Let the Yankees bail them out

I think the next time the automobile companies or anyone else needs a bailout they should go to the New York Yankees not the U.S. government. According to the NYT, the Yankees came to an agreement with

first baseman Mark Teixeira on an eight-year, $180 million contract that pushes the team’s off-season expenditures within shouting distance of half a billion dollars.

Once it becomes official, the Yankees will have the four players — Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and the newly signed C. C. Sabathia — with the largest contracts in the sport, at an overall cost of slightly more than $800 million.

It seems to me that while people are losing jobs all over the place, this could only happen in the U.S. and that no one will bat an eye.

Screen Actors Guild awards 2009 nominations

Continuing our tracking of the awards season, here's the Screen Actors Guild nominations: Remember actors are the largest segment of the Film Academy voters.
on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2009
the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards Will be Simulcast on TNT and TBS

LIFE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:

James Earl Jones

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: (This is the SAG equivalent of Best Picture)

DOUBT (Miramax)
FROST/NIXON (Universal Pictures)
MILK (Focus Features)
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (Fox Searchlight Pictures)
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON (Paramount Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role:

RICHARD JENKINS /THE VISITOR
FRANK LANGELLA /FROST/NIXON
SEAN PENN /MILK
BRAD PITT /THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
MICKEY ROURKE /THE WRESTLER

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role:

ANNE HATHAWAY /RACHEL GETTING MARRIED
ANGELINA JOLIE /CHANGELING
MELISSA LEO /FROZEN RIVER
MERYL STREEP/ DOUBT
KATE WINSLET /REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role:

JOSH BROLIN/MILK
ROBERT DOWNEY, JR./TROPIC THUNDER
PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN/DOUBT
HEATH LEDGER/THE DARK KNIGHT
DEV PATEL/SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role:

AMY ADAMS/DOUBT
PENÉLOPE CRUZ/VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA
VIOLA DAVIS/DOUBT
TARAJI P. HENSON/THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
KATE WINSLET/THE READER

PRIMETIME TELEVISION

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series:

BOSTON LEGAL
DEXTER
HOUSE
MAD MEN
THE CLOSER

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

30 ROCK
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES
ENTOURAGE
THE OFFICE
WEEDS

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries:

RALPH FIENNES/BERNARD AND DORIS
PAUL GIAMATTI/JOHN ADAMS
KEVIN SPACEY/RECOUNT
KIEFER SUTHERLAND/24:REDEMPTION
TOM WILKINSON/JOHN ADAMS

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries:

LAURA DERN/RECOUNT
LAURA LINNEY/JOHN ADAMS
SHIRLEY MacLAINE/COCO CHANEL
PHYLICIA RASHAD/A RAISIN IN THE SUN
SUSAN SARANDON/BERNARD AND DORIS

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series:

MICHAEL C. HALL/DEXTERJ
JON HAMM/MAD MEN
HUGH LAURIE/HOUSE
WILLIAM SHATNER/BOSTON LEGAL
JAMES SPADER/BOSTON LEGAL

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series:

SALLY FIELD/BROTHERS & SISTERS
MARISKA HARGITAY/LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT
HOLLY HUNTER/SAVING GRACE
ELISABETH MOSS/MAD MEN
KYRA SEDGWICK/THE CLOSER

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series:

ALEC BALDWIN/30 ROCK
STEVE CARELL/THE OFFICE
DAVID DUCHOVNY/CALIFORNICATION
JEREMY PIVEN/ENTOURAGE
TONY SHALHOUB/MONK

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series:

CHRISTINA APPLEGATE/SAMANTHA WHO?
AMERICA FERRERA/UGLY BETTY
TINA FEY/30 ROCK
MARY-LOUISE PARKER/WEEDS
TRACEY ULLMAN/TRACEY ULLMAN'S STATE OF THE UNION

SAG HONORS FOR STUNT ENSEMBLES

Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture:

THE DARK KNIGHT
HELLBOY II: THE GOLDEN ARMY
INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
IRON MAN
WANTED

Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series:

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
HEROES
PRISON BREAK
THE UNIT
THE CLOSER

Doubt: a review

Transforming a play into a film is difficult at best. They are two different venues. Theater is an aural medium. People don't go to a Shakespeare or Shaw play for the action. They go for the poetry, language and ideas. Movies are a visual medium the words just connect the images and scenes. There are exceptions, but the best of film is visual. I can't argue with the people who say Doubt was a better play than it is a film, I never saw the play. I have great respect for Cherry Jones, Bryan F. O'Byrne, Heather Goldenhersch and Adriane Lenox who originally played the roles on stage, but I doubt that their performances compared with Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis in the film.

The story takes place at St. Nicholas [Catholic] Church School in the Bronx. Autumn 1964. Once the setting is established the film steps outside the confines of the school only once, in a scene between Viola Davis and Meryl Streep, which may be the most moving scene in the film.

The play had a "ripped-from-the-headlines" feel about it. It opened at the height of the Catholic church abuse scandals. Another abuse story was in the paper or on TV every day. Not so much any more. The media can't follow a story to the bitter end. They lose focus on it after a while. So I'm not sure that it will attract the same attention as a film. But it is well worth your time and attention. It's truly extraordinary. The performances alone - Streep, Hoffman, Adams and Davis - are all Oscar worthy.They are at a level we rarely have the privilege of seeing. But the story about Sister Aloysius (Streep) who accuses Father Flynn (Hoffman) of giving wine to the only student of color at the school. A young nun, Sister James (Adams) sides with - trusts - Father Flynn. Viola Davis plays the boy's mother. The conversation between Davis and Streep first in Sister Aloysius's office and then on a walk, because the mother has to get to work, in which the mother talks about what harm will come to the boy - both at the school and, particularly, at home - by exposing the relationship with Father Flynn. Particularly, because the boy may have wanted it. This and the scene when the Aloysius and Flynn finally confront each other better acting has rarely been seen.

Who's right and who's wrong is ultimately left up to the viewer. I thought the Father Flynn was probably guilty of the behavior of which he was being accused, Ann thought he wasn't. That, of course, is the core of the film - doubt. If nothing else, it's not a simple film. As the title sugests the question of doubt versus
certainty is at its heart. From the moment the film begins with Father Flynn's sermon on doubt till it ends with doubt entering into the absolute certainty that has here-to-fore shaped Sister Aloysius's world we are confronted by deep questions. If we begin to doubt, then is there any certainty - even about god? That may be ultimately at the heart of the struggle and the film. But what acting.

Rick Warren stains Obama inauguration

The choice of homo-phobic Rev. Rick Warren to pronounce the invocation at the inauguration is truly puzzling. President-elect Barack Obama always calls for bringing people - with different points-of-view - together. But it seems that whenever he opens his arms to embrace someone with "different views," he always reaches out to the right, never to the Left. In other words, the Barack version of inclusiveness is from the Liberal center to the extreme right. He will still not win over the right-wing media (all of whom, for example, have already spread scurrilous rumors accusing him of playing footsie with with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.) That still resolute 25-30% of the U.S. population who believes that George W. Bush is "doing a good job" will not be won over by besmirching the Obama inauguration with the likes of Rick Warren. From America blog here are several choice quotes from Warren's Saddleback Church family.com :

Because membership in a church is an outgrowth of accepting the Lordship and leadership of Jesus in one’s life, someone unwilling to repent of their homosexual lifestyle would not be accepted at a member at Saddleback Church. That does not mean they cannot attend church – we hope they do! God’s Word has the power to change our lives.

In equal desire to follow Jesus, we also would not accept a couple into membership at Saddleback who were not willing to repent of the sexual sin of living together before marriage. That does not mean this couple cannot attend church – we hope they do! God’s Word has the power to change our lives.

I wonder how many members of restricted country clubs will play prominant roles at the Obama inauguration.

So much for Barack Obama's vaunted inclusiveness.

Here's Rachel Madow's comments on Rick warren at the inauguration:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

If you're watching this on FaceBook click here to see Rachel Maddow video)

War Resisters League 2009 calendar: The Path of Most Resistence

Every year the WRL calendar is my favorite. You'll love it too.

The Path of Most Resistance:
A U.S. Radical History Tour
War Resisters League 2009 Peace Calendar

Edited by Judith Mahoney Pasternak
Foreword by Charles E. Cobb Jr., author of On the Road to Freedom: A Guided Tour of the Civil Rights Trail
Cover price: $14.95 + s&h

A desk calendar and state-by-state account of the places where radical history happened, from the civil rights and anti-racist struggles of Alabama and Mississippi to centuries of war tax resistance in Massachusetts, indigenous opposition to oil-drilling in Alaska, and union organizing in Kentucky and California.

