Barack the Magic Negro

Big furor over a video making the rounds, Barack the Magic Negro, a parody of Puff the Magic Dragon.  The tune satirically takes makes the case from the point of view of Reverend Al Sharpton that Barack Obama is an "acceptable Black man" compared to himself.



Though the piece was initially distrubuted as part of what was thought to be a joke by some dinosaur Republicans down South, it's actually based on an essay about Obama in the LA Times almost two years ago.

The story by David Ehrenstein paints the President-Elect and then underdog candidate in the archetype of what's referred to as "the magical negro,"  which Wikipedia describes as a "mystical stock character in fiction who, by use of special insight or powers, helps the white protagonist get out of trouble." Indeed as Ehrenstein points out Obama as a real life "magical Negro" is "there to assuage white "guilt" (i.e., the minimal discomfort they feel) over the role of slavery and racial segregation in American history, while replacing stereotypes of a dangerous, highly sexualized black man with a benign figure for whom interracial sexual congress holds no interest."  Certainly Whites can feel comfortable voting for Obama over previous candidates such as Shartpon or Reverend Jesse Jackson who have darker skin and unlike Obama's cosmpolitan upbringing had a more typical African American upbrining in "the hood" scare Whites, regardless of their degree of simpicato with their politics and can't bring themselves to vote for them.

This is a tough pill to swallow but Barack the Magic Negro -  even if it was unintentional on the creator's part  - brings up these uncomfortable realities about race relations.  That even in a post-racial word many Whites are indeed drawn to the "magic negro" that they can warm to and hope erases any innate bias they may still have.

The good news is that as society becomes even more diverse old stereotypes will fall away and distinctions will blur.  And to a degree, the election of Barack Obama helps to that end helping to erase the racism of some whom opposed him and the guilt of some of who supported him.

By the way Ehrenstein isn't thrilled with Barack Obama these days, primarily over his selection of Pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at Obama's inauguration.

Obama is Irish!

Just like me, President-elect Obama has Irish roots. Who knew?

Big Mouth Emmanuel?

President-Elect Barack Obama has named Congressman Rohm Emmnauel as his Chief of Staff.

Emmanuel is an Illinois Congressman but he was once part of the Clinton administration.

Former Clinton svengali Dick Morris retells a story to Bill O'Reilly when some sensitive administration information was leaked to the press, an angry Bill Clinton called Morris screaming expletives an and demanding know who Morris told.

Morris replied to Clinton "Only George (Stephanopolous, Clinton Communications Director) and Rohm."

Clinton shot back "George and Rohm? You might as well as put out a fucking press release Dick!"

Karl Rove Hangs With Obama?

On this evening's O'Reilly Factor on the Fox News Channel, Rove admits to "hanging" with Senator Obama at the White House.

Rove says that Obama is smart but needs to be disciplined. Disciplined? Obama is one of the most disciplined, balanced pols out there - that was one of his weapons against free-form McCain.

Why are they going to Rove for what the Republicans need to do? Rove and his butt buddy George Bush are responsible for a reckless destruction of the Republican Party as we know it.

Get these dinosaurs off the air and go to Eric Cantor, Paul Ryan, Bobby Jindal or even Sarah Palin to get the new GOP roadmap.

Deep Thinker: Matt Damon

What Is Obama Hiding?

Sean Hannity probes Barack Obama's college years, a time in Obama's life that the Democratic Presidential nominee won't talk about nor will allow any records to be made public, including his senior thesis.  And for the first time a longtime Obama associate confirms Obama's personal ties to radical, racist activist Khalid al Mansour.

Big Mouth Biden Lies Again!

When Hillary Clinton was less than truthful about getting shot at while on a visit to Bosnia, the mainstream media was all over her for her fib.

Yet Joe Biden is telling stories himself and apparently getting a pass from the drive bys. Obama's running mate talks about the green zone in Bagdhad "where I have been seven times and shot at." However, Fox News reports that the Hill newspaper said Biden when asked to clarify "backpedaled from his claim of being 'shot at' and instead allowed: 'I was near where a shot landed.'"

In the upcoming Vice Presidential Debate with Republican nominee Sarah Palin, Biden plans to hit Palin on her knowledge of "the superhighway of terror between Pakistan and Afghanistan where my helicopter was forced down."

Turns out though the helicopter had to land because of lousy weather, not superhighway terrorists, and Biden was quickly retrieved by a US Military convoy all the while with American fighter jets overhead to protect him.

"Let's start telling the truth," Biden said during a presidential primary debate sponsored by YouTube last year. Yes, Joe, let's. And while you're at it lets explain why you and Barack Obama beat up Hillary for her lies but you get a pass.

Stuart Smalley for Senator?

We noted yesterday the irony that Democrats are critical of Sarah Palin as a nominee for Vice-President but are ecstaticly supporting foul mouthed, angry, loony former Saturday Night Live cast member and failed talkradio host Al Fraken.

Here's a fun Al Franken reel.  If you don't believe this guy is an idiot before you're done, then you're an idiot yourself.

Record Shows Democrats and Obama Responsible For Banking Mess

New video unearthed today from 2004 showing that Congressional Democrats made the claim that there was nothing to worry about at Fannie Mae, and in fact even went as far to inject the race card because then Fannie Mae CEO Franklin Raines - a former Clinton Administration official - happened to be African American.

"Mr. Chairman, we do not have a crisis at Freddie Mac, and in particular at Fannie Mae, under the outstanding leadership of Mr. Frank Raines. Everything in the 1992 act has worked just fine."
-Representative Maxine Waters in 2005

"The responsibility that the Democrats have may rest more with resisting any efforts by Republicans in the Congress or by me when I was president to put some standards and tighten up a little on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac."
-President Bill Clinton, this week

"If Congress does not act, American taxpayers will continue to be exposed to the enormous risk that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac pose to the housing market, the overall financial system, and the economy as a whole."
-John McCain in 2006

At the same time Republicans including John McCain called for more regulations and more control on Fannie Mae while usual suspect Democrats Maxine Waters (please, please Ted Hayes win and send Maxine packing) and Barney Frank saying this was not necessary.



