We're all a bit anxious and stressed this weekend, so for those who need an outlet, I suggest we use our energy to create those comfort foods and prose that we will all crave in our victory or defeat....

And what could be more appropo than some All American Apple Pie?  Hopefully you will provide some of your own offerings.....

We're pretty much exhausted and feeling bad
Tired of being nothin' but sad

If all we're seein' and feelin' is sorrow
We need to renew our zest to secure a better tomorrow!

Let's take a little time
To celebrate what's good with you and yours, me and mine

Gotta leave behind our anger and fears
Wash away the remnants of all our tears

The sun is peekin' out from behind the cloud
We need to cheer, run and even sing out loud

If you can't find a reason for celebration
Best to enjoy some treats for the body and psyche for consolation

(All American Apple Caramel Pie recipe is on full post!)

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     In a previous blog,  Café site contributors were asked to identify issues and/or subject matters they would like to blog about and/or have others create and post here.

     WOW!  The responses made apparent there are a multitude of not only new focal points, but also the desire to make some old ones new again we want front and center!  While several are politically based, there are many who advocate there is impact and import to be reaped from other venues.

     Hopefully, in response, facts will be gathered, blogs written and positive discussions will ensue from which we will not only obtain knowledge and new tools to move forward, but also deliver whimsy, pleasure and new horizons to explore.

     I've attempted to put forth a partial 'menu' as it were of various entrees submitted for your review. 

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   Is there a topic you haven't seen posted on this site that interests you?

   I thought it would be interesting to know if there are issues and/or subject matters that you would like to blog about and/or have others create and post here that either hasn't been cited for too long and/or would like to see introduced here.  

   If so, hopefully by your comments we'll discover if there are topics TPM Cafe participants would enjoy being introduced to or revisited here. 

"If you think you are too small to have an impact, try to rest with a mosquito in the room!' Anita Koddick

AFTER THIS FALLS OFF THE LISTS - I WILL COMPOSE A BLOG WITH THE LISTING OF TOPICS AND INTERESTS PUT FORTH WITHIN THE COMMENTS.  (SOME TRULY IMPORTANT AND INTERESTING SUBJECTS!  THANKS ALL!)

         For most here, the findings of studies presented in an A.B.A. midyear meeting within a program entitled, "Diversity on the Bench: Is the 'Wise Latina' a Myth?' will not be surprising.  (As noted in article: The program took its title from the comment by now U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor : "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life.")

        This is a short, but interesting article with links provided that deliver the depth of the studies and yes, even colorful, simple graphics.

         In discussing the random review of 40% of reported racial harassment cases in federal courts, this paragraph - specifically the last sentence - validates what most have come to acknowledge as fact.....

         Pressed on whether the rule of law could actually be considered intact when outcomes varied so much depending on the race of the judge, University of Pittsburgh School of Law Professor Pat K. Chew replied: "It's always made a difference who the judge was. We've long known, for instance, that a judge's political affiliation makes a difference."

          In brief, all judges may follow the same procedural processes in their quest to adhere to the law, but their own personal heritage, experiences and ideology is oft the deciding factor in how they rule. 

          For me, the main flaw in this article is there is no reference to socio-economic groups.  Socio-economic levels are diverse and not of only one ethnic group or one gender.  But, it is interesting and worth the read. 

          The truth is that lady justice's blindfold should be removed, the scales replaced with loaded dice and silver coins the binding of her garment.

http://www.abajournal.com/weekly/article/race_gender_of_judges_make_enormous_differences_in_rulings_studies_find_aba

The ripples of our words and lives
No matter how gentle, roil into and over others...

The storms of our prose and being will produce
Raging, writhing and intense surges that crash into and over the recipients

The sharing of our thoughts, perceptions and experiences
Is oft a choice of using words as weapons of mass destruction or instruments of peace

Sages of yesteryear and present acclaim
There is none so well armed as those empowered to both wound and heal

All words ever published are joined together to communicate and oft garner reactions.  Most will not endure beyond a few fleeting moments, but some take root, growing into a bounty of knowledge and even wellbeing.

It is the wise ones who acknowledge and accept the responsibility that just as careless whispers, their words can also create harm and produce a discordant climate in which little of true value can prosper.

