delawareliberal--2020-08-08--DL Open Thread: Saturday, August 8, 2020

The Dysfunctional Relationship Between Trump And Intelligence Agencies .
A must-read on how Trump ’ s biases have led to changes in intelligence reports–mustn ’ t make him angry .
DNI finally comes out and says it–Russia is working to reelect Trump .
Sure looks like Russia has fed disinformation to Senators Ron Johnson and Chuck Grassley , as well as , who else , Devin Nunes .
Postmaster General Torches USPS In Friday Night News Dump .
Here ’ s a fact that will surprise no one : It also asks Whitcomb to review the finances of DeJoy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ nominee for ambassador to Canada .
The couple ’ s holdings include between $ 30.1 million and $ 75.3 million in assets in USPS competitors or contractors , according to a financial disclosure Wos filed with the Office of Government Ethics when she was nominated .
Postal Service mail processing contractor XPO Logistics — which acquired DeJoy ’ s company New Breed Logistics in 2014 — represents the vast majority of those holdings .
Their combined stake in competitors UPS and trucking company J.B. Hunt is roughly $ 265,000 .
Of course , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Trump Administration : Montana Rethugs Illegally Tried To Get Green Party On Ballot .
Failed .
There is not a dirty trick they won ’ t try .
*Cough Kanye West Cough* The Bizarre Story Of Joe Lieberman ’ s Son , Who Is Running For Senate In Georgia .
He ’ s published a truly weird novel full of racist tropes .
Are Joe and Chris still praying together ?
How Nursing Home Billionaires Undermine The System .
Must-reading for John Carney and the new Division Director .
Know our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maybe ) Lost Sheldon Adelson…you ’ re gon na struggle .
Remember , kids , he ’ ll blame everyone not named Donald Trump .
Adelson won ’ t be the last person to take a walk .
NRA Insider Goes After Wayne LaPierre .
His suit is similar to that of NY AG Letitia James .
The suit , brought against LaPierre personally as well as the NRA and its foundation , is strikingly similar to New York ’ s action .
It recalls how Dell ’ Aquila donated $ 100,000 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ promoting shooting and hunting , gun safety , wildlife conservation and the right to gun ownership in the US .
It then recounts how he discovered that far from going towards these core objectives , his money was allegedly contributing towards the luxury habits of LaPierre and other top NRA executives .
Through the 2018 investigation conducted by the NRA ’ s then president , Oliver North of Irangate fame , Dell ’ Aquila learned of allegations that over several years “ LaPierre had received hundreds of thousands of dollars in clothing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In particular , Dell ’ Aquila ’ s suit alleges , some $ 243,644 was spent on “ luxury travel for LaPierre to the Bahamas ; Palm Beach ; Los Angeles ; Reno , Nevada ; Budapest , Hungary ; and Italy ” .
The court document further cites spending of $ 274,695 at a Beverly Hills clothing store on suits for LaPierre – none of which was declared under IRS tax filings .
Tornado Destruction In Delaware .
You have to be a subscriber to see this .
I hope all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had some very scary storms the last few days .
And that weather front just isn ’ t moving .
Stay safe .
What do you want to talk about ?

The Dysfunctional Relationship Between Trump And Intelligence Agencies. A must-read on how Trump’s biases have led to changes in intelligence reports–mustn’t make him angry. DNI finally comes out and says it–Russia is working to reelect Trump. Sure looks like Russia has fed disinformation to Senators Ron Johnson and Chuck Grassley, as well as, who else, Devin Nunes.
Postmaster General Torches USPS In Friday Night News Dump. Here’s a fact that will surprise no one:
It also asks Whitcomb to review the finances of DeJoy and his wife, Aldona Wos, the nominee for ambassador to Canada. The couple’s holdings include between $30.1 million and $75.3 million in assets in USPS competitors or contractors, according to a financial disclosure Wos filed with the Office of Government Ethics when she was nominated. Postal Service mail processing contractor XPO Logistics — which acquired DeJoy’s company New Breed Logistics in 2014 — represents the vast majority of those holdings. Their combined stake in competitors UPS and trucking company J.B. Hunt is roughly $265,000.
Of course, the corruption extends to the highest levels of the Trump Administration:
Mnuchin had sought sweeping operational control of the Postal Service in previous loan terms, including provisions that would allow the Trump administration to approve senior postal personnel decisions, service contracts with third-party shippers, collective bargaining negotiation strategies and high package prices.
Montana Rethugs Illegally Tried To Get Green Party On Ballot. Failed. There is not a dirty trick they won’t try. *Cough Kanye West Cough*
The Bizarre Story Of Joe Lieberman’s Son, Who Is Running For Senate In Georgia. He’s published a truly weird novel full of racist tropes. Are Joe and Chris still praying together?
How Nursing Home Billionaires Undermine The System. Must-reading for John Carney and the new Division Director. Know your our enemy.
When You’ve (Maybe) Lost Sheldon Adelson…you’re gonna struggle. Remember, kids, he’ll blame everyone not named Donald Trump. Adelson won’t be the last person to take a walk.
NRA Insider Goes After Wayne LaPierre. His suit is similar to that of NY AG Letitia James.
The suit, brought against LaPierre personally as well as the NRA and its foundation, is strikingly similar to New York’s action. It recalls how Dell’Aquila donated $100,000 to the organization thinking it would go towards promoting shooting and hunting, gun safety, wildlife conservation and the right to gun ownership in the US. It then recounts how he discovered that far from going towards these core objectives, his money was allegedly contributing towards the luxury habits of LaPierre and other top NRA executives. Through the 2018 investigation conducted by the NRA’s then president, Oliver North of Irangate fame, Dell’Aquila learned of allegations that over several years “LaPierre had received hundreds of thousands of dollars in clothing, private jet travel and other benefits”. In particular, Dell’Aquila’s suit alleges, some $243,644 was spent on “luxury travel for LaPierre to the Bahamas; Palm Beach; Los Angeles; Reno, Nevada; Budapest, Hungary; and Italy”. The court document further cites spending of $274,695 at a Beverly Hills clothing store on suits for LaPierre – none of which was declared under IRS tax filings.
Tornado Destruction In Delaware. You have to be a subscriber to see this. I hope all of you are OK. We’ve had some very scary storms the last few days. And that weather front just isn’t moving. Stay safe.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-08-08--Coons Agrees W/ Fox News “Both Sides” to blame for Relief Impasse

In his recent appearance on Fox News Coons could not resist undermining the Dem ’ s negotiating position : Bret @ @ @ @ @ If you are sitting at home someplace , and this is running out or has @ @ @ @ @ t you saying ‘ gosh , Washington on both sides really stinks ’ ?
Coons @ @ @ @ @ , you ’ re right many people will say ‘ a pox on both your @ @ @

Jesus Fucking Christ, Coons is the absolute worst.
In his recent appearance on Fox News Coons could not resist undermining the Dem’s negotiating position:
Bret Baier:[1:38] If you are sitting at home someplace, and this is running out or has run out, aren’t you saying ‘gosh, Washington on both sides really stinks’?
Coons: [2:38] Brett, you’re right many people will say ‘a pox on both your houses’.


delawareliberal--2020-08-09--The sickeningly inevitable media war on Biden’s VP pick.

Whoever he picks , the right wing media will go berserk , and the so-called objective media will “ cover @ @ @ @ @ Biden for making such a [ insert adjective here : a ) banal b ) @ @ @ @ @ is as nauseating as it is predictable .
I only hope that Team Biden is @ @ @ @ @ and short-circuit the sickeningly inevitable media war by making a “ safe ” choice .
@ @ @ @ @ .
Just pick the best person .

Whoever he picks, the right wing media will go berserk, and the so-called objective media will “cover” that berzerk-itude by tsk-tsking Biden for making such a [insert adjective here: a) banal b) controversial] pick.
It is as nauseating as it is predictable. I only hope that Team Biden is not dumb enough to try and short-circuit the sickeningly inevitable media war by making a “safe” choice. There is no safe choice. Just pick the best person.


delawareliberal--2020-08-09--Song of the Day 8/9: Neil Young, “Devil’s Sidewalk”

You ’ ve heard about Neil Young ’ s lawsuit against the Trump campaign over its use of two of @ @ @ @ @ campaign events .
Naturally , one of the tunes was “ Rockin ’ in the @ @ @ @ @ “ Free World ” being the preferred fascist/Republican term for the global American Empire .
@ @ @ @ @ familiar — “ Devil ’ s Sidewalk ” from Young ’ s tepidly received multi-media @ @ @ @ @ released in 2003 .
It ’ s a primitive blues stomp , rather generic , @ @ @ @ @ indicate either the people who chose the tune never heard them or are as clueless @ @ @ @ @ Reagan should use “ Born in the USA.
” Consider these : Some things are @ @ @ @ @ little worse It ’ s a situation Much like a curse There ’ s a @ @ @ @ @ weeds With no way of knowing Who has done which deed Funny , isn ’ @ @ @ @ @ lyrics can be repurposed so easily ?

You’ve heard about Neil Young’s lawsuit against the Trump campaign over its use of two of Young’s songs at campaign events. Naturally, one of the tunes was “Rockin’ in the Free World,” the “Free World” being the preferred fascist/Republican term for the global American Empire. The other was much less familiar — “Devil’s Sidewalk” from Young’s tepidly received multi-media project “Greendale,” released in 2003. It’s a primitive blues stomp, rather generic, but some of the lyrics indicate either the people who chose the tune never heard them or are as clueless as the folks who thought Reagan should use “Born in the USA.” Consider these:
Some things are getting better
Other things a little worse
It’s a situation
Much like a curse
There’s a garden growing
And a million weeds
With no way of knowing
Who has done which deed
Funny, isn’t it, how dystopian lyrics can be repurposed so easily?


delawareliberal--2020-08-09--DL Open Thread: Sun., August 9, 2020

DL Open Thread: Sun., August 9, 2020

Trump Signs Buncha Executive Orders On Economic Relief .
They don ’ t do what he says they ’ re gon na do , they will once again force states to siphon money from other programs and , oh , yes , nobody knows if he has the authority to do what he did .
Dana Milbank was right .
It only gets worse .
Every single day .
An analysis .
This from Jeff Stein of the Washington Post : 1/ Evictions : No eviction moratorium or new rental $ , asks HUD to “ consider ” if evictions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 44B from FEMA to cover $ 300/week benefit for ~5 more weeks 3/ Taxes : Option to defer payroll tax payment , but w/o new law they ’ ll still be due .
In other words , three of the Executive Orders weren ’ t Executive Orders .
Not to mention , the so-called orders would cut Social Security and Medicare .
The Moment When Trump Forged A Bond With White Evangelicals .
They won ’ t abandon him any time soon .
Trump Lies About Passing Veterans ’ Health Care Bill , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the press conference .
Midwest The Next Covid Hot Spot ?
Looks like it : Modeling by the PolicyLab at Children ’ s Hospital of Philadelphia shows that coronavirus cases are likely to rise sharply across the midwest through August .
“ It is clear now that from Indiana , through Ohio and into Kentucky and Missouri , as well as northward into Illinois and Michigan , there is substantial increased risk throughout the region , ” it said .
Alarmed by rising infections , Wisconsin ’ s governor last week declared a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be worn indoors .
But that immediately fell victim to the politics of coronavirus as at least 16 county sheriffs said they would not enforce the order .
The Florence County Sheriff ’ s Office told residents : “ Wear a mask if you want , if you don ’ t want to , that is fine also ” .
In Oneida county , the sheriff said the governor ’ s order “ is in violation of the constitution ” while the sheriff of Racine county called the order “ government overreach ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ go wrong ?
What do you want to talk about ?

