Redeye's Bad, Awful Week in Review

I'm glad last week is over because it was a bummer. First of all the House and Senate passed the Obama Compromise and Obama signed it into law. Wham! Bam! Thank you Mam! I still have figured what the big hurry was. Yes I can, it was because the gop infused, media enabled Tea Party won again. I have the same sense of foreboding I had when Bush told us he was sending our troops to war because Saddam had tons and tons of WMD and he was about to use them on us. And we know how that turned out.

The coffee tastes more than a little bitter this morning. It is no sweet tea to see your worst political predictions come true.

I have been railing for the past five and a half years about the need for a coalition to come together to fight the complete corporate takeover of the American political system. Many people got off the couch and fought for the election of Barack Obama in 2008. It was a great victory and there is no doubt he is a better president than George W. Bush and certainly better than anything we could have hoped for from John McCain or Sarah Palin.

But thanks in part to the tea party morons, that election looks like one step forward, two steps back. Give me the Coffee Party any day.

With dems like these who the heck needs the gop?

I know that for Obama's critics the secret is that "he lead" or that he "show leadership" or that he "knock some heads" or whatever, but I think the roll call on the Bernie Sanders amendment should tell you all you need to know about the Democrats' resolve to hike taxes on rich people. Evan Bayh doesn't even have to worry about getting reelected and he still sided with the fat cats. Apparently, Democrats from Colorado or south of the Mason-Dixon line are supposed to be for low taxes on the wealthy that are paid for by raiding the Social Security Trust Fund. I'm not saying that the president is beyond criticism on this, but we ought to take a look at our own caucus. Manchin, McCaskill, the Nelsons, Herb Kohl...these people are not on our side.

Were we progressives punk'd again?

As soon as Obama’s candidacy was pronounced “viable” by the high priests of corporate media he became a figure of historical significance, a walking, talking racial “breakthrough.” African Americans saw the possibility of a brand new day – and so did Obama, although his vision was much closer to that of those whites who have tired of – or, more likely, always resented – Black demands for redress of grievances, past and present. Anyone that listened to Obama’s actual words (rather than the voices in their own heads) would have quickly realized that he is ideologically opposed to all manifestations of independent Black politics, much less notions of Black self-determination.

Lynchings are alive and well in 2010. And they said Senator Hank Sanders robo calls were "race baiting"?

Never in a million years did I think I would live to see a black man become President of the Divided States of America. Nor did I think I would live to see Jim Crow and lynching revived under the leadership of a black President either, but well there are some folks in America that are longing for those nostalgic days.

I thought President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder said they were going to put an end to Scotter Libby justice?

Why were lawyers in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) willing to pursue political prosecutions against Don Siegelman, Paul Minor, and other Democrats during the George W. Bush years? Probably because they knew they could get away with it.

The only high point of this week was the repeal of DADT,which means our LBGT sisters and brothers can be who they are. The dems managed to block a filibuster, too bad they couldn't/wouldn't do it for the Obama compromise.

I am so thankful for the impending repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell; thankful to Harry Reid, thankful to Susan Collins, Olympia Snowe, Scott Brown, Lisa Murkowski, George Voinovich, Mark Kirk for breaking with their party and supporting this law that will enshrine a new civil right for many of our brothers and sisters. Thankful to Rep. Patrick Murphy who introduced this bill in the House and was a tireless advocate for repeal.

I'm glad Rep.Patrick Murphy and all the others just didn't go along to get along and follow a rule they weren't fond of and fought for the things that ARE in the U.S. Constitution.

My point is that you have a great deal to add to the conversation. Use your posts, even if limited, to provoke serious discussion. If you wish to do a point - counterpoint routine, let me know and I will take the opposit side. Do not lessen your attributes by constanting carping about the rules. Sadly all of us must abide my rules we are not particularly fond of.