Our radical history is everywhere, and The Path of Most Resistance pinpoints 50-plus episodes from it, with exact locations of places where people resisted, along with historic and contemporary photos and graphics of acts of resistance, history-makers and more. Includes directories of U.S. peace and justice organizations and publications, and international contacts.

Hold on to some watchwords for today: freedom, justice and peace. … In especially vivid ways the pages of this calendar help us gain a sense of direction by taking us to some of the … battlefields for these ideas. [It] proves that it is possible to resist war and the causes of war—that great power lodged in weapons or ruthless political ambition [can’t] crush either the belief that something better is possible or the struggle to create something better; and that's a reminder …that we need.
From the Foreword by Charles E. Cobb Jr.

Order online at the warresisters.org
Order by phone. Call toll free (877) 234-8811
CALL for bulk orders!

Season's Greetings: Show the bottom of your shoes to the Pres.

I thought you'd enjoy this Christmas greeting:

The ANSWER Coalition is joining with other coalitions, organizations, and networks in a March 21 National Coalition to bring people from all walks of life and from all cities across the United States to take part in a March on the Pentagon on the sixth anniversary of the Iraq war: Saturday, March 21.

If you want to send this card to a friend or member of your family click here.

AFI's best in theaters and at home in 2008

In case you were wondering here are the American Film Institute (AFI)'s choices for the best films and TV shows of 2008. I don't know if any of these will end up on the AFI's list of 100 best the next time it's updated, but, at least for this year, here they are:



AFI AWARDS 2008

AFI MOVIES OF THE YEAR-OFFICIAL SELECTIONS:

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

THE DARK KNIGHT

FROST/NIXON

FROZEN RIVER

GRAN TORINO

IRON MAN

MILK

WALL•E

WENDY AND LUCY

THE WRESTLER


AFI TV PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR-OFFICIAL SELECTIONS:

BREAKING BAD

IN TREATMENT

JOHN ADAMS

LIFE

LOST

MAD MEN

THE OFFICE

RECOUNT

THE SHIELD

THE WIRE

WHAT IS AFI AWARDS?

America's cultural legacy resonates around the world through movies and television. When placed in an historical context, these stories archive a complex, rich, visual record of our modern civilization.
AFI was created to protect and preserve the legacy of the moving image art form so that future generations will have a greater understanding and appreciation for the proud heritage reflected in the realities of a new modern day.

Each year, AFI AWARDS honors excellence in the moving image arts within the context of a Year in Review. This is the next chapter in AFI's national mandate — specifically, the creation of an annual almanac that records and preserves the evolution of the moving image arts in the 21st century.

AFI AWARDS adds a volume to the history of American film and television each year by documenting the collective opinion of the moving image communities, recognizing the year's significant moments and honoring the individuals and creative ensembles who have created the year's outstanding achievements.

HP has created 20 scholarships to the AFI Conservatory for a second consecutive year, one for each of the AFI honorees. The AFI Conservatory is world-renowned for its advanced training of the next generation of storytellers.

Republicans just don't play well with others

On Nov. 9th Robert Parry on Consortiumnews wrote this about the modern Republican Party:

Even if some Republicans did want to shift toward a more bipartisan approach – after more than three decades of successfully using "wedge" tactics and armed with a right-wing media infrastructure built to destroy opponents – such a change might be impossible.

The idea of transforming modern Republicanism into some less partisan form might be like trying to train a boa constrictor which fork to use at the dinner table.

Since Parry wrote these words two things have happened which have not only proven him to be prophetic but have exasperated the situation. The right-wing owned Republican Party seems clearly incapable of hearing the voice of the people in the last two elections. The first thing that the right has jumped on to undermine the forthcoming Obama administration is their utterly partisan response - both politicians and right-wing media - to the absurd Blagojevich situation in Chicago. And the second is the unquestionably partisan obstruction of a House-passed Congressional bailout of the Detroit-based automobile companies.

There is no way in which anyone who is rooted in reality could believe that the President-elect or his staff were in any way implicated in the Blagojevich follies. Talking to someone doesn't mean you were involved. It's just part of doing the job. It is Obama's Senate seat that is at issue after all. If anyone doubts Obama's team's innocence try Blagojevich's own words:

they're [Obama's team] not willing to give me anything except appreciation

for possibly naming Obama's choice to the Senate. Now anyone without a partisan ax to grind would conclude that that settles the matter. But unfortunately it does not satisfy the wildly partisan Republicans. Here is what Republican Party Chairman Robert M. Duncan said after Obama at a press conference promised to provide all the information as soon as he had it:

While it is encouraging that the president-elect has stated his office will disclose contacts with the scandal-ridden governor, it remains disappointing that his actions are in response to political pressure. Americans expect the highest degree of transparency from their elected leaders, rather than promises of openness on the campaign trail.

It's the old campaign catch-22: Republicans try to tie Obama to Blagojevich and then no matter what he says in his defense it's only because of the pressure they've put on him. Neat isn't it? The other night on MSNBC another right-wing media dupe - Pat Buchanan - was complaining about why it was taking so long to get the information to the press. Of course the Obama transition team has nothing more important to do than respond on Buchanan's schedule to the bogus attacks.

The other thing that happened was may in the long run be more serious than Blagojevich. Last week the House passed an auto bailout bill to save the possibly millions of jobs in Detroit and around the country. The Senate failed to pass it because of Republican nays. According to Politico.com:

The GOP strategy, previewed in an 'action alert' sent by a Republican lobbyist and outlined by Republican aides, is based on the idea that the best defense is a good offense -- and the hope that the taint of the Illinois governor will rub off on organized labor.

This is the Democrats’ first opportunity to pay off organized labor after the election . . . a precursor to card check and other items. Republicans should stand firm and take their first shot against organized labor, instead of taking their first blow from it.

In other words, the Republicans are not even making a pretense at having voted against the bailout for principled economic reasons (wrong as that would be). It's all very simple. The right wing blames organized labor for the recent election loss (that kind of dismissal of the voice of the people is quite typically Republican). So they want to destroy the labor movement. It's Reagan redux. Remember PATCO (th air traffic controllers union). I never thought I would utter these words; but William Kristol says it very well in Monday's New York Times:

...Senate Republicans now run the risk of being portrayed as Marie Antoinettes with southern accents.

Kristol also points out, in an extraordinarily "fair and balanced" column, that despite the Republican attack on the UAW, "labor amounts to only about 10 percent of the cost of a car."

Right-wing bumper sticker reveals all

Every once in a while the right-wing Republicans (who are deeply embittered by the last election because they have no ability to understand what the American people were telling them) tell us more about themselves than they could ever imagine. Here's a bumper sticker they're currently peddling:

I'll Keep My Guns... You Can Keep The 'Change'

If that doesn't tell you all you need to know about the right-wing whores (sorry! I didn't mean to besmirch honest whores), I'll have much more to say about the current un-American Republican Party.

Blagojevich: Innocent until proven guilty?

I was watching the Rachel Maddow show on MSNBC tonight (Thurs. 12/11) and she interviewed Illinois state Rep. John Fritchey, who is currently the Chair of the Illinois house judiciary committee. You can imagine what the subject of the interview was. (If you have been out of the earth's orbit for the last week, it was the shenanigans of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.) Here's Rachel's interview with Fritchey:

(If you are seeing this on FaceBook, click here to see video)

What troubles me about this interview is not only Fritchey's unseemly haste to get rid of the Governor but Rachel's lack of any skepticism about what Fritchey is saying. For example, when he says:

In Illinois we have allot of latitude in seeking to impeach a governor.... Essentially all we need to show is that he has an inability to perform the duties of his office. The way we would envision an impeachment resolution looking is that he has violated his oath of office, namely to uphold the laws of Illinois and the Constitution of Illinois and he has not been able to fulfill his duties as governor. And that he has rendered (?) official misconduct as a result of the allegations brought forth by the U.S. attorney.

It would seem to me that impeachment is one of the most serious actions that can be taken in a democracy. And until recently people were considered innocent until proven guilty. With all due respect to U.S. attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, "allegations" are not proof. I think, that no matter how inconvenient the governor's behavior may appear to be, we still have to protect our democratic values. Essentially I wish Rachel - for whom I have great admiration - had questioned Fritchey's haste to impeach.