Trump Signs Buncha Executive Orders On Economic Relief. They don’t do what he says they’re gonna do, they will once again force states to siphon money from other programs and, oh, yes, nobody knows if he has the authority to do what he did. Dana Milbank was right. It only gets worse. Every single day. An analysis. This from Jeff Stein of the Washington Post:
1/ Evictions: No eviction moratorium or new rental $, asks HUD to “consider” if evictions should stop 2/ Unemployment: Uses $44B from FEMA to cover $300/week benefit for ~5 more weeks 3/ Taxes: Option to defer payroll tax payment, but w/o new law they’ll still be due.
In other words, three of the Executive Orders weren’t Executive Orders. Not to mention, the so-called orders would cut Social Security and Medicare.
The Moment When Trump Forged A Bond With White Evangelicals. They won’t abandon him any time soon.
Trump Lies About Passing Veterans’ Health Care Bill, Gets Called Out On It, And…flees the press conference.
Midwest The Next Covid Hot Spot? Looks like it:
Modeling by the PolicyLab at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia shows that coronavirus cases are likely to rise sharply across the midwest through August. “It is clear now that from Indiana, through Ohio and into Kentucky and Missouri, as well as northward into Illinois and Michigan, there is substantial increased risk throughout the region,” it said. Alarmed by rising infections, Wisconsin’s governor last week declared a public health emergency and required masks to be worn indoors. But that immediately fell victim to the politics of coronavirus as at least 16 county sheriffs said they would not enforce the order. The Florence County Sheriff’s Office told residents: “Wear a mask if you want, if you don’t want to, that is fine also”. In Oneida county, the sheriff said the governor’s order “is in violation of the constitution” while the sheriff of Racine county called the order “government overreach”.
Government by sheriff. What could go wrong?
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-08-10--Here is my Biden VP Pick list in order of my level of excitement

Here is my Biden VP Pick list in order of my level of excitement As I have foretold , whoever @ @ @ @ @ going to be attacked mercilessly by the right wing media and by the right ’ @ @ @ @ @ the “ objective ” media .
Nevertheless , here is my list in order of @ @ @ @ @ 1 – Susan Rice 1 – Kamala Harris 1- Stacey Abrams 1 – Elizabeth Warren @ @ @ @ @ first ) 2 through 98 – Anyone not named Clinton 99 – Gretchen Whitmer 1,997,931 @ @ @

As I have foretold, whoever Joe picks, they are going to be attacked mercilessly by the right wing media and by the right’s idiot ventriloquist dummies in the “objective” media.
Nevertheless, here is my list in order of my level of excitement.
1 – Susan Rice
1 – Kamala Harris
1- Stacey Abrams
1 – Elizabeth Warren (four way tie for first)
2 through 98 – Anyone not named Clinton
99 – Gretchen Whitmer
1,997,931 – Amy Klobs
Literally anybody but Klobs


delawareliberal--2020-08-10--Belarusians Turn Out for General Strike in Response to Another Corrupt Election

Belarusians Turn Out for General Strike in Response to Another Corrupt Election It could get awkward , ( Dem “ @ @ @ @ @ they ’ d rather given in to Trump than fight ) but if Trump steals @ @ @ @ @ a nationwide general strike to cripple the economy are going to be in order .
@ @ @ @ @ main opposition candidate , Svetlana Tikhanovskaya , has rejected preliminary election results giving the country @ @ @ @ @ Alexander Lukashenko , a landslide election victory with 80 % of the vote .
“ @ @ @ @ @ , the majority was for us , ” Tikhanovskaya said in a news conference on @ @ @ @ @ local media reports .
“ We do not recognize the election results .
We have @ @ @ @ @ urge those who believe that their voice was stolen not to remain silent .
”

It could get awkward, (Dem “leadership” is so weak they’d rather given in to Trump than fight) but if Trump steals this election widespread protests and a nationwide general strike to cripple the economy are going to be in order.
(CNN)Belarus’ main opposition candidate, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, has rejected preliminary election results giving the country’s longtime President, Alexander Lukashenko, a landslide election victory with 80% of the vote. “I believe my own eyes, the majority was for us,” Tikhanovskaya said in a news conference on Monday, according to multiple local media reports. “We do not recognize the election results. We have seen real protocols. We urge those who believe that their voice was stolen not to remain silent.”
Be prepared.


delawareliberal--2020-08-10--Song of the Day 8/10: Graham Parker and the Rumour, “Devil’s Sidewalk”

Song of the Day 8/10 : Graham Parker and the Rumour , “ Devil ’ s Sidewalk ” This isn @ @ @ @ @ as Neil Young ’ s composition that triggered his lawsuit against the Trump campaign — @ @ @ @ @ earlier and in my humble opinion is a much better tune .
It appeared on @ @ @ @ @ “ The Up Escalator , ” the follow-up to his most successful album “ Squeezing @ @ @ @ @ flopped , leading Parker to fire the Rumour and effectively ending his chance to broaden @ @ @

This isn’t the same song as Neil Young’s composition that triggered his lawsuit against the Trump campaign — it was written 20 years earlier and in my humble opinion is a much better tune. It appeared on Parker’s 1981 LP “The Up Escalator,” the follow-up to his most successful album “Squeezing Out Sparks.” The album flopped, leading Parker to fire the Rumour and effectively ending his chance to broaden his audience.


delawareliberal--2020-08-10--DL Open Thread: Monday, August 10, 2020

DL Open Thread: Monday, August 10, 2020

The Clusterbleep Caused By Trump ’ s ‘ Executive Orders ’ .
Unworkable , confusing , and , as usual , not even thought-out .
I ’ m sure that seniors will catch on quickly when they understand that the plan could hurt Social Security and Medicare .
Not to mention , his ‘ orders ’ are ‘ absurdly unconstitutional ’ .
Bill Gates : America Has Worst Covid Testing In The World .
Why ?
: Outbreaks Inevitable At Reopened Schools .
Even Trump officials know it , but don ’ t want to cross the boss .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , apparently .
Local Sheriffs : A Law Unto Themselves .
An absolute must-read .
An excerpt : The American sheriff holds a peculiar office .
Most of the country ’ s more than 3,000 sheriffs are elected and often not accountable to a county executive and thus have no real oversight beyond voters who typically keep reelecting them .
( As of 2014 , one-third of the sheriffs who had overseen the nation ’ s 200 largest jails had held office for 15 years or more . )
In some jurisdictions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ job is running local jails and they have overseen vast expansions of the pretrial detention system .
They often operate jails with near impunity ; reports of abuse , negligence , and unchecked violence abound .
Some big-city sheriffs oversee budgets of more than $ 1 billion .
Amid calls for systemic shifts in policing and incarceration , sheriffs are now facing long-overdue scrutiny .
Sheriffs are bastions of racism and xenophobia .
They are accountable to nobody .
The Blue Shift : An Election Trend .
Not what you think .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Election Night and when all the votes are counted : It is not unreasonable to expect Trump ’ s Democratic opponent in 2020 to gain on Trump by over 20,000 votes in Pennsylvania during the period between Election Night and the final , official certification of the canvass .
The key question is whether this kind of gain simply extends a lead that the Democratic candidate already has , comparable to what occurred in two statewide races in 2018 .
Or whether , instead , it cuts into a lead that Trump starts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , whether it is enough of a gain for Trump ’ s Democratic opponent to overcome Trump ’ s Election Night lead .
The explosion of mail-in voting could enormously magnify the blue shift .
In the past , there ’ s been little correlation between mail-in ballots and the post–Election Day Democratic gain .
But there is growing evidence , and concern among GOP strategists , that the president ’ s crusade against mail-in voting is discouraging Republicans from casting their ballots that way .
If mailed ballots are disproportionately Democratic , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then the blue shift could be huge—especially in states where officials are restricted from counting mailed ballots until Election Day , including Pennsylvania , Wisconsin , and Florida .
Is This The Week That They Pull The Plug On College Football ?
I think so .
Pretty much everybody but the P-5 conferences have already done so .
Only reason they haven ’ t already pulled the plug ?
Money .
Lots of it .
What do you want to talk about ?

The Clusterbleep Caused By Trump’s ‘Executive Orders’. Unworkable, confusing, and, as usual, not even thought-out. I’m sure that seniors will catch on quickly when they understand that the plan could hurt Social Security and Medicare. Not to mention, his ‘orders’ are ‘absurdly unconstitutional’.
Bill Gates: America Has Worst Covid Testing In The World. Why?:
“You can’t get the federal government to improve the testing because they just want to say how great it is,” the Microsoft co-founder-turned-philanthropist said.
Outbreaks Inevitable At Reopened Schools. Even Trump officials know it, but don’t want to cross the boss. The children? They don’t matter, apparently.
Local Sheriffs: A Law Unto Themselves. An absolute must-read. An excerpt:
The American sheriff holds a peculiar office. Most of the country’s more than 3,000 sheriffs are elected and often not accountable to a county executive and thus have no real oversight beyond voters who typically keep reelecting them. (As of 2014, one-third of the sheriffs who had overseen the nation’s 200 largest jails had held office for 15 years or more.) In some jurisdictions, deputies make arrests. But their main job is running local jails and they have overseen vast expansions of the pretrial detention system. They often operate jails with near impunity; reports of abuse, negligence, and unchecked violence abound. Some big-city sheriffs oversee budgets of more than $1 billion. Amid calls for systemic shifts in policing and incarceration, sheriffs are now facing long-overdue scrutiny.
Sheriffs are bastions of racism and xenophobia. They are accountable to nobody.
The Blue Shift: An Election Trend. Not what you think. We’re talking about what happens between Election Night and when all the votes are counted:
It is not unreasonable to expect Trump’s Democratic opponent in 2020 to gain on Trump by over 20,000 votes in Pennsylvania during the period between Election Night and the final, official certification of the canvass. The key question is whether this kind of gain simply extends a lead that the Democratic candidate already has, comparable to what occurred in two statewide races in 2018. Or whether, instead, it cuts into a lead that Trump starts with on Election Night—and, if so, whether it is enough of a gain for Trump’s Democratic opponent to overcome Trump’s Election Night lead. The explosion of mail-in voting could enormously magnify the blue shift. In the past, there’s been little correlation between mail-in ballots and the post–Election Day Democratic gain. But there is growing evidence, and concern among GOP strategists, that the president’s crusade against mail-in voting is discouraging Republicans from casting their ballots that way. If mailed ballots are disproportionately Democratic, and Republicans disproportionately vote on Election Day, then the blue shift could be huge—especially in states where officials are restricted from counting mailed ballots until Election Day, including Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Florida.
Is This The Week That They Pull The Plug On College Football? I think so. Pretty much everybody but the P-5 conferences have already done so. Only reason they haven’t already pulled the plug? Money. Lots of it.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-08-11--Anthony Decollo is an Unapologetic Trump Supporter

The Vault The Vault Select Month August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007 October 2007 September 2007 August 2007 July 2007 June 2007 May 2007 April 2007 March 2007 February 2007 January 2007 December 2006 0


delawareliberal--2020-08-11--Biden Picks Harris – Reaction Thread

Biden Picks Harris – Reaction Thread

Unless some double reverse trickery is afoot – It is probably Harris .
Social media buzz tells me the announcement @ @ @ @ @ React here is you need a safe space away from all the right-wing outrage and @ @ @ @ @ trolling .

