  I left the party because it failed to stand up for itself in 2000 and we got stuck with that moron in the White House.  That was your precious party's fault so why don't you start assigning blame where it belongs instead of laying it on Americans who have the right to vote for whom they choose, whether you approve or not.  As for the allegation that I would be traitor to the USA if I don't vote for Obama...that is so laughable I will not dignify that remark with comment.

Our lack of support will be the sole cause of Pampers' defeat?  If we have so much power you might try being a little more complimentary (and by the way, we do...just ask Sarah Palin). 

As for your veiled threat...please tell us what we've got coming.  We really want to know.  I hope it's a margarita machine!

And now...Sir Ben Kingsley (I bet anonymous up there is mad at him too; and Dick Attenborough).

What's All This Then?

An ABC reporter is arrested in Denver while investigating lobbyist ties to the DNC.  I wonder who put in the order for this little violation of the first amendment?  Probably the same fascists who brought us Wednesday's fraudulent roll call vote.

Shine up your jack boots America, Pampers is coming!

For the record, my experience with the Denver police was quite positive, and often entertaining.  But this...this is bullshit.

This Election Hasn't Been About You?

Funny, you don't fool me.  Up yours!  You just lifted Hillary's stump speech.  For you the DNC kicked her to the curb only to have you pretend you're running on her platform?  Guess what ass?  We resent you more than ever.

Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here

We tried to warn you.  We begged you not to do it.  We told you he was weak.  We told you he's a fraud.  We told you he's a flip flopping liar who will say and do anything to get elected (if you don't believe me then you can talk to the myriad of pledged delegates who reported to us that political careers were threatened, that they were pressured, etc to vote for the dumbass instead of the Democrat.

I should have been able to stay in Denver and watch a Democrat get nominated for President tonight.  Instead, I left so as not to witness the worst thing that's happened to the Democratic Party since...well...since Nancy Pelosi became Speaker of the House.  

I was really looking forward to going to my County Board of Elections office and becoming a Democrat again.  But I simply won't be party to this bullshit.  

The roll call was a sham.  They couldn't even let her delegates vote for her.  They had to intimidate them.  I thought she didn't have enough to get the nomination so what was the big deal to let the delegates operate in a fair vote?

I guess a fair an open roll call would have been a reminder that there was no outright winner of the primaries.  I guess it would have given automatic delegates a chance to vote for a real Democrat instead of that pompous ass from Chicago who sold Democratic Party ideals to the telecom companies that Bush is still using to tap our phones.  Then there's his plan for the privatizing of social security, offshore drilling, faux universal healthcare, rejection of public financing, waffling on withdrawal from Iraq...need I go on, or do you Obot douchebags need more reminders that you don't give a shit about the issues, just your demagogue?

Your guy bought this election and this convention with the same anti-democratic thuggery that has ruled Chicago since Mayor Daley the 1st took control of the city.  So now we have a candidate whose only change I believe in is that he'll rotate the recipients of our tax dollars from Haliburton to his Chicago pals while millions continue to go without health insurance.  That's just fucking great.

I keep hearing more and more that Democrats and Independents are going to say no deal to Pampers in November.  They didn't like his playing the race card.  They didn't like how his thugs gamed the caucuses and intimidated senior citizens.  They didn't like how he revealed himself to be a nut job narcissist with his faux presidential seal.  They didn't like how his asshole followers took over blogs bashing the Clintons whom they now expect to unite us (guess what fuckers...the fact that you like Obama is more than enough reason not to vote for him...maybe you should have thought of that before you spent a year shitting all over them, and her supporters).

Now we will gleefully watch your messiah be crushed under the heel of the Republican attack machine in the hopes that the corrupt DNC leadership will fall away and be replaced by those who embrace what the Democratic Party is supposed to be about.  And I will be the first to say, "I told you so."  He lost points going into his own convention, and the only reason he has any appreciable bounce at all is because of the very people his sheep followers attacked all year.  Well enjoy your one brief shining moment morons.  If McCain picks one of the people I think he is for his VP Pampers will lose the media in the wake of his Nuremberg Rally and JM will dominate the news cycle going into the RNC.  Bye bye bounce.