It looks likes meancat(s) have disabled my username so it looks like my limited comments have been revoked just like my front page privileges were in an attempt to put me in my place once and for all. Sorry, it doesn't work like that. Injustice everywhere is a threat to justice anywhere. Kathy said it best;

I do have a problem with people who don’t just disagree with the concerns expressed here and elsewhere but go a step further to trivialize them. They’re “silly”, and we’re “miserable” for considering them. That’s the same kind of silencing technique that has been used from time immemorial to dismiss the legitimate complaints of the oppressed. I don’t know about you, but I’m mighty glad that Susan B. Anthony and Martin Luther King didn’t listen to the people who told them that they should worry about more important things than women’s suffrage or civil rights.

Psst! I've just begun carpping about the unfair rules,discrimination and the anti liberal bullying at Left in Alabama.

See ya next week!

DADT: Can you compare the fight for LBGT rights to the Civil Rights Movement?

This is the question posed by jackandjillpolitics blogger Jill Tubman in response to a post by Alvin McEwen who’s both black and gay bravely wades into these murky dangerous waters to offer some useful perspective as someone who walks in both communities. As someone who is black, but not gay I say yes. Anytime the government is in a position to deny you the right to do something just because they can it's wrong. Discrimination on any basis and on any level is wrong. I am going to post some of the most interesting comments, pro and con from the discussions for your consideration and review. I must say I am not surprised at the moral, self rightgous and downright bigoted tone of some of the points of view. But as my mother used to say, at least we know where they are coming from and how hard we have to fight to change things.

From Alvin via jackandjillpolitics.com via Pam’s House Blend (warning language)

To the lgbt community – Gay is NOT the new black. And don’t ever say some dumb shit like that ever again. It’s counterproductive and it keeps you from educating yourself on the nuances of the African-American struggle. Yes the struggle for lgbt equality is similar to the African-American civil rights movement, but that does not mean it excuses you from taking into account the different nuances between the two. And above all, stop making it sound so simplistic. Marching was only part of the story. Behind each march was a plan as to how said march would affect the movement as a whole, which proves that marching alone without a game plan will get you nowhere. And remember that you all don’t have to get along. Goodness knows those working in the African-American civil rights movement didn’t. But they learned to work together. Educate yourselves on how this was done.

To both communities – As an lgbt of color I have to say from the heart that BOTH of y’all are getting on my damn nerves. The irony is that lgbts and African-Americans are similar in terms of history. If you would stop fighting, you would learn this. Also don’t ignore the ignore the needs of lgbts of color in your community. Don’t assume to know who we are or what we want. Ask us. Lastly, as an lgbt of color, let me say that I will NOT make a choice between my racial heritage and my sexual identity. I embrace both. But when I feel that the lgbt community is wrong, I will say so. And that also goes for the black community.

I am not a commodity, I am person who is uncompromisingly black and unapologetically gay. Deal with it.

This commenter says there is no comparison;

I don't think that the Gay struggle should be compared to Black struggle, but probably not for reasons that you might think. I understand the attraction of wanting to use the Black struggle as an historic example of legal precedent standing for equality. As a lawyer, I get that. However, I don't think that's a smart strategy for Gay rights. There are still too many differences between (A) Race and (B) Human Sexuality that can be used to distinguish, and therefore defeat, the argument for Gay rights if you try to equate the two. So in other words, I don't think that the Gay struggle should be compared to the Black struggle because it doesn't need to be in order to be victorious. It has enough merit to stand on its own.

This one agrees with a caveat

To LGBTs, “Your blues ain't mine,” as the saying goes. African Americans have a 400-plus year history on this continent that so laden w/horrors and injustice that we as a people and the US as a nation are still living w/its unpackaged ramifications and ongoing assaults, even though progress has truly been made. That's no way near your experience. To say it's the same just makes would-be black allies feel disrespected and angry.

Just tell your story and fight for your rights, period. Some won't, but many in the black community will support your cause at the end of the day because you are in our families too. You're our sisters, brothers, aunties, uncles, neighbors, and we can recognized injustice when we see it.

Because of our history African Americans recognize injustice when we see, hear or experience it, LBGT's blues may not be exactly like ours but they are blues just the same. And the same people treating black folks like second class citizens are the same folks treating our LBG sisters and brothers like second class citizens.