Unless some double reverse trickery is afoot – It is probably Harris.
Social media buzz tells me the announcement it is happening tonight. React here is you need a safe space away from all the right-wing outrage and “objective” media concern trolling.


delawareliberal--2020-08-11--Song of the Day 8/11: Talking Heads, “Burning Down the House”

Song of the Day 8/11 : Talking Heads , “ Burning Down the House ” This is the song Trump @ @ @ @ @ rallies .
The first single taken from the band ’ s 1983 “ Speaking in @ @ @ @ @ became the highest-charting single of their career , peaking at No .
9 .
The @ @ @ @ @ jam by drummer Chris Frantz , who was inspired by seeing a Parliament/Funkadelic concert , @ @ @ @ @ The video was produced and directed by frontman David Byrne .
The single failed to @ @ @ @ @ but in 1999 Tom Jones and the Cardigans hit No .
7 there with this @ @

This is the song Trump should be playing at his rallies. The first single taken from the band’s 1983 “Speaking in Tongues” LP, it became the highest-charting single of their career, peaking at No. 9. The song grew out of a jam by drummer Chris Frantz, who was inspired by seeing a Parliament/Funkadelic concert, and bassist Tina Weymouth. The video was produced and directed by frontman David Byrne.
The single failed to make the UK charts, but in 1999 Tom Jones and the Cardigans hit No. 7 there with this remake.


delawareliberal--2020-08-11--Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya Safely in Lithuania

Hours after refusing to concede without an election recount , former teacher Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has left Belarus and called for @ @ @ @ @ .
The U.S. and E.U .
have condemned the police violence against protestors , saying @ @ @ @ @ free and fair.
” Be ready for this in the US , my dear readers @ @ @ @ @ rendezvous with destiny is creeping ever closer .
When the time comes , we must @ @ @ @ @ , decency and justice .

Lukashenko opponent left Belarus under duress, say aides Hours after refusing to concede without an election recount, former teacher Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has left Belarus and called for an end to anti-government protests. The U.S. and E.U. have condemned the police violence against protestors, saying the election was not “free and fair.”
Be ready for this in the US, my dear readers and comrades.
Our own rendezvous with destiny is creeping ever closer. When the time comes, we must be ready to defend freedom, decency and justice.


delawareliberal--2020-08-11--Delaware United Announces Endorsements For Legislative Races

Not a clunker in the bunch : “ It is with great pride that Delaware United announces the first round @ @ @ @ @ season .
We have also scheduled our first debate for this election season .
Join @ @ @ @ @ candidates by donating to their campaigns to help get them over the finish line .
@ @ @ @ @ by sharing on your social media the graphics we created for the candidates on Delaware @ @ @ @ @ individuals were selected because of their commitment to and alignment with the Delaware United Platform @ @ @ @ @ signed a pledge swearing to uphold the highest degree of ethics , morals , and @ @ @ @ @ the day they step out of office .
In that pledge , they agreed to @ @ @ @ @ the people , to remain accountable to their constituents , not to large corporations , @ @ @ @ @ change that Delaware needs right now .
Congratulations to these fine candidates endorsed by Delaware @ @

Not a clunker in the bunch:
“It is with great pride that Delaware United announces the first round of endorsements for this election season. We have also scheduled our first debate for this election season.
Endorsement Announcement!
Join us in supporting these fine candidates by donating to their campaigns to help get them over the finish line.
You can also support them by sharing on your social media the graphics we created for the candidates on Delaware United’s Facebook
These individuals were selected because of their commitment to and alignment with the Delaware United Platform. Each of them has signed a pledge swearing to uphold the highest degree of ethics, morals, and progressive values from now until the day they step out of office. In that pledge, they agreed to always vote in favor of the people, to remain accountable to their constituents, not to large corporations, and to support the transformative change that Delaware needs right now. Congratulations to these fine candidates endorsed by Delaware United:
:


delawareliberal--2020-08-11--Delaware’s Most Intriguing Primaries Of 2020: Part 2

Continuing our trek northward through the statewide primary ballot : President Of Wilmington City Council ( D Primary ) : Hanifa Shabazz vs. Trippi Congo .
After all the dust settled at the filing deadline , we were left with Shabazz and the Man Without A District .
To their credit , council members declared Congo ’ s 2nd District seat vacant after he admitted that he had moved out of the district .
The Delaware State Senate would do well to follow that example should Dave McBride or Cathy Cloutier get reelected .
But that ’ s another story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not a fan of Shabazz , but Congo is part of the Potter cabal , and I think voters will consign all three of them to the sidelines on Sept. 15 .
Wilmington Mayor ( D Primary ) Mike Purzycki vs. Justen Wright vs. Velda Jones-Potter .
Alby has the math on this one .
Two Black challengers can ’ t beat the white incumbent .
While it was very unlikely that Wright could have prevailed in a one-on-one matchup , Jones-Potter ’ s entry into the race virtually guaranteed Purzycki ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s what she hoped to accomplish .
One less Potter on the city payroll is a net plus .
On to New Castle County : County Council District 12 ( D Primary ) : Bill Bell vs. Kevin Caneco .
Like Bill Powers in 2018 , Bill Bell reminds me more of a Sussex County councilman who hangs around forever , helps out developer friends , and doesn ’ t do much else .
Like Powers , Bell faces a challenge from a strong insurgent in Kevin Caneco .
New Castle County Council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
I think that Caneco ’ s election would continue that trend .
New Castle County President Of County Council ( D Primary ) : Karen Hartley-Nagle vs. Ciro Poppiti vs. Monique Johns .
Does your pulse quicken when you contemplate this contest ?
Mine neither .
I guess that Ciro is running as the competent one , and I ’ ll probably vote for him .
Hey , what more do you want me to say ?
NCC Clerk Of The Peace ( D Primary ) : Lisa Darrah vs. Aja @ @ @ @ @ @ @ plan to install Lisa Darrah as his successor ran into a detour , if not a dead end , when Aja Ajavon switched from the NCC Council President race to this one .
I ’ m voting for Ajavon on principle .
New Castle County Executive ( D Primary ) : Matt Meyer vs. Maggie Jones .
We know what we have here : the cops , the construction trades and the Gordon dead-enders vs. the generally-progressive Matt Meyer .
Granted , Meyer can sometimes be a little politically-awkward , but his heart @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he now has a pretty progressive County Council to work with .
I can ’ t imagine a majority of NCC Dems longing for a return to the ethically-challenged path that Gordon and his allies took us on .
And , make no mistake , Jones is Gordon ’ s surrogate .
Coming soon , maybe as early as tomorrow , my rundown of primaries for the State House Of Representatives .

Continuing our trek northward through the statewide primary ballot:
President Of Wilmington City Council (D Primary): Hanifa Shabazz vs. Trippi Congo. After all the dust settled at the filing deadline, we were left with Shabazz and the Man Without A District. To their credit, council members declared Congo’s 2nd District seat vacant after he admitted that he had moved out of the district. The Delaware State Senate would do well to follow that example should Dave McBride or Cathy Cloutier get reelected. But that’s another story for another day. I’m not a fan of Shabazz, but Congo is part of the Potter cabal, and I think voters will consign all three of them to the sidelines on Sept. 15.
Wilmington Mayor (D Primary) Mike Purzycki vs. Justen Wright vs. Velda Jones-Potter. Alby has the math on this one. Two Black challengers can’t beat the white incumbent. While it was very unlikely that Wright could have prevailed in a one-on-one matchup, Jones-Potter’s entry into the race virtually guaranteed Purzycki’s reelection. I doubt that that’s what she hoped to accomplish. One less Potter on the city payroll is a net plus.
On to New Castle County:
County Council District 12 (D Primary): Bill Bell vs. Kevin Caneco. Like Bill Powers in 2018, Bill Bell reminds me more of a Sussex County councilman who hangs around forever, helps out developer friends, and doesn’t do much else. Like Powers, Bell faces a challenge from a strong insurgent in Kevin Caneco. New Castle County Council has become steadily more progressive in recent years. I think that Caneco’s election would continue that trend.
New Castle County President Of County Council (D Primary): Karen Hartley-Nagle vs. Ciro Poppiti vs. Monique Johns. Does your pulse quicken when you contemplate this contest? Mine neither. I guess that Ciro is running as the competent one, and I’ll probably vote for him. Hey, what more do you want me to say?
NCC Clerk Of The Peace (D Primary): Lisa Darrah vs. Aja Ajavon. Ken Boulden’s cynical plan to install Lisa Darrah as his successor ran into a detour, if not a dead end, when Aja Ajavon switched from the NCC Council President race to this one. I’m voting for Ajavon on principle.
New Castle County Executive (D Primary): Matt Meyer vs. Maggie Jones. We know what we have here: the cops, the construction trades and the Gordon dead-enders vs. the generally-progressive Matt Meyer. Granted, Meyer can sometimes be a little politically-awkward, but his heart is in the right place. Plus, he now has a pretty progressive County Council to work with. I can’t imagine a majority of NCC Dems longing for a return to the ethically-challenged path that Gordon and his allies took us on. And, make no mistake, Jones is Gordon’s surrogate.
Coming soon, maybe as early as tomorrow, my rundown of primaries for the State House Of Representatives.


delawareliberal--2020-08-11--DL Open Thread: Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Kentuckians Angry That Moscow Mitch Has Absented Himself From Relief Negotiations .
He could go down in a blue tsunami @ @ @ @ @ Up Relief Negotiations .
Pelosi thinks he ’ s Mnuchin ’ s ‘ enforcer ’ @ @ @ @ @ , of course , had already caved , going from $ 3 trillion to $ @ @ @ @ @ mean that any new negotiation starts at $ 2 trillion and goes south ?
Probably @ @ @ @ @ Cuomo Covering Up For Nursing Homes ?
Nursing homes dumped patients into hospitals to die @ @ @ @ @ Lyft Drivers Are Employees , Not Independent Contractors .
A great victory .
Why do @ @ @ @ @ fleeting ?
Delaware Dedicates $ 40 Mill To Provide Mortgage And Rental Assistance .
Kudos @ @ @ @ @ money directly to those who need it most .
What do you want to talk @ @