You little douche fucks wanted this ass?  Now you've got him.  In the words of Han Solo, "Good luck...you're gonna need it."

Do The Biden

Quite frankly I have a new found respect for Big Joe Biden. He's got moves. In the wake of the travesty of a mockery of a sham convention we witnessed in Denver this week I think we at JSND should heed the advice of Vice Presidential Nominee Joe Biden and walk it out.

Thank you sweetheart

I know that the last few months have been hard with all my involvement with the Clinton campaign. But you knew how important it was to me so you put up with my ranting and raving, the nights I came home so late, the constant calls, texts, emails, etc. Through it all you did your best to not let it get to you, and even when it did you didn't get down on me about it too much.

I want you to know how much I appreciate your patience and understanding. It is not lost on me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you very much.

ps You can take the sign down now.

A Washington HRC Pledged Delegate Speaks

Following yesterday's march, a pledged delegate for Hillary made it clear that we're not the only ones who see this convention is a sham.

"The rules that were set up were broken."

"We haven't done a roll call, and we won't do a roll call."

Then he laid out the problem the Democratic Party faces in the wake of this sham convention.

"Democrats like McCain because he is a war hero. Democrats like McCain because he sticks to his word. Democrats like McCain because he crosses the aisles. Now when we have our own Democrats saying we're not going to allow our pledged delegates to do their jobs, we're going to break our own rules, we're not going to stick by our own word when we said words mean something, then it's not just words. We're going to break our own rules. So Democrats are starting to say, 'we know a candidate that will stick to his word.'"

In other words, unity doesn't mean squat when the party doesn't even stand by its own procedures. Now you can stop wondering why we Just Say No Deal.

He also made it clear why he is standing up for HRC, and democratic process. "If you don't stand up, you'll roll over for anything."

More to come.

Party Unity? My Ass

Last night Hillary asked us if we were in it for her, or universal healthcare, children's advocacy, gay rights, equal rights, human rights, women's rights...on and on...the answer is yes. We were in it for you Hillary because those were the issues you stood for. YOU were the candidate that stood up for those things. Barack Obama did not, and he does not now. You were the candidate that voted against FISA. You were the candidate that warned us about the subprime mortgages last year. You were the one fighting for real universal healthcare. You were the one who said that gay rights is an issue of equal protections. You were the one who committed to withdrawing from Iraq. You were the one standing for affordable college education and universal pre-K.

Thank you for reminding us, and the Democratic Party, last night.

Yes, we support the issues you stood for; that's why we won't support Obama. He voted for FISA. He's wavered on Iraq. He's waffled on offshore drilling. He does not stand for equal protections for gays. He rejected public campaign financing. He does not stand for Democratic values. He has altered his position on every stand he claimed his campaign was about. Beyond that, he was selected by party apparatus, not the people. And that is why we Just Say No Deal.

And guess who else is may be getting ready to say no deal?


Pledged and Automatic Delegates of the Democratic Party, if you nominate Obama whatever happens in the next for years is on your heads. We will remember in November.

The Lovefest Continues or Some Sheeple Just Don't Get It

Here's a comment I got from one of Pampers' Legion of Sheeple:

I couldn't help but see your associate on MSNBC's coverage of the convention, and was struck by her poised and intelligent and thoughtful discussion about the issues. I've got one question, though, for anyone who can answer it: just what the FUCK is a registered Muslim and how can it possibly matter if Obama attended a Muslim school? Oh wait, I forgot, he's a black Muslim terrorist, as proven by that totally unique and horrifying fist bump, who plans on tricking America into electing him just so he can send our country in the wrong direction after our Golden Age under Bush.

(since sarcasm generally doesn't translate so well, I'll say this plainly: the woman who rudely and abrasively assaulted and insulted Matthews tonight was the disgusting reality that one cannot but associate with the PUMAS and their ilk.)

Let's play everybody's favorite fun game "Deconstruct the Bullshit." PUMA is not a movement that is against Islam. We embrace and consist of people of all faiths and backgrounds. The egalitarian membership is one of the reasons for our success (and if you don't think Just Say No Deal is successful then take a look at Pampers' poll numbers). I think there are plenty of people though who are rightly disturbed by the fact that Pampers has gone to such great lengths to hide his Islamic past. What's he afraid of, that we won't like him because he's Muslim? I could care less about his religion. It's lying about who you are and where you've been that is a problem.