Has anyone thought to ask those who don't believe our LBGT sisters and brothers should have the equal right to fight and die for our country why they feel that way? republicans love all war war the time with other peoples straight kids. :)

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere"~Edit

Government action is not the whole answer to the present crisis, but it is an important partial answer. Morals cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. The law cannot make an employer love me, but it can keep him from refusing to hire me because of the color of my skin. Martin Luther King,Jr.

Regular readers know I started Redeye's Front Page after my front page privileges were revoked at Left in Alabama for allegedly posting factually incorrect information on the front page and refusing to correct it after it was pointed out to me. I was also accused of writing about race too much, making those who disagreed with me feel like they were racist, always wanting to have the last word and told if I wanted to have freedom of speech to start my own blog. Which I did, but even now anonymous commenter's post the same criticisms and attempt to tell me what and how I should write on this blog and accuse me of being obsessed with Left in Alabama blah, blah, blab, blab. But that's OK, I firmly believe in freedom of speech and the right for everyone to express their point of view. I respect individual freedoms and individual rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Is it too much to ask for the same respect in return?

It's not the first time I've been banned from a forum because of my point of view, and it probably won't be the last, because for some reason blog administrators and right wing talk show host believe they own the public airways but I digress, but each and every time it happens I will "whine" about it loud and clear. Silence helps the oppressor, not the oppressed.

I make no apologies for being opinionated, my daddy taught me to give as good as I get, to fight fair, win like a winner and to lose like a winner. He also taught me to stand up for my rights, to stand up for the rights of others, and to encourage others to take the same just stand.

Which brings me to the latest chapter in the Left in Alabama vs Redeye Saga and exposes the real difference between liberals and conservatives. Strike that, it exposes the difference between fairness and unfairness. One of the front pagers, as they are known, posted a diary in what I believe is a backhand attempt to use the Constitution of the United States of America to justify practicing discrimination like the religious right use the bible to justify their actions under the guise of compassionate conservatism. In the course of the discussion one of the resident righty's takes the sheet off and exposes the power of white supremacy and privilege.

You are correct that I left when I felt my point of views were disruptive and unappreciated as opposed to contributing to the conversation. I think it is fair to state that I attempt to leave as graciously as I could muster. I did not whine or carp about others being unfair.

My point is that you have a great deal to add to the conversation. Use your posts, even if limited, to provoke serious discussion. If you wish to do a point - counterpoint routine, let me know and I will take the opposite side. Do not lessen your attributes by constanting carping about the rules. Sadly all of us must abide my rules we are not particularly fond of.

Note the patronizing, condescending tone of the comments? I couldn't respond on LiA because my username is disabled, OP I hope you're reading.

Why am I not surprised you are on the side of injustice? What worries me the most about your position is that you say you are an officer of the courts where justice is blind and citizens are entitled to equal justice. It worries me greatly someone with your point of view is/was in a position of power.

No OP, it's not about abiding by rules we are not "particularly fond of". Rules are fair not fond. Those of us committed to equality and social justice work within the system to repeal unjust rules. What if Rosa Parks had just abided by the rule that she had to ride at the back of the bus, or stand if there were no seats so a white person could sit down? What if Martin Luther King, Jr. and others had just gone along to get along with rules of Jim Crow? What if our LBGT sisters and brothers didn't fight for their right to fight for our country? Rules should apply equally. One set of rules for one person/group and another set rules for another group is discrimination. I'm surprised as an officer of the court you don't know this. I worry about the fate of those who came before you seeking justice in a court of LAW.

I appreciate your concern for my "attributes" but as for me I will continue to protest the double standard and the unfair treatment, because that is who I am and what I am about. Freedom and equal justice is a right not a privilege.

"some men see things as they are and ask why; he dreamed of things as they could be and asked why not."~ Senator Ted Kennedy eulogizes his brother Senator Robert Kennedy

The Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party shows you how to deal right wing republican Bully's

And NO, you don't bend over and take your gang banging like Girlie Men, and NO you don't resign yourself to go along to get along. YOU CALL THEIR BLUFF. You call out they HYPOCRISY. You stand up to them. Kudos to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the progressive, I mean LIBERAL caucus. This is what I'm talking about!