Hollywood Foreign Press 2009 Golden Globe nominees in TV

Awards will be presented Jan. 11 on TV (NBC):

BEST TELEVISION SERIES, DRAMA:

DEXTER (SHOWTIME)
HOUSE (FOX)
IN TREATMENT (HBO)
MAD MEN (AMC)
TRUE BLOOD (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES, DRAMA:

SALLY FIELD, BROTHERS AND SISTERS
MARISKA HARGITAY, LAW AND ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT
JANUARY JONES, MAD MEN
ANNA PAQUIN, TRUE BLOOD
KYRA SEDGWICK, THE CLOSER

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES, DRAMA:

GABRIEL BYRNE, IN TREATMENT
MICHAEL C. HALL, DEXTER
JON HAMM, MAD MEN
HUGH LAURIE, HOUSE
JONATHAN RHYS MEYERS, THE TUDORS

BEST TELEVISION SERIES, COMEDY OR MUSICAL:

30 ROCK (NBC)
CALIFORNICATION (SHOWTIME)
ENTOURAGE (HBO)
THE OFFICE (NBC)
WEEDS (SHOWTIME)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES, COMEDY OR MUSICAL:

CHRISTINA APPLEGATE, SAMANTHA WHO?
AMERICA FERRERA, UGLY BETTY
TINA FEY, 30 ROCK
DEBRA MESSING, THE STARTER WIFE
MARY-LOUISE PARKER, WEEDS

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL:

ALEC BALDWIN, 30 ROCK
STEVE CARELL, THE OFFICE
KEVIN CONNOLLY, ENTOURAGE
DAVID DUCHOVNY, CALIFORNICATION
TONY SHALHOUB, MONK

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION:

A RAISIN IN THE SUN (ABC)
BERNARD AND DORIS (HBO)
CRANFORD (PBS)
JOHN ADAMS (HBO)
RECOUNT (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION:

JUDI DENCH, CRANFORD
CATHERINE KEENER, AN AMERICAN CRIME
LAURA LINNEY, JOHN ADAMS
SHIRLEY MACLAINE, COCO CHANEL
SUSAN SARANDON, BERNARD AND DORIS

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION:

RALPH FIENNES, BERNARD AND DORIS
PAUL GIAMATTI, JOHN ADAMS
KEVIN SPACEY, RECOUNT
KIEFER SUTHERLAND, 24: REDEMPTION
TOM WILKINSON, RECOUNT

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION:

EILEEN ATKINS, CRANFORD
LAURA DERN, RECOUNT
MELISSA GEORGE, IN TREATMENT
RACHEL GRIFFITHS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS
DIANNE WIEST, IN TREATMENT


BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION:

NEIL PATRICK HARRIS, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
DENIS LEARY, RECOUNT
JEREMY PIVEN, ENTOURAGE
BLAIR UNDERWOOD, IN TREATMENT
TOM WILKINSON, JOHN ADAMS

Hollywood Foreign Press 2009 Golden Globe nominaees in film

The Golden Globe Award nominations have been announced by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

(Remember that the Globes cover both Film and TV and divide the main awards into drama and music or comedy, so there are more nominees than for any other awards. Many people believe this allows the Foreign Press to kiss the ass of more Hollywood notables. Also remember that - unlike the awards I have already covered - these are just nominations. The awards will be announced on NBC (if there is no actors' strike) on Jan. 11)

Best Picture, Drama:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
The Reader
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog Millionaire

Best Picture, Musical or Comedy:
Burn After Reading
Happy-Go-Lucky
In Bruges
Mamma Mia!
Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Actor, Drama:
Leonardo DiCaprio, Revolutionary Road
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn, Milk
Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

Best Actress, Drama:
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie, Changeling
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Kristin Scott Thomas, I've Loved You So Long
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road

Best Actor, Musical or Comedy:
Javier Bardem, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Colin Farrell, In Bruges
James Franco, Pineapple Express
Brendan Gleeson, In Bruges
Dustin Hoffman, Last Chance Harvey

Best Actress, Musical or Comedy;
Rebecca Hall, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Sally Hawkins, Happy-Go-Lucky
Frances McDormand, Burn After Reading
Meryl Streep, Mamma Mia!
Emma Thompson, Last Chance Harvey

Best Supporting Actor:
Tom Cruise, Tropic Thunder
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
Ralph Fiennes, The Duchess
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

Best Supporting Actress:
Amy Adams, Doubt
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis, Doubt
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler
Kate Winslet, The Reader

Best Director:
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
Stephen Daldry, The Reader
David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
Sam Mendes, Revolutionary Road

Best Screenplay:
Simon Beaufoy, Slumdog Millionaire
David Hare, The Reader
Peter Morgan, Frost/Nixon
Eric Roth, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
John Patrick Shanley, Doubt

Best Original Song:
"Down To Earth," Wall-E"
"Gran Torino," Gran Torino
"I Thought I Lost You," Bolt
"Once in a Lifetime," Cadillac Records
"The Wrestler," The Wrestler

Best Original Score:
Alexandre Desplat, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Clint Eastwood, Changeling
James Newton Howard, Defiance
A.R. Rahman, Slumdog Millionaire
Hans Zimmer, Frost/Nixon

Best Animated Film:
Bolt
Kung Fu Panda
Wall-E

Best Foreign Language Film:
The Baader Meinhof Complex
Everlasting Moments
Gomorrah
I've Loved You So Long
Waltz with Bashir

New York Film Critics Circle Film Awards, 2008

The second major critics film awards have been announced.

The New York Film Critics Circle has selected:

Best Picture: Milk

Best Actress: Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky)

Best Actor: Sean Penn (Milk)

Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona)

Best Supporting Actor: Josh Brolin (Milk)

Best Director: Mike Leigh {Happy-Go-Lucky)

Best Screenplay: Jenny Lumet (Rachel Getting Married)

Best Cinematographer: Anthony Dod Mantle (Slumdog MillionaireO)

Best Foreign Film: (4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days)

Best Animated Film: WALL-E

Best First Film: Courtney Hunt (Frozen River)

Best Non-Fiction Film (Documentary): Man on Wire

(The awards will be presented Jan. 5 in New York.)

Blogojavich on film

I know that this tends to minimize the Rod Blagojavich (pron: Blagoyavich) scandal, and I fully understand how deeply this kind of corruption threatens democracy, but I can't help it. Only a screenwriter could have created those phone conversations.
It reminds me more than anything else of a 1930's/40's Warner Bros. film. Just think about it, a 1930's/40's film in real life (reel life) in 2008. What in the world is going on here? Anyway here it is

Blagojavich ---- John Garfield
Patrick Fitzgerald ---- Humphrey Bogart
Chief of Staff, John Harris ---- George Raft
Publisher of the Chicago Tribune ---- Edward G. Robinson
Patti Blagojavich (wife) ---- Audrey Totter
Jesse Jackson, Jr. ---- Canada Lee
Barack Obama ---- Clarence Muse

Quote of the Day

In a democracy
it's your vote that counts;

in feudalism,
it's your count that votes.

--- Mogens Jallberg

Dec. 10: Demonstrate: Support Chicago workers taking over their plant

Support Chicago workers taking over their plant

KEEP THE PLANT OPEN
Jobs at a Living Wage are a Right


Demonstrate
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 12 Noon
Bank of America, 261 Broadway
(subway - R or W train to City Hall; 1, 2, 3, A or C to Chambers Street; or 6 train to Brooklyn Bridge)

Over 250 heroic workers—overwhelmingly immigrants—at the Republic Windows & Doors factory in Chicago are fighting back! These members of Local 1110 of the United Electrical, Radio and MachineWorkers of America (UE) have taken over their plant until they get their jobs back.

Their workplace was suddenly shutdown when Bank of America withdrew a line of credit. No 60 days notice was given to these workers, as required by the WARN (Worker Adjustment Retraining and Notification) Act. Their vacation pay was stolen, too.

George Bush gave $25 billion of our money to his pals at the Bank of America. This financial octopus already has over $1.7 trillion in assets. With all this dough, they go ahead and steal the jobs of these Chicago workers.

Join the fight back against layoffs, foreclosures, racism, immigrant bashing, tuition and subway fare hikes!

Sponsored by Bail Out the People Movement and the May 1st Coalition for Worker and Immigrant Rights. (212) 633-6646;
e-mail: bailoutpeople@safewbmail.com;
www.BailOutPeople.org
www.may1.info


(Another important action: Support the Stella D’ Oro workers, who've been on strike for four months. Come to the picket line on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 3 to 6 pm at 237th St. and Broadway. Take the 1 train to 238th St.)

What's wrong with the college football championship?

Some thoughts on the Bowl Championship series (BCS).

The current BCS makes no sense. This year the BCS championship game will be fought between Oklahoma (#1) and Florida (#2), which means that Texas (#3) will be a bridesmaid instead of a bride. But why is this the case, despite the fact that Texas beat Oklahoma earlier in the season (Truth: Oklahoma beat Texas Tech., who beat Texas in the last second).