Everyone has a story, a biography. We all need to know and embrace who were are, and where we come from, in order to be at peace with ourselves and step up and play the role we were meant to play in the world. If he has nothing to be ashamed of he should have nothing to hide. The fact that he feels that he does is a clear indicator to me that he is not the "change agent" the cult wants us to believe in, and that we never will embrace (by the way Pampers, your slogan is a prepositional phrase...I'm not one to talk, but you've got a lot more money than me so you might want to look into that). And I can certainly understand why people might feel that someone who feels they have to hide something is a person who in fact has something to hide.

Moving on...let's make it clear...Pampers doesn't represent change from Bush. I have seen the Shrub and it is Pampers. What do you call a man who says he'll filibuster FISA but then votes to endorse warrantless wire tapping and telecom immunity, rejects public financing, waffles on withdrawal from Iraq and offshore drilling? You could call him Nancy Pelosi, but you can also call him Bush II; the never ending national nightmare. And guess what? The New York Times agrees with me.

Now, let's talk about, "...the woman who rudely and abrasively assaulted and insulted Matthews..." It wasn't a woman, it was more like a throng or, to use PUMA terms, a pride. Whatever invective or derision is thrown his way, he richly deserves it and I applaud each and every PUMA who stood up, spoke out, and made it known that that sexist, misogynist pig Chris Matthews represents the lowest form of scum journalism, and that he should crawl back under the rock from whence he came. Good job everyone!

This PUMA is proud to be associated with their ilk.

I also like elk.

For the record, the fist bump doesn't mean he's a black Muslim terrorist. It might mean he acted like a dork on national television though. I leave that to the judgement of the readers.

And now it's time to sing along with Joe (quite frankly I think this should be the PUMA theme song).

Caroline...oy vey you made me sick

I had the great nauseating displeasure of seeing Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg's introduction for Teddy last night. Now nothing against Ted. He has been a great voice for many who have none. And quite frankly it was inspiring to see him take the stage following the procedure he faced just a couple short months ago (of course when you have the money to buy the kind of healthcare that Ted got it's a lot easier to deal with...I wonder if he thought about that when he decided to pass the torch to an idiot whose mock universal healthcare plan leaves at least 15 million people without coverage which will continue to strain the system, and continue to bloat healthcare costs for the rest of us).

But what sickened me about Caroline's intro was the moment when she said that so many people have told her over the years how her father inspired them, but she never had a candidate inspire her that way...until there was Pampers.

Who is going to deprogram all the cult followers when he loses? Who is going to hold them when they finally wake up and realize that this fraud doesn't give a damn about the poor, the working class, the uninsured; the people in this country that need help the most? What will they do when they realize that the change they believe in would have just been a shifting of the beneficiaries of their tax dollars from Haliburton to Wright, Pfleger, Barrow, Soros, and the rest of the Rezkos who aided him?

Not me. I'll be the one saying, "I told you so."

Live From the PUMA Den

Hey folks! Blogging to you live from the JSND/PUMA den. We just dispatched a throng of PUMAs to Union Station to raise hell. Riverdaughter is in tow and Rebecca Traister from Salon.com will be conducting interviews. Harriet Christian stopped by to say hello and encourage us. Will Bower rolled in. The media has been here doing interviews. Needless to say we are getting our message out in terms that even Nancy Pelosi will be able to understand...okay maybe not...but anyone not high kool-aid anyway.

I spoke to a Clinton delegate from Spokane, Cindy Schwartz. As you know, rumors are flying fast and furious about what is happening with the roll call. There is pressure being placed on HRC delegates to vote for BO on the first ballot. She feels very strongly that she was elected to vote for Hillary, and she intends to do so. She is not alone. Ballots will be distributed at the hotel, but there hasn't been clear instructions yet as to where and when voting will take place. There will be a paper trail...but who will be counting the votes?

Cindy also made it clear that HRC has NOT released her delegates!

DO NOT BELIEVE WHAT IS BEING REPORTED IN THE MEDIA!!! They do not have any idea what's happening, and to be honest, neither do we. This is a dangerous time for our democracy.

