delawareliberal--2020-04-15--Song of the Day 4/15: Warren Zevon, “Life’ll Kill Ya”

If Warren Zevon were still alive , he ’ d probably re-title this one “ Trump ’ ll Kill Ya @ @ @ @ @ reason I thought of it is this line in the first verse : You need @ @ @ @ @ downtown .
That ’ s now the literal truth here in Paris , where you @ @ @ @ @ your name , address , the reason for being out of your dwelling and the @ @ @ @ @ print them out and fill them out yourself , but you ’ re not allowed @ @ @ @ @ your home or to be out for more than 1 hour .
The fine for @ @ @ @ @ ( $ 141 ) .
So far , you can not obtain a license to @ @ @ @ @ arguably the Kingdom of the Spiders , so I ’ d say Zevon called this @ @ @ @ @ the title track from his 2000 LP , recorded before he got his terminal cancer @ @

If Warren Zevon were still alive, he’d probably re-title this one “Trump’ll Kill Ya,” but the real reason I thought of it is this line in the first verse:
You need a permit to walk around downtown.
That’s now the literal truth here in Paris, where you have to show papers listing your name, address, the reason for being out of your dwelling and the time you left. You print them out and fill them out yourself, but you’re not allowed further than 1 kilometer from your home or to be out for more than 1 hour. The fine for a first offense is €130 ($141).
So far, you cannot obtain a license to dance, but America is arguably the Kingdom of the Spiders, so I’d say Zevon called this one. The song is the title track from his 2000 LP, recorded before he got his terminal cancer diagnosis.


delawareliberal--2020-04-15--DL Open Thread: Weds., April 15, 2020

DL Open Thread: Weds., April 15, 2020

Stimulus Checks Delayed So That Trump ’ s Signature Can Be Stamped On Them .
Thankfully , my kids have e-banking .
Everything Falls Apart , Ctd .
US .
Global .
The daily carnage : 609,685 confirmed cases , 26,059 deaths in the US .
This count does not include the updated NY count , which would place the deaths at near 30,000 .
Trump Undercuts WHO , His Latest Scapegoat .
A : It ’ s a lie .
B : He did/didn ’ t do everything he ’ s blaming on the WHO .
C : Cutting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pandemic in the middle of a pandemic can only make the pandemic worse .
Read this article .
You ’ ll learn something .
Health experts call the funding halt a ‘ crime against humanity ’ .
White House Ignores Senate Demand To Explain IG Firing .
They ’ re a criminal organization , they don ’ t respect any laws .
Everything You Need To Know About Ventilators .
Excellent explanatory journalism from Pro Publica .
Rethugs ’ Voter Purging Continues During Pandemic .
They are a criminal organization , enabled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Historic Oil Bust .
Doesn ’ t look like the Russia-Saudi deal is gon na help much .
Nursing Home Deaths Explode .
Just the tip of the iceberg .
They ’ re happening all over the country .
What do you want to talk about ?

Stimulus Checks Delayed So That Trump’s Signature Can Be Stamped On Them. Thankfully, my kids have e-banking.
Everything Falls Apart, Ctd. US. Global. The daily carnage: 609,685 confirmed cases, 26,059 deaths in the US. This count does not include the updated NY count, which would place the deaths at near 30,000.
Trump Undercuts WHO, His Latest Scapegoat. A: It’s a lie. B: He did/didn’t do everything he’s blaming on the WHO. C: Cutting money to the leading world organization fighting a pandemic in the middle of a pandemic can only make the pandemic worse. Read this article. You’ll learn something. Health experts call the funding halt a ‘crime against humanity’.
White House Ignores Senate Demand To Explain IG Firing. They’re a criminal organization, they don’t respect any laws.
Everything You Need To Know About Ventilators. Excellent explanatory journalism from Pro Publica.
Rethugs’ Voter Purging Continues During Pandemic. They are a criminal organization, enabled by their elected criminals.
Inside The Historic Oil Bust. Doesn’t look like the Russia-Saudi deal is gonna help much.
Nursing Home Deaths Explode. Just the tip of the iceberg. They’re happening all over the country.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-04-14--Song of the Day 4/14: XTC, “Mayor of Simpleton”

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delawareliberal--2020-04-14--Ernest Hemingway on American Fascism

Ernest Hemingway on American Fascism

Because I took no books with me on what I thought would be a three-week trip to Paris and Barcelona , I ’ ve been passing the time by reading old books online .
Over the past day I read Ernest Hemingway ’ s “ For Whom the Bell Tolls , ” his novel set in the Spanish Civil War .
His protagonist , Robert Jordan , works for the Spanish Republic , which is bolstered by foreigners like the Abraham Lincoln brigade from America and Soviet communists , against the Nationalists , backed by fascist Italy and Germany .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ fighters are operating behind enemy lines .
While waiting for the day of their mission , Jordan is telling the Spaniards of his life back home in Montana .
There follows this exchange ( emphases mine ) .
“ In your country there are mountains ?
With that name surely there are mountains , ” Primitivo asked politely to make conversation .
“ Excellent ; high pasture in the summer in forests controlled by the government .
Then in the fall the cattle are brought down to the lower ranges.
” “ Is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
” “ Most land is owned by those who farm it .
Originally the land was owned by the state and by living on it and declaring the intent~on of improving it , a man could obtain a title to a hundred and fifty hectares.
” “ Tell me how this is done , ” Agustín asked .
“ That is an agrarian reform which means something.
” Robert Jordan explained the process of homesteading .
He had never thought of it before as an agrarian reform .
“ That is magnificent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have a communism in your country ?
” “ No .
That is done under the Republic.
” “ For me , ” Agustín said , “ everything can be done under the Republic .
I see no need for other form of government.
” “ Do you have no big proprietors ?
” Andrés asked .
“ Then there must be abuses.
” “ Certainly .
There are many abuses.
” “ But you will do away with them ?
” “ We try to more and more .
But there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there are not great estates that must be broken up ?
” “ Yes .
But there are those who believe that taxes will break them up.
” Robert Jordan , wiping out the stew bowl with bread , explained how the income tax and inheritance tax worked .
“ But the big estates remain .
Also there are taxes on the land , ” he said .
“ But surely the big proprietors and the rich will make a revolution against such taxes .
Such taxes appear to me to be revolutionary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they see that they are threatened , exactly as the fascists have done here , ” Primitivo said .
“ Then you will have to fight in your country as we fight here.
” “ Yes , we will have to fight.
” “ But are there not many fascists in your country ?
” “ There are many who do not know they are fascists but will find it out when the time comes.
” “ But you can not destroy them until they rebel ?
” “ No , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not destroy them .
But we can educate the people so that they will fear fascism and recognize it as it appears and combat it.
” Hemingway wrote that in 1939 and 1940 , before the U.S. entered the Second World War .
Perhaps he was speaking of the America First Committee and the white supremacists of his day .
But his words certainly seem prescient given the past 40 years of American history .
They took over the government by democratic means at first , but have held onto it for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And , as Hemingway predicted , many do know not know they are fascists .
Pehaps they will realize it if war comes .

Because I took no books with me on what I thought would be a three-week trip to Paris and Barcelona, I’ve been passing the time by reading old books online. Over the past day I read Ernest Hemingway’s “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” his novel set in the Spanish Civil War. His protagonist, Robert Jordan, works for the Spanish Republic, which is bolstered by foreigners like the Abraham Lincoln brigade from America and Soviet communists, against the Nationalists, backed by fascist Italy and Germany.
Jordan and a small band of guerrilla fighters are operating behind enemy lines. While waiting for the day of their mission, Jordan is telling the Spaniards of his life back home in Montana. There follows this exchange (emphases mine).
“In your country there are mountains? With that name surely there are mountains,”
Primitivo asked politely to make conversation.
“Many mountains and very high.”
“And are there good pastures?”
“Excellent; high pasture in the summer in forests controlled by the government. Then in the fall the cattle are brought down to the lower ranges.”
“Is the land there owned by the peasants?”
“Most land is owned by those who farm it. Originally the land was owned by the state and by living on it and declaring the intent~on of improving it, a man could obtain a title to a hundred and fifty hectares.”
“Tell me how this is done,” Agustín asked. “That is an agrarian reform which means something.”
Robert Jordan explained the process of homesteading. He had never thought of it before as an agrarian reform.
“That is magnificent,” Primitivo said. “Then you have a communism in your country?”
“No. That is done under the Republic.”
“For me,” Agustín said, “everything can be done under the Republic. I see no need for other form of government.”
“Do you have no big proprietors?” Andrés asked.
“Many.”
“Then there must be abuses.”
“Certainly. There are many abuses.”
“But you will do away with them?”
“We try to more and more. But there are many abuses still.”
“But there are not great estates that must be broken up?”
“Yes. But there are those who believe that taxes will break them up.”
“How?”
Robert Jordan, wiping out the stew bowl with bread, explained how the income tax and inheritance tax worked. “But the big estates remain. Also there are taxes on the land,” he said.
“But surely the big proprietors and the rich will make a revolution against such taxes. Such taxes appear to me to be revolutionary. They will revolt against the government when they see that they are threatened, exactly as the fascists have done here,” Primitivo said.
“It is possible.”
“Then you will have to fight in your country as we fight here.”
“Yes, we will have to fight.”
“But are there not many fascists in your country?”
“There are many who do not know they are fascists but will find it out when the time comes.”
“But you cannot destroy them until they rebel?”
“No,” Robert Jordan said. “We cannot destroy them. But we can educate the people so that they will fear fascism and recognize it as it appears and combat it.”
Hemingway wrote that in 1939 and 1940, before the U.S. entered the Second World War. Perhaps he was speaking of the America First Committee and the white supremacists of his day. But his words certainly seem prescient given the past 40 years of American history. They took over the government by democratic means at first, but have held onto it for the past 20 years by anti-democratic methods.
And, as Hemingway predicted, many do know not know they are fascists. Pehaps they will realize it if war comes.


delawareliberal--2020-04-14--DL Open Thread: Tues., April 14, 2020

DL Open Thread: Tues., April 14, 2020

For Trump , Every Day Is Festivus .
An utterly-unhinged President and his utterly-unhinged press conferences .
Yesterday alone featured a campaign video paid for by the taxpayers , a presidential assertion of absolute power , and a two-hour monologue uninterrupted by even one mention of what his administration is actually doing to stop the pandemic .
Here ’ s a good take .
The governors have given up on the federal government and are going their own way .
We have a mentally-ill narcissistic autocrat in the Oval Office .
Isn ’ t that what the 25th Amendment is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lose .
The Rethugs in the legislature put their fingers on the scale , the Wisconsin Supreme Court put its finger on the scale , the US Supreme Court put its finger on the scale .
They lost , although they may have infected a batch of primarily Democratic voters in the process .
John Heileman put it well this morning : Every election is a proxy on Trump .
This will not make Trump happy .
Everything Falls Apart , Ctd .
The latest carnage , not quite as bad as yesterday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ’ t find a ray of sunshine every now and then ? )
: 582,594 confirmed cases and 23,649 deaths in the US .
Nursing home deaths soar , the Feds aren ’ t counting them .
Florida Governor Deems WWE An ‘ Essential Business ’ .
Costumed humans swapping sweat , blood and saliva .
Doesn ’ t matter as long as Fla .
Governor Ron DeSantis is in charge .
Is there recall in Florida ?
This South Dakota Governor Is…Something .
She continues to resist a stay-in-place order despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Trump ’ s pet malaria drug .
Malaria and malarkey .
Perfect together .
Feds Are Just Stealing Supplies From The States .
More Thievery .
More Thievery : Officials in one state are so worried about this possibility that they are considering dispatching local police or even the National Guard to greet two chartered FedEx planes scheduled to arrive in the next week with millions of masks from China , according to people familiar with the planning .
These people , who spoke on the condition of anonymity , asked that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flagging federal officials to their shipment .
What do you want to talk about ?