Amazingly, yet another video shows Obama at an event in 2005 celebrating Fannie Mae, from which he was the second highest recipient of campaign contributions in the US Senate though Obama has been in the Senate less than four years.



Thank God for YouTube because we have video showing that McCain supported regulation of Fannie and Freddie, and along with many others including then Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan, express serious concern over what was to come.



Oh and where was Barack Obama on this? Apparently he voted present.

What's the new term these days? Epic Fail? Yea, Senator Obama, you and your Democrats did. What's more, you got PAID to do it.

If You Liked Jimmy Carter, You'll Love Barack Obama

Remember gas lines? Hostages? Misery? Inflation? The era of limits? America as a laughing stock? Those were the days of James Earl "Jimmah" Carter, the 39th President of the United States who got his ass kicked all the way back to Georgia by Ronald Reagan.

You can lay the creation of Al-Qaeda squarely at the feet of Jimmah who allowed the Russians to invade Afghanistan where Osama bin Laden became a brand. His mishandling of the situation in Iran led to the Islamic republic that is now threatening Israel with nukes.

If you would like to see the second term of Jimmah finally take place, then vote for Barack Obama who is more Carter than Carter. Folks, Barack is no Bill Clinton, a moderate Democrat who did a succesful job of managing the economy and keeping the country out of trouble internationally. Barack is a left wing, socialist nut job of the Carter order.

Why Is Obama Dressed Like A Muslim?

Did Obama go to a Muslim school? Why is he dressed like this? Does it matter if Obama was a Muslim? Maybe, maybe not. But if he lied about it, that's the problem.

Clinton Blames Democrats for Freddie and Fannie Mess

Son of Obama Campaign Leader May Be Palin Hacker

We noted Wednesday that Republican Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin's personal email was hacked and the contents displayed on the left-wing Gawker blog.

The story gets turned up a notch or too considering that a number of reports indicate that the son of a prominent Obama backer may be a person of interest in the Federal investigation of the hacking.

Democratic Tennessee State Represenative Mike Kernell of Memphis has confirmed that his 20 year old son David is "the one in question" but declined further comments.  A number of internet reports note that the elder Kernell is the leader of the Obama campaign in the Volunteer state. The head of the FBI's office in Memphis has confirmed they are involved in the investigation.

Blogger Michelle Malkin reports that a poster with the email address of rubico10@yahoo.co posted on a discussion board that he was the person behind the Palin hack (not an internet mischief making group as previously reported) and confirming the break-in.  A pro-Palin blog has found evidence from 2003 when David was 15 where he posted under that same email address.

Sounds like it good be a mess.  Stay tuned.

Sam's Campaign Hotsheet

Following the Republican National Convention and the selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin by Presidential nominee John McCain as his running mate, the GOP campaign has seen a surge in poll numbers and fundraising leaving the Obama campaign a bit nervous. McCain rallies are attracting thousands more attendees, McCain has pulled ahead of Obama in the polls and fundraising is through the roof. In fact, the McCain camp has raised $5 million in Obama's hometown of Chicago in just the last few days. In the meantime, Democratic stragegists are getting nervous that while the McCain-Palin camp gains steam, the Obama campaign has fallen apart and is horribly off it's game.

He has a tingligng feeling in his leg for Barack Obama but along with partner in crime Keith Olbermann, MSNBC commentator Chris Matthews has been removed as an anchor for NBC's coverage of this year's Presidential campaign. NBC has finally owned up to the fact that the liberally biased Matthews and Olbermann are commentators and not journalists and hence will officially fill the latter role. The more seemingly balanced David Gregory will take over helming the network's campaign related broadcasts.

We all knew it would be a matter of time before "Big Mouth" Joe Biden would open up la boca grande and insert his foot, but he did it. Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin who is the parent of a children with Down's Syndrome has been on record of being opposed to stem cell research however the specifics of her position are not yet clear. "Big Mouth" Biden, like he always does, stepped in it when he said he couldn't figure out how a special needs parent could oppose stem cell research, once again sinking the Democratic campaign to a new low.

Deep thinker Joy Behar from ABC's The View, who thinks Barack Obama is the second coming of Franklin Roosevelt and that government is the answer to all our problems went on an extended attack on Sarah Palin on Tuesday night's edition of Larry King Live on CNN. Among Goofy Joy's many criticisms of the Vice Presidential candidate is that Sarah doesn't wear contact lenses and that the Governor's glasses are a prop. Joy also repeated a number of the usual untrue rumors about Sarah that even liberal bloggers like David Markland have debunked.

Richard Viguerie: The race is on to define Sarah Palin;

If Republicans don’t do it, liberal Democrats will

(Manassas, Virginia) – Within the next week, Governor Sarah Palin will be defined forever in the eyes of the public, Richard A. Viguerie, Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com said.

In a statement, Viguerie said:

“A critical rule in politics is: Define or be defined. Fairly or unfairly, Dan Quayle’s image was set within days of his selection as a candidate for vice president, and, forever after, the media sought out evidence that fit in with that pre-conceived image.

“Liberal Democrats are working quickly to Quayle-ize her. They are downplaying her experience and expertise, and trying to define her as ‘just a little housewife from Alaska.’ And, with the help of their friends in the media, they will get away with it – if the Republicans let them.

“There is no one who presents all pluses and no minuses. Sure, it would be better if she had more foreign policy experience, and if she had won the Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes, while flying the space shuttle and curing cancer. But she is someone who represents the values and worldview of the American people.

“And she has the toughness to be president. She has spent her political career standing up to powerful men ranging from the state Republican chairman to the previous governor to the presidents of Exxon-Mobil and British Petroleum. Honestly, who is more likely to be another Ronald Reagan or Margaret Thatcher – Sarah Palin or Joe Biden? Sarah Palin or Barack Obama?