Nothing is particularly clear. Democracy is on life support.

In The Den

Here I am in the PUMA den.  Sheri Tag is on.  Riverdaughter is upstairs.  The media is here doing interviews.  Rumors are flying.  Will Ted Kennedy speak at the convention?  It is said that using his magic Kennedy ray he will placate Hillary's supporters, unify the party, and begin Pampers' conquest of the known galaxy in his bid to become Master of the Universe.

Rumor #2:  Michelle Pampers is pregnant with a little mini Pampers.  Why does a 43 year old woman get pregnant during an election cycle?  The answer is simple: Marketing.

Like all things Pampers; I will believe she's pregnant when it pops out.

Still no word on the real scoop on the delegates and roll call.  I'm here with NavyVet.  She said a floor whip has said the talk is voting in the hotel rooms on paper.

This is out of our hands in so many ways.  We need the Blue Dogs to stand up and stop this.  They may be our last hope before we have to go rogue and leave the party.  There will be no home for us after Denver if they don't.

SNAFU IN DENVER

Situation Normal: ALL FU***D UP! As soon as I landed last night and turned on my phone the text messages came rolling in. Rumors of no roll call. Rumors Hillary is releasing her delegates. Rumors that space aliens are marching topless this week. Democracy has been on life support since May 31. JSND has done its best to keep it alive, but I think the plug is getting pulled this week. It's sink or swim time. We better start swimming or we'll sink like a stone.



Make no mistake about it people...this is just the beginning. Defeating Obama will not be enough to end this madness. The DNC junta must be removed. It's time to circle the wagons and turn this coalition into the political force it needs to become. If we can't take back the Democratic Party from these megalomaniacal crackpots then a third party must be the end result. Voting for Republicans and/or staying home/voting for Ralph Nader is not going to be a viable strategy moving forward from 2008.

As I sat in the airport terminal waiting for my flight yesterday a story came on CNN about how Joe "The Villages" Biden is going to play up his Scranton roots. This elitist moron who won't go into Delaware 7-11s because of his lack of an Indian accent--see video two posts below-- (my friends, this ticket is a satirist's dream) is going to go to Scranton and pretend he gives a damn about the working class? I guess he's going to have to as Obama threw them under the bus with their bibles and guns back in the spring (don't worry...I would imagine that Camp McCain will be reminding those who have forgotten).

My strategy for combating the insanity of the DNC? Pranksterism. I want every PUMA in Denver on the streets singing this song. If you can override your sense of coordination, try and do the dance too (a 5th of Jack might come in handy).

For the PUMAs

For reflection:

For the new revolution:

For Colorado:

PUMAs to Denver!

Thank you Pampers! Update: Senator Biden Sings and another UPDATE...Pampers said WHAT???

You just picked walking gaffe machine Joe Biden to be your VP!  And he sings!  Who knew? 

And Pampers?  You have at last mastered the Kicking Quayle; to let the truth slip out as you place your foot into your mouth.  You have learned well young grasshopper...

I'm going to Disney World!

Out Out Damn Spot!

Looks like the Pampers campaign has more scrubbing to do.  This time they have to cover up defrauding the Federal Election Commission.  Whoops!

And a Philadelphia attorney files papers in District Court.  Where's evidence of your oath renewing your American citizenship Pampers?

Whoops!

And the truth shall set you free.  No Quarter reports that this ad is being run in Michigan and Ohio.  And you thought they were going to hold their fire until after the convention.

Automatic Delegates of the Democratic Party, if you nominate this putz the next four years are on your heads.

Pamperbots Go To School.

I got a comment on my blog from this Pamperbot who implies I'm racist for posting this:

Of course this Bot also wrote this.  So not only is this blogger a Bot who doesn't understand the difference between racism and satire (and yet seems to grasp the Alinsky method quite well), they are also a hypocrite.

Please Pamperbots, I invite you to to explain to me how creating a video where a man's words are edited to make him sound like he is saying the lyrics to a Rick Astley song is racist.  Go ahead, make my day.  Enlighten us with your superior intellect and morality.

