Congratulations to Alabama's First Elected African-American Congresswoman

A brilliant woman (4.00 / 3)

 I have a feeling Terri Sewell is going to do great thing in Washington and I'm very proud that's she's from Alabama.

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Wed Jan 05, 2011 at 18:50:26 PM UTC

Boehner cried before he even got to the dais (4.00 / 3)

I swear, we all need to send that man packets of Kleenex.  He puddles up at the drop of a hat.

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Wed Jan 05, 2011 at 18:53:10 PM UTC

Wuss! Pelosi never cried any girly tears! (4.00 / 1)

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by: Gayla @ Wed Jan 05, 2011 at 19:49:37 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I'm convinced he is emotionally unstable (4.00 / 1)

"Hypocrites are those whom pick and choose prejudices while giving accolades for their own..."

"It is what it is."  

http://blkindependent.blogspot...

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by: kayman @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:14:15 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Mo Brooks will also be on TV tonight (4.00 / 1)

He was interviewed for ABC's "World News with Diane Sawyer."  I can only hope Ms. Sawyer asked him about the Congressional health care plan.

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Wed Jan 05, 2011 at 19:02:51 PM UTC

Don't expect much from Mo (4.00 / 2)

 On ABC they are going to have 10 freshmen so Mo will probably only get a few seconds of airtime. But I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities soon enough for the people to see "Hollow" Mo. Hehehe!

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Wed Jan 05, 2011 at 19:28:29 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I missed Mo (4.00 / 2)

Tuned in after the Terri Sewell segment ended on CBS and they just showed Mo sitting there with 9 other white guys and one woman.

But Rep. Sewell did well, reiterating her belief that the people "sent us here to do their bidding" and it doesn't matter who is in charge, "they want us to focus on their issues."  She also disagreed with the Republican opposition to the affordable health care act saying it was "not a perfect bill, but it was a good bill."  She obviously had more to say about that but they cut the sound out.  Ditto on bipartisanship.  The only soundbite you get to hear from her is about Democrats standing ready to help -- but it was clear she was put some limits on the topics Democrats are willing to help on.  Health care repeal is not one of them.

That's what I dislike about these 45 second interviews you get on network news -- they cut them so much that all you really get is the story the mainstream media wants to tell.  They cut it down and edit out anything that distracts from their story of the day.  And they love the bipartisanship meme, of course.

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 00:04:30 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Terri was awesome! (4.00 / 4)

 Mo complained how much parking cost in Washington. #world's smallest violin plays#

 And believe it or not, Sawyer actually did ask about them taking the federal health benefits. Mike Lee (R) of Utah tried to justify it by saying: "Healthcare regulation is fundamentally a creature of state law" ...... I'll leave the sarcasm on this one up to the thoughts of the readers of this post. Otherwise I could be here all night. :p

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 00:28:42 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Parking (4.00 / 1)

Has anyone explained to Mo about the Metro, Ride-on and other aspects of the DC area's public transportation system?

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by: Doggone @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:11:20 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Mo Brooks has a CAR in DC? (4.00 / 2)

Why on earth would he take a car up there?  And even if he decided to drive instead of fly, anyone with half a brain would park the vehicle somewhere in Virginia and hop on the Metro for all local transportation needs.  Metro and your feet, that's pretty much all you need to get around the nation's capitol. 

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:22:49 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Well, you can take the boy out of 35802 (4.00 / 3)

But you can't take the 35802 out of the boy...

"The War in Iraq is not the disease. The War in Iraq is a symptom. Arrogance is the disease" - Bill Richardson

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by: herding old cats @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 03:48:38 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Inside joke (0.00 / 0)

If you never lived in SE Huntsville, that went right over your head. 

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 15:23:41 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

State law? (0.00 / 0)

Is that a dogwhistle for "state's rights?"  As in, let's burn another chunk of the U.S. Constitution, which House Republicans will read aloud, but probably not understand, tomorrow.