There are three components that decide the BCS rankings: The Harris interactive poll, the USA Today coaches poll, and the average of six computer rankings. According to the computer rankings Oklahoma is #1, Texas #2 and Florida #3. Based on this alone, the championship game would be between Oklahoma and Texas, only when you add the much more subjective (and therefore subject to prejudice) polls to the mix do the rankings change. And the contestants in the championship game change. The only way to sort all this out would be to actually have the top eight (as the president-elect suggested) or 12 teams play it off against each other on the football field not in the poll-makers' minds.

One other controversial aspect of all this: Oklahoma's move from #2 to #1 in the rankings is a result of their beating #21 Missouri in Big 12 title game. The only reason that Oklahoma was in that game was because of an "obscure tie breaker." Had Texas been in that game (and won it) they would be in the BCS championship game.



(The college football championship is decided by a single game (Jan.8th) rather than championship series. I should also say that we are fans of Texas, where Ann went to school.)

Communicating with Obama: what can we lose?

I know that the only way to actually influence the incoming administration is to stand up and demand the "change we need." We need to organize and protest when we see violations of what we've been promised. But there are, in fact, many ways to communicate our ideas for change. This administration-in-waiting seems open to thinking outside the box. With this in mind here's a website you might want to know about: click on Change.gov then go to Agenda select an issue on which you want to influence the course of action (for example, Health care) and tell Obama/Biden what you think they should do, what kind of "change we need."

We know that this is not the whole answer. But it is part of the struggle for change. The more progressive voices they hear from the more likely they will act in our interests and not those of the military-industrial complex. Anyway I think it's worth a try. Maybe I'm just a "cockeyed optimist."

(Thanks to PDA-America: Health care not Warfare for directing me to this site)

Who should replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate?

Now that Sen. Hillary Clinton has been formally nominated by the president-elect as Sec'y of State the question arises: who will Gov. Patterson select to replace her? A number hats have been thrown into the ring, either by their wearers or those who support them. The National Organization for Women (NOW) Political Action Committee and the Feminist Majority Political Action Committee announced yesterday that they are endorsing New York City Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney for the seat. Twinmom on My DD suggests upstate Rep Kirsten Gillibrand. According to Reuters, Gov.Paterson told the newspaper he discussed the Senate seat on Wednesday with Caroline Kennedy. Paterson characterized the conversation as "informational." It should be noted that all of these women have one thing in common, they are white. When Obama resigns from his Senate seat, there will be NO Black senators. It seems to me that Gov. Patterson has an opportunity to rectify this situation.

The National Board of Review awards 2008

Well the film award season is upon us, leading up to the 81st Oscars on Feb. 22.

(The Oscar nominations will be announced on Thursday, Jan. 22. Traditionally the nominations are announced on a Tuesday, but due to the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences decided to push back the date.)

Here are the first awards announcement, The National Board of Review awards for 2008:

Best Film:
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE (Dir. Danny Boyle, based on Q and A by Vikas Swarup)

Top Ten Films:
(In alphabetical order) BURN AFTER READING, CHANGELING, THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, THE DARK KNIGHT, DEFIANCE, FROST/NIXON, GRAN TORINO, MILK, WALL-E, THE WRESTLER

Top Ten Independent Films:
(In alphabetical order) FROZEN RIVER, IN BRUGES, IN SEARCH OF A MIDNIGHT KISS, MR. FOE, RACHEL GETTING MARRIED, SNOW ANGELS, SON OF RAMBOW, WENDY AND LUCY, VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA, THE VISITOR

Best Actor:
CLINT EASTWOOD, Gran Torino

Best Actress:
ANNE HATHAWAY, Rachel Getting Married

Best Supporting Actor:
JOSH BROLIN, Milk

Best Supporting Actress:
PENELOPE CRUZ, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Best Ensemble Cast:
DOUBT

Breakthrough Performance by an Actor:
DEV PATEL, Slumdog Millionaire

Breakthrough Performance by an Actress:
VIOLA DAVIS, Doubt

Best Foreign Language Film:
MONGOL (Dir. Sergei Bodrov Sr., Russia) [Nominated for a 2007 Oscar)

Top Five Foreign Films:
(In alphabetical order) THE EDGE OF HEAVEN (Ger.), LET THE RIGHT ONE IN (Sweden), ROMAN DE GARE (French), A SECRET (French), WALTZ WITH BASHIR (Israel)

Best Documentary:
MAN ON WIRE (Dir. James Marsh)

Top Five Documentaries:
(In alphabetical order)AMERICAN TEEN, THE BETRAYAL (NERAKHOON), DEAR ZACHARY, ENCOUNTERS AT THE END OF THE WORLD, ROMAN POLANSKI: WANTED AND DESIRED

Best Director:
DAVID FINCHER, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Best Directorial Debut:
COURTNEY HUNT, Frozen River

Best Adapted Screenplay:
SIMON BEAUFOY, Slumdog Millionaire and ERIC ROTH, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Spotlight Award:
MELISSA LEO, Frozen River and RICHARD JENKINS, The Visitor

Best Original Screenplay:
NICK SCHENK, Gran Torino

Best Animated Feature:
WALL-E

William K. Everson Award For Film History:
MOLLY HASKELL and ANDREW SARRIS

The BVLGARI Award for NBR Freedom of Expression:
TRUMBO

Thoughts on Plaxico and his gun

Some thoughts on Plaxico:

My thinking about Plaxico's troubles have gone through a number of transitions since the story first broke.

First I thought, despite his not being the brightest player in the clubhouse, he didn't mean any harm and didn't hurt anyone but himself, so what's all the fuss about? But the more I thought about it, it began to seem more thoughtless and dangerous than at first. First of all, it was only lucky that he didn't shoot anyone other than himself. When he clumsily and stupidly dropped the loaded gun, the bullet could have hit anyone in a crowded club. He may be very good at catching passes in the end zone, but he is obviously not skilled enough to be anywhere near a loaded firearm. That's why people (all people) have to be licenced to carry a gun.

Secondly, he clearly had no hesitation about putting other people in jeopardy. He carried the gun into the club endangering the jobs of the door guards and the club's licence. As the cover up developed he placed the career and freedom of Antonio Pierce in jeopardy. Perhaps the most self-indulgent acts occurred at New York-Cornell Hospital. According to media reports, he lied about who he was (Harris Smith?), what happened (how he got shot), and where it happened (Applebees?). The same reports indicate a long-standing relationship between the Giants and Cornell hospital. It seems a Giant's executive met Buress at the hospital. The most egregious act was to implicate the hospital and a doctor (Dr. Josyann Abisaab) in not reporting the gunshot wound to the police. Dr. Abisaab's privileges have been suspended by the hospital. Plaxico has been suspended by the Giants. Despite the fact that neither has been convicted of anything and two major institutions may be covering their own asses.

So what to conclude from all this? The alleged perpetrator - Burris - because of his stupidity, selfishness and duplicity has placed other people in danger - physical and in terms of their lives and careers. All because he believes he's special. All because he believes he can do whatever he wants to do without consequences.

If he's convicted of all this he should be punished accordingly; but until then he should be given the benefit of the doubt. In other words, considered innocent until proven guilty. No one should be suspended until then.

Oh! one other thing. The mayor should keep his stupid self-indulgent mouth shut. Right now he's only placing any future prosecutions in jeopardy. This whole story is about self-indulgence and its cosequences.

Just for the record, I am a Giant's fan.

Georgia Senatorial run-off

Saxbe Chambliss (R) 1,220,854 57%
Jim Martin (D) 905,637 43%

99% precincts reporting

Dec. 7: Studs Terkel Memorial

Sunday, December 7, 4:00 pm-6:00 pm

A memorial celebration of the life and work of
Studs Terkel,
who died on October 31st at the age of 96,

The Great Hall of Cooper Union
7 East 7th St (3rd Ave)
(6 to Astor Place, N/R to 8st)

The event will be open to the public and free of charge.






Participants will include:

Jimmy Breslin (Pulitzer Prize-winning Newsday columnist and author)
Steve Earle and Allison Moorer (musicians);
Laura Flanders (host of GritTV and RadioNation and New York Times bestselling author)
Sydney Lewis (long-time friend and collaborator);
Walter Mosley (best-selling author)
Victor Navasky (publisher emeritus of The Nation and Director of the George Delacorte Center for Magazine Journalism at Columbia Journalism);
Andre Schiffrin (founding director of The New Press and Studs' editor and publisher);
Dan Terkell (son of the late Ida and Studs Terkel);
Katrina vanden Heuvel (editor and publisher of The Nation);
Gary Younge (columnist and feature writer for The Guardian);
Howard Zinn (historian, activist, and prize-winning author of A People's History of the United States)

Co-sponsored by The New Press, The Nation and The Indypendent.