Kentuckians Angry That Moscow Mitch Has Absented Himself From Relief Negotiations. He could go down in a blue tsunami.
Mark Meadows Basically Blew Up Relief Negotiations. Pelosi thinks he’s Mnuchin’s ‘enforcer’. The D’s, of course, had already caved, going from $3 trillion to $2 trillion. Does that mean that any new negotiation starts at $2 trillion and goes south? Probably.
Why Is Gov. Cuomo Covering Up For Nursing Homes? Nursing homes dumped patients into hospitals to die.
Judge: Uber And Lyft Drivers Are Employees, Not Independent Contractors. A great victory. Why do I think it’s fleeting?
Delaware Dedicates $40 Mill To Provide Mortgage And Rental Assistance. Kudos to everybody involved. Getting money directly to those who need it most.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-08-12--Two posts I’ve been holding off writing

Two posts I’ve been holding off writing

Two posts I ’ ve been holding off writing 1 ) There is going to be BIG shakeup in Delaware @ @ @ @ @ You guys , we ’ re talking special elections OUT THE ASS .
Naturally I @ @ @ @ @ post because I don ’ t want to jinx anything .
But I do think @ @ @ @ @ and he is going to poach some people from Delaware to work with him in @ @ @ @ @ no…Not Coons .
He will have lost the primary against Scarane .
But who ?
@ @ @ @ @ time by suppressing the Dem vote .
In addition to the criminal machinations , he @ @ @ @ @ DEEPLY unpopular .
I ’ m not sure the same game plan works this year @ @ @ @ @ this post .
What ’ s the point ?
Everyone knows who Trump is .
@ @ @ @ @ real issue in this campaign .
Do you support a draft-dodging , criminal with a @ @ @ @ @

1) There is going to be BIG shakeup in Delaware politics if Biden wins. You guys, we’re talking special elections OUT THE ASS. Naturally I’m not writing that post because I don’t want to jinx anything. But I do think Biden is going to win and he is going to poach some people from Delaware to work with him in DC… But who? And no…Not Coons. He will have lost the primary against Scarane. But who?
2) Trump won last time by suppressing the Dem vote. In addition to the criminal machinations, he made an unpopular Hilary Clinton DEEPLY unpopular. I’m not sure the same game plan works this year. I may never write this post. What’s the point? Everyone knows who Trump is. That’s the only real issue in this campaign. Do you support a draft-dodging, criminal with a meager intellect or not?


delawareliberal--2020-08-12--Song of the Day 8/12: Trini Lopez, “If I Had a Hammer”

Song of the Day 8/12 : Trini Lopez , “ If I Had a Hammer ” Trini Lopez , a Dallas-born ’ 50s rock- ‘ n ’ -roller who rode the Great Folk Music Scare to stardom in the ’ 60s , died yesterday of the COVID .
He was 83 .
This Pete Seeger tune was his biggest hit , reaching No .
3 in 1963 .
Lopez started out as a teen , forming a group called the Big Beats .
He left for a solo career soon after , but the band is still playing ’ 50s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This 1957 single was the band ’ s first recording .
He cut his first solo record the next year .
His big break came in 1962 , after he moved to Los Angeles in search of a recording contract .
He had no luck until Frank Sinatra saw him playing at a nightclub and signed him to his new Reprise label .
His only other Top 20 hit was another folk standard , “ Lemon Tree , ” but he was a popular live performer .
He parlayed his success into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , though he did land a role as the least likely of the convicts in “ The Dirty Dozen.
” His music career tailed off in the ’ 70s , but he began playing live again in the ’ 90s and kept releasing albums until 2011 .

Trini Lopez, a Dallas-born ’50s rock-‘n’-roller who rode the Great Folk Music Scare to stardom in the ’60s, died yesterday of the COVID. He was 83. This Pete Seeger tune was his biggest hit, reaching No. 3 in 1963.
Lopez started out as a teen, forming a group called the Big Beats. He left for a solo career soon after, but the band is still playing ’50s rock ‘n’ roll in Dallas. This 1957 single was the band’s first recording.
He cut his first solo record the next year.
His big break came in 1962, after he moved to Los Angeles in search of a recording contract. He had no luck until Frank Sinatra saw him playing at a nightclub and signed him to his new Reprise label. His only other Top 20 hit was another folk standard, “Lemon Tree,” but he was a popular live performer. He parlayed his success into a movie career that never took off, though he did land a role as the least likely of the convicts in “The Dirty Dozen.” His music career tailed off in the ’70s, but he began playing live again in the ’90s and kept releasing albums until 2011.


delawareliberal--2020-08-12--DL Open Thread: Weds., August 12, 2020

DL Open Thread: Weds., August 12, 2020

Ilhan Omar Wins Primary .
By a much larger margin than last time .
Her opponent was a supposed progressive , but got lots of funding from bundlers for ‘ pro-Israel ’ PACs .
Memo to lazy reporters and Chris Coons : ‘ Pro-Israel ’ and ‘ Pro-Netanyahu ’ are not the same thing .
A Balanced Look At Kamala Harris .
While much of the response verges on euphoric , as a contrarian , I feel the need to search out the caveats .
Especially since things are only as bad as they seem , never as good as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ look at her positions .
My concern ?
That she ’ ll be more Obama than John Lewis .
Who Could Replace Harris In Senate If She Becomes Veep ?
The Hill presents a list of possibilities .
My choice ?
Katie Porter , all day long .
Georgia Schools Reopened , With Predictable Results .
Georgia is the current Capital Of Stoopid , With Governor Kemp as its President .
He has my vote for worst Rethuglican not named Trump .
Speaking of Georgia , QAnon acolyte on the way to Congress @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300 ?
When It Comes Out Of Trump ’ s Mouth .
BTW , Trump ’ s arsonist , Mark Meadows , has left Washington for an ‘ unspecified ’ amount of time .
And , oh yes , even the stock market is starting to take notice .
As has Asa Hutchinson… ‘ Explosion ’ Of New Covid Cases Coming In September ?
Quite likely so .
The Most Trumpian Governor ?
West Virginia ’ s Governor ( and West Virginia ’ s richest person ) Jim Justice fires people whenever things @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his fault .
What do you want to talk about ?

Ilhan Omar Wins Primary. By a much larger margin than last time. Her opponent was a supposed progressive, but got lots of funding from bundlers for ‘pro-Israel’ PACs. Memo to lazy reporters and Chris Coons: ‘Pro-Israel’ and ‘Pro-Netanyahu’ are not the same thing.
A Balanced Look At Kamala Harris. While much of the response verges on euphoric, as a contrarian, I feel the need to search out the caveats. Especially since things are only as bad as they seem, never as good as they seem. Here’s a look at her positions. My concern? That she’ll be more Obama than John Lewis.
Who Could Replace Harris In Senate If She Becomes Veep? The Hill presents a list of possibilities. My choice? Katie Porter, all day long.
Georgia Schools Reopened, With Predictable Results. Georgia is the current Capital Of Stoopid, With Governor Kemp as its President. He has my vote for worst Rethuglican not named Trump. Speaking of Georgia, QAnon acolyte on the way to Congress.
When Does $400 Equal $300? When It Comes Out Of Trump’s Mouth. BTW, Trump’s arsonist, Mark Meadows, has left Washington for an ‘unspecified’ amount of time. And, oh yes, even the stock market is starting to take notice. As has Asa Hutchinson…
‘Explosion’ Of New Covid Cases Coming In September? Quite likely so.
The Most Trumpian Governor? West Virginia’s Governor (and West Virginia’s richest person) Jim Justice fires people whenever things go wrong. It’s never his fault.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-08-12--Harris is the 4th Most Liberal Member of the US Senate


delawareliberal--2020-08-13--This Jess Scarane Campaign Video Kicks Ass


delawareliberal--2020-08-13--Song of the Day 8/13: Carly Simon, “You’re So Vain”

Song of the Day 8/13 : Carly Simon , “ You ’ re So Vain ” An anti-Trump political ad that showed up in my wife ’ s FB feed yesterday uses Carly Simon ’ s most famous song to address America ’ s most notorious narcissist .
I didn ’ t realize until I looked it up that the ad was released back in 2016 , and obviously did not stop the election of Orangulus .
The song , released in November 1972 , is about men Simon had dated — a long list that does not include Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is about him anyway .
It reached No .
1 on the Billboard singles chart in January 1973 .
Simon has kept herself in the public eye over the years by refusing to answer the question of who it ’ s actually about .
She finally admitted that the second verse is about Warren Beatty — “ he thinks the whole thing is about him , ” she has said — but claims the other verses refer to two other men .
One frequent wrong guess is Mick Jagger , who ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you listen closely , at the very beginning Simon whispers , “ Son of a gun !
” in reference to the amazing sound Klaus Voorman is coaxing from his bass .
The strings were orchestrated by Paul Buckmaster from Simon ’ s arrangement .
The version used in the ad is just the first verse , with one key change : It ’ s no longer his scarf that is apricot .

An anti-Trump political ad that showed up in my wife’s FB feed yesterday uses Carly Simon’s most famous song to address America’s most notorious narcissist. I didn’t realize until I looked it up that the ad was released back in 2016, and obviously did not stop the election of Orangulus. The song, released in November 1972, is about men Simon had dated — a long list that does not include Trump — but he probably thinks the song is about him anyway. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard singles chart in January 1973.
Simon has kept herself in the public eye over the years by refusing to answer the question of who it’s actually about. She finally admitted that the second verse is about Warren Beatty — “he thinks the whole thing is about him,” she has said — but claims the other verses refer to two other men. One frequent wrong guess is Mick Jagger, who’s singing background on the track.
If you listen closely, at the very beginning Simon whispers, “Son of a gun!” in reference to the amazing sound Klaus Voorman is coaxing from his bass. The strings were orchestrated by Paul Buckmaster from Simon’s arrangement.
The version used in the ad is just the first verse, with one key change: It’s no longer his scarf that is apricot.


delawareliberal--2020-08-13--‘DELAWARE CALL’ Adds to Progressive Strengths in Delaware

A grassroots movement of people pushing for social and economic justice has been growing is size and strength in Delaware .
Today marks another step in that growth as “ Delaware Call ’ brings together some individuals and groups who have been kicking ass in various sectors of the community organizing vineyard .
This is what they say about it : The Delaware Call is an independent media group that engages in investigative journalism , political analysis , and Delaware-focused commentary .
We work to uncover and uplift local community news and stories that are rarely , if ever , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you looking for information about what goes on behind closed doors in the halls of power ?
Would you like more context explaining how things operate here in Delaware ?
Do you want to find out about those who exercise political and administrative power in our state ?
Do you want to learn how you can be involved in influencing those leaders or becoming one yourself ?
This is why they are doing it : In the late 19th century many major American cities had a half dozen or more daily newspapers .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ both The Morning News and The Evening Journal .
( Although each was owned by factions of the DuPont family . )
The Morning News discontinued publication in 1989 , and we are left with one major daily paper .
A paper with a staff which , over recent decades , has been decimated by layoffs , early retirement packages and debilitating rolling furloughs .
The shrinking workforce and narrowing scope of our local news outlets is troubling when considered in the context of community organizing , social justice activism and grassroots politics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ community .
Our state is becoming less and less informed , and this project aims to address this problem directly .