For Trump, Every Day Is Festivus. An utterly-unhinged President and his utterly-unhinged press conferences. Yesterday alone featured a campaign video paid for by the taxpayers, a presidential assertion of absolute power, and a two-hour monologue uninterrupted by even one mention of what his administration is actually doing to stop the pandemic. Here’s a good take. The governors have given up on the federal government and are going their own way. We have a mentally-ill narcissistic autocrat in the Oval Office. Isn’t that what the 25th Amendment is for?
Rethugs Rig Wisconsin Election. Lose. The Rethugs in the legislature put their fingers on the scale, the Wisconsin Supreme Court put its finger on the scale, the US Supreme Court put its finger on the scale. They lost, although they may have infected a batch of primarily Democratic voters in the process. John Heileman put it well this morning: Every election is a proxy on Trump. This will not make Trump happy.
Everything Falls Apart, Ctd. The latest carnage, not quite as bad as yesterday’s carnage (who says I can’t find a ray of sunshine every now and then?): 582,594 confirmed cases and 23,649 deaths in the US. Nursing home deaths soar, the Feds aren’t counting them.
Florida Governor Deems WWE An ‘Essential Business’. Costumed humans swapping sweat, blood and saliva. Doesn’t matter as long as Fla. Governor Ron DeSantis is in charge. Is there recall in Florida?
This South Dakota Governor Is…Something. She continues to resist a stay-in-place order despite the outbreak at Smithfield, and…touts testing of Trump’s pet malaria drug. Malaria and malarkey. Perfect together.
Feds Are Just Stealing Supplies From The States. More Thievery. More Thievery:
Officials in one state are so worried about this possibility that they are considering dispatching local police or even the National Guard to greet two chartered FedEx planes scheduled to arrive in the next week with millions of masks from China, according to people familiar with the planning. These people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, asked that their state not be identified to avoid flagging federal officials to their shipment.
Sanders Endorses Joe. Early and often. Can’t hurt.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-04-14--Anthony Delcollo is Running as a Fascist This Year

Anthony Delcollo is Running as a Fascist This Year Let ’ s cut the bullshit .
Every Republican that remains a Republican today is a member of a fascist party .
“ States can ’ t do anything without the approval of the President of the United States.
” Trump said it out loud yesterday and for a person like Delcolo ( who fancies himself a constitutionalist ) to continue to support Trump is rank dishonesty and disloyalty to American Democracy .
This is how fascist take power .
They claim it .
The power grabs are so brazen and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ opposition .
But for the supporters , like Delcollo , they are clarifying moments .
They mark the forks in the road , the moment that will be reflected upon in the future .
The day they finally stood up for their country , or laid aside pretense and joined the fascist in full .
“ When somebody ’ s the President of the United States , the authority is total .
And that ’ s the way it ’ s got ta be .
It ’ s total .
And the governors @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s Kaitlan Collins followed up and said , “ You said when someone is president of the United States their authority is total .
That is not true .
Who told you that ?
”

Let’s cut the bullshit. Every Republican that remains a Republican today is a member of a fascist party.
“States can’t do anything without the approval of the President of the United States.” Trump said it out loud yesterday and for a person like Delcolo (who fancies himself a constitutionalist) to continue to support Trump is rank dishonesty and disloyalty to American Democracy.
This is how fascist take power. They claim it. The power grabs are so brazen and bizarre that they are disarming to the opposition. But for the supporters, like Delcollo, they are clarifying moments.
They mark the forks in the road, the moment that will be reflected upon in the future. The day they finally stood up for their country, or laid aside pretense and joined the fascist in full.


delawareliberal--2020-04-13--Song of the Day 4/13: UFO, “Doctor, Doctor”

UFO was one of the earliest British bands to earn the label “ heavy metal , ” forming in 1968 @ @ @ @ @ Black Sabbath .
They never managed to score a hit in the U.S. , but @ @ @ @ @ of the UK charts several times .
This was originally released in 1974 and failed @ @ @ @ @ they tried again with a live version in 1979 it climbed to No .
35 @ @ @ @ @ in the UK .
The song gained greater fame when Iron Maiden covered it in @ @ @ @ @ they used it in concerts as the recorded song that played as the band took @ @ @

UFO was one of the earliest British bands to earn the label “heavy metal,” forming in 1968, the same year as Black Sabbath. They never managed to score a hit in the U.S., but they reached the lower reaches of the UK charts several times. This was originally released in 1974 and failed to chart, but when they tried again with a live version in 1979 it climbed to No. 35, their highest-ever charting single in the UK.
The song gained greater fame when Iron Maiden covered it in 1982, and for decades they used it in concerts as the recorded song that played as the band took the stage.


delawareliberal--2020-04-13--DL Open Thread: Mon., April 13, 2020

DL Open Thread: Mon., April 13, 2020

The Biden Rape Allegation Surfaces .
I , for one , don ’ t dismiss it as out-of-hand .
Her allegations should be investigated .
Did she file a complaint with the Senate in 1993 , as alleged ?
So far , there is no corroboration .
But people dismiss sexual assault allegations at their own risk .
Better to find out now than in , say , October .
Relief Legislation Enables Government To Hide The Names Of Recipients From Public .
Can ’ t anybody here play this game ?
Seriously , how can this happen ?
Did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commerce write this part of the legislation ?
We were told that this would be a transparent process .
We were lied to .
Again .
Here ’ s just one example of undeserving recipients of relief money .
Everything Falls Apart , Ctd .
The carnage so far : 557,590 confirmed cases and 22,109 deaths in the United States .
Three times as many confirmed cases as the # 2 country .
This despite all the advance warning we had .
You just know that Trump would fire Fauci if he could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Will Ever Need .
A great piece by the New Yorker ’ s Jane Mayer .
It even features a brief detour into the then-racist practices of the DuPont Company .
A must-read .
Is Bacon Endangered By The Coronavirus ?
Smithfield plant closed when 230 workers test positive for coronavirus .
How can we live without one of the essential food groups ?
Bacon may not be endangered , but this might just be the last straw for me .
How Corrupt Trump Pals Got Their Pardons .
Quite the rogues ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Rogue-In-Chief .
How Does Delaware Decide What Businesses Are Essential ?
This governor , more than any other who I can recall , has consistently kept information from the public .
I will again ask , if you can make an appointment to buy a gun , why can ’ t you make an appointment to buy , or at least pick up an order of , books ?
John , I ’ d prefer to patronize a local book store .
I won ’ t do Amazon b/c they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of alternatives , I ’ ll just have to order from Powell ’ s Books in Portland .
Their gain is Delaware ’ s loss .
What do you want to talk about ?

The Biden Rape Allegation Surfaces. I, for one, don’t dismiss it as out-of-hand. Her allegations should be investigated. Did she file a complaint with the Senate in 1993, as alleged? So far, there is no corroboration. But people dismiss sexual assault allegations at their own risk. Better to find out now than in, say, October.
Relief Legislation Enables Government To Hide The Names Of Recipients From Public. Can’t anybody here play this game? Seriously, how can this happen? Did John Carney and the Delaware Chamber of Commerce write this part of the legislation? We were told that this would be a transparent process. We were lied to. Again. Here’s just one example of undeserving recipients of relief money.
Everything Falls Apart, Ctd. The carnage so far: 557,590 confirmed cases and 22,109 deaths in the United States. Three times as many confirmed cases as the #2 country. This despite all the advance warning we had. You just know that Trump would fire Fauci if he could.
The Only Mitch McConnell Profile You Will Ever Need. A great piece by the New Yorker’s Jane Mayer. It even features a brief detour into the then-racist practices of the DuPont Company. A must-read.
Is Bacon Endangered By The Coronavirus? Smithfield plant closed when 230 workers test positive for coronavirus. How can we live without one of the essential food groups? Bacon may not be endangered, but this might just be the last straw for me.
How Corrupt Trump Pals Got Their Pardons. Quite the rogues’ gallery, each one with ties to the Rogue-In-Chief.
How Does Delaware Decide What Businesses Are Essential? This governor, more than any other who I can recall, has consistently kept information from the public. I will again ask, if you can make an appointment to buy a gun, why can’t you make an appointment to buy, or at least pick up an order of, books? John, I’d prefer to patronize a local book store. I won’t do Amazon b/c they’re evil, but, in the absence of alternatives, I’ll just have to order from Powell’s Books in Portland. Their gain is Delaware’s loss.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-04-12--DL Open Thread: Sun., April 12, 2020

DL Open Thread: Sun., April 12, 2020

Let ’ s Just Let The Coronavirus ‘ Wash Over ’ The Country .
Ladies and gentlemen , the President of the United States .
‘ Well , you see , Mr. President , millions will die .
That might impact your poll numbers.
’ ‘ Oh.
’ Trump Was Warned Early And Often About The Pandemic : Throughout January , as Mr. Trump repeatedly played down the seriousness of the virus and focused on other issues , an array of figures inside his government — from top White House advisers to experts deep in the cabinet departments and intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ alarms and made clear the need for aggressive action .
The president , though , was slow to absorb the scale of the risk and to act accordingly , focusing instead on controlling the message , protecting gains in the economy and batting away warnings from senior officials .
It was a problem , he said , that had come out of nowhere and could not have been foreseen .
You simply must read this article .
If , for no other reason than to throw it in the faces of his defenders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and that ’ s the truth .
Everything Falls Apart , Ctd .
The latest carnage : 530,006 confirmed cases and 20,608 deaths in the United States .
The number of deaths has doubled in a week .
We can only hope that doesn ’ t happen next week .
Trump Threatened To Veto Stimulus Package Over Aid To Postal Service .
There ’ s no point in trying to understand this man ’ s brain .
It ’ s diseased , everybody knows it , but the only people who could do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump Administration Tells Employers Not To Worry About Recording COVID-19 Cases .
There ’ s no point in trying…oh , wait , I just wrote that .
Pastor Vows ‘ Satan and Virus ’ Won ’ t Stop 2000-person Easter Service .
I will not tempt schadenfreude , but I ’ m not holding you to the same standard .
Delaware Nursing Homes At Center Of Outbreak .
I will not mention his name , but one of those quoted in this article helped lead the opposition to strong nursing home reforms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contempt for him and for those who placed profits above people .
Twenty years after we fought for these reforms , got them enacted , only to be largely thwarted by Vince Meconi and his henchperson Carol Ellis , we once again see the fruits of their ill-intended labors .
What do you want to talk about ?