“By many measures, she outshines Barack Obama in terms of experience, especially in fighting political corruption and making us energy independent. And while he has spent the last couple of years running for president, she has spent the last couple of years running a state.

“As for Joe Biden, he has foreign policy experience, all right – the wrong kind of foreign policy experience. He and those who represent the Harvard-Princeton-Yale ‘best and the brightest’ way of thinking have caused untold suffering for the world’s people. They extended the Cold War by decades, did almost nothing as terrorists waged war on America in the ’90s, and stood by as genocide was committed in Rwanda and Darfur.

“In the effort to beat Sarah Palin, liberal Democrats will play to every sexist stereotype that has kept women ‘in their place’ in the past. They consider conservative women ‘uppity,’ and won’t stand for Sarah Palin being vice president and someday president.

“They are terrified at the prospect that the first woman vice president and possibly the first woman president might be a conservative Republican. A few years ago, they were likewise terrified by Clarence Thomas and the prospect that that the country’s most powerful African-American would be a conservative Republican. They trashed Clarence Thomas and continue to trash him in the most racist and hateful ways, and they won’t hesitate to do something similar to Sarah Palin.

“If Republicans think they won’t do it, they don’t know liberal Democrats like I do.”

Richard A. Viguerie pioneered political direct mail and has been called “one of the creators of the modern conservative movement” (The Nation magazine), one of the “conservatives of the century” (The Washington Times), and one of 2008’s “top 25 influencers” among Republicans (NewsMax magazine). His latest book is Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big-Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause.

Moore Takes on McCain War Record

Los Angeles - In his second appearance on the innovative new online show, Meet the Bloggers, Michael Moore raised some tough issues related to John McCain's use of his war record in the campaign. Asked if he believes Senator Obama should raise questions about McCain's war record, Mr. Moore said: "Anytime McCain uses his POW status or especially the Vietnam War to attack [Obama's] patriotism or his service, or what he's done for this country, then it is fair game." Quoting a section in Mr. McCain's autobiography in which he said 'We were bombing heavily populated areas of North Vietnam,' Mr. Moore argued that "everyone who stood up against that war is a hero, is a brave American."

Richard Viguerie: She’s perfect

With VP pick, McCain “unites the GOP, gives conservatives a stake in the election, and puts a real reformer on the ticket”

(Minneapolis, MN) The selection of Governor Sarah Palin as John McCain’s vice presidential running mate unites the Republican Party and energizes its conservative base, Richard A. Viguerie said.

“McCain has chosen to balance his ticket with a principled conservative. Governor Palin’s life story is one of sticking to principle. She is living proof that a person can take on the corrupt political establishment – including corrupt leaders in her own party – and achieve great things,” he said.

Viguerie, the Chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, added: “There’s an old expression in politics: Go along to get along. Not this time. The selection of Sarah Palin is one big kick-in-the-pants to the corrupt establishment in both parties.

“Congratulations to John McCain for hearing and responding to conservatives. Conservatives, the base of the party, have been listless. But, now, nearly all will work enthusiastically for the McCain-Palin ticket. In fact, this is the most enthusiastic conservatives have been since the era for Ronald Reagan.”

He concluded: “This is a grand-slam home run. Conservatives’ feet haven’t touched the ground since this announcement.”

Richard A. Viguerie pioneered political direct mail and has been called “one of the creators of the modern conservative movement” (The Nation magazine), one of the “conservatives of the century” (The Washington Times), and one of 2008’s “top 25 influencers” among Republicans (NewsMax magazine). His latest book is Conservatives Betrayed: How George W. Bush and Other Big-Government Republicans Hijacked the Conservative Cause.

Stupid Republicans Decide to Go After the Gays

Local Republicans continue to shoot themselves in the foot.  When the bigger threat is Democrats; they're more worried about the gays.

I received an email from local Republican major domo Linda Boyd - who has done more to set the Republican Party back 50 years than any Democrat could ever hope to - urging attendance at a Republican program to "save marriage."

This event is supporting the campaign intended to completely sink the Republican Party, well actually it's the effort to overturn legal same-sex marriage in California, Proposition 8.

With Republicans ranging from Governor Schwarzenegger to Councilman Dennis Zine to Anti-Bilingual Crusader Ward Connerly to Comedian Dennis Miller opposed to the measure, the local party is going against traditional Republican values of personal liberty and limited government to appease an aging, shrinking but still vocal element of the party who is willing to consign the GOP to permanent minority status.

No doubt, and with all due respect to Christians (I am one), Catholics, Mormons, Conservative Jews and others of faith who find homosexuality inconsistent with their religous beliefs, the local GOP is pandering to this special interest group.  However these groups are quick to jump up when government infringes on their personal liberty; they are completely inconsistent when it comes to Proposition 8. Activist Lourdes Rivas issues a challenge to religious opponents of same-sex marriage.

The Republican Party is shrinking in California.  We can not attempt to grow if we adopt arcane, unfair positions such as this.  Even Ronald Reagan in 1978 found it against true conservative principles to prohibit gays and lesbians from serving as teachers and opposed the Briggs initiative, Proposition 6.

As a Republican male who likes girls (a lot!) and wants to marry one, I am not threatened by gays and lesbians who choose to marry.  As a libertarian leaning individual I believe its an issue of fundamental rights.  Therefore I will vote no on Proposition 8.

Sign Up for Camp Obama!

If you're a big supporter of the presumptive Democratic nominee, you can spend the rest of your summer at Camp Obama. With apologies to Allan Sherman, here's Rita of Sunland with her ode to the retreat.

'Big Mouth' Biden: Is This The Best Obama Could Do?

Newly minted Democratic VP candidate Joe Biden has been nominated and made his acceptance speech afternoon night. Biden managed to go the entire speech without saying anything stupid but who knows maybe Barack had him on seven second delay.

Following Senator Hillary Clinton's speech Tuesday night and her gracious efforts on the Convention floor Wednesday afternoon, it's become apparent that Obama made the wrong pick. As noted by blogger Darren Duvall, the upside to dissing Hillary is that Obama is not faced with the prospect of former President Bill Clinton hanging around the White House. At the same time, Duvall makes a good funny when he writes "A lot of what he (Biden) has to offer is a legacy of misstatements that make George W. Bush look like Oscar Wilde."