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 02:12:12 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

What was the actualy context? (2.00 / 1)

(paraphrasing) Sawyer: What suprised you so far about Washington.

Brooks: Parking, just to buy a parking spot would cost more than my wife and I paid for my first house.

What a idiot? Right? Man, you guys keep nailing em.

Do better.

Dale, I have to say you were right - mooncat

You're an entertainer son! -Parker Griffith

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by: DaleJackson @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 22:56:41 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Well I wouldn't use the word "idiot" (4.00 / 2)

 But it says a lot about Mo of how little our new congressman knows about Washington. It says Mo has chosen the most expensive way to accomplish something. No need to use the word "idiot". "Republican" is a good enough shoe that fits. That's how they roll. 

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 23:17:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Yes... (2.00 / 1)

A newly elected Congressman should know everything about DC.

You realize that is absurd. I can't wait till you all have an actual reason to complain.

Do better.

Dale, I have to say you were right - mooncat

You're an entertainer son! -Parker Griffith

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by: DaleJackson @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 23:35:18 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You wont be waiting long (4.00 / 2)

 Although Brooks now has every opportunity to prove me wrong. I will be waiting to see how e-verify could possibly work in a world of Wikileaks and millions of hackers. And how all the other reckless GOP/Tea plans can move this country forward. Although if he listens to great minds like Terri Sewell, things might just work out for him. 

The 2011 surface temperatures (World Temperature) was 0.51°C (0.92°F) above the 20th century average. This marks the 35th consecutive year, since 1976, that the yearly global temperature was above average. - N.O.A.A.

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by: Dragontide @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 01:21:09 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

No, I realize no such thing (4.00 / 3)

A newly elected Congressman ought to study up on a great many things, including how you get around in DC, and adjust accordingly.

Knowing everything about DC?  Well, that can wait until he's turned a few tricks on K street and C street...

"The War in Iraq is not the disease. The War in Iraq is a symptom. Arrogance is the disease" - Bill Richardson

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by: herding old cats @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 03:44:33 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

This is going to be a great year... (2.00 / 1)

I look forward to more insightful, hard-hitting commentary on this site concerning Mo Brooks' surprise about the cost of parking in DC.

Do better.

Dale, I have to say you were right - mooncat

You're an entertainer son! -Parker Griffith

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by: DaleJackson @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 11:28:49 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

More hypocrisycat... (1.50 / 2)

That's what I dislike about these 45 second interviews you get on network news -- they cut them so much that all you really get is the story the mainstream media wants to tell

Yet in this very thread you are ripping Brooks for a quip about parking that was part of a 10 person interview.

Do better.

Dale, I have to say you were right - mooncat

You're an entertainer son! -Parker Griffith

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by: DaleJackson @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 11:30:16 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Mo Brooks used his moment on national TV for a quip (4.00 / 1)

He needs to learn how to use the media.  Terri Sewell used her opportunity to make substantive statements.  True, they cut out a good deal of what she was saying, but she didn't give them the option of only running a quip.  If you don't give the media anything that makes you look silly, they can't run anything that makes you look silly.

Mo could do a lot worse than to emulate Terri Sewell while in Washington, right down to watching how she votes and copying same.

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 14:27:34 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

If it was Sewell you would say something like... (2.00 / 1)

She showed her personality and sense of humor.

Go watch the full interview on the ABC site, I am positive there is something for you to offer legit criticsm on.

It's just silly criticism.

Do better.

Dale, I have to say you were right - mooncat

You're an entertainer son! -Parker Griffith

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by: DaleJackson @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 15:35:32 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

good luck, Congresswoman! (4.00 / 4)

It's going to be a lonely spot for you as the only Democrat in the delegation.

We'll all do our best to get you more Democratic company from Alabama in 2 years!

There are no "safe" Republican districts. You can run but you can't hide.  - Rahm Emmanuel

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by: countrycat @ Wed Jan 05, 2011 at 21:19:06 PM UTC

So proud of Terri! (4.00 / 2)

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by: AlabamaYellowDog @ Wed Jan 05, 2011 at 22:18:47 PM UTC

enough of the fluff about Sewell (1.50 / 2)

what committees did she get on?