Let’s Just Let The Coronavirus ‘Wash Over’ The Country. Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States. ‘Well, you see, Mr. President, millions will die. That might impact your poll numbers.’ ‘Oh.’
Trump Was Warned Early And Often About The Pandemic:
Throughout January, as Mr. Trump repeatedly played down the seriousness of the virus and focused on other issues, an array of figures inside his government — from top White House advisers to experts deep in the cabinet departments and intelligence agencies — identified the threat, sounded alarms and made clear the need for aggressive action. The president, though, was slow to absorb the scale of the risk and to act accordingly, focusing instead on controlling the message, protecting gains in the economy and batting away warnings from senior officials. It was a problem, he said, that had come out of nowhere and could not have been foreseen.
You simply must read this article. If, for no other reason than to throw it in the faces of his defenders. It’s his fault, and that’s the truth.
Everything Falls Apart, Ctd. The latest carnage: 530,006 confirmed cases and 20,608 deaths in the United States. The number of deaths has doubled in a week. We can only hope that doesn’t happen next week.
Trump Threatened To Veto Stimulus Package Over Aid To Postal Service. There’s no point in trying to understand this man’s brain. It’s diseased, everybody knows it, but the only people who could do something about it, won’t.
Trump Administration Tells Employers Not To Worry About Recording COVID-19 Cases. There’s no point in trying…oh, wait, I just wrote that.
Pastor Vows ‘Satan and Virus’ Won’t Stop 2000-person Easter Service. I will not tempt schadenfreude, but I’m not holding you to the same standard.
Delaware Nursing Homes At Center Of Outbreak. I will not mention his name, but one of those quoted in this article helped lead the opposition to strong nursing home reforms in Delaware. I have nothing but contempt for him and for those who placed profits above people. Twenty years after we fought for these reforms, got them enacted, only to be largely thwarted by Vince Meconi and his henchperson Carol Ellis, we once again see the fruits of their ill-intended labors.
Happy two-days-after-crucifixion-day!
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-04-11--Song of the Day 4/11: Louis Armstrong, “Go Down Moses”

Song of the Day 4/11 : Louis Armstrong , “ Go Down Moses ” This song seems appropriate considering that @ @ @ @ @ , we ’ re also afflicted by a ruler deaf to the pleas of the @ @ @ @ @ it in 1958 with Sy Oliver ’ s orchestra .
Fats Waller recorded it 20 @ @ @ @ @ on Hammond organ .
Its first mention in history was in 1862 , when “ @ @ @ @ @ by federal troops — sang it at Fort Monroe , Va. , and sheet music @ @ @ @ @ The Song of the Contrabands : O Let My People Go.
” The chaplain of @ @ @ @ @ sheet music that it originated in Virginia in about 1853 .
As you can hear @ @ @ @ @ the Tuskegee Institute Singers , the earliest I could find , it was originally done @ @ @ @ @ a dirge .
The tune was popularized by Paul Robeson , whose bass voice made @ @ @ @ @ were coming from the voice of Yahweh himself .

This song seems appropriate considering that not only is it Passover, we’re also afflicted by a ruler deaf to the pleas of the people. Louis Armstrong recorded it in 1958 with Sy Oliver’s orchestra.
Fats Waller recorded it 20 years earlier, accompanying himself on Hammond organ.
Its first mention in history was in 1862, when “contrabands” — slaves confiscated by federal troops — sang it at Fort Monroe, Va., and sheet music was published calling it “The Song of the Contrabands: O Let My People Go.” The chaplain of the camp said in the sheet music that it originated in Virginia in about 1853. As you can hear on this 1914 recording of the Tuskegee Institute Singers, the earliest I could find, it was originally done slow and solemn, basically a dirge.
The tune was popularized by Paul Robeson, whose bass voice made it sound as if it were coming from the voice of Yahweh himself.


delawareliberal--2020-04-11--DL Open Thread: Sat., April 11, 2020

DL Open Thread: Sat., April 11, 2020

‘ This Passover , Let My People Go ’ .
Trump ’ s cruelty towards immigrants continues unabated .
This Rabbi issues a clarion call to free them .
If we don ’ t don ’ t do God ’ s work , nobody will .
Everything Falls Apart , Ctd .
: Global .
United States .
The latest carnage : 501,615 confirmed cases , 18,777 deaths in the United States .
Over 2100 deaths yesterday , the first day that deaths have exceeded 2000 .
We may well pass Italy as the country with the most fatalities today @ @ @ @ @ @ @ figure is starting to look optimistic to me .
Rethugs Snuck Potential Windfall Provision For Trump And Kushner Into Stimulus Bill .
We ’ re not talking ‘ chump change ’ , either .
Unless you consider $ 170 billion ( ! )
chump change .
Let ’ s call it what it is : Stealing .
Wisconsin Health Officials Seek Primary Voters .
Rethug legislators and judges forced Wisconsin voters to choose between their health and their right to vote .
Now , health officials are seeking to staunch the health threats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by trying to track down those who voted .
Even Barack Obama , who has been almost invisible for four years , is outraged .
The Dip In Trump ’ s Poll Ratings Is Real .
It looks like people have caught on to the disparityhttps : //www.propublica.org/article/the-white-house-pushed-fema-to-give-its-biggest-coronavirus-contract-to-a-company-that-never-had-to-bid between what Trump says at these daily briefings ( yesterday ’ s nugget : ‘ Staying at home leads to death ’ ) and reality .
Why Did White House Give No-Bid Coronavirus Contract To Little-Known Firm ?
They ’ ve already handed out over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Does anybody believe that these contracts are above-board ?
Especially with Navarro and Kushner running point on these ?
In these cases , the White House overrode FEMA .
Guess they know better… Delta To Flight Attendants : Don ’ t Tell Your Co-Workers That You ’ ve Contracted The Virus .
They ’ re managing a PR problem instead of protecting their employees .
Tell me again why Delta deserves a bailout ?
Bad Day In Delaware .
9 more deaths , 117 new cases .
I ’ ll say it again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances , nursing home residents would be at great risk , the failure of the state and the federal governments to enforce laws already on the books has made that risk exponentially ( that word , again ) greater .
What do you want to talk about ?

‘This Passover, Let My People Go’. Trump’s cruelty towards immigrants continues unabated. This Rabbi issues a clarion call to free them. If we don’t don’t do God’s work, nobody will.
Everything Falls Apart, Ctd.: Global. United States. The latest carnage: 501,615 confirmed cases, 18,777 deaths in the United States. Over 2100 deaths yesterday, the first day that deaths have exceeded 2000. We may well pass Italy as the country with the most fatalities today. I dunno, that 60,000 projected figure is starting to look optimistic to me.
Rethugs Snuck Potential Windfall Provision For Trump And Kushner Into Stimulus Bill. We’re not talking ‘chump change’, either. Unless you consider $170 billion (!) chump change. Let’s call it what it is: Stealing.
Wisconsin Health Officials Seek Primary Voters. Rethug legislators and judges forced Wisconsin voters to choose between their health and their right to vote. Now, health officials are seeking to staunch the health threats caused by this cynical voter suppression tactic by trying to track down those who voted. Even Barack Obama, who has been almost invisible for four years, is outraged.
The Dip In Trump’s Poll Ratings Is Real. It looks like people have caught on to the disparityhttps://www.propublica.org/article/the-white-house-pushed-fema-to-give-its-biggest-coronavirus-contract-to-a-company-that-never-had-to-bid between what Trump says at these daily briefings (yesterday’s nugget: ‘Staying at home leads to death’ ) and reality.
Why Did White House Give No-Bid Coronavirus Contract To Little-Known Firm? They’ve already handed out over $760 million in no-bid contracts. Does anybody believe that these contracts are above-board? Especially with Navarro and Kushner running point on these? In these cases, the White House overrode FEMA. Guess they know better…
Delta To Flight Attendants: Don’t Tell Your Co-Workers That You’ve Contracted The Virus. They’re managing a PR problem instead of protecting their employees. Tell me again why Delta deserves a bailout?
Bad Day In Delaware. 9 more deaths, 117 new cases. I’ll say it again: While, under the best of circumstances, nursing home residents would be at great risk, the failure of the state and the federal governments to enforce laws already on the books has made that risk exponentially (that word, again) greater.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-04-10--Song of the Day 4/10: Emma’s Revolution, “From a (Social) Distance”


delawareliberal--2020-04-10--DL Open Thread: Fri., April 10, 2020

DL Open Thread: Fri., April 10, 2020

WHERE ARE THE TESTS ?
Perhaps the biggest lie , among all the lies that the President repeats daily , is that we have the best testing program in the world .
Along with , you know that ‘ Everybody who wants a test can get a test ’ lie .
Do you know what percentage of Americans have had a coronavirus test ?
0.7 % .
If you watched Trump ’ s mercifully-truncated monologue yesterday , he repeated the canard ( doesn ’ t that mean ‘ duck ’ in French ? )
that massive testing is unnecessary .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it would reveal the true scope of the pandemic here .
Nobody expects everybody to be tested .
But seriously , the country with the worst outbreak of the pandemic has not tested 99.3 % of the population ?
Not enough spinning to turn that lie into an accolade for Le Grand Orange .
Or , as canard-in-chief , duck l ’ orange .
Everything Falls Apart , Ctd .
The latest carnage : 466,396 cases and 16,703 deaths in America .
Florida unemployment fiasco creates more danger of infection due to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Country Next Month .
He realizes just how precarious he is politically .
He ’ s willing to risk the country ’ s health in order to throw a Hail , Mary to save the economy and his political fortunes .
Which reminds me , this proposed coronavirus economic task force ?
Mark Meadow , Steven Mnuchin and Larry Kudlow will be part of it .
Health concerns will take a back seat .
Bill Barr prepares to do his part .
A May reopening ain ’ t gon na happen , according @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s close out the week with a diversion or two : More on the Lincoln Project .
What do you want to talk about ?