However Duvall also points out Biden's legacy of off-the-cuff and over the top remarks such as "crypto-racist" comments by Biden about Obama and ignorant statements about Indian-Americans in the State of Delaware.

Despite whatever failings Hillary Clinton may have, one can not imagine her making those types of comments. And one can not imagine Barack Obama losing with the New York Senator as his running mate.

But, he will never know now.

A Pick for McCain

In as much as Barack Obama has in Joe Biden picked a contemporary of John McCain to serve as his running mate, the presumptive Republican nominee should consider selecting the Republican version of Barack Obama as his vice-presidential nominee.

For sure McCain's "short list" is somewhat long.  Former candidate Mitt Romney gets talked about a lot. So do Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and former Ohio Congressman and Bush Budget Director Rob Portman.  Also on the list are former Pennyslvania Governor and Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and Senator Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut, the 2000 Democratic Vice Presidential nominee. Lately former Secretary of State Colin Powell, an unlikely pick, has also received buzz.

And of course we advocated here for sometime the selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

The challenge for McCain is to find someone who will 1) stay out of trouble, 2) shore up his standing with the base, 3) not scare off moderates as well as disaffected Clinton Democrats, 4) Hold their own against Joe Biden in debates and 5) give him a little Google juice going into the Republican National Convention.

I believe that person is Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Here's Jindal on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno:



Jindal has an interesting background.  He's a first generation immigrant who was born in Baton Rogue while his parents, immigrants from India, were attending Louisiana State University.  At 37 years old, he's the youngest Governor in the US.  He served in the US House of Representatives, where he was Britney Spears' Congressman. Here young people who are fired up over Jindal talk about the Louisiana Governor:



Could you imagine Jindal debating Biden who has referred to Indian Americans as 7-11 and Dunkin' Donuts workers?



More importantly he's an impassioned, articulate, intelligent, dynamic young man.  And he brings a lot to the ticket.  He'd be the only Southerner on the ticket.  Like Biden, he's a Roman Catholic who converted from Hinduism in high school.



He comes from a solid middle class background and worked his way up to the top at a young age.  He has the immigrant experience and if nominated would be the first Asian to be part of a major party ticket.  And he even has somewhat of a resemblance to his namesake, Bobby Kennedy.  A Rhodes Scholar, Jindal is ten years younger than Obama, was born one year before Biden entered the senate.

Unlike Obama, Biden or even McCain, as a Governor, Jindal is a Washington outsider who has solid Conservative credentials. As the child of immigrants himself, he has credibility when calling for immigration reform.



McCain could really fire up the troops, gets lot of press and find a candidate who could appeal to all the important swing votes - without the baggage of a boring white guy like Romney, Portman, Pawlenty, etc.- if he picked Jindal.

Why It Doesn't Matter How Many Homes John McCain's Family Owns

John McCain's wealthy wife may own several homes (though apparently they don't "live" in all of them; some of them are just investment properties) and Joe Biden thinks there is something wrong with that.

However, most folks won't care how many homes the Arizona Senator and presumptive Republican Presidential nominee owns or lives in. Despite the class envy the Obama bin Biden campaign is seeking to stir up, folks will remember that once John McCain had one home - one he lived in for five years - the "Hanoi Hilton" torture prison he was held in as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. A prison he could of got out of early because of his privilege as the son of a ranking US Military officer but which McCain refused so his compatriates could get out before him.

Next: Obama's Shady House Purchase

Camp Obama!

Dear Friend,

Learn more about Camp Obama I want to tell you about an exciting program we're launching in California. It's called Camp Obama.

During this two-day session, people like you will be taking their support for this movement to the next level by learning the organizing principles that this campaign and our movement for change are built on.

Camp Obama attendees will receive real world organizing experience that will have a direct impact on this election. Graduates of Camp Obama will go on to become Deputy Field Organizers who will lead this campaign to victory in crucial battleground states around the country.

Find out more about this exciting opportunity to take a leadership role in this movement for change.

By participating in Camp Obama, you'll get the kind of experience that Barack got as a community organizer on the South Side of Chicago, where he learned that real change happens from the bottom up.

That experience transformed Barack's life and made him who he is today.

Camp Obama is your chance to put those very same principles into action - to win this election and to strengthen democracy in communities around the country.

After completing the program, you'll be required to work as a Deputy Field Organizer in a battleground state where you'll be organizing supporters and helping lead our grassroots Get Out The Vote operation.

Apply for a spot at a Camp Obama near you and become a leader in our movement for change:

http://ca.barackobama.com/CampObamaCA

This campaign relies on the passion and enthusiasm of ordinary supporters, but it needs leaders who can organize those supporters and turn their enthusiasm into votes on Election Day.

Camp Obama is your chance to step up and become a leader in this movement.

Thanks,

Jon

Jon Carson
National Field Director
Obama for America

You Can Buy An Obama bin Biden Magnet!

Barack Obama and Joe Biden just made their first public appearance as running mates at a rally in Springfield, Illinois.

They are the leaders who will bring the change our country needs. But they can't do it alone.

Show your support for the Obama-Biden ticket today. Make a donation of $15 or more and you will receive a first edition Obama-Biden Car Magnet.

We've got our team. But we've also got our work cut out for us.

Your gift will be crucial to preparing this campaign for the general election.

Make a donation of $15 or more and be one of the first to show your support with an Obama-Biden Car Magnet:

https://donate.barackobama.com/obamaandbiden

Thank you for everything you're doing to build this movement for change,

A Letter From Joe Biden

Friend --

I'd like to thank you for the warm welcome I've received as the newest member of this campaign.

What you and Barack have accomplished over the past 19 months is incredible, and it's an honor to be part of it. I'm looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and getting involved.

I recorded a short video message about how I hope to help in the weeks ahead.

