Just saw the play "Thurgood" on Broadway. It was a stirring evening in theater, I recommend it to anyone interested in this great man's life. It's here until mid August. A great Tony nominated performance, beautifully written script, and yes, the "snake" line is there, along with a lot of other memorable quotes from Justice Marshall. It makes you long for true justice in our courts.

Posted at July 3, 2008 4:58 AM in response to Happy 100th Birthday, Thurgood Marshall

I couldn't agree more. Every time I hear the word "bitter" I think of that ... woman ... There were thousands of hours and millions of dollars WASTED on defending what was really a very compassionate statement.

He was saying that he understood their frustrations, he didn't blame them for their anger, or even their prejudices. He was saying, don't be too hard on these people, they have every right to feel the way they're feeling.

Anyone with half a brain could hear what he was saying. Even if that ... woman ... didn't understand it, certainly the Clinton's understood what he meant.

But then it was too late because no one was taking the time to think it through, or even read the whole statement. It was too late, and everything almost went down the drain because of that... woman ...

Posted at June 6, 2008 8:53 AM in response to BILL CLINTON'S REMARK: WHEN "GOTCHA" JOURNALISM CROSSES ETHICAL LINES

Clinton Supporters: Why not be motivated by good. Hatemay triumph for a minute, but it's not the direction the Universe wants to move -- no growth, no life. I'm not suggesting a group hug, but why not TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LOVE, RESPECT AND ADMIRE ABOUT HILLARY! Talk about the programs, the platforms, the ideas that inspire you. Be good ambassadors for her. Explain her for those that don't understand your loyalty.

And Obama supporters: May I remind you of the same! Instead of spending HOURS commenting here, why not spend time doing some community service. You can start the "change" you're looking for right now. That's what Obama would want us to do, don't you think?

If he could read some of the things written in his name, he'd quit us too.

Posted at June 2, 2008 11:15 AM in response to Breaking News: Hillary's First TERM?

I found this site to be VERY easy. It sends an email to each del. you check. I wrote a note to all of the Hillary dels in my state asking them to switch. Then another to the uncommitted ones asking them to choose. Then finally one to the Obama dels to thank them. All very simple.

http://www.lobbydelegates.com/

And the email does get to their offices, I've gotten (automatic) replies.

Posted at May 26, 2008 5:37 PM in response to Contact List of Uncommitted Super Delegates

I am so sick of Hillary-bashing from my fellow Obama supporters. Isn't it time we emulated his ideals a little more. What are we, three year olds? We're adults, having an adult conversation, let's please act like it.

Posted at May 26, 2008 5:31 PM in response to Open letter to All Hillary supporters

P.S. This site really does get your email to the delegate. I've written to the ones in my state and I've gotten a reply from each office. Of course, just an automatic reply, but eventually, it will add up and hopefully our voices will be heard.

If this kind of trash talking goes on much longer (from Bill AND from us!) these Dems. will not have a party to call home.

Posted at May 26, 2008 2:04 PM in response to Bill Clinton sees disrespect on the campaign trail! Seriously?

HERE'S WHERE YOU CAN EASILY LOBBY YOUR SUPER DELEGATES ALL AT ONCE.

http://www.lobbydelegates.com/

begging allowed.

Posted at May 26, 2008 1:49 PM in response to Bill Clinton sees disrespect on the campaign trail! Seriously?

I just wish it were AFTER this election. Feb. 2009 would be fine.

Posted at May 15, 2008 4:48 PM in response to Bad Timing for Gay Rights

(to continue) I think Obama is right not to focus on the negatives, and to keep moving forward. THINGS DO CHANGE. The world does change. At the end of the "This American Life" story they spoke to whites who didn't vote for Harold who in the years since, can imagine they'd support a black candidate next time around.

Well, this is the next time. This is the next generation. This is the time, this is the mission. Don't focus on the few, focus on the millions who have already "Yes" to the future.

Posted at May 13, 2008 1:23 PM in response to N***er Lovers 21st Century Style

This whole thing is painful but important. It's an opportunity to take the lid off, let the light in, take a look at what's real in our society. When there is a public discussion about race today, people quickly point to the progress that's been made since the 1950's and 60's -- as if it's all over, it's all fine now. Blacks are only allowed to say how it really is in private... or maybe in church. You're seen as an Al Sharpton if you mention any feelings of discrimination or intimidation. Details of unfair treatment are met with "Well, maybe that's not what they meant... "

Recently I listened to an archived edition of Public Radio's "This American Life" about the long ago election battle of Harold Washington, Chicago's first (and only?) black mayor. I found some clues there. (I highly recommend it, especially for workers on the ground.)

Chicago had been run by the machine for years, and treated black sections of town as if they were third world nations that they had no relationship with or responsibility to. Public services were appalling -- the roads, the garbage pickups, schools, housing -- everything was subpar, everything was better in the white sections, even the poor white sections.

So when Harold ran there was a FEAR that if he won, he would turn around and do to them, the whites, what they had been doing to the blacks. They were absolutely sure of it. He had a thing that he would say, "I'm going to be fairer than fair." And when he won (stunning everyone), he was. So much so, that there were some in the black community who complained privately that he was being "too fair". There were no perks just because you were black.

But I think that that fear is very deep in the American psyche, and yes, even from way back when. After slavery, the fear was retaliation, and today, in pockets like West Virginia, it is the same. A woman in that article says something like: He'll take care of his own, that's it.

It's hard for some to imagine a world view that doesn't include mean-spirited paybacks.

Posted at May 13, 2008 1:20 PM in response to N***er Lovers 21st Century Style