WHERE ARE THE TESTS? Perhaps the biggest lie, among all the lies that the President repeats daily, is that we have the best testing program in the world. Along with, you know that ‘Everybody who wants a test can get a test’ lie. Do you know what percentage of Americans have had a coronavirus test? 0.7%. If you watched Trump’s mercifully-truncated monologue yesterday, he repeated the canard (doesn’t that mean ‘duck’ in French?) that massive testing is unnecessary. He doesn’t want massive testing because it would reveal the true scope of the pandemic here. Nobody expects everybody to be tested. But seriously, the country with the worst outbreak of the pandemic has not tested 99.3% of the population? Not enough spinning to turn that lie into an accolade for Le Grand Orange. Or, as canard-in-chief, duck l’orange.
Everything Falls Apart, Ctd. The latest carnage: 466,396 cases and 16,703 deaths in America. Florida unemployment fiasco creates more danger of infection due to long lines.
Trump Wants To Reopen Country Next Month. He realizes just how precarious he is politically. He’s willing to risk the country’s health in order to throw a Hail, Mary to save the economy and his political fortunes. Which reminds me, this proposed coronavirus economic task force? Mark Meadow, Steven Mnuchin and Larry Kudlow will be part of it. Health concerns will take a back seat. Bill Barr prepares to do his part. A May reopening ain’t gonna happen, according to the Surgeon General.
Let’s close out the week with a diversion or two:
More on the Lincoln Project.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-04-10--Jason on REV’s Podcast

Jason on REV’s Podcast

Got 1 hr and 17 minutes to spare ?
It ’ s my time in the hot seat with REV @ @ @ @ @ me spill some blog tea about the events around the break up , and talk @ @ @ @ @ BHL and Matt Denn .
Jason Scott of Delaware Liberal joins Rob in the bunker @ @ @ @ @ updates on the Coronavirus situation , some war stories of the Delaware Way , and @ @ @ @ @ again .

Got 1 hr and 17 minutes to spare? It’s my time in the hot seat with REV on his podcast.. Listen to me spill some blog tea about the events around the break up, and talk about formative political experiences with BHL and Matt Denn.
E62 – We’re Set Dressing (w/Jason Scott)


delawareliberal--2020-04-09--Song of the Day 4/9: John Prine and Marianne Faithfull, “This Love Is Real”

Song of the Day 4/9 : John Prine and Marianne Faithfull , “ This Love Is Real ” The roll @ @ @ @ @ .
Marianne Faithfull has been hospitalized in London with covid-19 since late last week .
@ @ @ @ @ Prine for his 1995 LP , “ Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings.
” Old heads @ @ @ @ @ the young beauties who flitted around the Rolling Stones in the swingin ’ London scene @ @ @ @ @ was an aspiring actress and folk singer when she went to a Stones album-release party @ @ @ @ @ by their manager , Andrew Loog Oldham .
Before the year was out she had @ @ @ @ @ As Tears Go By ” and she was a star .
Years of hard living @ @ @ @ @ homelessness , took a toll on her voice , but in 1979 she made an @ @ @ @ @ Broken English.
” This was the first single from the LP .

The roll call of the stricken continues. Marianne Faithfull has been hospitalized in London with covid-19 since late last week. She recorded this with John Prine for his 1995 LP, “Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings.”
Old heads remember Faithfull as one of the young beauties who flitted around the Rolling Stones in the swingin’ London scene of the mid-60s. She was an aspiring actress and folk singer when she went to a Stones album-release party and was “discovered” by their manager, Andrew Loog Oldham. Before the year was out she had recorded the Jagger-Richards tune “As Tears Go By” and she was a star.
Years of hard living, including heroin addiction and homelessness, took a toll on her voice, but in 1979 she made an unexpected comeback with her “Broken English.” This was the first single from the LP.


delawareliberal--2020-01-07--Front Country Coming To Arden–Courtesy Of El Somnambulo…

…and the Arden Concert Gild .
Who the bleep is Front Country , you might ask ?
Well , they won Best Band honors at both the RockyGrass and Telluride Bluegrass Festivals .
Their lead singer , songwriter , and force-of-nature Melody Walker , won the Best Songwriting Competition at Merlefest .
Here ’ s the thing , though–they ’ re not essentially a bluegrass band .
Hey , why try to describe them when I can share some performances ?
: Of course , they CAN go full-on bluegrass from time-to-time : Think they ’ d be fun to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ask ?
What ’ s that you say ?
How about an Irish songstress who no less an authority than Paddy Maloney of The Chieftains praises as a ‘ voice that must be heard ’ ?
Well , I ’ ll have to pay extra for that , but if you insist : Now you may be saying , ‘ That ’ s all well and good , El Som , but how could I possibly afford tickets to such a great show ?
’ For $ 17 ( or $ 14 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Club member ) , you can !
And because I like you veryvery much , the first libation will be courtesy of moi , El Somnambulo .
You can send me a message on the tip line , or you can get tickets at ardenconcerts.com , or at Between Books , 2115 Marsh Road , Arden DE .
Or figure out some other way to get in touch with me .
The show is on Saturday , Feb. 1 , 2020 .
Doors open at 7 , show starts at 8 .
Looking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our sylvan burg of Arden…

…and the Arden Concert Gild. Who the bleep is Front Country, you might ask? Well, they won Best Band honors at both the RockyGrass and Telluride Bluegrass Festivals. Their lead singer, songwriter, and force-of-nature Melody Walker, won the Best Songwriting Competition at Merlefest. Here’s the thing, though–they’re not essentially a bluegrass band. Hey, why try to describe them when I can share some performances?:
Of course, they CAN go full-on bluegrass from time-to-time:
Great taste in covers, too:
Think they’d be fun to see in concert? What more could you ask? What’s that you say? How about an Irish songstress who no less an authority than Paddy Maloney of The Chieftains praises as a ‘voice that must be heard’? Well, I’ll have to pay extra for that, but if you insist:
Now you may be saying, ‘That’s all well and good, El Som, but how could I possibly afford tickets to such a great show?’ For $17 (or $14, if you’re an Arden Club member), you can! And because I like you veryvery much, the first libation will be courtesy of moi, El Somnambulo. You can send me a message on the tip line, or you can get tickets at ardenconcerts.com, or at Between Books, 2115 Marsh Road, Arden DE. Or figure out some other way to get in touch with me. The show is on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020. Doors open at 7, show starts at 8.
Looking forward to seeing some of you in our sylvan burg of Arden…


delawareliberal--2020-01-07--DL Open Thread: Tues., Jan. 7, 2020

DL Open Thread: Tues., Jan. 7, 2020

‘ Have Democrats Finally Found Their Own ALEC ?
’ : I tend to doubt it b/c progressives have the capacity to think for themselves , whereas right wingers , um , don ’ t .
Still , this is a positive step .
Iran Targets…Trump Properties For Retribution .
I don ’ t like this–it just gives Trump an excuse to skip out on his bills .
Pompeo Will Not Run For Kansas Senate Seat .
Kids , every now and then , I get one right .
From yesterday ’ s Open Thread : “ BTW , Pompeo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he had the chance .
Wouldn ’ t be a good look for him to do so now.
” So , are the Kansas Rethugs gon na be stuck with Kris Kobach ?
Believe it or not , this seat is very much in play , and it could decide the Senate .
Trump Did Business With People Associated With Iran ’ s Revolutionary Guard .
Because , of course he did .
We ’ re talking an Azerbaijan hotel project .
Everything personally approved by Ivanka .
82nd Airborne Bids Family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The older soldiers somber , the young ones giddy .
Carney Nominates Paul Fioravanti For Chancery Court Opening .
He ’ s a registered D. He ’ s donated to , among others , Bryan Townsend and , wait for it , Greg Lavelle .
All that says to me is that he wants to be a judge and he ’ s been covering his bases with campaign contributions for awhile .
Still , I ’ d enjoy hearing his conversation with Laura Sturgeon when it happens .
What do you want to @ @ @

‘Have Democrats Finally Found Their Own ALEC?’: I tend to doubt it b/c progressives have the capacity to think for themselves, whereas right wingers, um, don’t. Still, this is a positive step.
Iran Targets…Trump Properties For Retribution. I don’t like this–it just gives Trump an excuse to skip out on his bills.
Pompeo Will Not Run From Trump For Kansas Senate Seat. Kids, every now and then, I get one right. From yesterday’s Open Thread: “BTW, Pompeo should have ditched this shitshow for Kansas when he had the chance. Wouldn’t be a good look for him to do so now.” So, are the Kansas Rethugs gonna be stuck with Kris Kobach? Believe it or not, this seat is very much in play, and it could decide the Senate.
Trump Did Business With People Associated With Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Because, of course he did. We’re talking an Azerbaijan hotel project. Everything personally approved by Ivanka.
82nd Airborne Bids Family Goodbye, Heads Into The Unknown. The older soldiers somber, the young ones giddy.
Carney Nominates Paul Fioravanti For Chancery Court Opening. He’s a registered D. He’s donated to, among others, Bryan Townsend and, wait for it, Greg Lavelle. All that says to me is that he wants to be a judge and he’s been covering his bases with campaign contributions for awhile. Still, I’d enjoy hearing his conversation with Laura Sturgeon when it happens.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-01-06--Highlands Bunker – E48 – All I Said Was Vote


delawareliberal--2020-01-06--DL Open Thread: Mon., Jan. 6, 2020

DL Open Thread: Mon., Jan. 6, 2020

Wilmington ’ s Only Rethug Councilman Target Of Sexual Harassment Suit .
Granted , I ’ d feel a bit more comfortable with this had the complainant hired anybody but Theo Gregory to handle the suit , but still .
Trump ‘ Created His Own Credibility Crisis ’ On Iran .
Not that he ’ s gon na try to make a serious case for , you know , war , in any event .
Speaker Pelosi To Hold A Vote To Curb President ’ s War Powers On Iran .
A vote this week .
What will the Senate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
My guess ?
No vote .
Coons will reach across the aisle to make sure that no vote happens .
He ’ s Insa-a-a-a-ne !
As if you needed more proof .
BTW , Pompeo should have ditched this shitshow for Kansas when he had the chance .
Wouldn ’ t be a good look for him to do so now .
Guess Who Are , And Aren ’ t , Getting Rich Over Trump ’ s Trade War .
Just because you can probably figure it out doesn ’ t mean @ @ @ @ @ @ @ How A $ 16 Billion Company Employed Prison Labor…And Didn ’ t Pay Them .
The county basically set up the arrangement .
This is one civil lawsuit where I ’ m really rooting for the plaintiffs .
What do you want to talk about ?