DelawareCall.com Community, Solidarity and Justice
A grassroots movement of people pushing for social and economic justice has been growing is size and strength in Delaware. Today marks another step in that growth as “Delaware Call’ brings together some individuals and groups who have been kicking ass in various sectors of the community organizing vineyard.
This is what they say about it:
The Delaware Call is an independent media group that engages in investigative journalism, political analysis, and Delaware-focused commentary. We work to uncover and uplift local community news and stories that are rarely, if ever, covered by existing media outlets. Are you looking for information about what goes on behind closed doors in the halls of power? Would you like more context explaining how things operate here in Delaware? Do you want to find out about those who exercise political and administrative power in our state? Do you want to learn how you can be involved in influencing those leaders or becoming one yourself? Then follow the Delaware Call!
This is why they are doing it:


delawareliberal--2020-08-13--DL Open Thread: Thursday, August 13, 2020

Highest Day Of US Covid Deaths Since May .
So , let ’ s reopen schools and let ’ s encourage the football powers to play this fall .
Florida sheriff bans mask use by deputies .
The Florida governor…well , just read it for yourselves .
Rethugs Fall In Line Behind QAnon Candidate .
With one exception , who gets blistered by Trump .
Postmaster General Removing Sorting Machines .
He is sabotaging our post office .
Where is the outrage ?
Have we just reached the point where we are immune to the sabotaging of our most important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Guide .
These articles , in totality , paint a vivid picture of a complicated and accomplished woman .
The Infuriating Power Of Police Unions .
A must-read ( know your enemy ) : Police unions , like all unions , were designed to protect their own .
But unlike other labor unions , they represent workers with the state-sanctioned power to use deadly force .
And they have successfully bargained for more job security than what ’ s afforded to most workers , security they can often rely on even after committing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ anyone else fired or locked up .
And yet , in the broader push to reform the criminal justice system , police unions have remained largely untouchable , both by the broader labor movement , which has avoided criticizing their bargaining process , and by politicians on both sides of the aisle , who have accepted millions of dollars in campaign donations from them .
Democrats don ’ t want to come down against unions , and Republicans , who are normally happy to attack unions , don ’ t want to mess @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gov .
Scott Walker destroyed collective bargaining rights for his state ’ s public sector unions in 2011 , he left police unions mostly unscathed .
The AFL-CIO , the country ’ s largest labor coalition , has referred to police unions as rightful beneficiaries in the movement for workers ’ rights .
Assad In Trouble In Syria ?
Detailed reporting on the intersection between money , power and family that now threatens Assad ’ s power .
The Biden-Harris Rollout .
I just have one question : Why AI DuPont High School @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools , Harris McDowell used to refer to AI as ‘ Delaware ’ s only private public high school ’ , and he was correct .
I would have looked for a more symbolically-resonant location for the rollout , but that ’ s just me .
What do you want to talk about ?

Highest Day Of US Covid Deaths Since May. So, let’s reopen schools and let’s encourage the football powers to play this fall. Florida sheriff bans mask use by deputies. The Florida governor…well, just read it for yourselves.
Rethugs Fall In Line Behind QAnon Candidate. With one exception, who gets blistered by Trump.
Postmaster General Removing Sorting Machines. He is sabotaging our post office. Where is the outrage? Have we just reached the point where we are immune to the sabotaging of our most important institutions?
The Essential Kamala Harris Reading Guide. These articles, in totality, paint a vivid picture of a complicated and accomplished woman.
The Infuriating Power Of Police Unions. A must-read (know your enemy):
Police unions, like all unions, were designed to protect their own. But unlike other labor unions, they represent workers with the state-sanctioned power to use deadly force. And they have successfully bargained for more job security than what’s afforded to most workers, security they can often rely on even after committing acts of violence that would likely get anyone else fired or locked up. And yet, in the broader push to reform the criminal justice system, police unions have remained largely untouchable, both by the broader labor movement, which has avoided criticizing their bargaining process, and by politicians on both sides of the aisle, who have accepted millions of dollars in campaign donations from them. Democrats don’t want to come down against unions, and Republicans, who are normally happy to attack unions, don’t want to mess with the police. When former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker destroyed collective bargaining rights for his state’s public sector unions in 2011, he left police unions mostly unscathed. The AFL-CIO, the country’s largest labor coalition, has referred to police unions as rightful beneficiaries in the movement for workers’ rights.
Assad In Trouble In Syria? Detailed reporting on the intersection between money, power and family that now threatens Assad’s power.
The Biden-Harris Rollout. I just have one question: Why AI DuPont High School? Back in the days before charter schools, Harris McDowell used to refer to AI as ‘Delaware’s only private public high school’, and he was correct. I would have looked for a more symbolically-resonant location for the rollout, but that’s just me.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-08-14--Song of the Day 8/14: Ray LaMontagne, “Strong Enough”

No message today , just a song I like .
I knew without looking that it would be on WXPN @ @ @ @ @ enough , it ’ s in heavy rotation .
LaMontagne ’ s soulful Americana sound @ @ @ @ @ sweet spot and , geezer that I am , it sounds good to me .
@ @ @ @ @ ’ s upbeat feel , a welcome respite from all the ugliness around us these @ @ @ @ @ on “ Monovision , ” LaMontagne ’ s eighth album , released at the end @ @ @

No message today, just a song I like. I knew without looking that it would be on WXPN’s playlist and sure enough, it’s in heavy rotation. LaMontagne’s soulful Americana sound hits AAA radio’s sweet spot and, geezer that I am, it sounds good to me. It might be the song’s upbeat feel, a welcome respite from all the ugliness around us these days.
The song is on “Monovision,” LaMontagne’s eighth album, released at the end of May.


delawareliberal--2020-08-14--Breaking: Bipartisan Accord Brokered by Senator Chris Coons Breaks Covid Relief Deadlock

That ’ s a headline you will never ever fucking read .
This the day when you start texting every @ @ @ @ @ to remind them to vote in the primary .
( two per day for 32 @ @

That’s a headline you will never ever fucking read. This the day when you start texting every Delawarean on your contact list to remind them to vote in the primary. (two per day for 32 days)


delawareliberal--2020-08-14--DL Open Thread: Friday, August 14, 2020

DL Open Thread: Friday, August 14, 2020

Tracking Trump ’ s Efforts To Stay In Office By Any Means Necessary .
Your one-stop shop on how this autocrat plans to de-democratize the election .
An absolute must-read .
Trump comes right out and says it : He ’ s destroying the post office to win reelection .
Federal Judge Demands Trump To Produce Evidence Of Mail-In Ballot Voter Fraud .
In Pennsylvania .
So far , they ’ ve provided none .
FINALLY , Someone Asks Trump The Magic Question .
Every bleeping reporter there should have followed up on that question , but none of them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ try to answer .
How could he ?
Who Raked In The Big Bucks During The Pandemic ?
The Insurance Companies .
You know , the behemoths that don ’ t provide one single dollar to , you know , healthcare .
Tell me again why Medicare For All isn ’ t in the national Democratic platform .
Carney : Delaware Can ’ t Afford Trump-Mandated Unemployment Benefits Match .
Trump has put all 50 states in a huge financial hole .
He doesn ’ t care .
Carney Signs Chokehold Ban .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A direct result of the George Floyd protests .
Women Sue State Over Workplace Hijab Prohibition .
Seriously , the state couldn ’ t have come up with a reasonable policy here ?
It is religious discrimination , pure and simple .
What do you want to talk about ?

Tracking Trump’s Efforts To Stay In Office By Any Means Necessary. Your one-stop shop on how this autocrat plans to de-democratize the election. An absolute must-read. Trump comes right out and says it: He’s destroying the post office to win reelection.
Federal Judge Demands Trump To Produce Evidence Of Mail-In Ballot Voter Fraud. In Pennsylvania. So far, they’ve provided none.
FINALLY, Someone Asks Trump The Magic Question. Every bleeping reporter there should have followed up on that question, but none of them did. Trump didn’t even try to answer. How could he?
Who Raked In The Big Bucks During The Pandemic? The Insurance Companies. You know, the behemoths that don’t provide one single dollar to, you know, healthcare. Tell me again why Medicare For All isn’t in the national Democratic platform.
Carney: Delaware Can’t Afford Trump-Mandated Unemployment Benefits Match. Trump has put all 50 states in a huge financial hole. He doesn’t care.
Carney Signs Chokehold Ban. This deserves more than a mere footnote. A direct result of the George Floyd protests.
Women Sue State Over Workplace Hijab Prohibition. Seriously, the state couldn’t have come up with a reasonable policy here? It is religious discrimination, pure and simple.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-08-15--Brian Holajter’s Red Alert – Part 1

Brian Holajter’s Red Alert – Part 1

There is an email going around from Coons ’ field director , Brian Holajter , in which poor Brian is freaking out .
It is hard to know if it is a genuine freakout or a showy freakout intended to scare the troops into re-doubling their efforts to keep the GOP ’ s favorite Democrat in the Senate .
If it is not real , it should be .
I ’ ve mentioned this before but I think the overlapping progressive primary challengers are likely to boost turnout in New Castle county and help Scarane .
It is hard to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the ticket ” to vote for Coons .
The same goes for supporters of Larry Lambert , Madinah Wilson-Anton , Eric Morrison , Coby Owens , or Shané Darby .
Sure it would have been nice if these campaigns were able to engage in the true canvasing that is the lifeblood of a grassroots campaign , but even without the door knocking , these are the districts with activated progressives : These are the districts that can contribute tipping point turn out to topple Coons and his garbage politics .
In part 2 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into turnout in this districts and try to let Brian know where his freakout meter should be right now .