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by: gradyw @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 00:58:37 AM UTC

Amen Gradyw (2.00 / 1)

This woman, though educated, has the sincerity of a mushroom.  I hope she does well but I am comforted that there will be many more choices in 2010.  We will see but her money won't save her and her lack of skill will be apparent.

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by: Takenoprisoners @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 14:38:49 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

C'mon guys... (4.00 / 3)

I havent been the biggest fan of Sewell either, but at the very least we as rational people need to realize that as a Democrat in this climate she is going to need our help.  We can look at it this way, if we think that we know better, if we think we need to educate Ms. Sewell, we have the ability to exercise our rights as constituents and reach out to her.  

It is an achievement being the first African American female elected to congress from Alabama.  Congrats, Rep. Sewell! 

9.13, 4.82, Just left of Gandhi.

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by: archangelsk @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 14:49:46 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Nice sentiment (4.00 / 2)

Especially coming from someone who backed a different candidate in the primary.  Alabama Democrats are at the lowest ebb in over 100 years.  It pains me to see us continue to tear at the few young Democrats who were successful -- especially before they've even cast a vote.  This sniping at Sewell is childish and counterproductive in the long term.  I'm all for holding representatives accountable, but some had written her off before she was even sworn in, apparently paving the way for a primary challenge in 2 years. 

There's an old piece of management advice I remember from engineering days: "encourage the kind of behavior you want to see."  I think that works a lot better than "condemn a person before they disappoint you."

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 15:33:02 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thanks... (4.00 / 2)

I am tired of the sniping too.  I do think she should have hired someone from the district as her CoS, but with all the Republican's in DC, she needs our help.  Sometimes folks don't know better, or just plain don't know, its our jobs as constituents and the "professional left" to help educate our elected officials as one of the many ways we can help keep them accountable.

I was taught from my experience in CO, you don't primary an incumbent unless there is some sort of compelling reason to do so.  I hope that she works with folks in her district to help make her successful so that no one has that compelling reason to primary her.

9.13, 4.82, Just left of Gandhi.

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by: archangelsk @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 15:48:30 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

the fluff is more counterproductive (0.00 / 0)

We have some serious problems in terms of Democratic leadership in this state. Sewell is the highest ranking elected Dem in the State and needs to show leadership on these matters.

We are well past the time of pomp and circumstance just for getting elected. It's time for someone to show some real leadership in this District.

So far I've seen nothing but disaster from Sewell from her chief of staff decision, to naming Albert Turner Jr to her transition team , to choosing to hobnob with Condoleeza Rice (was in the B'ham News last week in the Social events section) rather than spend time with the real folks in the district.

Other folks are talking about potential challengers in 2012. I've not heard any names bantered about. But it is what it is. Sewell was elected because she had the most money and support from DC powerplay insider groups like the Emily's List. I find it unlikely that anyone is able to beat Sewell in 2012 because of this support.

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by: gradyw @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 16:39:47 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Do you really think your typical voter (4.00 / 2)

even knows what Emily's List is?

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by: Gayla @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 22:03:46 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You take criticism to a WHOLE 'NOTHER level (4.00 / 2)

I'm hypercritical of most politicians, but yours is treading on obsession (in a disturbing ways).  Criticize her on her votes not who she may casually interact with around Birmingham or who is her chief of staff.  It's things like this is why you lose credibility from others as an objective critic of politics and just render yourself a being a nitpick...

I've heard about the "challengers" as well, but the people mentioned aren't considered serious contenders considering she was just seated last than 96 hours ago.

"Hypocrites are those whom pick and choose prejudices while giving accolades for their own..."

"It is what it is."  

http://blkindependent.blogspot...

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by: kayman @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:20:03 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Thank you! (4.00 / 4)

Could we at least give her a chance before we start talking about primary challenges?  That's all a lot of hot air anyway; two years is a long time in political terms.