Wilmington’s Only Rethug Councilman Target Of Sexual Harassment Suit. Granted, I’d feel a bit more comfortable with this had the complainant hired anybody but Theo Gregory to handle the suit, but still.
Trump ‘Created His Own Credibility Crisis’ On Iran. Not that he’s gonna try to make a serious case for, you know, war, in any event.
Speaker Pelosi To Hold A Vote To Curb President’s War Powers On Iran. A vote this week. What will the Senate do? What will Chris Coons do? My guess? No vote. Coons will reach across the aisle to make sure that no vote happens.
He’s Insa-a-a-a-ne! As if you needed more proof. BTW, Pompeo should have ditched this shitshow for Kansas when he had the chance. Wouldn’t be a good look for him to do so now.
Guess Who Are, And Aren’t, Getting Rich Over Trump’s Trade War. Just because you can probably figure it out doesn’t mean that it doesn’t suck.
How A $16 Billion Company Employed Prison Labor…And Didn’t Pay Them. The county basically set up the arrangement. This is one civil lawsuit where I’m really rooting for the plaintiffs.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-01-06--Song of the Day 1/6: Brian Wilson, “Love and Mercy”

Song of the Day 1/6 : Brian Wilson , “ Love and Mercy ” Perhaps the most beautiful and poignant composition of Brian Wilson ’ s late period was the lead single to his self-titled 1988 album , recorded near the end of his relationship with disgraced therapist Eugene Landy , who originally received a since-rescinded writing credit on it .
“ It ’ s a personal message from me to people , ” Wilson once explained , calling it “ probably the most spiritual song I ’ ve ever written .
… We wanted people to be covered with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guarantee of somebody waking up in the morning with any love .
It goes away , like a bad dream .
It disappears .
Mercy would be a deeper word than love .
I would think love is a gentle thing and mercy would be more desperate , ultimately more desperately needed , thing in life .
Mercy — a little break here and there for somebody who ’ s having trouble.
” The song failed to chart even briefly , but it ’ s had a long afterlife .
Wilson has re-recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it as an encore in his concert appearances .
It also lent its title to the 2014 biopic .
The naked emotion of Wilson ’ s delivery of the simple lyrics , plus those soaring harmonies , never fails to send them home happy .
The song isn ’ t covered as often as it should be .
The most faithful to the song ’ s spirit is an acoustic Golden Smog version recorded in 1998 but left off “ Weird Tales , ” featuring Wilco ’ s Jeff Tweedy and the Jayhawks @ @ @ @

Perhaps the most beautiful and poignant composition of Brian Wilson’s late period was the lead single to his self-titled 1988 album, recorded near the end of his relationship with disgraced therapist Eugene Landy, who originally received a since-rescinded writing credit on it.
“It’s a personal message from me to people,” Wilson once explained, calling it “probably the most spiritual song I’ve ever written. … We wanted people to be covered with love, because there’s no guarantee of somebody waking up in the morning with any love. It goes away, like a bad dream. It disappears. Mercy would be a deeper word than love. I would think love is a gentle thing and mercy would be more desperate, ultimately more desperately needed, thing in life. Mercy — a little break here and there for somebody who’s having trouble.”
The song failed to chart even briefly, but it’s had a long afterlife. Wilson has re-recorded it several times, and he uses it as an encore in his concert appearances. It also lent its title to the 2014 biopic. The naked emotion of Wilson’s delivery of the simple lyrics, plus those soaring harmonies, never fails to send them home happy.
The song isn’t covered as often as it should be. The most faithful to the song’s spirit is an acoustic Golden Smog version recorded in 1998 but left off “Weird Tales,” featuring Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy and the Jayhawks’ Gary Louris.


delawareliberal--2020-01-06--Chris Rowe, Nelly Jordan, Ernie Lopez Still Republicans

Chris Rowe , the New Castle County Republican Party Chairman and Nelly Jordan , the Vice-Chair of the Sussex County @ @ @ @ @ little stir when they publicly lamented all the “ Faggots ” and “ Jews ” @ @ @ @ @ .
The expressions of shock and disappointment poured in from frauds like Ernie Lopez and @ @ @ @ @ the last “ good Republicans ” then nothing .
It all blew over .
Chris @ @ @ @ @ to quit , then didn ’ t .
He is still calling himself the New @ @ @ @ @ , and using the party ’ s FB to promote an appearance on WDEL this @ @ @ @ @ simply said that talking about how bad Jews are is consistent with her “ faith @ @ @ @ @ have it .
No harm , no foul .
Nothing to see here folks .
@ @ @

Chris Rowe, the New Castle County Republican Party Chairman and Nelly Jordan, the Vice-Chair of the Sussex County Republican Committee both made a little stir when they publicly lamented all the “Faggots” and “Jews” trying to destroy white America.
The expressions of shock and disappointment poured in from frauds like Ernie Lopez and James Spadola who fancy themselves the last “good Republicans” then nothing. It all blew over.
Chris Rowe said he was going to quit, then didn’t. He is still calling himself the New Castle County Republican Party Chairman, and using the party’s FB to promote an appearance on WDEL this afternoon.
Meanwhile, Jordan simply said that talking about how bad Jews are is consistent with her “faith”, so there you have it. No harm, no foul.
Nothing to see here folks. Move along.


delawareliberal--2020-01-05--Song of the Day 1/5: Edwin Starr, “War”

Song of the Day 1/5: Edwin Starr, “War”

Sorry for being so obvious , but back in the days of the draft most people didn ’ t need so much convincing that war was a racket .
Of course , back then it was more obvious that the portion of the public that supported the Vietnam War ( known at the time as the Conflict Overseas ) was composed mainly of old men whose asses weren ’ t the ones being shot full of holes , and young people got angry accordingly .
This song summed up the feeling in the country at the time , and it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in late summer 1970 , knocking Bread ’ s “ Make It With You ” from the top spot .
Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong wrote the song for the Temptations , who included it on their “ Psychedelic Shack ” LP in early 1970 .
Faced with public pressure to release that version as a single , Motown muftahs demurred , worried that the song might alienate some of the Tempations ’ broad fandom .
Whitfield suggested giving the song to Starr , then rolled out a show-stopping production that , along @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gave the song a kick the Temps couldn ’ t match even if they wanted to .
The hit somewhat radicalized Starr , who began speaking out for liberal causes .
By 1971 , people were getting truly fed up with Nixon ’ s dithering — he had run on a promise of ending the war quickly — and Starr released “ Stop the War Now.
” In 1973 , Starr bid goodbye the U.S .
He relocated to England , continued to record and produce music for others and became a hero @ @ @ @ @ @ @ movement .
He lived there until his death in 2003 .

Sorry for being so obvious, but back in the days of the draft most people didn’t need so much convincing that war was a racket. Of course, back then it was more obvious that the portion of the public that supported the Vietnam War (known at the time as the Conflict Overseas) was composed mainly of old men whose asses weren’t the ones being shot full of holes, and young people got angry accordingly. This song summed up the feeling in the country at the time, and it spent three weeks topping the Billboard chart in late summer 1970, knocking Bread’s “Make It With You” from the top spot.
Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong wrote the song for the Temptations, who included it on their “Psychedelic Shack” LP in early 1970. Faced with public pressure to release that version as a single, Motown muftahs demurred, worried that the song might alienate some of the Tempations’ broad fandom. Whitfield suggested giving the song to Starr, then rolled out a show-stopping production that, along with Starr’s fiery vocals, gave the song a kick the Temps couldn’t match even if they wanted to.
The hit somewhat radicalized Starr, who began speaking out for liberal causes. By 1971, people were getting truly fed up with Nixon’s dithering — he had run on a promise of ending the war quickly — and Starr released “Stop the War Now.”
In 1973, Starr bid goodbye the U.S. He relocated to England, continued to record and produce music for others and became a hero of the country’s Northern Soul movement. He lived there until his death in 2003.


delawareliberal--2020-01-05--DL Open Thread: Sun., Jan. 5, 2020

DL Open Thread: Sun., Jan. 5, 2020

Officials Put Option Of Killing Suleimani Before Trump–So That He Wouldn ’ t Take It .
Don ’ t they know him by now ?
: In the chaotic days leading to the death of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani , Iran ’ s most powerful commander , top American military officials put the option of killing him — which they viewed as the most extreme response to recent Iranian-led violence in Iraq — on the menu they presented to President Trump .
They didn ’ t think he would take it .
In the wars waged since the Sept. 11 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have often offered improbable options to presidents to make other possibilities appear more palatable .
After initially rejecting the Suleimani option on Dec. 28 and authorizing airstrikes on an Iranian-backed Shia militia group instead , a few days later Mr. Trump watched , fuming , as television reports showed Iranian-backed attacks on the American Embassy in Baghdad , according to Defense Department and administration officials .
“ As Sanders And Warren Vow To Block War With Iran , Biden And Buttigieg Offer Better-Run Wars.
” Sometimes , a well-crafted hed says it all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is here with a vengeance .
Cambridge Analytica Made The World Safe For ‘ Global Manipulation ’ .
87 million Facebook accounts .
Voter manipulation on an ‘ industrial scale ’ in 68 countries .
I can ’ t even…just read it .
‘ Putin ’ s Big Lie ’ .
In a rewrite of history totally at war with the facts , Putin blames , wait for it , Poland for the outbreak of World War II .
What do you want to talk about ?

