Video Ad: Sinead's Hand

This ad should run in the other 45 states that do not recognize same-sex marriage.

Gallup Daily: Obama Up 5 Points

Here's some good news as everyone gets ready to clock-out and go home this weekend.

Gallup's three day rolling average has the president's approval number going up this week to 55%.

Click image to enlarge

'Brakes Of Civil Discourse Are Not Working'

These words from Joe Klein yesterday stopped me in my tracks.

"Could I just say that the intensity of this is getting pretty scary...and dangerous? We are heading toward a cliff and the usual brakes of civil discourse are not working. Indeed, the Republicans have the pedal to the metal... I'm usually not one to panic or be overly worried about the state of our country -- even when we do awful things like invade Iraq and torture people, we usually right our course before long -- but I have a sinking feeling about where we're headed now."

God help us.

Health Insurance For the 'Well, Well-Off and Well-Connected'

I attended a healthcare rally earlier this evening in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. About 400 enthusiastic people came out to voice their support for reform at the Allen Chapel AME church.

One by one, Middle Tennesseans bravely took the stage and shared with the audience their heartbreaking testimonies. One man who contracted shingles last year told a story about how the infection spread to his eye. Fortunately, a doctor gave him a free 30-day prescription for contacts. Unfortunately, he had to wear them for seven months because he couldn't afford the monthly cost for a new pair.

Another sad story came from a tearful girl who still has a lump in her arm that has gone unexamined and untreated for months. The insurance coverage that would normally subsidize the care she needs far exceeds her budget as a working college student. Every one of these Tennesseans are employed, most of them full-time, but still unable to afford the insurance premiums available to them.

To the point. Despite the narrative that right-wing squabblers have been telling over the last month, many Americans who are uninsured do have full-time jobs, just like those who spoke at tonight's rally.

There were no Republican protesters screaming in anger, "Get a job! Buy your own insurance!" although they have been quite effective in controlling the message war on several fronts, including this one: Uninsured = Unemployed.

Look at the chart below from the Kaiser Family Foundation. There's a clear correlation between those working Americans whose incomes are near the federal poverty level and others whose incomes are much higher. If you're a young American attending college who's been dropped from a COBRA plan, there's a strong chance you are uninsured because you can't afford coverage. Thousands of others who've recently lost their jobs as a result of the Bush Recession may be finding work as servers, bartenders, bellmen and cashiers, but they still can't afford the sky-high premiums offered by their employers.

The conclusion? As one supporter this evening said, "You can afford insurance in this country if you are well, well off and well-connected." Here's proof.

Lunch With My City Councilman

Thanks to Jeff Woods at the Nashville Scene who's been covering the Nashville City Council and their progress toward passing a non-discrimination ordinance that protects "sexual orientation" and "gender identity." Supporters of ORDINANCE NO. BL2009-502 are poised to soon see this bill become law.

Included in Woods' latest write-up is part of a discussion that I had with my own city Councilman, Duane Dominy regarding the bill.

Then there's Antioch council member Duane Dominy, who represents District 28. One of his constituents, Bill Newsome, was so outraged by a lunch meeting with the council member that he contacted the Scene. Dominy didn't return the Scene's calls seeking comment about this meeting. But according to Newsome, Dominy told him he opposed the bill because sexual orientation "could be construed in a court of law to mean bestiality and pedophilia."

"I'm sitting there and I'm thinking, 'Am I really hearing this?' " Newsome says. "I really could not believe what I was hearing. I thought, 'Here's a guy who's on the city council and he's saying this.'

"I said, 'Hang on a second. You're putting bestiality and pedophilia in the same category as this?' Our meeting ended civilly and we shook hands but, as important as this issue is to me, I probably should have cleaned his clock. I was overwhelmed with this sense of anger inside."

Here's part two of the story. Councilman Dominy also wanted to followup his "research" with me in an email. Here's the followup email he sent.

From: Duane Dominy <duanead2@yahoo.com>

Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2009 10:14 PM

To: Bill Newsome

Subject: Today's meeting

Dear Bill,

It was a pleasure meeting with you today. I enjoyed our discussion though we remain on opposite sides of this issue. I wanted to share with you the article I mentioned concerning bestiality. I understand the concern of linking this activity with homosexuality and do not desire to do so. Which is why, I currently do not intend to bring this up during discussion of this bill on the council floor, though it will likely be discussed in committee and with our legal staff. I was mistaken as to the source of the article, as I read numerous articles that evening. The information is available at www.reference.com/browse/beastiality . This discusses Zoophilia, its variations and includes distinctions between it and bestiality. However, reading the forth paragraph, a thinking individual must give pause when considering the wording of the proposed bill we discussed.

FYI. I was informed tonight, that the sponsor does plan to defer the bill Thursday evening. Also, I would expect that some may attempt to defeat the bill as well. I am unsure how this may progress and ultimately play-out. You are welcome and encouraged to attend either way.

