A Voting Rights Champion

I'm happy to boast that this is my cousin Laughlin McDonald at the mike.  An attorney who has worked long and hard for civil rights and especially voting rights for minorities, he was a lawyer for the defendants in Shelby Co., Alabama v. Holder at the Supreme Court yesterday.  As we've talked about on Lucy Left, this is a big case challenging provisions of the Voting Rights Act (article or section 5 requiring certain states with histories of denying voting rights to submit plans for any changes in voting procedures to the Justice Department).    

 

Laughlin McDonald is also the author of several books and numerous articles on voting rights; he has served as Director of the Voting Rights Project of the American Civil Liberties Union.  I'm a little more hopeful about the outcome of this case now that I know he was there.  (You can Google him to see the impressive books he's written.)

"Day in Court" for the Voting Rights Act

Today, the US Supreme Court begins hearing Shelby County v. Holder--a challenge to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Section 5 requires certain states and jurisdictions to seek approval from the U.S. Department of Justice before they change laws around voting. Show your support for VRA by sharing this graphic today as we rally on the steps of the Supreme Court of the United States. —

Thanks to the NAACP for posting this on Facebook.   Still nervous about what the Court will decide; hearing a variety of speculation, but it sounds like the argument for continuing this provision went well.

We Still Need the Voting Rights Act

Georgia Congressman John Lewis was a courageous activist during the Civil Rights Movement.  He came close to paying "the highest human price" when brutally beaten for his peaceful demonstrations.    He is courageous as ever,  a voice of reason on so many issues.  We're fortunate  he's willing to serve.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, February 27) the Supreme Court will consider whether key provisions of the Voting Rights Act remain constitutional. Given the outrageous violations of the Act during the last Presidential election—blatant attempts at minority voter suppression—I would say the Voting Rights Act is as critical now as it was when it was enacted.

Here's a link to the Washington Post opinion piece on the subject by Congressman Lewis.  I'm getting nervous about this.  May justice prevail.   

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/why-we-still-need-the-voting-rights-act/2013/02/24/a70a930c7d43-11e2-9a75-dab0201670da_story.html

Why we still need the Voting Rights Act

www.washingtonpost.com

The Voting Rights Act hasn't outlived its usefulness.

Project XX South Carolina

South Carolina

is not an all-male state,

but it's fostering a men-only state of mind

when it comes to serving in public office.

 Sign up and we'll work together to change these numbers!

 I've just signed the petition and forwarded the info and link to friends.  Please support this critical initiative by doing the same!

Fun Fact

OccupyDemocrats/Facebook.  Thanks for this!

ELECTION BULLETIN

Calling on voters in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District to please, o please, get your fabulous selves to the polls on March 19 to vote for Elizabeth Colbert Busch in the Democratic Primary.  Then vote for her again in the General!  Will remind you about the General Election later.

 

We need this bright, sane, and savvy businesswoman to look after our best interests in Congress.  Jim Clyburn has been carrying that burden solo for too long now; he could use some help.  In fact, he has endorsed ECB.   She has a Facebook page and web site.   So, pay her a visit and do whatever you can to support her candidacy!

Wise Man Speaks

Yep, the funny man speaks truth—more often than the "serious news."  Keep it up, Stephen!


On another note, I just learned that Wisconsin and Indiana have bills in the works to mandate transvaginal ultrasounds.  Yep, we still need to pay attention to the supposedly "fabricated" War on Women being waged by Republicans—in Congress and state legislatures.  Have you figured out why these people want to outlaw pregnancy terminations (aka a woman's right to privacy and dominion over her own body) and at the same time want to outlaw birth control as an option?  Neither have I. 

Women's health issues (women's rights) and gun control—okay, gun safety, if you like—continue to need our watchful eyes and determined vigilant action.  NRA spokesman Wayne LaPierre has declared he's totally opposed to background checks on gun purchasers; he's now calling background checks "forced gun registration" which he says is a way to make it easy for the government to confiscate the guns of American citizens.  (A short time ago he supported background checks or claimed he did.)  Mercy. 