It's called satire you idiots.  Here's the definition according to the Oxford American Dictionary:

satire |ˈsaˌtīr|
noun
the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues. See note at wit .
• a play, novel, film, or other work that uses satire : a stinging satire on American politics.
• a genre of literature characterized by the use of satire.
• (in Latin literature) a literary miscellany, esp. a poem ridiculing prevalent vices or follies.

Now write that 100 times.

Here's another example of satire:

That is satire.

If I said Hillary is a worthless whore who should iron my shirt, that would be sexism and misogyny.  If I said that Pampers is a dumbass jungle bunny who should shine my shoes, that would be racist.  Do you understand the distinction now morons?  Probably not, but it was worth a try.

Now this, this is satire, comedy, and poignant: 

Here endeth the lesson.

Breaking Story: DNC Fundraiser to be Unveiled at Convention

Ever desperate to find ways to raise money the DNC has a new scheme, a new line of underwear called Pampers' Panties.  Pampers' Panties for men and women  bear the signature Pampers' O, the slogan, "I need a change," and change color when you make.

The new fashions will be revealed on national television when Judas will take the stage, drop his drawers, along with all the Pampers delegates, and will lead them in a rousing chorus of "I'm a Little Teapot."

On second thought, let's apply Occam's Razor and assume that Hillary will get nominated.  A few months ago it was being asked of John Lewis and other members of the CBC, "Do you want to be the one whose vote prevented the first black man from being nominated for President?"

Now the question to super delegates is, "Do you want to be the dumbass who goes down in history as the schmuck who cast the vote that made Pampers, the biggest boneheaded candidate the party ever produced, the nominee?"  Think you automatic delegates...think carefully.

Still, I think making all of Pampers' supporters sing "I'm a Little Teapot" with their pants around their ankles on national TV would be a great lesson in humility.  Instead of Judas let Pampers lead them...or this guy.

Stephanie Tubbs Jones is Gone

Congresswoman, and ardent Hillary Clinton supporter and automatic delegate Stephanie Tubbs Jones has died.  It is being reported that she suffered a massive brain aneurism.  She was a strong voice for Hillary, her constituents, and America.  She will be sorely missed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends, and the Clintons who dearly loved her.

Which Clinton delegate will be next?

Don't Be Stupid Be A Smarty

Automatic Delegates of the Democratic Party, if you nominate Pampers we will blame you for everything that goes down in the next four years.  If you are an elected official expect that we will fund your opposition.  Pampers is a liar.  Pampers is a fraud.  Hillary's no saint, but we know where she stands.  We know her economic policies are sound.  We know that she is a public servant first and a politician second.  We know she will win.  You know it too.  You took Obama's money.  You took Pelosi's money.  We will remember in November, and for the next four years, that when the chips were down and the fate of our nation was at stake, you chose your own financial gain over the needs of the American people.  We will not forget.

Zounds!

What's this?  What's this?  Is it the Great Pumpkin rising out of the pumpkin patch to bring toys to all the boys and girls?  No it's the Hindenburg tanking.

Rasmussen: Obama 45%, McCain 45%

Gallup: Obama 45%, McCain 44%

The Prince of Pander, the Commander of Slander, is still tied with John McCain, making Dukakis look like a winner.  But he'll get a bounce after the convention...

Or maybe not.

A Modest Proposal: Cut Down the Poison Tree

In the film Pan's Labyrinth the heroine is charged with saving an ancient fig tree by killing a massive toad nested in its roots.  Through quick thinking and steadfastness, she accomplishes her goal.  The tree lives on, blossoming in the promise of renewed life.  And so it is with the Democratic Party.

The Democratic Party has its own massive toad choking it by the roots.  It has many heads, and is known by many names; Leah Daughtry.  Donna Brazile.  Alexis Herman.  Howard Dean.  Tom Daschle.  Nancy Pelosi.  I indict them all with being complicit in the death of the Democratic Party, and in the rise of the most wholly and totally unqualified candidate for President the Democratic Party has produced in my lifetime.  In the process they have forsaken everything the party was supposed to represent.  Instead, its true colors revealed, it is like Pampers; it pretends it wants to please everyone, and convinces everyone that it can.  But in the end all it wants is your votes, and when it doesn't need them anymore it stabs you in the heart and pushes you off a cliff.  With its current leadership in place, I have no use for it.  Better to let the toad sit and rot with the tree.