Through the ages, debates abound over which is more harmful - lies proffered as truth or cruel words spewed only to proliferate hate and unrest.    I believe both are equally dangerous and serve no good purpose.  But,.....

Here, within the words published, there is an ongoing abundance of content that delivers sustenance to both our hearts and minds.   On this site, joy and sadness are expressed and both embraced.  Knowledge is acquired, but a sense of humor is oft also required.  Politics and other newsworthy topics share the spotlight with sassy satire and worthy works of fiction.   Friendships have formed and lovers have met here.  Ah, the list is long and worthy...

But it is all borne and sustained within the words that each of us write, read and take to heart. Words are our common bond. Thus, we need to choose our words carefully, taking due care with them and each other, so that we may evolve and endure.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO YOU AND YOURS ! 

In the last three days I have sent seven notifications to report at least two dozen lengthy spam posting abuses on the Cafe Site via TPM report abuse and also Versha.

The cafe status site notifier, which we were all supportive of, has not been updated since about the time it originated.

It takes many hours to have this crap removed and on weekends has taken over a day.  During this time many posts are literally removed and even after spam is removed they are taken off site soon because the 24 hour deadline has expired. 

I know for many this is not news and we have attempted to achieve resolution to this before, but once again it's only getting worse.

If you have any ideas on how to achieve a positive resolution that we can (yes, I know again) send to TPM please comment.  Yes, I'm sure Josh, et al. will read this, so please keep it respectful and civil. (And believe me when I say this is not the original which was not quite so polite!) 

      Last night on Bill Moyer's (PBS) program, betwixt and between interruptions, I watched bits and pieces on two topics - the SCOTUS recent ruling discussion with 'Monica Youn who directs the money in politics project at New York University's Brennan Center for Justice. She's litigated campaign finance and election law issues in federal courts throughout the country.  And with...

       Zephyr Teachout, is a faculty member at Fordham University's School of Law, who at this moment is also a Visiting Assistant Professor at Harvard University's Kennedy School. During the presidential campaign of Howard Dean in 2004, he was director of his online organizing, which as you know revolutionized political networking and fundraising.' 

        The second segment  is with  Richard Trumka,  the President of the AF of L-CIO, representing eleven million members and 57 national and international unions. He became president less than six months ago, after serving 15 years as the AF of L's secretary-treasurer.  Trumka spoke too on the court's decision as well as blunt talk about how the times, they are a changin' as is  the blue collar worker's  reality and perceptions of our political and socio-economic landscape.

       There's also a bonus at the end acknowledging and citing Howard Zinn, whose words of yesterday are still the wisdom of today!

        I encourage all to read the transcript at:

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/01292010/transcript4.html

 But here are some highlights that hopefully will goose your interest:

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Open thread.

Please be civil and respectful.  Let's discuss, not rant.  Your choice.

        Do you remember your first time?  Were you sure you were ready to partake?  Did you think about it all the time?  Did you read pamphlets or did you just 'learn' about it from friends or (gasp) family?  Did you tell others or was it just your dirty little secret?  How did you prepare or were you caught up in the moment? And afterwards, was it everything you thought it would be?  Did it make you want to do it again or did it leave you wondering what all the hype was about?  Were you ashamed or proud of yourself?  What song would you choose for that moment?  'I Can't Get No Satisfaction' or 'Celebration'?!?  Or perhaps a ballad set the mood for the moments you hugged your pillow close and revisited that fateful time? 

        Most of us will always remember our first one! Hopefully it was all you wanted it to be - full of passion and satisfaction!  Or did you wake the next morn alone and still wanting - aching from disappointment and lack of fulfillment?  Please tell us all about your first.....

            Foray into politics! 

        If we hope to motivate others to be involved and participate in our political processes, perhaps we need to remember what it was that inspired us that first time.  Was it a cause? A candidate's charisma?  Was it a local, state or national venue?  What was your goal?   What did you learn?  What's changed about your participation now?  How has your first time different than your last time? 

        Now, don't be shy, it's just us.  There's no shame here.  We've all got a story to tell, so.....

        Please, tell us about your first time.  

             Night before last I watched the Richard Holbrooke interview on Afghanistan on The Charlie Rose show.   To my astonishment, this was one of the most interesting, informative and yes, enlightening moments I've experienced. 