There is an email going around from Coons’ field director, Brian Holajter, in which poor Brian is freaking out. It is hard to know if it is a genuine freakout or a showy freakout intended to scare the troops into re-doubling their efforts to keep the GOP’s favorite Democrat in the Senate. If it is not real, it should be.
I’ve mentioned this before but I think the overlapping progressive primary challengers are likely to boost turnout in New Castle county and help Scarane. It is hard to imagine a Marie Pinkney voter “splitting the ticket” to vote for Coons. The same goes for supporters of Larry Lambert, Madinah Wilson-Anton, Eric Morrison, Coby Owens, or Shané Darby.
Sure it would have been nice if these campaigns were able to engage in the true canvasing that is the lifeblood of a grassroots campaign, but even without the door knocking, these are the districts with activated progressives:
State Senate, District 13
State House, District 7
State House, District 26
State House, District 27
These are the districts that can contribute tipping point turn out to topple Coons and his garbage politics. In part 2 of this post I’ll dig into turnout in this districts and try to let Brian know where his freakout meter should be right now.


delawareliberal--2020-08-15--Song of the Day 8/15: Santigold, “Lights Out”

Catching up with some new Sylvan Esso on YouTube , this oldie popped up on my feed — is it @ @ @ @ @ an oldie if it was released 12 years ago ?
I remember how ear-catching it @ @ @ @ @ vocals over a new wave beat , a sound Pitchfork pegged as a blend of @ @ @ @ @ the Pixies .
The third single from Philadelphian Santi White ’ s solo album — @ @ @ @ @ the time but changed it when another Santo Gold surfaced — failed to chart , @ @ @ @ @ in a beer commercial .
It ’ s not typical of her usual style , @ @ @ @ @ experimental and electronic , and for some reason the official video isn ’ t on @ @ @ @ @ fetch it from Vimeo , but the visuals are worth it .

Catching up with some new Sylvan Esso on YouTube, this oldie popped up on my feed — is it proper to call a song an oldie if it was released 12 years ago? I remember how ear-catching it was back then, ethereal vocals over a new wave beat, a sound Pitchfork pegged as a blend of the Go-Go’s and the Pixies.
The third single from Philadelphian Santi White’s solo album — she went by Santogold at the time but changed it when another Santo Gold surfaced — failed to chart, but it did get exposure in a beer commercial. It’s not typical of her usual style, which tends to be more experimental and electronic.


delawareliberal--2020-08-15--Delaware’s Most Intriguing Primaries: Part 3

Today featuring primaries for the State House Of Representatives .
Again , in reverse numerical order by district : RD 34 ( D Primary ) : Bob Haynes vs. Ade Koforiji .
Koforiji ran ( IMO ) a disappointing campaign against R incumbent Lyndon Yearick in 2018 , yet still got 41 % of the vote .
Haynes , the D chair of the 34th , is challenging him this time .
This district represents one of the very few Kent County districts that could flip , especially if it ’ s a blue tsunami .
Worth keeping an eye @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a take on this race ?
RD 27 ( D Primary ) : Earl Jaques vs. Eric Morrison .
While I have a soft spot for Jaques , much as I do for Sen. Bruce Ennis , it is clear that he is a fave of Pete ‘ n Val .
He chairs the Education Committee ( he shouldn ’ t ) , he chairs the Veterans Affairs Committee , and he ’ s on the Joint Finance Committee .
He is being challenged by Eric Morrison , who is supported by Leftward @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This district may be a tougher lift for progressives than some of the others , but a Morrison win is not out of the question .
RD 26 ( D Primary ) : John Viola vs. Madinah Wilson-Anton vs. Gabriel Adelagunja .
One of the most important primaries in Delaware this year .
The third candidate has not run a campaign .
I am convinced he was put up to siphon votes from Wilson-Anton .
I mean , just look at his website .
No ‘ there ’ there .
Madinah had campaigned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she suffered a lot less than other challengers by having to curtail her door-to-door efforts .
Viola has always been a back-bencher .
The district demographics skew in Madinah ’ s favor .
This is a great chance for a progressive upgrade .
I ’ ve had the chance to talk to Wilson-Anton , and she is so thoughtful and empathetic .
She ’ s also seriously intelligent .
So intelligent that I just shut up and listened .
I never do that .
RD 10 ( D Primary ) : Sean Matthews @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who has no real roots in the district , has every right to run in this primary .
The only question is why .
He has no chance to win and virtually no campaign save for a couple of signs on right-of-way .
He seems to be an activist who supports Black Lives Matter , and that ’ s all to the good , but he ’ s running against one of Delaware ’ s more progressive legislators , and one who should chair the House Education Committee .
I suspect that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward , but it might not be in Brandywine Hundred .
RD 8 ( D Primary ) : Rae Moore vs. Matthew Powell vs. Yvette Santiago .
This is the primary created by the retirement of Quin Johnson , meaning that the entire campaign is being run post-pandemic .
Delaware United has endorsed Moore , and I encourage you to check out her website .
Powell seems the most Quin-like in this race .
I confess I ’ ve had a disdain for ROTC ever since my college days , and I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His so-called ‘ issues ’ are as generic as they come .
Santiago has quite the extensive background , and appears to be a coalition-builder .
Got ta wonder if everybody pictured agreed to be in her campaign lit , though .
Regardless , due to the short timeline on this race , I can say that whoever runs the best campaign will win .
I know we have quite a few readers from this district .
What are you seeing/hearing ?
RD 7 ( D Primary ) : Ray Seigfried vs. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really good candidates and people facing off .
Seigfried narrowly defeated Lambert in a five-way primary in 2018 to win the seat that was being vacated by legislator-turned-lobbyist Bryon Short .
I voted for Larry .
I must say that Ray has been , to me at least , a pleasant surprise .
I knew that he would be strong on constituent services , but he ’ s been a valuable member of the caucus , especially on health-care issues , and has generally been a reliable progressive vote .
However , Larry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United , Progressive Democrats For Delaware , Working Families Party and the like , has walked the progressive walk for a long time .
He would immediately be a leader in Dover on economic and environmental racism , police reform , and the rights of workers .
I know who I ’ ll be voting for .
I just wish that I could vote for both of them .
RD 4 ( D Primary ) : Gerald Brady vs. Amy Solomon .
One of Delaware ’ s worst legislators , Gerald Brady , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is facing one from Amy Solomon .
She ’ s actually a progressive and has some real good credentials .
For the life of me , I don ’ t understand what took her so long to surface .
For months , you couldn ’ t find out anything about her .
Hopefully , she ’ ll put enough of a dent in him this time to go after him again in 2 years .
Coming next–The State Senate races !
Can ’ t wait to write that one .

Today featuring primaries for the State House Of Representatives. Again, in reverse numerical order by district:
RD 34 (D Primary): Bob Haynes vs. Ade Koforiji. Koforiji ran (IMO) a disappointing campaign against R incumbent Lyndon Yearick in 2018, yet still got 41% of the vote. Haynes, the D chair of the 34th, is challenging him this time. This district represents one of the very few Kent County districts that could flip, especially if it’s a blue tsunami. Worth keeping an eye on this primary result. Anybody have a take on this race?
RD 27 (D Primary): Earl Jaques vs. Eric Morrison. While I have a soft spot for Jaques, much as I do for Sen. Bruce Ennis, it is clear that he is a fave of Pete ‘n Val. He chairs the Education Committee (he shouldn’t), he chairs the Veterans Affairs Committee, and he’s on the Joint Finance Committee. He is being challenged by Eric Morrison, who is supported by Leftward Delaware and the Working Families Party. This district may be a tougher lift for progressives than some of the others, but a Morrison win is not out of the question.
RD 26 (D Primary): John Viola vs. Madinah Wilson-Anton vs. Gabriel Adelagunja. One of the most important primaries in Delaware this year. The third candidate has not run a campaign. I am convinced he was put up to siphon votes from Wilson-Anton. I mean, just look at his website. No ‘there’ there. Madinah had campaigned so hard before the pandemic hit that she suffered a lot less than other challengers by having to curtail her door-to-door efforts. Viola has always been a back-bencher. The district demographics skew in Madinah’s favor. This is a great chance for a progressive upgrade. I’ve had the chance to talk to Wilson-Anton, and she is so thoughtful and empathetic. She’s also seriously intelligent. So intelligent that I just shut up and listened. I never do that.
RD 10 (D Primary): Sean Matthews vs. Keith James. Keith James, who has no real roots in the district, has every right to run in this primary. The only question is why. He has no chance to win and virtually no campaign save for a couple of signs on right-of-way. He seems to be an activist who supports Black Lives Matter, and that’s all to the good, but he’s running against one of Delaware’s more progressive legislators, and one who should chair the House Education Committee. I suspect that we’ll hear more from James going forward, but it might not be in Brandywine Hundred.
RD 8 (D Primary): Rae Moore vs. Matthew Powell vs. Yvette Santiago. This is the primary created by the retirement of Quin Johnson, meaning that the entire campaign is being run post-pandemic. Delaware United has endorsed Moore, and I encourage you to check out her website. Powell seems the most Quin-like in this race. I confess I’ve had a disdain for ROTC ever since my college days, and I don’t see it as a plus. His so-called ‘issues’ are as generic as they come. Santiago has quite the extensive background, and appears to be a coalition-builder. Gotta wonder if everybody pictured agreed to be in her campaign lit, though. Regardless, due to the short timeline on this race, I can say that whoever runs the best campaign will win. I know we have quite a few readers from this district. What are you seeing/hearing?
RD 7 (D Primary): Ray Seigfried vs. Larry Lambert. A rarity: two really good candidates and people facing off. Seigfried narrowly defeated Lambert in a five-way primary in 2018 to win the seat that was being vacated by legislator-turned-lobbyist Bryon Short. I voted for Larry. I must say that Ray has been, to me at least, a pleasant surprise. I knew that he would be strong on constituent services, but he’s been a valuable member of the caucus, especially on health-care issues, and has generally been a reliable progressive vote. However, Larry, who has been endorsed by Delaware United, Progressive Democrats For Delaware, Working Families Party and the like, has walked the progressive walk for a long time. He would immediately be a leader in Dover on economic and environmental racism, police reform, and the rights of workers. I know who I’ll be voting for. I just wish that I could vote for both of them.
RD 4 (D Primary): Gerald Brady vs. Amy Solomon. One of Delaware’s worst legislators, Gerald Brady, who deserves a serious primary challenge, is facing one from Amy Solomon. She’s actually a progressive and has some real good credentials. For the life of me, I don’t understand what took her so long to surface. For months, you couldn’t find out anything about her. Hopefully, she’ll put enough of a dent in him this time to go after him again in 2 years.
Coming next–The State Senate races! Can’t wait to write that one.


delawareliberal--2020-08-15--DL Open Thread: Saturday, August 15, 2020

One month until Delaware Primary Day .
Do something for one of your fave candidates today .
Postal Service Says It Will Stop Removing Mailboxes .
In case you hadn ’ t heard , yes , they were removing mailboxes .
Until they were publicly shamed .
Yes , we ’ re living in an autocracy in its infancy .
The states can stop this .
Some are .
The IG at the postal service is investigating .
Will he still have a job by Monday morning ?
Trump ‘ Locks ’ In Private ICE Prison Detention For Another Decade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under the radar in an autocracy : “ This move by the Trump administration appears designed to lock in a decade worth of detention in Texas , benefiting private prison corporations for years to come , ” said Bethany Carson , Immigration researcher and organizer at Grassroots Leadership .
“ Making backdoor deals to line the pockets of private prison corporations at the expense of people confined behind bars while COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire shows the complete disregard for human life in ICE custody and how perverse financial incentives are the bedrock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You Can Count On One Constituency To Support Trump–Out-Of-Control Cops .
‘ Out-of-control ’ has defined the NYPD for decades , whose 24,000 officers endorsed Trump .
Mass .
Democratic Party Helped To Set Up Sting Operation Against Opponent Of Rep. Richard Neal .
Rick Reuling wrote a comment about this on our blog yesterday , and it checks out .
Neal is a Corporacrat , if that ’ s a word .
Oh , and he ’ s also well-versed in feathering the family nest .
I hope that this smear attempt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Trump Rewrites Standards For Showerheads B/C…His Hair .
This is not , repeat , not , satire .
Harris Pick To Galvanize West Indian Voters ?
Could be , and Florida could be where it pays off .
‘ Defund ’ Does Not Mean ‘ Eliminate ’ : The movement has had some success , including redirecting $ 1.4 billion initially allocated to the police .
Keep it up .
Jennifer Cohan To Leave DELDOT .
Bad news–Worse news .
I think she is the best DELDOT Secretary we ’ ve had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( although I also liked Anne Canby ) , and she will be missed .
The WORSE news ?
She ’ s headed to Leadership Delaware , another useless vestige , along with Jobs For Delaware Graduates , of the Pete duPont years .
It ’ s basically a secret fraternity/sorority for the Delaware Way .
You come out of there inculcated in that ‘ go along to get along ’ culture .
Some shake it , most don ’ t even try .
What do you want to talk about ?