Palin: continues to exploit troops

Today (Dec.2) is the runoff election in Georgia between Jim Martin(D) and Saxbe Chambliss(R). Today the Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, campaigned for Chambliss. Although it would be better if she would simply stay in Alaska and stop talking, watching the TV coverage of her appearances, I can't help but wonder if she will ever stop exploiting the troops for her own political purposes.

Obama and Clinton's remarks at the introduction of his "National Security Team"

Here are the comments of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton on the introduction today of his "National Security Team." I will have more to say about all of them collectively and as individuals and its portent for Obama's presidency. But just for now does it bother anyone else that these appointments (Sec'y of State, Representative to the UN and Attorney General, etc.) are collectively labeled by Obama and the media as his "national security team." Many words got short shrift today, but the one that was very rarely mentioned was "Peace."



(If you are seeing this on FaceBook, please click here to see video)

The Peoples' Voice Cafe Winter Schedule

The Peoples' Voice Cafe is an alternative coffeehouse offering quality entertainment. We provide a space for the artistic expression of a wide variety of humanitarian issues and concerns. The cafe is run as a not-for-profit collective, and is not affiliated with any political organization. New participating members are always welcome.

NEW LOCATION:

PEOPLES' VOICE CAFE
The Community Church of New York Unitarian Universalist
40 East 35th St. (bt Madison & Park Aves.)
Wheelchair-accessible!
For info call 212-787-3903

All performances Saturdays 8 pm to 10:30 pm.

DEC 6 - CHARLIE KING and KAREN BRANDOW

With unfailing regularity Charlie and Karen return to PVC at the darkest
time of the year to remind us of the brightest possibilities. Political satirists and musical story tellers, they "remind us of the happy resilience of the human spirit...with unvarying taste, musical skill, and charm."(Billboard). They've been traveling with their new CD ...on the journey, and have a new-year's-full of stories and songs to unpack: "Two voices that complement each other beautifully and instrumentation that is spare, acoustic & just right" (Victory Music Review). Great melodies, sweet harmonies, incendiary lyrics

DEC 13

THE FOLK BROTHERS -- JACK HARDY & DAVID MASSENGILL

When two of America's best songwriters get together, the result could be
electric--but it's not. Its acoustic! Since Jack and David both moved to New York City in the mid-70s, they've dual-handedly helped to keep the folk tradition alive.Their creative output is pretty amazing, with 30 records and bootlegs between them--not to mention Hardy's eight plays and Massengill's nine books. Jack has led a songwriter's exchange in the Village for 30 years. David's songs have been covered by Joan Baez, The Roches and his mentor, Dave Van Ronk, and others. Van Ronk once proclaimed that Massengill took the DULL out of DULcimer! In the summer of 2008 Hardy and Massengill teamed up as The Folk Brothers, put out their first album, Partners In Crime, and began touring. Individually and as Folk Brothers, Hardy and Massengill are more relevant today than ever--especially since Jack insists they each write one new song a week

Dec 20 and 27 -- CLOSED FOR THEHOLIDAYS

COMING IN JANUARY 2009:

Jan.3: Jon Fromer; Kim & Reggie Harris

Jan 10: Mothers & Daughters

Jan 17: John Flynn; Greg Greenway

Jan 24: Closed for Peoples' Music Network Gathering

Jan 31: Steve Suffet; Anne Price

Highland Light, Cape Cod

Just because I love lighthouses:



Highland Light Cape Cod, MA

by tlyden

Jan. 19: Celebrate the victory in Washington

From Netroots Nation:

We blogged. We phone banked. We knocked on doors. We campaigned. We organized. We left it all on the road. And now, we celebrate!

An evening of celebrating, carousing, eating and drinking with the progressive community

January 19, 8 pm-1 am
The Clarendon
3185 Wilson Boulevard,
Arlington VA
(Just 3 miles from downtown DC)
(Accessible by the Metro Orange line)

Co-hosted by AmericaBlog, Congress Matters, Firedoglake, Fivethirtyeight.com, Frameshop, Jack & Jill Politics and myDD
Event sponsors: Common Sense Media and others TBA

Yes I Can Party: $90
(Includes hors d'oeuvres and four drink tickets)

Presidential Package: $290
(Includes ticket to Netroots Nation Yes We Can Party, Plus a discounted registration to the Netroots Nation Convention in August!)

A ticket is required to attend this event, you can purchase one by going to netrootsnation.org/yeswecanparty

Limited edition T-shirts will be sold at the event.

Iraq learns Bush tactics

The promise or perhaps stated goal of the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq was to instill our way of life, particularly democracy. I'm not at all sure how that is going. But it's clear that the Iraqi leadership has learned our primary method for getting controversial legislation through. The government of Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki wants to get the Status of Forces Agreement (which allows U.S. forces to remain in the country) through the Parliament. Not surprising since without U.S. forces al-Maliki would probably be out of a job. On Sunday the NYT reported that Iraqi's "top security officials"

raise[ed] the specters of a reborn insurgency, foreign attack and even piracy if a security agreement with the United States is not finalized.

Doesn't that Chicken Little strategy sound familiar. You remember: "the sky is falling" so you have to pass this bill (in 2003) to give the president the authority to invade Iraq. Or "the sky is falling" so you have to give the Sec'y of the Treasury the power to hand your money over to Wall Street (bailout?) and you have to do it right away.

Well as I said I'm not sure how they are coming on the democracy front, but they are quickly learning the Cheney/Bush tactics.

Dec 27: Judy Gorman Sings

BANJO JIM'S WILL HOST JUDY GORMAN BENEFIT CONCERT FOR THE WAR RESISTERS LEAGUE (If you are seeing this on FaceBook click here to see and hear Judy Gorman)

Saturday, December 27th, 9PM

Internationally acclaimed singer songwriter, Judy Gorman,

will appear at the East Village's renowned club,
Banjo Jim's
700 East 9th St (at Ave C)

The truth is not the facts, the world is not the maps, everyday the concrete cracks and the new grass unfurls like an analog girl in a digital world. -- Judy Gorman

Judy Gorman toured for many years as a full-time musician, performing in clubs, festivals, universities, and peace and social justice events in over 10 countries and 49 states. Her passionate, bluesy vocals and energizing songs are infused with the vision that another world is possible.

Pete Seeger says Gorman "shoots the arrow straight to the heart...[and is] a wonderful singer and musician." German Public Radio calls Gorman's songs "real music in a sea of mediocrity." and the Boston Globe describes Gorman's voice as " dark, rich" and says she "brought the idea of international solidarity within reach. No small feat."

As a long-time progressive musician, and member of the War Resisters League, she will sing about issues of peace and justice with what many have found to be a soulful and sensitive touch.

The event is a benefit for The War Resisters League, the 84 year-old nonviolence organization

There will be a sliding scale donation starting at $10 (More if you choose, less if you can't: no one turned away.)

For more information call 212.777.0869 or visit banjojims.com

Music available at :
cdbaby.com/judygorman (Analog Girl in a Digital World)
cdbaby.com/judygorman2 (The Rising of Us All)

For further info call or contact:
Liz Roberts Development & Membership Coordinator

War Resisters League
339 Lafayette St.

liz@warresisters.org
warresisters.org
(212) 228-0450

Minnesota Senate recount update

Although under the current situation in the Senate I think there is every reason to believe that the Democrats will be able to corral enough moderate Republicans (a clearly dying breed in a party largly made up of right-wing nuts) to cut off a filibuster. I still think it's worth keeping track of the Minnesota recount and the Georgia runoff (Dec. 4). Of course, first the Democrats have to propose something worth supporting. We'll see. - Dan

From the Minneapolis StarTribune:

The weekend isn't bringing any respite in the Minnesota Senate recount.

Ballots in the ultra-close race between Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken are being counted in at least three counties today.

Fifty-three counties have reported complete results to the secretary of state, meaning fewer than three dozen remain. As of Friday night, at least 60 percent of the estimated 2.9 million ballots had gotten a second look.

Coleman entered the recount with a 215-vote edge over Franken. That lead has dropped to 115 votes when comparing totals in precincts where the new count is complete. But the figure doesn't include ballot challenges, which have caused vote tallies for both men to drop.