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by: Kathy @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 16:06:18 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Two years is a long time (4.00 / 2)

But that doesn't matter to the people who are currently busy hating on Terri Sewell.  They don't like her for who she is, not what kind of representative she will be.  I don't know if it's because her roots are in Selma instead of the Birmingham area or that she left Alabama for a better education or that she's done well through her own hard work and intelligence, but these folks will recruit a primary challenger and they'll spend the next two years finding fault with her ... no matter what she does or how she votes.  It isn't about the issues with them, it's about the fact that she isn't part of their clique.

My 2 cents, for what it's worth.

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 16:39:26 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

read my comment (0.00 / 0)

The appointment of Albert Turner Jr to a transition team really is troubling for several reasons.

Google him if you know nothing about him.

He's right in the thick of the coal ash controversy in Perry County for starters. And not on the side of being progressive on this issue.

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by: gradyw @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 16:43:40 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Gradyw... (4.00 / 2)

I was not aware of that, Albert Turner, Jr. being named to her transition team, and yes it is troubling.  Knowing what I know, Sewell needs to take care with the company she keeps.  Turner is one of these "bad Democrats" that we as party members need to be on the lookout for.

So this is something that she needs to have her feet held to the fire for...like we need to not be complaining about it so much here, but possibly instead going to her directly and asking her and getting her reaction or reply and then posting it here and discussing that.  

We can be gadflies, but there is a way that is much more productive to go about it. 

9.13, 4.82, Just left of Gandhi.

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by: archangelsk @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 18:10:57 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I concur (4.00 / 2)

It's also one of the reasons why I don't deal with "cliques" and certain "circles" because of this popularity and pissing contests that seem to always go on.  It also contributes to why so many young and talented individuals will exit stage left on this state Democrats because of this "we act like we're DC bad, yet we are 'bootleg' 'Bama bigwigs" attitude that goes on.  

At the end of the day, if you can't do what you say you claim to do, then you are an empty suit.  There are a lot of them "insiders" that are exactly that.  Hence, why I give the 'side-eye' of ridicule and the constant mantra of "STFU b/c you ain't sh*t" to those same individuals. 

"Hypocrites are those whom pick and choose prejudices while giving accolades for their own..."

"It is what it is."  

http://blkindependent.blogspot...

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by: kayman @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 08:27:10 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Nice, but I prefer "black" not "African American" (4.00 / 1)

Regardless, good job.

"Hypocrites are those whom pick and choose prejudices while giving accolades for their own..."

"It is what it is."  

http://blkindependent.blogspot...

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by: kayman @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 22:53:12 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Honestly, I try to use the least offensive adjective (3.00 / 1)

But I'm never sure what that is from one day to the next.  "Black" is much easier to say and type but the mainstream media obviously thinks "African-American" is more politically correct.  If y'all can assure me "black" is not somehow offensive, I'd much rather use that when there's a need to call attention to someone's skin color.  Simpler and more accurate, in my view.

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 14:22:30 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You mean 2012... (2.33 / 3)

What better choices are there in the region other than her?

If anyone says Earl Hilliard, Jr., you get an automatic epic failure.  

We all know the few actual morally-upstanding black progressives in the Greater Birmingham area with some pull are about as few and far in-between as a needle in a haystack, so I would like to see a list, please.

"Hypocrites are those whom pick and choose prejudices while giving accolades for their own..."

"It is what it is."  

http://blkindependent.blogspot...

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by: kayman @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 22:50:56 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

[***EPIC FAILURE WARNING***] (4.00 / 1)

I supported Earl Hilliard Jr. in the primary and while I didn't work for the campaign, I was in contact with a handful of people in the organization, including Rep. Hilliard.  I am curious as to why you would consider him a less than desirable candidate.  I am not wanting to hijack this thread with a back and forth because this was supposed to be for congratulating Rep. Sewell, so drop me an email and we'll continue it there.

9.13, 4.82, Just left of Gandhi.