From Talking Points Memo

"If we're going to lose, let's lose with a strong message," Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) -- chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus -- told me and another reporter in the Speaker's Lobby this afternoon.

Earlier today, he and other progressives interrupted the tax plan's glide path by blocking a key procedural measure -- a stalling tactic they hope to leverage into being given a chance to vote on substantial changes to the bill. All efforts to amend the legislation are expected to fail. But rank and file Dems are angry that during the brief floor debate over the cuts they were given only one shot at a relatively narrow, symbolic amendment to raise the estate tax.

As long as they're being set up to fail, progressives want that measure to include a whole range of changes to the bill.

Oh, and remember how the righty's were complaining about Congress not knowing what was in the health care bill, that President Obama didn't have hearings on C-Span nor did he include the republicans? Can't find a link, but outgoing Florida democratic Congressman Alan Grayon (Liberal) makes note the government is getting ready to spend trillions without what's knowing what's in the bill(besides tax cuts for the rich, the estate tax and unemployment insurance) without hearings or mark ups. Now ain't that a dip?

I heard a Talking TeeVee Chuckle head say the democrats want to push this bill through before the republicans take over the house because "they would come up with something much worse and cut off unemployment insurance" blah, blah, blab, blab. I say Let em Bring it On. The blood will be on their hands. To quote Governor Howard Dean, I'm tired of being bullied by the right wing. If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything. Freedom is worth fighting for.

Alabama Congress Critter Elect Watch

Well it's a good thing Orange Cry Baby Bohner doesn't hold a gudge, AL05 Congress Critter elect Mo Brooks was appointed to the House Armed Services, Science and Technolgy Committes, but will he be able to bring home the bacon in light of his no pork (earmarks) pledge? Oh wait, he unsigned the no earmarks pledge after he signed the no earmarks pledge. I wonder if Mo is going to refuse to accept his Obma Care while he's trying to repeal Obama care for the rest of us?

Psst Mo! Tell President Obama, Senator Harry Reid and Representative Nancy Pelosi I said please don't hold it against the residents of the 5th district because you are the rep. We need our big government spending and contracts here in the Tennessee Valley.

From the nobody listens to me file

Has anyone noticed but me that republicans are bipartisan when it's benefits them? Bipartisianship to republifcans means you join us, we don't join you.

Mo, Dale, Teabaggers, how about joining with Democrats/liberals fighting for health care reform, or the Jobs bill, or bringing our troops home from Iraq? Bipartisanship is two way, not one way.

Words of caution and advice to my progressive/democratic friends. Make sure you identify yourselves as such so that you won't be lumped in with the Teabaggers. They are NOT your friend(s). Don't let yourself be used to enable the right wing/conservative agenda.

Meanwhile, AL07 Congress Critter Elect Terri Sewell is Just about Ready to move into her prime office space on The Hill.

I haven’t decided the locations of all the district offices,” she said. “We will keep the ones at the courthouse in Selma and in Livingston at the University of West Alabama, but in Birmingham, I haven’t decided on a location.”’

She fared well in the lottery among freshmen members of Congress for the vacated offices at the Capitol. “I got a good lottery number,” Sewell said, “No. 5 out of 85. It’s a great location, 1133 Longworth — on the first floor and the first office. That’s great accessibility.”

She also elected the Regional Whip

The day before, Sewell had been in Washington at a regional meeting of Democrats, where she was elected the regional whip for Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Being the whip for the region means she’ll check on votes and ensure the Democratic delegates from this particular region in the United States have the facts about the policy, legislation or track they are taking as a group, she said.

Wow, that ought to really help the residents of the 7th district with jobs and economic development.

Psst Terri! What Congresswoman Maxine Waters said;

“This should help her be an effective representative, and I expect her to work hard on behalf of the constituents who have shown much confidence in her,” Waters said. “I look forward to working with her within the House of Representatives as a whole and in the Congressional Black Caucus on issues of importance to all Americans, where they live in Alabama or California: job creation and economic development, education and training, quality health care and more.”

Redeye Watch over and out...for now.