Nov 23: Daylong conference: Jews Uniting to End the War & Heal America

NOV 23, 9:30am-5pm

A Daylong Call to Conscience for the American Jewish Community

Central Synagogue
123 East 55th Street,
(Bt Park & Third Avenues)

With remarks, strategy sessions and organizing workshops for important action
led by (partial list):

Jeremy Ben-Ami, J Street
Lawrence Bush, Jewish Currents
Leslie Cagan, United for Peace and Justice
Liza Featherstone, journalist and conributing editor to The Nation
Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!
Hon Elizabeth Holtzman, former Congresswoman, author and attorney
Esther Kaplan, The Nation Institute
Melanie Kaye/Kantrowitz, scholar and poet
Steve Kretzmann, Oil Change International
Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)
Michael Ratner, Center for Constitutional Rights
Basya Schecter and Pharaoh's Daughter
Dara Silverman, Jews for Racial & Economic Justice
Marc Sussman, The Climate Project/Air America
William K. Tabb, Queens College
Rabbi Arthur Waskow, The Shalom Center
Rabbi Simkha Weintraub
Rabbis for Human Rights-North America

Sponsored by The Shalom Center, Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring & Jewish Currents

Dec. 6: Jeremy Scahill, Obama, Blackwater, War Beyond Bush

Saturday, December 6, 7PM

Jeremy Scahill

Obama, Blackwater, War Beyond Bush

BLUESTOCKINGS
172 Allen Street @ Stanton
(1 block south of Houston)

Free

Join journalist Jeremy Scahill for a discussion about American military power
and economic imperialism in the coming years.

Scahill documented the use of private military contractors in his award-winning book "Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army," is a correspondent for Democracy Now, and is a frequent contributor to The Nation.

www.bluestockings.com

Dec. 12: A celebration of Peace & Justice

Join the War Resisters League
for a Spectacular Celebration of Peace & Justice

The Grassroots Movement to Save New Orleans
will receive the 43rd Annual Peace Award

Awardees: Shana Griffin & Kali Akuno

December 12

Brooklyn Lyceum
227 4th Avenue, (Brooklyn)

Recognizing that the post-Katrina tragedy in New Orleans was made immeasurably worse by the diversion of U.S. resources to a cruel war and that the organizers struggling to recover the city for its residents are a part of the broader effort to resist that war.

Hosts: Clare Bayard & Kamau Franklin

Musical Guests:
Steve Earle, Singer-songwriter and activist
Allison Moorer, Singer-songwriter
Stephanie McKay, R & B recording artist
Jan Bell & the Cheap Dates, Americana-folk-blues band
and more!

$42-$60 General Admission;
$25+ Low Income
$150 Reception with Stephanie McKay and Steve Earle (Event included)

Proceeds go to WRL's work at home and abroad!
To make reservations, call 212.228.0450 or
visit warresisters.org

(Shana Griffin, a representative of INCITE! Women of Color Against Violence and a lifelong resident of New Orleans. A self-described Black feminist, Griffin was a leading contributor to A Katrina Reader: Readings By and For Anti-Racist Educators and Organizers. )

(Kali Akuno, who was executive director of the People’s Hurricane Relief Fund and Oversight Coalition and served as the key organizer for the International Tribunal on Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, held in New Orleans during the summer of 2007. A grassroots New Orleans organizer, Akuno continues to be a major force in the struggle for public housing and is now active with the New Orleans Coalition to Stop the Demolitions.)

Day 1: Minnesota Senate recount

According to The Minneapolis Star Tribune after the first day of the Franken/Coleman recount Norm Coleman has lost a little ground:

By day's end, with about 18 percent of the vote recounted, Coleman continued to lead Franken -- but by only 174 votes, notably narrower than the unofficial gap of 215 votes at which the recount had begun. Franken's gain owed much to a swing of 23 votes in the Democratic stronghold of St. Louis County -- the result of faintly marked ballots and older optical scanners that failed to read the marks.

18% of ballots counted:

Norm Coleman (R)-43.25%

Al Franken (D)-39.99%

The Senate: One Down, two to go

According to Bloomberg News, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens - the longest-serving Senate Republican - lost his bid to stay in office as ballot counts two weeks after Election Day gave Democrat Mark Begich - the 46-year-old mayor of Anchorage - an insurmountable lead.

The result means Democrats won at least seven Republican-held seats in the Nov. 4 election. More importantly it means the Democrats are two short of the 60 seats needed to prevent the Republican party from blocking legislation with a filibuster.

Two races are still unresolved. The Minnesota Senate contest is headed for a recount starting today, and Georgia will hold a runoff Dec. 2.

Since the Republicans seem to be chomping-at-the-bit to block almost all the progressive proposals Obama sends to Congress, the 60-vote block is all the more important to achieve. Otherwise the Senate will be deadlocked at a time of dire national crises.

Right-wing obstructionism depends on Georgia vote

On Nov. 4th the Democrats won the presidency by a virtual landslide and increased their control of the House and Senate. In order to have filibuster-proof control (60 votes) of the Senate they have to win all three Senate seats still being contested (Minnesota, Alaska and Georgia). This is a long shot. The Alaska recount will probably be over tomorrow and is the best chance for a Democratic victory. The Minnesota recount will begin Wednesday and go on until the holidays and the Georgia re-vote will take place on Dec. 2. The right-wing nut jobs are freaking out about the very slight chance that they won't be able to filibuster the Democrats proposals ("the change that we need"). Listen to Dick Morris and Eileen McGann on this:

Hanging in the balance is, perhaps, the fate of the center-right free market system that has brought America decades of success and prosperity. .... We can’t do much about Minnesota and Alaska, but we sure can do a lot to hold onto the seat in Georgia. And it just might be that seat that marks whether or not we will be able to sustain a filibuster of Obama’s socialist legislation.

I'll leave it to you to decide about the "success and prosperity" of the "free market system" but it's hard to know what to make of "Obama's socialist legislation." Ignorance or fear-mongering do tend to undermine whatever credibility Morris and McGann might have left.

Although not labelling the President-elect a socialist, David A. Patten puts the stakes in the Georgia race very clearly:

The stakes are incredibly high. If the Republicans keep the Georgia Senate seat they will have a much greater chance of stopping Obama’s legislative plans.

If the party roles were reversed and the Democrats were planning to block a Republican president's "legislative plans" brfore they were even unveiled, the right-wing would be whining and bitching 24/7 on every cable news channel.

It's not clear what will happen in the three remaining races or what the eventual composition of the new Senate will be, but the shape of the ideologically-based opposition Obama will face is becoming very clear.

Was Prop 8 really passed?

While the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and its allies are protesting the passage of Prop. 8 both in the courts and in the streets, a new possibility has emerged: maybe it didn't pass after all. According to NYU professor Mark Crispin Miller, a leading expert on election fraud:

... an accurate count of the votes may not yet have occurred, according to early indications.

This conclusion is based on a discrepancy between exit polls and the official vote count. He ties this particular possible stolen election with a much broader problem:

the entire apparatus of computerized voting in this country--the e-voting machines and op-scans and central tabulators, etc.--is largely owned by members of the Christianist far right.

Diebold and ES&S were both begun by Bob and Todd Urosevich, two ardent Oklahoma theocrats, while Triad, which makes the central vote tabulators used in Ohio in 2004, is owned by the Rapp family. SmartTech, the company that helped Bush/Cheney steal that state, is owned by evangelical Jeff Averbeck; and his associate Mike Connell, owner of GovTech Solutions, which also helped to steal Ohio, among other races, was motivated to such work by his desire "to save the babies," according to Stephen Spoonamore.

As we saw from the recent presidential election, the vote has to be close in order for it to be stolen. If it's a blowout the machines do what they are supposed to do or at least can't do any harm.

We'll continue to keep an eye on developments in the Prop #8 vote.

Clinton for Sec'y of State? Politics still makes strange bed-fellows

Questions about Sen. Clinton as Sec'y of State may be academic at this point, if Nico Pitney, National Editor of the Huffington Post, is correct:

President-elect Barack Obama offered Sen. Hillary Clinton the position of Secretary of State during their meeting Thursday in Chicago, according to two senior Democratic officials. She requested time to consider the offer, the officials said.

But here are some thoughts anyway about Sen. Clinton for Sec'y of State. Rob Kall on OpEd News says:

Sorry. I don't trust her. She still wants the presidency. She is not someone who will take orders well and that's what is needed in a Secretary of state. I've said it before. The nation was offered and voted for CHANGE, not recycled Clinton people.

Alternatively, The NYT quotes one of Obama's people:

he's self-confident enough to want to send a message to the world about America and all that it can be - and Hillary Clinton as secretary of state would do that.

Some other people say that it would be good for Obama to get her out of the Senate, where, otherwise, she could play the role of gadfly. The NYT puts it this way: Both Obama and Clinton advisers say [their relationship]

is much more complex than one simply inspired by a keep-your-friends-close-and-your-enemies-closer philosophy.