South Carolina's Congressional Districts

Thanks to Ginny Deerin for sharing the best map I've seen of the new 7th District.

Forgiveness?

Former South Carolina Congressman-Governor Mark Sanford's back in the political arena.  He's launching his Congressional campaign with an  ad featuring "a God of second chances" with a theme of forgiveness.  He's in a 16-candidate primary race in South Carolina's First Congressional District.   (Another high-name-recognition candidate in that mix is Teddy Turner, son of Jane Fonda's ex, Ted Turner.)  If successful, Sanford is likely to face someone I see as a strong Democratic candidate in the General.  That would be Elizabeth Colbert Busch.  

 

In a Sanford interview, he talks about failing in his personal life, in his marriage, adding this: "One place I didn't fail is with the taxpayers."  Really?  I was just reminded that, as Governor, he spent campaign and state funds on personal travel, including trips to Argentina. South Carolina Democrat Dick Harpootlian just said Sanford used state and/or campaign funds to pay other personal expenses including his cable bill! 

 

I like a good love story, especially when some drama is involved.  And I'm a big fan of forgiveness.  No doubt it's the path to personal peace.   While Sanford is talking about "personal "mistakes when he speaks of forgiveness and fresh starts, I'm thinking this:  The people of South Carolina might forgive his personal life—in itself never our business in the first place.  What voters  (aka "taxpayers") aren't likely to forgive—unless there's mass memory failure—is how erratic, uncompromising, irresponsible, and ineffective he was as Governor.  God knows we don't need another member of Congress who fits that description!

South Carolina

Two Items To Share

The subject of Pope Benedict's abdication reminds me to tell you about an HBO documentary I saw recently.   It's entitled Mea Maxima Culpa documenting the sex abuse of children in the Catholic Church and the horrifying coverups that have persisted for decades.  It was so disturbing that I couldn't watch it all in one sitting.  I recommend it if you have an interest in learning more on the subject. 

And this from Tom Friedman yesterday, totally unrelated subject:

 

 

Thoughts on a Cold Sunday Morning

This morning "Meet the Press" featured a long monologue that shouldn't have been a monologue from Sen. John McCain.  He  continued to talk over host David Gregory in what I'd call a disagreeable manner.  Remember, McCain recently said on Fox that Sen. Chuck Hagel was "disagreeable" or said certain things in a disagreeable manner.   My blood pressure was inching up with every word he spoke.  "When Sen. Hagel was a Republican . . ."  McCain said once again.  McCain is a leader in the effort to stall (and he'd like to defeat) his former friend Chuck Hagel's confirmation as Secretary of Defense. 

 

 Hagel still self-identifies as a Republican, last I heard.  Is McCain saying that anyone who disagrees with Party policy or doesn't toe the Party line on legislation is no longer a member of the Republican Party?  If so, should Colin Powell turn in his membership card?  Is McCain's daughter Meghan no longer a Republican?  She has disagreed publicly with Republican positions on social issues in the past.   So much of what McCain says is absurd, and I imagine the senator from Arizona knows his posturing is absurd.   He's just too bitter to stop his various forms of ranting.

 

Continuing to talk over Gregory — as I mumbled, "Cut him off, David"—McCain kept asking whether Gregory cared that four Americans died in Benghazi.  I was about to burst for someone to interject:  "Senator, do you care that more than 4,000 were killed in Iraq, the war of choice that Sen. Hagel opposed?   Chris Matthews was on the panel this morning, and I was hoping - for once - that' he'd interrupt.  But, hey, it wasn't his show.   Very frustrating.  More than ever, I'm convinced the core of McCain's objection to Hagel is personal bitterness over Hagel not supporting him in 2008.

 

What gets  me the most about Senator John McCain is the deference the media—across the board—shows him.  Seriously, he gets away with saying outrageous things, behaving like a bully, indulging in blatantly bad manners on a regular basis—l could go on and on.  But then I'd be ranting.    Okay, we know he was a POW in Viet Nam.  I cannot imagine what he went through there; certainly he must have learned what he feels like to be bullied.   I appreciate his military service.  I doubt there's any human in American who doesn't.