Kind regards,
Duane Dominy
101 Cherokee Place
Antioch, TN 37013
615-831-0774

Seriously now. We have an elected official who represents a large district in a city, which just happens to be the state capital. It'd be outrageous if this were some rural town in Cullman County Alabama, but this is Nashville for god's sake. You'd think that a "thinking individual" would leave a meeting like that and say, "Woops. I probably shouldn't have talked so much about bestiality," but instead he digs a deeper hole for himself by sending me his so-called research on the subject (yes, from Reference.Com), time-stamped and dated with his name on it.

Many Nashville residents were also outraged by Councilman Hodge and his moldy comments, but at least he was telling the truth. Councilman Dominy, on the other hand, cowardly hides behind this phony notion that gays and lesbians are "under the same umbrella," as he put it that day, as sex offenders and those who practice zoophilia - whatever the hell that is.

You are an embarrassment to this city, Councilman.

It's important for citizens to know what their elected officials are saying when they're meeting with constituents. That's the only reason I initiated contact with the Scene. "Let me be clear," I said to Jeff, "I am not calling you to promote some kind of smear campaign." I stand by that.

Once upon a time, a true thinking individual said this. "One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." Here's real proof that not enough people from Nashville's District 28 participated on August 2, 2007, the day this guy was elected - with just 791 votes.

Right-Wing Rabies Spreading

If you think these protesters are screaming at the top of their lungs because they oppose Obama's healthcare plan, you're wrong. They're screaming because they hate Barack Obama and because they lost.

R. Neal over at Knox Views builds a pretty strong case that right-wing rabies is spreading. Besides the fact that the Secret Service investigates on average 30 death threats on President Obama every day, we have governors joking around about shooting Obama and other idiots holding signs at rallies that say, "Death to Michelle and her two stupid kids." One pastor in Arizona even prays for the death of Obama and his family.

So much for Christ-like...

Here's more from R. Neal.

It's almost not fair to lay this at the doorstep of the Republican Party. Most of these idiots are libertarians, or apolitical from being too stupid and uninformed to form a cognitive thought on politics or policy (Republican candidates for governor of Idaho notwithstanding). But the Republican Party has tapped this boiling-over hatred to fuel resentment and distrust of anything resembling progressive reforms. They are spreading lies and misinformation like a virus, infecting a large swath of America with a bad case of right-wing foaming at the mouth rabies.

And there's a racial element. The operator of a popular white supremacist website said that 2000 new members joined the day after the election and that an overwhelming increase in activity crashed the site. Otherwise "normal" people are showing up at public protests with their hatred on full display.

Anti-Healthcare Protesters Video

There's been a lot of right-wing-nuttery video circulating the internet lately, but this one takes the gold medal. Didn't we see these same nuts doing the same thing exactly one year ago?

I'm not going to lie to you. This is going to hurt.

Alabama Senate 2010: No Competition For Shelby

INCUMBENT: Richard Shelby, Republican

• Defeated Wayne Sowell, 68-32 in 2004.
• Former Democrat. Switched parties in 1994
• DOB - 03/06/1934 (will be 76 in 2010)

POTENTIAL CHALLENGERS (names being tossed around): None so far

2008 PRESIDENTIAL STATE RESULTS: McCain 60% Obama 39%

Two words: Safe Republican.

Louisiana Senate 2010: Honore Says No For Now To Senate Run

So much for that BayouBuzz.com blog. General Russel Honore told CNN, "As of this time, I'm not running for any political office," citing all the news to the contrary as just rumor and speculation.

Act Today By Supporting DREAM ACT

While healthcare seems to be sucking up all the air in the room these days, another piece of legislation close to our hearts is DREAM ACT. If you're not aware of it already, you should be. Here's your chance to learn more.

Every year, thousands of young people graduate from American high schools and are forced to live in the shadows, fearing every day that they might be deported. These young people, who are children of undocumented workers, will grow up to become our neighbors and co-workers. They are law abiding citizens. Some pay heavy out-of-pocket expenses for a college degree that they'll never be able to use. And yes, they pay taxes. By no choice of their own, they find themselves in a situation that has no resolution.

Fortunately, a few members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike, have recognized the situation and are fighting for what is morally right. Yes, they have their hands full right now with correcting Bushonomics and passing insurance reform, but we cannot allow these young people to grow old before this legislation is signed into law.

Dream Act of 2009 (S. 729 and the House companion bill, HR 1751) addresses this real tragedy and is a step in the right direction toward real immigration reform. DREAM ACT would grant qualified young people a pathway to citizenship on the condition that they go to college and maintain a good standing or serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

A story that really caught my attention tells about a young girl named Benita Veliz, a St. Mary's University graduate who arrived in the U.S. at the age of eight. Her parents crossed the border with a legal visa but decided not to go back. Benita, who is now a young adult, may lose everything she's ever gained. Everything for her changed when she was pulled over for a simple traffic violation back in January. Although she's lived in the United States her entire life, she faces deportation to a place that has never been her home.

There are thousands upon thousands of stories just like Benita's. DREAM ACT is the type of CHANGE we voted for. Beyond going to the ballot box last November, we are obligated to lobby our elected officials to support this legislation.