Please take a minute to watch the video and share it with your friends:

Over the next few weeks, I'll be doing a lot of the things you've done to grow this movement -- reaching out day after day in neighborhoods all across the country, connecting with people who are hungry for the change we need.

This is no ordinary time, and this is no ordinary election. I plan to do everything I can to help Barack take back the White House.

I don't need to tell you that John McCain will just bring us another four years of the same. You can't change America when you supported George Bush's policies 95% of the time.

Barack has the vision and the courage to bring real change to Washington. But even he can't do this alone.

Join me by getting involved in your community -- and reach out to your friends and family to get them involved as well.

Please watch this video and pass it on:

http://my.barackobama.com/bidenvideo

Thank you,

Joe

Newsom to Host All-Star Outdoor Concert at DNC in Denver in honor of young Democrats

Free to the public, special event will feature top indie rock bands and celebrate young voter participation in this year’s election

 SAN FRANCISCO—San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom announced today that he is hosting a special outdoor concert at the Democratic National Convention in Denver to celebrate the historic participation of young Americans in this year’s election and in support of the candidacy of Barack Obama for President.

Called “Unconventional ’08,” the event will honor College Democrats of America, Generation Obama, Students for Barack Obama, Young Democrats of America, Young Voter PAC and other organizations.  It will feature an all-star line-up of indie rock artists, including Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Cold War Kids, Silversun Pickups, Nada Surf, DJ Z-Trip and members of Death Cab for Cutie, Rilo Kiley and She and Him, as well as a special appearance by comedienne and actress Sarah Silverman and other surprise guests.

“One of the defining dynamics of 2008 has been the emerging wave of new, young voters getting involved and storming the gates of the traditional political establishment,” said Mayor Newsom.  “They are a key to this election and Senator Obama is energizing this new generation of voters in a way never seen before.   Our Party and our politics are better for their participation and I look forward to hosting this extraordinary event on their behalf.” 
 
The event will be held at the Manifest Hope Art Gallery on Wednesday evening, August 27, 2008.  Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. and the concert is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m.

Sponsors include Moveon.org, Northern California Carpenters Regional Council, AT&T and Pacific Gas & Electric.
Tickets are free to the public and can be requested online at www.unconventional08.com or www.gavinnewsom.com.

-# # #-

Alberta Tribunal Leaves Canada Speechless

From Tony Perkins, FRC, Washington Update

David Ben Gurion, the first Israeli Prime Minister, once said, "The test of democracy is freedom of criticism." Nowhere have politicians more miserably failed that test than in Alberta, Canada, where the gatekeepers of political correctness--the Human Rights Commission (HRC)--have sentenced a pastor to a lifetime of silence.

The case was initiated in 2002, when Rev. Stephen Boissoin published letters to the editor opposing same-sex "marriage" in the Red Deer Advocate. At the time, Canada was embroiled in a debate over whether to legalize counterfeit marriage across the country. When Professor Darren Lund of Calgary read Boissoin's editorials, he filed a complaint with the Alberta HRC, alleging that the content of the articles was "hateful."

The Commission appointed a tribunal to investigate Boissoin, led by an unelected bureaucrat Lori Andreachuk. Last November, Andreachuk found Boissoin guilty of discrimination and, without the benefit of his testimony, forbade him from uttering "anything disparaging about homosexuals." Notice that Andreachuk does not ban him from speaking about anything "illegal" but bars him from any negativity toward gays and lesbians. The official punishment, issued without so much as a public hearing, includes everything from personal emails to congregational sermons. As if the lifetime speech ban were not tyrannical enough, Andreachuk also ordered Boissoin to compensate Professor Lund, who was not a victim of the so-called "hate crime," $5,000.

Under the terms of his sentencing, the Reverend must "cease publishing...remarks about homosexuals" and submit a written apology to Lund for publication in the Red Deer Advocate. Ezra Levant, who is under similar scrutiny for printing cartoons about Mohammed, notes in a new column, "[Boissoin] has to publicly humiliate himself, by publicly declaring his contrition--a contrition he does not feel--and his abandonment of his deeply-held religious beliefs... Does that happen anywhere outside of Communist China?"

Conservatives across Canada are in an uproar over the ruling and many are demanding that Premier Ed Stelmach follow through with his promise to review the unbridled "censorship powers" of the HRC. If he refuses, Alberta's thought police can indict any pastor or average citizen who holds political or moral views contrary to the powers-that-be.

Kern County Caveman Republicans Blow It on Gay Marriage

How do the idiot bureaucrats in Kern County decide to opppose the recent State Supreme Court ruling allowing gay marraige? They'll issue licenses but they are ending performing civil ceremonies for all couples, straight or gay. Just keep on being dinosaurs and sink the Republican Party until the socialists take over for good morons.

Villaraigosa to Aid Obama?

Those of you who worried about longtime Villaraigosa foot solider Mike Trujillo having to visit the Canoga Park office of the Employment Development Department following the withdrawl of Mrs. Bill Clinton from the Presidential sweepstakes likely need not worry. Tony Castro reports that insiders within presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama's campaign planning on sending the Villaraigosa machine in search of Latino votes in Texas, Colorado and Michigan. Pack your bags Mike.

America's Iron Lady?

I remember hearing years ago that the first female President would probably be a Republican, particularly because at the time most of the supply of female Senators and Governors were Republicans.

That's changed some in recent years but upon the failed campaign of Hillary Clinton I've come to another conclusion why it will most likely be that a Republican woman will likely beat her Democratic counterparts to the White House: that Americans are more likely to turn the Presidency over to a hard fisted Margaret Thatcher or Golda Meir type than a touchy-feely give me benefits Democrat.

It was nearly 30 years ago that the United Kingdom first came to be led by a woman, the old Iron Lady herself, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Thatcher was a cold warrior, virulently anti-Communist yet not afraid to shake up the old conservative order. She was most definitely the female version of her contemporary, spiritual twin and friend, Ronald Reagan.