 

Nevertheless, Senator McCain has won elections and gotten away with way too much for way too long,  chiefly on the basis of his military history.  For sure his successes can't be attributed to personal charm and charisma.  McCain wasn't the only POW in that war or others.  Many POW's didn't survive to enjoy a life of financial luxury and considerable political power.   

 

I'm striving to speak my mind without getting mean about it.  Nevertheless, I'm really weary of seeing McCain cower people from television hosts to citizens testifying before Congressional committees.  Sick of his sidekick Lindsey Graham, too.  He's taking bullying lessons from his buddy.  We'll talk about him another time.

 

Is anybody else out there sick and tired of John McCain's bad behavior and sicker still of his getting instant absolution from journalists/media people who should be calling him out?  I'd like to hear from you.  Please leave a comment.  

 

Two other notes:  David Gregory ended today's show with Captain Mark Kelly, talking about his and Gabby Giffords' efforts to lessen gun violence in the US.  I was glad to hear him say they'll use organization (Americans for Responsible Solutions)  funds to elect pro-gun safety law candidates and to defeat candidates who oppose gun safety changes.

 

Important Date:  February 27 will be BIG day at the Supreme Court; it's about extending the Voting Rights Act.  If you've followed recent congressional redistricting manipulations and efforts of a number of states to restrict rights of minority voters in the last presidential election, you'll know the law is still badly needed.  Badly.  Needed. 

 

 

 

Guns & Mental Health

Credit goes to OlaBetiku for creating this; posted on Facebook.

Lucy won't let up on gun reform legislation.  However, we will continue to look at other policy and political issues in the days ahead, as well.  Meanwhile, please sign the gun safety petitions that come your way and contact Congress periodically to hold their feet to the fire.  I suggest getting on a first-name basis with Congressional staff.  In a good way, of course!

Maddow: McCain and Iraq

Toward understanding McCain's antagonism for his former friend and colleague Chuck Hagel.  From The Rachel Maddow Show, February 15, 2013, on MSNBC.

REMINDER:   Watch Rachel's documentary, Hubris:  Selling the Iraq War on MSNBC, Monday, February 18, 2013, at 9 pm.

What's Love . . . ?

What's love got to do with it?  Everything!

 

 [Photo from White House website] 

 

I've been Obama-watching for a long time now.  It's a hobby that doesn't get old.  That's because the love between these two has more sparkle, more facets, than the Hope diamond.  They have something precious and rare going on, especially for a"celebrity" couple.

During campaign's silly season, President Obama was called a "celebrity" by the opposition as if it were a bad thing.  Right up there with "Kenyan,""elitist," and "intellectual."   But we Americans tend to assign celebrity status to all high-profile glamorous people who appear regularly in photos, film, or on our TV or laptop screens, don't we?   

Yep, they're glamorous without even trying to be or caring that they are.  I'd bet my house on that, and you know Lucy's crazy about her house.  I love how they look at each other.  Surely he's better at bluffing a poker hand than at hiding his adoration and desire for his beautiful wife.  It's clear that they're solid partners in love.  In parenting.  In nurturing each other and the family.   Their relationship seems to have both the comfort of a warm, fuzzy robe and the heat of a sizzling tropical sun.  They are fully who they are, consistently, it seems to me.  They're comfortable in their own skin and not given to "puttin' on airs" as my great aunt La La used to say about self-important people.  There's easy laughter as well as secret smiles.between them  Their respect for one another is obvious.  And they're just so damned good together.   I won't try to guess all the reasons why; however, I think it helps that each of them is a self-actualized person.  There's no dependency here.  Certainly no co-dependency.  Looks to me like they enjoy a healthy interdependency.  

A cable news host was saying recently that the Obamas are an exemplary couple and family model for persons of color.  I believe that's true; I also believe the First Couple's relationship is worthy of emulation by all people, whatever their ethnicity.  

Seriously, doesn't it make you smile to see them together, just the two of them or with the girls, or anywhere in any situation?  They have moved me when paying respects to grieving Americans and when they're greeting visitors at The White House.  Anywhere, any time, they are like a breath of fresh air.  I have great hopes that their love and commitment will survive even the excruciating test of two terms in the big house on Pennsylvania Avenue.

