LIBERADIO(!)

Newt Gingrich wants to school me in morality. How dare he even try.

This morning on This Week with George Stephanopoulos, Newt firmly entrenched himself yet again in the Rush Limbaugh camp and showed his true anti-Americanism by blaming the shooting in Virginia on Liberals. No, I am not kidding. And even though he didn’t make much sense, watching it live was like being kicked in the stomach.

Newt Gingrich still believes he can go on national television and point his adulterous and hypocritical finger to his fabricated and twisted definition of my belief system and people will listen to him. He still believes he has credibility. He still believes he is relevant.

It would be easy for me to go on the air and say that Seung-Hui Cho was a conservative gun nut whose mind was warped by the pressure of a paternalistic and unforgiving society that expected him to simply fall in line and do what he was told. But I wouldn’t dream of being that disrespectful to the victims, the victims’ families, the students of Virginia Tech, or half the population of this country. Nor would I dream of using this tragedy as a political football, which is what Gingrich, Limbaugh, Gill et al are doing.

Liberals believe in fairness, equality, opportunity, prosperity and security for all people, not just a select few. Liberals believe in the free exchange of ideas. Liberals believe in freedom of religion. Liberals believe in transparent and open government. Liberals believe in free and fair elections. Liberals believe that all citizens should have equal rights by law. Liberals believe that all citizen should have an equal opportunity to succeed.

I don’t know what Cho’s ideological beliefs were or even if he had any. But if I did, I certainly would respect the seriousness of this tragedy and not use it as a political football. Nor would I twist what he did for my own political gain.

UPDATE: I see that Tennessee’s own Terry Frank fell in line with her conservative buds. On April 17 (the day after the massacre), in a response to this quote in the Knoxville News Sentinel:

“I think the university has blood on their hands because of their lack of action after the first incident,” said 18-year-old Billy Bason, who lives in the residence hall where the first shootings occurred. “When you don’t have a suspect in a college environment and to put the students in a situation where they’re congregated in large numbers in open buildings, that’s unacceptable to me.”

She wrote:

“Yes, Billy, I agree. But then I have to question Billy, if life is really that big of an issue for the liberal intelligentsia in many of America’s colleges. Sex? Yes, big issue. Racism? Yes, big issue. Women’s studies? Yes, big issue. Global warming? Yes, big issue. Life? Not so big, Billy. That might explain the tepid response to the first shootings.

Ironically, the beginning of her post was about the “ghouls” who initiated “a gun-control debate” before we even knew all the details and before the dead had been identified.” So according to Terry, it’s not OK to talk about gun control the day after a horrific school shooting which left 32 innocent people dead (which I agree with) but it is ok to trot out your cowardly blame-the-victim conservative ideology?

Earth to Terry, some of the victims of last Monday’s events were your so-called “liberal intelligentsia.”

Vermont’s state motto is “Freedom & Unity.” Last week it was extended and became “Freedom from the Bush Adminstration & Unity of the States.”

On Friday, the Vermont senate became the first state legislative body, by a vote of 16-9, to pass a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to begin impeachment hearings against President George Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. Similar legislation is pending in several other states.

What makes the case in Vermont so interesting is that Vermont’s impeachment supporters (a grassroots coalition) believe, based on a provision in Thomas Jefferson’s Manual of Parliamentary Practice, that if both the Vermont House and Senate approve the resolution, it will force U.S. Congress to take up the issue. A House resolution might be introduced on the House floor next week.

Although it can be argued that there are clear grounds for impeachment, Patrick Leahy and Bernard Sanders, Vermont’s two U.S. senators, have two words for you. Over. Sight. Although they “fully understand and share the frustration and anger of Vermont legislators and many Vermonters with the Bush administration – one of the worst and most destructive in American history” they believe that “for the first time since President Bush has been in office, there are a number of investigations taking place regarding the actions of the Bush administration … Before we talk about impeachment, it is imperative that these investigations be allowed to run their course and we should then follow wherever the facts lead.”