In thinking forward as to who is going to be the American version of Thatcher I look past old guard hard nosed Republican grand dames like Texas Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson or North Carolina's Elizabeth Dole . Both are contemporaries of John McCain (in fact Dole is a few months older than the presumptive Republican nominee) and both old enough to be Barack Obama's mother. Dole herself ran for President before Hillary Clinton was even elected to the Senate, though obviously didn't come as far in her attempt at the nomination.

No we have to move to this generation, that of Barack, Valley Doll and myself, those of us born somewhere between Apollo 1 and Apollo 11. And that of course would be none other than Republican Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.



Palin, who has one of the highest popularity rankings of any politician in the US at present, took on the old guard and shady government corruption in her own party in her state. She was one of the folks that put an end to the "bridge to nowhere" and wasn't afraid to piss off Republicans as she steamrolled through the 49th state to election as Governor.

Palin - known as "Sarah Barracuda" during her basketball days in high school, is similar to Thatcher in that she took on her party establishment, stood hard on principles, and never looked back. As Thatcher was an iron fist against Communism, Palin is on the right side of the issue when it comes to the war on terror, is a staunch supporter of the troops, supports the second amendment and fights against government waste and corruption. I bet if you look back at Thatcher when she was in her 40s, when she served as an MP from Finchley and was in charge of British housing policy, she was probably a lot like Palin.



As John McCain looks for a running mate, many of those suggested as possibilities bring as many negatives as they do pluses. Fortunately for Palin however, the math is on her side. She would bring an energy to McCain that he greatly needs, satisfy his conservative base and bring over many of the Reagan Democrats who voted for Hillary Clinton that can't bring themselves to vote for Obama.

Then, serving four to eight years as McCain's VP (depending on his health) Palin is primed to become America's Iron Lady.

Why Bother Voting? Well Do It Anyway

Doug McIntyre admits that he forgot to vote last Tuesday. I too, for the first time in many years did not cast a ballot. Doug's reason is he was busy and engaged with other things; mine was I was pretty sick in bed. As bad as that seems, McIntyre and I are of the same mind: why bother? Voter participation is so low that the brain dead masses that do vote can be so easily manipulated by the special interests and idiocy reigns supreme. On a sidenote, given how abysmally low voter turnout was, we don't want to hear any more electeds complaining about Neighborhood Council election turnout.

McCain Daughter Turns Blogger

When it comes to potential Presidential daughters, blogger Meghan McCain appears to be one of the more interesting to come down the pike in a while. The 23 year old recent Columbia University grad is traveling with her father - Senator and Republican Presidential nominee John McCain - and blogging the campaign from the Gen Y point of view. Looks like Meghan will most likely be the next Eleanor Mondale or Ron Reagan.

Obama and the Latino Vote

Now that Hillary Clinton's dropped out of the Presidential race, Mayor Villaraigosa has jumped on the Barack Obama bandwagon. And maybe it's helping: a recent poll shows the Illinois Democrat capturing up to 62 percent of Latino vote over Senator John McCain.

This could be it for Hillary Clinton. Democratic primaries in South Dakota and Montana Tuesday are the last of the bunch and could be sufficient to push Senator Barack Obama over the top with a little bit of Superdelegate juice. The Senator's husband, former President Bill Clinton told crowds in South Dakota Monday that this could be the very last day he campaigns for a candidate. In a related story sources are saying that the Obama campaign is negotiating with Hillary Clinton, presumedly to get her to campaign for Obama this fall in exchange the presumptive nominee paying off some of the New York Senator's campaign estimated $40 million campaign debt.

Same-Sex Marriage Could Be Bonaza for Political Consultants

The primary campaign season is over today and just in time for political consultants looking to get a new paycheck is the big battle over same-sex marriage. Both sides intend to raise upwards of $30 million in a likely ballot measure in November.

America the Beautiful

Here's a quote from one who witnessed a recent interaction between an elderly woman and an antiwar protester in a Metro station in DC:

"There were protesters on the train platform handing out pamphlets on the evils of America. I politely declined to take one.

An elderly woman was behind me getting off the escalator and a young (20-ish) female protester offered her a pamphlet, which she politely declined.

The young protester put her hand on the old woman's shoulder as a gesture of friendship and in a very soft voice said, 'Lady, don't you care about the children of Iraq ?"

"The old woman looked up at her and said, 'Honey, my father died in France during World War II, I lost my husband in Korea, and a son in Vietnam. All three died so you could have the right to stand here and bad mouth our country. And if you touch me again, I'll stick this umbrella up your ass and open it. "

Assembly Votes Jobs Out of California

The California State Assembly has passed yet another jobs killing initiative - mandatory sick leave for all employees. The Assembly doesn't get that it's good business for employers who want top employees to offer these and other benefits. Some of the top employers in the state such as Google, Mrs. Gooch and others offer fantastic benefits voluntarily and find they huge numbers of potential employees lining up to apply for open positions. Therefore, they get to pick the cream of the crop. At the same some really small businesses often can't afford to offer these benefits and will either close down or move out of the state or country. Get ready to watch unemployment go up!

Why Clerks Should Perform Gay Marriages

Following the Supreme Court's ruling that allows same-sex marriages in California, a number of county clerks are balking at performing the marriages or issuing licenses based on their political and/or religious beliefs.

While I can respect the individual views of these individuals and their right to have them, government employees are duty bound to follow the law and to treat all citizens equally. As of now, same-sex marriage is the law. If there are government employees or officials who can not enforce the law then they need to either find a new job or transfer to a position that would not put them in a role where they would be required to perform the marriages.

This is somewhat akin to public college or school officials who want to ban military recruiters from coming on campus. However the law states that schools that receive federal funds must allow the recruiters on campus. If the people who work on the campuses don't agree with that, they need to find another job.

When government employees begin to think they have the authority to shirk the law, we're in trouble.

Blumenfield/Berman: "Beyond the Envelope"

The controversy continues for Assembly candidate Bob Blumenfield as the issue of a questionable independent expenditure committee set up by his father Michael Blumenfield and employer Congressman Howard Berman.