Kall is correct. I too do not trust her. In 2003, she voted to give Bush the power to invade Iraq. In 2007, she voted to declare the Iranian Kutz Force a terrorist organization. I believe both votes were related to domestic U.S. politics not Middle Eastern reality. She is a neo-liberal interventionist. That's not "the change we need." Obama is the first 21st century leader, the first politician with a 21st century consciousness. Clinton's thinking - much like McCain and Palin - is still embedded in the 20th century. They are still fighting the Cold War.

I don't see how Obama's seeming infatuation with Clintonistas facilitates "the change we need." What is called for are new ideas not a rehash of Clinton ideas.

If Pitney is right and it was offered and she says No that might work out well. Obama will get credit for the offer and he can go on to select New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson. Or he could offer it to one of my favorites Jimmy Carter, Bono or Al Gore (that's the change we need).

Save lesbian and gay marriage

260 Broadway,
New York, NY 10007

Time: 1:30PM to 4:30PM

As I'm sure you know by now on Election Day while California and several other states were voting for a new day in America, were electing a person of color to be President of the United States, at the same time these same voters chose to take a fundamental human right away from a group of people - lesbians and gay men. They chose to deny all lesbians and gay men the right to marry, the right to share their lives within the framework of marriage. This travesty of justice is known in California as Prop 8. This is, of course, not the first time in American history that a group of people were excluded from this right. At the founding of the U.S. Black people who were slaves were not allowed to marry. Later miscegenation (the marital union of two people of different skin color) was against the law.


If it is allowed to stand, we'll see who these people will choose (and that's what it is a personal choice) to target next. And what right they will choose to take away from you. There should be some rights that cannot be taken away by a majority even in a democracy. The freedom of speech, the press, religion, are all sacred in this society - the freedom to marry (or not marry) the person of your choice should be equally protected.

There are legal challenges to Prop 8 under way in California. But at the same time we have to protest in the streets. So join us Saturday, Nov. 15, 1:30PM to 4:30PM at 260 Broadway in New York City.

Sarah Palin: The guest who came to dinner and won't go home

Sarah Palin needs to shut up. Someone said she's like the guest who came to dinner and then won't leave.

The most interesting Palin question is who in the world is advising her or is she just making her own decisions? It would seem to me that whoever is advising her should be fired on the spot. Even if it's the first dude he should go - not as husband, if you look at the kids, he seems to be doing that job well - but she needs someone who will say: "Gov. shut-up. spend some time trying to shore-up your credentials, if you want to ever be taken seriously as a national political figure."

Personally I hope she gets a 2012 or 2016 nomination. She's the gift that keeps on giving.

Alaska Senate race update

Alaska Senate race update:

Mark Begich (D) is ahead of Ted Stevens (R) by 814 votes. There are appx. 40,000 votes still to be re-counted through next week.

The Alaska Senate Race

The latest vote count in the Alaska Senatorial race:

Mark Begich (D) - 125,019

Ted Stevens (R) - 125,016

That's right. A three (3) vote difference.

The recount (manual) goes on.

Iraq, Bush and Oil

In case there is still any doubt - besides all the neo-con rhetoric about spreading democracy - it seems clearer and clearer as the Cheney/Bush administration becomes more and more desperate as their days in power come to an end that the primary reason for the invasion of Iraq is and has always been OIL and the profits of the U.S. oil companies. According to Maya Schenwar ("In the Final Days, Bush Pushes for Iraq's Oil") on Truthout:

As the Bush administration rumbles to an end, it is pushing with increasing urgency for a commitment to a long-term US presence in Iraq. Though the military aspect of this "commitment" has garnered substantial publicity, the administration is equally invested in the economic aspect: securing US control over Iraqi oil before Bush leaves office, according to experts in the field.

She also quotes Antonia Juhasz in the same article:

US and British oil companies and the Bush administration have been circling their wagons in Iraq over the last few months to bring both the SOFA and the Iraq oil law to a conclusion before Bush's term in office officially comes to a close. The Bush administration, US oil companies and the al-Maliki government are all on the same timeline for trying to lock in the continued presence of the US military in Iraq, which is the al-Maliki government's only hope of holding on to power - and US oil corporations' only hope of securing their long-sought control over Iraqi oil.

Coleman v. Franken race tightens

If you're following some of the unresolved Senate races - both because of their effect on the size of the Democratic majority and because of their inherent interest - here's a news update:

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The margin in Minnesota's unresolved Senate race between Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Al Franken has gotten tighter.

The latest figures reported to the secretary of state gave incumbent Coleman a lead of only 204 votes over Franken Monday morning.

That's down seven votes from the margin reported last week in tallies that are still considered unofficial. The difference of only about one-hundredth of 1 percent between the two candidates will trigger an automatic recount next week.

Officials in Minnesota's 87 counties are meeting to certify results.

The Real Joe finally showed up

bruce plante ˆ tulsa world (ok)














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FCC makes white spaces available to public

On Tues. there was another vote besides the one you cast to put Barack Obama in the White House.

...the Federal Communications Commission voted to approve the unlicensed use of 'white spaces' -- empty airwaves between television channels [that will become available next year when all TV goes to digital] -- to provide high-speed Internet access nationwide. This vote follows an exhaustive 18-month study released last month by the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology that concluded new technology can use white spaces without harming adjacent TV signals.

In letters to the FCC and Congress, the nation's leading consumer, media and public interest groups voiced their strong support for opening white spaces. These groups include Free Press, the National Organization for Women, Feminist Majority, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, Consumers Union, Consumer Federation of America, Public Knowledge, Media Access Project, MoveOn.org, U.S. Public Interest Research Group, Common Cause and the Center for Media Justice, among others.

Nearly every market in the United States has available white spaces; in some communities, more than three-quarters of the broadcast spectrum is unused. [Tuesday's] FCC vote allows innovators to develop new technologies that will bring Internet service to millions of Americans in underserved communities.

(From:Free Press)

2008 Election results - live

Here are the election results:

Celebrate Barack Obama: A president-elect of color

Whatever happens from here on, tonight let's celebrate President-elect Barak Obama. NBC has called Obama President-elect. I don't think I ever imagined that I would live to see the U.S. choose a person of color as President.

I hope Martin and all the people who crossed the Edmond Pettis bridge on that fateful day in 1965 - who didn't live to see this night - are smiling down on us. This is a tribute to all those who ever registered anyone of color to vote.

Nothing gave me greater pleasure than to cast a vote for President-elect Obama today.

Democracy Now: election coverage

Democracy Now election coverage: 7PM-12mid

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MSNBC live (I hope)

testing

Testing live posting on FaceBook

Testing live posting on FaceBook 2

McClone exposed #7: McCain's Green Economy: Drill, Baby, Drill

Almost certainly environmental changes are the greatest threat to the human race. The McClone/Palin twins have only one solution: "Drill, Baby, Drill." Unfortunately most Americans can't see the changes (yet!) so they don't recognize the danger. This is the result of the right-wing deligitimization of science for political purposes over the last almost 30 years.

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McClone exposed #6: McCain's Spiritual Guide

You've heard alot about the Rev. Wright, but very little about Rod Parsley, Pastor of the World Harvest Church. I wonder why? Perhaps the corporate media has been protecting Clone, as they have been every step of the way.

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Iraq troop deal blows up in U.S. face

Marie Colvin reports in today's (Sunday) New York Times that:

Senior Iraqi politicians have warned that a crucial deal between Baghdad and Washington governing the presence of American troops in the country is doomed to failure after eight months of talks.

Here we go again: the prostitution of Justice

As in 2006 when the right-wing tried to use the Justice Department to fix the election. You remember the adventures of Alberto Gonzales. This is by Jason Leopold from Consortiumnews.com:

In a déjà vu moment from Campaign 2006, President George W. Bush again is asking his Attorney General to launch an investigation into the registration of hundreds of thousands of new voters, many of whom are expected to vote Democratic.

Bush forwarded to Attorney General Michael Mukasey a Republican request that he intervene in the battleground state of Ohio to force 200,000 new voters to either verify the information on their registration forms or cast provisional ballots, which are often thrown out after the voter leaves the polling place.

Remember: If you see something, say something.

McClone exposed #5: McCain's Mansions

It's interesting how McClone can feel your pain, but from which home. Seems a good fit with the hockey mom who gets $150,000 in clothing, etc.