Officials Put Option Of Killing Suleimani Before Trump–So That He Wouldn’t Take It. Don’t they know him by now?:
In the chaotic days leading to the death of Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, Iran’s most powerful commander, top American military officials put the option of killing him — which they viewed as the most extreme response to recent Iranian-led violence in Iraq — on the menu they presented to President Trump. They didn’t think he would take it. In the wars waged since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Pentagon officials have often offered improbable options to presidents to make other possibilities appear more palatable. After initially rejecting the Suleimani option on Dec. 28 and authorizing airstrikes on an Iranian-backed Shia militia group instead, a few days later Mr. Trump watched, fuming, as television reports showed Iranian-backed attacks on the American Embassy in Baghdad, according to Defense Department and administration officials.
“As Sanders And Warren Vow To Block War With Iran, Biden And Buttigieg Offer Better-Run Wars.” Sometimes, a well-crafted hed says it all.
Australia Is Burning. Climate change is here with a vengeance.
Cambridge Analytica Made The World Safe For ‘Global Manipulation’. 87 million Facebook accounts. Voter manipulation on an ‘industrial scale’ in 68 countries. I can’t even…just read it.
‘Putin’s Big Lie’. In a rewrite of history totally at war with the facts, Putin blames, wait for it, Poland for the outbreak of World War II.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-01-04--Delaware’s Shittiest Democrats: Bob Byrd, Part II

Lobbyist Bob Byrd , who registers as a Democrat , had lots to say to Dace Blaskovitz in the radio interview sent out by the Caesar Rodney Institute — more than one post could cover .
Yesterday ’ s installment showed Byrd thinks allowing public input in zoning decisions makes Delaware uncompetitive for businesses , meaning his clients .
The public interest , he made clear , is none of his concern .
The public will have to defend itself — mainly from him .
In the second half of the interview , Blaskovitz asked his pal Bobby for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Here are some highlights ( emphases mine ) : The Delaware Economic Financial Advisory Council set the amount of revenue that the state can expect to receive in any given year .
We raised the estimates by some $ 200 million , about $ 120 million more in this fiscal year and about $ 80 million more in next fiscal year .
So that means the General Assembly and the governor have about $ 200 million that they can spend over the next six months and into next year as they put @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ] he debate will be over whether or not we spend those $ 200 million on goods and services and things that people think the state needs to be doing .
Or whether we will put more of that money aside in what the governor has called his benchmarking process , which is identified dollars that need to be put ahead , put aside in addition to the rainy day fund , in addition to the 98 % spending limit .
And looking forward toward that day when we don ’ t have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do now .
[ I ] t ’ s going to be for the conservatives and the Republicans and the governor , who is fiscally conservative I think , to put some of those dollars away .
So that will be a very spirited discussion and debate over the next six months .
The problem with this should be obvious : Socking away today ’ s taxes for tomorrow ’ s expenses is unfair to today ’ s taxpayers , whose taxes should fund government year by year , not in perpetuity .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ taxpayers are being overtaxed so some future year ’ s won ’ t have to pay for their services .
And no , they ’ re not all the same people — folks move into and out of the state all the time .
It ’ s yet another form of incumbency protection .
Instead of stashing the money for another year , the state should pay down some of its considerable debt , which represents more incumbent cowardice — they borrowed the money because they were too scared of the public to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to demonstrate the cluelessness of “ fiscal conservatives.
” We ’ ve got to figure out what that next big thing is in economic development .
Delaware is a low tax state .
We are attracting many retirees from the mid-Atlantic and even up in the Northeast and the New England area .
We got a lot of people moving in here and retirees , because of our tax system , are not paying a lot of taxes , but they ’ re using a lot of our services .
And as I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I think that ’ s the biggest issue we have to solve .
Jesus H. Christ in a green eyeshade , is this really that hard for you to figure out , you large-handled tool ?
If people are paying less in taxes than it costs us in services , you need to RAISE THEIR TAXES !
For a start , we could stop offering tax breaks to people based on their age .
Seniors are moving here in part because we offer property tax breaks to seniors .
Is it really so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should STOP DOING THAT ?

Lobbyist Bob Byrd, who registers as a Democrat, had lots to say to Dace Blaskovitz in the radio interview sent out by the Caesar Rodney Institute — more than one post could cover. Yesterday’s installment showed Byrd thinks allowing public input in zoning decisions makes Delaware uncompetitive for businesses, meaning his clients. The public interest, he made clear, is none of his concern. The public will have to defend itself — mainly from him.
In the second half of the interview, Blaskovitz asked his pal Bobby for a preview of the 2020 General Assembly session. Here are some highlights (emphases mine):
The Delaware Economic Financial Advisory Council set the amount of revenue that the state can expect to receive in any given year. We raised the estimates by some $200 million, about $120 million more in this fiscal year and about $80 million more in next fiscal year. So that means the General Assembly and the governor have about $200 million that they can spend over the next six months and into next year as they put the budget together. … [T]he debate will be over whether or not we spend those $200 million on goods and services and things that people think the state needs to be doing. Or whether we will put more of that money aside in what the governor has called his benchmarking process, which is identified dollars that need to be put ahead, put aside in addition to the rainy day fund, in addition to the 98% spending limit. And looking forward toward that day when we don’t have as many revenues coming in as we do now. [I]t’s going to be for the conservatives and the Republicans and the governor, who is fiscally conservative I think, to put some of those dollars away. So that will be a very spirited discussion and debate over the next six months.
The problem with this should be obvious: Socking away today’s taxes for tomorrow’s expenses is unfair to today’s taxpayers, whose taxes should fund government year by year, not in perpetuity. In effect, this year’s taxpayers are being overtaxed so some future year’s won’t have to pay for their services. And no, they’re not all the same people — folks move into and out of the state all the time. It’s yet another form of incumbency protection. Instead of stashing the money for another year, the state should pay down some of its considerable debt, which represents more incumbent cowardice — they borrowed the money because they were too scared of the public to raise taxes directly.
Byrd went on to demonstrate the cluelessness of “fiscal conservatives.”
We’ve got to figure out what that next big thing is in economic development. Delaware is a low tax state. We are attracting many retirees from the mid-Atlantic and even up in the Northeast and the New England area. We got a lot of people moving in here and retirees, because of our tax system, are not paying a lot of taxes, but they’re using a lot of our services. And as I sit back and look at it, I think that’s the biggest issue we have to solve.
Jesus H. Christ in a green eyeshade, is this really that hard for you to figure out, you large-handled tool? If people are paying less in taxes than it costs us in services, you need to RAISE THEIR TAXES! For a start, we could stop offering tax breaks to people based on their age. Seniors are moving here in part because we offer property tax breaks to seniors. Is it really so hard to figure out that maybe we should STOP DOING THAT?


delawareliberal--2020-01-04--Song of the Day 1/4: The Beatles, “Rain”

Song of the Day 1/4 : The Beatles , “ Rain ” For many years after its 1966 release , this song was one of the most difficult Beatles songs to find .
Though recorded during the sessions for “ Revolver , ” it didn ’ t appear on that LP ; it was available only as the B-side to “ Paperback Writer.
” If you didn ’ t buy the single , you had to wait until 1970 ’ s compilation album “ Hey Jude , ” which rounded up several singles that hadn ’ t appeared on an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groundbreaking for the band in several ways .
The reversed lyrics at the end marked the first time they experimented with that technique , and the first time anyone used it on a record .
They also played around with tape speeds — Lennon ’ s lead vocal was recorded at a slower speed and then sped up to the key of the song ( as was the band ’ s custom , the song is actually pitched slightly lower than its nominal key ) .
Ringo Starr considers this his best-ever recorded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s energetic bass part is also among his most creative .
The band also recorded three versions of what would later be termed “ music videos ” for the song .
This is one of them .
The most notable cover of the tune was Todd Rundgren ’ s remake for his “ Faithful ” LP in 1976 .
As nimble as Rundgren is in the studio , his cover lacks the atmospherics of the original .

For many years after its 1966 release, this song was one of the most difficult Beatles songs to find. Though recorded during the sessions for “Revolver,” it didn’t appear on that LP; it was available only as the B-side to “Paperback Writer.” If you didn’t buy the single, you had to wait until 1970’s compilation album “Hey Jude,” which rounded up several singles that hadn’t appeared on an American LP previously.
The song was groundbreaking for the band in several ways. The reversed lyrics at the end marked the first time they experimented with that technique, and the first time anyone used it on a record. They also played around with tape speeds — Lennon’s lead vocal was recorded at a slower speed and then sped up to the key of the song (as was the band’s custom, the song is actually pitched slightly lower than its nominal key). Ringo Starr considers this his best-ever recorded drumming performance, and Paul McCartney’s energetic bass part is also among his most creative. The band also recorded three versions of what would later be termed “music videos” for the song. This is one of them.
The most notable cover of the tune was Todd Rundgren’s remake for his “Faithful” LP in 1976. As nimble as Rundgren is in the studio, his cover lacks the atmospherics of the original.


delawareliberal--2020-01-04--DL Open Thread: Sat., Jan. 4, 2020

DL Open Thread: Sat., Jan. 4, 2020

A ‘ Just The Facts ’ Version Of The Killing Of Soleimani From The Washington Post : What happened : President Trump ordered a drone strike near the Baghdad airport , killing Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani , one of Iran ’ s top military figures and leader of its special-operations forces abroad .
Who Soleimani was : As the leader of the Revolutionary Guard Corps ’ elite Quds Force , Soleimani was key in training Iran ’ s allies across the region , especially in Iraq .
Soleimani ’ s influence was imprinted on various Shiite militias that fought U.S. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tensions had been escalating between Iran and the United States since Trump pulled out of an Obama-era nuclear deal and spiked shortly before the airstrike .
On Tuesday , supporters of an Iranian-backed militia , Kataib Hezbollah , breached the gates of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad , demanding that U.S. troops and diplomats leave the country .
The militia supporters were protesting the killing of 25 fighters in U.S. airstrikes .
The strikes were carried out in response to the death of a U.S. contractor in a rocket attack against a military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ blamed on Kataib Hezbollah .
What happens next : Soleimani ’ s killing could be a catalyst for greater violence , experts warned .
Iran vowed “ severe revenge ” in response , while U.S. outposts braced for retaliatory attacks and oil prices rose .
The U.S. Embassy in Iraq warned U.S. citizens to leave “ immediately.
” Department Of Homeland Security Sees ‘ No Specific , Credible Threat ’ From Iran .
As opposed to the presumably specific credible threat posed by immigrants fleeing violence in their home countries .
Trump ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Iran .
Blackwater , Israel , Bolton , Don Junior .
You know , all the cooler heads in foreign policy .
2003 Just Called .
They Want Their War Propagandists On Every Media Platform .
Again .
Here ’ s the roll call of the liars , in case you have forgotten .
Bolton , of course , is already on board .
The ‘ Target-Rich Environments ’ Just Ripe For Retaliation .
This could get real bad real fast .
I didn ’ t plan on this being an All-Iran post @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ended up .
Sometimes you write the stories , sometimes the stories write themselves .
What do you want to talk about ?