It is time to gather a new convocation, seed a new party in this country that stands for what we always hoped the Democratic Party would, but most likely never will:  Unequivocated support for the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment; gay marriage; equal protection under the Constitution for all citizens regardless of skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or age; one person one vote (can you believe I actually have to print that?); defense of unions and workers rights; sane green policy and a 10 year push to renewable energy and the end of production of the internal combustion engine; single payer universal healthcare; fiscal policy based on pay as you go and an ending of rampant deficit spending that threatens our social safety net and chokes our economy.

The Democratic Party as it is lead now will NEVER stand for any of those things.  The Democratic Party doesn't give a damn about your vote, reflecting it fairly, standing up for the middle class, ending the war in Iraq...all it cares about is the benjamins.  Hillary, for all her faults, had a vision of pushing the party in the direction we all know it needs to go in.  She was kicked to the curb because of it.  Don't believe me?  Watch this:

So PUMAs, what are you prepared to do about it?  What will you do when Pampers loses and Daughtry, Herman, Dean, and Brazile are still in power?  I say if they cannot be driven out, then we start anew; perhaps the time has come to build a new party from the bottom up, and see what happens.

Puttin' on the Ritz

They just can't help it can they?  These idiots who have taken over the Democratic Party and managed to make it more pathetic than it already was, have taken the Headuptheass Jam to a new level.  Let's take Coward Dean for instance.  The Republican Party is the "white party."  Now granted, the Republican Party is not known for its big tent.  No one is going to dispute that.  But when the Chair of the Democratic Party, which has thrown some of its most devoted voters under the bus (white bitter gun clinging bible thumpers, Jews, gays, women...), starts casting stones...well let's just say they're handing out decks of Pampers race cards.

Next comes Judas who said he was really worried about Hillary's name being in nomination until he was told that she was going to release her delegates afterward.  I'm sure these are the same people who told him he'd be Vice President.  What is Bill really afraid of here?  He's afraid that Hillary's name on the ballot might mean a Hillary nomination which would lead to her having his balls in a sling.  I hate to tell you Bill, you're dealing with the Clintons.  Your balls are in a sling already, and will remain there for a long long time.

Last but not least we have Pampers Soetoro who said he couldn't answer when a child becomes protected by human rights because the question is above his pay grade.  If there is a better argument for Pampers never being President you let me know (try actually answering a question sometime, it's very liberating).

So these three moron buttwipe douchebags are all dressed up for a night on the town in Stupidville.  Have a great time assholes.

Mel, save us!

Things My Troll Taught Me

Everyone should have a troll to call their very own.  I've learned so many interesting things.

1. Hillary Clinton is the devil and drinks the blood of children.
2. The Children's Defense Fund is really just a front for Hillary Clinton's illegal fundraising
3. Jerry Wexler ate black people
4. Flowers were made by Exxon to give children cancer
5. The Sun is an angry, vengeful god.
6. Bill Clinton ordered the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma City
7. Hillary Clinton is melting the glaciers with her mind
8. Chelsea Clinton is the anti-Christ
9. Bananas are nature's way of making you radioactive
10. Laughing is bad

I'll pass on more words of wisdom as I receive them.

Fare Thee Well Jerry (Update)

Giant of the music industry, Jerry Wexler, passed away Friday at 91 from congestive heart failure.  He had been a writer for Billboard Magazine in the '40s, coining the term Rhythm and Blues, replacing the term "race records" on the Billboard charts.  He was recruited by Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic Records where he played an instrumental role in moving Black artists into the mainstream, cultivating and nurturing acts like Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin, by letting them explore their God given talent without a net.  He was a marketing genius, playing the payola system like a fiddle, and getting Black artists played in markets that otherwise would never have considered it.

Slate magazine comments that while other labels were financially driven by a bottom line, "From the beginning, Atlantic stood in stark contrast to its competitors. Ertegun and Wexler brought to the business of R&B a professionalism and sophistication..."

