Panel Unanimously Recommends Cervical Cancer Vaccine for Girls 11 and Up

Thank God! The rational, compassionate voices have won this battle. Read on to find out how we dodged this bullet: New York Times. We must refuse to allow our public servants to make medical decisions based on religious judgments.

Ideology won't prevent cancer

This opinion piece from the Los Angeles Times really says it all. The very idea of letting concern for the "purity" of America's young women trump concern for their health makes my blood boil. The HPV vaccine is terrific news, but the Religious Wrong are threatening to stand in the way of this major medical breakthrough benefitting American citizens. Jesus praised the woman who was subject to bleeding for her faith. He didn't criticize her for daring to come to him in her unclean state. The desire to heal should always win out over the desire to judge.

Democratic Primary Straw Poll

Blog for Democracy is conducting a straw poll in advance of the primary. Make it known who you plan to support for Governor, Lt. Governor and Secretary of State: Blog for Democracy
Poll closes June 30th.

Are You a Yankee or a Rebel?

Believe it or not, this post has nothing to do with politics. I'm intensely interested in how people speak, and this test is a fun little diversion that reminds us all that beautiful speech is in the eye (ear?) of the beholder. I'm only 48% Southern, which is not surprising, since I was born in South Florida. How about you? Take the test, and let me know where you stand. Are You a Yankee or a Rebel? Online Quiz

Veterans on Flag Amendment

Members of Congress love to use veterans when it suits them, but have they ever bothered to actually ask their opinions? This Wisconsin paper's editorial contains some very interesting quotes from veterans on the subject of flag burning.
The Capital Times: "'This country is unique and special because the minority, the unpopular, the dissident also have a voice,' adds May. 'The freedom of expression, even when it hurts the most, is the truest test of our dedication to the principles that our flag represents.'"

We've got to fight back!

Disturbing article in the L A Times: The GOP knows you don't like anchovies
It sure makes it sound hopeless! No wonder those of us living in red areas feel so overwhelmed. How did we let this happen? We've got to figure out how to win, despite the gerrymandering and savvy politicking of the GOP. We can't let the Religious Wrong and Big Business destroy the real America.

Time for a change!

This is just another example of the urgent need for change. I hear that incumbents in the House have a 98% chance of getting reelected. That ain't right. We are the deciders. We need to vote. If you aren't registered, get registered. If you don't have a photo id, we need to get you one. The American people have got to wake up and smell the rot in DC!

The Immigration Road Show - New York Times

Sonny's done it again

I'm all for enforcing our laws (until we can change them), but this article shows how an overly aggressive immigration policy in Georgia may be adversely affecting our economy. Especially troubling: legal immigrants are affected, too.
Georgia Law Chills Latino Home-Buying Market - Los Angeles Times

More Jack McBrayer!

Oh my word! I can't believe Jack McBrayer is in a cast photo with Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Rachel Dratch & Tracy Morgan:NBC.com > 30 Rock. Thank goodness it's not on opposite Lost. I'll have to tape it, though, since I'll be in class on Wednesday nights. FYI students: We may be ending class early on premiere night. I am so excited for Mr. Jack McBrayer. The best part is that Jack didn't even focus on acting at UE. He was on a Business of Theatre track. Take that, John David Lutz!

Jack McBrayer is in this movie!

I went to college for a couple of years with a very funny guy named Jack McBrayer. He eventually moved to Chicago and became an improviser. He has appeared on Conan O'Brien and Arrested Development, as well as appearing in the sorely underpromoted Rob Cordry movie "Blackballed". Well, Jack is now in a true major motion picture: Talladega Nights. I guess we shouldn't be surprised that a boy from Conyers, GA is getting his big break in a NASCAR movie. Congratulations Jack. We're all so proud of you.

The Daily Show was Awesome tonight!

Jon Stewart kicked Ken Mehlman's ass! It was so obvious that Mehlamn was thinking, "Why am I here? Did I think this was going to be fun?" He actually spent much of the time laughing, but I'm pretty sure it was nervous laughter. It almost makes me dread the day when Democrats will be back in power, 'cause you know The Daily Show crew is not going to pull punches with whoever is in power. In the meantime, I am enjoying the hell out of it.
Colbert was funny, too.

Coastal Empire DFA meeting

Calling all progressives and liberals in Coastal Georgia. We're going to put the party back in the Democratic Party! Join us at Barberitos on St. Simons in the village at 6:30 on Tuesday, June 13. Margaritas are 2 for 1 from 5-7, so come early and start drinkin'. We'll be talking about the general state of affairs for democrats in the region, as well as the national picture. It's a great opportunity to network with like-minded local folks. Hope to see you there!

Garrison Keillor to GOP: Party's Over

Check out this column by Garrison Keillor. It's not your father's GOP, and that's not a good thing (for them).

Garrison Keillor column

Jack Kingston is a tool!

With all the issues facing our country, this is what the congressman from Georgia's 1st district posts on his blog!

Dipsie Chicks v. Toby Keith

I appreciate that IM slang and other abbreviations have become a regular part of our language, but I don't think it reflects well on the congressman that this post seems like it came from a twelve-year-old girl. I don't know 'bout y'all, but I am so ready for a change. He's had his fourteen years, and that's about a decade too long. Jim Nelson for Congress!

Picture of Fang

This is my kitten Fang with one of his friends. He's the gray one on the left (of course he's on the left). He's bigger now and his eyes are no longer blue, but I know his heart is.

Blogging is fun!

I'm new to this game, so I had no idea how much fun it could be to get a comment on my blog. Actually, by commenting on another blog, then receiving a comment on this one, I had a blast from the past. I may live in a small town, but the blogosphere can be pretty small, too.

What Passes for Good News - New York Times

What Passes for Good News - New York Times

Estate tax stalled!

Poor Paris Hilton! What will she do? It's so sad that she has to try to get by on so little!

Well, the event last night went very well! Rev. Nelson is a terrific speaker, and everyone was impressed. He's smart, funny, a pastor, and a veteran. He even got his undergraduate degree in Speech and Theatre, so I know he's got to be alright. I now have a Nelson for Congress sticker on my car and a sign in my yard. The best news of the night came from campaign manager Jason Harvey. I cornered him toward the end of the festivities and asked him when the Reverend was going to get a blog already?! He told me that it had gone up that day and should be fully functioning by today. I checked it out. It's still very sketchy, but I left the first comment and felt very proud. He's got a long way to go until he's taking advantage of the blogosphere like Kingston, but it's a start. I have a link to Nelson's website on the right, and you can access the blog from there. Rev. Jim put forth a terrific idea last night. He wants to win the primary. Granted, he's running unopposed, but he means that he wants to get more votes in our primary than Kingston gets in his. I think we can do it if we start campaiging hard and campaigning smart.

Tonight I'm pouring wine at a meet and greet/fundraiser for Rev. Jim Nelson, candidate for U.S. House from Savannah. I feel like I'm a member of the resistance. Being a democrat in Glynn County can really make a person feel subversive. I'm tired of feeling closeted. I am proud of my political beliefs, but I always feel defensive about them around here. Hopefully tonight I'll see enough new and familiar faces that my faith will be restored.
Maybe I'll see you there.