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McCain and Palin lie about Obama and Bill Ayers again

I was struck last night, Wednesday, when John McClone and Gov. Palin in their combined interview with NBC Nightly News anchor Brian Williams once again focused so much attention on Barak Obama and '60s radical Bill Ayers. Here's what Clone said:

People can make up their minds, as, again, I say about Mr. Ayers ... the full extent of the relationship with Senator Obama is not known,

And Senator Obama has not been forthcoming. He has not told the complete truth to the American people....

What in the world can this nonsense mean. On Oct. 10th the Annenberg Political Fact Check web site stated:

McCain cranks out some false and misleading attacks on Obama's connection to a 1960s radical.

Neither Clone nor Palin seem to be particularly bothered by the truth. But why do they keep harping on this? I can only conclude that they have nothing else to throw at Obama. It's clear that Obama has been completely forthcoming about serving on an education committee with Ayers. But Clone and Palin keep saying - as they did last night - "the full extent of the relationship with Senator Obama is not known." There is no question if Clone and Palin had any information we don't know they'd already have trumpeted it from the highest roof tops. So all they can do is try to cast aspersions that have no basis in fact

The whole Ayers tempest in a tea pot says far more about McCain and Palin then about Obama.

McClone Exposed #4: John McCain vs. John McCain

Here's #4 in the McClone Exposed series. This one is called "John McCain vs. John McCain." It perhaps exposes McClone for who he really is. What I can't figure out is whether he believes what he says when he says it, or just says whatever is necessary to advance his political career. Maybe it was always the "Double Talk Express."

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Al-Queda and McClone's election

There are several questions connected to this election which are getting very little attention from the media. One that has concerned me for some time regards Al-Queda and a John McClone victory. What I'm referring to is how much the Al-Queda leaders want a third Bush administration and what they might do to get McClone elected. Here are some thoughts on this from The washington Post Online:

Al-Qaeda is watching the U.S. stock market's downward slide with something akin to jubilation, with its leaders hailing the financial crisis as a vindication of its strategy of crippling America's economy through endless, costly foreign wars against Islamist insurgents.

And at least some of its supporters think Sen. John McCain is the presidential candidate best suited to continue that trend.

'Al-Qaeda will have to support McCain in the coming election,' said a commentary posted Monday on the extremist Web site al-Hesbah, which is closely linked to the terrorist group. It said the Arizona Republican would continue the 'failing march of his predecessor,' President Bush.

Unfortunately for us, when they support a candidate they tend to do more than wear buttons.

(Also on this question see Robert Parry on Consortiumnews.com)

McClone exposed #3: The Economy

Here's the third episode in the McCain Exposed series: The Economy.



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The new McCarthyism: McClone-Palin

Gov. Sarah Palin and her pals are reincarnating Wisconsin Sen. Joe McCarthy - one of history's most despicable demagogues. Many of us vividly remember the House UnAmerican Affairs Committee (HUAC) and Joe McCarthy's Senate Internal Security sub Committee. Well how much difference is there between "UnAmerican" and the McCain-Palin campaign's "anti-American?" I fully expect Palin to stand at a podium with a piece of paper in her hand and say: "I have here a list of the Communists who Obama will appoint to his administration."

Once you start lying, one lie piles up on top of another. This is at its base a CHARACTER question. Or as someone else said:

Oh what tangled webs we weave
When first we practive to deceive.

Check out their spokesperson Minn. Sen. Michelle Bachman: (If your seeing this on FaceBook, click here for video)

And the idiocies are piling up: North Carolina GOP Rep. Robin Hayes, said at a McCain rally on Saturday:

Liberals hate real Americans that work and achieve and believe in God.

Notice the McCarthyite theme: "Real Americans' vs. "Anti-Americans"

And then, of course, there's the old saw: "socialism." Here's what the Dallas Morning News reports:

With John McCain trailing Barack Obama ... his campaign has promoted the idea that his opponent's tax and health-care policies evoke socialism.

The claim was made after Mr. Obama remarked in Ohio last week that he wanted to 'spread the wealth around.'

But such comparisons to socialism gloss over important facts, analysts say.

Both Mr. McCain and his running mate, Sarah Palin, have criticized Mr. Obama's proposal to raise taxes on high earners and require that businesses provide health insurance. Ms. Palin referred to the plan as 'a little bit like socialism.'

McCain Exposed #2: McCain's YouTube Problem Becomes a Nightmare

Here's McClone exposed #2 - McCain's YouTube problem becomes a nightmare.




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Today: Free Online Film: The End of America

Today (Tues.) is the day to see the film The End of America - a feature-length documentary based on Naomi Wolf's bestselling book of the same name free online. To see it free on line click here.

For further info on the film see my earlier post

McClone exposed: A series of short films

Here's the first of a series of short films by BraveNew Films exposing John McClone's policies for what they are. This one is called McCain Care Leaves Seniors Behind.



There will be another one tommorow.

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They'll steal it if they can. Don't let them

I'm fully aware that anything can happen between now and Election Day. As Yogi said, "It ain't over, 'til it's over." Or as Barack Obama put it yesterday (Thurs.):

We are 19 days away from changing this country. But for those who are getting a little cocky, I've got two words for you: New Hampshire.

One thing that's clear is that despite the fact that the GOP would rather win the election - even if by only the slim est of margins - they will settle for results that are close enough for them to steal it. That's what they are currently trying to do in Ohio (update: The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked attempts by the Republican Party to challenge the right of 200,000 new voters to cast their ballots in Ohio.) It also looks like some more Department of Justice lawyers maybe looking for new jobs (remember the last time DOJ lawyers refused to launch investigations to accommodate GOP honchos):

Are some higher-ups at the FBI, or somewhere else within DOJ, pushing back against the rapidly growing perception that the department has launched a politically-driven nationwide investigation into voter fraud [by ACORN] on the eve of an election?

The McClone ("I'm not George Bush.") campaign's robocalls may also be backfiring:

Numerous 'outraged citizens' have peppered the e-mail boxes of reporters with complaints about a mailer and robocalls sponsored by John McCain's campaign and the Republican National Committee, denouncing them as a new low in politics and an ugly, possibly racist attempt to frighten voters about Barack Obama in the closing days of the campaign.

The automated phone calls in Virginia, Nevada and possibly elsewhere and a separate direct-mail piece imply Obama will be soft on terrorists abroad and play up his links to 1960s radical William Ayers.

One thing that seems obvious truth, the Constitution, and democracy are very low on the GOP list of priorities (if they are on the list at all.)

One last note: This morning (Fri.) the New York Times reported:

Confronting an increasingly bleak electoral map, top aides to Senator John McCain said Thursday that they were searching for a 'narrow-victory scenario' and would focus in the final weeks on a dwindling number of states, using mailings, telephone calls and television advertisements to try to tear away support from Senator Barack Obama.

Oct. 21: On line film showing: The End of America

From The Center for Constitutional Rights:

We are excited to announce the web release of THE END OF AMERICA - a feature-length documentary based on Naomi Wolf's bestselling book of the same name - this coming Tuesday, Oct. 21. Our own Michael Ratner and Maria LaHood as well as our client Maher Arar are featured, and CCR is privileged to partner in the online premiere of this powerful and provocative film.

Naomi Wolf, a long-time supporter and ally of CCR, set out on a national tour over the past year to discuss the evolution of America from a functional democracy into a closed, fear-driven society with a terrifying absence of due process. She lays out what she calls the 10 steps necessary to end a democracy and shows us just how close we are to completing them:

1. Invoke a terrifying internal and external enemy.
2. Create secret prisons where torture takes place.
3. Develop a thug caste or paramilitary force not answerable to citizens.
4. Set up an internal surveillance system.
5. Harass citizens' groups.
6. Engage in arbitrary detention and release.
7. Target key individuals.
8. Control the press.
9. Treat all political dissents as traitors.
10. Suspend the rule of law.

In her film, Naomi Wolf makes a plea for Americans to stand up and fight for our most cherished rights. One thing you can do is check out our new 100 Days Campaign (with this link) and stay tuned for ways to get involved in telling the next administration what they must to do to restore, protect and expand our constitutional rights.

You can also screen THE END OF AMERICA for your friends and neighbors one of two ways - you have a unique opportunity to get a copy of the film now before it hits stores in early 2009. Host a free public screening of the film before November 4, 2008 and they'll provide you with a free DVD. Show it at school, work or place of worship; take it to your local coffee shop or bar; urge organizations you're a member of to host a free screening. They'll send you posters and postcards to promote your event. For more information contact myamerica@katahdinproductions.com. You can also support the project by purchasing a special Election Edition DVD, available to Center for Constitutional Rights members through this indiepix films on-line store link.

Stay tuned for [more info] next week with details of how to view THE END OF AMERICA online on Tuesday.