One month until Delaware Primary Day. Do something for one of your fave candidates today.
Postal Service Says It Will Stop Removing Mailboxes. In case you hadn’t heard, yes, they were removing mailboxes. Until they were publicly shamed. Yes, we’re living in an autocracy in its infancy. The states can stop this. Some are. The IG at the postal service is investigating. Will he still have a job by Monday morning?
Trump ‘Locks’ In Private ICE Prison Detention For Another Decade. Here’s what goes on under the radar in an autocracy:
“This move by the Trump administration appears designed to lock in a decade worth of detention in Texas, benefiting private prison corporations for years to come,” said Bethany Carson, Immigration researcher and organizer at Grassroots Leadership. “Making backdoor deals to line the pockets of private prison corporations at the expense of people confined behind bars while COVID-19 is spreading like wildfire shows the complete disregard for human life in ICE custody and how perverse financial incentives are the bedrock of incarceration.”
In An Autocracy, You Can Count On One Constituency To Support Trump–Out-Of-Control Cops. ‘Out-of-control’ has defined the NYPD for decades, whose 24,000 officers endorsed Trump.
Mass. Democratic Party Helped To Set Up Sting Operation Against Opponent Of Rep. Richard Neal. Rick Reuling wrote a comment about this on our blog yesterday, and it checks out. Neal is a Corporacrat, if that’s a word. Oh, and he’s also well-versed in feathering the family nest. I hope that this smear attempt backfires big-time. Mo’ Better Democrats.
Trump Rewrites Standards For Showerheads B/C…His Hair. This is not, repeat, not, satire.
Harris Pick To Galvanize West Indian Voters? Could be, and Florida could be where it pays off.
‘Defund’ Does Not Mean ‘Eliminate’: The movement has had some success, including redirecting $1.4 billion initially allocated to the police. Keep it up.
Jennifer Cohan To Leave DELDOT. Bad news–Worse news. I think she is the best DELDOT Secretary we’ve had during my time in the political process (although I also liked Anne Canby), and she will be missed. The WORSE news? She’s headed to Leadership Delaware, another useless vestige, along with Jobs For Delaware Graduates, of the Pete duPont years. It’s basically a secret fraternity/sorority for the Delaware Way. You come out of there inculcated in that ‘go along to get along’ culture. Some shake it, most don’t even try.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-08-16--DL EXCLUSIVE: Chris Coons’ ‘Champion For Healthy Seniors Award’ Is A Big Fat Fraud–

–perpetrated on Delaware ’ s unsuspecting voters by…wait , I ’ m getting ahead of myself .
The ads are everywhere .
In your mailbox , on the internets , in the paper , all congratulating Coons on having ‘ won ’ the 2020 ‘ Champion For Healthy Seniors Award ’ .
It ’ s right there on p. 29A of the Sunday News-Journal , which I can ’ t cut & paste b/c it ’ s subscription-only , and not allowed to be shared .
Coons received the award from the ‘ Partnership To Fight Chronic Disease ’ .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ out just who is behind the ‘ Partnership To Fight Chronic Disease ’ .
Let me give you a hint–it ’ s not a group of healthy seniors , a group of unhealthy seniors or even a group representing seniors .
Let ’ s do what any reporter could do , if they were inclined to , you know , report .
Let ’ s head on over to the Center For Responsive Politics ’ Open Secrets and , well , read for yourself : That ’ s right , kids .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ actually from Big Pharma .
It ’ s not an award at all .
It ’ s Big Pharma carrying Coons ’ water by deliberately misrepresenting what Coons stands for .
And giving him a phony award that nobody is supposed to know is from Big Pharma .
Coons has received $ 170,000 from pharmaceutical PACs since 2015 , and a total of $ 233,160 from the industry during that time .
But the fact that Big Pharma has distorted Coons ’ record in order to send him back to DC to do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to know about who Coons really represents in DC .
Not to mention–Coons knows that this award is phony .
But this self-styled champion of morality and piety hasn ’ t said a thing .
Let ’ s be honest–he ’ s a phony too .

–perpetrated on Delaware’s unsuspecting voters by…wait, I’m getting ahead of myself.
The ads are everywhere. In your mailbox, on the internets, in the paper, all congratulating Coons on having ‘won’ the 2020 ‘Champion For Healthy Seniors Award’. It’s right there on p. 29A of the Sunday News-Journal, which I can’t cut & paste b/c it’s subscription-only, and not allowed to be shared. Coons received the award from the ‘Partnership To Fight Chronic Disease’.
It all seems impressive until you find out just who is behind the ‘Partnership To Fight Chronic Disease’. Let me give you a hint–it’s not a group of healthy seniors, a group of unhealthy seniors or even a group representing seniors.
Let’s do what any reporter could do, if they were inclined to, you know, report. Let’s head on over to the Center For Responsive Politics’ Open Secrets and, well, read for yourself:
*Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease (a subsidiary of Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America.
That’s right, kids. The ‘award’ that Coons got is actually from Big Pharma. It’s not an award at all. It’s Big Pharma carrying Coons’ water by deliberately misrepresenting what Coons stands for. And giving him a phony award that nobody is supposed to know is from Big Pharma.
Coons has received $170,000 from pharmaceutical PACs since 2015, and a total of $233,160 from the industry during that time. But the fact that Big Pharma has distorted Coons’ record in order to send him back to DC to do their bidding tells you everything you need to know about who Coons really represents in DC.
Not to mention–Coons knows that this award is phony. But this self-styled champion of morality and piety hasn’t said a thing. Let’s be honest–he’s a phony too.


delawareliberal--2020-08-16--Song of the Day: The Band, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”

Song of the Day : The Band , “ The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down ” Does “ The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down ” glorify the Lost Cause ?
Is it racist ?
Rolling Stone magazine suddenly thinks so .
After praising it for 50 years as a classic of the rock era , the magazine last week published a story in which writer Simon Vozick-Levinson calls it a “ troubling requiem for the Confederate cause ” and “ a vehicle for a harmful , racist American myth.
” The author offers no supporting evidence for these @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to puff up the case of a country singer-songwriter named Early James , who caused a stir at the annual Last Waltz Tribute in Nashville early this month by bowdlerizing the song .
Among other changes , James rewrote the last verse to read : Unlike my father before me , who I will never understand Unlike the others below me , who took a rebel stand Depraved and powered to enslave I think it ’ s time we laid hate in its grave I swear by the mud below my feet That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ matter how much concrete I don ’ t have much problem with the rewritten lyrics ; if Early James wants to show the world that he ’ s a pale imitation of Robbie Robertson , have at it .
My problem is the brazen revisionism by the publisher — the piece never acknowledges all the praise the magazine ’ s writers have heaped on the song over the decades .
It ’ s true that a subset of Southerners misinterprets the song as a requiem for the Lost Cause .
That ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from Alabama , to rewrite a good bit of it to reflect the current mood , which requires demonizing not just the Confederacy but anything that even tangentially brushes against it .
This leads to wrong-headed displays of wokeness , of the sort that condemns “ Huckleberry Finn ” because it uses the n-word without acknowledging its larger project of rejecting racism .
As evidence that this is a misreading , let ’ s note that Joan Baez , whose cover reached No .
3 on the US singles chart in 1971 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about as liberal a performer as you can imagine .
Black soul singer Dobie Gray performed an emotional version of it in concert , changing a very few words ( he does not say “ my ” brother , and says “ they , ” not a Yankee , laid him in his grave ) .
They all are now on the hook for having sung a song that revisionists now claim is “ problematic.
” Ta-Nehisi Coates wrote briefly about the song back in 2009 , dismissing it as “ the pharaoh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a facile interpretation , but at least Coates is brave enough to acknowledge that the problem isn ’ t the song , it ’ s him .
“ I ’ m told that it ’ s a great song , ” he wrote in the Atlantic , “ and I don ’ t so much doubt this , as I doubt my own magnanimity.
” I understand completely his unwillingness to empathize with a poor dirt farmer who lost everything dear to him by taking a rebel stand .
Coates says his empathy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Coates seems to understand that it ’ s possible to hate the racism that led to the Civil War and still sympathize with the poor Southerners who were drafted to fight it , even if he himself can ’ t do it .
He tried , he failed , and he didn ’ t take his failure as proof that the song was at fault .
That ’ s because any analysis of Virgil Caine ’ s tale claiming that it is an elegy for the Confederacy is going to look in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it ’ s an oddity of this song that nobody except Levon Helm has ever sung it exactly as it appears on the copyrighted lyric sheet ) .
It ’ s simply not there .
Robertson , a Canadian , like the rest of the Band except for Helm , said one of the inspirations for the song was a talk he had with Helm ’ s father , who told him the South would rise again .
Yet the song ’ s narrator says no such thing — he says “ you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ up when he ’ s in defeat.
” You know what song Rolling Stone had no words of condemnation for ?
Lynyrd Skynyrd ’ s classic-rock staple , “ Sweet Home Alabama , ” which actually praises then-Alabama Gov .
George Wallace in its lyrics .
In Birmingham they love the Governor , Now we all did what we could do Now Watergate does not bother me Does your conscience bother you ?
Tell the truth I have not allowed that song to be played in my presence for decades .
If it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stations .
If a band covers it live , I leave the venue .
I notice that Early James hasn ’ t rewritten that verse yet , and Rolling Stone hasn ’ t seen fit to call it “ problematic.
” Granted , a Last Waltz concert doesn ’ t give James the platform to address Lynyrd Skynyrd , but there ’ s an entire branch of rock music , and an even larger one in country music , that glorifies the South and through it the Confederacy .
It seems to me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , of songs that cry out for censure far louder than “ The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.
” Where ’ s the call for cancelling or revising that body of material ?
I ’ ll let Dobie Gray , live at the Volunteer Jam in 1980 , have the last word .