Oversight is a beautiful thing. Vermont should let us enjoy the magic just a little bit longer.

Here’s one for Waxman, Conyers, Rangel, or heck, maybe even Cooper. While Congress is in the process of hammering out legislation for both immigration policy and the Iraq war, Democrats should introduce and pass legislation that requires the United States to admit, as full citizens, one Iraqi refugee for each Iraqi civilian killed (retroactive to March 20, 2003).

Conservative estimates of civilians killed by military intervention in Iraq: 62,281.

This war has decimated the civilian population of Iraq. The infrastructure and the healthcare system have been destroyed forcing a total of four million people to leave their homes. Jordan and Syria have taken in about 2 million refugees but others in the region – Kuwait and Saudi Arabia – have completely sealed their borders.

The majority of Americans who support comprehensive immigration reform is very close to the number that support an end to the Iraq war – between 60 and 70%. A “1 for 1 Iraqi Immigration Match” policy might just bring along the rest – the people I like to call the “Thirty Percenters” (nativists who do not accept the reality of global climate change and still want to have a beer with Geroge Bush). My wild guess is that they won’t like the idea and with 100% of the American people against the war, how can we do anything else but pull out?

Liberadio(!) is on the air this afternoon, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, on WNSG, 880 AM on your radio dial.

So on your way to and from your Earth Day festivities, give a listen and give a call (737-1240), because it’s “Open Lines/Open Minds” Saturday.

Also, we’ll be replaying our interview with mayoral candidate, David Briley, in case you missed it.

Happy Earth Day, friends! Go Green!

UPDATE: WNSG, Rejoice 880, is now streaming online. So if you’re by your computer this afternoon between 1 and 3 pm first, get up and get some fresh air. Then come back and listen to Liberadio(!) online at rejoice880.com.

12 Apr 2007
“Upending the Mayberry Machiavellis,” By Sidney Blumenthal (Salon)
It’s up to Congress to save the executive branch from Bush’s and Rove’s radical experiment to transform it forever. Go, Congress!

13 Apr 2007
“Our Prejudices, Ourselves,” By Harvey Fierstein
Schooled by Harvey Feirstein: “Since I’m a second-class citizen — a gay man — my seats for the ballgame of American discourse are way back in the bleachers. I don’t have to wait long for a shock jock or stand-up comedian to slip up with hateful epithets aimed at me and mine. Hate speak against homosexuals is as commonplace as spam. It’s daily traffic for those who profess themselves to be regular Joes, men of God, public servants who live off my tax dollars, as well as any number of celebrities.”

15 Apr 2007
“Pew Survey Finds Most Knowledgeable Americans Watch ‘Daily Show’ and ‘Colbert’– and Visit Newspaper Sites,” by E&P Staff (Editor & Publisher)
Yes, it’s true: Fox News rots your brain. And Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are like brain food. Learn and laugh at the same time! It’s better than rotting and raging…

16 Apr 2007
“Gun Control No Closer Despite Shootings,” by Roger Simon (The Politico)
An elaborate commentary on the sorry state of gun control in America today. Democrats have been been beaten down on issues ranging from the environment to gun control to just being Democrats. Can Al Gore tackle gun control next?
“GOP Funk: Top Dems Have Twice As Many Donors,” by Jeanne Cummings (The Politico)
It’s not just the numbers of dollars supporting Democrats right now; it’s the number of donors.

17 Apr 2007
“Gun Control? Don’t Hold Your Breath,” by Howard Fineman (Newsweek)
Fineman thinks we’re a long way off from any sort of meaningful gun control. It’s a good thing guns don’t kill people! I’m all for meaningful people control…

18 Apr 2007
“U.S. needs a prescription for gun control, by Robert Reich (Marketplace) [AUDIO]
Robert Reich, in contrasting prescription drugs to guns, thinks that the politics of gun control is bad medicine.
“The Fraudulence of Voter Fraud,” By Joel Bleifuss (In These Times)
The Bush administration purged U.S. attorneys for failing to prosecute crimes that didn’t occur.