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by: archangelsk @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 12:38:42 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

you didn't get the memo (2.00 / 1)

in order to be accepted as a black progressive by this crowd you have to be a double Ivy League grad.

if you didn't go to a cream of the crop schoo and you are a black elected official then you are "morally corrupt".

I haven't quite figured out if it's elitism or just another dog whistle.  

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by: gradyw @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 13:52:21 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

You're making this sh*t up (4.00 / 1)

Ivy League degree is not required, but I also don't view educational accomplishment as a disqualifying factor -- as so many Alabama Democrats seem to do.  What I want are smart elected officials with critical thinking skills -- not photogenic elected officials controlled by smart folks behind the scenes.  That's what we've had for too long, a few power brokers hand-picking candidates they could control.

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 14:18:08 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Terri Sewell is the ultimate hand picked candidate (2.00 / 1)

by the elites. Maynard Cooper locally and Emily's List and other D.C establishment nationally.

This has nothing to do with sour grapes. As I've said before, I would have gladly supporter any of the other candidates besides her.

I just find it insulting that all we are doing is praising her with fluff but refusing to discuss what she has done for the community other than put her name on a few boards. Absolutely not a thing.

And when I ask what committees she is on there is an uproar.

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by: gradyw @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 17:18:51 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Come on now, spit out those sour grapes (4.00 / 2)

Is this going to be your response everytime something is posted about Terri Sewell? I realize that you supported Sheila Smoot, while others expressed supported various candidates. 

I remember that a lot of people here, including yours truly, were impressed by Patricia Moloko, who did not go to an Ivy League School, last time I looked. 

I respect your right to express your opinion, and I agree with a lot of what you post here. No one likes to see their candidate lose and feelings get bruised, but this is starting to become almost comically sad. 

 

"This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue. This is about the whole system being against us." - an Occupy protester at Obama's Des Moines office.

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by: Dardango @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 14:46:18 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Moloko didn't even qualify (0.00 / 0)

so that's a moot point.  

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by: gradyw @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 17:14:25 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Smoot Point (0.00 / 0)

The point is, you're taking this too far.

Move on.

"This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue. This is about the whole system being against us." - an Occupy protester at Obama's Des Moines office.

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by: Dardango @ Sun Jan 09, 2011 at 04:25:46 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

But there's the rub... (4.00 / 1)

Hilliard is a Morehouse and Howard Law School grad, I would think that for many that would fulfill the cream of the crop school requirement.

I'm still interested in figuring out why he would call it an epic fail.  But again...not wanting to hijack this thread I requested that he drop me an email.  No email yet...it is only 9 am though...

9.13, 4.82, Just left of Gandhi.

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by: archangelsk @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 14:50:52 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Hilliard had good credentials (4.00 / 1)

He had to contend with speculation that he was just another family dynasty sort of candidate like the Wallaces or Folsoms.  I was surprised and amazed that -- coming from a political family -- he was not a more imposing presence in person.  And with all those labor endorsements (he garnered almost all of them in the primary) it's amazing that he lost 2nd place in the primary to Smoot.  Hilliard was my second choice in the primary and that takes nothing away from Patricia Mokolo, definitely from the Democratic wing of the Democratic party, who dropped out of the race pre-primary.  I hope she has a bright future, although her campaign was woefully underfunded -- you have to have a plan to win and part of that plan has to be funding.

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Fri Jan 07, 2011 at 16:45:57 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Demcratic committee assignments haven't been announced (4.00 / 1)

Repubs have finalized theirs, Dem assignments should be public in a few days.

Work harder and work smarter!

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by: mooncat @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 15:34:26 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Two Thumbs up! (4.00 / 2)

Now we get to see her in action!  I'm glad to at least a progressive is going to be the only Democrat from Alabama in the House of Representatives.

"Hypocrites are those whom pick and choose prejudices while giving accolades for their own..."

"It is what it is."  

http://blkindependent.blogspot...

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by: kayman @ Thu Jan 06, 2011 at 22:47:30 PM UTC