Does “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” glorify the Lost Cause? Is it racist? Rolling Stone magazine suddenly thinks so. After praising it for 50 years as a classic of the rock era, the magazine last week published a story in which writer Simon Vozick-Levinson calls it a “troubling requiem for the Confederate cause” and “a vehicle for a harmful, racist American myth.”
The author offers no supporting evidence for these claims. He’s making them to puff up the case of a country singer-songwriter named Early James, who caused a stir at the annual Last Waltz Tribute in Nashville early this month by bowdlerizing the song.
Among other changes, James rewrote the last verse to read:
Unlike my father before me, who I will never understand
Unlike the others below me, who took a rebel stand
Depraved and powered to enslave
I think it’s time we laid hate in its grave
I swear by the mud below my feet
That monument won’t stand, no matter how much concrete
I don’t have much problem with the rewritten lyrics; if Early James wants to show the world that he’s a pale imitation of Robbie Robertson, have at it. My problem is the brazen revisionism by the publisher — the piece never acknowledges all the praise the magazine’s writers have heaped on the song over the decades.
It’s true that a subset of Southerners misinterprets the song as a requiem for the Lost Cause. That’s what prompted James, a white man from Alabama, to rewrite a good bit of it to reflect the current mood, which requires demonizing not just the Confederacy but anything that even tangentially brushes against it. This leads to wrong-headed displays of wokeness, of the sort that condemns “Huckleberry Finn” because it uses the n-word without acknowledging its larger project of rejecting racism.
As evidence that this is a misreading, let’s note that Joan Baez, whose cover reached No. 3 on the US singles chart in 1971, is the daughter of an immigrant and about as liberal a performer as you can imagine. Black soul singer Dobie Gray performed an emotional version of it in concert, changing a very few words (he does not say “my” brother, and says “they,” not a Yankee, laid him in his grave). They all are now on the hook for having sung a song that revisionists now claim is “problematic.”
Ta-Nehisi Coates wrote briefly about the song back in 2009, dismissing it as “the pharaoh’s blues.” It’s a facile interpretation, but at least Coates is brave enough to acknowledge that the problem isn’t the song, it’s him. “I’m told that it’s a great song,” he wrote in the Atlantic, “and I don’t so much doubt this, as I doubt my own magnanimity.” I understand completely his unwillingness to empathize with a poor dirt farmer who lost everything dear to him by taking a rebel stand. Coates says his empathy has limits, but to his credit, Coates seems to understand that it’s possible to hate the racism that led to the Civil War and still sympathize with the poor Southerners who were drafted to fight it, even if he himself can’t do it. He tried, he failed, and he didn’t take his failure as proof that the song was at fault.
That’s because any analysis of Virgil Caine’s tale claiming that it is an elegy for the Confederacy is going to look in vain for evidence in the lyrics (it’s an oddity of this song that nobody except Levon Helm has ever sung it exactly as it appears on the copyrighted lyric sheet). It’s simply not there. Robertson, a Canadian, like the rest of the Band except for Helm, said one of the inspirations for the song was a talk he had with Helm’s father, who told him the South would rise again. Yet the song’s narrator says no such thing — he says “you can’t raise a Caine back up when he’s in defeat.”
You know what song Rolling Stone had no words of condemnation for? Lynyrd Skynyrd’s classic-rock staple, “Sweet Home Alabama,” which actually praises then-Alabama Gov. George Wallace in its lyrics.
In Birmingham they love the Governor,
Now we all did what we could do
Now Watergate does not bother me
Does your conscience bother you? Tell the truth
I have not allowed that song to be played in my presence for decades. If it comes on the radio, I switch stations. If a band covers it live, I leave the venue. I notice that Early James hasn’t rewritten that verse yet, and Rolling Stone hasn’t seen fit to call it “problematic.”
Granted, a Last Waltz concert doesn’t give James the platform to address Lynyrd Skynyrd, but there’s an entire branch of rock music, and an even larger one in country music, that glorifies the South and through it the Confederacy. It seems to me there are hundreds, if not thousands, of songs that cry out for censure far louder than “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.” Where’s the call for cancelling or revising that body of material?
I’ll let Dobie Gray, live at the Volunteer Jam in 1980, have the last word.


delawareliberal--2020-08-16--Be Prepared.     #GeneralStrike

Be Prepared.     #GeneralStrike

With Trump openly saying that he is planning to steal the election , Americans need to be prepared to shut @ @ @ @ @ that happens .
We ’ ll need unionized and non-unionized workers alike to take part @ @ @ @ @ outsourced .
Blue collar and white collar workplaces must participate .
Everyone who claims to @ @ @ @ @ needed to stop another illegitimate term by Trump .
The front line of this fight @ @ @ @ @ Our economic activity is our leverage and all economic activity must grind to a halt @ @ @ @ @ are the only measure of economic well-being that matters to policy makers – so the @ @ @ @ @ Everyone must answer another fraudulent election with a wholesale vote of no-confidence by removing there @ @ @ @ @ this economy .

Stop Working
Stop Buying
Empty your Bank and Investment Accounts
Be Prepared
With Trump openly saying that he is planning to steal the election, Americans need to be prepared to shut the economy down completely if that happens.
We’ll need unionized and non-unionized workers alike to take part. This cannot be outsourced. Blue collar and white collar workplaces must participate. Everyone who claims to love the country will be needed to stop another illegitimate term by Trump. The front line of this fight is your front door.
Our economic activity is our leverage and all economic activity must grind to a halt across entire communities. Stocks are the only measure of economic well-being that matters to policy makers – so the stocks prices must collapse. Everyone must answer another fraudulent election with a wholesale vote of no-confidence by removing there labor and their dollars from this economy.


delawareliberal--2020-08-16--DL Open Thread: Sunday, August 16, 2020

DL Open Thread: Sunday, August 16, 2020

Morally-Bankrupt Nursing Homes Hire Trump-Friendly Lobbyists .
The pandemic ’ s most striking example of literally killing your parents , then begging for mercy b/c you ’ re an orphan .
Justice Department Goes After Yale–For Discriminating Against White Applicants .
Right .
Something like 11 % of all Yale admissions are ‘ legacy ’ admissions .
You know , like Dubya .
How many of those legacy students do you think are minorities ?
How Much Do You Really Know About Mike Pence ?
This ad will enlighten you .
Uh , creepy , much ?
Trump ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Billion In Military Health Care .
Well , somebody ’ s got to pay for those subsidies to Trump ’ s hotels .
Trump Digital Ads To Overrun DNC Convention .
There ’ s no escaping him .
Not even here in Delaware , the Virtual Home Of The Democratic Party .
Speaking of no escape , can someone please explain to me why both Clintons have speaking slots at the convention ?
Not to mention John Kasich ?
Yuck .
I think The Nation nailed it–a centrist hoedown .
What do you @ @ @ @ @

Morally-Bankrupt Nursing Homes Hire Trump-Friendly Lobbyists. The pandemic’s most striking example of literally killing your parents, then begging for mercy b/c you’re an orphan.
Justice Department Goes After Yale–For Discriminating Against White Applicants. Right. Something like 11% of all Yale admissions are ‘legacy’ admissions. You know, like Dubya. How many of those legacy students do you think are minorities?
How Much Do You Really Know About Mike Pence? This ad will enlighten you. Uh, creepy, much?
Trump’s Defense Secretary Looks To Cut $2.2 Billion In Military Health Care. Well, somebody’s got to pay for those subsidies to Trump’s hotels.
Trump Digital Ads To Overrun DNC Convention. There’s no escaping him. Not even here in Delaware, the Virtual Home Of The Democratic Party. Speaking of no escape, can someone please explain to me why both Clintons have speaking slots at the convention? Not to mention John Kasich? Yuck. I think The Nation nailed it–a centrist hoedown.
What do you want to talk about?


delawareliberal--2020-08-17--DL Open Thread: Monday, August 17, 2020

DL Open Thread: Monday, August 17, 2020

Pelosi To Recall House To Address Post Office Emergency .
As well she should .
It could be as early as Saturday–right after the convention .
It ’ s not just the ballots .
People depend on the postal service for their prescriptions , and they ’ re not getting them on time .
There are numerous other examples .
I think that even the Senate will have to cut their vacation short or face the wrath of the voters .
Cedar Rapids Is Still Leveled One Week After Derecho Strikes It .
Iowa ’ s governor waited a week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is a disaster that has largely gone unnoticed .
Admiral McRaven : Trump Working To Undermine Every US Institution .
Trump has shown that democracy is ill-suited to withstand attacks on all of its institutions at once .
Every day , Trump torches another one .
What ’ s Happening At The Convention .
Each night has a broad ‘ theme ’ .
I notice that Carper ’ s not speaking .
Must be back in hiding from the public mode .
I don ’ t think I can stomach watching most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Abuse Investigations .
A must-read .
The cops are the criminals : Despite its legal obligations , the NYPD has been withholding significant evidence and undermining investigations of alleged abuse .
It has stopped sharing a wide variety of paper records and has been redacting the names of potential witnesses from others without explanation .
For two months this year , it allowed officers to refuse to be interviewed by CCRB investigators .
And , critically , it often doesn ’ t produce body-worn camera footage .
Trump Doesn ’ t Like What @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A New Doctor .
Atlas shrugs ( you ’ re welcome ) .
What do you want to talk about ?

Pelosi To Recall House To Address Post Office Emergency. As well she should. It could be as early as Saturday–right after the convention. It’s not just the ballots. People depend on the postal service for their prescriptions, and they’re not getting them on time. There are numerous other examples. I think that even the Senate will have to cut their vacation short or face the wrath of the voters.
Cedar Rapids Is Still Leveled One Week After Derecho Strikes It. Iowa’s governor waited a week to call in the National Guard. This is a disaster that has largely gone unnoticed.
Admiral McRaven: Trump Working To Undermine Every US Institution. Trump has shown that democracy is ill-suited to withstand attacks on all of its institutions at once. Every day, Trump torches another one.
What’s Happening At The Convention. Each night has a broad ‘theme’. I notice that Carper’s not speaking. Must be back in hiding from the public mode. I don’t think I can stomach watching most of this.
NYPD Withholds Evidence From Abuse Investigations. A must-read. The cops are the criminals:
Despite its legal obligations, the NYPD has been withholding significant evidence and undermining investigations of alleged abuse. It has stopped sharing a wide variety of paper records and has been redacting the names of potential witnesses from others without explanation. For two months this year, it allowed officers to refuse to be interviewed by CCRB investigators. And, critically, it often doesn’t produce body-worn camera footage.
Trump Doesn’t Like What Public Health Doctors Tell Him. Enter A New Doctor. Atlas shrugs (you’re welcome).
What do you want to talk about?