19 Apr 2007
“Supreme Court Upholds Late Abortion Ban: Right-wing Judicial Activism Run Amok,” By Joshua Holland (AlterNet)
Bush’s court-packing pays off, and Democrats who voted for Scalia and Roberts get their comeuppance.

Summary: In this epidode we interview Laurel Creech, of Team Green, and Claudia Schenck, of the Tennessee Environmental Council, co-chairs of Nashville’s sixth annual Nashville Earth Day Festival to be held this Saturday, April 21, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Centennial Park. This year’s Earth Day Festival will celebrate our planet and our hometown – Nashville –while raising awareness about the environment and important issues such as climate change through a day of family-friendly activities, food, live performances (2 p.m. with TRADOC Rock, followed by Adrienne Young & Little Sadie, Jen Foster, Gabe Dixon Band, and headliner Rodney Crowell with Lee Roy Parnell at 6 p.m), and workshops (organic farming, composting, etc.).

Listen to: Saturday is Earth Day. Honor Your Mother. (19:05 17.4MB)

Yesterday was a dream come true. Ever since Free Cone Day 2002, when Ryan Kaldari first made the joke at Monster Labs (now Sitemason) about Missy Elliott’s unintentional anthem, we had always wanted to incorporate it into the special day. Well, yesterday, as guest scoopers, Mary and I got our chance. We had the joint jumpin’ to covers and remixes. Next time you want to get ur freak on while gettin’ ur free cone, I suggest you check out one or more of the following:

• Missy Elliott – Miss E…So Addictive – Get Ur Freak On
• Missy Elliott – Exclusive – Get Ur Freak On (Superchumbo's Superfreakon Remix)
• Missy Elliott – Exclusive – Get Ur Freak On (Bastone Bernstein Mix)
• Little Benny – Put Your Hands Up! – The Tribute Concert to Chuck Brown – Get Ur Freak On
• Countdown Singers – Todays Movie Hits – Get Ur Freak On
• United Ladies of Hip-Hop & R&B – A Tribute to Missy Elliott – Get Ur Freak On

It just makes the ice cream taste better…

Yesterday, the Tennessee State Senate passed SB0227, which would require a photo ID to vote. From the bill:

Under present law, a valid voter’s registration certificate, Tennessee driver license, social security card, credit card bearing the applicant’s signature, or other document bearing the applicant’s signature is required as evidence of identification for purposes of comparing the person’s signature on the application for ballot. This bill revises the acceptable forms of identification to allow only those forms with a photograph of the person. Accordingly, this bill removes voter registration certificates, social security cards, and credit cards as acceptable forms of identification. This bill adds as acceptable forms of photo identification cards and employee identification issued by a state or the federal government, department of safety-issued identification cards, U.S. passports, and U.S. military identification cards.

The House companion bill, HB0938, is on its way to the House sub-committee on State and Local Government. The members of the committee are Ulysses Jones – Chair, Eddie Yokley – Vice Chair, Gary Moore – Secretary, Robert Bibb, Jim Coley, Vince Dean, Jimmy Eldridge, Joey Hensley, Curtis Johnson, John Litz, Jimmy Matlock, Steve McManus, Larry Miller, Joe Pitts, Mary Pruitt, Randy Rinks, Park Strader, Harry Tindell, Curry Todd and Ben West, Jr..

Another, SB1611/*HB0409, would require voters to present either of the following in order to register to vote:

(1) One form of identification that bears the name, address and photograph of the voter; OR
(2) Two different forms of identification that bear the name and address of the voter.

and changes the requirements of registration forms:

This bill requires proof of U.S. citizenship to vote. This bill requires that printed registration cards also include the following information regarding the applicant:

(1) Occupation;
(2) Father’s name or mother’s maiden name;
(3) A statement that the registrant has not been convicted of treason or a felony;
(4) A statement that if an applicant declines to register to vote, the fact that the applicant has declined would remain confidential and would be used only for voter registration purposes, and a statement that the office where the applicant submits the application would remain confidential and used only for voter registration purposes; and
(5) A statement that the applicant must submit evidence of United States citizenship with the application and that the register will reject the application if no evidence of citizenship is attached; and
(6) Party preference.