A ‘Just The Facts’ Version Of The Killing Of Soleimani From The Washington Post:
What happened: President Trump ordered a drone strike near the Baghdad airport, killing Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, one of Iran’s top military figures and leader of its special-operations forces abroad. Who Soleimani was: As the leader of the Revolutionary Guard Corps’ elite Quds Force, Soleimani was key in training Iran’s allies across the region, especially in Iraq. Soleimani’s influence was imprinted on various Shiite militias that fought U.S. troops. How we got here: Tensions had been escalating between Iran and the United States since Trump pulled out of an Obama-era nuclear deal and spiked shortly before the airstrike. On Tuesday, supporters of an Iranian-backed militia, Kataib Hezbollah, breached the gates of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, demanding that U.S. troops and diplomats leave the country. The militia supporters were protesting the killing of 25 fighters in U.S. airstrikes. The strikes were carried out in response to the death of a U.S. contractor in a rocket attack against a military base in Kirkuk that the United States blamed on Kataib Hezbollah. What happens next: Soleimani’s killing could be a catalyst for greater violence, experts warned. Iran vowed “severe revenge” in response, while U.S. outposts braced for retaliatory attacks and oil prices rose. The U.S. Embassy in Iraq warned U.S. citizens to leave “immediately.”
Department Of Homeland Security Sees ‘No Specific, Credible Threat’ From Iran. As opposed to the presumably specific credible threat posed by immigrants fleeing violence in their home countries.
Trump’s Accomplices In Seeking Regime Change In Iran. Blackwater, Israel, Bolton, Don Junior. You know, all the cooler heads in foreign policy.
2003 Just Called. They Want Their War Propagandists On Every Media Platform. Again. Here’s the roll call of the liars, in case you have forgotten. Bolton, of course, is already on board.
The ‘Target-Rich Environments’ Just Ripe For Retaliation. This could get real bad real fast.
I didn’t plan on this being an All-Iran post, but that’s just how it ended up. Sometimes you write the stories, sometimes the stories write themselves.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-01-04--Sean Hannity fantasizes about next American strike on Iran which he says will lead to Iranians overt

Sean Hannity fantasizes about next American strike on Iran which he says will lead to Iranians overthrowing their government

Strong Daddy fantasies abound .
Just read this and remember that Trump listens to this shit instead of listening to @ @ @ @ @ HANNITY ( HOST ) : So they want to respond , they try to respond @ @ @ @ @ .
Well , what ’ s the first thing I think I ’ d be @ @ @ @ @ m an American President ?
There are three main refineries inside of Iran .
I @ @ @ @ @ targeted those three main refineries inside of Iran their economy would go belly up .
@ @ @ @ @ Then the people of Iran , that have been protesting although there ’ s not @ @ @ @ @ on it , then they might have a chance to overthrow the Mullahs that have @ @ @ @ @ people .

Strong Daddy fantasies abound. Just read this and remember that Trump listens to this shit instead of listening to actual intelligence briefings.
SEAN HANNITY (HOST): So they want to respond, they try to respond, they try to retaliate. Well, what’s the first thing I think I’d be looking at if I’m an American President? There are three main refineries inside of Iran.
I have faith that if we targeted those three main refineries inside of Iran their economy would go belly up. And what would happen? Then the people of Iran, that have been protesting although there’s not a lot of news reporting on it, then they might have a chance to overthrow the Mullahs that have been terrorizing even their own people.


delawareliberal--2020-01-03--U.S. Assassinates Iranian General – Coons Giddy, Spoiling for War with Iran

“ Gen .
Qassim Soleimani was a dangerous terrorist responsible for killing thousands of innocent men , women , and children , including Americans , throughout the Middle East .
I do not mourn his passing.
” These are the first words Coons could get out – a statement of glee .
He goes on to worry a bit , but on balance the statement is bloodthirsty as usual .
Read it here : “ Gen .
Qassim Soleimani was a dangerous terrorist responsible for killing thousands of innocent men , women , and children , including Americans , throughout @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mourn his passing .
“ This air strike , though , dramatically escalates tensions with Iran and places the tens of thousands of American military forces , diplomats , and embassy staff in the region in even more danger than before .
The Administration ’ s stated goal for this strike was deterrence , but without a clear strategy and the support of our allies , this attack makes the risk of another large scale military conflict in the Middle East more likely at a time when the American people rightly want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in uniform home safely .
“ The Trump Administration must present a strategy for not only protecting ourselves and our allies , but for working with our allies and partners to deter further escalation from Iran and its proxies .
“ This is particularly critical after last week ’ s joint military exercises between Iran , China , and Russia .
If the President wants to consider additional military action against Iran , he is obligated to seek authorization from Congress for a broader use of military force .
“ The American people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ our country ’ s role in the Middle East from the Trump Administration .
I will continue to demand they present that in the coming days .
”

“Gen. Qassim Soleimani was a dangerous terrorist responsible for killing thousands of innocent men, women, and children, including Americans, throughout the Middle East. I do not mourn his passing.”
These are the first words Coons could get out – a statement of glee. He goes on to worry a bit, but on balance the statement is bloodthirsty as usual. Read it here:
“Gen. Qassim Soleimani was a dangerous terrorist responsible for killing thousands of innocent men, women, and children, including Americans, throughout the Middle East. I do not mourn his passing.
“This air strike, though, dramatically escalates tensions with Iran and places the tens of thousands of American military forces, diplomats, and embassy staff in the region in even more danger than before. The Administration’s stated goal for this strike was deterrence, but without a clear strategy and the support of our allies, this attack makes the risk of another large scale military conflict in the Middle East more likely at a time when the American people rightly want to bring more of our men and women in uniform home safely.
“The Trump Administration must present a strategy for not only protecting ourselves and our allies, but for working with our allies and partners to deter further escalation from Iran and its proxies.
“This is particularly critical after last week’s joint military exercises between Iran, China, and Russia. If the President wants to consider additional military action against Iran, he is obligated to seek authorization from Congress for a broader use of military force.
“The American people deserve a clear, comprehensive strategy for our country’s role in the Middle East from the Trump Administration. I will continue to demand they present that in the coming days.”


delawareliberal--2020-01-03--Song of the Day 1/3: R. Crumb & His Cheap Suit Serenaders, “Alabama Jubilee”

Song of the Day 1/3 : R. Crumb & His Cheap Suit Serenaders , “ Alabama Jubilee ” The Mummers Parade is in trouble again , this time because two members of the Froggy Carr comic brigade wore blackface during their march .
This has elicited , yet again , calls from minority groups for the city to stop funding the parade , which is in the awkward position of having to defend many of its beloved century-plus-old traditions .
This isn ’ t surprising , because many of the old tunes , and the Mummer strut itself , are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but still popular when the parade became organized in 1901 but offend people in a more multi-cultural society .
I won ’ t even attempt to defend the idiocy of wearing blackface in the parade , considering it was banned in 1963 .
But I ’ d hate to see the parade itself end , because I ’ ve grown to like the string band music that I scorned when I was younger , partly because they are keeping alive a form of music that ’ s almost impossible to hear anymore .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ just reeds , strings and percussion .
Banjos were popular because they ’ re louder than other acoustic stringed instruments ; same with saxophones .
Outside of the Mummers , the music of the early 20th century was kept alive for many years by Leon Redbone , but there have been other practitioners of the style .
One was put together in the Bay Area by cartoonist Robert Crumb and some of his friends in the early ’ 70s .
Crumb grew up in lower Delaware , where he went door-to-door in black @ @ @ @ @ @ @ old records they would sell him , and when he and his friends recorded a vanity LP , others who heard it said they should release it for real .
The band ended up releasing three albums , the first in 1974 , before frontman Crumb moved out of the area .
Many of those tunes are the same ones known to fans of the Mummers — for example , “ Alabama Jubilee , ” one of the parade ’ s unofficial anthems .
Believe it or not , a string band version @ @ @ @ @ @ @ String Band released an LP in 1955 that included the tune .
When it was released as a single it reached No .
14 on Billboard ’ s jukebox chart .

The Mummers Parade is in trouble again, this time because two members of the Froggy Carr comic brigade wore blackface during their march. This has elicited, yet again, calls from minority groups for the city to stop funding the parade, which is in the awkward position of having to defend many of its beloved century-plus-old traditions. This isn’t surprising, because many of the old tunes, and the Mummer strut itself, are based on minstrelry, which was fading but still popular when the parade became organized in 1901 but offend people in a more multi-cultural society.
I won’t even attempt to defend the idiocy of wearing blackface in the parade, considering it was banned in 1963. But I’d hate to see the parade itself end, because I’ve grown to like the string band music that I scorned when I was younger, partly because they are keeping alive a form of music that’s almost impossible to hear anymore. The bands have no brass instruments, just reeds, strings and percussion. Banjos were popular because they’re louder than other acoustic stringed instruments; same with saxophones.
Outside of the Mummers, the music of the early 20th century was kept alive for many years by Leon Redbone, but there have been other practitioners of the style. One was put together in the Bay Area by cartoonist Robert Crumb and some of his friends in the early ’70s. Crumb grew up in lower Delaware, where he went door-to-door in black neighborhoods asking people if they had any old records they would sell him, and when he and his friends recorded a vanity LP, others who heard it said they should release it for real. The band ended up releasing three albums, the first in 1974, before frontman Crumb moved out of the area. Many of those tunes are the same ones known to fans of the Mummers — for example, “Alabama Jubilee,” one of the parade’s unofficial anthems.
Believe it or not, a string band version actually made the charts. The Ferko String Band released an LP in 1955 that included the tune. When it was released as a single it reached No. 14 on Billboard’s jukebox chart.