             I get it.  Finally! Astonishingly, I can now support and understand the need for the President's decision.   And that is a statement I never thought I would be able to utter with conviction.

            To me, Holbrooke does not exhibit the persona of a politico, but a statesman.  He delivered a comprehensive overview with information that allowed me to comprehend the basis and need (yes, I said need) for our presence in Afghanistan and the process now in place.

            I know, I know - for those who just as myself, always have the knee jerk opposition to war and all that it entails, I urge you to watch this program or at very least obtain a transcript of the dialogue.  However, Holbrooke's demeanor, tenor and delivery really take on the import of his message. 

            Please, review this program and then if you are so inclined, share your thoughts.

http://www.charlierose.com/guest/view/73
http://www.charlierose.com/#schedule_lower

(And why haven't the MSM broadcast the same type of interview with Holbrooke on Afghanistan and other related issues as cited on Rose's program?)

Note:  If someone was only able to deliver the facts on HCR in this same cohesive, succinct and forthright manner, I'm confident we'd all achieve a better understanding of the issues.

       As difficult as it can be for many to meld the joy of the holidays with the reality of current affairs, we must persevere in our efforts to live long, laugh often and love well!  To do so, it is necessary to stop those whose words and actions strive to prevent us from the ability to secure the same wellbeing for all.

      For those who in the spirit of the season(s), would like to share your bounty and message with others near and dear, I think I've found the perfect gift.  It's inexpensive, easy to make, tastes good and commemorates these holidays with a dash of facetious humor.  (Warning - Not for those who are adverse to the destruction, consumption and indigestion from Republicans and their cohorts  gingerbread.)

      Forget the heavy, not so tasty fruitcake!  Let's have fun and make some gingerbread men and women to share.  Easy to make, sweet to eat and especially for (most) our friends here, a delectable treat!  However, the 'secret' is at the end of this post.

      To get ya in the mood, here's a new version of the season(s) fable...

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        We've all heard President Obama state he is fearful of getting so immersed in the Washington and political environment that he will lose some perspective as well as insights of the people outside this realm.  Well, I fear that it has come to fruition, but......

        I also believe the same can be said for too many bloggers and those of us who are proactive participants in our political processes who expend much time and energy in this endeavor.  We either tend to forget or ignore the fact that we are one of the, if not the, largest minority in our country. 

         I was recently called upon to 'splain myself and my ongoing rant about how We, The People, are responsible for the shambles of our government processes and ongoing corruption.  So, I will attempt to put forth an explanation based on what I've witnessed for decades...............

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Hypothesis:

A friend/family member wants your opinon....

He/She has $100.00 to donate to either:

a.) a candidate's campaign for political office or
b.) the political party he/she supports or
c.) to the local foodbank or
d.) OR purchase a warm coat and mittens for a needy child. 

What would be your advice and why? (And yes, these are your only options!)

Ah, I remember.......

The place that was the TPM Cafe site
Where we could meet both day and night

A place for all to gather
Before it was so full of spam ads and noxious blather

We came together to laugh and vent
A haven for us all to connect

Politics, personal musings and even music was here
Always, we all knew a friend was near

But now it seems the Cafe's proprietors no longer care
If we converge here or elsewhere

When it was but a small, unknown cafe
They wanted us to stay

Now it appears we no longer matter
Where shall we go now to chatter?

Oh Josh, will you miss us when we are gone?
Or will you just be glad when this site is done?

It won't matter whether we go left or right
But doubt we will go quietly into the night!

   Do you believe that Health Care Reform legislation should extend
full coverage to illegal immigrants* just the same as for U.S. Citizens?
All to be treated equally, subject to exact same criteria, benefits and options.
And lest we forget, illegal immigrants can be from any country. (*Any
who are here who are considered to be in violation of current
immigration laws.)
 
   (Never mind the present legislation that mandates no person, regardless
 of citizenship or legal status, can be denied access to emergency medical
 care.  This is a stand alone, separate issue.)
 
  If you believe yes, HCR should cover all equally or no, should not - please
 also note the rationale for your decision.

   This is intended as an interesting and provocative query that hopefully
 will provide the premise for a positive, productive and civil discussion.