Wait. What? Why does the election commission need to know my party preference? How is that connected to my citizenship? Fortunately, action was deferred today on HB0409 and it was sent to the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations, “a bipartisan forum for the discussion of intergovernmental issues and may initiate studies resulting in legislative proposals and constitutional amendments.”

These bills are part of Tennessee Republican lawmakers’ plan to introduce 40-odd pieces of immigration reform legislation they say will protect Tennessee from a broken federal immigration system. Really, though, they’re nothing more than a clever way to manipulate the electorate by capitalizing on the manufactured anti-immigration sentiment sweeping the state. They are red herrings meant to distract us from a more measureable threat from electronic voting machines that don’t produce voter verifiable paper trails and companies that label their software “proprietary.” These bills are also a very real threat to the franchise of minorities, senior citizens, the disabled, and low income workers.

Here in the reality-based community, we know that rampant voter registration fraud using falsified registration forms or false IDs simply does not exist on a large scale. In fact, in the five years that Karl Rove and the Republican party have tried to make it an issue, only “86 people were convicted of voter fraud crimes as of last year — most of them Democrats and many on trivial, trumped-up charges.” They tried so hard to make it an issue that they politicized the one arm of the administration that is supposed to be immune from politicization, the Justice Department. (For more information, watch Alberto Gonzales in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee this Thursday.)

Not content to merely manufacture bogus claims of rampant voter fraud, the Bush Administration’s federal panel in charge of researching these claims decided to manipulate their report to bolster them. Investigative journalists at The New York Times, found that the panel “played down the findings of experts who concluded last year that there was little voter fraud around the nation” and instead “issued a report that said the pervasiveness of fraud was open to debate.”

What’s not open to debate is that two weeks ago the same panel refused to release another report it commissioned concerning voter identification legislation which “found that voter identification laws designed to fight fraud can reduce turnout, particularly among members of minorities.”

Two things you should know. First, it’s really difficult to get people to register to vote and then, you know, actually vote. Election day turnout in this country is traditionally anemic compared to some of the world’s other established and fledgling democracies. Second, even when given the chance to vote legally, immigrants very rarely take us up on the offer. Do Tennessee Republicans really believe immigrants, legal or otherwise, are perpetrating massive voter fraud?

I repeat, what Don Imus said is bad, but systematically advancing the historic and systemic disenfranchisement of african-americans and other minorities is much, much worse.

UPDATE: According to Paige in Senator Norris’ office, SB1611 was sent back to sub-committee when it became clear that SB1610 it would make its way to the Senate for a full vote. SB1610 is the same as SB1611 except without the “Party Preference” part.

Today is the day Ben & Jerry’s gives back – to the community who makes their scoop shops successful and also to the charity of said scoop shop’s choice.

It’s Free Cone Day! Today from 12pm until 8pm participating Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops around the world will be giving away free ice cream.

Freddie and I will be at the Ben & Jerry’s Vanderbilt, 416-A 21st Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203, between the hours of 12 and 3 pm, scooping some ice cream (we’re guest scoopers!) and registering voters. Oh, and eating.

Hope to see you there!

Summary: Which came first? Knowledgeable people watching Comedy Central or Comedy Central making people more knowledgeable? Yesterday, the Pew Research Center issued the results of a poll acknowledging that the american people don’t know any more about government now than they did twenty years ago, despite the advent of the 24-news cycle. Those that do know? Yeah, they’re getting their real news from fake news shows. Plus, let’s allow Republicans to create a nominal monarchy, and two hundred World Bank staffers demand the resignation of Paul Wolfowitz.

Listen: When Snark Brings the News, People Listen (22:25 20.5MB)