And on the eve of Valentine's Day 2013, I'm wondering whether they'll have gifts for one another.  I mean besides the obvious gift of the love they share every day.  Somehow I can't imagine the President dispatching someone to Victoria's Secret  to fetch a gift for the First Lady.   I can imagine pearls or maybe a special pair of earrings. 

My wish is for them to have a stolen hour or two, hiding out in one of the lesser-known bedrooms, with the door double locked.  Maybe some Al Green going on the Bose and some champagne and chocolate within reach.  Okay, they can celebrate it however they want!  They're the First Couple, after all.   Happy Valentine's Day to the leader of the free world and his goddess of a partner in love.

And Happy Valentine's Day to you all, too!

State of the Union 2013

 In case you missed it or want to see it again, here's a link to the full video from CBS News.  

The President was in good "second term" form and aced it, I thought.  Will catch the critiques later this morning.  For now I'll bask in the memory of John Boehner's pained expression throughout.  He looked utterly miserable.

www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50140940n

22 Republicans Who Voted NO Yesterday

These faces should be on Post Office walls or on America's Most Wanted.  Thankfully the Violence Against Women Act passed the Senate—with both of South Carolina's current senators voting against it yesterday.   Let's make "current" the keyword here and elect Senators who will represent ALL South Carolina citizens.  Unconscionable.  Now we'll see what the House does with the bill. 

[Thanks to Democrats of Georgetown County SC USA for posting this on Facebook.]

Tonight, tonight . . . .

Well, this is a big day for us political geeks.  Today is like Christmas for me, with our Prez playing Santa, bringing us the State of the Union message. The media is hyped, too, what with both expectations for the President’s speech and the Pope’s abdication. News Nirvana.

 I just heard that Speaker Boehner told reporters the President “doesn’t have the guts” to stand up to his own Party when it comes to spending cuts.  When asked whether he stands by that statement, the Speaker affirmed that he does.  Oh, and by the way,  North Korea has launched a “miniaturized” nuclear warhead; such a warhead, regular size, could reach the U.S.  Those news nuggets and Ted Nugent’s craziness all under the big top—dome— tonight.  It’s speculated that the President will have something to say about the North Korean launch tonight.

Reflecting on the hateful things Nugent has said about the President (hoping no doubt to revive a dying career), I’m also wondering whether one of my own Congressmen can resist shouting out “You lie!” at some point.  After all, Joe Wilson was happy as a hog in slop with all the media attention he got last time.  He raised a truckload of money when he acted out, too.  An embarrassment to us blue dots in this red state.

Then there will be guests who are survivors of gun violence.  The list includes the mother of the fifteen-year-old honor student from Chicago who was shot shortly after she participated in the Inaugural Parade.   This devastated mother will be sitting with the First Lady.   Some families of Sandy Hook victims will be there, victims of colossal grief themselves.  And you know what?  I’m offended that these grieving humans are being called “props” by gun safety opponents.  I’m disappointed in the slice of humanity that forgets its humanness, ignoring or trivializing the deaths of so many innocents, and focusing instead on correcting gun safety advocates on any errors in firearms vocabulary. 

I believe President Obama will give us all a lot to ponder tonight.  And I believe he will manage—even with all the sadness, fear and turmoil in our world— to inspire us.  That is, those of us who are open to inspiration.   And hope.  

You can bet Speaker Boehner's comment will have him fired up and ready to go! 

Time-Sensitive FYI

This morning we learned that Pope Benedict will resign on February 28, for age-related reasons.  First time a Pope has abdicated in about 600 years.  Tomorrow night we'll hear the President talk about the State of the Union.  The world seems shocked by the Papal resignation; I'm shocked for a very different reason:

 

In what Twilight Zone does the "Tea Party" get to respond to the President's SOTU address?  Help me understand.  Last I heard, the Tea Party defines itself as a movement, not a political party.   Tea Party candidates, in elections past, have run under the Republican banner.  