When he broke from Ertegun he began nurtured the growth of small, independent studios like Stax records by bringing in artists like Aretha, Otis Redding, and Dusty Springfield to work with new artists.  In a documentary of Wexler's career, Immaculate Funk, Wilson Pickett expressed that Wexler understood what was going on inside the souls of black people.  It came through in the music.

Wexler was no saint, candidly criticizing his adulterous affairs and drug use in his autobiography, Rhythm and Blues, but there is no disputing that he played an instrumental role in bringing civil rights to the music industry, not to mention the sounds of soul to all of America.  But let's give the artists a chance to testify.

Here are a few of the comments posted on the internet.

DevThaMan | August 17, 2008 11:56 AM EST
Jerry will be nominated for special achievment on MTV. DR.DRE and NEW ARTIST TRIGGA IS SAid TO FINISH UP DETOX ALBUM.
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/TRIGGAISDAFUTURE

50 CENT and TRIGGA ON NEW TRACK

GrooveDog | August 17, 2008 1:14 AM EST

I'm a musician and studio owner with over 4,000 records in my own personal collection and Jerry Wexler is my favorite record producer, bar none. He had me hooked from the time I was 6 yrs. old and played "In the Midnight Hour" on my sister's phonograph and noticed that I could even hear the song when I turned the volume all the way down...THAT'S how hot that song was cut into those grooves, baby!! Jerry, I pray to God you are resting peacefully where ever you are, keep Groovin'!!

633musicgroup | August 16, 2008 12:58 AM EST

They do not make them like Mr. Wexler anymore!
You sense that he loved every second of his life and loved to make music.
The modern jerks ended up sticking to him, but that's ok, I will bet none of them have his joy, nor wil any of them live to be 91!

bluesfla | August 15, 2008 8:34 PM EST

Yes, I hope the Rock n ROll Hall puts on a tribute show for you Wex. Would have been cool if they had done while you were still here to enjoy it personally.

bluesfla | August 15, 2008 8:33 PM EST

Great job,Rolling Stone. I live in Sarasota, FL and just came on to tip you to Jerry's passing and you already have a great piece on him. Plus you have the Wex on Wax Link..very inside and very cool I own a ocpy myself and was there when Jerry was inducted into the Blues Foundation's Hall of Fame in Los Angeles. What a night that was and what a friend Jerry Wexler was to me and to our musical lives. Talk about a legacy! R.I.P Jerry, say hi to Professor Longhair and Ahmet for us all.

Jerry Ross, aka bluesfla

Alaskan | August 15, 2008 7:10 PM EST
THANK YOU so much for this tribute. Lovely job, Rolling Stone ~

Steveidrum | August 15, 2008 4:59 PM EST
I had the honor of knowing, and working with Jerry many times over the years. He was a real music man. Ahmet, Nessui, Arif, all gone, but never forgotten for the experience they shared with me. I will remember their music, humor, and generosity forever.

Jamesey | August 15, 2008 1:33 PM EST
Thank you Rolling Stone for this fitting tribute.

NotMozart | August 15, 2008 12:07 PM EST
Jerry, you will be missed. I hope there is a giant concert for you like there was for Ahmet. You were one of the few good guys in the music industry. Rest in peace.

I Will Break You

I wonder how long Panders would last in a sensory deprivation chamber with Starland Vocal Band.

Yeah, it's definitely on.

Coming to a TV near you. Brought to you by the generous contribution of views like you to the Denver Group.

Charlie, Charlie, Charlie

Apparently, Congressman Charlie Rangel (D-Rep, NY) is a little peeved that he's going to be denied a speaking slot at Pampers Soetoro Stalinfest in Denver.  Quelle surprise!  What surprises me is that Rangel actually thought he would be rewarded for pushing HRC to suspend her campaign in June.  I guess Charlie wasn't paying any attention over the past 8 months as Pampers, sociopath extraordinaire, threw everyone under the bus who wasn't bolted to the floor, or lip locked to his rear.

Politico.com reports: 

The Obama campaign is denying House Ways and Means Chairman Charles B. Rangel a speaking role at this month’s Democratic National Convention — a move those close to the powerhouse Harlem congressman view as a spiteful snub.

Rangel surrogates approached Obama staffers this week about the possibility of securing him a slot at the podium, making the case that it would showcase reconciliation between the nominee and Hillary Rodham Clinton’s African-American supporters.