A few things you can do: First, please call your Representatives and Senators today and urge them to support S. 729 and H.R. 1751. When you're finished, give us some feedback. Second, sign the petition at DreamAct2009.com. Spread the word!

A few pages you may be interested in:

Don't Deport Benita Veliz Facebook Page

Dream Act Portal

Louisiana Senate 2010: Vitter May Have Primary Competition

From the BayouBuzz.Com

"...the hero of Hurricane recovery, General Russell Honore is seriously considering entering the Republican Primary for the U.S. Senate seat against incumbent David Vitter. Honore, a Republican since the Reagan Administration and a registered Louisiana voter from his Zachary home, has spoken to friends and supporters in the last two weeks signaling that he is, according to one, 'more than 50% sure that he will run.'"


"The news comes mere hours after Third District Congressman Charlie Melancon announced his firm intention to be the Democratic challenger to David Vitter in the fall of 2010. Melancon, who represents the critical swing areas of Central Acadiana--a region known for crowing statewide candidates--has already proven a serious obstacle for the incumbent Senator to keep his job. Even if Vitter should emerge victorious from the closed Republican primary, a bruising fight against Honore could leave the Senator financially and visibly weakened before the onslaught of a Moderate Democrat like Melancon--one of the leaders of the fiscally conservative Blue Dog Caucus in the House."

"While Mary Landrieu's 2008 re-election showed that electing a Democrat to the U.S. Senate remained possible in increasing Republican-leaning Louisiana, she had Obama's coattails. Now according to the latest Gallup polls, the President's job approval rating stands at 52%, drastically down from the overwhelming support he had at his inaugural. That signals a public backlash and a GOP revival. Of course, if Honore is the GOP candidate instead of Vitter, he could benefit from these trends. But then again, so could the incumbent Senator."


"Still, Vitter cannot do what others like Woody Jenkins and Suzie Terrell attempted with Mary Landrieu, brand Melancon as socially out of sink with Louisiana voters. The Napoleonville Democrat is ardently pro-life and opposes same sex marriage."

"And, all things being equal, Cajuns DO vote for Cajuns. Whether Republicans will vote for an African-American hero General over their own incumbent GOP Senator remains to be seen."

h/t: Taegan Goddard

We're Alive Everybody!

It's been awhile since our last post. The last five months have been difficult without our great friend, Steve Moody. He was a powerful force in so many lives, including my own. He will forever be missed by his family and friends. Blogging without him is tough, but he would definitely want us to continue the good work. This restart is in no way a signal that I'm ready to move on. I'm not sure if I'll ever just move on as some say you must do after losing a loved one.

Since our last post, a lot has changed in Washington as well as our home here in middle Tennessee. We look forward to keeping you updated on a regular basis as we once did and welcome your comments and input.

Thanks to the many viewers who have been patient during these inactive months and for your prayers and support.

Poll Reveals Specter's Troubles Not Over Yet

A new poll released this morning by Quinnipiac shows Arlen Specter leading potential Republican challenger, Tom Ridge, by just three points (46 - 43). While the poll finds that Specter would easily defeat Pat Toomey (53 - 33), it also reveals troubling numbers with regard to Pennsylvania Independents.

Independent voters, who back Sen. Specter over Toomey 45 – 36 percent, switch to Ridge 47 – 37 percent if he becomes a candidate. The former Republican Governor also gets 14 percent of the Democratic vote, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll finds.

INDIANA SENATE 2010: Nothing Standing In Bayh's Way

One month after breaking the party line and voting against the President's budget, a new poll finds that Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh is in very good shape to win reelection in 2010.  According to a Hamilton Campaign poll, Bayh's favorability rating is a strong 74%.

Despite opposing the budget, Bayh makes clear his general support for President Obama. From Howey Politics Indiana:

On Wednesday, Bayh put out an e-mail to supporters stating, “Last November, Indiana made history by voting to put a Democrat in the White House for the first time in nearly a half century. In choosing Barack Obama to lead our country during a time of extraordinary economic upheaval, Hoosiers sent a clear message: America is ready for a leader committed to taking bold action to protect American jobs and restore our middle class.”

Bayh added, “President Obama was elected to lead in challenging times. The last time our country faced a crisis of this magnitude was 1932, when Franklin Delano Roosevelt was sent to Washington with a broad mandate to pull our country out of the Depression. Within 100 days, he passed a series of economic reforms to restore faith in our markets and confidence in our country. Every president since has been evaluated against him for what they’ve been able to accomplish in their first hundred days.”

The poll also found that even 61% of Republicans view Bayh in a positive light, which may be why (despite high approval ratings of his own - 69%), Republican Governor Mitch Daniels says he's not running.  

Bunning May Be Retiring

From Politico:

Kentucky Sen. Jim Bunning, the most endangered Republican up for reelection in 2010, appears headed for retirement after giving his leading GOP rival the blessing to prepare to run for his seat next year.

Bunning’s retirement would be a huge victory for national Republicans who have grown increasingly nervous that the 77-year-old two-term senator would lose a critical race as the party tries to cling to its diminished minority in the Senate.