delawareliberal--2020-01-03--DL Open Thread: Fri., Jan. 3, 2019

DL Open Thread: Fri., Jan. 3, 2019

State Rethug ‘ Leaders ’ Under Fire–From R State Chair .
Kudos , I guess , to Jane Brady .
But she ’ s wrong when she says that this is not what her party stands for .
Hate and resentment are pretty much all they stand for these days .
An excerpt for those w/o a subscription : Those words ?
Now bear in mind that this is the Sussex County Rethug Vice Chair : “ Many Jews ‘ In Name Only ’ lend themselves to be in the hoaks ( sic ) of the pure made up story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” reads Jordan ’ s Facebook post , which was emailed to Delaware Online/The News Journal in a screenshot from the House Republican Caucus .
“ Fortunately for us the people that believe that God gave us a brain to think for ourselves can see through the madness these left socialist believers had concocted against a President … God please have mercy on them , some of the Jewish people are doing today as it was in the times of the Old Testament , go against God ’ s will even after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Quotes : Rethugs Will Suppress Votes Thanks To Lifting Of Consent Decree .
A consent decree that was forced on the Rethugs due to proven suppression of minority votes .
Oh Boy , Looks Like We ’ ve Really Stepped In It In Mideast Confrontation .
US Drone Strike kills key Irani Commander .
Wag the dog , anybody ?
This is when we could really use a president that , you know , knows something .
An excerpt : In killing General Suleimani , Mr. Trump took an action that Presidents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rejected , fearing it would lead to war between the United States and Iran .
While many Republicans said that the president had been justified in the attack , Mr. Trump ’ s most significant use of military force to date , critics of his Iran policy called the strike a reckless unilateral escalation that could have drastic and unforeseen consequences that could ripple violently throughout the Middle East .
“ Soleimani was an enemy of the United States .
That ’ s not a question , ” Senator Christopher S. Murphy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , using an alternate spelling of the Iranian ’ s name .
“ The question is this – as reports suggest , did America just assassinate , without any congressional authorization , the second most powerful person in Iran , knowingly setting off a potential massive regional war ?
” Here ’ s how the Atlantic sees it : Of the most feared terrorist leaders the United States has hunted and killed this century—from Osama bin Laden to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi—no death ever had the significance of the one America just dealt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Force commander , Qassem Soleimani , in a U.S. strike yesterday in Baghdad wasn ’ t just the targeted assassination of a state military leader .
It marked a dangerous new chapter in a roiling region Soleimani has helped shape for more than a decade , and moved the U.S. and Iran ’ s cycle of proxy violence and sabotage closer to outright war .
Trump Clearly Ordered Hold On Ukraine Aid .
Gee , I wonder if the assassination was in part designed to take attention away from this most smoking of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ big story that I pray doesn ’ t get lost in the shuffle of a prospective new war .
Julian Castro Drops Out Of Presidential Race .
The last thing I expected under the new rules was that a bunch of white men ( and one white woman ) would be dominating the field at this point .
Depressing .
What do you want to talk about ?

State Rethug ‘Leaders’ Under Fire–From R State Chair. Kudos, I guess, to Jane Brady. But she’s wrong when she says that this is not what her party stands for. Hate and resentment are pretty much all they stand for these days. An excerpt for those w/o a subscription:
Brady issued a statement on Thursday saying that Jordan’s words were “hurtful and anti-Semitic,” and Rowe used “homophobic language.” She said the Delaware Republican Party does not “condone any statements that demean or show disrespect to others.”
Those words? Now bear in mind that this is the Sussex County Rethug Vice Chair:
“Many Jews ‘In Name Only’ lend themselves to be in the hoaks (sic) of the pure made up story of impeachment that the Democrats have woven,” reads Jordan’s Facebook post, which was emailed to Delaware Online/The News Journal in a screenshot from the House Republican Caucus. “Fortunately for us the people that believe that God gave us a brain to think for ourselves can see through the madness these left socialist believers had concocted against a President … God please have mercy on them, some of the Jewish people are doing today as it was in the times of the Old Testament, go against God’s will even after He had mercy on them.”
Your thoughts?
Smoking Air Quotes: Rethugs Will Suppress Votes Thanks To Lifting Of Consent Decree. A consent decree that was forced on the Rethugs due to proven suppression of minority votes.
Oh Boy, Looks Like We’ve Really Stepped In It In Mideast Confrontation. US Drone Strike kills key Irani Commander. Wag the dog, anybody? This is when we could really use a president that, you know, knows something. An excerpt:
In killing General Suleimani, Mr. Trump took an action that Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama had rejected, fearing it would lead to war between the United States and Iran. While many Republicans said that the president had been justified in the attack, Mr. Trump’s most significant use of military force to date, critics of his Iran policy called the strike a reckless unilateral escalation that could have drastic and unforeseen consequences that could ripple violently throughout the Middle East. “Soleimani was an enemy of the United States. That’s not a question,” Senator Christopher S. Murphy, Democrat of Connecticut, wrote on Twitter, using an alternate spelling of the Iranian’s name. “The question is this – as reports suggest, did America just assassinate, without any congressional authorization, the second most powerful person in Iran, knowingly setting off a potential massive regional war?”
Here’s Trump’s response.
Here’s how the Atlantic sees it:
Of the most feared terrorist leaders the United States has hunted and killed this century—from Osama bin Laden to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi—no death ever had the significance of the one America just dealt. The killing of Iran’s Quds Force commander, Qassem Soleimani, in a U.S. strike yesterday in Baghdad wasn’t just the targeted assassination of a state military leader. It marked a dangerous new chapter in a roiling region Soleimani has helped shape for more than a decade, and moved the U.S. and Iran’s cycle of proxy violence and sabotage closer to outright war.
Trump Clearly Ordered Hold On Ukraine Aid. Gee, I wonder if the assassination was in part designed to take attention away from this most smoking of smoking guns. This is a really big story that I pray doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of a prospective new war.
Julian Castro Drops Out Of Presidential Race. The last thing I expected under the new rules was that a bunch of white men (and one white woman) would be dominating the field at this point. Depressing.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-01-07--Linda Gray And Coby Owens Headed To Primary…

for City Council District 1 .
Linda Gray , who was appointed to serve out the term of Nnamdi Chukwuocha @ @ @ @ @ about whether she would file .
Today , she filed .
I ’ ve already @ @ @ @ @ I like him .
I think that Linda Gray has done a real solid job @ @ @ @ @ d be happy to interview her as well .
Here ’ s my one concern @ @ @ @ @ self-dealing Potter family jumps in , will one of these two candidates step aside to @ @ @ @ @ ?
I don ’ t know .
But I hope so .

for City Council District 1. Linda Gray, who was appointed to serve out the term of Nnamdi Chukwuocha, had been going back-and-forth about whether she would file. Today, she filed. I’ve already interviewed Coby Owens, and I like him. I think that Linda Gray has done a real solid job on Council and I’d be happy to interview her as well.
Here’s my one concern. If someone from the self-dealing Potter family jumps in, will one of these two candidates step aside to keep them off of council?
I don’t know. But I hope so.


delawareliberal--2020-01-07--Comment Rescue:  Boomer, for the love of God – wake up already

Comment Rescue : Boomer , for the love of God – wake up already Where does this enduring fantasy that 10 % of the electorate is a sober “ center ” that can be swayed over to the Dem side come from ?
It certainly doesn ’ t come from paying close attention to recent elections .
My view is that every election of my adulthood has been a “ base turnout election ” won by the candidate that was most effective bringing in new base voters and getting established base voters excited about turning out on Election Day .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Democrats remain clueless .
The GOP has been able to excited their base and turn out new voters even when running terrible candidates like GWB and Trump .
But while the Republican base is catered to , the Dem base is viewed as villainous spoilers by the press and corporatists Democrats like Chris Coons .
We often read stories wondering if the Dem base “ too far left to win ?
” That story is always being printed somewhere , and yet “ is the GOP base too far right to win ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ asked .
Funny , that .
The popularity of Sanders and Warren should prove that there is a hunger in the country for fairness and accountability .
Sanders beat Clinton in the liberal bastions of Michigan , Wisconsin and EVERY FUCKING COUNTY in West Virginia .
Every county .
Yes there is a hunger , and if ever a Democrat ran a real base turnout strategy , I ’ m sure that candidate would win 45 states .
But instead we get fearful tumbling .
We fret that the Democratic candidate might not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moderates that only exist in legend .
That is not to say that there are no undecideds .
Sure there are a few of them .
We also call them dummies .
They might be “ persuadable ” but they are never persuaded by the rational arguments and sober mediocrity expressed by the likes of H. Clinton and Kerry .
They are persuaded by the excitement of being on the side of energetic confidence and the thought that they are joining the eventual “ winner ” in his/her quest .
Fortunately we have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for office this year who are not haunted by the ghost of George McGovern , and are pursuing a base turn out strategy .
On a local level that means knocking on every door and delivering a clear , energetically progressive message that brings in new voters and turns regular passive Democratic voters into participants .

Where does this enduring fantasy that 10% of the electorate is a sober “center” that can be swayed over to the Dem side come from? It certainly doesn’t come from paying close attention to recent elections.
My view is that every election of my adulthood has been a “base turnout election” won by the candidate that was most effective bringing in new base voters and getting established base voters excited about turning out on Election Day.
Republicans seem to understand this, while Democrats remain clueless. The GOP has been able to excited their base and turn out new voters even when running terrible candidates like GWB and Trump.
But while the Republican base is catered to, the Dem base is viewed as villainous spoilers by the press and corporatists Democrats like Chris Coons. We often read stories wondering if the Dem base “too far left to win?” That story is always being printed somewhere, and yet “is the GOP base too far right to win?” is question you never hear anyone asked. Funny, that.
The popularity of Sanders and Warren should prove that there is a hunger in the country for fairness and accountability. Sanders beat Clinton in the liberal bastions of Michigan, Wisconsin and EVERY FUCKING COUNTY in West Virginia. Every county. Yes there is a hunger, and if ever a Democrat ran a real base turnout strategy, I’m sure that candidate would win 45 states. But instead we get fearful tumbling. We fret that the Democratic candidate might not appeal to some mythic “centrist” moderates that only exist in legend.
That is not to say that there are no undecideds. Sure there are a few of them. We also call them dummies. They might be “persuadable” but they are never persuaded by the rational arguments and sober mediocrity expressed by the likes of H. Clinton and Kerry.
They are persuaded by the excitement of being on the side of energetic confidence and the thought that they are joining the eventual “winner” in his/her quest.
Fortunately we have a large number of great Democrats running for office this year who are not haunted by the ghost of George McGovern, and are pursuing a base turn out strategy.
On a local level that means knocking on every door and delivering a clear, energetically progressive message that brings in new voters and turns regular passive Democratic voters into participants.