Linda Sutton, a writer and active supporter of Blumenfield opponent Laurette Healey said "Of course, we have to really IMAGINE that there is no coordination between the campaign and the father across the street and the employer of 18 years. This IS a stretch, but, hey, can we really IMAGINE THIS???"

"the actions of the Blumenfields go far beyond the envelope as it is usually interpreted"

The Sister City had the opportunity to speak with a veteran of several campaigns who knows a thing or two about campaign finance law. Our source told us that "the actions of the Blumenfields go far beyond the envelope as it is usually interpreted. On just about every campaign where it has been an issue, the rules on coordination have been applied to mean that you can barely even have a social conversation with anyone affiliated with an IE. If one Blumenfield said to the other something as simple as 'We aren't getting much support east of the 405', that could be a violation. And if the parents were canvassing, they certainly know where the campaign is investing time and resources."

Is the District Attorney investigating?

ERS News Alert: The “Scud Stud” Goes to War with “Charlie Wilson’s War”

Duck and Cover: Incoming!
by Edward Headington

Canadian journalist, turned politician -- turned journalist again, Arthur Kent has a new lawsuit pending against the filmmakers of the recent Hollywood film “Charlie Wilson’s War”. The 2007 film, which did less than blockbuster box office (although a respectable 66 million was nothing to dismiss) grabbed mixed reviews. The movie stars Tom Hanks, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Julia Roberts. The story follows the exploits of a U.S. Congressman from Texas who helped facilitate the CIA and the U.S. support for the Afghan “mujahedeen” fighters who ultimately drove the former Soviet Union’s Red Army from Afghanistan. According to the film’s PR it’s “based on an unbelievable true story”. Mr. Kent begs to differ.

Click here for the full story.

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The mission of The Enterprise Report is to break news and its motto is “It's news: exclusive and original.” It utilizes the talents of its journalist creators and contributors to bring the public stories that cannot be found anywhere else. For more information, go to www.ERSNews.com

VICA's Useless Mission

It's not a surprise that the Valley Industry and Commerce Association is opposing Proposition 98 though the measure has a very free market mission in preventing local government from taking private property to give to developers. VICA's leadership is rife with developers and other business interests who really are more in favor of a cozy relationship with government than the free market.

In terms of advancing the true business needs of the Valley, it's quite a useless organization. VICA has been around for nearly 60 years and during that time the Valley has degenerated from a vibrant, growing community to a near third world nation. Contrast it's fortunes with that of other nearby regions such as Santa Clarita or Orange County and you'll see how the lack of leadership and vision has really hurt the Valley.

And of course VICA is run by Brendan Huffman, husband of LAUSD School Board member Tamar Galatzan. Brendan, a big time supporter of the Home Depot in Sunland-Tujunga is said to have never met a developer he didn't like.

Teenage Voting?

This has got to be the most ridiculous idea to come before the Council in I don't know how long. Clowncilman Richard Alarcon has got unanimous support from the Council to support Assembly Bill 1819 which would allow 16 and 17 year olds to "pre-register and vote." This is something that will lead to more voter fraud but will add to the bureaucracy to make it happen. The idea is to get young people more involved but the logic is lost on me. What's next? Allowing teens to pre-register for their first kegger or their first age of consent sex?

The Nanny State Marches On

Another victory for the nanny state as the California State Senate passes SB 1420 requiring fast food restaurants to post nutritional information for all items on their menus.

Though studies show that posting this information could cut down on obesity and I'm all for the restaurants providing this information (many do already on a voluntary basis) once again I have to ask do we need government to take care of us?

Oh - and by the way this bill isn't from the usual nanny source of course but Senator Alex Padilla.

Obama Website Lifted?

David Markland busts the County Supervisor campaign of Bernard Parks. It appears that the Parks campaign may have lifted the template from Barack Obama's campaign website for it's own.

What Political Talkshows Were Like Fifty Years Ago

Political television shows are now hosted by blowhards like Chris Matthews or Keith Olberman, but back in the day most hosts had class. The guest is none other than the father of one US President and grandfather of another, Senator Prescott Bush, Republican of Connecticut.

Richardson: How I Picked Obama

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson talks about his turning point in making the decision to endorse Barack Obama and not the wife of his former employer for President. Richardson cites intense pressure from the Clinton campaign and his disgust at anti-Obama television ads the New York Senator aired.



Richardson was confident he had been loyal to President Clinton during his years of service as UN Ambassador and Energy Secretary. Richardson claims that supporters of the former First Lady told him he owed her his support. "That really ticked me off," Richardson said, "But I don't think that loyalty is transferable to his wife... You don't transfer loyalty to a dynasty."

Tom McClintock Needs Your Help in Congressional Race

Help Counter My Opponent's Ad Blitz

First, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for the tremendous outpouring of support and generosity that you have shown me as we began this Congressional campaign. I am genuinely honored to have you by my side in this battle.

As I write this, my millionaire liberal opponent has begun pouring money into the advertising blitz that he threatened to unleash if I dared to oppose him. In the last week alone, he has pumped over $300,000 into TV, radio and print ads to slow our momentum. We enjoy a large lead in the polls, but it is imperative that we be able to counter him in order to preserve our advantage.

Some people can write personal checks to cover their campaigns. Others can call on the liberal labor union bosses or ultra-liberal organizations to help them finance their efforts. I don't fall in either of these categories. My support comes from individuals like you who believe in the principles we share. Without you, I have no campaign.

Will you help us preserve our lead in the polls and counter my opponent's ad blitz? Your urgently-needed contribution will give us the resources to ensure that our momentum is sustained. Federal law limits contributions to $2,300 per individual. You may contribute securely on our website or mail a check to:

McClintock for Congress
c/o Igor Birman
1029 K Street, Suite 44
Sacramento CA 95814

Thank you again for standing with me in this fight.

Sincerely,





Tom McClintock

Tom McClintock's web site.