 

So, Sen. Marco Rubio will give the Republican response and Sen. Rand Paul will react on behalf of the Tea Party.  Does that mean I can respond as a Liberal?   How about Occupy Wall Street?  Now there's a movement that might like to be heard.  Jeeeez, media.  Will you really give air time to a Tea Party "movement" spokesperson?  Who's next— Donald Trump?   FYI, this is not a good precedent. And I'll be sending a message to the networks and cable news channels today expressing that opinion.   Will you join me?  

 

 * * * * * * *

TV WORTH WATCHING

 

Rachel Maddow has a compelling documentary airing Monday, February 18 at 9 pm.  It's Hubris:  Selling the Iraq War.  I don't want to miss this.

Elizabeth Colbert Busch for Congress

Democrats United: Elizabeth Colbert Busch and Martin Skelly after Mr. Skelly announced his endorsement of the Colbert Busch campaign.   

This is the race to fill South Carolina's First Congressional seat formerly held by Tim Rice.  Rice was appointed to the Senate by Governor Nikki Haley when Jim DeMint resigned (Do I hear an Amen?) to lead the Heritage Foundation.

 

I believe Dems will remain united and celebrate victory this spring.  But there's work to be done between now and the time the sap starts to rise.   Elizabeth has my support.   How about you?   How would you like to help make this happen?  Check out her web site and Facebook page!

Invoking Ronald Reagan

Wondering how many Republicans will invoke the name of Ronald Reagan on the topic of gun regulation?  

 

This is the time to keep our focus, not allow other issues to distract us, on gun safety legislation.   Let's keep track of Senator Feinstein's bill and where the President's proposal goes— and call/email members of Congress when the timing is best.  I'll be posting about the status of gun legislation here.

 

February 11, 2013:  Just received a comment about this post.  Can you guess the name of the gutsy gun rights advocate who had this to say:  "Please learn the difference between a semi-automatic rifle and a machine gun. Machine guns haven't been produced for cilvilians since 1986. They are very tightly regulated by the ATF. Maybe if people who are so ready to take away gun rights would learn how to properly use and RESPECT a gun, and teach other people value of life, we might be in a better place. Heres something to make you laugh: "If guns kill people how does anyone survive a gun show"  Actually, the gun show humor at the end didn't make me laugh.  What did make me laugh was that this brave gun advocate wouldn't sign his (or her) name to the comment.  I'm fairly certain it's a relative I can ID by the way it's written.   Thanks for the comment, Anonymous.

(Image from Go Left/Facebook)

Love It!

(Thanks to MJ Parlier/Facebook)

Post-op Post

(Bright Star Live Events/Facebook)

Love is the best healer, isn't it? Unable to write much this morning, medical goo in the eyes.

The surgery went well.  Recovery is interesting and sometimes a little uncomfortable.   Thanks to my earth-angel friend Jodie for being with me and giving me the best of care.  Hated to see her go, but she left me well organized to "carry on."  Now it's time to tap into my low reserve of patience and allow healing to happen in its own time.

This quote from Dr. King is worth pondering (as most of his words are) before we get back to our gun-safety regulation advocacy.   Something else I believe is worth remembering, especially now:  The opposite of love is not hate; it is fear.  Always fear.   We're seeing an abundance of fear over the guns issue. 

Counting on you Lefties to keep your eyes on the Right until I'm back  "full steam." Thanks for your visits and the supportive words.  We will carry on!  ~  Lucy

Brief Absence

Good Morning!

Lucy will be having outpatient surgery this morning and won't be blogging for a few days.   When healing happens, she'll be able to see better,  maybe even make fewer typos.  Meanwhile, y'all hold down the Left and keep your eyes on the Right.  They're doing all they can to derail Chuck Hagel's appointment.  Don't let 'em.

 

If we don't watch them every minute,  they'll be outlawing ALL birth control and God knows what else.   Stay awake and keep the faith.    Back soon.

 

O'Reilly Argues with Colin Powell

Bill O'Reilly argues with both Colin Powell and the facts.  Check out the video. 

 Thanks, Media Matters.

http://mediamatters.org/embed/static/clips/2013/01/30/28726/fnc-or-20130129-vra2