But they were told that the 78-year-old congressman’s support for Clinton earned him a place at the end of the line behind Barack Obama’s loyalists — even if Rangel played a crucial part in prodding Clinton to abandon her presidential bid in June.

“It’s crazy. … This man [Rangel] controls tax policy in the United States. He’s a lot bigger than just a regular member of Congress. He deserves more respect than this,” said a Rangel confidant. “Basically they have told us they can’t help us, that there are too many Obama supporters ahead of Charlie on the line.”

Anyone paying attention could have seen this coming...and did.  Sorry Charlie.  You didn't kiss Wonderboy's ring soon enough.  Maybe you should have sacrificed an unblemished he bullock on his altar.

John Lewis, who was badgered and coerced by Pampers supporters, Jesse "MydadwantstocutPampersnutsoff" Jackson Jr., John Conyers and others, failed to swear fealty to his blunderness with sufficient conviction and alacrity.   This is a man who took beatings marching with Dr. King, (as did Harold Ickes, losing a kidney from injuries received marching for Black civil rights).  He kissed the ring long before Charlie, and they still ran challengers against him in the primary (supposedly installing at least one candidate in the former Pampers campaign offices in Lewis' district...just as an added fuck you. Nice.).  

Screw you buttwipes.  Lewis won 70% of the vote while Markel Hutchins, who ran on the Pampers Program for Mange, and “Able” Mable Thomas (I didn't make that up), running on the rhyming nickname platform, split the remaining 30%.  What happened?  Pampers couldn't buy you enough votes?  

Perhaps the people of the 5th District are smarter than Pampers took them for.  Perhaps they know that trust needs to earned to be given; that experience, honor, respect, and integrity still mean something to some people.  John Lewis is a great American who has served his district, and the African American community entire, with strength, compassion, and wisdom.  He was in Selma.

Anyone who thinks that Pampers embodies any of those aforementioned qualities, and sees him as anything more than a two bit hustler who couldn't find his way out of a brown bag, is a fool, or being paid.

Charlie, you should have known better.  Instead of kowtowing you should have stood up.  Now you have to live with what the rest of us have known, and have been feeling for months.  Are you a PUMA yet, or do you require the John Lewis treatment to make you wake up?  

Charlie, John, she's on the ballot.  Vote for her.  Take your honor back.  Pampers isn't worthy to lick your shoes.

Who's Your Daddy?

                            

 Olympian Volleyballer    Phil Dalhausser                                   

                    Cajun Politico 

                    James Carville

Papa can you hear me?

Barry Soetoro Goes to School

Little Barry got schooled this week by PUMA/Just Say No Deal, and Hillary Clinton's delegates.  All summer long Coward Dean, Pampers and the gang have been pretending that they can control whose name gets to be placed in nomination at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.  According to the rules (you remember the rules don't you Grendel?), any candidate whose delegates produce a petition bearing at least 300 of their signatures is eligible to be entered into nomination (that is only one method).  The petition was signed.  Ed Rendell would have lit his hair on fire if he had any (I think it must have already burned off after a nasty fall on the banks of a volcanic river following the selling his soul to Darth Barry).  Instead he let PA party apparachiks attempt to coerce HRC's PA pledged delegates into voting for Pampers Soetoro at the Convention.  I'm sure they're really happy about that.  High five!

And the douchenags at MSNBC took a giant dump as well.  So they tried to lie to you.

And what did Hillary do?  She did what smart people in any competitive field do, let the perceived boss think that the whole thing was his idea.  So he gets to say that he has magnanimously granted, by royal fiat, that her delegates get to have a symbolic vote at the convention in an effort to bring unity.  

Here in the real world we know that he had no say, nor choice in the matter (don't wake Pampers, he's dreaming little dreams about low cost arugula...he can't be bothered being reminded that he didn't get enough pledged delegates to receive the nomination).  So now we'll see what happens.  

In the meantime, reports are beginning to surface that Pampers Soetoro is going to be in big trouble with the FEC.  Whoops!  

And what's this?  Holy calamity Pampman!  The electoral college vote is slipping away with Colorado shifting to McCain.  Poor Pampers.  Poor poor Pampers.