Latinos Upset Solis Dumped by Clinton

A leading Hispanic Democratic leader is fuming mad that Hillary Clinton has replaced her previous campaign manager, Patti Solis, with longtime advisor Maggie Williams, who happens to be African American.

In an email blast to Democratic party members, Steven Ybarra head of the voting rights committee of the Democratic National Committee Hispanic Caucus and a "super" delegate from California had the following warning for the Clinton campaign:

"Apparently, loyalty is not a two-way street," he wrote. "Latino superdelegates like myself . . . will have cause to pause."

Ybarra told reporters that Clinton's termination of Solis, whose parents were Mexican immigrants, was "dumb as a stump."

This is in the wake of a series of Clinton losses in primaries and caucuses and her campaign pinning its strategy on winning delegate rich Texas in March, with the help of Latino voters. To this end, the campaign has sent longtime Villaraigosa flack and former Sister City blogger Michael Trujillo to handle the ground war in Tejas.

Latino Leaders Endorse Obama

In a stunning blow to Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton - and her surrogate in Los Angeles, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa - the Mexican American Political Association has endorsed Senator Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for President.

On the heels of the endorsement of the Illinois Senator by labor leader Maria Elena Durazo Clinton's prospects of gaining significant support amongst California's Latinos appears to be fading.

Motivating the decision has been the campaign tactics of the Clintons in South Carolina and elsewhere that some have criticized as being race baiting.

MAPA's National President Nativo Lopez issued the following statement:

“Something nasty in the national campaigns reared its head over the past two weeks, which motivated us to consider another endorsement for a presidential candidate of the Democratic Party primary elections. We have observed with utter disgust the use of racially divisive and polarizing tactics employed by the Clintons, both Hillary and Bill, against Senator Barack Obama, not the first presidential candidate of African American origin. This is something that we would have expected from Republican candidates, but instead it surfaced from the bowels of the center-right institutional currents of the Democratic Party. The tactics are absolutely deplorable and clearly demonstrate what the Clintons think of all people of color."

Lopez' full statement can be viewed here.

Losing support of both the African American and Latino communities in Los Angeles could have a chilling effect on Clinton's prospects in California. It would have a greater impact and reflect poorly on politicians in the state such as Mayor Villaraigosa, Speaker of the Assembly Fabian Nunez and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom who've been working hard on behalf of the Clintons.

PTA Moms Against Measure S

Today, parents of Beckford Ave. Elementary school will be receiving their monthly newsletter. Inside, they'll find the following editorial by a PTA parent urging ALL PTA members to vote No on Measure S.

Rock the Vote Beckford!
By Debbie Lopez

It's another campaign year and another chance for Beckford parents to get involved in the future of not only our country, but locally as well. On February 5th, the Beckford Auditorium will once again be a polling place for the upcoming Presidential Primary election.

Are you registered to vote yet?

The last day to register for the Feb. 5th election is January 22nd. Registering is easy! Just visit: http://www.sos.ca.gov/

"NO on Measure S"
PTAs may be asked to help secure the passage of a school bond or local parcel tax election or to participate in campaigns to pass or defeat other election ballot measures.

One of the Purposes of the PTA is "to secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth." It is by educating its members — and through them, the general public — on the impact of issues affecting children and youth, that PTAs can best influence the course of action of those who make policy decisions, thereby achieving the Purposes of the PTA. Measure S (the "Cell Phone Tax 'Reduction'"), as written, applies an unfair tax to voters, as we will be charged 9%, while telemarketers (grrr… who call you as you sit down to dinner) will only be charged 5%.

This places an unfair burden on families who rely on cell phones to keep in touch with (and keep tabs on!) their children. The Northridge West Neighborhood Council voted to take a position AGAINST Measure S. The Neighborhood Council agreed with the COURT OF APPEAL OF CALIFORNIA, SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT, DIVISION TWO, who ruled that the current cell phone tax the city is collecting is a violation of Prop. 218, passed by California voters in 1996. By voting NO, the current tax goes away. A YES vote enables City Hall to tax you for using the internet, wireless networks, text messaging, instant messaging, VoIP and similar services.

As a high-performing school, Beckford is not eligible to receive funding (such as Title 1 funds) that we so desperately need. Our Valley neighborhoods contribute a substantial amount in tax revenue each year to the City's General Fund. That is where the money from Prop S. will be going. There is nothing in the wording of Measure S. that specifically binds these funds to things like additional police and fire units. Voters can't ever really be sure exactly where and HOW those General Fund dollars are going to be spent. Unfortunately, we don't see too much of it coming back into the Valley in the way of help for our schools.

If it were not for the generosity, the hard work, the endless hours of volunteering, the commitment, the love and support of our Beckford families, we would not have the funding for many of the wonderful educational programs here at Beckford. Perhaps it's time to take a stand, Valley Families.

How about we just vote NO on Measure S, and instead make a donation to the Bell Fund, or take your sweetie on a date to our "Ace of Hearts" fundraising gala? Money wisely spent, and guaranteed to be used for the betterment of our school and our children's education. PLEASE COME TO OUR PTA ASSOCIATION MEETING ON JAN. 22 AND LEARN MORE!!

Beckford PTA will be encouraging ALL Valley PTAs to join us in voting NO on S. Additionally, in lieu of dumping tea into the L.A. River, we are also asking that at the same time members are voting NO, to send a donation to their PTAs instead of Measure S taxes to the City's General Fund. This way, members can be assured that their hard-earned dollars are going directly to schools instead of lining the coffers of the "Bermuda Triangle" that is the General Fund.

We wil be speaking at the montly PTA President's Meeting later this month, and asking our PTA Council to please circulate the above editorial to each of the schools in the area, and to send it home in their newsletters.

NO ON S AND SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS! PLEASE VOTE NO AND SEND A DONATION TO YOUR LOCAL PTA. OUR SCHOOLS NEED THE MONEY MORE THAN THE CITY, AND WE'LL SPEND IT MORE WISELY, TOO!

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Debbie Lopez is a community activist, PTA leader and mom in the North Valley.